Tribal Self-Governance Planning Cooperative Agreement Program, 24196-24202 [2023-08201]
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24196
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 75 / Wednesday, April 19, 2023 / Notices
As part of the recordkeeping
requirements, certain provisions in part
1271 require the disclosure of
information to third parties, particularly
as it pertains to the distribution of HCT/
Ps. We estimate a proportion of the
respondents to the information
collection (1,611) will incur burden
resulting from these disclosures and
have therefore accounted for burden
that may be attributable to these distinct
activities.
Our estimated burden for the
information collection reflects an
overall reduction of 150,137 hours and
347,843 responses annually, which
corresponds to a decrease in the number
HCT/P establishments and a decrease in
the number HCT/Ps distributed since
our last evaluation.
Dated: April 14, 2023.
Lauren K. Roth,
Associate Commissioner for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2023–08277 Filed 4–18–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4164–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
Indian Health Service
Tribal Self-Governance Planning
Cooperative Agreement Program
Announcement Type: New.
Funding Announcement Number:
[HHS–2023–IHS–TSGP–0001].
Assistance Listing (Catalog of Federal
Domestic Assistance or CFDA) Number:
93.444.
Key Dates
Application Deadline Date: June 20,
2023.
Earliest Anticipated Start Date: July
18, 2023.
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I. Funding Opportunity Description
Statutory Authority
The Indian Health Service (IHS) is
accepting applications for cooperative
agreements for the Tribal SelfGovernance Planning Cooperative
Agreement Program. This program is
authorized under the Snyder Act, 25
U.S.C. 13; the Transfer Act, 42 U.S.C.
2001(a); and Title V of the Indian SelfDetermination and Education
Assistance Act (ISDEAA), 25 U.S.C.
5383(e). The Assistance Listings section
of SAM.gov (https://same.gov/content/
home) describes this program under
93.444.
Background
The Tribal Self-Governance Program
(TSGP) is more than an IHS program; it
is an expression of the Government-to-
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Government relationship between the
United States (U.S.) and Indian Tribes.
Through the TSGP, Tribes negotiate
with the IHS to assume Programs,
Services, Functions, and Activities
(PSFAs), or portions thereof, which
gives Tribes the authority to manage and
tailor health care programs in a manner
that best fits the needs of their
communities.
Participation in the TSGP affords
Tribes the most flexibility to tailor their
health care needs by choosing one of
three ways to obtain health care from
the Federal Government for their
citizens. Specifically, Tribes can choose
to: (1) receive health care services
directly from the IHS; (2) contract with
the IHS to administer individual
programs and services the IHS would
otherwise provide (referred to as Title I
Self-Determination Contracting); and (3)
compact with the IHS to assume control
over health care programs the IHS
would otherwise provide (referred to as
Title V Self-Governance Compacting or
the TSGP). These options are not
exclusive and Tribes may choose to
combine options based on their
individual needs and circumstances.
The TSGP is a tribally-driven
initiative and strong Federal-Tribal
partnerships are essential to the
program’s success. The IHS established
the Office of Tribal Self-Governance
(OTSG) to implement the SelfGovernance authorities under the
ISDEAA. The primary OTSG functions
are to: (1) serve as the primary liaison
and advocate for Tribes participating in
the TSGP; (2) develop, direct, and
implement TSGP policies and
procedures; (3) provide information and
technical assistance to Self-Governance
Tribes; and (4) advise the IHS Director
on compliance with TSGP policies,
regulations, and guidelines. Each IHS
Area has an Agency Lead Negotiator
(ALN), designated by the IHS Director to
act on his or her behalf, who has
authority to negotiate Self-Governance
Compacts and Funding Agreements.
Tribes interested in participating in the
TSGP should contact their respective
ALN to begin the Self-Governance
planning and negotiation process.
Tribes currently participating in the
TSGP that are interested in expanding
existing or adding new PSFAs should
also contact their respective ALN to
discuss the best methods for expanding
or adding new PSFAs.
Purpose
The purpose of this Planning
Cooperative Agreement is to provide
resources to Tribes interested in
entering the TSGP and to existing SelfGovernance Tribes interested in
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assuming new or expanded PSFAs. Title
V of the ISDEAA requires a Tribe or
Tribal organization (T/TO) to complete
a planning phase to the satisfaction of
the Tribe. The planning phase must
include legal and budgetary research
and internal Tribal government
planning and organizational preparation
relating to the administration of health
care programs. See 25 U.S.C. 5383(d).
The planning phase is critical to
negotiations and helps Tribes make
informed decisions about which PSFAs
to assume and what organizational
changes or modifications are necessary
to successfully support those PSFAs. A
thorough planning phase improves
timeliness and efficient negotiations and
ensures that the Tribe is fully prepared
to assume the transfer of IHS PSFAs to
the Tribal health program.
A Planning Cooperative Agreement is
not a prerequisite to enter the TSGP and
a Tribe may use other resources to meet
the planning requirement. Tribes that
receive Planning Cooperative
Agreements are not obligated to
participate in the TSGP and may choose
to delay or decline participation based
on the outcome of their planning
activities. This also applies to existing
Self-Governance Tribes exploring the
option to expand their current PSFAs or
assume additional PSFAs.
II. Award Information
Funding Instrument—Cooperative
Agreement
Estimated Funds Available
The total funding identified for fiscal
year (FY) 2023 is approximately
$900,000. Individual award amounts are
anticipated to be $180,000. The funding
available for competing 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
The IHS anticipates issuing
approximately five awards under this
program announcement.
Period of Performance
The period of performance is for 1
year.
Cooperative Agreement
Cooperative agreements awarded by
the Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS) are administered under
the same policies as grants. However,
the funding agency, IHS, is anticipated
to have substantial programmatic
involvement in the project during the
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entire period of performance. Below is
a detailed description of the level of
involvement required of the IHS.
Substantial Agency Involvement
Description for Cooperative Agreement
A. Provide descriptions of PSFAs and
associated funding at all organizational
levels (service unit, area, and
headquarters) including funding
formulas and methodologies related to
determining Tribal shares.
