Tribal Management Grant Program, 27577-27585 [07-2389]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
• Indian Health Service

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 94 (Wednesday, May 16, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 27577-27585]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 07-2389]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service


Tribal Management Grant Program

    Announcement Type: New and Competing Continuation Discretionary 
Funding Cycle for Fiscal Year 2008.
    Funding Announcement Number: HHS-2008-IHS-TMD-0001.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number(s): 93.228.
    Key Dates: Training: Application Requirements Session: May 8-9, May 
23-24, and June 13-14, 2007; Grant Writing Session: June 4-8, 2007.
    Application Deadline Date: August 3, 2007.
    Receipt Date for Final Tribal Resolution: September 28, 2007.
    Review Date: October 1-5, 2007.
    Application Notification Date: November 12, 2007.
    Earliest Anticipated Start Date: January 1, 2008.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    The Indian Health Service (IHS) announces competitive grant 
applications for the Tribal Management Grant (TMG) Program. This 
program is authorized under Section 103(b)(2) and Section 103(e) of the 
Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, Pub. L. 93-638, 
as amended. This program is described at 93.228 in the Catalog of 
Federal Domestic Assistance.
    The TMG Program is a national competitive discretionary grant 
program pursuant to 45 CFR 75 and 45 CFR 92 established to assist 
Federally-recognized Tribes and Tribally-sanctioned Tribal 
organizations in assuming all or part of existing IHS programs, 
services, functions, and activities (PSFA) through a Title I contract 
and to assist established Title I contractors and Title V compactors to 
further develop and improve their management capability. In addition, 
TMGs are available to Tribes/Tribal organizations under the authority 
of Public Law (Pub. L.) 93-638 section 103(e) for (1) obtaining 
technical assistance from providers designated by the Tribe/Tribal 
organization (including Tribes/Tribal organizations that operate mature 
contracts) for the purposes of program planning and evaluation, 
including the development of any management systems necessary for 
contract management and the development of cost allocation plans for 
indirect cost rates; and (2) planning, designing and evaluating Federal 
health programs serving the Tribe/Tribal organization, including 
Federal administrative functions.
    Funding Priorities: The IHS has established the following funding 
priorities for TMG awards.
     Priority 1--Any Indian Tribe that has received Federal 
recognition (restored, un-terminated, funded, or unfunded) within the 
past 5 years, specifically received during or after March 2002.
     Priority II--All other eligible Federally-recognized 
Indian Tribes or Tribally-sanctioned Tribal organizations submitting a 
competing continuation application or a new application for the sole 
purpose of addressing audit material weaknesses. The audit material 
weaknesses are identified in Attachment A (Summary of Findings and 
Recommendations) and other attachments, if any, of the transmittal 
letter received from the Office of the Inspector General (OIG), 
National External Audit Review Center (NEARC), Department of Health and 
Human Services (HHS). Please identify the

[[Page 27578]]

weakness to be addressed by underlining the item on the Attachment A. 
Please refer to Section III.3, ``Other Requirements'' for more 
information regarding Priority II participation.
    Federally-recognized Indian Tribes or Tribally-sanctioned Tribal 
organizations not subject to Single Audit Act requirements must provide 
a financial statement identifying the Federal dollars received in the 
footnotes. The financial statement must also identify specific 
weaknesses/recommendations that will be addressed in the TMG proposal 
and are related to 25 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 900, 
``Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act Amendments,'' 
Subpart F-``Standards for Tribes and Tribal Organizations.''
    Priority II participation is only applicable to the Health 
Management Structure project type. For more information see Section II 
Eligible Project Types, Maximum Funding and Project Periods.
     Priority III--All other eligible Federally-recognized 
Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations submitting a competing 
continuation application or a new application.
    The funding of approved Priority I applicants will occur before the 
funding of approved Priority II applicants. Priority II applicants will 
be funded before approved Priority III applicants. Funds will be 
distributed until depleted.

