[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 104 (Friday, May 30, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 29358-29362]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-14149]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service
[0917-ZA02]


Elder Health Care Initiative

AGENCY: Indian Service, HHS.

ACTION: Notice of availability of funds for Competitive Grants for 
Indian Elders Demographics and Health Services/Prevention/Education or 
Abuse/Neglect Treatment Programs Demonstration Projects for American 
Indians/Alaska Natives.

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SUMMARY: The Indian Health Service (IHS) announces the availability of 
approximately $800,000 for competitive grants to Tribal, Urban and non-
profit Indian organizations for the support of five to ten 
Demonstration Projects for American Indian/Alaska Native elders 
established under the authority of Section 301(a) of the Public Health 
Service Act, as amended. There will be only one funding cycle during 
fiscal year (FY) 1997 (see Fund Availability and Period of Support). 
This program is described at 93.933 in the Catalog of Federal Domestic 
Assistance. Executive Order 12372 requiring intergovernmental review is 
not applicable to this program. The Public Health Service (PHS) is 
committed to achieving the health promotion and disease prevention 
objectives of Healthy People 2000. Healthy People 2000, the full 
report, is currently out of print. You may obtain the objectives from 
the latest Healthy People 2000 Review. A copy may be obtained by 
calling the National Center for Health Statistics, telephone (301) 443-
8500.
    Projects will be included in one of two categories, either: (1) 
Services assessment, which may include the demographics of Native 
American elders, the development of a survey tool of elder services and 
needs, or the development of assessment tools or interdisciplinary 
teams or, (2) direct services with a prevention component, which may 
include the forming of elder specific clinics/services/programs, elder 
abuse/neglect prevention, detection, and

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treatment programs or the development of patient, care giver, community 
and/or professional and paraprofessional educational material/media on 
the aging process and care of the elder.
    Smoke Free Workplace: The PHS strongly encourages all grant 
recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and promote the non-use of 
all tobacco products. This is consistent with the PHS mission to 
protect and advance the physical and mental health of the American 
people.
    Due Date: An original and two (2) copies of the completed grant 
application must be submitted, with all required documentation, to the 
Grant Management Branch, Division of Acquisition and Grants Management, 
Twinbrook Metro Plaza-Suite 100, 12300 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, MD 
20852, by close of business July 7, 1997.
    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 5:00 p.m.; or (2) postmarked 
on or before the deadline date 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 as 
proof of timely mailing. Private metered postmarks will not be accepted 
as proof of timely mailing. Applications received after the announced 
closing date will be returned to the applicant and will not be 
considered for funding.
    Additional Dates:
    A. Application Review Date: August 5-6, 1997.
    B. Applicants Notified of Results (approved, approved unfunded, or 
disapproved): September 1, 1997.
    C. Anticipated Start Date: September 1, 1997.
    Contacts for Assistance: For program information, contact Patrick 
Stenger, DO, Geriatric Consultant, IHS Elder Health Care Initiative, 
3738 N. 16th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85016, (602) 640-5161, or Ron Freeman, 
MPH, Senior Public Health Advisor, IHS Headquarters East, Parklawn 
Bldg., Room 6A-55, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857 (301) 443-
3024.
    For grant application and business information, contact M. Kay 
Carpentier, Grants Management Officer, Grants Management Branch, 
Division of Acquisition and Grants Management, Indian Health Service, 
Twinbrook Metro Plaza-Suite 100, 12300 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, MD 
20852, (301) 443-5204. (The telephone numbers are not toll-free 
numbers.)

