Domestic Violence Prevention: Forensic Healthcare Services, 60843-60850 [2021-24025]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
• Indian Health Service

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 211 (Thursday, November 4, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 60843-60850]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-24025]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service


Domestic Violence Prevention: Forensic Healthcare Services

    Announcement Type: New.
    Funding Announcement Number: HHS-2022-IHS-FHC-0001.
    Assistance Listing (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance or CFDA) 
Number: 93.653.

Key Dates

    Application Deadline Date: February 2, 2022.
    Earliest Anticipated Start Date: March 21, 2022.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Statutory Authority

    The Indian Health Service (IHS) is accepting applications for 
grants that will develop and/or expand Forensic Healthcare (FHC) 
services. This program was first established by the Omnibus 
Appropriations Act of 2009, Public Law 111-8, 123 Stat. 524, 735, as a 
component of the Domestic Violence Prevention Initiative, and continued 
in the annual appropriations acts since that time. This program is 
authorized under the Snyder Act, 25 U.S.C. 13; and the Indian Health 
Care Improvement Act, 25 U.S.C. 1665a, 1665m. This program is described 
in the Assistance Listings located at https://sam.gov/content/home 
(formerly known as Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance) under 
93.653.

Background

    The Division of Behavioral Health (DBH) serves as the primary 
source of national advocacy, policy development, management and 
administration of behavioral health, alcohol and substance abuse, and 
family violence prevention programs. Domestic and sexual violence 
including child maltreatment are a public health concern among the 
American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) population. American Indians and 
Alaska Natives experience high rates of sexual violence according to a 
2016 publication from the Department of Justice. Previously, forensic 
health care functions were funded under Purpose Area 2 of the Domestic 
Violence Prevention (DVP) program, formerly known as the Domestic 
Violence Prevention Initiative. This announcement separates forensic 
health care functions into a distinct program. The FHC program will 
address access to health care needed for AI/AN victims of domestic and 
sexual violence. The IHS supports comprehensive efforts to develop and/
or expand FHC services to provide treatment, intervention, and 
prevention in order to address the needs of victims impacted by 
domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, sexual exploitation/human 
trafficking, and child maltreatment. The FHC program is aligned with 
the national DVP goals, https://www.ihs.gov/dvpi/aboutdvp/.

Purpose

    The purpose of this IHS grant is to provide access to treatment for 
AI/AN victims of domestic and sexual violence by supporting the 
development of and/or expansion of FHC services that are culturally 
appropriate and trauma-informed. The intent is to impact FHC services 
in each IHS Area (provided by Tribes, Tribal organizations and Urban 
Indian organizations). This also includes promoting treatment, 
intervention, and prevention efforts for the social, spiritual, and 
emotional well-being of victims, including victims of child 
maltreatment. To address domestic and sexual violence, including 
victims of sexual exploitation/human trafficking, applicants are 
encouraged to use Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) and Sexual Assault 
Response Team (SART) approaches. Using these types of team approaches 
is crucial--especially among local, state, and Federal agencies that 
includes health care providers, law enforcement, child protective 
services, social services, legal services, domestic violence 
coalitions, behavioral health services, and victim advocacy. The MDT/
SART are community-based approaches in responding to sexual assault, 
intimate partner violence, and sexual abuse victims. Without the 
advantage of a team approach method, a program is more likely to fail. 
Improving collaboration through formal inter-agency agreements can 
improve the response time for sexual assault victims.

II. Award Information

Funding Instrument--Grant

Estimated Funds Available
    The total funding identified for fiscal year (FY) 2022 is 
approximately $2,500,000. Individual award amounts for the first budget 
year are anticipated to be $250,000. The funding available for 
competing and subsequent continuation awards issued under this 
announcement is subject to the availability of appropriations and 
budgetary priorities of the agency. The IHS is under no obligation to 
make awards that are selected for funding under this announcement.
Anticipated Number of Awards
    Approximately 10 awards will be issued under this program 
announcement with up to one award set aside for an eligible Urban 
Indian organization.
Period of Performance
    The period of performance is for 5 years.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligibility

    To be eligible for this new FY 2022 funding opportunity, applicants 
must be one of the following as defined by 25 U.S.C. 1603:
     A federally recognized Indian Tribe as defined by 25 
U.S.C. 1603(14). The term ``Indian Tribe'' means any Indian Tribe, 
band, nation, or other organized group or community, including any 
Alaska Native village or group, or regional or village corporation as 
defined in or established pursuant to the

