Healthy Lifestyles in Youth Project; Proposed Single Source Competing Continuation Cooperative Agreement with National Congress of American Indians, 14004-14012 [2017-05243]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
• Indian Health Service

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 50 (Thursday, March 16, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 14004-14012]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-05243]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service

[Funding Announcement Number: HHS-2017-IHS-HLY-0001; Catalog of Federal 
Domestic Assistance Number: 93.933]


Healthy Lifestyles in Youth Project; Proposed Single Source 
Competing Continuation Cooperative Agreement with National Congress of 
American Indians

Key Dates

Application Deadline Date: May 15, 2017
Review Date: May 22-26, 2017
Earliest Anticipated Start Date: September 1, 2017
Proof of Non-Profit Status Due Date: May 15, 2017

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Statutory Authority

    The Indian Health Service (IHS) Office of Clinical and Preventive 
Services, Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention, is accepting 
applications for a single source competing continuation cooperative 
agreement with the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) for the 
purpose of continued implementation of the Healthy Lifestyles in Youth 
Project in selected Native American Boys and Girls Clubs of America. 
This program is authorized under the authority of the Snyder Act, 25 
U.S.C. 13; the Transfer Act, 42 U.S.C. 2001; and the Public Health 
Service Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 241(a). This program is described in 
the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) under 93.933.

Background

    This program promotes healthy lifestyles among American Indian and 
Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth using the curriculum ``Together Raising 
Awareness for Indian Life'' (TRAIL) among selected Boys and Girls Club 
sites. Under this cooperative agreement, IHS proposes to enter into a 
collaborative effort/initiative with NCAI, because of their unique 
experience partnering with the IHS and Boys and Girls Clubs of America 
(BGCA) in successfully establishing this program, as well as, their 
overall expertise and experience in addressing and evaluating healthy 
lifestyle techniques in AI/AN youth.

Purpose

    This work will continue to support the IHS mission to improve the 
health of AI/AN youth through health

[[Page 14005]]

promotion and health education programs. The purpose of this IHS 
cooperative agreement is to focus on addressing healthy lifestyle 
development, emphasizing nutrition and physical activity for AI/AN 
children and youth 7 through 11 years of age. The long term goal is to 
prevent or delay the onset of obesity and related diseases such as type 
2 diabetes. NCAI will continue partnering work with selected Native 
American Boys and Girls Club sites to: (a) Provide health and physical 
education programs; (b) help youth achieve and maintain healthy 
lifestyles through participation in fitness programs; (c) help youth to 
acquire a range of physical skills; and (d) help youth develop a sense 
of teamwork and cooperation.
    These early intervention strategies provide evidence based 
opportunities to reduce and/or halt the increasing trend of obesity and 
diabetes among youth and young adults. Clubs that develop a health 
promotion program that includes the TRAIL curriculum may help curtail 
the effects of unhealthy eating behaviors and lack of physical activity 
that can lead to obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases later in 
life. The TRAIL curriculum was developed to provide information on good 
nutrition and to promote physical activity among youth participating in 
Native American Boys and Girls Clubs. TRAIL is a three month (12 
lessons) program that provides youth with a comprehensive understanding 
of healthy lifestyles in order to prevent diabetes. Woven throughout 
the program are self-esteem and prevention activities. Participants 
draw from Tribal traditions and history to learn about nutrition, 
healthy food choices, media influences, and the impact of diabetes. 
Clubs also implement the Nike Let Me Play and SPARK physical activity 
programs to foster Club-wide participation in fun activities and games 
for 60 minutes every day. TRAIL emphasizes the importance of teamwork 
and community service. Members engage in service projects to improve 
healthy lifestyles in their communities, including starting community 
gardens to connect youth to their food source and organizing community-
wide physical fitness events.
    Since the inception of the program in 2003, TRAIL has been 
implemented at over 79 Native American Boys and Girls Club of America 
sites located in 17 states. There are currently over 50 sites in more 
than 15 states participating in the program.
    The overall results show improvement in participant knowledge of 
diabetes, health, and healthy food choices, as well as, improved 
fitness and level of physical activity. To support this project, NCAI 
will select and assist at least 50 Native American Boys and Girls Club 
sites to establish and implement this curriculum project. Boys and Girl 
Club sites that are located outside of Tribal communities will not be 
considered by the grantee. The Boys and Girls Club sites selected by 
the grantee may use IHS grant funds to provide services to eligible IHS 
beneficiaries only. The grantee will be expected to: Provide technical 
consultation; train; monitor; evaluate; as well as provide funds to 
support these activities.