II. Award Information:

    Type of Awards: Grant.
    Estimated Funds Available: Subject to the availability of funds, 
the estimated amount available is $2,529,000 in fiscal year (FY) 2008. 
There will be only one funding cycle in FY 2008. Awards under this 
announcement are subject to the availability of funds.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: An estimated 20-25 awards will be 
made under the Program.
    Project Periods: Varies from 12 months to 36 months. Please refer 
to ``Eligible Project Types, Maximum Funding and Project Periods'' 
under this section for more detailed information.
    Estimated Award Amount: $50,000/year-$100,000/year. Please refer to 
``Eligible Project Types, Maximum Funding and Project Periods'' below 
for more detailed information.
    Eligible Project Types, Maximum Funding and Project Periods: 
Applications may only be submitted for one project type. Applicants 
must state the project type selected. The TMG Program consists of four 
project types: (1) Feasibility study; (2) planning; (3) evaluation 
study; and (4) health management structure. Applications that address 
more than one project type will be considered ineligible and will be 
returned to the applicant. The maximum funding levels noted include 
both direct and indirect costs. Applicant budgets may not exceed the 
maximum funding level or project period identified for a project type. 
Applicants whose budget or project period exceed the maximum funding 
level or project period will be considered ineligible and will not be 
reviewed. Please refer to Section IV.5. ``Funding Restrictions'' for 
further information regarding ineligible activities.
    1. Feasibility Study (Maximum funding/project period: $ 70,000/12 
months)
    A study of a specific IHS program or segment of a program to 
determine if Tribal management of the program is possible. The study 
shall present the planned approach, training and resources required to 
assume Tribal management of the program. The study must include the 
following four components:
     Health needs and health care services assessments that 
identify existing health care services and delivery system, program 
divisibility issues, health status indicators, unmet needs, volume 
projections and demand analysis.
     Management analysis of existing management structures, 
proposed management structures, implementation plans and requirements, 
and personnel staffing requirements and recruitment barriers.
     Financial analysis of historical trends data, financial 
projections and new resource requirements for program management costs 
and analysis of potential revenues from Federal/non-Federal sources.
     Decision statement/report that incorporates findings, 
conclusions and recommendations; the presentation of the study and 
recommendations to the governing body for Tribal determination 
regarding whether Tribal assumption of program(s) is desirable or 
warranted.
    2. Planning (Maximum funding/project period: $50,000/12 months)
    A collection of data to establish goals and performance measures of 
current health programs or anticipated PSFAs under a Title I contract. 
Planning will specify the design of health programs and the management 
systems (including appropriate policies and procedures) to accomplish 
the health priorities of the Tribe/organization. For example, planning 
could include the development of a Tribal Specific Health Plan or a 
Strategic Health Plan, etc. Please note: The Public Health Service 
urges applicants submitting strategic health plans to address specific 
objectives of Healthy People 2010. Interested applicants may purchase a 
copy of Healthy People 2010 (Summary Report in print; Stock No. 017-
001-00547-9) or CD-ROM (Stock No. 107-001-00549-5) through the 
Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, P.O. Box 
371954, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15250-1800. This information is 
available in electronic form at the following Web site: www.health.gov/
healthypeople/publications.
    3. Evaluation Study (Maximum funding/project period: $50,000/12 
months)
    A systematic collection, analysis and interpretation of data for 
the purpose of determining the value of a program. The extent of the 
evaluation study could relate to the goals and objectives, policies and 
procedures or program regarding targeted groups. The evaluation study 
could also be used to determine the effectiveness and efficiency of a 
Tribal program operation (i.e. direct services, financial management, 
personnel, data collection and analysis, third-party billing, etc.) as 
well as determine the appropriateness of new components to a Tribal 
program operation that will assist Tribal efforts to improve the health 
care delivery systems.
    4. Health Management Structure (Average funding/project period: 
$100,000/12 months; maximum funding/project period: $300,000/36 months)
    Implementation of systems to manage or organize PSFAs. Management 
structures include health department organizations, health boards, and 
financial management systems including systems for accounting, 
personnel, third-party billing, medical records, management information 
systems, etc. This includes the design, improvements and correction of 
management systems that address weaknesses identified through quality 
control measures, internal control reviews and audit report findings 
under the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular No. A-133--
Revised June 27, 2003, ``Audits of States, Local Governments, and non-
Profit Organizations.'' A copy of this circular and 25 Code of Federal 
Regulations (CFR) Part 900, ``Indian Self-Determination and Education 
Assistance Act Amendments'', Subpart F--``Standards for Tribal or 
Tribal Organization Management Systems'' is available in the appendix 
of the TMG application package. Please see Section IV ``Application and 
Submission

[[Page 27579]]

Information'' for directions about how to request a copy of the TMG 
application package.

