Tribal Management Grant Program; Announcement Type: New and Competing Continuation Discretionary Funding Cycle for Fiscal Year 2011, 17745-17754 [2010-7790]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
• Indian Health Service

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 66 (Wednesday, April 7, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 17745-17754]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-7790]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service

[Funding Announcement Number: HHS-2011-IHS-TMD-0001]


Tribal Management Grant Program; Announcement Type: New and 
Competing Continuation Discretionary Funding Cycle for Fiscal Year 2011

    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number(s): 93.228.
    Key Dates: Program Requirements Session: April 21-22 and May 5-6, 
2010.
    Grant Writing Session: May 17-21, 2010.
    TMG WebEx Session: June 3, 2010.
    Application Deadline Date: August 6, 2010.
    Receipt Date for Final Tribal Resolution: October 1, 2010.
    Review Date: October 4-8, 2010.
    Application Notification Date: November 12, 2010.
    Earliest Anticipated Start Date: January 1, 2011.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    The Indian Health Service (IHS) announces competitive grant 
applications for the Tribal Management

[[Page 17746]]

Grant (TMG) Program. This program is authorized under 25 U.S.C. 450h(b) 
and 25 U.S.C. 450h(e) of the Indian Self-Determination and Education 
Assistance Act (ISDEAA), Public Law (Pub. L.) 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 grant program established 
to assist Federally-recognized Tribes and 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 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, funded, or unfunded) within the past five years, 
specifically received during or after March 2005.
     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 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 material weaknesses to be addressed 
by underlining the item on Attachment A. Please refer to Section III.3, 
``Other Requirements,'' for more information regarding Priority II 
participation.
    Federally-recognized Indian Tribes or Tribally-sanctioned Tribal 
organizations not subject to Single Audit Act requirements must provide 
a financial statement identifying the Federal dollars received in the 
footnotes. The financial statement must also identify specific 
weaknesses/recommendations that will be addressed in the TMG proposal 
and are related to 25 CFR Part 900, Subpart F--``Standards for Tribes 
and Tribal Organizations.''
    Priority II participation is only applicable to the Health 
Management Structure project type. For more information see Section II, 
``ELIGIBLE PROJECT TYPES, MAXIMUM FUNDING AND PROJECT PERIODS.''
     Priority III--All other eligible Federally-recognized 
Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations submitting a competing 
continuation application or a new application.
    The funding of approved Priority I applicants will occur before the 
funding of approved Priority II applicants. Priority II applicants will 
be funded before approved Priority III applicants. Funds will be 
distributed until depleted.

II. Award Information

    Type of Awards: Grant.
    Estimated Funds Available: The estimated amount available is 
$2,669,000 in Fiscal Year (FY) 2011. There will be only one funding 
cycle in FY 2011. Awards that are issued under this announcement are 
subject to the availability of funds.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: Approximately 20-25 awards will be 
issued under this grant program.
    Project Periods: Varies based on project type from one to three 
years. Please refer to ``ELIGIBLE PROJECT TYPES, MAXIMUM FUNDING AND 
PROJECT PERIODS'' under this section for additional details.
    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: The 
TMG Program consists of four project types: (1) Feasibility study; (2) 
planning; (3) evaluation study; and (4) health management structure. 
Applicants may submit applications for one project type. Applicants 
must state the project type selected. 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 exceeds the maximum funding 
level or project period will be deemed 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)
    The Feasibility Study must include 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)
    Planning projects entail 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

[[Page 17747]]

Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, P.O. Box 
371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7945, or (202) 512-1800. This information 
is available in electronic form at the following Web site: https://www.health.gov/healthypeople/publications.
    3. Evaluation Study (Maximum funding/project period: $50,000/12 
months)
    The Evaluation Study must include 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: http:[sol][sol]www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/a133/
a133.html.
    25 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: 
http:[sol][sol]www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_04/25cfr900_
04.html, or http:[sol][sol]www.ihs.gov/NonMedicalPrograms/TMG/
Forms.asp.
    5. Please see Section IV ``Application and Submission Information'' 
for information on how to obtain a copy of the TMG application package.

