Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes; National Indian Health Outreach and Education Funding Opportunity, 52538-52548 [2013-20535]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
• Indian Health Service

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 164 (Friday, August 23, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52538-52548]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-20535]


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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 Funding Opportunity

    Announcement Type: New Limited Competition.
    Funding Announcement Number: HHS-2013-IHS-NIHOE-0003.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.933.

Key Dates

    Application Deadline Date: September 21, 2013.
    Review Date: September 23, 2013.
    Earliest Anticipated Start Date: September 30, 2013.
    Proof of Non-Profit Status Due Date: September 23, 2013.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Statutory Authority

    The Indian Health Service (IHS) is accepting competitive 
applications for the Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes 
(ODSCT) cooperative agreement for the National Indian Health Outreach 
and Education (NIHOE) III 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, and the Indian 
Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA), as amended. This 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 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 the quality of and access to health care for all 566 
Federally-recognized Tribes including Tribal governments operating 
their own health care delivery systems through self-determination 
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. These awards require that public forums 
be held at Tribal educational consumer conferences to disseminate 
changes and updates on 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/ANs residing in urban communities.

Purpose

    The purpose of this IHS cooperative agreement announcement is to 
encourage national Indian organizations and IHS, Tribal, and Urban (I/
T/U) partners to work together to conduct Affordable Care Act/IHCIA 
training and technical assistance throughout Indian Country. Under the 
Limited Competition NIHOE Cooperative Agreement program, the overall 
program objective is to improve Indian health care by conducting 
training and technical assistance across AI/AN communities to ensure 
that the Indian health care system and all AI/ANs are prepared to take 
advantage of the new health insurance coverage options which will 
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 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 
Affordable Care Act and IHCIA in anticipation of the Health Insurance 
Marketplace October 1, 2013 open enrollment date and coverage start 
date of January 1, 2014. This collaborative effort will benefit I/T/U 
as well as the

[[Page 52539]]

AI/AN communities including Tribal and urban populations and elders/
seniors.

Limited Competition Justification

    Competition for the award included in this announcement is limited 
to national Indian organizations with at least ten years of experience 
providing training, 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 the HHS and Tribes and Tribal 
organizations on a broad scale; (2) a national perspective on the needs 
of 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 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 training, 
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.

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) 2013 is approximately $1,043,923.00. Individual award amounts are 
anticipated to be $300,000 and $743,923, respectively if awarded to two 
entities applying separately; $1,043,923 if awarded to two entities 
applying as one entity. $143,923 is set aside for a sub award to 
address outreach and education efforts specific to urban Indian health. 
Further details are provided in the applicable section components. 
Competing and continuation 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.
    Optional approach allowed for applying for the $1,043,923:
    1. First Option: If two entities are collaborating to apply for 
$1,043,923 as one entity, then funding will be divided as follows: one 
entity will be allowed $743,923 and be responsible for issuing a 
subaward in the amount of $143,923 for addressing Urban Indian Health 
activities.
    The second entity will be allowed $300,000 for carrying out the 
remainder of the activities.
    2. Second Option: If two entities are applying separately, then one 
entity will apply for $743,923 and be responsible for issuing a 
subaward in the amount of $143,923 for addressing Urban Indian Health 
activities. The second entity will apply for the remaining $300,000.

Anticipated Number of Awards

    Approximately one to 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, 2013 to September 29, 2014.