Single Source Justification

    NCAI is identified as the single source for the award, based on 
their successful record of performance with this project, their unique 
relationship and work in developing and maintaining: (1) Relationships 
with the Boys and Girls Clubs organization and staff, (2) being able to 
successfully implement the TRAIL program curriculum, (3) the project 
Web site information, and (4) the project data and evaluation systems. 
The award is for a continuation of activities identified. These 
activities, the collaboration with the network of Native American Boys 
and Girls Clubs, and the evaluation process have been effectively 
undertaken by NCAI for the past 13 years. The process, as well as the 
outcomes, have been deemed very successful and clearly supportive of 
Agency initiatives for youth.
    The grantee has documented success in (1) recruiting and working 
with sites, (2) developing and implementing the TRAIL curriculum at the 
sites, (3) implementing a method for collecting data from the sites, 
(4) fostering collaboration between sites and their communities, and 
(5) collecting and reporting data that demonstrates participant 
increases in health and food choice knowledge and increases in 
participant physical activity and level of fitness. Some of the data 
for the most recent years of the current 5 year cooperative agreement 
(2013-2016) are as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             2013-2014 Data
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of AI/AN Children Participating   1,403 (610 males/716 females--
 in the Curriculum, Training, and         77 gender not identified).
 Strength and Endurance Challenges.
Age Range of Children Participating....  ages 4-14 (representing grades
                                          2-6, with 96% of children in
                                          grades 2-5).
Achieving Goal of 60 Minutes/Day of      Average of 2,970 Children at 54
 Physical Activity--Club Wide (Children   Sites Performed an Average of
 in TRAIL plus Other Boys and Girls       74.15 Minutes/Day of Physical
 Club Children).                          Activity = 3,683 hours of
                                          Physical Activity/Day
                                          Nationwide (128 Days in the
                                          Reporting Period).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Program test scores indicate: (a) Increased knowledge about diabetes,
 (b) increased physical activity, and (c) increased ability to identify
    healthier food options (increase in post test scores vs. pre test
  scores--82% of Clubs had post test scores of >70% compared to 3% with
                         pre-test scores >70%).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             2014-2015 Data
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of AI/AN Children Participating   1332 (590 males/669 females--63
 in the Curriculum, Training, and         gender not identified).
 Strength and Endurance Challenges.
Age Range of Children Participating....  ages 6-11 (representing grades
                                          K-6, with 89% of children in
                                          grades 2-5).
Achieving Goal of 60 Minutes/Day of      Average of 2,450 Children at 50
 Physical Activity--Club Wide (Children   sites Performed an Average of
 in TRAIL plus Other Boys and Girls       74.15 Minutes/Day of Physical
 Club Children).                          Activity = 3,038 hours of
                                          Physical Activity/Day
                                          Nationwide (128 Days in the
                                          Reporting Period).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Program test scores indicate: (a) Increased knowledge about diabetes,
 (b) increased physical activity, and (c) increased ability to identify
    healthier food options (increase in post test scores vs. pre test
  scores--85% of Clubs had post test scores of >70% compared to 9% with
                         pre-test scores >70%).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             2015-2016 Data
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of AI/AN Children Participating   1,256 Children (606 boys, 627
 in the Curriculum, Training, and         girls, 23 gender not
 Strength and Endurance Challenges.       identified).

