Division of Epidemiology and Disease Prevention; Epidemiology Program for American Indian/Alaska Native Tribes and Urban Indian Communities, 40532-40540 [2018-17564]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
• Indian Health Service

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 158 (Wednesday, August 15, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 40532-40540]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-17564]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service


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

Announcement Type: Competing Supplement
Funding Announcement Number: HHS-2018-IHS-EPI-0001
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.231

Key Dates

Application Deadline Date: September 12, 2018
Review Date: September 14-18, 2018
Earliest Anticipated Start Date: September 30, 2018

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Statutory Authority

    The Indian Health Service (IHS) Office of Public Health Support, 
Division of Epidemiology and Disease Prevention (DEDP), is accepting 
applications for cooperative agreement for competitive supplemental 
funds to enhance activities in the Epidemiology Program for American 
Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Tribes and Urban Indian communities. This 
program is authorized under: Section 317(k)(2) of the Public Health 
Service Act (42 U.S.C. Section 247b(k)), as amended. Funding for this 
award will be provided by: The Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention's (CDC) National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and 
Health Promotion. The authorities will be exercised by CDC and through 
an Intra-Departmental Delegation of Authority

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(IDDA) with IHS to create a supplemental funding opportunity for Tribal 
Epidemiology Centers. The administration will be carried out through an 
Intra-agency Agreement (IAA) between CDC and IHS. This program is 
described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) under 
93.231.

Background

    The Tribal Epidemiology Center (TEC) program was authorized by 
Congress in 1998 as a way to provide public health support to multiple 
Tribes and Urban Indian communities in each of the IHS Areas. Only 
current TEC grantees are eligible to apply for the competing 
supplemental funding under this announcement and must demonstrate that 
they have complied with previous terms and conditions of the TEC 
program.
    TECs are uniquely positioned within Tribes, Tribal and Urban Indian 
organizations to conduct disease surveillance, research, prevention and 
control of disease, injury, or disability, and to assess the 
effectiveness of AI/AN public health programs. Positioned uniquely 
within Tribes and Tribal or Urban Organizations, TECs are able to 
conduct disease surveillance, research, prevention and control of 
disease, injury, or disability. This allows them to assess the 
effectiveness of AI/AN public health programs. In addition, they can 
fill gaps in data needed for the relevant Government Performance and 
Results Act and Healthy People 2020 measures. Some of the existing TECs 
have already developed innovative strategies to monitor the health 
status of Tribes and Urban Indian communities, including the 
development of Tribal health registries and use of sophisticated record 
linkage computer software to correct existing state data sets for 
racial misclassification. Tribal Epidemiology Centers work in 
partnership with IHS DEDP to provide a more accurate national picture 
of Indian health status. To further the goals of the partnership, a new 
CDC funding opportunity will be made available to TECs to implement 
cancer projects in Indian Country, designed to help decrease these 
disparities and lessen the burden of cancer in this population. For 
administrative purposes, this new funding opportunity will be packaged 
with the existing IHS cooperative agreements.
    The mission of the CDC National Center for Chronic Disease 
Prevention and Health Promotion is to help people and communities 
prevent chronic diseases and promote health and wellness for all. 
Within the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health 
Promotion, the Division of Cancer Prevention and Control (DCPC) works 
with national organizations, state and Tribal health agencies, and 
other key groups to develop, implement, and promote effective 
strategies for preventing and controlling cancer.

