Office of Clinical and Preventive Services: National HIV Program, 13550-13555 [2010-6206]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
• Indian Health Service

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 54 (Monday, March 22, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13550-13555]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-6206]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service


Office of Clinical and Preventive Services: National HIV Program

    Announcement Type: Cooperative Agreement.
    Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2010-IHS-OCPS-HIV-0001.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.933.

Key Dates

    Application Deadline Date: April 30, 2010.
    Review Date: May 12, 2010.
    Anticipated Start Date: June 1, 2010.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Statutory Authority

    The Indian Health Service (IHS) announces that competitive 
cooperative agreement applications are now being accepted by the IHS 
Office of Clinical and Preventive Services (OCPS) for the National 
Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/
AIDS) Program. This program is authorized under the Snyder Act, 25 
U.S.C. 13, and the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, 25 U.S.C. 
1602(a)(b)(42)(43). This program is described under 93.933 in the 
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA). There will be only one 
funding cycle during Fiscal Year (FY) 2010.

Background

    Enhancement of HIV/AIDS testing activities in American Indian/
Alaska Native (AI/AN) people is necessary to reduce the incidence of 
HIV/AIDS in those communities by increasing access to HIV related 
services, reducing stigma, and making testing routine. This open 
competition seeks to expand fiscal resources to increase the number of 
AI/AN with awareness of his/her HIV status. The cooperative agreements 
will provide routine HIV screening for adults as per 2006 Centers for 
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, and pre- and post-test 
counseling (when appropriate).

Purpose

    These cooperative agreements will be used to identify best 
practices to enhance HIV testing, including rapid testing and/or 
conventional HIV antibody testing, and to provide a more focused effort 
to address HIV/AIDS prevention in AI/AN populations in the United 
States.
    The nature of these projects will require collaboration to: (1) 
Coordinate activities with the IHS National HIV Program; and (2) submit 
and share non-personally identifiable (NPI) data surrounding HIV/AIDS 
testing, treatment and education.
    These agreements are intended to encourage development of 
sustainable, routine HIV screening programs in Tribal health facilities 
that are aligned with 2006 CDC HIV screening guidelines (https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5514a1.htm). Key features include 
streamlined consent and counseling procedures (verbal consent, opt-
out), a clear HIV screening policy, identifying and implementing any 
necessary staff training, community awareness, and a clear follow-up 
protocol for HIV positive results including linkages to care. Grantees 
may choose to bundle HIV tests with sexually transmitted diseases (STD) 
screening.

II. Award Information

Type of Awards

    Cooperative Agreement.

Estimated Funds Available

    The total amount of funding identified for the current Fiscal Year 
(FY) 2010 is approximately $540,000. Competing and continuation awards 
issued under this announcement are subject to the availability of 
funds. In the absence of funding, the agency is under no obligation to 
make additional awards under this announcement.

Anticipated Number of Awards

    Approximately six cooperative agreement (CA) awards will be issued 
under this program announcement. Projects will be funded for annual 
budget periods in the amount of approximately $90,000.

Project Period

    This is a 2 year project.

Programmatic Involvement

    Limitations--Only one CA project will be awarded per Tribe, Tribal 
organization, or intertribal consortium. Proposed activities that cover 
large populations and/or geographical areas that do not necessarily 
correspond with current IHS administrative areas are encouraged. In 
conducting activities to achieve the purpose of this program, the 
recipient will be responsible for the activities under: (1) Recipient 
Activities, and IHS will be responsible for conducting activities under 
(2) IHS Activities.
1. Recipient Activities
     Assist AI/AN communities and Tribal organizations in 
increasing the