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This announcement provides information on 
the general program goal, eligibility and documentation requirements, 
programmatic activities, funding availability and period of support, 
and application procedures.
    General Program Goals: The goal of this project is to establish 
health, assistance, prevention and treatment programs for American 
Indian and Alaska Native elders; for data acquisition, integration and 
management and data base development; for producing assessment, 
management, and advance health care directive instruments such as 
health care powers of attorney and living wills specific for the 
indigenous older population; for elder abuse/neglect detection, 
prevention, or treatment programs; and for the development of 
educational and training materials and media for Indian elders, their 
caregivers, and their health care providers.
    Eligibility and Documentation Requirements: Any federally 
recognized Indian tribe, Indian tribal organization or 501(c)(3) non-
profit organizations serving primarily American Indians and Alaska 
Natives is eligible to apply for a demonstration grant from the IHS 
under this announcement.
    Documentation of Support:
    (a) A resolution of the Indian tribe or Indian tribal organization 
supporting this specific project must accompany the application 
submission.
    (b) Applications which propose services which will benefit more 
than one Indian tribe must include resolutions from all affected tribes 
to be served.
    (c) Applications by tribal organizations will not require 
resolution(s) if the current tribal resolution(s) under which they 
operate would encompass the proposed grant activities. A statement of 
proof or a copy of the current operational resolution must accompany 
the application.
    (d) If a resolution or a statement is not submitted, the 
application will be considered incomplete and will be returned without 
consideration.
    2. Non-Profit organizations must submit a copy of the 501(c)(3) 
Certificate.
    3. Letters of Cooperation/Collaboration/Assistance
    (a) Letters included in the application should be specific to this 
program.
    (b) If other related human services programs are to be involved in 
the project, letters confirming the nature and extent of their 
cooperation/collaboration/assistance must be submitted.
    Project Types:
    (1) Demographic projects will identify health and demographic 
characteristics of the American Indian/Alaska Native elder. They will 
use the Geographic Information System (GIS) and report on urban 
dwelling elders. The mapping must report the availability of health 
care and related community services, including location of facilities 
and transportation availability, socio-economic factors as revealed by 
the latest U.S. Census data, and selected health data from the Indian 
Health Service computerized, on-line patients medical records database. 
A project may also involve the search for and/or the development of a 
survey tool and the methodology to identify elders' services and needs.
    (2) Projects may be aimed at developing geriatric or functional 
assessment tools or mental health evaluation including, but not limited 
to, cognitive function, mental competency tools, and advance health 
care directives. Modifications of existing instruments, taking into 
account local tribal culture, customs, taboos, language, religious 
beliefs and the average level of education and literacy, is acceptable.
    (3) The development of elder specific clinics/programs (e.g., Well 
Elder Clinic, Immunization Clinic, Wellness Programs, Case Management, 
Elder Continuity Clinics, Home Health Agency, Visiting Nurse Program, 
Adult Day Care, Senior Citizens Centers, PACE Programs, Assisted Living 
Programs, and the like) are fitting under this grant. Programs that 
focus on elder abuse/neglect recognition, prevention and treatment are 
appropriate. The assembling, training and utilization of 
interdisciplinary teams for the assessment of the frail elderly 
(including assessment and management or case management), or for the 
assessment of the robust (i.e., the well functioning) elder for 
disease/disability prevention, health maintenance, or maximizing 
functional capacity may also be included in this grant proposal.
    (4) Education of elders, their communities, their families, and 
their providers of care is an important part of the IHS efforts to 
establish primary health care for Indian elders. Therefore, proposed 
projects may plan, execute and demonstrate strategies that incorporate 
pamphlets, books, workbooks, posters, modules or training sessions, 
audio, video, educational television network programming, or other 
media presentations aimed either at the consumer and/or the provider of 
elder health care.
    Fund Availability and Period of Support: In FY 1997, it is 
anticipated

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that approximately $800,000 will be available to support five to ten 
projects at approximately $40,000 to $200,000 inclusive of direct and 
indirect costs. Projects may be funded in annual budget periods for up 
to five years depending upon the defined scope of work. Continuation of 
projects will be based upon the availability of appropriations in 
future years, the continuing need of IHS for the projects, and 
satisfactory project performance. The anticipated start date will be 
September 1, 1997.
    The Elder Health Care Initiative Grant Application Kit: An IHS 
Grant Application Kit, including form PHS 5161-1 (rev. 7/92), may be 
obtained from the Grants Management Branch, Division of Acquisition and 
Grants Management, Twinbrook Metro Plaza-Suite 100, 12300 Twinbrook 
Parkway, Rockville, MD 20852, telephone (301) 443-5204.
    Factors for Consideration in Preparing the Application:
    1. Following the outline provided in the announcement will guide 
the writing of the application and facilitate the reviewers in locating 
required information.
    2. Projects should demonstrate coordination with other agencies and 
organizations within and without the community who serve the targeted 
population.
    3. Indian cultural aspects should be considered in program design.
    Application Process: 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 the 
Appendix) must not exceed 10 typed pages. An additional page may be 
used for each additional year of funding requested. Exclusions from the 
10 page limit are the Abstract, Tribal Resolution(s), 501(c)(3) non-
profit certificate, Letters of Documentation or Support, Standard 
Forms, Table of Contents, and the Appendix. All applications must 
include the following in the order presented:
     Tribal Resolution(s) and Documentation or 501(c)(3) 
Certification.
     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).
     Checklist (pages 23-24). Note: Each standard form and the 
checklist is contained in the PHS Grant Application, Form PHS 5161-1 
(OMB #0937-0189; expires 07/31/98.
     A project Abstract (may not exceed 1 typewritten page) 
should present a summary view of ``who-what-when-where-how-cost'' to 
determine acceptability for review.
     A table of contents to correspond with numbered pages.
     Project Narrative (10 pages):
    1. Introduction and Need for Assistance.
    2. Project Objective(s), Approach, and Results & Benefits.
    3. Project Evaluation.
    4. Organizational Capabilities and Qualifications.
    5. Budget.
     Appendix to include:
    * Resumes of key staff;
    * Position descriptions for key staff;
    * Organizational chart;
    * Documentation of current certified financial management systems;
    * Copy of current negotiated indirect cost rate agreement;
    * A map of the area to benefit from the project; and
    * Application Receipt Card, PHS-3038-1, Rev. 5-90.

