Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes; National Indian Health Outreach and Education II, 46100-46109 [2016-16819]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
• Indian Health Service

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 136 (Friday, July 15, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 46100-46109]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-16819]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service


Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes; National Indian 
Health Outreach and Education II

    Announcement Type: New/Competing Continuation.
    Announcement Number: HHS-2016-IHS-NIHOE-2-BH-HIV/AIDS-0001.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.933.

Key Dates

    Application Deadline Date: August 15, 2016.
    Review Date: August 22, 2016.
    Earliest Anticipated Start Date: September 15, 2016.
    Proof of Non-Profit Status Due Date: August 15, 2016.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Statutory Authority

    The Indian Health Service (IHS) is accepting competitive 
applications for two limited competition cooperative agreements under 
the National Indian Health Outreach and Education (NIHOE-II) program: 
The Behavioral Health (BH)--to include the Substance Abuse and Suicide 
Prevention (SASP) program, formerly known as the Methamphetamine and 
Suicide Prevention Intervention, and the Domestic Violence Prevention 
(DVP) program, formerly known as the Domestic Violence Prevention 
Initiative--national awareness, visibility, advocacy, outreach and 
education award and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune 
Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) outreach and education award. The BH 
national awareness, visibility, advocacy, and education award is funded 
by IHS and is authorized under the Snyder Act, codified at 25 U.S.C. 
13; the Transfer Act, codified at 42 U.S.C. 2001; the Consolidated 
Appropriations Act, 2016, Public Law 114-113. The HIV/AIDS outreach and 
education award is funded by the Office of the Secretary (OS), 
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Funding for the HIV/AIDS 
award will be provided by OS via an Intra-Departmental Delegation of 
Authority dated May 1st, 2016 to IHS to permit obligation of funding 
appropriated by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016, Public Law 
114-113. Each award is funded through a separate funding stream by each 
respective Agency's appropriations. The awardee is responsible for 
accounting for each of the two awards separately and must provide two 
separate financial reports per year of funding (one for each award), as 
indicated below. This program is described in the Catalog of Federal 
Domestic Assistance under 93.933.

Background

    The NIHOE program carries out health program objectives in the 
American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) community in the interest of 
improving Indian health care for all 567 Federally-recognized Tribes 
including Tribal governments operating their own health care delivery 
systems through Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act 
(ISDEAA) contracts and compacts with the IHS and Tribes that continue 
to receive health care directly from the IHS. This program addresses 
health policy and health programs issues and disseminates educational 
information to all AI/AN Tribes and villages. The NIHOE II BH and HIV/
AIDS awards require that public forums be held at Tribal educational 
consumer conferences to disseminate changes and updates in the latest 
health care information. These awards also require that regional and 
national meetings be coordinated for information dissemination as well 
as for the inclusion of planning and technical assistance and health 
care recommendations on behalf of participating Tribes to ultimately 
inform IHS and the HHS based on Tribal input through a broad based 
consumer network.

Purpose

    The purpose of these cooperative agreements is to further IHS 
health program objectives in the AI/AN community with awareness, 
visibility, advocacy, and education efforts for the BH and HIV/AIDS 
programs on a national scale and in the interest of improving Indian 
health care. This announcement includes two separate awards, each of 
which will be awarded as noted below. The purpose of the BH award is to 
promote behavioral health as central to the health and well-being of 
AI/AN communities.
    The purpose of the HIV/AIDS award is to further the goals of the 
national HIV/AIDS program. HIV and AIDS are a critical and growing 
health issue within the AI/AN population. The IHS National HIV/AIDS 
Program seeks to avoid complacency and to increase awareness of the 
impact of HIV/AIDS on AI/ANs. All activities are part of the IHS's 
implementation plan to meet the three goals of the President's National 
HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS) to reduce the

[[Page 46101]]

number of people who become infected with HIV, increase access to care 
and optimize health outcomes for people living with HIV, and reduce 
HIV-related disparities. This population faces additional health 
disparities that contribute significantly to the risk of HIV 
transmission such as substance abuse and sexually transmitted 
infections. Amongst AI/AN people, HIV/AIDS exists in both urban and 
rural populations (and on or near Tribal lands); however, many of those 
living with HIV are not aware of their status. These statistics, risk 
factors, and missed opportunities for screening illuminate the need to 
go beyond raising awareness about HIV and begin active integration of 
initiatives that will help routinize HIV services. If the status quo is 
unchanged, prevalence will continue to increase and AI/AN communities 
may face an irreversible problem. Therefore, the National HIV/AIDS 
Program is working to change the way HIV is discussed, to change and 
improve the way HIV testing is integrated into health services, and to 
firmly establish linkages and access to care. The IHS HIV/AIDS Program 
is implemented and executed via an integrated and comprehensive 
approach through collaborations across multi-health sectors, both 
internal and external to the agency. It attempts to encompass all types 
of service delivery `systems' including IHS/Tribal/Urban facilities. 
The IHS HIV/AIDS Program is committed to realizing the goals of the 
President's NHAS and has bridged the objectives and implementation to 
the IHS HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan.

