[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 40 (Thursday, February 28, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10780-10785]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 08-863]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service


Division of Epidemiology and Disease Prevention; Urban Indian 
Communities

    Announcement Type: Competitive.
    Funding Announcement: HHS-IHS-2008-EPI-0001.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.231.
    Key Dates:
    Application Deadline Date: April 4, 2008.
    Review Date: April 11, 2008.
    Anticipated Start Date: May 1, 2008.

I. Funding Opportunity

    The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Indian Health 
Service (IHS) announces competitive cooperative agreement applications 
are now being accepted by the Division of Epidemiology and Disease 
Prevention (DEDP) to establish a Tribal Epidemiology Center (TEC) for 
American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/AN) and urban Indian organizations 
in California. This program is authorized under Snyder Act, 25 U.S.C. 
13, and 25 U.S.C. 1621m of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. This 
announcement limits competition to all eligible entities within the 
California Area. To obtain details regarding eligibility, please refer 
to Section III below.
    The purpose of this cooperative agreement is to fund an 
organization that will provide epidemiological support and development 
for the AI/AN population in the state of California through the 
augmentation of existing programs with expertise in epidemiology and a 
history of regional administrative support. It is the intent of IHS to 
have a TEC in all of the 12 IHS Administrative Areas. This announcement 
seeks to establish a TEC in the California Area which will meet the 
aforementioned intent of IHS.
    The TEC will be acting under a cooperative agreement with the IHS 
to operate the TEC within the California Area. In the conduct of this 
activity, the TEC may receive Protected Health Information (PHI) for 
the purpose of preventing or controlling disease, injury or disability, 
including, but not limited to, the reporting of disease, injury, vital 
events such as birth or death and the conduct of public health 
surveillance, public health investigation, and public health 
interventions for Tribal communities that they serve. Further, the IHS 
considers this to be a public health activity for which disclosure of 
PHI covered entities is authorized by 45 CFR 164.512(b) of the Privacy 
Rule.
    Epidemiology activities will include, but are not limited to, 
enhancement of surveillance for disease condition; epidemiologic 
analysis; interpretation, and dissemination of surveillance data; 
investigation of disease outbreaks; development and implementation of 
epidemiologic studies; development and implementation of disease 
control and prevention programs; and coordination of activities of 
other public health authorities in the region. The proposed activities 
are intended to benefit, as much as possible, the entire AI/AN 
population in California.
    To achieve the purpose of this cooperative agreement, the recipient 
will be responsible for the activities under item number 1. Recipient 
Activities and IHS will be responsible for conducting activities under 
item 2. IHS Activities.
    1. Recipient Activities:

[[Page 10781]]

