[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 211 (Thursday, October 31, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 66407-66410]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-27679]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service


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

AGENCY: Indian Health Service (DHHS), HHS.

ACTION: Notice of availability of funds for competitive grants for 
Indian Women's Health Demonstration Program for American Indians and 
Alaska Natives (AI/AN).

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SUMMARY: The Indian Health Service (IHS) announces that approximately 
$700,000 is available for the support of competitive grants to Tribal, 
Urban and nonprofit Indian organizations for approximately seven 
demonstration projects under the Indian Women's Health Demonstration 
Program. These funds have been established under the authority of 
section 301(a) of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act, as amended. 
There will only be one funding cycle during Fiscal Year (FY) 2003 (see 
fund availability and period of support). This program is described in 
section 39.933 of the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance. Executive 
Order 12372, which requires intergovernmental review, is not applicable 
to this program.
    The Department's Office of Public Health and Science (OPHS) is 
committed to achieving the health promotion and disease prevention 
objectives of Healthy People 2010, a PHS-led activity for setting 
priority areas. This program announcement is related to the priority 
area designed as Education and Community-Based Programs. Potential 
applicants may obtain a printed copy of Healthy People 2010, (Summary 
Report No. 017-001-00549-5) or 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 also 
access this information at the following Web site: www.health.gov/healthpeople/publication.
    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 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, MD 20852, by 
close of business December 6, 2002. Close of business is considered to 
be 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Savings Time.
    Applications shall be considered as meeting the due date if they 
are either: (1) Received on or before the deadline, with hand-carried 
applications received by close of business; or (2) postmarked on or 
before the due date. 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 due date will be returned to 
the applicant and will not be considered for funding.
    Additional Dates:
    (a) Objective Review Date: December 16-17, 2002.
    (b) Applicant Notification (approved; recommended for approval, but 
unfunded; or disapproved): January 3, 2003.
    (c) Anticipated Start of Grant Cycle: January 13, 2003.
    Contacts for Assistance: For program information, contact Ms. 
Celissa Stephens, Senior Nurse Consultant for Hospital and Clinic 
Nursing, Office of Public Health, IHS, 801 Thompson Avenue, Suite 300, 
Rockville, MD 20852, (301) 443-1840. For grants information, contact 
Ms. Martha Redhouse, Grants Management Branch, Division of Acquisitions 
and Grants Management, IHS, 801 Thompson Avenue, Suite 120, 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, period of support, and 
application procedures.
    General Program Goal: The goal of this program is to establish and/
or improve AI/AN women's health services. Funded programs will be 
community-based and culturally appropriate with measurable outcomes 
related to the following: (1) increased access to health promotion; (2) 
promotion of disease prevention activities; (3) improvement of existing 
research data; and (4) fostering of advocacy in policy appropriate to 
meet Healthy People 2010 objectives.
    Eligibility and Documentation Requirements: Any federally 
recognized Indian Tribe, Indian Tribal organization or nonprofit 
organization serving primarily AI/AN is eligible to apply for a 
demonstration grant from the IHS under this announcement.

Documentation of Support:

    (a) Tribal resolutions.
    (1) A resolution of the Indian Tribe or Indian Tribal organization 
supporting this specific program must accompany the application 
submission.
    (2) Applications proposing services that will benefit more than one 
Indian Tribe must include resolutions from all Tribes to be served.
    (3) Applications by Tribal organizations will not require 
resolution(s) if the current Tribal resolution(s) under which they 
operate encompass the proposed grant activities. A statement of proof 
or a copy of the current operational resolution must accompany the 
application.
    (4) If a required resolution or a statement is not submitted, the 
application will be considered incomplete and will be returned without 
consideration.
    (b) Nonprofit organizations must submit copies of their 501(c)(3) 
Certificate.

[[Page 66408]]

