Notice2023-09958
National Indian Health Outreach and Education
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
May 10, 2023
Issuing agencies
Health and Human Services DepartmentIndian Health Service
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 88 Issue 90 (Wednesday, May 10, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 90 (Wednesday, May 10, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 30141-30149]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-09958]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Indian Health Service
National Indian Health Outreach and Education
Announcement Type: New.
Funding Announcement Number: HHS-2023-IHS-NIHOE-0001.
Assistance Listing (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance or CFDA)
Number: 93.933.
Key Dates
Application Deadline Date: July 10, 2023.
Earliest Anticipated Start Date: July 24, 2023.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
Statutory Authority
The Indian Health Service (IHS) is accepting applications for a
cooperative agreement for the National Indian Health Outreach and
Education (NIHOE) program. This program is authorized under the Snyder
Act, 25
[[Page 30142]]
U.S.C. 13; the Transfer Act, 42 U.S.C. 2001(a); the Indian Health Care
Improvement Act at 25 U.S.C. 1621b; and Section 330C of the Public
Health Service Act, 42 U.S.C. 254c-3. The Assistance Listings section
of <a href="http://SAM.gov">SAM.gov</a> (<a href="https://sam.gov/content/home">https://sam.gov/content/home</a>) describes this program under
93.933.
Background
The IHS is committed to providing quality health care, consistent
with its statutory authorities and its government-to-government
relationship with each Indian Tribe. The IHS mission is to raise the
physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of American Indians and
Alaska Natives to the highest level. To further mission success, the
IHS seeks support on a national scale. The IHS serves as the principal
Federal health care provider and health advocate for approximately 2.6
million American Indians and Alaska Natives from 574 federally
recognized Tribes in 37 states, through a network of over 605
hospitals, clinics and health stations on or near Indian reservations
and predominantly in rural locations. Tribes administer over half of
the annual IHS discretionary appropriation. The IHS also enters into
agreements with 41 Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs). These 41 UIOs are
501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that provide culturally appropriate
and quality health care and referral services for Urban Indians in 22
states. The IHS seeks to collaborate with local communities, not-for-
profit organizations, universities and schools, foundations,
businesses, and Federal agencies. This effort will foster outreach and
education addressing health policy and health program issues; broadcast
educational information to all American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/
AN) people; provide policy/legislative updates, advocacy, and technical
assistance.
Purpose
The purpose of this IHS cooperative agreement is to further the IHS
mission and goals related to providing quality health care to the AI/AN
community through outreach and education efforts with a focus on
improving Indian health care, promoting awareness, visibility,
advocacy, training, technical assistance, and education efforts. This
program includes the following nine components, as described in this
announcement: ``Line Item 128 Health Education and Outreach funds;''
``Health Care Policy Analysis and Review;'' ``Substance Abuse and
Suicide Prevention (SASP) program;'' ``Domestic Violence Prevention
(DVP) program,''--a national awareness, visibility, advocacy, outreach
and education award; the ``Special Diabetes Program for Indians''
(SDPI); ``Tribal Budget Formulation Activities;'' the ``Affordable Care
Act (ACA);'' and the ``Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA).''
II. Award Information
Funding Instrument--Cooperative Agreement
Estimated Funds Available
The total funding identified for fiscal year (FY) 2023 is
approximately $851,311. The award amount for the first budget year is
anticipated to be between $246,311 and $851,311. The following
estimates are anticipated: $246,311 is estimated for Line Item 128
Health Education and Outreach (this amount could vary based on Tribal
shares assumptions); $125,000 for the Health Care Policy Analysis and
Review; $150,000 for activities related to the SASP program; $50,000
for activities related to the DVP program; $75,000 associated with
providing legislative education, outreach, and communication on the
SDPI; $100,000 for Tribal Budget Formulation activities; and $105,000
for outreach and education activities on the ACA and the IHCIA. 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 to applicants selected for funding under
this announcement.
Anticipated Number of Awards
The IHS anticipates issuing one award under this program
announcement.
