Cooperative Agreements for the Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes Under the National Indian Health Outreach and Education Program, 38640-38650 [2012-15643]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
• Indian Health Service

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 125 (Thursday, June 28, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 38640-38650]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-15643]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service


Cooperative Agreements for the Office of Direct Service and 
Contracting Tribes Under the National Indian Health Outreach and 
Education Program

    Announcement Type: New.
    Funding Announcement Number: HHS-2012-IHS-NIHOE-0002.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.933.

Key Dates

    Application Deadline Date: August 2, 2012.
    Review Date: August 15, 2012.
    Earliest Anticipated Start Date: September 16, 2012.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Statutory Authority

    The Indian Health Service (IHS) is accepting applications for two 
limited competition cooperative agreements for the Office of Direct 
Service and Contracting Tribes under the National Indian Health 
Outreach and Education (NIHOE) program: the Behavioral Health--
Methamphetamine and Suicide Prevention Intervention (MSPI) outreach and 
education award and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune 
Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) outreach and education award. The 
Behavioral Health--MSPI outreach and education award is funded by IHS 
and is authorized under the Snyder Act, codified at 25 U.S.C. 13; the 
Transfer Act, codified at 42 U.S.C. 2001; the Department of the 
Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010, 
Public Law 111-88; and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012, 
Public Law 112-74. The HIV/AIDS outreach and education award is funded 
by the Office of the Secretary (OS), Department of Health and Human 
Services (HHS). Funding for the HIV/AIDS award will be provided by OS 
via an Intra-Departmental Delegation of Authority dated March 30, 2012 
to IHS to permit obligation of funding appropriated by the Consolidated 
Appropriations Act, 2012, Public Law 112-74. Each award is funded 
through a separate funding stream by each respective agency's 
appropriations. 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 below. This program is 
described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance under 93.933.

Limited Competition Announcement

    This is a Limited Competition announcement. The funding levels 
noted include both direct and indirect costs (IDC). See Section VI. 
Award Administration Information, 3. Indirect Costs. Applicant must 
address both projects. Applicants must provide a separate budget for 
each application. Limited competition refers to a competitive funding 
opportunity that limits the eligibility to compete to more than one 
entity but less than all entities.

Limited Competition Justification

    Competition for both of the awards included in this announcement is 
limited to national Indian health care organizations with at least ten 
years of experience providing education and outreach on a national 
scale. This limitation ensures that the awardee will have: (1) A 
national information-sharing infrastructure which will facilitate the 
timely exchange of information between HHS and Tribes and Tribal 
organizations on a broad scale; (2) a national perspective on the needs 
of American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities that will ensure 
that the information developed and disseminated through the projects is 
appropriate, useful and addresses the most pressing needs of AI/AN 
communities; and (3) established relationships with Tribes and Tribal 
organizations that will foster open and honest participation by AI/AN 
communities. Regional or local organizations will not have the 
mechanisms in place to conduct communication on a national level, nor

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will they have an accurate picture of the health care needs facing AI/
ANs nationwide. Organizations with less experience will lack the 
established relationships with Tribes and Tribal organizations 
throughout the country that will facilitate participation and the open 
and honest exchange of information between Tribes and HHS. With the 
limited funds available for these projects, HHS must ensure that the 
education and outreach efforts described in this announcement reach the 
widest audience possible in a timely fashion, are appropriately 
tailored to the needs of AI/AN communities throughout the country, and 
come from a source that AI/ANs recognize and trust. For these reasons, 
this is a limited competition announcement.

Background

    The NIHOE program carries out health program objectives in the AI/
AN community in the interest of improving Indian health care for all 
566 Federally-recognized Tribes including Tribal governments operating 
their own health care delivery systems through Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA) contracts and 
compacts 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. The NIHOE MSPI and HIV/AIDS 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 for the inclusion 
of planning and technical assistance and health care recommendations on 
behalf of participating Tribes to ultimately inform IHS and HHS based 
on Tribal input through a broad based consumer network.

