Tribal Self-Governance Program; Planning Cooperative Agreement, 39973-39977 [E8-15629]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
• Indian Health Service

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 134 (Friday, July 11, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 39973-39977]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-15629]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service


Tribal Self-Governance Program; Planning Cooperative Agreement

    Announcement Type: New.
    Funding Announcement Number: HHS-2008-IHS-TSGP-0002.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number(s): 93.2 10.
    Key Dates:
    Application Deadline Date: August 15, 2008.
    Review Date: August 25-26, 2008.
    Earliest Anticipated Start Date: September 1, 2008.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    The purpose of the program is to award cooperative agreements that 
provide planning resources to Tribes interested in participating in the 
Tribal Self-Governance Program (TSGP) as authorized by Title V, Tribal 
Self-Governance Amendments of 2000 of the Indian Self-Determination and 
Education Assistance Act of Public Law (Pub. L.) 93-638, as amended. 
There is limited competition under this announcement because the 
authorizing legislation restricts eligibility to Tribes that meet 
specific criteria (Refer to Section III.1.A., Eligible Applicants in 
this announcement). The TSGP is designed to promote self-determination 
by allowing Tribes to assume more control of Indian Health Service 
(IHS) programs and services through compacts negotiated with the IHS. 
The Planning Cooperative Agreement allows a Tribe to gather information 
to determine the current types of Programs, Services, Functions, and 
Activities (PSFAs), and related funding available at the Service Unit, 
Area, and Headquarters levels and provide the opportunity to improve 
and enhance the healthcare delivery system to better meet the needs of 
the Tribal community. This program is described at 93.210 in the 
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA).

II. Award Information

    Type of Awards: Cooperative Agreement.
    Estimated Funds Available: The total amount identified for Fiscal 
Year (FY) 2008 is $600,000 for approximately twelve (12) Tribes. Awards 
under this announcement are subject to the availability of funds.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: The estimated number of awards to be 
funded is approximately 12.
    Project Period: 12 months.
    Award Amount: $50,000 per year.
    Programmatic Involvement: TSGP funds will be awarded as cooperative 
agreements and will have substantial IHS programmatic involvement to 
establish a basic understanding of PSFAs and associated funding at the 
Service Unit, Area, and Headquarters levels.
    The IHS roles and responsibilities will include:
     Providing a description of PSFAs and associated funding at 
all levels, including funding formulas and methodologies related to 
determining Tribal shares.
     Identifying IHS staff who will consult with applicants on 
methods currently used to manage and deliver health care.
     Providing applicants with statutes, regulations and 
policies that provide authority for administering IHS programs.
    The grantee roles and responsibilities are critical to the success 
of the program and will include:
     Researching and analyzing the complex IHS budget, to gain 
a thorough understanding of funding distribution at all levels to 
determine which PSFAs the Tribe may elect to assume.
     Establishing a process by which Tribes can effectively 
approach the IHS to identify programs and associated funding which 
could be incorporated into their current programs.
     Determining the Tribe's share of each PSFA and evaluating 
the current level of health care services being provided to make an 
informed decision on new program assumption(s).

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    To be eligible for a Planning Cooperative Agreement under this 
announcement, an applicant must meet all of the following criteria:
    A. Be a federally-recognized Tribe as defined in Title V, Pub. L. 
106-260, Tribal Self-Governance Amendments of 2000, of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act (the Act), Pub. L. 93-638, 
as amended. However, Alaska Native Villages or Alaska Native Village 
Corporations are not eligible if they are located within the area 
served

[[Page 39974]]

by an Alaska Native regional health entity already participating in 
compact status (25 U.S.C. 458aaa-2(e)). Those Tribes not represented by 
a self-governance Tribal consortium compact, within their area, may 
still be considered to participate in the TSGP.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    The Tribal Self-Governance Planning Cooperative Agreement 
announcement does not require matching funds or cost sharing to 
participate in the competitive grant process.

3. Other Requirements

    The following documentation is required (if applicable):
    A. This program is described at 93.210 in the CFDA.
    B. Tribal Resolution--Submit a Tribal resolution from the governing 
body authorizing the submission of the application for the Tribal Self-
Governance Planning Cooperative Agreement. Tribal Consortia applying 
for a Tribal Self-Governance Planning Cooperative Agreement shall 
submit Tribal Council Resolutions from each Tribe in the consortium. 
Draft resolutions, submitted with the application, are acceptable in 
lieu of an official signed resolution. However, an official signed 
Tribal resolution must be received by the Division of Grants Operations 
(DGO), Attn: John Hoffman, 801 Thompson Avenue, TMP 360, Rockville, MD 
20852, by Monday, August 25, 2008. If an official signed resolution is 
not received by Monday, August 25, 2008, the application will be 
considered incomplete and will be returned without consideration.
    C. Demonstrate, for three fiscal years, financial stability and 
financial management capability, which is defined as no uncorrected 
significant and/or material audit exceptions in the required annual 
audit of the Indian Tribe's self-determination contracts or self-
governance funding agreements with any Federal agency. Applicants are 
required to submit a current version of the organization's audit 
report. The applicants may scan the documents and attach them to the 
electronic application. If the applicant determines that the audit 
reports are too lengthy, the applicants may submit them separately via 
regular mail by the due date, August 15, 2008. Applicants, sending in 
audits via regular mail, must submit two copies of the audits for three 
previous fiscal years under separate cover directly to the Division of 
Grants Operations, Attn: John Hoffman, 801 Thompson Avenue, TMP 360, 
Rockville, MD 20852, referencing the Funding Opportunity Number, HHS-
2008-IHS-TSGP-0002, as prescribed by Pub. L. 98-502, the Single Audit 
Act, as amended (see OMB Circular A-133, revised June 24, 1997, Audits 
of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations), for the 
three previous fiscal years. If this documentation is not received by 
August 15, 2008, the application will be considered as incomplete and 
will be returned to the applicant without further consideration.
    D. If application budgets exceed the stated dollar amount that is 
outlined within this announcement, the application will be returned to 
the applicant without further consideration.