III. Eligibility Information

    1. Indian Tribe or Tribal organization as defined by Pub. L. 93-
638, Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistant Act, as amended. 
Eligible applicants include Tribal organizations that operate mature 
contracts that are designated by a Tribe to provide technical 
assistance and/or training. Only one application per Tribe or Tribal 
organization is allowed. This paragraph should be cross-referenced with 
Section IV.2 (Application and Submission Information/Subsection 2, 
Content and Form of Applications Submission).
    2. Cost Sharing or Matching--The TMG Program does not require 
matching funds or cost sharing. However, in accordance with Pub. L 93-
638 section 103(c), the TMG funds may be used as matching shares for 
any other Federal grant programs that develop Tribal capabilities to 
contract for the administration and operation of health programs.
    3. Other Requirements--If application budgets exceed the stated 
dollar amount that is outlined within this announcement, it will not be 
considered for funding.
    The following documentation is required:
     Tribal Resolution--A resolution of the Indian Tribe served 
by the project must accompany the application submission. An Indian 
Tribe that is proposing a project affecting another Indian Tribe must 
include resolutions from all affected Tribes to be served. Applications 
by Tribal organizations will not require a specific Tribal resolution 
if the current Tribal resolution(s) under which they operate would 
encompass the proposed grant activities. A copy of that resolution must 
be provided for review. If an official Tribal resolution is not 
available by the application deadline, a draft resolution should be 
submitted. However, an official signed Tribal resolution must be 
received by the Division of Grants Operations prior to the beginning of 
the Objective Review (October 1-5, 2007). If an official signed 
resolution is not received by the close of business on September 28, 
2007, the application will be considered incomplete, ineligible for 
review and returned to the applicant without consideration. Applicants 
submitting additional documentation after the initial application 
submission are required to ensure the information was received by the 
IHS by obtaining documentation confirming delivery or receipt (i.e. fax 
transmittal receipt, FedEx tracking, postal return receipt, etc.).
     Documentation for Priority I Participation--A copy of the 
Federal Register notice or letter from the Bureau of Indian Affairs 
verifying establishment of Federal Tribal status within the last 5 
years. Date must reflect that Federal recognition was received during 
or after March 2002.
     Documentation for Priority II Participation--A copy of the 
transmittal letter and Attachment A from the OIG, NEAR Center, HHS. See 
``Funding Priorities'' in Section I for more information. If an 
applicant is unable to locate a copy of their most recent transmittal 
letter or needs assistance with audit issues, information or technical 
assistance may be obtained by contacting the IHS Division of Audit 
Resolution at (301) 443-7301, or the National External Audit Review 
Center help line at (816) 374-6714 ext. 108. The auditor may also have 
the information/documentation required.
    Federally-recognized Indian Tribes or Tribally-sanctioned Tribal 
organizations not subject to Single Audit Act requirements must provide 
a financial statement identifying the Federal dollars in the footnotes. 
The financial statement must also identify specific weaknesses/
recommendations that will be addressed in the TMG proposal and are 
related to 25 CFR Part 900, ``Indian Self-Determination and Education 
Assistance Act Amendments,'' Subpart F--``Standards for Tribes and 
Tribal Organizations.''
     Documentation of Consortium Participation--If an Indian 
Tribe submitting an application is a member of a consortium, the Tribe 
must:

--Identify the consortium.
--Indicate if the consortium intends to submit a TMG application.
--Demonstrate that the Tribe's application does not duplicate or 
overlap any objectives of the consortium's application.

     Identify all of the consortium member Tribes.
     Identify if any of the member Tribes intend to submit a 
TMG application of their own.
     Demonstrate that the consortium's application does not 
duplicate or overlap any objectives of the other consortium members who 
may be submitting their own TMG application.
    Please refer to Sections IV.5. ``Funding Restrictions'' and V.2. 
``Review and Selection Process'' for more information regarding other 
application submission information and/or requirements.

IV. Application and Submission Information

    1. Application package may be found in Grants.gov (www.grants.gov) 
or at: www.ihs.gov/NonMedicalPrograms/gogp. Information regarding the 
electronic application process may be obtained from the following 
persons:

Ms. Patricia Spotted Horse, Program Analyst, Office of Tribal Programs, 
Indian Health Service, 801 Thompson Avenue, Suite 220, Rockville, 
Maryland 20852, (301) 443-1104 (Telephone), (301) 443-4666 (Fax). E-
Mail Address: Patricia.SpottedHorse@IHS.GOV.

Mr. Pallop Chareonvootitam, Grants Management Specialist, Division of 
Grants Operations, Indian Health Service, 801 Thompson Avenue, TMP 360, 
Rockville, Maryland 20852, (301) 443-5204 (Telephone), (301) 443-9602 
(Fax). E-Mail Address: Pallop.Chareonvootitam@IHS.GOV.

Ms. Michelle G. Bulls, Chief Grants Management Officer, Director, 
Division of Grants Policy, Indian Health Service, 801 Thompson Avenue, 
TMP 625, Rockville, Maryland 20852, (301) 443-6528 (Telephone), E-Mail 
Address: Michelle.Bulls@IHS.GOV.

    The entire application package is available at: www.ihs.gov/
NonMedicalPrograms/tmg. Detailed application instructions for this 
announcement are downloadable on Grants.gov.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
     Be single spaced.
     Be typewritten.
     Have consecutively numbered pages.
     Use black type not smaller than 12 characters per one 
inch.
     Contain a narrative that does not exceed 14 typed pages 
that include the other submission requirements below. The 14-page 
narrative does not include the abstract, the work plan, standard forms, 
Tribal resolution(s), table of contents, budget, budget justifications, 
multi-year narratives, multi-year budget, multi-year budget 
justification, and/or other appendix items.
     Abstract (one page) summarizing the project.
     Introduction and Need for Assistance.
     Project Objective(s), Approach and Results and Benefits.
     Project Evaluation.
     Organizational Capabilities and Qualifications.
    Public Policy Requirements: All Federal-wide public policies apply 
to

[[Page 27580]]