Purpose

    The purpose of these cooperative agreements is to further IHS 
health program objectives in the AI/AN community with expanded outreach 
and education efforts for the MSPI and HIV/AIDS programs on a national 
scale in the interest of improving Indian health care. This 
announcement includes two separate awards, each of which will be 
awarded as noted below. The purpose of the MSPI award is to further the 
goals of the national MSPI program. The MSPI is a national 
demonstration project aimed at addressing the dual problems of 
methamphetamine use and suicide in Indian country. The MSPI supports 
the use and development of evidence-based and practice-based models 
which are culturally appropriate prevention and treatment approaches to 
methamphetamine abuse and suicide in a community driven context. The 
six goals of the MSPI are to effectively prevent, reduce or delay the 
use and/or spread of methamphetamine abuse; build on the foundation of 
prior methamphetamine and suicide prevention and treatment efforts, in 
order to support the IHS, Tribes, and Urban Indian health organizations 
in developing and implementing Tribal and/or culturally appropriate 
methamphetamine and suicide prevention and early intervention 
strategies; increase access to methamphetamine and suicide prevention 
services; improve services for behavioral health issues associated with 
methamphetamine use and suicide prevention; promote the development of 
new and promising services that are culturally and community relevant; 
and demonstrate efficacy and impact. [Note: While the national MSPI 
program includes outreach to urban Indian organizations, outreach aimed 
specifically at urban Indian organizations will be addressed in a 
separate award announcement. However, materials developed by the 
grantee in the NIHOE MSPI award described in this announcement may be 
distributed by IHS to urban Indian organizations, at the discretion of 
the Agency.]
    The purpose of the HIV/AIDS award is to further the goals of the 
national HIV/AIDS program. HIV and AIDS are a critical and growing 
health issue within the AI/AN population. The IHS National HIV/AIDS 
Program seeks to avoid complacency and to increase awareness of the 
impact of HIV/AIDS on AI/ANs. All activities are part of the IHS's 
implementation plan to meet the three goals of the President's National 
HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS) to: Reduce the number of people who become 
infected with HIV, increase access to care and optimize health outcomes 
for people living with HIV, and reduce HIV-related disparities. AI/ANs 
are ranked third in the nation in the rate of HIV/AIDS diagnosis 
compared to all other races and ethnicities. This population also faces 
additional health disparities that contribute significantly to the risk 
of HIV transmission such as substance abuse and sexually transmitted 
infections. Amongst AI/AN people, HIV/AIDS exists in both urban and 
rural populations (and on or near Tribal lands); however, many of those 
living with HIV are not aware of their status. These statistics, risk 
factors, and missed opportunities for screening illuminate the need to 
go beyond raising awareness about HIV and begin active integration of 
initiatives that will help routinize HIV services. If the status quo is 
unchanged, prevalence will continue to increase and AI/AN communities 
may face an irreversible problem. Therefore, the National HIV/AIDS 
Program is working to change the way HIV is discussed to change and 
improve the way HIV testing is integrated into health services, and to 
firmly establish linkages and access to care. The IHS HIV/AIDS Program 
is implemented and executed via an integrated and comprehensive 
approach through collaborations across multi-health sectors, both 
internal and external to the agency. It attempts to encompass all types 
of service delivery `systems' including IHS/Tribal/Urban (I/T/U) 
facilities. The IHS HIV/AIDS Program is committed to realizing the 
goals of the President's NHAS and has bridged the objectives and 
implementation to the IHS HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan.

II. Award Information

Type of Award

    Cooperative Agreements.

Estimated Funds Available

    The total amount of funding identified for fiscal year (FY) 2012 is 
approximately $250,000 to fund two cooperative agreements for one year; 
$150,000 will be awarded for the Behavioral Health-MSPI award and 
$100,000 will be awarded for the for HIV/AIDS award.
    The awards under this announcement are subject to the availability 
of funds and performance.

Anticipated Number of Awards

    Two awards will be issued under this program announcement. It is 
the intention of IHS and OS that one entity will receive both awards. 
OS and IHS will concur on the final decision as to who will receive 
both awards.

Project Period

    The project periods for each award will be for 1 year and will run 
from September 30, 2012 with completion by September 29, 2013.

Cooperative Agreement

    In the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), a cooperative 
agreement is administered under the same policies as a grant. The 
funding agencies (IHS and OS) are required to

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have substantial programmatic involvement in the projects during the 
entire award segment. Below is a detailed description of the level of 
involvement required for both agencies and the grantee. IHS and OS, 
through IHS, will be responsible for activities listed under section A 
and the grantee will be responsible for activities listed under section 
B as stated:

