Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes Funding Opportunity, 45272-45280 [2011-19144]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
• Indian Health Service

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 145 (Thursday, July 28, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45272-45280]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-19144]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service


Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes Funding 
Opportunity

    Announcement Type: Limited Competition.
    Funding Announcement Number: HHS-2011-IHS-NIHOE-0001.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.933.

    Key Dates:
    Application Deadline Date: August 2, 2011.
    Review Date: August 8, 2011.
    Earliest Anticipated Start Date: August 15, 2011.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Statutory Authority: The Indian Health Service (IHS) is accepting 
applications for two limited competition cooperative agreements.
    The IHS award includes the following three components, as described 
in this announcement: ``Retained Tribal Shares of Line Item 128 of the 
IHS Tribal Shares Table'' (Tribal Shares), ``Health Care Policy 
Analysis and Review'' and ``Tribal Leaders Diabetes Committee'' (TLDC). 
The IHS award is authorized under the Snyder Act, codified at 25 U.S.C. 
13.
    The CMS award, through IHS, includes the following component, as 
described in this announcement: ``CMS''. The CMS award is authorized 
under section 1110 of the Social Security Act, codified at 42 U.S.C. 
1310, via an Intra-Departmental Delegation of Authority from CMS to IHS 
dated April 15, 2011 (IDDA-11-92), to permit obligation of funding for 
CMS for analyses, research and studies to address the potential and 
actual impact of CMS programs on American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) 
beneficiaries and the health care system serving these beneficiaries.
    IHS will be administering the CMS award pursuant to the Economy 
Act, codified at 31 U.S.C. 1535. It is the intention of IHS and CMS 
that one entity will receive both awards. CMS and IHS will concur on 
the final decision as to who will receive the CMS award. Each award is 
funded by each respective agency's appropriation. The awardee is 
responsible for accounting for each of the two awards separately and 
must provide two separate financial reports (one for each award), as 
indicated in Section VI. Award Administration Information, Number 4. 
Reporting Requirements, Item A. Progress Reports and Item B. Financial 
Reports of this announcement.
    This program is described at 93.933 in the Catalog of Federal 
Domestic Assistance (CFDA).
    Background: Outreach and education programs (program) carry out 
health program objectives in the AI/AN community in the interest of 
improving Indian health care for all 565 Federally-recognized Tribes, 
including Tribal governments operating their own health care delivery 
systems through self-determination contracts with the IHS and Tribes 
that continue to receive health care directly from the IHS. This 
program addresses health policy and health programs issues and 
disseminates educational information to all AI/AN Tribes and villages. 
These awards require that public forums be held at Tribal educational 
consumer conferences to disseminate changes and updates in the latest 
health care information. These awards also require that regional and 
national meetings be coordinated for information dissemination as well 
as the inclusion of planning and technical assistance and health care 
recommendations on behalf of participating Tribes to ultimately inform 
IHS and CMS based on Tribal input through a broad based consumer 
network.
    Purpose: The purpose of these awards is to further IHS and CMS 
missions and goals related to providing quality health care to the AI/
AN community through outreach and education efforts with the sole 
outcome of improving Indian health care. The following health services 
components will be awarded:

IHS Cooperative Agreement Components

1. Tribal Shares
2. Health Care Policy Analysis and Review
3. TLDC

CMS Cooperative Agreement Component

1. CMS

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Cooperative Agreements.
    Estimated Funds Available: The total amount of funding identified 
for fiscal year (FY) 2011 is approximately $1,250,000 to fund the two 
cooperative agreements for one year. $300,000 is estimated for 
outreach, education, and support to Tribes who have elected to leave 
their Tribal Shares with the IHS (this amount could vary based on 
Tribal Share assumptions; Tribal Shares funding will be awarded in 
partial increments based on availability and amount of funding); 
$100,000 for the Health Care Policy Analysis and Review; $250,000 
associated with providing legislative education, outreach and 
communications support to the IHS TLDC and to facilitate Tribal 
consultation on the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI); and 
$600,000 for CMS. The awards under this announcement are subject to the 
availability of funds.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: Two awards are anticipated as 
follows: One IHS award comprised of the following three components: 
Tribal Shares; Health

[[Page 45273]]

Care Policy Analysis and Review; and TLDC; and one CMS award comprised 
of the following component: CMS.

IHS Award

    A. Tribal Shares portion of funding. Tribal Shares dollar amounts 
available for distribution to the awardee are determined each fiscal 
year by the IHS Office of Finance and Accounting; e.g., estimated 
initial set-aside amount and final determination of remaining balances 
after Tribes and Tribal Organizations (T/TO) have either contracted or 
compacted Programs, Functions, Services, and Activities from IHS. FY 
2011 is estimated at $300,000 total costs which may vary based on 
Tribal Shares assumption.
    B. Health Care Policy Analysis and Review in the amount of 
$100,000.
    C. TLDC in the amount of $250,000.
    Project Period: August 15, 2011 with completion by August 14, 2012.

