[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 819-825]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-31468]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service

[Funding Announcement Number: HHS-2009-IHS-NIHB-0001]


Office of Tribal Program; Announcement Type: Competing 
Continuation

    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers (s): 93.933

    Key Dates: Application Deadline Date: January 9, 2009
    Review Date: January 16, 2009
    Results Notification: January 21, 2009
    Earliest Anticipated Start Date: February 1, 2009

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Authority: The Indian Health Service (IHS) announces that a 
Single Source cooperative agreement is open for receipt of an 
application from the National Indian Health Board. This program is 
authorized under Public Health Service Act, 42 U.S.C. 301. This 
program is described at 93.933 in the Catalog of Federal Domestic 
Assistance (CFDA). Purpose: The Office of Tribal Programs (OTP) has 
designated funds for the Single Source National Indian Health Board 
(NIHB) to further health program objectives in the American Indian/
Alaska Native (AI/AN) community with outreach and education efforts 
in the interest of improving Indian health care. The NIHB is the 
only national Indian organization with expertise on the variety of 
issues related to the provision of health care to Indian people.

    The NIHB represents all 562-Federally recognized tribes: including 
Tribal governments operating their own health care delivery systems 
through self-determination agreements with the IHS and tribes that 
continue to receive health care directly from the IHS. The NIHB is 
governed by twelve elected Tribal Government Officials who represent 
each of the twelve IHS Areas and the HHS regions where Federally 
recognized Tribes exist. The NIHB is the only national organization 
with an expertise in health policy and health programs, and the only 
national organization with the designated authority to represent all 
AI/AN tribes and villages. The NIHB has a national constituency and 
clearly supports critical services and activities within the IHS 
mission of quality health care for AI/AN people. The NIHB provides 
policy analysis and development, program assessment and development, 
regional and national meeting coordination, consultation and health 
care advocacy to IHS and HHS based on tribal input through a broad 
based consumer network. Furthermore, the NIHB also provides planning 
and technical assistance to Tribes, Area Health Boards, and other 
Tribal organizations through the cooperative agreement with the IHS.

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Cooperative Agreement. A cooperative agreement will 
be awarded as the OTP staff will have substantial programmatic 
involvement with the recipient in carrying out the project as noted in 
the following delineated roles of involvement to further IHS' health 
program objectives in the AI/AN community with outreach and education 
efforts in the interest of improving Indian health care.

Cooperative Agreement--Involvement of Parties

    This project is a cooperative agreement between the IHS and the 
NIHB.
    Selected entity is responsible for the following:
    1. To provide technical advice in the area of health care policy 
analysis and program development on which IHS needs to take action;
    2. To provide consultation that is representative of all Tribal 
governments in the area of health care policy analysis and program 
development;
    3. To assure that health care advocacy is based on Tribal input 
through a broad based consumer network involving the Area Indian Health 
Boards or Health

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Board Representatives from each of the twelve IHS areas;
    4. To provide an opportunity for Tribal Government officials to 
share their concerns, challenges, and recommendations for improving 
health care delivery through the IHS in forums designed to provide 
training, technical assistance, and appropriate policy discussions; and
    5. To provide periodic dissemination of health care information, 
including publication of a newsletter.

Programmatic Involvement of the IHS Staff

    1. IHS staff will review articles concerning the Agency for 
accuracy and may, as requested by the NIHB, provide relevant articles.
    2. IHS staff will have input over the hiring of key personnel as 
defined by regulation or provision in the cooperative agreement.
    3. IHS will provide technical assistance to the NIHB as requested 
and attend and participate in all the NIHB meetings.
    4. IHS staff may, at the request of the NIHB, participate on study 
groups and may recommend topics for analysis and discussion.
    Estimated Funds Available: The estimated total amount that is 
available to support the two year program is $1,616,374. Fiscal year 
(FY) 2009 is estimated at: $808,187, which may vary, based on Tribal 
shares assumptions; $100,000 associated with providing legislative 
education, outreach and communications support to the IHS Tribal 
Leaders Diabetes Committee and to facilitate Tribal consultation on 
Special Diabetes Program for Indians; $150,000 to support the IHS Just 
Move-It health promotion and disease prevention initiative with Tribes; 
$250,000 to support the IHS Behavioral Health program in its suicide 
prevention and methamphetamine initiative. The second year (FY) 2010 
award will be issued for an estimated total award of $808,187. Non-
competing continuation awards for the remainder of the project are also 
subject to the availability of funds.
    The estimated total amount that is available to support the two 
year program is $1,616,374 and is subject to the availability of funds. 
Fiscal year (FY) 2009 is estimated at $808,187 total costs which may 
vary based on tribal shares assumption. The second year (FY) 2010 award 
will be issued for an estimated total of $808,187 total costs. Non-
competing continuation awards for the remainder of the project are also 
subject to the availability of funds.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: One Single Source award will be 
issued to the NIHB Program.
    Project Period: Twenty-Three months. The initial budget period will 
cover 11 months commencing on February 1, 2009 through December 31, 
2009 and the second budget period will run from January 1,2010 through 
December 31, 2010.
    Award Amount: Estimated $808,187, per year as described above.

