[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 124 (Tuesday, June 29, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 38907-38911]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-14647]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service


Epidemiology Grant Program for American Indians/Alaska Natives; 
Notice of Competitive Cooperative Agreement Applications

    Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-IHS-EPID-2004-0001.
    CFDA Number: 93.231.
    Dates:
    Application Deadline: July 30, 2004.
    Application Review: August 16, 2004.
    Applicants Notified of Results: On or about September 1, 2004 
(approved, recommended for approval but not funded, or disapproved).
    Anticipated Award Start Date: September 15, 2004.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    The Indian Health Service (HHS) announces that competitive 
cooperative agreement applications are now being accepted for the 
Epidemiology Grant Program for American Indians/Alaska Natives and 
Urban Indian communities. These cooperative agreements are established 
under the authority of section 214(a)(1) of the Indian Health Care 
Improvement Act, Pub. L. 94-437, as amended by Pub. L. 102-573. There 
will be only one funding cycle during Fiscal Year (FY) 2004. These 
cooperative agreements will be awarded and administered in accordance 
with this announcement, Department of Health and Human Service (HHS) at 
45

[[Page 38908]]

CFR part 92, HHS Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and 
Cooperative Agreements to State, local, and tribal governments, or 45 
CFR part 74, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Awards and 
Subawards to Institutions of Higher Educations, Hospitals, Other 
Nonprofit Organizations, and Commercial Organizations; the Public 
Health Service (PHS) Grant Policy Statement; and applicable Office of 
Management and Budget Circulars.
    The PHS urges applicants submitting applications to address 
specific objectives of Healthy People 2010. Interested applicants may 
obtain a copy of Healthy People 2010 (Summery 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, Pittsburgh, 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/.
    The purpose of this grant program is to develop Tribal Epidemiology 
Centers and public health infrastructure through the augmentation of 
existing programs with expertise in epidemiology and a history of 
regional support. Activities should include, but not be limited to 
enhancement of surveillance for disease conditions; epidemiologic 
analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of surveillance data; 
investigation of disease outbreaks; development and implementation of 
epidemiologic studies; development and implementation of disease 
control and prevention programs; and coordination of activities with 
other public health authorities in the region. Proposed activities that 
cover large populations and/or geographical areas that do not 
necessarily correspond with current IHS administrative areas are 
encouraged.
    In conducting activities to achieve the purpose of this program, 
the recipient will be responsible for the activities under 1. 
(Recipient Activities), and IHS will be responsible for conducting 
activities under 2. (IHS Activities).

1. Recipient Activities

    a. Assist AI/AN communities, tribal organizations, and urban Indian 
organizations in implementing and enhancing disease surveillance 
systems and identifying their highest priority health status objectives 
based on epidemiologic data. Collect data relating to, and monitor 
progress made toward meeting each of the health status objectives of 
IHS, the AI/AN communities, tribal organizations, and urban Indian 
organizations in the region. Assist and facilitate reporting of 
nationally notifiable disease conditions to public health authorities 
in the region.
    b. Participate in the development of systems for sharing, 
improving, and disseminating aggregate health data at a national level 
for purposes of advocacy for AI/AN communities, Government Performance 
Result Act, Healthy People 2010, and other national-level activities.
    c. Collaborate with national DHHS programs in the development of 
standardized surveillance and data monitoring methods and data sets.
    d. Support responses to public health emergencies in collaboration 
with the IHS National Epidemiology Program, local, tribal, State, and 
other Federal health authorities.
    e. Develop and implement epidemiologic studies that have practical 
application in improving the health status of constituent communities. 
Studies may require Institutional Review Board approval if human 
subjects are involved.
    f. Develop and implement disease control and prevention programs in 
cooperation with other public health entities. Make recommendations for 
targeting of public health services needed by constituents.
    Ensure the coordination of services and program activities with 
other similar programs and establish abroad-based council to advise and 
support the program. Such an advisory council would consist of 
technical experts in epidemiology and public health, community members, 
health care providers, and others who could provide overall program 
direction and guidance.

