[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 81 (Tuesday, April 27, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 22857-22863]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-9473]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service


Tribal Management Grant Program; New Discretionary Funding Cycle 
for Fiscal Year 2005

Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-IHS-TMG-2005-0001.
CFDA Number: 93.228.

    Key Dates:
    Training: May 24-28, 2004; June 23-24, 2004; July 7-8, 2004; and 
July 21-22, 2004.
    Application Deadline: August 20, 2004.
    Application Review Dates: October 18-22, 2004.
    Application Notification: First week of December 2004.
    Anticipated Award Start Date: January 1, 2005.
    Program Authority: Public Law 93-638, sections 103(b)(2) and 
103(e), Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, as 
amended.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    The Tribal Management Grant (TMG) Program is a national competitive 
discretionary grant program established to assist federally-recognized 
tribes and tribally-sanctioned tribal organizations in assuming all or 
part of existing Indian Health Service programs, services, functions, 
and activities (PSFA) through a Title I contract and to assist 
established Title I contractors and Title V compactors to further 
develop and improve their management capability. In addition, TMGs are 
available to tribes/tribal organizations under the authority of Public 
Law (Pub. L.) 93-638 section 103(e) for (1) obtaining technical 
assistance from providers designated by the tribe/tribal organization 
(including tribes/tribal organizations that operate mature contracts) 
for the purposes of program planning and evaluation, including the 
development of any management systems necessary for contract management 
and the development of cost allocation plans for indirect cost rates; 
and (2) planning, designing, and evaluating Federal health programs 
serving the tribe/tribal organization, including Federal administrative 
functions. These grants are established under the authority of section 
103(b)(2) and section 103(e) of the Indian Self-Determination and 
Education Assistance Act, Public Law 93-638, as amended.
    Funding Priorities: The IHS has established the following funding 
priorities for TMG awards. The funding of approved Priority I 
applicants will occur before the funding of approved Priority II 
applicants. Priority II applicants will be funded before approved 
Priority III applicants. Funds will be distributed until depleted.
     Priority I--Any Indian tribe that has received 
Federal recognition (restored, unterminated, funded, or unfunded) 
within the past 5 years.
     Priority II--All other eligible federally-
recognized Indian tribes or tribally-sanctioned tribal organizations 
submitting a competing continuation application or a new application 
with the sole purpose of addressing audit material weaknesses 
identified in Attachment A (Summary of Findings and Recommendations) 
and other attachments, if any, of the transmittal letter received from 
the Office of the Inspector General, National External Audit Review 
(NEAR) Center, Department of Health and Human Services. Please identify 
by underlining the weakness to be addressed on Attachment A. Please 
refer to section III.3, ``Other Requirements'' for more information 
regarding Priority II Participation.
     Priority III--All other eligible federally-
recognized Indian tribes or tribal organizations submitting a competing 
continuation application or a new application.

II. Award Information

    Type of Instrument: Grant.
    Estimated Funds Available: The estimated amount of funds available, 
based on the Administration's request for the TMG Program, is 
$2,276,000 in Fiscal Year (FY) 2005. There will be only one funding 
cycle in FY 2005.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: This estimated amount is anticipated 
to fund approximately 20-25 new and continuation awards.
    Project Periods: Varies from 12 months to 36 months. Please refer 
to ``Eligible Project Types, Maximum Funding, and Project Periods'' 
below for more detailed information.
    Estimated Range of Awards: $50,000/year-$100,000/year. Please refer 
to ``Eligible Project Types, Maximum Funding, and Project Periods'' 
below for more detailed information.
    Eligible Project Types, Maximum Funding and Project Periods: 
Applications submitted must be for only one project type. The TMG 
Program consists of four types of projects: (1) Feasibility studies, 
(2) planning, (3) evaluation studies, and, (4) health management 
structure development or improvement. Applications that address more 
than one project type will be considered ineligible and will be 
returned to the applicant. The maximum funding level noted below 
includes both direct and indirect costs. Application budgets which 
exceed the maximum funding level or project period identified for a 
project type will not be reviewed. Please refer to section IV.5. 
``Funding Restrictions'' for further information regarding ineligible 
activities.
    A. Feasibility Study--(Maximum funding/project period: $70,000/12 
months). A study of a specific IHS program or segment of a program to 
determine if Tribal management of the program is possible. The study 
shall present necessary plans, approach,

