Division of Epidemiology and Disease Prevention; Epidemiology Program for American Indian/Alaska Native Tribes and Urban Indian Communities, 22985-22995 [2016-09012]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
• Indian Health Service

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 75 (Tuesday, April 19, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 22985-22995]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-09012]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service


Division of Epidemiology and Disease Prevention; Epidemiology 
Program for American Indian/Alaska Native Tribes and Urban Indian 
Communities

Announcement Type: Competing Continuation
Funding Announcement Number: HHS-2016-IHS-EPI-0001
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.231

Key Dates

Application Deadline Date: June 21, 2016
Review Date: July 11-15, 2016
Earliest Anticipated Start Date: September 15, 2016
Signed Tribal Resolutions Due Date: June 21, 2016
Proof of Non-Profit Status Due Date: June 21, 2016

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Statutory Authority

    The Indian Health Service (IHS) is accepting competitive 
cooperative agreement applications for Tribal Epidemiology Centers 
serving American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Tribes and urban Indian 
communities. This program is managed by the IHS Division of 
Epidemiology and Disease Prevention (DEDP). This program is authorized 
by the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA), as amended, 25 
U.S.C. 1621m, the Snyder Act, 25 U.S.C. 13, and described in the 
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) under 93.231.

Background

    The Tribal Epidemiology Center (TEC) program was authorized by 
Congress in 1998 as a way to provide public health support to multiple 
Tribes and urban Indian communities in each of the IHS Areas. The 
funding opportunity announcement is open to eligible Tribes, Tribal 
organizations, Indian organizations, intertribal consortia, and urban 
Indian organizations, including currently funded TECs.
    TECs are uniquely positioned within Tribes, Tribal and urban Indian 
organizations to conduct disease surveillance, research, prevention and 
control of disease, injury, or disability, and to assess the 
effectiveness of AI/AN public health programs. In addition, they can 
fill gaps in data needed for Government Performance and Results Act and 
Healthy People 2020 measures. Some of the existing TECs have already 
developed innovative strategies to monitor the health status of Tribes 
and urban Indian communities, including development of Tribal health 
registries and use of sophisticated record linkage computer software to 
correct existing state data sets for racial misclassification. TECs 
work in partnership with IHS DEDP to provide a more accurate national 
picture of Indian health status.
    TECs provide critical support for activities that promote Tribal 
self-governance and effective management of Tribal and urban Indian 
health programs. Data generated locally and analyzed by TECs enable 
Tribes and urban Indian communities to effectively

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plan and make decisions that best meet the needs of their communities. 
In addition, TECs can immediately provide feedback to local data 
systems which will lead to improvements in Indian health data overall.
    As more Tribes choose to operate health programs in their 
communities, TECs ultimately will provide additional public health 
services such as disease control and prevention programs. Some existing 
centers provide assistance to Tribal and urban Indian communities in 
such areas as sexually transmitted disease control and cancer 
prevention. They also assist Tribes and urban Indian communities to 
establish baseline data for successfully evaluating intervention and 
prevention activities through activities such as conducting Behavioral 
Risk Factor Surveillance (BRFS).
    The TEC program will continue to enhance the ability of the Indian 
health system to collect and manage data more effectively and to better 
understand and develop the link between public health problems and 
behavior, socioeconomic conditions, and geography. The TEC program will 
also support Tribal and urban Indian communities by providing technical 
training in public health practice and prevention-oriented research and 
by promoting public health career pathways.

Purpose

    The purpose of this cooperative agreement is to strengthen public 
health capacity and to fund Tribes, Tribal and urban Indian 
organizations, and intertribal consortia in identifying relevant health 
status indicators and priorities using sound epidemiologic principles. 
Work-plans submitted in response to this announcement must incorporate 
the grantee's desired objectives and demonstrate at minimum, four of 
the seven TEC core functional areas as outlined in the Indian Health 
Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) at 25 U.S.C. 1621m(b). Below is a list of 
the seven core functions of the TECs:
    (1) Collect data relating to, and monitor progress made toward 
meeting, each of the health status objectives of the Service, the 
Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations in 
the service area;
    (2) Evaluate existing delivery systems, data systems, and other 
systems that impact the improvement of Indian health;
    (3) Assist Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and urban Indian 
organizations in identifying highest-priority health status objectives 
and the services needed to achieve those objectives, based on 
epidemiological data;
    (4) Make recommendations for the targeting of services needed by 
the populations served;
    (5) Make recommendations to improve health care delivery systems 
for Indians and urban Indians;
    (6) Provide requested technical assistance to Indian Tribes, Tribal 
organizations, and urban Indian organizations in the development of 
local health service priorities and incidence and prevalence rates of 
disease and other illness in the community; and
    (7) Provide disease surveillance and assist Indian Tribes, Tribal 
organizations, and urban Indian communities to promote public health.
    As grantees develop their desired objectives addressing a minimum 
of four of the core functions as outlined in IHCIA, grantees may 
include but are not limited to the following activities: Research, 
prevention and control of disease, injury, or disability; assessment of 
the effectiveness of AI/AN public health programs; epidemiologic 
analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of surveillance data; 
investigation of disease outbreaks; development and implementation of 
epidemiologic studies; development and implementation of disease 
control and prevention programs; and coordination of activities of 
other public health authorities in the region. It is the intent of IHS 
to fund sufficient TECs to serve Tribes and urban Indian communities in 
all 12 IHS administrative areas.
    Each TEC selected for funding will act under a cooperative 
agreement with the IHS. During funded activities, the TECs may receive 
Protected Health Information (PHI) for the purpose of preventing or 
controlling disease, injury or disability, including, but not limited 
to, reporting of disease, injury, vital events, such as birth or death, 
and the conduct of public health surveillance, public health 
investigation, and public health interventions for the Tribal and urban 
Indian communities that they serve. TECs acting under a cooperative 
agreement with IHS are public health authorities for which the 
disclosure of PHI by covered entities is authorized by the Privacy 
Rule, 45 CFR 164.512(b). To achieve the purpose of this program, the 
recipient will be responsible for the activities under letter B. 
Grantee Cooperative Agreement Award Activities. Program Office will be 
responsible for activities under letter A. IHS Programmatic 
Involvement.

