Office of Public Health Support; Division of Planning, Evaluation & Research; National Native Health Research Training Initiative, 60360-60368 [2016-21049]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
• Indian Health Service

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 170 (Thursday, September 1, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 60360-60368]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-21049]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service


Office of Public Health Support; Division of Planning, Evaluation 
& Research; National Native Health Research Training Initiative

    Announcement Type: New.
    Funding Announcement Number: HHS-2017-IHS-DPER-001.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.933.
    Key Dates:
    Application Deadline Date: October 30, 2016.
    Approximate Review Date: November 2-4, 2016.
    Earliest Anticipated Start Date: November 15, 2016.
    Proof of Non-Profit Status Due Date: October 30, 2016.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Statutory Authority

    The Indian Health Service (IHS) Office of Public Health Support 
(OPHS), Division of Planning, Evaluation and Research (DPER), is 
accepting applications for one new cooperative agreement for the 
National Native Health Research Training Initiative. This initiative 
will help build capacity and disseminate new and best practices for 
American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) health research and promote 
Tribally-driven research activity through a variety of educational and 
training opportunities. Focus will be on the promotion of health 
research and related opportunities for AI/AN students, highlighting 
promising practices and practice-based approaches to improving the 
health of AI/AN people, and culture-based approaches to reducing health 
disparities between AI/AN people and the U.S. population. Other areas 
will focus on resilience and protective factors and their role in AI/AN 
health outcomes, innovative and culturally-based approaches to 
improving the health of AI/AN youth, and dissemination of study 
findings in AI/AN health science research to investigators and 
providers working in or with Tribal communities as well as Tribal 
leaders and health officials. Activities will include the planning, 
coordination, and hosting of research meetings and conferences, 
webinars, hosting of a Web site/Web page for dissemination of AI/AN 
health science research information, and other activities to be 
determined. This IHS activity 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, 2012, Public Law 112-74 and the 
Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2013, Public Law 112-175. This 
program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance 
under 93.933.

Background

    The AI/AN populations have long experienced poorer health status 
compared to other Americans. Although major gains in reducing health 
disparities were made during the last half of the twentieth century, 
most gains stopped by the mid-1980s (Trends in Indian Health 1998-99) 
and a few diseases, e.g., diabetes, worsened. ``All Indian'' rates 
contain marked variation among the ``IHS Areas'' or regions (Regional 
Differences in Indian Health 2002-2003); variation by Tribe exists 
within Areas as well. The Trends and Regional Differences reference can 
be found on the IHS Web site at https://www.ihs.gov/dps/publications/. 
The daunting task confronting Tribes, research scientists, and health 
programs is to reduce the disparities among and within areas and 
Tribes. Factors known to contribute to health status and disparities 
are complex, and include underlying biology, physiology, and 
epigenetics, as well as ethnicity, culture, socioeconomic status, 
gender/sex, age, geographical access to care, and levels of insurance.
    Additional factors known to contribute to health status and 
disparities include:
    1. Family, home, and work environments;
    2. general or culturally specific health practices;
    3. social support systems;
    4. lack of access to culturally-appropriate health care; and
    5. attitudes and beliefs about health.
    Health disparities of AI/ANs may also reflect a lack of in depth 
research relevant to improving their health status. Many AI/ANs also 
distrust research for historical reasons. One approach that combats 
this distrust is to ensure that Tribes are managing partners in 
training and research that involves them, as for example in community-
based participatory research (CBPR) (i.e., a collaborative research 
process between researchers and community representatives). This 
approach is especially helpful to design both training relevant to 
researchers from Tribal communities and research relevant to health 
needs of the communities. Another approach is increasing the number of 
AI/AN scientists and growing the intellectual community of researchers 
working with AIAN health research issues.
    DPER has the responsibility of promoting health research to help 
improve the health status of AI/ANs. The development of AI/AN 
scientists and scientist-practitioners and enhancing the ability of 
Tribes to participate in and initiate their own research projects is a 
key part of improving quality and delivery of health services. 
Scientific meetings, conferences, and other training opportunities will 
support AI/AN faculty and student development and promote participatory 
collaboration between Tribes and the academic community. Such meetings 
and other