[[Page 14006]]

 
Age Range of Children Participating....  6-12 years (representing grades
                                          K-6 with 87% of children in
                                          grades 2-5).
Achieving Goal of 60 Minutes/Day of      Average of 2,907 Children
 Physical Activity--Club Wide (Children   Performed an Average of 63.9
 in TRAIL plus Other Boys and Girls       Minutes/Day of Physical
 Club Children).                          Activity = 3,038 hours of
                                          Physical Activity/Day
                                          Nationwide (128 Days in the
                                          Reporting Period).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Program test scores indicate: (a) Increased knowledge about diabetes,
 (b) increased physical activity, and (c) increased ability to identify
    healthier food options (increase in post test scores vs. pre test
 scores--82% of Clubs had post test scores of >70% compared to 18% with
                         pre-test scores >70%).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The TRAIL curriculum and subsequent revision were developed by the 
grantee as a part of earlier agreements. If there is a need to update 
the curriculum and subsequently implement the revised curriculum, it 
will be more efficiently and cost effectively performed as the grantee 
is very familiar with the existing curriculum and the implementation.
    The grantee uses a sub-contractor (First Pic) to develop and 
implement the evaluation and reporting process for individual sites and 
for analysis and reporting of aggregated data. This unique and program 
specific evaluation system has been beneficial to sites and to IHS. All 
of the tools for using this system have been made available via the 
Native American Boys and Girls Clubs Web site--https://www.naclubs.org/index.php/club-programs/trail-diabetes-prevention.
    The grantee (NCAI) has been effective, timely, and cooperative, and 
has consistently achieved or exceeded requirements of the previous 
agreement. NCAI and First Pic are uniquely qualified to continue to 
receive the award and provide the identified program activities based 
on their history with this project and project sites, their evaluation 
system, their knowledge of the curriculum, and their documented 
performance achievements with the sites under the previous agreement.
    All Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and IHS policies, 
regulations, grants management and programmatic reporting requirements 
from the prior funding segment remain in effect under this renewal 
announcement unless otherwise stated or modified in the terms and 
conditions of the new Notice of Award.

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 $1,250,000. The average award amount will be $1,250,000 
annually. 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.

Anticipated Number of Awards

    One award will be issued under this program announcement.

Project Period

    The project period is for five years and will run consecutively 
from September 1, 2017 to August 31, 2022.

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
    (1) Identify a core group of IHS staff to work with the grantee in 
providing technical assistance and guidance.
    (2) Meet with the grantee to review grantee work plan and provide 
guidance on implementation and data collection tools.
    (3) Participate in quarterly conference calls. Work with the 
grantee to showcase the results of this project by publishing on shared 
Web sites as well as in jointly authored publications.
B. Grantee Cooperative Agreement Award Activities
    (1) Develop a written plan for the planning, implementation, and 
evaluation of this project to include selecting at least 50 sites as 
agreed upon with the IHS. This task will be completed within 30 days 
from award and approved by the IHS.
    (2) Develop selection criteria for new sites, announce, evaluate, 
and select sites. Sites must submit documentation verifying they serve 
only AI/AN youth from eligible IHS beneficiaries as a requirement for 
selection by the grantee. A start-up planning meeting with new sites 
will be conducted within two months of each site's initial selection 
and award.
    (3) Plan and facilitate an orientation and training meeting for new 
sites within two months of selection. Submit agenda, training goals and 
objectives, and participant list to IHS within one month of completion 
of each orientation session.
    (4) Update TRAIL curriculum as needed/directed and implement use.
    (5) Develop, in consultation with the IHS, the implementation and 
technical assistance plan for the coordination of the selected Boys and 
Girls Club sites. Submit criteria to the IHS for approval. Grantee will 
continue work with sites to develop and report measurements for 
assessment of physical activity and nutrition behaviors among club 
participants.
    (6) Each site will implement the TRAIL program, emphasizing healthy 
behaviors such as physical activity and nutrition. Each program plan 
will also include a parent component describing approaches for 
involving the families of participants.
    (7) Each site will implement Physical Activity Strength and 
Endurance Challenges three times, six to eight weeks apart. Physical 
activity data will be collected and summarized.
    (8) Grantee will promote and facilitate local, state, and national 
partnerships for the purpose of establishing or enhancing program 
support that involves increasing physical activity and good nutrition 
for the Tribally-managed Boys and Girls Club sites. This includes but 
is not limited to establishing other partners such as American Indian-
Alaska Native Program Branch (AI-ANPB) of Head Start Programs, Wings of 
America, United National Indian Tribal Youth, Inc. (UNITY), Tribal 
colleges, BGCA, Tribal organizations, local community health providers 
and other private organizations as appropriate.
    (9) Grantee will continue to implement current evaluation processes 
in consultation for the TRAIL project. At a minimum, the evaluation 
will include:

