[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 30 (Wednesday, February 13, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8322-8326]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 08-626]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service


Office of Clinical and Preventive Services; Demonstration Project 
for Healthy Lifestyles in Youth

    Announcement Type: New.
    Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2008-IHS-HLY-0001

    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.933

    Key Dates: Application Deadline Date: April 18, 2008.
    Review Date: May 2, 2008.
    Earliest Anticipated Start Date: May 16, 2008.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    The Indian Health Service (IHS) announces a cooperative agreement, 
HHS-2008-IHS-HLY-0001 for Tribes or Tribal organizations to promote 
healthy lifestyles among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) 
youth using the curriculum ``Together Raising Awareness for Indian 
Life'' (TRAIL) among selected Boys and Girls Club sites. This program 
is authorized under the authority of the Snyder Act, 25 U.S.C. 13; 
section 301 of the Public Health Service Act, as amended; and the 
Indian Health Care Improvement Act, 25 U.S.C. 1652 and 1621(b). This 
program is described at 93.933 in the Catalog of Federal Domestic 
Assistance (CFDA).
    Under this grant opportunity, IHS proposes to enter into a 
collaborative effort/initiative with an eligible Tribal entity that has 
experience in addressing healthy lifestyle techniques in AI/AN youth. 
The purpose of the initiative is to address healthy lifestyle 
development with a focus on nutrition and physical activity for 
children and youth 6 through 17 years of age. The eligible Tribal 
entity will work with Tribal Boys and Girls Club sites to provide 
health and physical education by helping youth: Achieve and maintain 
healthy lifestyles through fitness programs; acquire a range of 
physical skills; and develop a sense of teamwork and cooperation. These 
early intervention opportunities may reduce and/or halt the increasing 
trend of obesity and diabetes among youth and young adults. Clubs that 
develop a health promotion program that includes the TRAIL curriculum 
may curtail the effects of unhealthy eating behaviors and lack of 
physical activity that can lead to obesity, diabetes, and other chronic 
diseases later in life.
    The TRAIL curriculum was developed to provide information on good 
nutrition and promoting physical activity among adolescents 
participating in Tribal Boys and Girls Clubs. This work will support 
the IHS mission to improve the health of AI/AN youth through health 
promotion and health education programs. Boys and Girls Club sites that 
are located outside of Tribal communities will not be considered by the 
grantee.
    TRAIL was piloted at 40 AI/AN Boys and Girls Club of America (BGCA) 
sites located in 19 states where the overall results showed improvement 
in participant knowledge. For all eligible applicants that want to 
obtain additional information regarding the TRAIL curriculum, contact 
the IHS program official (see section VII).
    To support this project, the awarded grantee will select and assist 
35 AI/AN Boys and Girls Club sites to establish and implement this 
curriculum project. The selected sites must serve 100% Federally-
recognized AI/AN youth. The Boys and Girls Club sites selected by the 
grantee must not support State-recognized or non-natives using IHS 
grant funds. The grantee will be expected to: Provide technical 
consultation; train; monitor; evaluate; as well as provide funds to 
support these activities.

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Cooperative Agreement.
    Estimated Funds Available: The IHS intends to commit approximately 
$1,000,000 each year. Total project period is three years in duration. 
The award that is issued under this announcement is subject to 
availability of funds.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: One award will be issued under this 
announcement.

[[Page 8323]]