B. Meet with Planning Cooperative
Agreement recipients to provide
program information and discuss
methods currently used to manage and
deliver health care.
C. Identify and provide statutes,
regulations, and policies that provide
authority for administering IHS
programs.
D. Provide technical assistance on the
IHS budget, Tribal shares, and other
topics as needed.
III. Eligibility Information
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1. Eligibility
To be eligible for this opportunity,
applicant must meet the following
criteria:
• Applicant must be an ‘‘Indian
Tribe’’ as defined in 25 U.S.C. 5304(e);
a ‘‘Tribal Organization’’ as defined in 25
U.S.C. 5304(l); or an ‘‘Inter-Tribal
Consortium’’ as defined at 42 CFR
137.10. Please note that Tribes
prohibited from contracting pursuant to
the ISDEAA are not eligible. See section
424(a) of the Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2014, Public Law
113–76, as amended by section 445 of
the Consolidated Appropriations Act,
2023, Public Law 117–328.
• Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 5383(c)(1)(B),
applicant must request participation in
self-governance by resolution or other
official action by the governing body of
each Indian Tribe to be served. Note: If
the applicant has already successfully
completed the planning phase required
and requested participation in the IHS
Tribal Self-Governance Program by
official Tribal action, then the applicant
is not eligible for this funding
opportunity.
• Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 5383(c)(1)(C),
applicant must demonstrate financial
stability and financial management
capability for 3 fiscal years.
Meeting the eligibility criteria for a
Planning Cooperative Agreement does
not mean that a T/TO is eligible for
participation in the IHS TSGP under
title V of the ISDEAA. See 25 U.S.C.
5383, 42 CFR 137.15–23. For additional
information on the eligibility for the IHS
TSGP, please visit the ‘‘Eligibility and
Funding’’ page on the OTSG website
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located at https://www.ihs.gov/
SelfGovernance.
The Division of Grants Management
(DGM) will notify any applicants
deemed ineligible.
2. Additional Information on Eligibility
The IHS does not fund concurrent
projects. If an applicant is successful
under this announcement, any
subsequent applications in response to
other Tribal Self-Governance Planning
Cooperative Agreement Program
announcements from the same applicant
will not be funded. Applications on
behalf of individuals (including sole
proprietorships) and foreign
organizations are not eligible and will
be disqualified from competitive review
and funding under this funding
opportunity.
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.
3. Cost Sharing or Matching
The IHS does not require matching
funds or cost sharing for grants or
cooperative agreements.
4. 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 Section II Award
Information, Period of Performance, are
considered not responsive and will not
be reviewed. The 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 T/TO
selected for funding. An applicant 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
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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.
Applicants organized with a
governing structure other than a Tribal
council may submit an equivalent
document commensurate with their
governing organization.
IV. Application and Submission
Information
Grants.gov uses a Workspace model
for accepting applications. The
Workspace consists of several online
forms and three forms in which to
upload documents—Project Narrative,
Budget Narrative, and Other Documents.
Give your files brief descriptive names.
The filenames are key in finding
specific documents during the merit
review and in processing awards.
Upload all requested and optional
documents individually, rather than
combining them into a single file.
Creating a single file creates confusion
when trying to find specific documents.
Such confusion can contribute to delays
in processing awards, and could lead to
lower scores during the merit review.
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 DGM@ihs.gov.
2. Content and Form Application
Submission
Mandatory documents for all
applicants include:
• Application forms:
1. SF–424, Application for Federal
Assistance.
2. SF–424A, Budget Information—
Non-Construction Programs.
3. SF–424B, Assurances—NonConstruction Programs.
4. Project Abstract Summary form.
• Project Narrative (not to exceed 10
pages). See Section IV.2.A, Project
Narrative for instructions.
• Budget Narrative (not to exceed 5
pages). See Section IV.2.B, Budget
Narrative for instructions.
• One-page Timeframe Chart.
• Tribal Resolution(s) as described in
Section III, Eligibility.
• Biographical sketches for all Key
Personnel.
• Contractor/Consultant resumes or
qualifications and scope of work (if
applicable).
• Disclosure of Lobbying Activities
(SF–LLL), if applicant conducts
reportable lobbying.
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• Certification Regarding Lobbying
(GG-Lobbying Form).
• Copy of current Negotiated Indirect
Cost (IDC) rate agreement (required in
order to receive IDC).
• Organizational Chart (optional).
• Documentation sufficient to
demonstrate financial stability and
financial management capability for 3
fiscal years. The Indian Tribe must
provide evidence that, for the 3 fiscal
years prior to requesting participation in
the TSGP, the Indian Tribe has had no
uncorrected significant and material
audit exceptions in the required annual
audit of the Indian Tribe’s SelfDetermination Contracts or SelfGovernance Funding Agreements with
any Federal agency. See 25 U.S.C. 5383,
42 CFR 137.15–23. For T/TO that
expended $500,000 or more in Federal
awards, the OTSG shall retrieve the
audits directly from the Federal Audit
Clearinghouse. For T/TO that expended
less than $500,000 in Federal awards,
the T/TO must provide evidence of the
program review correspondence from
the IHS or Bureau of Indian Affairs
officials. See 42 CFR 137.21–23.
• 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://facdissem.census.gov/
.
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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
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 10 pages and must: (1)
have consecutively numbered pages; (2)
use black font 12 points or larger
(applicants may use 10 point font for
tables); (3) be single-spaced; and (4) be
formatted to fit standard letter paper (8–
1⁄2 × 11 inches). Do not combine this
document with any others.
Be sure to succinctly answer all
questions listed under the evaluation
criteria (refer to Section V.1, Evaluation
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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 overall page limit, the
reviewers will be directed to ignore any
content beyond the page limit. The 10page limit for the project narrative does
not include the work plan, standard
forms, Tribal Resolutions, budget,
budget narratives, and/or other items.
Page limits for each section within the
project narrative are guidelines, not
hard limits.
There are three parts to the project
narrative: Part 1—Program Information;
Part 2—Program Planning and
Evaluation; and Part 3—Program Report.
See below for additional details about
what must be included in the narrative.
The page limits below are for each
narrative and budget submitted.