Period of Performance
The period of performance is for 3 years.
Cooperative Agreement
Cooperative agreements awarded by the Department of Health and
Human Services (HHS) are administered under the same policies as a
grant. However, the funding agency, IHS, is anticipated to have
substantial programmatic involvement in the project during the entire
period of performance. Below is a detailed description of the level of
involvement required for the IHS.
Substantial Agency Involvement Description for Cooperative Agreement
A. The IHS assigned program official will work in partnership with
the recipient in all decisions involving strategy, hiring of personnel,
deployment of resources, release of public information materials,
quality assurance, coordination of activities, any training, reports,
budget, and evaluation. Collaboration includes data analysis,
interpretation of findings, and reporting.
B. The IHS assigned program official will monitor the overall
progress of the recipient's execution of the requirements of the award
noted below, as well as their adherence to the terms and conditions of
the cooperative agreement. This includes providing guidance for
required reports, development of tools and other products, interpreting
program findings, and assisting with evaluation and overcoming any
slippages encountered.
C. The IHS assigned program official will also coordinate the
following:
<bullet> Routinely scheduled conference calls.
<bullet> Appropriate dissemination of required reports to each
participating IHS program.
D. The IHS will jointly, with the recipient, plan and set an agenda
for events that:
<bullet> Shares the outcomes of the outreach and health education
training provided.
<bullet> Fosters collaboration amongst the participating IHS
program offices.
<bullet> Increases visibility for the partnership between the
recipient and the IHS.
E. The IHS may provide guidance in preparing articles for
publication and/or presentations of program successes, lessons learned
and new findings.
F. Agency staff will review articles concerning HHS for accuracy
and may, if requested by the recipient, provide relevant articles.
G. The IHS will communicate, via routine conference calls and
meetings, individual or collective (all participating programs) site
visits to the recipient.
H. The IHS will provide technical assistance to the recipient as
requested.
I. Agency staff may, at the request of the recipient's board,
participate on study groups, attend board meetings, and recommend
topics for analysis and discussion.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligibility
To be eligible for this funding opportunity, an applicant must be a
501(c)(3) organization that has demonstrated expertise as follows:
<bullet> Representing Tribal governments and providing a variety of
services to Tribes, area health boards, Tribal organizations, and
Federal agencies, and
[[Page 30143]]
playing a major role in focusing attention on Indian health care needs,
resulting in improved health outcomes for Tribes.
<bullet> Promoting and supporting health education for AI/AN people
and coordinating efforts to inform AI/AN leaders of Federal decisions
that affect Tribal government interests including the improvement of
Indian health care.
<bullet> Administering national health policy and health programs.
<bullet> Maintaining a national AI/AN constituency and clearly
supporting critical services and activities within the IHS mission of
improving the quality of health care for AI/AN people.
<bullet> Supporting improved health care in Indian Country.
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 NIHOE 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
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
<a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> 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 <a href="https://www.Grants.gov">https://www.Grants.gov</a>.
Please direct questions regarding the application process to
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5c181b111c35342f723b332a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="75313238351c1d065b121a03">[email protected]</span></a>.
2. Content and Form Application Submission
Mandatory documents for all applicants include:
<bullet> 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.
<bullet> Project Narrative (not to exceed 10 pages for each of the
components listed in Section I Purpose). See Section IV.2.A Project
Narrative for instructions.
<bullet> Budget Narrative (not to exceed 5 pages). See Section
IV.2.B Budget Narrative for instructions.
<bullet> One-page Timeframe or Work Plan Chart.
<bullet> Letters of Support from organization's Board of Directors.
<bullet> 501(c)(3) Certificate.
<bullet> Biographical sketches for all Key Personnel.
<bullet> Contractor/Consultant resumes or qualifications and scope
of work.
<bullet> Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL), if applicant
conducts reportable lobbying.
<bullet> Certification Regarding Lobbying (GG-Lobbying Form).
<bullet> Copy of current Negotiated Indirect Cost rate (IDC)
agreement (required in order to receive IDC).