IV. Application and Submission Information

    1. Applicant package and detailed instructions for this 
announcement may be found in Grants.gov (https://www.grants.gov) or at: 
https://www.ihs.gov/NonMedicalPrograms/gogp/gogp_funding.asp.
    Information regarding the electronic application process may be 
directed to Michelle G. Bulls, at (301) 443-6290.
    Information regarding this announcement may also be found on the 
Office of Tribal Self-Governance Web site at: https://www.ihs.gov/
NonMedicalPrograms/SelfGovernance/index.cfm?module=planning_
negotiation.
    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.
     Be printed on one side only of standard size 8\1/2\'' x 
11'' paper.
     Contain a narrative that does not exceed seven typed pages 
that includes the other submission requirements below. The seven page 
narrative does not include the work plan, standard forms, Tribal 
resolutions or letters of support (if necessary), table of contents, 
budget, budget justifications, narratives, and/or other appendix items.

Public Policy Requirements

    All Federal-wide public policies apply to IHS grants with exception 
of the Lobbying and Discrimination public policy. Include Letter of 
Intent requirements under Public Policy Requirements.
    3. Submission Dates and Times: Applications must be submitted 
electronically through Grants.gov by 12 midnight Eastern Standard Time 
(EST). If technical challenges arise and the applicant is unable to 
successfully complete the electronic application process, the applicant 
should contact Michelle G. Bulls, Grants Policy Staff (GPS), 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 original and two copies may be sent to the appropriate 
grants contact that is listed in Section IV.1. above. Applications not 
submitted through Grants.gov, without an approved waiver, may 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.
    4. Intergovernmental Review: Executive Order 12372 requiring 
intergovernmental review is not applicable to this program.
    5. Funding Restrictions: A. Tribes are only eligible to be awarded 
one Tribal Self-Governance Planning Cooperative Agreement award.
    B. Each planning cooperative agreement shall not exceed $50,000. 
The available funds are inclusive of direct and appropriate indirect 
costs.
    C. The available funds are inclusive of direct and indirect costs.
    D. IHS will not acknowledge receipt of applications.
    6. Other Submission Requirements:
    The application must comply with the following:
    A. Table of Contents.
    B. Abstract (one page)--Summarizes the project.
    C. Narrative (no more than 7 pages) and should include the 
following:
    (1) Background information on the Tribe.
    (2) Proposed scope of work, objectives, and activities that provide 
a description of what will be accomplished including a one-page Time 
Frame Chart.
    D. Budget narrative and justification.
    E. Tribal Resolution.
    F. Appendices to include:
    (1) Resumes or position descriptions of key staff.
    (2) Contractors/Consultants resumes or qualifications and scope of 
work.
    (3) Current Indirect Cost Agreement.
    (4) Organizational Chart (Optional).
    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

[[Page 39975]]

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 https://
www.Grants.gov and select ``Apply for Grants'' link on the home page. 
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: 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 GPS 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 sent directly to John Hoffman, Division 
of Grants Operations (DGO), 801 Thompson Avenue, TMP 360, Rockville, MD 
20852 by the due date, August 15, 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 register in the CCR. You 
should allow a minimum often days 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 all necessary 
assurances and certifications.
     Please use the optional attachment feature in Grants.gov 
to attach additional documentation that may be requested by IHS.
     Your application must comply with any 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. The IHS DGO will not notify applicants that the 
application has been received.
     You may access the electronic application for this program 
on https://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-TSGP-0002.
    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 at https://www.grants.gov.

V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

A. Goals and Objectives of the Project (30 Points)
    Are the goals and objectives measurable; are they consistent with 
the purpose of the program and the needs of the people to be served, 
and are they achievable as demonstrated by the proposed time frame 
chart?
B. Methodology (20 Points)
    Describe fully and clearly the methodology and activities that will 
be used to accomplish the goals and objectives of the project.
C. Management of Health Program(s) (10 Points)
    Does the applicant propose an improved approach to managing the 
health program(s) and state/demonstrate how the delivery of quality 
health services will be maintained under self-governance?
D. Organizational Capabilities and Qualifications (25 Points)
    Describe the organizational structure of the Tribe and their 
ability to manage the proposed project. Include resumes or position 
descriptions of key staff showing requisite experience and expertise 
and, where applicable, include resumes and scope of work for 
consultants that demonstrate experience and expertise relevant to the 
project.
E. Budget and Budget Justification (15 Points)
    Submit a line-item budget with a narrative justification for all 
expenditures identifying reasonable and allowable costs necessary to 
accomplish the goals and objectives as outlined in the project 
narrative.