2. IHS Activities

    a. Convene a workshop of funded organizations every year for 
information-sharing and problem-solving.
    b. Provide funded organizations with ongoing consultation and 
technical assistance to plan, implement, and evaluate each component of 
the comprehensive program as described under Recipient Activities 
above. Consultation and technical assistance will include, but not be 
limited to the following areas:
    (1) Interpretation of current scientific literature related 
epidemiology, statistics, surveillance, Healthy People 2010 Objectives, 
and other disease control activities;
    (2) Design and implementation of each program component 
(surveillance, epidemiologic analysis, outbreak investigation, 
development of epidemiologic studies, development of disease control 
programs, and coordination of activities); and
    (3) Overall operational planning and program management.
    Provide opportunities for training fellowships at the Epidemiology 
Program, IHS, if funds permit.
    c. Conduct site visits to assess program progress and mutually 
resolve problems, as needed, and/or coordinate reverse site visits to 
IHS in Albuquerque, NM.
    d. At the request of the applicant, and if available, assign 
Federal personnel to a project in lieu of a portion of the financial 
assistance.
    e. Coordinate all epidemiologic activities on a national basis.

II. Award Information

    American Indian/Alaska Native tribes, tribal organizations, and 
eligible intertribal consortia or Indian organizations, may be eligible 
for a cooperative agreement. Such entities must represent or serve a 
population of at least 60,000 AI/AN to be eligible. An intertribal 
consortium or AI/AN organization is eligible to receive a cooperative 
agreement if it is incorporated for the primary purpose of improving 
AI/AN health, and it is representative of the tribes, AN villages, or 
urban Indian communities in which it is located. Collaborations with 
regional IHS, CDC, State, or university organizations are encouraged 
(letters of support and collaboration should be included in the 
application).
    The following documentation is required:
    1. Tribal Resolution--(a) A signed and dated resolution supportive 
of the epidemiology cooperative agreement proposal from the Indian 
tribe(s) served by the project must accompany the application; (b)--
applications must include resolutions from all tribes to be served; and 
(c) applications by tribal organizations will not require a specific 
tribal resolution(s) if the current blanket tribal resolution(s) under 
which they operate would encompass the proposed activities and project 
type.
    2. Non-profit organization--copy of 501(c)(3) non-profit 
certificate.
    As part of an effort to establish Epidemiology Centers throughout 
the nation these funds initially will be used to support activities on 
a regional basis. Priority will be given to applicants proposing to 
provide services to large regions consisting of more than a single IHS 
administrative Area. Priority will also be given to proposals 
demonstrating evidence of meaningful past and current epidemiologic

[[Page 38909]]

activities. Collaborative efforts among tribal, local, State, Federal, 
and university health organizations are encouraged.
    It is anticipated that up to approximately $300,000 will be 
available to fund one award, and if additional funds are identified 
other awards will be made based on the application scoring level. 
Although it is expected that project funding needs will vary depending 
on the scope of work, the anticipated initial funding range, inclusive 
of direct and indirect costs, is $200,000 to $300,000. If additional 
funds become available, awardees who were originally funded at levels 
lower than requested may receive additional funding. Applicants who may 
be approved but unfunded during the initial round of awards may be 
eligible for consideration in later funding cycles without further 
review. At the request of the applicant, Federal personnel, if 
available, may be assigned to a project in lieu of a portion of the 
financial assistance. Only one project cooperative agreement will be 
awarded per Indian tribe or tribal or Indian health organization.
    Limitations--only one cooperative agreement project will be awarded 
per tribe, tribal or Indian organization, or intertribal consortia.
    Period of support--Projects will be funded for annual budget 
periods with project periods of up to two years, dependent upon the 
scope of work. The continuation years will be based on the following: 
(1) Satisfactory progress; (2) availability of funds; and (3) 
continuing need of the IHS for the program.
    The projects under this announcement will be awarded as cooperative 
agreements. Because of the nature of these projects, they will require 
collaboration with the IHS National Epidemiology Program to: (1) 
Coordinate activities; (2) participate in projects, investigations, or 
studies of national scope; and (3) share surveillance and other data 
collected, in compliance with the Federal Privacy Act, Health Insurance 
Portability & Accountability Act, or similar tribal laws. The IHS will, 
therefore, have substantial programmatic involvement in these projects 
(see IHS Activities above).

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    American Indian/Alaska Native tribes, tribal organizations, and 
eligible intertribal consortia or Indian organizations, may be eligible 
for a cooperative agreement. Such entities must represent or serve a 
population of at least 60,000 AI/AN to be eligible. An intertribal 
consortium or AI/AN organization is eligible to receive a cooperative 
agreement if it is incorporated for the primary purpose of improving 
AI/AN health, and it is representative of the tribes, AN villages, or 
urban Indian communities in which it is located. Collaborations with 
regional IHS, CDC, State, or university organizations are encouraged 
(letters of support and collaboration should be included in 
application).

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    Cost Sharing or Matching is not required for this application.