Purpose

    The National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health 
Promotion will be supporting two activities with funding from DCPC. The 
first, Colorectal Cancer Screening Among AI/AN with Diabetes, seeks to 
reduce a diabetes-linked cancer health disparity experienced by the AI/
AN population. This population experiences the highest rates of 
diabetes in the United States. Despite the recent identification of 
diabetes as a significant risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC), 
screening rates remain poor in the diabetic population. Consequently, 
there is a critical need for effective intervention that promotes both 
CRC risk awareness and screening among AI/ANs with diabetes.
    The second National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and 
Health Promotion activity, Annual Cancer Survivorship Group Leadership 
Training, seeks to increase cancer survivor support group leadership in 
AI/AN communities.
    This cooperative agreement is to support the following National 
Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion activities:
    (a) Colorectal Cancer Screening Among AI/AN with Diabetes.
    i. Develop a culturally grounded, multilevel intervention to 
communicate CRC risk and prevention information to AI/AN men and women 
over age 50 who have diabetes.
    ii. Determine effectiveness of colorectal cancer screening through 
direct mailing fecal immunochemical test (FIT) kits to AI/AN patients 
with diabetes.
    iii. Develop a plan to embed CRC control initiatives within 
established diabetes management systems at Indian Health Service/Tribal 
health facilities.
    (b) Annual Cancer Survivorship Leadership Training.
    i. Organize and implement at least two, three-day cancer support 
leadership trainings for 15-25 AI/AN participants, nationally. The 
training will be designed to give participants a unique opportunity to 
work together in a safe, supportive environment to learn and practice 
skills to help people affected by cancer in their communities. The 
training will be based on the model, A Gathering of Cancer Support, 
using the Gathering of Native Americans (GONA) teaching methods.

Limited Competition Justification

    The IHS enters into cooperative agreements with TECs under the 
authority of Section 214(a)(1) of the Indian Health Care Improvement 
Act, Public Law 94-437, as amended by Public Law 102-573. Tribal 
Epidemiology Centers carry out a list of functions specified in 
statute. These functions include data collection and analysis; 
evaluation of existing delivery systems, data systems, and other 
systems that impact the improvement of Indian health; making 
recommendations for the targeting of services; and provision of 
requested technical assistance to Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, 
and Urban Indian organizations [25 U.S.C. 1621m(b)]. Other 
organizations do not have the capacity to provide this support. With 
respect to access to information, TECs are treated as public health 
authorities for the purposes of the Health Insurance Portability and 
Accountability Act of 1996 (Pub L. 104-191). Unlike their counterparts, 
they have no (or little) funding from their jurisdictional governments 
to perform these public functions.
    The IHS and the CDC have determined that the TECs provide the most 
effective approach to strengthen public health capacity to support 
Tribes, Tribal organizations, and Urban Indian organizations, in 
identifying relevant health status indicators and priorities using 
sound epidemiologic principles.

II. Award Information

Type of Award

    Cooperative Agreement.

Estimated Funds Available

    The total amount of funding identified for the current fiscal year 
(FY) 2018 is approximately $220,000. An estimated $135,000 will be 
awarded for the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and 
Health Promotion Colorectal Cancer Screening Among American Indians 
with Diabetes activities, and, a total of $85,000 will be awarded for 
the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion 
Annual Cancer Survivorship Group Leadership Trainings. Individual award 
amounts are anticipated to be between $85,000 and $220,000. The amount 
of funding available for competing and continuation awards issued under 
this announcement are subject to the availability of appropriations and 
budgetary priorities of the CDC. The IHS is under no

[[Page 40534]]

obligation to make awards that are selected for funding under this 
announcement.

Anticipated Number of Awards

    Approximately two awards will be issued under this program 
announcement.

Period of Performance

    The period of performance is for three years and will run 
consecutively from September 30, 2018 to September 29, 2021.

