Office of Clinical and Preventive Services Maternal and Child Health Program: Project Choices Pilot Implementation and Evaluation Program for American Indian and Alaska Native Women, 51083-51088 [2010-20362]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
• Indian Health Service

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 159 (Wednesday, August 18, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51083-51088]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-20362]



[[Page 51083]]

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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service


Office of Clinical and Preventive Services Maternal and Child 
Health Program: Project Choices Pilot Implementation and Evaluation 
Program for American Indian and Alaska Native Women

    Announcement Type: New Limited Competition.
    Funding Announcement Number: [HHS-2010-IHS-MHCEP-0001].
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.231.

Key Dates

    Letter of Intent Deadline: August 26, 2010.
    Application Deadline Date: September 15, 2010.
    Review Date: September 17, 2010.
    Earliest Anticipated Start Date: September 30, 2010.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Statutory Authority

    The Indian Health Service (IHS) is accepting competitive 
cooperative agreement (CA) applications for Project CHOICES Pilot 
Implementation and Evaluation for American Indian and Alaska Native 
Women (CHOICES AI/AN) . This program is authorized under: Section 
301(a) of the Public Health Service Act as amended and the Snyder Act, 
25 U.S.C. 1653(c), the Indian Health Care Improvement Act Public Law 
94-437, as amended by Public Law 102-573 and Public Law 111-148. This 
program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance 
under 93.231.

Background

    Alcohol use during pregnancy is an important public health concern 
with objectives for reducing this behavior in Healthy People 2010 [U.S. 
Department of Health and Human Services. Healthy People 2010. 2nd 
Edition. Understanding and Improving Health. Vol 1. Washington, DC: 
U.S. Government Printing Office, November 2000]. The 2005 U.S. Surgeon 
General's advisory on alcohol use in pregnancy advises women who are 
pregnant or considering becoming pregnant to abstain from using 
alcohol. Prenatal alcohol exposure can lead to a spectrum of adverse 
consequences for the fetus including poor birth outcomes and low birth 
weight. This wide range of effects is known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum 
Disorders (FASD) with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) representing the 
most severe condition. Children with FAS have facial abnormalities, 
pronounced neuro-developmental disorders, and growth deficits. The 
lifetime cost for one individual with FAS in 2001 was estimated to be 
$2 million. This is an average for people with FAS and does not include 
data on people with other FASDs.
    Prenatal alcohol use is a leading preventable cause of birth 
defects and developmental disabilities in the U.S. The Centers for 
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly 
Report (MMWR) dated May 2009 cites studies showing that 0.2 to 1.5 
cases of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) occur for every 1,000 live births 
in certain areas of the United States. Other studies using different 
methods have estimated the rate of FAS at 0.5 to 2.0 cases per 1,000 
live births. CDC studies find that approximately 1 in 2 childbearing-
aged women report past-month alcohol use, with 1 in 8 reporting binge 
drinking. This figure has remained stable over a 15 year period. (The 
National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse currently defines 