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training, and resources required to assume Tribal management of the 
program. The study shall include the following four components:
     Health needs and health care services 
assessments that identify existing health care services and delivery 
system, program divisibility issues, health status indicators, unmet 
needs, volume projections, and demand analysis.
     Management analysis of existing management 
structures, proposed management structures, implementation plans and 
requirements, and personnel staffing requirements and recruitment 
barriers.
     Financial analysis of historical trends data, 
financial projections and new resource requirements for program 
management costs, and analysis of potential revenues from Federal/non-
Federal sources.
     Decision statement/report that incorporates 
findings, conclusions, and recommendations; the presentation of the 
study and recommendations to the governing body for tribal 
determination regarding whether tribal assumption of program(s) is 
desirable or warranted.
    B. Planning--(Maximum funding/project period: $50,000/12 months). A 
collection of data to establish goals and performance measures for the 
operation of current health programs or anticipated PSFAs under a Title 
I contract. Planning will specify the design of health programs and the 
management systems (including appropriate policies and procedures) to 
accomplish the health priorities of the tribe/tribal organization. For 
example, planning could include the development of a Tribal Specific 
Health Plan or a Strategic Health Plan, etc. Please note: The Public 
Health Service urges applicants submitting strategic health plans to 
address specific objectives of Healthy People 2010. Interested 
applicants may purchase a copy of Healthy People 2010 (Summary Report 
in print; Stock No. 017-001-00547-9) or CD-ROM (Stock No. 107-001-
00549-5) through the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing 
Office, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, 15250-7945, or (202) 
512-1800. You may access this information via the Internet at the 
following Web site: www.health.gov/healthypeople/publications/.
    C. Evaluation Study--(Maximum funding/project period: $50,000/12 
months). A systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of data 
for the purpose of determining the value of a program. The extent of 
the evaluation study could relate to the goals and objectives, policies 
and procedures, or programs regarding targeted groups. The evaluation 
study could also be used to determine the effectiveness and efficiency 
of a tribal program operation (i.e. direct services, financial 
management, personnel, data collection and analysis, third-party 
billing, etc.) as well as determine the appropriateness of new 
components to a tribal program operation that will assist tribal 
efforts to improve the health care delivery systems.
    D. Health Management Structure--(Average funding/project period: 
$100,000/12 months; maximum funding/project period: $300,000/36 
months). Implementation of systems to manage or organize PSFAs. 
Management structures include health department organizations; health 
boards; and financial management systems, including systems for 
accounting, personnel, third-party billing, medical records, management 
information systems, etc. This includes the design, improvements, and 
correction of management systems that address weaknesses identified 
through quality control measures, internal control reviews, and audit 
report findings under the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
Circular No. A-133--Revised June 27, 2003, ``Audits of States, Local 
Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations.'' A copy of this circular 
and 25 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 900, ``Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act Amendments'', Subpart F--
``Standards for Tribal or Tribal Organization Management Systems'' will 
be made available in the appendix of the TMG application kit. Please 
see the ``Application and Submission Information'' section for 
directions about how to request a copy of the TMG application kit.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    Any federally-recognized Indian tribe or tribally-sanctioned tribal 
organization is eligible to apply for a grant. Eligible applicants 
include tribal organizations that operate mature contracts that are 
designated by a tribe to provide technical assistance and/or training. 
Only one application per tribe or tribal organization is allowed.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    The TMG Program does not require cost sharing or matching to 
participate in the competitive grant process. However, in accordance 
with Pub. L. 93-638 section 103(c), the TMG funds may be used as 
matching shares for any other Federal grant programs that develop 
tribal capabilities to contract for the administration and operation of 
health programs.

