Office of Clinical and Preventive Services; Division of Behavioral Health; Domestic Violence Prevention Initiative, 39123-39131 [2015-16750]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
• Indian Health Service

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 130 (Wednesday, July 8, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 39123-39131]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-16750]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service


Office of Clinical and Preventive Services; Division of 
Behavioral Health; Domestic Violence Prevention Initiative

    Announcement Type: New --Limited Competition
    Funding Announcement Number: HHS-2015-IHS-DVPI-0001

    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number (CFDA): 93.933

Key Dates

    Application Deadline Date: September 8, 2015
    Review Date: September 14-18, 2015
    Earliest Anticipated Start Date: September 30, 2015
    Signed Tribal Resolutions Due Date: September 11, 2015
    Proof of Non-Profit Status Due Date: September 8, 2015

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Statutory Authority

    The Indian Health Service (IHS), an agency which is part of the 
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is accepting 
applications for a five-year funding cycle, to continue the planning, 
development, and implementation of the Domestic Violence Prevention 
Initiative (Short Title: DVPI). This program was first established by 
the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2009, Public Law 111-8, 123 Stat. 
524, 735, and continued in the annual appropriations acts since that 
time. This program is authorized under the authority of 25 U.S.C. 13, 
the Snyder Act, and the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, 25 U.S.C. 
1601-1683. The amounts made available for the DVPI shall be allocated 
at the discretion of the Director, IHS and shall remain available until 
expended. IHS utilizes a national funding formula developed in 
consultation with Tribes and the National Tribal Advisory Committee 
(NTAC) on behavioral health, as well as conferring with urban Indian 
health programs (UIHPs). The funding formula provides the allocation 
methodology for each IHS Service Area. This program is described in the 
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance under 93.933.

Background

    From August 2010-August 2015, IHS funded 65 IHS, Tribal, Tribal 
organizations, and UIHPs that participated in a nationally coordinated 
five-year demonstration pilot project to expand outreach and increase 
awareness of domestic and sexual violence and provide victim advocacy, 
intervention, case coordination, policy development, community response 
teams, and community and school education programs. The DVPI promotes 
the development of evidence-based and practice-based models that 
represent culturally appropriate prevention and treatment approaches to 
domestic and sexual violence from a community-driven context. For a 
complete listing of demonstration pilot projects, please visit 
www.ihs.gov/dvpi/pilotprojects.

Purpose

    The primary purpose of this grant program is to accomplish the DVPI 
goals listed below:
    1. Build Tribal, UIHP, and Federal capacity to provide coordinated 
community responses to American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) victims of 
domestic and sexual violence.
    2. Increase access to domestic and sexual violence prevention, 
advocacy, crisis intervention, and behavioral health services for AI/AN 
victims and their families.
    3. Promote trauma-informed services for AI/AN victims of domestic 
and sexual violence and their families.
    4. Offer healthcare provider and community education on domestic 
and sexual violence.
    5. Respond to the healthcare needs of AI/AN victims of domestic and 
sexual violence.
    6. Incorporate culturally appropriate practices and/or faith-based 
services for AI/AN victims of domestic and sexual violence.
    To accomplish the DVPI goals, IHS invites applicants to address one 
of the Purpose Areas below:


[[Page 39124]]


 Purpose Area 1: Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention, 
Advocacy, and Coordinated Community Responses
 Purpose Area 2: Provide Forensic Healthcare Services

    In certain circumstances, applicants may choose to apply for more 
than one Purpose Area. If this is the case, applicants must submit a 
separate application for each Purpose Area. IHS encourages applicants 
to develop and submit applications that emphasize cross-system 
collaboration among the Purpose Areas, the inclusion of family, youth 
and community resources, and the application of cultural approaches.

Evidence-Based Practices, Practice-Based Evidence, Promising Practices, 
and Local Efforts

    IHS strongly emphasizes the use of data and evidence in 
policymaking and program development and implementation. Applicants 
under each Purpose Area must identify one or more evidence-based 
practice, practice-based evidence, best or promising practice, and/or 
local effort they plan to implement in the Project Narrative section of 
their application. The DVPI Web site (https://www.ihs.gov/dvpi/bestpractices/) is one resource that applicants may use to find 
information to build on the foundation of prior domestic and sexual 
violence prevention and treatment efforts, in order to support the IHS, 
Tribes, Tribal organizations, and UIHPs in developing and implementing 
Tribal and/or culturally appropriate domestic and sexual violence 
prevention and early intervention strategies.