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Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (85 Stat. 688) [43 U.S.C. 1601 et 
seq.], which is recognized as eligible for the special programs and 
services provided by the United States to Indians because of their 
status as Indians.
     A Tribal organization as defined by 25 U.S.C. 1603(26). 
The term ``Tribal organization'' has the meaning given the term in 
section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act 
(25 U.S.C. 5304(l)): ``Tribal organization'' means the recognized 
governing body of any Indian Tribe; any legally established 
organization of Indians which is controlled, sanctioned, or chartered 
by such governing body or which is democratically elected by the adult 
members of the Indian community to be served by such organization and 
which includes the maximum participation of Indians in all phases of 
its activities: Provided that, in any case where a contract is let or 
grant made to an organization to perform services benefiting more than 
one Indian Tribe, the approval of each such Indian Tribe shall be a 
prerequisite to the letting or making of such contract or grant. 
Applicant shall submit letters of support and/or Tribal Resolutions 
from the Tribes to be served.
     An Urban Indian organization, as defined by 25 U.S.C. 
1603(29). The term ``Urban Indian organization'' means a nonprofit 
corporate body situated in an urban center, governed by an urban Indian 
controlled board of directors, and providing for the maximum 
participation of all interested Indian groups and individuals, which 
body is capable of legally cooperating with other public and private 
entities for the purpose of performing the activities described in 25 
U.S.C. 1653(a). Applicants must provide proof of nonprofit status with 
the application, e.g., 501(c)(3).
    The program office will notify any applicants deemed ineligible.

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

    Applications with budget requests that exceed the highest dollar 
amount outlined under Section II Award Information, Estimated Funds 
Available, or exceed the period of performance outlined under the 
Section II Award Information, Period of Performance, are considered not 
responsive and will not be reviewed. The Division of Grants Management 
(DGM) will notify the applicant.

Additional Required Documentation

Tribal Resolution
    The DGM must receive an official, signed Tribal Resolution prior to 
issuing a Notice of Award (NoA) to any applicant selected for funding. 
An Indian Tribe or Tribal organization that is proposing a project 
affecting another Indian Tribe must include resolutions from all 
affected Tribes to be served. However, if an official, signed Tribal 
Resolution cannot be submitted with the application prior to the 
application deadline date, a draft Tribal Resolution must be submitted 
with the application by the deadline date in order for the application 
to be considered complete and eligible for review. The draft Tribal 
Resolution is not in lieu of the required signed resolution but is 
acceptable until a signed resolution is received. If an application 
without a signed Tribal Resolution is selected for funding, the 
applicant will be contacted by the Grants Management Specialist (GMS) 
listed in this funding announcement and given 90 days to submit an 
official, signed Tribal Resolution to the GMS. If the signed Tribal 
Resolution is not received within 90 days, the award will be forfeited.
    Tribes organized with a governing structure other than a Tribal 
council may submit an equivalent document commensurate with their 
governing organization.
Proof of Nonprofit Status
    Organizations claiming nonprofit status must submit a current copy 
of the 501(c)(3) Certificate with the application.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Obtaining Application Materials

    The application package and detailed instructions for this 
announcement are available at https://www.Grants.gov.
    Please direct questions regarding the application process to Mr. 
Paul Gettys at (301) 443-2114 or (301) 443-5204.

2. Content and Form Application Submission

    Mandatory documents for all applicants include:
     Abstract (one page) summarizing the project.
     Application forms:
    1. SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance.
    2. SF-424A, Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs.
    3. SF-424B, Assurances--Non-Construction Programs.
     Project Narrative (not to exceed 15 pages). See Section 
IV.2.A, Project Narrative, for additional instructions.
    1. Background information on the organization.
    2. Proposed scope of work, objectives, and activities that provide 
a description of what the applicant plans to accomplish.
     Budget Justification and Narrative (not to exceed four 
pages). See Section IV.2.B, Budget Narrative for instructions.
     Work plan with timeline, limit one page.
     Tribal Resolution(s) or Tribal Letter of Support (only 
required for Tribes and Tribal organizations).
     Letters of Commitment.
    1. For all applicants: From local organizational partners.
    2. For all applicants: From community partners.
    3. For Tribal organizations: From the board of directors (or 
relevant equivalent).
    4. For Urban Indian organizations: From the board of directors (or 
relevant equivalent).
     501(c)(3) Certificate where applicable.
     Biographical sketches for all Key Personnel.
     Contractor/Consultant resumes or qualifications and scope 
of work.
     Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL), if applicant 
conducts reportable lobbying.
     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.
    Acceptable forms of documentation include:
    1. Email confirmation from Federal Audit Clearinghouse (FAC) that 
audits were submitted; or
    2. Face sheets from audit reports. Applicants can find these on the 
FAC website at https://harvester.census.gov/facdissem/Main.aspx.
Public Policy Requirements
    All Federal public policies apply to IHS grants and cooperative 
agreements. Pursuant to 45 CFR 80.3(d), an individual shall not be 
deemed subjected to discrimination by reason of