    (a) Assist and facilitate AI/AN communities, Tribal organizations, 
and urban Indian organizations in implementing and enhancing disease 
surveillance systems, identifying their height priority health status 
objectives based on epidemiologic data, and monitoring progress toward 
meeting the health status objectives of HHS (as described in Healthy 
People 2010) and of the constituent AI/AN communities, Tribes, and 
urban Indian organizations in the region. Assist and facilitate 
reporting of nationally notifiable disease conditions to public health 
authorities in the region.
    (b) Provide health specific data and community health profiles for 
Tribal entities in their respective catchment areas.
    (c) Participate in the development of systems for sharing, 
improving, and disseminating aggregate health data at a national level 
for purposes of advocacy for AI/AN communities, and meeting such 
national goals as described by Healthy People 2010, or for IHS for the 
Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA), and other national-level 
activities.
    (d) Collaborate with national HHS programs in the development of 
standardized health profiles, surveillance and data monitoring methods 
and data sets.
    (e) Support responses to public health emergencies in collaboration 
with the IHS, DEDP state, local, Tribal, and other Federal health 
authorities.
    (f) Support the IHS Director's Health Promotion and Disease 
Prevention (HP/DP) Initiatives. This information can be obtained 
through the Internet at the following Web site: http://www.ihs.gov/NonMedicalPrograms/HPDP.
    (g) Develop and implement epidemiological studies that have 
practical application in improving the health status of constituent 
communities. Studies may require Institutional Review Board approval if 
human subjects are involved.
    (h) Develop and implement disease control and prevention programs 
in cooperation with other public health entities. Make recommendations 
for prioritizing public health services needed by constituents.
    (i) Establish a broad-based advisory council that consists of 
technical experts in epidemiology and public health, community members, 
health care providers, and others who can provide overall program 
direction and guidance.
    (j) Produce and disseminate letters of notification to all 
participating Tribal urban programs describing each new project 
involving area-wide PHI.
    (k) Ensure that the TEC staff has appropriate expertise in 
epidemiology and health sciences (for example: A medical epidemiologist 
at least one-half on the time, biostatistician consultant on contract 
as needed).
    (l) Provide a mid-year report and an annual report (no more than 10 
pages respectively) at the end of the year.
    (m) Develop an agreement with the Area Office within 90 days after 
the award is made to the eligible entity that delineates:
    (1) ``Routine'' activities for which the TEC will have blanket 
access (e.g. injuries, immunizations, and surveillance data).
    (2) Activities for which they will need additional permission such 
as special studies and research for publication.
    (3) Language which outlines HIPAA and Privacy Act protection.
    (4) The mechanism used to track both 1 (suggests TEC 
tracks self) and 2 above.
    (5) Reports that show the entity's access it IHS data.
    2. Indian Health Service Activities:
    (a) Convene a TEC workshop/conference of funded organizations every 
year for information sharing and problem solving.
    (b) Provide consultation and technical assistance for the funded 
TEC. Provide technical assistance with implementation and evaluation of 
the comprehensive program as described under Recipient Activities 
above. Consultation and technical assistance will include, but is not 
limited to, the following area:
    (1) Interpretation of current scientific literature related to 
epidemiology, statistics, surveillance, Healthy People 2010 Objectives, 
and other disease control activities and;
    (2) Design and implementation of each program component 
(surveillance, epidemiologic analysis, outbreak investigation, 
development of epidemiologic studies, development of disease control 
programs, and coordination of activities and;
    (3) Overall operational planning and program management.
    (c) Provide opportunities for training fellowship at DEDP and other 
programs in IHS, if funds permit.
    (d) Conduct site visits to TECs to assess data security, compliance 
with Federal and applicable state laws and regulations, program 
progress and mutually resolve problems, as needed, and/or coordinate 
reverse site visits to IHS in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
    (e) If funds and personnel are available, assign personnel from the 
DEDP Senior Staff Field Placement (SSFP) Program to TECs in lieu of a 
portion of the financial assistance.
    (f) Coordinate all epidemiologic activities on a national scope.
    (g) DEDP will increase project funding if additional funds become 
available.

II. Award Information

    Type of Awards: Cooperative Agreement.
    Estimated Funds Available: Estimated available funds will be 
$350,000.
    The total amount identified for Fiscal Year 2008 is $350,000. The 
project will be awarded for three years with 12 months, per budget 
period. Future year funding levels will be determined based on 
availability of funds.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: One award will be made under this 
program announcement.
    Project Period: May 1, 2008 to April 30, 2011.
    Award Amount: Up to $350,000 total, including indirect costs. 
Awards under this announcement are subject to the availability of 
funds. Continuation awards will be issued annually based on 
satisfactory performance, availability of funds, and program priorities 
of the IHS.
    Funding Information:
    As part of the effort to establish TECs throughout the nation, 
these funds will be used to support activities on a regional basis. 
Priority will be given to applicants proposing to provide services to a 
large region with many Tribes. Collaborative efforts among other Tribal 
organizations, Federal/State local governments, and university based 
organizations are encouraged to apply. the funds awarded under this 
cooperative agreement are not intended to support a loose collaboration 
of independent organizations.
    It is anticipated that funding will be available to fund one 
applicant at $350,000 per year. If available, and at the request of the 
applicant, SSFP personnel may be assigned to the TEC. Only a single 
cooperative agreement will be funded for this announcement. This 
cooperative agreement will be funded on a yearly basis for the base and 
two additional years, subject to the availability of funding.
    Programmatic Involvement: See IHS Activities.