Cooperative Agreement

    Cooperative agreements awarded by the Department of Health and 
Human Services (HHS) are administered under the same policies as a 
grant. However, the funding agency (CDC) 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 the CDC and the grantee. The CDC, per the 
MOU between the IHS and the CDC, 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. CDC Programmatic Involvement
    (1) Provide funded TECs with ongoing consultation and technical 
assistance to plan, implement, and evaluate each component as described 
under Recipient Activities. Consultation and technical assistance may 
include, but not be limited to, the following areas:
    (i) Interpretation of current scientific literature related to 
epidemiology, statistics, surveillance, and other public health issues;
    (ii) Technical Assistance on the design and implementation of each 
program component such as surveillance, epidemiologic analysis, 
outbreak investigation, development of epidemiologic studies, 
development of disease control programs, and coordination of 
activities; and
    (iii) Technical Assistance on overall operational planning and 
program management.
    (2) Conduct routine site visits to TECs and/or coordinate TEC 
visits to IHS headquarters in order to assess work plans and ensure 
data security, confirm compliance with applicable laws and regulations, 
assess program activities, and to mutually resolve problems, as needed.
B. Grantee Cooperative Agreement Award Activities
    (1) Provide a work plan to accomplish tasks described under 
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion 
Activities in the Purpose section.
    (2) Succinctly and independently address and report on the 
requirements for each funding stream awarded under Recipient 
Activities. Specifically:
    (i) Colorectal Cancer Screening Among American Indians with 
Diabetes.
    (a) Submit documentation of approval for the study/project from all 
necessary Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) including IHS, CDC, and 
Tribal (if applicable) prior to initiation of any study involving human 
subjects.
    (b) Coordinate testing of an innovative, multilevel intervention to 
promote fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) among American Indian men 
and women of or over age 50 who have diabetes.
    (c) Coordinate testing of the intervention model for feasibility 
and effectiveness to be carried out by four Tribal health programs, 
should such programs agree to participate.
    (ii) Annual Cancer Survivorship Group Leadership Training.
    (a) Work plan must include the training objectives, trainers, and 
the utilization of GONA training methods. The work plan must include an 
outline of outreach efforts to Tribal communities across the United 
States, not just with the TEC's catchment area. The following should 
also be considered when planning the training:
     Based on a grassroots approach, an order of preference for 
Tribal community members attending the training would be cancer 
survivors, family members of cancer survivors, Tribal health care 
workers, and others. The selection will be further based on the 
intention of the attendee and their plans for use of the training in 
their community.
     To establish cancer support services in the Tribal 
community, it is suggested that two people from the same community 
attend the training together to assist each other in the future.
     To reach as many Tribal communities and members as 
possible, each training should be limited to new participants.
     Submit report describing the number of trainings that were 
conducted and how many participants attended each training.
     Submit registration forms of attendees and their contact 
information for use in updating list of previous attendees.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligibility

    Only current TEC grantees are eligible to apply for the competing 
supplemental funding under this announcement and must demonstrate that 
they have complied with previous terms and conditions of the TEC 
program.

    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 proof of non-profit status, etc.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

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

3. Other Requirements

    If application budgets exceed the highest dollar amount outlined 
under the Estimated Funds Available section within this funding 
announcement, the application will be considered ineligible and will 
not be reviewed for further consideration. If deemed ineligible, IHS 
will not return the application. The applicant will be notified by 
email by the Division of Grants Management (DGM) of this decision.

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 5 pages).
     Project Narrative (must be single-spaced and not exceed 10 
pages).