III. Eligibility Information

    1. Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations as defined by Public Law 
93-638, ISDEAA, as amended. The definitions for each entity type are 
outlined below. 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).

Definitions

    Indian Tribe means any Indian Tribe, band, nation, or other 
organized group or community, including any Alaska Native village, 
village 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. 450b(e).
    Tribal organization includes a recognized governing body of any 
Indian Tribe; any legally established organization of Indians which is 
controlled, sanctioned, or chartered by such governing body or which is 
democratically elected by the adult members of the Indian community to 
be served by such organization and which includes the maximum 
participation of Indians in all phases of its activities: provided, 
that in any case where a contract is let or grant made to an 
organization to perform services benefitting more than one Indian 
Tribe, the approval of each such Indian Tribe shall be a prerequisite 
to the letting or making of such contract or grant. 25 U.S.C. 450b(l).
    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, FedEx, 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 1, 2010. 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.
     Letter of Authorization per Tribal governance requirements 
in lieu of a Tribal Resolution will be accepted. Evidence that the 
Tribe has converted to this means must be provided.
     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 requires a copy of 
the Federal Register notice or letter from the Bureau of Indian Affairs 
verifying establishment of Federal Tribal status within the last five 
years. Date must reflect that Federal recognition was received during 
or after March 2005.
    C. Documentation for Priority II Participation requires a copy of 
the transmittal letter and Attachment A from the OIG, 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,

[[Page 17748]]

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 (800) 732-0679 or (816) 426-7720. 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 that are 
related to 25 CFR Part 900, ``Indian Self-Determination and Education 
Assistance Act Amendments,'' Subpart F--``Standards for Tribal and 
Tribal Organizations.''
     Documentation of Consortium Participation--If an Indian 
Tribe submitting an application is a member of a consortium, the Tribe 
must:

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

     Identify all of the consortium member Tribes.
     Identify if any of the member Tribes intend to submit a 
TMG application of their own.
     Demonstrate that the consortium's application does not 
duplicate or overlap any objectives of the other consortium members who 
may be submitting their own TMG application.
    Please refer to 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

    (https://www.grants.gov) or at: https://www.ihs.gov/NonMedicalPrograms/gogp/. The entire grant application package and 
accompanying instructions are at: https://www.grants.gov.