    (c) Letters of cooperation/collaboration/assistance.
    (1) Letters included in the application should be specific to this 
program.
    (2) If other related human services programs are to be involved in 
this 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 a demonstration program for improving and enhancing the 
health services for AI/AN women. The program shall expand on existing 
services or programs, or build new capacity through activities that 
integrate or promote collaboration among existing services. The four 
identified focus areas are health promotion, disease prevention, data/
research improvement and advocacy of policy appropriate to meet Healthy 
People 2010 objectives.
    Specific health priorities within these focus areas are 
cardiovascular disease; cervical, ovarian and breast cancer; 
gestational diabetes; breastfeeding; alcohol; smoking; lupus 
erythematosus; osteoporosis; unintentional injuries; domestic violence; 
and mental health.
    Program objectives should be measurable by objective criteria and 
should focus on one or more of the following:
    (a) Establishing or expanding health risk-reduction programs.
    (b) Increasing access to and acceptance of existing preventative/
primary health service.
    (c) Increasing the awareness of and need for research/data 
improvements relative to AI/AN women's health status.
    (d) Promoting networking and collaboration among existing providers 
of health services for AI/AN women.
    The submission of creative and innovative ideas to enhance service 
coordination is encouraged.
    Fund Availability and Period of Support: In FY 2003 it is 
anticipated that approximately $700,000 will be available to support 
seven projects at approximately $100,000 each (including direct and 
indirect costs). The programs may be funded in annual budget periods 
for up to five years depending on 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 by the IHS for the 
programs, and satisfactory program performance. The anticipated start 
date for year one is January 13, 2003.
    The Indian Women's Health Demonstration Grant Application Kit: An 
IHS Grant Application Kit, including form PHS 5161-1 (Rev. 7/00), may 
be obtained from the Grant Management Branch, Division of Acquisition 
and Grants Management, 801 Thompson Avenue, Suite 120, Rockville, MD 
20852, (301) 443-5204.
    Factors for Consideration in Preparing the Application:
    (a) Following the outline provided in the announcement will assist 
in preparing the application and help the reviewers locate required 
information.
    (b) Projects should demonstrate plans to coordinate with other 
agencies and organizations inside and outside the community that serves 
the targeted population.
    (c) Indian cultural aspects may be considered in program design.
    Grant Application Requirements: All applications must be single-
spaced, typewritten, and with consecutively numbered pages on only one 
side of standard size 8\1/2\ x 11 paper that can be photocopied. The 
typeface should be black and at least 12 characters per inch in size. 
The border margins should be one inch. The application narrative must 
not exceed 10 typed pages, except that an additional page may be used 
for each additional year of funding requested.
    Excluded from the 10 page limit are the abstract, tribal 
resolution(s), 501(c)(3) nonprofit certificates, letters of 
documentation or support, standard forms, table of contents, and the 
appendix.
    All applications must include the following information in the 
order presented here:
    (a) Tribal resolution(s), or 501(c)(3) certificate, and Letters of 
documentation or support.
    (b) Standard form 424, Application for federal assistance.
    (c) Standard Form 424A, Budget Information--Non-Construction 
Programs (pages 1 and 2).
    (d) Standard form 424B, assurance--Non-construction programs (front 
and back).
    (e) Checklist (pages 25-26). Note: each standard form and checklist 
are contained in the PHS Grant Application, form PHS 5161-1 (Rev. 7/
00).
    (f) 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.
    (g) A table of contents corresponding to the numbered pages in the 
text.
    (h) Project narrative (10 pages).
    (1) Introduction and need for assistance.
    (2) Project objective(s), approach, and results and benefits.
    (3) Project evaluation.
    (4) Organizational capabilities and qualifications.
    (5) Budget.
    (i) Appendix to include:
    (1) Resumes of key staff.
    (2) Position descriptions for key staff.
    (3) Organizational chart.
    (4) Documentation of current certified financial management 
systems.
    (5) Copy of current negotiated indirect cost-rate agreement.
    (6) Map of area to benefit from project; and
    (7) Application receipt card, IHS-815-1A (Rev. 4/97).
    Project Narrative: The project narrative section of the application 
must include the following:
    (a) Justification for need for assistance;
    (b) Work plan, program objectives, approach, expected results and 
evaluation process;
    (c) Adequacy of management controls; and
    (d) 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 21-23 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.
    (Note: Pages must be numbered.)
    (a) Need for Assistance.
    (1) Describe and define the target population at the program 
location (e.g., identify information sources).
    (2) Describe in detail the needs of the target population and what 
efforts have been made in the past to meet these needs, if any.
    (b) Work Plan.
    (1) Program Objectives:
    (i) State concisely the objectives of the project.
    (ii) Describe briefly what the program intends to accomplish.
    (iii) Describe how accomplishment of the objectives will be 
evaluated or measured.
    (2) Approach:
    (i) Describe the tasks and resources needed to implement and 
complete this program.
    (ii) Provide a task time line (milestones) breakdown or chart.
    (3) Expected Results (outcomes).

[[Page 66409]]

    (4) Program Evaluation:
    (i) Describe methods for evaluating program activities, success in 
achieving objectives, acceptance in the targeted population(s), and 
workload accomplishments.
    (ii) Identify who will conduct the evaluation of the projected 
outcomes and when the evaluation is to be completed.
    (iii) Identify the cost of the evaluation (whether internal or 
external).
    (5) Program Continuance: Discuss how the program's services will be 
continued after the grant expires.
    (6) Experience Sharing: Indicate willingness to share the program 
experience with IHS Areas, urban programs, Tribes and Tribal 
organizations.
    (c) Adequacy of Management Controls:
    (1) Describe where the program will be housed, i.e., facilities and 
equipment available.
    (2) 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.
    (3) 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.
    (d) Key Personnel:
    (1) Provide a biographical sketch (qualifications) and position 
descriptions for the program director and other key personnel as 
described on page 22 of the PHS 5161-1. Identify existing personnel and 
new program staff to be hired.
    (2) 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.
    (3) List the qualifications and experience of consultants or 
contractors where applicable. Identify who will determine if the work 
of a contractor is acceptable.
    (e) Budget:
    (1) Provide an itemized estimate of costs and justification for the 
proposed program by line item on Form SF 424A of the PHS 5161-1 
Application Kit.
    (2) Submit a narrative justification for all costs. Clearly specify 
needs by listing individual items and quantities necessary.
    (3) Indicate any special start-up costs.
    (4) Multi-Year Projects--Projects requiring two, three, four or 
five years of funding, 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.
    (f) Assurances:
    The application shall contain an 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 considered 
for funding.
    Evaluation Criteria: Applications will be evaluated against the 
following criteria and weights:

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             Weight                 Criterion          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 to be
                                                 purchased 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:
    (1) Progress Report--Program progress reports will be required 
semiannually. These reports will include a brief comparison of actual 
accomplishments to the goals established for the period, reasons for 
slippage, if applicable, and other pertinent information as required. A 
final report is due 90 days after expiration of the project/budget 
period.
    (2) 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:
    (1) 45 CFR part 92, the 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 Organizations; and Certain 
Grants and Agreements with States, Local Governments and Indian Tribal 
Governments.
    (2) PHS Grants Policy Statement.
    (3) Appropriate Cost Principles: OMB Circular A-87, State and Local 
Governments, or OMB Circular A-122, Nonprofit Organizations.
    Results of the Review: Successful applicants will be notified 
through the official Notice of Grant Award (NOGA) document. The NOGA 
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.


[[Page 66410]]


    Dated: October 24, 2002.
Charles W. Grim,
Assistant Surgeon General, Interim Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 02-27679 Filed 10-30-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4160-16-M