Purpose Areas

    Purpose Area 1: Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention, Advocacy, 
and Coordinated Community Responses: IHS is seeking applicants to 
address the following broad objectives:
     Expand crisis intervention, counseling, advocacy, 
behavioral health, and case management services to victims of domestic 
and sexual violence;
     Foster coalitions and networks to improve coordination and 
collaboration among victim service providers, healthcare providers, and 
other responders;
     Educate and train service providers on trauma, domestic 
violence, and sexual assault and its impact on victims;
     Promote community education for adults and youth on 
domestic and sexual violence;
     Improve organizational practices to improve services for 
individuals seeking services for domestic and sexual violence;
     Establish coordinated community response policies, 
protocols, and procedures to enhance domestic and sexual violence 
intervention and prevention;
     Integrate culturally appropriate practices and/or faith-
based services to facilitate the social and emotional well-being of 
victims and their children; and
     Implement trauma informed care interventions to support 
victims and their children.
    Purpose Area 2: Forensic Healthcare: IHS is seeking applicants to 
address the following broad objectives:
     Expand available medical forensic services to victims of 
domestic and sexual violence;
     Foster coalitions and networks to improve coordination and 
collaboration among forensic healthcare programs to ensure adequate 
services exist either on-site or by referral for victims of domestic 
and sexual violence 24/7 year round;
     Educate and train providers to conduct medical forensic 
examinations;
     Promote community education on available medical forensic 
services;
     Improve health system organizational practices to improve 
medical forensic services and care coordination among victim services;
     Establish local health system policies for sexual assault, 
domestic violence, and child maltreatment;
     Integrate culturally appropriate treatment services 
throughout the medical forensic examination process; and
     Implement trauma informed care interventions to support 
victims and their children.

Limited Competition Justification

    There is limited competition under this announcement because the 
authorizing legislation restricts eligibility to Tribes that meet 
specific criteria. See the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2008, 
Public Law 110-161, 121 Stat. 1844, 2135.

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 $7,600,000. Individual award amounts are 
anticipated to be from $50,000 to $200,000. IHS expects to allocate 
funding for the 12 IHS service areas as described below. Applicants 
will be awarded according to their location within their respective IHS 
service area and will not compete with applicants from other IHS 
service areas. UIHP applicants will be selected from a category set 
aside for UIHP applicants only. UIHP awards will be $100,000 each. 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. IHS is under no 
obligation to make awards that are selected for funding under this 
announcement.

Anticipated Number of Awards

    The number of anticipated awards is dependent on the number of 
applications received in response to the announcement and available 
funds. The funding breakdown by area is as follows:
Alaska IHS Service Area
    IHS expects to provide $1,100,500 in total awards for a 12-month 
project period.
Albuquerque IHS Service Area
    IHS expects to provide $332,000 in total awards for a 12-month 
project period.
Bemidji IHS Service Area
    IHS expects to provide $326,500 in total awards for a 12-month 
project period.
Billings IHS Service Area
    IHS expects to provide $303,500 in total awards for a 12-month 
project period.
California IHS Service Area
    IHS expects to provide $235,000 in total awards for a 12-month 
project period.
Great Plains IHS Service Area
    IHS expects to provide $1,008,100 in total awards for a 12-month 
project period.
Nashville IHS Service Area
    IHS expects to provide $144,000 in total awards for a 12-month 
project period.
Navajo IHS Service Area
    IHS expects to provide $1,155,700 in total awards for a 12-month 
project period.
Oklahoma City IHS Service Area
    IHS expects to provide $1,365,500 in total awards for a 12-month 
project period.

[[Page 39125]]

Phoenix IHS Service Area
    IHS expects to provide $578,000 in total awards for a 12-month 
project period.
Portland IHS Service Area
    IHS expects to provide $351,700 in total awards for a 12-month 
project period.
Tucson IHS Service Area
    IHS expects to provide $99,500 in total awards for a 12-month 
project period.
Urban Indian Health Programs
    IHS expects to provide $600,000 in total awards for a 12-month 
project period.

