Office of Clinical and Preventive Services; Elder Care Initiative Long-Term Care Grant Program, 21301-21307 [2010-9505]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
• Indian Health Service

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 78 (Friday, April 23, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 21301-21307]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-9505]


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

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service


Office of Clinical and Preventive Services; Elder Care Initiative 
Long-Term Care Grant Program

    Announcement Type: New.
    Funding Announcement Number: HHS-2010-IHS-EHC-0001.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.933.

Key Dates

    Letter of Intent Deadline Date: May 10, 2010.
    Application Deadline Date: June 4, 2010.
    Review Dates: June 22-24, 2010.
    Earliest Anticipated Start Date: August 1, 2010.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Statutory Authority

    The Indian Health Service (IHS) announces the availability of up to 
$600,000 for competitive grants through the Elder Care Initiative Long-
Term Care (ECILTC) Grant Program to support planning and implementation 
of sustainable long-term care services for American Indians and Alaska 
Native (AI/AN) elders. This program is authorized under the Snyder Act, 
25 U.S.C. 1652, 25 U.S.C. 1653(c), and the Public Health Service Act, 
Section 301, as amended. This program is described at 93.933 in the 
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA).

Background

    The AI/AN elder population is growing rapidly and the AI/AN 
population as a whole is aging. The prevalence of chronic disease in 
this population continues to increase, contributing to a frail elder 
population with increasing long-term care (LTC) needs.
    LTC is best understood as a set of social and health care services 
that support an individual who has needs for assistance in activities 
of daily living over a prolonged period of time. LTC supports elders 
and their families with medical, personal, and social services 
delivered in a variety of settings to support quality of life, maximum 
function, and dignity. While families continue to be the backbone of 
LTC for AI/AN elders, there is well documented need to support this 
care with formal services. The way these services and systems of care 
are developed and implemented can have a profound impact on the 
cultural and spiritual health of the community.
    Home and Community-based Services (HCBS) have the potential for 
meeting the needs of the vast majority of elders requiring LTC 
services, supporting the key roles of the family in the care of the 
elder and the elder in the care of the family and community. A LTC 
system with a foundation in home and community-based services will also 
be consistent with the United States Supreme Court interpretation of 
the Americans with Disabilities Act in Olmstead v. L.C., 527 U.S. 581 
(1999). The 28 CFR 35.130(d) ruling obligates States and localities to 
provide care for persons with disabilities, ``in the most integrated 
setting appropriate to the needs of qualified individuals with 
disabilities.'' An efficient and effective LTC system would make use of 
all available resources, integrating and coordinating services to 
assist families in the care of their elders.
    The primary focus for planning and program development for AI/AN 
LTC is at the Tribal and urban community level. Tribes and communities 
have very different histories, capabilities, and resources with regard 
to LTC program development. Each Tribe or community will have different 
priorities in building LTC infrastructure. It is critical that the 
development of LTC services be well grounded in an assessment of need 
based on population demographics and rates of functional impairment. 
LTC services should be acceptable to elders and their families and 
consistent with community values in their implementation. The services 
should be a part of an overall vision and plan for a LTC system to 
support elders and their families.
    There are a number of elements (Tribal sovereignty and the 
government-to-government relationship, the unique funding structure of 
Indian health, and the importance of the cultural context) that 
distinguish AI/AN LTC. Tribes and Tribal organizations have found it 
useful to look both inside and outside of the Indian Health system 
(IHS, Tribal, and urban Indian health programs) for LTC strategies and 
models.
    In order to create sustainable programs, the planning and design of 
LTC services must identify the revenue source or sources that will 
support the delivery of care. Finding resources for LTC services 
presents a formidable challenge. Funds appropriated through the IHS 
(whether direct service or Tribal) can provide health care services 
which are part of a LTC system, but do not provide for a comprehensive 
set of LTC services. Programs funded through the Administration on 
Aging's American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Program 
(e.g. Title VI A and Title VI C Family Caregiver Support Program) have 
been key elements in the LTC infrastructure in AI/AN communities. 
Additional Older American Act resources may be available through State 
Units on Aging and Area Agencies on Aging. Other resources are 
available to provide LTC services on a reimbursable basis for eligible 
AI/AN elders. The majority of formal or paid LTC services in this 
country are funded by reimbursements from State Medicaid and HCBS 
programs. The Veterans Administration may be a source of reimbursement 
for LTC services for eligible AI/AN veterans. Federal housing programs 
are a potential resource in developing the housing component of the LTC 
infrastructure. Each of these resources has unique eligibility 
requirements. Development of reimbursement-based LTC services often 
requires an ongoing investment of funds to support delivery of services 
during the initial period of client recruitment, start-up of services, 
and the receipt of reimbursement for those services.

