[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 89 (Tuesday, May 9, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 26970-26977]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-4292]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service


Tribal Management Grant Program

    Announcement Type: New Discretionary Funding Cycle for Fiscal Year 
2007.
    Funding Announcement Number: HHS-2007-IHS-TMP-0001.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.228.
    Key Dates: Training: Application Requirements Session: May 10-11 
and June 14-15, 2006; Grantwriting Session: May 22-26, 2006; 
Application Deadline Date: August 4, 2006; Review Date: October 2-6, 
2006; Application Notification: November 13, 2006; Earliest Anticipated 
Start Date: January 1, 2007.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    The Indian Health Service (IHS) announces competitive grant 
applications for the Tribal Management Grant (TMG) Program. This 
program is authorized under section 103(b)(2) and section 103(e) of the 
Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, Public Law 93-
638, as amended. The TMG Program is described at 93.228 in the Catalog 
of Federal Domestic Assistance.
    The TMG program is a national competitive discretionary grant 
program pursuant to 45 CFR part 75 and 45 CFR part 92 established to 
assist Federally-recognized Tribes and Tribally-sanctioned Tribal 
organizations in assuming all or part of existing IHS programs, 
services, functions, and activities (PSFA) through a Title I contract 
and to assist established Title I contractors and Title V compactors to

[[Page 26971]]

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.
    Funding Priorities: The IHS has established the following funding 
priorities for TMG awards.
     Priority I--Any Indian Tribe that has received Federal 
recognition (restored, unterminated, funded, or unfunded) within the 
past 5 years, specifically received during or after March 2001.
     Priority II--All other eligible Federally-recognized 
Indian Tribes or Tribally-sanctioned Tribal organizations submitting a 
competing continuation application or a new application for the sole 
purpose of addressing audit material weaknesses. The audit material 
weaknesses are 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 (OIG), 
National External Audit Review (NEAR) Center, Department of Health and 
Human Services (HHS). Please identify the weakness to be addressed by 
underlining the item on the Attachment A. Please refer to section 
III.3, ``Other Requirements'' for more information regarding Priority 
II participation.
    Federally-recognized Indian Tribes or Tribally-sanctioned Tribal 
organizations not subject to Single Audit Act requirements must provide 
a financial statement identifying the Federal dollars received in the 
footnotes. The financial statement must also identify specific 
weaknesses/recommendations that will be addressed in the TMG proposal 
and are related to 25 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 900, 
``Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act Amendments'', 
subpart F--``Standards for Tribes and Tribal Organizations''.
    Priority II participation is only applicable to the Health 
Management Structure project type. For more information see section II 
Eligible Project Types, Maximum Funding and Project Periods.
     Priority III--All other eligible Federally-recognized 
Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations submitting a competing 
continuation application or a new application.
    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.

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Grant.
    Estimated Funds Available: Subject to the availability of funds, 
the estimated amount available is $2,388,000 in fiscal year (FY) 2007. 
There will be only one funding cycle in FY 2007. Awards under this 
announcement are subject to the availability of funds.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: An estimated 20-25 awards will be 
made under this program.
    Project Periods: Varies from 12 months to 36 months.
    Please refer to ``Eligible Project Types, Maximum Funding and 
Project Periods'' under this section for more detailed information.
    Estimated Award Amount: $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 may only be submitted for one project type. The TMG 
Program consists of four project types: (1) Feasibility study; (2) 
planning; (3) evaluation study; and (4) health management structure. 
Applications that address more than one project type will be considered 
ineligible and will be returned to the applicant. The maximum funding 
levels noted include both direct and indirect costs. Application 
budgets may not exceed the maximum funding level or project period 
identified for a project type. Applications whose budget or project 
period exceed the maximum funding level or project period will be 
considered ineligible and will not be reviewed. Please refer to section 
IV.5. ``Funding Restrictions'' for further information regarding 
ineligible activities.

1. 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 the planned approach, training and resources required to 
assume Tribal management of the program. The study must 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.