Substantial Involvement Description for Cooperative Agreement

A. IHS Programmatic Involvement
    The IHS assigned program official will monitor the overall progress 
of the awardee's execution of the requirements of the two awards: IHS 
award and the OS award noted below 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. The IHS assigned 
program official must approve all presentations, electronic content, 
and other materials, including mass emails, developed by awardee 
pursuant to these awards and any supplemental awards prior to the 
presentation or dissemination of such materials to any party.
    (1) Behavioral Health--MSPI award:
    (1) The IHS assigned program official will work in partnership with 
the awardee to identify and provide presentation topics on MSPI for the 
annual IHS Division of Behavioral Health (DBH) Conference; the annual 
IHS MSPI Conference; National Tribal Advisory Committee meetings; and 
the DBH Behavioral Health Work Group.
    (2) The IHS assigned program official will work in partnership with 
the awardee to identify MSPI projects in need of technical assistance.
    (3) The IHS assigned program official will provide project reports 
as needed to the awardee for review and to inform about the technical 
assistance to be provided by the awardee.
    (2) HIV/AIDS Award:
    IHS staff will be providing support for the HIV/AIDS award as 
follows:
    (a) The IHS assigned program official will work in partnership with 
the awardee in all decisions involving strategy, hiring of grantee 
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.
    (c) The IHS assigned program official will work closely with OS and 
all participating IHS health services/programs, as appropriate, to 
coordinate award activities.
    (d) The IHS assigned program official will coordinate the following 
for OS 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.
    (e) The IHS will, jointly with the awardee, plan and set an agenda 
for each of the conferences mentioned in this announcement that:
     Shares the training and/or accomplishments.
     Fosters collaboration amongst the participating program 
offices, agencies, and/or departments.
     Increases visibility for the partnership between the 
awardee and the IHS and OS.
    (f) IHS will provide guidance in addressing deliverables and 
requirements.
    (g) IHS will provide guidance in preparing articles for publication 
and/or presentations of program successes, lessons learned, and new 
findings.
    (h) IHS will communicate via monthly conference calls, individual 
or collective site visits, and monthly meetings.
    (i) IHS staff will review articles concerning the HHS, OS, and the 
Agency for accuracy and may, as requested by the awardee, provide 
relevant articles.
    (j) IHS will provide technical assistance to the entity as 
requested.
    (k) IHS staff may, at the request of the entity's board, 
participate on study groups and may recommend topics for analysis and 
discussion.
B. Grantee Cooperative Agreement Award Activities
    The awardee is responsible for the following in addition to 
fulfilling all requirements noted for each award component: MSPI and 
HIV/AIDS.
    (1) To succinctly and independently address the requirements for 
each of the two awards listed below: Behavioral Health--MSPI and HIV/
AIDS.
    (2) To facilitate a forum or forums at which 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 two 
components listed above.
    (3) 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.
    (4) To establish relationships with other national Indian 
organizations, with professional groups, and with Federal, State, and 
local entities supportive of AI/AN health programs.
    (5) To improve and expand access for AI/AN Tribal governments to 
all available programs within the HHS.
    (6) To disseminate timely health care information to Tribal 
governments, AI/AN health boards, other national Indian organizations, 
professional groups, Federal, State, and local entities.
    (7) To provide periodic dissemination of health care information, 
including publication of a newsletter four times a year that features 
articles on MSPI and HIV/AIDS health promotion/disease/behavioral 
health prevention activities and models of best or promising practices, 
health policy, and funding information relevant to AI/AN, etc.
    The following schedule of deliverables outlines the requirements 
necessary to effectuate timely and effective support services to Tribal 
MSPI projects:

Summary of Tasks To Be Performed

    MSPI:
     The awardee shall provide culturally competent educational 
and technical assistance related to the prevention and treatment of 
methamphetamine addiction and suicide to Tribal MSPI projects at 
national meetings and through conference calls. The awardee shall 
attend designated national meetings and provide educational workshops 
and general technical assistance specific to MSPI Tribal projects using 
funding associated with this award. Additional funding for travel is 
not authorized. Meeting attendance shall include at minimum: The annual 
IHS DBH Behavioral Health Conference; the annual IHS MSPI Conference; 
National Tribal Advisory Committee meetings; and the DBH Behavioral 
Health Work Group.
     The awardee shall provide workshops on topics of 
particular importance to Tribal MSPI projects at the annual DBH 
Behavioral Health Conference. Topics will be discussed prior to the 
meeting and will focus on the needs of Tribal MSPI projects; topics 
will be subject to approval from the IHS assigned program official. 
Topics should include youth services, youth methamphetamine use and 
suicide prevention, Tribal promising practices, etc.

[[Page 38643]]

