Injury Prevention Program Announcement; New Cooperative Agreement, 8529-8535 [2017-01806]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
• Indian Health Service

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 16 (Thursday, January 26, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8529-8535]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-01806]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service

[Funding Announcement Number: HHS-2017-IHS-IPP-0001]


Injury Prevention Program Announcement; New Cooperative Agreement

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.284

Key Dates

    Application Deadline Date: February 26, 2017.
    Review Date: March 21-24, 2017.
    Earliest Anticipated Start Date: April 15, 2017.
    Signed Tribal Resolutions Due Date: February 26, 2017.
    Proof of Non-Profit Status Due Date: February 26, 2017.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Statutory Authority

    The Indian Health Service (IHS), Division of Environmental Health 
Services is accepting competitive cooperative agreement (CA) 
applications for the Injury Prevention Program (IPP) for American 
Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN). The program is authorized under 25 
U.S.C. 13, Snyder Act, and 42 U.S.C., Section 301(a), Public Health 
Service Act, as amended. This program is described in the Catalog of 
Federal Domestic Assistance under 93.284.

Background

    Injuries are the single leading cause of death for AI/AN between 
the ages of 1 and 44 years. (Indian Health Focus: Injuries 2015 
Edition, IHS, Division of Program Statistics). Depending on the type of 
injury, AI/AN experience injury mortality rates that are 2.5 to 8.7 
times higher than the U.S. all races rates. This funding opportunity 
was developed by the IHS IPP to address the disparity in injury rates 
by encouraging Tribes to implement injury prevention projects based on 
evidence-based, effective strategies.
    Injury prevention evidence-based, effective strategies are 
prevention methods that have been scientifically proven to prevent 
injuries. Injury prevention programs and projects are most effective 
when based on these model practices. Though not repeatedly 
scientifically proven to be effective, the use of promising and 
innovative injury prevention strategies is also recommended. For more 
information on evidence-based injury prevention resources see: https://www.healthy.ohio.gov/vipp/evidence/ebresource.aspx.
    Comprehensive injury prevention programs use a public health 
approach to employ strategies that address education, policy 
development with enforcement, and environmental modifications. Programs 
use various combinations of effective strategies to ensure they are 
effective and sustainable. A single focus with only education is not an 
effective strategy.
    The IHS IPP priorities are prevention of (1) motor vehicle crash 
related injuries; and (2) unintentional fall injuries. For AI/AN, motor 
vehicle-related injuries and deaths are the leading cause of 
disability, years of potential life lost, and medical and societal 
costs. Unintentional elder fall-related injuries are a leading cause of 
hospitalizations in AI/AN communities. Among older adults, falls are 
the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries (https://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Falls/adultfalls.html).

Purpose

    The purpose of this IHS cooperative agreement is to promote the 
capability of Tribes, Indian organizations and urban Indian 
organizations to build and maintain sustainable, effective injury 
prevention programs:
    (a) Increase the understanding of the injury problem by Tribes/
Indian organizations/urban Indian organizations;
    (b) promote Tribal capacity to implement effective strategies to 
prevent injuries in Tribal communities; and
    (c) to improve the quality of life of AI/AN people.
    This cooperative agreement opportunity is available to any 
applicant that does not have a current IHS injury prevention 
cooperative agreement. There is no IHS user population requirement.
    Applicants will only be issued one award: Part II-IPP Effective 
Strategy Project. Applications should be sure to respond to the 
appropriate ``Criteria'' under Section V-Application Review 
Information.

II. Award Information

Type of Award

    Cooperative Agreement.

[[Page 8530]]

Estimated Funds Available

    The total amount of funding identified for the current fiscal year 
(FY) 2017 is approximately $375,000. Individual award amounts are 
anticipated from $10,000 to $25,000 for three years. The amount of 
funding available for 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

    Approximately fifteen awards will be issued under this program 
announcement.

Project Period

    The project period will be three years and will run consecutively 
from April 15, 2017 to April 14, 2020.