2. 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, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 
15250-7945, or (202) 512-1800. This information is available in 
electronic form at the following Web site: http://www.health.gov/healthypeople/publications/.

[[Page 26972]]

3. 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.

4. 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'' is 
available in the appendix of the TMG application package. Please see 
section IV ``Application and Submission Information'' for directions 
about how to request a copy of the TMG application package.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    Indian Tribe or Tribal organization as defined by Public Law 93-
638, Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, as 
amended.
    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 matching funds or cost sharing. 
However, in accordance with Public Law 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:
     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. If an official Tribal 
resolution is not available by the application deadline, a draft 
resolution should be submitted. However an official signed Tribal 
resolution must be received by the Division of Grants Operations prior 
to the beginning of the Objective Review (October 2-6, 2006). If an 
official signed resolution is not received by the close of business on 
September 29, 2006, the application will be considered incomplete, 
ineligible for review and returned to the applicant without 
consideration. Applicants submitting additional documentation after the 
initial application submission are required to ensure the information 
was received by the IHS by obtaining documentation confirming delivery 
or receipt (i.e. fax transmittal receipt, FedEx tracking, postal return 
receipt, etc.).
     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. Date must reflect that Federal recognition was received during 
or after March 2001.
     Documentation for Priority II Participation--A copy of the 
transmittal letter and Attachment A from the OIG, NEAR Center, HHS. See 
``Funding Priorities'' in section I 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 Division of Audit 
Resolution 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.
    Federally-recognized Indian Tribes or Tribally-sanctioned Tribal 
organizations not subject to Single Audit Act requirements, must 
provide a financial statement identifying the Federal dollars in the 
footnotes. The financial statement must also identify specific 
weaknesses/recommendations that will be addressed in the TMG proposal 
and are related to 25 CFR part 900, ``Indian Self-Determination and 
Education Assistance Act Amendments'', subpart F--``Standards for 
Tribes and Tribal Organizations''.
    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:
     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 and Selection Process'' for more information regarding other 
application submission information and/or requirements.

IV. Application and Submission Information

    1. Application package may be found at http://www.Grants.gov. 
Information regarding the electronic application process may be 
obtained from either of the following persons: Ms. Patricia Spotted 
Horse, Office of Tribal Programs, Indian Health Service, 801 Thompson 
Avenue, Suite 220, Rockville, Maryland 20852. (301) 443-1104. Ms. 
Denise Clark, Division of Grants Operations, Indian Health Service, 801 
Thompson Avenue, TMP 360, Rockville, Maryland 20852. (301) 443-5204. 
Ms. Michelle G. Bulls, Grants Policy Staff, Indian Health Service, 801 
Thompson Avenue, TMP 625, Rockville, Maryland 20852. (301) 443-6528.

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    The entire application package is available at http://www.ihs.gov/NonMedicalPrograms/tmg.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

    All applications must:
     Be single-spaced.
     Be typewritten.
     Have consecutively numbered pages.
     Use black type not smaller than 12 characters per one 
inch.
     Contain a narrative that does not exceed 14 typed pages 
that includes the other submission requirements below. The 14-page 
narrative does not include the work plan, 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.
    Public Policy Requirements: All Federal-wide public policies apply 
to IHS grants with exception of Lobbying and Discrimination.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 
close of business Friday, August 4, 2006. If technical issues arise and 
the applicant is unable to successfully complete the electronic 
application process, the applicant must contact Grants Policy Staff 
fifteen days prior to the application deadline. As appropriate, paper 
applications are due by the date referenced above. Paper applications 
(original and two (2) copies) shall be considered as meeting the 
deadline if they are received on or before the deadline date.
    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