Limited Competition Justification

    Competition for both of the awards included in this announcement is 
limited to national Indian health care organizations with at least ten 
years of experience providing national awareness, visibility, advocacy, 
education and outreach on a national scale. This limitation ensures 
that the awardee will have: (1) A national information-sharing 
infrastructure which will facilitate the timely exchange of information 
between HHS and Tribes and Tribal organizations on a broad scale; (2) a 
national perspective on the needs of AI/AN communities that will ensure 
that the information developed and disseminated through the projects is 
appropriate, useful and addresses the most pressing needs of AI/AN 
communities; and (3) established relationships with Tribes and Tribal 
organizations that will foster open and honest participation by AI/AN 
communities. Regional or local organizations will not have the 
mechanisms in place to conduct communication on a national level, nor 
will they have an accurate picture of the health care needs facing AI/
ANs nationwide. Organizations with less experience will lack the 
established relationships with Tribes and Tribal organizations 
throughout the country that will facilitate participation and the open 
and honest exchange of information between Tribes and HHS. With the 
limited funds available for these projects, HHS must ensure that the 
education and outreach efforts described in this announcement reach the 
widest audience possible in a timely fashion, are appropriately 
tailored to the needs of AI/AN communities throughout the country, and 
come from a source that AI/ANs recognize and trust. For these reasons, 
this is a limited competition announcement.

II. Award Information

Type of Award

    Cooperative Agreement.

Estimated Funds Available

    The total amount of funding identified for the current funding 
period covering fiscal year (FY) 2016-2018 is approximately $1,200,000 
(i.e., $400,000 to fund two cooperative agreements per year); $300,000 
will be awarded for the BH award and $100,000 will be awarded for the 
HIV/AIDS award. The amount of funding available for competing and 
continuation awards issued under this announcement is subject to the 
availability of appropriations and budgetary priorities of the Agency. 
The IHS is under no obligation to make awards that are selected for 
funding under this announcement.

Anticipated Number of Awards

    Two awards will be issued under this program announcement. It is 
the intention of IHS and the OS that one entity will receive both 
awards. OS and IHS will concur on the final decision as to who will 
receive both awards.

Project Period

    The project periods for each award will be for three consecutive 
years and will run from September 15, 2016 with completion by September 
14, 2019.

Cooperative Agreement

    Cooperative agreements awarded by the HHS are administered under 
the same policies as a grant. The funding agency (IHS and OS) is 
required to have substantial programmatic involvement in the project 
during the entire award segment. Below is a detailed description of the 
level of involvement required for both IHS, acting on behalf of the OS 
for the HIV/AIDS award, and the grantee. IHS will be responsible for 
activities listed under section A and the grantee will be responsible 
for activities listed under section B as stated:

Substantial Involvement Description for Cooperative Agreement

A. IHS Programmatic Involvement
    The IHS assigned program official will monitor the overall progress 
of the awardee's execution of the requirements of the two awards: IHS 
award and OS award noted below as well as their adherence to the terms 
and conditions of the cooperative agreements. This includes providing 
guidance for required reports, developing of tools, and other products, 
interpreting program findings, and assisting with evaluations and 
overcoming any difficulties or performance issues encountered. The IHS 
assigned program official must approve all presentations, electronic 
content, and other materials, including mass emails, developed by 
awardee pursuant to these awards and any supplemental awards prior to 
the presentation or dissemination of such materials to any party.
    (1) Behavioral Health award:
    i. The IHS assigned program official will work in partnership with 
the awardee to elevate the priority of behavioral health by 
coordinating in-person and virtual meetings of the National Tribal 
Advisory Committee on Behavioral Health and represent the National 
Indian Health Board on Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention's AI/AN 
Task Force to assist in national awareness, visibility, and advocacy to 
promote behavioral health and wellness.
    ii. The IHS assigned program official will work in partnership with 
the awardee to promote a national premier AI/AN behavioral health 
conference, to include a SASP grantee, and DVP grantee meeting with the 
ultimate goal of reducing the outstanding behavioral health disparities 
among AI/AN people.
    (2) HIV/AIDS award:
    IHS staff will provide support for the HIV/AIDS award as follows:
    i. The IHS assigned program official will work in partnership with 
the awardee in all decisions involving strategy, hiring of grantee 
personnel, deployment of resources, release of public information 
materials, quality assurance, coordination of activities, training, 
reports, budgets, and evaluations. Collaboration includes data 
analysis, interpretation of findings, and reporting.
    ii. The IHS assigned program official will work closely with OS and 
all participating IHS health services/programs, as appropriate, to 
coordinate award activities.