Cooperative Agreement

    Cooperative agreements awarded by HHS are 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
    (1) The IHS assigned program official will work in partnership with 
the awardee in all decisions involving strategy, hiring of consultants, 
deployment of resources, release of public information materials, 
quality assurance, coordination of activities, any training activities, 
reports, budget and evaluation. Collaboration includes data analysis, 
interpretation of findings and reporting.
    (2) The IHS assigned program official will approve the training 
curriculum content, facts, delivery mode, pre- and post-assessments, 
and evaluation before any materials are printed and the training is 
conducted.
    (3) The IHS assigned program official will review and approve all 
of the final draft products before they are published and distributed.
B. Grantee Cooperative Agreement Award Activities
    The awardee must comply with relevant Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) Circular provisions regarding lobbying, any applicable 
lobbying restrictions provided under other law, and any applicable 
restriction on the use of appropriated funds for lobbying activities.
    (1) Foster collaboration across the Indian health care system to 
encourage and facilitate an open exchange of ideas and open 
communication regarding training and technical assistance on the 
Affordable Care Act and IHCIA provisions.
    (2) Conduct training and technical assistance on the Affordable 
Care Act and IHCIA and the changes and requirements that will affect 
AI/ANs either independently or jointly via a partnership as described 
previously. The purpose of this IHS cooperative agreement announcement 
is to encourage national and regional Indian organizations and IHS, 
Tribal, and Urban (I/T/U) partners to work together to conduct 
Affordable Care Act/IHCIA training and technical assistance throughout 
Indian Country. The project goals are three-fold for the IHS and the 
selected entities:
    1. Materials--Develop and disseminate (upon IHS approval) training 
materials about the Affordable Care Act/IHCIA impact on the Indian 
health care system including: educating consumers on the health care 
insurance options available, educating the I/T/U system on the process 
for enrollment (with a special focus on the Certified Application 
Counselor (CAC) and Hardship Waiver requirements) and eligibility 
determinations, and maximizing revenue opportunities.
    2. Training--Develop and implement an Affordable Care Act/IHCIA 
implementation training plan and individual training sessions aimed at 
educating all Indian health care system stakeholders on health care 
system

[[Page 52540]]

impact and changes, specifically implementation in the different types 
of Marketplaces, the role of Health Insurance Marketplace assisters 
(special emphasis on CAC, and the Hardship Waiver for AI/ANs. 
Collaborate and partner with other national organizations to identify 
ways to take full advantage of the health care coverage options offered 
through the Health Insurance Marketplace with coverage beginning on 
January 1, 2014.
    3. Technical Assistance--Provide technical assistance to I/T/Us on 
the Affordable Care Act/IHCIA implementation. Work with these entities 
to assess the training needs, identify innovations in Affordable Care 
Act/IHCIA implementation, and promote the dissemination and replication 
of solutions to the challenges faced by I/T/Us in implementing the 
Affordable Care Act/IHCIA.

Office of Resource, Access and Partnerships (ORAP)

