Dental Preventive and Clinical Support Centers Program; Office of Clinical and Preventive Services, Division of Oral Health, 32160-32167 [2015-13775]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
• Indian Health Service

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 108 (Friday, June 5, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32160-32167]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-13775]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service


Dental Preventive and Clinical Support Centers Program; Office of 
Clinical and Preventive Services, Division of Oral Health

    Announcement Type: New and Competing Continuation.
    Funding Announcement Number: HHS-2015-IHS-TDCP-0001.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers: 93.933.

Key Dates:

Application Deadline Date: August 3, 2015.
Anticipated Review Dates: August 6-7, 2015.
Earliest Anticipated Start Date: September 30, 2015.
Signed Tribal Resolutions Due Date: August 3, 2015.
Proof of Non-Profit Status Due Date: August 3, 2015.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Statutory Authority

    The Indian Health Service (IHS) is accepting competitive grant 
applications for the Dental Preventive and Clinical Support Centers 
Program. This program is authorized under the authority of 25 U.S.C. 
13, Snyder Act; 42 U.S.C. 2001, Transfer Act; Indian Health Care 
Improvement Act (IHCIA), amended 2010. This program is described in the 
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance under 93.933.

Background

    The primary customers of a support center are IHS, Tribal, and 
urban dental programs and personnel throughout an IHS area or broad 
geographic region. The primary customers are not dental patients or 
Tribes. The primary function of a support center is not the direct 
provision of clinical care. Well-designed support centers will impact 
upon patients' oral health, and document positive oral health outcomes 
for patients, primarily by providing guidance to field programs and 
addressing the assessed and perceived needs of dental personnel and 
IHS/Tribal/urban (I/T/U) dental programs.
    Proposed programs focused at one locale or on clinical or 
preventive care alone, with no concomitant focus on a regional or area 
support-oriented component for the dental program, while well-
intentioned and of potential value, are not responsive to this 
announcement or to the support center project.

Purpose

    The purpose of this IHS grant program is to combine existing 
resources and infrastructure with IHS Headquarters (HQ) and IHS area 
resources in order to address the broad challenges and opportunities 
associated with IHS preventive and clinical dental programs. In 
accordance with the recently stated priorities of the Department of 
Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary on the need to achieve 
``higher value'' health care services, the dental support centers will 
address two priority goals: (1) Provide support, guidance, training, 
and enhancement of I/T/U dental programs within their area; and (2) 
ensure that the services of the support centers and the I/T/U/dental 
programs result in measurable improvements in the oral health status of 
the American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) patients served. In order to 
address these two goals, a strong collaborative working relation with 
the IHS HQ Division of Oral Health (DOH) and the Area Dental Director 
or Area Dental Officer should be maintained. In short, support centers 
will empower the dental programs they serve and impact oral health 
outcomes through the guidance and services they provide. Improvements 
to oral health must be documented.

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 $1,000,000. Individual award amounts are 
anticipated to be $250,000. The amount of funding available for 
competing and continuation awards issued under this announcement are 
subject to the availability of appropriations and budgetary priorities 
of the Agency. The

[[Page 32161]]

IHS is under no obligation to make awards that are selected for funding 
under this announcement.

Anticipated Number of Awards

    Approximately four awards will be issued under this program 
announcement.

Project Period

    The project period is for five years, and will run consecutively 
from September 30, 2015 to September 29, 2020.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    Eligible applicants include:
     Urban Indian organizations as defined by the IHCIA, 
amended 2010. ``Urban Indian organization'' means a non-profit 
corporate body situated in an urban center governed by an urban Indian 
controlled board of directors, and providing for the maximum 
participation of all interested Indian groups and individuals, which 
body is capable of legally cooperating with other public and private 
entities for the purpose of performing the activities. 25 U.S.C. 
1603(29).
     Tribal organizations.
    ``Tribal organization'' means the elected governing body of any 
Indian Tribe or any legally established organization of Indians which 
is controlled by one or more such bodies or by a board of directors 
elected or selected by one or more such bodies (or elected by the 
Indian population to be served by such organization) and which includes 
the maximum participation of Indians in all phases of its activities. 
25 U.S.C. 1603(26), referencing 25 U.S.C. 450b(1).