     The awardee shall also provide relevant and timely 
evidence-based and practice-based information for Tribal MSPI programs.
     The awardee shall attend and conduct workshops and/or 
presentations at the annual DBH MSPI Conference on evidence-based and 
practice-based practices effective in preventing suicide and 
methamphetamine use in Indian country (to be agreed upon by awardee and 
the IHS assigned program official).
     The awardee shall conduct workshops and/or presentations 
including, but not limited to, challenges, potential solutions, and 
successes in the form of promising practices of Tribal MSPI projects at 
one national conference (venue and content of presentations to be 
agreed upon by the awardee and the IHS assigned program official).
     The awardee shall provide in-person Tribal MSPI program 
updates, focusing on practice-based and promising practices at face-to-
face meetings of the DBH National Tribal Advisory Committee and the DBH 
Behavioral Health Work Group.
     The awardee shall develop, maintain, and disseminate 
information regarding MSPI with a special focus on the relevance to 
Tribal communities, working in consultation with the IHS assigned 
program official in determining the information most useful to Tribal 
MSPI projects.
     The awardee shall provide comprehensive information on 
MSPI prevention programs, curricula, findings, and strategies to all 
Tribal MSPI programs, and:
     Present the information at conference and meeting booths 
as described above.
     Post and maintain methamphetamine and suicide prevention-
related information on its organizational Web site, the MSPI portal and 
otherwise make materials accessible to Tribal MSPI projects.
     Develop a comprehensive list of evidence-based and 
practice-based programs for use by Tribal MSPI projects.
     Coordinate with DBH staff and other Federal agencies to 
develop and disseminate promotional materials geared toward positive 
messaging to Tribal communities who are addressing suicide and 
methamphetamine issues.
     Provide and update monthly promotional materials on Web 
sites for access by Tribal MSPI projects.
     The awardee shall, in collaboration with the IHS assigned 
program official, provide expert guidance in the areas of practice-
based and evidence-based practice implementation and culturally-
appropriate traditional practices regarding methamphetamine and suicide 
prevention with a special focus on Indian youth. The awardee shall 
provide to the IHS assigned program official written documentation of 
the assistance provided to the projects.
     The awardee shall provide one-on-one technical assistance 
and progress report review to 25 percent of MSPI projects, identified 
by the IHS assigned program official as having program implementation 
issues (i.e. program development and administration issues, 
implementing practice-based practices/evidence-based practices/
culturally relevant traditional methods issues, or program marketing 
challenges).
     The technical assistance provided by the awardee shall 
consist of email and phone conversations with the MSPI project staff, 
expert guidance for specific implementation concerns, and work with the 
MSPI project to identify challenges and solutions, etc. The awardee 
shall develop an MSPI orientation guide for tribal programs including 
information identified by the DBH MSPI Project Officer Team (i.e. MSPI 
requirements, programmatic guidance, resources relating to 
methamphetamine and suicide, etc.).
     The awardee shall participate in at least 90 percent of 
the MSPI Area conference calls facilitated by the IHS assigned program 
official. The awardee must be included on the agenda and provide 
presentations on specific areas of interest identified by the Tribal 
MSPI programs/IHS assigned program official. PowerPoint slides will be 
approved prior to the presentation and will be made available on the 
awardee's organizational Web site and the MSPI portal.
     The awardee shall identify and provide education, 
assistance, and recommendations to MSPI projects regarding one special 
population per year for the life of the award (e.g., youth; elderly; 
lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender; disabled, etc.).
     The awardee shall provide semi-annual reports documenting 
and describing progress and accomplishment of the activities specified 
above.
     The awardee shall attend bi-weekly, regularly scheduled, 
in-person and conference call meetings with the IHS assigned program 
official team to discuss the awardee's services and MSPI related 
issues. The awardee must provide meeting minutes that highlight the 
awardee's specific involvement and participation.
     The awardee shall provide expert guidance to the IHS 
assigned program official specifically regarding Tribal programs.
     The awardee shall help the IHS assigned program official 
identify challenges faced by participating Tribal communities and 
assist in developing solutions.
     The awardee shall provide a semi-annual and annual 
progress report to IHS, attaching any necessary documentation to 
adequately document accomplishments.
     The awardee shall obtain approval from the IHS assigned 
program official of all presentations, electronic content, and other 
materials, including mass emails, developed by awardee pursuant to this 
awards and any supplemental awards prior to the presentation or 
dissemination of such materials to any party, allowing for a reasonable 
amount of time for IHS review.
    Deliverables:
     Evidence of workshops and/or presentations provided at 
the:
    (a) Annual IHS Behavioral Health Conference;
    (b) Annual MSPI Conference;
    (c) National Tribal Advisory Committee meeting(s); and
    (d) IHS Behavioral Health Work Group meetings.
    (PowerPoint slides in electronic form and one hard copy are to be 
submitted to the program official and the IHS assigned program official 
as required).
     Copies of educational and practice-based information 
provided to Tribal MSPI programs.
     Copies of all promotional and educational materials 
provided to Tribal MSPI programs and other projects (electronic form 
and one hard copy).
     Evidence of posting of MSPI-related information on 
organizational Web sites.
     Documentation of dissemination of culturally-informed 
promotional materials geared toward positive messaging to Tribal 
communities.
     Finalized list of evidence-based and practice-based 
programs for use by Tribal MSPI projects.
     Evidence of one-on-one technical assistance to projects 
identified as having program implementation issues (meeting minutes, 
brief report including at a minimum, the description of the problem, 
resources provided and action plan).
     Completed programmatic reviews of semi and annual progress 
reports of 25 percent of the Tribal MSPI projects, in order to identify 
programs that require technical assistance. [Note: This review is not 
to replace IHS review of MSPI programs. The programmatic reviews to be 
conducted by grantee are secondary reviews intended solely to identify 
programs in need of technical assistance.]

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     Completed orientation guide to be submitted to the IHS 
assigned program official.
     Participation on no less than 90 percent of the MSPI Area 
conference calls facilitated by the IHS assigned program official, 
evidenced by meeting agenda and minutes.
     Attendance at regularly scheduled meetings between awardee 
and the IHS assigned program official, evidenced by meeting minutes 
which highlight the awardee's specific involvement and participation.
     Semi-annual and annual progress reports to DBH, due no 
later than 30 days after the reporting cycle, attaching any necessary 
documentation. For example: meeting minutes, correspondence with Tribal 
programs, samples of all written materials developed including 
brochures, news articles, videos, radio and television ads to 
adequately document accomplishments.