Project Period

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

Continuation Applications

    The current funding announcement is a request for the submission of 
proposals for a five-year project proposal; however due to the limited 
amount of funding available for competing and continuation awards 
issued under this announcement, the funds are subject to the 
availability of appropriations and budgetary priorities of the Agency 
(also reference ``Estimated Funds Available'' in this section, ``Award 
Information''). Therefore, awardees will be required to submit a 
Continuation Application at the end of each project year (dates to be 
determined) after the initial funding award for Project Year 1, which 
will assist in determining continued funding from Project Year to 
Project Year for the five-year project funding cycle. Awardees will be 
required to submit an entire application package including all 
components listed under ``Content and Form Application Submission'' in 
the GrantSolutions System to assist in determination of continued 
funding.
    The continuation applications will assist IHS in ensuring that all 
awardees are meeting their goals and objectives, carrying out project 
activities, and submitting required documentation in a timely manner 
according to the terms and conditions of their Notice of Award (NoA) 
and the behavioral health program requirements.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligibility

    To be eligible for this ``Limited Competition'' in an effort to 
address behavioral health disparities within AI/AN communities, IHS is 
limiting eligibility to Federally recognized Tribes, Tribal 
organizations, and Urban Indian organizations. Eligible applicants are 
as follows:
     Federally recognized Indian Tribe, as defined by 25 U.S.C. 
1603(14);
     Tribal organization, as defined by 25 U.S.C. 1603(26);
     Urban Indian organization as defined by 25 U.S.C. 
1603(29). Applicants must provide proof of non-profit status with the 
application, e.g., 501(c)(3).

    Note:  Please refer to ``Tribal Resolution'' subsection and 
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

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

3. Other Requirements

    a. 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.
b. Awardee Meetings
    Awardees are required to send the Project Director and/or Project 
Coordinator (the individual who runs the day-to-day project operations) 
to an annual DVPI meeting. Participation will be in-person or virtual 
meetings. The awardee is required to include travel for this purpose in 
the budget and narrative of the project proposal. At these meetings, 
awardees will present updates and results of their projects including 
note of significant or ongoing concerns related to project 
implementation or management. Federal staff will provide updates and 
technical assistance to awardees in attendance.
    The in-person meeting location(s) will be determined at a later 
date but for purposes of project budget development, awardees should 
estimate costs for Denver, CO as a potential site that is accessible to 
most of ``Indian Country.'' Attendance at these meetings is mandatory 
for the Project Director/Project Coordinator.

Tribal Resolution

    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 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 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.
    Official signed Tribal resolutions can be mailed to DGM, Attn: 
Patience Musikikongo, 801 Thompson Avenue, TMP Suite 360, Rockville, 
Maryland 20852. Applicants submitting Tribal resolutions after or aside 
from the required online electronic application submission must ensure 
that the information is received by IHS/DGM. It is highly recommended 
that the documentation be sent by a delivery method that includes 
delivery confirmation and tracking. Please contact Ms. Patience 
Musikikongo by telephone at (301) 443-2059 prior to the review date 
regarding submission questions.

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 IHS by obtaining documentation 
confirming delivery (i.e. FedEx tracking, postal return receipt, etc.).

[[Page 39126]]

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 or (301) 443-5204.

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:
     Cover letter.
     Table of contents.
     Abstract (must be single-spaced and should not exceed one 
page).
     Application forms:
    [cir] SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance.
    [cir] SF-424A, Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs.
    [cir] SF-424B, Assurances--Non-Construction Programs.
     Statement of Need (must be single-spaced and not exceed 
two pages).
    [cir] Includes the Tribe, Tribal organization or UIHP background 
information.
     Project Narrative (must be included as an attachment to 
the application package and must be single-spaced and not exceed 20 
pages).
    [cir] Proposed scope of work, goals and objectives, and activities 
that provide a description of what will be accomplished, including a 
one-page timeline chart, and a plan for local data collection.
     Budget and Budget Narrative (must be single-spaced and not 
exceed four pages).
     Tribal Resolution or Tribal Letter of Support (only 
required for Tribes and Tribal organizations).
    [cir] See Key Dates for separate due date submission requirement
     Letter(s) of Support from organization's Board of 
Directors (or relevant equivalent), Local Organizational Partners and 
Tribal or Urban Indian Organizational and Community Partners (All 
Applicants).
     501(c)(3) Certificate (if applicable).
     Biographical sketches for all key personnel.
     Position descriptions 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 or other required 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 Proposals