III. Eligibility Information

    1. Eligible Applicants: Federally-recognized Tribes, Tribal 
organizations as defined by 25 U.S.C. 1603(e), and intertribal 
consortia that provide services to the California Area AI/AN population 
will be eligible for this cooperative agreement. Such entities must 
present and/or serve a population of at least 60,000 AI/AN to be 
eligible. The figure must be substantiated by documentation describing 
IHS user

[[Page 10782]]

populations, United States Census Bureau data, clinical catchment data, 
or any method that is scientifically and epidemiologically valid. An 
intertribal consortium or AI/AN organization is eligible to receive a 
cooperative agreement if it is incorporated for the primary purpose of 
improving AI/AN health, and serving the IHS California Area American 
Indian Tribes. Collaborations with regional IHS, Centers for Disease 
Control, State and local health departments, and universities are 
encouraged to apply.
    The following documentation is required when submitting your 
application.
    (a) Letters of support from each Tribe that the epicenter will be 
serving acknowledging the types of activities that involve the TEC. All 
letters of support must be signed by Tribal Chairman, President, or 
Governor to meet this requirement because they are acting as elected 
representative of the Tribe. No formal letters will be accepted.
    (b) Evidence of the size of the population proposed to be served.
    (c) A signed document from the Tribe acknowledging the types of 
activities that the TEC will be engaged in, and the types of PHI that 
will be utilized.
    (d) A draft of the agreement with the Area Office that will be 
finalized within 90 days after the award is made will include the 
following:
    (1) ``Routine'' activities for which the TEC will have blanket 
access (e.g. injuries immunization, and surveillance data).
    (2) Activities for which they will need additional permission such 
as special studies and research for publication.
    (3) Language which outlines Health Insurance and Portability and 
Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy and Security Standards.
    (4) The mechanism used to track both 1 (suggest TEC tracks 
self) and 2 above.
    (5) Reports that show the entity's access to IHS data.
    2. Cost Sharing or Matching: DEDP does not require matching funds 
or cost sharing. However, the program does require an in-kind 
contribution from the applicant organization. Therefore, the 
administrative support will be the responsibility of the applicant 
organization, and may include such expenses as work space, rental/
leasing cost, participant cost for research studies, and stipends for 
members of the executive or advisory council.

