Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes; Tribal Management Grant Program, 38039-38047 [2014-15595]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
• Indian Health Service

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 128 (Thursday, July 3, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 38039-38047]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-15595]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service


Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes; Tribal 
Management Grant Program

    Announcement Type: New and Competing Continuation.
    Funding Announcement Number: HHS-2014-IHS-TMD-0001.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.228.

Key Dates

    Application Deadline Date: August 5, 2014.
    Review Date: August 18, 2014.
    Earliest Anticipated Start Date: September 15, 2014.
    Signed Tribal Resolutions Due Date: August 15, 2014.
    Proof of Non-Profit Status Due Date: August 15, 2014.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Statutory Authority

    The Indian Health Service (IHS) is accepting competitive grant 
applications for the Tribal Management Grant (TMG) program. This 
program is authorized under 25 U.S.C. 450h(b)(2) and 25 U.S.C. 450h(e) 
of the Indian Health Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act 
(ISDEAA), Public Law (Pub. L.) 93-638, as amended. This program is 
described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance under 93.228.

Background

    The TMG Program is a competitive grant program that is capacity 
building and developmental in nature and has been available for 
Federally-recognized Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations (T/TO) 
since shortly after the passage of the ISDEAA in 1975. It was 
established to assist T/TO to assume all or part of existing IHS 
programs, functions, services, and activities (PFSA) and further 
develop and improve their health management capability. The TMG Program 
provides competitive grants to T/TO to establish goals and performance 
measures for current health programs; assess current management 
capacity to determine if new components are appropriate; analyze 
programs to determine if T/TO management is practicable; and develop 
infrastructure systems to manage or organize PFSA.

Purpose

    The purpose of this IHS grant announcement is to announce the 
availability of the TMG Program to enhance and develop health 
management infrastructure and assist T/TO in assuming all or part of 
existing IHS PSFA through a Title I contract and assist established 
Title I contractors and Title V compactors to further develop and 
improve their management capability. In addition, TMGs are available to 
T/TO under the authority of 25 U.S.C. 450h(e) for: (1) Obtaining 
technical assistance from providers designated by the T/TO (including 
T/TO that operate mature contracts) for the purposes of program 
planning and evaluation, including the development of any management 
systems necessary for contract management and the development of cost 
allocation plans for indirect cost rates; and (2) the planning, 
designing, monitoring, and evaluation of Federal programs serving the 
T/TO, including Federal administrative functions.

II. Award Information

Type of Award

    Grant.

Estimated Funds Available

    The total amount of funding identified for the current fiscal year 
(FY) 2014 is approximately $1,412,000. Individual award amounts are 
anticipated to be between $50,000 and $100,000. The amount of funding 
available for both competing and continuation awards issued under this 
announcement is subject to the availability of appropriations and 
budgetary priorities of the Agency. The IHS is under no obligation to 
make awards that are selected for funding under this announcement.

Anticipated Number of Awards

    Approximately 16-18 awards will be issued under this program 
announcement.

Project Period

    The project periods vary based on the project type selected. 
Project periods could run from one, two, or three years and will run 
consecutively from the earliest anticipated start date of September 15, 
2014 through September 14, 2015 for one year projects; September 15, 
2014 through September 14, 2016 for two year projects; and September 
15, 2014 through September 14, 2017 for three year projects. Please 
refer to ``Eligible TMG Project Types, Maximum Funding Levels and 
Project Periods'' below for additional details. State the number of 
years for the project period and include the exact dates.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligibility

    Eligible Applicants: ``Indian Tribes'' and ``Tribal organizations'' 
(T/TO) as defined by the ISDEAA are eligible to apply for the TMG 
Program. The definitions for each entity type are outlined below. Only 
one application per T/TO is allowed.
    Definitions: ``Indian Tribe'' means any Indian tribe, band, nation, 
or other