    The project narrative should be a separate Word document that is no 
longer than 20 pages and must: be single-spaced, type written, 
consecutively numbered pages, using 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.
    Succinctly address and answer all questions listed under required 
application components 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 twenty 
(20) pages will be reviewed. The 20-page limit for the narrative does 
not include the cover letter, table of contents, abstract, statement of 
need, standard forms, Tribal resolutions, budget and budget narrative, 
and/or other appendix items.
    Applications must include the following REQUIRED application 
components:
     Cover Letter--Includes the title of the program and all 
contact information for the Tribe/Tribal organization or UIHP.
     Table of Contents
     Abstract--Provides a summary of all the key information 
for the project. Must not exceed one single-spaced page.
     Statement of Need--Provides the facts and evidence that 
support the need for the project and establishes that the Tribe/Tribal 
organization or UIHP understands the problems and can reasonably 
address them. Provides background information on the Tribe/Tribal 
organization or UIHP. May not exceed two single-spaced pages.
     Project Narrative--The project narrative (description) 
describes the project. May not exceed 20 single-spaced pages.
    Required components in the project narrative are as follows:
    A. Goals and Objectives
    B. Project Activities
    C. Timeline Chart
    D. Organization Capacity and Staffing/Administration
    E. Plan for Local Data Collection
     Budget and Budget Narrative--Applicants are to submit a 
budget and budget narrative for Project Year 1 only. The budget and 
budget 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 for the first project year expenses only. The 
budget and budget narrative may not exceed four single-spaced pages for 
both documents combined.
    The DVPI Proposal Template and associated templates for the 
Timeline Chart, Biographical Sketch, Budget and Budget Narrative, can 
be located and downloaded at the DVPI Web site: www.ihs.gov/dvpi/fundingannouncement.

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 or (301) 443-5204. Please be sure to contact Mr. Gettys 
at least ten (10) days prior to the application deadline. Please do not 
contact DGM until you have received a

[[Page 39127]]

Grants.gov tracking number. In the event you are not able to obtain a 
tracking number, call 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, 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, DGM will not be 
reviewed or considered for funding. The applicant will be notified via 
email of this decision by the Grants Management Officer, DGM. Paper 
applications must be received by 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/cooperative agreement will be awarded per 
applicant.

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 (10) 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 
the 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 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 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 
containing a Grants.gov tracking number. DGM will download the 
application from Grants.gov and provide necessary copies to the 
appropriate agency officials. Neither DGM nor the behavioral health 
program will notify the applicant that the application has been 
received.
     Email applications will not be accepted under this 
announcement.
     IHS will not acknowledge receipt of applications.

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

    All IHS applicants and grantee organizations are required to obtain 
a DUNS number and maintain an active registration in the SAM database. 
The DUNS number is a unique 9-digit identification number provided by 
D&B which uniquely identifies each entity. The DUNS number is site 
specific; therefore, each distinct performance site may be assigned a 
DUNS number. Obtaining a DUNS number is easy, and there is no charge. 
To obtain a DUNS number, please access it through https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform, or to expedite the process, call (866) 705-
5711.
    All HHS recipients are required by the Federal Funding 
Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006, as amended (Transparency 
Act), to report information on sub-awards. Accordingly, all IHS 
grantees must notify potential first-tier sub-recipients that no entity 
may receive a first-tier sub-award unless the entity has provided its 
DUNS number to the prime grantee organization. This requirement ensures 
the use of a universal identifier to enhance the quality of information 
available to the public pursuant to the Transparency Act.

System for Award Management (SAM)

    Organizations that are not registered with Central Contractor 
Registration and have not registered with SAM will need to obtain a 
DUNS number first and then access the SAM online registration through 
the SAM home page at https://www.sam.gov (U.S. organizations will also 
need to provide an Employer Identification Number from the Internal 
Revenue Service that may take an additional 2-5 weeks to become 
active). Completing and submitting the registration takes approximately 
one hour to complete and SAM registration will take 3-5 business days 
to process. Registration with 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

[[Page 39128]]

DUNS and SAM, can be found on the IHS Grants Management, Grants Policy 
Web site: https://www.ihs.gov/dgm/index.cfm?module=dsp_dgm_policy_topics.