III. Eligibility Information

    1. Eligibility is limited to the NIHB based on the single source 
justification provided under Section I. Funding Opportunity 
Description.
    2. This is a Single Source announcement. The funding level noted 
includes both direct and indirect costs. Applicant's budget may not 
exceed the maximum funding level described above per budget period.
    3. Proof of non-profit status required: 501c(3) Non-Profit 
certification.
    4. Cost Sharing or Matching--The NIHB Program does not require 
matching funds or cost sharing.
    5. Other Requirements--
     If the application budget exceeds the stated dollar amount 
that is outlined within this announcement, it will not be considered 
for funding.
     Please refer to section IV., Item 6, ``Funding 
Restrictions,'' for further information regarding ineligible 
activities.

IV. Application and Submission Information

    1. Application package may be found on the Grants.gov Web site: 
http://www.grants.gov or at: http://www.ihs.gov/NonMedicalPrograms/gogp/gogp_funding.asp. Detailed application instructions for this 
announcement are downloadable from the Grants.gov Web site.
    2. IHS Contacts:

Programmatic Concerns

    Mr. Ronald B. Demaray, Acting Director, Office of Tribal Programs, 
Indian Health Service, 801 Thompson Avenue, Suite 220, Rockville, 
Maryland 20852. Contact Information: (301) 443-1104 (Telephone) (301) 
443-4666 (Fax) and E-Mail Address: [email protected].

Business Concerns

    Ms. Sylvia Ryan, Grants Management Specialist, Division of Grants 
Operations, Indian Health Service, 801 Thompson Avenue, IMP 360, 
Rockville, Maryland 20852. Contact Information: (301) 443-5204 
(Telephone), (301) 443-9602 (Fax), and E-Mail Address: 
[email protected].

    Note: The Division of Grants Operations is the official receipt 
point for grant applications (electronic and paper).

Grants.gov Agency Contact

    Information regarding the electronic grants.gov process, issues, 
and waivers waiving the electronic process may be obtained from the 
following person:
    Ms. Michelle G. Bulls, Chief Grants Management Officer, Director, 
Division of Grants Policy, Indian Health Service, 801 Thompson Avenue, 
TMP 625, Rockville, Maryland 20852. Contact information: (301) 443-6528 
(Telephone) and E-Mail Address: [email protected].
    Paper Applications (only allowed under approved waivers): NIHB must 
obtain prior approval to submit a paper application. Please use the 
following link to obtain the necessary forms for paper submissions:

Forms

     SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance [POFI].
     SF-424A Budget Information/Non-construction Programs 
[PDF].
     PHS 5161 Form [PDFI; Certification forms (see pages 17-19 
of the PHS 5161) checklist pages (see pages 25-26).
     SF-424B Non-construction Programs [PDFJ].
     Disclosure of Lobbying Activities Form [PDF].
     Certification Regarding Lobbying.
     Debarment Certification (Primary).
     Drug-free Certification.
     Environmental Tobacco Smoke.
     Maintenance of Effort Certification.
    Please mail the original application and two copies to: The 
Division of Grants Operations; 801 Thompson Avenue, TMP 360; Rockville, 
Maryland 20852. Please send it to the attention of the grants 
management contact that is listed above.
    3. Content and Form of Narrative Submission:
     Abstract (one page) summarizing the project.
     Introduction and Need for Assistance.
     Project Objective(s), Approach and Results and Benefits.
     Project Evaluation.
     Organizational Capabilities and Qualifications.
     Be typewritten and single spaced.
     Use black type not smaller than 12 characters per one 
inch.
     Margins must not be less than one inch.
     Have consecutively numbered pages.
     Contain a narrative that does not exceed 14 typed pages 
that includes the other submission requirements below.

