[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 110 (Wednesday, June 8, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 33314-33321]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-14131]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service


Epidemiology Program for American Indian/Alaska Native Tribes and 
Urban Indian Communities

Division of Epidemiology and Disease Prevention; Epidemiology Program 
for American Indian/Alaska Native Tribes and Urban Indian Communities

    Announcement Type: New.
    Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2011-IHS-EPI-0001.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.231

DATES: Key Dates:
Application Deadline Date: July 15, 2011;
>Review Date: August 16-17, 2011;
Anticipated Start Date: September 16, 2011.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Statutory Authority

    The Indian Health Service (IHS) is accepting competitive 
cooperative agreement applications to establish Tribal Epidemiology 
Centers serving American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Tribes and urban 
Indian communities. This program is managed by the IHS Division of 
Epidemiology and Disease Prevention (DEDP). This program is authorized 
under the Snyder Act, 25 U.S.C. 13, and 25 U.S.C. 1621m of the Indian 
Health Care Improvement Act. To obtain details regarding eligibility, 
please refer to Section III below.

Background

    The Tribal Epidemiology Center (TEC) program was authorized by 
Congress in 1998 as a way to provide public health support to multiple 
Tribes and urban Indian communities in each of the IHS Areas. The 
funding opportunity announcement is open to eligible Tribes, Tribal 
organizations, intertribal consortia, and urban Indian organizations, 
including currently funded TECs.
    TECs are uniquely positioned within Tribes, Tribal and urban Indian 
organizations to conduct disease surveillance, research, prevention and 
control of disease, injury, or disability, and to assess the 
effectiveness of AI/AN public health programs. In addition, they can 
fill gaps in data needed for Government Performance and Results Act 
(GPRA) and Healthy People 2020 measures. Some of the existing TECs have 
already developed innovative strategies to monitor the health status of 
Tribes and urban Indian communities, including development of Tribal 
health registries and use of sophisticated record linkage computer 
software to correct existing state data sets for racial 
misclassification. TECs work in partnership with IHS DEDP to provide a 
more accurate national picture of Indian health status.

[[Page 33315]]

    TECs provide critical support for activities that promote Tribal 
self-governance and effective management of Tribal and urban Indian 
health programs. Data generated locally and analyzed by TECs enable 
Tribes and urban Indian communities to effectively plan and make 
decisions that best meet the needs of their communities. In addition, 
TECs can immediately provide feedback to local data systems which will 
lead to improvements in Indian health data overall.
    As more Tribes choose to operate health programs in their 
communities, TECs ultimately will provide additional public health 
services such as disease control and prevention programs. Some existing 
centers provide assistance to Tribal and urban Indian communities in 
such areas as sexually transmitted disease control and cancer 
prevention. They also assist Tribes and urban Indian communities to 
establish baseline data for successfully evaluating intervention and 
prevention activities through activities such as conducting Behavioral 
Risk Factor Surveillance Surveys (BRFSS).
    The TEC program will continue to enhance the ability of the Indian 
health system to collect and manage data more effectively and to better 
understand and develop the link between public health problems and 
behavior, socioeconomic conditions, and geography. The TEC program will 
also support Tribal and urban Indian communities by providing technical 
training in public health practice and prevention-oriented research and 
by promoting public health career pathways.

Purpose

    The purpose of this cooperative agreement program is to fund 
Tribes, Tribal and urban Indian organizations, and intertribal 
consortia to provide epidemiological support for the AI/AN population 
served by IHS. TEC activities should include, but are not limited to, 
enhancement of surveillance for disease conditions; research, 
prevention and control of disease, injury, or disability; assessment of 
the effectiveness of AI/AN public health programs; 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. It is the intent of IHS 
to fund several TECs that will serve Tribes and urban Indian 
communities in all 12 IHS Administrative Areas.
    Each TEC selected for funding will act under a cooperative 
agreement with the IHS. During funded activities, the TECs may receive 
Protected Health Information (PHI) for the purpose of preventing or 
controlling disease, injury or disability, including, but not limited 
to, 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 the Tribal and urban 
Indian communities that they serve. TECs acting under a cooperative 
agreement with IHS are public health authorities for which the 
disclosure of PHI by covered entities is authorized by the Privacy 
Rule. 45 CFR 164.512(b).
    To achieve the purpose of this program, the recipient will be 
responsible for the activities under item number 1. Recipient 
Activities and IHS will be responsible for conducting activities under 
item number 2. IHS Activities.