HIV/AIDS

    In alignment with the above program and independent from MSPI 
activities (both via fiscal resources and programmatic implementation), 
the awardee shall:
     Disseminate existing HIV/AIDS messages to AI/AN audiences 
in a format designed to solicit, collect, and report on community-level 
feedback and generate discussion regarding the disease and its 
prevention. This may include electronic and emerging means of 
communication. At least four distinct audiences (such as women, young 
people, etc.) will be addressed and engaged. Preference will be given 
to reaching audiences with the highest HIV burden or potential 
increases as supported by the NHAS.
     Disseminate existing IHS HIV/AIDS program and other HIV/
AIDS training materials to educators, health care providers, and other 
key audiences. Collect and report on relevant evaluation criteria, 
including impacts on underlying knowledge, attitudes, or beliefs about 
HIV acquisition, testing, or treatment.
     Design and launch an HIV/AIDS technical assistance and 
activity support program. Engage in documented partnerships with AI/AN 
communities to expand their capacity relevant to HIV/AIDS education and 
prevention efforts. Local activity support may include subawards of 
resources and distribution of incentives to qualified AI/AN-serving 
community organizations increasing HIV/AIDS education and prevention in 
their populations. Subaward eligibility standards and management 
controls will be proposed by the awardee and will be subject to IHS 
approval. These activities must be conducted in accordance with federal 
grant policies and procedures. Awardee will collect and maintain 
relevant evaluation materials and generate reports that highlight 
progress towards the President's NHAS goals on the community level and 
that collect best practices for dissemination to other communities.
     Contribute technical expertise to the IHS HIV/AIDS program 
and develop formal written documents responding to information requests 
from the public regarding HIV/AIDS initiatives.
     Develop and launch anti-stigma messaging for at least one 
audience, coordinated with other local activities to: increase HIV 
screening; increase access to services, or increase positive role 
modeling for people living with, or at risk of, acquiring HIV/AIDS.
     Support and document issue-specific discussions with 
Tribal Leaders as appropriate to address effective prevention 
interventions for AI/AN populations as noted in the President's NHAS.
     Obtain approval from the IHS assigned program official of 
all presentations, electronic content, and other materials, including 
mass emails, developed by awardee pursuant to this award and any 
supplemental awards prior to the presentation or dissemination of such 
materials to any party, allowing for a reasonable amount of time for 
IHS review.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligibility

    Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) non-profit entities who meet 
the following criteria.
    Eligible applicants that can apply for this funding opportunity are 
National Indian Organizations.
    The National Indian Organization must have the infrastructure in 
place to accomplish the work under the proposed program.
    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 improved 
health outcomes for AI/ANs.
     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 health 
care in Indian Country.
     Provide evidence of at least ten years of experience 
providing education and outreach on a national scale.

    Note: Please refer to Section IV.2 (Application and Submission 
Information/Subsection 2, Content and Form of Application 
Submission) for additional proof of applicant status documents 
required, such as proof of non-profit status, etc.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    The Indian Health Service does not require matching funds or cost 
sharing for grants or cooperative agreements.

3. Other Requirements

    If application budgets exceed the highest dollar amount outlined 
under the ``Estimated Funds Available'' section within this funding 
announcement, your application will be considered ineligible and will 
not be reviewed for further consideration. IHS will not return your 
application to you. You will be notified by email or certified mail by 
the Division of Grants Management of this decision.
    Applications addressing other projects will be considered 
ineligible and will be returned to the applicant. Health board 
resolution must be submitted if applicable.
Proof of Non-Profit Status
    Organizations claiming non-profit status must submit proof. A copy 
of the 501(c)(3) Certificate must be received with your application 
submission by the deadline due date of July 16, 2012.
    Letters of Intent will not be required under this funding 
opportunity announcement.
    Applicants submitting any of the above additional documentation 
after the initial application submission due date are required to 
ensure the information was received by the IHS by obtaining 
documentation confirming delivery (i.e. FedEx tracking, postal return 
receipt, etc.).

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Obtaining Application Materials

    The application package and detailed instructions for this 
announcement can be found at https://www.Grants.gov or https://
www.ihs.gov/NonMedical

[[Page 38645]]

Programs/gogp/index.cfm?module=gogp--funding
    Questions regarding the electronic application process may be 
directed to Paul Gettys at (301) 443-2114.

