Native Public Health Resilience Planning, 19848-19855 [2024-05826]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
• Indian Health Service

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 55 (Wednesday, March 20, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 19848-19855]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-05826]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service


Native Public Health Resilience Planning

    Announcement Type: New.
    Funding Announcement Number: HHS-2024-IHS-NPHRP-0001.
    Assistance Listing (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance or CFDA) 
Number: 93.231.

Key Dates

    Application Deadline Date: May 14, 2024.
    Earliest Anticipated Start Date: July 1, 2024.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Statutory Authority

    The Indian Health Service (IHS) is accepting applications for 
grants for Native Public Health Resilience Planning. This program is 
authorized under the Snyder Act, 25 U.S.C. 13; the Transfer Act, 42 
U.S.C. 2001(a); and the American Rescue Plan Act, Public Law 117-2, 135 
Stat. 42 (2021). The Assistance Listings section of SAM.gov (https://sam.gov/content/home) describes this program under 93.231.

Background

    The IHS, an agency within the Department of Health and Human 
Services (HHS), is the principal Federal health care provider and 
health advocate for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people, 
and its goal is to raise their health status to the highest possible 
level. One core strategic goal of the IHS is to ensure that 
comprehensive, culturally appropriate personal and public health 
services are available and accessible to AI/AN people. The Division of 
Epidemiology and Disease Prevention (DEDP) provides and supports 
applied public health and epidemiologic services to further the overall 
IHS mission. Through the provision of direct services and key 
partnerships, our collective work strives to improve overall awareness, 
understanding, and mitigation of priority health conditions negatively 
impacting AI/AN populations. The American Rescue Plan Act appropriated 
funding to IHS for purposes that include enhancing public health 
capacity.

Purpose

    The purpose of this program is to assist applicants to establish 
goals and performance measures, assess their current management 
capacity, and determine if developing a Public Health program is 
practicable. Specifically, programs should assess the availability and 
feasibility of the 10 Essential Public Health Services (EPHS), 
described further below.
    As part of the IHS mission to raise the physical, mental, social, 
and spiritual health of American Indians and Alaska Natives to the 
highest level, this program seeks to build on and strengthen community 
resilience by supporting wider access to the 10 EPHS in Indian Country, 
a framework designed to offer all people a fair and just opportunity to 
achieve optimal health and well-being. For more information on the 
EPHS, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/publichealthgateway/publichealthservices/essentialhealthservices.html. The framework of the 
EPHS has served as a guide to the public health field since 1994, and 
describes the public health activities that all communities should 
undertake, including, (1) monitor health status to identify and solve 
community health problems, and (2) Diagnose and investigate health 
problems and health hazards in the community.
    The EPHS framework was revised in 2020 with an emphasis on equity 
and reflects current and future public health practice goals. The EPHS 
have been included in the HHS Healthy People initiatives since 2010, 
when the initiative first included a focus area of Public Health 
Infrastructure with the goal to ``ensure that Federal, Tribal, state, 
and local health agencies have the infrastructure to provide essential 
public health services effectively.''
    The 10 EPHS include:
    1. Assess and monitor population health status, factors that 
influence health, and community needs and assets.
    2. Investigate, diagnose, and address health problems and hazards 
affecting the population.
    3. Communicate effectively to inform and educate people about 
health, factors that influence it, and how to improve it.
    4. Strengthen, support, and mobilize communities and partnerships 
to improve health.
    5. Create, champion, and implement policies, plans, and laws that 
impact health.
    6. Use legal and regulatory actions designed to improve and protect 
the public's health.
    7. Contribute to an effective system that enables equitable access 
to the individual services and care needed to be healthy. This Service 
description has been adapted to better align with the anticipated scope 
of intended recipient jurisdictions.
    8. Build and support a diverse and skilled public health workforce.
    9. Improve and innovate public health functions through ongoing 
evaluation, research, and continuous quality improvement.
    10. Build and maintain a strong organizational infrastructure for 
public health.

Required and Allowable Activities

    The following activities are required for awardees under this 
funding announcement. For more guidance on the proposal requirements, 
please see Project Narrative, below.
Required Activities
    1. Assess community-specific public health needs.
    2. Conduct an assessment to identify current EPHS activities and/or 
priorities.
    3. Identify gaps in EPHS functions currently available within 
supported communities.
    4. Quantify costs for establishing priority EPHS functions.
    5. Assess feasibility of establishing priority EPHS functions.
Allowable Activities
    Allowable costs and activities must align with the 10 EPHS.

