[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 53 (Wednesday, March 19, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13317-13320]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-6509]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service


Children and Youth Initiative

AGENCY: Indian Health Service, HHS.

ACTION: Notice of Availability of Funds for Competitive Grants for 
Youth Initiatives: Health promotion, intentional and unintentional 
injury prevention, youth wellness, recreation and education, and 
mentoring programs for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth.

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SUMMARY: The Indian Health Service (IHS) announces the availability of 
approximately $700,000 for competitive grants established under the 
authority of section 301(a) of the Public Health Service Act, as 
amended, to be awarded to Tribal, Urban and nonprofit Indian 
organizations for the support of AI/AN youth. There will be only one 
funding cycle during Fiscal Year (FY) 2003 (see Fund Availability and 
Period of Support). This program is described in the Catalog of Federal 
Domestic Assistance at 93.933. Executive Order 12372, which requires 
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 
2010 a PHS led activity for setting priority areas. 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, 
P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7945, (202) 512-1800. You may 
also access this information at the following Web site: http://www.health.gov/healthpeople/publication.
    Projects will be included in one of two categories: (1) Services 
assessment, which may include the demographics of Native American 
children and youth between the ages of 5 and 19, the development of a 
survey tool of youth 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 children 
and youth-specific clinics/services/programs/camps/before and after 
school programs/recreation programs/programs for at risk youth with an 
injury prevention focus and/or the fostering of traditional values as 
well as family and intergenerational activities. This may involve 
children and youth with special needs, particularly at risk populations 
such as detained or incarcerated youth, or aftercare for youth in 
residential treatment programs.
    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 5 
p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on May 15, 2003.
    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 5 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 applicants and will not be considered for funding.
    Additional Dates:
    (a) Application Review Date: June 19, 2003.
    (b) Applicants Notified of Results (approved, approved unfunded, or 
disapproved): June 26, 2003.
    (c) Anticipated Start Date: July 1, 2003.
    Contacts for Assistance: For program information, contact Judith 
Thierry, D.O., Maternal and Child Health Coordinator, Office of Public 
Health, IHS, 801 Thompson Avenue, Suite 120, Rockville, Maryland, 
20852; (301) 443-5070; [email protected]; or (301) 443-0114 (fax). 
For grant application and business information, contact Ms. Martha 
Redhouse, Grants Management Specialist, Grants Management Branch, 
Division of Acquisition and Grants Management, IHS, 801 Thompson 
Avenue, Suite 120, Rockville, MD 20852; (301) 443-5204. (The telephone 
numbers for Dr. Thierry and Ms. Redhouse are not toll-free.)

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 Goals: The goals are to support youth health 
promotion and wellness programs; to aid in the risk reduction of 
injuries, early morbidity, and premature mortality from injuries; to 
aid in the risk reduction of alcohol, tobacco, inhalant and substance 
abuse; to support a healthy learning environment and staying in school; 
and to support communities oriented to AI/AN children and youth, and 
their families. Injury coalitions, recreational programs and/or 
multidisciplinary evaluation and treatment teams will be considered for 
these communities. Another, non-exclusive goal is to survey and assess 
youth or youth programs to better define community needs and consider a 
plan of action.
    Eligibility and Documentation Requirements: Any federally 
recognized Indian tribe, Indian Tribal organization,

[[Page 13318]]