All organizations claiming non-profit status must provide proof with 
the application (a current valid IRS tax exemption certificate or a 
copy of 501(c)(3) form).
    While multiple submissions from the same area or region will be 
reviewed, only one submission from any urban Indian organization or 
Tribal organization will be accepted, and only one award will be made 
to any one area or region. Organizations in the same area are 
encouraged to share resources in order to produce one collaborative 
proposal, rather than competing with each other.
    All of the individual I/T/U hospital- or clinic-based dental 
programs to be served must be listed in the proposal. All programs 
within the defined area or region that will not be served must be 
listed also.

    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 Requirements

    The IHS does not require matching funds or cost sharing for grants.

3. Other Requirements

     If the application budget exceeds 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 for this or other reasons, IHS will not return the 
application. The applicant will be notified by email by the Division of 
Grants Management (DGM) of this decision.
     Continuation awards will be issued annually based on 
satisfactory performance evaluated and documented as described herein, 
documented progress toward goals and objectives, availability of 
funding, and the evolving needs of the IHS.

Proof of Non-Profit Status

    Nonprofit urban organizations must submit a copy of the 501(c)(3) 
certificate as proof of non-profit status. 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.
    Signed Tribal resolution--A signed Tribal resolution from each 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.
    The official signed resolution can be mailed to the DGM, Attn: Mr. 
John Hoffman, 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. Hoffman GMS, by telephone at (301) 443-2116 prior to 
the review date regarding submission questions.
    Files illustrating a limited selection of work products such as 
pamphlets or handouts produced by existing support centers or through 
similar initiatives can be appended.
    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 instruction 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 of 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).

[[Page 32162]]

     Project Narrative (must be single spaced and not exceed 7 
pages for each of the four components listed).
    [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 or Tribal Letter of Support (Tribal 
Organizations only).
     501(c)(3) Certificate (if applicable).
     Biographical sketches for all Key Personnel.
     Contractor/Consultant resumes or qualifications and scope 
of work.
     Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL).
     Certification Regarding Lobbying (GG-Lobbying Form).
     Copy of current Negotiated Indirect Cost rate (IDC) 
agreement, required in order to receive IDC.
     Organizational chart (optional).
     Documentation of current Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) A-133 required Financial Audit (if applicable).
    Acceptable forms of documentation include:
    [cir] Email confirmation from Federal Audit Clearinghouse (FAC) 
that audits were submitted; or
    [cir] Face sheets from audit reports. These can be found on the FAC 
Web site: https://harvester.census.gov/sac/dissem/accessoptions.html?submit=Go+To+Database.
    Public Policy Requirements:
    All Federal-wide public policies apply to IHS grants and 
cooperative agreements with exception of the Discrimination policy.

Requirements for Project and Budget Narratives

    A. Project Narrative: The project narrative should be a separate 
Word document that is no longer than seven pages and must: Be single-
spaced, be type written, have consecutively numbered pages, use black 
type not smaller than 12 characters per one inch, and be printed on one 
side only of standard size 8\1/2\'' x 11'' paper.
    Be sure to succinctly address and answer all questions listed under 
each part of the narrative and place all responses and required 
information under the correct sections (noted below), or they shall not 
be considered or scored. This project narrative 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 seven pages will be reviewed. The seven page limit for 
the narrative does not include the standard forms, abstract, Tribal 
resolutions, table of contents, budget, budget justifications, 
biographical sketches of key personnel, 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.
    The project narrative is limited to 7 pages total.
Part A: Program Information (2 Pages Maximum)
    Section 1: Needs
    Describe the needs of both the field programs you propose to serve, 
and the patients these programs served. Upon what information do you 
base these observations?
    Describe how you will monitor these evolving needs in the future. 
Briefly describe the current structure and resources of your current 
program. If you are proposing the creation of a new support center, 
briefly describe the envisioned structure and resources.
Part B: Program Planning and Evaluation (3 Pages Maximum)
    Section 1: Program Plans
    Describe the direction your proposed support center plans to take, 
including how significant services will be provided to the dental field 
programs, and how you plan to improve the oral health of American 
Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) through the guidance and services you 
offer. State your overarching goals for the five-year funding period. 
Include a summary of timelines for proposed key services and 
anticipated measurable improvements to oral health.
    Section 2: Program Evaluation
    Describe how you will monitor the continuing appropriateness and 
evaluate the effectiveness of services provided relative to the 
evolving needs of the field dental programs. Describe how you will 
evaluate and document improvements to the oral health of AI/ANs 
associated with the guidance and services you provide to field 
programs.
Part C: Program Report (2 Pages Maximum)
    Section 1: Major accomplishments
    Describe significant accomplishments with respect to oral health 
outcomes or other outcomes over the past 24 months.
    Section 2: Major activities
    Describe significant accomplishments with respect to services 
provided over the past 24 months. If you are proposing the creation of 
a new support center, and hence have no history of recent 
accomplishments, so state.
    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. The budget narrative 
should match the scope of work described in the project narrative. The 
page limitation should not exceed five pages.
    To these three sections the applicant is encouraged to add a brief 
budget narrative. The budget narrative is not considered part of the 
project narrative, and is not counted toward the seven page maximum 
length of the latter. It too is in the form of an overview for the 
reviewers. A budget outline or spreadsheet in conjunction with a brief 
narrative documents anticipated expenditures in detail sufficient for 
reviewers to match significant line items to project activities and 
goals. While there is no firm maximum allowable length to this 
presentation, a budget spreadsheet accompanied by approximately one or 
two pages of narrative or justification is envisioned.