[[Page 14007]]

    (a) Training attendance (gender, age, grade level);
    (b) pre- and post- tests to assess participant knowledge;
    (c) monthly activity logs from each site on the physical activity 
portion of their program. Daily data to be collected includes the date, 
number of minutes of physical activity, and number of children 
participating; and
    (d) information/log on parent and family participation in education 
and activity programs, community involvement and partnerships.
    (10) Submit collated and summarized data to the IHS. Work with the 
IHS in drafting an evaluation summary at the end of the project period 
for publication. Submit collated and summarized data and project 
evaluation summaries to all sites. Provide a minimum of annual reports 
(feedback) to each site on how their data compare to data (mean, 
median, and range) from other selected sites.
    (11) Provide ongoing technical support to the sites for the 
duration of the initiative. Provide training and technical assistance 
in all forms, i.e., on-site, on-line, by phone, and mail. The planning, 
design and delivery of training and technical assistance will support 
the local organization's long-term planning and outreach efforts. The 
training will be customized based on sites' capability and experience. 
Technical assistance will also be provided on program planning and 
implementation. Collaborate with IHS to provide services to club sites. 
Maintain records and reports.
    (12) Provide technical consultation to the sites in developing a 
written work plan, with measurable goals, objectives and activities.
    (13) Establish a formal agreement with Native American Boys and 
Girls Club sites which involves minimal fiscal assistance but 
substantial technical support to make sure clubs successfully implement 
the TRAIL program.
    (14) Submit to the IHS a written work plan and report describing 
each site's demographics, information on the number of youth in the 
eligible age range in the catchment area, the number that attend the 
Boys and Girls Clubs regularly, and the number served by this project, 
goals, objectives, activities, partnerships, and proposed outcomes.
    (15) Provide IHS written quarterly reports on the evaluation 
outcomes, activity reports at each site, any parent involvement 
activities and other participation, description of the community 
partnerships, and other activities as appropriate
    (16) Conduct quarterly conference calls with IHS to review project 
status.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligibility

    The award is offered as a single source competing continuation 
cooperative agreement with the NCAI. NCAI is identified as the single 
source for the award, based on their successful record of performance 
with this project, their unique relationship and work in developing and 
maintaining: (1) Relationships with the Boys and Girls Clubs 
organization and staff, (2) being able to successfully implement the 
TRAIL program curriculum, (3) the project Web site information, and (4) 
the project data and evaluation systems. The award is for a 
continuation of activities identified. NCAI is the sole organization 
eligible to apply for competing continuation funding under this 
announcement and must demonstrate that they have complied with previous 
terms and conditions of the Healthy Lifestyles in Youth grant in order 
to receive funding under this announcement.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

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

3. Other Requirements

    If application budgets exceed the highest dollar amount outlined 
under the ``Estimated Funds Available'' section within this funding 
announcement, the application will be considered ineligible and will 
not be reviewed for further consideration. If deemed ineligible, IHS 
will not return the application. The applicant will be notified by 
email by the Division of Grants Management (DGM) of this decision.
Proof of Non-Profit Status
    Organizations claiming non-profit status must submit proof. A copy 
of the 501(c)(3) Certificate must be received with the application 
submission by the Application Deadline Date listed under the Key Dates 
section on page one of this announcement.
    An applicant submitting any of the above additional documentation 
after the initial application submission due date is required to ensure 
the information was received by the IHS by obtaining documentation 
confirming delivery (i.e., FedEx tracking, postal return receipt, 
etc.).