[[Page 46102]]

    iii. The IHS assigned program official will coordinate the 
following for OS and the participating IHS program offices and staff:
     Discussion and release of any and all special grant 
conditions upon fulfillment.
     Monthly scheduled conference calls.
     Appropriate dissemination of required reports to each 
participating program.
    iv. The IHS will, jointly with the awardee, plan and set an agenda 
for each of the conferences mentioned in this announcement that:
     Shares the training and/or accomplishments.
     Fosters collaboration amongst the participating program 
offices, agencies, and/or departments.
     Increases visibility for the partnership between the 
awardee and the IHS and OS.
    v. IHS will provide guidance in addressing deliverables and 
requirements.
    vi. IHS will provide guidance in preparing articles for publication 
and/or presentations of program successes, lessons learned, and new 
findings.
    vii. IHS will communicate via monthly conference calls, individual 
or collective site visits, and monthly meetings.
    viii. IHS staff will review articles concerning the HHS, OS, and 
the Agency for accuracy and may, as requested by the awardee, provide 
relevant articles.
    ix. IHS will provide technical assistance to the entity as 
requested.
    x. IHS staff may, at the request of the entity's board, participate 
on study groups and may recommend topics for analysis and discussion.
B. Grantee Cooperative Agreement Award Activities
    The awardee must comply with relevant Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) Circular provisions regarding lobbying, any applicable 
lobbying restrictions provided under other law and any applicable 
restriction on the use of appropriated funds for lobbying activities.
    The awardee is responsible for the following in addition to 
fulfilling all requirements noted for each award component: BH and HIV/
AIDS.
    i. To succinctly and independently address the requirements for 
each of the two awards listed below: BH and HIV/AIDS.
    ii. To facilitate a forum or forums at which concerns can be heard 
that are representative of all Tribal governments in the area of health 
care policy analysis and program development for each of the two 
components listed above.
    iii. To assure that health care outreach and education is based on 
Tribal input through a broad-based consumer network involving the Area 
Indian health boards or health board representatives from each of the 
12 IHS Areas.
    iv. To establish relationships with other national Indian 
organizations, professional groups, and Federal, State, and local 
entities supportive of AI/AN health programs.
    v. To improve and expand access for AI/AN Tribal governments to all 
available programs within the HHS.
    vi. To disseminate timely health care information to Tribal 
governments, AI/AN health boards, other national Indian organizations, 
professional groups, Federal, State, and local entities.
    vii. To provide periodic dissemination of health care information, 
including publication of a newsletter four times a year that features 
articles on BH, SASP, DVP, and HIV/AIDS health promotion/disease/
prevention activities and models of best or promising practices, health 
policy, and funding information relevant to AI/AN, etc.