A. Narrative

    The narrative section of the application must include the 
following: (1) justification for need for assistance; (2) work plan 
(including use of appropriate Native healing practices), project 
objectives, approach, expected results and evaluation process, (3) 
adequacy of management controls, and (4) key personnel. The work plan 
section should be project specific. These instructions for the 
preparation of the narrative are to be used in lieu of the instructions 
on pages 19-20 of the PHS 5161-1. The narrative section should be 
written in a manner that is clear to outside reviewers unfamiliar with 
prior related activities of the applicant. It should be well organized, 
succinct, and contain all information necessary for reviewers to 
understand the project fully. The Narrative may not exceed TEN single 
spaced pages in length, excluding attachments, budget and Tribal 
Resolutions/501(c)(3) non-profit certificate/Letters of Support. (Pages 
must be numbered.

1. Need for Assistance

    (a) Describe and define the target population at the project 
location (e.g. tribal population, number of elders 55 years and older). 
Information sources must be appropriately identified.
    (b) describe the existing resources and service available, 
including the maintenance of Native healing systems, where appropriate, 
which are related to the specific program/service the applicant is 
proposing to provide. Supply the name, address and phone number of a 
contact person for each.
    (c) Describe in detail the needs of the target population and what 
efforts have been made in the past to meet these needs, if any, (e.g. 
number of providers and their categories (doctor, nurse, CHR, 
pharmacist, physical therapist, recreational therapist, home health 
aid, etc.), collaborative efforts with state/county programs, 
availability of program funding from federal/non-federal sources).
    (d) Summarize the applicable national, IHS, and/or State standards, 
laws and regulations, and describe the unmet needs of any applicant's 
current program in relation to applicable national, IHS, and/or State 
standards, laws and regulations, (e.g. Medicare/Medicaid, third-party 
payor reimbursements, federal/state/tribal laws regarding instituting 
home health agencies, elder housing, adult day-care, nursing homes, 
etc.).

2. Work Plan

    (a) Program Objectives:
    1. State concisely the objectives of the project.
    2. Describe briefly what the project intends to accomplish.
    3. Describe how accomplishment of the objectives will be measured 
(including if replicable).
    (b) Approach:
    1. Describe the tasks and resources needed to implement and 
complete this project.
    2. Provide a task time (milestones) breakdown or chart. Include the 
date that the project will begin to accept clients, (if applicable).
    (c) Describe the Expected Results:
    1. Discuss data collection for the project, how it will be 
obtained, analyzed, and maintained by the project. Data should include, 
but is not limited to, the number and types of clients served, services 
provided, client outcomes and satisfaction, and costs associated with 
the program.
    2. Describe how the data collection will support the stated program 
objectives and how it will support the program evaluation to determine 
the impact of the project.
    (d) Program Evaluation:
    1. Describe methods for evaluating program activities, 
effectiveness of interventions, success in achieving objectives, the 
impact of interventions, acceptance among the targeted population, and 
workload accomplishments.

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    2. Identify who will conduct the evaluation of the projected 
outcomes and when the evaluation is to be completed.
    3. Identify the cost of the evaluation (whether internal or 
external).
    (e) Program Continuance: Discuss how the program services will be 
continued after the grant expires.
    (f) Experience Sharing: Indicate the project's willingness to share 
its program experience with IHS Areas, urban programs, tribes and other 
tribal organizations.

3. Adequacy of Management Controls

    (a) Describe where the project will be housed, i.e, facilities and 
equipment available.
    (b) Describe the management controls of the grantee over the 
directions and acceptability of work to be performed. Discuss personnel 
and financial systems in use and changes planned for this grant.
    (c) Applicant must demonstrate that the organization has adequate 
systems and expertise to manage Federal funds. Also, include a letter 
from the accounting firm describing results of the most recent 
organization-wide audit.