Pre-Conference Grant Requirements

    The awardee is required to comply with the ``HHS Policy on 
Promoting Efficient Spending: Use of Appropriated Funds for Conferences 
and Meeting Space, Food, Promotional Items, and Printing and 
Publications,'' dated December 16, 2013 (``Policy''), as applicable to 
conferences funded by grants and cooperative agreements. The Policy is 
available at https://www.hhs.gov/grants/contracts/contract-policies-regulations/conference-spending/.
    The awardee is required to:
    Provide a separate detailed budget justification and narrative for 
each conference anticipated. The cost categories to be addressed are as 
follows: (1) Contract/Planner, (2) Meeting Space/Venue, (3) 
Registration Web site, (4) Audio Visual, (5) Speakers Fees, (6) Non-
Federal Attendee Travel, (7) Registration Fees, (8) Other (explain in 
detail and cost breakdown). For additional questions, please contact 
Selina Keryte, Program Officer at 301-443-7064 or email her at 
selina.keryte@ihs.gov.

II. Award Information

Type of Award

    Cooperative Agreement.

Estimated Funds Available

    The total amount of funding identified for the current fiscal year 
(FY) 2016 is approximately $4.4 million. Individual award amounts are 
anticipated to be between $350,000 and $1,000,000 annually. The amount 
of funding available for the competing continuation awards issued under 
this announcement are subject to the availability of appropriations and 
budgetary priorities of the Agency. The IHS is under no obligation to 
make awards that are selected for funding under this announcement.

Anticipated Number of Awards

    Approximately 12 awards will be issued under this program 
announcement.

Project Period

    The project period is for five years and will run consecutively 
from September 30, 2016 to September 29, 2021.

Cooperative Agreement

    Cooperative agreements awarded by the Department of Health and 
Human Services (HHS) are administered under the same policies as a 
grant. The funding agency (IHS) is required to have substantial 
programmatic involvement

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in the project during the entire award segment. Below is a detailed 
description of the level of involvement required for both IHS and the 
grantee. IHS will be responsible for activities listed under section A 
and each grantee will be responsible for activities listed under 
section B as stated:

