[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 158 (Wednesday, August 16, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 47234-47237]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-6936]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service


Mental Health and Community Safety Initiative for American Indian 
and Alaska Native Children, Youth and Families

    Announcement Type: Grant.
    Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2006-IHS-MHC-001.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.228.
    Key Dates: Application Deadline Date: September 11, 2006.
    Review Date: September 14, 2006.
    Award Announcement Date: September 26, 2006.
    Earliest Anticipated Start Date: September 29, 2006.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    The Indian Health Service (IHS) has developed the Mental Health and 
Community Safety Initiative (MHCSI) for American Indian/Alaska Native 
(AI/AN) Children, Youth and Families. The IHS announces the 
availability of Fiscal Year (FY) 2006 funds for limited competition for 
MHCSI Grants to implement innovative strategies that focus on mental 
health, behavioral, substance abuse, and community safety needs of AI/
AN young people and their families who are involved or at risk of 
involvement with the juvenile justice system. This effort was first 
initiated through the White House Domestic Policy Council to provide 
federally recognized Tribes and eligible Tribal organizations with 
assistance to plan, design and assess the feasibility of implementing a 
culturally appropriate system of care for AI/ANs. The planning phase 
which was under a cooperative agreement focused on integrating 
traditional healing methods indigenous to the communities with 
conventional treatment methodologies. This grant announcement will 
focus on implementation of services utilizing the planning phase 
accomplishments as a foundation. Applicants should have completed a 
four-year planning process in the development of the implementation 
plan which has been developed collaboratively with participation of the 
service population and the various resource provider agencies in the 
community to be served.
    This program is authorized under the Snyder Act, 1921 and under 
authority 25 U.S.C. 1621h(m), Indian Health Care Improvement Act 
(IHCIA). This program is described at 93.228 in the Catalog of Federal 
Domestic Assistance. This grant will be awarded and administered in 
accordance with:
    1. This announcement.
    2. 42 CFR Part 136.101, et seq.
    3. 45 CFR Part 92, ``Department of Health and Human Services, 
Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative 
Agreements to State and Local Governments,'' or 45 CFR, Part 74, 
``Administration of Grants to Non-Profit Recipients''.
    4. The Public Health Service (PHS) Grants Policy Statement, Revised 
April, 1994.
    5. Applicable Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars.

II. Award Information

    Type of Awards: Grant.
    Estimated Funds Available: The total amount of funds available for 
FY 2006 is $350,000. The award is for 12 months in duration with a 
maximum award amount of $125,000 for two grantees and $100,000 for one 
grantee. Competitive awards depend on the availability of funds and 
successful completion of the planning phase.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: Three awards will be issued under the 
Program.
    Project Period: September 29, 2006 through September 29, 2007.
    Award Amount: $100,000-$125,000 per year. Maximum award will be 
$125,000. Funds exceeding $125,000 will not be considered.

    Note: This announcement applies to existing grantees who have 
successfully completed the planning process.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    Eligibility will be limited to American Indian/Alaska Native 
grantees who have successfully completed the planning phase under the 
Mental Health and Community Safety Initiative Grants.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    The Mental Health and Community Safety Initiative Program does not 
require matching funds or cost sharing.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Applicant package may be found at http://www.grants.gov

    Information regarding the electronic process may be directed to 
Michelle Bulls, Grants Policy Officer, at (301) 443-6528. Information 
regarding the general grant information may be directed to:
    Program Contact: Ramona Williams, Office of Clinical and Preventive 
Services, Division of Behavioral Health, Indian Health Service, 801 
Thompson Ave, Suite 300, Rockville, Maryland 20852; (301) 433-2038. 
Grants Specialist Contact: Martha Redhouse, Division of Grants 
Operations, Indian Health Service, 801 Thompson Ave, TMP, Suite 360, 
Rockville, Maryland 20852; (301) 433-5204.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

     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 7 typed pages and 
that includes:
     program goals and objectives, and background need for 
assistance and capacity. Key personnel; budget justification; 
evaluation; table of contents and appendices should not be included in 
the narrative section.
    Public Policy Requirements: All Federal-wide public policies apply 
to IHS grants with the exception of Lobbying and Discrimination.
    A pre-application or Letter of Intent is not required.
    For applicants previously funded under the planning phase grant, 
proof of non-profit status will not be required.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 
5 p.m. ET on September 11, 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. The Grants Policy Staff will 
determine whether you may submit a paper application (original and 2 
copies). The grantee must obtain prior approval, in writing, from the 
Grants Policy Staff allowing the paper submission. As appropriate, 
paper applications are due by the date referenced above. Paper 
applications (original and 2 copies) shall be considered as meeting the 
deadline if

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received by the due date or postmarked on or before the deadline date. 
Applicants should request a legibly dated U.S. Postal Service postmark 
or obtain a legibly dated receipt from a commercial carrier or U.S. 
Postal Service. Private metered postmarks will not be acceptable as 
proof of timely mailing.
    Late applications will not be accepted. All late applications will 
be returned to the applicant without review.

