Tribal Management Grant Program, 17355-17365 [E8-6429]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
• Indian Health Service

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 63 (Tuesday, April 1, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 17355-17365]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-6429]


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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 2009.
    Funding Announcement Number: HHS-2009-IHS-TMD-0001.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers(s): 93.228.
    Key Dates: Training: Application Requirements Session: April 30-May 
1, May 14-15, and June 11-12, 2008.
    Grant Writing Session: June 23-27, 2008.
    Application Deadline Date: August 1, 2008.
    Receipt Date for Final Tribal Resolution: October 3, 2008.
    Review Date: October 6-10, 2008.
    Application Notification Date: November 12, 2008.
    Earliest Anticipated Start Date: January 1, 2009.

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, Public Law 93-
638, as amended. This program is described at 93.228 in the Catalog of 
Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA).
    The TMG Program is a national competitive discretionary grant 
program pursuant to 45 CFR part 75 and 45 CFR part 92 established to 
assist Federally-recognized Tribes and Tribally-

[[Page 17356]]

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 I--Any Indian Tribe that has received Federal 
recognition (restored, un-terminated, funded, or unfunded) within the 
past five years, specifically received during or after March 2003.
     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 weakness to be addressed by 
underlining the item on Attachment A. Please refer to Section 111.3, 
``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 H 
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 H applicants will 
be funded before approved Priority if 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) 2009. 
There will be only one funding cycle in FY 2009. 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.6. ``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 for the 
operation 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/Tribal 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, 15250-7945, or (202) 
512-1800. This information is available in electronic form at the 
following Web site: https://

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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 programs 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) 
The first year maximum is limited to $150,000 for multi-year projects. 
Health Management Structure allows for 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.'' 
OMB Circular A-133, Audits of States, Local Governments and Non-Profit 
Organizations can be found at the following Web site: https://
www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/a133/a133.htmlT.
    The 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'' 
sections (900.35--900.60) is available at the following Web site 
locations: https://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_04/25cfr900_
04.html, https://www.ihs.gov/NonMedicalPrograms/TMG/Forms.asp.
    4. Please see Section IV ``Application and Submission 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 Public Law 93-
638, Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance 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. (Application and Submission Information/Subsection 3. 
Content and Form of Narrative Submission).
    2. Cost Sharing or Matching--The TMG Program does not require 
matching funds or cost sharing. However, in accordance with Public Law 
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
    The following documentation is required:
    A. Tribal Resolution--A resolution of the Indian Tribe served by 
the project must accompany the application submission. The IHS will 
accept the following as proper documentation:
     If an official signed (passed) Tribal resolution 
encompassing the scope of this grant application is not available for 
electronic submission with the application on Grants.gov by the 
deadline, a draft resolution must be submitted as a place holder and as 
evidence of the intent of the entity. However, the draft resolution 
must be followed up with the submission of a faxed, fedexed or e-mailed 
pdf version of the final official signed Tribal resolution. The final 
signed resolution must be received by the Division of Grants Operations 
(DGO) by October 3, 2008. Otherwise, the application will be considered 
incomplete, ineligible for review, and returned to the applicant 
without consideration. It is recommended that applicants submitting the 
signed final resolution should ensure the information was received by 
the IHS by retaining documentation confirming delivery or receipt (i.e. 
fax transmittal receipt, FedEx tracking, postal return receipt, e-mail 
receipt, etc.).
     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.
     Tribal organizations applying for technical assistance 
and/or training grants must submit documentation that the tribal 
organization is applying upon the request of the Indian Tribe/Tribes it 
intends to serve.
    B. Documentation for Priority I Participation--A copy of the 
Federal Register notice or letter from the Bureau of Indian Affairs 
(BIA) verifying establishment of Federal Tribal status within the last 
five years. Date must reflect that Federal recognition was received 
during or after March 2003.
    C. Documentation for Priority II Participation--A copy of the 
transmittal letter and Attachment A from the Office of Inspector 
General, National External Audit Review Center (NEARC), 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 (DAR) at (301) 443-7301, or the NEARC 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

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consortium members who may be submitting their own TMG application.
    Please refer to Section IV. Application and Submission Information, 
particularly Item 6 ``Funding Restrictions'' and Section V. 
``Application Review Information'' for more information regarding other 
application submission information and/or requirements.

IV. Application and Submission Information

    1. The Application package may be found in Grants.gov 
(www.grants.gov) or at: https://www.ihs.gov/NonMedicalPrograms/gogp. The 
entire grant application package is available at: https://www.ihs.gov/
NonMedicalPrograms/tmg. Detailed application instructions for this 
announcement are downloadable on Grants.gov.
    2. IHS Contacts:
    Programmatic Concerns: 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.
    Business Concerns: 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.
    GRANTS.GOV Contact for HIS:
    Information regarding the electronic grants.gov process, issues, 
and waivers waiving the electronic process may be obtained from the 
following person: 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.
    3. Content and Form of Narrative Submission:
     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.
     Be typewritten and single spaced.
     Use black type not smaller than 12 characters per one 
inch.
     Margins must not be less than one inch.
     Have consecutively numbered pages.
     Contain a narrative that does not exceed 14 typed pages 
that includes 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.
    Public Policy Requirements: All Federal-wide public policies apply 
to IHS grants with exception of Lobbying and Discrimination policy.
    4. Submission Dates and Times:
    Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 
12 midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on Friday, August 1, 2008. 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 (e-mails are acceptable) allowing the paper submission. If 
submission of a paper application is requested and approved, the 
manually signed original and two copies of the application must 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 applicant, and will not be considered for 
funding.
    5. Intergovernmental Review:
    Executive Order 12372 requiring intergovernmental review is not 
applicable to this program.
    6. 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 Mr. Matt Johnson, 
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 direct patient care and/or equipment to provide 
those medical services to be used to establish or augment or continue 
direct patient clinical care are not allowable. Medical equipment that 
is allowable under the Special Diabetes Grant Program is not allowable 
under the TMG Program.
--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 
H, ``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

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--A negotiated repayment schedule is established and at least one 
payment is received.