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educational approaches will provide opportunities for Tribes and the 
academic community to learn about resilience and protective factors and 
their role in AI/AN health outcomes, culture-based prevention, 
intervention, and treatment modalities, and other research that may 
help improve health outcomes.
Objectives
    A. To increase opportunities for AI/AN scientists and health 
professionals--Offering development and training opportunities to AI/AN 
scientists, students, and health professionals and to provide a means 
for the dissemination of biomedical, clinical, behavioral and health 
science research that is responsive to the needs of the AI/AN community 
and the goals of this initiative. The grantee will develop regular (at 
least annual) conference training and practice sharing opportunities 
for scientists, students, and health professionals to learn and share 
findings from scientifically meritorious research projects as well as 
exploration of methods for further study and evaluation of practice-
based projects. The grantee will also support health science education 
and professional development projects designed to introduce and further 
develop research skills of AI/AN students, faculty, health 
professionals, and community members.
    B. To enhance Tribal-academic collaborations and improve the 
ability of Tribes to utilize research findings--Recent CBPR projects 
suggests that AI/AN communities can work collaboratively with health 
researchers to further the research needs of AI/ANs. Fully utilizing 
all cultural and scientific knowledge, strengths, and competencies, 
such partnerships can lead to better understanding of the biological, 
genetic, behavioral, psychological, cultural, social, and economic 
factors affecting health status of AI/ANs and support the development 
and evaluation of interventions to improve their health status. The 
grantee will develop training opportunities to inform and educate 
Tribal leaders and health personnel about health research methods, 
findings, and best practices in partnering with academic investigators 
in pursuit of research projects designed to meet the needs and advance 
the health care of AI/AN communities.
    C. To reduce health disparities--Research suggests that enhancing 
protective factors can be as effective as reducing risk factors in 
improving health outcomes, particularly among AI/ANs. A better 
understanding of protective factors among AI/ANs could be helpful in 
reducing health disparities. Anecdotal evidence suggests that AI/AN 
ceremonial and other cultural practices may help to ameliorate major 
harms and disruptions over the centuries. The grantee will promote 
health research methods designed to better understand the protective 
effects of Traditional Indian Medicine, Indigenous Knowledge, 
Traditional Ecological Knowledge, et al., on AI/AN health. The grantee 
will also identify and disseminate examples of successful co-delivery 
of Traditional cultural practices with western biomedical services.
    The annual conference will provide critical exposure to health 
research opportunities for both students and researchers. The applicant 
must provide opportunities for potential and new AI/AN students to 
learn the fundamentals of health research, provide exposure to cutting-
edge research, and interaction with established AI/AN scientists to 
explore mentorship and funding opportunities. Mentorship is vital to 
success in the research field, especially for AIAN students, and 
mentorship is often not available at the geographic location where the 
student is enrolled. Therefore it is paramount that this opportunity 
occurs at least annually. New scientific research funding opportunities 
that become available will be explored and wide dissemination of this 
information will be given to Tribes, Tribal organizations, and Tribal-
academic partnerships so they will have the opportunity to apply for 
this kind of funding.

Purpose

    The purpose of this cooperative agreement is to fund a national 
membership organization of AI/AN scientists and/or researchers and 
students to further the IHS research program objectives with expanded 
outreach and education efforts for AI/AN students, faculty, and health 
professionals. This announcement requests applications to propose 
activities including, but not limited to, an annual national training 
opportunity in health research methods and findings of importance to 
AI/AN people and communities. Other activities may also be considered 
in coordination with the main annual event. This is an important annual 
event that will bring together health researchers and key stakeholders 
to share recent research findings, learn new research methodologies and 
best practices in service delivery, and learn about human research 
protections and opportunities for research funding. The annual research 
training event will be the primary event for AI/AN researchers and 
students to present their findings and obtain feedback from other 
researchers as well as Tribal health professionals. Students also have 
the opportunity to select and begin working with new mentors. This 
event will be held by a national membership organization of AI/AN 
scientists and/or researchers in collaboration with IHS in facilitating 
a forum designed to improve the health research capacity of AI/AN 
Tribes and researchers. The organization and continuity of annual 
national training events is vital to the morale of the health research 
and larger health professional field working for the benefit of the 
Tribes and other (including urban) AI/AN people.

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 
Mose Herne on (301) 443-1549 or email him at mose.herne@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) 2017 is approximately $225,000. The award amount is anticipated to 
be between $100,000 and $225,000. The amount of funding available for 
competing and continuation awards issued under this announcement are 
subject to the availability of appropriations and budgetary priorities 
of the Agency. The IHS is under no obligation to make awards that are 
selected for funding under this announcement.