Purpose

    The purpose of the Elder Care Initiative Long Term Care grants is 
to provide support for the development of AI/AN LTC services, with 
funding for either assessment and planning, or program implementation. 
LTC services developed with support of this grant program must be those 
which the IHS has the authority to provide, either directly or through 
funding agreement, and must be designed to serve IHS

[[Page 21302]]

beneficiaries. Most Tribes and urban communities are building toward 
their ideal LTC system incrementally, adding new or integrating 
existing services over time. The goal of this grant program is to 
support Tribes, Tribal organizations, Tribal consortia, and Urban 
Indian health programs as they build LTC systems and services that meet 
the needs of their elders and that keep elders engaged and involved in 
the lives of their families and communities.

II. Award Information

Type of Award

    Grant.

Estimated Funds Available

    The total amount of funding identified for the current fiscal year 
FY 2010 is approximately $600,000. 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 awards that are selected for funding under this announcement.

Anticipated Number of Awards

    Approximately, 8-10 awards will be issued under this program 
announcement.

Project Period

    Two years (24 months).

Award Amount

    $50,000 per year for Category 1--Assessment and Planning Awards.
    $75,000 per year for Category 2--Implementation Awards.
    Category 1--Assessment and Planning awards will support the 
following activities:
    a. Demographic assessment of the population and assessment of LTC 
needs on a population basis.
    b. Evaluation of existing services and resources for LTC.
    c. Evaluation of potential resources to fund LTC services.
    d. Assessment of cultural and religious values regarding care of 
the elder for the population(s) served.
    e. Assessment of elder preferences for type, structure, and setting 
of services.
    f. Establishment of a comprehensive vision for LTC services with 
priorities for implementation.
    g. Identification of potential funding sources for program 
development and for ongoing financing of service delivery.
    h. The integration and incorporation of the above elements into a 
report or other document that guides LTC services/system 
implementation, including a plan for sustainability.
    Category 2--Implementation awards will support the following 
activities: Implementation of a service or group of services that add 
capacity to the LTC system of the applicant's Tribe or organization. 
The implementation plan should be based on a comprehensive assessment 
and plan, including a business plan. The services should be designed to 
be self-sustaining at the end of the project period.
    Applications must be for only one Project Type. Applications that 
address more than one Project Type will be considered ineligible and 
will be returned to the applicant.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligibility

    This is a full and open competition to all eligible applicants.
    The AI/AN applicant must be one of the following:
    A. A Federally-recognized Indian Tribe as defined by 25 U.S.C. 
1603(d).
    B. A Tribal organization as defined by 25 U.S.C. 1603(e).
    C. Urban Indian health programs that operate a Title V Urban Indian 
Health Program: This includes programs currently under a grant or 
contract with the IHS under Title V of the Indian Health Care 
Improvement Act, (Pub. L. 94-437).
    D. A consortium of eligible Tribes, Tribal organizations and Title 
V Urban Indian health programs.
Definitions
     Federally-recognized 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 of 
any Indian Tribe 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).
     Urban Indian organizations are defined as non-profit 
corporate bodies situated in an urban center governed by an urban 
Indian controlled board of directors, and providing for maximum 
participation of all interested Indian groups and individuals, which 
body is capable of legally cooperating with other public and private 
entities for the purposes of performing the activities outlined in 
section 1653(a) of Title 25 U.S.C. 1603(h).