    7. 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 candidates 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 contact 
directly Grants.gov Customer Support at: https://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 (e-mails 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 completed with appropriate manual 
signatures. An original and two copies of the application must be sent 
directly to the DGO, 801 Thompson Avenue, TMP 360, Rockville, MD 20852 
by the due date, August 1, 2008.
     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 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, Application for 
Federal Assistance, and all necessary assurances and certifications.
     Please use the optional attachment feature in Grants.gov 
to attach additional documentation that may be requested by IHS.
     Final signed Tribal resolutions are required no later than 
October 3, 2008, if a draft resolution was submitted with the initial 
electronic or paper application.
     Your application cannot exceed the 14-page limitation 
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 IHS 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-2009-IHS-TMD-0001.
    E-mail applications will not be accepted under this announcement.

DUNS Number

    Applicants are required to obtain a DUNS number from Dun and 
Bradstreet 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 
https://www.dunandbradstreet.com or call 1-866-705-5711. 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 https://
www.Grants.gov/CCRRegister.
    More detailed information regarding these registration processes 
can be found 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 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.
    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 2003, dates of funding and 
summary

[[Page 17360]]

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) Address how the proposed project relates to the purpose of the 
TMG Program by addressing the appropriate description that follows:
     Identify if the Tribe/Tribal organization is an IRS 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 organization. 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: By installing new software, the Tribe will increase the 
number of bills processed by 15 percent at 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.).
    C. Address the extent to which the proposed project will build the 
local capacity to provide, improve, or expand services that address the 
need(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 relates 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 products, 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 Part 
900, Subpart F, and ``Standards for Tribal Management Systems.'' If 
management systems are already in place, simply state it.
    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

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project. Include information about any equipment not currently 
available that will be purchased through the grant.
    F. 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 Rate 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 1, 2008). 
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;
     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 6-10, 2008).
    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 to 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 DGO for cost analysis and further 
recommendation. The program official accepts the DGO recommendations 
for consideration when funding applications. The program official 
forwards the final approved list to the Director, Office of Tribal 
Programs (OTP), 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 IEIS anticipates 
the earliest award start date will be January 1, 2009.

VI. Award Administration Information

    1. Award Notices
    ORC Results Notification: November 12, 2008.
    The Director, OTP, 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 administrated in accordance with the following 
documents:
     This grant announcement.
     Health and Human Services regulations governing Public Law 
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

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Governments,'' or OMB Circular A-122, ``Non profit Organizations.''
     OMB Circular A-133, ``Audits of States, Local Governments 
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 include funds for reimbursement of 
indirect costs. However, the indirect cost portion will remain 
restricted until the current rate is provided to the DGO.
     Generally, indirect costs rates for IRS 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 the Interior. If your organization has questions 
regarding the indirect cost policy, please contact the DGO at 301-443-
5204. Additional information may be obtained at the following Web site 
for the National Business Center
    [Department of the Interior]: National Business Center (NBC).
    https://www.nbc/gov/acquisition/ics/icsprep.html. https://
www.nbc.gov/searchdata1.cfm.
    Preparing and Submitting Indirect Cost Proposals
    4. Reporting
    A. Progress Report. Program progress reports are required either 
semi 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 semi 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. 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 organization 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

    Training:
    The IHS will conduct three training sessions to assist applicants 
in preparing their FY 2009 TMG applications. There will be three 2-day 
training sessions. In addition, there will be one 5-day training 
session on Gamesmanship. 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 or to finalize a draft 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 training sessions productive, 
participants are expected to bring draft proposals to these sessions.
    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 sessions. There is no 
registration fee to attend the training session(s). The registration 
form may be obtained from the TMG Web site at: https://www.ihs.gov/
NonMedicalPrograms/tmg. The registration form may be faxed to (301) 
443-4666. Note: A minimum of 10 attendees is required for the IHS to 
conduct the training sessions. The anticipated training dates and 
locations are listed below in chronological order:
     April 30-May 1, 2008--Minneapolis, Minnesota (Limit 25) 
(TMG Training).
     May 14-15, 2008--Rapid City, South Dakota (Limit 25) (TMG 
Training).
     June 11-12, 2008--Albuquerque, New Mexico (Limit 25) (TMG 
Training).
     June 23-27, 2008--Albuquerque, New Mexico (Limit 25) (The 
Grantsmanship Center Institute Training).

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 as an attachment in Grants.gov to allow for verification 
of receipt. This checklist will be utilized by the DGO during their 
initial screening for eligibility and will be utilized by the OTP 
during their programmatic review for content of the application to 
ensure required items requested are submitted and the application is 
eligible for further review via the ORC. This checklist is available on 
the TMG Web site at https://www.ihs.gov/nonmedicalprograms/tmg.

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[FR Doc. E8-6429 Filed 3-31-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165-16-M