2. IHS Contacts

Programmatic Concerns
    Ms. Patricia Spotted Horse, Program Analyst, Office of Direct 
Service and Contracting Tribes (ODSCT), Indian Health Service, 801 
Thompson Avenue, Suite 220, Rockville, Maryland 20852, (301) 443-1104 
(Telephone), (301) 443-4666 (Fax), and e-mail address: 
Patricia.SpottedHorse@IHS.GOV.
Business Concerns
    Please contact Mr. Pallop Chareonvootitam, Grants Management 
Specialist, (301) 443-5204 (Telephone), (301) 443-9602 (Fax), and e-
mail address: Pallop.Chareonvootitam@IHS.GOV.
    The Division of Grants Operations (DGO) is the official receipt 
point for grant applications (electronic and paper). The address for 
hardcopy applications is as follows: Division of Grants Operations, 
Indian Health Service, 801 Thompson Avenue, TMP 360, Rockville, 
Maryland 20852.
GRANTS.GOV Contact for IHS
    Information regarding the electronic grants.gov process, issues, 
and waiver requests may be obtained from the following contact person: 
Ms. Tammy Bagley, Senior Grants Policy Analyst, Division of Grants 
Policy (DGP), Indian Health Service, 801 Thompson Avenue, TMP 625, 
Rockville, Maryland 20852, (301) 443-5204 (Telephone) and e-mail 
address: Tammy.Bagley@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 are to be submitted electronically through Grants.gov 
on Friday, August 6, 2010 by 12 midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST). 
Any application received after the application deadline will not be 
accepted for processing and will be returned to the applicants without 
further consideration for funding.
    If technical challenges arise and the applicant needs help 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, 
Senior Grants Policy Analyst, (DGP) at Tammy.Bagley@ihs.gov or (301) 
443-5204 at least 10 days prior to the application deadline. Please do 
not call Ms. Bagley until you have received a Grants.gov tracking 
number. All waiver requests must be made in writing (e-mails are 
acceptable). A written approval must be obtained from the DGP before 
submitting a paper application. A copy of the written approval must be 
submitted along with the hardcopy that is mailed to the DGO (Refer to 
Section IV to obtain the mailing address), Attention: Ms. Kimberly 
Pendleton. The DGO requires a hardcopy of the original application and 
two copies. Paper applications that are submitted without proof of an 
approved waiver will be returned to the applicant. Late applications 
will not be accepted for processing and will be returned to the 
applicant without further consideration 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.
     The TMG may not be used to support recurring operational 
programs or to replace existing public and private resources. Funding 
received under a recurring Public Law 93-638 contract cannot be totally 
supplanted or totally replaced. Exception is allowed to charge a 
portion or percentage of salaries of existing staff positions involved 
in implementing the TMG grant if applicable.
     Ineligible Project Activities
    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:


[[Page 17749]]


--Planning and negotiating activities associated with the intent of a 
Tribe to enter the IHS Self-Governance Project. A separate grant 
program is administered by the IHS for this purpose. Prospective 
applicants interested in this program should contact Ms. Dawn Houle, 
Policy Analyst, 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. This also includes recruitment 
efforts for direct patient care services.
--Projects that include long-term care or provision of any direct 
services. Projects that include tuition, fees, or stipends for 
certification or training of staff to provide direct services.
--Projects that include pre-planning, design, and planning of 
construction for facilities, including activities relating to program 
justification documents.
--Projects that propose more than one project type. Please see Section 
II, ``Award Information,'' specifically ``ELIGIBLE PROJECT TYPES, 
MAXIMUM FUNDING AND PROJECT PERIODS'' for more information. An example 
of a proposal with more than one project type that would be considered 
ineligible may include the creation of a strategic health plan (defined 
by TMG as a planning project type) and improving third-party billing 
structures (defined by TMG as a health management structure project 
type). Multi-year applications that include in the first year planning, 
evaluation or feasibility activities with the remainder of the project 
years addressing management structure are also deemed ineligible.

     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 (however, allowance will be made to 
accommodate the completion of one TMG grant prior to beginning a new 
award, if applicable);
--The current project is not progressing in a satisfactory manner;
-- The current project is not in compliance with program and financial 
reporting requirements; or
-- Delinquent Federal Debts: No award shall be made to an applicant who 
has an outstanding delinquent Federal debt until either:
-- The delinquent account is paid in full; or
-- A negotiated repayment schedule is established and at least one 
payment is received.

7. Other Submission Requirements

    Electronic Submission--The preferred method for receipt of 
applications is electronic submission through Grants.gov. Note: All IHS 
application packages are posted in Adobe. Therefore, please make sure 
that your entity uses a compatible version to save and submit the 
application or submission errors will occur. Should any technical 
challenges arise regarding the submission, please contact Grants.gov 
Customer Support at (800) 518-4726 or support@grants.gov. The Contact 
Center hours of operation are 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The 
contact center is closed on Federal holidays.
    Applicants that do not adhere to the timelines for Central 
Contractor Registry (CCR) and/or Grants.gov registration and/or request 
timely assistance from DGP or Grants.gov will not be a candidate to 
obtain a waiver from the electronic process. Applicants must plan 
ahead.
    To submit an application electronically, please use the https://
www.Grants.gov ``Apply for Grants'' link on the homepage. 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:
     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.
     Upon entering the Grants.gov site, there is available 
information that outlines the requirements to the applicant regarding 
electronic submission of an application through Grants.gov, as well as 
the hours of operation.
     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.
     In order 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 must be submitted no later 
than October 1, 2010, if a draft resolution was submitted with the 
initial electronic or paper application.
     The narrative section of 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. The DGO will not notify applicants that the 
application has been received.
     You must search for the downloadable application package 
utilizing Grants.gov FIND to search for the CFDA number 93.228.
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.dnb.com/us/or call (866) 705-5711. Interested parties may 
wish to obtain their DUNS number by phone to expedite the process.