IV. Application and Submission Information

    1. Address to Request Application--An application kit, including 
the required PHS 5161-1 (Rev. 7/00) (OMB Approval No. 0348-0043) 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 Operations, IHS, Twinbrook Metro Plaza, Suite 100, 12300 
Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, MD 20852, telephone (301) 443-5204. (The 
telephone number is not toll-free.)
    2. Content and Form of Application Submission--All applications 
must be double-spaced, typewritten, and have consecutively numbered 
pages using black type not smaller than 12 characters per inch, with 
conventional one-inch border margins, on only one side of standard size 
8.5 x 11 paper that can be photocopied. The application narrative (not 
incoluding Abstract, Tribal Resolution, Standard Forms, Table of 
Contents or the Attachments must not exceed 25 typed pages as described 
above. All applications must include the following in order presented:
     Tribal Resolution(s) and documentation.
     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).
     Certification (pages 17-19).
     Checklist (pages 25-26). Note: Each standard form and the 
checklist is contained in the PHS Grant Application, Form PHS 5161-1 
(Revised 7/00).
     A one-page project Executive Summary.
     A Table of Contents.
     Introduction and Need for Assistance.
     Project Objective(s), Approach and Results & Benefits.
     Project Evaluation.
     Organizational Capabilities and Qualifications.
     Budget.
     Multi-Year Narratives and Budget Justifications.
     Attachments to include:
     Resumes of key staff.
     Position descriptions for key staff.
     Organizational chart.
     All letters of support from potential collaborators.
     Copy of current negotiated indirect cost rate agreement.
     A map of the area to benefit from the project.
     Application Receipt Card, IH-815-1A.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    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 Operations, Twinbrook Metro Plaza, Suite 100, 12300 
Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, Maryland 20852, by close of business July 
30, 2004.
    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. IHS will not acknowledge receipt of applications. 
Only applications received via the U.S. Postal Service or an overnight 
shipper, e.g., FedEx, UPS, etc., will be accepted. Late applications 
not accepted for processing will be returned to the applicant and will 
not be considered for funding.

4. Intergovernmental Review

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

5. Funding Restrictions

    Maximum award amount is $300,000 per year.

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

[[Page 38910]]

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 Dun and Bradstreet online at 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 each section are noted in parenthesis.
    Executive Summary--The Executive Summary may not exceed one 
typewritten page. It 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.
    Narrative: Please describe the complete project in clear and 
succinct language as application reviewers may have little or no 
knowledge of the Tribe or Tribal organization. It should not exceed 25 
double spaced pages, and address the following:

1. Criteria

Introduction, Current Capacity, and Need for Assistance (25 Points)
    a. Describe the tribe's current health operation including the 
population to be served by management of tribal health programs and the 
number of eligible beneficiaries, whether the tribe has a health 
department, how long it has been operating, and what programs or 
services are currently provided. Specifically describe current 
epidemiologic capacity and history of support for such activities.
    b. Provide a precise location of the project and area to be served 
by the proposed project including a map (include the map in the 
attachments).
    c. Identify the type of project.
    d. Explain the reason for the project.
    e. Describe the relationship between this project and other 
federally funded work planned, anticipated, or underway.
    f. Identify all previous and/or current TMGs received, dates of 
funding, and project accomplishments (do not include copies of 
reports).
Project Objective(s), Approach and Results and Benefits (25 Points)
    a. State in measurable and realistic terms the objectives and 
appropriate activities to achieve each objective for the project.
    b. Identify the expected results, benefits, and outcomes or 
products to be derived from each objective of the project.
    c. Include a work plan for each objective that indicates when the 
objectives and major activities will be accomplished and who will 
conduct the activities on a calendar time line.
    d. If use of consultants or contractors are proposed or 
anticipated, provide a detailed scope of work that clearly defines the 
deliverables or outcomes anticipated.
    e. Specify who will review and accept the work to be performed by 
consultants or contractors.
Project Evaluation (10 Points)
    a. State how it will be determined if the project's objectives were 
achieved and how the accomplishment of those objectives can be 
attributed to the project.
    b. Define the criteria to be used to evaluate results and benefits.
    c. Explain the methodology that will be used to determine if the 
needs identified for the project are being met and if the project's 
outcomes identified are being achieved.
Organization Capabilities and Qualifications (25 points)
    a. Explain the management and administrative structure of the 
organization including documentation of current certified financial 
management systems from the BIA, IHS, or a Certified Public Accountant 
and an updated organizational chart (include documentation and the 
organizational chart in the attachments).
    b. Describe the ability of the organization to manage a project of 
the proposed scope.
    c. Provide position descriptions and resumes of key personnel, 
including those of consultants or contractors in the Appendix. Position 
descriptions should very clearly describe each position and its duties, 
indicating desired qualifications and experience requirements related 
to the project. Resumes should indicate that the proposed staff are 
qualified to carry out the project activities.
Budget (15 points)
    a. Provide a detailed budget for the budget period required.
    b. Provide a justification for each line item in the budget 
including sufficient cost and other details to facilitate the 
determination of cost allowability and relevance of these costs to the 
proposed project. The funds requested should be appropriate and 
necessary for the scope of the project.
    c. Describe where the project will be housed, i.e., facilities and 
equipment available.
    d. If indirect costs are claimed, applicant must submit a copy of 
the Indirect Cost Rate Agreement supporting this claim in the 
attachments.