Substantial Involvement Description for Cooperative Agreement

A. IHS Programmatic Involvement
    (1) Provide funded TECs with ongoing consultation and technical 
assistance to plan, implement, and evaluate each component as described 
under Recipient Activities. Consultation and technical assistance may 
include, but not be limited to, the following areas:
    (a) Interpretation of current scientific literature related to 
epidemiology, statistics, surveillance, Healthy People 2020 and 2030 
objectives, and other public health issues;
    (b) Design and implementation of each program component such as 
surveillance, epidemiologic analysis, outbreak investigation, 
development of epidemiologic studies, development of disease control 
programs, and coordination of activities; and
    (c) Overall operational planning and program management.
    (2) Coordinate all IHS epidemiologic activities on a national scope 
including development and management of disease surveillance systems, 
generation of related reports, and investigation of disease outbreaks.
    (3) Conduct annual site visits to TECs and/or coordinate TEC visits 
to IHS to assess work plans and ensure data security; confirm 
compliance with applicable laws and regulations; assess program 
activities; and to mutually resolve problems, as needed.
    (4) Participate in annual TEC meeting for information sharing, 
problem solving, or training.
    (5) Provide training in the use of data from the Epidemiology Data 
Mart (EDM) for purposes of creating reports for disease surveillance, 
epidemiologic analysis, and epidemiologic studies. Training can be 
provided online, or at the request of the grantee onsite.
    (6) Coordinate opportunities for training of TEC staff where 
applicable. Examples include IHS Outbreak Response Review course, 
webinars on the Epi Data Mart and data use, technical assistance, use 
of statistical software, and fellowship opportunities.
B. Grantee Cooperative Agreement Award Activities
    (1) Collect data relating to, and monitor progress made toward 
meeting, each of the health status objectives of the service, the 
Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations in 
the Service area.
    (a) Establish culturally appropriate community health assessments 
to allow Tribal and urban Indian leaders to make informed decisions, 
prioritize health problems, and develop, implement, and evaluate 
community health improvement plans. Examples of the health reports 
could include stakeholder health assessments, profile data or any other 
data reports.
    (b) Establish a Data Sharing Agreement (DSA) with the IHS Area 
Office to facilitate access to IHS electronic health record data that 
facilitates:
    1. ``Routine'' activities for which the TEC will have access to de-
identified data from IHS EDM.
    2. Activities for which TECs will need additional permission for 
access and use of IHS data, such as special studies or research 
involving personal identifiers.
    3. Complies with the Health Insurance Portability and 
Accountability Act (HIPPA) and the Privacy Act, and related practices 
to ensure sufficient stewardship of shared data.
    4. Training requirements that must be met for initial and continued 
data access, such as periodic privacy and security procedures training.
    5. For TECs that receive EDM data, annual reporting on data use, 
number and types of data products produced (e.g., reports, 
publications, presentations), and impacts of EDM data use and products 
on established health status objectives is required.
    (2) Evaluate existing delivery systems, data systems, and other 
systems that impact the improvement of Indian health.
    (a) Evaluations can address but are not limited to availability of 
health care resources, impacts of the Affordable Care Act, access to 
care, quality of care, health impact assessment, patient satisfaction, 
and the availability and capacity of providers.
    (3) Assist Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and urban Indian 
organizations in identifying highest-priority health status objectives 
and the services needed to achieve those objectives, based on 
epidemiological data.
    (9a) Develop relevant Community Health Profiles (CHPs) for Tribal 
and urban Indian communities served by the TEC within the geographical 
area of responsibility.
    1. Establish CHPs specific for each Tribal or urban Indian 
community entirely served by the TECs.
    2. Establish a regional CHP encompassing all the Tribal, and/or 
urban Indian communities served by the TEC.
    3. Provide a plan that includes a project overview, specific health 
indicators, and means of dissemination for both Tribe-specific and 
regional CHPs.
    (b) Participate in local, regional and national committees that 
address public health priorities and, as appropriate, with other 
Federal agencies.
    (c) Establish and maintain an advisory council that can provide 
overall program direction and guidance. The advisory council should 
include some members with technical expertise in epidemiology and 
public health (e.g., from state health departments or county health 
departments) and representation from the Tribal health and urban Indian 
health programs within the TECs regional area.
    (4) Make recommendations for the targeting of services needed by 
the populations served.
    (a) Translate available data and/or results of analyses on disease 
incidence/prevalence and determined risk factors into useful products, 
messaging, and outreach to effectively guide stakeholders' 
interventions addressing public health priorities.
    (5) Make recommendations to improve health care delivery systems 
for Indians and urban Indians.
    (6) Provide technical assistance to Indian Tribes, Tribal 
organizations, and urban Indian organizations in the development of 
local health service priorities and incidence and prevalence rates of 
disease and other illness in the community.
    (a) Provide culturally appropriate training based on the needs of 
Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and urban Indian organization 
served. Topics may include but are not limited to program evaluation, 
data analysis, data quality, survey design and administration, program 
planning, community health assessment, and outbreak response.
    (b) Establish an outbreak response capacity.
    1. Explain how the TEC will establish and maintain relationships 
with other public health authorities (e.g., Tribal, county, state) in 
order to facilitate collaborative outbreak response activities at the 
local or on a national or regional level.
    2. Obligate a minimum of one program staff per year to attend the 
training in either the ``Outbreak Response Review'' or ``Epidemiology 
Ready Course''.
    3. Explain how the TEC will collaborate and assist in public health

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emergencies with the IHS, DEDP, State, local, county, Tribal and other 
Federal authorities.
    (7) Provide disease surveillance and assist Indian Tribes, Tribal 
organizations, and urban Indian organizations to promote public health.
    (a) Enhance or develop disease surveillance systems. Surveillance 
systems can address infectious and chronic diseases, record linkage 
studies to improve existing surveillance systems, suicide data 
tracking, regional health registries, influenza surveillance, among 
others.
    (b) Develop and implement at least one Tribal and/or urban Indian 
BRFS survey to evaluate health risk behaviors of AI/AN populations 
served by the TECs, to include at minimum:
    1. Protocol development that includes interview trainings, sampling 
method and recruitment strategy;
    2. Database development to house data collected from the BRFS;
    3. A dissemination plan that includes a project overview, 
dissemination goals, targeted audiences, key messages, and project 
evaluation;
    4. Collaboration with the Tribal health director, health board, 
and/or the Tribal council, as appropriate, for review and approval of 
the BRFS project;
    5. Obtain institutional review board (IRB) review(s) and 
approval(s) as needed to facilitate implementation.
    In addition to the seven TEC core functional areas as outlined in 
the IHCIA, the grantee must also address the following activities in 
the work plan.
    (1) Describe existing TEC staff capabilities or hiring plans for 
the key personnel with appropriate expertise in epidemiology, health 
sciences, and program management. The TEC must also demonstrate access 
to specialized expertise such as a doctoral level epidemiologist and/or 
a biostatistician.
    (2) Explain how recipient will support the Agency's priorities:
    (a) To renew and strengthen our partnerships with Tribes and urban 
Indians;
    (b) To improve IHS;
    (c) To improve the quality of and access to care; and
    (d) To make all work accountable, transparent, fair and inclusive.
    You may access information of IHS priorities via the Internet at 
the following https://www.ihs.gov/aboutihs/index.cfm/overview/.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligibility
    To be eligible for this competing continuation announcement an 
applicant must be one of the following:
Definitions
    Indian Tribe--Indian Tribe means any Indian Tribe, band, nation, or 
other organized group or community, including any Alaska Native village 
or group or regional or village corporation as defined in or 
established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (85 
Stat. 688) [43 U.S.C. 1601, et seq.], which is recognized as eligible 
for the special programs and services provided by the United States to 
Indians because of their status as Indians. 25 U.S.C. 1603(14).
    Tribal Organization--Tribal organization means the elected 
governing body of any Indian Tribe or any legally established 
organization of Indians which is controlled, sanctioned, or chartered 
by such governing body or which is democratically elected by the adult 
members of the Indian community to be served by such organization and 
which includes the maximum participation of Indians in all phases of 
its activities. 25 U.S.C. 1603(26), 25 U.S.C. 450b(1).
    Urban Indian organization--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 described in 
section 1653(a) of the IHCIA. 25 U.S.C. 1603(29).
    Intertribal consortium--An intertribal consortium or AI/AN 
organization is eligible to receive a cooperative agreement if it is 
incorporated for the primary purpose of improving AI/AN health and 
representative of the Indian Tribes or urban Indian communities 
residing in the area in which the intertribal consortium is located. 25 
U.S.C. 1621m (d)(2).
    Current Tribal Epidemiology Center grantees are eligible to apply 
for competing continuation funding under this announcement and must 
demonstrate that they have complied with previous terms and conditions 
of the Epidemiology Program for American Indian/Alaska Native Tribes 
and Urban Indian Communities grant in order to receive funding under 
this announcement.
    All applicants must represent or serve a population of at least 
60,000 AI/AN to be eligible, as demonstrated by Tribal resolutions, 
blanket Tribal resolutions or Letter of Support (LoS) from urban Indian 
clinic directors and/or Chief Executive Officers (CEOs). Applicants 
must describe the population of AI/ANs and Tribes that will be 
represented. The number of AI/ANs served must be substantiated by 
documentation describing IHS user populations, United States Census 
Bureau data, clinical catchment data, or any method that is 
scientifically and epidemiologically valid. Resolutions from each 
Tribe, AN village and LoS from each urban Indian community represented 
must be included in the application package. Collaborations with IHS 
Areas, Federal agencies such as the CDC, State, academic institutions 
or other organizations are encouraged (letters of support and 
collaboration should be included in the application).