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their exclusion from benefits limited by Federal law to individuals 
eligible for benefits and services from the IHS. See https://www.hhs.gov/grants/grants/grants-policies-regulations/.
Requirements for Project and Budget Narratives
A. Project Narrative
    This narrative should be a separate document that is no more than 
15 pages and must: (1) Have consecutively numbered pages; (2) use black 
font 12 points or larger; (3) be single-spaced; and (4) be formatted to 
fit standard letter paper (8\1/2\ x 11 inches).
    Be sure to succinctly answer all questions listed under the 
evaluation criteria (refer to Section V.1, Evaluation Criteria) and 
place all responses and required information in the correct section 
noted below or they will not be considered or scored. If the narrative 
exceeds the page limit, the application will be considered not 
responsive and not be reviewed. The 15-page limit for the narrative 
does not include the work plan with timeline, standard forms, Tribal 
Resolutions, budget, budget justifications, narratives, and/or other 
items or requested attachments.
    There are four parts to the Project Narrative:

Part 1--Statement of Need
Part 2--Program Plan
Part 3--Organizational Capacity
Part 4--Program Evaluation
Part 1: Statement of Need (Limit--2 Pages)
    The project narrative must include the statement of need that 
addresses the nature and scope of the problem (e.g., limited or no 
access to forensic health care). Refer to Section V.1.A, Evaluation 
Criteria--Statement of Need for details.
Part 2: Program Plan (Limit--9 Pages)
    Describe the proposed program plan, an outline of goal(s), proposed 
implementation of the required five objectives and activities. Refer to 
Section V.1.B, Evaluation Criteria--Program Plan for details.
Part 3: Organizational Capacity (Limit--2 Pages)
    Describe the applicant's management capability and experience in 
administering grants. Refer to Section V.1.C, Evaluation Criteria--
Organizational Capacity.
Part 4: Program Evaluation (Limit--2 Pages)
    Describe how you plan to collect data for the proposed project 
activities and identify what type of evaluation method will be used. 
Applicants are encouraged to partner with their Tribal Epidemiology 
Center (TEC) or Urban Epidemiology Center (for urban applicants) and 
should describe their plan for coordination and collaboration with the 
TEC. Refer to Section V.1.D, Evaluation Criteria--Program Evaluation.
B. Budget Narrative (Limit--4 Pages)
    Provide a budget narrative that explains the amounts requested for 
each line item of the budget from the SF-424A (Budget Information for 
Non-Construction Programs). The budget narrative document can include a 
more detailed spreadsheet than is provided by the SF-424A. The budget 
narrative should specifically describe how each item will support the 
achievement of proposed objectives. Be very careful about showing how 
each item in the ``Other'' category is justified. For subsequent budget 
years (see Multi-Year Project Requirements in Section V.1, Application 
Review Information, Evaluation Criteria), the narrative should 
highlight the changes from the first year or clearly indicate that 
there are no substantive budget changes during the period of 
performance. Do NOT use the budget narrative to expand the project 
narrative.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. 
Eastern Time on the Application Deadline Date. Any application received 
after the application deadline will not be accepted for review. 
Grants.gov will notify the applicant via email if the application is 
rejected.
    If technical challenges arise and assistance is required with the 
application process, contact Grants.gov Customer Support (see contact 
information at https://www.grants.gov). If problems persist, contact 
Mr. Paul Gettys ([email protected]), Acting Director, DGM, by 
telephone at (301) 443-2114 or (301) 443-5204. Please be sure to 
contact Mr. Gettys at least 10 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.
    The IHS will not acknowledge receipt of applications.

4. Intergovernmental Review

    Executive Order 12372 requiring intergovernmental review is not 
applicable to this program.

5. Funding Restrictions

     Pre-award costs are allowable up to 90 days before the 
start date of the award provided the costs are otherwise allowable if 
awarded. Pre-award costs are incurred at the risk of the applicant.
     The available funds are inclusive of direct and indirect 
costs.
     Only one grant will be awarded per applicant.