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    The Elder Care Initiative Long-Term Care Grant 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 the application will not be 
considered for funding.
    A Letter of Intent (LOI) is required to be submitted by no later 
than May 10, 2010. The LOI is mandatory but non-binding request for 
information that will assist in planning during the pre award phase. 
Applications will not be reviewed if a LOI is not submitted.
    The following documentation of support is required: Tribal 
Resolution--A resolution of the Indian Tribe served by the project must 
accompany the application submission. This can be attached to the 
electronic application. 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. Draft resolutions are acceptable in lieu of an 
official resolution; however an official signed Tribal resolution must 
be received by the Division of Grants Operations (DGO), Attn: Kimberly 
M. Pendleton, 12300 Twinbrook Parkway, Suite 360, Rockville, MD 20852, 
prior to the Objective Review Committee on June 22-24, 2010. Therefore, 
if the IHS DGO does not receive an official signed resolution by June 
15, 2010 then the application will be considered incomplete and will be 
returned without consideration.
    *It is highly recommended that the Tribal resolution be sent by a 
delivery method that includes proof of receipt.
    Tribal Consortia submitting an application are required to:
     Identify each of the consortium member Tribes.
     Identify if any of the member Tribes intend to submit a 
LTC grant application of their own.
     Demonstrate that the Tribal consortia's application does 
not

[[Page 21303]]

duplicate or overlap any objectives of the other consortium members who 
may be submitting their own LTC grant application.
    Any application received from a Consortium that does not meet the 
requirements above will be considered ineligible for review.
    Nonprofit urban Indian Health Service organizations must submit a 
copy of the 501(c)(3) Certificate as proof of non-profit status.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Obtaining Application Materials

    An application package and detailed instructions for this 
announcement may be found through Grants.gov (https://www.grants.gov) or 
at: 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, not to exceed 3 
pages).
     Project Narrative (must not exceed 10 pages).
     Tribal Resolution(s) or Tribal Letter(s) of Support 
(Tribal Organizations only).
     Letter of Support from Organization's Board of Directors 
(Title V Urban Indian Health Programs only)
     501(c)(3) Certificate (Title V Urban Indian Health 
Programs 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.
     Letter of Intent.
    A Letter of Intent (LOI) is required from each entity that plans to 
apply for funding under this announcement. The LOI must be submitted to 
the Division of Grants Operations to the attention of Kimberly M. 
Pendleton by May 10, 2010. Please submit all LOIs via fax (301) 443-
9602. The LOI must reference the funding opportunity number, 
application deadline date, and eligibility status and indicate whether 
the intent is to apply for a Category I (Assessment and Planning) or 
Category II (Implementation) grant. Tribal Consortia submitting a 
letter of intent must also list all Tribal members of the consortium 
and indicate which of those Tribal members will be participating in the 
application. The letter must be signed by the authorized organizational 
official within your entity.
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 10 pages (see page limitations for each 
Part noted below) 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 10 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 (not to exceed 4 pages).
    Section 1: Needs.
    Part B: Program Planning and Evaluation (not to exceed 4 pages).
    Section 1: Program Plans.
    Section 2: Program Evaluation.
    Part C: Program Report (not to exceed 2 pages).
    Section 1: Describe major Accomplishments over the last 24 months.
    Section 2: Describe major Activities over the last 24 months.

    Note: Only those programs or services which the IHS is 
authorized to provide, either directly or through funding agreement, 
can be supported by this grant program. Programs and services 
developed with support of this grant program must be designed for 
the benefit of IHS beneficiaries. Guidance for the Project Narrative 
is provided below for the Category I Assessment and Planning grants 
and for the Category II Implementation grants.

Category I--Assessment and Planning
    Part A: Program Information (not to exceed 4 pages).
    Section 1: Needs.
    Provide an understanding of the LTC needs of the elderly in the 
Tribe or service area and identify the additional information needed 
for planning. The number of elders affected by the program will be 
considered a factor in the review and the relationship of the amount of 
funding requested to the number of elders to be served will be 
considered. The applicant should use the best data available. Reviewers 
understand that, for many programs, these data elements will not be 
available or be poor in quality and that improved data for future 
planning will be an outcome of this project. When data is not available 
the unavailability of that data should be noted in this section and 
strategies for obtaining the necessary data should be included in the 
Program Planning and Evaluation section as part of the work-plan. 
Identify all information sources. Applicants will find the following 
questions helpful for this portion of the narrative.
    1. What information do we currently have to guide development of 
LTC services or programs?
    a. What do we know about our elder and disabled population and the 
need and preferences for services?
    i. How many elders do we have? What proportion of the population 
are elders and at what rate is this segment growing?
    ii. What are the rates of functional impairment or need for 
assistance in activities of daily living in our community? What do we 
know about the specific types of assistance needed?
    iii. What geographic and social factors, including availability of 
caregivers, impact the ability of our elders and disabled to live in 
the community?
    iv. What are the cultural and religious values regarding care of 
the elder that are important in planning for services?
    v. What do we know about what elders want? What kinds of services 
do they want for themselves? What do they tell us about who should 
provide them, how and where?
    b. What do we know about existing services and resources for LTC in 
our community?
    i. What aging and LTC services are currently available to our 
elders and how are these organized? What services are provided by the 
Tribe or other AI/AN organizations and what might be available from 
non-Tribal/Non-Native organizations or programs?
    ii. What health services, including Native or Traditional Medicine, 
are available for the elderly? How are these integrated into LTC?