binge drinking in women as 4 drinks or more per occasion). The 
Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) 2008 state-specific 
weighted prevalence estimates of alcohol use among women aged 18-44 
years for any use defined as one or more drinks during the last 30 days 
ranged from 20.4% in Utah to 68.4% in Wisconsin. For binge drinking 
defined as 4 or more drinks on any one occasion during the last 30 days 
the prevalence estimates ranged from 6.5% in Utah to 23.9% in 
Wisconsin.
    Reported prevalence rates of FAS among American Indians and Alaska 
Natives (AI/AN) tend to be higher than U.S. prevalence rates of FAS 
overall. CDC studies have reported rates among Alaska Natives to be 
3.0-5.2 per 1,000 live births. A study of FAS prevalence rates in 
Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, and New York for years 1995-1997 reported 
similar findings in Alaska Natives with a rate of 5.86 per 1,000 live 
births and 0.3 in non-Native populations.
    Most women reduce alcohol consumption once they learn they are 
pregnant. However, many of the women who use alcohol and are sexually 
active but not using contraception will become pregnant. Furthermore, 
they do not recognize pregnancy until well into the first trimester 
after fetal organs have already been damaged by prenatal alcohol 
exposure. Many of the women who are using contraception are using it 
ineffectively increasing the risk for an alcohol-exposed pregnancy 
(AEP). For pregnant women 12.2% (about 1 in 8) reported any alcohol use 
in the past 30 days.
    In January 2003, the CDC published the results of a feasibility 
study (Project CHOICES) intended to design and test a brief 
motivational intervention for reducing alcohol-exposed pregnancies 
among women who are at high risk for such pregnancies. CDC collaborated 
with three universities in the development of the study with each site 
identifying community-based settings with high proportions of women at 
risk for AEP. Six special study settings confirmed to have a high 
proportion of women at risk for an AEP included jails, alcohol and drug 
treatment centers, an inner-city obstetrics and gynecology clinic at a 
university-based hospital, publicly supported primary clinics in 
Virginia (urban) and Florida (suburban), and a media-recruited cohort 
of women. High risk women were defined as 18-44 years of age, fertile, 
sexually active and not using effective contraception, and drinking 
more than 7 drinks per week and/or 5 drinks per occasion in the past 
month. Each woman was provided with a 4-session motivation counseling 
intervention and a family planning consultation and services visit in a 
pilot study to test the feasibility of the intervention. At 6 months 
follow-up, 69% of women had reduced their risk for an AEP by either 
decreasing their drinking levels and/or instituting effective 
contraception. [Project CHOICES Research Group. Alcohol-exposed 
pregnancy: characteristics associated with risk. Am J Prev Med 
2002:23:166-73.] This study was followed up by a randomized controlled 
trial to test the efficacy of the intervention using the same protocol 
developed for the feasibility study. [Floyd RL, Sobell M, Velasquez MM, 
et al. Preventing Alcohol-Exposed Pregnancies: A Randomized Controlled 
Trial. Am J Prev Med. 2007;32(1):1-10] The results of the clinical 
trial found that the odds of reducing risk for an AEP among women 
receiving an intervention were twice that of women in the control 
group. Currently, CHOICES is being implemented in a number of public 
health settings including alcohol and drug treatment centers, sexually 
transmitted disease (STD) clinics, and community health clinics.