CMS Award

    A. CMS in the amount of $600,000.
    Project Period: August 15, 2011 with completion by August 14, 2012.

IHS Award Activities

1. Tribal Shares Funding Is Utilized for Outreach, Education, and 
Support to Tribes
    The awardee is expected to:
    1. Host an Annual Consumer Conference to disseminate changes and 
updates on health care information relative to AI/AN.
    2. Host mid-year consumer conference(s) as appropriate to 
disseminate changes and updates on health care information relative to 
AI/AN.
    3. Conduct regional and national meeting coordination as 
appropriate.
    4. Conduct health care information dissemination as appropriate.
    5. Coordinate planning and technical assistance needs on behalf of 
T/TO to IHS and CMS.
    6. Convey health care recommendations on behalf of T/TO to IHS and 
CMS.
2. Health Care Policy Analysis and Review
    This funding component requires the awardee to provide IHS with 
research and analysis of the impact of CMS programs on AI/AN 
beneficiaries and the health care delivery system that serves these 
beneficiaries. The awardee will perform in-depth health care policy 
analysis and review of issues related to CMS rules and regulations and 
the impact on IHS beneficiaries. This is to include, but not be limited 
to, a special emphasis and focus on the health care policy issues 
related to the special provisions for Indians in the Affordable Care 
Act (ACA).
    The awardee will produce measurable outcomes to include:
    1. Analytical reports, policy review and recommendation documents--
The products will be in the form of written and/or electronic files 
that contain useful analysis relative to current and proposed health 
care policy and reform to be reported on a monthly or quarterly basis 
during the IHS and CMS teleconferences and face-to-face meetings with 
hard copies submitted to the Director, Office of Resource, Access and 
Partnerships, IHS.
    2. Educational and informational materials to be disseminated by 
the awardee and communicated to IHS and Tribal health program staff 
during monthly and quarterly conferences, the Annual Consumer 
Conference, meetings and training sessions. This can be in the form of 
power point presentations, informational brochures, and/or handout 
materials.
3. TLDC and Related Support Activities
    A. Coordination of travel and travel/per diem reimbursement of 12 
TLDC members and five Technical Advisors to attend four quarterly TLDC 
meetings in accordance with the approved TLDC charter. Amount: 
$150,000.
    Activities to be performed by the awardee include:
     Communicate directly with TLDC members (and alternates, as 
necessary) to arrange travel to TLDC meetings in accordance with the 
approved charter.
     Address and track all inquiries regarding travel 
arrangements and reimbursements for TLDC members and advisors (and 
alternates, as necessary) to attend planned TLDC meetings.
     Coordinate sharing of logistical information to TLDC 
members and advisors for meeting location and lodging with the IHS 
Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention (DDTP) contractor(s).
     Prepare and distribute reimbursement forms with clear 
instructions, in advance of the meeting and serve as the point of 
contact for communicating any additional travel information that is 
required.
     Establish a process to collect reimbursement forms from 
TLDC members and communicate this process to them.
     Establish and maintain a database on travel reimbursements 
and related meeting costs.
     Track and report all related travel and per diem costs.
     Coordinate and effect the timely reimbursement of approved 
participants' expenses within 30 days of the receipt of the claim 
forms.
     Maintain an active TLDC e-mail directory in order to 
assist the DDTP and the TLDC with broadcasting related meeting, travel 
and reimbursement information and soliciting related feedback.
     Include identified DDTP staff on all electronic 
correspondence to TLDC members.
    B. Provide education, outreach and communications support to 
communicate with Tribal leaders and Indian organizations about the 
progress of the TLDC and the SDPI grant program. Amount: $70,000.
    Activities to be performed by the awardee include:
     Gather and provide information on policy issues that are 
relevant to diabetes and related conditions in AI/ANs for the purpose 
of keeping TLDC membership up-to-date on such legislative information.
     Assist the TLDC with communication to Tribes, Tribal 
leaders, Indian organizations, and others about the success and 
outcomes of the SDPI and best practice information, to date.
     Coordinate sharing of TLDC information with national non-
profit organizations such as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation 
(JDRF) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) for improving 
outreach to Tribes and Tribal communities as well as education and 
outreach to non-Indian communities in America about AI/ANs living with 
diabetes.
     Participate in the development of meeting agendas for 
face-to-face and conference call meetings under the direction of the 
TLDC and DDTP.
     Support the DDTP activities at mid-year meetings and the 
Annual Consumer Conference, which will include a plenary presentation 
on diabetes and up to four workshops through the payment of presenter 
fees, registration fees and exhibit fees.
     Support presentations that address diabetes and related 
chronic disease issues among AI/ANs at national Tribal health care 
conferences through payment of presenter fees and costs for no more 
than three separate trips.
    C. Support collaborative efforts aimed at addressing obesity and 
AI/AN youth Annual Amount: $30,000.
    Activities to be performed by the awardee include:
     Address the findings in the report generated at the 
National Indian Health Board (NIHB)/IHS Obesity Prevention and 
Strategies in Native Youth Meeting held December 1, 2009 (contact DDTP 
for this report).

[[Page 45274]]

    [cir] Reconvene childhood obesity workgroup to review report cited 
above, review action steps and begin planning process.

CMS Award Activities

    1. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in the amount 
of $600,000.