[[Page 38040]]

organized group or community, including any Alaska Native village or 
regional or village corporation as defined in or established pursuant 
to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (85 Stat. 688) [43 U.S.C. 
1601 et seq.], which is recognized as eligible for the special programs 
and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their 
status as Indians. 25 U.S.C. 450b(e).
    ``Tribal organization'' means the recognized governing body of any 
Indian tribe; any legally established organization of Indians which is 
controlled, sanctioned, or chartered by such governing body or which is 
democratically elected by the adult members of the Indian community to 
be served by such organization and which includes the maximum 
participation of Indians in all phases of its activities. 25 U.S.C. 
450b(l).
    Tribal organizations must provide proof of non-profit status.
    Eligible TMG Project Types, Maximum Funding Levels and Project 
Periods: The TMG Program consists of four project types: (1) 
Feasibility study; (2) planning; (3) evaluation study; and (4) health 
management structure. Applicants may submit applications for one 
project type only. Applicants must state the project type selected. 
Applications that address more than one project type will be considered 
ineligible. The maximum funding levels noted include both direct and 
indirect costs. Applicant budgets may not exceed the maximum funding 
level or project period identified for a project type. Applicants whose 
budget or project period exceed the maximum funding level or project 
period will be deemed ineligible and will not be reviewed. Please refer 
to Section IV.5, ``Funding Restrictions'' for further information 
regarding ineligible project activities.
1. Feasibility Study (Maximum Funding/Project Period: $70,000/12 
Months)
    The Feasibility Study must include a study of a specific IHS 
program or segment of a program to determine if Tribal management of 
the program is possible. The study shall present the planned approach, 
training, and resources required to assume Tribal management of the 
program. The study must include the following four components:
     Health needs and health care services assessments that 
identify existing health care services and delivery systems, program 
divisibility issues, health status indicators, unmet needs, volume 
projections, and demand analysis.
     Management analysis of existing management structures, 
proposed management structures, implementation plans and requirements, 
and personnel staffing requirements and recruitment barriers.
     Financial analysis of historical trends data, financial 
projections and new resource requirements for program management costs 
and analysis of potential revenues from Federal/non-Federal sources.
     Decision statement/report that incorporates findings, 
conclusions and recommendations; the presentation of the study and 
recommendations to the Tribal governing body for determination 
regarding whether Tribal assumption of program(s) is desirable or 
warranted.
    2. Planning (Maximum Funding/Project Period: $50,000/12 Months)
    Planning projects entail a collection of data to establish goals 
and performance measures for the operation of current health programs 
or anticipated PFSA under a Title I contract. Planning projects will 
specify the design of health programs and the management systems 
(including appropriate policies and procedures) to accomplish the 
health priorities of the T/TO. For example, planning projects could 
include the development of a Tribal Specific Health Plan or a Strategic 
Health Plan, etc. Please note that updated Healthy People information 
and Healthy People 2020 objectives are available in electronic format 
at the following Web site: https://www.health.gov/healthypeople/publications. The Public Health Service (PHS) encourages applicants 
submitting strategic health plans to address specific objectives of 
Healthy People 2020.
3. Evaluation Study (Maximum Funding/Project Period: $50,000/12 Months)
    The Evaluation Study must include a systematic collection, 
analysis, and interpretation of data for the purpose of determining the 
value of a program. The extent of the evaluation study could relate to 
the goals and objectives, policies and procedures, or programs 
regarding targeted groups. The evaluation study could also be used to 
determine the effectiveness and efficiency of a Tribal program 
operation (i.e., direct services, financial management, personnel, data 
collection and analysis, third-party billing, etc.), as well as to 
determine the appropriateness of new components of a Tribal program 
operation that will assist Tribal efforts to improve their health care 
delivery systems.
    4. Health Management Structure (Average Funding/Project Period: 
$100,000/12 Months; Maximum Funding/Project Period: $300,000/36 Months)
    The first year maximum funding level is limited to $150,000 for 
multi-year projects. The Health Management Structure component allows 
for implementation of systems to manage or organize PFSA. Management 
structures include health department organizations, health boards, and 
financial management systems, including systems for accounting, 
personnel, third-party billing, medical records, management information 
systems, etc. This includes the design, improvement, and correction of 
management systems that address weaknesses identified through quality 
control measures, internal control reviews, and audit report findings 
under the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-133, Audits 
of States, Local Governments and Non-Profit Organizations and ISDEAA 
requirements. For the minimum standards for the management systems used 
by Indian T/TO when carrying out self-determination contracts, please 
see 25 CFR part 900, Contracts Under the Indian Self-Determination and 
Education Assistance Act, Subpart F--``Standards for Tribal or Tribal 
Organization Management Systems,'' Sec. Sec.  900.35-900.60. For 
operational provisions applicable to carrying out Self-Governance 
compacts, please see 42 CFR part 137, Tribal Self-Governance, Subpart 
I,--``Operational Provisions'' Sec. Sec.  137.160-137.220.
    Please see Section IV ``Application and Submission Information'' 
for information on how to obtain a copy of the TMG application package.