Purpose

    The IHS seeks to support and educate AI/AN women of child bearing 
years in making healthy choices while enhancing their use of effective 
contraceptive practices. The purpose of this limited competition 
announcement is to implement and evaluate the

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CHOICES core intervention model with AI/AN women who meet high-risk 
criteria for an AEP. It has been determined that the CHOICES model as 
demonstrated in published studies has relevance for AI/AN communities. 
The IHS will fund one project as a cooperative agreement. The three 
year pilot will serve to determine the utility and suitability of the 
CHOICES model by tailoring it to the needs of AI/AN women across three 
settings in Native communities. The primary intervention is a brief 
intervention using motivational counseling techniques and family 
planning consultation and services in clinical and community based 
settings. The funded project will evaluate and further refine CDC-
developed client materials intended for an AI/AN audience. This will be 
accomplished utilizing broad community-based oversight.
    The CDC will provide technical assistance (TA) to the funded 
project for the training and support of health care providers who 
implement the evidenced-based CHOICES intervention in AI/AN 
communities. The CDC and IHS will provide TA to the overall evaluation 
plan and its implementation in the funded settings. TA will help define 
process measures as CHOICES is implemented in the three sites to better 
understand feasibility for future public health planning in AI/AN 
communities. A final report of the results of the intervention delivery 
experience will be compiled for a final report due at the end of the 
funding period. This report will include outcomes and lessons learned 
with recommendations regarding future dissemination activities for 
Tribes, regional stakeholders, CDC and IHS. Substantive TA will be 
provided by the IHS and CDC working in collaboration. See Programmatic 
Involvement below.
    For funding, the CHOICES AI/AN project must address the following:
    1. Provide state and local data demonstrating high proportions of 
AI/AN women of reproductive years at high risk for an AEP.
    2. Describe the process for tailoring the CHOICES intervention to 
ensure it is culturally relevant and appropriate for women at high risk 
for an AEP in selected AI/AN settings.
    3. Describe how local resource capacity needed to conduct the 
CHOICES intervention will be assessed.
    4. Demonstrate knowledge of the CHOICES program and methods to 
ensure fidelity in the delivery of the intervention.
    5. Demonstrate knowledge of the CHOICES training of providers as it 
is currently modeled and ability to facilitate and host training with 
CDC providing the trainer.
    6. Demonstrate familiarity with the CHOICES client materials used 
during the identification and intervention or counseling phase.
    7. Develop marketing initiatives for the AI/AN and IHS stakeholders 
that describe the intervention and its benefits to providers caring for 
childbearing-aged women, culturally appropriate fact sheets and 
promotional materials, and estimates of the resources needed to manage 
the intervention.
    8. Describe motivational counseling as it is applied in the CHOICES 
model.
    9. Facilitate the development and activities of a collaborative 
group consisting of three selected sites to provide mutual support and 
feedback as they implement CHOICES.
    10. Facilitate selected sites as they adapt the CHOICES materials 
for AI/AN populations describing approaches that address social and 
cultural aspects and a community oversight process.
    11. Demonstrate ability to develop an evaluation plan and to 
conduct a program evaluation using process, impact and outcome 
measures.
    12. Demonstrate experience with cooperative agreements and 
collaborative work including substantive TA.
    13. Describe ability to report aggregate findings from the three 
site(s) on core measures, and how the use of training support and 
client materials developed by the project could enhance public health 
FASD prevention work in other AI/AN communities.
    14. Identify additional potential funding to sustain the agencies/
tribal entities that implement the intervention.

II. Award Information

Type of Awards

    Cooperative Agreement (CA).

Estimated Funds Available

    The total amount of funding identified for the current fiscal year 
FY 2010 is approximately $200,000. 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 funded under this announcement.

Anticipated Number of Awards

    One award will be issued under this program announcement.

Project Period

    Three years.

Programmatic Involvement

    Substantive programmatic involvement will be provided under this 
CA. The IHS Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Coordinator or designee 
will serve as the project officer for the project. The MCH program will 
provide oversight and TA in the implementation and evaluation 
activities. The MCH program will track project achievements through 
participation on conference calls, development of a listserv, review of 
agendas, minutes, and through the conduct of site visits annually. The 
MCH program will provide assistance in the development of a national 
dissemination plan. The CDC National Center on Birth Defects and 
Developmental Disabilities (NCBDD) will be consulted in use and 
provision of the generic training materials; in the conduct of training 
sessions by skilled professionals; and in overall project delivery and 
evaluation. NCBDD will make available the CHOICES Intervention package 
of materials for tailoring to the needs of AI/AN women as appropriate.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligibility

    Applicant must be one of the following: A Federally-recognized 
Indian Tribe as defined by 25 U.S.C. 1603(d); A Tribal organization as 
defined by 25 U.S.C. 1603(e); or an Urban Indian organization as 
defined by the Public Law 94-437, the Indian Healthcare Improvement Act 
(IHCIA), as amended, Title V urban health organization.
    This is a limited competition.
Definitions
    Indian tribe means any Indian tribe, band, nation, or other 
organized group or community, including any Alaska Native village or 
group or regional or village corporation as defined in or established 
pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (85 Stat. 688) [43 
U.S.C. 1601 et seq.], which is recognized as eligible for the special 
programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because 
of their status as Indians. 25 U.S.C. 1603(d).
    Tribal organization means the elected governing body or any legally 
established organization of Indians which is controlled by one or more 
such bodies or by a board of directors elected or selected by one or 
more such bodies (or elected by the Indian population to be served by 
such organization) and which includes the maximum participation of 
Indians in all phases of its activities. 25 U.S.C. 1603(e).