    Note:  Please refer to Section IV.2 (Application and Submission 
Information/Subsection 2, Content and Form of Application 
Submission) for additional proof of applicant status documents 
required such as Tribal resolutions, proof of non-profit status, 
etc.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching
    The IHS does not require matching funds or cost sharing for grants 
or cooperative agreements.
3. Other Requirements
    If application budgets exceed the highest dollar amount 
($1,000,000) 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.
Tribal Resolution
    An Indian Tribe or Tribal organization that is proposing a project 
affecting another Indian Tribe must include Tribal 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. TECs that have an existing resolution(s) or blanket 
resolution in place that supports authority to apply for funding 
opportunity announcement on behalf of the members will not be required 
to submit a new resolution(s), if the resolution(s) from the prior 
cycle is still active.
    Urban Indian organization(s) that is proposing a project affecting 
another urban Indian organizations or urban Indian clinics must include 
LoS signed by the Urban Indian clinic director and/

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or CEO. An urban epidemiology center that has existing LoS documents 
from the Urban Indian clinic director and/or CEO in place granting 
authority to apply for the funding opportunity announcement on behalf 
of the urban Tribal members will not be required obtain additional LoS 
documents.
    Please include a copy of the new or active Tribal resolution(s), 
blanket resolutions, or LoS in the application. The applicant must 
demonstrate how these documents meet the minimum requirement of 60,000 
AI/AN population to be eligible for the cooperative agreement.
    An official signed Tribal resolution, Tribal blanket resolution, or 
LoS for the urban Indian organization must be received by the DGM prior 
to a Notice of Award being issued to any applicant selected for 
funding. However, if an official signed Tribal resolution, Tribal 
blanket resolution, or LoS cannot be submitted with the electronic 
application submission prior to the official application deadline date, 
a draft Tribal resolution, Tribal blanket resolution, or LoS for urban 
Indian organization must be submitted by the deadline in order for the 
application to be considered complete and eligible for review. The 
draft Tribal resolution, Tribal blanket resolution, or LoS is not in 
lieu of the required signed resolution, but is acceptable until a 
signed resolution or LoS is received. If an official signed Tribal 
resolution, Tribal blanket resolution, or LoS is not received by DGM 
when funding decisions are made, then a Notice of Award will not be 
issued to that applicant and they will not receive any IHS funds until 
such time as they have submitted a signed resolution to the grants 
management specialist listed in this funding announcement.
Proof of Non-Profit Status
    Organizations claiming non-profit status must submit proof. A copy 
of the 501(c)(3) Certificate must be received with the application 
submission by the Application Deadline Date listed under the Key Dates 
section on page one of this announcement.
    An applicant submitting any of the above additional documentation 
after the initial application submission due date is required to ensure 
the information was received by the IHS by obtaining documentation 
confirming delivery (i.e., FedEx tracking, postal return receipt, 
etc.).

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Obtaining Application Materials