Cooperative Agreement

    Cooperative agreements awarded by the Department of Health and 
Human Services (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 IPP substantial involvement includes providing technical 
assistance to the Tribal Injury Prevention Coordinators in program 
planning, implementation, and evaluation. IHS will assign an IHS IPP 
Specialist or designee to serve as the local project officer. 
Responsibilities of the IHS local project officers are described below:
    (1) Provide guidance to the grantee involving strategy, injury data 
(collection, analysis, reporting, and interpretation of findings), use 
of public information materials, quality assurance, coordination of 
activities, training, reports, budget and evaluation.
    (2) Review continuation applications and recommend approval or 
disapproval.
    Technical assistance will also include the following:
    (1) Schedule bi-annual conference calls for technical assistance.
    (2) Assist grantee in writing progress reports.
    (3) Disseminate injury prevention best practices guidance.
    (4) Provide training to grantees.
B. Grantee Cooperative Agreement Award Activities
    Responsibilities of the grantee are described below:
    (1) Work in partnership with the IHS in decisions involving 
strategy, injury data (collection, analysis, reporting), use of public 
information materials, quality assurance, coordination of activities, 
training, reports, budget and evaluation.
    (2) Provide a logic model plan for the Part II effective strategies 
project. The logic model will address the stages of the project 
development implementation and evaluation with proposed timeline.
    (3) Develop culturally-competent, project-related information to 
educate and empower communities to take action in injury prevention.
    (4) Develop a project evaluation plan with baseline data, timeline 
and outcome measures.
    (5) Participate in IHS conference calls and webinars.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligibility

    To be eligible for this ``New/Competing Continuation Announcement'' 
under this announcement, an applicant be one of the following as 
defined by 25 U.S.C. 1603:
     A Federally-recognized Indian Tribe 25 U.S.C. 1603(14); 
operating an Indian health program operated pursuant to a contract, 
grant, cooperative agreement, or compact with IHS pursuant to the 
Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA), (Pub. 
L. 93-638).
     A Tribal organization 25 U.S.C. 1603(26); operating an 
Indian health program operated pursuant to as contract, grant, 
cooperative agreement, or compact with the IHS pursuant to the ISDEAA, 
(Pub. L. 93-638).
     An Urban Indian organization as defined by 25 U.S.C. 
1603(29). Operating a Title V urban Indian health program that 
currently has a grant or contract with the IHS under Title V of the 
Indian Health Care Improvement Act, (Pub. L. 93-437). Applicants must 
provide proof of non-profit status with the application, e.g. 
501(c)(3).

    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 of this decision.

Tribal Resolution

    An Indian Tribe or Tribal organization that is proposing a project 
affecting another Indian Tribe must include resolutions from all 
affected Tribes to be served. Applications by Tribal organizations will 
not require a specific Tribal resolution if the current Tribal 
resolution(s) under which they operate would encompass the proposed 
grant activities.
    An official signed Tribal resolution must be received by the DGM 
prior to a Notice of Award being issued to any applicant selected for 
funding. However, if an official signed Tribal resolution cannot be 
submitted with the electronic application submission prior to the 
official application deadline date, a draft Tribal resolution must be 
submitted by the deadline in order for the application to be considered 
complete and eligible for review. The draft Tribal resolution is not in 
lieu of the required signed resolution, but is acceptable until a 
signed resolution is received. If an official signed Tribal resolution 
is not received by DGM when funding decisions are made, then a Notice 
of Award will not be issued to that applicant and they will not receive 
any IHS funds until such time as they have submitted a signed 
resolution to the Grants Management Specialist listed in this Funding 
Announcement.
Proof of Non-Profit Status
    Organizations claiming non-profit status must submit proof. A copy 
of the 501(c)(3) Certificate must be received with the application 
submission by the Application Deadline Date listed under the Key Dates 
section on page one of this announcement.
    An applicant submitting any of the above additional documentation 
after the initial application submission due date is required to ensure 
the information was received by the IHS DGM by obtaining documentation

[[Page 8531]]

confirming delivery (i.e., FedEx tracking, postal return receipt, 
etc.).

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Obtaining Application Materials

    The application package and detailed instructions for this 
announcement can be found at https://www.Grants.gov or https://www.ihs.gov/dgm/funding/.
    Questions regarding the electronic application process may be 
directed to Mr. Paul Gettys at (301) 443-2114 or (301) 443-5204.