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    [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.
     Letters of Support from organization's Board of Directors.
     501(c)(3) Certificate (if applicable).
     Biographical sketches for all Key Personnel.
     Contractor or Consultant resumes or qualifications and 
scope of work.
     Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL).
     Certification Regarding Lobbying (GG-Lobbying Form).
     Copy of current Negotiated Indirect Cost rate (IDC) 
agreement (required in order to receive IDC).
     Organizational Chart (optional).
     Documentation of current Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) Financial Audit (if applicable).
    Acceptable forms of documentation include:
    [cir] Email confirmation from Federal Audit Clearinghouse (FAC) 
that audits were submitted; or
    [cir] Face sheets from audit reports. These can be found on the FAC 
website: 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 10 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 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 10 pages will be 
reviewed. The 10-page limit for the narrative does not include the work 
plan, standard forms, table of contents, budget, budget justifications, 
narratives, and/or other appendix items.
    There are three parts to the narrative: Part A--Program 
Information; Part B--Program Planning and Evaluation; and Part C--
Program Report. See below for additional details about what must be 
included in the narrative.
    The page limitations below are for each narrative and budget 
submitted.
Part A: Program Information (3 Pages)
Section 1: Introduction and Need for Assistance
    Must include the applicant's background information, a description 
of epidemiological service, epidemiological capacity and history of 
support for such activities. Applicants need to include current public 
health activities, what program services are currently being provided, 
and interactions with other public health authorities in the region 
(state, local, or Tribal).
Section 2: Organizational Capabilities
    The applicant must describe staff capabilities or hiring plans for 
the key personnel with appropriate expertise in epidemiology, health 
sciences, and program management. The applicant must also demonstrate 
access to specialized expertise such as a doctoral level epidemiologist 
and/or a biostatistician. Applicants must include an organizational 
chart, and provide position descriptions and biographical sketches of 
key personnel including consultants or contractors. The position 
description should clearly describe each position and its duties. 
Resume should indicate that proposed staff is qualified to carry out 
the project activities.
Section 3: User Population
    The number of AI/ANs served must be substantiated by documentation 
describing IHS user populations, United States Census Bureau data, 
clinical catchment data, or any method that is scientifically and 
epidemiologically valid.
Part B: Program Planning and Evaluation (5 Pages)
Section 1: Program Plans
    Applicant must include a workplan that describes program goals, 
objectives, activities, timeline, and responsible person for carrying 
out the objectives/activities. The applicant must specify which 
activities listed under the Grantee Cooperative Agreement Award 
Activities are proposed.
Section 2: Program Evaluation
    Applicant must define the criteria to be used to evaluate 
activities listed in the workplan under the Grantee Cooperative 
Agreement Award Activities. They must explain the methodology that will 
be used to determine if the needs identified for the objectives are 
being met and if the outcomes identified are being achieved and 
describe how evaluation findings will be disseminated to stakeholders.
Part C: Program Report (2 Pages)
    Section 1: Describe your organization's significant program 
activities and accomplishments over the past five years associated with 
the goals of this announcement.
    Section 2: Describe major activities over the last 24 months 
related to conducting applied research projects, training community 
health representatives, implementing quality improvement initiatives in 
IHS or Tribal healthcare facilities, and/or organizing cancer survivor 
group leadership trainings.
B. Budget Narrative (5 Pages)
    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 Daylight Time (EDT) on the Application Deadline Date 
listed in the Key Dates section on page one of this announcement. Any 
application received after the application deadline will not be 
accepted for processing, nor will it be given further consideration for 
funding. Grants.gov will notify the applicant via email if the 
application is rejected.
    If technical challenges arise and assistance is required with the 
electronic application process, contact Grants.gov Customer Support via 
email to [email protected] 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 
([email protected]), DGM Grant Systems Coordinator, by telephone at 
(301) 443-2114 or (301) 443-5204. Please 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.

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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 website to submit an application electronically 
and select the ``Search Grants'' link on the homepage. Follow the 
instructions for submitting an application under the Package tab. 
Electronic copies of the application may not be submitted as 
attachments to email messages addressed to IHS employees or offices.
Waiver Request
    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 
[email protected] with a copy to [email protected]. 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., EDT, on the Application Deadline Date listed in the Key 
Dates section on page one of this announcement. Late applications will 
not be accepted for processing or considered for funding. Applicants 
that do not adhere to the timelines for System for Award Management 
(SAM) and/or https://www.Grants.gov registration or that fail to request 
timely assistance with technical issues will not be considered for a 
waiver to submit a paper application.
    Please be aware of the following:
     Please search for the application package in https://www.Grants.gov by entering the CFDA number or the Funding Opportunity 
Number. Both numbers are located in the header of this announcement.
     If you experience technical challenges while submitting 
your application electronically, please contact Grants.gov Support 
directly at: [email protected] 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 Division of 
Epidemiology and Disease 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 website: https://www.ihs.gov/dgm/policytopics/.