IHS grants with exception of Lobbying and Discrimination.
3. Submission Dates and Times
    Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 
12 midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on Friday, August 3, 2007. If 
technical challenges arise and the applicant is unable to successfully 
complete the electronic application process, the applicant must contact 
Michelle G. Bulls, Division of Grants Policy fifteen days prior to the 
application deadline and advise of the difficulties that your 
organization is experiencing. The grantee must obtain prior approval, 
in writing (emails are acceptable) allowing the paper submission. If 
submission of a paper application is requested and approved, the 
original and two copies may be sent to the appropriate grants contact 
that is listed in Section IV.2. above. Applications not submitted 
through Grants.gov, without an approved waiver, will be returned to the 
applicant without review or consideration. Late applications will not 
be accepted for processing, will be returned to the application and 
will not be considered for funding.
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 indirect 
costs.
     Only one grant will be awarded per applicant.
     Ineligible Project Activities
    The TMG may not be used to support recurring operational programs 
or to replace existing public and private resources. Note: The 
inclusion of the following projects or activities in an application 
will render the application ineligible and the application will be 
returned to the applicant:

--Planning and negotiating activities associated with the intent of a 
Tribe to enter the IHS Self-Governance Project. A separate grant 
program is administered by the IHS for this purpose. Prospective 
applicants interested in this program should contact Ms. Misty Nuttle, 
Office of Tribal Self-Governance, Indian Health Service, Reyes 
Building, 801 Thompson Avenue, Suite 240, Rockville, Maryland 20852, 
(301) 443-7821, and request information concerning the ``Tribal Self-
Governance Program Planning Cooperative Agreement Announcement'' or the 
``Negotiation Cooperative Agreement Announcement.''
--Projects related to water, sanitation, and waste management.
--Projects that include long-term care or provision of any direct 
services.
--Projects that include tuition, fees, or stipends for certification or 
training of staff to provide direct services.
--Projects that include pre-planning, design, and planning of 
construction for facilities, including activities relating to Program 
Justification Documents.
--Projects that propose more than one project type. Please see Section 
II, ``award Information'', specifically ``Eligible Project Types, 
Maximum Funding and Project Periods'' for more information. an example 
of a proposal with more than one project type that would be considered 
ineligible may include the creation of a strategic health plan (defined 
by TMG as a planning project type) and improving third-party billing 
structures (defined by TMG as a health management structure project 
type).

     Other Limitations--A current TMG recipient cannot be 
awarded a new, renewal, or competing continuation grant for any of the 
following reasons:

--A grantee may not administer two TMGs at the same time or have 
overlapping project/budget periods;
--The current project is not progressing in a satisfactory manner; or
--The current project is not in compliance with program and financial 
reporting requirements.
--Delinquent Federal Debts: No award shall be made to an applicant who 
has an outstanding delinquent Federal debt until either:
--The delinquent account is paid in full; or
--A negotiated repayment schedule is established and at least one 
payment is received.
6. Other Submission Requirements
    Electronic Submission--The preferred method for receipt of 
applications is electronic submission through Grants.gov. However, 
should any technical challenges arise regarding the submission, please 
contact Grants.gov Customer Support at 1-800-518-4726 or 
support@grants.gov. The Contact Center hours of operation are Monday-
Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST. If you require additional assistance, 
please call (301) 443-6290 and identify the need for assistance 
regarding your Grants.gov application. Your call will be transferred to 
the appropriate grants staff member. The applicant must seek assistance 
at least fifteen days prior to the application deadline. Applicants 
that do not adhere to the timelines for Central Contractor Registry 
(CCR) and/or Grants.gov registration and/or requesting timely 
assistance with technical issues will not be a candidate for paper 
applications.
    To submit an application electronically, please use the 
www.Grants.gov apply site. Download a copy of the application package, 
on the Grants.gov Web site, complete it offline and then upload and 
submit the application via the Grants.gov site. You may not e-mail an 
electronic copy of a grant application to IHS.
    Please be reminded of the following:
     Under the new IHS application submission requirements, 
paper applications are not the preferred method. However, if you have 
technical problems submitting your application on-line, please directly 
contact Grants.gov Customer Support at: www.Grants.gov/CustomerSupport.
     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 request from Grants Policy 
must be obtained.
     If it is determined that a formal waiver is necessary, the 
applicant must submit a request, in writing (emails are acceptable), to 
Michelle.Bulls@ihs.gov that includes a justification for the need to 
deviate from the standard electronic submission process. Upon receipt 
of approval, a hard-copy application package must be downloaded by the 
applicant from Grants.gov, and sent directly to the Division of Grants 
Operations, 801 Thompson Avenue, TMP 360, Rockville, MD 20852 by the 
due date, August 3, 2007.
     Upon entering the Grants.gov site, there is information 
available outlining the requirements to the applicant regarding 
electronic submission of an application through Grants.gov, as well as 
the hours of operation. We strongly encourage all applicants not to 
wait until the deadline date to begin the application process through 
Grants.gov as the registration process for CCR and Grants.gov, as the 
registration process for CCR and Grants.gov could take up to fifteen 
working days.
     To use Grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must have a Data 
Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number and must register in the CCR. 
You should allow a minimum of ten working days to complete CCR 
registration. See below on how to apply.
     You must submit all documents electronically, including 
all information typically included on the SF-424 and