[[Page 17750]]

    Applicants who intend to submit 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 (866) 606-8220. 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

    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; 
and 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 2005, dates of funding and 
summary of project accomplishments. State how previous TMG funds 
facilitated the progression of health development relative to the 
current proposed project. (Copies of reports will not be accepted.)
    (5) Identify the eligible project type and priority group of the 
applicant.
    (6) Explain the reason for your proposed project by identifying 
specific gaps or weaknesses in services or infrastructure that will be 
addressed by the proposed project. Explain how these gaps/weaknesses 
were discovered. If the 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 IHS Title 
I contractor. Address if the self-determination contract is a master 
contract of several programs or if individual contracts are used for 
each program. Include information regarding whether or not the Tribe 
participates in a consortium contract (i.e., more than one Tribe 
participating in a contract). Address what programs are currently 
provided through those contracts and how the proposed project will 
enhance the organization's capacity to manage the contracts currently 
in place.
     Identify if the Tribe/Tribal organization is an IHS Title 
V compactor. Address when the Tribe/Tribal organization entered into 
the compact and how the proposed project will further enhance the 
organization's management capabilities.
     Identify if the Tribe/Tribal organization is not a Title I 
or Title V 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:

[[Page 17751]]

     What will the criteria be for determining success of each 
objective?
     What data will be collected to determine whether the 
objective was met?
     At what intervals will data be collected?
     Who will collect the data and their qualifications?
     How will the data be analyzed?
     How will the results be used?
    B. For process evaluation, describe:
     How will the project 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 will ongoing monitoring be used to improve the 
project?
     Describe any products, such as manuals or policies, that 
might be developed and how they might lend themselves to replication by 
others.
     How will the organization document what is learned 
throughout the project period?
    C. Describe any evaluation efforts planned after the grant period 
has ended.
    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, ``Standards for Tribal Management Systems.'' If 
management systems are already in place, simply state it and how long 
the systems have been in place.
    C. Describe the ability of the organization to manage the proposed 
project. Include information regarding similarly sized projects in 
scope and financial assistance as well as other grants and projects 
successfully completed.
    D. Describe what equipment (i.e., fax machine, phone, computer, 
etc.) and facility space (i.e., office space) will be available for use 
during the proposed project. Include information about any equipment 
not currently available that will be purchased through the grant.
    E. List key personnel who will work on the project. Include all 
titles of key personnel 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 state 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 
categorical budget 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
    For projects requiring a second and/or third year, include only 
Year 2 and/or Year 3 narrative sections (objectives, evaluation 
components and work plan) that differ from those in Year 1. For every 
project year include a full budget justification and detailed, itemized 
categorical budget showing calculation methodologies for each item. The 
same weights and criteria which are 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. 
Refer to Section V. Application Review Information. A weak second and/
or third year submission could negatively impact the overall score of 
an application and result in elimination of the proposed second and/or 
third years with a recommendation for only a one-year award.
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 6, 2010)
    Applications received in advance of or by the deadline and verified 
by the tracking number will be prescreened by DGO staff for eligibility 
and completeness to confirm 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 will be 
deemed incomplete and ineligible and will be returned. Ineligible 
applications are not reviewed but will receive a letter of 
ineligibility and explanation from the DGO.
B. Competitive Review of Eligible Applications (Objective Review: 
October 4-8, 2010)
    Applications meeting eligibility requirements that are complete, 
responsive and conform to this program announcement will be reviewed 
for merit using an Ad Hoc Objective Review Committee (ORC) appointed by 
the ODSCT to review and make recommendations on these applications. The 
review will be conducted in accordance with the HHS Objective Review 
Guidelines. The technical review process ensures selection of quality 
projects in a national competition for limited funding. Applications 
will be evaluated and scored 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 ranking the proposals and 
determining which proposals will be funded and reviewed by the DGO for 
cost analysis and further recommendation. All applications that are 
reviewed and that receive a score of 60 points or above will be ranked 
and recommended for funding. All awards that are issued under this