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    Urban Indian organization means a non-profit corporate 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(h).
    The applicant must include the project and a justified and itemized 
budget narrative as attachments to the application package. All 
Mandatory documents as noted under section IV.2. must be provided.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    The Program does not require matching funds or cost sharing.

3. Other Requirements

    If application budgets exceed the stated dollar amount that is 
outlined within this announcement it will not be considered for 
funding.
    A letter of intent is required.
    The following documentation 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 Management (DGM) prior to the 
beginning of the Objective Review. If an official signed resolution is 
not received by September 17, 2010, the application will be considered 
incomplete, ineligible for review, and returned to the applicant 
without further consideration. Applicants submitting additional 
documentation after the initial application submission are required to 
ensure the information was received by the IHS by obtaining 
documentation confirming delivery (i.e. FedEx tracking, postal return 
receipt, etc.).
    Nonprofit urban IHS 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

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

2. Content and Form Application Submission

    The applicant must include the project narrative as an attachment 
to the application package.
    Mandatory documents for all applicants include:
     Application forms:
    [cir] SF-424.
    [cir] SF-424A.
    [cir] SF-424B.
     Budget Narrative (must be single spaced).
     Project Narrative (must not exceed 10 pages).
     Font size: 12 point unreduced.
     Single spaced.
     8 \1/2\'' x 11'' paper.
     Page margin size: One inch.
     Tribal Resolution or Tribal Letter 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.
    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 MS 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 (3 Page Limitation)
    Section 1: Needs and Current Activities
    Describe the population to be served including risk characteristics 
for an AEP. Describe the current public health programming, clinical 
and community services, and settings as applicable to the population to 
be served. Describe their ability to participate in implementing 
CHOICES. Describe prior experience and past achievements in addressing 
women and risky drinking. Describe knowledge and experience with 
CHOICES programming and materials.
Section 2: Organizational Capacity
    Describe organizational capacity to conduct and evaluate an 
intervention.
    Describe ability to manage and utilize technical assistance under a 
cooperative agreement. Describe key personnel and their specific 
experience in public health interventions designed to reduce alcohol 
exposed pregnancies. Describe experience in producing and facilitating 
training sessions. Describe experience in working with advisory groups. 
Describe ability to review and adapt training materials for an AI/AN 
audience. Describe experience and ability to develop comprehensive 
reports including the interpretation of process, impact and outcome 
measures.
Part B: Program Planning and Evaluation (6 Page Limitation)
    Section 1: Program Plans
    This is a pilot project and as such should be designed to address 
feasible approaches to the implementation of CHOICES in at least three 
clinical and community settings that serve AI/AN women of child bearing 
years. Urban and Tribal settings should be included. Program plans 
should address culturally specific approaches. Include support 
structures for facilitation and oversight of the implementation and 
evaluation. A three-year timeline with emphasis on year one should be 
described. A time line may be separately appended. Plan should include 
accountabilities for project monitoring, training schedule(s), 
materials review and revision if necessary, and the implementation plan 
for roll out at each site in year one of this three year project.