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Obtaining Application Materials

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

2. Content and Form Application Submission

    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 30 pages).
     Project Narrative (must be single-spaced and not exceed 30 
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.
     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).
     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/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

[[Page 14008]]

that is no longer than 30 pages and must: Be single-spaced, type 
written, have consecutively numbered pages, use black type not smaller 
than 12 characters per one inch, and be printed on one side only of 
standard size 8\1/2\'' x 11'' paper.
    Be sure to succinctly 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 familiar with the applicant's activities and 
accomplishments prior to this possible cooperative agreement award. If 
the narrative exceeds the page limit, only the first 30 pages will be 
reviewed. The 30 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--Introduction and 
Need for Assistance; Part B--Work Plan; and Part C--Organizational 
Capabilities. See below for additional details about what must be 
included in the narrative.
Part A: Introduction and Need for Assistance 10 Page Limitation
    Please provide description of the need for assistance with offering 
this program. Applicant should demonstrate knowledge of: Health 
concerns for AI/AN youth; health promotion activities in Tribal 
communities such as BGCA; and working with Tribes and Tribal 
organizations.
Part B: Work Plan 10 Page Limitation
Section 1: Program Plans
    This section should demonstrate the soundness and effectiveness of 
the proposal. The work plan should be designed to describe how and when 
the sites will be selected; describe how the sites will be trained on 
the curriculum and provided technical assistance; and describe how 
sites will be supported for a physical activity program with the 
equipment and participant incentives.
Section 2: Program Evaluation
    Describe the plan for collecting data, monitoring, and assuring 
quality and quantity of data and the plan for evaluating and reporting 
program results.
Part C: Organizational Capabilities 10 Page Limitation
    Describe the broader capacity of the organization to complete the 
project outlined in the work plan, including (1) identification and 
bios for key personnel responsible for completing tasks; (2) 
description of the structure of the organization and chain of 
responsibility for successful completion of the project outline in the 
work plan; (3) description of financial and project management 
capacity, including information regarding similarly sized projects in 
scope and financial assistance as well as other grants and projects 
successfully completed; (4) description of national experience in 
providing administrative and support services to Tribal youth 
organizations, education agencies and other Tribal programs for the 
benefit of AI/AN children and youth and Tribal communities. Indicate 
experience in national partnerships or national support efforts on 
behalf of AI/AN communities especially as it pertains to health 
concerns; (5) description of equipment and space available for use 
during the proposed project; and (6) description of specialized 
experience working with Tribal Boys and Girls Club sites and the TRAIL 
curriculum program.
B. Budget Narrative: 30 Page Limit
    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. This section should provide a 
clear estimate of the project program costs and justification for 
expenses for the entire cooperative agreement period. The budget and 
budget justification should be consistent with the tasks identified in 
the work plan.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 
11:59 p.m. Daylight Saving Time (DST), 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 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

[[Page 14009]]

signed waiver from the Mr. Tarwater 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., DST 
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 IHS Office of 
Clinical and Preventive Services, Division of Diabetes Treatment and 
Prevention 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 30 page narrative should include only the first year of activities; 
information for multi-year projects should be included as an appendix. 
See ``Multi-year Project Requirements'' at the end of this section for 
more information. The narrative section should be written in a manner 
that is clear to outside reviewers unfamiliar with prior related 
activities of the applicant. It should be well organized, succinct, and 
contain all information necessary for reviewers to understand the 
project fully. Points will be assigned to each evaluation criteria 
adding up to a total of 100 points. A minimum score of 60 points is 
required for funding. Points are assigned as follows:

1. Criteria

A. Introduction and Need for Assistance 20 points
    This section should demonstrate knowledges of health concerns and 
issues regarding AI/AN youth, health promotion activities in Tribal 
communities, and working with Tribes and Tribal organizations.
B. Work Plan 30 points
    This section should demonstrate a sound and effective annual work 
plan that will support accomplishment of deliverables and milestones of 
the TRAIL project. The work plan should be designed to:
     Describe how and when the sites will be selected;
     Describe how the sites will be trained on the curriculum 
and provided technical assistance;
     Describe the plan for collecting data, monitoring, and 
assuring quality and quantity of data;
     Describe the plan for evaluating and reporting;
     Describe how sites will be supported for a physical 
activity program.
C. Organizational Capabilities 40 points
    This section should outline 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 
project outline in the work plan. The section should:
     Describe the structure of the organization.
     Describe the ability of the organization to manage the 
proposed project and include information

