Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes; Tribal Management Grant Program, 14392-14401 [2015-06353]
Download as PDF
14392
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 53 / Thursday, March 19, 2015 / Notices
evidence that the illness, disability,
injury, condition, or death described in
the petition is due to factors unrelated
to the administration of the vaccine
described in the petition,’’ and
2. Any allegation in a petition that the
petitioner either:
a. ‘‘Sustained, or had significantly
aggravated, any illness, disability,
injury, or condition not set forth in the
Vaccine Injury Table but which was
caused by’’ one of the vaccines referred
to in the Table, or
b. ‘‘Sustained, or had significantly
aggravated, any illness, disability,
injury, or condition set forth in the
Vaccine Injury Table the first symptom
or manifestation of the onset or
significant aggravation of which did not
occur within the time period set forth in
the Table but which was caused by a
vaccine’’ referred to in the Table.
In accordance with Section
2112(b)(2), all interested persons may
submit written information relevant to
the issues described above in the case of
the petitions listed below. Any person
choosing to do so should file an original
and three (3) copies of the information
with the Clerk of the U.S. Court of
Federal Claims at the address listed
above (under the heading ‘‘For Further
Information Contact’’), with a copy to
HRSA addressed to Director, Division of
Injury Compensation Programs,
Healthcare Systems Bureau, 5600
Fishers Lane, Room 11C–26, Rockville,
MD 20857. The Court’s caption
(Petitioner’s Name v. Secretary of Health
and Human Services) and the docket
number assigned to the petition should
be used as the caption for the written
submission. Chapter 35 of title 44,
United States Code, related to
paperwork reduction, does not apply to
information required for purposes of
carrying out the Program.
Dated: March 13, 2015.
Mary K. Wakefield,
Administrator.
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List of Petitions Filed
1. Melissa Kirdzik on behalf of John Henry
Watts, IV, Newport, Rhode Island, Court
of Federal Claims No: 15–0098V
2. Maria Echevarria on behalf of D.E.,
Deceased, Piermont, New York, Court of
Federal Claims No: 15–0100V
3. Susan Marshall on behalf of Antron Jarvar
Thompson, Decatur, Georgia, Court of
Federal Claims No: 15–0102V
4. James Riley and Brandy Riley on behalf of
E.R., Huntington, West Virginia, Court of
Federal Claims No: 15–0104V
5. Shannon Apodaca, Alamosa, Colorado,
Court of Federal Claims No: 15–0106V
6. Aaron Prior, Lincoln, Nebraska, Court of
Federal Claims No: 15–0107V
7. David Thomas, Brookfield, Wisconsin,
Court of Federal Claims No: 15–0108V
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8. James Kois, Latham, New York, Court of
Federal Claims No: 15–0109V
9. Michael Perkins, Elgin, Illinois, Court of
Federal Claims No: 15–0112V
10. Shanelle Mattus-Lang on behalf of D.J.W.,
Santa Clara, California, Court of Federal
Claims No: 15–0113V
11. Michael D. Hudson, Huntsville, Texas,
Court of Federal Claims No: 15–0114V
12. Adele Phillips, Syracuse, New York,
Court of Federal Claims No: 15–0115V
13. Amanda Seiders and Adam Seiders on
behalf of H.S., Cypress, Texas, Court of
Federal Claims No: 15–0117V
14. Carrie M. Broschart on behalf of Amelia
F. Beaver, Danville, Pennsylvania, Court
of Federal Claims No: 15–0118V
15. Terra Schaller, Portland, Oregon, Court of
Federal Claims No: 15–0120V
16. Christine Torres on behalf of L.T.,
Rochester, New York, Court of Federal
Claims No: 15–0124V
17. Kristie Roby, Sumter, Florida, Court of
Federal Claims No: 15–0125V
18. Joanne Jennings, Covington, Louisiana,
Court of Federal Claims No: 15–0131V
19. Madeline Moorman, Overland Park,