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Section 2: Program Evaluation
    Applicants will need to demonstrate their ability to evaluate this 
program as described in the literature, reporting and aggregating the 
findings from their pilot site(s) on a variety of measures over time. 
Measures should include a 6 month follow-up of women assessing reduced 
risk for an AEP by either decreasing their drinking levels and/or 
instituting effective contraception.
Part C: Program Report (1 Page Limitation)
    Section 1: Reporting Capabilities
    Describe reporting capacity and experience. Describe the reports, 
accompanying materials and exhibits that would be anticipated during 
the first year of the CHOICES pilot and throughout the project period. 
Append examples. Include description of training and client materials 
relevant to urban Indian and tribal settings and potential barriers to 
their development. Describe how all materials will be made available 
for local use in hard-copy as well as electronic. Applicant must 
describe how this project could be expanded nationally.
Section 2: Prior Accomplishments
    Describe major activities and lessons learned over the past 12 to 
24 months related to reducing AEP. Describe goals and key objectives 
achieved.
    B. Budget Narrative: This narrative must describe the budget 
requested and match the scope of work described in the project 
narrative for Project Year I. It should be itemized and justified. The 
page limitation should not exceed 3 pages. Separate one page budgets 
for each of the Project Years II and III should be provided.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 
September 15, 2010 at 12 midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST). Any 
application received after the application deadline will not be 
accepted for processing, and it will be returned to the applicant(s) 
without further consideration for funding.
    If technical challenges arise and assistance is required with the 
electronic application process, contact Grants.gov Customer Support via 
e-mail 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 Paul Gettys, Division 
of Grants Policy (DGP) (Paul.Gettys@ihs.gov) or call (301) 443-5204. 
Please be sure to contact Mr. Gettys 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 (see 6. Electronic Submission Requirements for 
additional information). 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 DGM (Refer to Section IV 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.
    Letters of Intent: Due August 26, 2010.
    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 Management to the attention of Denise Clark by 
August 26, 2010. Please submit all letters of intent via fax to (301) 
443-9602. Your LoI must reference the funding opportunity number, 
application deadline date, and your eligibility status. The letter must 
be signed by the authorized organizational official within your entity.

4. Intergovernmental Review

    Executive Order 12372 requiring intergovernmental review is not 
applicable to this program.

5. Funding Restrictions

     Pre-award costs are/are not allowable pending prior 
approval from the awarding agency. However, in accordance with 45 CFR 
Part 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.
     IHS will not acknowledge receipt of applications.

6. Electronic Submission Requirements

    The preferred method for receipt of applications is electronic 
submission through Grants.gov. However, should any technical challenges 
arise regarding the submission, please contact Grants.gov Customer 
Support at (800) 518-4726 or support@grants.gov. The Contact Center 
hours of operation are 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is closed on 
all Federal holidays. The applicant must seek assistance at least 
fifteen days prior to the application deadline. Applicants that do not 
adhere to the timelines for Central Contractor Registry (CCR) and/or 
Grants.gov registration and/or requesting timely assistance with 
technical issues will not be a candidate for paper applications. Use 
the https://www.Grants.gov Web site to submit an application 
electronically and select the ``Apply for Grants'' link on the 
homepage. Download a copy of the application package, complete it 
offline, and then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov 
Web site. Electronic copies of the application may not be submitted as 
attachments to e-mail messages addressed to IHS employees or offices.
    Applicants that receive a waiver to submit paper application 
documents must follow the rules and timelines that are noted below. The 
applicant must seek assistance at least ten days prior to the 
application deadline.
    Applicants that do not adhere to the timelines for Central 
Contractor Registry (CCR) and/or Grants.gov registration and/or request 
timely assistance with technical issues will not be considered for a 
waiver to submit a paper application.
    Please be aware of the following:
     Please search for the application package in Grants.gov by 
entering the CFDA number or the Funding Opportunity Number. Both 
numbers are located in the header of this announcement.
     Paper applications are not the preferred method for 
submitting applications. However, if you experience technical 
challenges while submitting your application electronically, please 
contact Grants.gov Support directly at: https://www.Grants.gov/CustomerSupport or (800) 518-4726. Customer Support is available to 
address questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (except on Federal 
holidays).
     Upon contacting Grants.gov, obtain a tracking number as 
proof of contact. The tracking number is helpful if there are technical 
issues that cannot be resolved and waiver from the agency must be 
obtained.