<bullet> Organizational Chart (optional).
<bullet> 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: <a href="https://harvester.census.gov/facdissem/Main.aspx">https://harvester.census.gov/facdissem/Main.aspx</a>.
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 <a href="https://www.hhs.gov/grants/grants/grants-policies-regulations/index.html">https://www.hhs.gov/grants/grants/grants-policies-regulations/index.html</a>.
Requirements for Project and Budget Narratives
A. Project Narrative
This narrative should be a separate document that is no more than
10 pages per component 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 this 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--Two Pages)
Section 1: Capabilities and Qualifications
Describe how the applicant has the expertise to provide outreach
and education efforts on a continuing basis
[[Page 30144]]
regarding the pertinent changes and updates in health care for each of
the nine components listed herein.
Part 2: Program Planning and Evaluation (Limit--Six Pages)
Section 1: Program Plans
Describe fully and clearly how the applicant plans to address the
NIHOE requirements, including how the applicant plans to demonstrate
improved health education and outreach services to all federally
recognized Tribes for each of the components described herein. Include
proposed timelines as appropriate and applicable.
Section 2: Program Evaluation
Describe fully and clearly how the outreach and education efforts
will impact changes in knowledge and awareness in Tribal communities.
Identify anticipated or expected benefits for the Tribal constituency.
Describe fully and clearly how each project objective will be
evaluated, including a sample list of data variables to be collected
(i.e., health education and outreach services, response from community
surveys, rating of program or project's ability to use technology,
program or project's ability to cover costs of peripherals and software
to manage grant). Identify anticipated or expected benefits for the
Tribal community or target population.
Part 3: Program Report (Limit--Two Pages)
Section 1: Describe your organization's significant program
activities and accomplishments over the past 5 years associated with
the goals of this announcement.
Section 2: Describe major activities over the last 24 months.
Please identify and summarize recent major health related project
activities of the work done regarding each of the four components
during the project period.
B. Budget Narrative (Limit--Six 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 use the budget
narrative to expand the project narrative.
3. Submission Dates and Times
Applications must be submitted through <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> 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.
<a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> will notify the applicant via email if the application is
rejected.
If technical challenges arise and assistance is required with the
application process, contact <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> Customer Support (see contact
information at https://www.grants.gov). If problems persist, contact
Mr. Paul Gettys, Deputy Director, DGM, by email at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5612111b163f3e2578313920"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6024272d200908134e070f16">[email protected]</span></a>. 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
<a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> 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
<bullet> 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.
<bullet> The available funds are inclusive of direct and indirect
costs.
<bullet> Only one cooperative agreement may be awarded per
applicant.
<bullet> The purchase of food (i.e., as supplies, for meetings or
events, etc.) is not an allowable cost with this award funding and
should not be included in the budget.
6. Electronic Submission Requirements
All applications must be submitted via <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a>. Please use the
<a href="https://www.Grants.gov">https://www.Grants.gov</a> 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 <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a>, you must
request a waiver prior to the application due date. You must submit
your waiver request by email to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4105060c012829326f262e37"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c286858f82abaab1eca5adb4">[email protected]</span></a>. 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 <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> 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 <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> 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:
<bullet> Please search for the application package in <a href="https://www.Grants.gov">https://www.Grants.gov</a> by entering the Assistance Listing number or the Funding
Opportunity Number. Both numbers are located in the header of this
announcement.
<bullet> If you experience technical challenges while submitting
your application, please contact <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> Customer Support (see
contact information at <a href="https://www.Grants.gov">https://www.Grants.gov</a>).
<bullet> Upon contacting <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a>, 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.
<bullet> Applicants are strongly encouraged not to wait until the
deadline date to begin the application process through <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> as
the registration process for SAM and <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> could take up to 20
working days.
<bullet> Please follow the instructions on <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> to include
additional documentation that may be requested by this funding
announcement.
<bullet> Applicants must comply with any page limits described in
this funding announcement.