501(c)(3) nonprofit organization including faith-based organizations 
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 Tribe or Tribal organization supporting 
this specific project must accompany the application submission.
    (2) Applications that propose services to benefit more than one 
Tribe must include resolutions from all Tribes to be served.
    (3) Applications from Tribal organizations will not require 
resolution(s) if the current, operational Tribal resolution(s) 
encompasses the proposed grant activities. A statement of proof or a 
copy of the current operational resolution must accompany the 
application.
    (4) If a resolution or a statement is not submitted, the 
application will be considered incomplete and will be returned without 
consideration.
    (b) Nonprofit organizations must submit a copy of the 501(c) (3) 
Certificate;
    (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 
the project, letters confirming the nature and extent of their 
cooperation/collaboration/assistance must be submitted. Indicate if 
matching funds, cost sharing or in-kind services will be applied.
    Project Types:
    (a) Demographic projects will identify the health and demographic 
characteristics of the AI/AN child and youth populations. Inclusion of 
children and youth with special needs and special populations, i.e., 
incarcerated youth, must be addressed. The mapping must report the 
availability of health care and related community services, schools, 
and after-school programs, including the location of facilities and 
availability of transportation; socio-economic factors as revealed by 
the latest U.S. Census date; and selected health data from the IHS 
computerized, online database of patients' medical records. The 
Geographic Information System (GIS) is preferred. A project may also 
involve the search for and/or the development of a survey tool and the 
methodology to identify youth services and needs, particularly as they 
pertain to suicide and injury prevention.
    (b) The development of teen-specific clinics/programs (e.g., a 
multidisciplinary clinic for the diagnosis and assessment of special 
needs or chronic diseases, recreation and wellness programs with 
content in injury prevention, and case management for at-risk youth) 
are fitting under this grant. Programs that focus on children and youth 
abuse/neglect and sexual abuse awareness, prevention, and treatment are 
also appropriate. The assembling, training and using of 
interdisciplinary teams for the assessment of children and youth 
(including assessment and management or case management), or for the 
risk stratification of children and youth for disease/disability 
(injury) prevention, health maintenance, improved socialization, and 
maximization of their learning may also be included in this grant 
proposal.
    (c) The education of children and youth, and their communities and 
their families, is part of the IHS effort to promote awareness of the 
particular needs of children and youth.
    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 supporter of youth initiatives.
    Fund Availability and Period of Support: In FY 2003 it is 
anticipated that approximately $700,000 will be available to support 
five to ten projects at approximately $40,000 to $60,000 each, and 10 
to 20 projects at approximately $5,000 to $15,000 each, inclusive of 
direct and indirect costs. Projects may be funded in annual budget 
periods for up to three years, depending on the defined scope of work. 
Continuation of projects will be based on the availability of 
appropriations in future years, the continuing need the IHS has for the 
projects, and satisfactory project performance. The anticipated start 
date is July 1, 2003.
    The Child and Youth Initiative Grant Application Kit: An IHS Grant 
Application Kit, including form PHS 5161-1 (rev. 07/00), may be 
obtained from the Grants Management Branch, Division of Acquisition and 
Grants Management, Reyes Building, Suite 120, 801 Thompson Avenue, 
Rockville, MD 20852. The telephone number is (301) 443-5204.
    Factors for Consideration in Preparing the Application:
    (a) Follow the outline provided in the announcement as a guide in 
preparing the application to facilitate the reviewers' ability to find 
the required information.
    (b) Demonstrate how the project will be coordinated with other 
agencies and organization inside and outside the community that serves 
the targeted population. Where possible, indicate the use of 
volunteers, community resources, and family involvement.
    (c) Consider Tribal cultural aspects in your program design.
    Application Process: All applications must be typewritten and 
single-spaced, using consecutively numbered pages on one side of 
standard-sized on 8\1/2\'' x 11'' paper that can be photocopied. The 
typeface should be black and no smaller than 12 characters per inch in 
size. The pages should have conventional one inch border margins. The 
narrative must not exceed 10 typed pages. An additional page may be 
used for each additional year of funding requested. Excluded from the 
10 page limit are the Abstract, Tribal Resolutions(s), 501(c)(3) 
Nonprofit Certificate, Letters of Documentation or Support, Standard 
Forms, Table of Contents, and Appendix.
    All applications must include the following, in the order 
presented:
    (a) Tribal Resolution(s) and Documentation or 501(c)(3) 
Certification.
    (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, Assurances--Non-Construction Programs 
(front and back).
    (e) Checklist (pages 25-26) Note: each standard form and the 
checklist is contained in the PHS Grant Application, Form PHS 5161-1 
(Rev. 07/00).
    (f) A Project Abstract (may not exceed one typewritten page), which 
should present a summary view of ``who-what-when-where-how-cost'' to 
determine acceptability for review.
    (g) A table of contents to correspond with numbered pages.
    (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) A map of the area to benefit from the project.