    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.

    To be eligible for this ``New/Competing Continuation 
Announcement,'' an applicant must be one of the following as defined by 
25 U.S.C. 450b:
    i. An Indian Tribe, as defined by 25 U.S.C. 450b(e); or
    ii. A Tribal organization, as defined by 25 U.S.C. 450b(l).

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''

[[Page 38041]]

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.
    The following documentation is required:
Tribal Resolution
    A. Signed Tribal Resolution--A signed Tribal resolution of the 
Indian Tribes served by the project must accompany the electronic 
application submission. An Indian Tribe or tribal organization that is 
proposing a project affecting another Indian Tribe must include 
resolutions from all affected Tribes to be served. Applications by 
Tribal organizations will not require a specific Tribal resolution if 
the current Tribal resolution(s) under which they operate would 
encompass the proposed grant activities.
    Draft Tribal resolutions are acceptable in lieu of an official 
signed resolution and must be submitted along with the electronic 
application submission prior to the official application deadline date 
or prior to the start of the Objective Review Committee (ORC) date.
    Final Signed Tribal Resolutions: An official signed Tribal 
resolution must be received by the DGM prior to the beginning of the 
Objective Review. If an official signed resolution is not received by 
the Review Date listed under the Key Dates section on page one of this 
announcement, the application will be considered incomplete and 
ineligible.
    B. Mail the official signed resolution to the DGM, Attn: Mr. Pallop 
Chareonvootitam, Grants Management Specialist (GMS), 801 Thompson 
Avenue, TMP Suite 360, Rockville, MD 20852. Applicants submitting 
Tribal resolutions after or aside from the required online electronic 
application submission deadline date must verify/have proof that the 
information was received by the IHS/DGM timely in order to satisfy 
eligibility requirements. It is highly recommended that the 
documentation be sent by a delivery method that includes delivery 
confirmation and tracking. Please contact Mr. Pallop Chareonvootitam, 
GMS, by telephone at (301) 443-5204 prior to the review date regarding 
submission questions.
    C. Tribal organizations applying for technical assistance and/or 
training grants must submit documentation that the Tribal organization 
is applying upon the request of the Indian Tribe/Tribes it intends to 
serve.
    D. Documentation for Priority I Participation requires a copy of 
the Federal Register notice or letter from the Bureau of Indian Affairs 
verifying establishment of Federally-recognized Tribal status within 
the last five years. The date on the documentation must reflect that 
Federal recognition was received during or after March 2009.
    E. Documentation for Priority II Participation requires a copy of 
the most current transmittal letter and Attachment A from the 
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of Inspector 
General (OIG), National External Audit Review Center (NEAR). See 
``FUNDING PRIORITIES'' below for more information. If an applicant is 
unable to locate a copy of the most recent transmittal letter or needs 
assistance with audit issues, information or technical assistance may 
be obtained by contacting the IHS, Office of Finance and Accounting, 
Division of Audit at (301) 443-1270, or the NEAR help line at (800) 
732-0679 or (816) 426-7720. Federally-recognized Indian Tribes or 
Tribal organizations not subject to Single Audit Act requirements must 
provide a financial statement identifying the Federal dollars in the 
footnotes. The financial statement must also identify specific 
weaknesses/recommendations that will be addressed in the TMG proposal 
and that are related to 25 CFR part 900, Subpart F--``Standards for 
Tribal and Tribal Organization Management Systems.''
    F. Documentation of Consortium Participation--If an Indian Tribe 
submitting an application is a member of an eligible intertribal 
consortium, the Tribe must:
    --Identify the consortium.
    --Indicate if the consortium intends to submit a TMG application.
    --Demonstrate that the Tribe's application does not duplicate or 
overlap any objectives of the consortium's application.
    --Identify all consortium member Tribes.
    --Identify if any of the member Tribes intend to submit a TMG 
application of their own.
    --Demonstrate that the consortium's application does not duplicate 
or overlap any objectives of the other consortium members who may be 
submitting their own TMG application.
    FUNDING PRIORITIES: The IHS has established the following funding 
priorities for TMG awards:
     PRIORITY I--Any Indian Tribe that has received Federal 
recognition (including restored, funded, or unfunded) within the past 
five years, specifically received during or after March 2009, will be 
considered Priority I.
     PRIORITY II--Federally-recognized Indian Tribes or Tribal 
organizations submitting a competing continuation application or a new 
application for the sole purpose of addressing audit material 
weaknesses will be considered Priority II.
    Priority II participation is only applicable to the Health 
Management Structure project type. For more information, see ``Eligible 
TMG Project Types, Maximum Funding Levels and Project Periods'' in 
Section II.
     PRIORITY III--Eligible Direct Service and Title I 
Federally-recognized Indian Tribes or Tribal Organizations submitting a 
competing continuation application or a new application will be 
considered Priority III.
     PRIORITY IV--Eligible Title V Self Governance Federally-
recognized Indian Tribes or Tribal Organizations submitting a competing 
continuation or a new application will be considered Priority IV.
    The funding of approved Priority I applicants will occur before the 
funding of approved Priority II applicants. Priority II applicants will 
be funded before approved Priority III applicants. Priority III 
applicants will be funded before Priority IV applicants. Funds will be 
distributed until depleted.
    The following definitions are applicable to the PRIORITY II 
category:
    Audit finding means deficiencies which the auditor is required by 
OMB Circular A-133, Subpart E `Auditors', Section 510 `Audit findings', 
Subsection (a) `Audit findings reported', to report in the schedule of 
findings and questioned costs.
    Material weakness--``Statements on Auditing Standards 115'' defines 
material weakness as a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in 
internal control, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a 
material misstatement of the entity's financial statements will not be 
prevented, or detected and corrected on a timely basis.
    Significant deficiency--Statements on Auditing Standards 115 
defines significant deficiency as a deficiency, or a combination of 
deficiencies, in internal control that is less severe than a material 
weakness, yet important enough to merit attention by those charged with 
governance.
    The audit findings are identified in Attachment A of the 
transmittal letter received from the HHS/OIG/NEAR. Please identify the 
material weaknesses to be addressed by underlining the item(s) listed 
on the Attachment A.
    Federally-recognized Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations not 
subject to