    A. Pre-award costs are not allowable.
    B. The available funds are inclusive of direct and indirect costs.
    C. Only one grant will be awarded per applicant.
    D. 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 any 
direct services.
     Projects that include tuition, fees, or stipends for 
certification or training of staff to provide direct services.
     Projects that include pre-planning, design, and planning 
of construction for facilities, including activities relating to 
Program Justification Documents.
     Projects that propose more than one project type. Please 
see Section II, ``Award Information'', specifically ``Eligible Project 
Types, Maximum Funding and Project Periods'' for more information. An 
example of a proposal with more than one project type that would be 
considered ineligible may include the creation of a strategic health 
plan (defined by TMG as a planning project type) and improving third-
party billing structures (defined by TMG as a health management 
structure project type).
    E. Other Limitations--A current TMG recipient cannot be awarded a 
new, renewal, or competing continuation grant for any of the following 
reasons:
     A grantee may not administer two TMGs at the same time or 
have overlapping project/budget periods;
     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

    Electronic Transmission--The preferred method for receipt of 
applications is electronic submission through Grants.gov. However, 
should any technical problems arise regarding this submission, please 
contact Grants.gov Customer Support at 1-800-518-4726 or 
[email protected]. The Contact Center hours of operation are Monday-
Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time). If you require 
additional assistance please contact IHS Grants Policy Staff at (301) 
443-6528 at least fifteen days prior to the application deadline. To 
submit an application electronically, please use the http://www.Grants.gov apply site. Download a copy of the application package 
on the Grants.gov Web site, complete it offline and then upload and 
submit the application via the Grants.gov site. You may not e-mail an 
electronic copy of a grant application to us.
    Please be reminded:
     Under the new IHS requirements, paper applications are not 
the preferred method. However if you have technical problems submitting 
your application on-line, please contac Grants.gov Customer Support at 
http://www.Grants.gov/CustomerSupport. If you are still unable to 
successfully submit your application on-line, please contact Grants 
Policy Staff fifteen days prior to the application deadline and advise 
them of the difficulties you are having submitting your application on-
line. At that time, it will be determined whether you may submit a 
paper application. At that point you have to download the application 
package from Grants.gov and send it directly to the Division of Grants 
Operations, 801 Thompson Avenue, TMP 360, Rockville, MD 20852. 
Applications must be received by IHS by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on the due 
date, Friday, August 4, 2006.
     When you enter the Grants.gov site, you will find 
information about submitting an application electronically through the 
site, as well as the hours of operation. We strongly recommend that you 
do not wait until the deadline date to begin the application process 
through Grants.gov.
     To use Grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must have a DUNS 
Number and register in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). You 
should allow a minimum of ten (10) days to complete CCR registration. 
See below on how to apply.
     You must submit all documents electronically, including 
all information typically included on the SF-424 and all necessary 
assurances and certifications.

[[Page 26974]]

     Please use the attachment feature in Grants.gov to attach 
additional documentation that may be presented by IHS.
     If tribal resolutions are required, please fax it to the 
Grants Management Specialist identified in this announcement.
     Your application must comply with my page limitation 
requirements described in the program announcement.
     After you electronically submit your application, you will 
receive an automatic acknowledgement from Grants.gov that contains a 
Grants.gov tracking number. IHS will retrieve your application from 
Grants.gov.
     You may access the electronic application for this program 
on http://www.Grants.gov.
     You must search for the downloadable application package 
by CFDA number 93.228.
     To receive an application package, the applicant must 
provide the Funding Announcement Number: HHS-2007-IHS-TMP-0001.
    E-mail applications will not be accepted under this announcement.
DUNS Number
    Applications are 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. Interested parties may 
wish to obtain their DUNS number by phone to expedite the process.
    Applicants submitting applications electronically must also be 
registered with the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). A DUNS number is 
required before CCR registration can be completed. Many organizations 
may already have a DUNS number. Please use the number listed above to 
investigate whether or not your organization has a DUNS number. 
Registration with CCR is free of charge. Applicants may register by 
calling 1-888-227-2423. Please review and complete the CCR 
``Registration Worksheet'' located on http://www.Grants.gov/CCRRegister.
    More detailed information regarding these registration processes 
can be found at http://www.Grants.gov.