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The 14-page narrative does not include the abstract, the work plan, 
standard forms, 501 c(3) Non-Profit Statement, table of contents, 
budget, budget justifications, multi-year narratives, multi-year 
budget, multi-year budget justification, and/or other appendix items.
    Public Policy Requirements: All Federal-wide public policies apply 
to IHS grants with exception of the Lobbying and Discrimination policy.
    4. Submission Dates and Times: The application must be submitted 
electronically through Grants.gov by 12:00 midnight Eastern Standard 
Time (EST) on Friday, January 9, 2009. NOTE: The application package is 
posted in Adobe vs. PureEdge Forms. In addition, Grants.gov currently 
utilizes a Microsoft Office Word 2003 software version. Entities 
utilizing other than Microsoft Office Word 2003 software version must 
make arrangements to accommodate this situation. If technical 
challenges arise and the applicant is unable to successfully complete 
the electronic application process, the applicant must contact Michelle 
G. Bulls, Division of Grants Policy, fifteen days prior to the 
application deadline and inform her of the difficulties that the 
organization is experiencing. The grantee must obtain prior approval, 
in writing (e-mail requests are acceptable), allowing the paper 
submission. If submission of a paper application is requested and 
approved, the manually signed original and two copies of the 
application must be sent to the appropriate grants person listed in 
Section IV.2. above. Unsigned paper applications will not be accepted 
and will be returned to the applicant. Applications 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, will be returned to the applicant, and will 
not be considered for funding.
    5. Intergovernmental Review: Executive Order 12372 requiring 
intergovernmental review is not applicable to this program.
    6. Funding Restrictions: Pre-award costs are allowable. 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 or if the award to the recipient is less than anticipated.
     Only one Single Source cooperative agreement will be 
awarded.
     IHS will not acknowledge receipt of the application.
     An unsigned paper application is not acceptable; 
therefore, it will not be reviewed and will be returned.
    7. Other Submission Requirements:
    Electronic Submission--The preferred method for 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 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 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. The applicant must 
seek assistance at least fifteen days prior to the application 
deadline. An applicant that does not adhere to the timelines for 
Central Contractor Registry (CCR) and/or Grants.gov registration and/or 
requesting timely assistance with technical issues will not be a 
candidate for receiving a waiver approval to submit a paper 
application.
    To submit an application electronically, please use the http://
www.Grants.gov apply site. Download a copy of the application package 
from 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 IHS.
    Please be reminded of the following:
     The preferred application receipt process is Grants.gov. 
The paper process is 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.
     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] that includes a justification for the need to 
deviate from the standard electronic submission process. Upon receipt 
of the waiver approval, a hard-copy application package must be 
downloaded by the applicant from Grants.gov, completed, manually 
signed, and sent directly to the Division of Grants Operations (DGO), 
801 Thompson Avenue, TMP 360; Rockville, MD 20852 by the due date, 
Friday, January 9, 2009.
     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. Applicants are strongly encouraged to not 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, an applicant, must have a Data 
Universal Numbering System (DTJNS) Number that is also registered in 
the CCR allowing a minimum often days working days to complete CCR 
registration.
     All documents must be submitted electronically, including 
all relevant information 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 such as 
Memorandum of Agreements (MOAs) with Area Local Health Boards as well 
as national affiliations with organizations, e.g., National Congress of 
American Indians (NCAI), etc.
     The application must comply with the 14-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. The IHS DGO will retrieve your application 
from Grants.gov. The DGO will not notify applicants that the 
application has been received.
     You may access the electronic application package which 
includes the synopsis for this program on: http://www.Grants.gov or the 
full announcement on: http://www.ihs.gov/NonMedicalPrograms/gogp/index.cfm?module=gogp_funding.
     You may search for the downloadable application package 
utilizing Grants.gov FIND to search for the CFDA number 93.933.
     The applicant must provide the Funding Opportunity Number: 
HHS-2009-IHS-NIHB-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.