6. Electronic Submission Requirements

    All applications must be submitted via Grants.gov. Please use the 
https://www.Grants.gov website to submit an application. Find the 
application by selecting the ``Search Grants'' link on the homepage. 
Follow the instructions for submitting an application under the Package 
tab. No other method of application submission is acceptable.
    If the applicant cannot submit an application through Grants.gov, a 
waiver must be requested. Prior approval must be requested and obtained 
from Mr. Paul Gettys, Acting Director, DGM. A written waiver request 
must be sent to [email protected] with a copy to 
[email protected]. The waiver request must: (1) Be documented in 
writing (emails are acceptable) before submitting an application by 
some other method, and (2) include clear justification for the need to 
deviate from the required application submission process.
    Once the waiver request has been approved, the applicant will 
receive a confirmation of approval email containing submission 
instructions. A copy of the written approval must be included with the 
application that is submitted to the DGM. Applications that are 
submitted without a copy of the signed waiver from the Acting Director 
of the DGM will not be reviewed. The Grants Management Officer of the 
DGM will notify the applicant via email of this decision.
    Applications submitted under waiver must be received by the DGM no 
later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the Application Deadline Date. 
Late applications will not be accepted for processing. Applicants that 
do not register for both the System for Award Management (SAM) and 
Grants.gov and/or fail to request timely assistance with technical 
issues will not be considered for a waiver to submit an application via 
alternative method.
    Please be aware of the following:
     Please search for the application package in https://www.Grants.gov by entering the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number or the 
Funding Opportunity Number. Both numbers are located in the header of 
this announcement.

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     If you experience technical challenges while submitting 
your application, please contact Grants.gov Customer Support (see 
contact information at https://www.Grants.gov).
     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 20 
working days.
     Please follow the instructions on Grants.gov to include 
additional documentation that may be requested by this funding 
announcement.
     Applicants must comply with any page limits described in 
this funding announcement.
     After submitting the application, the applicant will 
receive an automatic acknowledgment from Grants.gov that contains a 
Grants.gov tracking number. The IHS will not notify the applicant that 
the application has been received.
Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)
    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 
that uniquely identifies each entity. The DUNS number is site specific; 
therefore, each distinct performance site may be assigned a DUNS 
number. Obtaining a DUNS number is easy, and there is no charge. To 
obtain a DUNS number, please access the request service through https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform, or call (866) 705-5711.
    The Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006, as 
amended (``Transparency Act''), requires all HHS recipients 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 are not registered with SAM must have a DUNS 
number first, then access the SAM online registration through the SAM 
home page at https://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). Please 
see SAM.gov for details on the registration process and timeline. 
Registration with the SAM is free of charge but can take several weeks 
to process. Applicants may register online at https://sam.gov.
    Additional information on implementing the Transparency Act, 
including the specific requirements for DUNS and SAM, are available on 
the DGM Grants Management, Policy Topics web page at https://www.ihs.gov/dgm/policytopics/.

V. Application Review Information

    Possible points assigned to each section are noted in parentheses. 
The project narrative and budget narrative should include only the 
first year of activities; information for multi-year projects should be 
included as a separate document. See ``Multi-year Project 
Requirements'' at the end of this section for more information. The 
project narrative 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. 
Attachments requested in the criteria do not count toward the page 
limit for the narratives. Points will be assigned to each evaluation 
criteria adding up to a total of 100 possible points. Points are 
assigned as follows:

1. Evaluation Criteria

A. Statement of Need (20 Points)
    The project narrative must include a statement of need that 
describes the background knowledge and context on the issue of the 
problem (e.g., limited and/or lack of access to care for victims of AI/
AN) affected by domestic and sexual violence, including children, and 
victims of sexual exploitation/human trafficking. The applicant should 
use data to provide evidence that the problem exits, describe the size 
of the problem, and the effects of the problem on the target 
population. The data documenting need may come from a variety of 
qualitative and quantitative sources. Examples of data sources to be 
included are local epidemiologic data from Trends in Indian Health and 
State data, national data from My Tribal Area by the U.S Census Bureau; 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports; Department of 
Justice; and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 
National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
    1. Describe the needs and conditions of your priority population.
    2. Describe the need to support the development of and/or expansion 
of FHC services.
    3. Provide demographics of the community (e.g., race, ethnicity, 
federally recognized Tribe, language, age, socioeconomic status, and 
other relevant factors, such as literacy).
    4. Provide incidence and prevalence rates on domestic and sexual 
violence including children.
    5. Describe the existing service gaps, barriers, and other systemic 
challenges related to the need for program planning and capacity 
building.
B. Program Plan (35 Points)
    Using the five objectives, describe the purpose of the proposed 
program plan in the narrative, a work plan, and timeline that clearly 
outlines the goal(s), five objectives, and activities.
    Objective 1: Strengthen or increase access to quality medical 
Forensic Healthcare to victims of domestic and sexual violence 
including children.
    1. Describe your plan to create a MDT and SART team from local, 
state, and Federal agencies that includes health care providers, law 
enforcement, child protective services, social service, legal service, 
coalitions, behavioral health, and victim advocacy.
    2. Describe your plan to establish health system policies for 
sexual assault and domestic violence, including child maltreatment, and 
sexual exploitation/human trafficking.
    3. Describe your plan to incorporate culturally-sensitive screening 
processes and trauma-informed forensic examinations.
    4. Describe your plan to create a quality assessment and 
performance improvement mechanism to provide professional review of 
service quality.
    Objective 2: Foster coalitions and networks to improve coordination 
and collaboration among partners to ensure adequate services exist 
either on-site or by referral for victims of domestic and sexual 
violence, sexual exploitation/human trafficking, and child maltreatment 
24 hours per day/7 days per week year round.
    1. Describe your plan to create a MDT and SART team to ensure 
adequate services exist either on-site or by referral for victims of 
domestic and sexual violence 24/7 year round.
    2. Describe your plan to establish partnerships among local, state, 
and Federal agencies to strengthen the system of care.
    Objective 3: Promote education, training, and community resources.