[[Page 21304]]

    iii. Do we have the capacity as a community or Tribe to provide 
care ``in the most integrated setting appropriate to the needs of 
qualified individuals with disabilities'' (Olmstead vs. L.C). Do we 
have the supports necessary for an individual with LTC needs to live in 
the community if that is what they want?
    c. What resources do we have to support the formal (paid) and 
informal (usually family) caregivers who care for our elderly?
    i. Do we have a way to train new formal caregivers or advance the 
knowledge and skills of existing caregivers?
    ii. Do we have training and support for informal (usually family) 
caregivers?
    d. What are the funding streams that currently pay for LTC services 
in our Tribe or community?
    e. What collaborations in program development or service delivery 
are currently underway in our Tribe or community?
    2. What do we know about the unmet need for LTC services?
    3. What information don't we have that we will need to plan for 
sustainable services or programs to meet the unmet need?
    Part B: Program Planning and Evaluation (not to exceed 4 pages).
    Section 1: Program Plans.
    In this section of the Narrative the applicant should explain what 
work they intend to do and how they intend to do it. The plan should 
strive to answer important unanswered questions in Part A in order to 
produce, as an end product, the readiness to develop LTC service(s).
    For an example of the kind of information needed to demonstrate 
readiness to develop LTC service(s), see Part A: Need in the Category 
II Implementation Narrative instructions.
    [Note that attendance and presentation at the AI/AN Long Term Care 
Conference and participation in periodic grantee teleconferences are a 
requirement of the grant and should be included as activities in the 
work plan].
    a. Describe what you plan to do and how it is supported by the 
Narrative in Part A.
    b. List the objectives of the assessment and planning process and 
how you will accomplish these objectives.
    i. Tasks.
    ii. Resources needed to implement and complete the project.
    iii. Timeline.
    iv. Any specialized technical resources you might need for data 
collection or analysis.
    v. Training needs.
     Include in work plan attendance and presentation at the 
annual AI/AN Long Term Care Conference.
    c. Identify the final product of the assessment/plan and the 
strategy for dissemination.
    Section 2: Program Evaluation.
    This section should show how you will know that you are successful 
with this project. It should answer the following questions:
     What is the overall result or product that you expect to 
achieve with this project?
     How will you track progress toward that outcome over time? 
What are the key deliverables or outcomes associated with each 
objective or task in the work plan?
     Who will be responsible for this evaluation (it does not 
have to be an external evaluator)? Evaluation activities should appear 
in the work plan.
    Part C: Program Report (no more than 2 pages).
    Section 1: Describe any work done in the past 10 years to assess 
the need for LTC services and plan for service or program development.
    a. Is there a Tribal or Community vision for LTC and priorities for 
development of new services?
    b. Have there been any assessment and planning activities? If so, 
what were the funding sources and dates of funding? What were the 
project accomplishments? What is the relationship of that work to the 
current proposal?
    Section 2: Describe how this proposal integrates with current 
planning efforts or service delivery for the elderly and disabled in 
the Tribe or organization.
Category II--Implementation
    Part A: Program Information (no more than 4 pages).
    Section 1: Needs.
    This section should give an understanding of need for and 
availability of LTC services in the Tribe or service area. Identify the 
number of elders to be served. Reviewers will take into account the 
number of elders that will be affected by the program. This section 
should demonstrate that the proposal is based on sound assessment and 
planning and that the services fit within a comprehensive vision or 
plan for elder care. The outline below identifies the information that 
should be included in this section. If this information is not 
available, you may consider applying for Category I funding to support 
the assessment and planning activities necessary for successful program 
development.
    a. Demographic assessment of the population and assessment of LTC 
needs on a population basis.
    i. Population distribution. Number of elderly of different age and 
gender groups in the population.
    ii. Rates of functional impairment and numbers of elders with need 
for assistance in activities in daily living with adequate detail to 
project need for services.
    b. Geographic and social factors that affect access to services and 
availability of caregivers.
    i. Rural vs. urban; population density.
    ii. Family structure and organization.
    c. Assessment of cultural and religious values regarding care of 
the elder for the population(s) to be served.
    d. Assessment of elder preferences for type, structure, and setting 
of services.
    e. Evaluation of existing services and resources for LTC.
    i. Availability and organization of existing aging and LTC 
services. Include services available to Tribal or community members 
provided by programs or organizations that are not Tribal or AI/AN 
organizations.
    ii. Availability and organization of health services for the 
elderly, including Native healing systems and Traditional Medicine.
    iii. The capacity of existing LTC services to support care provided 
in the least restrictive setting or ``in the most integrated setting 
appropriate to the needs of qualified individuals with disabilities'' 
(Olmstead vs. L.C).
    f. Assessment of caregiver workforce.
    i. The availability of potential caregivers (formal and informal).
    ii. Training and support resources for formal and informal 
caregivers.
    g. Identification of potential resources for new LTC service.
    i. Funding for program development.
    ii. Funding for ongoing service delivery.
    iii. Potential partners in program development.
    h. Relevant Federal, IHS, Tribal and/or State standards, laws and 
regulations and codes and relevant licensure or certification 
requirements.
    i. A comprehensive vision or plan for LTC system/services which 
incorporates the information above and identifies priorities for 
implementation.
    j. Unmet need for LTC services.
    Part B: Program Planning and Evaluation (no more than 4 pages).
    Section 1: Program Plans.
    This section should include both the work plan for program 
implementation and the underlying plan or strategy for sustainability 
of the service(s) past the point of grant support. [Note that 
attendance and presentation at the AI/AN Long Term Care Conference and 
participation in periodic grantee teleconferences are a requirement of 
the