CMS Research Projects

    CMS is funding five research activities/projects for FY 2011 in the 
amount of $600,000, subject to the availability of funding.
    The research projects are as follows:
    (1) CMS Regulations/Initiatives Impact Analysis Project Objective: 
$200,000--Assess the impact of the ACA through an analysis of CMS 
regulations and CMS initiatives that have a potential impact or effect 
on IHS, Tribal and Urban (I/T/U) providers and AI/AN beneficiaries. The 
objective is to determine and monitor the level of AI/AN participation 
in the CMS regulatory process and assess whether such participation 
contributes to the understanding of how CMS-related provisions in the 
ACA impact the financing and delivery of health care in the Indian 
health care system. Specific tasks include:
     Review the Federal Register to identify ACA CMS-related 
regulations and policies impacting I/T/U providers and prepare factual 
analysis on the potential impact on I/T/U providers and AI/AN 
beneficiaries.
     Analyze the impact of CMS regulations and CMS health 
reform initiatives on AI/AN access to Medicare, Medicaid and CHIP 
programs.
     Submit to the CMS Tribal Technical Advisory Group (TTAG) a 
bi-weekly status report of regulations and policies reviewed and 
commented on; such status report shall include a brief summary of the 
regulation, and a concise description of the impact of the regulation 
on I/T/U providers and AI/AN beneficiaries.
     Prepare for the CMS Tribal Affairs Group/Office of Public 
Engagement quarterly reports and an annual report which summarizes the 
impacts of the ACA CMS-related regulations and initiatives on provision 
of health care in the I/T/U system and AI/AN beneficiaries.
    (2) Data Research and Analysis Project Objective: $250,000--Refine 
inventory and analysis of AI/AN demographic, enrollment, and 
utilization data through coordinated review of CMS, IHS, Social 
Security Administration (SSA), Census and other data resources to 
develop strategies that make CMS data systems capable of reporting AI/
AN enrollment, service utilization, health status and payment data from 
the Medicare, Medicaid and CHIP programs to facilitate program planning 
and evaluation, performance measurement, health status monitoring, and 
targeted enrollment efforts. Coordinate and perform data analysis 
activities consistent with Health Insurance Portability and 
Accountability Act rules. Specific tasks include:
     Refine understanding of current data collection and 
reporting requirements and capabilities of the Medicare system and 
develop proposals for additional data collection and/or coordination of 
current efforts to ensure that the data accurately reflects enrollment 
and utilization of program services, and propose system changes to 
improve analytic capabilities.
     Refine proposals for protocols that accurately reflect 
appropriate collection of ethnicity data on national basis.
     Develop research protocols to determine rates of racial 
misclassification in current Medicaid data, determine difference in 
rates of Medicaid enrollment and services utilization between Medicaid 
racially identified AI/ANs and IHS AI/AN Active Users and other 
recipients, and analyze determinants which may cause differences in 
Medicaid use and payments for Medicaid racially identified AI/ANs and 
IHS AI/AN Active Users and other recipients.
     Prepare Medicare and Medicaid/CHIP annual reports that 
include findings from the analysis of the Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP 
data, identifies gaps in data collection, identifies shortcomings in 
system interactions, proposes CMS/IHS/SSA data interface protocols, and 
makes specific recommendations on additional data systems improvements.
     Propose and analyze approaches necessary to change and 
augment data collection systems and other information needed to support 
all reporting required under the ACA, Children's Health Insurance 
Program Reauthorization Act (CHIPRA) and American Recovery and 
Reinvestment Act (ARRA), and propose reporting mechanisms and protocols 
for such reporting.
    (3) CMS Day and other Research Education Activities Project 
Objective: $100,000--Provide a national forum and educational 
opportunity for sharing the results of CMS-sponsored research and 
education and outreach efforts with Tribal leadership, Tribal program 
directors and staff, Tribal beneficiaries and IHS leadership and 
program staff to enhance information sharing between CMS and the Indian 
health care system. Specific tasks include:
     Within 30 business days after the effective date of the 
CMS cooperative agreement award, participate in a conference call or 
meeting with CMS and IHS to clarify the goals and objectives of a CMS 
Day during the Annual Consumer Conference and to discuss the agenda for 
CMS Day.
     Within ten business days after initial meeting, forward to 
the IHS and CMS Project Officers for approval a preliminary plan that 
includes methodology for surveying Tribes or other methodologies to 
determine the most appropriate ways to share CMS information and make 
use of CMS Day and a preliminary plan for meeting logistics.
     Collaborate with the TTAG throughout the planning phase to 
ensure their input is obtained on the agenda and other meeting 
developments.
     Make all necessary arrangements with the convention site 
to acquire and ensure ample conference rooms, audio-visual equipment, 
and appropriate room set-ups for this one day CMS meeting.
     Extend the invitation to any Tribal participants who are 
identified as part of the survey/information gathering process to 
determine who should participate in the CMS Day and the best methods 
for further information sharing.
     Meet periodically with CMS and IHS to discuss progress for 
the CMS Day and incorporate all changes recommended by the agencies.
     Provide periodic progress updates.
     Prepare the final draft CMS Day agenda that incorporates 
recommendations from CMS, IHS and the TTAG.
     Include up to 40 CMS staff and presenters to permit key 
staff to participate in the Conference and present on research findings 
and conduct outreach related activities on CMS Day.
     Develop and disseminate evaluation forms after each 
session to permit CMS, IHS and the TTAG to determine how to improve 
current practices and identify other areas where training is needed to 
determine other areas for research and outreach.
    (4) Strategic Plan Development and Analysis Project Objective: 
$25,000--Revise and update the current TTAG Strategic Plan (currently 
for the years 2010-2015) to include recent new authorities in the ACA 
and other changes as they have developed through CHIPRA and ARRA. With 
the recent statutory authorization for a permanent TTAG, this plan 
reflects the commitment of CMS to ongoing input from the TTAG on the 
administration of