    Project Period: May 16, 2008--May 15, 2011 (three year project 
period).
    Award Amount: $1,000,000 per year for three years and all future 
support is subject to the availability of funds.
    Programmatic Involvement:
    It is expected that the grantee will:
    1. Develop a written plan for the planning, implementation, and 
evaluation of this project to include selection of at least 35 
demonstration sites as agreed upon with the IHS. The selected sites 
must serve 100% Federally recognized AI/AN youth. The Boys and Girls 
Club sites selected by the grantee must not support State-recognized 
Tribes or non-natives using IHS grant funds. This task will be 
completed within 30 days from award and approved by the IHS. A start-up 
planning meeting will be conducted within 3 months of the initial 
(first year) award.
    (a) Develop selection criteria, announce, evaluate, and select 
sites. Sites must submit documentation verifying they serve only AI/AN 
youth from Federally recognized Tribes as a requirement for selection 
by the grantee.
    (b)Develop, in consultation with the IHS, the implementation of the 
TRAIL curriculum, and technical assistance plan for the coordination of 
the 35 sites. Submit criteria to the IHS for approval. Grantee will 
work with sites to develop measurements to assess physical activity and 
nutrition behaviors among club participants.
    (c) Each site will implement the TRAIL program, emphasizing healthy 
behaviors such as physical activity and nutrition. Each program plan 
will also include a parent component describing approaches for 
involving the families of participants.
    (d) Each site will implement a 6-minute walk test three times, six 
to eight weeks apart. Physical activity data will be collected and 
summarized.
    2. Promote and facilitate local, state, and national partnerships 
for the purpose of establishing or enhancing program support that 
involves increasing physical activity and good nutrition for the 
Tribally-managed Boys and Girls Club sites. This includes but is not 
limited to establishing other partners such as American Indian-Alaska 
Native Program Branch (AI-ANPB) of Head Start Programs, Wings of 
America, United National Indian Tribal Youth, Inc. (UNITY), Tribal 
colleges, BGCA, Tribal organizations, local community health providers 
and other private organizations as appropriate.
    3. Implement evaluation processes in consultation with the IHS on 
an agreed upon evaluation plan for the TRAIL project. At a minimum, the 
evaluation will include:
    (a) Training attendance (gender, age, grade level); and
    (b) Pre- and post-tests to assess participant knowledge. Submit 
summarized data to the IHS.
    4. Collect, collate, and submit monthly activity logs from each 
site on the physical activity portion of their program. Daily data to 
be collected includes the date, number of minutes of physical activity, 
and number of children participating. Submit collated and summarized 
data to the IHS.
    5. Work with the IHS in drafting an evaluation summary at the end 
of the project period for publication.
    6. Provide ongoing technical support to the sites for the duration 
of the initiative. The planning, design and delivery of training and 
technical assistance will support the local organization's long-term 
planning and outreach efforts. The training will be customized based on 
sites' capability and experience. Technical assistance will also be 
provided on program planning and implementation.
    (a) Plan and facilitate an orientation and training meeting for the 
sites within 60 days of selection. Submit agenda, training goals and 
objectives, and participant list to IHS within 30 days of completion.
    (b) Provide technical consultation to the sites in developing a 
written work plan, with measurable goals, objectives and activities. 
Each site will include activities for the individual child and family, 
community involement and an identifiable community health partner.
    (c) Establish a formal agreement with Tribal Boys and Girls Club 
sites which involves minimal fiscal assistance but substantial 
technical support to make sure clubs successfully implement the TRAIL 
project.
    (d) Conduct on-site technical assistance visits to each of the 
selected sites. Visits will be initiated within 30 days of selection.
    (e) Submit to the IHS a written work plan and report describing 
each site's demographics, information on the number of youth in the 
eligible age range in the catchment area, the number that attend the 
Boys and Girls Clubs regularly, and the number served by this project, 
demonstrated need, community assessment data, goals, objectives, 
activities, partnerships, and proposed outcomes within 60 days of site 
selection.
    (f) Provide training and technical assistance in all forms, i.e., 
on-site, on-line, by phone, and mail. Collaborate with IHS to provide 
services to club sites. Maintain records and reports.
    (g) Provide IHS written quarterly reports on the evaluation 
outcomes, activity reports at each site, any parent involvement 
activities and other participation, description of the community 
partnerships, and other activities as appropriate.
    (h) Conduct quarterly conference calls with IHS to review project 
status.
    (i) Provide quarterly reports (feedback) to each site on how their 
data compare to data (mean, median, and range) from other selected 
sites.
    IHS will:
    1. Identify a core group of IHS staff to work with the grantee in 
providing technical assistance and guidance.
    2. Meet with the grantee to review grantee work plan and provide 
guidance on implementation and data collection tools. The IHS will be 
able to share information on lessons learned from implementing the 
curriculum with the pilot sites.
    3. Participate in quarterly conference calls. Work with the grantee 
to showcase the results of this project by publishing on shared 
websites as well as in jointly authored publications.

