[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 43 (Monday, March 4, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8297-8300]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-4931]



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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Public Health Service


Indian Health Service; Health Professions Recruitment Program for 
Indians

AGENCY: Indian Health Service, HHS.

ACTION: Notice of Competitive Grant Applications for the Health 
Professions Recruitment Program for Indians.

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SUMMARY: The Indian Health Service (IHS) announces that competitive 
grant applications are now being accepted for the Health Professions 
Recruitment Program for Indians established by sec. 102 of the Indian 
Health Care Improvement Act of 1976 (25 U.S.C. 1612), as amended by 
Pub. L. 102-573. There will be only one funding cycle during fiscal 
year (FY) 1996. This program is described at sec. 93.970 in the Catalog 
of Federal Domestic Assistance and is governed by regulations at 42 CFR 
sec. 36.310 et seq. Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB 
Circulars A-21, A-87, and A-122 (cost principles for different types of 
applicant organizations); and 45 CFR part 74 or 45 CFR part 92 (as 
applicable). Executive Order 12372 requiring intergovernmental review 
is not applicable to this program. This program is not subject to the 
Public Health System Reporting requirements.
    The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the 
health promotion and disease prevention objectives of Healthy People 
2000, a PHS-led activity for setting priority areas. This program 
announcement is related to the priority area of Educational and 
Community-based programs. Potential applicants may obtain a copy of 
Healthy People 2000 (Full Report; Stock No. 017-001-00474-0) or Healthy 
People 2000 (Summary Report; Stock No. 017-001-00473-1) through the 
Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 
20402-9325 (Telephone 202-783-3238).

Smoke Free Workplace

    PHS strongly encourages all grant recipients to provide a smoke-
free workplace and promote the non-use of all tobacco products, and 
Public Law 103-227, the Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in 
certain facilities that receive Federal funds in which education, 
library, day care, health care, and early childhood development 
services are provided to children.

DATES: A. Applicant Receipt Date--An original and two copies of the 
completed grant application must be submitted with all required 
documentation to the Grants Management Branch, Division of Acquisition 
and Grants Operations, Twinbrook Building, Suite 100, 12300 Twinbrook 
Parkway, Rockville, Maryland 20852, by close of business June 3, 1996.
    Applications shall be considered as meeting the deadline if they 
are either: (1) received on or before the deadline with hand carried 
applications received by close of business 5 p.m.; or (2) postmarked on 
or before the deadline and received in time to be reviewed along with 
all other timely applications. A legibly dated receipt from a 
commercial carrier or the U.S. Postal Service will be accepted in lieu 
of a postmark. Private metered postmarks will not be accepted as proof 
of timely mailing. Late applications not accepted for processing will 
be returned to the applicant and will not be considered for funding.
    B. Additional Dates:

1. Application Review: July 17, 1996
2. Applicants Notified of Results: on or about August 1, 1996 
(approved, recommended for approval but not funded, or disapproved)
3. Anticipated Start Date: September 1, 1996

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
For program information, contact Robin L. Bristow, Project Officer, 
Scholarship Branch, Twinbrook Metro Plaza, 12300 Twinbrook Parkway, 
Suite 100, Rockville, Maryland 20852, (301) 443-6197. For grants 
application and business management information, contact M. Kay 
Carpentier, Grants Management Officer, Grants Management Branch, 
Division of Acquisition and Grants Operations, Indian Health Service, 
Twinbrook Building, Suite 100, 12300 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, 
Maryland 20852 (301) 443-5204. (The telephone numbers are not toll-free 
numbers).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This announcement provides information on 
the general program purpose, eligibility 

[[Page 8298]]
and preference, program objectives, required affiliation, fund 
availability and period of support, type of program activities 
considered for support, and application procedures for FY 1996.

A. General Program Purpose

    The purpose of the Health Professions Recruitment program is to 
increase the number of American Indians and Alaska Natives entering the 
health professions and to assure an adequate supply of health 
professionals to the IHS, Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and 
urban Indian organizations involved in the provision of health care to 
Indian people.

B. Eligibility and Preference

    The following organizations are eligible with preference given in 
the order of priority to:
    1. Indian tribes,
    2. Indian tribal organizations,
    3. urban Indian organizations and other Indian health 
organizations; and
    4. public and other nonprofit private health or educational 
entities.