<bullet> After submitting the application, the applicant will
receive an automatic acknowledgment from <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> that contains a
<a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> 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
[[Page 30145]]
at <a href="https://sam.gov">https://sam.gov</a>. Organizations based in the United States (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 <a href="http://SAM.gov">SAM.gov</a> 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
<a href="https://sam.gov">https://sam.gov</a>.
Unique Entity Identifier
Your <a href="http://SAM.gov">SAM.gov</a> registration now includes a Unique Entity Identifier
(UEI), generated by <a href="http://SAM.gov">SAM.gov</a>, which replaces the DUNS number obtained
from Dun and Bradstreet. <a href="http://SAM.gov">SAM.gov</a> registration no longer requires a DUNS
number.
Check your organization's <a href="http://SAM.gov">SAM.gov</a> registration as soon as you
decide to apply for this program. If your <a href="http://SAM.gov">SAM.gov</a> 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 <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> registration. Registration and role
assignments in <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> 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 <a href="https://www.ihs.gov/dgm/policytopics/">https://www.ihs.gov/dgm/policytopics/</a>.
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:
1. Evaluation Criteria
A. Introduction and Need for Assistance (15 Points)
(1) Describe the organization's current health, education, and
technical assistance operations as related to the broad spectrum of
health needs of the AI/AN community. Include what programs and services
are currently provided (i.e., federally-funded, state-funded, etc.),
any memorandums of agreement with other national, area, or local Indian
health board organizations. This could also include HHS agencies that
rely on the applicant as the primary gateway organization to AI/AN
communities that are capable of providing the dissemination of health
information. Include information regarding technologies currently used
(i.e., hardware, software, services, websites, etc.), and identify the
source(s) of technical support for those technologies (i.e., in-house
staff, contractors, vendors, etc.). Include information regarding how
long the applicant has been operating and its length of association/
partnerships with area health boards, etc. (historical collaboration).
(2) Describe the organization's current technical assistance
ability. Include what programs and services are currently provided,
programs and services projected to be provided, memorandums of
agreement with other national Indian organizations that deem the
applicant as the primary source of health policy information for AI/AN
communities, and memorandums of agreement with other area Indian health
boards, etc.
(3) Describe the population to be served by the proposed projects.
(4) Identify all previous IHS cooperative agreement awards
received, dates of funding and summaries of the projects'
accomplishments. State how previous cooperative agreement funds
facilitated education, training, and technical assistance nationwide
for AI/AN people and relate the progression of health care information
delivery and development relative to the current proposed projects.
(Copies of reports will not be accepted.)
(5) Describe collaborative and supportive efforts with national,
area, and local Indian health boards.
(6) Explain the need/reason for your proposed projects by
identifying specific gaps or weaknesses in services or infrastructure
that will be addressed by the proposed projects. Explain how these
gaps/weaknesses have been assessed.
(7) If the proposed projects include information technology (i.e.,
hardware, software, etc.), provide further information regarding
measures taken or to be taken that ensure the proposed projects will
not create other gaps in services or infrastructure (i.e., negatively
or adversely affect IHS interface capability, Government Performance
Results Act reporting requirements, contract reporting requirements,
information technology compatibility, etc.), if applicable.
(8) Describe the effect of the proposed projects on current
programs (i.e., federally-funded, state-funded, etc.) and, if
applicable, on current equipment (i.e., hardware, software, services,
etc.). Include the effect of the proposed projects on planned/
anticipated programs and/or equipment.
(9) Describe how the projects relate to the purpose of the
cooperative agreement by addressing the following: Identify how the
proposed projects will address outreach and education regarding each of
the components listed.
B. Project Objective(s), Work Plan and Approach (40 Points)
(1) Identify the proposed objective(s) for each of the nine
components, as applicable. Objectives should be:
<bullet> Measurable and (if applicable) quantifiable.
<bullet> Results oriented.
<bullet> Time-limited.
Example: Issue quarterly newsletters, provide alerts, and quantify
number of contacts with Tribes.
Goals must be clear and concise. Objectives must be measurable,
feasible, and attainable for each of the selected projects.
