Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes National Indian Health Outreach and Education Program Funding Opportunity, 50121-50128 [2012-20291]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
• Indian Health Service

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 161 (Monday, August 20, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 50121-50128]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-20291]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service


Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes National Indian 
Health Outreach and Education Program Funding Opportunity

    Announcement Type: New Limited Competition.
    Funding Announcement Number: HHS-2012-IHS-NIHOE-0003.

    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.933.

Key Dates

    Application Deadline Date: September 10, 2012.
    Review Date: September 12, 2012.
    Earliest Anticipated Start Date: September 30, 2012.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Statutory Authority

    The Indian Health Service (IHS) is accepting competitive 
cooperative agreement applications for the Office of Direct Service and 
Contracting Tribes on the National Indian Health Outreach and Education 
(NIHOE-III) program funding opportunity that includes outreach and 
education activities on the following: The Patient Protection and 
Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148 (PPACA), as amended by the 
Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, Public Law 111-
152, collectively known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Indian 
Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA), as amended. This national outreach 
and educational program is authorized under the Snyder Act, codified at 
25 U.S.C. 13, and the Transfer Act, codified at 42 U.S.C. 2001(a). This 
program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance 
under CFDA number 93.933.

Background

    The NIHOE-III programs carry out health program objectives in the 
American Indian/Alaska Native (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 self-determination contracts and compacts

[[Page 50122]]

with the IHS and Tribes that continue to receive health care directly 
from the IHS. This program addresses health policy and health program 
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 for the inclusion of planning and technical 
assistance and health care recommendations on behalf of participating 
Tribes to ultimately inform IHS and the Department of Health and Human 
Services (HHS) based on Tribal input through a broad based consumer 
network.
    The IHS also provides health and related services through grants 
and contracts with urban Indian organizations to reach AI/AN residing 
in urban communities.

Purpose

    The purpose of this IHS cooperative agreement is to encourage 
national Indian organizations and IHS, Tribal, and Urban (I/T/U) 
partners to work together to implement three distinct program 
activities throughout Indian Country: (1) Health Reform and How to 
Maximize Provisions for the IHS, Tribes, and Urban Health Clinics, (2) 
Medicaid Expansion for AI/ANs under the ACA, and (3) Conduct ACA/IHCIA 
Education and Outreach Training and Technical Assistance under the 
Limited Competition NIHOE Cooperative Agreement program to further 
health program objectives in the AI/AN community with outreach and 
education efforts in the interest of improving Indian health care and 
to ensure that all AI/AN are prepared to take advantage of the health 
reform opportunities, improve the quality of and access to health care 
services, and increase resources for AI/AN health care. The goal of 
this program announcement is to coordinate and conduct consumer 
centered outreach and education, training and technical assistance on a 
national scale for the 566 Federally-recognized Tribes and Tribal 
organizations on the changes, improvements and authorities of the ACA 
and IHCIA in anticipation of implementation of the health care reform 
date of January 1, 2014 regarding Medicaid expansion revenue 
opportunities and individual health insurance coverage and choices. 
This collaborative effort will benefit I/T/U as well as the AI/AN 
communities (Tribal and urban).

II. Award Information

Type of Award

Cooperative Agreement
    The IHS will accept applications for either one of the following:
    A. Two entities collaborating and applying as one entity.
    B. Two entities applying separately to accomplish appropriately 
divided program activities.

Estimated Funds Available

    The total amount of funding identified for the current fiscal year, 
FY 2012, is approximately $600,000. Individual award amounts are 
anticipated to be $300,000 each if awarded to two entities applying 
separately; $600,000 if awarded to two entities applying as one entity. 
Competing awards issued under this announcement are subject to the 
availability of funds. In the absence of funding, the IHS is under no 
obligation to make awards that are selected for funding under this 
announcement.

Anticipated Number of Awards

    One or two awards will be issued under this program announcement.

Project Period

    The project period will be for one year and will run consecutively 
from September 30, 2012 to September 29, 2013.