[[Page 21305]]

grant and should be included as activities in the work plan].
    a. Identify the LTC service(s) to be implemented and show how it:
    i. Is consistent with the results of the assessment/planning 
process described above (Part A: Need).
    ii. Integrates with existing LTC and health services.
    b. Summarize the business plan or plan for self-sufficiency and 
sustainability, including:
    i. Funding stream(s) to support ongoing services.
    ii. Clearly indicate whether the program will be self-supporting 
(and if so, when) or not. If the services will not be self-supporting 
identify the source of the necessary additional revenue and document 
the availability of these resources.
    iii. Timeline with projections for client recruitment, expected 
revenue and shortfalls, resources for funds needed to bridge between 
onset of services and collection of reimbursement, etc.
    iv. Licensure or certification requirements.
    v. Indicate if Tribal revenue is expected to pay in part or in 
whole for services and if so include a letter from the Tribal Council 
or administration indicating that these funds have been budgeted for 
this purpose.
    c. Describe the approach to implementation.
    i. Tasks.
    ii. Resources needed to implement and complete the project.
    iii. Timeline for implementation.
    iv. Specialized technical resources.
    v. Training needs.
     Include in work plan attendance and presentation at the 
annual AI/AN Long Term Care Conference.
    vi. Consultation needs (if any).
    Section 2: Program Evaluation.
    This section should show how you will know that you are successful 
with this project. It should answer the following questions:
     What is the overall result or product that you expect to 
achieve with this project?
     How will you track progress toward that outcome over time? 
What are the key deliverables or outcomes associated with each 
objective or task in the work plan?
     Who will be responsible for this evaluation (it does not 
have to be an external evaluator)? Evaluation activities should appear 
in the work plan.
    Part C: Program Report (no more than 2 pages).
    Describe assessment and planning activities over the past 5 years 
that indicate readiness to successfully implement this program or 
service and a high likelihood of success.
    B. Budget Narrative: This narrative should be a separate Word 
document that is no longer than 3 pages with consecutively numbered 
pages. If the Narrative exceeds the page limit, only the first 3 pages 
will be reviewed. The Budget Narrative should explain why each line 
item is necessary or relevant to the proposed project and should 
include sufficient details to facilitate the determination of cost 
allowability.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 
June 4, 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 the applicants need help with the 
electronic application process, contact Grants.gov Customer Support via 
e-mail to 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 Tammy Bagley, Senior 
Grants Policy Analyst, IHS Division of Grants Policy (DGP) 
(tammy.bagley@ihs.gov) at (301) 443-5204. Please be sure to contact Ms. 
Bagley at least ten days prior to the application deadline. 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. The waiver must be documented in writing (e-
mails are acceptable), 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 VII to obtain the mailing address). 
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, 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 not allowable without prior approval 
from the awarding agency.
     In accordance with 45 CFR parts 74 and 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.
     Tribes, Tribal organizations, urban Indian health 
programs, or Tribal consortia receiving a Category I (Assessment and 
Planning) grant in the FY2006 or 2008 IHS Elder Care Initiative Long 
Term Care Grants cycles will be considered ineligible for FY2010 
Category I (Assessment and Planning) funding unless they can 
demonstrate that the current application serves a different population 
than the FY2006-2007 grants. (e.g. a consortium may target different 
Tribes).
     Tribes, Tribal organizations, urban Indian health 
programs, or Tribal consortia receiving a Category II (Implementation) 
grant in the FY2006 or 2008 IHS Elder Health Care Initiative Long Term 
Care Grants cycles will be considered ineligible for FY2010 Category II 
(Implementation) funding unless they can demonstrate that they will be 
implementing an entirely new service or program (e.g. an applicant with 
current funding to implement an Adult Day Health Program may now apply 
for funding to implement a personal care program).
     IHS will not acknowledge receipt of applications.