Part 1: Program Information (Limit—4
Pages)
Section 1: Needs
Describe the Tribe’s current health
program activities, including: how long
it has been operating; what programs or
services are currently being provided;
and if the applicant is currently
administering any ISDEAA Title I SelfDetermination Contracts or Title V SelfGovernance Compacts. Identify the need
for assistance and how the Planning
Cooperative Agreement would benefit
the health activities the Tribe is
currently administering or looking to
expand.
Part 2: Program Planning and Evaluation
(Limit—4 Pages)
Section 1: Program Plans
Project Objective(s), Work Plan, and
Approach
State in measurable terms the
objectives and appropriate activities to
achieve the following Planning
Cooperative Agreement recipient award
activities:
(A) Research and analyze the complex
IHS budget to gain a thorough
understanding of funding distribution at
all organizational levels and determine
which PSFAs the Tribe may elect to
assume or expand.
(B) Establish a process to identify
PSFAs and associated funding that may
be incorporated into current programs.
(C) Determine the Tribe’s share of
each PSFA and evaluate the current
level of health care services being
provided to make an informed decision
on new or expanded program
assumption.
(D) Describe how the objectives are
consistent with the purpose of the
program, the needs of the people to be
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served, and how they will be achieved
within the proposed timeframe. Identify
the expected results, benefits, and
outcomes or products to be derived from
each objective of the project and how
they will be measured.
Organizational Capabilities, Key
Personnel, and Qualifications
Describe the organizational structure
of the Tribe and its ability to manage the
proposed project. Include resumes or
position descriptions of key staff
showing requisite experience and
expertise. If applicable, include resumes
and scope of work for consultants that
demonstrate experience and expertise
relevant to the project.
Section 2: Program Evaluation
Define the criteria to be used to
evaluate planning activities and how
they will be measured. Describe fully
and clearly the methodology that will be
used to determine if the needs identified
are being met and if the outcomes are
being achieved. This section must
address the following questions:
(A) Are the goals and objectives
measurable and consistent with the
purpose of the program and the needs
of the people to be served?
(B) Are the goals achievable within
the proposed timeframe?
Part 3: Program Report (Limit—2 Pages)
Section 1: Describe your
organization’s significant program
activities and accomplishments over the
past 6 to 12 months associated with the
goals of this announcement.
Please identify and describe
significant program activities and
achievements associated with the
delivery of quality health services.
Provide a comparison of the actual
accomplishments to the goals
established for the project period or, if
applicable, provide justification for the
lack of progress.
B. Budget Narrative (Limit—5 Pages)
Provide a budget narrative that
explains the amounts requested for each
line item of the budget from the SF–
424A (Budget Information for NonConstruction Programs) for the first year
of the project. The applicant can submit
with the budget narrative a more
detailed spreadsheet than is provided by
the SF–424A (the spreadsheet will not
be considered part of the budget
narrative). The budget narrative should
specifically describe how each item
would support the achievement of
proposed objectives. Be very careful
about showing how each item in the
‘‘Other’’ category is justified. Do NOT
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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, Deputy Director, DGM, by email
at DGM@ihs.gov. 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 not allowable.
• The available funds are inclusive of
direct and indirect costs.
• Only one cooperative agreement
may be awarded per applicant.
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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 you cannot submit an application
through Grants.gov, you must request a
waiver prior to the application due date.
You must submit your waiver request by
email to DGM@ihs.gov. Your waiver
request must include clear justification
for the need to deviate from the required
application submission process. The
IHS will not accept any applications
submitted through any means outside of
Grants.gov without an approved waiver.
If the DGM approves your waiver
request, you will receive a confirmation
of approval email containing
submission instructions. You must
include a copy of the written approval
with the application submitted to the
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DGM. Applications that do not include
a copy of the waiver approval from 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 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, 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,
you will receive an automatic
acknowledgment from Grants.gov that
contains a Grants.gov tracking number.
The IHS will not notify you that the
application has been received.
System for Award Management
Organizations that are not registered
with the System for Award Management
(SAM) must access the SAM online
registration through the SAM home page
at https://sam.gov. Organizations based
in the U.S. 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
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process. Applicants may register online
at https://sam.gov.
Unique Entity Identifier
Your SAM.gov registration now
includes a Unique Entity Identifier
(UEI), generated by SAM.gov, which
replaces the DUNS number obtained
from Dun and Bradstreet. SAM.gov
registration no longer requires a DUNS
number.
Check your organization’s SAM.gov
registration as soon as you decide to
apply for this program. If your SAM.gov
registration is expired, you will not be
able to submit an application. It can take
several weeks to renew it or resolve any
issues with your registration, so do not
wait.
Check your Grants.gov registration.
Registration and role assignments in
Grants.gov are self-serve functions. One
user for your organization will have the
authority to approve role assignments,
and these must be approved for active
users in order to ensure someone in
your organization has the necessary
access to submit an application.
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 recipients must
notify potential first-tier sub-recipients
that no entity may receive a first-tier
sub-award unless the entity has
provided its UEI number to the prime
recipient 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.
Additional information on
implementing the Transparency Act,
including the specific requirements for
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. 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 fully understand the
project. 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:
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1. Evaluation Criteria
A. Introduction and Need for Assistance
(25 Points)
Describe the Tribe’s current health
program activities, including: how long
it has been operating, what programs or
services are currently being provided,
and if the applicant is currently
administering any ISDEAA Title I SelfDetermination Contracts or Title V SelfGovernance Compacts. Identify the need
for assistance and how the Planning
Cooperative Agreement would benefit
the health activities the Tribe is
currently administering and/or looking
to expand.
B. Project Objective(s), Work Plan and
Approach (25 Points)
State in measurable terms the
objectives and appropriate activities to
achieve the following Planning
Cooperative Agreement recipient award
activities:
(1) Research and analyze the complex
IHS budget to gain a thorough
understanding of funding distribution at
all organizational levels and determine
which PSFAs the Tribe may elect to
assume or expand.
(2) Establish a process to identify
PSFAs and associated funding that may
be incorporated into current programs.
(3) Determine the Tribe’s share of
each PSFA and evaluate the current
level of health care services being
provided to make an informed decision
on new or expanded program
assumption.