III. Eligibility Information

    1. Federally recognized Tribes,
    2. Tribal organizations, and
    3. Non-profit Urban Indian organizations.
    Applicant must provide proof of Federal recognition status.
    Cost Sharing or Matching--This program does not require matching 
funds or cost sharing.

IV. Application and Submission Information

    1. Applicant package may be found in Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov) or at: http://www.ihs.gov/NonMedicalPrograms/gogp/gogp_funding.asp Web sites. Information regarding the electronic 
application process may be directed to Michelle G. Bulls, at (301) 443-
6290. Detailed application instructions for this announcement are 
downloadable from Grants.gov. Please see section VII for agency 
contacts regarding programmatic and/or business-related questions.
    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 15 typed pages 
that includes the other submission requirements below. The 15 page 
narrative does not include the work plan, standard forms, table of

[[Page 8324]]

contents, budget, budget justifications, narratives, and/or other 
appendix items.
     Contain two letters of support that demonstrate past 
working experiences in promoting the health and well-being of AI/AN 
youth at a national level.
    Public Policy Requirements: All Federal-wide public policies apply 
to IHS grants.
    3. Submission Dates and Times:
    The application must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov 
by April 18, 2008 by 12 midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST). If 
technical challenges arise and you are unable to successfully complete 
the 9 electronic application process, you must contact Michelle G. 
Bulls, Grants Policy Staff 15 days prior to the application deadline 
and advise of the difficulties that you are experiencing. You must 
obtain prior approval, in writing (e-mails are acceptable), from Ms. 
Bulls allowing the paper submission. If submission of a paper 
application is requested and approved, the original and two copies must 
be sent to the appropriate grants contact that is listed in section IV. 
1 above. Applications not submitted through Grants.gov, without an 
approved waiver, may be returned without review or consideration. 
Telecommunication for the hearing impaired is available at 301-443-
6394. A late application will be returned without review or 
consideration.
    4. Intergovernmental Review:
    Executive Order 12372 requiring intergovernmental review is not 
applicable to this program.
    5. Funding Restrictions:
    A. Pre-award costs are allowable pending prior approval from the 
awarding agency. However, in accordance with 45 CFR Part 92, all pre-
award costs are incurred at the recipient's risk. The awarding office 
is under no obligation to reimburse such costs if for any reason 
applicant does not receive an award or if the award to the recipient is 
less than anticipated.
    B. The available funds are inclusive of direct and applicable 
indirect costs.
    C. Only one grant will be awarded.
    6. Other Submission Requirements:
    Electronic Submission--You must submit through Grants.gov. However, 
should any technical challenges arise regarding the 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. EST. If you require additional assistance, 
please call (301) 443-6290 and identify the need for assistance 
regarding your Grants.gov application. Your call will be transferred to 
the appropriate grants staff member. You must seek assistance at least 
15 days prior to the application deadline. If you do not adhere to the 
timelines for Central Contractor Registry (CCR), Grants.gov 
registration and request timely assistance with technical issues, paper 
application submission may not be granted.
    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 offline and then uploaded and 
submit to application via the Grants.gov site. You may not e-mail an 
electronic copy of a grant application to IHS.
    Please be reminded of the following:
     Under the new IHS application submission requirements, 
paper applications are not the preferred method. However, if there are 
technical problems submitting the application on-line, you should 
contact directly Grants.gov Customer Support at: http://www.grants.gov/CustomerSupport.
     Upon contacting Grants.gov, obtain a Grants.gov tracking 
number as proof of contact. The tracking number is helpful if there are 
technical issues that cannot be resolved and a waiver request from 
Grants Policy Staff (GPS) must be obtained. If you are still unable to 
successfully submit the application on-line, please contact Michelle G. 
Bulls, GPS, at (301) 443-6290 at least 15 days prior to the application 
deadline to advise her of the difficulties experienced.
     If it is determined that a formal waiver is necessary, you 
must submit a request, in writing (emails are acceptable), to 
[email protected] providing a justification for the need to 
deviate from the standard electronic submission process. Upon receipt 
of approval, a hard-copy application package must be downloaded from 
Grants.gov, and sent directly to the Division of Grants Operations, 801 
Thompson Avenue, TMP 360, Rockville, MD 20852 by April 18, 2008.
     Upon entering the Grants.gov Web site, there is 
information available that outlines the requirements regarding 
electronic submission of application and hours of operation. We 
strongly encourage that applicants do not wait until the deadline date 
to begin the application process as the registration process for CCR 
and Grants.gov could take up to 15 working days.
     To use Grants.gov, applicants must have a Dun and 
Bradstreet (DUNS) Number and be registered in the CCR. You should allow 
a minimum of 10 working 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.
     Please use the optional attachment feature in Grants.gov 
to attach additional documentation that may be requested by IHS.
     You must comply with any page limitation requirements 
described in the program announcement.
     After the application is submitted electronically, you 
will receive an automatic acknowledgment from Grants.gov that contains 
a Grants.gov tracking number. The Division of Grants Operations (DGO) 
will retrieve applications from Grants.gov. The DGO will notify 
applicants that their application has been received.
     You may access the electronic application for this program 
on http://www.Grants.gov.
     You may search for the downloadable application package 
using either the CFDA number or the Funding Opportunity Number. Both 
numbers are identified in the heading of this announcement.
     To receive an application package, you must provide the 
Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2008-IHS-HLY-0001.
    E-mail applications will not be accepted under this announcement.
DUNS Number
    Applicants are required to have a 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.
    Applications submitted electronically must also be registered with 
the 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 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.
    More detailed information regarding these registration processes 
can be found at http://www.grants.gov.