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number of AI/ANs with awareness of his/her HIV status. The grantee will 
assist and facilitate reporting of HIV diagnoses to local and State 
public health authorities in the region as required under existing 
public health statutes.
     Test at least one previously-untested (not tested in the 
prior five years) patient for every $75.00 in cooperative agreement 
funds received, inclusive of all ancillary and indirect costs.
     Collaborate with national IHS programs by providing 
standardized, anonymous HIV surveillance data on a quarterly basis, and 
in identifying and documenting best practices for implementing routine 
HIV testing.
     Participate in the development of systems for sharing, 
improving, and disseminating aggregate HIV data at a national level for 
purposes of advocacy for AI/AN communities, Government Performance 
Results Act of 1993 (GPRA), Healthy People 2010 and other national-
level activities.
     A three page mid-year report and no more than a ten page 
summary annual report at the end of each project year. The report 
should establish the impact and outcomes of various methods of 
implementing routine screening tried during the funding period.
2. IHS Activities
     Provide funded organizations with ongoing consultation and 
technical assistance to plan, implement, and evaluate each component of 
the comprehensive program as described under Recipient Activities 
above. Consultation and technical assistance will include, but not be 
limited to, the following areas:
    (a) Interpretation of current scientific literature related to 
epidemiology, statistics, surveillance, Healthy People 2010 Objectives, 
and other HIV disease control activities;
    (b) Design and implementation of program components (including, but 
not limited to, program implementation methods, surveillance, 
epidemiologic analysis, outbreak investigation, development of 
programmatic evaluation, development of disease control programs, and 
coordination of activities);
    (c) Overall operational planning and program management;
    (d) Conduct visits to assess program progress and mutually resolve 
problems, as needed; and
    (e) Coordinate these activities with all IHS HIV activities on a 
national basis.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligibility

     Federally recognized AI/AN Tribes, as defined under 25 
U.S.C. 1603(d).
     Tribal Organizations, as defined under 25 U.S.C. 1603(e).
     Consortium of two or more of those Tribes or Tribal 
Organizations.

Definitions

    Indian Tribe means any Indian Tribe, band, nation, or other 
organized group or community, including any Alaska Native village or 
group or regional or village corporation as defined in or established 
pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (85 Stat. 688) [43 
U.S.C. 1601 et seq.], which is recognized as eligible for the special 
programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because 
of their status as Indians. 25 U.S.C. 1603(d).
    Tribal organization means the elected governing body or any legally 
established organization of Indians which is controlled by one or more 
such bodies or by a board of directors elected or selected by one or 
more such bodies (or elected by the Indian population to be served by 
such organization) and which includes the maximum participation of 
Indians in all phases of its activities. 25 U.S.C. 1603(e).
    Applicants other than Tribes must provide proof of non-profit 
status. Eligible consortiums must represent or propose to serve a 
population of at least 20,000 AI/ANs in order to be considered 
eligible. An intertribal consortium or AI/AN organization is eligible 
to receive a cooperative agreement if it is incorporated for the 
primary purpose of improving AI/AN health, and it is representing the 
Tribes or AN villages in which it is located. Collaborations with 
regional IHS, CDC, State, or organizations are encouraged and proof of 
such collaboration must be included in the application.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    This program does not require matching funds or cost sharing.

3. Other Requirements

    If application budgets exceed the stated dollar amount that is 
outlined within this announcement it will not be considered for 
funding.
    Letters of Support (LoS) documentation is required with the 
submission of your application. LoS will be required from each Tribe 
that your entity will serve acknowledging this grant's activities. All 
letters of support must be signed by an official that is authorized to 
sign on behalf of the Tribe. LoS must be received by April 27, 2010, or 
the application will be considered incomplete, ineligible for review, 
and returned to the applicant without further 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 (i.e. FedEx 
tracking, postal return receipt, etc.).

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Obtaining Application Materials

    The application package and instructions may be located at:
     Grants.gov: https://www.grants.gov .
     Grants Policy Web site: https://www.ihs.gov/NonMedicalPrograms/gogp/index.cfm?module=gogp_funding.