    The application package and detailed instructions for this 
announcement can be found at https://www.Grants.gov or https://www.ihs.gov/dgm/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:
     Table of contents.
     Abstract (one page) summarizing the project.
     Application forms:
    [cir] SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance.
    [cir] SF-424A, Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs.
    [cir] SF-424B, Assurances--Non-Construction Programs.
     Budget Justification and Narrative (must be single spaced 
and not exceed five pages).
     Project Narrative (must be single spaced and not exceed 10 
pages).
    [cir] Background information on the organization.
    [cir] Proposed scope of work that includes grantees' desired 
objectives, a minimum of four of the seven core functions of the TEC as 
outlined in the IHCIA, and provide a description of what will be 
accomplished, including a one-page Timeframe Chart.
     Tribal resolution, Tribal blanket resolution, or LoS from 
urban Indian clinic directors/CEOs.
     501(c)(3) Certificate (if applicable).
     Position descriptions and 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.
     Map of the areas to benefit from the program.
     Data Sharing Agreements (if applicable).
     Letters of support from collaborating agencies.
     Documentation of current Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) Audit as required by 45 CFR part 75, subpart F or other 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: This narrative should be a separate Word 
document that is no longer than 10 pages and must: Be single-spaced, be 
typewritten, have consecutively numbered pages, use black type not 
smaller than 12 characters per one inch, and be printed on one side 
only of standard size 8\1/2\'' x 11'' paper.
    Be sure to succinctly address and answer all questions listed under 
the narrative and place them under the evaluation criteria (refer to 
Section V.1, Evaluation criteria in this announcement) and place all 
responses and required information in the correct section (noted 
below), or they shall not be considered or scored. These narratives 
will assist the Objective Review Committee (ORC) in becoming familiar 
with the applicant's activities and accomplishments prior to this 
cooperative agreement award. If the narrative exceeds the page limit, 
only the first 10 pages will be reviewed. The 10 page limit for the 
narrative does not include the work plan, standard forms, Tribal 
resolutions, table of contents, budget, budget justifications, and/or 
other appendix items.
    There are three parts to the narrative: Part A--Program 
Information; Part B--Program Planning and Evaluation; and Part C--
Program Report. See below for additional details about what must be 
included in the narrative.
Part A: Program Information (3 Pages)
Section 1: Introduction and Need for Assistance
    Must include the applicant's background information, a description 
of epidemiological service, epidemiologic capacity and history of 
support for such activities. Applicants need to include current public 
health activities, what program services are currently being provided, 
and

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interactions with other public health authorities in the region (State, 
local, or Tribal).
Section 2: Organizational Capabilities
    The applicant must describe staff capabilities or hiring plans for 
the key personnel with appropriate expertise in epidemiology, health 
sciences, and program management. The applicant must also demonstrate 
access to specialized expertise such as a doctoral level epidemiologist 
and/or a biostatistician. Applicants must include an organizational 
chart, and provide position descriptions and biographical sketches of 
key personnel including consultants or contractors. The position 
description should clearly describe each position and its duties. 
Resume should indicate that proposed staff is qualified to carry out 
the project activities.
Section 3: User Population
    The number of AI/ANs served must be substantiated by documentation 
describing IHS user populations, United States Census Bureau data, 
clinical catchment data, or any method that is scientifically and 
epidemiologically valid.
Part B: Program Planning and Evaluation (5 Pages)
Section 1: Program Plans
    Applicant must include a work-plan that describes program goals, 
objectives, activities, timeline, and responsible person for carrying 
out the objectives/activities. The applicant must include at least a 
minimum of four of the seven core functions of the IHCIA and other 
activities listed under the Grantee Cooperative Agreement Award 
Activities.
Section 2: Program Evaluation
    Applicant must define the criteria to be used to evaluate 
activities listed in the work-plan under the Grantee Cooperative 
Agreement Award Activities. They must explain the methodology that will 
be used to determine if the needs identified for the objectives are 
being met and if the outcomes identified are being achieved and 
describe how evaluation findings will be disseminated to stakeholders.
Part C: Program Report (2 Pages)
    Section 1: Describe major accomplishments over the last 24 months.
    Sample: Please identify and describe significant program 
achievements associated with the delivery of quality health services. 
Provide a comparison of the actual accomplishments to the goals 
established for the project period, or if applicable, provide 
justification for the lack of progress.
    Section 2: Describe major activities over the last 24 months.
    Sample: Please identify and summarize recent major health related 
project activities of the work done during the project period.
    B. Budget Narrative: This narrative must include a line item budget 
with a narrative justification for all expenditures identifying 
reasonable and allowable costs necessary to accomplish the goals, 
objectives, and activities as outlined in the project narrative. Budget 
should match the scope of work described in the project narrative. The 
page limitation should not exceed five pages.
3. Submission Dates and Times
    Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 
11:59 p.m. Eastern 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 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 Mr. 
Robert Tarwater, 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 Robert.Tarwater@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 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.
     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.
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

[[Page 22991]]

for a waiver to submit a paper application.
    Please be aware of the following:
     Please search for the application package in https://www.Grants.gov by entering the CFDA number or the Funding Opportunity 
Number. Both numbers are located in the header of this announcement.
     If you experience technical challenges while submitting 
your application electronically, please contact Grants.gov Support 
directly at: support@grants.gov or (800) 518-4726. Customer Support is 
available to address questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (except on 
Federal holidays).
     Upon contacting Grants.gov, obtain a tracking number as 
proof of contact. The tracking number is helpful if there are technical 
issues that cannot be resolved and a waiver from the agency must be 
obtained.
     If it is determined that a waiver is needed, the applicant 
must submit a request in writing (emails are acceptable) to 
GrantsPolicy@ihs.gov with a copy to Robert.Tarwater@ihs.gov. Please 
include a clear justification for the need to deviate from the standard 
electronic submission process.
     If the waiver is approved, the application should be sent 
directly to the DGM by the Application Deadline Date listed in the Key 
Dates section on page one of this announcement.
     Applicants are strongly encouraged not to wait until the 
deadline date to begin the application process through Grants.gov as 
the registration process for SAM and Grants.gov could take up to 
fifteen working days.
     Please use the optional attachment feature in Grants.gov 
to attach additional documentation that may be requested by the DGM.
     All applicants must comply with any page limitation 
requirements described in this funding announcement.
     After electronically submitting the application, the 
applicant will receive an automatic acknowledgment from Grants.gov that 
contains a Grants.gov tracking number. The DGM will download the 
application from Grants.gov and provide necessary copies to the 
appropriate agency officials. Neither the DGM nor the DEDP 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 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 were not registered with Central Contractor 
Registration and have not registered with SAM will need to obtain a 
DUNS number first and then access the SAM online registration through 
the SAM home page at https://www.sam.gov (U.S. organizations will also 
need to provide an Employer Identification Number from the Internal 
Revenue Service that may take an additional 2-5 weeks to become 
active). Completing and submitting the registration takes approximately 
one hour to complete and SAM registration will take 3-5 business days 
to process. Registration with the SAM is free of charge. Applicants may 
register online at https://www.sam.gov.
    Additional information on implementing the Transparency Act, 
including the specific requirements for DUNS and SAM, can be found on 
the IHS Grants Management, Grants Policy Web site: https://www.ihs.gov/dgm/policytopics/.