[[Page 8325]]

V. Application Review Information

    1. 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 narrative should include the first year of activities; information 
for multi-year projects should be included as an appendix (see D. 
Categorical Budget and Budget Justification at the end of this section 
for more information). The narrative should be written in a manner that 
is clear to outside reviewers unfamiliar with prior related activities 
of your organization. It should be well organized, succinct, and 
contain all information necessary for reviewers to understand the 
project fully.

A. Understanding of the Need and Necessary Capacity (30 points)

    Applicant should demonstrate knowledge in:
    (1) Health concerns of AI/AN youth.
    (2) Health promotion activities in Tribal communities such as BGCA.
    (3) Working with Tribes and Tribal organizations.

B. Work Plan (20 points)

    This section should demonstrate the soundness and effectiveness of 
the applicant's proposal. The annual work plan should reflect 
deliverables and milestones of the TRAIL project. The work plan should 
be designed to:
    (1) Describe how and when the sites will be selected.
    (2) Describe how the sites will be trained on the curriculum and 
provided technical assistance.
    (3) Describe the plan for collecting data, monitoring, and assuring 
quality and quantity of data.
    (4) Describe the plan for evaluating and reporting.
    (5) Describe how sites will be supported for a physical activity 
program with equipment and participant incentives.

Organizational Capabilities and Qualifications (40 points)

    This section outlines the broader capacity of the organization to 
complete the project outlined in the work plan. It includes the 
identification of personnel responsible for completing tasks and the 
chain of responsibility for successful completion of the project 
outline in the work plan.
    (1) Describe the structure of the organization.
    (2) 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.
    (3) Describe what equipment (i.e., phone, Web sites, 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 throughout the agreement.
    (4) List key personnel who will work on the project.
    a. Identify existing personnel and new program staff to be hired or 
contracted.
    b. In the appendix, include position descriptions and resumes for 
all key personnel. Position descriptions should clearly describe each 
position and duties indicating desired qualifications experience, 
requirements related to the proposed project and how they will be 
supervised. Resumes must indicate that the proposed staff member is 
qualified to carry out the proposed project activities and who will 
determine if the work of a contractor is acceptable.
    c. Note who will be writing the progress reports.
    d. If a position is to be filled, indicate that information on the 
proposed position description.
    e. If the project requires additional personnel beyond those 
covered by the cooperative agreement funds, (i.e., IT support, 
volunteers, interviewers, etc.), note these and address how these 
positions will be filled and, if funds are required, the source of 
these funds.
    f. If personnel are to be only partially funded by this cooperative 
agreement, indicate the percentage of time to be allocated to this 
project and identify the resources used to fund the remainder of the 
individual's salary.
    Applicant should demonstrate knowledge in:
    (1) Financial and project management.
    (2) Nationwide experience in providing administrative and support 
services to Tribal youth organizations, education agencies and other 
Tribal programs for the benefit of children and youth.
    (3) AI/AN youth and Tribal communities. Indicate experience in 
national partnerships or national support efforts on behalf of AI/AN 
communities especially as it pertains to health concerns.
    (4) Applicant should have at least two years of specialized 
experience working with Tribal Boys and Girls Club sites and the TRAIL 
curriculum program.