(4) Describe how the objectives are
consistent with the purpose of the
program, the needs of the people to be
served, and how they will be achieved
within the proposed timeframe. Identify
the expected results, benefits, and
outcomes or products to be derived from
each objective of the project.
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C. Program Evaluation (25 Points)
Define the criteria to be used to
evaluate planning activities and how
they will be measured. Clearly describe
the methodologies and parameters that
will be used to determine if the needs
identified are being met and if the
outcomes identified are being achieved.
Are the goals and objectives measurable
and consistent with the purpose of the
program and meet the needs of the
people to be served? Are they
achievable within the proposed
timeframe? Describe how the
assumption of PSFAs enhances
sustainable health delivery. Ensure the
measurement includes activities that
will lead to sustainability.
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D. Organizational Capabilities, Key
Personnel, and Qualifications (15
Points)
Describe the organizational structure
of the Tribe and its ability to manage the
proposed project. Include resumes or
position descriptions of key staff
showing requisite experience and
expertise. If applicable, include resumes
and scope of work for consultants that
demonstrate experience and expertise
relevant to the project.
E. Categorical Budget and Budget
Justification (10 Points)
Submit a budget with a narrative
describing the budget request and
matching the scope of work described in
the project narrative. Justify all
expenditures identifying reasonable and
allowable costs necessary to accomplish
the goals and objectives as outlined in
the project narrative.
Additional documents can be
uploaded as Other Attachments in
Grants.gov. These can include:
• Work plan, logic model, and/or
timeline 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 Rate
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
for eligibility and completeness as
outlined in this funding announcement.
Applications that meet the eligibility
criteria shall be reviewed for merit by
the Review Committee (RC) based on
the evaluation criteria. Incomplete
applications and applications that are
not responsive to the administrative
thresholds (budget limit, period of
performance limit) will not be referred
to the RC and will not be funded. The
DGM will notify the applicant 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 Office of Tribal Self-Governance
within 30 days of the conclusion of the
ORC outlining the strengths and
weaknesses of their application. The
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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 award, the terms and
conditions of the award, the effective
date of the award, the budget period,
and period of performance. 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 1 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
Awards:
• 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-2021-title45-vol1/pdf/
CFR-2021-title45-vol1-part75.pdf.
• Please review all HHS regulatory
provisions for Termination at 45 CFR
75.372, at the time of this publication
located at https://www.govinfo.gov/
content/pkg/CFR-2021-title45-vol1/pdf/
CFR-2021-title45-vol1-sec75-372.pdf.
C. Grants Policy:
• HHS Grants Policy Statement,
Revised January 2007, at https://
www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/grants/
grants/policies-regulations/
hhsgps107.pdf.
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D. Cost Principles:
• Uniform Administrative
Requirements for HHS Awards, ‘‘Cost
Principles,’’ at 45 CFR part 75 subpart
E, at the time of this publication located
at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/
CFR-2021-title45-vol1/pdf/CFR-2021title45-vol1-part75-subpartE.pdf.
E. Audit Requirements:
• Uniform Administrative
Requirements for HHS Awards, ‘‘Audit
Requirements,’’ at 45 CFR part 75
subpart F, at the time of this publication
located at https://www.govinfo.gov/
content/pkg/CFR-2021-title45-vol1/pdf/
CFR-2021-title45-vol1-part75subpartF.pdf.
F. As of August 13, 2020, 2 CFR part
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
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This section applies to all recipients
that request reimbursement of 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 award 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 2 CFR 200.414(f) Indirect (F&A)
costs,
any non-Federal entity (NFE) [i.e., applicant]
that does not have a current negotiated 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 200.403, 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 can be used by applicants
that have received an approved
negotiated indirect cost rate from HHS
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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
not be charged as direct costs to the
award.
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 recipients
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 write to
DGM@ihs.gov.
3. Reporting Requirements
The recipient 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 award, 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 recipient 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 use the form
under the Recipient User section of
https://www.grantsolutions.gov/home/
getting-started-request-a-user-account/.
Download the Recipient User Account
Request Form, fill it out completely, and
submit it as described on the web page
and in the form.
The reporting requirements for this
program are noted below.
A. Progress Reports
Program progress reports are required
semi-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).
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
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24201
applicable, provide sound justification
for the lack of progress, and other
pertinent information as required. A
final report must be submitted within
120 days of the period of performance
end date.
B. Financial Reports
Federal Financial Reports are due 90
days after the end of each budget period,
and a final report is due 120 days after
the end of the period of performance.
Recipients are responsible and
accountable for reporting accurate
information on all required reports: the
Progress Reports and the Federal
Financial Report.
Failure to submit timely reports may
result in adverse award actions blocking
access to funds.
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
awards to report information about firsttier 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/.
D. Non-Discrimination Legal
Requirements for Recipients of Federal
Financial Assistance (FFA)
The recipient must administer the
project in compliance with Federal civil
rights laws, where applicable, that
prohibit discrimination on the basis of
race, color, national origin, disability,
age, and comply with applicable
conscience protections. The recipient
must comply with applicable laws that
prohibit discrimination on the basis of
sex, which includes discrimination on
the basis of gender identity, sexual
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orientation, and pregnancy. Compliance
with these laws requires taking
reasonable steps to provide meaningful
access to persons with limited English
proficiency and providing programs that
are accessible to and usable by persons
with disabilities. The HHS Office for
Civil Rights provides guidance on
complying with civil rights laws
enforced by HHS. See https://
www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-providers/
provider-obligations/ and
https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/forindividuals/nondiscrimination/
index.html.
• 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/forindividuals/special-topics/limitedenglish-proficiency/fact-sheet-guidance/
index.html 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/civil-rights/forindividuals/disability/.
• HHS funded health and education
programs must be administered in an
environment free of sexual harassment.
See https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/forindividuals/sex-discrimination/
index.html.
• For guidance on administering your
program in compliance with applicable
Federal religious nondiscrimination
laws and applicable Federal conscience
protection and associated antidiscrimination laws, see https://
www.hhs.gov/conscience/conscienceprotections/ and https://
www.hhs.gov/conscience/religiousfreedom/.