SUMMARY OF TASKS TO BE PERFORMED

    BH:
    In alignment with the above program and independent from HIV/AIDS 
activities (both via fiscal resources and programmatic implementation), 
the awardee shall:
     Facilitate and host an annual in-person meeting and 
virtual meeting of the National Tribal Advisory Committee on Behavioral 
Health.
     Provide leadership for the National Action Alliance for 
Suicide Prevention's American Indian/Alaska Native Task Force.
     Host and promote, in partnership with program official, a 
national premier AI/AN conference on current and pressing Behavioral 
Health topics, including meetings of the SASP and DVP grantees, provide 
workshops, pre-conference institutes, and/or presentations including, 
but not limited to, suicide, substance use, domestic violence, sexual 
assault, mental health illness, wellness, promising practices, and/or 
best practices of Tribal BH programs (venue location, theme and content 
of presentations to be agreed upon by the awardee and the IHS assigned 
program official).
     Increase capacity at the tribal level on grant writing to 
increase the likelihood of awards from various Federal agencies.
     Develop, maintain, and disseminate comprehensive 
information on tribal BH programs, curricula, findings, articles, and 
strategies to all Tribal BH programs.
    HIV/AIDS:
    In alignment with the above program and independent from BH 
activities (both via fiscal resources and programmatic implementation), 
the awardee shall:
     Disseminate existing HIV/AIDS messages to AI/AN audiences 
in a format designed to solicit, collect, and report on community-level 
feedback and generate discussion regarding the disease and its 
prevention. This may include electronic and emerging means of 
communication. At least four distinct audiences (such as women, young 
people, etc.) will be addressed and engaged. Preference will be given 
to reaching audiences with the highest HIV burden or potential 
increases as supported by the NHAS.
     Disseminate existing IHS HIV/AIDS program and other HIV/
AIDS training materials to educators, health care providers, and other 
key audiences. Collect and report on relevant evaluation criteria, 
including impacts on underlying knowledge, attitudes, or beliefs about 
HIV acquisition, testing, or treatment.
     Deliver HIV/AIDS technical assistance and activity support 
program. Engage in documented partnerships with AI/AN communities to 
expand their capacity relevant to HIV/AIDS education and prevention 
efforts. Local activity support may include sub-awards of resources and 
distribution of incentives to qualified AI/AN-serving community 
organizations increasing HIV/AIDS education and prevention in their 
populations. Sub-award eligibility standards and management controls 
will be proposed by the awardee and will be subject to IHS approval. 
These activities must be conducted in accordance with Federal grant 
policies and procedures. Awardee will collect and maintain relevant 
evaluation materials and generate reports that highlight progress 
towards the President's NHAS goals on the community level and that 
collect best practices for dissemination to other communities.
     Contribute technical expertise to the IHS HIV/AIDS program 
and develop formal written documents responding to information requests 
from the public regarding HIV/AIDS initiatives.
     Develop and launch anti-stigma messaging for at least one 
audience, coordinated with other local activities to increase HIV 
screening and increase access to services, or increase positive role 
modeling for people living with, or at risk of, acquiring HIV/AIDS.

[[Page 46103]]

     Support and document issue-specific discussions with 
Tribal Leaders as needed to address effective prevention interventions 
for AI/AN populations as noted in the President's NHAS.
     Obtain approval from the IHS assigned program official of 
all presentations, electronic content, and other materials, including 
mass emails, developed by awardee pursuant to this award and any 
supplemental awards prior to the presentation or dissemination of such 
materials to any party, allowing for a reasonable amount of time for 
IHS review.

III. Eligibility Information

I.

1. Eligibility
    To be eligible for this ``New/Competing Continuation 
Announcement'', an applicant must:
    Provide proof of non-profit status with the application, e.g. 
501(c)(3).
    Be a national Indian health care organizations with at least ten 
years of experience providing national awareness, visibility, advocacy, 
education and outreach on a national scale to ensure:
    (1) A national information-sharing infrastructure which will 
facilitate the timely exchange of information between HHS and Tribes 
and Tribal organizations on a broad scale with the infrastructure in 
place to accomplish the work under the proposed program;
    (2) A national perspective on the needs of AI/AN communities that 
will ensure that the information developed and disseminated through the 
projects is appropriate, useful and addresses the most pressing needs 
of AI/AN communities; and,
    (3) Established relationships with Tribes and Tribal organizations 
that will foster open and honest participation by AI/AN communities.
    Organizations with less experience will lack the established 
relationships with Tribes and Tribal organizations throughout the 
country to facilitate participation and the open and honest exchange of 
information between Tribes and HHS.
    Demonstrate expertise in the following areas:
     Representing all Tribal governments and providing a 
variety of services to Tribes, Area health boards, Tribal 
organizations, and Federal agencies, and playing a major role in 
focusing attention on Indian health care needs, resulting in improved 
health outcomes for AI/ANs.
     Promotion and support of Indian education and coordinating 
efforts to inform AI/AN of Federal decisions that affect Tribal 
government interests including the improvement of Indian health care.
     National health policy and health programs administration.
     Have a national AI/AN constituency and clearly support 
critical services and activities within the IHS mission of improving 
the quality of health care for AI/AN people.
     Portray evidence of their solid support of improved health 
care in Indian Country.
     Provide evidence of at least ten years of experience 
providing education and outreach on a national scale.
    Regional and or local organizations that do not have mechanisms in 
place to conduct communication on a national level to meet the health 
care needs facing AI/ANs nationwide as outlined in this funding 
announcement will not be considered eligible.
    With the limited funds available for these projects, HHS must 
ensure that the education and outreach efforts described in this 
announcement reach the widest audience possible in a timely fashion; 
are appropriately tailored to the needs of AI/AN communities throughout 
the country, and come from a source that AI/ANs recognize and trust.