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Cooperative Agreement.
    Estimated Funds Available:
    The total amount identified for FY 2011 is approximately $4.5 
million. Competing and continuation awards issued under this 
announcement are subject to the availability of funds. In the absence 
of funding, the agency is under no obligation to fund any awards under 
this announcement. The program will be awarded for five years with 12 
months per budget period. Future year funding levels will be determined 
based on availability of funds. The average award is approximately 
$350,000 to $1,000,000, depending on the applicant's score and the size 
of the area covered by the TEC.
    Anticipated Number of Awards:
    Approximately 12 awards may be issued under this program 
announcement.
    Project Period:
    This will be a 5-year project from September 16, 2011 to September 
15, 2016.
    Funding Information:
    As part of an effort to establish TECs throughout the nation, these 
funds will be used to support activities on an IHS Area basis. 
Successful applicants must agree to provide services for all AI/AN 
populations in the respective IHS Area. Collaborative efforts among 
Tribal, local, State, and Federal health organizations are encouraged.
    Funding will be based on scoring levels from the review process. An 
example is outlined below. Detailed explanations of Review Criteria are 
described in Section V.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Review Criteria              Total Points     Points Awarded
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Introduction, Current Capacity, and                 25  ................
 Need for Assistance................
Program Objectives-Recipient                        35  ................
 Activities.........................
Program Evaluation..................                10  ................
Organizational Capabilities &                       10  ................
 Qualification......................
Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance                 15  ................
 Surveys............................
Budget..............................                 5  ................
Total...............................               100  ................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Cooperative Agreements will be funded annually during the project 
period of five years, contingent on required continuation applications 
with an approved scope of work. Renewals of cooperative agreements will 
be based on the following:
    
     Satisfactory progress.
     Availability of funds.
     Program priorities of IHS.
    Programmatic Involvement:
    IHS will have substantial involvement in all of the TECs (See IHS 
Activities).
    Recipient Activities:
    a. Assist and facilitate AI/AN communities, Tribes, Tribal 
organizations, and urban Indian organizations in identifying Tribal and 
urban Indian community health status priorities for building public 
health capacity at the local level based on epidemiologic data. Assist 
and facilitate Tribal and urban Indian communities with implementing 
and conducting disease surveillance, research, prevention and control 
of disease, injury, or disability, to assess the effectiveness of AI/AN 
public health programs, monitoring progress toward

[[Page 33316]]