2. Content and Form Application Submission

    The applicant must include the project narrative as an attachment 
to the application package.
    Mandatory documents for all applicants include:

 Application forms:
    [cir] SF-424.
    [cir] SF-424A.
    [cir] SF-424B.
 Budget Narrative (must be single spaced).
 Project Narrative (must not exceed 15 pages).
 Tribal Resolution or Tribal Letter of Support (Tribal 
Organizations only).
 Biographical sketches for all Key Personnel.
 Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL), if applicable.
 Documentation of current OMB A-133 required Financial Audit, 
if applicable. Acceptable forms of documentation include:
    [cir] E-mail confirmation from Federal Audit Clearinghouse (FAC) 
that audits were submitted; or
    [cir] Face sheets from audit reports. These can be found on the FAC 
Web site: https://harvester.census.gov/fac/dissem/
accessoptions.html?submit=Retrieve+Records.
Public Policy Requirements
    All Federal-wide public policies apply to IHS grants with exception 
of the Discrimination policy.
Requirements for Project and Budget Narratives
    A. Project Narrative: This narrative should be a separate Word 
document that is no longer than 15 pages (see page limitations for each 
Part noted below)

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with consecutively numbered pages. Be sure to place all responses and 
required information in the correct section or they will not be 
considered or scored. If the narrative exceeds the page limit, only the 
first 15 pages will be reviewed. There are three parts to the 
narrative: Part A--Program Information; Part B--Program Planning and 
Evaluation; and Part C--Program Report. See below for additional 
details about what must be included in the narrative.

Part A: Program Information (no more than 3 pages)
    Section 1: Needs.
Part B: Program Planning and Evaluation (no more than 5 pages)
    Section 1: Program Plans.
    Section 2: Program Evaluation.
Part C: Program Report (no more than 7 pages)
    Section 1: Describe major Accomplishments over the last 24 months.

    Section 2: Describe major Activities over the last 24 months.

    B. Budget Narrative: This narrative must describe the budget 
requested and match the scope of work described in the project 
narrative. The page limitation should not exceed 3 pages.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 
April 30, 2010 at 12 midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST). Any 
application received after the application deadline will not be 
accepted for processing, and it will be returned to the applicant(s) 
without further consideration for funding. If technical challenges 
arise and assistance is required with the electronic application 
process, contact Grants.gov Customer Support via e-mail at 
support@grants.gov or at (800) 518-4726. Customer Support is available 
to address questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (except on Federal 
holidays). If problems persist, contact Ms. Tammy Bagley, Division of 
Grants Policy (DGP) (tammy.bagley@ihs.gov) at (301) 443-5204. If 
assistance is needed, please be sure to contact Ms. Bagley at least ten 
days prior to the application deadline (April 30, 2010). Please do not 
contact the DGP until you have received a Grants.gov tracking number. 
In the event you are not able to obtain a tracking number, call the DGP 
as soon as possible.
    If an applicant needs to submit a paper application instead of 
submitting electronically via Grants.gov, prior approval must be 
requested and obtained before submitting a paper application. E-mail 
requests are acceptable. A copy of the written approval must be 
submitted along with the hardcopy that is mailed to the DGO. Paper 
applications that are submitted without a waiver will be returned to 
the applicant without review or further consideration. Late 
applications will not be accepted for processing and 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

     Pre-award costs are allowable pending prior approval from 
the awarding agency. However, in accordance with 45 CFR Part 92, pre-
award costs are incurred at the recipient's risk. The awarding office 
is under no obligation to reimburse such costs if for any reason the 
applicant does not receive an award or if the award to the recipient is 
less than anticipated.
     The available funds are inclusive of direct and 
appropriate indirect costs.
     Only one grant/cooperative agreement will be awarded per 
applicant.
     IHS will not acknowledge receipt of applications.