2. Content and Form Application Submission

    The applicant must include the project narrative as an attachment 
to the application package. Mandatory documents for all applicants 
include:
     Table of contents.
     Abstract (one page) summarizing the project.
     Application forms:
    [cir] SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance.
    [cir] SF-424A, Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs.
    [cir] SF-424B, Assurances--Non-Construction Programs.
     Budget Justification and Narrative (must be single spaced 
and not exceed five pages).
     Project Narrative (must be single spaced and not exceed 15 
pages).
    [cir] Background information on the Tribe or organization.
    [cir] Proposed scope of work, objectives, and activities that 
provide a description of what will be accomplished, including a one-
page Timeframe Chart.
     Tribal Resolution(s).
     Letter of Support from Organization's Board of Directors.
     501(c)(3) Certificate (if applicable).
     Biographical sketches for all Key Personnel.
     Contractor/Consultant resumes or qualifications and scope 
of work.
     Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL).
     Certification Regarding Lobbying (GG-Lobbying Form).
     Copy of current Negotiated Indirect Cost rate (IDC) 
agreement (required) in order to receive IDC.
     Organizational Chart (optional).
     Documentation of current Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) A-133 required Financial Audit (if applicable).
    Acceptable forms of documentation include:
    [cir] Email confirmation from Federal Audit Clearinghouse (FAC) 
that audits were submitted; or
    [cir] Face sheets from audit reports. These can be found on the FAC 
Web site: https://harvester.census.gov/facdissem/main.aspx.
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 15 pages and must: Be single-spaced, 
type written, have consecutively numbered pages, use black type not 
smaller than 12 points, 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 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 more familiar with the applicant's activities and 
accomplishments prior to this cooperative agreement award. If the 
narrative exceeds the page limit, only the first 15 pages will be 
reviewed. The 15 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 (Page Limitation--2)
Section 1: Needs
    Describe nature and extent of the injury problem of the Tribe, 
Indian organization or urban Indian organization. Describe the public 
health approach to address the injury problem.
Part B: Program Planning and Evaluation (Page Limitation--8)
Section 1: Program Plans
    Succinctly describe how the Tribe, Indian organization or urban 
Indian organization plans to address the injury problems utilizing 
effective strategies, best, or promising practices.
Section 2: Program Evaluation
    Describe fully and clearly how the proposed interventions will 
impact in minimizing or reducing severe injuries in Tribal communities. 
Identify anticipated or expected benefits for the Tribal constituency.
Part C: Program Report (Page Limitation--5)
    Section 1: Describe major accomplishments over the last 24 months. 
Identify and describe significant program achievements associated with 
injury prevention initiatives. Provide the accomplishments of the goals 
established for the time frame, or if applicable, provide justification 
for the lack of progress.
    Section 2: Describe major activities over the last 24 months. 
Provide an overview of significant injury prevention program activities 
associated with in reduction of severe injuries over the past 24 
months. This section should address significant program activities 
including those related to the accomplishments listed in the previous 
section.
B. Budget Narrative (Page Limitation--5)
    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 
11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) 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

[[Page 8532]]

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 per 
applicant.
     IHS will not acknowledge receipt of applications.

6. Electronic Submission Requirements

    All applications must be submitted electronically. Please use the 
https://www.Grants.gov Web site to submit an application electronically 
and select the ``Find Grant Opportunities'' link on the homepage. 
Download a copy of the application package, complete it offline, and 
then upload and submit the completed application via the https://www.Grants.gov Web site. Electronic copies of the application may not 
be submitted as attachments to email messages addressed to IHS 
employees or offices.
    If the applicant 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). 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 Director of the 
DGM will not be reviewed or considered for funding. The applicant will 
be notified via email of this decision by the Grants Management Officer 
of the DGM. Paper applications must be received by the DGM no later 
than 5:00 p.m., EST, on the Application Deadline Date listed in the Key 
Dates section on page one of this announcement. Late applications will 
not be accepted for processing or considered for funding. 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 the IHS IPP 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, 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 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 fifteen 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

[[Page 8533]]