Cooperative Agreement

    In the HHS, a cooperative agreement is administered under the same 
policies as a grant. The funding agency (IHS) is required to have 
substantial programmatic involvement in the project during the entire 
award segment. Below is a detailed description of the level of 
involvement required for both IHS and the grantee. 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
     IHS will have final approval of the selection of any 
consultants.
     IHS will approve the training and education curriculum 
content, facts, delivery mode, pre- and post-assessments, and 
evaluation before any materials are printed and the training is 
conducted.
     IHS will review and approve the final draft products 
before they are published and distributed.
B. Grantee Cooperative Agreement Award Activities
     Facilitate an open exchange of ideas and foster an 
atmosphere of open communication regarding outreach, educational 
training and technical assistance about these Acts.
     Provide the outreach and educational training and 
technical assistance about these Acts and their changes and 
requirements that will affect AI/AN whether doing so independently or 
jointly via a partnership as described previously. FY 2012 funding for 
ACA/IHCIA NIHOE and Implementation will focus on all national Indian 
organizations and I/T/U partners working together to implement three 
distinct program activities throughout Indian Country: (1) Health 
Reform and How to Maximize Provisions for the IHS, Tribes, and Urban 
Indian Health Clinics, (2) Medicaid Expansion for A IANs under the ACA, 
and (3) Conduct ACA/IHCIA Education and Outreach Training and Technical 
Assistance. The project goals are two-fold for the IHS and the selected 
entities:
    1. Communicate IHS approved communication about the content and 
meaning of the ACA and the IHCIA.
    2. Strengthen and unify partnerships to strategically identify and 
conduct activities that will be implemented throughout the I/T/U 
community by no later than December 31, 2013 to take full advantage of 
the January 1, 2014 implementation date for health care reform 
regarding Medicaid expansion revenue opportunities and individual 
health insurance coverage and choices.

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,

[[Page 50123]]

resulting in improved health outcomes for AI/ANs.
     Promoting and supporting Indian education, and 
coordinating efforts to inform AI/AN of Federal decisions that affect 
Tribal government interests including the improvement of Indian health 
care.
     Administering national health policy and health programs.
     Maintaining a national AI/AN constituency and clearly 
supporting critical services and activities within the IHS mission of 
improving the quality of health care for AI/AN people.
     Supporting improved health care in Indian Country.
     Providing education and outreach on a national scale (the 
applicant must provide evidence of at least ten years of experience in 
this area).
     Qualified national Indian organizations/entities must have 
experience and expertise on the variety of issues related to the 
provision of health care to Indian people.
     Qualified national American Indian organizations/entities 
much have at least two years of experience and expertise in addressing 
urban communities. *Note: At least one of the partnering applicant 
organizations must have the required time in providing health education 
and outreach to urban communities.

    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 IHS 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, the application will be considered ineligible and will 
not be reviewed for further consideration. IHS will not return the 
application. The applicant will be notified by email or certified mail 
by the Division of Grants Management (DGM) of this decision.
    The funding level noted includes both direct and indirect costs. 
Administrative costs are capped.
Proof of Non-Profit Status
    A copy of the 501(c)(3) Certificate must be received with your 
application submission by the deadline due date of September 10, 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/NonMedicalPrograms/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 five pages).
     Project Narrative (must not exceed ten pages).
    [cir] Background information on the national Indian organizations.
    [cir] Proposed scope of work, objectives, and activities that 
provide a description of what will be accomplished, including a one-
page Timeframe Chart.
     Letter of Support from Organization's Board of Directors.
     501(c)(3) Certificate.
     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 ten 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 Objective Review Committee 
(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 ten pages will be reviewed. The 
10-page limit for the narrative does not include the work plan, 
standard forms, 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.
Part A: Program Information (4 Page Limitation)
Section 1: Needs
    Describe how each national Indian organization has the experience 
to provide outreach and education efforts regarding the pertinent 
changes and updates in health care listed herein.
Part B: Program Planning and Evaluation (4 Page Limitation)
Section 1: Program Plans
    Describe fully and clearly the direction the national Indian 
organization plans to address the

[[Page 50124]]

NIHOE III requirements, including how the national Indian organization 
plans to demonstrate improved health education and outreach services to 
all 566 Federally-recognized Tribes, as well as collaborative efforts 
regarding the urban organizations as described herein. Include proposed 
timelines as appropriate and applicable.
Section 2: Program Evaluation
    Describe fully and clearly how the outreach and education efforts 
will impact changes in knowledge and awareness in Tribal and urban 
communities to encourage appropriate changes by increasing knowledge 
and awareness resulting in informed choices. Identify anticipated or 
expected benefits for the Tribal constituency and urban communities.
Part C: Program Report (2 Page Limitation)
    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, 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 during the last 
project period.
    B. Budget Narrative: This narrative must describe the budget 
requested and match the scope of work described the project narrative. 
The budget narrative should not exceed five pages.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 
12 a.m., midnight Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on September 10, 2012. 
Any application received after the application deadline will not be 
accepted for processing, nor will it be given further consideration for 
funding. The applicant will be notified by the DGM 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, 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.
    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 the waiver request has been approved, the 
applicant will receive a confirmation of approval and the mailing 
address to submit the application. Paper applications that are 
submitted without a waiver from the Acting Director of DGM will not be 
reviewed or considered further for funding. The applicant will be 
notified via email or certified mail 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 501(c)(3) Certificate: Due date 
September 10, 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.
     Only one grant/cooperative agreement will be awarded per 
applicant.
     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 
the 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, the applicant 
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 September 10, 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 electronically submitting the application, the 
applicant will receive an automatic acknowledgment from Grants.gov that 
contains a Grants.gov tracking number. The DGM will download the 
application from