[[Page 51087]]

     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 DGM by the deadline date of September 15, 2010.
     Applicants are strongly encouraged not to wait until the 
deadline date to begin the application process through Grants.gov as 
the registration process for CCR and Grants.gov could take up to 
fifteen working days.
     Please use the optional attachment feature in Grants.gov 
to attach additional documentation that may be requested by the DGM.
     All applicants must comply with any page limitation 
requirements described in this Funding Announcement.
     After you electronically submit your application, you will 
receive an automatic acknowledgment from Grants.gov that contains a 
Grants.gov tracking number. The DGM will download your application from 
Grants.gov and provide necessary copies to the appropriate agency 
officials. Neither the DGM nor the Maternal and Child Health Program 
will notify applicants that the application has been received.
    E-mail applications will not be accepted under this announcement.
Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)
    Applicants are required to have a DUNS number to apply for a grant 
or cooperative agreement from the Federal Government. The DUNS number 
is a unique nine-digit identification number provided by D&B, which 
uniquely identifies your entity. The DUNS number is site specific; 
therefore each distinct performance site may be assigned a DUNS number. 
Obtaining a DUNS number is easy and there is no charge. To obtain a 
DUNS number, you may access it through the following Web site https://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 Registry (CCR) and a DUNS number is 
required before an applicant can complete their CCR registration. 
Registration with the CCR is free of charge. Applicants may register 
online at https://www.ccr.gov. Additional information regarding the 
DUNS, CCR, and Grants.gov processes can be found at: https://www.Grants.gov.
    Applicants may register by calling 1(866) 606-8220. Please review 
and complete the CCR Registration worksheet located at https://www.ccr.gov.

V. Application Review Information

    Points will be assigned to each evaluation criteria adding up to a 
total of 100 points. A minimum score of 70 points is required for 
funding. Points are assigned as follows:

1. Evaluation Criteria

Program Information 20 Points
    Service population is described including risk characteristics for 
an Alcohol Exposed Pregnancy (AEP). Current clinical and community 
services and settings are detailed. Experience of the Project Choices 
(CHOICES) program is described. Ability to facilitate training, use of 
CHOICES materials, and ability to conduct implementation and evaluation 
of a project is described. Ability to adapt the materials for cultural 
acceptability for an AI/AN version while maintaining fidelity to the 
CHOICES model is described. Organizational capacity and key personnel 
are described.
Program Planning 30 Points
    Project plan to implement CHOICES in three sites is described 
including enrollment and outreach activities. Approaches to address 
culture specific issues are described. Support structures for oversight 
of the implementation and evaluation are described. A three-year 
timeline with emphasis on year one is described and appended. Project 
monitoring activities are detailed.
Program Evaluation 30 Points
    Evidence based CHOICES measures are described in the evaluation 
plan. Measures include a 6 month follow-up methodology for women to 
assess risk reduction and/or institution of effective contraception. 
Accountabilities for evaluation are described including process, 
impact, and outcome measures.
Program Report 10 Points
    Reporting plan is outlined. The anticipated CHOICES materials 
adapted in Project Year I training and implementation phase are 
described. Materials development, enhancement and revisions are clearly 
described. Individual pilot site updates and program evaluation 
measures have clear expectations and timelines. Development of a 
communications plan separate from the semi-annual reports with project 
officer; other consultants and advisors; and pilot sites is described.
Budget 10 points
    A categorical budget is provided. Budget is itemized and is 
accompanied by a justified narrative for each item. Costs are 
reflective of the goals and objectives of the project.

2. Review and Selection

    Each application will be prescreened by the DGM staff for 
eligibility and completeness as outlined in the funding announcement. 
Incomplete applications and applications that are non-responsive to the 
eligibility criteria will not be referred to the Objective Review 
Committee. Applicants will be notified by DGM, via letter, to outline 
the missing components of the application.
    To obtain a minimum score for funding, applicants must address all 
program requirements and provide all required documentation. Applicants 
that receive less than a minimum score will be informed via e-mail of 
their application's deficiencies. An Executive Summary Statement 
outlining the strengths and weaknesses of the application will be 
provided to these applicants. The Executive Summary Statement will be 
sent to the Authorized Organizational Representative that is identified 
on the face page of the application.
    Applications that meet eligibility requirements, are complete, and 
conform to this announcement will be subject to the competitive 
objective review and evaluation by an Ad Hoc Review Committee of 
Tribal, IHS, and other Federal or non-Federal reviewers. Applications 
will be reviewed against criteria. Reviewers will assign a numerical 
score to each application which will be used to rank applications. The 
review process will be directed by the DGM staff to ensure compliance 
with the HHS and IHS grant review guidelines.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