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    1. Describe your plan to raise awareness about availability of 
forensic examination and the benefits of examinations for sexual 
assault, sexual abuse, and intimate partner violence examinations.
    2. Describe your plan to train health care workforce at the systems 
level and support initial and ongoing forensic examiner education 
(e.g., intimate partner violence, strangulation, trauma-informed care, 
traumatic brain injury, sexual assault, child maltreatment, elder 
abuse, sexual exploitation/human trafficking).
    3. Describe the project plan to identify and disseminate relevant 
local resources and information to be shared with victims and/or local 
partners regarding seeking services that require immediate attention 
(e.g., care coordination services that increase access to timely 
forensic examination services, including follow-up visits, and access 
to HIV, STD, pregnancy prophylaxis, and aftercare services).
    4. Describe your plan to create public health messages about access 
and availability of forensic health care services being offered using 
the following resources: Radio; TV; billboards; advertisements; patient 
education brochures; and social media.
    5. Describe how your project will increase educational awareness 
and services that address Missing and Murdered AI/ANs, including 
support services for family members of victims (e.g., community support 
groups, trainings on ambiguous and traumatic loss, and community-based 
trainings that highlight at-risk groups and protection and prevention 
activities).
    Objective 4: Integrate at least one program/intervention that is an 
evidence-based practice, or known as a promising practice, and may be 
integrated or coordinated with traditional practices and/or faith-based 
services to facilitate the social and emotional well-being of victims 
and their families.
    1. Describe your chosen practice that is appropriate to achieve the 
desired outcomes.
    2. Describe your plan to modify/adapt your proposed practice to 
meet the goal(s) and objectives of the project and why changes will 
improve the outcomes.
    3. Describe your training needs or plans to successfully implement 
the proposed practice.
    Objective 5: Develop a process and a formal plan for sustainability 
of these objectives and activities beyond the life of this grant.
    1. Describe your plan for sustainability of these objectives and 
activities beyond the life of the grant.
C. Organizational Capacity and Staffing/Administration (15 Points)
    1. Describe your management's capability and experience in 
administering grants and projects, and identify your department/
division that will administer this project.
    2. Describe your experience in creating and implementing a MDT and 
SART team to expand FHC services.
    3. Describe your program's experience and capacity to provide FHC 
services to the community.
    4. Describe the resources available for your proposed project 
(e.g., facilities, equipment, information technology systems, and 
financial management systems).
    5. Describe how your project continuity will be maintained if/when 
there is a change in the operational environment (e.g., staff turnover, 
change in project leadership, change in elected officials) to ensure 
project stability over the life of the grant.
    6. Describe the staff positions showing the role and level of 
effort (percent) committed for each position. Forensic health care 
services require a coordinated response, however successful grant 
applicants should identify and include a position description for the 
project lead/full-time coordinator who will serve as the primary point 
of contact. For example, if the project lead also serves as the 
forensic nurse examiner, please indicate the expected percent of time 
that will be committed to grant objectives and outcomes. Include a 
biographical sketch for those individuals in key positions that are 
identified and currently on staff. Each biographical sketch should not 
exceed one page and should be submitted as Other Attachments. Do not 
include any of the following in the biographical sketch:
     Personally Identifiable Information (i.e., SSN, home 
address, etc.);
     Resumes; or
     Curriculum Vitae.
D. Program Evaluation (20 Points)
    Program Evaluation will require grantee submission of annual 
progress reports through a web-based Behavioral Health Reporting portal 
system. Applicants are expected to collect data within their 
communities on prevalence rates of domestic violence, sexual assault, 
sexual exploitation/human trafficking, and child maltreatment. Progress 
reports will include the compilation of quantitative data (e.g., number 
served; screenings completed, etc.) and qualitative or narrative (text) 
data. Reporting elements may include data from local community-based 
and evidence-based programs pertaining to activities, processes, and 
outcomes such as performance measures and other data relevant to 
evaluation outcomes including intended results (i.e., impact and 
outcomes).
    In addition to the annual progress reports, the IHS will compile 
and provide aggregate program statistics including associated service 
unit-level Government Performance Results Act (GPRA) health care 
facility data available in the National Data Warehouse. Each applicant 
should prioritize screening efforts as an effective tool in identifying 
women at risk of domestic violence so that these individuals can be 
referred for appropriate services. Therefore, the IHS will monitor and 
collect available service unit GPRA data reporting the proportion of 
AI/AN women ages 14-46 who have been screened for domestic violence/
intimate partner violence for all health care facilities associated 
with the awardee. For additional information regarding the IHS GPRA, 
see https://www.ihs.gov/crs/gprareporting/. Comprehensive information 
about CRS software and logic is available at https://www.ihs.gov/crs/.
    1. Describe your plan on gathering data, including data related to 
evidence-based programs and interventions proposed, how variables will 
be measured and what method will be used, and how the data will be used 
for quality improvement and sustainability of program.
    2. Describe your plan on collaborating with your regional TEC to 
complete evaluation efforts.
    3. Describe how you will prioritize screening efforts as a tool in 
identifying AI/AN women ages 14-46 who are at risk for intimate partner 
violence/domestic violence (IPV/DV) so that these individuals can be 
referred for appropriate services and data can be collected for IHS 
GPRA measures related to IPV/DV.
    4. Describe how you will prioritize screening efforts as a tool in 
identifying AI/AN who are at risk for sexual exploitation/human 
trafficking so that these individuals can be referred for appropriate 
services.
    5. Describe your plan to establish necessary data-sharing 
agreements that will be used in support of these activities.
    6. Describe your plan to collect data on number of examinations and 
refusals, screening for strangulation and traumatic brain injuries, and 
sexual exploitation/human trafficking.