[[Page 14010]]

regarding similarly sized projects in scope and financial assistance as 
well as other grants and projects successfully completed.
     Describe what equipment (i.e., phone, Web sites, etc.) and 
facility space (i.e., office space) will be available for use during 
the proposed project. Include information about any equipment not 
currently available that will be purchased throughout the agreement.
     List and provide bios for key personnel who will work on 
the project. The section should demonstrate knowledge in:
    [cir] Financial and project management.
    [cir] Nationwide experience in providing administrative and support 
services to Tribal youth organizations, education agencies and other 
Tribal programs for the benefit of children and youth.
    [cir] AI/AN youth and Tribal communities and indicate experience in 
national partnerships or national support efforts on behalf of AI/AN 
communities especially as it pertains to health concerns.
    [cir] Experience working with Tribal Boys and Girls Club sites and 
the TRAIL curriculum program.
D. Categorical Budget and Budget Justification 10 points
    This section should provide a clear estimate of the project program 
costs and justification for expenses for the entire cooperative 
agreement period. The budget and budget justification should be 
consistent with the tasks identified in the work plan.
     Categorical budget (Form SF 424A, Budget Information Non 
Construction Programs) completing each of the budget periods requested.
     Narrative justification for all costs, explaining why each 
line item is necessary or relevant to the proposed project. Include 
sufficient details to facilitate the determination of cost allow 
ability.
     Indication of any special start-up costs.
     Budget justification should include a brief program 
narrative for the third and fourth years.
     If indirect costs are claimed, indicate and apply the 
current negotiated rate to the budget. Include a copy of the rate 
agreement in the appendix.
Multi-Year Project Requirements (if applicable)
    Projects requiring a second, third, fourth, and/or fifth year must 
include a brief project narrative and budget (one additional page per 
year) addressing the developmental plans for each additional year of 
the project.
Additional documents can be uploaded as Appendix Items in Grants.gov
     Work plan, logic model and/or time line for proposed 
objectives.
     Position descriptions for key staff.
     Resumes of key staff that reflect current duties.
     Consultant or contractor proposed scope of work and letter 
of commitment (if applicable).
     Current Indirect Cost Agreement.
     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 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 2017 the approved but unfunded application may be re-
considered by the awarding program office for possible funding. The 
applicant will also receive an Executive Summary Statement from the IHS 
program office within 30 days of the conclusion of the ORC.

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

2. Administrative Requirements

    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.

[[Page 14011]]

    E. Audit Requirements:
     Uniform Administrative Requirements for HHS Awards, 
``Audit Requirements,'' located at 45 CFR part 75, subpart F.