meeting each of the health status objectives, developing and 
implementing epidemiologic studies that have practical application in 
improving the health status of constituent communities, reporting of 
notifiable disease conditions to public health authorities and to local 
Tribes and urban Indian communities in the region, and address emerging 
public health and epidemiological issues as identified by Tribal and 
urban Indian community priorities.
    b. Develop and disseminate health specific data and Community 
Health Profiles (CHPs) based on Tribal and urban Indian community 
health status priorities as follows:
    1. Develop CHPs specific for each Tribal and urban Indian community 
entity served by the TEC. Provide a dissemination plan that includes a 
project overview, dissemination goals, and health indicators.
    2. Develop a regional CHP encompassing all Tribal and urban Indian 
communities served by the TEC. Provide a dissemination plan that 
includes a project overview, dissemination goals, and health 
indicators.
    3. Participate in the national TEC CHP Working Group to develop and 
implement a national CHP.
    c. Recipient will need to maintain outbreak response capacity by:
    1. Establishing and maintaining relationships with local 
authorities (Tribal, County, State, etc.) to be able to participate in 
outbreak response activities on a national or regional scope.
    2. Obligating a minimum of one program staff per year to attend IHS 
training in either the ``Outbreak Response Review'' or ``Epidemiology 
Ready'' course.
    3. Explaining how recipient will collaborate and assist in public 
health emergencies with the IHS, DEDP, State, local, County, Tribal, 
and other Federal health authorities.
    d. Develop a BRFSS project to evaluate health risk behaviors of AI/
AN populations served by the TEC, to include, at a minimum, CDC's 
``core'' BRFSS, as follows:
    1. Develop a protocol for conducting the BRFSS;
    2. Develop a sampling method and recruitment strategy;
    3. Meet with the Tribal Health Director, Health Board, and/or the 
Tribal Council, as appropriate, for review and approval of the BRFSS 
project;
    4. Obtain IRB approval or exempt status;
    5. Develop a training protocol for interviewers for the BRFSS;
    6. Develop a database to enter data collected from the BRFSS;
    7. Develop a dissemination plan that includes a project overview, 
dissemination goals, targeted audiences, key messages, details of the 
dissemination plan and how the plan will be evaluated; and
    8. Create a separate budget for the BRFSS project.
    e. Establish a Data Sharing Agreement (DSA) with the IHS Area 
Office that delineates:
    1. ``Routine'' activities for which the TEC will have access to de-
identified data from IHS Epidemiology Data Mart/National Data Warehouse 
(NDW).
    2. Activities for which they will need additional permission such 
as special studies or research involving PHI.
    3. Language which outlines compliance with Health Insurance 
Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Privacy Act protection.
    4. Use of the IHS Epidemiology Data Mart User Tracking System 
(EDMUTS) by the recipient to track both 1 and 2 
above.
    5. Use of security measures, including:
     How security measures will be in place for data usage;
     How recipient will be a steward of the data;
     Completion of the IHS/OIT yearly security training and 
security training required by their respective organization; and
     An annual report on the outcomes of TECs access to IHS 
data.
    f. Participate in national public health priorities and committees, 
as appropriate, with additional Department of Health and Human Services 
(HHS) agencies.
    g. Explain how recipient will support the IHS Agency's priorities:
    1. To renew and strengthen our partnership with Tribes.
    2. To bring reform to IHS.
    3. To improve the quality of and access to care.
    4. To make all our work accountable, transparent, fair and 
inclusive.
    You may access information on IHS priorities via the Internet at 
the following Web site: http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm.
    h. Establish an advisory council that can provide overall program 
direction and guidance. The advisory council should include some 
members with technical expertise in epidemiology and public health 
(i.e. state health departments, county health departments, etc.) and 
representation from the Tribal health and urban Indian health programs 
served by the TEC.
    i. Provide an annual report (no more than 10 pages) at the end of 
each project year to DEDP.
    j. Ensure that TEC staff includes key personnel with appropriate 
expertise in epidemiology, health sciences, and program management. The 
TEC must also demonstrate access to specialized expertise such as a 
doctoral level epidemiologist and/or a biostatistician.
    IHS Activities:
    a. Provide funded TECs with ongoing consultation and technical 
assistance to plan, implement, and evaluate each component of the TEC 
as described under Recipient Activities above. Consultation and 
technical assistance will include, but not be limited to, the following 
areas:
    1. Interpretation of current scientific literature related to 
epidemiology, statistics, surveillance, Healthy People 2020 objectives, 
and other public health issues;
    2. Design and implementation of each program component such as 
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.
    b. Coordinate all IHS epidemiologic activities on a national scope 
including investigation of disease outbreaks and CHPs.
    c. Conduct site visits to TECs and/or coordinate TEC visits to IHS 
to ensure data security; confirm compliance with applicable laws and 
regulations; assess program activities; and to mutually resolve 
problems, as needed.
    d. Convene an annual TEC meeting for information sharing, problem 
solving or training.
    e. Provide opportunities for training of TEC staff. Examples 
include: IHS Outbreak Response Review course; Webinars on NDW Technical 
Assistance; Introduction to SAS; Fellowship opportunities.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligibility

    AI/AN Tribes, Tribal organizations, and eligible intertribal 
consortia or urban Indian organizations as defined by 25 U.S.C. 1603(e) 
may be eligible for a TEC cooperative agreement. Such entities must 
represent or serve a population of at least 60,000 AI/AN to be eligible 
as demonstrated by Tribal resolutions or the equivalent documentation 
from urban Indian clinic directors/Chief Executive Officers (CEOs). 
Applicants must describe the population of AI/ANs and Tribes that