    $300,000--for Implementation of the Affordable Care Act--Training 
and Technical Assistance: This is to include, but not be limited to, a 
focus on effective training and technical assistance efforts in 
implementing the Affordable Care Act/IHCIA across the Indian health 
care system (I/T/U) with emphasis on preparing I/T/Us to work with 
States and/or the Federal government in State-based Marketplace (SBM), 
a State Partnership Marketplace (SPM), or a Federally-Facilitated 
Marketplace (FFM).
A. Develop an Affordable Care Act/IHCIA Training for the Indian Health 
Care System (I/T/U)
    1. Review, compile and evaluate all available Affordable Care Act/
IHCIA training materials specific to AI/ANs and report findings as it 
relates to the Indian health care system.
    2. Based on findings, develop a ``train the trainer'' training 
curriculum for all I/T/U staff to be implemented before December 31, 
2013. Training will complement the Federal CAC training and 
certification process and focus on the Affordable Care Act ``Indian'' 
specific provisions and/or IHCIA regulations and the impact on the 
Indian health care system. Through the training, specifically address 
the Certified Application Counselor (CAC) and Hardship Waiver 
requirements.
    3. Develop an evaluation for the curriculum training that assesses 
content and participant knowledge learning and provide a certificate of 
completion for participants. Develop a tracking system for the number 
of certificates awarded. Conduct preliminary training sessions, track 
attendance and submit such data along with a summary of evaluation 
results.
    4. Record training session and disseminate in an online format 
(i.e. IHS and Web sites of national and regional Indian organizations 
and partners) for wide accessibility and use by I/T/Us and AI/AN 
communities.
    5. Review, evaluate, and update training content on an on-going 
basis throughout the funding year to ensure the information continues 
to meet the needs of the Indian health care system.
B. Create and Disseminate Affordable Care Act/IHCIA Training and 
Technical Assistance Materials
    1. Develop targeted materials for American Indian and Alaska 
Natives, including special materials for elders and seniors regarding 
the Affordable Care Act/IHCIA provisions.
    2. Write materials in everyday and culturally sensitive language 
explaining the benefits of the laws, for AI/ANs, including seniors and 
elders.
    3. Create and disseminate complementary training materials (e.g. 
tools, forms, etc.) for I/T/Us to implement the CAC training and 
certification process and the Hardship Waiver form for AI/ANs.
    4. Create Marketplace implementation and training tools for I/T/U 
facilities. Materials will be developed specific to the different types 
of Marketplaces (SBM), SPM, FFM).
    5. Create and disseminate additional training and technical 
assistance materials as needed.
C. Provide Training and Technical Assistance
    1. Based on the knowledge and expertise gained in the above 
activities, provide training and technical assistance across the Indian 
health care system to assist in planning and implementing Affordable 
Care Act/IHCIA training with special emphasis on the CAC training and 
certification process and Hardship Waiver forms to I/T/Us.
    2. Identify and provide a forum to share innovative ideas, 
challenges and solutions for successful Affordable Care Act/IHCIA 
implementation. Report on Affordable Care Act/IHCIA implementation 
progress highlighting innovative ideas, challenges and solutions 
throughout the funding year.
D. Produce Measurable Outcomes Including:
    a. Analytical reports, policy reviews and recommended documents--
The products will be in the form of written (hard copy and/or 
electronic files) documents that contain analyses of the listed 
Affordable Care Act implementation health care issues to be reported at 
the Quarterly Direct Service Tribes Advisory Meetings and other 
meetings determined by IHS. Copies of all deliverables shall be 
submitted to the IHS ODSCT, IHS Office of Resource Access and 
Partnerships (ORAP) IHS Office of Urban Indian Health Programs; and IHS 
Senior Advisor to the Director.
    b. Disseminate educational and informational materials and 
communicate to IHS and Tribal health program staff through venues such 
as National and Regional Health conferences with a Tribal focus, 
consumer conferences, meetings and training sessions. This can be in 
the form of PowerPoint presentations, informational brochures, and/or 
handout materials. The IHS will provide guidance and assistance as 
needed. Copies of all deliverables shall be submitted to the IHS Office 
of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes; IHS Office of Resource Access 
and Partnerships; IHS Office of Urban Indian Health Programs (OUIHP); 
and IHS Senior Advisor to the Director.

Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes (ODSCT)

    $600,000--for Conducting Affordable Care Act/IHCIA Education and 
Outreach Training and Technical Assistance focusing on five consumer 
groups: (1) Consumers; (2) Tribal Leadership and Membership; (3) Tribal 
Employers; (4) Indian Health Facility Administrators; and (5) Elders 
and Seniors.
A. Collaboration and Coordination Ensuring Training and Materials Are 
Widely Distributed
    1. Evaluate all available Affordable Care Act/IHCIA training 
material available for AI/AN and create additional materials as needed 
that are related to Affordable Care Act/IHCIA.
    2. Record, track, and coordinate information sharing activities 
(enrollments, trainings, information shared, meetings, updates, etc.) 
with IHS Offices: ODSCT, ORAP, Office of Urban Indian Health Programs, 
and 11 IHS Area Offices including Aberdeen Area, Albuquerque Area, 
Bemidji Area, Billings Area, California Area, Nashville Area, Navajo 
Area, Oklahoma Area, Phoenix Area, Portland Area and Tucson Area.
    3. 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.

[[Page 52541]]