V. Application Review Information

    The instructions for preparing the application narrative also 
constitute the evaluation criteria for reviewing and scoring the 
application. Weights assigned to each section are noted in parentheses. 
The 10 page narrative should include only the first year of activities; 
information for multi-year projects should be included as an appendix. 
See ``Multi-year Project Requirements'' at the end of this section for 
more information. The narrative section should be written in a manner 
that is clear to outside reviewers unfamiliar with prior related 
activities of the applicant. It should be well organized, succinct, and 
contain all information necessary for reviewers to understand the 
project fully. Points will be assigned to each evaluation criteria 
adding up to a total of 100 points. A minimum score of 65 points is 
required for funding. Points are assigned as follows:

1. Criteria

A. Introduction and Need for Assistance (25 Points)
    a. Describe the applicant's current public health activities 
including programs or services currently provided, interactions with 
other public health authorities in the regions (State, local, or 
Tribal) and how long it has been operating. Specifically describe 
current epidemiologic capacity and history of support for such 
activities.
    b. Provide a physical location of the TEC and area to be served by 
the proposed program including a map (include the map in the 
attachments), and specifically describe the office space and how it is 
going to be paid for.
    c. Describe the applicant's user population. The applicant must 
demonstrate AI/ANs will be served and must be substantiated by 
documentation describing IHS user populations, United States Census 
Bureau data, clinical catchment data, or any method that is 
scientifically and epidemiologically valid data.
B. Project Objectives, Work Plan, and Approach (45 Points)
    a. State in measurable and realistic terms the objectives and 
appropriate activities to achieve each objective for the projects as 
listed in the Substantial Involvement Description for Cooperative 
Agreement, B. Grantee Cooperative Agreement Award Activities. The work-
plan needs to include the grantees desired objectives and must 
demonstrate a minimum of four of the seven TEC core functional areas as 
outlined IHCIA.
    b. Identify the expected results, benefits, and outcomes or 
products to be derived from each objective of the project.
    c. Include a work-plan for each objective that indicates when the 
objectives and major activities will be accomplished and who will 
conduct the activities.
C. Program Evaluation (10 Points)
    a. Define the criteria to be used to evaluate activities listed in 
the work-

[[Page 22992]]

plan under the Substantial Involvement Description for Cooperative 
Agreement, B. Grantee Cooperative Agreement Award Activities.
    b. Explain the methodology that will be used to determine if the 
needs identified for the objectives are being met and if the outcomes 
identified are being achieved.
    c. Describe how evaluation findings will be disseminated to 
stakeholders.
D. Organizational Capabilities, Key Personnel and Qualifications (15 
Points)
    a. Explain both the management and administrative structure of the 
organization including documentation of current certified financial 
management systems from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, IHS, or a 
Certified Public Accountant and an updated organizational chart 
(include in appendix).
    b. Describe the ability of the organization to manage a program of 
the proposed scope.
    c. Provide position descriptions and biographical sketches of key 
personnel, including those of consultants or contractors in the 
Appendix. Position descriptions should very clearly describe each 
position and its duties, indicating desired qualification and 
experience requirements related to the project. Resumes should indicate 
that the proposed staff is qualified to carry out the project 
activities. Applicants with expertise in epidemiology will receive 
priority.
    d. Applicant must at least have two epidemiologists as part of the 
proposal.
E. Categorical Budget and Budget Justification (5 Points)
    a. The five points for Categorical Budget only applies to Year 1. 
Provide a line item budget and budget narrative for Year 1.
    b. Provide a justification by line item in the budget including 
sufficient cost and other details to facilitate the determination of 
cost allowance and relevance of these costs to the proposed project. 
The funds requested should be appropriate and necessary for the scope 
of the project.
    c. If use of consultants or contractors are proposed or 
anticipated, provide a detailed budget and scope of work that clearly 
defines the deliverables or outcomes anticipated.
    d. If applicable, if the applicant will be hosting a conference, 
the applicant must include a separate detailed budget justification and 
narrative for the conference. The cost categories to be addressed are 
as follows: (1) Contract/Planner, (2) Meeting Space/Venue, (3) 
Registration Web site, (4) Audio Visual, (5) Speakers Fees, (6) Non-
Federal Attendee Travel, (7) Registration Fees, (8) Other (explain in 
detail and cost breakdown).
    e. Applicant is encouraged to submit a line item budget and budget 
narrative by category for years 2-5 as an appendix to show the five-
year plan of the proposal.
Multi-Year Project Requirements
    Projects requiring a second, third, fourth, and/or fifth year must 
include a brief project narrative and budget (one additional page per 
year) addressing the developmental plans 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.
     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 the DGM staff for 
eligibility and completeness as outlined in the funding announcement. 
Applications that meet the eligibility criteria shall be reviewed for 
merit by the ORC based on evaluation criteria in this funding 
announcement. The ORC could be composed of both Tribal and Federal 
reviewers appointed by the IHS Program to review and make 
recommendations on these applications. The technical review process 
ensures selection of quality projects in a national competition for 
limited funding. Incomplete applications and applications that are non-
responsive to the eligibility criteria will not be referred to the ORC. 
The applicant will be notified via email of this decision by the Grants 
Management Officer of the DGM. Applicants will be notified by DGM, via 
email, to outline minor missing components (i.e., budget narratives, 
audit documentation, key contact form) needed for an otherwise complete 
application. All missing documents must be sent to DGM on or before the 
due date listed in the email of notification of missing documents 
required.
    To obtain a minimum score for funding by the ORC, applicants must 
address all program requirements and provide all required 
documentation.

 VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

    The Notice of Award (NoA) is a legally binding document signed by 
the Grants Management Officer and serves as the official notification 
of the grant award. The NoA will be initiated by the DGM in our grant 
system, GrantSolutions (https://www.grantsolutions.gov). Each entity 
that is approved for funding under this announcement will need to 
request or have a user account in GrantSolutions in order to retrieve 
their NoA. The NoA is the authorizing document for which funds are 
dispersed to the approved entities and reflects the amount of Federal 
funds awarded, the purpose of the grant, the terms and conditions of 
the award, the effective date of the award, and the budget/project 
period.
Disapproved Applicants
    Applicants who received a score less than the recommended funding 
level for approval, 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 submitted. The IHS program office will 
also provide additional contact information as needed to address 
questions and concerns as well as provide technical assistance if 
desired.
Approved But Unfunded Applicants
    Approved but unfunded applicants that met the minimum scoring range 
and were deemed by the ORC to be ``Approved'', but were not funded due 
to lack of funding, will have their applications held by DGM for a 
period of one year. If additional funding becomes available during the 
course of FY 2016 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.


[[Page 22993]]



2. Administrative Requirements

    Cooperative agreements are administered in accordance with the 
following regulations, policies, and OMB cost principles:
    A. The criteria as outlined in this Program Announcement.
    B. Administrative Regulations for Grants:
     Uniform Administrative Requirements for 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 indirect costs (IDC) in their grant application. In 
accordance with HHS Grants Policy Statement, Part II-27, IHS requires 
applicants to obtain a current IDC rate agreement prior to award. The 
rate agreement must be prepared in accordance with the applicable cost 
principles and guidance as provided by the cognizant agency or office. 
A current rate covers the applicable grant activities under the current 
award's budget period. If the current rate is not on file with the DGM 
at the time of award, the IDC portion of the budget will be restricted. 
The restrictions remain in place until the current rate is provided to 
the DGM.
    Generally, IDC rates for IHS grantees are negotiated with the 
Division of Cost Allocation (DCA) https://rates.psc.gov/ and the 
Department of Interior (Interior Business Center) https://www.doi.gov/ibc/services/finance/indirect-Cost-Services/indian-Tribes. 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. Per DGM policy, all reports are required to be submitted 
electronically by attaching them as a ``Grant Note'' in GrantSolutions. 
Personnel responsible for submitting reports will be required to obtain 
a login and password for GrantSolutions. Please see the Agency Contacts 
list in section VII for the systems contact information.
    The reporting requirements for this program are noted below.
A. Progress Reports
    Program progress reports are required annually, within 30 days 
after the budget period ends. These reports must include a brief 
comparison of actual accomplishments to the goals established for the 
period, a summary of progress to date or, if applicable, provide sound 
justification for the lack of progress, and other pertinent information 
as required. A final report must be submitted within 90 days of 
expiration of the budget/project period. For TECs that receive EDM 
data, annual reporting on data use, number and types of products 
produced (e.g., reports, publications, presentations), and impacts of 
EDM data use and products on established health status objectives is 
required.
B. Financial Reports
    Federal Financial Report FFR (SF-425), Cash Transaction Reports are 
due 30 days after the close of every calendar quarter to the Payment 
Management Services, HHS at: https://www.dpm.psc.gov. It is recommended 
that the applicant also send a copy of the FFR (SF-425) report to the 
grants management specialist. Failure to submit timely reports may 
cause a disruption in timely payments to the organization.
    Grantees are responsible and accountable for accurate information 
being reported on all required reports: the Progress Reports and 
Federal Financial Report.
C. Post Conference Grant Reporting
    The following requirements were enacted in Section 3003 of the 
Consolidated Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013, and Section 119 of 
the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2014; Office of Management and 
Budget Memorandum M-12-12: All HHS/IHS awards containing grants funds 
allocated for conferences will be required to complete a mandatory post 
award report for all conferences. Specifically: The total amount of 
funds provided in this award/cooperative agreement that were spent for 
``Conference X'', must be reported in final detailed actual costs 
within 15 days of the completion of the conference. Cost categories to 
address should be: (1) Contract/Planner, (2) Meeting Space/Venue, (3) 
Registration Web site, (4) Audio Visual, (5) Speakers Fees, (6) Non-
Federal Attendee Travel, (7) Registration Fees, (8) Other.
D. 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 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 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 the DGM Grants Policy Web site at: https://www.ihs.gov/dgm/policytopics/.
E. Compliance With Executive Order 13166 Implementation of Services 
Accessibility Provisions for All Grant Application Packages and Funding 
Opportunity Announcements
    Recipients of federal financial assistance (FFA) from HHS must