3. Other Requirements

    The following documentation is required (if applicable):
     Tribal Resolution--A resolution of the Indian 
tribe served by the project must accompany the application submission. 
An Indian tribe that is proposing a project affecting another Indian 
tribe must include resolutions from all affected tribes to be served. 
Applications by tribal organizations will not require a specific tribal 
resolution if the current tribal resolution(s) under which they operate 
would encompass the proposed grant activities. Draft resolutions are 
acceptable in lieu of an official resolution. However, an official 
signed tribal resolution must be received by the Grants Management 
Branch prior to the beginning of the Objective Review (October 18-22, 
2004). If an official signed resolution is not submitted by the date 
referenced, the application will be considered incomplete and will be 
returned without consideration.
     Documentation for Priority I Participation--A 
copy of the Federal Register notice or letter from the Bureau of Indian 
Affairs verifying establishment of Federal tribal status within the 
last 5 years.
     Documentation for Priority II Participation--A 
copy of the transmittal letter and Attachment A from the Office of the 
Inspector General, NEAR Center, Department of Health and Human 
Services. See Funding Priorities for more information. If an applicant 
is unable to locate a copy of their most recent transmittal letter or 
needs assistance with audit issues, information or technical assistance 
may be obtained by contacting the IHS Audit Resolution Advisory Office 
at (301) 443-7301, or the National External Audit Review Center help 
line at (816) 374-6714 ext. 108. The auditor may also have the 
information/documentation required.
     Documentation of Consortium Participation--If an 
Indian tribe submitting an application is a member of a consortium, the 
tribe must:
     Identify the consortium.
     Indicate if the consortium intends to submit a 
TMG application.
     Demonstrate that the Tribe's application does 
not duplicate or overlap any objectives of the consortium's 
application.
    If a consortium is submitting an application it must:

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     Identify all the consortium member tribes.
     Identify if any of the member tribes intend to 
submit a TMG application of their own.
     Demonstrate that the consortium's application 
does not duplicate or overlap any objectives of the other consortium 
members who may be submitting their own TMG application.
     Please refer to sections IV.5. ``Funding 
Restrictions'' and V.2. ``Review Section Process'' for more information 
regarding other application submission information and/or requirements.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

    Interested parties may request a copy of the TMG application kit 
from either of the following persons:

Ms. Deanna J. Dick, Office of Management Support, Indian Health 
Service,801 Thompson Avenue, TMP 625,Rockville, Maryland 20852, (301) 
443-6290;
Ms. Patricia Spotted Horse, Grants Management Branch, Indian Health 
Service, 801 Thompson Avenue, TMP 100, Rockville, Maryland 20852, (301) 
443-5204.
    The entire application kit is also available online at: 
www.ihs.gov/NonMedicalPrograms/tmg/index.asp.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