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. 
The 14-page narrative should include only the first year of activities; 
information for multi-year projects should be included as an appendix. 
See ``Multi-Year Project Requirements'' at the end of this section for 
more information.

1. Criteria

Introduction 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 TMGs received since FY 2002, dates of funding and 
summary of project accomplishments. State 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 the 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 
and Results 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 effect 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 an IHS 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 in an IHS 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), Workplan and Consultants (40 Points)
    A. Identify the proposed project objective(s) addressing the 
following:
     Measurable and (if applicable) quantifiable
     Results oriented
     Time-limited
    Example: The Tribe will increase the number of bills processed by 
15% by installing new software by the end of 12 months.
    B. Address how the proposed project will result in change or 
improvement in program operations or processes for each proposed 
project objective. Also address what tangible products are expected 
from the project (i.e., policies and procedures manual, health plan, 
etc.).
    C. Address the extent to which the proposed project will build the 
local capacity to provide, improve, or expand services that address the 
need(s) of the target population.
    D. Submit a workplan in the appendix which includes the following 
information;

[[Page 26975]]

     Provide the action steps on a timeline for accomplishing 
the proposed project objective(s).
     Identify who will perform the action steps.
     Identify who will supervise the action steps taken.
     Identify who will accept and/or approve 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):
     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 are 
anticipated and where funds will come from to conduct the update and/or 
maintenance.
Project Evaluation (15 Points)
    Each proposed project objective should have an evaluation component 
and the evaluation activities would appear on the work plan.
    A. Please address the following for each of proposed objective:
     What data will be collected to evaluate the success of the 
objective(s).
     How and when the data will be collected.
     Who will collect the data.
    B. Explain how the data demonstrates the change brought about by 
the proposed project objective.
    C. 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. Provide information regarding plans to obtain management systems 
if the Tribe/Tribal organization does not have an established 
management system current in place that complies with 25 CFR part 900, 
subpart F, ``Standards for Tribal Management Systems''. If management 
systems are already in place, simply note it. (A copy of the 25 CFR 
part 900, subpart F, is 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. If a position is to be filled, 
indicate that information on the proposed position description.
    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 costs 
and other details to facilitate the determination of cost availability 
(i.e., equipment specifications, etc.).
Multi-Year Project Requirements
    Projects requiring a second and/or third year must include a 
narrative addressing the second and/or third year's project objectives, 
evaluation components, work plan, categorical budget and budget 
justification.
Appendix Items
    A. Work plan for proposed objectives.
    B. Position descriptions for key staff.
    C. Resumes of key staff that reflect current duties.
    D. Consultant proposed scope of work (if applicable).
    E. Indirect Cost Agreement.
    F. Organizational chart (optional).
    G. Mult-Year Project Requirements (if applicable).

2. Review and Selection Process

    In addition to the above criteria/requirements, applications are 
considered according to the following:
A. Application Submission (Application Deadline: August 4, 2006)
    Applications received in advance of or by the deadline and verified 
by the tracking number 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; and
     The application narrative, forms, and materials submitted 
meet the requirements of the announcement allowing the review panel to 
undertake an in-depth evaluation; otherwise the application may be 
returned.
B. Competitive Review of Eligible Applications (Objective Review: 
October 2-6, 2006)
    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 will be reviewed by the Division of Grant Operations for 
cost analysis and further

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recommendation. The program official accepts the Division of Grant 
Operations' recommendations for consideration when funding 
applications. The program official forwards the final approved list to 
the Director, Office of Tribal Programs, for final review and approval. 
Applications scoring below 60 points will be disapproved and returned 
to the applicant. Applications that 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 the earliest award start date will be January 
1, 2007.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

    ORC Results Notification; November 13, 2006.
    The Director, Office of Tribal Programs, or program official, will 
notify the contact person identified on each proposal of the results in 
writing via postal mail. Applicants whose applications are declared 
ineligible will receive written notification of the ineligibility 
determination and their 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 Federal Financial Assistance (FAA) document. The 
FAA will be signed by the Grants Management Officer and is the 
authorizing document for notifying grant recipients of funding. The FAA 
serves 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 Applicant's Project Director that an application was 
recommended for approval is not an authorization to begin performance. 
Pre-award costs are not allowable charges under this program grant.