[[Page 60362]]

Anticipated Number of Awards

    One award will be issued under this program announcement.

Period of Performance

    The project period is for five years and will run consecutively 
from November 15, 2016 to November 14, 2021.

Cooperative Agreement

    Cooperative agreements awarded by the HHS are administered under 
the same policies as a grant. However, the funding agency (IHS) 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 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 award as well as 
their adherence to the terms and conditions of the cooperative 
agreements. This includes providing guidance for required reports, 
development of agendas, tools and other products, and technical 
assistance with evaluation and overcoming any 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.
    IHS staff will provide support for the 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, any training, 
reports, budget, and evaluation. Collaboration includes agenda setting, 
analysis, and reporting.
    ii. The IHS assigned program official will work closely with all 
participating IHS health services/programs, as appropriate, to 
coordinate award activities.
    iii. The IHS assigned program official will coordinate the 
following:
     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 conference(s) 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.
    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 meetings.
    viii. IHS will provide technical assistance to the entity as 
requested.
    ix. IHS staff may, at the request of the entity's board, 
participate on committees and may recommend topics for discussion.

B. Grantee Cooperative Agreement Award Activities

    The awardee is responsible for the following:
    i. To succinctly and independently address the requirements for the 
award.
    ii. To facilitate a forum or forums at which concerns can be heard 
that are representative of Tribal governments in the area of health 
research.
    iii. To establish relationships with other national Indian 
organizations, with professional groups, and with Federal, State, and 
local entities and universities or medical centers supportive of AI/AN 
health research programs.
    iv. To improve and expand access for AI/AN Tribal governments to 
health research programs within HHS.
    v. To disseminate timely health research information to Tribal 
governments, AI/AN health boards, other national Indian organizations, 
professional groups, Federal, State, and local entities.
    vi. To reach out to and educate academic and research institutions, 
and Federal, state and local agencies on the needs and procedures for 
the conduct of health research in Indian Country, and to promote the 
academic recognition of the rights of Tribal governments to control 
their own research and to own their research data.
    vii. To establish an appropriate standard of practice for health 
research concerning AI/AN that addresses the relationship between 
academic freedom, government procedures, and Tribal rights.
    viii. Attendance at regularly scheduled meetings between awardee 
and the IHS assigned program official, evidenced by meeting minutes 
which highlight the awardee's specific involvement and participation.
    ix. The annual national research conference and other training 
activities as proposed by the grantee and approved by the program 
official.
    x. Copies of all promotional and educational materials provided to 
Tribal programs and other projects (electronic form and one hard copy).
    xi. Copies of all promotional materials provided to media and other 
outlets (electronic form and one hard copy).
    xii. Copies of all articles published (electronic form and one hard 
copy).
    xiii. Evidence of posting of conference and training-related 
information on organizational Web site(s).
    xiv. Workshops
     The awardee may provide teleconference and/or webinar 
workshops on health research, subject to approval from the IHS assigned 
program official.
     The awardee shall conduct workshops and/or presentations 
including, but not limited to, challenges, potential solutions, and 
successes in the form of promising practices of health research at one 
national conference (venue and content of presentations to be agreed 
upon by the awardee and the IHS assigned program official).

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligibility

    To be eligible for this ``New Competition'' under this 
announcement, an applicant must:
     Be 501(c)(3) non-profit entities that are national 
membership organizations of AI/AN health researchers or scientists.
    Organizations claiming non-profit status must submit a copy of the 
501(c)(3) Certificate with your application submission by the 
Application Deadline Date listed under Key Dates on page one of this 
announcement.
     Demonstrate organizational expertise and successful 
experience in:
    [cir] Conducting previous national research or scientific 
conferences.
    [cir] Promoting and supporting AI/AN health research and science 
education and training.

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    [cir] Providing evidence of at least five years of successful 
experience providing health research and science education and outreach 
on a national scale.

    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.