V. Application Review Information

    The instructions for preparing the application statement of need, 
project narrative, budget and budget narrative also constitute the 
evaluation criteria for reviewing and scoring the application. Weights 
assigned to each section are noted in parentheses. The 20 page 
narrative should include activities for the proposed one-year project. 
The statement of need, project narrative, budget and budget narrative 
sections 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. Points 
are assigned as follows:

1. Criteria

    Applications will be reviewed and scored according to the quality 
of responses to the required application components in Sections A-E.
     In developing the Statement of Need, Project Narrative, 
Budget and Budget Narrative sections of the application, use the 
instructions provided for each section, which have been tailored to 
this program.
     The Statement of Need should not exceed two single-spaced 
pages.
     The Project Narrative (required components, Sections A-E, 
in ``Requirements for Project Proposals'') together should not exceed 
20 single-spaced pages.
     The Budget and Budget Narrative the applicant provides 
will be considered by reviewers in assessing the applicant's response, 
along with the material in the Project Narrative. The budget and budget 
narrative must not exceed four single-spaced pages.
     The applicant must use the five sections (Sections A-E) 
listed below in developing the: 1) Statement of Need (Section A); 2) 
Project Narrative (Sections B, C and D); and 3) Budget and Budget 
Narrative (Section E). The applicant must place the required 
information in the correct section, or it will not be considered. The 
application will be scored according to how well the applicant 
addresses the requirements for each section of the Statement of Need, 
Project Narrative, Budget and Budget Narrative.
     The number of points after each heading is the maximum 
number of points a review committee may assign to that section. 
Although scoring weights are not assigned to individual bullets, each 
bullet is assessed in deriving the overall section score.

Section A: Statement of Need (35 Points)

    1. Identify the proposed catchment area and provide demographic 
information on the population(s) to receive services through the 
targeted systems or agencies, e.g., race, ethnicity, Federally 
recognized Tribe, language, age, socioeconomic status, sexual identity 
(sexual orientation, gender identity) and other relevant factors, such 
as literacy. Describe the stakeholders and resources in the catchment 
area that can help implement the needed infrastructure development.
    2. Based on the information and/or data currently available, 
document the prevalence of domestic and sexual violence.
    3. Based on the information and/or data currently available, 
document the need for an enhanced infrastructure to increase the 
capacity to implement, sustain, and improve effective domestic and 
sexual violence services in the proposed catchment area that is 
consistent with the purpose of the program and the intent of the 
funding opportunity announcement. Based on current available data, 
describe the service gaps and other problems related to the need for 
infrastructure development. Identify the source of the data. 
Documentation of need may come from a variety of qualitative and 
quantitative sources. Examples of data sources for the quantitative 
data that could be used are local epidemiologic data (Tribal 
Epidemiology Centers, IHS area offices), state data (e.g., from state 
needs assessments, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services 
Administration's (SAMHSA) National Survey on Drug Use and Health), and/
or national data (e.g., from Centers for Disease Control and Department 
of Justice or Census data). This list is not exhaustive; applicants may 
submit other valid data, as appropriate for the applicant's program.
    4. Describe the existing behavioral health service gaps, barriers, 
and other systemic challenges related to the need for planning and 
infrastructure development and coordination of domestic and sexual 
violence services.
    5. Describe potential project partners and community resources in 
the catchment area that can participate in the planning process and 
infrastructure development.
    6. Affirm the goals of the project are consistent with priorities 
of the Tribal government or board of directors and that the governing 
body is in support of this application.