3. Indirect Costs

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

4. Reporting Requirements

    The grantee must submit required reports consistent with the 
applicable deadlines. Failure to submit required reports within the 
time allowed may result in suspension or termination of an active 
grant, withholding of additional awards for the project, or other 
enforcement actions such as withholding of payments or converting to 
the reimbursement method of payment. Continued failure to submit 
required reports may result in one or both of the following: (1) The 
imposition of special award provisions; and (2) the non-funding or non-
award of other eligible projects or activities. This requirement 
applies whether the delinquency is attributable to the failure of the 
grantee organization or the individual responsible for preparation of 
the reports. Per DGM policy, all reports are required to be submitted 
electronically by attaching them as a ``Grant Note'' in GrantSolutions. 
Personnel responsible for submitting reports will be required to obtain 
a login and password for GrantSolutions. Please see the Agency Contacts 
list in section VII for the systems contact information.
    The reporting requirements for this program are noted below.
A. Progress Reports
    Program progress reports are required annually, within 30 days 
after the budget period ends. These reports must include a brief 
comparison of actual accomplishments to the goals established for the 
period, a summary of progress to date or, if applicable, provide sound 
justification for the lack of progress, and other pertinent information 
as required. A final report must be submitted within 90 days of 
expiration of the budget/project period.
B. Financial Reports
    Federal Financial Report FFR (SF-425), Cash Transaction Reports are 
due 30 days after the close of every calendar quarter to the Payment 
Management Services, HHS at https://www.dpm.psc.gov. It is recommended 
that the applicant also send a copy of the FFR (SF-425) report to the 
Grants Management Specialist. Failure to submit timely reports may 
cause a disruption in timely payments to the organization.
    Grantees are responsible and accountable for accurate information 
being reported on all required reports: The Progress Reports and 
Federal Financial Report.
C. Federal Sub-Award Reporting System (FSRS)
    This award may be subject to the Transparency Act sub-award and 
executive compensation reporting requirements of 2 CFR part 170.
    The Transparency Act requires the OMB to establish a single 
searchable database, accessible to the public, with information on 
financial assistance awards made by Federal agencies. The Transparency 
Act also includes a requirement for recipients of Federal grants to 
report information about first-tier sub-awards and executive 
compensation under Federal assistance awards.
    IHS has implemented a Term of Award into all IHS Standard Terms and 
Conditions, NoAs and funding announcements regarding the FSRS reporting 
requirement. This IHS Term of Award is applicable to all IHS grant and 
cooperative agreements issued on or after October 1, 2010, with a 
$25,000 sub-award obligation dollar threshold met for any specific 
reporting period. Additionally, all new (discretionary) IHS awards 
(where the project period is made up of more than one budget period) 
and where: (1) The project period start date was October 1, 2010 or 
after and (2) the primary awardee will have a $25,000 sub-award 
obligation dollar threshold during any specific reporting period will 
be required to address the FSRS reporting.
    For the full IHS award term implementing this requirement and 
additional award applicability information, visit the DGM Grants Policy 
Web site at: https://www.ihs.gov/dgm/policytopics/.
D. Compliance With Executive Order 13166 Implementation of Services 
Accessibility Provisions for All Grant Application Packages and Funding 
Opportunity Announcements
    Recipients of Federal financial assistance (FFA) from HHS must 
administer their programs in compliance with Federal civil rights law. 
This means that recipients of HHS funds must ensure equal access to 
their programs without regard to a person's race, color, national 
origin, disability, age and, in some circumstances, sex and religion. 
This includes ensuring your programs are accessible to persons with 
limited English proficiency. HHS provides guidance to recipients of FFA 
on meeting their legal obligation to take reasonable steps to provide 
meaningful access to their programs by persons with limited English 
proficiency. Please see https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/special-topics/limited-english-proficiency/guidance-federal-financial-assistance-recipients-title-VI/.
    The HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) also provides guidance on 
complying with civil rights laws enforced by HHS. Please see https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/section-1557/; and 
https://www.hhs.gov/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.

[[Page 14012]]

    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) Ofc: (301) 443-5204, 
Fax: (301) 594-0899, Email: Robert.Tarwater@ihs.gov.

AND

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

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

VII. Agency Contacts

    1. Questions on the programmatic issues may be directed to: Ms. 
Carmen Licavoli Hardin, Deputy Director, Division of Diabetes Treatment 
and Prevention, Indian Health Service (HQ), 5600 Fishers Lane, Mail 
Stop: 08N34 A&B, Rockville, MD 20857, Telephone: 1-844-IHS-DDTP (1-844-
447-3387), Fax: 301-594-6213, Email address: diabetesprogram@ihs.gov.
    2. Questions on grants management and fiscal matters may be 
directed to: Donald Gooding, Senior Grants Management Specialist, 5600 
Fishers Lane, Mail Stop: 09E70, Rockville, MD 20857, Telephone: 301-
443-2298, Fax: 301-594-0899, Email address: Donald.Gooding@ihs.gov.
    3. Questions on systems matters may be directed to: Paul Gettys, 
Grant Systems Coordinator, 5600 Fishers Lane, Mail Stop: 09E70, 
Rockville, MD 20857, Phone: 301-443-2114; or the DGM main line 301-443-
5204, Fax: 301-594-0899, Email: Paul.Gettys@ihs.gov.

VIII. Other Information

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

    Dated: March 6, 2017.
RADM Chris Buchanan,
Assistant Surgeon General, USPHS, Acting Director, Indian Health 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-05243 Filed 3-15-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4165-16-P