• Pursuant to 45 CFR 80.3(d), an
individual shall not be deemed
subjected to discrimination by reason of
their exclusion from benefits limited by
Federal law to individuals eligible for
benefits and services from the IHS.
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 FAPIIS at
https://www.fapiis.gov/fapiis/#/home
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
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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
million 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 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: Marsha Brookins, 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: DGM@
ihs.gov
And
U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, Office of Inspector General,
ATTN: Mandatory Grant Disclosures,
Intake Coordinator, 330 Independence
Avenue SW, Cohen Building, Room
5527, Washington, DC 20201, URL:
https://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/reportfraud/ (Include ‘‘Mandatory Grant
Disclosures’’ in subject line) Fax:
(202) 205–0604 (Include ‘‘Mandatory
Grant Disclosures’’ in subject line) or
Email:
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MandatoryGranteeDisclosures@
oig.hhs.gov
Failure to make required disclosures
can result in any of the remedies
described in 45 CFR 75.371 Remedies
for noncompliance, including
suspension or debarment (see 2 CFR
part 180 and 2 CFR part 376).
VII. Agency Contacts
1. Questions on the program matters
may be directed to:
Roxanne Houston, Program Officer,
Indian Health Service, Office of Tribal
Self-Governance, 5600 Fishers Lane,
Mail Stop: 08E05, Rockville, MD
20857, Phone: (301) 443–7821, Email:
Roxanne.Houston@ihs.gov
2. Questions on awards management
and fiscal matters may be directed to:
Indian Health Service, Division of
Grants Management, 5600 Fishers
Lane, Mail Stop: 09E70, Rockville,
MD 20857, Email: DGM@ihs.gov
For technical assistance with
Grants.gov, please contact the
Grants.gov help desk at 800–518–4726,
or by email to support@grants.gov.
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.
P. Benjamin Smith,
Deputy Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 2023–08201 Filed 4–18–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165–16–P
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
National Institutes of Health
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National
Institute of Child Health and Human
Development; Notice of Meeting
Pursuant to section 10(d) of the
Federal Advisory Committee Act, as
amended, notice is hereby given of a
meeting of the National Advisory Child
Health and Human Development
Council.
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 75 (Wednesday, April 19, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 24196-24202]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-08201]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Indian Health Service
Tribal Self-Governance Planning Cooperative Agreement Program
Announcement Type: New.
Funding Announcement Number: [HHS-2023-IHS-TSGP-0001].
Assistance Listing (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance or CFDA)
Number: 93.444.
Key Dates
Application Deadline Date: June 20, 2023.
Earliest Anticipated Start Date: July 18, 2023.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
Statutory Authority
The Indian Health Service (IHS) is accepting applications for
cooperative agreements for the Tribal Self-Governance Planning
Cooperative Agreement Program. This program is authorized under the
Snyder Act, 25 U.S.C. 13; the Transfer Act, 42 U.S.C. 2001(a); and
Title V of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act
(ISDEAA), 25 U.S.C. 5383(e). The Assistance Listings section of SAM.gov
(https://same.gov/content/home) describes this program under 93.444.
Background
The Tribal Self-Governance Program (TSGP) is more than an IHS
program; it is an expression of the Government-to-Government
relationship between the United States (U.S.) and Indian Tribes.
Through the TSGP, Tribes negotiate with the IHS to assume Programs,
Services, Functions, and Activities (PSFAs), or portions thereof, which
gives Tribes the authority to manage and tailor health care programs in
a manner that best fits the needs of their communities.
Participation in the TSGP affords Tribes the most flexibility to
tailor their health care needs by choosing one of three ways to obtain
health care from the Federal Government for their citizens.
Specifically, Tribes can choose to: (1) receive health care services
directly from the IHS; (2) contract with the IHS to administer
individual programs and services the IHS would otherwise provide
(referred to as Title I Self-Determination Contracting); and (3)
compact with the IHS to assume control over health care programs the
IHS would otherwise provide (referred to as Title V Self-Governance
Compacting or the TSGP). These options are not exclusive and Tribes may
choose to combine options based on their individual needs and
circumstances.
The TSGP is a tribally-driven initiative and strong Federal-Tribal
partnerships are essential to the program's success. The IHS
established the Office of Tribal Self-Governance (OTSG) to implement
the Self-Governance authorities under the ISDEAA. The primary OTSG
functions are to: (1) serve as the primary liaison and advocate for
Tribes participating in the TSGP; (2) develop, direct, and implement
TSGP policies and procedures; (3) provide information and technical
assistance to Self-Governance Tribes; and (4) advise the IHS Director
on compliance with TSGP policies, regulations, and guidelines. Each IHS
Area has an Agency Lead Negotiator (ALN), designated by the IHS
Director to act on his or her behalf, who has authority to negotiate
Self-Governance Compacts and Funding Agreements. Tribes interested in
participating in the TSGP should contact their respective ALN to begin
the Self-Governance planning and negotiation process. Tribes currently
participating in the TSGP that are interested in expanding existing or
adding new PSFAs should also contact their respective ALN to discuss
the best methods for expanding or adding new PSFAs.
Purpose
The purpose of this Planning Cooperative Agreement is to provide
resources to Tribes interested in entering the TSGP and to existing
Self-Governance Tribes interested in assuming new or expanded PSFAs.
Title V of the ISDEAA requires a Tribe or Tribal organization (T/TO) to
complete a planning phase to the satisfaction of the Tribe. The
planning phase must include legal and budgetary research and internal
Tribal government planning and organizational preparation relating to
the administration of health care programs. See 25 U.S.C. 5383(d).
The planning phase is critical to negotiations and helps Tribes
make informed decisions about which PSFAs to assume and what
organizational changes or modifications are necessary to successfully
support those PSFAs. A thorough planning phase improves timeliness and
efficient negotiations and ensures that the Tribe is fully prepared to
assume the transfer of IHS PSFAs to the Tribal health program.