    A. All applications should:
     Be single-spaced.
     Be typewritten.
     Have consecutively numbered pages.
     Use black type not smaller than 12 characters 
per one inch.
     Have one-inch border margins.
     Be printed on one side only of standard size 
8\1/2\ x 11 paper.
     Not be tabbed, glued, or placed in a plastic 
holder.
     Contain a narrative that does not exceed 14 
typed pages that includes the below listed sections. (The 14-page 
narrative does not include the workplan, standard forms, Tribal 
resolution(s), table of contents, budget, budget justifications, multi-
year narratives, multi-year budget, multi-year budget justifications, 
and/or other appendix items.)
     Introduction and Need for Assistance;
     Project Objective(s), Approach, and Results and 
Benefits;
     Project Evaluation;
     Organizational Capabilities and Qualifications.
    Include in the application the following documents in the order 
presented. The Application Receipt Record, Checklists, General 
Information Page, Standard Forms, Certifications, and Disclosure of 
Lobbying Activities documents will be available in the appendix of 
application kit:
     Application Receipt Record, IHS-815-1A (Rev. 2/
04).
     FY 2005 TMG Application Checklist.
     FY 2005 General Information Page.
     Tribal Resolution (final signed or draft 
unsigned).
     Documentation for Priority I Participation (if 
applicable).
     Documentation for Priority II Participation (if 
applicable).
     Documentation of Consortium Participation (if 
applicable).
     Standard Form 424, Application for Federal 
Assistance.
     Standard Form 424A, Budget Information--Non-
Construction Programs (pages 1-2).
     Standard Form 424B, Assurances--Non-Construction 
Programs (front and back) The application shall contain assurances to 
the Secretary that the applicant will comply with program regulations, 
42 CFR part 36, subpart H.
     Certifications (pages 17-19).
     PHS-5161 Checklist (pages 25-26).
     Disclosure of Lobbying Activities.
     Table of Contents with corresponding numbered 
pages.
     Project Narrative (not to exceed 14 typewritten 
pages--should address first year only if project is a multi-year 
request).
     Categorical Budget and Budget Justification.
     Multi-year Objectives and Workplan with Multi-
year Categorical Budget and Multi-year Budget Justifications (if 
applicable).
     Appendix Items.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    Applications must be postmarked on or before Friday, August 20, 
2004 (anticipated start date of grants: January 1, 2005).
    The IHS is accepting only paper applications at this time. Include 
one original and two complete copies of the final proposal with all 
required signatures and documentation. Mark the original application 
with a cover sheet that states, ``Original Grant Application.'' Mail or 
hand-deliver applications to the Division of Acquisition and Grants 
Management, Grants Management Branch, Indian Health Service, 801 
Thompson Avenue, Rockville, Maryland 20852. Please note: all mailed 
applications must be postmarked on or before August 20, 2004.
    Hand Delivered Proposals: Hand delivered proposals will be accepted 
from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. eastern standard time, Monday through Friday. 
Applications will be considered to meet the deadline if they are 
received on or before the deadline, with hand-carried applications 
received by close of business 5 p.m. For mailed applications, a dated, 
legible 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 for processing will be returned to the applicant and will not 
be considered for funding. Receipt of applications will be acknowledged 
via the IHS-815-1A (Rev. 2/04) Application Receipt Record.

4. Intergovernmental Review

    Executive Order 12372 requiring intergovernmental review is not 
applicable to this program.

5. Funding Restrictions

Ineligible Project Activities
    The TMG may not be used to support recurring operational programs 
or to replace existing public and private resources. Note: The 
inclusion of the following projects or activities in an application 
will render the application ineligible and the application will be 
returned to the applicant:
     Planning and negotiating activities associated 
with the intent of a Tribe to enter the IHS Self-Governance Project. A 
separate grant program is administered by the IHS for this purpose. 
Prospective applicants interested in this program should contact Ms. 
Mary Trujillo, Office of Tribal Self-Governance, Indian Health Service, 
Reyes Building, 801 Thompson Avenue, Suite 240, Rockville, Maryland 
20852, (301) 443-7821, and request information concerning the ``Tribal 
Self-Governance Program Planning Cooperative Agreement Announcement'' 
or the ``Negotiation Cooperative Agreement Announcement.''
     Projects related to water, sanitation, and waste 
management.
     Projects that include long-term care or 
provision of direct services.
     Projects that include tuition, fees, or stipends 
for certification or training of staff to provide direct services.
     Projects that include design and planning of 
construction for facilities, including activities related to Program 
Justification Documents.
     Projects that propose more than one project 
type. For example, the inclusion of strategic planning (planning) and 
third-party billing (health management

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structure) in one project, or the inclusion of program evaluation 
(evaluation) and medical records update (health management structure) 
in another project.
    Other Limitations--A current TMG recipient cannot be awarded a new, 
renewal, or competing continuation grant for any of the following 
reasons:
     The tribal management grantee may not have two 
tribal management grants funded concurrently;
     The current project is not progressing in a 
satisfactory manner; or
     The current project is not in compliance with 
program and financial reporting requirements.
    Delinquent Federal Debts: No award shall be made to an applicant 
who has an outstanding delinquent Federal debt until either:
     The delinquent account is paid in full; or
     A negotiated repayment schedule is established 
and at least one payment is received.