V. Application Review Information

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

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adding up to a total of 100 points. A minimum score of 65 points is 
required for funding. Points are assigned as follows:

1. Criteria

A. Introduction and Need for Assistance (25 Points)
    (1) Describe the applicant's current public health activities, 
including programs or services currently provided, interactions with 
other public health authorities in the regions (state, local, or 
Tribal) and how long the organization has been operating. Specifically 
describe the organization's current capacity to conduct applied 
research projects, train community health representatives, implement 
quality improvement initiatives, and/or organize cancer survivor group 
leadership trainings and provide examples of implementing these 
activities.
    (2) Provide a physical location of the TEC and area to be served by 
the proposed program including a map (include the map in the 
attachments), and specifically describe the office space and how it is 
going to be paid for.
    (3) Describe the applicant's user population. The applicant must 
demonstrate AI/ANs will be served and must be substantiated by 
documentation describing IHS user populations, United States Census 
Bureau data, clinical catchment data, or any method that is 
scientifically and epidemiologically valid.
B. Project Objective(s), Work Plan and Approach (45 Points)
    (1) State in measurable and realistic terms the objectives and 
appropriate activities to achieve each objective for the projects under 
the Substantial Involvement Description for Cooperative Agreement, 
Section B. Grantee Cooperative Agreement Award Activities located on 
page 8.
    (2) Identify the expected results, benefits, and outcomes or 
products to be derived from each objective of the project.
    (3) Include a work-plan for each objective that indicates when the 
objectives and major activities will be accomplished and who will 
conduct the activities.
C. Program Evaluation (10 Points)
    (1) Define the criteria to be used to evaluate activities listed in 
the work-plan under the Substantial Involvement Description for 
Cooperative Agreement, Section B. Grantee Cooperative Agreement Award 
Activities located on page 8.
    (2) Explain the methodology that will be used to determine if the 
needs identified for the objectives are being met and if the outcomes 
identified are being achieved.
    (3) Describe how evaluation findings will be disseminated to 
stakeholders, including the Indian Health Service.
D. Organizational Capabilities, Key Personnel and Qualifications (15 
Points)
    (1) Explain both the management and administrative structure of the 
organization including documentation of current certified financial 
management systems from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, IHS, or a 
Certified Public Accountant and an updated organizational chart 
(include in appendix).
    (2) Describe the ability of the organization to manage a program of 
the proposed scope.
    (3) Provide position descriptions and biographical sketches of key 
personnel, including those of consultants or contractors in the 
Appendix. Position descriptions should very clearly describe each 
position and its duties, indicating desired qualification and 
experience requirements related to the project. Resumes should indicate 
that the proposed staff is qualified to carry out the project 
activities. Applicants with expertise in epidemiology will receive 
priority.
E. Categorical Budget and Budget Justification (5 Points)
    (1) The five points for Categorical Budget only applies to Year 1. 
Provide a line item budget and budget narrative for Year 1.
    (2) Provide a justification by line item in the budget including 
sufficient cost and other details to facilitate the determination of 
cost allowance and relevance of these costs to the proposed project. 
The funds requested should be appropriate and necessary for the scope 
of the project.
    (3) If use of consultants or contractors are proposed or 
anticipated, provide a detailed budget and scope of work that clearly 
defines the deliverables or outcomes anticipated.
    (4) Applicant is encouraged to submit a line item budget and budget 
narrative by category for years 2-3 as an appendix to show the three-
year plan of the proposal.
Multi-Year Project Requirements
    Projects requiring a second, or third year must include a brief 
project narrative and budget (one additional page per year) addressing 
the developmental plans for each additional year of the project.
Additional Documents Can be Uploaded as Appendix Items in Grants.gov
     Work plan, logic model and/or time line for proposed 
objectives.
     Position descriptions for key staff.
     Resumes of key staff that reflect current duties.
     Consultant or contractor proposed scope of work and letter 
of commitment (if applicable).
     Current Indirect Cost Agreement.
     Organizational chart.
     Map of area identifying project location(s).
     Additional documents to support narrative (i.e., data 
tables, key news articles, etc.).