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

2. Cost Sharing or Matching
    The IHS does not require matching funds or cost sharing for grants 
or cooperative agreements.
3. Other Requirements
    If application budgets exceed the highest dollar amount outlined 
under the ``Estimated Funds Available'' section within this funding 
announcement, the application will be considered ineligible and will 
not be reviewed for further consideration. If deemed ineligible, IHS 
will not return the application. The applicant will be notified by 
email by the Division of Grants Management (DGM) of this decision.
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
    Two complete separate signed applications are required. Both 
applications should address all the following components separately in 
each application. Each separate application 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 20 
pages).
    [cir] Background information on the organization.
    [cir] Proposed scope of work, objectives, and activities that 
provide a description of what will be accomplished, including a one-
page Timeframe Chart.
     Letter of Support from Organization's Board of Directors.
     501(c)(3) Certificate (if applicable).
     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 (IDC) rate 
agreement (required) in order to receive IDC.
     Organizational Chart (optional).

[[Page 46104]]

     Documentation of current Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) 45 CFR part 75 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 20 pages and must: Be single-spaced, be 
type written, have consecutively numbered pages, use black type not 
smaller than 12 characters per one inch, and be printed on one side 
only of standard size 8\1/2\'' x 11'' paper.
    Be sure to succinctly address and answer all questions listed under 
the narrative and place them under the evaluation criteria (refer to 
Section V.1, Evaluation criteria in this announcement) and place all 
responses and required information in the correct section (noted 
below), or they shall not be considered or scored. These narratives 
will assist the 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 20 pages will be reviewed. The 20-page limit for the 
narrative does not include the work plan, standard forms, Tribal 
resolutions, table of contents, budget, budget justifications, 
narratives, and/or other appendix items.
    There are three parts to the narrative: Part A--Program 
Information; Part B--Program Planning and Evaluation; and Part C--
Program Report. See below for additional details about what must be 
included in the narrative.
    Reminder: You are required to submit two separate complete and 
signed application packages. One for the BH cooperative agreement and 
one complete signed application package for the HIV/AIDS cooperative 
agreement. This applies to the narratives and budgets as well and all 
components listed below. Be sure to address each component separately 
in its respective application package. The page limitations below are 
for each narrative and budget submitted.
Part A: Program Information (8 Page Limitation)
    Section 1: Needs.
    Describe how the national Indian organization has the experience to 
provide outreach and education efforts regarding the pertinent changes 
and updates in health care for each of the two components listed 
herein: BH and HIV/AIDS.
Part B: Program Planning and Evaluation (7 Page Limitation)
    Section 1: Program Plans.
    Describe fully and clearly how the national Indian organization 
plans to address the NIHOE II BH and HIV/AIDS requirements, including 
how the national Indian organization plans to demonstrate improved 
health education and outreach services to all 567 Federally-recognized 
Tribes for each of the two components described herein.
    Section 2: Program Evaluation.
    Describe fully and clearly how the outreach and education efforts 
will impact changes in knowledge and awareness in Tribal communities 
regarding both components. Identify anticipated or expected benefits 
for the Tribal constituency.
Part C: Program Report (5 Page Limitation)
    Section 1: Describe major accomplishments over the last 24 months.
    Identify and describe significant program achievements associated 
with the delivery of quality health outreach and education. Provide a 
comparison of the actual accomplishments to the goals established for 
the project period for both components, or if applicable, provide 
justification for the lack of progress.
    Section 2: Describe major activities over the last 24 months.
    Identify and summarize recent major health related outreach and 
education project activities of the work performed for both components 
during the last project period.
    B. Budget Narrative: This narrative must include a line item budget 
with a narrative justification for all expenditures identifying 
reasonable and allowable costs necessary to accomplish the goals and 
objectives as outlined in the project narrative. Budget should match 
the scope of work described in the project narrative. The budget 
narrative 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 Senior Policy Analyst 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 
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.