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:
     Table of contents.
     Abstract (one page) summarizing the project.
     Application forms:
    [cir] SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance.
    [cir] SF-424A, Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs.
    [cir] SF-424B, Assurances--Non-Construction Programs.
     Budget Justification and Narrative (must be single spaced 
and not exceed 5 pages).
     Project Narrative (must not exceed 20 pages).
    [cir] Background information on the organization.
    [cir] Proposed scope of work, objectives, and activities that 
provide a description of what will be accomplished, including a one-
page Timeframe Chart.
     Tribal Resolution or Tribal Letter of Support (Tribal 
Organizations only).
     Letter of Support from Organization's Board of Directors.
     501(c)(3) Certificate (if applicable)
     Biographical sketches for all Key Personnel.
     Contractor/Consultant resumes or qualifications and scope 
of work.
     Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL).
     Certification Regarding Lobbying (GG-Lobbying Form).
     Copy of current Negotiated Indirect Cost rate (IDC) 
agreement (required) in order to receive IDC.
     Organizational Chart (optional).
     Documentation of current OMB A-133 required Financial 
Audit (if applicable). Acceptable forms of documentation include:
    [cir] Email 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/sac/dissem/
accessoptions.html?submit=Go+To+Database.
Public Policy Requirements
    All Federal-wide public policies apply to IHS grants with exception 
of the Discrimination policy.
Requirements for Project and Budget Narratives
    A. Project Narrative: This narrative should be a separate Word 
document that is no longer than 20 pages and must: Be single-spaced, be 
type written, have consecutively numbered pages, use black type not 
smaller than 12 characters per one inch, and be printed on one side 
only of standard size 8\1/2\'' x 11'' paper.
    Be sure to succinctly answer all questions listed under the 
evaluation criteria (refer to Section V.1, Evaluation criteria in this 
announcement) and place all responses and required information in the 
correct section (noted below), or they will not be considered or 
scored. These narratives will assist the ORC in becoming more familiar 
with the grantee's activities and accomplishments prior to this 
possible grant award. If the narrative exceeds the page limit, only the 
first 20 pages will be reviewed. The 20-page limit for the narrative 
does not include the work plan, standard forms, Tribal resolutions, 
table of contents, budget, budget justifications, narratives, and/or 
other appendix items.
    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.
    Proposals should provide separate narratives and budgets for the 
two portions of the cooperative agreement: one for HIV and one for 
MSPI.
Part A: Program Information 3 Pages per Program
Section 1: Needs
    Describe how the National Indian Organization has the experience to 
provide outreach and education efforts on a continuum basis regarding 
the pertinent changes and updates in health care for each of the two 
components listed herein: MSPI and HIV/AIDS.
Part B: Program Planning and Evaluation 5 Pages per Program
Section 1: Program Plans
    Describe fully and clearly the direction the National Indian 
Organization plans to address the NIHOE II MSPI and HIV/AIDS 
requirements, including how the National Indian Organization plans to 
demonstrate improved health education and outreach services to all 566 
Federally-recognized tribes for each of the two components described 
herein.
Section 2: Program Evaluation
    Describe fully and clearly how the outreach and education efforts 
will impact changes in knowledge and awareness in tribal communities 
regarding both components. Identify anticipated or expected benefits 
for the tribal constituency.
Part C: Program Report 2 Pages per Program
Section 1: Describe Major Accomplishments Over the Last 24 Months
    Identify and describe significant program achievements associated 
with the delivery of quality health outreach and education. Provide a 
comparison of the actual accomplishments to the goals established for 
the project period for both components, or if applicable, provide 
justification for the lack of progress.
Section 2: Describe Major Activities Over the Last 24 Months
    Identify and summarize recent major health related outreach and 
education project activities of the work performed for both components 
during the last project period.
    B. Budget Narrative: This narrative must describe the budget 
requested and match the scope of work described in the project 
narrative. The budget narrative should not exceed 5 pages.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 
12:00 a.m., midnight Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on August 2, 2012. Any 
application received after the application deadline will not be 
accepted for processing, nor will it be given further consideration for 
funding. You will be notified by the Division of Grants Management via 
email or certified mail of this decision.
    If technical challenges arise and assistance is required with the 
electronic application process, contact Grants.gov Customer Support via 
email 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 Management (DGM) (Paul.Gettys@ihs.gov) at (301) 443-5204. 
Please be sure to contact Mr. Gettys at least ten days prior to the 
application deadline. Please do not contact the DGM until you have 
received a Grants.gov tracking number. In the event you are not able to 
obtain a tracking number, call the DGM as soon as possible.

[[Page 38646]]

    If an applicant needs to submit a paper application instead of 
submitting electronically via Grants.gov, prior approval must be 
requested and obtained (see Section IV.6 below for additional 
information). The waiver must be documented in writing (emails 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. Once your waiver request has been approved, you will 
receive a confirmation of approval and the mailing address to submit 
your application. Paper applications that are submitted without a 
waiver from the Acting Director of DGM will not be reviewed or 
considered further for funding. You will be notified via email or 
certified email of this decision by the Grants Management Officer of 
DGM. Paper applications must be received by the DGM no later than 5 
p.m., EDT, on the application deadline date. Late applications will not 
be accepted for processing or considered for funding.
Other Important Due Dates
    Proof of Non-Profit Status: Due date August 2, 2012.

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.
     IHS will not acknowledge receipt of applications.

6. Electronic Submission Requirements

    All applications must be submitted electronically. Please use the 
https://www.Grants.gov Web site to submit an application electronically 
and select the ``Find Grant Opportunities'' link on the homepage. 
Download a copy of the application package, complete it offline, and 
then upload and submit the completed application via the https://www.Grants.gov Web site. Electronic copies of the application may not 
be submitted as attachments to email 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 https://www.Grants.gov registration or 
that fail to 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 https://www.Grants.gov by entering the CFDA number or the Funding Opportunity 
Number. Both numbers are located in the header of this announcement.
     If you experience technical challenges while submitting 
your application electronically, please contact Grants.gov Support 
directly at: support@grants.gov or (800) 518-4726. Customer Support is 
available to address questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (except on 
Federal holidays).
     Upon contacting Grants.gov, obtain a tracking number as 
proof of contact. The tracking number is helpful if there are technical 
issues that cannot be resolved and waiver from the agency must be 
obtained.
     If it is determined that a waiver is needed, you must 
submit a request in writing (emails 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 August 2, 2012.
     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 Office of Direct Service and 
Contracting Tribes will notify applicants that the application has been 
received.
     Email applications will not be accepted under this 
announcement.
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. 
The DUNS number is a unique 9-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 https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform, or to expedite the process, call (866) 705-
5711.
    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'').
    Accordingly, 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. This requirement ensures the use of a universal 
identifier to enhance the quality of information available to the 
public pursuant to the ``Transparency Act.''
Central Contractor Registry (CCR)
    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 3-5 business days to process. Registration with the CCR is free of 
charge. Applicants may register online at https://www.bpn.gov/ccrupdate/NewRegistration.aspx.
    Additional information on implementing the Transparency Act, 
including the specific requirements for DUNS and CCR, can be found on 
the IHS Grants Management, Grants Policy Web site: https://www.ihs.gov/NonMedicalPrograms/gogp/index.cfm?module=gogp_policy_topics.