[[Page 38042]]

Single Audit Act requirements must provide a financial statement 
identifying the Federal dollars received in the footnotes. The 
financial statement should also identify specific weaknesses/
recommendations that will be addressed in the TMG proposal and that are 
related to 25 CFR part 900, Subpart F--``Standards for Tribal and 
Tribal Organization Management Systems.''
    Please refer to Section IV, ``Application and Submission 
Information,'' particularly Item 5, ``Funding Restrictions'' and 
Section V. ``Application Review/Information'' regarding other 
application submission information and/or requirements.
    Letters of Intent will not be required under this funding 
opportunity announcement.
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.

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 15 
pages).
    [cir] Background information on the organization.
    [cir] Proposed scope of work, objectives, and activities that 
provide a description of what will be accomplished, including a one-
page Timeframe Chart.
     Tribal Resolution. (Submission of either a final signed 
resolution or a draft resolution with the initial application is 
mandatory. If submitting a draft resolution, it is the applicant's 
responsibility to ensure that the final signed resolution is submitted 
prior to the objective review of applications date.)
     501(c)(3) Certificate (if applicable).
     Position Descriptions for Key Personnel.
     Resumes for 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 Requirement
    All Federal-wide public policies apply to IHS grants and 
cooperative agreements 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 15 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 address and answer all questions listed under 
each part of the narrative and place all responses and required 
information in the correct section (noted below), or they shall not be 
considered or scored. These narratives will assist the Objective Review 
Committee (ORC) in becoming more familiar with the applicant's 
activities and accomplishments prior to this grant award. If the 
narrative exceeds the page limit, only the first 15 pages will be 
reviewed. The 15-page limit for the narrative does not include the work 
plan, standard forms, Tribal resolutions, table of contents, budget, 
budget justifications, narratives, and/or other appendix items.
    There are three parts to the narrative: Part A--Program 
Information; Part B--Program Planning and Evaluation; and Part C--
Program Report. See below for additional details about what must be 
included in the narrative.