Kansas, Court of Federal Claims No: 15–
0132V
20. Amy Lyn Vakalis, Baraboo, Wisconsin,
Court of Federal Claims No: 15–0134V
21. Judith Jetson, Weaverville, North
Carolina, Court of Federal Claims No:
15–0138V
22. Julie Reiling on behalf of G.R., Phoenix,
Arizona, Court of Federal Claims No: 15–
0139V
23. Virginia Ives, Portland, Oregon, Court of
Federal Claims No: 15–0140V
24 Bridgette Wiley, Conyers, Georgia, Court
of Federal Claims No: 15–0141V
25. Paulette Cummins, Beverly Hills,
California, Court of Federal Claims No:
15–0142V
26. Katelyn Garner, Baraboo, Wisconsin,
Court of Federal Claims No: 15–0143V
27. Timothy F. Grieb, Seattle, Washington,
Court of Federal Claims No: 15–0144V
28. Kimberly Norwood and Clifford Norwood
on behalf of Cassidi Norwood, Atlanta,
Georgia, Court of Federal Claims No: 15–
0145V
29. Dorothy Gray, Phoenix, Arizona, Court of
Federal Claims No: 15–0146V
30. Francine Mack, Cheyenne, Wyoming,
Court of Federal Claims No: 15–0149V
31. Ronald Watkins, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, Court of Federal Claims
No: 15–0150V
32. Danielle Groom, Fairview Heights,
Illinois, Court of Federal Claims No: 15–
0157V
33. Hailey Davis and Chad Davis on behalf
of R.D., Cordele, Georgia, Court of
Federal Claims No: 15–0159V
34. Adan Gomez and Raquel Ayon on behalf
of Joel Gomez, Deceased, Rosemead,
California, Court of Federal Claims No:
15–0160V
35. Demarco Johnson and Lateasha Johnson
on behalf of D.J., Hendersonville,
Tennessee, Court of Federal Claims No:
15–0164V
36. Jessica Crefasi, Mandeville, Louisiana,
Court of Federal Claims No: 15–0166V
37. Ova Franklin Kelly, Orlando, Florida,
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Court of Federal Claims No: 15–0167V
38. Mamotabo Matshela, Chicago, Illinois,
Court of Federal Claims No: 15–0168V
39. Jennifer L. Check, Memphis, Tennessee,
Court of Federal Claims No: 15–0169V
40. Thaddee Michaud, Rochester, New York,
Court of Federal Claims No: 15–0170V
41. Tyler Steen, Cedar Falls, Iowa, Court of
Federal Claims No: 15–0176V
42. Britany Greek on behalf of C.T.G., Lake
City, Florida, Court of Federal Claims
No: 15–0178V
43. Francisco Tamez and Luz Tamez on
behalf of E.T., Las Cruces, New Mexico,
Court of Federal Claims No: 15–0181V
44. Victor Fullerton, Cadillac, Michigan,
Court of Federal Claims No: 15–0182V
45. Lynette Brayboy on behalf of L.B.,
Baraboo, Wisconsin, Court of Federal
Claims No: 15–0183V
46. Mary E. Forde, Columbus, Ohio, Court of
Federal Claims No: 15–0185V
47. Jered R. Anderson, Faribault, Minnesota,
Court of Federal Claims No: 15–0187V
[FR Doc. 2015–06279 Filed 3–18–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165–15–P
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–2015–IHS–TMD–0001.
Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance Number: 93.228.
Key Dates
Application Deadline Date: June 3,
2015.
Review Date: June 22–26, 2015.
Earliest Anticipated Start Date:
September 1, 2015.
Signed Tribal Resolutions Due Date:
June 19, 2015.
Proof of Non-Profit Status Due Date:
June 3, 2015.
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 SelfDetermination and Education
Assistance Act (ISDEAA), Public Law
(Pub. L.) 93–638, as amended. This
program is described in the Catalog of
Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA)
under 93.228.
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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) planning,
designing, monitoring, and evaluation of
Federal programs serving the T/TO,
including Federal administrative
functions.
II. Award Information
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Type of Award
Grant.
Estimated Funds Available
The total amount of funding
identified for the current fiscal year (FY)
2015 is approximately $2,412,000.