[[Page 13319]]

    (7) Application Receipt Card, IHS-815-1A (Rev. 4/97).
    (a) Narrative
    The narrative section of the application must include the 
following:
    (1) Justification for the need for assistance;
    (2) A work plan (including use of appropriate native healing 
practices), 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 21 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, excluding attachments, budget 
and Tribal Resolutions/501(c)(3), and nonprofit certificates/letters of 
support (pages must be numbered).
    (b) Need for Assistance.
    (1) Describe and define the target population at the project 
location (e.g., Tribal population, number of children and/or youth, 
data from a previous community needs assessment). Information sources 
must be appropriately identified.
    (2) Describe the existing resources and services 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.
    (3) Describe in detail the needs of the target population and what 
efforts have been made in the past to meet these needs, collaborative 
efforts with State/county programs, and availability of program funding 
from Federal/non-Federal sources).
    (4) Summarize the applicable national, IHS, and/or State standards, 
laws and regulations, such as those in the arenas of safety, school 
attendance, and child welfare.
    (c) Work Plan.
    (1) Project Objectives.
    (i) State concisely the objectives of the project.
    (ii) Describe briefly what the project intends to accomplish.
    (iii) Describe how the accomplishment of the objectives will be 
measured (including if the accomplishments are replicable).
    (2) Approach.
    (i) Describe the tasks and resources needed to implement and 
complete this project.
    (ii) Provide a task time line (milestones) breakdown or chart. 
Include the date that the project will begin to accept clients (if 
applicable).
    (3) Expected Results.
    (i) Discuss data collection for the project, and how it will be 
obtained, analyzed, and maintained by the project. Data should include, 
but is not limited to, the number of children and youth served, 
services provided, program outcomes and satisfaction, and costs 
associated with the program.
    (ii) Describe how the data collection will support the stated 
project objectives and how it will support the project evaluation in 
order to determine the impact of the project.
    (4) Project Evaluation.
    (i) Describe the methods for evaluating the project activities, 
effectiveness of interventions, success in achieving objectives, impact 
of interventions, acceptance by the targeted population (focus groups 
and customer surveys), 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) Project Continuance. Discuss how the project services will be 
continued after the grant expires.
    (6) Experience Sharing. Indicate the project personnel's 
willingness to share the project experience with IHS Areas, urban 
programs, Tribes, and other Tribal organizations.
    (d) Adequacy of Management Controls.
    (1) Describe where the project will be housed, i.e., facilities and 
equipment available.
    (2) Describe the management controls of the grantee over the 
direction and acceptability of the work to be performed. Discuss the 
personnel and financial systems in place and any changes planned for 
this grant.
    (3) Demonstrate that the organization has adequate systems and 
expertise to manage Federal funds. Include a letter from the 
organization's accounting firm describing the results of the most 
recent organization-wide audit.
    (e) Key Personnel.
    (1) Provide a biographical sketch (qualifications) and position 
description 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 project will 
interface with other existing available resources.
    (3) 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.
    (f) Budget.
    (1) Provide an itemized estimate of costs and a justification for 
the proposed project by line item on Form SF 424A. Budget Information 
Non-Construction Programs.
    (2) Submit a narrative justification for all costs. Indicate needs 
by listing the individual items and quantities necessary. The need for 
these items and the corresponding quantities should be clearly 
specified in the narrative justification.
    (3) Indicate any special start-up costs.
    (4) Multi-Year Project--Projects requiring two or three years or 
funding. Include a brief project 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.
    (g) Assurances. The application shall contain an assurance to the 
Secretary that the applicant will comply with program regulations 42 
CFR part 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 the 
project's success. Applications scoring below 60 points will not be 
funded.
    Evaluation Criteria: Applications will be evaluated against the 
following criteria and weights:
Weight, Criteria, and Description
25%--1 Need--The demonstration of identified problems and risks in the 
target population. Extent of community involvement and commitment.

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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 portions 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 ensuring 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 project costs, and cost 
justification for the entire grant period.
100%--Total Weight.
    Reporting Requirements:
    (1) Progress Report--Project progress reports will be required 
semiannually by March 30 and September 30 of each funding year. These 
reports will include a brief description comparing the actual 
accomplishments to the goals established for the period; the 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 point of each 
funding 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. 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.
    (2) Public Health Service Grants Policy Statement, and
    (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 official Notice of Grant Award (NGA) documents. 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: March 13, 2003.
Charles W. Grim,
Assistant Surgeon General, Interim Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 03-6509 Filed 3-18-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4160-16-M