Additional Information

    Provide a cover page that labels the submission as a ``Proposed 
Dental Preventive and Clinical Support Center'' for one or more 
identified IHS areas or a defined geographic region. Include contact 
information for one primary author or contact, and contact information 
for one alternate contact.
    Provide a project abstract (not to exceed one page), providing the 
synopsis of ``who, what, when, where, why, and a general description of 
total associated costs.''
    Provide a table of contents to correspond with numbered pages of 
the narrative and attachments. Format outlined in the table of contents 
and used for the proposal is discretionary. However, a format for the 
application narrative similar to the outline of the scoring criteria 
herein utilizing labels or ``signposts'' that enable reviewers to 
easily locate the sections of the proposal being evaluated and scored 
is suggested.
    Content of the application should relate directly to the 
overarching emphasis of the support center project, to improve the oral 
health of AI/AN people, and to provide support and technical assistance 
to I/T/U dental programs for:

[cir] Clinical dental programs
[cir] community-based preventive initiatives
[cir] clinic-based preventive programs
[cir] regional and national initiatives.

    Applications proposing services to proportionately greater numbers 
of

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I/T/U dental programs within an area or region will gain a competitive 
advantage over proposals outlining services to relatively few I/T/U 
dental programs per Area or region. Applicants should strive to provide 
services to all individual dental programs within a defined area or 
region.
    Technical information regarding the support centers project, 
including clarification of any unclear information herein, may be 
obtained from the program official: Dr. Patrick Blahut, Division of 
Oral Health, (301) 443-4323, or email him at patrick.blahut@ihs.gov.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 
11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on the Application Deadline Date 
listed in the Key Dates section on page one of this announcement. Any 
application received after the application deadline will not be 
accepted for processing, nor will it be given further consideration for 
funding. Grants.gov will notify the applicant via email if the 
application is rejected.
    If technical challenges arise and assistance is required with the 
electronic application process, contact Grants.gov Customer Support via 
email to support@grants.gov or at (800) 518-4726. Customer Support is 
available to address questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (except on 
Federal holidays). If problems persist, contact Mr. Paul Gettys 
(Paul.Gettys@ihs.gov), DGM Grant Systems Coordinator, by telephone 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., 
EDT, on the Application Deadline Date listed in the Key Dates section 
on page one of this announcement. Late applications will not be 
accepted for processing or considered for funding.

4. Intergovernmental Review

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

5. Funding Restrictions

     Pre-award costs are not allowable in conjunction with this 
grant application.
     The available funds are inclusive of direct and 
appropriate indirect costs.
     Only one grant/cooperative agreement will be awarded per 
applicant.
     IHS will not acknowledge receipt of applications.
     Funds may be used for new activities to accomplish the 
objectives of your support center.
     Funds may be used to pay for consultants, materials, 
resources, travel, and associated expenses to implement and evaluate 
intervention activities outlined in your proposal.
     Funds may not be used for diagnostic testing, patient 
rehabilitation, pharmaceutical purchases, facilities construction, 
lobbying, or routinely for direct patient care.
     Each dental support center grant or award shall not exceed 
$250,000 per year, or a total of $1,250,000 for five years.
     While support centers are encouraged to collaborate with 
each other, no more than one grant will be awarded to each area or 
geographic locale, and no area or geographic locale will be directly 
served by more than one support center.

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 Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance 
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

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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 DOH will notify 
the applicant that the application has been received.
     Email applications will not be accepted under this 
announcement.

Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)

    All IHS applicants and grantee organizations are required to obtain 
a DUNS number and maintain an active registration in the SAM database. 
The DUNS number is a unique 9-digit identification number provided by 
D&B which uniquely identifies each entity. The DUNS number is site 
specific; therefore, each distinct performance site may be assigned a 
DUNS number. Obtaining a DUNS number is easy, and there is no charge. 
To obtain a DUNS number, please access it through https://
fedgov.dnb.com/webform, or to expedite the process, call (866) 705-
5711.
    All HHS recipients are required by the Federal Funding 
Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006, as amended (``Transparency 
Act'') to report information on subawards. Accordingly, all IHS 
grantees must notify potential first-tier subrecipients that no entity 
may receive a first-tier subaward unless the entity has provided its 
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 (CCR) and have not registered with SAM will need to obtain 
a DUNS number first and then access the SAM online registration through 
the SAM home page at https://www.sam.gov (U.S. organizations will also 
need to provide an Employer Identification Number from the Internal 
Revenue Service that may take an additional 2 to 5 weeks to become 
active). Completing and submitting the registration takes approximately 
one hour to complete and SAM registration will take 3 to 5 business 
days to process. Registration with the SAM is free of charge. 
Applicants may register online at https://www.sam.gov.
    Additional information on implementing the Transparency Act, 
including the specific requirements for DUNS and SAM, can be found on 
the IHS Grants Management, Grants Policy Web site: https://www.ihs.gov/dgm/index.cfm?module=dsp_dgm_policy_topics.

V. Application Review and Selection Information

    The application narrative expands upon the project narrative, 
telling your reviewers in detail what you propose to do and accomplish. 
The instructions for preparing the application narrative also 
constitute the evaluation criteria for reviewing and scoring the 
application. Weights assigned to each of the five sections are noted in 
parentheses. The seven page project narrative allowed per each of the 
four components page narrative should include only the first year of 
activities. This application narrative is limited to the first nineteen 
pages maximum. If an application narrative exceeds twenty-six pages 
(seven for the project narrative and nineteen for the application 
narrative), only the first twenty-six pages will be reviewed and 
scored. 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 65 points is required for funding.
    The IHS DOH considers the criteria, comments and scores of 
reviewers very carefully. The IHS DOH makes final decisions concerning 
awarding grants based on geographic balance and diversity of services 
and interventions throughout the nationwide program.
    For applicant organizations that have been direct or indirect 
recipients of prior dental support centers funding, DOH will evaluate 
the level of correspondence between actual achievements and the 
specific strategies and deliverables described in the previously funded 
proposals.
    Throughout the narrative, maintain a focus on the two primary goals 
of the support centers:
    (1) Provide support and technical assistance to Area and field 
programs for:

 Clinical dental programs
 community-based preventive initiatives
 clinic-based preventive programs, and
 regional and national initiatives.

    (2) Improve the oral health of AI/ANs. Document these improvements.

1. Criteria

A. Introduction and Need for Assistance (2 Pages Maximum, 10 Points 
Maximum)
    Applicants will justify the need for a support center. Applicants 
will discuss needs in their area or region not likely to be addressed, 
and oral health outcomes not likely to be attained, if not for the 
services and guidance of a support center.
    Centers will periodically assess the needs of the dental programs 
served. In order to be responsive to the perceived needs of the dental 
personnel throughout an area or region, perceived needs must be 
systematically assessed. Initial and periodic recurring structured 
needs assessments or other appraisals of perceived needs of the dental 
personnel to be served are essential. Successful proposals will either 
document the assessed and perceived needs of area dental personnel, or 
outline how area needs will be assessed.
    a. Proposed new centers and existing centers without a 
comprehensive assessment of needs less than three years old will 
outline a plan for an assessment to be completed within the first nine 
months of the grant funding period, by July 1, 2016.
    b. Proposed continuing or currently existing centers with a 
comprehensive assessment of perceived needs less than three years old 
will summarize the results of that survey, and outline a plan for a 
future assessment to be completed within the first three years of the 
five-year funding cycle, by October 1, 2018.
    c. Ongoing, frequent assessment of perceived needs through feedback 
from a steering committee or other means is highly recommended.
B. Project Objective(s), Work Plan and Approach (5 Pages Maximum, 30 
Points Maximum)
    Centers will provide technical assistance and resources for local 
and area clinic-based and community-based oral health promotion/disease 
prevention initiatives.
    Centers will produce and document positive health outcomes. 
Consistent with the HHS Secretary's emphasis upon funding tied to value 
and outcomes, the activities, guidance, and services provided by the 
support centers to area dental programs will be