6. Electronic Submission Requirements

    The preferred method for receipt of applications is electronic 
submission through Grants.gov. In order to submit an application 
electronically, please go to https://www.Grants.gov and select the 
``Apply for Grants'' link on the homepage. Download a copy of the 
application package on Grants.gov Web site, complete it offline and 
then upload and submit the application via Grants.gov site. You may not 
e-mail an electronic copy of a grant application to IHS.
    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 15 days prior to the 
application deadline (June 4, 2010).

[[Page 21306]]

    Please be reminded of the following:
     Please search for the application package in Grants.gov 
(https://www.Grants.gov) by entering the CFDA number or the Funding 
Opportunity Number. Both numbers are located in the header of this 
announcement.
     Paper application is 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 a waiver from the DGO 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 our standard 
electronic submission process.
     If the waiver is approved, the application should be sent 
directly to the DGO by the deadline date of June 4, 2010.
     You must submit all documents electronically, including 
all information typically included on the SF-424 and all necessary 
assurance and certifications. Audits being sent separately must be 
received by June 15, 2010.
     Please use the optional attachment feature in Grants.gov 
to attach additional documentation that may be requested by the IHS.
     Your application must comply with any page limitation 
requirements described in this program announcement.
     After you electronically submit your application, you will 
receive an automatic acknowledgement from Grants.gov that contains a 
Grants.gov tracking number. The DGO will retrieve your application from 
Grants.gov. The DGO will not notify applicants that the application has 
been received.
     If submission of a paper application is requested and 
approved, the original and two copies must be sent to the appropriate 
grants contact listed in Section VII.
     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 business entities. Obtaining a DUNS number is easy 
and there is no charge. The DUNS number is site specific; therefore 
each distinct performance site may be assigned a DUNS number. To obtain 
a DUNS number, access it through the following Web site https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform or to expedite the process call (866) 705-5711.
    Another important fact is that applicants must also be registered 
with the Central Contractor Registration (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 (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. A minimum score of 65 points is required for 
funding. Points are assigned as follows:

1. Evaluation Criteria

    Program Information (40 points).
    Program Planning and Evaluation (40 points).
    Progress Report (10 points).
    Budget Narrative (10 points).

2. Review and Selection Process

    Applications will undergo an initial prescreening by the DGO. The 
prescreening will assess whether applications that meet the eligibility 
requirements are complete, responsive, and conform to criteria outlined 
in this program announcement. The applications that meet the minimum 
criteria will be reviewed for merit by the Objective Review Committee 
(ORC) based on the evaluation criteria. The ORC is composed of both 
Tribal and Federal reviewers, appointed by the IHS, to review and make 
recommendations on these applications. The review will be conducted in 
accordance with the IHS Objective Review Guidelines. The technical 
review process ensures selection of quality projects in a national 
competition for limited funding. Applications will be evaluated and 
rated by each reviewer on the basis of the evaluation criteria listed 
in Section V.1. The reviewers use the criteria outlined in this 
announcement to evaluate the quality of a proposed project, determine 
the likelihood of success, and assign a numerical score to each 
application. The scoring of approved applications will assist the IHS 
in determining which proposals will be funded if the amount of Elder 
Care funding is not sufficient to support all approved applications. 
Applications scored by the ORC at 65 points or above will be 
recommended for approval and forwarded to the DGO for cost analysis and 
further recommendation. Applications scoring below 65 points will be 
disapproved. The comments from the individual reviewers that 
participate in the ORC will be recommendations only.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