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Grants.gov and provide necessary copies to the appropriate agency 
officials. Neither the DGM nor the ODSCT 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 each 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, 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 narrative is limited to ten pages. The narrative section should be 
written in a manner that is clear to 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. Criteria

Criteria--Program Requirements
    Project Objectives, Activities, Work Plan, Evaluation and Budget
A. Health Reform and How To Maximize Provisions for the IHS, Tribes and 
Urban Indian Health Clinics
    (1) Identify health care economist or expert to develop models or 
tools that can be used by Tribes and Tribal organizations to identify 
revenue opportunities in the ACA and Health Insurance Exchanges.
    (2) Develop a small, medium and large health care system model that 
Tribes and Tribal organizations can use to maximize Health Insurance 
Exchanges.
    (3) Develop an electronic template that Tribes and Tribal 
organizations can use to populate data fields and generate Tribal 
specific analysis for informed decision making regarding health 
insurance coverage and choices to meet the January 1, 2014 ACA 
implementation date.
B. Maximize Medicaid Expansion for AI/ANs Under the ACA
    (1) Identify health care economist or expert to develop models or 
tools that can be uses by Tribes and Tribal organizations to maximize 
revenue opportunities in the ACA Medicaid Expansion.
    2. Develop a small, medium and large health care system model that 
Tribes and Tribal organizations can use to maximize Medicaid Expansion 
opportunities.
    3. Develop an electronic template that Tribes and Tribal 
organizations can use to populate data fields and generate Tribal 
specific analysis for informed decision making regarding the Medicaid 
Expansion revenue opportunities and health care access and coverage to 
meet the January 1, 2014 ACA implementation date.
C. Conduct ACA/IHCIA Education and Outreach Training and Technical 
Assistance
    (1) Evaluate all available ACA/IHCIA training material available 
for AI/AN and create additional materials as needed that are related to 
ACA/IHCIA.
    (2) Describe how to ensure the training curriculum content 
addresses all new regulations implementing the ACA or IHCIA 
requirements.
    (3) Describe the review and approval of the training course 
evaluation instrument.
    (4) Record training sessions and describe how they will be made 
available to the I/T/U and AI/AN community on the Web sites of the 
national Indian organizations and partners.
D. Work Plan
    Describe the activities or steps that will be used to achieve each 
of the activities proposed during the 12-month budget period.
    (1) Provide a Work Plan that describes the sequence of specific 
activities and steps that will be used to carry out each of the three 
objectives.
    (2) Include a detailed timeline that links activities to project 
objectives for the 12-month budget period.
    (3) Identify challenges, both opportunities and barriers, that are 
likely to be encountered in designing and implementing the activities 
and approaches that will be used to address such challenges.
    (4) Describe communication methods with partners.
E. Evaluation
    (1) Provide a well-conceived logical plan for assessing the 
achievement of the project's process and outcome objectives and for 
evaluating changes in the specific problems and contributing factors.
    (2) Identify performance measures by which the project will track 
its progress over time. A performance measure is a quantifiable 
indicator of progress and achievement that includes outcome, output, 
input, efficiency, and explanatory indicators.
F. Budget
    Provide a functional categorically itemized budget and program 
narrative justification that supports accomplishing the program 
objectives, activities, and outcomes within the timeframes specified.