Individual award amounts are
anticipated to be between $50,000 and
$100,000. The amount of funding
available for competing and
continuation awards issued under this
announcement is subject to the
availability of appropriations and
budgetary priorities of the Agency. The
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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 1, 2015 through August 31,
2016 for one year projects; September 1,
2015 through August 31, 2017 for two
year projects; and September 1, 2015
through August 31, 2018 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
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
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(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/nonFederal 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
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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
required financial audits and ISDEAA
requirements.
For the minimum standards for the
management systems used by Indian T/
TO when carrying out selfdetermination 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,’’
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§§ 900.35–900.60. For operational
provisions applicable to carrying out
Self-Governance compacts, please see
42 CFR part 137, Tribal SelfGovernance, Subpart I,—‘‘Operational
Provisions’’ §§ 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.
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).
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.
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
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Review Committee (ORC) date.
However, 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. The official signed resolution can
be mailed 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 must ensure that the
information is received by the IHS/
DGM. 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 2010.
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
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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.
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The following definitions are
applicable to the PRIORITY II category:
Audit finding means deficiencies
which the auditor is required by 45 CFR
75.516, 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
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.’’
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.
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
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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:
Æ SF–424, Application for Federal
Assistance.
Æ SF–424A, Budget Information—
Non-Construction Programs.
Æ SF–424B, Assurances—NonConstruction 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).
Æ Background information on the
organization.
Æ 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.
• 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 required
Financial Audit (if applicable).
Acceptable forms of documentation
include:
Æ Email confirmation from Federal
Audit Clearinghouse (FAC) that audits
were submitted; or
Æ 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 and cooperative
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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 81⁄2″
x 11″ paper.
Be sure to succinctly address and
answer all questions listed under the
narrative and place them 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 shall not
be considered or scored. These
narratives will assist the ORC in
becoming 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.
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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 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
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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
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
11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
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 through Grants.gov, a
waiver must be requested. Prior
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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 clear justification for the need
to deviate from the required electronic
grants submission process. A written
waiver request must be sent to
GrantsPolicy@ihs.gov with a copy to
Tammy.Bagley@ihs.gov. Once the
waiver request has been approved, the
applicant will receive a confirmation of
approval email containing submission
instructions and the mailing address to
submit the application. A copy of the
written approval must be submitted
along with the hardcopy of the
application that is mailed to DGM.
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 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., EST, 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.
• The TMG may not be used to
support recurring operational programs
or to replace existing public and private
resources. Funding received under a
recurring Public Law 93–638 contract
cannot be totally supplanted or totally
replaced. Exception is allowed to charge
a portion or percentage of salaries of
existing staff positions involved in
implementing the TMG grant, if
applicable. However, this percentage of
TMG funding must reflect
supplementation of funding for the
project and not supplantation of existing
ISDEAA contract funds.
Supplementation is ‘‘adding to a
program’’ whereas supplantation is
‘‘taking the place of’’ funds. An entity
cannot use the TMG funds to supplant
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the ISDEAA contract or recurring
funding.
• Ineligible Project Activities—The
inclusion of the following projects or
activities in an application will render
the application ineligible.
Æ Planning and negotiating activities
associated with the intent of a Tribe to
enter the IHS Self-Governance Project. A
separate grant program is administered
by the IHS for this purpose. Prospective
applicants interested in this program
should contact Mr. Jeremy Marshall,
Policy Analyst, Office of Tribal SelfGovernance, Indian Health Service,
Reyes Building, 801 Thompson Avenue,
Suite 240, Rockville, Maryland 20852,
(301) 443–7821, and request information
concerning the ‘‘Tribal Self-Governance
Program Planning Cooperative
Agreement Announcement’’ or the
‘‘Negotiation Cooperative Agreement
Announcement.’’
Æ Projects related to water, sanitation,
and waste management.
Æ Projects that include direct patient
care and/or equipment to provide those
medical services to be used to establish
or augment or continue direct patient
clinical care. Medical equipment that is
allowable under the Special Diabetes
Grant Program is not allowable under
the TMG Program.
Æ Projects that include recruitment
efforts for direct patient care services.