[[Page 32165]]

structured such that they lead to meaningful and measurable 
improvements in the oral health status of AI/AN patients. Proposals 
must describe practical and feasible plans that will foster improved 
health outcomes, and will include specific plans for periodic objective 
evaluation of the outcomes of these efforts by objective reviewers with 
no conflict of interest. The dental support centers will improve the 
oral health of AI/ANs through their services, guidance, and 
collaboration with the IHS dental program.
    Consistent with the HHS Secretary's emphasis upon funding tied to 
value and outcomes, proposals are strongly encouraged, but not 
required, to include as part of their strategy an evaluation of the 
oral health outcomes of IHS dental program practices and initiatives 
from recent years. Proposals including such evaluation will enjoy a 
competitive advantage. This assessment of outcomes could include any of 
several measures of value obtained for services delivered, including 
actual patient outcomes. Examples of patient outcomes include but are 
not limited to measurable improvements to oral health or an assessment 
of the need for additional restorative care within an intermediate time 
frame following the initial provision of care.
    Centers will send an appropriate representative or representatives 
to national support centers project meetings convened by IHS HQ DOH. 
Such meetings will be convened periodically, approximately once every 
three years, as deemed necessary by IHS HQ DOH. The DOH will 
communicate closely with all centers about the perceived need for any 
meeting. All centers are expected to reserve sufficient funds to send a 
representative or representatives to these meetings.
    Centers will promote the coordination of research, demonstration 
projects, and studies relating to the causes, diagnosis, treatment, 
control, and prevention of oral disease. This may be addressed through 
the collection, analysis, and dissemination of data or other 
methodology deemed appropriate by the IHS HQ DOH. This may also be 
addressed through support given to field programs engaged in 
demonstration projects.
    Centers are encouraged to collaborate with IHS HQ DOH on national 
initiatives such as efforts to reduce Early Childhood Caries, promoting 
and facilitating the annual Basic Screening Surveys (BSS), promotion of 
the goals of the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) and 
achieving annual GPRA targets, or other national initiatives.
    Centers will share information and work products proactively with 
other areas and other support centers. Large quantities of work 
products need not be provided free of charge, but examples of work 
products will be shared widely.
    Centers are encouraged to provide technical assistance and 
resources for local and area clinical programs.
    Centers are encouraged to communicate frequently with their Area 
Dental Officer (ADO), in order to coordinate activities and initiatives 
closely. Centers are encouraged to amplify impact and increase 
effectiveness through detailed communication and coordinated efforts 
with the ADO.
    Centers are encouraged to provide technical assistance and 
resources for continuing education opportunities, including but not 
limited to, annual area-wide meetings for area dental personnel.
    Centers are encouraged to address Early Childhood Caries on a local 
level, area-wide level, or regional basis. Interventions must include 
an evaluation process assessing outcomes in addition to process (that 
is, an assessment of actual prevalence of disease over the course of 
the intervention, in addition to counts or assessments of activities or 
services and products provided to clientele). Such evaluation does not 
require original data, if appropriate other data such as, for example, 
BSS data are available.
C. Program Evaluation (5 Pages Maximum, 30 Points Maximum)
    Centers will evaluate their ongoing efforts and progression toward 
goals and objectives in an objective manner, utilizing reviewers 
without conflicts of interest.
    Centers will assess and document changes to selected oral health 
outcomes over time.
    Centers will adhere to an annual reporting cycle, providing three 
quarterly reports and one annual report at the end of the fourth 
quarter to the project officer. Annual reports from the support centers 
must describe: (1) Services and support provided to the dental program; 
(2) the methods used to influence oral health; (3) details of the 
evaluative methodology; and (4) progress toward goals and objectives, 
and (5) the oral health outcomes status. Funding beyond year one of the 
five year noncompetitive renewal cycle will be contingent upon 
documentation provided by an objective evaluator of ongoing evaluation 
and progress deemed suitable by the DOH program official.
    Centers funded via grants will meet any additional reporting 
requirements of the IHS Grants Management Office.
D. Organizational Capabilities, Key Personnel and Qualifications (2 
Pages Maximum, 10 Points Maximum)
    Centers will document organizational capabilities, and how these 
capabilities will be used to address program goals and objectives.
    Centers will list key personnel, and describe their qualifications. 
If a key position is not currently occupied, a description of key 
desired qualifications of the individual to be recruited will suffice.
E. Categorical Budget and Budget Justification (5 Pages Maximum, 20 
Points Maximum)
    Centers will provide a detailed proposed budget for the initial 
year of operation.
    Centers will justify all line items or categories of proposed 
expenditures within their proposed budgets by providing a line item 
budget justification and narrative relating to the attainment of 
specific goals and objectives.
    Centers will justify all proposed expenditures that relate to the 
attainment of specific goals and objectives of their grant project. If 
the application requests indirect costs, applicants are required to 
submit their current Indirect Costs Rate Agreement and explain briefly 
what these funds are used for.