Section B: Project Narrative/Proposed Approach/Project Plan (20 Points)

    1. Describe the purpose of the proposed project, including a clear 
statement of goals and objectives. Describe how achievement of goals 
will increase system capacity to support effective domestic and sexual 
violence.
    2. Describe how project activities will increase the capacity of 
the identified community to plan and improve the coordination of a 
collaborative service system for victims of domestic and sexual 
violence. Describe anticipated barriers to progress of the project and 
how these barriers will be addressed.
    3. Discuss how the proposed approach addresses the local language, 
concepts, attitudes, norms and values about domestic and sexual 
violence.
    4. Describe how the proposed project will address issues of 
diversity within the population of focus including age, race, gender, 
ethnicity, culture/cultural identity, language, sexual orientation, 
disability, and literacy.
    5. Describe how members of the community (including youth and 
families that may receive services) will be involved in the planning, 
implementation, and performance assessment of the project.
    6. Describe how the efforts of the proposed project will be 
coordinated with any other related Federal grants, including IHS, 
SAMHSA, or Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) services provided in the 
community (if applicable).
    7. Provide a timeline chart depicting a realistic timeline for the 
entire project period showing key activities, milestones, and 
responsible staff. These key activities should include the requirements 
outlined in the chosen Purpose Area. [Note: The timeline chart should 
be part of the Project Narrative as specified in the ``Requirements for 
Project Proposals'' section. It should not be placed in as an 
attachment.]
    8. If the applicant plans to include an advisory body in the 
project, describe its membership, roles and functions, and frequency of 
meetings.
    9. Identify any other organization(s) that will participate in the 
proposed project. Describe their roles and responsibilities and 
demonstrate their commitment to the project. Include a list of these 
organizations as an attachment to the project proposal/application. In 
the attached list, indicate the organizations that the Tribe/Tribal 
organization or UIHP has worked with

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or currently works with. [Note: The attachment will not count as part 
of the 20-page maximum.]

Section C: Organizational Capacity (15 Points)

    1. Describe the management capability and experience of the 
applicant Tribe, Tribal organization, or UIHP and other participating 
organizations in administering similar grants and projects.
    2. Discuss the applicant Tribe, Tribal organization, or UIHP 
experience and capacity to provide culturally appropriate/competent 
services to the community and specific populations of focus.
    3. Describe the resources available for the proposed project (e.g., 
facilities, equipment, information technology systems, and financial 
management systems).
    4. Describe how program continuity will be maintained if/when there 
is a change in the operational environment (e.g., staff turnover, 
change in project leadership, change in elected officials) to ensure 
stability over the life of the grant.
    5. Provide a complete list of staff positions for the project, 
including the Project Director, Project Coordinator, and other key 
personnel, showing the role of each and their level of effort and 
qualifications.
    6. Include position descriptions as attachments to the project 
proposal/application for the Project Director, Project Coordinator, and 
all key personnel. Position descriptions should be no longer than one 
page each. [Note: Attachments will not count against the 20 page 
maximum].
    7. For staff that are identified and currently on staff, include a 
biographical sketch (not to include personally identifiable 
information) for the Project Director, Project Coordinator, and other 
key positions as attachments to the project proposal/application. Each 
biographical sketch should not exceed one page. Reviewers will not 
consider information past page one.

    Note: [Attachments will not count against the 20 page maximum]

    .Do not include any of the following:
    i. Personally Identifiable Information;
    ii. Resumes; or
    iii. Curriculum Vitae

Section D: Local Data Collection and Program Evaluation (20 Points)

    Describe the applicant's plan for gathering local data, submitting 
data requirements, and document the applicant's ability to ensure 
accurate data tracking and reporting.
    Funded projects are required to coordinate data collection efforts 
with a regional (IHS Area) evaluator. The regional evaluators will be 
identified and funded by IHS and coordinated with each local project 
and will feed the regional and national evaluation for DVPI. Awardees 
will work with the regional evaluator(s) to evaluate the core 
processes, outcomes, impacts, and benefits associated with the DVPI. 
Awardees shall collect local data related to the project and submit it 
in semi-annual progress reports. The data collected and submitted 
through the progress reports will be made available to the regional and 
national evaluator(s) for DVPI. The purpose of the regional and 
national evaluation is to assess the extent to which the projects are 
successful in achieving project goals and objectives and to determine 
the impact of DVPI-related activities on individuals and the larger 
community.
    Progress reporting will be required on national and regionally 
selected data elements related to program outcomes and financial 
reporting for all awardees. Progress reports will be collected semi-
annually throughout the project on a web-based portal. Progress reports 
include the compilation of quantitative (numerical) data (e.g., number 
served; screenings completed, etc.) and of qualitative or narrative 
(text) data. The regional and national evaluators will also coordinate 
the narrative data collection and provide an analysis of funded 
projects' responses to open-ended questions about ``program 
accomplishments,'' ``barriers to implementation,'' and description of 
partnership and coalition work.
    The reporting portal will be open to project staff on a 24 hour/7 
day week basis for the duration of each reporting period. Reporting 
form formats allow awardees to report outcomes and include open-ended 
questions about current accomplishments and barriers during the 
reporting period. In addition, financial report forms (SF-425), which 
document funds received and expended during the semi-annual reporting 
period, will be available. All materials will be provided on the portal 
and are to be submitted online. Technical assistance for web-based data 
entry and for the completion of required fiscal documents will be 
timely and readily available to awardees by assigned IHS Project 
Officers.