A Planning Cooperative Agreement is not a prerequisite to enter the
TSGP and a Tribe may use other resources to meet the planning
requirement. Tribes that receive Planning Cooperative Agreements are
not obligated to participate in the TSGP and may choose to delay or
decline participation based on the outcome of their planning
activities. This also applies to existing Self-Governance Tribes
exploring the option to expand their current PSFAs or assume additional
PSFAs.
II. Award Information
Funding Instrument--Cooperative Agreement
Estimated Funds Available
The total funding identified for fiscal year (FY) 2023 is
approximately $900,000. Individual award amounts are anticipated to be
$180,000. The funding available for competing 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
The IHS anticipates issuing approximately five awards under this
program announcement.
Period of Performance
The period of performance is for 1 year.
Cooperative Agreement
Cooperative agreements awarded by the Department of Health and
Human Services (HHS) are administered under the same policies as
grants. However, the funding agency, IHS, is anticipated to have
substantial programmatic involvement in the project during the
[[Page 24197]]
entire period of performance. Below is a detailed description of the
level of involvement required of the IHS.
Substantial Agency Involvement Description for Cooperative Agreement
A. Provide descriptions of PSFAs and associated funding at all
organizational levels (service unit, area, and headquarters) including
funding formulas and methodologies related to determining Tribal
shares.
B. Meet with Planning Cooperative Agreement recipients to provide
program information and discuss methods currently used to manage and
deliver health care.
C. Identify and provide statutes, regulations, and policies that
provide authority for administering IHS programs.
D. Provide technical assistance on the IHS budget, Tribal shares,
and other topics as needed.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligibility
To be eligible for this opportunity, applicant must meet the
following criteria:
Applicant must be an ``Indian Tribe'' as defined in 25
U.S.C. 5304(e); a ``Tribal Organization'' as defined in 25 U.S.C.
5304(l); or an ``Inter-Tribal Consortium'' as defined at 42 CFR 137.10.
Please note that Tribes prohibited from contracting pursuant to the
ISDEAA are not eligible. See section 424(a) of the Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2014, Public Law 113-76, as amended by section 445
of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, Public Law 117-328.
Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 5383(c)(1)(B), applicant must
request participation in self-governance by resolution or other
official action by the governing body of each Indian Tribe to be
served. Note: If the applicant has already successfully completed the
planning phase required and requested participation in the IHS Tribal
Self-Governance Program by official Tribal action, then the applicant
is not eligible for this funding opportunity.
Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 5383(c)(1)(C), applicant must
demonstrate financial stability and financial management capability for
3 fiscal years.
Meeting the eligibility criteria for a Planning Cooperative
Agreement does not mean that a T/TO is eligible for participation in
the IHS TSGP under title V of the ISDEAA. See 25 U.S.C. 5383, 42 CFR
137.15-23. For additional information on the eligibility for the IHS
TSGP, please visit the ``Eligibility and Funding'' page on the OTSG
website located at https://www.ihs.gov/SelfGovernance.
The Division of Grants Management (DGM) will notify any applicants
deemed ineligible.
2. Additional Information on Eligibility
The IHS does not fund concurrent projects. If an applicant is
successful under this announcement, any subsequent applications in
response to other Tribal Self-Governance Planning Cooperative Agreement
Program announcements from the same applicant will not be funded.
Applications on behalf of individuals (including sole proprietorships)
and foreign organizations are not eligible and will be disqualified
from competitive review and funding under this funding opportunity.
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.
3. Cost Sharing or Matching
The IHS does not require matching funds or cost sharing for grants
or cooperative agreements.
4. 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 Section
II Award Information, Period of Performance, are considered not
responsive and will not be reviewed. The 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 T/TO selected for funding. An
applicant 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.
Applicants organized with a governing structure other than a Tribal
council may submit an equivalent document commensurate with their
governing organization.
IV. Application and Submission Information
Grants.gov uses a Workspace model for accepting applications. The
Workspace consists of several online forms and three forms in which to
upload documents--Project Narrative, Budget Narrative, and Other
Documents. Give your files brief descriptive names. The filenames are
key in finding specific documents during the merit review and in
processing awards. Upload all requested and optional documents
individually, rather than combining them into a single file. Creating a
single file creates confusion when trying to find specific documents.
Such confusion can contribute to delays in processing awards, and could
lead to lower scores during the merit review.
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
[email protected].
2. Content and Form Application Submission
Mandatory documents for all applicants include:
Application forms:
1. SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance.
2. SF-424A, Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs.
3. SF-424B, Assurances--Non-Construction Programs.
4. Project Abstract Summary form.
Project Narrative (not to exceed 10 pages). See Section
IV.2.A, Project Narrative for instructions.
Budget Narrative (not to exceed 5 pages). See Section
IV.2.B, Budget Narrative for instructions.
One-page Timeframe Chart.
Tribal Resolution(s) as described in Section III,
Eligibility.
Biographical sketches for all Key Personnel.
Contractor/Consultant resumes or qualifications and scope
of work (if applicable).
Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL), if applicant
conducts reportable lobbying.
[[Page 24198]]
Certification Regarding Lobbying (GG-Lobbying Form).
Copy of current Negotiated Indirect Cost (IDC) rate
agreement (required in order to receive IDC).
Organizational Chart (optional).
Documentation sufficient to demonstrate financial
stability and financial management capability for 3 fiscal years. The
Indian Tribe must provide evidence that, for the 3 fiscal years prior
to requesting participation in the TSGP, the Indian Tribe has had no
uncorrected significant and material audit exceptions in the required
annual audit of the Indian Tribe's Self-Determination Contracts or
Self-Governance Funding Agreements with any Federal agency. See 25
U.S.C. 5383, 42 CFR 137.15-23. For T/TO that expended $500,000 or more
in Federal awards, the OTSG shall retrieve the audits directly from the
Federal Audit Clearinghouse. For T/TO that expended less than $500,000
in Federal awards, the T/TO must provide evidence of the program review
correspondence from the IHS or Bureau of Indian Affairs officials. See
42 CFR 137.21-23.
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://facdissem.census.gov/.
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 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 10 pages and must: (1) have consecutively numbered
pages; (2) use black font 12 points or larger (applicants may use 10
point font for tables); (3) be single-spaced; and (4) be formatted to
fit standard letter paper (8-\1/2\ x 11 inches). Do not combine this
document with any others.