6. Other Submission Requirements

    Use the https://www.Grants.gov Web site to submit an application 
electronically and select the ``Apply for Grants'' link on the 
homepage. Download a copy of the application package, complete it 
offline, and then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov 
Web site. Electronic copies of the application may not be submitted as 
attachments to e-mail messages addressed to IHS employees or offices.
    Applicants that receive a waiver to submit paper application 
documents must follow the rules and timelines that are noted below. The 
applicant must seek assistance at least ten days prior to the 
application deadline.
    Applicants that do not adhere to the timelines for Central 
Contractor Registry (CCR) and/or Grants.gov registration and/or request 
timely assistance with technical issues will not be considered for a 
waiver to submit a paper application.
    Please be aware of the following:
     Please search for the application package in Grants.gov by 
entering the CFDA number or the Funding Opportunity Number. Both 
numbers are located in the header of this announcement.
     Paper applications are not the preferred method for 
submitting applications. However, if you experience technical 
challenges while submitting your application electronically, please 
contact Grants.gov Support directly at: https://www.Grants.gov/CustomerSupport or (800) 518-4726. Customer Support is available to 
address questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (except on Federal 
holidays).
     Upon contacting Grants.gov, obtain a tracking number as 
proof of contact. The tracking number is helpful if there are technical 
issues that cannot be resolved and waiver from the agency must be 
obtained.
     If it is determined that a waiver is needed, you must 
submit a request in writing (e-mails are acceptable) to 
GrantsPolicy@ihs.gov with a copy to Tammy.Bagley@ihs.gov. Please 
include a clear justification for the need to deviate from the standard 
electronic submission process.
     If the waiver is approved, the application should be sent 
directly to the DGO by the deadline date of April 30, 2010.
     Applicants are strongly encouraged not to wait until the 
deadline date to begin the application process through Grants.gov as 
the registration process for CCR and Grants.gov could take up to 
fifteen working days.
     Please use the optional attachment feature in Grants.gov 
to attach additional documentation that may be requested by the DGO.
     All applicants must comply with any page limitation 
requirements that are outlined in this Funding Announcement.
     After electronic submission of the application, the 
applicant will receive an automatic acknowledgment from Grants.gov that 
contains a Grants.gov tracking number. The DGO will download your 
application from Grants.gov and provide necessary copies to the 
appropriate agency officials. Neither the DGO nor the OCPS Program 
Staff will notify applicants that the application has been received.
    E-mail applications will not be accepted under this announcement.

Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)

    Applicants are required to have a DUNS number to apply for a grant 
or cooperative agreement from the Federal Government. The DUNS number 
is a unique nine-digit identification number provided by D&B, which 
uniquely identifies your entity. The DUNS number is site specific; 
therefore each distinct performance site may be

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assigned a DUNS number. Obtaining a DUNS number is easy and there is no 
charge. To obtain a DUNS number, you may access it through the 
following Web site: https://fedov.dnb.com/webform or to expedite the 
process call (866) 705-5711.
    Another important fact is that applicants must also be registered 
with the CCR and a DUNS number is required before an applicant can 
complete their CCR registration. Registration with the CCR is free of 
charge. Applicants may register online at https://www.ccr.gov. 
Additional information regarding the DUNS, CCR, and Grants.gov 
processes can be found at: https://www.Grants.gov.
    Applicants may register by calling 1(866) 606-8220. Please review 
and complete the CCR Registration worksheet located at https://www.ccr.gov.

V. Application Review Information

    Points will be assigned to each evaluation criteria adding up to a 
total of 100 points.