(2) Address how the proposed projects will result in change or
improvement in program operations or processes for each proposed
project objective for all of the projects. Also address what tangible
products, if any, are expected from the projects, (i.e., policy
analysis, outreach events, summits, etc.).
(3) Address the extent to which the proposed projects will provide,
improve, or expand services that address the need(s) of the target
population. Include a current strategic plan and business plan that
includes the
[[Page 30146]]
expanded services. Include the plan(s) with the application submission.
(4) Submit a work plan that includes the following information.
<bullet> Provide the action steps on a timeline for accomplishing
each of the projects' proposed objective(s).
<bullet> Identify who will perform the action steps.
<bullet> Identify who will supervise the action steps.
<bullet> Identify what tangible products will be produced during
and at the end of the proposed projects' objective(s).
<bullet> Identify who will accept and/or approve work products
during the duration of the proposed projects and at the end of the
proposed projects.
<bullet> Include any training that will take place during the
proposed projects and who will be attending the training.
<bullet> Include evaluation activities planned in the work plans.
(5) If consultants or contractors will be used during the proposed
project, please include the following information in their scope of
work (or note if consultants/contractors will not be used).
<bullet> Educational requirements.
<bullet> Desired qualifications and work experience.
<bullet> Expected work products to be delivered on a timeline.
If a potential consultant/contractor has already been identified,
please include a resume.
(6) Describe what updates will be required for the continued
success of the proposed projects. Include when these updates are
anticipated and where funds will come from to conduct the update and/or
maintenance.
C. Program Evaluation (20 Points)
Each proposed objective requires an evaluation component to assess
its progression and ensure its completion. Include the evaluation
activities in the work plan.
Describe the proposed plan to evaluate both outcomes and process.
Outcome evaluation relates to the results identified in the objectives,
and process evaluation relates to the work plan and activities of the
project.
(1) For outcome evaluation, describe:
<bullet> What will the criteria be for determining success of each
objective?
<bullet> What data will be collected to determine whether the
objective was met?
<bullet> At what intervals will data be collected?
<bullet> Who will collect the data, and what are their
qualifications?
<bullet> How will the data be analyzed?
<bullet> How will the results be used?
(2) For process evaluation, describe:
<bullet> How will each project be monitored and assessed for
potential problems and needed quality improvements?
<bullet> Who will be responsible for monitoring and managing each
project's improvements based on results of ongoing process
improvements, and what are their qualifications?
<bullet> How will ongoing monitoring be used to improve the
projects?
<bullet> Describe any products, such as manuals or policies, that
might be developed and how they might lend themselves to replication by
others.
<bullet> How will the organization document what is learned
throughout each of the projects' periods?
(3) Describe any evaluation efforts planned after the period of
performance has ended.
(4) Describe the ultimate benefit to the AI/AN population that the
applicant organization serves that will be derived from these projects.
D. Organizational Capabilities, Key Personnel and Qualifications (15
Points)
This section outlines the broader capacity of the organization to
complete the project outlined in the work plan. It includes the
identification of personnel responsible for completing tasks and the
chain of responsibility for successful completion of the projects
outlined in the work plan.
(1) Describe the organizational structure of the organization
beyond health care activities, if applicable.
(2) Describe the ability of the organization to manage the proposed
projects. Include information regarding similarly sized projects in
scope and financial assistance, as well as other cooperative
agreements/grants and projects successfully completed.
(3) Describe what equipment (i.e., fax machine, phone, computer,
etc.) and facility space (i.e., office space) will be available for use
during the proposed projects. Include information about any equipment
not currently available that will be purchased through the cooperative
agreement/grant.
(4) List key personnel who will work on the projects. Include title
used in the work plans. Include position descriptions and resumes for
all key personnel. Position descriptions should clearly describe each
position and duties, indicating desired qualifications and experience
requirements related to the proposed projects. Resumes must indicate
that the proposed staff member is qualified to carry out the proposed
projects' activities. If a position is to be filled, indicate that
information on the proposed position description.