4. Intergovernmental Review

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

5. Funding Restrictions

    A. Obtain prior approval from Program Official for pre-award costs.
    B. The available funds are inclusive of direct and indirect costs.
    C. Only one grant will be awarded per applicant.

6. Other Submission Requirements

    Electronic Submission--The preferred method for receipt of 
applications is electronic submission through Grants.gov. However, 
should any technical problems arise regarding the submission, please 
contact Grants.gov Customer Support at 1-800-518-4726 or 
support&grants.gov. The Contact Center hours of operations are Monday-
Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). 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 Web site. Download a copy of the application package, on 
the Grants.gov Web site, complete it off-line and then upload and 
submit the application via the Grants.gov Web site. You may not E-mail 
an electronic copy of a grant application to us.
    Please be reminded of the following:
     Under the new IHS requirements, paper applications are not 
the preferred method. However, if you have technical problems 
submitting your application on-line, please contact 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 have having submitting your 
application on-line. At that time, it will be determined whether you 
may submit a paper application. At that point you are to download the 
application package from Grants.gov, and send it directly to the 
Division of Grants Operations, 801 Thompson Avenue, TMP, Suite 300, 
Rockville, MD 20852 by September 11, 2006, 5 p.m. ET.
     When you enter the Grants.gov Web site, you will find 
information about submitting an application electronically through the 
Web 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 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.
     Your application must comply with any 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. The IHS will retire 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.
     To receive an application package, the applicant must 
provide the Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2006-IHS-MHC-0001.
    E-mail applications will not be accepted under this announcement.
    DUNS Number: Applicants 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.
    Central Contractor Registry: Applications submitted 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 t investigate whether or not your organization has a DUNS 
number. Registration with the 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

1. Criteria

A. Program Goals and Objectives (30 Points)
    The application will be evaluated on the extent to which the 
applicant:
    (1) Includes a clear description of the goals and objectives of the 
program in measurable terms;
    (2) Describes how the accomplishment of the objectives will be 
measured, including whether or not the program is replicable;
    (3) Describes tasks and resources needed to implement and complete 
the project as well as who will perform the tasks;
    (4) Provides milestones or a time chart that indicates the time 
that the project will begin to accept clients;
    (5) Defines the data collection mechanism for the project, how it 
will be obtained, analyzed, and maintained;
    (6) Includes information in the data system that reflects the 
number and types of people served, services provided, client outcomes, 
client satisfaction, and associated costs;
    (7) Describes how the data collection will support the stated 
objectives for the program and how it will support the evaluation of 
the program;
    (8) Describes the evaluation methodology and related activities, 
describes how the effectiveness of the employed interventions will be 
monitored as well as the acceptance of the program within the 
community; and
    (9) Develops a knowledge base of reliable and valid service system 
models that define the best outcomes for AI/AN children and their 
families, respecting the unique features of the culture of the target 
community (e.g. Northern Plains, Pueblo, Alaska Native village).
    Further evaluation will be made of how well the applicant:
    (1) Discusses the manner that allows the program services to 
continue after the grant expires;
    (2) Expresses willingness to share models of success with other 
communities and programs;
    (3) Develops a cohesive and effective mental health service system 
that draws on Tribal, Federal, state, local, and

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private resources, including traditional healers as determined by the 
community. The system of care must involve education, primary care, 
justice, child welfare, as well as behavioral health prevention and 
treatment; and
    (4) Describes how data derived from the program will be used for 
improving the service system, increasing the quality of service 
delivery, developing system of care policies in the local community, 
and sustaining the system of care beyond the additional one-year period 
of Federal funding.
B. Background, Need for Assistance, and capacity (25 points)
    The application will be evaluated based on the extent to which the 
applicant: (1) Describes and defines the target population at the 
project location (e.g., Tribal population, number of cases of child 
abuse and neglect (CAN) and/or seriously mentally ill (SMI) cases 
reported, number of juvenile cases prosecuted, number of children/
families currently receiving treatment, number of children/families 
determined to be at risk), and identifies the information sources;
    (2) Lists the number of CAN cases and/or SMI children and youth who 
are involved or at risk for becoming involved with the juvenile justice 
system and specifies the source of information for all data that 
supports the need for program;
    (3) Describes the existing resources and available resources, 
including the availability of AI/AN healing resources that will provide 
services to the target population and their families;
    (4) Describes the needs of the target population and what efforts 
have been made in the past to meet the need, as applicable (e.g., 
number of treatment providers, collaborative efforts and agreements 
with other treatment programs, availability of program funding from 
other sources);
    (5) Summarizes the applicable standards, laws, regulations, and 
codes; and
    (6) Shows Tribal or organizational support for the proposed 
program.
C. Management Controls (15 points)
    The application will be evaluated on the extent to which the 
applicant:
    (1) Describes the project location, facilities, and available 
equipment;
    (2) Describes the management controls of the recipient over the 
direction and acceptability of work to be performed;
    (3) Describes the personnel and financial mechanisms to be 
utilized;
    (4) Demonstrates that the organization has adequate systems and 
expertise to manage Federal funds; and
    (5) Includes a letter from the accounting firm with the results of 
the most recent financial audit for the organization.
D. Key Personnel (10 points)
    The application will be evaluated based on the extent to which the 
applicant:
    (1) Provides a resume, qualifications, and position description for 
the program director and key personnel as described on page 22 of the 
PHS 5161;
    (2) Identifies existing personnel and new program staff to be 
hired;
    (3) Lists the qualifications and experience of consultants or 
contractors where their use is anticipated; and
    (4) Identifies who will determine if the contracted work is 
acceptable and how the determination will be made.
E. Budget (10 points)
    The application will be evaluated based on the extent to which the 
applicant:
    (1) Provides an itemized estimate of costs and a justification for 
the proposed program on SF 424A, Budget Information Non-Construction 
Programs;
    (2) Allows for a narrative justification that describes the 
expenditures and the justification for the expenditures;
    (3) Indicates special start-up costs;
    (4) Includes a brief program narrative and budget for the 
additional year of funding requested; and
    (5) Provides a statement that grant funding may not be used to 
supplant existing public and private resources.
F. Evaluation (10 points)
    The application will be critiqued to the extent to which the 
applicant implements an evaluation protocol. Collaboration and 
coordination with outside institutions and/or consultant expertise may 
be used. The application will be evaluated on the extent to which, the 
applicant:
    (1) Describes how the evaluation plan will measure the 
accomplishments of the goals and objectives of the project;
    (2) Describes how outcomes will be measured and analyzed; and
    (3) Describes the data collection methods and types of data to be 
used in measuring outcomes of the goals and objectives.