    The Notice of Award (NoA) will be initiated by the DGM and will be 
mailed via postal mail to each entity that is approved for funding 
under this announcement. The NoA will be signed by the Grants 
Management Officer and this is the authorizing document for which funds 
are dispersed to the approved entities. The NoA will serve as the 
official notification of the grant award and will reflect the amount of 
Federal funds awarded for the purpose of the grant, the terms and 
conditions of the award, the effective date of the

[[Page 51088]]

award, and the budget/project period. The NoA is the legally binding 
document and is signed by an authorized grants official within the IHS.

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 Higher Education, Hospitals, 
and other Non-profit Organizations.
    C. Grants Policy:
     HHS Grants Policy Statement, Revised 01/07.
    D. Cost Principles:
     Title 2: Grant and Agreements, Part 225--Cost Principles 
for State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments (OMB A-87).
     Title 2: Grant and Agreements, Part 230--Cost Principles 
for Non-Profit Organizations (OMB Circular A-122).
    E. Audit Requirements:
     OMB Circular A-133, Audits of States, Local Governments, 
and Non-profit Organizations.

3. Indirect Costs

    This section applies to all grant recipients that request 
reimbursement of indirect costs in their grant application. In 
accordance with HHS Grants Policy Statement, 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 DGM at the time of award, the indirect cost portion of 
the budget will be restricted. The restrictions remain in place until 
the current rate is provided to the DGM.
    Generally, indirect costs rates for IHS grantees are negotiated 
with the Division of Cost Allocation https://rates.psc.gov/ and the 
Department of Interior (National Business Center) https://www.aqd.nbc.gov/services/ICS.aspx. If your organization has questions 
regarding the indirect cost policy, please call (301) 443-5204 to 
request assistance.

4. Reporting Requirements

    Failure to submit required reports within the time allowed may 
result in suspension or termination of an active 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.
    The reporting requirements for this program are noted below.
A. Progress Reports
    Program progress reports are required semi-annually of each funding 
year. These reports 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/outlined in award letter. A 
final report must be submitted within 90 days of expiration of the 
budget/project period.
B. Financial Reports
    Semi-annual Financial Status Reports (FSR) reports must be 
submitted within 30 days after the budget period ends.
    Final FSRs are due within 90 days of expiration of the project 
period. Standard Form 269 (long form for those reporting on program 
income; short form for all others) will be used for financial 
reporting.
    Federal Cash Transaction Reports are due every calendar quarter to 
the Division of Payment Management, Payment Management Branch, 
Department of Health and Human Services at: https://www.dpm.gov. 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 semi-annually. Financial Status Reports (SF-269) are due 90 days 
after each budget period and the final SF-269 must be verified from the 
grantee records on how the value was derived.
    Telecommunication for the hearing impaired is available at: TTY 
(301) 443-6394.

VII. Agency Contacts

    Grants (Business):
    Mr. Andrew Diggs, 801 Thompson Ave., Reyes Bldg., Suite 360, 
Rockville, MD 20852, Telephone: (301) 443-5204, E-mail: 
Andrew.Diggs@ihs.gov.
    Program (Programmatic/Technical):
    Judith Thierry, 801 Thompson Ave., Reyes Bldg., Suite 300, 
Rockville, MD 20852, Telephone: (301) 443-5070, E-mail: 
Judith.Thierry@ihs.gov.
    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: August 12, 2010.
Randy Grinnell,
Deputy Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-20362 Filed 8-17-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165-16-P