1. Evaluation Criteria

    The instructions for preparing the application narrative also 
constitute the evaluation criteria for reviewing and scoring the 
application. Weights assigned to each section are noted in parentheses. 
The narrative should include all prior years of activity; information 
for multi-year projects should be included as an appendix (see E. 
``Categorical Budget and Budget Justification'') at the end of this 
section for more information. The narrative should be written in a 
manner that is clear to outside reviewers unfamiliar with prior related 
activities of the entity. It should be well organized, succinct, and 
contain all information necessary for reviewers to understand the 
project fully. Emphasis will be placed on measures to increase testing 
and ensure sustainability of testing.
A. Understanding of the Need and Necessary Capacity (15 Points)
1. Understanding of the Problem
    a. Define the project target population, identify their unique 
characteristics, and describe the impact of HIV on the population.
    b. Describe the gaps/barriers in HIV testing for the population.
    c. Describe the unique cultural or sociological barriers of the 
target population to adequate access for the described services.
2. Facility Capability
    a. Briefly describe the health facility and user population.
    b. Describe the health facility's ability to conduct this 
initiative through:
     Linkages to treatment and care: partnerships established 
to refer out of your health facility as needed for specialized 
treatment, care, confirmatory testing (if applicable) and counseling 
services.
B. Work Plan (40 Points)
 Implementation Plan
    1. Identify the proposed program activities and explain how these 
activities will increase and sustain HIV screening.
    2. Describe policy and procedure changes anticipated for testing 
implementation that include:
    a. Support of CDC 2006 Revised Testing Recommendations.
    b. Community awareness of new HIV testing policy.
    c. Age and sex range of persons to be tested.
    d. Bundling of HIV tests with STD tests.
    e. Type of HIV test (rapid, conventional, Western Blot) and who 
will perform test (in-house, contract lab).
    f. Inclusion, exclusion, or phased introduction of testing in 
outpatient, inpatient, acute care/emergency room, specialty clinics, 
community-based testing.
    3. Provide a clear timeline with quarterly milestones for project 
implementation.
    4. Describe which group(s), if any, to which you cannot, because of 
State regulations, offer testing with verbal consent only, in an opt-
out format.
    5. Describe how the program will ensure that clients receive their 
test results, particularly clients who test positive.
    6. Describe how the program will ensure that individuals with 
initial HIV-positive test results will receive confirmatory tests. If 
you do not provide confirmatory HIV testing, you must provide a letter 
of intent or Memorandum of Understanding with an external laboratory 
documenting the process through which initial HIV-positive test results 
will be confirmed.
    7. Describe the program strategies to linking potential 
seropositive patients to care.
    8. Describe the program procedures for reporting seropositive 
patients to the appropriate State(s).
    9. Describe the program quality assurance strategies.
    10. Describe how the program will train, support and retain staff 
providing counseling and testing.
    11. Describe how the program will ensure client confidentiality.
    12. Describe how the program will ensure that your services are 
culturally sensitive and relevant.
    13. Describe how the program will attempt to streamline procedures 
so as to reduce the overall cost per test administered.
C. Project Evaluation (20 Points)
1. Evaluation Plan
    The grantee shall provide a plan for monitoring and evaluating 
implementation of the HIV rapid test and/or standard HIV antibody test, 
and to identify best practices.
2. Reporting Requirements
    The following quantitative and qualitative measures shall be 
addressed:
     Required Quantitative Indicators (quantitative). Quarterly 
surveillance reports should be broken down by age and sex and contain 
only aggregate data, with no personal identifiers:
    1. Number of tests performed and number of test refusals.
    2. Number of clients learning of their serostatus for the first 
time via this testing initiative (unique patients, non-repeated tests). 
Number of clients tested for the first time in five years and meeting 
the programmatic definition of ``previously untested.''
    3. Number of reactive tests and confirmed seropositive (actual and 
proportion).
    4. Number of clients linked to care/treatment or referrals for 
prevention counseling.
    5. Number of individuals receiving their confirmatory test results.
     Required Qualitative Information
    1. Measures in place to protect confidentiality.
    2. Identify barriers to implementation as well as lessons learned 
for best practices to share with other Tribes or Tribal organizations.
    3. Sustainability plan and measures of ongoing testing in future 
years after grant money has been spent.
     Other quantitative indicators may be collected to improve 
clinic processes and add to information reported, however are not 
required reporting measures:
    1. Number of clients who refused due to prior knowledge of status.
    2. Number of rapid versus standard antibody test.
    3. Number of false negatives and/or positives after confirmatory 
test.
D. Organizational Capabilities and Qualifications (20 Points)
    This section outlines the broader capacity of the organization to 
complete the project outlined in the work plan. It includes the 
identification of personnel