    4. Describe how to ensure the training curriculum content addresses 
all new regulations and operations for implementing the Affordable Care 
Act or IHCIA requirements.
    5. Conduct monthly meetings with NIHOE national and regional 
principals to share information and provide progress reports.
B. Coordinate and Develop a Multiple Strategy Education and Outreach 
Training Approach for I/T/U.
    1. Provide outreach and education training and technical assistance 
for all AI/AN consumers
    2. Provide ongoing AI/AN consumers training on tools developed for 
state Marketplace implementation.
    3. Involvement of community based partners and local leadership 
from all I/T/U levels is an important factor in the success of any 
enrollment process, develop a modified training briefs for Tribal 
Health Directors, Chief Executive Officers, and Tribal Leaders to 
assist with outreach efforts.
C. Provide Measurable Outcomes and Performance Improvement Activities 
for Affordable Care Act/IHCIA Outreach and Education Actions
    1. Describe the review and approval of the training course 
evaluation instrument.
    2. Establish a baseline for available I/T/U facility's enrollments 
data and identify challenges and opportunities for outreach and 
education activities.
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 
objectives.
    2. Include a detailed time line 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. Provide the outreach and educational training and technical 
assistance about these Acts and their changes and requirements that 
will target five consumer groups: (1) Consumers; (2) Tribal Leadership 
and Membership; (3) Tribal Employers; (4) Indian Health Facility 
Administrators; and (5) Elders and Seniors regarding the Affordable 
Care Act and IHCIA.
    F. Provide focused Affordable Care Act and IHCIA education that 
translates in everyday language explaining the benefits of the laws for 
seniors and elders.
    G. Strengthen and unify partnerships to strategically identify and 
conduct activities that will be implemented throughout the I/T/U 
community to take full advantage of the implementation and ongoing 
enrollment processes for health care reform regarding Medicaid 
expansion revenue opportunities and individual health insurance 
coverage and choices. Entity may utilize consultant if needed.

Office of Urban Indian Health Program

    One Hundred Forty Three Thousand Nine Hundred Twenty Three dollars 
($143,923) is identified as a set aside for a sub award to continue 
Health Reform Progress to Implement the Affordable Care Act and Indian 
Health Care Improvement Act Outreach, Training and Technical Assistance 
for Urban Indian Health Organizations.
A. Sub award Project Objectives
1. Develop an Affordable Care Act/IHCIA Training for the Urban Indian 
Organizations
    a. Review, compile and evaluate all available Affordable Care Act/
IHCIA training materials specific to urban Indians and report findings 
as it relates to the urban Indian health care system.
    b. Based on findings, develop a ``train the trainer'' training 
curriculum for all urban staff that will complement the Federal CAC 
training and certification process and focus on the Affordable Care Act 
``Indian'' specific provisions and/or IHCIA regulations and the impact 
on the urban Indian health care system. The training must specifically 
address the Certified Application Counselor (CAC) and Hardship Waiver 
requirements.
    c. Curriculum training must include an evaluation for content and 
participant knowledge learning and provide a certificate of completion. 
A tracking system for the number of certificates awarded will be in 
place. A preliminary training session will be conducted; attendance 
will be tracked and submitted along with a summary of evaluation 
results.
    d. Record training sessions and disseminate in an online format 
(i.e. Web sites of national Indian organizations and partners) for wide 
accessibility and use by urban Indian communities.
    e. Training content must be reviewed, evaluated and updated on an 
on-going basis throughout the funding year to ensure the information 
continues to meet the needs of the urban Indian health care system.
2. Create and Disseminate Affordable Care Act/IHCIA Training and 
Technical Assistance Materials
    a. Develop targeted materials for urban Indians, including special 
materials for elders and seniors regarding the Affordable Care Act/
IHCIA provisions.
    b. Write materials in everyday language explaining the benefits of 
the laws, with a special focus on seniors and elders.
    c. Create and disseminate complementary training materials (e.g. 
tools, forms, etc.) for urban Indian health organizations to implement 
the CAC training and certification process and the Hardship Waiver form 
for urban Indians.
    d. Create and disseminate additional materials as needed.
3. Provide Training and Technical Assistance
    a. Based on the knowledge and expertise gained in the above 
activities, provide training and technical assistance across the urban 
health care system to assist in planning and implementing Affordable 
Care Act/IHCIA training with special emphasis on the CAC training and 
certification process and Hardship Waiver forms.
    b. Identify and provide a forum to share innovative ideas, 
challenges and solutions for successful Affordable Care Act/IHCIA 
implementation. Reports on Affordable Care Act/IHCIA implementation 
progress highlighting innovative ideas, challenges and solutions 
throughout the funding year. The awardee will produce measurable 
outcomes to include:
    i. Analytical reports, policy reviews and recommended documents--
The products will be in the form of written (hard copy and/or 
electronic files) documents that contain analyses of the listed 
Affordable Care Act implementation health care issues to be reported at 
the Quarterly Direct Service Tribes Advisory Meetings. A hard copy of 
all information must be submitted to the Director, OUIHP, IHS.
    ii. Disseminate educational and informational materials and 
communicate to IHS and urban Indian organization staff through venues 
such as National and Regional Health conferences with a Tribal focus, 
consumer conferences, meetings and training sessions. This can be in 
the form of PowerPoint presentations, informational brochures, and/or 
handout materials. The IHS will provide