2. Review and Selection

    Each application will be prescreened by the DGM staff for 
eligibility and completeness as outlined in the funding announcement. 
Applications that meet the eligibility criteria shall be reviewed for 
merit by the ORC based on evaluation criteria in this funding 
announcement. The ORC could be composed of both Tribal and Federal 
reviewers appointed by the 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, regarding 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

[[Page 40538]]

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 and project period.
Disapproved Applicants
    Applicants who received a score less than the recommended funding 
level for approval, 65, and were deemed to be disapproved by the ORC, 
will receive an Executive Summary Statement from the IHS program office 
within 30 days of the conclusion of the ORC outlining the strengths and 
weaknesses of their application. 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 retained by DGM for a 
period of one year. If additional funding becomes available during the 
course of FY 2018 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.
    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 the 
expiration of the period of performance.
B. Financial Reports
    Federal Financial Report (FFR or SF-425), Cash Transaction Reports 
are due 30 days after the close of every calendar quarter to the 
Payment Management Services, HHS at https://pms.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 period of performance is made up of more than one budget 
period) and where: (1) The period of performance start date was

[[Page 40539]]

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 
website 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/ 
or call (800) 368-1019 or TDD (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 or 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 website: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/forms/hhs-690.pdf, and send it directly to the: U.S. Department of Health and 
Human Services, Office of Civil Rights, 200 Independence Ave. SW, 
Washington, DC 20201.
E. Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System 
(FAPIIS)
    The IHS is required to review and consider any information about 
the applicant that is in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity 
Information System (FAPIIS) before making any award in excess of the 
simplified acquisition threshold (currently $150,000) over the period 
of performance. An applicant may review and comment on any information 
about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered. IHS 
will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to other 
information in FAPIIS in making a judgment about the applicant's 
integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal 
awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as 
described in 45 CFR 75.205.
    As required by 45 CFR part 75 Appendix XII of the Uniform Guidance, 
non-federal entities (NFEs) are required to disclose in FAPIIS any 
information about criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings, and/
or affirm that there is no new information to provide. This applies to 
NFEs that receive Federal awards (currently active grants, cooperative 
agreements, and procurement contracts) greater than $10,000,000 for any 
period of time during the period of performance of an award/project.
Mandatory Disclosure Requirements
    As required by 2 CFR part 200 of the Uniform Guidance, and the HHS 
implementing regulations at 45 CFR part 75, effective January 1, 2016, 
the 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, MD 20857, (Include ``Mandatory Grant 
Disclosures'' in subject line). Office: (301) 443-5204, Fax: (301) 594-
0899, Email: [email protected] 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: 
[email protected].
    Failure to make required disclosures can result in any of the 
remedies described in 45 CFR 75.371. Remedies for noncompliance, 
including suspension or debarment (See 2 CFR parts 180 and 376 and 31 
U.S.C. 3321).

VII. Agency Contacts

    1. Questions on the programmatic issues may be directed to: Lisa C. 
Neel, Public Health Advisor, Office of Public Health Support, Division 
of Epidemiology & Disease Prevention, Indian Health Service, 5600 
Fishers Lane, Mailstop: 09E17B, Rockville, MD 20857, Phone: (301) 443-
4305, Email: [email protected].
    2. Questions on grants management and fiscal matters may be 
directed to: John Hoffman, Senior Grants Management Specialist, 5600 
Fishers Lane, Mail Stop: 09E70, Rockville, MD 20857, Phone: (301) 443-
2116, Fax: (301) 594-0899, Email: [email protected].
    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: [email protected].

VIII. Other Information

    The Public Health Service strongly encourages all cooperative 
agreement and contract recipients to provide a

[[Page 40540]]

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: August 10, 2018.
Michael D. Weahkee,
RADM, Assistant Surgeon General, U.S. Public Health Service, Acting 
Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-17564 Filed 8-14-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4165-16-P