Categorical Budget and Budget Justification (10 points)

    This section should provide a clear estimate of the project program 
costs and justification for expenses for the entire cooperative 
agreement period. The budget and budget justification should be 
consistent with the tasks identified in the work plan.
    (1) Categorical budget (Form SF 424A, Budget Information Non-
Construction Programs) completing each of the budget periods requested.
    (2) Narrative justification for all costs, explaining why each line 
item is necessary or relevant to the proposed project. Include 
sufficient details to facilitate the determination of cost 
allowability.
    (3) Indication of any special start-up costs.
    (4) Budget justification should include a brief program narrative 
for the second and third years.
    (5) 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.
2. Review and Selection Process
    In addition to the above criteria/requirements, the application 
will be considered according to the following:
    A. The submission deadline: April 18, 2008. The application 
submitted in advance of or by the deadline and verified by the postmark 
will undergo a preliminary review to determine that:
    (1) The applicant is eligible in accordance with this announcement.
    (2) The application is not a duplication of a previously funded 
project.
    (3) The application narrative, forms, and materials submitted meet 
the requirements of the announcement allowing the reviewers to 
undertake an in-depth evaluation; otherwise, it may be returned.
3. Anticipated Award Dates
    Anticipated Award Date: May 16, 2008.

VI. Award Administration Information

    1. Award Notices
    The Notice of Award (NoA) will be initiated by the DGO and will be 
mailed via postal mail. The NoA will be signed by the Grants Management 
Officer and this is the authorizing document for which funds are 
dispersed. The NoA is the legal binding document, will serve as the 
official notification of the cooperative agreement award and will 
reflect the amount of Federal funds awarded for the purpose of the 
cooperative agreement, the terms and conditions of the award, the 
effective date of the award, and the budget/project period.
    2. Administrative Requirements
    Grants are administered in accordance with the following documents:

[[Page 8326]]

     This Program Announcement.
     45 CFR part 74, ``Uniform Administrative Requirements for 
Awards to Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, Other Non-Profit 
Organizations, and Commercial Organizations.''
     Grants Policy Guidance: HHS Grants Policy Statement, 
January 2007.
     ``Non-profit Organizations'' (title 2, part 230).
     Audit Requirements: OMB Circular A-133, ``Audits of 
States, Local Governments, and Non-profit Organizations.''
    3. Indirect Costs
    This section applies to all grant recipients that request 
reimbursement of indirect costs in their grant application. In 
accordance with HHS Grants Policy Statement, Part II-27, IHS requires 
applicants to have a current indirect cost rate agreement in place 
prior to award. The rate agreement must be prepared in accordance with 
the applicable cost principles and guidance as provided by the 
cognizant agency or office. A current rate means the rate covering the 
applicable activities and the award budget period. If the current rate 
is not on file with the Division of Grants Operations at the time of 
the award, the indirect cost portion of the budget will be restricted 
and not available to the recipient until the current rate is provided 
to the DGO.
    If you have questions regarding the indirect cost policy, please 
contact the DGO at (301) 443-5204.
    4. Reporting
    A. Progress Report. Program progress reports are required 
semiannually. 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 period. Standard Form 269 (long form) will be used for financial 
reporting.
    C. Reports. Grantee is 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 on how the value was derived. Grantee 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 agreement, 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 organization or the individual 
responsible for preparation of the reports.
    5. Telecommunication for the hearing impaired is available at: TTY 
301-443-6394.

VII. Agency Contacts

    For program-related information (including TRAIL curriculum): 
Leeanna Travis, Indian Health Service, 1700 Cerrillos Rd., Santa Fe, 
New Mexico 87505, (505) 946-9541 or [email protected].
    For specific grant-related and business management information: 
Norma Jean Dunne, Grants Management Specialist, 801 Thompson Avenue, 
TMP 360, Rockvillle, MD 20852, 301-443-5204 or [email protected].

    Dated: January 31, 2008.
Robert G. McSwain,
Acting Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 08-626 Filed 2-12-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165-16-M