[[Page 33317]]

will be represented. The number of AI/ANs served must be substantiated 
by documentation describing IHS user populations, United States Census 
Bureau data, clinical catchment data, or any method that is 
scientifically and epidemiologically valid. An intertribal consortium 
or urban Indian organization is eligible to receive a cooperative 
agreement if it is incorporated for the primary purpose of improving 
AI/AN health, and represents the Tribes, AN villages, or urban Indian 
communities in which it is located. Resolutions from each Tribe, AN 
village and equivalent documentation from each urban Indian community 
represented must be included in the application package. Collaborations 
with IHS Areas, Federal agencies such as the Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention (CDC), State, academic institutions or other 
organizations are encouraged (letters of support and collaboration 
should be included in the application).
    Definitions:
    Federally-recognized Indian Tribe means any Indian Tribe, band, 
nation, or other organized group or community, including any Alaska 
Native village or group or regional or village corporation as defined 
in or established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act 
(85 Stat. 688) [43 U.S.C. 1601, et seq.], which is recognized as 
eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United 
States to Indians because of their status as Indians. 25 U.S.C. 1603 
(d).
    Tribal organization means the elected governing body of any Indian 
Tribe or any legally established organization of Indians which is 
controlled by one or more such bodies or by a board of directors 
elected or selected by one or more such bodies or elected by the Indian 
population to be served by such organization and which includes the 
maximum participation of Indians in all phases of its activities. 25 
U.S.C. 1603(e).
    Urban Indian organization means a non-profit corporate body 
situated in an urban center governed by an urban Indian controlled 
board of directors, and providing for the maximum participation of all 
interested Indian groups and individuals, which body is capable of 
legally cooperating with other public and private entities for the 
purpose of performing the activities. 25 U.S.C. 1603(h).
    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. Collaborations with regional IHS, 
CDC, State and local health departments, and academic institutions are 
encouraged. Proper tribal resolutions or equivalent documentation from 
urban Indian organizations is required.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    DEDP does not require matching funds or cost sharing.

3. Other Requirements

    (a) If an applicant's budget exceeds the highest stated award 
amount that is outlined within this announcement ($1,000,000.00), that 
application will not be considered for funding.
    (b) A letter of intent is required (See section IV(3)).
    (c) Tribal Resolution--A resolution of all Indian Tribes served by 
the project must accompany the application submission. This can be 
attached to the electronic application. An Indian Tribe that is 
proposing a project with other Indian Tribes must include resolutions 
from all Tribes to be served. Applications by Tribal organizations 
representing multiple Tribes will not require specific Tribal 
resolutions if the current Tribal resolution(s) under which they 
operate would encompass the proposed grant activities. Draft 
resolutions are acceptable in lieu of an official resolution. However, 
all official signed Tribal resolutions must be received by the Division 
of Grants Management (DGM) prior to the beginning of the Objective 
Review. If official signed resolutions are not received by August 15, 
2011, the application will be considered incomplete, ineligible for 
review, and returned to the applicant without further consideration. 
Applicants submitting additional documentation after the initial 
application submission are required to ensure the information was 
received by the IHS by obtaining documentation confirming delivery 
(i.e. FedEx tracking, postal return receipt, etc.).
    (d) Urban Indian clinic director/CEO equivalent Letter of Support 
(LoS)--a LoS from the Clinic Director or CEO of all urban Indian 
clinics served by the TEC must be provided.
    (e) Tribal resolutions supportive of the epidemiology cooperative 
agreement proposal from the Indian Tribe(s) or urban Indian clinic 
director/CEO equivalent LoS served by the project must accompany the 
application and the applicant must demonstrate how these documents meet 
the minimum requirement of 60,000 AI/AN population to be eligible for 
the cooperative agreement.
    (f) Applications with established data sharing agreements (DSAs) or 
statements acknowledging the importance of future DSAs from IHS/Tribal/
Urban Indian (I/T/Us) will be given priority in scoring. Likewise, 
applicants with established DSAs with respective IHS Area Offices will 
be given priority in scoring. DSAs will be scored within the ``Program 
Objectives'' (See Review Criteria in Section II).
    (g) Non-profit organizations must provide proof of non-profit 
status. The applicant must submit a current valid Internal Revenue 
Service (IRS) tax exemption certificate or a copy of the 501(c)(3) 
form, as proof of status.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Obtaining Application Materials

    The application package and instructions may be located at http://www.Grants.gov or
    http://www.ihs.gov/NonMedicalPrograms/gogp/index.cfm?module=gogp_funding.