[[Page 46105]]

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 
component.
     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 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 Office of Direct 
Service and Contracting Tribes 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 (CCR) and have not registered with SAM will need to obtain 
a DUNS number first and then access the SAM online registration through 
the SAM home page at https://www.sam.gov (U.S. organizations will also 
need to provide an Employer Identification Number from the Internal 
Revenue Service that may take an additional 2-5 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 20-page narrative should include only the first year of activities; 
information for multi-year projects should be included as an appendix. 
See ``Multi-year Project Requirements'' at the end of this section for 
more information. The narrative section should be written in a manner 
that is clear to outside reviewers unfamiliar with prior related 
activities of the applicant. It should be well organized, succinct, and 
contain all information necessary for reviewers to understand the 
project fully. Points will be assigned to each evaluation criteria 
adding up to a total of 100 points. A minimum score of 60 points is 
required for funding. Points are assigned as follows:
1. Criteria
A. Introduction and Need for Assistance (15 Points)
    (1) Describe the organization's current health, education and 
technical assistance operations as related to the broad spectrum of 
health needs of the AI/AN community. Include what programs and services 
are currently provided (i.e., Federally-funded, State-funded, etc.), 
and identify any

[[Page 46106]]

memorandums of agreement with other national, Area or local Indian 
health board organizations. This could also include HHS agencies that 
rely on the applicant as the primary gateway organization that is 
capable of providing the dissemination of health information to Tribes. 
Include information regarding technologies currently used (i.e., 
hardware, software, services, Web sites, etc.), and identify the 
source(s) of technical support for those technologies (i.e., in-house 
staff, contractors, vendors, etc.). Include information regarding how 
long the applicant has been operating and its length of association/
partnerships with Area health boards, etc. [historical collaboration].
    (2) Describe the organization's current technical assistance 
ability. Include what programs and services are currently provided, 
programs and services projected to be provided, and describe any 
memorandums of agreement with other national Indian organizations that 
deem the applicant as the primary source of health policy information 
for AI/ANs, or any other memorandums of agreement with other Area 
Indian health boards, etc.
    (3) Describe the population to be served by the proposed projects. 
Are they hard to reach? Are there barriers? Include a description of 
the number of Tribes who currently benefit from the technical 
assistance provided by the applicant.
    (4) Describe the geographic location of the proposed project 
including any geographic barriers experienced by the recipients of the 
technical assistance to the health care information provided.
    (5) Identify all previous IHS cooperative agreement awards 
received, dates of funding and summaries of the projects' 
accomplishments. State how previous cooperative agreement funds 
facilitated education, training and technical assistance nationwide for 
AI/ANs. (Copies of reports will not be accepted.)
    (6) Describe collaborative and supportive efforts with national, 
Area, and local Indian health boards.
    (7) Explain the need/reason for the proposed projects by 
identifying specific gaps or weaknesses in services or infrastructure 
that will be addressed by the proposed projects. Explain how these 
gaps/weaknesses have been assessed.
    (8) Explain what measures were taken or will be taken to ensure the 
proposed projects will not create new gaps or weaknesses in services or 
infrastructure.
    (9) Describe the effect of the proposed project on current programs 
(i.e., Federally-funded, State funded, etc.) and, if applicable, on 
current equipment (i.e., hardware, software, services, etc.). Include 
the effect of the proposed projects on planned/anticipated programs 
and/or equipment.
    (10) Describe how the projects relate to the purpose of the 
cooperative agreement by identifying how the proposed project will 
address national Indian health care outreach and education regarding 
various health data listed, e.g., BH and HIV and AIDS, dissemination, 
training, and technical assistance, etc.
B. Project Objective(s), Work Plan and Approach (40 Points)
    (1) Identify the proposed project objective(s) for each of the two 
projects, as applicable, addressing the following:
     Measurable and (if applicable) quantifiable.
     results oriented.
     time-limited.
    Example: Issue four quarterly newsletters, provide alerts and 
quantify number of contacts with Tribes. Goals must be clear and 
concise.
    (2) Address how the proposed projects will result in change or 
improvement in program operations or processes for each proposed 
project objective for the selected projects. Also address what tangible 
products, if any, are expected from the project, (i.e., legislative 
analysis, policy analysis, annual conferences, mid-year conferences, 
summits, etc.).
    (3) Address the extent to which the proposed projects will provide, 
improve, or expand services that address the need(s) of the target 
population. Include a strategic plan and business plan currently in 
place that are being used that will include the expanded services. 
Include the plan(s) with the application submission.
    (4) Submit a work plan in the Appendix that:
     Provides the action steps on a timeline for accomplishing 
each of the projects' proposed objective(s).
     Identifies who will perform the action steps.
     Identifies who will supervise the action steps taken.
     Identifies what tangible products will be produced during 
and at the end of the proposed project objective(s).
     Identifies who will accept and/or approve work products 
during the duration of the proposed projects and at the end of the 
proposed projects.
     Identifies any training that will take place during the 
proposed projects and who will be attending the training.
     Identifies evaluation activities proposed in the work 
plans.
    (5) If consultants or contractors will be used during the proposed 
project, please include the following information in their scope of 
work (or note if consultants/contractors will not be used):
     Educational requirements.
     Desired qualifications and work experience.
     Expected work products to be delivered on a timeline.
    If a potential consultant/contractor has already been identified, 
please include a resume in the Appendix.
    (6) Describe what updates will be required for the continued 
success of the proposed project. Include when these updates are 
anticipated and where funds will come from to conduct the update and/or 
maintenance.
C. Program Evaluation (20 Points)
    Each proposed objective requires an evaluation component to assess 
its progress and ensure its completion. Also, include the evaluation 
activities in the work plan.
    Describe the proposed plan to evaluate both outcomes and process. 
Outcome evaluation relates to the results identified in the objectives, 
and process evaluation relates to the work plan and activities of the 
project.
    (1) For outcome evaluation, describe:
     What will the criteria be for determining success of each 
objective?
     What data will be collected to determine whether the 
objective was met?
     At what intervals will data be collected?
     Who will collect the data and their qualifications?
     How will the data be analyzed?
     How will the results be used?
    (2) For process evaluation, describe:
     How will the projects be monitored and assessed for 
potential problems and needed quality improvements?
     Who will be responsible for monitoring and managing 
project improvements based on results of ongoing process improvements 
and what are their qualifications?
     How will ongoing monitoring be used to improve the 
projects?
     Describe any products, such as manuals or policies, that 
might be developed and how they might lend themselves to replication by 
others.
     How will the organization document what is learned 
throughout the projects' grant periods?
    (3) Describe any evaluation efforts planned after the grant period 
has ended.
    (4) Describe the ultimate benefit to the AI/AN population served by 
the applicant organization that will be derived from these projects.