II. Award Information

Funding Instrument--Grant

Estimated Funds Available
    The total funding identified for fiscal year (FY) 2024 is 
approximately $3,600,000. Individual award amounts

[[Page 19849]]

for the first budget year are anticipated to be between $100,000 and 
$200,000. The funding available for competing and subsequent 
continuation awards issued under this announcement is subject to the 
availability of appropriations and budgetary priorities of the Agency. 
The IHS is under no obligation to make awards that are selected for 
funding under this announcement.
Anticipated Number of Awards
    The IHS anticipates issuing approximately 24 awards under this 
program announcement.
Period of Performance
    The period of performance is for 3 years.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligibility

    To be eligible for this funding opportunity applicant must be one 
of the following, as defined by 25 U.S.C. 1603:
     A federally recognized Indian Tribe as defined by 25 
U.S.C. 1603(14). The term ``Indian Tribe'' means any Indian Tribe, 
band, nation, or other organized group or community, including any 
Alaska Native village or group, or regional or village corporation, as 
defined in or established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims 
Settlement Act (85 Stat. 688) [43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.], which is 
recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided 
by the United States (U.S.) to Indians because of their status as 
Indians.
     A Tribal organization as defined by 25 U.S.C. 1603(26). 
The term ``Tribal organization'' has the meaning given the term in 
section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act 
(25 U.S.C. 5304(l)): ``Tribal organization'' means the recognized 
governing body of any Indian Tribe; any legally established 
organization of Indians which is controlled, sanctioned, or chartered 
by such governing body or which is democratically elected by the adult 
members of the Indian community to be served by such organization and 
which includes the maximum participation of Indians in all phases of 
its activities: provided that, in any case where a contract is let or 
grant made to an organization to perform services benefiting more than 
one Indian Tribe, the approval of each such Indian Tribe shall be a 
prerequisite to the letting or making of such contract or grant. 
Applicant shall submit letters of support and/or Tribal Resolutions 
from the Tribes to be served.
     An Urban Indian organization, as defined by 25 U.S.C. 
1603(29). The term ``Urban Indian organization'' means a nonprofit 
corporate body situated in an urban center, governed by an urban Indian 
controlled board of directors, and providing for the maximum 
participation of all interested Indian groups and individuals, which 
body is capable of legally cooperating with other public and private 
entities for the purpose of performing the activities described in 25 
U.S.C. 1653(a). Applicants must provide proof of nonprofit status with 
the application, e.g., 501(c)(3). Each awardee shall provide services 
under this award only to eligible Urban Indians living within the urban 
center in which the Urban Indian Organization (UIO) is situated.
    The Division of Grants Management (DGM) will notify any applicants 
deemed ineligible.

2. Additional Information on Eligibility

    The IHS does not fund concurrent projects. Specifically, an 
applicant may not be awarded under this opportunity and the Native 
Public Health Resilience opportunity (number HHS-2024-IHS-NPHR-0001). 
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 Tribe or Tribal organization 
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 is not available by the application deadline date, a draft 
Tribal Resolution may be submitted with the application by the 
application 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 official signed resolution but is acceptable until 
a signed resolution is received. Applications submitted without either 
official signed or draft Tribal Resolution(s) are considered incomplete 
and will not be reviewed. If an application submitted with only draft 
Tribal Resolution(s) 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 must submit an equivalent document commensurate with their 
governing organization. Please include documentation explaining and 
substantiating your organization's governing structure.
Proof of Nonprofit Status
    Organizations claiming nonprofit status must submit a current copy 
of the 501(c)(3) Certificate with the application.

IV. Application and Submission Information

    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 causes confusion when trying to find specific documents. 
This 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.

[[Page 19850]]

    Please direct questions regarding the application process to 
[email protected].