[[Page 45275]]

CMS programs in Indian Country. Specific tasks include:
     Revise and update the current strategic plan to include 
the years 2012-2018.
     Review objectives stated in the plan for current relevance 
and update and propose new objectives as appropriate in line with 
current program status.
     Review and propose new action steps in the plan as 
appropriate.
     Review and propose new budget categories and priorities to 
align the plan with the CMS budget process and funding mechanisms.
     Coordinate at least one in-person meeting of the Strategic 
Plan Subcommittee and conduct in-person interviews with CMS Baltimore 
headquarters staff as part of the process of updating objectives, 
action steps and budget alignment.
    (5) Consultation Policy Development Project Objective: $25,000--
Provide research support and approaches/options for the development of 
a CMS specific Tribal consultation policy. CMS currently does not have 
an agency specific policy and needs to develop a policy consonant with 
the recently revised HHS policy. Specific tasks include:
     Review the newly developed HHS policy for impact on 
individual agencies.
     Review the CMS draft plan developed in 2008 for consonance 
with the new HHS policy.
     Review all other currently approved HHS Operating 
Divisions' policies for potential impact and inclusion of approaches in 
a new CMS policy.
     Survey Tribal leadership for input on how to develop an 
effective CMS policy.
     Coordinate at least one in-person meeting of the Tribal 
Consultation Subcommittee and participate in in-person interviews with 
CMS Baltimore headquarters staff on specific areas such as budget and 
regulation development to ensure full understanding of all CMS 
perspectives.
     Prepare an options paper and specific language for all 
aspects of the proposed CMS Consultation policy.
     Provide ongoing review and updates as CMS policy becomes 
operational.
    Roles of Involvement: In accordance with the Federal Grant and 
Cooperative Agreement Act of 1977, two cooperative agreements will be 
awarded, as IHS and CMS will have substantial programmatic involvement 
as applicable with the awardee in carrying out each of the two awards 
as noted in the following delineated roles of involvement to further 
IHS and CMS health program objectives in the AI/AN community with 
outreach and education efforts in the interest of improving Indian 
health care.
    Cooperative Agreements--Involvement of Parties: The awardee is 
responsible for the following in addition to fulfilling all 
requirements noted for each award component: Tribal Shares, Health Care 
Policy Analysis and Review, TLDC, and CMS:
    (1) To facilitate a forum or forums where concerns can be heard 
that are representative of all Tribal Governments in the area of health 
care policy analysis and program development for each of the four 
components listed above;
    (2) To assure that health care outreach and education is based on 
Tribal input through a broad-based consumer network involving the Area 
Indian Health Boards or Health Board Representatives from each of the 
twelve IHS Areas;
    (3) To establish relationships with other national Indian 
organizations, with professional groups and with Federal, State and 
local entities supportive of AI/AN health programs;
    (4) To improve and expand access for AI/AN Tribal Governments to 
all available programs within the HHS;
    (5) To disseminate timely health care information to Tribal 
Governments, AI/AN Health Boards, other national Indian organizations, 
professional groups, Federal, State, and local entities;
    (6) To provide an opportunity for Tribal Government officials to 
share their concerns, challenges, and recommendations for improving 
health care delivery through the IHS in forums designed to provide 
training, technical assistance and appropriate policy discussions; and
    (7) To provide periodic dissemination of health care information, 
including publication of a newsletter four times a year that features 
articles on health promotion/disease prevention activities and models 
of best or improving practices, health policy and funding information 
relevant to AI/AN, etc.
    Programmatic involvement of IHS staff in IHS and CMS awards: (IHS 
will be administering the CMS award pursuant to the Economy Act, 
codified at 31 U.S.C. 1535):
    (1) The IHS assigned program official will work in partnership with 
the awardee in all decisions involving strategy, hiring of personnel, 
deployment of resources, release of public information materials, 
quality assurance, coordination of activities, any training, reports, 
budget and evaluation. Collaboration includes data analysis, 
interpretation of findings and reporting.
    (2) The IHS assigned program official will monitor the overall 
progress of the awardee's execution of the requirements of the IHS 
award and the CMS award noted above, as well as their adherence to the 
terms and conditions of the cooperative agreements. This includes 
providing guidance for required reports, development of tools, and 
other products, interpreting program findings and assistance with 
evaluation and overcoming any slippages encountered.
    (3) The IHS assigned program official will work closely with CMS 
and all participating IHS health services/programs as appropriate per 
their requirements noted in each of their respective sections.
    (4) The IHS assigned program official will coordinate the following 
for CMS and the participating IHS program offices and staff:
     Discussion and release of any and all special grant 
conditions upon fulfillment.
     Monthly scheduled conference calls.
     Appropriate dissemination of required reports to each 
participating program.
    (5) IHS will jointly with the awardee plan and set an agenda for 
the Annual Consumer Conference that:
     Shares the training and/or accomplishments.
     Fosters collaboration among the participating program 
offices, agencies and/or departments.
     Increases visibility for the partnerships between the 
awardee IHS, and CMS.
    (6) IHS will provide guidance in addressing deliverables and 
requirements.
    (7) IHS will provide guidance in preparing articles for publication 
and/or presentations of program successes, lessons learned and new 
findings.
    (8) IHS staff will review articles concerning the HHS for accuracy 
and may, if requested by the awardee, provide relevant articles.
    (9) IHS will communicate via monthly conference calls, individual 
or collective site visits, and monthly meetings.
    (10) IHS will provide technical assistance to the awardee as 
requested.
    (11) IHS staff may, at the request of the entity's board, 
participate on study groups, in board meetings, and may recommend 
topics for analysis and discussion.