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 overall page limit, the reviewers will be directed to
ignore any content beyond the page limit. The 10-page limit for the
project narrative does not include the work plan, standard forms,
Tribal Resolutions, budget, budget narratives, and/or other items. Page
limits for each section within the project narrative are guidelines,
not hard limits.
There are three parts to the project narrative: Part 1--Program
Information; Part 2--Program Planning and Evaluation; and Part 3--
Program Report. See below for additional details about what must be
included in the narrative.
The page limits below are for each narrative and budget submitted.
Part 1: Program Information (Limit--4 Pages)
Section 1: Needs
Describe the Tribe's current health program activities, including:
how long it has been operating; what programs or services are currently
being provided; and if the applicant is currently administering any
ISDEAA Title I Self-Determination Contracts or Title V Self-Governance
Compacts. Identify the need for assistance and how the Planning
Cooperative Agreement would benefit the health activities the Tribe is
currently administering or looking to expand.
Part 2: Program Planning and Evaluation (Limit--4 Pages)
Section 1: Program Plans
Project Objective(s), Work Plan, and Approach
State in measurable terms the objectives and appropriate activities
to achieve the following Planning Cooperative Agreement recipient award
activities:
(A) Research and analyze the complex IHS budget to gain a thorough
understanding of funding distribution at all organizational levels and
determine which PSFAs the Tribe may elect to assume or expand.
(B) Establish a process to identify PSFAs and associated funding
that may be incorporated into current programs.
(C) Determine the Tribe's share of each PSFA and evaluate the
current level of health care services being provided to make an
informed decision on new or expanded program assumption.
(D) Describe how the objectives are consistent with the purpose of
the program, the needs of the people to be served, and how they will be
achieved within the proposed timeframe. Identify the expected results,
benefits, and outcomes or products to be derived from each objective of
the project and how they will be measured.
Organizational Capabilities, Key Personnel, and Qualifications
Describe the organizational structure of the Tribe and its ability
to manage the proposed project. Include resumes or position
descriptions of key staff showing requisite experience and expertise.
If applicable, include resumes and scope of work for consultants that
demonstrate experience and expertise relevant to the project.
Section 2: Program Evaluation
Define the criteria to be used to evaluate planning activities and
how they will be measured. Describe fully and clearly the methodology
that will be used to determine if the needs identified are being met
and if the outcomes are being achieved. This section must address the
following questions:
(A) Are the goals and objectives measurable and consistent with the
purpose of the program and the needs of the people to be served?
(B) Are the goals achievable within the proposed timeframe?
Part 3: Program Report (Limit--2 Pages)
Section 1: Describe your organization's significant program
activities and accomplishments over the past 6 to 12 months associated
with the goals of this announcement.
Please identify and describe significant program activities and
achievements associated with the delivery of quality health services.
Provide a comparison of the actual accomplishments to the goals
established for the project period or, if applicable, provide
justification for the lack of progress.
B. Budget Narrative (Limit--5 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) for the first year of the project. The
applicant can submit with the budget narrative a more detailed
spreadsheet than is provided by the SF-424A (the spreadsheet will not
be considered part of the budget narrative). The budget narrative
should specifically describe how each item would support the
achievement of proposed objectives. Be very careful about showing how
each item in the ``Other'' category is justified. Do NOT
[[Page 24199]]
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, Deputy Director, DGM, by email at [email protected]. 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 not allowable.
The available funds are inclusive of direct and indirect
costs.
Only one cooperative agreement may 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 you cannot submit an application through Grants.gov, you must
request a waiver prior to the application due date. You must submit
your waiver request by email to [email protected]. Your waiver request must
include clear justification for the need to deviate from the required
application submission process. The IHS will not accept any
applications submitted through any means outside of Grants.gov without
an approved waiver.
If the DGM approves your waiver request, you will receive a
confirmation of approval email containing submission instructions. You
must include a copy of the written approval with the application
submitted to the DGM. Applications that do not include a copy of the
waiver approval from 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 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, 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, you will receive an
automatic acknowledgment from Grants.gov that contains a Grants.gov
tracking number. The IHS will not notify you that the application has
been received.
System for Award Management
Organizations that are not registered with the System for Award
Management (SAM) must access the SAM online registration through the
SAM home page at https://sam.gov. Organizations based in the U.S. 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.
Unique Entity Identifier
Your SAM.gov registration now includes a Unique Entity Identifier
(UEI), generated by SAM.gov, which replaces the DUNS number obtained
from Dun and Bradstreet. SAM.gov registration no longer requires a DUNS
number.
Check your organization's SAM.gov registration as soon as you
decide to apply for this program. If your SAM.gov registration is
expired, you will not be able to submit an application. It can take
several weeks to renew it or resolve any issues with your registration,
so do not wait.
Check your Grants.gov registration. Registration and role
assignments in Grants.gov are self-serve functions. One user for your
organization will have the authority to approve role assignments, and
these must be approved for active users in order to ensure someone in
your organization has the necessary access to submit an application.
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 recipients must notify
potential first-tier sub-recipients that no entity may receive a first-
tier sub-award unless the entity has provided its UEI number to the
prime recipient 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.
Additional information on implementing the Transparency Act,
including the specific requirements for 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. 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 fully understand the
project. 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:
[[Page 24200]]
1. Evaluation Criteria
A. Introduction and Need for Assistance (25 Points)
Describe the Tribe's current health program activities, including:
how long it has been operating, what programs or services are currently
being provided, and if the applicant is currently administering any
ISDEAA Title I Self-Determination Contracts or Title V Self-Governance
Compacts. Identify the need for assistance and how the Planning
Cooperative Agreement would benefit the health activities the Tribe is
currently administering and/or looking to expand.
B. Project Objective(s), Work Plan and Approach (25 Points)
State in measurable terms the objectives and appropriate activities
to achieve the following Planning Cooperative Agreement recipient award
activities:
(1) Research and analyze the complex IHS budget to gain a thorough
understanding of funding distribution at all organizational levels and
determine which PSFAs the Tribe may elect to assume or expand.