Æ Projects that include long-term care
or provision of any direct services.
Æ Projects that include tuition, fees,
or stipends for certification or training
of staff to provide direct services.
Æ Projects that include pre-planning,
design, and planning of construction for
facilities, including activities relating to
program justification documents.
Æ Projects that propose more than one
project type. Refer to Section II, ‘‘Award
Information,’’ specifically ‘‘Eligible
TMG Project Types, Maximum Funding
Levels and Project Periods’’ for more
information. An example of a proposal
with more than one project type that
would be considered ineligible may
include the creation of a strategic health
plan (defined by TMG as a planning
project type) and improving third-party
billing structures (defined by TMG as a
health management structure project
type). Multi-year applications that
include in the first year planning,
evaluation, or feasibility activities with
the remainder of the project years
addressing management structure are
also deemed ineligible.
Æ Any Alaska Native Village that is
neither a Title I nor a Title V
organization and does not have the legal
authority to contract services under
450(b) of the ISDEAA as it is affiliated
with one of the Alaska Health
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Corporations as a consortium member
and has all of its IHS funding for the
Village administered through an Alaska
Health Corporation, a Title V
compactor, is not eligible for
consideration under the TMG program.
Moreover, Congress has reenacted its
moratorium in Alaska on new
contracting under the ISDEAA with
Alaska Native Tribes that do not already
have contracts or compacts with the IHS
under this Act. See the Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2014 (Jan. 17,
2014), Public Law 113–76, 128 Stat. 5,
343–44:
SEC. 424. (a) Notwithstanding any
other provision of law and until October
1, 2018, the Indian Health Service may
not disburse funds for the provision of
health care services pursuant to Public
Law 93–638 (25 U.S.C. 450 et seq.) to
any Alaska Native village or Alaska
Native village corporation that is located
within the area served by an Alaska
Native regional health entity.
Consequently, Alaska Native Villages
will not have any opportunity to enter
into an ISDEAA contract with the IHS
until this law lapses on October 1, 2018.
• Other Limitations—A current TMG
recipient cannot be awarded a new,
renewal, or competing continuation
grant for any of the following reasons:
Æ The grantee will be administering
two TMGs at the same time or have
overlapping project/budget periods;
Æ The current project is not
progressing in a satisfactory manner;
Æ The current project is not in
compliance with program and financial
reporting requirements; or
Æ The applicant has an outstanding
delinquent Federal debt. No award shall
be made until either:
D The delinquent account is paid in
full; or
D A negotiated repayment schedule is
established and at least one payment is
received.
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
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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
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Service and Contracting Tribes will
notify the applicant that the application
has been received.
• Email applications will not be
accepted under this announcement.
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Universal Entity Identifier (UEI)
Numbering System
All IHS applicants and grantee
organizations are required to obtain a
UEI number and maintain an active
registration in the SAM database. The
UEI number is a unique 9-digit
identification number which uniquely
identifies each entity. The UEI number
is site specific; therefore, each distinct
performance site may be assigned a UEI
number. Obtaining a UEI number is
easy, and there is no charge. To obtain
a UEI number, please contact Mr. Paul
Gettys on (301) 443–2114.
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 UEI 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 UEI 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
UEI 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
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evaluation criteria for reviewing and
scoring the application. Weights
assigned to each section are noted in
parentheses. The 15-page narrative
should include only 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 2010, 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
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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 selfdetermination 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 thirdparty 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.).
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(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,
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.
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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?
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• 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
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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
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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
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. The applicant will
be notified via email of this decision by
the Grants Management Officer of the
DGM. 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
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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
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15:18 Mar 18, 2015
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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 Office of Direct
Service and Contracting Tribes (ODSCT)
within 30 days of the conclusion of the
ORC outlining the strengths and
weaknesses of their application
submitted. The ODSCT 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 2015 the approved but unfunded
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:
• Uniform Administrative
Requirements for Federal Awards
located at 45 CFR part 75.
C. Grants Policy:
• HHS Grants Policy Statement,
Revised 01/07.