2. Content and Form Application Submission

    Mandatory documents for all applications are listed below. An 
application is incomplete if any of the listed mandatory documents are 
missing. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
     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 15 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 Work Plan Chart.
     Logic Model (Included as an attachment, not in the 
narrative page limit).
     Biographical sketches for all Key Personnel.
     Contractor/Consultant resumes or qualifications and scope 
of work.
     Certification Regarding Lobbying (GG-Lobbying Form).
    The documents listed here may be required. Please read this list 
carefully.
     Tribal Resolution(s) as described in Section III, 
Eligibility.
     Letters of Support from organization's Board of Directors.
     501(c)(3) Certificate.
     Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL), if applicant 
conducts reportable lobbying.
     Copy of current Negotiated Indirect Cost (IDC) rate 
agreement (required in order to receive IDC).
     Documentation of current Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) Financial Audit (if applicable).
    Acceptable forms of documentation include:
    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/ gov/.
    Additional documents can be uploaded as Other Attachments in 
Grants.gov. These can include:
     Work plan, logic model, and 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).
     Organizational chart.
     Map of area identifying project location(s).
     Additional documents to support narrative (i.e., data 
tables, key news articles, etc.).
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 
15 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 15-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.
Part 1: Program Information (Limit--3 Pages)
Section 1: Introduction and Need for Assistance
    Briefly describe the population that will be served, estimated 
population size, and geographic reach. Briefly describe the public 
health problem your proposed project will address, including community 
and/or organizational strengths and any existing capacities it would 
build upon to foster success. This section should include a description 
of the needs and strengths of the population. Clearly identify any 
existing public health system and unmet community needs.
Part 2: Program Planning and Evaluation (Limit--10 Pages)
Section 1: Program Planning
    Detail how the proposed project will help determine the feasibility 
of implementing activities within their community. Applicants must 
include a clear description of how the selected EPHS will address the 
problem described in Part 1, Section 1: Needs, and select existing 
evidence-based strategies that meet those needs or describe novel 
strategies that will be evaluated over the course of the project 
period. The Program Plan should include details of the applicant's plan 
to address the project objectives. The work plan should include details 
of the applicant's plan to address each required activity. If 
additional activities are proposed, explicitly link each to at least 
one of the 10 EPHS. Applicants are encouraged to consider using or 
adapting strategies identified in Healthy People 2030 at https://health.gov/healthypeople, the Foundational Public Health Services 
Framework at https://phnci.org/transformation/fphs, Public Health 
Accreditation Standards and Measures at https://phaboard.org/, and the 
HHS Equity Action Plan at https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/hhs-equity-action-plan.pdf.
Section 2: Program Evaluation
    The evaluation plan should identify how the applicant plans to 
measure program progress in establishing goals and performance 
measures, assessing current management capacity, and determine if 
developing a Public Health program is practicable. List measurable and 
attainable goals with explicit timelines that detail expectation of 
findings. Applicants must clearly identify the outcomes they expect to 
achieve by the end of the period of performance, as identified in the 
logic model. Outcomes are the results that the program intends to 
achieve and usually indicate the intended direction of change (e.g., 
increase, decrease).
Part 3: Program Report (Limit--2 Pages)
    Describe your organization's significant program activities and 
accomplishments over the past 5 years, if any, in performing activities 
related to the proposed project.

[[Page 19851]]

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 entire project, by year. 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 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, contact the DGM as soon as possible by email at 
[email protected].
    The IHS will not acknowledge receipt of applications.

4. Intergovernmental Review

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

5. Funding Restrictions

     Pre-award costs are allowable up to 90 days before the 
start date of the award provided the costs are otherwise allowable if 
awarded. Pre-award costs are incurred at the risk of the applicant.
     The available funds are inclusive of direct and indirect 
costs.
     Only one grant may be awarded per applicant.
     The purchase of food (i.e., as supplies, for meetings or 
events, etc.) is not an allowable cost with this grant funding and 
should not be included in the budget/budget justification.

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. The IHS will not accept any applications submitted through any 
means outside of Grants.gov without an approved waiver.
    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.
    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 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 to 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.