C. Program Objectives

    Each proposal must address the following four objectives to be 
considered for funding:
    1. To identify Indians with a potential for education or training 
in Public Health (Masters level) and other health professions 
(excluding nursing), and to encourage and assist them to enroll in such 
programs. The Nursing profession is excluded because the IHS Nursing 
Recruitment Grant Program provides funding to increase the number of 
nurses who deliver health care services to Indians.
    2. To deliver the necessary student support systems to help to 
ensure that students who are recruited successfully complete their 
academic training. Support services may include providing career 
counseling and academic advice; assisting students to identify academic 
deficiencies and to develop plans to correct those deficiencies; 
assisting students to locate financial aid; monitoring students to 
identify possible problems; assisting with the determination of need 
for and location of tutorial services; and other related activities 
which will help to retain students in school.
    3. To publicize existing sources of financial aid available to 
Indian students interested in enrolling in or enrolled in an accredited 
Masters of Public Health program or accredited health professions 
program (excluding nursing).
    4. To work in close cooperation with the IHS, tribes, tribal 
organizations and urban Indian organizations, in locating and 
identifying non-academic period placement opportunities and practicum 
experiences, i.e., the IHS Extern Program authorized under Section 105 
of Pub. L. 94-437, as amended; assisting students with individual 
development plans in conjunction with identified placement 
opportunities; monitoring students to identify and evaluate possible 
problems; and monitoring and evaluating all placement and practicum 
experiences within the IHS to further develop and modify the program.

D. Required Affiliation

    If the applicant is an Indian tribe, tribal organization, urban 
organization or other Indian health organization, or a public or 
nonprofit private health organization, the applicant must submit a 
letter of support from at least one accredited school of public health 
or health professions program (excluding nursing), depending on the 
type of program for which it proposes to recruit. This letter must 
document linkage with that educational organization.
    When the target population of a proposed project includes a 
particular Indian tribe or tribes, an official document, i.e., a letter 
of support or tribal resolution, must be submitted indicating that the 
tribe or tribes will cooperate with the applicant.

E. Fund Availability and Period of Support

    It is anticipated that approximately $250,000 will be available for 
approximately 3 new grants. The average funding level for projects in 
FY 1995 was $98,000. The anticipated start date for selected projects 
will be September 1, 1996. Pursuant to 42 Code of Federal Regulations 
Sec. 36.313(c), the project period ``will usually be for one to two 
years.'' However, under this notice, projects will be awarded for a 
budget term of 12 months, with a maximum project period of up to three 
(3) years. A maximum project period of three (3) years is required so 
that key staff, such as project directors, may be recruited, without 
the financial and career uncertainty of a one or two year budget period 
and to enable the projects to carry out their recruitment activities 
without the added activity of applying for a grant every one or two 
years. Grant funding levels include both direct and indirect costs. 
Funding of succeeding years will be based on the FY 1996 level, 
continuing need for the program, satisfactory performance, and the 
availability of appropriations in those years.

F. Type of Program Activities Considered for Support

    Funds are available to develop grant programs to located and 
recruit students with potential for (1) Masters of Public Health or (2) 
other health professions degree programs (excluding nursing), and to 
provide support services to Indian students who are recruited.

G. Application Process

    An IHS Recruitment Grant Application Kit, including the required 
PHS 5161-1 (Rev. 7/92) (OMB Approval No. 0937-0189) and the U.S. 
Government Standard forms (SF-424, SF-424A and SF-424B), may be 
obtained from the Grants Management Branch, Division of Acquisition and 
Grants Operations, Indian Health Service, 12300 Twinbrook Parkway, 
Suite 100, Rockville, Maryland 20852, telephone (301) 443-5204. (This 
is not a toll free number.)