[[Page 50126]]

A. Introduction and Need for Assistance (15 Points)
    1. Describe the individual entity's and/or partnering entities' (as 
applicable) 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, HHS' agencies that rely on the applicant as the primary 
gateway organization that is capable of providing the dissemination of 
health information, information regarding technologies currently used 
(i.e., hardware, software, services, 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].
    2. Describe the organization's current technical assistance 
ability. Include what programs and services are currently provided, 
programs and services projected to be provided, etc.
    3. Describe the population to be served by the proposed project. 
Include a description of the number of Tribes and Tribal members who 
currently benefit from the technical assistance provided by the 
applicant.
    4. 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 project. (Copies of 
reports will not be accepted.)
    5. Describe collaborative and supportive efforts with national, 
area and local Indian health boards.
    6. Describe how the project relates to the purpose of the 
cooperative agreement by addressing the following: Identify how the 
proposed project will address the changes and requirements of the Acts.
B. Project Objective(s), Work-Plan and Approach (45 Points)
    1. Proposed project objectives must be:
    a. Measurable and (if applicable) quantifiable.
    b. Results oriented.
    c. Time-limited.
    2. Submit a work-plan in the appendix which includes the following 
information:
    a. Provide the action steps on a timeline for accomplishing the 
proposed project objective(s).
    b. Identify who will perform the action steps.
    c. Identify who will supervise the action steps taken.
    d. Identify what tangible products will be produced during and at 
the end of the proposed project objective(s).
    e. Identify who will accept and/or approve work products during the 
duration of the proposed project and at the end of the proposed 
project.
    f. Include any training that will take place during the proposed 
project and who will be attending the training.
    g. Include evaluation activities planned.
    3. 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):
    a. Educational requirements.
    b. Desired qualifications and work experience.
    c. Expected work products to be delivered on a timeline.
    d. If a potential consultant/contractor has already been 
identified, please include a resume in the Appendix.
C. Program Evaluation (15 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.
    1. For outcome evaluation, describe:
    a. What the criteria will be for determining success of each 
objective.
    b. What data will be collected to determine whether the objective 
was met.
    c. At what intervals will data be collected.
    d. Who will collect the data and their qualifications.
    e. How the data will be analyzed.
    f. How the results will be used.
    2. For process evaluation, describe:
    a. How the project will be monitored and assessed for potential 
problems and needed quality improvements.
    b. Who will be responsible for monitoring and managing project 
improvements based on results of ongoing process improvements and their 
qualifications.
    c. How ongoing monitoring will be used to improve the project.
    d. Any products, such as manuals or policies, that might be 
developed and how they might lend themselves to replication by others.
    3. How the project will document what is learned throughout the 
project period. Describe any evaluation efforts that are planned to 
occur after the grant periods.
    4. Describe the ultimate benefit for the AI/ANs that will be 
derived from this project.
D. Organizational Capabilities, Key Personnel and Qualifications (15 
Points)
    1. Describe the organizational structure of the organization.
    2. Describe the ability of the organization to manage the proposed 
project. Include information regarding similarly sized projects in 
scope and financial assistance as well as other cooperative agreements/
grants and projects successfully completed.
    3. Describe what equipment (i.e., fax machine, phone, computer, 
etc.) and facility space (i.e., office space) will be available for use 
during the proposed project.
    4. List key personnel who will work on the project. Include title 
used in the work-plan. In the appendix, include position descriptions 
and resumes for all key personnel. Position descriptions should clearly 
describe each position and duties, indicating desired qualifications 
and experience requirements related to the proposed project. Resumes 
must indicate that the proposed staff member is qualified to carry out 
the proposed project activities. If a position is to be filled, 
indicate that information on the proposed position description.
E. Categorical Budget and Budget Justification (10 Points)
    1. Provide a categorical budget for 12-month budget period 
requested.
    2. 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.
    3. 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
     Work-plan, logic model and/or time line for proposed 
objectives.
     Position descriptions for key staff.
     Resumes of key staff that reflect current duties.
     Consultant or contractor proposed scope of work and letter 
of commitment (if applicable).

[[Page 50127]]

     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.
     Additional documents to support narrative (i.e. data 
tables, key news articles, etc.).

2. Review and Selection

    Each application will be prescreened by the DGM staff for 
eligibility and completeness as outlined in the funding announcement. 
Incomplete applications and applications that are non-responsive to the 
eligibility criteria will not be referred to the 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 (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 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 ORC, 
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 one 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 Office of Management and Budget 
(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
    Program progress reports are required semi-annually. 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

[[Page 50128]]

pertinent information as required. A final report must be submitted 
within 90 days of expiration of the budget/project period.
B. Financial Reports
    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 a copy of your FFR (SF-425) report to 
your Grants Management Specialist. 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.
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 Transparency Act requires the 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) The 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, 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: August 12, 2012.
Yvette Roubideaux,
Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-20291 Filed 8-17-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165-16-P