[[Page 19852]]

    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 the proposed 
activities for the entire period of performance. 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:

1. Evaluation Criteria

A. Introduction and Need for Assistance (10 Points)
    Proposal should succinctly describe the public health services your 
proposed project will consider and/or evaluate, including community 
and/or organizational strengths and any existing capacities it would 
build upon to foster success.
B. Program Planning (30 Points)
    Adequately describe the needs and strengths of the population. The 
narrative should provide sufficient details of the applicant's plan to 
address each required activity and explicitly link these to at least 
one of the 10 EPHS. Applicants must explain how existing evidence-based 
strategies will be used to meet the needs identified in the 
Introduction and Need for Assistance, or describe novel strategies to 
meet needs that they will evaluate over the course of the period of 
performance. Applicants must address each element of their selected 
EPHS in their approach.
C. Program Evaluation (30 Points)
    The evaluation plan will be scored on the feasibility of 
appropriately measuring program progress, outcomes, success, and 
opportunities for refinement. Reviewers will focus on whether goals are 
measurable, attainable, and related to the outcomes applicants expect 
to achieve by the end of the period of performance, as identified in 
their logic model.
D. Program Report, Organizational Capabilities, Key Personnel, and 
Qualifications (10 Points)
    Provide a detailed biographical sketch of each member of key 
personnel assigned to carry out the objectives of the program plan. The 
sketches should detail the qualifications and expertise of identified 
staff.
E. Categorical Budget and Budget Narrative (20 Points)
    Provide a detailed budget of each expenditure directly related to 
the identified program activities. Ensure that allowable activities are 
identified separately from required activities.

2. Review and Selection

    Each application will be prescreened for eligibility and 
completeness as outlined in this funding announcement. The Review 
Committee (RC) will review applications that meet the eligibility 
criteria. The RC will review the applications for merit 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 DEDP 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 Grants:
     Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and 
Audit Requirements for HHS Awards currently in effect or implemented 
during the period of award, other Department regulations and policies 
in effect at the time of award, and applicable statutory provisions. At 
the time of publication, this includes 45 CFR part 75, at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2022-title45-vol1/pdf/CFR-2022-title45-vol1-part75.pdf.
     If you receive an award, HHS may terminate it if any of 
the conditions in 2 CFR 200.340(a)(1)-(4) are met. Please review all 
HHS regulatory provisions for Termination at 2 CFR 200.340, at the time 
of this publication located at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2023-title2-vol1/pdf/CFR-2023-title2-vol1-sec200-340.pdf. No other 
termination conditions apply.
    C. Grants Policy:
     HHS Grants Policy Statement, Revised January 2007, at 
https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/grants/grants/policies-regulations/hhsgps107.pdf.
    D. Cost Principles:
     Uniform Administrative Requirements for HHS Awards, ``Cost 
Principles,'' at 45 CFR part 75 subpart E, at the time of this 
publication located at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2022-title45-vol1/pdf/CFR-2022-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-2022-title45-vol1/pdf/CFR-2022-title45-vol1-part75-subpartF.pdf.
    F. As of August 13, 2020, 2 CFR part 200 was updated to include a

[[Page 19853]]

prohibition on certain telecommunications and video surveillance 
services or equipment. This prohibition is described in 2 CFR 200.216, 
at the time of this publication located at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2023-title2-vol1/pdf/CFR-2023-title2-vol1-sec200-216.pdf. 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 grant 
activities under the current award's budget period. If the current rate 
agreement is not on file with the DGM at the time of award, the IDC 
portion of the budget will be restricted. The restrictions remain in 
place until the current rate agreement is provided to the DGM.
    Per 2 CFR 200.414(f) Indirect (F&A) costs, found at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2023-title2-vol1/pdf/CFR-2023-title2-vol1-sec200-414.pdf.
    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 expiration of the period of performance.
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. Data Collection and Reporting
    Reporting for recipients will be required semi-annually (two 
progress reports per year).
    Recipients will track the implementation of strategies and 
activities and determine the progress made in achieving outcomes based 
on their selected evaluation plan elements.
D. Federal Sub-Award Reporting System (FSRS)
    This award may be subject to the Transparency Act sub-award and 
executive compensation reporting requirements of 2 CFR part 170.
    The Transparency Act requires the OMB to establish a single 
searchable database, accessible to the public, with information on 
financial assistance awards made by Federal agencies. The Transparency 
Act also includes a requirement for recipients of Federal grants to 
report information about first-tier sub-awards and executive 
compensation under Federal assistance awards.
    The IHS has implemented a Term of Award into all IHS Standard Terms 
and Conditions, NoAs, and funding announcements regarding the FSRS 
reporting requirement. This IHS Term of Award is applicable to all IHS 
grant and cooperative agreements issued on or after October 1, 2010, 
with a $25,000 sub-award obligation threshold met for any specific 
reporting period.
    For the full IHS award term implementing this requirement and 
additional award applicability information, visit the DGM Grants 
Management website at https://www.ihs.gov/dgm/policytopics/.
E. Non-Discrimination Legal Requirements for Recipients of Federal 
Financial Assistance
     If you receive an award, you must follow all applicable 
nondiscrimination laws. You agree to this when you register in SAM.gov. 
You must also submit an Assurance of Compliance (HHS-690). To learn 
more, see https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-providers/laws-regulations-guidance/laws/. 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.
F. Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System 
(FAPIIS)
    The IHS is required to review and consider any information about 
the applicant that is in the FAPIIS at https://sam.gov/content/fapiis 
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