6. Other Submission Requirements

    Beginning October 1, 2003, applicants were required to have a Dun 
and Bradstreet (DUNS) number to apply for a grant or cooperative 
agreement from the Federal Government. The DUNS number is a nine-digit 
identification number which uniquely identifies business entities. 
Obtaining a DUNS number is easy and there is no charge.
    To obtain a DUNS number, access http://www.dunandbradstreet.com or 
call 1-866-705-5711. Internet applications for a DUNS number can take 
up to 30 days to process. Interested parties may wish to obtain one by 
phone to expedite the process. The following information is needed when 
requesting a DUNS number:
     Organization name.
     Organization address.
     Organization telephone number.
     Name of CEO, Executive Director, President, etc.
     Legal structure of the organization.
     Year organization started.
     Primary business (activity) line.
     Total number of employees.

V. Application Review Information

    The instructions for preparing the application narrative also 
constitute the evaluation criteria for reviewing and scoring the 
application. Weights assigned to each section are noted in parentheses.

1. Criteria

Introducation and Need for Assistance (20 Points)
    a. Describe the tribe's/tribal organization's current health 
operation. Include what programs and services are currently provided 
(i.e., federally funded, State funded, etc.), information regarding 
technologies currently used (i.e., hardware, software, services, etc.), 
and identify the source(s) of technical support for those technologies 
(i.e., tribal staff, Area Office, vendor, etc.). Include information 
regarding whether the tribe/tribal organization has a health department 
and/or health board and how long it has been operating.
    b. Describe the population to be served by the proposed project. 
Include a description of the number of IHS eligible beneficiaries who 
currently use services.
    c. Describe the geographic location of the proposed project 
including any geographic barriers to the health care users in the area 
to be served.
    d. Identify all previous TMGs received, dates of funding, and 
summary of project accomplishments. Include how previous TMG funds 
facilitated the progression of health development relative to the 
current proposed project. (Copies of reports will not be accepted.)
    e. Identify the eligible project type and priority group of the 
applicant.
    f. Explain the reason for your proposed project by identifying 
specific gaps or weaknesses in services or infrastructure that will be 
addressed by the proposed project. Explain how these gaps/weaknesses 
were discovered. If proposed project includes information technology 
(i.e., hardware, software, etc.), provide further information regarding 
measures taken or to be taken that ensure the proposed project will not 
create other gaps in services or infrastructure (i.e., IHS interface 
capability, Government Performance Reporting Act reporting 
requirements, contract reporting requirements, Information Technology 
(IT) compatibility, etc.).
    g. Describe the effect of the proposed project on current programs 
(i.e., federally funded, State funded, etc.) and, if applicable, on 
current equipment (i.e., hardware, software, services, etc.). Include 
the affect of the proposed project on planned/anticipated programs and/
or equipment.
    h. Address how the proposed project relates to the purpose of the 
TMG Program by addressing the appropriate description that follows:
     Identify if the tribe/tribal organization is a 
Title I contractor. Address if the self-determination contract is a 
master contract of several programs or if individual contracts are used 
for each program. Include information regarding whether or not the 
tribe participates in a consortium contract (i.e., more than one tribe 
participating in a contract). Address what programs are currently 
provided through those contracts and how the proposed project will 
enhance the organization's capacity to manage the contracts currently 
in place.
     Identify if the tribe/tribal organization is a 
Title V compactor. Address when the tribe/tribal organization entered 
into the compact and how the proposed project will further enhance the 
organization's management capabilities.
     Identify if the tribe/tribal organization is not 
a Title I or Title V organization. Address how the proposed project 
will enhance the organization's management capabilities, what programs 
and services the organization is currently seeking to contract, and an 
anticipated date for contract.
Project Objective(s), Approach, and Results/Benefits (40 Points)
    a. Describe the proposed project objective(s) in measurable and 
quantifiable terms.
    b. Address how the proposed project will result in change or 
improvement in management capabilities by identifying the expected 
benefits (i.e., operational improvements) of each proposed project 
objective. Also include information regarding expected outcomes (i.e., 
tangible products) of each proposed project objective.
    c. Address the extent to which the proposed project will build the 
local capacity to provide, improve, or expand services that address the 
need of the target population.
    d. Submit a workplan in the appendix which includes the following 
information:
     Provide the action steps on a timeline for 
accomplishing the proposed project objective(s).
     Identify who will perform the action steps.
     Identify what tangible products will be produced 
during and at the end of the proposed project objective(s).
     Identify who will supervise the action steps 
taken.
     Identify who will accept work products at the 
end of the proposed project.
     Include any training that will take place during 
the proposed project and who will be attending the training.
     Include evaluation activities planned.
    e. If consultants or contractors will be used during the proposed 
project, please include the following information in their scope of 
work (or note if consultants/contractors will not be used):