Part A: Program Information (2 page limitation)
Section 1: Needs

    Describe how the T/TO has determined the need to either enhance or 
develop its management capability to either assume PFSAs or not in the 
interest of self-determination. Note the progression of previous TMG 
projects/awards if/as applicable.

Part B: Program Planning and Evaluation (11 page limitation)

Section 1: Program Plans

    Describe fully and clearly the direction the T/TO plans to take 
with the selected TMG project type in addressing their health 
management infrastructure including how the T/TO plans to demonstrate 
improved health and services to the community or communities it serves. 
Include proposed timelines.

Section 2: Program Evaluation

    Describe fully and clearly the improvements that will be made by 
the T/TO that will impact their management capability or prepare them 
for future improvements to their organization that will allow them to 
manage their health care system and identify the anticipated or 
expected benefits for the Tribe.

Part C: Program Report (2 page limitation)

Section 1: Describe major accomplishments over the last 24 months.

    Please identify and describe significant program achievements 
associated with the delivery of quality health services. 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.

    Please identify and summarize recent major health related project 
activities of the work done during the project period.
    B. Budget Narrative: This narrative must include a line item budget 
with a narrative justification for all expenditures identifying 
reasonable and allowable costs necessary to accomplish

[[Page 38043]]

the goals and objectives as outlined in the project narrative. Budget 
should match the scope of work described in the project narrative. The 
page limitation should not exceed five pages.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 
12:00 a.m., midnight Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on 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. Grants.gov will notify the applicant via 
email if the application is rejected.
    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, a waiver must be requested. 
Prior approval must be requested and obtained from Ms. Tammy Bagley, 
Acting Director of DGM, (see Section IV.6 below for additional 
information). The waiver must: (1) Be documented in writing (emails are 
acceptable), before submitting a paper application and (2) include a 
clear justification for the need to deviate from the required 
electronic grants submission process. Written waiver request can be 
sent to Tammy.Bagley@ihs.gov. 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 copy of the signed waiver from the Acting Director 
of the 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 the 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 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.
    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 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 Office of Direct 
Service and Contracting Tribes 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 subawards. 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

[[Page 38044]]