[[Page 52542]]

guidance and assistance as needed. Copies of all deliverables must be 
submitted to the IHS ODSCT; IHS ORAP; IHS OUIHP; and IHS Senior Advisor 
to the Director.
4. Collaboration and Coordination To Ensure Training and Materials Are 
Widely Distributed
    a. Evaluate all available Affordable Care Act/IHCIA training 
material available for AI/AN and create additional materials as needed 
that are related to Affordable Care Act/IHCIA.
    b. Record, track, and coordination information sharing activities 
(enrollments, trainings, information shared, meetings, updates, etc.) 
with IHS Offices: ODSCT, ORAP, OUIHP and 11 IHS Area Offices including 
Aberdeen Area, Albuquerque Area, Bemidji Area, Billings Area, 
California Area, Nashville Area, Navajo Area, Oklahoma Area, Phoenix 
Area, Portland Area and Tucson Area.
    c. Record training sessions and describe how they will be made 
available to the urban Indian communities on the Web sites of the 
national Indian organizations and partners.
    d. Describe how to ensure the training curriculum content addresses 
all new regulations implementing the Affordable Care Act or IHCIA 
requirements.
    e. Participate in monthly meetings with NIHOE national and regional 
principals to share information and provide progress reports.
5. Coordinate and Develop a Multiple Strategy Education and Outreach 
Training Approach for Urban Indian Health Organizations
    a. Provide outreach and education training and technical assistance 
for urban Indian consumers
    b. Provide ongoing training on tools developed for state 
Marketplace implementation.
    c. Because involvement of community based partners and local 
leadership from all I/T/U levels is an important factor in the success 
of any enrollment process, develop modified training briefs for Board 
of Directors/Trustees, Chief Executive Officers, and other community 
leaders to assist with outreach efforts.
6. Provide Measurable Outcomes and Performance Improvement Activities 
for Affordable Care Act/IHCIA Outreach and Education Actions
    1. Describe the review and approval of the training course 
evaluation instrument.
    2. Establish baseline data for individual urban Indian facility's 
enrollments and identify challenges and opportunities for outreach and 
education activities.
B. 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 
objectives.
    2. Include a detailed time line 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.
C. Evaluation
    1. Provide a plan for assessing the achievement of the project's 
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.
 D. Budget
    Provide a functional categorically itemized budget and program 
narrative justification that supports accomplishing the program 
objectives, activities, and outcomes within the timeframes specified.

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.
     Promoting and supporting Indian health care 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).

Sub Award Eligibility Requirements

    If a Primary applicant plans to include Sub-grantees under their 
project, the Primary applicant is responsible for ensuring that all 
Sub-grantee applications are completed, signed and submitted along with 
their Primary application by the deadline date listed in the Key Dates 
Section of page one of this announcement. The Primary applicant is also 
responsible for describing what role the Sub-grantee will have in 
assisting them with completing the goals and objectives of the program.
    Flow-Down of Requirements under Subawards and Contracts under 
Grants:
    The terms and conditions in the HHS GPS apply directly to the 
recipient of HHS funds. The recipient is accountable for the 
performance of the project, program, or activity; the appropriate 
expenditure of funds under the award by all parties; and all other 
obligations of the recipient, as cited in the NoA. In general, the 
requirements that apply to the recipient, including public policy 
requirements, also apply to subrecipients and contractors under grants, 
unless an exception is specified.
Sub Awardee Criteria
    A. Sub awardee must be a national Indian organization with the 
capacity and capability to address the Urban Indian Health activities 
outlined in this announcement.
    B. Sub awardee must have experience and expertise related to 
addressing Urban Indian health issues.
    C. Sub awardee must apply for the $143,923 set aside for addressing 
the Urban Indian Health activities outlined in this announcement.
    D. Sub awardee will implement the Affordable Care Act/IHCIA 
outreach, training and technical assistance for Urban Indian 
organizations.