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 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.
     Biographical sketches for all Key Personnel.
     Contractor/Consultant resumes or qualifications and scope 
of work.
     Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL).
     Certification Regarding Lobbying (GG-Lobbying Form).
     Copy of current Negotiated Indirect Cost rate (IDC) 
agreement (required in order to receive IDC).
     Organizational Chart (optional).
     Documentation of current Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) 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, type written, have 
consecutively numbered pages, use black type not smaller than 12 
characters per one inch, and printed on one side only of standard size 
8\1/2\'' x 11'' paper.
    Be sure to succinctly answer all questions listed 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 will not be considered or 
scored. These narratives will assist the Objective Review Committee 
(ORC) in becoming more familiar with the grantee's activities and 
accomplishments prior to this possible 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. The page limitations below are for each 
narrative and budget submitted.
Part A: Program Information (3 Page Limitation)
Section 1: Needs
    Describe your organization's understanding of the needs of this 
cooperative agreement and how your organization has the experience to 
provide outreach and education efforts regarding the pertinent changes 
and updates in health research.
Part B: Program Planning and Evaluation (12 Page Limitation)
Section 1: Program Plans
    Describe fully and clearly how the national AI/AN membership 
organization plans to address the requirements and tasks.
Section 2: Program Evaluation
    Describe fully and clearly how your planned outreach and education 
efforts will impact changes in knowledge and awareness in Tribal health 
professionals and among AI/AN health researchers and health research 
students. Describe how your organization will measure/monitor/track 
these impacts; include existing or planned new data sources.
Part C: Program Report (5 Page Limitation)
    Section 1: Identify and describe your organization's significant 
program activities and achievements over the past five years associated 
with the goals of this agreement, including improved delivery of 
quality health research education and the growth of the national 
community of AI/AN health researchers. Provide a comparison of the 
actual accomplishments to the goals established for the project period 
or, if

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applicable, provide justification for the lack of progress.
B. Budget Narrative (5 Page Limitation)
    This narrative must include a line item budget with a narrative 
justification for all expenditures identifying reasonable allowable, 
allocable 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.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 
11:59pm, 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. 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.

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.
     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 needs to submit a paper application instead of 
submitting electronically through Grants.gov, a waiver must be 
requested. A written waiver request must be sent to 
GrantsPolicy@ihs.gov with a copy to Robert.Tarwater@ihs.gov. 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.
    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 5:00 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. 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.
     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 OPHS will notify 
applicants 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 your 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, you may 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

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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 your 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 70 points is 
required for funding. Points are assigned as follows:

1. Criteria

A. Introduction and Need for Assistance (15 Points)
    (1) Describe your organization's understanding of the needs of this 
cooperative agreement.
    (2) Describe the organization's current operations as related to 
the spectrum of health research needs and dissemination of health 
research information and support to Tribes, AI/AN communities, and 
Tribal colleges and universities among others. 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 or other organizations, etc. [historical collaboration].
    (3) 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.
    (4) Describe the population to be served by the proposed project. 
Are they hard to reach? Are there barriers? Identify all previous IHS 
funds received, dates of funding and summaries of the projects' 
accomplishments. State how previous funds facilitated education, 
training and technical assistance nationwide for AI/ANs.
    (5) Describe collaborative and supportive efforts with Tribal 
Epidemiology Centers, NARCH grantees, university centers of AI/AN 
health research.
    (6) Explain the need/reason for your proposed projects by 
identifying specific gaps or weaknesses in health research training or 
infrastructure that will be addressed by the proposed projects. 
Describe the effect of the proposed project on current programs (i.e., 
Federally-funded, State funded, etc.)
B. Project Objective(s), Work Plan and Approach (40 Points)
    (1) Identify the proposed project objective(s) for the project, as 
applicable, addressing the following:
     Measurable and (if applicable) quantifiable.
     results oriented.
     time-limited.
    Example: Issue save the date notices, calls for papers, conference 
publicity, and registration information. Goals must be clear and 
concise.
    (2) Address the extent to which the proposed projects will provide, 
improve, or expand health research that address the need(s) of the 
target population. 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.
    (3) 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.
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:
     The criteria for determining success of each objective.
     The data to be collected which will determine whether the 
objective was met.
     Data collection intervals and frequency.
     Who will collect the data and their qualifications.
     How the data will be analyzed.
     How results of evaluation will be used.
    (2) For process evaluation, describe:
     How the projects will be monitored and assessed for 
potential problems and needs for quality improvements.
     Who will be responsible for monitoring and managing 
project improvements based on results of ongoing process improvements 
and their qualifications.
     How ongoing monitoring will be used to improve the 
project's performance.
     Products that might be developed and how they might lend 
themselves to replication by others.
     How the organization will 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 60366]]