[[Page 13554]]

responsible for completing tasks and the chain of responsibility for 
successful completion of the project outlined in the work plan.
    1. Describe the organizational structure.
    2. Describe the ability of the organization to manage the proposed 
project. Include information regarding similarly sized projects in 
scope and financial assistance as well as other grants and projects 
successfully completed.
    3. Describe what equipment (i.e., phone, Web sites, 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 throughout the agreement.
    4. List key personnel who will work on the project.
     Identify staffing plan, existing personnel and new program 
staff to be hired.
     In the appendix, include position descriptions and resumes 
for all key personnel. Position descriptions should clearly describe 
each position and duties indicating desired qualifications, experience, 
and requirements related to the proposed project and how they will be 
supervised. Resumes must indicate that the proposed staff member is 
qualified to carry out the proposed project activities and who will 
determine if the work of a contractor is acceptable.
     Note who will be writing the progress reports.
     If a position is to be filled, indicate that information 
on the proposed position description.
     If the project requires additional personnel beyond those 
covered by the supplemental grant, (i.e., IT support, volunteers, 
interviewers, etc.), note these and address how these positions will be 
filled and, if funds are required, the source of these funds.
     If personnel are to be only partially funded by this 
supplemental grant, indicate the percentage of time to be allocated to 
this project and identify the resources used to fund the remainder of 
the individual's salary.
E. Categorical Budget and Budget Justification (5 Points)
    Provide a clear estimate of the project program costs and 
justification for expenses for the entire grant period. The budget and 
budget justification should be consistent with the tasks identified in 
the work plan. The budget focus should be on routinizing and sustaining 
HIV testing services as well as reducing the cost per person tested.
    1. Categorical budget (Form SF 424A, Budget Information Non-
Construction Programs) completing each of the budget periods requested.
    2. Budget narrative that serves as justification for all costs, 
explaining why each line item is necessary or relevant to the proposed 
project. Include sufficient details to facilitate the determination of 
allowable costs.
    3. Budget justification should include a brief program narrative 
for the second year.
    4. 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.

2. Review and Selection Process

    Each application will be prescreened by the DGO staff for 
eligibility and completeness as outlined in the funding announcement. 
Incomplete applications and applications that are non-responsive to the 
eligibility criteria will not be referred to the Objective Review 
Committee. Applicants will be notified by DGO, via letter, to outline 
the missing components of the application.
    To obtain a minimum score for funding, applicants must address all 
program requirements and provide all required documentation. Applicants 
that receive less than a minimum score will be informed via e-mail of 
their application's deficiencies. A summary statement outlining the 
strengths and weaknesses of the application will be provided to these 
applicants. The summary statement will be sent to the Authorized 
Organizational Representative (AOR) that is identified on the face page 
of the application. In addition to the above criteria/requirements, the 
application will be considered according to the following:
A. The Submission Deadline: April 30, 2010
    Applications submitted in advance of or by the deadline and 
verified by the postmark will undergo a preliminary review to determine 
that:
     The applicant is eligible in accordance with this grant 
announcement.
     The application is not a duplication of a previously 
funded project.
     The application narrative, forms, and materials submitted 
meet the requirements of the announcement allowing the review panel to 
undertake an in-depth evaluation; otherwise, it may be returned.
B. The Objective Review Date is May 12, 2010
    The applications 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 this application. Prior to ORC review, the 
application will be screened to determine that programs proposed are 
those which the IHS has the authority to provide, either directly or 
through funding agreement, and that those programs are designed for the 
benefit of IHS beneficiaries. If an eligible entity does not meet these 
requirements, the application will not be reviewed. The ORC review will 
be conducted in accordance with the IHS Objective Review Guidelines. 
The application 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 and determine the likelihood 
of success.

3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

    The anticipated Award Date is June 1, 2010.

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 and is 
signed by an authorized grants official within the Indian Health 
Service.