III. Eligibility

1. Eligible Applicants

    Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) non-profit entities who meet 
the following criteria:

[[Page 45276]]

    Eligible entities must have demonstrated expertise in the following 
areas:
     Representing all Tribal governments and providing a 
variety of services to Tribes, Area Health Boards, Tribal 
organizations, and Federal agencies, and playing a major role in 
focusing attention on Indian health care needs, resulting in progress 
for Tribes.
     Promotion and support of Indian education, and 
coordinating efforts to inform AI/AN of Federal decisions that affect 
Tribal government interests including the improvement of Indian health 
care.
     National health policy and health programs administration.
     Have a national AI/AN constituency and clearly support 
critical services and activities within the IHS mission of improving 
the quality of health care for AI/AN people.
     Portray evidence of their solid support of improved 
healthcare in Indian Country.
    IHS will be available to provide technical assistance to eligible 
applicants that meet the above criteria.

2. Limited Competition Announcement

    This is a Limited Competition announcement. The funding levels 
noted include both direct and indirect costs. Applicant must address 
both projects. Applicants must provide a separate budget for each award 
and each budget may not exceed the maximum funding level from each 
agency. Limited competition refers to a funding opportunity that limits 
the eligibility to compete to more than one entity but less than all 
entities.

3. Other Required Information

    (1) Cost Sharing or Matching--The IHS and CMS awards do not require 
matching funds or cost sharing.
    (2) Other Requirements
     If the budgets submitted in the applications exceed the 
stated dollar amounts outlined within this announcement, the 
applications will not be considered for funding.
     Applications proposing other projects will be considered 
ineligible and will be returned to the applicant.

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 of Application Submission

    Mandatory documents for both the IHS award and the CMS award 
include:
     SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance.
     SF-424A Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs.
     SF-424B Assurances--Non-Construction Programs.
     Four separate budget narratives, one for each of the four 
components (not to exceed 2 single-spaced pages each). Four separate 
project narratives, one for each of the four components (not to exceed 
10 single-spaced pages each)
     Health Board resolution (if applicable).
     501(c)(3) Non-Profit Certification.
     Resumes for all key personnel.
     Position descriptions.
     Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF LLL) (if 
applicable).
     Copy of current negotiated indirect cost (IDC) rate 
agreement (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.
Public Policy Requirements
    All Federal-wide public policies apply to IHS grantees with the 
exception of the Discrimination policy. All guidelines provided in this 
announcement apply to both the IHS and CMS awards.
Requirements for Project and Budget Narratives
    A. Project Narratives for each of the four components: This 
announcement is for two cooperative agreements; the narrative should be 
a separate Word document that is no longer than ten pages for each 
component: IHS will have 30 pages for three components and CMS will 
have ten pages for one component (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 limits 
noted above, only the first 30 pages of the IHS submission and only the 
first ten pages of the CMS submission 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:

    Page Limitations for Narrative for Each of the Four Components 
Submission:
    Part A: Program Information (2 page limitation)
    Section 1: Needs
    Part B: Program Planning and Evaluation (6 page limitation)
    Section 1: Program Plans
    Section 2: Program Evaluation
    Part C: Program Report (2 page limitation)
    Section 1: Describe major accomplishments over the last 24 
months.
    Section 2: Describe major activities over the last 24 months.

    B. Narratives: A separate budget narrative is required for each 
component. Each narrative must describe the budget amount(s) requested 
and match the corresponding scopes of work described in the project 
narrative. The page limitation should not exceed six pages for the IHS 
submission and two pages for the CMS submission--two pages per each of 
the four health services/programs components described in this 
announcement.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 
August 2, 2011 at 12 midnight Eastern Time (ET). Any application 
received after the application deadline will not be accepted for 
processing.

 4. Intergovernmental Review

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

5. Funding Restrictions

     Pre-award costs are not allowable.
     The available funds are inclusive of direct and 
appropriate indirect costs.
     Other Limitations--A current recipient cannot be awarded a 
new, renewal, or competing continuation grant for any of the following 
reasons:

--The current project is not progressing in a satisfactory manner;
--The current project is not in compliance with program and financial 
reporting requirements; or
--The applicant has an outstanding delinquent Federal debt. No award 
shall be made until either:
    [cir] The delinquent account is paid in full; or
    [cir] A negotiated repayment schedule is established and at least 
one payment is received.