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 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 15 page narrative should only include the first year of activities; 
information for multi-year projects should be included as an appendix. 
See ``Multi-year Project Requirements'' at the end of this section for 
more information. 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 (20 points)
    (1) Describe the T/TO's current health operation. Include what 
programs and services are currently provided (i.e., Federally-funded, 
State-funded, etc.), information regarding technologies currently used 
(i.e., hardware, software, services, etc.), and identify the source(s) 
of technical support for those technologies (i.e., Tribal staff, Area 
Office, vendor, etc.). Include information regarding whether the T/TO 
has a health department and/or health board and how long it has been 
operating.
    (2) Describe the population to be served by the proposed project. 
Include the number of eligible IHS beneficiaries who currently use the 
services.
    (3) Describe the geographic location of the proposed project 
including any geographic barriers to the health care users in the area 
to be served.
    (4) Identify all TMGs received since FY 2009, dates of funding and 
a summary of project accomplishments. State how previous TMG funds 
facilitated the progression of health development relative to the 
current proposed project. (Copies of reports will not be accepted.)
    (5) Identify the eligible project type and priority group of the 
applicant.
    (6) Explain the need/reason for the proposed project by identifying 
specific gaps or weaknesses in services or infrastructure that will be 
addressed by the proposed project. Explain how these gaps/weaknesses 
have been assessed.
    (7) If the proposed project includes information technology (i.e., 
hardware, software, etc.), provide further information regarding 
measures taken or to be taken that ensure the proposed project will not 
create other gaps in services or infrastructure (i.e., negatively 
affect or impact IHS interface capability, Government Performance and 
Results Act reporting requirements, contract reporting requirements, 
Information Technology (IT) compatibility, etc.) if applicable.
    (8) Describe the effect of the proposed project on current programs 
(i.e., Federally-funded, State-funded, etc.) and, if applicable, on 
current equipment (i.e., hardware, software, services, etc.). Include 
the effect of the proposed project on planned/anticipated programs and/
or equipment.
    (9) Address how the proposed project relates to the purpose of the 
TMG Program by addressing the appropriate description that follows:
     Identify if the T/TO is an IHS Title I contractor. Address 
if the self-determination contract is a master contract of several 
programs or if individual contracts are used for each program. Include 
information regarding whether or not the Tribe participates in a 
consortium contract (i.e., more than one Tribe participating in a 
contract). Address what programs are currently provided through those 
contracts and how the proposed project will enhance the organization's 
capacity to manage the contracts currently in place.
     Identify if the T/TO is not a Title I organization. 
Address how the proposed project will enhance the organization's 
management capabilities, what programs and services the organization is 
currently seeking to contract and an anticipated date for contract.
     Identify if the T/TO is an IHS Title V compactor. Address 
when the T/TO entered into the compact and how the proposed project 
will further enhance the organization's management capabilities.
B. Project Objective(s), Work Plan and Approach (40 points)
    (1) Identify the proposed project objective(s) addressing the 
following:
     Objectives must be measureable and (if applicable) 
quantifiable.
     Objectives must be results oriented.
     Objectives must be time-limited.
    Example: By installing new third-party billing software, the Tribe 
will increase the number of bills processed by 15 percent at the end of 
12 months.
    (2) Address how the proposed project will result in change or 
improvement in program operations or processes for each proposed 
project objective. Also address what tangible products are expected 
from the project (i.e., policies and procedures manual, health plan, 
etc.).
    (3) Address the extent to which the proposed project will build 
local capacity to provide, improve, or expand services that address the 
need(s) of the target population.
    (4) Submit a work plan in the Appendix which includes the following 
information:
     Provide the action steps on a timeline for accomplishing 
the proposed project objective(s).
     Identify who will perform the action steps.
     Identify who will supervise the action steps taken.
     Identify what tangible products will be produced during 
and at the end of the proposed project.
     Identify who will accept and/or approve work products 
during the duration of the proposed project and at the end of the 
proposed project.
     Include any training that will take place during the 
proposed project and who will be providing and attending the training.
     Include evaluation activities planned in the work plans.
    (5) If consultants or contractors will be used during the proposed 
project,

[[Page 38045]]