(5) If personnel are to be only partially funded by this
cooperative agreement, indicate the percentage of time to be allocated
to the projects and identify the resources used to fund the remainder
of the individual's salary.
E. Categorical Budget and Budget Justification (10 Points)
This section should provide a clear estimate of the projects'
program costs and justification for expenses for the entire period of
performance. The budgets and budget narratives should be consistent
with the tasks identified in the work plans.
(1) Provide a categorical budget for each of the 12-month budget
periods requested for each of the nine components.
(2) If indirect costs are claimed, indicate and apply the current
negotiated rate to the budget. Include a copy of the rate agreement.
(3) Explain in the budget narrative why each line item is
necessary/relevant to the proposed project. Include sufficient cost and
other details to facilitate the determination of cost allowability
(i.e., equipment specifications, etc.).
Additional documents can be uploaded as Other Attachments in
<a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a>.
These include:
<bullet> Work plan, logic model, and/or time line for proposed
objectives.
<bullet> Position descriptions for key staff.
<bullet> Resumes of key staff that reflect current duties.
<bullet> Consultant or contractor proposed scope of work and letter
of commitment (if applicable).
<bullet> Current Indirect Cost Rate Agreement.
<bullet> Organizational chart.
<bullet> Map of area identifying project location(s).
<bullet> 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 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.
[[Page 30147]]
3. Notifications of Disposition
All applicants will receive an Executive Summary Statement from the
IHS Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes within 30 days of
the conclusion of the RC 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 Notice of Award (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, and 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:
<bullet> 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 <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2021-title45-vol1/pdf/CFR-2021-title45-vol1-part75.pdf">https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2021-title45-vol1/pdf/CFR-2021-title45-vol1-part75.pdf</a>.
<bullet> Please review all HHS regulatory provisions for
Termination at 45 CFR 75.372, at the time of this publication located
at <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2021-title45-vol1/pdf/CFR-2021-title45-vol1-sec75-372.pdf">https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2021-title45-vol1/pdf/CFR-2021-title45-vol1-sec75-372.pdf</a>.
C. Grants Policy:
<bullet> HHS Grants Policy Statement, Revised January 2007, at
<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/grants/grants/policies-regulations/hhsgps107.pdf">https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/grants/grants/policies-regulations/hhsgps107.pdf</a>.
D. Cost Principles:
<bullet> Uniform Administrative Requirements for HHS Awards, ``Cost
Principles,'' at 45 CFR part 75 subpart E, at the time of this
publication located at <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2021-title45-vol1/pdf/CFR-2021-title45-vol1-part75-subpartE.pdf">https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2021-title45-vol1/pdf/CFR-2021-title45-vol1-part75-subpartE.pdf</a>.
E. Audit Requirements:
<bullet> Uniform Administrative Requirements for HHS Awards,
``Audit Requirements,'' at 45 CFR part 75 subpart F, at the time of
this publication located at <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2021-title45-vol1/pdf/CFR-2021-title45-vol1-part75-subpartF.pdf">https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2021-title45-vol1/pdf/CFR-2021-title45-vol1-part75-subpartF.pdf</a>.
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 part
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 <a href="https://rates.psc.gov/">https://rates.psc.gov/</a> or the Department
of the Interior (Interior Business Center) at <a href="https://ibc.doi.gov/ICS/tribal">https://ibc.doi.gov/ICS/tribal</a>. For questions regarding the indirect cost policy, please write
to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#febab9b3be97968dd0999188"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="befaf9f3fed7d6cd90d9d1c8">[email protected]</span></a>.
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 <a href="https://www.grantsolutions.gov/home/getting-started-request-a-user-account/">https://www.grantsolutions.gov/home/getting-started-request-a-user-account/</a>. 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.
[[Page 30148]]
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. 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 <a href="https://www.ihs.gov/dgm/policytopics/">https://www.ihs.gov/dgm/policytopics/</a>.