D. Cost Principles:
• Uniform Administrative
Requirements for Federal Awards, ‘‘Cost
Principles,’’ located at 45 CFR part 75,
subpart E.
E. Audit Requirements:
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• Uniform Administrative
Requirements for Federal Awards,
‘‘Audit Requirements,’’ located at 45
CFR part 75, subpart F.
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 the
Grants Management Specialist listed
under ‘‘Agency Contacts’’ or the main
DGM office at (301) 443–5204.
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.
E:\FR\FM\19MRN1.SGM
19MRN1
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 53 / Thursday, March 19, 2015 / Notices
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 Payment Management
Services, 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
being reported on all required reports:
The Progress Reports and Federal
Financial Report.
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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 firsttier 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
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15:18 Mar 18, 2015
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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 DGM 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, Email: Patricia.SpottedHorse@
ihs.gov.
2. Questions on grants management
and fiscal matters may be directed to:
Mr. Pallop Chareonvootitam, Grants
Management Specialist, Office of
Management Services, Division of
Grants Management, 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, Office of
Management Services, Division of
Grants Management, 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, Email: Paul.Gettys@
ihs.gov.
VIII. Other Information
The PHS strongly encourages all
cooperative agreement and contract
recipients to provide a smoke-free
workplace and promote the non-use of
all tobacco products. In addition, Public
Law 103–227, the Pro-Children Act of
1994, prohibits smoking in certain
facilities (or in some cases, any portion
of the facility) in which regular or
routine education, library, day care,
health care, or early childhood
development services are provided to
children. This is consistent with the
HHS mission to protect and advance the
physical and mental health of the
American people.
Dated: March 12, 2015.
Robert G. McSwain,
Acting Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 2015–06353 Filed 3–18–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165–16–P
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14401
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
National Institutes of Health
Center for Scientific Review Notice of
Closed Meetings
Pursuant to section 10(d) of the
Federal Advisory Committee Act, as
amended (5 U.S.C. App.), notice is
hereby given of the following meetings.
The meetings will be closed to the
public in accordance with the
provisions set forth in sections
552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6), Title 5 U.S.C.,
as amended. The grant applications and
the discussions could disclose
confidential trade secrets or commercial
property such as patentable material,
and personal information concerning
individuals associated with the grant
applications, the disclosure of which
would constitute a clearly unwarranted
invasion of personal privacy.
Name of Committee: Center for Scientific
Review Special Emphasis Panel; Member
Conflict: Eye Disease Mechanisms and
Models.
Date: April 14, 2015.
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Agenda: To review and evaluate grant
applications.
Place: National Institutes of Health, 6701
Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892,
(Virtual Meeting).
Contact Person: Alessandra C Rovescalli,
Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, National
Institutes of Health, Center for Scientific
Review, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Rm. 5205
MSC7846, Bethesda, MD 20892, (301) 435–
1021, rovescaa@mail.nih.gov.
Name of Committee: Center for Scientific
Review Special Emphasis Panel; Myalgic
Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome.
Date: April 14, 2015.
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Agenda: To review and evaluate grant
applications.
Place: National Institutes of Health, 6701
Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892,
(Virtual Meeting).
Contact Person: Lynn E Luethke, Ph.D.,
Scientific Review Officer, Center for
Scientific Review, National Institutes of
Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 5166,
MSC 7844, Bethesda, MD 20892, (301) 806–
3323, luethkel@csr.nih.gov.
Name of Committee: Center for Scientific
Review Special Emphasis Panel; SEP: 4D
Nucleome Network Organizational Hub.
Date: April 15, 2015.
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Agenda: To review and evaluate grant
applications.
Place: National Institutes of Health, 6701
Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892,
(Virtual Meeting).
Contact Person: Allen Richon, Ph.D.,
Scientific Review Officer, Center for
Scientific Review, National Institutes of
Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 6184,
E:\FR\FM\19MRN1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 53 (Thursday, March 19, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 14392-14401]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-06353]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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-2015-IHS-TMD-0001.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.228.
Key Dates
Application Deadline Date: June 3, 2015.
Review Date: June 22-26, 2015.
Earliest Anticipated Start Date: September 1, 2015.