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 applicant.
    (2) Describe the ability of the organization to manage the proposed 
project. Include information regarding similarly sized projects in 
scope and financial assistance, as well as other conferences and 
projects successfully completed.
    (3) Describe equipment (i.e., fax machine, phone, computer, etc.) 
and facility space (i.e., office space) that will be available for use 
during the proposed projects. Include information about any equipment 
not currently available and will be purchased through the cooperative 
agreement.
    (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 of expenses for the entire period of the cooperative 
agreement. The budget and budget justification should be consistent 
with the tasks identified in the work plans.
    (1) Provide a categorical budget for the 12-month budget period 
requested by 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/relevant to the proposed project. Include sufficient costs 
and other details to facilitate the determination of cost (i.e., 
equipment specifications, etc.).
Multi-Year Project Requirements
    Projects requiring 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(s) highlighting proposed project 
staff and their supervisors as well as other key contacts within the 
organization and key community contacts.
     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 (80 points) and were deemed to be disapproved by the 
ORC, will receive an Executive Summary Statement from the IHS program 
office within 30 days of the conclusion of the ORC outlining the 
weaknesses and strengths of their application submitted. The summary 
statement will be sent to the Authorized Organizational Representative 
that is identified on the face page (SF-424) of the application. 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 60367]]



2. Administrative Requirements

    Cooperative agreements are administered in accordance with the 
following regulations and policies:
    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/Indirect_Cost_Services/index.cfm. For questions regarding 
the indirect cost policy, please call the Grants Management Specialist 
listed under ``Agency Contacts'' or the main DGM office at (301) 443-
5204.

4. Reporting Requirements

    The grantee must submit required reports consistent with the 
applicable deadlines. Failure to submit required reports within the 
time allowed may result in suspension or termination of an active 
grant, withholding of additional awards for the project, or other 
enforcement actions such as withholding of payments or converting to 
the reimbursement method of payment. Continued failure to submit 
required reports may result in one or both of the following: (1) The 
imposition of special award provisions; and (2) the non-funding or non-
award of other eligible projects or activities. This requirement 
applies whether the delinquency is attributable to the failure of the 
grantee organization or the individual responsible for preparation of 
the reports. Per DGM policy, all reports are required to be submitted 
electronically by attaching them as a ``Grants Note'' in the 
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 semiannually, 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 period/
period of performance.
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 Division 
of Payment Management, 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 
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,

[[Page 60368]]

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/ocr/civilrights/resources/laws/revisedlep.html. The HHS Office for Civil Rights also provides guidance 
on complying with civil rights laws enforced by HHS. Please see https://www.hhs.gov/ocr/civilrights/understanding/section1557/; and 
https://www.hhs.gov/ocr/civilrights/understanding/. Recipients 
of FFA also have specific legal obligations for serving qualified 
individuals with disabilities. Please see https://www.hhs.gov/ocr/civilrights/understanding/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/ocr/office/about/rgn-hqaddresses.html 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.
    Applicants will be required to sign the HHS-690 Assurance of 
Compliance form located at https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/forms/hhs-690.pdf and send the original form to: 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 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: Mr. 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 & 376 and 31 
U.S.C. 3321).

VII. Agency Contacts

    1. Questions on the programmatic issues may be directed to: Mr. 
Mose Herne, MPH, MS, IHS Research Director, 5600 Fishers Lane, Mailstop 
09E10D, Rockville, Maryland 20857, Telephone: (301) 443-1549, Fax: 
(301) 443-0114, Email: mose.herne@ihs.gov.
    2. Questions on grants management and fiscal matters may be 
directed to: Ms. Patience Musikikongo, DGM, Grants Management 
Specialist, 5600 Fishers Lane, Mailstop 09E70, Rockville, Maryland 
20857, Telephone: (301) 443-2059, Fax: (301) 443-9602, Email: 
Patience.Musikikongo@ihs.gov.
    3. Questions on systems matters may be directed to: Mr. 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) 443-9602, Email: Paul.Gettys@ihs.gov.

VIII. Other Information

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

Elizabeth A. Fowler,
Deputy Director for Management Operations, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-21049 Filed 8-31-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165-16-P