[[Page 17752]]

announcement are subject to the availability of funds. The program 
official accepts the DGO recommendations for consideration when funding 
applications. The program official will forward the final approved 
ranking list to the Director, ODSCT, for final review and approval. 
Applications that score below 60 points will be disapproved. 
Applications that are approved but not funded due to budgetary 
constraints will not be carried over into the next cycle for funding 
consideration.

3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

    The earliest award start date will be January 1, 2011.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

    ORC Results Notification: November 12, 2010.
    Applicants whose applications are declared ineligible will receive 
written notification from the DGO of the ineligibility determination. 
The ineligible notification will include information regarding the 
rationale for the ineligible decision citing specific information from 
the original grant application. Those applicants who are approved and 
recommended for funding, approved but unfunded and those who are 
disapproved will receive a copy of the Executive Summary which 
identifies the weaknesses and strengths of the application submitted. 
Applicants who are approved and recommended for funding will be 
notified through the official Notice of Award (NoA) document issued by 
the DGO. The NoA will be signed by the Grants Management Officer and is 
the authorizing document for notifying grant recipients of funding. The 
NoA will state the amount of Federal funds awarded, the purpose of the 
grant, the terms and conditions that govern the grant award, the 
effective date of the award, the project period, and the budget period. 
Pre-award costs are not allowable charges under this program grant.

2. Administrative Requirements

    Grants are administrated in accordance with the following 
regulations, policies, and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) cost 
principles:
A. The Criteria as Outlined in This Funding Opportunity Announcement
B. Administrative/Program Regulations for Grants
     45 CFR Part 92--Uniform Administrative Requirements for 
Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State, Local and Tribal 
Governments.
     45 CFR Part 74--Uniform Administrative Requirements for 
Awards and Sub-awards to Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, 
Other Non-Profit Organizations, and Commercial Organizations.
     42 CFR Part 136--Indian Health.
C. Grants Policy
     HHS Grants Policy Statement, Revised 01/2007.
D. Cost Principles
     OMB Circular A-87--State, Local, and Indian Tribal 
Governments (Title 2 Part 225).
     OMB Circular A-122--Non-Profit Organizations (Title 2 Part 
230).
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 indirect 
costs 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 IHS are negotiated with two 
cognizant agencies; the Division of Cost Allocation (DCA)/HHS https://rates.psc.gov/and National Business Center (NBC)/Department of the 
Interior https://www.aqd.nbc.gov/Services/ICS.aspx. 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 will be required semi-
annually. Semi-annual program progress reports must be submitted within 
30 days of the conclusion of the first six months of the budget period 
and again at the end of the budget period. 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 will be 
required semi-annually. Semi-annual financial status reports must be 
submitted within 30 days after the reporting period ends. 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 
and timely 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 reflect an accumulative total of all expenditures and 
authorizations for the life of the project. Grantees must refer to the 
terms and conditions of their award to obtain details regarding their 
reporting requirements. Grantees are required to contact their Grants 
Management Specialist with any questions regarding reporting 
requirements.
    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 submission concerns and waiver 
requests may be