Multi-Year Project Requirements (If Applicable)

    The application narrative should focus on the first year of 
activities, services, and outcomes. Projects requiring a second, third, 
fourth, and/or fifth year must include a brief project narrative and 
budget (a maximum of one additional page total per year) addressing the 
developmental plans and evolving goals for each additional year of the 
project.

Additional Documents Can Be Uploaded as Appendix Items in Grants.gov

     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 (see Section VI-3, 
``indirect costs'').

[[Page 32166]]

     Organizational chart.
     Map identifying project location(s).
     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 Federal and non-Federal 
reviewers appointed by the IHS DOH to review, score, and make 
recommendations concerning 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 may be notified by 
DGM, via email, to outline minor missing components such as audit 
documentation or key contacts needed for an otherwise complete 
application. All missing information or documentation must be provided 
to DGM on or before the due date listed in the email of notification of 
missing required documents.

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 is initiated by the DGM in the grants 
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 receive a score less than the recommended funding 
level for approval, 65, and were deemed to be disapproved by the ORC, 
will receive an Executive Summary Statement from the IHS program office 
within 30 days of the conclusion of the ORC outlining the strengths and 
weaknesses of their application. The IHS program office will also 
provide contact information as requested 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 1 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 HHS Awards, located at 
45 C.F.R Part 75.
    C. Grants Policy:
     HHS Grants Policy Statement, Revised 01/07.
    D. Cost Principles:
     Uniform Administrative Requirements for HHS Awards, ``Cost 
Principles,'' located at 45 CFR part 75, subpart E.
    E. Audit Requirements:
     Uniform Administrative Requirements for HHS 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 budget period. If the current rate is not on file with the DGM at 
the time of the 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, 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; or (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. Annual reports must be submitted electronically via 
GrantSolutions; quarterly progress reports are submitted to the program 
official. Personnel responsible for submitting reports will be required 
to obtain a login and password for GrantSolutions. See the ``Agency 
Contacts'' list for the systems contact information.

A. Progress and Annual Reports

    Program progress reports are required quarterly, by December 31, 
March 31, and June 30 each year. These deadlines may be revised by 
consensus of all grantees and the program official. Progress reports 
must be submitted via Grant Notes in GrantSolutions, with an email 
notifying the program official they have been submitted. 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. An annual report must be submitted within

[[Page 32167]]

90 days of expiration of the annual 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 
reported on all required reports.

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. The IHS Term of Award is applicable to all IHS 
grants and cooperative agreements issued on or after October 1, 2010, 
with a $25,000 subaward obligation dollar threshold for any specific 
reporting period. Additionally, all new discretionary IHS awards where 
the project period is made up of more than one budget period, the 
project period state date was October 1, 2010 or after, and 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 requirement. 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 programmatic issues may be directed to:

Patrick Blahut, DDS, MPH, Deputy Director, IHS DOH, 801 Thompson Ave., 
Suite 332, Rockville, MD 20852, Phone: (301) 443-4323, Email: 
patrick.blahut@ihs.gov.

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

John Hoffman, Senior Grants Management Specialist, 801 Thompson Ave., 
Suite TMP 360, Rockville, MD 20852, Phone: (301) 443-2116, Fax: (301) 
443-9602, Email: john.hoffman@ihs.gov.

    3. Questions on systems matters may be directed to:

Paul Gettys, Grant Systems Coordinator, 801 Thompson, Suite TMP 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 Public Health Service strongly encourages all cooperative 
agreement and contract recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and 
promote the non-use of all tobacco products. In addition, Public Law 
103-227, the Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in certain 
facilities (or in some cases, any portion of the facility) in which 
regular or routine education, library, day care, health care, or early 
childhood development services are provided to children. This is 
consistent with the HHS mission to protect and advance the physical and 
mental health of the American people.

    Dated: May 22, 2015.
Robert G. McSwain,
Acting Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-13775 Filed 6-4-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4165-16-P