(2) Establish a process to identify PSFAs and associated funding
that may be incorporated into current programs.
(3) Determine the Tribe's share of each PSFA and evaluate the
current level of health care services being provided to make an
informed decision on new or expanded program assumption.
(4) Describe how the objectives are consistent with the purpose of
the program, the needs of the people to be served, and how they will be
achieved within the proposed timeframe. Identify the expected results,
benefits, and outcomes or products to be derived from each objective of
the project.
C. Program Evaluation (25 Points)
Define the criteria to be used to evaluate planning activities and
how they will be measured. Clearly describe the methodologies and
parameters that will be used to determine if the needs identified are
being met and if the outcomes identified are being achieved. Are the
goals and objectives measurable and consistent with the purpose of the
program and meet the needs of the people to be served? Are they
achievable within the proposed timeframe? Describe how the assumption
of PSFAs enhances sustainable health delivery. Ensure the measurement
includes activities that will lead to sustainability.
D. Organizational Capabilities, Key Personnel, and Qualifications (15
Points)
Describe the organizational structure of the Tribe and its ability
to manage the proposed project. Include resumes or position
descriptions of key staff showing requisite experience and expertise.
If applicable, include resumes and scope of work for consultants that
demonstrate experience and expertise relevant to the project.
E. Categorical Budget and Budget Justification (10 Points)
Submit a budget with a narrative describing the budget request and
matching the scope of work described in the project narrative. Justify
all expenditures identifying reasonable and allowable costs necessary
to accomplish the goals and objectives as outlined in the project
narrative.
Additional documents can be uploaded as Other Attachments in
Grants.gov. These can include:
Work plan, logic model, and/or timeline 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 Rate 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 for eligibility and
completeness as outlined in this funding announcement. Applications
that meet the eligibility criteria shall be reviewed for merit by the
Review Committee (RC) based on the evaluation criteria. Incomplete
applications and applications that are not responsive to the
administrative thresholds (budget limit, period of performance limit)
will not be referred to the RC and will not be funded. The DGM will
notify the applicant 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 Office of Tribal Self-Governance 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 award, the terms and conditions of the
award, the effective date of the award, the budget period, and period
of performance. 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 1 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 Awards:
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-2021-title45-vol1/pdf/CFR-2021-title45-vol1-part75.pdf.
Please review all HHS regulatory provisions for
Termination at 45 CFR 75.372, at the time of this publication located
at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2021-title45-vol1/pdf/CFR-2021-title45-vol1-sec75-372.pdf.
C. Grants Policy:
HHS Grants Policy Statement, Revised January 2007, at
https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/grants/grants/policies-regulations/hhsgps107.pdf.
[[Page 24201]]
D. Cost Principles:
Uniform Administrative Requirements for HHS Awards, ``Cost
Principles,'' at 45 CFR part 75 subpart E, at the time of this
publication located at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2021-title45-vol1/pdf/CFR-2021-title45-vol1-part75-subpartE.pdf.
E. Audit Requirements:
Uniform Administrative Requirements for HHS Awards,
``Audit Requirements,'' at 45 CFR part 75 subpart F, at the time of
this publication located at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2021-title45-vol1/pdf/CFR-2021-title45-vol1-part75-subpartF.pdf.
F. As of August 13, 2020, 2 CFR part 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 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 award
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 2 CFR 200.414(f) Indirect (F&A) costs,
any non-Federal entity (NFE) [i.e., applicant] that does not have a
current negotiated 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 200.403, 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 can be used by
applicants that have 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 not be charged as direct costs to the
award.
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 recipients 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 write
to [email protected].
3. Reporting Requirements
The recipient 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
award, 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 recipient
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 use the form under the
Recipient User section of https://www.grantsolutions.gov/home/getting-started-request-a-user-account/. Download the Recipient User Account
Request Form, fill it out completely, and submit it as described on the
web page and in the form.
The reporting requirements for this program are noted below.
A. Progress Reports
Program progress reports are required semi-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). 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 120 days of the period of performance end date.
B. Financial Reports
Federal Financial Reports are due 90 days after the end of each
budget period, and a final report is due 120 days after the end of the
period of performance. Recipients are responsible and accountable for
reporting accurate information on all required reports: the Progress
Reports and the Federal Financial Report.
Failure to submit timely reports may result in adverse award
actions blocking access to funds.
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 awards 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/.
D. Non-Discrimination Legal Requirements for Recipients of Federal
Financial Assistance (FFA)
The recipient must administer the project in compliance with
Federal civil rights laws, where applicable, that prohibit
discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin,
disability, age, and comply with applicable conscience protections. The
recipient must comply with applicable laws that prohibit discrimination
on the basis of sex, which includes discrimination on the basis of
gender identity, sexual
[[Page 24202]]
orientation, and pregnancy. Compliance with these laws requires taking
reasonable steps to provide meaningful access to persons with limited
English proficiency and providing programs that are accessible to and
usable by persons with disabilities. The HHS Office for Civil Rights
provides guidance on complying with civil rights laws enforced by HHS.
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-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/civil-rights/for-individuals/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/.
Pursuant to 45 CFR 80.3(d), an individual shall not be
deemed subjected to discrimination by reason of their exclusion from
benefits limited by Federal law to individuals eligible for benefits
and services from the IHS.
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 FAPIIS at https://www.fapiis.gov/fapiis/#/home 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 million 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 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: Marsha Brookins, 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 program matters may be directed to:
Roxanne Houston, Program Officer, Indian Health Service, Office of
Tribal Self-Governance, 5600 Fishers Lane, Mail Stop: 08E05, Rockville,
MD 20857, Phone: (301) 443-7821, Email: [email protected]
2. Questions on awards management and fiscal matters may be
directed to:
Indian Health Service, Division of Grants Management, 5600 Fishers
Lane, Mail Stop: 09E70, Rockville, MD 20857, Email: [email protected]
For technical assistance with Grants.gov, please contact the
Grants.gov help desk at 800-518-4726, or by email to
[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.
P. Benjamin Smith,
Deputy Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-08201 Filed 4-18-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165-16-P