Section E: Budget and Justification (10 Points)

    The applicant is required to include a line item budget for all 
expenditures identifying reasonable and allowable costs necessary to 
accomplish the goals and objectives as outlined in the project 
narrative for Project Year 1 only. The budget should match the scope of 
work described in the project narrative for the first project year 
expenses only. The page limitation should not exceed four single-spaced 
pages.
    The applicant must provide a narrative justification of the items 
included in the proposed budget supporting the mission and goals of 
DVPI, as well as a description of existing resources and other support 
the applicant expects to receive for the proposed project. Other 
support is defined as funds or resources, whether Federal, non-Federal 
or institutional, in direct support of activities through fellowships, 
gifts, prizes, in-kind contributions or non-Federal means. (This should 
correspond to Item #18 on the applicant's SF-424, Estimated Funding.) 
Provide a narrative justification supporting the development or 
continued collaboration with other partners regarding the proposed 
activities to be implemented.

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.
     Consultant or contractor proposed scope of work and letter 
of commitment (if applicable).
     Current Indirect Cost Agreement.
     Organizational chart.
     Map of area 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 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, urban 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, DGM. Applicants will be notified by DGM, via email, to outline 
minor missing

[[Page 39130]]

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 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, 65 points, and were deemed to be disapproved by the 
ORC, will receive an Executive Summary Statement from the IHS program 
office within 30 days of the conclusion of the ORC outlining the 
strengths and weaknesses of their application submitted. The IHS 
program office will also provide additional contact information as 
needed to address questions and concerns as well as provide technical 
assistance if desired.

Approved But Unfunded Applicants

    Approved but unfunded applicants that met the minimum score of 65 
points 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 HHS Awards, located at 
45 CFR 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 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 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 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.

A. Progress Reports

    Progress reports are required annually through the national DVPI 
online progress report data portal, within thirty (30) days after the 
budget period ends. These reports must include a brief comparison of 
actual accomplishments to the goals established for the reporting 
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 ninety (90) days of expiration of the budget/
project period.

B. Financial Reports

    Federal Financial Report FFR (SF-425), Cash Transaction Reports are 
due thirty (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 (SF-425).

C. Federal Sub-Award Reporting System (FSRS)

    This award may be subject to the Transparency Act sub-award and 
executive compensation reporting requirements of 2 CFR part 170.
    The Transparency Act requires OMB to establish a single searchable 
database,

[[Page 39131]]

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 sub-awards 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 sub-award 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 sub-award 
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 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: Beverly 
Cotton, Director, IHS Division of Behavioral Health, 801 Thompson 
Avenue, Rockville, MD 20874, Phone: (301) 443-2038, Fax: (301) 443-
7623, Email: dbh@ihs.gov.
    2. Questions on grants management and fiscal matters may be 
directed to: Patience Musikikongo, GMS, IHS Division of Grants 
Management, 801 Thompson Ave, TMP Suite 379, Rockville, MD 20874, 
Phone: (301) 443-2059, Fax: (301) 443-9602, 
Patience.Musikikongo@ihs.gov.
    3. Questions on systems matters may be directed to: Paul Gettys, 
Grant Systems Coordinator, 801 Thompson Avenue, TMP Suite 360, 
Rockville, MD 20852, Phone: (301) 443-2114; or the DGM main line (301) 
443-5204, Fax: (301) 443-9602, E-Mail: Paul.Gettys@ihs.gov.

VIII. Other Information

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

    Dated: June 30, 2015.
Robert G. McSwain,
Acting Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-16750 Filed 7-7-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165-16-P