IV. Application and Submission Information

    Address to request application package
    (a) Applicant package may be found in Grants.gov (www.grants.gov) 
or at: http://www.ihs.gov/NoMedicalPrograms/gogp/gogp_funding.asp. 
Information regarding the electronic application process may be 
directed to Michelle G. Bulls, at (301) 443-6290.
    (b) 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 seven typed pages 
that includes the other submission requirements below. The seven page 
narrative does not include the work plan, standard forms, Tribal 
resolutions, and letters of support, table of contents, budget, budget 
justifications, narratives, and/or other appendix items.
    Public Policy Requirements: All Federal-wide public policies apply 
to IHS grants with exception of Lobbying and Discrimination public 
policy. For applicants that have obtained a waiver to submit a hard 
copy application, please submit it on the following forms.
     Standard Form 424, Application for Federal Assistance.
     Standard Form 424A, Budget Information-Non-Construction 
Programs, pages 1 and 2.
     Standard Form 424B, Assurances-Non-Constructions Programs 
(front and back).
     Certification (pages 17-19).
     Project Executive Summary (one page or less).
     Table of Contents.
     Introduction and Need for Assistance.
     Project Objectives(s) to include a spreadsheet with 
Objective, Time-Line, Approach, and Results & Benefits.
     Project Evaluation Plan.
     Applicant's organizational capabilities addressing 
Recipient's Activities.
     Recipient Activities.
     Budget Narrative and Justifications to support costs 
outlined in the proposal.
     Resumes of key staff or biosketches.
     Position descriptions for key staff.
     Organizational chart.
     All letters of support from potential collaborators.
     Copy of current Department of Interior-negotiated indirect 
cost rate agreement (required) in order to receive Indirect Cost (IDC).
     A map of the areas to benefit from the project.
    (c) Submission Dates and Times.
    Application must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 
the close of business on Thursday, April 4, 2008, 12 midnight Eastern 
Time (EST). If technical challenges arise and the applicant is unable 
to successfully complete the electronic application process, the 
applicant must contact Grants Policy Staff at least fifteen days prior 
to the application deadline and advise of the difficulties that your 
organization is experiencing. The grantee must obtain prior approval, 
in writing (e-mails are acceptable) allowing the paper submission. If 
submission of a paper application is requested and approved, the 
original and two copies may be sent to the appropriate grants contact 
that is listed in SEction IV, letter (f) above. Applications that are 
not submitted through Grants.gov, without an approved waiver, will be 
returned to the applicant without review or consideration. Late 
applications will not be accepted for processing, and it will be 
returned to the applicant and will not be considered for funding.
    (d) Intergovernmental Review.
    Executive Order 12372 requiring intergovernmental review is not 
applicable to this program.
    (e) Funding Restrictions.
     Pre-award costs are allowable pending prior approval from 
the awarding agency. However, in accordance with 45 CFR Part 74, 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 
the applicant does not receive an award of if the award to the 
recipient is less than anticipated.
     The available funds are inclusive of direct and 
appropriate indirect costs.
     Administrative support will be the responsibility of the 
applicant organization, and may include such expenses as work space, 
rental leasing cost, participant cost for research studies and stipends 
for members of the executive or advisory council. This support will be 
considered an administrative in-kind contribution from the grantee to 
the TEC.
     Only one cooperative agreement will be awarded.
     IHS will not acknowledge receipt of applications.
     The specified costs for the following items will be part 
of the IDC agreement or the responsibility of the parent organization 
and will not be charged as direct costs under this

[[Page 10783]]

cooperative agreement: stipends for the executive or advisor council, 
participant cost for studies, leasing or rental cost.
    (f) Other Submission Requirements.

Electronic Submission

    The preferred method of receipt of applications is electronic 
submission 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. The 
applicant must seek assistance at least fifteen days prior to the 
application deadline. Applicants that do not adhere to the timelines 
for Central Contractor Registry (CCR) and/or Grants.gov registration 
and/or request for timely assistance with technical issues will not be 
able to submit non-electronic applications.
    To submit an application electronically, please use the http://www.Grants.gov. and select ``Apply for Grants'' link on the home page. 
Download a copy of the application package, on the Grants.gov website, 
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 the IHS.
    Please be reminded of the following:
     Under the new IHS application submission requirements, 
paper applications are not the preferred method. However, if you have 
technical problems submitting your application on-line, please contact 
directly Grants.gov Customer Support at http://www.grants.gov/CustomerSupport.
     Upon contacting Grants.gov, obtain a tracking number as 
proof of contact. The tracking number is helpful if there are technical 
issues that cannot be resolved and waiver request from Grants Policy 
must be obtained.
     If it is determined that a formal waiver is necessary, the 
applicant must submit a request, in writing (e-mails are acceptable), 
to [email protected]. Please include a justification for the need 
to deviate from the standard electronic submission process. Upon 
receipt of approval, a hard-copy application must be downloaded by the 
applicant from Grants.gov, and submitted directly to Ms. Sylvia Ryan, 
Grants Management Specialist, Division of Grants Operations (DGO), 801 
Thompson Avenue, TMP 360, Rockville, MD 20852, by April 4, 2008.
     Upon entering the Grants.gov site, there is information 
available that outlines the requirements to the applicant regarding 
electronic submission of an application through Grants.gov, as well as 
the hours of operation. We strongly encourage all applicants not to 
wait until the deadline date to begin the application process through 
Grants.gov as the registration process for CCR and Grants.gov could 
take up to fifteen working days.
     To use Grants.gov, the applicant must have a Data 
Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number and register in the CCR. You 
should allow a minimum of ten working days to complete CCR 
registration. See below on how to apply.
     You must ensure that all required documents are submitted 
prior to the stated timelines within this announcement or the 
application will not be considered for funding.
     Please us the optional attachment feature in Grants.gov to 
attached additional documentation that may be requested by IHS.
     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 
acknowledgment from Grants.gov that contains a Grants.gov tracking 
number. Division of Grants Operations (DGO) will download your 
application from Grants.gov and provide necessary copies to the DEDP 
Program Office. DGO will not notify applicants that the 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 by 
either the CFDA number or the Funding Opportunity Number. Both numbers 
are identified in the heading of this announcement.
     The applicant must provide the Funding Opportunity Number: 
HHS-IHS-2008-EPI-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 1-800-705-5711. 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.ccr.gov/. More detailed information regarding these registration 
processes can be found at http://www.grants.gov.

