[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 105 (Wednesday, June 2, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 30842-30844]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-13148]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service


Statutorily Mandated Single Source Award Program Name: National 
Indian Health Board

AGENCY: Indian Health Service, HHS.

ACTION: Notice of Intent to provide supplemental funding to the 
existing cooperative agreement with the National Indian Health Board 
(NIHB), Inc.

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    Project Period: Dates: June 15-December 31, 2010.
    Amount of Award: Funding amounts for each project, per Agency are 
delineated below. All project funding is subject to available funds; 
hence all supplemental projects outlined in this notice may not be 
awarded if the Agency does not identify funding for each activity.

Indian Health Service (IHS) Funding

    (1) Budget Formulation not to exceed $65,000.
    (2) Methamphetamine Abuse and Suicide Prevention Initiative (MSPI) 
not to exceed $50,000.
    (3) IHS Medicaid, Medicare Policy Committee (MMPC) not to exceed 
$100,000.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Funding

    (1) Study and improve the administration and effectiveness of the 
Medicare, Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in 
Indian County not to exceed $450,000.
    (2) Data Analysis, Consultation and Training not to exceed 
$250,000.
    (3) American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Health 
Information Technology (HIT) not to exceed $100,000.

    Authority:  This program is authorized under Public Health 
Service Act, Section 301(a). This program is described in the 
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance 93.933.

    Application Deadline: June 4, 2010.
    Anticipated Award Date: June 15, 2010.
    Summary: The IHS announces the award of supplemental projects under 
the existing single source cooperative agreement award to the NIHB, 
Inc. The Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes (ODSCT) has 
designated supplemental funds for the single source award to the NIHB 
to further health program objectives in the American Indian/Alaska 
Natives (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 the Indian population.
    Single Source Justification: 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 
represents all 564 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 the only 
national Indian 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 can provide advice, consultation and health care 
advocacy to IHS and HHS based on Tribal input through a broad based 
consumer network.
    The NIHB offers a national network of professional services to 
provide policy analysis and development, program assessment and 
development and regional and national meeting coordination. NIHB also 
provides planning and technical assistance to Tribes, Area Health 
Boards, other Tribal organizations, the IHS and HHS, other agencies 
within the Federal Government, private grant-making foundations, and 
other organizations.
    Past performance of NIHB under a cooperative agreement has been 
exceptional. The NIHB has consistently provided education and outreach 
to Tribal leadership regarding the potential impact of Health Care 
Reform legislation. Educational materials were developed for 
dissemination to the White House, HHS, Tribal Governments and other 
organizations regarding the priorities and concerns of Tribes as 
related to health care/insurance reform efforts, IHCIA passage and 
other health delivery priorities. Their Web site has become a primary 
source of information to Tribal leaders on healthcare policy issues and 
is often quoted by national healthcare policy experts. Their outreach 
and education efforts focused to assist with increased enrollment of 
AI/AN beneficiaries in Medicaid and Medicare programs and their annual 
Consumer Conference is a showplace for innovative Tribal practices in 
healthcare administration. Their ability to bring together Tribes and 
Federal agencies in an effort to explore new avenues of cooperation and 
problem solving is an invaluable resource to everyone involved. They 
were instrumental in supporting program initiatives associated with 
diabetes, suicide prevention, children's health insurance and H1N1 
prevention activities and will remain a solid supporter of improved 
healthcare in Indian Country. Hence, this all demonstrates the 
capability and substantiates the need for a non-competitive single 
source award to be approved and continuity sustained. Supplemental 
funds have been added to the cooperative agreement and are non-
recurring for purposes that are related to the goals of the NIHB and 
support the scope of work of the cooperative agreement. The nature of 
the program and this agreement should allow other HHS operating 
divisions to supplement the NIHB agreement when those funds support the 
original intent of the original agreement.
    This non-competitive single source cooperative agreement will 
assist the agency in furthering our health program objectives in the 
AI/AN community; failure to approve the agreement will: Impede 
consultation with AI/AN Tribal Governments; impede further education of 
health policy and legislation; would substantially increase the cost of 
securing these services should the IHS be required to secure these 
services through a multitude of Area and regional Health Boards; and 
impede targeting of future resources to AI/AN communities by IHS and 
HHS.
    Use of Cooperative Agreement: A cooperative agreement has been 
awarded because of anticipated substantial programmatic involvement by 
IHS staff in the project. Substantial programmatic involvement is as 
follows:
    The NIHB is responsible for the following:

[[Page 30843]]