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E. Budget and Budget Narrative (10 Points)
    The budget must match the program and work plan described in the 
program narrative for the first budget year expenses only.
    1. Create a budget narrative and a line item budget that are 
aligned with your goal(s), objectives, and activities listed in the 
program and work plan described in the project narrative for Year 1.
    2. Include travel funds for your project director and coordinator 
to attend the first grantee meeting.
Multi-Year Project Requirements
    Applications must include a brief project narrative and budget (one 
additional page per year) addressing the developmental plans for each 
additional year of the project. This attachment will not count as part 
of the project narrative or the budget narrative.
    Additional documents can be uploaded as Other Attachments in 
Grants.gov. These can include:
     Work plan, timeline, and logic model for the program plan.
     Position descriptions for key staff.
     Consultant or contractor proposed scope of work and letter 
of commitment (if applicable).
     Current Indirect Cost Rate Agreement.
     Organizational chart.
     Abstract.
     Map of area identifying project location(s).

2. Review and Selection

    Each application will be prescreened for eligibility and 
completeness as outlined in the funding announcement. Applications that 
meet the eligibility criteria shall be reviewed for merit by the 
Objective Review Committee (ORC) based on evaluation criteria. 
Incomplete applications and applications that are not responsive to the 
administrative thresholds (budget limit, project period limit) will not 
be referred to the ORC and will not be funded. The applicant will be 
notified of this determination.
    Applicants must address all program requirements and provide all 
required documentation.

3. Notifications of Disposition

    All applicants will receive an Executive Summary Statement from the 
IHS DBH 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 Authorizing Official identified on the face page 
(SF-424) of the application.
A. Award Notices for Funded Applications
    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. 
Each entity approved for funding must have a user account in 
GrantSolutions in order to retrieve the NoA. Please see the Agency 
Contacts list in Section VII for the systems contact information.
B. Approved but Unfunded Applications
    Approved applications not funded due to lack of available funds 
will be held for one year. If funding becomes available during the 
course of the year, the application may be reconsidered.