2. Review and Selection Process

    In addition to the above criteria/requirements, applications are 
considered according to the following:
A. Application Submission
    (1) The applicant and proposed project type is eligible in 
accordance with this cooperative agreement announcement.
    (2) The applicant has not previously received a Tribal Self-
Governance Planning Cooperative Agreement award.

[[Page 39976]]

    (3) Abstract, narrative, budget, required forms, appendices and 
other material submitted meet the requirements of the announcement 
allowing the review panel to undertake an in-depth evaluation.
B. Competitive Review of Eligible Applications
    Applications meeting eligibility requirements that are complete, 
responsive, and conform to this program announcement will be reviewed 
for merit by the 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 TSGP funding is not sufficient to support all 
approved applications. Applications recommended for approval, having a 
score of 60 or above by the ORC are forwarded to the DGO for cost 
analysis and further recommendation. The program official forwards the 
recommended approval list to the IHS Director for final review and 
approval. Applications scoring below 60 points will be disapproved.

    Note: In making final selections, the IHS Director will consider 
the ranking factor and the status of the applicant's three previous 
years' single audit reports. The comments from the ORC will be 
advisory only. The IHS Director will make the final decision on 
awards.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

    The Notice of Award (NoA) will be initiated by the DGO and will be 
mailed via postal mail to each entity that is approved for funding 
under this announcement. The NoA will be signed by the Grants 
Management Officer and this is the authorizing document for which funds 
are dispersed to the approved entities. The NoA will serve as the 
official notification of the grant award and will reflect the amount of 
Federal funds awarded, the purpose of the grant, the terms and 
conditions of the award, the effective date of the award, and the 
budget/project period. The NoA is the legally binding document. 
Applicants who are approved but unfunded or disapproved based on their 
Objective Review score will receive a copy of the Final Executive 
Summary which identifies the weaknesses and strengths of the 
application submitted.

2. Administrative Requirements

    Grants are administrated in accordance with the following 
documents:
     This Program Announcement.
     45 CFR Part 92, ``Uniform Administrative Requirements for 
Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State, Local and Tribal 
Governments,'' or 45 CFR Part 74, ``Uniform Administrative Requirements 
for Awards to Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, Other Non-
Profit Organizations, and Commercial Organizations.''
     Grants Policy Guidance: HHS Grants Policy Statement, 
January 2007.
     Cost Principles: OMB Circular A-87, ``Cost Principles for 
State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments'' (Title 2 Part 225).
     Administrative Requirements: OMB Circular A-122, ``Non-
Profit Organizations'' (Title 2 Part 230).
     Audit Requirements: OMB Circular A-133, ``Audits of 
States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations.''

3. Indirect Costs

    This section applies to all grant recipients that request 
reimbursement of indirect costs in their grant application. In 
accordance with HHS Grants Policy Statement, Part 11-27, 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 DGO at the time of award, the indirect cost 
portion of the budget will be restricted and not available to the 
recipient until the current rate is provided to DGO.
    Generally, indirect costs rates for IHS grantees are negotiated 
with the Division of Cost Allocation (DCA) https://rates.psc.gov/ and 
the Department of Interior (National Business Center) https://
www.nbc.gov/acquisition/ics/icshorme.html. If your organization has 
questions regarding the indirect cost policy, please contact the DGO at 
301-443-5204.

4. Reporting

    A. Progress Report. Program progress reports are required semi-
annually. These reports must be submitted within 30 days of the end of 
the half year and will include a brief comparison of actual 
accomplishments to the goals established for the period, or, if 
applicable, provide sound justification for the lack of progress, and 
other pertinent information as required. A final report must be 
submitted within 90 days of expiration of the budget/project period.
    B. Financial Status Report. 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. The final SF-269 must be verified from the 
grantee's 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.
    5. Telecommunication for the hearing impaired is available at: TTY 
301-443-6394.

VII. Agency Contact(s)

    1. Questions on the programmatic issues may be directed to: Matt 
Johnson, Policy Analyst Office of Tribal Self-Governance Telephone No.: 
301-443-7821 Fax No.: 301-443-1050 E-mail: matthew.johnson@ihs.gov.
    2. Questions on grants management and fiscal matters may be 
directed to: John Hoffman, Grants Management Specialist Division of 
Grants Operations Telephone No.: 301-443-5204 Fax No.: 301-443-9602 E-
mail: john.hoffman2@ihs.gov.

VIII. Other Information

    The Public Health Service (PHS) strongly encourages all cooperative 
agreement and contract recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and

[[Page 39977]]

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 PHS mission to protect and advance the physical and 
mental health of the American people.

    Dated: July 2, 2008.
Robert G. McSwain,
Director, Indian Health Service.
 [FR Doc. E8-15629 Filed 7-10-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165-16-M