[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 19 (Tuesday, January 29, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 4272-4275]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-2090]


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

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

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.

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

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 section 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) 2002. This program is described at section 93.970 in the 
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance and is governed by regulations 
at 42 CFR 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 Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is committed to 
achieving the health promotion and disease prevention objectives of 
``Healthy People 2010,'' a DHHS-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 2010, Summary report No. 017-001-00549-
5, or via CD-ROM, Stock No. 017-001-00549-5, through the Superintendent 
of Documents, Government Printing Office, PO Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 
15250-7945, (202) 512-1800. You may access this information via the 
Internet at the following Web site: www.health.gov/healthypeople/publication

A. Smoke Free Workplace

    IHS 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 DHHS mission to protect and advance the physical 
and mental health of the American people.

DATES: A. Application 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 Management, 801 Thompson Avenue, Suite 120, Rockville, 
Maryland 20852, by close of business April 30, 2002.
    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

[[Page 4273]]

for processing will be returned to the applicant and will not be 
considered for funding.

B. Additional Dates

    1. Application Review: May 21-23, 2002.
    2. Applicants Notified of Results: on or about June 14, 2002 
(approved, recommended for approval but not funded, or disapproved).
    3. Anticipated Start Date: August 1, 2002.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For program information, contact Ms. 
Jacqueline K. Santiago, Chief, Loan Repayment Program, 801 Thompson 
Avenue, Suite 120, Rockville, Maryland 20852, (301) 443-3396. For 
grants application and business management information, contact Mrs. 
Crystal Ferguson, Grants Management Officer, Grants Management Branch, 
Division of Acquisition and Grants Management, Indian Health Service, 
801 Thompson Avenue, Suite 120, 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 and preference, program 
objectives, required affiliation, fund availability and period of 
support, type of program activities considered for support, and 
application procedures for FY 2002.

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. Identifying Indians with a potential for education or training 
in the health professions (excluding nursing--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) and encouraging and assisting them:
    (A) To enroll in courses of study in such health professions; or
    (B) If they are not qualified to enroll in any such courses of 
study, to undertake such postsecondary education or training as may be 
required to qualify them for enrollment;
    2. Publicizing existing sources of financial aid available to 
Indians enrolled in any courses of study referred to in paragraph (1) 
of this subsection or who are undertaking training necessary to qualify 
them to enroll in any such school.
    3. Establishing other programs which the Secretary determines will 
enhance and facilitate the enrollment of Indians in, and the subsequent 
pursuit and completion by them of courses of study referred to in 
paragraph (1) of this section. To delivery the necessary student 
support systems to help to ensure that students who are recruited 
successfully complete their academic training. Support services may 
include:
    A. Providing career counseling and academic advice;
    B. Assisting students to identify academic deficiencies;
    C. Assisting students to locate financial aid; monitoring students 
to identify possible problems;
    D. Assisting with the determination of, need for, and location of 
tutorial services; and
    E. Other related activities, which will help to retain students in 
school.
    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 student 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 school accredited for the health 
professions program, (excluding nursing). 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 2001 was $83,000. The anticipated start date for selected projects 
will be August 1, 2002. Pursuant to 42 Code of Federal Regulations 
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 2002 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 locate and recruit 
students with potential for 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. 5/96) (OMB Approval No. 0920-0428) 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 Management, Indian Health Service, 801 Thompson Avenue, Suite 
120, 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

[[Page 4274]]

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, (page 17-19)
--Checklist, PHS 5161-1, (pages 25-26), NOTE: Each standard form and 
the check list is contained in the PHS Grant Application, Form PHS 
5161-1 (Revised 5/96)
--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:
--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.

J. 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 section 
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 objective, 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 applicant'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 Health Professional Deficiencies 
(20 pts.)
    a. Provide data and supporting documentation to address the 
relationship of objectives to health professional 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 first year of 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 costs to lesser of the applicant's actual 
indirect costs or 8 percent of total direct cost (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

[[Page 4275]]

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.

K. 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--Semiannually 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.

L. Grant Administration Requirements

    Grants are administered in accordance with the following documents:
    1. 45 CFR part 92, HHS, Uniform Administrative Requirements for 
Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments, or 45 
CFR part 74, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Awards and 
Subawards to Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, Other 
Nonprofit Organizations, and Commercial Organization; and Certain 
Grants and Agreements with States, Local Governments and Indian Tribal 
Governments.
    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.

M. Objective Review Process

    An Objective Review Committee (ORC) in accordance with IHS 
objective review procedures will review applications meeting 
eligibility requirements that are complete, responsive, and conform to 
this program announcement. 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.

N. Results of the Review

    The results of the objective review are forwarded to the Director, 
Office of Management Support (OMS), for final review and approval. The 
Director, OMS, will also consider the recommendations from the Acting 
Director, Division of Health Professions Support, and the Grants 
Management Branch. Applicants are notified in writing on or about July 
7, 2002. 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: January 22, 2002.
Michael H. Trujillo,
Assistant Surgeon General, Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 02-2090 Filed 1-28-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4160-16-M