[[Page 46107]]

D. Organizational Capabilities, Key Personnel and Qualifications (15 
Points)
    This section outlines the broader capacity of the organization to 
complete the project outlined in the work plan. It includes the 
identification of personnel responsible for completing tasks and the 
chain of responsibility for successful completion of the projects 
outlined in the work plans.
    (1) Describe the organizational structure of the organization 
beyond health care activities, if applicable.
    (2) Describe the ability of the organization to manage the proposed 
projects. Include information regarding similarly sized projects in 
scope and financial assistance, as well as other cooperative 
agreements/grants and projects successfully completed.
    (3) Describe what equipment (i.e., fax machine, phone, computer, 
etc.) and facility space (i.e., office space) will be available for use 
during the proposed projects. Include information about any equipment 
not currently available that will be purchased through the cooperative 
agreement/grant.
    (4) List key personnel who will work on the projects. Include title 
used in the work plans. In the Appendix, include position descriptions 
and resumes for all key personnel. Position descriptions should clearly 
describe each position and duties, indicating desired qualifications 
and experience requirements related to the proposed project. Resumes 
must indicate that the proposed staff member is qualified to carry out 
the proposed project activities. If a position is to be filled, 
indicate that information on the proposed position description.
    (5) If personnel are to be only partially funded by this 
cooperative agreement, indicate the percentage of time to be allocated 
to this project and identify the resources used to fund the remainder 
of the individual's salary.
E. Categorical Budget and Budget Justification (10 Points)
    This section should provide a clear estimate of the program costs 
and justification for expenses for the entire cooperative agreement 
period for each award. The budgets and budget justifications should be 
consistent with the tasks identified in the work plans. Because each of 
the two awards included in this announcement are funded through 
separate funding streams, the applicant must provide a separate budget 
and budget narrative for each of the two components and must account 
for costs separately.
    (1) Provide a categorical budget for each of the 12-month budget 
periods requested for each of the two projects. One additional page per 
year addressing the developmental plans for each additional year of the 
project.
    (2) If IDC are claimed, indicate and apply the current negotiated 
rate to the budget. Include a copy of the rate agreement in the 
Appendix. See Section VI. Award Administration Information, 3. Indirect 
Costs.
    (3) Provide a narrative justification explaining why each line item 
is necessary or relevant to the proposed project. Include sufficient 
costs and other details to facilitate the determination that the cost 
is allowable (i.e., equipment specifications, etc.).
Multi-Year Project Requirements
    Projects requiring a second and/or third 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 Office of Direct Service and Contracting 
Tribes (ODSCT) to review and make recommendations on these 
applications. The technical review process ensures selection of quality 
projects in a national competition for limited funding. Incomplete 
applications and applications that are non-responsive to the 
eligibility criteria will not be referred to the ORC. The applicant 
will be notified via email of this decision by the Grants Management 
Officer of the DGM. Applicants will be notified by DGM, via email, to 
outline minor missing components (i.e., budget narratives, audit 
documentation, key contact form) needed for an otherwise complete 
application. All missing documents must be sent to DGM on or before the 
due date listed in the email of notification of missing documents 
required.
    To obtain a minimum score for funding by the ORC, applicants must 
address all program requirements and provide all required 
documentation.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices
    The Notice of Award (NoA) is a legally binding document signed by 
the Grants Management Officer and serves as the official notification 
of the grant award. The NoA will be initiated by the DGM in our grant 
system, GrantSolutions (https://www.grantsolutions.gov). Each entity 
that is approved for funding under this announcement will need to 
request or have a user account in GrantSolutions in order to retrieve 
their NoA. The NoA is the authorizing document for which funds are 
dispersed to the approved entities and reflects the amount of Federal 
funds awarded, the purpose of the grant, the terms and conditions of 
the award, the effective date of the award, and the budget/project 
period.
Disapproved Applicants
    Applicants who received a score less than the recommended funding 
level for approval, 60 points, and were deemed to be disapproved by the 
ORC, will receive an Executive Summary Statement from the ODSCT within 
30 days of the conclusion of the ORC outlining the strengths and 
weaknesses of their application submitted. The ODSCT will also provide 
additional contact information as needed to address questions and 
concerns as well as provide technical assistance if desired.
Approved But Unfunded Applicants
    Approved but unfunded applicants that met the minimum scoring range 
and were deemed by the ORC to be ``Approved'', but were not funded due 
to lack of funding, will have their applications held by DGM for a 
period of one year. If additional funding becomes available during the 
course of FY 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.


