[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 104 (Friday, May 30, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 29362-29364]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-14150]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service
[0917-ZA03]


Indian Women's Health Demonstration Program for American Indians/
Alaska Natives

agency: Indian Health Service, HHS.

action: Notice availability of funds for Competitive Grants for Indian 
Women's Health Demonstration Program for American Indians/Alaska 
Natives.

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summary: The Indian Health Service (IHS) announces that approximately 
$800,000 is available for support of competitive grants for 
approximately six to then demonstration projects to Tribal, Urban and 
non-profit Indian organizations for Indian Women's Health Demonstration 
Program for American Indians/Alaska Natives 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 Health 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.
    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 
Grants 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. Applications Review Date: July 28-29, 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 Ms. F. 
Louise Kiger, Chief, Principal Nursing Consultant, Office of Public 
Health, Indian Health Service, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857, 
(301) 443-1840 or Ms. Carolyn Lofgren, Management Analyst/External 
Program Liaison, Office of Health Programs, Indian Health Service, 
Headquarters West, 5300 Homestead Road, NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110, 
(505) 248-4239.
    For grant application and business management information, contact 
Mrs. 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 purpose, eligibility and documentation 
requirements, programmatic activities, funding availability and period 
of support, and application procedures.
    General Program Goals: The goal of this program is to establish 
and/or improve American Indian/Alaska Native women's health services. 
Funded programs will be community based and culturally appropriate with 
measurable outcomes related to the following: (1) increase access to 
health promotion; (2) promote disease prevention activities; (3) 
improve existing research data; and (4) foster advocacy in policy 
appropriate to meet Healthy People 2000 objectives.
    Eligibility and Documentation Requirements: Any federally 
recognized Indian tribe, Indian tribal organization or non-profit 
organizations--501(c)(3) serving primarily American Indians and Alaska 
Natives is eligible to apply for a demonstration grant from the IHS 
under this announcement.
    Documentation of Support:
    1. Tribal Resolutions.
    (a) A resolution of the Indian tribe or Indian tribal organization 
supporting this specific program 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 program, letters confirming the nature and extent of their 
cooperation/collaboration/assistance must be submitted.
    Programmatic Activities: A grant awarded under this announcement 
shall establish demonstration programs for improving and enhancing the 
health services for American Indian/Alaska Native women. The program 
shall expand on existing services or programs or build new capacity 
through activities that integrate or promote collaboration

[[Page 29363]]

among existing services. The four identified focus areas are health 
promotion, disease prevention, data/research improvement and policy 
advocacy appropriate to meet Healthy People 2000 objectives. Specific 
health priorities within these focus areas are cardiovascular disease, 
cervical, ovarian and breast cancer, gestational diabetes, maternal 
health, alcohol and substance abuse, unintentional injuries, violence, 
smoking, sexually transmitted diseases and mental health.
    Program objectives should be measureable using objective criteria 
and should focus on one or more of the following:
    1. Establish or expand health risk reduction programs.
    2. Increase access to and acceptance of existing preventative/
primary health service.
    3. Increase the awareness of and need for research/data 
improvements relative to American Indian/Alaska Native women's health 
status.
    4. Promote networking and collaborating among existing providers of 
health services for American Indian/Alaska Native women.
    Creative and innovative ideas to enhance service coordination is 
encouraged.
    Fund Availability and Period of Support: In FY 1997, it is 
anticipated that approximately $800,000 will be available to support 
six to ten projects at approximately $80,000 each (amounts include 
direct and indirect costs). The programs may be funded annually for up 
to five years in annual budget periods depending upon the defined scope 
of work. Funding levels beyond the first year will be based upon the 
availability of appropriations in future years, the continuing need of 
IHS for the programs, and satisfactory program performance. The 
anticipated start date will be September 1, 1997.
    The Indian Women's Health Demonstration 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 an without the community who serve the targeted 
population.
    3. Indian cultural aspects may be considered in program design.
    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 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 Certificates, 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), or 501(c)(3) Certificate, and 
Letters of Documentation or Support.
     Standard Form 424, Application for Federal Assistance.
     Standard Form 424A, Budget Information--Non-Construction 
Programs (pages 1 and 2).
     Standard Form 424B, Assurance--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 of 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, 
program 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 page 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/non-profit 501(c)(3) certificates/letters of documentation 
or support. (Pages must be numbered).

1. Need for Assistance

    (a) Describe and define the target population at the program 
location (e.g. identify information sources).
    (b) Describe in detail the needs of the target population and what 
efforts have been made in the past to meet these needs, if any.

2. Work Plan

    (a) Program Objectives:
    1. State concisely the objectives of the project.
    2. Describe briefly what the program intends to accomplish.
    3. Describe how accomplishment of the objectives will be evaluated 
or measured.
    (b) Approach:
    1. Describe the tasks and resources needed to implement and 
complete this program.
    2. Provide a task time line (milestones) breakdown or chart.
    (c) Describe the Expected Results (outcomes):
    (d) Program Evaluation:
    1. Describe methods for evaluating program activities, success in 
achieving objectives, acceptance among the targeted population, and 
workload accomplishments.
    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.

[[Page 29364]]

    (f) Experience Sharing: Indicate the program's willingness to share 
its program experience with IHS Areas, urban programs, tribes and 
tribal organizations.

3. Adequacy of Management Controls

    (a) Describe where the program 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 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 of the PHS 5161-1 
Application Kit.
    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:

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      Weight (percent)        Criteria             Description          
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15.........................           1  Need--The demonstration of     
                                          identified problems and risks 
                                          in the target population.     
50.........................           2  Work Plan--The soundness and   
                                          effectiveness of the          
                                          applicant's plan for          
                                          conducting the program, 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      
                                          program including both        
                                          technical and business        
                                          aspects. The soundness of the 
                                          applicant's budget in relation
                                          to the program 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 program.   
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.                  
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    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 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, Administration of 
Grants to Non-profit recipients.
    B. Public Health Service Grants Policy Statement, and
    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. 97-14150 Filed 5-29-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4160-16-M