[[Page 52543]]

    E. Sub awardee will submit its application as part of the Primary 
applicant's application submission.
    F. Sub awardee must provide proof of non-profit status.
    G. Sub awardee will be under the oversight of the Primary 
applicant.
    H. Sub awardee must provide its DUNS number to the prime grantee.
Primary Awardee Criteria
    A. Primary Awardee must report information on sub award in 
compliance with the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act 
of 2006 as amended.
    B. Primary Awardee must notify potential sub awardee that no entity 
may receive a first-tier subaward unless the entity has provided its 
DUNS number to the primary grantee organization.

    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 Tribal resolutions, 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. If deemed ineligible, IHS 
will not return the application. The applicant will be notified by 
email by the Division of Grants Management (DGM) of this decision.
    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 the application submission by the Application Deadline Date listed 
under the Key Dates section on page one of this announcement.
    Letters of Intent will not be required under this funding 
opportunity announcement.
    An applicant submitting any of the above additional documentation 
after the initial application submission due date is 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/dgm/index.cfm?module=dsp_dgm_funding
    Questions regarding the electronic application process may be 
directed to Mr. 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 be single spaced and not exceed 
ten pages for each of the three components).
     [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.
     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 Office of Management and Budget 
(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 for each of the three 
components for a total of 30 pages: ORAP: $300,000 for Implementation 
of the Affordable Care Act Training and Technical Assistance; ODSCT: 
$600,000 Conduct Affordable Care Act/IHCIA Education and Outreach 
Training and Technical Assistance; and OUIHP: $143,923 is set aside for 
a sub award to implement the Affordable Care Act/IHCIA outreach, 
training and technical assistance for Urban Indian organizations. 
Project narrative 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 grant award. If the narrative exceeds the 
page limit, only the first ten pages of each component will be 
reviewed. The ten-page limit for each component of 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 for each component)
Section 1: Needs
    Describe how national Indian organization(s) 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 for each 
component)

[[Page 52544]]

Section 1: Program Plans
    Describe fully and clearly the direction the national Indian 
organization plans to address the NIHOE III requirements, including how 
the national Indian organization plans to demonstrate improved health 
education and outreach services to all 566 Federally-recognized Tribes 
and/or Urban Indian communities that include the elderly and senior 
citizens. 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/or urban communities.
Part C: Program Report (2 page limitation for each component)
    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 that includes the elderly/senior citizens, if 
applicable.
    B. Budget Narrative: This narrative must describe the budget 
requested and match the scope of work described in the project 
narrative. The page limitation should not exceed five pages. This 
applies to the Primary Applicant as well as the Sub Award Applicant.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 
12:00 a.m., midnight Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on the Application 
Deadline Date listed in the Key Dates section on page one of this 
announcement. 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 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 Mr. Paul Gettys, DGM 
(Paul.Gettys@ihs.gov) at (301) 443-2114. 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 the 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 of this decision by the Grants Management Officer of 
DGM. Paper applications must be received by the DGM no later than 5:00 
p.m., EDT, on the Application Deadline Date listed in the Key Dates 
section on page one of this announcement. Late applications will not be 
accepted for processing or considered for funding.

4. Intergovernmental Review

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

5. Funding Restrictions

     Pre-award costs are not allowable.
     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. If a Primary applicant plans to include Sub-
grantees under their project, the Primary applicant is responsible for 
ensuring that all Sub-grantee applications are completed, signed and 
submitted along with their Primary application by the deadline date 
listed in the Key Dates Section of page one of this announcement. The 
Primary applicant is also responsible for describing what role the Sub-
grantee will have in assisting them with completing the goals and 
objectives of the program. Electronic copies of the application may not 
be submitted as attachments to email messages addressed to IHS 
employees or offices.
    If the applicant receives a waiver to submit paper application 
documents, they must follow the rules and timelines that are noted 
below. The applicant must seek assistance at least ten days prior to 
the Application Deadline Date listed in the Key Dates section on page 
one of this announcement.
    Applicants that do not adhere to the timelines for System for Award 
Management (SAM) 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 a 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 the standard 
electronic submission process.
     If the waiver is approved, the application should be sent 
directly to the DGM by the Application Deadline

[[Page 52545]]