6. Electronic Submission Requirements

    Use the https://www.Grants.gov Web site to submit an application 
electronically and select the ``Find

[[Page 45277]]

Grant Opportunities'' 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 of the requirement to submit 
electronic applications must follow the rules and timelines noted below 
when they submit a paper application. The applicant must request a 
waiver, if needed, 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. Refer to the CCR Section below 
for further information.
    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.
     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 
Division of Grants Management (DGM).
     Page limitation requirements equally apply to paper and 
electronic applications. 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 Office of 
Direct Service and Contracting Tribes (ODSCT) will notify applicants 
that the application has been received.
Technical Challenges
     If technical challenges arise and assistance is required 
with the electronic application process, contact Grants.gov Customer 
Support via e-mail at support@grants.gov or at (800) 518-4726. Customer 
Support is available to address questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 
(except on Federal holidays). Upon contacting Grants.gov, obtain a 
tracking number as proof of contact. The tracking number is helpful if 
there are technical issues that cannot be resolved and waiver from the 
agency must be obtained.
     If problems persist, contact Paul Gettys, DGM, 
(Paul.Gettys@ihs.gov) at (301) 443-5204.
     Waiver requests must be submitted in writing 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 
August 2, 2011. A copy of the approved waiver must be submitted along 
with the paper application that is mailed to the DGM (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 or considered for funding and will be returned to the 
applicant.
Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)
    All IHS applicants and grantee organizations are required to obtain 
a DUNS number and maintain an active registration in the CCR database. 
Additionally, all IHS grantees must notify potential first-tier 
subrecipients that no entity may receive a first-tier subaward unless 
the entity has provided its DUNS number to the prime grantee 
organization. These requirements will ensure use of a universal 
identifier to enhance the quality of information available to the 
public. Effective October 1, 2010, all HHS recipients were asked to 
start reporting information on subawards, as required by the Federal 
Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006, as amended 
(``Transparency Act''). 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.
Central Contractor Registry
    Organizations that have not registered with CCR will need to obtain 
a DUNS number first and then access the CCR online registration through 
the CCR home page at https://www.bpn.gov/ccr/default.aspx (U.S. 
organizations will also need to provide an Employer Identification 
Number from the Internal Revenue Service that may take an additional 2-
5 weeks to become active). Completing and submitting the registration 
takes approximately one hour to complete and your CCR registration will 
take approximately 3-5 business days to process. Registration with the 
CCR is free of charge.
    Additional information on implementing the Transparency Act, 
including the specific requirements for DUNS and CCR, can be found on 
the IHS DGM Web site: https://www.ihs.gov/NonMedicalPrograms/gogp/index.cfm?module=gogp_policy_topics.

V. Application Review/Information

    Points will be assigned to each evaluation criteria adding up to a 
total of 100 points. A minimum score of 60 points is required for 
funding. Points are assigned as follows:

Evaluation Criteria

Part A: Program Information--Needs (15 points)
Part B: Program Planning and Evaluation
    Program Plans--(40 points)
    Program Evaluation--(20 points)
Part C: Program Report (15 points)
    Budget Narratives (10 points)

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

Part A: Program Information

Project Narrative
    A. Abstract--One page summarizing project (narrative).
    B. Criteria.
(1) INTRODUCTION AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE (15 points)
    (a) Describe the organization's current health, education and 
technical assistance operations as related to the broad spectrum of 
health needs of the AI/AN community. Include what programs and services 
are currently provided (i.e., Federally-funded, State-funded, etc.), 
any memorandums of agreement with other National, Area or local Indian 
health board organizations. This could also include HHS' agencies that 
rely on the applicant as the primary gateway organization that is 
capable of providing the dissemination of health information. Include 
information regarding technologies currently used (i.e., hardware, 
software, services, Web

[[Page 45278]]

sites, etc.), and identify the source(s) of technical support for those 
technologies (i.e., in-house staff, contractors, vendors, etc.). 
Include information regarding how long the applicant has been operating 
and its length of association/partnerships with Area health boards, 
etc. [historical collaboration].
    (b) Describe the organization's current technical assistance 
ability. Include what programs and services are currently provided, 
programs and services projected to be provided, memorandums of 
agreement with other national Indian organizations that deem the 
applicant as the primary source of health policy information for AI/AN, 
memorandums of agreement with other Area Indian health boards, etc.
    (c) Describe the population to be served by the proposed projects. 
Are they hard to reach? Are there barriers? Include a description of 
the number of Tribes who currently benefit from the technical 
assistance provided by the applicant.
    (d) Describe the geographic location of the proposed projects 
including any geographic barriers experienced by the recipients of the 
technical assistance to the health care information provided.
    (e) Identify all previous IHS cooperative agreement awards 
received, dates of funding and summaries of the projects' 
accomplishments. State how previous cooperative agreement funds 
facilitated education, training and technical assistance nation-wide 
for AI/ANs and relate the progression of health care information 
delivery and development relative to the current proposed projects. 
(Copies of reports will not be accepted.)
    (f) Describe collaborative and supportive efforts with national, 
Area and local Indian health boards.
    (g) Explain the need/reason for your proposed projects by 
identifying specific gaps or weaknesses in services or infrastructure 
that will be addressed by the proposed projects. Explain how these 
gaps/weaknesses were discovered. If the proposed projects include 
information technology (i.e., hardware, software, etc.), provide 
further information regarding measures taken or to be taken that ensure 
the proposed projects will not create other gaps in services or 
infrastructure (i.e., IHS interface capability, Government Performance 
Results Act reporting requirements, contract reporting requirements, 
Information Technology (IT) compatibility, etc.), if applicable.
    (h) Describe the effect of the proposed projects 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 projects on planned/
anticipated programs and/or equipment.
    (i) Describe how the projects relate to the purpose of the 
cooperative agreement by addressing the following: Identify how the 
proposed projects will address outreach and education regarding various 
health data listed, e.g., Health Care Policy Analysis and Review, TLDC, 
and CMS, etc., dissemination, training, and technical assistance.