2. Administrative Requirements

    Grants are administered in accordance with the following 
regulations, policies, and OMB cost principles:
A. The Criteria as Outlined in This Program Announcement
B. Administrative Regulations for Grants
     45 CFR Part 92, Uniform Administrative Requirements for 
Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State, Local and Tribal 
Governments.

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C. Grants Policy
     HHS Grants Policy Statement, Revised 01/07.
D. Cost Principles
     Title 2: Grant and Agreements, Part 225--Cost Principles 
for State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments (OMB A-87).
E. Audit Requirements
     OMB Circular A-133, Audits of States, Local Governments, 
and Non-profit Organizations.

3. Indirect Costs

    This section applies to all grant recipients that request 
reimbursement of indirect costs in their grant application. In 
accordance with HHS Grants Policy Statement, Rev. 01/07 Part II-27, IHS 
requires applicants to obtain a current indirect cost rate agreement 
prior to award. The rate agreement must be prepared in accordance with 
the applicable cost principles and guidance as provided by the 
cognizant agency or office. A current rate covers the applicable grant 
activities under the current award's budget period. If the current rate 
is not on file with the DGO at the time of award, the indirect cost 
portion of the budget will be restricted. The restrictions remain in 
place until the current rate is provided to the 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.aqd.nbc.gov/indirect/indirect.asp. For questions regarding the 
indirect cost policy, please call (301) 443-5204 to request assistance.

4. Reporting Requirements

    Failure to submit required reports within the time allowed may 
result in suspension or termination of an active agreement, 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 organization or the individual 
responsible for preparation of the reports.
A. Progress Report
    Program progress reports are required semi-annually by the National 
HIV Program in order to satisfy quarterly reports due to funding source 
at Minority AIDS Initiative (MAI). These reports (due mid-November, 
February, May, August) will include quantitative data as well as 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 end of the budget/project 
period.
     An Assessment and Evaluation Report must be submitted 
within 30 days of the end of each funded year.
     Participation in a minimum of two teleconferences. 
Teleconferences will be required semi-annually (unless further follow 
up is needed) for Technical Assistance to be provided and progress to 
be shared.
     Site visits. Tribal sites using MAI resources should be 
amenable to the possibility of site visits by IHS staff administering 
MAI funds.
B. Financial Reports
    Annual Financial Status Reports (FSR) must be submitted within 90 
days after the budget period ends. Final FSRs are due within 90 days of 
expiration of the project period. Standard Form 269 (long form for 
those reporting on program income; short form for all others) will be 
used for financial reporting.
    Federal Cash Transaction Reports are due every calendar quarter to 
the Division of Payment Management (DPM), Payment Management Branch. 
Please refer to the DPM Web site at: dpm.psc.gov. Failure to submit 
timely reports may cause a disruption in timely payments to your 
organization.
    Telecommunication for the hearing impaired is available at: TTY 
(301) 443-6394.

VII. Agency Contacts

Grants Management Officer

Grants (Business)
    Kimberly Pendleton, Grants Management Officer, 801 Thompson Avenue, 
TMP, Suite 360, Rockville, MD 20852. (301) 443-5204 or 
kimberly.pendleton@ihs.gov.

Program (Programmatic/Technical)

    CAPT Scott Giberson, IHS National HIV Principal Consultant, 801 
Thompson Ave, Reyes Building, Suite 306, Rockville, MD 20852. (301) 
443-2449 or scott.giberson@ihs.gov.
    The Public Health Service strongly encourages all grant and 
contract recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and promote the 
non-use of all tobacco products. In addition, Public Law 103-227, the 
Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in certain facilities (or 
in some cases, any portion of the facility) in which regular or routine 
education, library, day care, health care or early childhood 
development services are provided to children. This is consistent with 
the HHS mission to protect and advance the physical and mental health 
of the American people.

    Dated: March 12, 2010.
Yvette Roubideaux,
Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-6206 Filed 3-19-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165-16-P