V. Application Review Information

    1. Criteria.

Introduction, Current Capacity, and Need for Assistance (10 points)

    (a) Describe the applicant's current public health activities 
including whether the applicant has a history of providing public 
health related programs, how long it has been operating, what programs 
or services are currently provided, and interactions with other public 
health authorities in the regions (State, local, or Tribal), history 
and the capacity to communicate with all Tribes in California. 
Specifically describe current epidemiologic capacity and history of 
support for such activities.
    (b) Provide a physical location of the proposed TEC and area to be 
served by the proposed project including a map (include the map in the 
attachment).
    (c) Describe the relationship between this program and other funded 
work planned, anticipated, or underway.
    (d) If applicable, identify the past three years of grants with 
current Tribal management grants including past awarded cooperative 
agreements from the DEDP, dates of funding, and project accomplishments 
(do not include copies of reports).
    (e) Describe how the epicenter will ensure compliance with the 
Privacy Act, HIPAA, and computer data security.
    (f) Describe how Tribal and urban programs will be notified of 
specific studies involving PHI.

Project Objective(s) (30 Points)

Approach, Results, and Benefits, for the entire 1-year funding period

    (a) State in measurable and realistic terms the objectives and 
appropriate activities to achieve each objective for the projects as 
listed in the Recipient Activities.
    (b) Identify the expected results, benefits, and outcomes or 
products to be derived from each objective of the project.
    (c) Include a work plan for each objective that indicates when the

[[Page 10784]]

objectives and major activities will be accomplished and who will 
conduct the activities on a calendar timeline. The work plan must 
include the process of hiring staff with appropriate leadership skills 
and expertise in epidemiology, medicine, and program administration.
    (d) Specify who will review and accept the work to be performed by 
consultants or contractors.

Project Evaluation (20 Points)

    (a) State how project objectives will be achieved.
    (b) Define the criteria to be used to evaluate results.
    (c) Explain the methodology that will be used to determine if the 
needs identified for the project are being met and if the outcomes 
identified are being achieved.

Organization Capabilities and Qualifications (25 points)

    (a) Explain the management and administrative structure of the 
organization including documentation of current certified financial 
management systems from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, IHS, or a 
Certified Public Accountant and an updated organizational chart 
(include chart in the attachments).
    (b) Describe the ability of the organization to manage a project of 
the proposed scope. An organizational chart must be included.
    (c) Provide position descriptions and resumes/biosketches of key 
personnel, including those of consultants or contractors in the 
appendix. Position descriptions should clearly describe each position 
and its duties, indicating desired qualifications and experience 
requirements related to the project. Resumes should indicate that the 
proposed staff is qualified to carry out the project activities.