H. Grant Application Requirements

    All applications must be single-spaced, typewritten, and 
consecutively numbered pages using black type not smaller than 12 
characters per one inch, with conventional one inch border margins, on 
only one side of standard size 8\1/2\ x 11 paper that can be 
photocopied. The application narrative (not including abstract, tribal 
resolutions or letters of support, standard forms, table of contents or 
the appendix) must not exceed 20 typed pages as described above. All 
applications must include the following in the order presented:

--Standard Form 424, Application for Federal Assistance
--Standard Form 424A, Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs, 
(pages 1 and 2)
--Standard Form 424B, Assurances--Non-Construction Programs (front and 
back)
--Certifications, PHS 5161-1, (pages 17-18)
--Checklist, PHS 5161-1, (pages 23-24), NOTE: Each standard form and 
the checklist is contained in the PHS Grant Application, Form PHS 5161-
1 (Revised 7/92)
--Project Abstract (one page)
--Table of Contents
--Program Narrative to include:
--Introduction and Potential Effectiveness of Project
--Project Administration
--Accessibility to Target Population
--Relationship of Objectives to Manpower Deficiencies
--Project Budget, including multi-year narratives, and Budget 
Justifications
--Appendix to include:

[[Page 8299]]

--Tribal Resolution(s) or Letters of Support
--Biographical sketches for key personnel or position descriptions if 
position is vacant
--Organizational chart
--Workplan
--Completed IHS Application Checklist
--Application Receipt Card, PHS 3038-1 Rev. 5-90.

I. Application Instructions

    The following instructions for preparing the application narrative 
also constitute the standards (criteria or basis for evaluation) for 
reviewing and scoring the application. Weights assigned each section 
are noted in parenthesis.
    Abstract--An abstract may not exceed one typewritten page. The 
abstract should clearly present the application in summary form, from a 
``who-what-when-where-how-cost'' point of view so that reviewers see 
how the multiple parts of the application fit together to form a 
coherent whole.
    Table of Contents--Provide a one page typewritten table of 
contents.

Narrative

    1. Introduction and Potential Effectiveness (30 pts.)
    a. Describe your legal status and organization.
    b. State specific objectives of the project, which are measurable 
in terms of being quantified, significant to the needs of Indian 
people, logical, complete and consistent with the purpose of sec. 102.
    c. Describe briefly what the project intends to accomplish. 
Identify the expected results, benefits, and outcomes or products to be 
derived from each objective of the project.
    d. Provide a project specific work plan (milestone chart) which 
lists each objectives, the tasks to be conducted in order to reach the 
objective, and the timeframe needed to accomplish each task. Timeframes 
should be projected in a realistic manner to assure that the scope of 
work can be completed within each budget period. (A work plan format is 
provided.)
    e. In the case of proposed projects for identification of Indians 
with a potential for education or training in the health professions 
(excluding nursing), include a method for assessing the potential of 
interested Indians for undertaking necessary education or training in 
such health professions.
    f. State clearly the criteria by which the project's progress will 
be evaluated and by which the success of the project will be 
determined.
    g. Explain the methodology that will be used to determine if the 
needs, goals, and objectives identified and discussed in the 
application are being met and if the results and benefits identified 
are being achieved.
    h. Identify who will perform the evaluation and when.
    2. Project Administration (20 pts.)
    a. Provide an organizational chart (include in appendix). Describe 
the administrative, managerial and organizational arrangements, and the 
facilities and resources to be utilized to conduct the proposed 
project.
    b. Provide the name and qualifications of the project director or 
other individuals responsible for the conduct of the project; the 
qualifications of the principal staff carrying out the project; and a 
description of the manner in which the application's staff is or will 
be organized and supervised to carry out the proposed project. Include 
biographical sketches of key personnel (or job descriptions if the 
position is vacant) (include in appendix).
    c. Describe any prior experience in administering similar projects.
    d. Discuss the commitment of the organization, i.e., although not 
required, the level of non-Federal support. List the intended financial 
participation, if any, of the applicant in the proposed project 
specifying the type of contributions such as cash or services, loans of 
full or part-time staff, equipment, space, materials or facilities or 
other contributions.
    3. Accessibility to Target Population (20 pts.)
    a. Describe the current and proposed participation of Indians (if 
any) in your organization.
    b. Identify the target Indian population to be served by your 
proposed project and the relationship of your organization to that 
population.
    c. Describe the methodology to be used to access the target 
population.
    4. Relationship of Objectives to Manpower Deficiencies (20 pts.)
    a. Provide data and supporting documentation to address the 
relationship of objectives to manpower deficiencies.
    b. Indicate the number of potential Indian students to be contacted 
and recruited as well as potential cost per student recruited. Those 
projects that have the potential to serve a greater number of Indians 
will be given first consideration.
    5. Soundness of Fiscal Plan (10 pts.)
    a. Clearly define the budget. Provide a justification and detailed 
breakdown of the funding by category for the project. Information on 
the project director and project staff should include salaries and 
percentage of time assigned to the grant. List equipment purchases 
necessary for the conduct of the project.
    b. The available funding level of $250,000 is inclusive of both 
direct and indirect costs. Pursuant to Public Health Service Grants 
policy (DHHS Publication No. (OASH) 94-50,000 (Rev.) April 1, 1994), a 
`training grant' includes a grant for ``training or other educational 
purposes'', and the Department of Health and Human Services considers 
this grant activity as having an educational purpose. Because this 
project has an educational purpose, and, therefore, is for a training 
grant, the Department of Health and Human Services' policy limiting 
reimbursement of indirect cost to the lesser of the applicant's actual 
indirect costs or 8 percent of total direct costs (exclusive of tuition 
and related fees and expenditures for equipment) is applicable. This 
limitation applies to all institutions of higher education other than 
agencies of State and local government.
    c. Projects requiring additional years must include a program 
narrative and categorical budget and justification for each additional 
year of funding requested (this is not considered part of the 20-page 
narrative).
    Appendix--to include:

a. Tribal Resolution(s) or Letters of Support
b. Biographical sketches of key personnel or position descriptions if 
position is vacant
c. Organizational chart
d. Workplan
e. Completed IHS Application Checklist
f. Application Receipt Card, PHS 3038-1 Rev. 5-90

J. Reporting

    1. Progress Report--Program progress reports shall be required 
semiannually. These reports will include a brief description of a 
comparison of actual accomplishments to the goals established for the 
period, reasons for slippage and other pertinent information as 
required. A final report is due 90 days after expiration of the budget/
project period.
    2. Financial Status Report--Semi-annually financial status reports 
will be submitted 30 days after the end of the half year. A final 
financial status report is due 90 days after expiration of the budget/
project period. Standard Form 269 (long form) will be used for 
financial reporting.

K. Grant Administration Requirements

    Grants are administered in accordance with the following documents:
    1. 45 CFR part 92, HHS, Uniform Administrative Requirements for 
Grants 

[[Page 8300]]
and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments, or 45 CFR 
part 74, Administration of Grants to Non-Profit Recipients.
    2. PHS Grants Policy Statement, and
    3. Appropriate Cost Principles: OMB Circular A-21, Educational 
Institutions, OMB Circular A-87, State and Local Governments, and OMB 
Circular A-122, Non-profit Organizations.

L. Objective Review Process

    Applications meeting eligibility requirements that are complete, 
responsive, and conform to this program announcement will be reviewed 
by an Objective Review Committee (ORC) in accordance with IHS objective 
review procedures. The objective review process ensures a nationwide 
competition for limited funding. The ORC will be comprised of IHS (40% 
or less) and other federal or non-federal individuals (60% or more) 
with appropriate expertise. The ORC will review each application 
against established criteria. Based upon the evaluation criteria, the 
reviewers will assign a numerical score to each application, which will 
be used in making the final funding decision. Approved applications 
scoring less than 60 points will not be considered for funding.

M. Results of the Review

    The results of the objective review are forwarded to the Acting 
Associate Director, Office of Human Resources (OHR), for final review 
and approval. The Acting Associate Director, OHR, will also consider 
the recommendations from the Director, Division of Health Professions, 
Recruitment and Training, and the Grants Management Branch. Applicants 
are notified in writing on or about August 1, 1996. A Notice of Grant 
Award will be issued to successful applicants. Unsuccessful applicants 
are notified in writing of disapproval. A brief explanation of the 
reasons the application was not approved is provided along with the 
name of an IHS official to contact if more information is desired.

    Dated: February 21, 1996.
Michael H. Trujillo,
Assistant Surgeon General Director.
[FR Doc. 96-4931 Filed 3-1-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4160-16-M