    Note: Any correspondence other than the official NoA executed 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 the IHS.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Administrative Requirements

    Awards issued under this announcement are subject to, and 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, Cost Principles, and 
Audit Requirements for HHS Awards currently in effect or implemented 
during the period of award, other Department regulations and policies 
in effect at the time of award, and applicable statutory provisions. At 
the time of publication, this includes 45 CFR part 75, at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2020-title45-vol1/pdf/CFR-2020-title45-vol1-part75.pdf.
     Please review all HHS regulatory provisions for 
Termination at 45 CFR 75.372, at https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp&;SID=2970eec67399fab1413ede53d7895d99&mc=true&
;n=pt45.1.75&r=PART&ty=HTML&se45.1.75_1372#se45.1.75_1372.
    C. Grants Policy:
     HHS Grants Policy Statement, Revised January 2007, at 
https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/grants/grants/policies-regulations/hhsgps107.pdf.
    D. Cost Principles:
     Uniform Administrative Requirements for HHS Awards, ``Cost 
Principles,'' at 45 CFR part 75 subpart E.
    E. Audit Requirements:
     Uniform Administrative Requirements for HHS Awards, 
``Audit Requirements,'' at 45 CFR part 75 subpart F.
    F. As of August 13, 2020, 2 CFR 200 was updated to include a 
prohibition on certain telecommunications and video surveillance 
services or equipment. This prohibition is described in 2 CFR 200.216. 
This will also be described in the terms and conditions of every IHS 
grant and cooperative agreement awarded on or after August 13, 2020.

2. Indirect Costs

    This section applies to all recipients that request reimbursement 
of indirect costs (IDC) in their application budget. In accordance with 
HHS Grants Policy Statement, Part II-27, the IHS requires applicants to 
obtain a current IDC rate agreement and submit it to the DGM prior to 
the DGM issuing an 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 agreement 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 agreement is 
provided to the DGM.
    Per 45 CFR 75.414(f) Indirect (F&A) costs, ``any non-Federal entity 
(NFE) [i.e., applicant] that has never received a negotiated indirect 
cost rate, . . . may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10 percent of 
modified total direct costs which may be used indefinitely. As 
described in Section 75.403, costs must be consistently charged as 
either indirect or direct costs, but may not be double charged or 
inconsistently charged as both. If chosen, this methodology once 
elected must be used consistently for all Federal awards until such 
time as the NFE chooses to negotiate for a rate, which the NFE may 
apply to do at any time.''
    Electing to charge a de minimis rate of 10 percent only applies to 
applicants that have never received an approved negotiated indirect 
cost rate from HHS or another cognizant federal agency. Applicants 
awaiting approval of their indirect cost proposal may request the 10 
percent de minimis rate. When the applicant chooses this method, costs 
included in the indirect cost pool must

[[Page 60849]]

not be charged as direct costs to the grant.
    Available funds are inclusive of direct and appropriate indirect 
costs. Approved indirect funds are awarded as part of the award amount, 
and no additional funds will be provided.
    Generally, IDC rates for IHS grantees are negotiated with the 
Division of Cost Allocation at https://rates.psc.gov/ or the Department 
of the Interior (Interior Business Center) at https://ibc.doi.gov/ICS/tribal. 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.