Attachments--to include:

     Resumes and job descriptions for key staff.
     Current approved organizational chart.
     Copy of current negotiated indirect cost rate agreement.
     A map of the Area to benefit from the project.
     Application Receipt card, IHS-815-1A.
     Letters of support/collaboration.

2. Review and Selection Process

    Applications submitted by the closing date and verified by the 
postmark under this program announcement will undergo a review to 
determine that:
    a. The applicant is eligible in accordance with the Eligibility 
Section of this application.
    b. The application executive summary, forms and materials submitted 
are adequate to allow the review panel to undertake an in-depth 
evaluation.
    c. The application complies with this announcement; otherwise it 
will be returned without consideration.
Competitive Review of Accepted Applications
    Applications meeting eligibility requirements that are complete, 
responsive, and conform to this program announcement will be reviewed 
for merit by an Ad Hoc Objective Review Committee (ORC) appointed by 
the IHS to review and to make recommendations on these applications. 
The review will be conducted in accordance with the IHS objective 
review procedures. The technical review process ensures selection of 
quality projects in a

[[Page 38911]]

national competition for limited funding. The ORC will include at least 
60 percent non-IHS, Federal or non-Federal individuals. Applications 
will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the application 
announcement criteria listed above. 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 will be funded in accordance with scores and funds 
available.

3. Results of the Review

    The results of the objective review are forwarded to the Director, 
Office of Public Health, for final review and approval. The Director, 
OPH, will also consider recommendations from the Epidemiology Program 
and Grants Management Branch. After the Director, OPH, has made 
decisions on all applications, applicants are notified in writing 
within approximately 90 days of the closing date. Unsuccessful 
applicants will be notified in writing of disapproval. A brief 
explanation of the reasons why the application was not approved will be 
provided along with the name of the IHS official to contact if more 
information is desired.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

    Successful applicants are notified through the official Notice of 
Cooperative Agreement (NCA) document. The NCA will state the amount of 
Federal funds awarded, the purpose of the cooperative agreement, the 
terms and conditions of the award, the effective date, the project, and 
budget period.

2. Administration and National Policy Requirements

    Cooperative Agreement Administration Requirements: Cooperative 
agreements are administered in accordance with the following documents:
    a. 45 CFR part 92, HHS Uniform Administrative Requirements for 
Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State, local, and tribal 
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;
    b. PHS Grants Policy Statement;
    c. Appropriate Cost Principles: OMB Circulars A-87 ``State and 
Local Governments,'' or OMB Circular A-122 ``Non-Profit 
Organizations''; and
    d. OMB Circular A-133 ``Audits of States, Local Governments, and 
Non-Profit Organizations.''
    e. A-102, Grants and Cooperative Agreements with State and Local 
Governments.
    f. A-110; Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Other 
Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other 
Nonprofit Organizations.

3. Reporting Requirements

    a. Progress Report--Program progress reports may be required semi-
annually. These reports will include a brief description of a 
comparison of actual accomplishments to the goals established for the 
period, reasons for slippage, and other pertinent information as 
required. A final report is due 90 days after expiration of the 
project/budget period.
    b. Financial Status Report--Semi-annually financial status reports 
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.

VII. Agency Contacts

    For Epidemiology Program information, contact Dr. James Cheek 
([email protected]) or Dr. Nathaniel Cobb ([email protected]), 
National Epidemiology Program, Indian Health Service, 5300 Homestead 
Road, NE., Albuquerque, NM 87110, (505) 837-4132, fax (505) 248-4393. 
For grant application and business management information, contact Ms. 
Martha Redhouse, Grants Management Branch, Indian Health Service, 
Twinbrook Metro Plaza, Suite 100, 123000 Twinbrook Metro Plaza, 
Rockville, Maryland 20852, (301) 443-5204. (The telephone numbers are 
not toll-free.)

    Dated: June 21, 2004.
Charles W. Grim,
Assistant Surgeon General, Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 04-14647 Filed 6-28-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4160-16-M