[[Page 27581]]

all necessary assurances and certifications.
     Please use the optional attachment feature in Grants.gov 
to attach additional documentation that may be requested by IHS.
     If Tribal resolutions or letters of support are required, 
please fax to the Grants Management Specialist identified in this 
announcement.
     Your application must comply with any page limitations 
requirements described in the program announcement.
     After you electronically submit your application, you will 
receive an automatic acknowledgment from Grants.gov that contains a 
Grants.gov tracking number. The Indian Health Service, DGO will 
retrieve your application from Grants.gov. DGO will not notify 
applicants that the application has been received.
     You may access the electronic application for this program 
on www.Grants.gov.
     You may search for the downloadable application package by 
either the CFDA number or the Funding Opportunity Number. Both numbers 
are identified in the heading of this announcement.
     The applicant must provide the Funding Opportunity Number: 
HHS-2008-IHS-TMD-0001.
    E-mail applications will not be accepted under this announcement.

DUNS Number

    Applicants are required to have a Dun and Bradstreet (DUNS) number 
to apply for a grant or cooperative agreement from the Federal 
Government. The DUNS number is a nine-digit identification number, 
which uniquely identifies business entities. Obtaining a DUNS number is 
easy and there is no charge. To obtain a DUNS number, access 
www.dunandbradstreet.com or call 1-866-5711. Interested parties may 
wish to obtain their DUNS number by phone to expedite the process.
    Applications submitted electronically must also be registered with 
the CCR. A DUNS number is required before CCR registration can be 
completed. Many organizations may already have a DUNS number. Please 
use the number listed above to investigate whether or not your 
organization has a DUNS number. Registration with the CCR is free of 
charge.
    Applicants may register by calling 1-888-227-2423. Please review 
and complete the CCR Registration Worksheet located on www.Grants.gov/
CCCRRegister.
    More detailed information regarding these registration processes 
can be found at www.Grants.gov.

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 14-page narrative should include only the first years 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.

1. Abstract--one page summary

A. Criteria
Introduction and Need for Assistance (20 Points)
    (1) Describe the Tribe's/Tribal organization's current health 
operation. Include what programs and services are currently provided 
(i.e., Federally funded, State funded, etc.), information regarding 
technologies currently used (i.e., hardware, software, services, etc.), 
and identify the source(s) of technical support for those technologies 
(i.e., Tribal staff, Area Office, vendor, etc.). Include information 
regarding whether the Tribe/Tribal organization has a health department 
and/or health board and how long it has been operating.
    (2) Describe the population to be served by the proposed project. 
Include a description of the number of IHS eligible beneficiaries who 
currently use services.
    (3) Describe the geographic location of the proposed project 
including any geographic barriers to the health care users in the area 
to be served.
    (4) Identify all TMGs received since FY 2002, dates of funding and 
summary of project accomplishments. State how previous TMG funds 
facilitated the progression of health development relative to the 
current proposed project. (Copies of reports will not be accepted.)
    (5) Identify the eligible project type and priority group of the 
applicant.
    (6) Explain the reason for your proposed project by identifying 
specific gaps or weaknesses in services or infrastructure that will be 
addressed by the proposed project. Explain how these gaps/weaknesses 
were discovered. If proposed project includes information technology 
(i.e., hardware, software, etc.), provide further information regarding 
measures taken or to be taken that ensure the proposed project will not 
create other gaps in services or infrastructure (i.e., IHS interface 
capability, Government Performance and Results Act reporting 
requirements, contract reporting requirements, Information Technology 
(IT) compatibility, etc.).
    (7) Describe the effect of the proposed project 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 project on planned/anticipated programs and/
or equipment.
    (8) Addresses how the proposed project relates to the purpose of 
the TMB Program by addressing the appropriate description that follows:
     Identify if the Tribal/Tribal organization is an IHS Title 
I contractor. Address if the self-determination contract is a master 
contract of several programs or if individual contracts are used for 
each program. Include information regarding whether or not the Tribe 
participates in a consortium contract (i.e., more than one Tribe 
participating in a contract). Address what programs are currently 
provided through those contracts and how the proposed project will 
enhance the organization's capacity to manage the contracts currently 
in place.
     Identify if the Tribe/Tribal organization is an IHS Title 
V compactor. Address when the Tribe/Tribal organization entered into 
the compact and how the proposed project will further enhance the 
organization's management capabilities.
     Identify if the Tribe/Tribal organization is not a Title I 
or Title V organizations. Address how the proposed project will enhance 
the organization's management capabilities, what programs and services 
the organization is currently seeking to contract and an anticipated 
date for contract.
Project Objective(s), Workplan and Consultants (40 Points)
    A. Identify the proposed project objective(s) addressing the 
following:
     Measurable and (if applicable) quantifiable.
     Results oriented.
     Time-limited.
    Example: The Tribe will increase the number of bills processed by 
15% by installing new software by the end of 12 months.
    B. Address how the proposed project will result in change or 
improvement in program operations or processes for each proposed 
project objective. Also address what tangible products are expected 
from the project (i.e., policies and procedures manual, health plan, 
etc).