4. Key Personnel

    (a) Provide a biographical sketch (qualifications) and position 
descriptions for the program director and other key personnel as 
described on pages 20-21 of the PHS 5161-1. Identify existing personnel 
and new program staff to be hired.
    (b) Provide an organizational chart and indicate how the project 
will operate within the organization. Describe how this program will 
interface with other existing available resources.
    (c) List the qualifications and experience of consultants or 
contractors where their use is anticipated. Identify who will determine 
if the work of a contractor is acceptable.

B. Budget

    1. An itemized estimate of costs and justification for the proposed 
program by line item must be provided on form SF 424A Budget 
Information Non-Construction Programs.
    2. A narrative justification must be submitted for all costs. 
Indicate needs by listing individual items and quantities necessary. 
The need for items and quantities should be clearly specified in the 
narrative justification.
    3. Any special start up costs should be indicated.
    4. Multi-Year Projects--Projects requiring 2, 3, 4 or 5 years 
funding must include a brief program narrative and budget for each 
additional year of funding requested. The applicant may use one 
additional page to describe the developmental plans for each additional 
year of the project.
    5. Grant funding may not be used to supplant existing public and 
private resources.

C. Assurances

    The application shall contain assurance to the Secretary that the 
applicant will comply with program regulations, 42 CFR 36, Subpart H.
    Review Process: Applications meeting eligibility requirements that 
are complete, responsive, and conform to this program announcement will 
be reviewed for merit by reviewers appointed by the IHS. The review 
will be conducted in accordance with PHS review procedures. The review 
process ensures selection of quality projects in a national competition 
for limited funding. Applications will be evaluated and rated on the 
basis of the evaluation criteria listed below. These criteria are used 
to evaluate the quality of a proposed project, to assign a numerical 
score to each application, and to determine the likelihood of its 
success. Applications scoring below 60 points will not be funded.
    Evaluation Criteria Applications will be evaluated against the 
following criteria and weights:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Weight (percent)        Criteria             Description          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
25.........................           1  Need--The demonstration of     
                                          identified problems and risks 
                                          in the target population.     
                                          Extent of community           
                                          involvement and commitment.   
40.........................           2  Work Plan--The soundness and   
                                          effectiveness of the          
                                          applicant's plan for          
                                          conducting the project, with  
                                          special emphasis on the       
                                          objectives and methodology    
                                          portion of the application.   
15.........................           3  Adequacy of Management         
                                          Controls--The apparent        
                                          capability of the applicant to
                                          successfully conduct the      
                                          project including both        
                                          technical and business        
                                          aspects. The soundness of the 
                                          applicant's budget in relation
                                          to the project work plan and  
                                          for assuring effective        
                                          utilization of grant funds.   
                                          Adequacy of facilities and    
                                          equipment available within the
                                          organization or proposed for  
                                          purchase under the project.   
10.........................           4  Key Personnel--Qualifications  
                                          and adequacy of the staff.    
10.........................           5  Budget--Clarity and accuracy of
                                          program costs, and cost       
                                          justification for the entire  
                                          grant period.                 
                            --------------------------------------------
100........................  ..........  Total Weight.                  
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Reporting Requirements:
    A. Progress Report--Program progress reports will 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 
project/budget period.
    B. Financial Status Report--A semiannual financial status report 
will be submitted 30 days after the day of the end of the half-year. 
Final financial status reports are due 90 days after expiration of the 
project/budget period. Standard Form 269 (long form) will be used for 
financial reporting.
    Grant Administration Requirements: Grants are administered in 
accordance with the following documents:
    A. 45 CFR Part 92. Department of Health and Human Services, Uniform 
Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to 
State and Local Governments, or 45 CFR Part 74, Administrative of 
Grants to Non-profit recipients.
    B. Public Health Service Grants Policy Statement, and

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    C. Appropriate Cost Principles: OMB Circular A-87, State and Local 
Governments, or OMB Circular A-122, Nonprofit Organizations.
    Results of the Review: Successful applicants are notified through 
the official Notice of Grant Award (NGA) document. The NGA will state 
the amount of Federal funds awarded, the purpose of the grant, the 
terms and conditions of the grant award, the effective date of the 
award, the project period, and the budget period.

    Dated: April 14, 1997.
Michael H. Trujillo,
Assistant Surgeon General Director.
[FR Doc. 97-14149 Filed 5-29-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4160-16-M