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Obtaining a DUNS number is easy and there is no charge. To obtain a 
DUNS number, access Dun and Bradstreet at the following Web site: 
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 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 telephone 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 at 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. Narrative

    A. Abstract--one page summary.
    B. Criteria

Introduction and Need for Assistance (20 points)

    (1) Describe the organization's current health, education and 
technical assistance operations as related to the broad spectrum of 
health needs of the AI/AN community. Include authorized delegation of 
authority, i.e., memorandum of agreement from a national organization 
representative of all AI/ANs (such as NCAI) authorizing entity to act 
in the health care advocacy role for all AllAN communities. Include 
what programs and services are currently provided (i.e., Federally 
funded, State funded, etc.), any memorandums of agreement with other 
National, Area or Local Indian Health Board organizations, HHS agencies 
that rely on the applicant as the primary gateway organization that is 
capable of providing the dissemination of health information, 
information regarding technologies currently used (i.e., hardware, 
software, services, etc.), and identify the source(s) of technical 
support for those technologies (i.e., in-house staff, contractors, 
vendors, etc.). Include information regarding how long the applicant 
has been operating and its length of association/partnerships with Area 
Health Boards, etc. [historical collaboration].
    (2) Describe the organization's current technical assistance 
ability. Include what programs and services are currently provided, 
programs and services projected to be provided, memorandums of 
agreement with other National Indian organizations such as NCAI that 
deem the applicant as the primary source of information for AI/AN, 
memorandums of agreement with other Area Indian Health Boards, etc.
    (3) Describe the population to be served by the proposed project. 
Include a description of the number of Tribes who currently benefit 
from the technical assistance provided by the applicant.
    (4) Describe the geographic location of the proposed project 
including any geographic barriers experienced by the recipients of the 
technical assistance to the health care information provided.
    (5) Identify all previous IRS Single Source cooperative agreement 
awards received including dates of funding and summaries of the 
project's accomplishments. State how previous IHS Single Source 
cooperative agreement funds facilitated education, training, and 
technical assistance nation-wide and relate the progression of health 
care information delivery and development relative to the current 
proposed project. (Copies of reports will not be accepted.)
    (6) Describe collaborative and supportive efforts with National, 
Area and Local Indian Health Boards.
    (7) Describe budget consultation efforts undertaken on behalf of 
Tribes, Tribal organizations and urban organization and the benefits 
and outcomes derived as a result of these consultations. What changed 
for the AI/AN community?
    (8) 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, GPRA reporting 
requirements, contract reporting requirements, Information Technology 
(IT) compatibility, etc.), if applicable.
    (9) 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.
    (10) Describe how the project relates to the purpose of the 
cooperative agreement by addressing the following: Identify how the 
proposed project will address NIHB education, budget consultation, 
health data dissemination, training, and technical assistance.

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: Issue four quarterly newsletters, provide NIHB alerts and 
quantify number of contacts with Tribes annually.
    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, if any, are 
expected from the project, (i.e. legislative analysis, policy analysis, 
Annual Conference, Summits, etc.)
    C. Address the extent to which the proposed project will build the 
organization's capacity to provide, improve, or expand services that 
address the need(s) of the target population. Include a strategic plan 
and business plan currently in place that are being used. Include the 
plan(s) with the application submission.
    D. Submit a workplan in the appendix which includes the following 
information:
     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 what tangible products will be produced during 
and the end of the proposed project objective(s).
     Identify who will accept and/or approve work products 
during the duration of the proposed project and 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.

[[Page 823]]

    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 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 objective requires an evaluation component to assess 
its progression and ensure its completion. Also, include the evaluation 
activities in the work-plan.
    Describe the proposed plan to evaluate both outcomes and process. 
Outcome evaluation relates to the results identified in the objectives, 
and process evaluation relates to the work-plan and activities of the 
project.
    A. For outcome evaluation, describe:
     What the criteria will be for determining success of each 
objective.
     What data will be collected to determine whether the 
objective was met.
     At what intervals will data be collected.
     Who will collect the data and their qualifications.
     How the data will be analyzed.
     How the results will be used.
    B. For process evaluation, describe:
     How the project will be monitored and assessed for 
potential problems and needed quality improvements.
     Who will be responsible for monitoring and managing 
project improvements based on results of ongoing process improvements 
and their qualifications.
     How ongoing monitoring will be used to improve the 
project.
     Any products, such as manuals or policies, that might be 
developed and how they might lend themselves to replication by others.
     How the project will document what is learned throughout 
the project period.
    C. Describe any evaluation efforts that are planned to occur after 
the grant period ends.
    D. Describe the ultimate benefit for the AL/AN that will be derived 
from this project.

Organizational Capabilities and Qualifications (15 points)

    A. Describe the organizational structure of the organization beyond 
health care activities, if applicable.
    B. 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 cooperative agreements/
grants and projects successfully completed.
    C. 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 cooperative 
agreement/grant.
    D. List key personnel who will work on the project. Include title 
used in the work-plan. 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.