[[Page 27582]]

    C. Address the extent to which the proposed project will build the 
local capacity to provide, improve, or expand services that address the 
needs(s) of the target population.
    D. Submit a workplan in the appendix which includes the following 
information:
     Provide the action steps on a timeline for accomplishing 
the proposed project objective(s).
     Identify who will perform the action steps.
     Identify who will supervise the action steps taken.
     Identify who will accept and/or approve work products at 
the end of the proposed project.
     Include any training that will take place during the 
proposed project and who will be attending the training.
     Include evaluation activities planned.
    E. 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.
    F. Describe what updates (i.e., revision of policies/procedures, 
upgrades, technical support, etc.) will be required for the continued 
success of the proposed project. Include when these updates are 
anticipated and where funds will come from to conduct the update and/or 
maintenance.
Project Evaluation (15 Points)
    Describe the proposed plan to evaluate both outcomes and process. 
Outcome evaluation related to the results identified in the objectives, 
and process evaluation relates to the workplan and activities of the 
project.
    A. For outcome evaluation, describe:
     What the criteria will 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 the data will be analyzed.
     How the results will be used.
    B. For process evaluation, describe:
     How the project will be monitored and assessed for 
potential problems and needed quality improvements.
     Who will be responsible for monitoring and managing 
project improvements based on results of ongoing process improvements 
and their qualifications?
     How ongoing monitoring will be used to improve the 
project.
     Any projects, such as manuals or policies, that might be 
developed and how they might lend themselves to replication by others.
     How the project will document what is learned throughout 
the project period.
    C. Describe any evaluation efforts that are planned to occur after 
the grant period ends.
    D. Describe the ultimate benefit to the Tribe that is expected to 
result from this project. An example of this might be the ability of 
the Tribe to expand preventive health services because of increased 
billing and third party payments.
Organizational Capabilities and Qualifications (15 Points)
    A. Describe the organizational structure of the Tribe/Tribal 
organization beyond health care activities.
    B. Provide information regarding plans to obtain management systems 
if the Tribe/Tribal organization does not have an established 
management system currently in place that complies with 25 CFR 900, 
Subpart F, and ``Standards for Tribal Management Systems''. If 
management systems are already in place, simply note it. (A copy of the 
25 CFR 900, Subpart F, is available in the TMG announcement.)
    C. 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 grants and projects 
successfully completed.
    D. 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. Include information about any equipment 
not currently available that will be purchased through the grant.
    E. List key personnel who will work on the project. Include title 
used in the workplan. 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.
    F. If the project requires additional personnel (i.e., IT support, 
etc.), address how the Tribe/Tribal organization will sustain the 
position(s) after the grant expires. (If there is no need for 
additional personnel, simply note it.)
Categorical Budget and Budget Justification (10 Points)
    A. Provide a categorical budget for each of the 12-month budget 
periods requested.
    B. 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.
    C. 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
    Projects requiring a second and/or third year must include a 
narrative addressing the second and/or third year's project objectives, 
evaluation components, work plan, categorical budget and budget 
justification. The same weights and criteria as noted in Section V. 
Application Review Information that is used to evaluate a one-year 
project or the first year of a multi-year project will be applied when 
evaluating the second and third years of a multi-year application. A 
weak second and/or third year submission could negatively impact the 
overall score of an application.

Appendix Items

    A. Work plan for proposed objectives.
    B. Position descriptions for key staff.
    C. Resumes of key staff that reflect current duties.
    D. Consultant proposed scope of work (if applicable).
    E. Indirect Cost Agreement.
    F. Organizational chart (optional).
    G. Multi-Year Project Requirements (if applicable).

2. Review and Selection Process

    In addition to the above criteria/requirements, applications are 
considered according to the following:
    A. Application Submission (Application Deadline: August 3, 2007). 
Applications received in advance of or by the deadline and verified by 
the tracking number will undergo a preliminary review to determine 
that:
     The applicant and proposed project type is eligible in 
accordance with this grant announcement;

[[Page 27583]]

     The application is not a duplication of a previously 
funded project; and
     The application narrative, forms, and materials submitted 
meet the requirements of the announcement allowing the review panel to 
undertake an in-depth evaluation; otherwise the application may be 
returned.
    B. Competitive Review of Eligible Applications (Objective Review: 
October 1-5, 2007). Applications meeting eligibility requirements that 
are complete, responsive and conform to this program announcement will 
be reviewed for merit by the Ad Hoc Objective Review Committee (ORC) 
appointed by the IHS to review and make recommendations on these 
applications. The review will be conducted in accordance with the IHS 
Objective Review Guidelines. The technical review process ensures 
selection of quality projects in a national competition for limited 
funding. Applications will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the 
evaluation criteria listed in Section V.1. The criteria are used to 
evaluate the quality of a proposed project, determine the likelihood of 
success and assign a numerical score to each application. The scoring 
of approved applications will assist the IHS in determining which 
proposals will be funded if the amount of TMG funding is not sufficient 
to support all approved applications. Applications recommended for 
approval, having a score of 60 or above by the ORC and scored high 
enough to be considered for funding will be reviewed by the Division of 
Grants Operations for cost analysis and further recommendation. The 
program official accepts the Division of Grants Operations' 
recommendations for consideration when funding applications. The 
program official forwards the final approved list to the Director, 
Office of Tribal Programs, for final review and approval. Applications 
scoring below 60 points will be disapproved. Applications that are 
approved but not funded will not be carried over into the next cycle 
for funding consideration.