Signed Tribal Resolutions Due Date: June 19, 2015.
Proof of Non-Profit Status Due Date: June 3, 2015.
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 (CFDA) under
93.228.
[[Page 14393]]
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) 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) 2015 is approximately $2,412,000. Individual award amounts are
anticipated to be between $50,000 and $100,000. The amount of funding
available for 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 1,
2015 through August 31, 2016 for one year projects; September 1, 2015
through August 31, 2017 for two year projects; and September 1, 2015
through August 31, 2018 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 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. Sec. 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. Sec. 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.
Sec. 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
[[Page 14394]]
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 required financial audits 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.
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).
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.
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.
However, 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. The official signed resolution can be mailed 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 must ensure that the information is
received by the IHS/DGM. 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 2010.
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
[[Page 14395]]
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
45 CFR 75.516, 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 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.''
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.
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 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.
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 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 and
cooperative
[[Page 14396]]
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
the narrative and place them 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 shall not be considered or scored. These narratives
will assist the ORC in becoming 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 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 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
11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) 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 through 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
clear justification for the need to deviate from the required
electronic grants submission process. A written waiver request must be
sent to GrantsPolicy@ihs.gov with a copy to Tammy.Bagley@ihs.gov. Once
the waiver request has been approved, the applicant will receive a
confirmation of approval email containing submission instructions and
the mailing address to submit the application. A copy of the written
approval must be submitted along with the hardcopy of the application
that is mailed to DGM. 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 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.,
EST, 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.
The TMG may not be used to support recurring operational
programs or to replace existing public and private resources. Funding
received under a recurring Public Law 93-638 contract cannot be totally
supplanted or totally replaced. Exception is allowed to charge a
portion or percentage of salaries of existing staff positions involved
in implementing the TMG grant, if applicable. However, this percentage
of TMG funding must reflect supplementation of funding for the project
and not supplantation of existing ISDEAA contract funds.
Supplementation is ``adding to a program'' whereas supplantation is
``taking the place of'' funds. An entity cannot use the TMG funds to
supplant
[[Page 14397]]
the ISDEAA contract or recurring funding.
Ineligible Project Activities--The inclusion of the
following projects or activities in an application will render the
application ineligible.
[cir] Planning and negotiating activities associated with the
intent of a Tribe to enter the IHS Self-Governance Project. A separate
grant program is administered by the IHS for this purpose. Prospective
applicants interested in this program should contact Mr. Jeremy
Marshall, Policy Analyst, Office of Tribal Self-Governance, Indian
Health Service, Reyes Building, 801 Thompson Avenue, Suite 240,
Rockville, Maryland 20852, (301) 443-7821, and request information
concerning the ``Tribal Self-Governance Program Planning Cooperative
Agreement Announcement'' or the ``Negotiation Cooperative Agreement
Announcement.''
[cir] Projects related to water, sanitation, and waste management.
[cir] Projects that include direct patient care and/or equipment to
provide those medical services to be used to establish or augment or
continue direct patient clinical care. Medical equipment that is
allowable under the Special Diabetes Grant Program is not allowable
under the TMG Program.
[cir] Projects that include recruitment efforts for direct patient
care services.
[cir] Projects that include long-term care or provision of any
direct services.
[cir] Projects that include tuition, fees, or stipends for
certification or training of staff to provide direct services.
[cir] Projects that include pre-planning, design, and planning of
construction for facilities, including activities relating to program
justification documents.
[cir] Projects that propose more than one project type. Refer to
Section II, ``Award Information,'' specifically ``Eligible TMG Project
Types, Maximum Funding Levels and Project Periods'' for more
information. An example of a proposal with more than one project type
that would be considered ineligible may include the creation of a
strategic health plan (defined by TMG as a planning project type) and
improving third-party billing structures (defined by TMG as a health
management structure project type). Multi-year applications that
include in the first year planning, evaluation, or feasibility
activities with the remainder of the project years addressing
management structure are also deemed ineligible.