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     Educational requirements.
     Desired qualifications and work experience.
     Expected work products to be delivered on a 
timeline.
    If a potential consultant/contractor has already been identified, 
please include a resume in the appendix.
    f. Describe what updates (i.e., revision of policies/procedures, 
upgrades, technical support, etc.) will be required for the continued 
success of the proposed project. Include when these updates will be 
necessary and where funds will come from to conduct the update and/or 
maintenance.
Project Evaluation (15 Points)
    a. Describe how the progress of the proposed project objective(s) 
will be tracked (i.e., status reports, meetings, etc.)
    b. Define what data will be collected to evaluate the success of 
the proposed project objective(s).
    c. Describe how and when the data will be collected for the 
proposed project objective(s).
    d. Explain how the data will be used to show (i.e., measure, etc.) 
the change brought about by the proposed project objective.
    e. Describe any future evaluation efforts for the proposed project 
that will be conducted after the expiration of the grant.
Organizational Capabilities and Qualifications (15 Points)
    a. Describe the organizational structure of the tribe/tribal 
organization beyond health care activities.
    b. If the tribe/tribal organization does not have an established 
management system currently in place that complies with 25 CFR part 
900, subpart F, ``Standards for Tribal Management Systems'', provide 
information regarding plans to obtain management systems. If management 
systems are already in place, simply note it. (A copy of the 25 CFR 
part 900, subpart F, will be available in the TMG application kit.)
    c. Describe the ability of the organization to manage the proposed 
project. Include information regarding similarly sized projects in 
scope and financial assistance as well as other grants and projects 
successfully completed.
    d. Describe what equipment (i.e., fax machine, phone, computer, 
etc.) and facility space (i.e., office space) will be available for use 
during the proposed project. Include information about any equipment 
not currently available that will be purchased through the grant.
    e. List key personnel who will work on the project. Include title 
used in the workplan. In the appendix, include position descriptions 
and resumes for all key personnel. Position descriptions should clearly 
describe each position and duties, indicating desired qualifications 
and experience requirements related to the proposed project. Resumes 
must indicate that the proposed staff member is qualified to carry out 
the proposed project activities.
    f. If the project requires additional personnel (i.e., IT support, 
etc.), address how the tribe/tribal organization will sustain the 
position(s) after the grant expires. (If there is no need for 
additional personnel, simply note it.)
Categorical Budget and Budget Justification (10 Points)
    a. Provide a categorical budget for each of the 12-month budget 
periods requested.
    b. If indirect costs are claimed, indicate and apply the current 
negotiated rate to the budget. Include a copy of the rate agreement in 
the appendix.
    c. Provide a narrative justification explaining why each line item 
is necessary/relevant to the proposed project. Include sufficient cost 
and other details to facilitate the determination of cost allowability 
(i.e., equipment specifications, etc.).
Multi-Year Project Requirements
    Projects requiring a second or third year must include a program 
narrative, categorical budget, and budget justification for each 
additional year of funding requested.
Appendix Items
     Workplan for proposed objectives.
     Position descriptions for key staff.
     Resumes of key staff that reflect current 
duties.
     Consultant proposed scope of work (if 
applicable).
     Indirect Cost Agreement.
     Organizational chart (optional).