Part B: Program Planning and Evaluation

Section 1: Program Plans
    (2) PROJECT OBJECTIVE(S), WORKPLAN AND CONSULTANTS (40 points)
    (a) Identify the proposed objective(s) for each of the four 
projects, as applicable, addressing the following:
     Measurable and (if applicable) quantifiable.
     Results oriented.
     Time-limited.

    Example: Issue four quarterly newsletters, provide alerts and 
quantify number of contacts with Tribes.
    Goals must be clear and concise. Objectives must be measurable, 
feasible and attainable for each of the selected projects.
    (b) Address how the proposed projects will result in change or 
improvement in program operations or processes for each proposed 
project objective for all of the selected projects. Also address what 
tangible products, if any, are expected from the projects, (i.e., 
legislative analysis, policy analysis, Annual Consumer Conference, mid-
year conferences, summits, etc.).
    (c) Address the extent to which the proposed projects will provide, 
improve, or expand services that address the need(s) of the target 
population. Include a strategic plan and business plan currently in 
place and that are being used that will include the expanded services. 
Include the plan(s) with the application submission.
    (d) Submit a work plan in the appendix which includes the following 
information:
     Provide the action steps on a timeline for accomplishing 
each of the projects' proposed objective(s).
     Identify who will perform the action steps.
     Identify who will supervise the action steps.
     Identify what tangible products will be produced during 
and at the end of the proposed projects' objective(s).
     Identify who will accept and/or approve work products 
during the duration of the proposed projects and at the end of the 
proposed projects.
     Include any training that will take place during the 
proposed projects and who will be attending the training.
     Include evaluation activities planned in the work plans.
    (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 will be required for the continued 
success of the proposed projects. Include when these updates are 
anticipated and where funds will come from to conduct the update and/or 
maintenance.
Section 2: Program Evaluation
PROJECT EVALUATION (20 points)
    Each proposed objective requires an evaluation component to assess 
its progression and ensure its completion. Also, include the evaluation 
activities in the work plan.
    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 work plan and activities of the 
project.
    a. For outcome evaluation, describe:
     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 each project be monitored and assessed for 
potential problems and needed quality improvements?
     Who will be responsible for monitoring and managing each 
project's improvements based on results of ongoing process improvements 
and their qualifications?
     How will ongoing monitoring be used to improve the 
projects?
     Describe any products, such as manuals or policies, that 
might be developed and how they might lend themselves to replication by 
others.

[[Page 45279]]

     How will the organization document what is learned 
throughout each of the projects' periods?
    c. Describe any evaluation efforts planned after the grant period 
has ended.
    d. Describe the ultimate benefit to the AI/AN population that the 
applicant organization serves that will be derived from these projects.

Part C: Program Report

Section 1: Describe Major Accomplishments Over the Last 24 Months
Section 2: Describe Major Activities Over the Last 24 Months
ORGANIZATIONAL CAPABILITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS (15 points)
    This section outlines the broader capacity of the organization to 
complete the project outlined in the work plan. It includes the 
identification of personnel responsible for completing tasks and the 
chain of responsibility for successful completion of the projects 
outlined in the work plan.
    (a) Describe the organizational structure of the organization 
beyond health care activities, if applicable.
    (b) Describe the ability of the organization to manage the proposed 
projects. Include information regarding similarly sized projects in 
scope and financial assistance, as well as other cooperative 
agreements/grants and projects successfully completed.
    (c) 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 projects. Include information about any equipment 
not currently available that will be purchased through the cooperative 
agreement/grant.
    (d) List key personnel who will work on the projects. Include title 
used in the work plans. 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 projects. Resumes 
must indicate that the proposed staff member is qualified to carry out 
the proposed projects' activities. If a position is to be filled, 
indicate that information on the proposed position description.
    (e) If personnel are to be only partially funded by this 
cooperative agreement, indicate the percentage of time to be allocated 
to the projects and identify the resources used to fund the remainder 
of the individual's salary.
    Budget Narratives:
CATEGORICAL BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION (10 points)
    This section should provide a clear estimate of the projects' 
program costs and justification for expenses for the entire cooperative 
agreement periods. The budgets and budget justifications should be 
consistent with the tasks identified in the work plans. Because each of 
the two awards included in this announcement are funded through 
separate funding streams, the applicant must provide a separate budget 
and budget narrative for each of the four components and must account 
for costs separately.
    (a) Provide a categorical budget for each of the 12-month budget 
periods requested for each of the four projects.
    (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 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.).