[[Page 22994]]

administer their programs in compliance with federal civil rights law. 
This means that recipients of HHS funds must ensure equal access to 
their programs without regard to a person's race, color, national 
origin, disability, age and, in some circumstances, sex and religion. 
This includes ensuring your programs are accessible to persons with 
limited English proficiency. HHS provides guidance to recipients of FFA 
on meeting their legal obligation to take reasonable steps to provide 
meaningful access to their programs by persons with limited English 
proficiency. Please see https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/special-topics/limited-english-proficiency/guidance-federal-financial-assistance-recipients-title-VI/.
    The HHS Office for Civil Rights also provides guidance on complying 
with civil rights laws enforced by HHS. Please see https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/section-1557/; and https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/. Recipients of FFA also have 
specific legal obligations for serving qualified individuals with 
disabilities. Please see https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/disability/. Please contact the HHS Office for 
Civil Rights for more information about obligations and prohibitions 
under Federal civil rights laws at https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/disability/ or call 1-800-368-1019 or TDD 1-800-
537-7697. Also note it is an HHS Departmental goal to ensure access to 
quality, culturally competent care, including long-term services and 
supports, for vulnerable populations. For further guidance on providing 
culturally and linguistically appropriate services, recipients should 
review the National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically 
Appropriate Services in Health and Health Care at https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/browse.aspx?lvl=2&lvlid=53.
    Pursuant to 45 CFR 80.3(d), an individual shall not be deemed 
subjected to discrimination by reason of his/her exclusion from 
benefits limited by federal law to individuals eligible for benefits 
and services from the Indian Health Service.
    Recipients will be required to sign the HHS-690 Assurance of 
Compliance form which can be obtained from the following Web site: 
https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/forms/hhs-690.pdf, and send it 
directly to the: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office 
of Civil Rights, 200 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20201.
F. Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System 
(FAPIIS)
    The IHS is required to review and consider any information about 
the applicant that is in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity 
Information System (FAPIIS) before making any award in excess of the 
simplified acquisition threshold (currently $150,000) over the period 
of performance. An applicant may review and comment on any information 
about itself that a federal awarding agency previously entered. IHS 
will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to other 
information in FAPIIS in making a judgment about the applicant's 
integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under federal 
awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as 
described in 45 CFR 75.205.
    As required by 45 CFR part 75 Appendix XII of the Uniform Guidance, 
non-federal entities (NFEs) are required to disclose in FAPIIS any 
information about criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings, and/
or affirm that there is no new information to provide. This applies to 
NFEs that receive federal awards (currently active grants, cooperative 
agreements, and procurement contracts) greater than $10,000,000 for any 
period of time during the period of performance of an award/project.
Mandatory Disclosure Requirements
    As required by 2 CFR part 200 of the Uniform Guidance, and the HHS 
implementing regulations at 45 CFR part 75, effective January 1, 2016, 
the IHS must require a non-federal entity or an applicant for a federal 
award to disclose, in a timely manner, in writing to the IHS or pass-
through entity all violations of federal criminal law involving fraud, 
bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the federal 
award.
    Submission is required for all applicants and recipients, in 
writing, to the IHS and to the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) 
all information related to violations of federal criminal law involving 
fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the 
federal award. 45 CFR 75.113.
    Disclosures must be sent in writing to: U.S. Department of Health 
and Human Services, Indian Health Service, Division of Grants 
Management, ATTN: Robert Tarwater, Director, 5600 Fishers Lane, Mail 
Stop 09E70, Rockville, Maryland 20857 (Include ``Mandatory Grant 
Disclosures'' in subject line). Ofc: (301) 443-5204; Fax: (301) 594-
0899; Email: Robert.Tarwater@ihs.gov. AND U.S. Department of Health and 
Human Services, Office of Inspector General, ATTN: Mandatory Grant 
Disclosures, Intake Coordinator, 330 Independence Avenue SW., Cohen 
Building, Room 5527, Washington, DC 20201. URL: https://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud/index.asp (Include ``Mandatory Grant Disclosures'' 
in subject line). Fax: (202) 205-0604 (Include ``Mandatory Grant 
Disclosures'' in subject line) or Email: 
MandatoryGranteeDisclosures@oig.hhs.gov.
    Failure to make required disclosures can result in any of the 
remedies described in 45 CFR 75.371 Remedies for noncompliance, 
including suspension or debarment (See 2 CFR parts 180 & 376 and 31 
U.S.C. 3321).

VII. Agency Contacts

    1. Questions on the programmatic issues may be directed to: Selina 
T. Keryte, MPH, Project Officer, Office of Public Health Support, 
Division of Epidemiology & Disease Prevention, Indian Health Service, 
5600 Fishers Lane, Mailstop 09E10D, Rockville, MD 20857. Phone: (301) 
443-7064 or Selina.keryte@ihs.gov.
    2. Questions on grants management and fiscal matters may be 
directed to: John Hoffman, Senior Grants Management Specialist, IHS 
Division of Grants Management, 5600 Fishers Lane, Mailstop 09E70, 
Rockville, MD 20857. Phone: (301) 443-2116; Email: 
John.Hoffman@ihs.gov.
    3. Questions on systems matters may be directed to: Paul Gettys, 
Grant Systems Coordinator, IHS Division of Grants Management, 5600 
Fishers Lane, Mailstop 09E70, Rockville, MD 20857. Phone: (301) 443-
2114; or the DGM main line 301-443-5204; Fax: (301) 594-0899; 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, 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.


[[Page 22995]]


    Dated: April 8, 2016.
Elizabeth A. Fowler,
Deputy Director for Management Operations Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-09012 Filed 4-18-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4165-16-P