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 cost 
and other details to facilitate the determination of cost allowability 
(i.e., equipment specifications, etc.).

Multi-Year Project Requirements

    For additional years of funding, the applicant must include a 
narrative for each additional year's project objectives, evaluation 
components, work plan, categorical budget, and budget justification. 
The same weights and criteria as noted in Section V. Application Review 
Information that is used to evaluate the first year of a multi-year 
project will be applied when evaluating the second year of the multi-
year application. A weak second year submission could negatively impact 
the overall score of the application.

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 Rate Agreement, if applicable.
    F. Organizational chart.
    G. Multi-Year Project Requirements noted above.
    H. Application Checklist.
    2. Review and Selection Process
    In addition to the above criteria/requirements, applications are 
considered according to the following:
    A. Application Submission (Application Deadline: Friday, January 9, 
2009). The application 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 is eligible in 
accordance with this Single Source cooperative agreement announcement;
     The application builds upon previously funded project(s); 
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. Objective Review of Application--The objective review of the 
cooperative agreement is scheduled for Friday, January 16, 2009. The 
application will be screened to ensure that eligibility requirements 
are complete, responsive, and conform to this Single Source cooperative 
agreement program announcement. The application will be reviewed for 
merit by the Ad Hoc Objective Review Committee (ORC) appointed by the 
IHS to review and make recommendations on the application. The 
technical review will be conducted in accordance with the [HS Objective 
Review Guidelines. The technical review process ensures objectivity is 
maintained on the Single Source cooperative agreement application. The 
application will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the evaluation 
criteria listed in Section V.1. The criteria will be used to evaluate 
the quality of a proposed project, determine the likelihood of success 
and to assign a numerical score to the application. The application 
must score 60 points or above by the ORC to be considered for funding. 
The DGO will conduct a cost analysis on the proposal and provide 
additional recommendations. The program official accepts the DGO

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recommendations when considering or recommending funding. The program 
official forwards the final recommendations and documentation to the 
Acting Director, Office of Tribal Programs (OTP), for final review and 
approval.
    3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates. The IHS anticipates 
the earliest award start date will be February 1, 2009.

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 to the recipient. The NoA will be signed by the 
Grants Management Officer and is the authorizing document for which 
funds are dispersed to the approved entities. The NoA 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 and the involvement of each party's 
responsibilities: Recipient's and IHS, 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. The applicant will receive a 
copy of the Executive Summary which identifies the weaknesses and 
strengths of the application submitted.
    ORC Results Notification: Wednesday, January 23, 2009.
    The Acting Director, OTP, or program official, will notify the 
contact person identified on the proposal of the results of the 
objective review in writing via postal mail. If the application is 
declared ineligible, the applicant will receive written notification of 
the ineligibility determination. The ineligibility notification will 
include information regarding the rationale for the ineligibility 
decision citing specific information from the application and/or this 
Single Source cooperative agreement program announcement. If the 
application is disapproved for a low score, the applicant will receive 
a copy of the Executive Summary which identifies the weaknesses and 
strengths of the application submitted. 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 allowable charges under this cooperative agreement 
as noted in Part IV. Application and Submission Information, Item 6. 
Funding Restrictions.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    Cooperative Agreements are administered in accordance with the 
following authorities and regulations:
     This single source cooperative agreement program 
announcement.
     Public Health Service Act Section 301.
     45 CFR Part 74, ``Administration of Grants to Non-Profit 
Recipients.''
     Department of Health and Human Services, Grants Policy 
Statement, January 2007.
     Appropriate Cost Principles: OMB Circular A-122, ``Non-
profit Organizations.''
     OMB Circular A-133, ``Audits of States, Local Governments 
and Non-Profit Organizations.''
     Healthy People 2010-The Public Health Service (PHS) is 
committed to achieving the health promotion and disease prevention 
objectives of ``Healthy People 2010,'' a PHS-led national activity for 
setting priority areas. This Program Announcement is related to one or 
more of the priority areas. A copy of ``Healthy People 2010'' is 
available at: http://www.healthypeople.gov.

3. Indirect Costs

    This section applies to all grant recipients that request indirect 
cost in their 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 refers to the rate covering the applicable activities 
during the award budget period. If the current rate is not on file with 
the awarding office, the award shall include funds for reimbursement of 
indirect costs. However, the indirect cost portion will remain 
restricted until the current rate is provided to the DGO.
    Questions regarding the indirect cost policy may be addressed to 
the grants management staff at either 301-443-6290 or 301-443-5204.
    If it is determined by the Division of Cost Allocation (DCA) that 
it is not feasible for the organization to develop a rate in order to 
charge the costs as direct costs, the organization must have an 
accounting system that identifies and segregates costs and assigns them 
commensurate with the benefits provided to each grant-supported project 
and the entity's other activities.