2. Administrative Requirements

    Grants are administered in accordance with the following documents:
     This grant announcement.
     Health and Human Services regulations governing Public Law 
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.
     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

    A. 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.
    B. 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. The Standard Form 269 (SF-269) (long form) can 
be downloaded from http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/sf269.pdg for 
financial reporting.
    C. Reports--Grantees are responsible and accountable for accurate 
reporting of the Progress Reports and Financial Status Reports which 
are generally due semi-annually. Financial Status Reports (SF-269) are 
due 90 days after each budget period and the final SF-269 must be 
verified from the grantee records on how the value was derived. 
Grantees must submit reports in a reasonable period of time.
    Failure to submit required reports within the time allowed may 
result in suspension or termination of an active grant, withholding of 
payments or converting to the reimbursement method of payment. 
Continued failure to submit required reports may result in one or both 
of the following: (1) The imposition of special award provisions; and 
(2) the non-funding or non-award of other eligible projects or 
activities. This applies whether the delinquency is attributable to the 
failure of the grantee organization or the individual responsible for 
preparation of the reports.

VII. Agency Contact(s)

    Interested parties may obtain TMG programmatic information from the 
TMG Program Coordinator through the information listed under section IV 
of this program announcement. Grant-related and business management 
information may be obtained from the Grants Management Specialist 
through the information listed under section IV of this program 
announcement. Please note that the telephone numbers provided are not 
toll-free.

VIII. Other Information

    The IHS will have three training sessions to assist applicants in 
preparing their FY 2007 TMG application. There will be one 5-day 
training session and two 2-day training sessions. The 5-day training 
session will provide participants with basic grant writing skills, 
information regarding where to search for funding opportunities, and 
the opportunity to begin writing a TMG grant proposal. The 2-day 
training sessions will focus specifically on the TMG requirements 
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 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. There is no registration 
fee to attend the training session(s). The registration form may be 
obtained from the TMG Web site at: http://www.ihs.gov/NonMedicalPrograms/tmg. The registration form may be faxed to (301) 
443-4666. The training dates are listed below in chronological order 
and the training sessions will take place in the hotel identified:
     May 10-11, 2006--Albuquerque, New Mexico (Limit 25). 
Training Registration and Hotel Reservation deadline: April 21, 2006. 
Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown Hotel, 2600 Louisiana Boulevard, NE., 
Albuquerque, NM 87110. 1-800-252-7772; please

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request IHS Tribal Management Grant room block. Hotel rate: $66.00 plus 
tax.
     May 22-26, 2006--Rapid City, South Dakota (Limit 25). 
Training Registration and Hotel Reservation deadline: May 1, 2006. 
Ramada Inn Rapid City, 1721 Lacrosse Street, Rapid City, SD 57701. 1-
866-742-1300 or 605-342-1300; please request IHS Tribal Management 
Grant room block. Hotel rate: $59.00 plus tax.
     June 14-15, 2006--Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (Limit 25). 
Training Registration and Hotel Reservation deadline: May 30, 2006. 
Best Western Saddleback Inn, 4300 Southwest Third Street, Oklahoma 
City, OK 73108. 1-800-228-3903 or 405-947-7000, extension 3123; please 
request IHS Tribal Management Grant room block. Hotel rate: $67.00 plus 
tax.
    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, Public Law 103-227, the 
Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in certain 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 HHS mission to protect and advance the physical and mental health 
of the American people.

    Dated: May 2, 2006.
Robert G. McSwain,
Deputy Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 06-4292 Filed 5-8-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165-16-M