[cir] Any Alaska Native Village that is neither a Title I nor a
Title V organization and does not have the legal authority to contract
services under 450(b) of the ISDEAA as it is affiliated with one of the
Alaska Health Corporations as a consortium member and has all of its
IHS funding for the Village administered through an Alaska Health
Corporation, a Title V compactor, is not eligible for consideration
under the TMG program.
Moreover, Congress has reenacted its moratorium in Alaska on new
contracting under the ISDEAA with Alaska Native Tribes that do not
already have contracts or compacts with the IHS under this Act. See the
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 (Jan. 17, 2014), Public Law 113-
76, 128 Stat. 5, 343-44:
SEC. 424. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law and until
October 1, 2018, the Indian Health Service may not disburse funds for
the provision of health care services pursuant to Public Law 93-638 (25
U.S.C. 450 et seq.) to any Alaska Native village or Alaska Native
village corporation that is located within the area served by an Alaska
Native regional health entity.
Consequently, Alaska Native Villages will not have any opportunity
to enter into an ISDEAA contract with the IHS until this law lapses on
October 1, 2018.
Other Limitations--A current TMG recipient cannot be
awarded a new, renewal, or competing continuation grant for any of the
following reasons:
[cir] The grantee will be administering two TMGs at the same time
or have overlapping project/budget periods;
[cir] The current project is not progressing in a satisfactory
manner;
[cir] The current project is not in compliance with program and
financial reporting requirements; or
[cir] The applicant has an outstanding delinquent Federal debt. No
award shall be made until either:
[ssquf] The delinquent account is paid in full; or
[ssquf] A negotiated repayment schedule is established and at least
one payment is received.
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
[[Page 14398]]
Service and Contracting Tribes will notify the applicant that the
application has been received.
Email applications will not be accepted under this
announcement.
Universal Entity Identifier (UEI) Numbering System
All IHS applicants and grantee organizations are required to obtain
a UEI number and maintain an active registration in the SAM database.
The UEI number is a unique 9-digit identification number which uniquely
identifies each entity. The UEI number is site specific; therefore,
each distinct performance site may be assigned a UEI number. Obtaining
a UEI number is easy, and there is no charge. To obtain a UEI number,
please contact Mr. Paul Gettys on (301) 443-2114.
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
UEI 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 UEI
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 UEI 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 include only 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 2010, 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.).
[[Page 14399]]
(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, 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
[[Page 14400]]
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 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.
The applicant will be notified via email of this decision by the Grants
Management Officer of the DGM. 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 Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes (ODSCT) within
30 days of the conclusion of the ORC outlining the strengths and
weaknesses of their application submitted. The ODSCT 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 2015 the approved but unfunded 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:
Uniform Administrative Requirements for Federal Awards
located at 45 CFR part 75.
C. Grants Policy:
HHS Grants Policy Statement, Revised 01/07.
D. Cost Principles:
Uniform Administrative Requirements for Federal Awards,
``Cost Principles,'' located at 45 CFR part 75, subpart E.
E. Audit Requirements:
Uniform Administrative Requirements for Federal Awards,
``Audit Requirements,'' located at 45 CFR part 75, subpart F.
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 the Grants Management Specialist
listed under ``Agency Contacts'' or the main DGM office at (301) 443-
5204.
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.
[[Page 14401]]
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 Payment
Management Services, 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
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 DGM 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, Email:
Patricia.SpottedHorse@ihs.gov.
2. Questions on grants management and fiscal matters may be
directed to: Mr. Pallop Chareonvootitam, Grants Management Specialist,
Office of Management Services, Division of Grants Management, 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, Office of Management Services,
Division of Grants Management, 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, Email: Paul.Gettys@ihs.gov.
VIII. Other Information
The PHS strongly encourages all cooperative agreement and contract
recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and promote the non-use of
all tobacco products. In addition, Public Law 103-227, the Pro-Children
Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in certain facilities (or in some cases,
any portion of the facility) in which regular or routine education,
library, day care, health care, or early childhood development services
are provided to children. This is consistent with the HHS mission to
protect and advance the physical and mental health of the American
people.
Dated: March 12, 2015.
Robert G. McSwain,
Acting Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-06353 Filed 3-18-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165-16-P