2. Review Selection Process

    In addition to the above criteria/requirements, applications are 
considered according to the following:
1. Application Submission (Application Deadline: August 20, 2004)
    Applications submitted in advance of or by the deadline and 
verified by the postmark will undergo a preliminary review to determine 
that:
     The applicant and proposed project type is 
eligible in accordance with this grant announcement.
     The application is not a duplication of a 
previously funded project.
     The application narrative, forms, and materials 
submitted meet the requirements of the announcement allowing the review 
panel to undertake an indepth evaluation; otherwise, it may be 
returned.
2. Competitive Review of Eligible Applications (Objective Review: 
October 18-22, 2004)
    Applications meeting eligibility requirements that are complete, 
responsive, and conform to this program announcement will be reviewed 
for merit by the Ad Hoc Objective Review Committee (ORC) appointed by 
the IHS to review and make recommendations on these applications. The 
review will be conducted in accordance with the IHS Objective Review 
Guidelines. The technical 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 in section V.1. The criteria are used to evaluate the quality of 
a proposed project, determine the likelihood of success, and assign a 
numerical score to each application. The scoring of approved 
applications will assist the IHS in determining which proposals will be 
funded if the amount of TMG funding is not sufficient to support all 
approved applications. Applications recommended for approval, having a 
score of 60 or above by the ORC and scored high enough to be considered 
for funding, are forwarded by the Grants Management Branch to the Area 
Offices for cost analysis and further recommendation. The program 
official accepts the Area Office Contract Proposal Liaison Officers' 
recommendations for consideration when funding applications. The 
program official forwards the final approved list to the Director, 
Office of Management Support, for final review and approval. 
Applications scoring below 60 points will be disapproved and returned 
to the applicant. Applications which are approved but not funded will 
not be carried over into the next cycle for funding consideration.
3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates
    The IHS anticipates an award start date of January 1, 2005.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

    Notification: First week of December 2004.
    The Director, Office of Management Support, or program official, 
will notify the contact person named on each proposal of the results in 
writing via

[[Page 22862]]

postal mail. Applicants whose applications are declared ineligible will 
receive written notification of the ineligibility determination and 
their original grant application via postal mail. The ineligible 
notification will include information regarding the rationale for the 
ineligible decision citing specific information from the original grant 
application. Applicants who are approved but unfunded and disapproved 
will receive a copy of the Executive Summary which identifies the 
weaknesses and strengths of the application submitted. Applicants which 
are approved and funded will be notified through the official Notice of 
Grant Award (NGA) document. The NGA will serve as the official 
notification of a grant award and 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. Any other correspondence announcing to the 
Project Director that an application was selected is not an 
authorization to begin performance. Any costs incurred before receipt 
of the NGA are at the recipient's risk and may be reimbursed only to 
the extent considered allowable pre-award costs.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    Grants are administered in accordance with the following documents:
     This grant announcement.
     Health and Human Services regulations governing 
Pub. L. 93-638 grants at 42 CFR 36.101 et seq.
     45 CFR part 92, ``Department of Health and Human 
Services, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and 
Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments Including Indian 
Tribes,'' or 45 CFR part 74, ``Administration of Grants to Non-Profit 
Recipients''
     Public Health Service Grants Policy Statement.
     Grants Policy Directives.
     Appropriate Cost Principles: OMB Circular A-87, 
``State and Local Governments,'' or OMB Circular A-122, ``Non profit 
Organizations''.
     OMB Circular A-133, ``Audits of States, Local 
Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations''.
     Other applicable OMB circulars.

3. Reporting

     Progress Report--Program progress reports are 
required semi-annually. 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 must be submitted within 90 days of 
expiration of the budget/project period.
     Financial Status Report--Semi annual financial 
status reports must be submitted within 30 days of the end of the half 
year. Final financial status reports are due within 90 days of 
expiration of the budget/project period. Standard Form 269 (long form) 
will be used for financial reporting.

VII. Agency Contact(s)

    Interested parties may obtain TMG programmatic information from Ms. 
Deanna Dick through the information listed on page 6 of this 
application kit. Grant-related and business management information may 
be obtained from Ms. Patricia Spotted Horse through the information 
listed on page 6 of this application kit. Please note that the 
telephone numbers provided are not toll-free.