3. 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 the imposition of special award 
provisions and/or 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 awardee organization 
or the individual responsible for preparation of the reports. Per DGM 
policy, all reports must 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. The progress 
reports are due within 30 days after the reporting period ends 
(specific dates will be listed in the NoA Terms and Conditions). 
Progress reports are required to be submitted via the IHS behavioral 
health online data portal and GrantSolutions. 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, in 
addition to other information requested by the DBH. A final report must 
be submitted within 90 days of expiration of the period of performance.
B. Financial Reports
    Federal Cash Transaction Reports are due 30 days after the close of 
every calendar quarter to the Payment Management Services at https://pms.psc.gov. Failure to submit timely reports may result in adverse 
award actions blocking access to funds.
    Federal Financial Reports are due 30 days after the end of each 
budget period, and a final report is due 90 days after the end of the 
period of performance.
    Grantees are responsible and accountable for reporting accurate 
information on all required reports: The Progress Reports, the Federal 
Cash Transaction Report, and the Federal Financial Report.
C. Data Collection and Reporting
    Program Evaluation will require grantee submission of annual 
progress reports through a web-based Behavioral Health Reporting portal 
system. Applicants are expected to collect data within their 
communities on prevalence rates of domestic violence, sexual assault, 
and child maltreatment. Progress reports will include the compilation 
of quantitative data (e.g., number served, screenings completed, etc.) 
and qualitative or narrative (text) data. Reporting elements may 
include data from local community-based and evidence-based programs 
pertaining to activities, processes, and outcomes, such as performance 
measures and other data relevant to evaluation outcomes including 
intended results (i.e., impact and outcomes).
    In addition to the annual progress reports, the IHS will compile 
and provide aggregate program statistics including associated service 
unit GPRA health care facility data available in the National Data 
Warehouse. Each applicant should prioritize screening efforts as an 
effective tool in identifying women at risk of domestic violence so 
that these individuals can be referred for appropriate services. 
Therefore, the IHS will monitor and collect available service unit GPRA 
data reporting the proportion of AI/AN women ages 14-46 who have been 
screened for domestic violence/intimate partner violence for all health 
care facilities associated with the community awarded. For additional 
information regarding the IHS GPRA, see https://www.ihs.gov/crs/gprareporting/. Comprehensive information about CRS software and logic 
is available at https://www.ihs.gov/crs/.
D. Federal Sub-Award Reporting System (FSRS)
    This award may be subject to the Transparency Act sub-award and 
executive compensation reporting requirements of 2 CFR part 170.
    The Transparency Act requires the OMB to establish a single 
searchable database, accessible to the public, with information on 
financial assistance awards made by Federal agencies. The Transparency 
Act also includes a requirement for recipients of Federal grants to 
report information about first-tier sub-awards and executive 
compensation under Federal assistance awards.
    The 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 threshold met for any specific 
reporting period.
    For the full IHS award term implementing this requirement and 
additional award applicability information, visit the DGM Grants 
Management website at https://www.ihs.gov/dgm/policytopics/.
E. Compliance With Executive Order 13166 Implementation of Services 
Accessibility Provisions for All Grant Application Packages and Funding 
Opportunity Announcements
    Should you successfully compete for an award, recipients of Federal 
financial assistance (FFA) from HHS must administer their programs in 
compliance with Federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination 
on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age and, in 
some circumstances, religion, conscience, and sex (including gender 
identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy). This includes ensuring 
programs are accessible to persons with limited English proficiency and 
persons with disabilities. The HHS Office for Civil Rights provides 
guidance on complying with civil rights laws enforced by HHS. Please 
see https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-providers/provider-obligations/ and https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/nondiscrimination/.
     Recipients of FFA must ensure that their programs are 
accessible to persons with limited English proficiency. For guidance on 
meeting your legal obligation to take reasonable steps to ensure 
meaningful access to your programs or activities by limited English 
proficiency individuals, see https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-
individuals/special-topics/limited-

[[Page 60850]]

english-proficiency/fact-sheet-guidance/ and https://www.lep.gov.
     For information on your specific legal obligations for 
serving qualified individuals with disabilities, including reasonable 
modifications and making services accessible to them, see https://www.hhs.gov/ocr/civilrights/understanding/disability/.
     HHS funded health and education programs must be 
administered in an environment free of sexual harassment. See https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/sex-discrimination/.
     For guidance on administering your program in compliance 
with applicable Federal religious nondiscrimination laws and applicable 
Federal conscience protection and associated anti-discrimination laws, 
see https://www.hhs.gov/conscience/conscience-protections/ 
and https://www.hhs.gov/conscience/religious-freedom/.
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 FAPIIS at https://www.fapiis.gov before 
making any award in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold 
(currently $250,000) over the period of performance. An applicant may 
review and comment on any information about itself that a Federal 
awarding agency previously entered. The 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, 
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, the IHS must require an NFE 
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.
    All applicants and recipients must disclose in writing, in a timely 
manner, 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: Paul Gettys, Acting 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/ (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 part 180 and 2 CFR part 
376).

VII. Agency Contacts

    1. Questions on the programmatic issues may be directed to: Audrey 
Solimon, Public Health Analyst, Indian Health Service, Division of 
Behavioral Health, 5600 Fishers Lane, Mail Stop: 08N34-A, Rockville, MD 
20857, Phone: (301) 590-5421, Fax: (301) 594-6213, Email: 
[email protected].
    2. Questions on grants management and fiscal matters may be 
directed to: Andrew Diggs, Grants Management Specialist, DGM, Indian 
Health Service, Division of Grants Management, 5600 Fishers Lane, Mail 
Stop: 09E70, Rockville, MD 20857, Phone: (301) 443-2241, Email: 
[email protected].
    3. Questions on systems matters may be directed to: Paul Gettys, 
Acting Director, DGM, Indian Health Service, Division of Grants 
Management, 5600 Fishers Lane, Mail Stop: 09E70, Rockville, MD 20857, 
Phone: (301) 443-2114; or the DGM main line (301) 443-5204, Email: 
[email protected].

VIII. Other Information

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

Elizabeth A. Fowler,
Acting Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-24025 Filed 11-3-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165-16-P