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 (20 Points)
    Describe the need for funding and the injury problem using local 
IHS, state, or national injury data in the community or target area.
    Describe the Tribe's/Tribal organization's support for the proposed 
Injury Prevention Part II effective strategy project.
    Describe the population to be served by the proposed project (no 
minimum population requirement).
B. Project Objectives(s), Work Plan and Approach (40 Points)
    Goals and objectives must be clear and concise. Each objective must 
be measurable, feasible and attainable to accomplish during the 3 year 
project period utilizing the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, 
Realistic, Time specific) program objectives.
    SMART Objective examples:
     Child safety car seat use will be increased from 10% to 
50% at Bobcat community by August 1, 2020.
     Implement on-going Tai Chi classes once a week at Lower 
Red Rock community for ages 55+ by August 1, 2020.
    Effective strategies must be incorporated in each project and 
should be based on effectiveness, economic efficiency and feasibility 
of the project. Provide a description of the extent to which proposed 
projects are an effective strategy based on a documented need in the 
target communities.
    Coalition/Collaboration: Describe how the Tribe or urban community, 
the IHS and other organizations will collaborate on the project or 
conduct related activities. Provide a description of the roles of 
Tribal involvement, organization, or agency and evidence of 
coordination, supervision, and degree of commitment (e.g., time, in-
kind, financial) of staff, organizations, and agencies involved in 
activities.
C. Program Evaluation (20 Points)
    Describe how and when the project will be evaluated for program 
process, effectiveness, and impact. This includes, but is not limited 
to, what data will be collected to evaluate the success of the proposed 
program objectives.
D. Organizational Capabilities, Key Personnel and Qualifications (10 
Points)
    A description of the roles of the Project Director in activities 
during the 3 year project(s) (e.g., time in-kind, financial). Provide 
the organizational structure (chart). Describe coalition or 
collaboration activities of the Tribe or urban Tribal program.
E. Categorical Budget and Budget Justification (10 Points)
    Projects must include a project narrative, 3 year categorical 
budget, and budget justification for each year of funding requested. If 
indirect costs are claimed, indicate and apply the current negotiated 
rate to the budget.
Multi-Year Project Requirements
    Projects requiring a second and 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 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, 60, and were deemed to be disapproved by the ORC, 
will receive an Executive Summary Statement from the IHS program office 
within 30 days of the conclusion of the ORC outlining the strengths and 
weaknesses of their application. The 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 2017, the approved but unfunded application may be re-
considered by the awarding program office for possible funding. The 
applicant will also receive

[[Page 8534]]

an Executive Summary Statement from the IHS program office within 30 
days of the conclusion of the ORC.

    Note: Any correspondence other than the official NoA signed by 
an IHS grants management official announcing to the project director 
that an award has been made to their organization is not an 
authorization to implement their program on behalf of IHS.

2. Administrative Requirements

    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 HHS Awards, located at 
45 CFR part 75.
    C. Grants Policy:
     HHS Grants Policy Statement, Revised 01/07.
    D. Cost Principles:
     Uniform Administrative Requirements for HHS Awards, ``Cost 
Principles,'' located at 45 CFR part 75, subpart E.
    E. Audit Requirements:
     Uniform Administrative Requirements for HHS Awards, 
``Audit Requirements,'' located at 45 CFR part 75, subpart F.

3. Indirect Costs

    This section applies to all grant recipients that request 
reimbursement of indirect costs (IDC) in their grant application. In 
accordance with HHS Grants Policy Statement, Part II-27, IHS requires 
applicants to obtain a current IDC rate agreement prior to award. The 
rate agreement must be prepared in accordance with the applicable cost 
principles and guidance as provided by the cognizant agency or office. 
A current rate covers the applicable grant activities under the current 
award's budget period. If the current rate is not on file with the DGM 
at the time of award, the IDC portion of the budget will be restricted. 
The restrictions remain in place until the current rate is provided to 
the DGM.
    Generally, IDC rates for IHS grantees are negotiated with the 
Division of Cost Allocation (DCA) https://rates.psc.gov/ and the 
Department of Interior (Interior Business Center) https://www.doi.gov/ibc/services/finance/indirect-Cost-Services/indian-tribes. For 
questions regarding the indirect cost policy, please call the Grants 
Management Specialist listed under ``Agency Contacts'' or the main DGM 
office at (301) 443-5204.

4. Reporting Requirements

    The grantee must submit required reports consistent with the 
applicable deadlines. Failure to submit required reports within the 
time allowed may result in suspension or termination of an active 
grant, withholding of additional awards for the project, or other 
enforcement actions such as withholding of payments or converting to 
the reimbursement method of payment. Continued failure to submit 
required reports may result in one or both of the following: (1) The 
imposition of special award provisions; and (2) the non-funding or non-
award of other eligible projects or activities. This requirement 
applies whether the delinquency is attributable to the failure of the 
grantee organization or the individual responsible for preparation of 
the reports. Per DGM policy, all reports are required to be submitted 
electronically by attaching them as a ``Grant Note'' in GrantSolutions. 
Personnel responsible for submitting reports will be required to obtain 
a login and password for GrantSolutions. Please see the Agency Contacts 
list in section VII for the systems contact information.
    The reporting requirements for this program are noted below.
A. Progress Reports
    Program progress reports are required 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, a summary of progress to date, or, if applicable, provide sound 
justification for the lack of progress, and other pertinent information 
as required. A final report must be submitted within 90 days of 
expiration of the budget/project period.
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 Subaward Reporting System (FSRS)
    This award may be subject to the Transparency Act subaward and 
executive compensation reporting requirements of 2 CFR part 170.
    The Transparency Act requires the OMB to establish a single 
searchable database, accessible to the public, with information on 
financial assistance awards made by Federal agencies. The Transparency 
Act also includes a requirement for recipients of Federal grants to 
report information about first-tier 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 subaward 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 subaward 
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-