[[Page 17753]]

addressed by Ms. Tammy Bagley, DGP. 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 TMG Program official will conduct pre-award training sessions 
to provide limited technical assistance to applicants in preparing 
their FY 2011 TMG applications. There will be two 2-day training 
sessions. In addition, there will be one 5-day training session on 
Grantsmanship. The 5-day training session will provide participants 
with basic grant writing skills, information regarding where to search 
for funding opportunities, and the opportunity to begin writing a TMG 
grant proposal. The 2-day training sessions will focus specifically on 
the TMG requirements providing participants with information contained 
in this announcement, clarifying any issues/questions applicants may 
have and critiquing project ideas. Also, a half-day WebEx focusing on 
TMG program requirements will be conducted on June 3, 2010.
    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 the selected session. There is no 
registration fee to attend the training session(s). The registration 
form may be obtained from the TMG Web site at: https://www.ihs.gov/NonMedicalPrograms/tmg/Training.asp. The registration form may be faxed 
to (301) 443-4666. Note: A minimum of ten attendees is required for the 
IHS to conduct the training sessions. The anticipated training dates 
and locations are listed below in chronological order:
     April 21-22, 2010--Rockville, MD (Limit 30) (TMG 
Training).
     May 5-6, 2010--Minneapolis, MN (Limit 25) (TMG Training).
     May 17-21, 2010--Albuquerque, New Mexico (Limit 25) (The 
Grantsmanship Center Training).
     June 3, 2010--Two-Hour WebEx (Limit 50) (TMG 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 ODSCT 
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/ tmg/.

        IHS FY 2011 Tribal Management Grant Application Checklist
 
 
 
Applicant Name:________________________________________
 
Application Tracking Number:__________________________________
 
Electronic Submission:______ Signed Paper Submission:______ Waiver
 Obtained:_____
 
Title I:_____ Title V:_____ Project Type:_________________________
 
               Item                 Applicant      Grants      Programs
1. IHS FY 2011 TMG Checklist.....        _____        _____        _____
2. Eligibility: (circle) Tribe           _____        _____        _____
 Tribal Organization.............
3. 501c(3) Non-Profit                    _____        _____        _____
 Organization....................
4. Tribal Resolution or Letter of
 Authorization (as defined in the
 announcement)
    a. Final signed Tribal               _____        _____        _____
     Resolution is due on or
     before October 1, 2010......
    b. Draft unsigned resolution         _____        _____        _____
     is due August 6, 2010 (if
     applicable).................
5. Priority I Documentation (if          _____        _____        _____
 applicable).....................
6. Priority II Documentation (if         _____        _____        _____
 applicable).....................
7. Consortium Participation              _____        _____        _____
 Documentation (if applicable)...
8. SF 424 Application for Federal        _____        _____        _____
 Assistance......................
9. SF 424A Budget - Non                  _____        _____        _____
 Construction....................
10. SF 424B Assurances...........        _____        _____        _____
11. Disclosure of Lobbying               _____        _____        _____
 Activities......................
12. Abstract.....................        _____        _____        _____
13. Project Narrative Items a. -
 e. (14 pages maximum)
    a. Introduction and Need for         _____        _____        _____
     Assistance..................
    b. Project Objective(s),             _____        _____        _____
     Workplan & Consultants......
    c. Project Evaluation........        _____        _____        _____
    d. Organizational                    _____        _____        _____
     Capabilities and
     Qualifications..............
    e. Categorical Budget &              _____        _____        _____
     Budget Justification........
14. Multi-year Summary & Budget
 Justification
15. APPENDICES
    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).................
 
 Applicant Signature/Date:________________________________________
 
Grants Management Signature/Date:___________________________________
 
Program Office Signature/Date: _____________________________________
 


[[Page 17754]]

    The Public Health Service (PHS) strongly encourages all grant and 
contract recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and promote the 
non-use of all tobacco products. In addition, 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 30, 2010.
Yvette Roubideaux,
Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-7790 Filed 4-6-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165-16-P