Appendix Items

    (1) Resolutions from Health Board of Directors (if applicable).
    (2) Work plan for proposed objectives.
    (3) Position descriptions for key staff.
    (4) Resumes of key staff that reflect current duties.
    (5) Consultant proposed scope of work (if applicable).
    (6) Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable).
    (7) Organizational chart.

Review and Selection Process

    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 may not be referred to the Objective Review 
Committee (ORC). Applicants will be notified by DGM, via e-mail or 
letter, to outline minor missing components (i.e., signature on the SF-
424, audit documentation, key contact form) needed for an otherwise 
complete application. All missing documents must be sent to DGM on or 
before the due date listed in the e-mail notification of missing 
documents required.
    To obtain a minimum score for funding by the ORC, applicants must 
address all program requirements and provide all required 
documentation. Applicants that receive less than a minimum score will 
be considered to be ``Disapproved'' and will be informed via e-mail or 
regular mail by the ODSCT of their application's deficiencies. A 
summary statement outlining the strengths and weaknesses of the 
application will be provided to each disapproved applicant. The summary 
statement will be sent to the Authorized Organizational Representative 
(AOR) that is identified on the face page (SF424), of the application 
within 60 days of the completion of the Objective Review.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

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

2. Administrative Requirements

    Grants are administrated in accordance with the following 
regulations, policies, and OMB cost principles:
    A. The criteria as outlined in this 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 
Awards and Subawards to 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 Circular 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, Audits of States, Local Governments, 
and Non-profit Organizations.

[[Page 45280]]

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 Mr. Andrew Diggs, DGM, at (301) 443-
5204 to request assistance.

4. Reporting Requirements

    The awardee must submit required 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) 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
    Semi-annual progress report must be submitted within 30 days of the 
conclusion of the first six months of the budget period and a final 
within 90 days of the expiration of the budget period for each award. 
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. Final reports must be submitted within 90 days 
of expiration of the budget/project periods. Separate progress reports 
are required for the IHS award and the CMS award.
B. Financial Reports
    SF 425 Federal Financial Reports, Cash Transaction and Expenditure 
Reports are due 30 days after the close of every calendar quarter to 
the Division of Payment Management, HHS at: http:[sol][sol]www.dpm.gov 
for each award. It is recommended that you also send a copy of your SF 
425 reports to your Grants Management Specialists. Failure to submit 
timely reports may cause a disruption in timely payments to your 
organization. Separate financial reports are required for the IHS award 
and the CMS award. The awardee is responsible for accounting for each 
award separately.
    Awardees are responsible and accountable for accurate information 
being reported on all required reports: the Progress Reports and 
Federal Financial Reports.
C. Federal Subaward Reporting System (FSRS)
    These awards may be subject to the Transparency Act subaward and 
executive compensation reporting requirements of 2 CFR part 170. The 
Transparency Act requires OMB to establish a single searchable 
database, accessible to the public, with information on financial 
assistance awards made by Federal agencies. The Transparency Act also 
includes a requirement for recipients of Federal grants to report 
information about first-tier subawards and executive compensation under 
Federal assistance awards.
    Effective October 1, 2010, IHS was instructed by HHS to implement a 
new Term and Condition into all new NoA, regarding the requirements for 
use and reporting of Federal subaward data. Although required to be 
referenced in all Funding Opportunity Announcements, this IHS Term of 
Award is applicable to all New (Type 1) IHS grants and cooperative 
agreement awards issued after October 1, 2010. Additionally, all IHS 
Renewal (Type 2) grant and cooperative agreement awards and Competing 
Revision awards (Competing T-3s) issued on or after October 1, 2010, 
may also be subject to the following award term. Further guidance on 
Renewal and Competing Revision award requirements to report subaward 
data is expected to be provided as it becomes available.
    For the full IHS award term and condition implementing this 
requirement and additional award applicability information please visit 
the Grants Policy Web site at: http:[sol][sol]www.ihs.gov/
NonMedicalPrograms/gogp/index.cfm?module=gogp--policy--topics.
    Telecommunication for the hearing impaired is available at: TTY 
(301) 443-6394.

VII. Agency Contact(s)

Grants (Business)

    Mr. Andrew Diggs, DGM, Grants Management Specialist, 801 Thompson 
Avenue, TMP Suite 360, Rockville, Maryland 20852. Telephone: (301) 443-
5204. Fax: (301) 443-9602. E-Mail: Andrew.Diggs@ihs.gov.

Program (Programmatic/Technical)

    Ms. Roselyn Tso, Acting Director, ODSCT, 801 Thompson Avenue, Suite 
220, Rockville, Maryland 20852. Telephone: (301) 443-1104. Fax: (301) 
443-4666. E-Mail: Roselyn.Tso@ihs.gov.

VIII. Other Information

    The Public Health Service strongly encourages all grant and 
contract recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and promote the 
non-use of all tobacco products. In addition, Public Law 103-227, the 
Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in certain facilities (or 
in some cases, any portion of the facility) in which regular or routine 
education, library, day care, health care or early childhood 
development services are provided to children. This is consistent with 
the HHS mission to protect and advance the physical and mental health 
of the American people.

    Dated: July 15, 2011.
Randy Grinnell,
Deputy Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-19144 Filed 7-27-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165-16-P