[[Page 46108]]


    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
    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 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 semi-annually within 30 days 
after the budget period ends. These reports must include a brief 
comparison of actual accomplishments to the goals established for the 
period, or, if applicable, provide sound justification for the lack of 
progress, and other pertinent information as required. A final report 
must be submitted within 90 days of expiration of the budget/project 
period.
B. Financial Reports
    Federal Financial Report FFR (SF-425), Cash Transaction Reports are 
due 30 days after the close of every calendar quarter to the Payment 
Management Services, HHS at: https://www.dpm.psc.gov. It is recommended 
that the applicant also send a copy of the FFR (SF-425) report to the 
Grants Management Specialist. Failure to submit timely reports may 
cause a disruption in timely payments to the organization.
    Grantees are responsible and accountable for accurate information 
being reported on all required reports: The Progress Reports and 
Federal Financial Report.
C. Federal 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/.
D. 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 
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 (OCR) 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/

[[Page 46109]]

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 OCR 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 IHS.
    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.
E. 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 Indian Health Service 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 gratutity 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 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, 
Mailstop: 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/reportfraud/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 and 376 and 31 
U.S.C. 3321).

VII. Agency Contacts

    1. Questions on the programmatic issues may be directed to: Ms. 
Michelle EagleHawk, Deputy Director, ODSCT, 5600 Fishers Lane, Mail 
Stop: 8E17, Rockville, Maryland 20857, Telephone: (301) 443-1104, 
email: Michelle.EagleHawk@ihs.gov.
    2. Questions on grants management and fiscal matters may be 
directed to: Ms. Patience Musikikongo, DGM, Grants Management 
Specialist, 5600 Fishers Lane, Mail Stop: 09E70, Rockville, MD 20857, 
Telephone: (301) 443-2059, Fax: (301) 594-0899, email: 
Patience.Musikikongo@ihs.
    3. Questions on systems matters may be directed to: Paul Gettys, 
Grant Systems Coordinator, 5600 Fishers Lane, Mail Stop: 09E70, 
Rockville, MD 20857, Phone: (301) 443-2114; or the DGM main line 301-
443-5204, Fax: (301) 594-0899, email: Paul.Gettys@ihs.gov.

VIII. Other Information

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

    Dated: July 7, 2016.
Elizabeth A. Fowler,
Deputy Director for Management Operations, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-16819 Filed 7-14-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4165-16-P