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. Rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:18 Mar 18, 2015 Jkt 235001 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, PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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. E:\FR\FM\19MRN1.SGM 19MRN1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 53 / Thursday, March 19, 2015 / Notices 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 Rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:18 Mar 18, 2015 Jkt 235001 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 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 14393 (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 E:\FR\FM\19MRN1.SGM 19MRN1 Rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 14394 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 53 / Thursday, March 19, 2015 / Notices 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,’’ VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:18 Mar 18, 2015 Jkt 235001 §§ 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 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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 E:\FR\FM\19MRN1.SGM 19MRN1 Rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 53 / Thursday, March 19, 2015 / Notices 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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:18 Mar 18, 2015 Jkt 235001 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 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 14395 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 E:\FR\FM\19MRN1.SGM 19MRN1 14396 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 53 / Thursday, March 19, 2015 / Notices 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. Rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:18 Mar 18, 2015 Jkt 235001 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 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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 E:\FR\FM\19MRN1.SGM 19MRN1 Rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 53 / Thursday, March 19, 2015 / Notices 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:18 Mar 18, 2015 Jkt 235001 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 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 14397 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 E:\FR\FM\19MRN1.SGM 19MRN1 14398 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 53 / Thursday, March 19, 2015 / Notices Service and Contracting Tribes will notify the applicant that the application has been received. • Email applications will not be accepted under this announcement. Rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:18 Mar 18, 2015 Jkt 235001 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 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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.). E:\FR\FM\19MRN1.SGM 19MRN1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 53 / Thursday, March 19, 2015 / Notices (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. Rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 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? VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:18 Mar 18, 2015 Jkt 235001 • 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 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 14399 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 E:\FR\FM\19MRN1.SGM 19MRN1 14400 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 53 / Thursday, March 19, 2015 / Notices 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 Rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:18 Mar 18, 2015 Jkt 235001 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: PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 • 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. Rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:18 Mar 18, 2015 Jkt 235001 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 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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 19MRN1

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]


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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
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