    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 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;
    5. To provide periodic dissemination of health care information, 
including publication of a newsletter; and
    6. To comply with any required reporting requirements that are 
applicable to American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding, if 
awarded.
    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.
    Description of the Project:
    (1) IHS Budget Formulation--The NIHB will assist Tribal leaders and 
Area Indian Health Boards in convening work groups for the purpose of 
consolidating all twelve regional budget recommendations and health 
priorities. NIHB will provide assistance during the National Tribal 
Budget work session; will provide packaging and distribution of 
National Tribal budget priorities to all Tribes; and will provide 
support for the evaluation of the 2012 budget process and planning for 
the 2013 budget process.
    (2) IHS MSPI--The NIHB will provide technical assistance around 
methamphetamine and suicide prevention issues in AI/AN communities. 
Specifically, NIHB will use funds to: (a) Serve as technical experts in 
national AI/AN methamphetamine and suicide prevention issues; (b) 
assess and report on the status of methamphetamine and suicide 
prevention activities in Tribal communities; and (c) create and/or 
provide outreach, communication and educational materials and/or 
activities on this topic.
    (3) IHS MMPC--The NIHB will provide logistical and administrative 
support to the IHS MMPC. This includes convening the Committee for 
conference calls and meetings; generating reports from such activities, 
and disseminating information to Tribes and Tribal organizations.
    (4) CMS--Study and improve the administration and effectiveness of 
the Medicare, Medicaid and CHIP in Indian County. The NIHB will conduct 
analyses, research and studies to address the potential and actual 
impact of CMS programs on AI/AN beneficiaries and the health care 
system serving these beneficiaries.
    (5) CMS--Data analysis, consultation and dissemination of 
information to Tribes and Tribal organizations. The NIHB will complete 
further analysis of State consultation practices focusing on ARRA 
Section 5006 implementation practices; conduct additional State level 
trainings with State and Tribal staff on consultation practices 
employing coordination through local Health Boards; and conduct focused 
data analyses on topics including across State border access issues and 
enrollment changes associated with Children's Health Insurance Program 
Reauthorization Act (CHIPRA) and ARRA legislation.
    (6) CMS--American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Health 
Information Technology (HIT). The NIHB will investigate what data 
management systems Tribes and Tribal organizations (T/TOs) use for 
their HIT services and identify which T/TOs are not using the IHS 
Resource and Patient Management System (RPMS). The NIHB will provide 
information and training on ``meaningful use'' of electronic health 
records and a report to CMS projecting ``meaningful use'' of electronic 
health records among T/TOs not on the IHS RPMS system.
    Continuation awards are subject to the availability of funds and 
satisfactory performance.
    To obtain application instructions please click on the following 
link and go to the funding opportunities http://www.ihs.gov/NonMedicalPrograms/gogp/index.cfm?module=gogp_funding.
    Once you enter the Funding Opportunity section of the Grants Policy 
Website, click on the NIHB-2010-Supplemental Awards to access the 
instructions. Hard copy applications will be accepted from the 
applicant. Grants.gov submissions are not required under this 
notification.
    Review Criteria:

A. Project Objective(s), Work Plan and Consultants (40 Points)

    (1) Identify the proposed project objective(s) addressing the 
following: Measurable and (if applicable) quantifiable, results 
oriented, time-limited.
    (2) 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.)
    (3) Submit a work plan 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.
    (4) 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.
    (5) 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.

B. Organizational Capabilities and Qualifications (30 Points)

    (1) Describe the organizational structure of the organization 
beyond health care activities, if applicable.

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    (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 cooperative agreement/
grants and projects successfully completed.
    (3) 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.
    (4) 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.
    (5) 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.

C. Categorical Budget and Budget Justification (15 Points)

    (1) Provide a categorical budget for each supplement based on the 
project period identified.
    (2) 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.
    (3) 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.).

D. 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.
    (1) 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.
    (2) 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.
    (3) Describe any evaluation efforts that are planned to occur after 
the grant period ends.
    (4) Describe the ultimate benefit for the AI/AN that will be 
derived from this project.
    Agency Contact(s):
    For program-related information, contact Ronald Demaray, Acting 
Director, IHS Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes, phone 
number 301-443-1104 or by e-mail at [email protected].
    For grants-related information, contact Kimberly M. Pendleton, 
Grants Management Officer, Division of Grants Operations, 301-443-5204 
or by e-mail at [email protected].

    Dated: May 26, 2010.
Randy Grinnell,
Deputy Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-13148 Filed 6-1-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165-16-P