V. Application Review Information

    The instructions for preparing the application narrative also 
constitute the evaluation criteria for reviewing and scoring the 
application. Weights assigned to each section are noted in parentheses. 
The twenty page narrative should include only the first year of 
activities. The narrative section should be written in a manner that is 
clear to

[[Page 38647]]

outside reviewers unfamiliar with prior related activities of the 
applicant. It should be well organized, succinct, and contain all 
information necessary for reviewers to understand the project fully. 
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:

1. 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 Narrative (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.), 
and identify 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 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, and describe any 
memorandums of agreement with other national Indian organizations that 
deem the applicant as the primary source of health policy information 
for AI/ANs, or any other 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 project 
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 nationwide for 
AI/ANs. (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 compatibility, etc.), if applicable.
    (h) Describe the effect of the proposed project on current programs 
(i.e., Federally-funded, State funded, etc.) and, if applicable, on 
current equipment (i.e., hardware, software, services, etc.). Include 
the effect of the proposed 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 project will address national Indian health care outreach and 
education regarding various health data listed, e.g. MSPI and HIV and 
AIDS, dissemination, training, and technical assistance, etc.
Part B: Program Planning And Evaluation:

Section 1: Program Plans:

2. Project Objective(s), Workplan and Consultants (40 points)

    (a) Identify the proposed project objective(s) for each of the two 
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.
    (b) Address how the proposed projects will result in change or 
improvement in program operations or processes for each proposed 
project objective for the selected projects. Also address what tangible 
products, if any, are expected from the project, (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 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 that:
     Provides the action steps on a timeline for accomplishing 
each of the projects' proposed objective(s).
     Identifies who will perform the action steps.
     Identifies who will supervise the action steps taken.
     Identifies what tangible products will be produced during 
and at the end of the proposed project objective(s).
     Identifies who will accept and/or approve work products 
during the duration of the proposed projects and at the end of the 
proposed projects.
     Identifies any training that will take place during the 
proposed projects and who will be attending the training.
     Identifies evaluation activities proposed 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.

[[Page 38648]]

    If a potential consultant/contractor has already been identified, 
please include a r[eacute]sum[eacute] in the Appendix.
    (f) Describe what updates will be required for the continued 
success of the proposed project. Include when these updates are 
anticipated and where funds will come from to conduct the update and/or 
maintenance.

Section 2: Program Evaluation:

Project Evaluation (20 points)

    Each proposed objective requires an evaluation component to assess 
its progress 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 the projects be monitored and assessed for 
potential problems and needed quality improvements?
     Who will be responsible for monitoring and managing 
project improvements based on results of ongoing process improvements 
and what are 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.
     How will the organization document what is learned 
throughout the projects' grant periods?
    (c) Describe any evaluation efforts planned after the grant period 
has ended.
    (d) Describe the ultimate benefit to the AI/AN population served by 
the applicant organization 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 plans.
    (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 r[eacute]sum[eacute]s for all key personnel. Position descriptions 
should clearly describe each position and duties, indicating desired 
qualifications and experience requirements related to the proposed 
project. R[eacute]sum[eacute]s must indicate that the proposed staff 
member is qualified to carry out the proposed project activities. If a 
position is to be filled, indicate that information on the proposed 
position description.
    (e) If personnel are to be only partially funded by this 
cooperative agreement, indicate the percentage of time to be allocated 
to this project and identify the resources used to fund the remainder 
of the individual's salary.

Budget Narrative:

Categorical Budget and Budget Justification (10 points)

    This section should provide a clear estimate of the program costs 
and justification for expenses for the entire cooperative agreement 
period for each award. 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 two 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 two projects.
    (b) If IDC are claimed, indicate and apply the current negotiated 
rate to the budget. Include a copy of the rate agreement in the 
Appendix. See Section VI. Award Administration Information, 3. Indirect 
Costs.
    (c) Provide a narrative justification explaining why each line item 
is necessary/relevant to the proposed project. Include sufficient costs 
and other details to facilitate the determination of cost allowability 
(i.e., equipment specifications, etc.).
Appendix Items
     Work plan, logic model and/or time line for proposed 
objectives.
     Position descriptions for key staff.
     R[eacute]sum[eacute]s of key staff that reflect current 
duties.
     Consultant or contractor proposed scope of work and letter 
of commitment (if applicable).
     Current Indirect Cost Agreement.
     Organizational chart(s) highlighting proposed project 
staff and their supervisors as well as other key contacts within the 
organization and key community contacts.
     Map of area to benefit project identifying where target 
population resides and project location(s). Include trails, parks, 
schools, bike paths and other such applicable information.
     Additional documents to support narrative (i.e. data 
tables, key news articles, etc.).