3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

    The IHS anticipates the earliest award start date will be January 
1, 2008.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

    ORC Results Notification: November 12, 2007. The Director, Office 
of Tribal Programs, or program official, will notify the contact person 
identified on each proposal of the results in writing via postal mail. 
Applicants whose applications are declared ineligible will receive 
written notification of the ineligibility determination and their grant 
application via postal mail. The ineligible notification will include 
information regarding the rationale for the ineligible decision citing 
specific information from the original grant application. Applicants 
who are approved but unfunded and disapproved will receive a copy of 
the Executive Summary which identifies the weaknesses and strengths of 
the application submitted. Applicants who are approved and funded will 
be notified through the official Notice of Award (NoA) document. The 
NoA will be signed by the Grants Management Officer and is the 
authorizing document for notifying grant recipients of funding. The NoA 
serves as the official notification of a grant award and will state the 
amount of Federal funds awarded, the purpose of the grant, the terms 
and conditions of the grant award, the effective date of the award, the 
project period and the budget period. Any other correspondence 
announcing to the Applicant's Project Director that an application was 
recommended for approval is not an authorization to begin performance. 
Pre-award costs are not allowable charges under this program grant.

2. Administrative Requirements

    Grants are administered in accordance with the following documents:
     This grant announcement.
     Health and Human Services regulations governing Pub. L. 
93-638 grants at 42 CFR 36.101 et seq.
     45 CFR Part 92, ``Department of Health and Human Services, 
Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative 
Agreements to State and Local Governments Including Indian Tribes,'' or 
45 CFR Part 74, ``Administration of Grants to Non-Profit Recipients''.
     Public Health Service Grants Policy Statement.
     Appropriate Cost Principles: OMB Circular A-87, ``State 
and Local Governments,'' or OMB Circular A-122, ``Non profit 
Organizations''.
     OMB Circular A-133, ``Audits of States, Local Government 
and Non-Profit Organizations''.
     Other Applicable OMB circulars.

3. Indirect Costs

    This section applies to all grant recipients that request indirect 
cost in their application. In accordance with HHS Grants Policy 
Statement, Part II-27, IHS requires applicants to have a current 
indirect cost rate agreement in place 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 means the rate covering the applicable activities and 
the award budget period. If the current rate is not on file with the 
awarding office, the award shall funds for reimbursement of indirect 
costs. However, the indirect cost portion will remain restricted until 
the current rate is provided to DGO.
    Generally, indirect costs rates for IHS Tribal organization 
grantees are negotiated with the Division of Cost Allocation (DCA) 
https://rates.psc.gov and indirect cost rates that are for IHS funded 
Federally recognized Tribes are negotiated with the Department of 
Interior. If your organization has questions regarding the indirect 
cost policy, please contact the Division of Grants Operations (DGO) at 
301-443-5204.

4. Reporting

    A. Progress Report. Program progress reports are required either 
simi-annually or annually. [Semi-annual] program progress reports must 
be submitted within 30 days at the end of the half year. These reports 
will include a brief comparison of actual accomplishments to the goals 
established for the period, reasons for slippage (if applicable), and 
other pertinent information as required. A final report must be 
submitted within 90 days of expiration of the budget/project period.
    B. Financial Status Reports. Financial status reports are required 
either simi-annually or annually. [Semi-annual] financial status 
reports must be submitted within 30 days of the end of the half year. 
Final financial status reports are due within 90 days of expiration of 
the budget/project period. Standard Form 269 (long form) will be used 
for financial reporting.
    C. Reports. Grantees are responsible and accountable for accurate 
reporting of the Progress Reports and Financial Status Reports which 
are generally due semi-annually. Financial Status Reports (SF-269) are 
due 90 days after each budget period and the final SF-269 must be 
verified from the grantee records on how the value was derived. 
Grantees must submit reports in a reasonable period of time.
    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.

[[Page 27584]]

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 applies whether the delinquency is attributable to the 
failure of the grantee organizations or the individual responsible for 
preparation of the reports.

VII. Agency Contact(s)

    Interested parties may obtain TMG programmatic information from the 
TMG Program Coordinator listed under Section IV of this program 
announcement.
    Grant related and business management information may be obtained 
from the Grants Management Specialist listed under Section IV of this 
program announcement. Grants.gov concerns submission and waiver 
requests may be addressed by Ms. Michelle Bulls, Division of Grants 
Policy. Contact information is noted under Section IV of this program 
announcement. Please note that the telephone numbers provided are not 
toll-free.