please include the following information in their scope of work (or 
note if consultants/contractors will not be used):
     Educational requirements.
     Desired qualifications and work experience.
     Expected work products to be delivered on a timeline.
    If a potential consultant/contractor has already been identified, 
please include a resume in the Appendix.
    (6) Describe what updates (i.e., revision of policies/procedures, 
upgrades, technical support, etc.) will be required for the continued 
success of the proposed project. Include when these updates are 
anticipated and where funds will come from to conduct the update and/or 
maintenance.
C. Program Evaluation (20 points)
    Each proposed objective requires an evaluation component to assess 
its progression and ensure its completion. Also, include the evaluation 
activities in the work plan.
    Describe the proposed plan to evaluate both outcomes and processes. 
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:
     What will the criteria be for determining success of each 
objective?
     What data will be collected to determine whether the 
objective was met?
     At what intervals will data be collected?
     Who will collect the data and their qualifications?
     How will the data be analyzed?
     How will the results be used?
    (2) For process evaluation, describe:
     How will the project be monitored and assessed for 
potential problems and needed quality improvements?
     Who will be responsible for monitoring and managing 
project improvements based on results of ongoing process improvements 
and their qualifications?
     How will ongoing monitoring be used to improve the 
project?
     Describe any products, such as manuals or policies, that 
might be developed and how they might lend themselves to replication by 
others.
     How will the organization document what is learned 
throughout the project period?
    (3) Describe any evaluation efforts planned after the grant period 
has ended.
    (4) Describe the ultimate benefit to the Tribe that is expected to 
result from this project. An example of this might be the ability of 
the Tribe to expand preventive health services because of increased 
billing and third party payments.
D. Organizational Capabilities, Key Personnel and Qualifications (15 
points)
    This section outlines the broader capacity of the organization to 
complete the project outlined in the work plan. It includes the 
identification of personnel responsible for completing tasks and the 
chain of responsibility for successful completion of the projects 
outlined in the work plan.
    (1) Describe the organizational structure of the T/TO beyond health 
care activities, if applicable.
    (2) Provide information regarding plans to obtain management 
systems if the T/TO does not have an established management system 
currently in place that complies with 25 CFR part 900, Subpart F, 
``Standards for Tribal or Tribal Organization Management Systems.'' 
State if management systems are already in place and how long the 
systems have been in place.
    (3) 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 grants and projects 
successfully completed.
    (4) 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. Include information about any equipment 
not currently available that will be purchased through the grant.
    (5) List key personnel who will work on the project. Include all 
titles of key personnel 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.
    (6) Address how the T/TO will sustain the position(s) after the 
grant expires if the project requires additional personnel (i.e., IT 
support, etc.). State if there is no need for additional personnel.
    (7) If the personnel are to be only partially funded by this grant, 
indicate the percentage of time to be allocated to the project and 
identify the resources used to fund the remainder of the individual's 
salary.
E. Categorical Budget and Budget Justification (5 points)
    (1) Provide a categorical budget for each of the 12-month budget 
periods 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 
categorical budget line item is necessary and relevant to the proposed 
project. Include sufficient cost and other details to facilitate the 
determination of cost allowability (i.e., equipment specifications, 
etc.).
Multi-Year Project Requirements (if applicable)
    For projects requiring a second and/or third year, include only 
Year 2 and/or Year 3 narrative sections (objectives, evaluation 
components and work plan) that differ from those in Year 1. For every 
project year, include a full budget justification and a detailed, 
itemized categorical budget showing calculation methodologies for each 
item. The same weights and criteria which are used to evaluate a one-
year project or the first year of a multi-year project will be applied 
when evaluating the second and third years of a multi-year application. 
A weak second and/or third year submission could negatively impact the 
overall score of an application and result in elimination of the 
proposed second and/or third years with a recommendation for only a 
one-year award.
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).
     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. 
Applications that meet the eligibility criteria shall be reviewed for 
merit by the ORC based on evaluation criteria in this funding 
announcement. The ORC could be composed of both Tribal and Federal 
reviewers appointed by the IHS program to review and make 
recommendations

[[Page 38046]]

on these applications. The technical review process ensures selection 
of quality projects in a national competition for limited funding. 
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., budget narratives, 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

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 required) 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 2014, 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

    Grants are administered in accordance with the following 
regulations, policies, and OMB cost principles:
    A. The criteria as outlined in this Program Announcement.
    B. Administrative Regulations for Grants:
     45 CFR part 92, Uniform Administrative Requirements for 
Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State, Local and Tribal 
Governments.
     45 CFR part 74, Uniform Administrative Requirements for 
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 organization.
    Grantees are responsible and accountable for accurate information

[[Page 38047]]

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: Ms. 
Patricia Spotted Horse, Program Analyst, Office of Direct Service and 
Contracting Tribes, Indian Health Service, 801 Thompson Avenue, Suite 
220, Rockville, MD 20852-1609, Telephone: (301) 443-1104, Fax: (301) 
443-4666, Email: Patricia.SpottedHorse@ihs.gov.
    2. Questions on grants management and fiscal matters may be 
directed to: Mr. Pallop Chareonvootitam, Grants Management Specialist, 
Division of Grants Management, Office of Management Services, Indian 
Health Service, 801 Thompson Avenue, TMP Suite 360, Rockville, MD 
20852-1609, Telephone: (301) 443-5204, Fax: (301) 443-9602, Email: 
Pallop.Chareonvootitam@ihs.gov.
    3. Questions on systems matters may be directed to: Mr. Paul 
Gettys, Grant Systems Coordinator, Division of Grants Management, 
Office of Management Services, Indian Health Service, 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 PHS strongly encourages all cooperative agreement and PHS 
contract recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and promote the 
non-use of all tobacco products. In addition, Public Law 103-227, the 
Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in certain facilities (or 
in some cases, any portion of the facility) in which regular or routine 
education, library, day care, health care, or early childhood 
development services are provided to children. This is consistent with 
the HHS mission to protect and advance the physical and mental health 
of the American people.

    Dated: June 25, 2014.
Yvette Roubideaux,
Acting Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-15595 Filed 7-2-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165-16-P