Budget (15 points)

    (a) Provide a detailed line-item budget for the proposed year.
    (b) Provide a detailed line-item budget justification including 
sufficient cost and other details to facilitate the determination of 
cost allowable and relevance of these costs to the proposed project. 
The funds requested should be appropriate and necessary for the scope 
of the project.
    (c) Describe where the TEC will be housed, i.e., facilities and 
equipment available.
    (d) If use of consultants or contractors are proposed or 
anticipated, provide a detailed scope of work that clearly defines the 
deliverables or outcomes anticipated.
    2. Review and Selection Process.
    Applications submitted by the closing date and verified by 
electronic submission or the postmark under this program announcement 
will undergo a review to determine that:
    (a) The applicant is eligible in accordance with the Eligibility 
Information section of this application.
    (b) Letters of support/collaboration are included.
    (c) The application executive summary, forms and materials 
submitted are adequate to allow the review panel to undertake an in-
depth evaluation.
    (d) The application is responsive to this announcement.
    Applications that are deemed ineligible or unresponsive will be 
returned without consideration.

Competitive Review of Accepted Applications

    Applications meeting eligibility requirements that are complete, 
responsive, and conform to this program announcement will be reviewed 
for merit by an Ad Hoc Objective Review Committee (ORC) appointed by 
the IHS to review and make recommendations on these applications. The 
reviews will be conducted in accordance with the HHS objective review 
requirements. The ORC may include up to 40% IHS employees, with the 
remaining 60% made up of non-IHS, Federal or non-Federal personnel. 
Applications will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the list 
above. These criteria's will be used to evaluate the quality of the 
proposal and to assign a numerical score to each application. The 
comments from the ORC will be advisory only.
    3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates.
    The results of the objective review will be forwarded to the 
Director, Office of Public Health Support (OPHS) for final review and 
consideration. The OPHS Director will make recommendations for approval 
and funding to the IHS Director who will then make the final decision 
on all applications. Applicants will be notified in writing of approval 
or disapproval within approximately 30 days. For disapproved 
applications, a brief explanation of the reasons why the application 
was not approved will be provided along with the name of the IHS 
official to contact if more information is desired. Award Date: May 1, 
2008.

VI. Award Administration Information

    1. The Notice of Award (NoA) will be initiated by the DGO and will 
be mailed via postal mail to the entity that is approved for funding 
under this announcement. The NoA will serve as the official 
notification of the grant award and will reflect the amount of Federal 
funds awarded the purpose of the grant, the terms and conditions of the 
award, the effective date of the award, and the budget/project period. 
The NoA is the legally binding document between the IHS and the 
recipient.
    2. Administrative Requirements
    Grants are administrated in accordance with the following 
documents:
     This Program Announcement.
     Administrative Requirements: 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 to Institutions of Higher 
Education, Hospitals, Other Non-Profit Organizations, and Commercial 
Organizations''.
     Grants Policy Guidance: HHS Grants Policy Statement, 
January 2007.
     Cost Principles: OMB Circular A-87, ``State, Local, and 
Indian (Title 2 part 225)''.
     Cost Principles: OMB circular A-122, ``Non-profit 
Organizations, OMB Circular A-87, State, Local, and Tribal governments 
(Title 2 Part 230)''.
     Audit Requirements: OMB Circular A-133, ``Audits of 
States, Local Governments, and Non-profit Organizations''.
    3. Indirect Cost: 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 11-27, IHS requires 
applicants to have a current indirect cost rate agreement in place 
prior to the 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 DGO at the time of 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.
    4. Reporting.
    (a) Progress Report. Program progress reports are required semi-
annually. These reports will include a brief comparison of actual 
accomplishments toward reaching the goals established for the period, 
or, if applicable, provide sound justification for the lack of 
progress, and other pertinent information as required. A final report

[[Page 10785]]

must be submitted within 90 days of the 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. Standard Form 269 (long form) will be used for 
financial reporting.
    (c) Reports. Grantees must submit semi-annual Progress Reports and 
Financial Status Reports. Financial Status Reports (SF-269) are due 90 
days after each budget period. 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 or the individual responsible for preparation of the 
reports.
    5. Telecommunication for the hearing impaired is available at TTY 
301-443-6394.

    Dated: February 15, 2008.
Robert McSwain
Acting Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 08-863 Filed 2-27-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165-16-M