VIII. Other Information

    The IHS will have three training sessions to assist applicants in 
preparing their FY 2008 TMG application. There will be one 5-day 
training session and three 2-day training sessions. The 5-day training 
session will provide participants with basic grant writing skills, 
information regarding where to search for funding opportunities, and 
the opportunity to begin writing a TMG grant proposal. The 2-day 
training sessions will focus specifically on the TMG requirements 
providing participants with information contained in this announcement, 
clarifying any issues/questions applicants may have and critiquing 
project ideas. In an effort to make the 2-day training sessions 
productive, participants are expected to bring draft proposals to these 
meetings.
    Priority will be given to groups eligible to apply for the TMG 
Program. Participation is limited to two personnel from each Tribe or 
Tribal organization. All sessions are first-come first-serve with the 
above limitations noted. All participants are responsible for making 
and paying for their own travel arrangements. Interested parties should 
register with the TMG staff prior to making travel arrangements to 
ensure space is available in selected session. There is no registration 
fee to attend the training session(s). The registration form may be 
obtained from the TMG Web site at: www.ihs.gov/NonMedical Programs/tmg. 
The registration form may be faxed to (301) 443-4666. The anticipated 
training dates and locations are listed below in chronological order:
     May 8-9, 2007--Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (Limit 25)
     May 23-24, 2007--Portland, Oregon (Limit 25)
     June 4-8, 2007--Minneapolis, Minnesota (Limit 25) (TGCI 
Grantsmanship Training)
     June 13-14, 2007--Billings, Montana (Limit 25)

IHS Checklist

    The following IHS Checklist is included to assist applicants in 
proposal preparation and follow-up. Applicants are highly encouraged to 
employ this checklist for their benefit and to submit it as part of 
their proposal. This checklist will be utilized by the Office of Tribal 
Programs during their initial programmatic review of the application to 
ensure required items requested are submitted and the application is 
eligible for further review via the Objective Review Committee. This 
checklist is available on the TMG Web site at www.ihs.gov/
nonmedicalprograms/tmg.

        IHS FY 2008 Tribal Management Grant Application Checklist
 
 
 
Applicant Name:
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------
 -----------------------------------------
Application Tracing Number:
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------
 -------------------------------
Electronic Submission: -------- Paper Submission-------- Waiver
 Obtained: --------
Title I: -------- Title V: -------- Project Type:
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------
 ---
 


 
             Item                 Applicant      Grants       Programs
 
1. Eligibility: (circle) Tribe     --------      --------      --------
 Tribal Organization..........
2. 501c(3) Non-Profit              --------      --------      --------
 Organization.................
3. Tribal Resolution:
    a. Final signed resolution     --------      --------      --------
    b. Draft unsigned              --------      --------      --------
     resolution...............
4. Priority I Documentation        --------      --------      --------
 (if applicable)..............
5. Priority II Documentation       --------      --------      --------
 (if applicable)..............
6. Consortium Participation        --------      --------      --------
 Documentation (if applic.)...
7. SF 424 Application for          --------      --------      --------
 Federal Assistance...........
8. SF 424A Budget--Non             --------      --------      --------
 Construction.................
9. SF 424B Assurances.........     --------      --------      --------
10. Disclosure of Lobbying         --------      --------      --------
 Activities...................
11. Abstract..................     --------      --------      --------
Project Narrative (14 Pages
 Maximum):
    a. Introduction and Need       --------      --------      --------
     for Assistance...........
    b. Project Objective(s),       --------      --------      --------
     Workplan & Consultants...
    c. Project Evaluation.....     --------      --------      --------
    d. Organizational              --------      --------      --------
     Capabilities and
     Qualifications...........
13. Categorical Budget &           --------      --------      --------
 Budget Justification.........
14. Multi-year Summary &
 Budget Justification:
    Year 1 Year 2 Year 3......     --------      --------      --------
15. Appendices:
    a. Workplan...............     --------      --------      --------
    b. Resumes................     --------      --------      --------
    c. Position Descriptions..     --------      --------      --------
    d. Consultant Scope of         --------      --------      --------
     Work.....................
    e. Indirect Cost Rate          --------      --------      --------
     Agreement................

[[Page 27585]]

 
    f. Organizational Chart        --------      --------      --------
     (optional)...............
    g. FY 2008 TMG Checklist..     --------      --------      --------
Applicant signature/Date:
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------
 -----------------------------------
IHS Grants Management Signature/Date:
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------
 -------------------
IHS Program Office Signature/Date: --------------------------------------
 ----------------------------------------------------------
 

    The Public Health Service (PHS) strongly encourages all grant and 
contract recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and promote the 
non-use of all tobacco products. In addition, Pub. L. 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: March 7, 2007.
Robert G. McSwain,
Deputy Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 07-2389 Filed 5-15-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165-16-M