1. 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 (ORC). Applicants will be notified by DGM, via email 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 email of notification of missing 
documents required.
    To obtain a minimum score for funding by the Objective Review 
Committee, applicants must address all

[[Page 38649]]

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 email or regular mail by the 
IHS Program Office 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 (SF-424), 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) is a legally binding document signed by 
the Grants Management Officer and serves as the official notification 
of the grant award. The (NoA) will be initiated by the DGM and will be 
mailed via postal mail or emailed to each entity that is approved for 
funding under this announcement. The NoA is the authorizing document 
for which funds are dispersed to the approved entities and reflects the 
amount of Federal funds awarded, the purpose of the grant, the terms 
and conditions of the award, the effective date of the award, and the 
budget/project period.
Disapproved Applicants
    Applicants who received a score less than the recommended funding 
level for approval, 60, and were deemed to be disapproved by the 
Objective Review Committee, will receive an Executive Summary Statement 
from the IHS Program Office within 30 days of the conclusion of the ORC 
outlining the weaknesses and strengths of their application submitted. 
The IHS program office will also provide additional contact information 
as needed to address questions and concerns as well as provide 
technical assistance if desired.
Approved but Unfunded Applicants
    Approved but unfunded applicants that met the minimum scoring range 
and were deemed by the ORC to be ``Approved'', but were not funded due 
to lack of funding, will have their applications held by DGM for a 
period of 1 year. If additional funding becomes available during the 
course of FY 2012, the approved application maybe re-considered by the 
awarding program office for possible funding. You will also receive an 
Executive Summary Statement from the IHS Program Office within 30 days 
of the conclusion of the ORC.

    Note:  Any correspondence other than the official NoA signed by 
an IHS Grants Management Official announcing to the Project Director 
that an award has been made to their organization is not an 
authorization to implement their program on behalf of IHS.

2. Administrative Requirements

    Cooperative agreements 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 
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: 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 (IDC) in their grant application. In 
accordance with HHS Grants Policy Statement, Part II-27, IHS requires 
applicants to obtain a current IDC 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 IDC portion of the budget will be restricted. 
The restrictions remain in place until the current rate is provided to 
the DGM.
    Generally, IDC rates for IHS grantees are negotiated with the 
Division of Cost Allocation (DCA) https://rates.psc.gov/and the 
Department of Interior (National Business Center) https://www.aqd.nbc.gov/services/ICS.aspx. If your organization has questions 
regarding the indirect cost policy, please call (301) 443-5204 to 
request assistance.

4. Reporting Requirements

    Grantees 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
    Separate progress reports are required for each of the two awards 
included in this announcement. Program progress reports are required 
annually, within 30 days after the budget period ends. These reports 
must 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 period.
B. Financial Reports
    Separate financial reports are required for the IHS award and the 
OS award. The awardee is responsible for accounting for each award 
separately. Federal Financial Report FFR (SF-425), Cash Transaction 
Reports are due 30 days after the close of every calendar quarter to 
the Division of Payment Management, HHS at: https://www.dpm.psc.gov. It 
is recommended that you also send copies of your FFR (SF-425) reports 
to your Grants Management Specialist. The awardee must submit two 
separate reports--one for each award. Failure to submit timely reports 
may cause a disruption in timely payments to your organization.
    Grantees are responsible and accountable for accurate information 
being reported on all required reports: The Progress Reports and 
Federal Financial Report.

[[Page 38650]]

C. Federal Subaward Reporting System (FSRS)
    This award may be subject to the Transparency Act subaward and 
executive compensation reporting requirements of 2 CFR Part 170.
    The Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006, as 
amended (``Transparency Act''), requires the Office of Management and 
Budget (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 implemented a Term of Award into all 
IHS Standard Terms and Conditions, NoAs and funding announcements 
regarding this requirement. This IHS Term of Award is applicable to all 
IHS grant and cooperative agreements issued on or after October 1, 
2010, with a $25,000 subaward obligation dollar threshold met for any 
specific reporting period. Additionally, all new (discretionary) IHS 
awards (where the project period is made up of more than one budget 
period) and where: (1) Project period start date was October 1, 2010 or 
after and (2) the primary awardee will have a $25,000 subaward 
obligation dollar threshold during any specific reporting period will 
be required to conduct address the FSRS reporting. For the full IHS 
award term implementing this requirement and additional award 
applicability information, visit the Grants Management Grants Policy 
Web site at: https://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 Contacts

    1. Questions on the programmatic issues may be directed to:

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

    2. Questions on grants management and fiscal matters may be 
directed to:

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

VIII. Other Information

    The Public Health Service strongly encourages all cooperative 
agreement 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: June 19, 2012.
Yvette Roubideaux,
Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-15643 Filed 6-27-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165-16-P