[[Page 8535]]

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/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/ocr/about-us/contact-us/headquarters-and-regional-addresses/ 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.
F. Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System 
(FAPIIS)
    The IHS is required to review and consider any information about 
the applicant that is in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity 
Information System (FAPIIS) before making any award in excess of the 
simplified acquisition threshold (currently $150,000) over the period 
of performance. An applicant may review and comment on any information 
about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered. IHS 
will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to other 
information in FAPIIS in making a judgment about the applicant's 
integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal 
awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as 
described in 45 CFR 75.205.
    As required by 45 CFR part 75 Appendix XII of the Uniform Guidance, 
non-federal entities (NFEs) are required to disclose in FAPIIS any 
information about criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings, and/
or affirm that there is no new information to provide. This applies to 
NFEs that receive Federal awards (currently active grants, cooperative 
agreements, and procurement contracts) greater than $10,000,000 for any 
period of time during the period of performance of an award/project.
Mandatory Disclosure Requirements
    As required by 2 CFR part 200 of the Uniform Guidance, and the HHS 
implementing regulations at 45 CFR part 75, effective January 1, 2016, 
the IHS must require a non-federal entity or an applicant for a Federal 
award to disclose, in a timely manner, in writing to the IHS or pass-
through entity all violations of Federal criminal law involving fraud, 
bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the Federal 
award.
    Submission is required for all applicants and recipients, in 
writing, to the IHS and to the HHS Office of Inspector General all 
information related to violations of Federal criminal law involving 
fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the 
Federal award. 45 CFR 75.113.
    Disclosures must be sent in writing to:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Indian Health Service, 
Division of Grants Management, Attn: Robert Tarwater, Director, 5600 
Fishers Lane, Mail Stop: 09E70, Rockville, Maryland 20857, (Include 
``Mandatory Grant Disclosures'' in subject line). Office: (301) 443-
5204, Fax: (301) 594-0899, Email: Robert.Tarwater@ihs.gov;

AND
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector 
General, Attn: Mandatory Grant Disclosures, Intake Coordinator, 330 
Independence Avenue SW., Cohen Building, Room 5527, Washington, DC 
20201, URL: https://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud/index.asp, (Include 
``Mandatory Grant Disclosures'' in subject line). Fax: (202) 205-0604 
(Include ``Mandatory Grant Disclosures'' in subject line) or Email: 
MandatoryGranteeDisclosures@oig.hhs.gov.

    Failure to make required disclosures can result in any of the 
remedies described in 45 CFR 75.371 Remedies for noncompliance, 
including suspension or debarment (See 2 CFR parts 180 & 376 and 31 
U.S.C. 3321).

VII. Agency Contacts

    1. Questions on the programmatic issues may be directed to: Ms. 
Nancy Bill, Program Manager, Injury Prevention Program, IHS, 5600 
Fishers Lane, Mailstop 10N14-C, Rockville, MD 20857, Phone: (301) 443-
0105, Fax: (301) 443-7538, E-Mail: Nancy.Bill@ihs.gov.

    2. Questions on grants management and fiscal matters may be 
directed to: Andrew Diggs, Senior Grant Management Specialist, Division 
of Grants Management, Indian Health Service, 5600 Fishers Lane, 
Mailstop 09E70, Rockville, MD 20857. Phone: (301) 443-2241; or the DGM 
main line (301) 443-5204, Fax: (301) 443-0899, E-Mail: 
Andrew.Diggs@ihs.gov.

    3. Questions on systems matters may be directed to: Paul Gettys, 
Grant Systems Coordinator, 5600 Fishers Lane, Mailstop: 09E70, 
Rockville, MD 20857. Phone: (301) 443-2114; or the DGM main line (301) 
443-5204, Fax: (301) 443-0899, Paul.Gettys@ihs.gov.

VIII. Other Information

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

    Dated: January 13, 2017.
Mary Smith,
Principal Deputy Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-01806 Filed 1-25-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4165-16-P