2. Reviewed and Selection Process

    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 (ORD) appointed by 
the IHS to review and make recommendations on the applications. The 
review will be conducted in accordance with the PHS Objective Review 
Guidelines. The technical review process ensures selection of quality 
projects in a limited competition for limited funding. Applications 
will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the six evaluation criteria 
listed above for the type of project submitted. 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 success. 
Applications scoring below 60 points will be disapproved. The scoring 
of approved applications will assist the IHS in determining which 
proposals will be funded.

3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

    Applications received by the closing date of September 11, 2006 or 
verified by the postmark will undergo a review to determine that the:
    A. Applicant is eligible in accordance with the Eligibility and 
Documentation section of this announcement;
    B. Application narrative, forms, and materials submitted meet the 
requirements of the announcement and allow the review panel to 
undertake an in-depth evaluation; the application is not a duplication 
of a previously funded project and the application complies with this 
announcement; otherwise, the application will be returned to the 
applicant. The Award Date is September 26, 2006.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

    The program officer 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 original 
grant application will be returned 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 and funded will be notified 
through the Financial Assistance Award (FAA) document signed by the 
Grants Management Officer. The FAA 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

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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.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    Grants are administered in accordance with the following documents: 
A. 45 CFR Part 92, ``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 Non-
Profit Organizations, and Commercial Organizations''.
    B. Public Health Service Grants Policy Statement, Revised April 
1994.
    C. Appropriate Cost Principles: OMB Circular A-87, ``State, Local, 
and Indian Tribal Governments,'' or OMB Circular A-122, ``Non-Profit 
Organizations''.
    D. OMB Circular A-133, ``Audits of States, Local Governments, and 
Non-Profit Organizations''.
    E. Other Applicable OMB Circulars.

3. Reporting

    A. Progress Report: Program progress reports are required 
quarterly. These reports will include a brief comparison of actual 
accomplishment 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 (FSR) 
must be submitted within 30 days of the end of the half year. Final FSR 
are due within 90 days of expiration of the budget/project period. 
Standard Form 269 can be downloaded from http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/sf269.pdf for financial reporting.
    Grantees are responsible and accountable for accurate reporting of 
the Progress Reports and Financial Status Reports which must be 
verified by the grantee. Failure to submit required reports within the 
time allowed may result in suspension or termination of an active 
grant, withholding of additional awards for the project, or other 
enforcement actions such as 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 of the individual responsible for preparation of reports.

VII. Agency Contact(s)

    Interested parties may obtain MHCSI programmatic information from 
Ms. Ramona Williams, Program Officer, through the information listed 
under Section IV of this program announcement. Grant-related and 
business management information may be obtained from Ms. Martha 
Redhouse, 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 Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is committed to 
achieving the health promotion and disease prevention objectives 
Healthy People 2010, and HHS-led activity for setting priority areas. 
Potential applicants may obtain a printed copy of Healthy People 2010, 
(Summary Report No, 017-001-00549-5) or CD-ROM, Stock No. 017-001-
00549-5, through the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing 
Office, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA, 15250-7945, (202) 512-1800. 
You may also access this information at the following Web site: http://www.healthypeople.gov/Publications.
    The U.S. Census Bureau website contains AI/AN specific data at the 
Tribal census tract level. Data is provided at http://factfinder.census.gov/home/aian/index.html by Tribe and language; 
reservations and other AI/AN areas; county and Tribal census tract 
level; and economic category.
    The HHS 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: August 10, 2006.
Mary Lou Stanton,
Deputy Director for Indian Health Policy, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 06-6936 Filed 8-15-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165-16-M