[[Page 19854]]

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, andHHS 
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: Lisa Neel, 
Public Health Advisor, Office of Public Health Support, 5600 Fishers 
Lane, Rockville, MD 20852, Phone: (301) 443-4305, Email: 
[email protected].
    2. Questions on grants 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].
    3. For technical assistance with Grants.gov, please contact the 
Grants.gov help desk at (800) 518-4726, or by email at 
[email protected].
    4. For technical assistance with GrantSolutions, please contact the 
GrantSolutions help desk at (866) 577-0771, or by email at 
[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.

Roselyn Tso,
Director, Indian Health Service.

Appendix 1: Sample Logic Model

Background

    The 10 Essential Public Health Services (EPHS) describe the public 
health activities that all communities should undertake. For the past 
25 years, the EPHS have served as a well-recognized framework for 
carrying out the mission of public health. The EPHS framework was 
originally released in 1994 and more recently updated in 2020. The 
revised version is intended to bring the framework in line with current 
and future public health practice.
    For an implementation tool kit, please see the Public Health 
National Center for Innovations. 10 Essential Public Health Services 
Toolkit. September 9, 2020. ph.phnci.net/10ephs.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Resources/inputs                  Activities                  Outputs                  Outcomes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Identified via proposal............  1. Assess community-      Number of completed       Identification of key
                                      specific Public Health    assessments.              Public Health needs
                                      needs. Resources at:     Report identifying the     and issues in AI/AN
                                      https://www.cdc.gov/      top EPHS priorities of    communities.
                                      publichealthgateway/cha/  the service population.
                                      .
Identified via proposal............  2. Conduct an assessment  Number of completed       Improved capacity to
                                      of current EPHS           ecological assessments    develop public health
                                      activities and/or         of current activities     programs and services
                                      priorities.               and/or priorities.        to address prioritized
                                                               Number of assessments      public health
                                                                using existing toolkits   activities in AI/AN
                                                                such as the Roadmap to    communities.
                                                                Develop Sharing
                                                                Initiatives in Public
                                                                Health. https://phsharing.org/resources/a-roadmap-to-develop-cross-jurisdictional-sharing-initiatives/.
Identified via proposal............  3. Identify gaps in EPHS  Number of reports on      Use of roadmap to
                                      functions currently       gaps in EPHS functions    develop public health
                                      available within          using community-based     programs and services
                                      supported communities.    engagement and decision-  to address prioritized
                                                                making structures such    public health
                                                                as community-based        activities in AI/AN
                                                                participatory research    communities.
                                                                designs or
                                                                participatory
                                                                budgeting.
Identified via proposal............  4. Quantify costs for     Number of economic        Improved capacity to
                                      establishing priority     evaluations that          develop public health
                                      EPHS functions.           quantify the cost         programs and services
                                                                factors of offering the   to address prioritized
                                                                selected EPHS.            public health
                                                                                          activities in AI/AN
                                                                                          communities.

[[Page 19855]]

 
Identified via proposal............  5. Assess feasibility of  Selection and testing of  Improved capacity to
                                      establishing priority     at least one pilot        develop and/or offer
                                      EPHS functions.           program or                public health programs
                                                                demonstration project     and services to
                                                                addressing the selected   address prioritized
                                                                EPHS.                     public health
                                                                                          activities in AI/AN
                                                                                          communities.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[FR Doc. 2024-05826 Filed 3-19-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4166-14-P