4. Reporting

    A. Progress Report. Program progress reports are required 
quarterly. Quarterly program progress reports must be submitted within 
30 days at the end of each quarter. 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 Reports. Financial status reports are required 
quarterly. Quarterly financial status reports must be submitted within 
30 days at the end of each quarter. 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. The recipient is responsible and accountable for 
accurate reporting of the Progress Narrative Reports and Financial 
Status Reports. Final Financial Status Reports (SF-269) must be 
verified from the grantee records on how the value was derived. Final 
reports (narrative and financial) are due within 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.

VII. Agency Contact(s)

    Interested parties may obtain programmatic information from the 
person listed under Programmatic Concerns under section IV of this 
program announcement. Grant-related and business management information 
may be obtained from the Grants Management Specialist listed under 
section IV of this program announcement. Grants.gov concerns submission 
and waiver requests may be addressed by Ms. Michelle Bulls, Division of 
Grants Policy. Contact information is noted under section IV of this 
program announcement. Please note

[[Page 825]]

that the telephone numbers provided are not toll-free.

VIII. Other Information

    Application Checklist: The following application checklist is 
included to assist the applicant in proposal preparation and follow-up. 
Applicant is highly encouraged to employ this checklist for their 
benefit and to submit it as part of their proposal as an attachment in 
Grants.gov to allow for verification of receipt. This checklist will be 
utilized by the DGO during their initial screening for eligibility and 
will be utilized by the OTP during their programmatic review for 
content of the application to ensure required items requested are 
submitted and the application is eligible for further review via the 
ORC. This checklist is available upon request from the OTP office.

                             FY 2009 IHS Cooperative Agreement Application Checklist
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Applicant Name:.................................................................................................
Application Tracking Number:....................................................................................
Signed Paper Submission:........................................................................................
Electronic Submission:..........................................................................................
Waiver Obtained:................................................................................................
Project Type:...................................................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          Item                               Applicant            Grants            Program
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. IHS FY 2009 Checklist...............................  .................  .................  .................
2. Eligibility: National Indian Health Board             .................  .................  .................
 Organization..........................................
3. 501c(3) Non-Profit Certification....................  .................  .................  .................
4. SF 424 Application for Federal Assistance...........  .................  .................  .................
5. SF 424A Budget--Non-Construction....................  .................  .................  .................
6. SF 424B Assurances--Non-Construction................  .................  .................  .................
7. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities...................  .................  .................  .................
8. Certification Regarding Lobbying....................  .................  .................  .................
9. Debarment Certification (Primary)...................  .................  .................  .................
10. Drug-free Certification............................  .................  .................  .................
11. Environmental Tobacco Smoke........................  .................  .................  .................
12. Maintenance of Effort Certification................  .................  .................  .................
13. Abstract...........................................  .................  .................  .................
14. Project Narrative (14 pages maximum)...............  .................  .................  .................
    a. Introduction and Need for Assistance............  .................  .................  .................
    b. Project Objective(s), Work-plan & Consultants...  .................  .................  .................
    c. Project Evaluation..............................  .................  .................  .................
    d. Organizational Capabilities & Qualifications....  .................  .................  .................
    e. Categorical Budget and Budget Justification.....  .................  .................  .................
15. APPENDIX ITEMS:
    a. Work-plan for proposed objectives...............  .................  .................  .................
    b. Multi-year Summaries and Budget Justifications..  .................  .................  .................
    c. Position Descriptions for Key Staff.............  .................  .................  .................
    d. Resumes of Key Staff that reflect current duties  .................  .................  .................
    e. Consultant proposed scope of work (if             .................  .................  .................
     applicable).......................................
    f. Memorandums of Agreements.......................  .................  .................  .................
    g. Indirect Cost Rate Agreement, if applicable.....  .................  .................  .................
    h. Organizational chart............................  .................  .................  .................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Applicant Signature/Date:.......................................................................................
IHS Grants Management Signature/Date:...........................................................................
IHS Program Office Signature/Date:..............................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The 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: 12/29/08
Robert G. McSwain,
Director, Indian Head Service.
[FR Doc. E8-31468 Filed 1-7-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4160-16-P