VIII. Other Information

    The IHS will have four training sessions to assist potential 
applicants in preparing their FY 2005 TMG application. There will be 
one 5-day training session and three 2-day training sessions.
    The 5-day training session scheduled in May will provide 
participants with the basics of grant writing and will be conducted by 
the Grantsmanship Center, Inc., of Los Angeles, California. This 
session will provide participants with basic grant writing skills, 
information regarding where to search for funding opportunities, and 
the opportunity to begin writing a grant proposal.
    The 2-day training sessions will be conducted by the TMG Program 
Coordinator. The sessions will focus on the TMG specifically providing 
participants with information contained in this announcement, 
clarifying any issues/questions applicants may have, and critiquing 
project ideas. In an effort to make the 2-day training sessions 
productive, participants are expected to bring draft proposals to these 
meetings.
    Priority will be given to groups eligible to apply for the TMG 
Program. Participation is also limited to two personnel from each tribe 
or tribal organization. All sessions are first come--first serve with 
the above limitations noted. All participants are responsible for 
making and paying for their own travel arrangements. Interested parties 
should register with the TMG staff prior to making travel arrangements 
to ensure space is available in selected session. The registration form 
may be requested from Ms. Dick at (301) 443-6290 or by accessing the 
TMG Web site at: www.ihs.gov/nonmedicalprograms/tmg/index.asp. This 
form may be faxed to (301) 443-2510. The training dates are listed 
below in chronological order:
     May 24-28, 2004--Minneapolis, MN (limit 26; 
registration/reservation deadline: May 13, 2004).
    Holiday Inn Select Airport, 3 Appletree Square, Bloomington, MN 
55425, (800) 465-4329--reference: Indian Health Service Tribal 
Management Grant Program.
    Hotel rate: $88/night plus 13.5% tax.
    Hotel has complimentary shuttle to/from airport.
    Complimentary overnight parking available.
     June 23-24, 2004--Denver, CO (limit 24; 
registration/reservation deadline: June 14, 2004).
    Comfort Inn Downtown, 401 17th Street, Denver, CO 80202, (303) 296-
0400--reference: Indian Health Service Tribal Management Grant Program.
    Hotel rate: $102/single or double plus 13.45% tax.
    Approximate SuperShuttle rate to/from hotel and airport: $32 
roundtrip.
    Overnight parking available: $16/night.
     July 7-8, 2004--Washington, DC area (limit 24; 
registration/reservation deadline: June 11, 2004).
    Lincoln Suites Downtown, 1823 L Street, NW., Washington, DC 20036, 
(202) 223-4320--reference: Tribal Management Grant Training Workshop.
    Hotel rate: $150/night plus 14.5% tax.
    Approximate taxi/cab rate to/from hotel and airport: $20 one-way.
    Overnight parking available: $20/night.
     July 21-22, 2004--Portland, OR (limit 24; 
registration/reservation deadline: June 21, 2004).
    Portland Marriott City Center, 520 SW. Broadway, Portland, OR 
97205, (800) 228-9290--reference: IHS TMG.
    Hotel rate: $91/single or double plus 12.5% tax.
    Approximate taxi/cab rate to/from hotel and airport: $30 one-way. 
(Hotel is located approximately 1\1/2\ blocks from the Pioneer Square 
North stop on the Max Red Line Light Rail which runs to/from airport; 
cost--$1.60 one way. Information about the Light Rail system can be 
accessed by using: www.trimet.org.)
    Overnight parking: $22/night.
    The Public Health Service (PHS) strongly encourages all grant and 
contract recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and promote the 
non-use of all tobacco products. In addition, Pub. L. 103-227, the Pro-
Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in certain

[[Page 22863]]

facilities (or in some cases, any portion of the facility) in which 
regular or routine education, library, day care, health care or early 
childhood development services are provided to children. This is 
consistent with the PHS mission to protect and advance the physical and 
mental health of the American people.

    Dated: April 20, 2004.
Charles W. Grim,
Assistant Surgeon General, Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 04-9473 Filed 4-26-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4160-16-P