    The Notice of Award (NoA) is a legally binding document, signed by 
the Grants Management Officer, and serves as the official notification 
of the grant award. The NoA is the authorizing document for which funds 
are dispersed to the approved entities and reflects 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 will be mailed via postal mail to each 
entity that is approved for funding under this announcement. Applicants 
who are approved but unfunded or disapproved based on their Objective 
Review score will receive a copy of the Final Executive Summary which 
identifies the weaknesses and strengths of the application submitted. 
Any correspondence other than the NoA announcing to the Project 
Director that an application was selected is not an authorization to 
begin performance.

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.
     45 CFR part 74, Uniform Administrative Requirements for 
Grants and Agreements with Institutions of

[[Page 21307]]

Higher Education, Hospitals, and other Non-profit Organizations.
    C. Grants Policy:
     HHS Grants Policy Statement, January 2007.
    D. Cost Principles:
     Title 2: Grants and Agreements, Part 225--Cost Principles 
for State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments (OMB A-87).
     Title 2: Grants and Agreements, Part 230--Cost Principles 
for Non-Profit Organizations (OMB Circular A-122).
    E. Audit Requirements:
     OMB Circular A-133 Audit of States, Local Governments and 
Non-profit Organizations.

3. Indirect Costs

    This section applies to all grant recipients that request 
reimbursement of indirect costs in their grant application. In 
accordance with HHS Grants Policy Statement, Part 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 and not available to the recipient 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 (1849 C St., NW., 
Washington, DC 20240) https://www.nbc.gov/acquisition/ics/icshome.html. 
If your organization has questions regarding the indirect cost policy, 
please contact the DGO at (301) 443-5204.

4. Reporting Requirements

    Grantees must submit the reports consistent with the applicable 
deadlines. 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) 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.
A. Progress Reports
    Program progress reports are required to be submitted semi-
annually, within 30 days after the budget period ends and will include 
a brief comparison of actual accomplishments to the goals established 
for the period, or, if applicable, provide sound justification for the 
lack of progress, and other pertinent information as required. A final 
report must be submitted within 90 days of expiration of the budget/
project period.
B. Financial Reports
    Semi-annual financial status reports must be submitted within 30 
days after the budget period ends. Final financial status reports are 
due within 90 days of expiration of the project period. Standard Form 
269 (long form) will be used for financial reporting and the final SF-
269 must be verified from the grantee's records on how the value was 
derived.
    Federal Cash Transaction Reports are due every calendar quarter to 
the Division of Payment Management, Payment Management Branch (DPM, 
PMS) . Please contact DPM/PMS at: https://www.dpm.psc.gov/ for 
additional information regarding your cash transaction reports. Failure 
to submit timely reports may cause a disruption in timely payments to 
your organization.
    Grantees are responsible and accountable for accurate reporting of 
the Progress Reports and Financial Status Reports which are generally 
due annually. Financial Status Reports (SF-269) are due 90 days after 
each budget period and the final SF-269 must be verified from the 
grantee records on how the value was derived.
    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 requirement applies whether the 
delinquency is attributable to the failure of the grantee organization 
or the individual responsible for preparation of the reports.
    Telecommunication for the hearing impaired is available at: TTY 
(301) 443-6394.

VII. IHS Agency Contact(s)

    1. Questions on the programmatic issues may be directed to: Bruce 
Finke, M.D., Nashville Area/IHS Elder Care Health Consultant, 45 Vernon 
Street, Northhampton, MA 01060. (413) 584-0790. E-mail: 
Bruce.finke@ihs.gov.
    2. Questions on grants management and fiscal matters may be direct 
to: Kimberly M. Pendleton, Grants Management Officer, Division of 
Grants Operation. Telephone No.: (301) 443-5204. Fax No.: (301) 443-
9602. E-mail: Kimberly.pendleton@ihs.gov.

    Dated: April 19, 2010.
Yvette Roubideaux,
Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-9505 Filed 4-22-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165-16-P