Date listed in the Key Dates section on page one of this announcement.
     Applicants are strongly encouraged not to wait until the 
deadline date to begin the application process through Grants.gov as 
the registration process for SAM 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 Grants.gov and provide necessary copies to the 
appropriate agency officials. Neither the DGM nor the ODSCT will notify 
the applicant 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 SAM 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, please access it through https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform, or to expedite the process, call (866) 705-
5711.
    All HHS recipients are required by the Federal Funding 
Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006, as amended (``Transparency 
Act''), to report information on sub-awards. Accordingly, all IHS 
grantees must notify potential first-tier sub-recipients that no entity 
may receive a first-tier sub-award 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.
System for Award Management (SAM)
    Organizations that were not registered with Central Contractor 
Registration (CCR) and have not registered with SAM will need to obtain 
a DUNS number first and then access the SAM online registration through 
the SAM home page at https://www.sam.gov (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 SAM registration will take 3-5 business days 
to process. Registration with the SAM is free of charge. Applicants may 
register online at https://www.sam.gov.
    Additional information on implementing the Transparency Act, 
including the specific requirements for DUNS and SAM, can be found on 
the IHS Grants Management, Grants Policy Web site: https://www.ihs.gov/dgm/index.cfm?module=dsp_dgm_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 ten page narrative per each component should include only one year 
of activities. 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

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

[[Page 52546]]

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 ends.
    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 timeline 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).
     Current Indirect Cost Agreement.
     Organizational chart
     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, 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 ORC, applicants must 
address all program requirements and provide all required 
documentation. If an applicant receives less than a minimum score, it 
will be considered to be ``Disapproved'' and will be informed via email 
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 
that is identified on the face page (SF-424), of the application within 
30 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 in our grant 
system, GrantSolutions (https://www.grantsolutions.gov). Each entity 
that is approved for funding under this announcement will need to 
request or have a user account in GrantSolutions in order to retrieve 
their NoA. 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 points, 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

[[Page 52547]]

FY 2013, the approved application may be re-considered by the awarding 
program office for possible funding. The applicant 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:
     2 CFR part 225--Cost Principles for State, Local, and 
Indian Tribal Governments (OMB Circular A-87).
     2 CFR 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 (Interior Business Center) https://www.doi.gov/ibc/services/Indirect_Cost_Services/index.cfm. For questions 
regarding the indirect cost policy, please call (301) 443-5204 to 
request assistance.

4. Reporting Requirements

    The grantee 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. Reports must be submitted electronically via 
GrantSolutions. Personnel responsible for submitting reports will be 
required to obtain a login and password for GrantSolutions. Please see 
the Agency Contacts list in section VII for the systems contact 
information.
    The reporting requirements for this program are noted below.
A. Progress Reports
    Program progress reports are required semi-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. 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 the applicant also send a copy of the FFR (SF-425) 
report to the Grants Management Specialist. Failure to submit timely 
reports may cause a disruption in timely payments to the organizations.
    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.
    IHS has implemented a Term of Award into all IHS Standard Terms and 
Conditions, NoAs and funding announcements regarding the FSRS reporting 
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 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/dgm/index.cfm?module=dsp_dgm_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:

Mr. Chris Buchanan, Director, ODSCT, 801 Thompson Avenue, Suite 220, 
Rockville, Maryland 20852, Telephone: (301) 443-1104, Fax: (301) 443-
4666, E-Mail: Chris.Buchanan@ihs.gov.

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

Mr. Andrew Diggs, Grants Management Specialist, 801 Thompson Avenue, 
TMP Suite 360, Rockville, Maryland

[[Page 52548]]

20852, Telephone: (301) 443-5204, Fax: (301) 443-9602, E-Mail: 
Andrew.Diggs@ihs.gov.

    3. Questions on systems matters may be directed to:

Mr. Paul Gettys, Grant Systems Coordinator, 801 Thompson Avenue, TMP 
Suite 360, Rockville, MD 20852, Phone: (301) 443-2114; or the DGM main 
line (301) 443-5204, Fax: (301) 443-9602, E-Mail: Paul.Gettys@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.

    Date: August 16, 2013.
Yvette Roubideaux,
Acting Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-20535 Filed 8-22-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165-16-P