D. Non-Discrimination Legal Requirements for Awardees 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 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 <a href="https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-providers/provider-obligations/index.html">https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-providers/provider-obligations/index.html</a>
and <a href="https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/nondiscrimination/index.html">https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/nondiscrimination/index.html</a>.
<bullet> 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 <a href="https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/special-topics/limited-english-proficiency/fact-sheet-guidance/index.html">https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/special-topics/limited-english-proficiency/fact-sheet-guidance/index.html</a> and <a href="https://www.lep.gov">https://www.lep.gov</a>.
<bullet> For information on your specific legal obligations for
serving qualified individuals with disabilities, including reasonable
modifications and making services accessible to them, see <a href="https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/disability/index.html">https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/disability/index.html</a>.
<bullet> HHS funded health and education programs must be
administered in an environment free of sexual harassment. See <a href="https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/sex-discrimination/index.html">https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/sex-discrimination/index.html</a>.
<bullet> 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 <a href="https://www.hhs.gov/conscience/conscience-protections/index.html">https://www.hhs.gov/conscience/conscience-protections/index.html</a>
and <a href="https://www.hhs.gov/conscience/religious-freedom/index.html">https://www.hhs.gov/conscience/religious-freedom/index.html</a>.
<bullet> 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 <a href="https://www.fapiis.gov/fapiis/#/home">https://www.fapiis.gov/fapiis/#/home</a> 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 the HHS
implementing regulations at 45 CFR part 75, the IHS must require an NFE
or an applicant for a Federal award to disclose, in a timely manner, in
writing to the IHS or pass-through entity all violations of Federal
criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations
potentially affecting the Federal award. All applicants and recipients
must disclose in writing, in a timely manner, to the IHS and to 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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#185c5f555871706b367f776e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f0b4b7bdb0999883de979f86">[email protected]</span></a>
AND
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector
General, ATTN: Mandatory Grant Disclosures, Intake Coordinator, 330
Independence
[[Page 30149]]
Avenue SW, Cohen Building, Room 5527, Washington, DC 20201, URL:
<a href="https://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud/">https://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud/</a> (Include ``Mandatory Grant
Disclosures'' in subject line), Fax: (202) 205-0604 (Include
``Mandatory Grant Disclosures'' in subject line) or, Email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#baf7dbd4dedbced5c8c3fdc8dbd4cedfdffed3c9d9d6d5c9cfc8dfc9fad5d3dd94d2d2c994ddd5cc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a8e5c9c6ccc9dcc7dad1efdac9c6dccdcdecc1dbcbc4c7dbdddacddbe8c7c1cf86c0c0db86cfc7de">[email protected]</span></a>
Failure to make required disclosures can result in any of the
remedies described in 45 CFR 75.371 Remedies for noncompliance,
including suspension or debarment (see 2 CFR part 180 and 2 CFR part
376).
VII. Agency Contacts
1. Questions on the programmatic issues may be directed to: Mr.
Kenneth Coriz, Policy Analyst, ODSCT, Mail Stop, 8E17, 5600 Fishers
Lane, Rockville, Maryland 20857, Phone: (301) 443-1104, Email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2e654b40404b5a46006d415c47546e47465d00494158"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="96ddf3f8f8f3e2feb8d5f9e4ffecd6fffee5b8f1f9e0">[email protected]</span></a>.
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:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a5e1e2e8e5cccdd68bc2cad3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5f1b18121f36372c71383029">[email protected]</span></a>.
3. For technical assistance with <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a>, please contact the
<a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> help desk at 800-518-4726, or by email at
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#186b6d6868776a6c587f6a79766c6b367f776e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f0838580809f8284b09782919e8483de979f86">[email protected]</span></a>.
4. For technical assistance with GrantSolutions, please contact the
GrantSolutions help desk at (866) 577-0771, or by email at
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d7bfb2bba797b0a5b6b9a3a4b8bba2a3beb8b9a4f9b0b8a1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6008050c10200712010e14130f0c1514090f0e134e070f16">[email protected]</span></a>.
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. 2023-09958 Filed 5-9-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165-16-P
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This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.