2. Content and Form Application Submission

    Documents for all applications include:
     Application forms:
     SF-424.
     SF-424A.
     SF-424B.
 Table of Contents.
 Program Executive Summary (one page or less).
 Program Narrative (must not exceed 10 single-spaced pages. See 
Section IV(2)(a)).
 Line-item budget.
 Budget narrative (must be single-spaced).
 Program Objectives(s) to include a spreadsheet with Objective 
Time-Line, Approach, and Results & Benefits.
 Applicant's organizational capabilities addressing Recipient's 
Activities.
 Organizational chart.
 Position Descriptions and Biographical sketches for all key 
personnel.
 Data Sharing Agreements (if applicable).
 Tribal Resolutions or equivalent from urban Indian clinic 
directors/CEOs.
 Letters of support from collaborating agencies.
 Copy of current Negotiated Indirect Cost rate (IDC) agreement 
(required) in order to receive IDC.
 Map of the areas to benefit from the program.
 Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL).
 Documentation of current OMB A-133 required Financial Audit.

[[Page 33318]]

Acceptable forms of documentation include:
     E-mail confirmation from Federal Audit Clearinghouse (FAC) 
that audits were submitted; or
     Face sheets from audit reports. These can be found on the 
FAC Website:http://harvester.census.gov/fac/dissem/accessoptions.html?submit=Retrieve+Records
    Policy Requirements: All Federal-wide public policies apply to IHS 
grantees with exception of the Discrimination policy. See attached link 
for all public policies. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/grants/sf424b.pdf
Requirements for Program and Budget Narratives
    A. Program Narrative: This narrative should be a separate Word 
document that is no longer than 10 pages, single-spaced (see page 
limitations for each Part noted below) with consecutively numbered 
pages. If the narrative exceeds the page limit, only the first 10 pages 
will be reviewed. There are three parts to the narrative:
Section 1: Program Information--(2 Pages)
    (1) Introduction and organizational capabilities.
    (2) Need for assistance.
(3) User Population.
    Section 2: Recipient Activities: Program Planning and Evaluation--
(6 Pages)
    (1) Program Plans. (2) Program Evaluation. Section 3: Program 
Report--(2 pages) (1) Describe major accomplishments over the last 24 
months. (2) Describe major activities over the last 24 months.
    B. Budget Narrative: This narrative must describe the budget 
requested and match the program plans and evaluation described in the 
program narrative.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 
Friday, July 15, 2011 at 12 a.m. midnight Eastern Time. Any application 
received after the application deadline will not be accepted for 
processing, and it will be returned to the applicant(s) without further 
consideration for funding.
    Letters of Intent: A Letter of Intent (LoI) is required from each 
entity that plans to apply for funding under this announcement. The LoI 
must be submitted to the Division of Grants Management to the attention 
of Andrew Diggs by June 10, 2011. Please submit all letters of intent 
via fax (301) 443-9602. Your LoI must reference the funding opportunity 
number, application deadline date, and your eligibility status. The 
letter must be signed by the authorized organizational official within 
your entity.

4. Intergovernmental Review

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

5. Funding Restrictions

     Pre-award costs are not allowable for this announcement.
     The available funds are inclusive of direct and 
appropriate indirect costs.

6. Electronic Submission

    Use the http://www.Grants.gov Web site to submit an application 
electronically and select the ``Find Grant Opportunities'' link on the 
homepage. Download a copy of the application package, complete it 
offline, and then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov 
website. Electronic copies of the application may not be submitted as 
attachments to e-mail messages addressed to IHS employees or offices.
    Please search for the application package in Grants.gov by entering 
the CFDA number or the Funding Opportunity Number. Both numbers are 
located in the header of this announcement.
    After you electronically submit your application, you will receive 
an automatic acknowledgment from Grants.gov that contains a Grants.gov 
tracking number. The DGM will download your application from Grants.gov 
and provide necessary copies to the appropriate agency officials. 
Neither the DGM nor the DEDP will notify applicants that the 
application has been received.
    Applicants that do not adhere to the timelines for Central 
Contractor Registry (CCR) and/or Grants.gov registration and/or request 
timely assistance with technical issues will not be considered for a 
waiver to submit a paper application.
    Technical Challenges:
     If technical challenges arise and assistance is required 
with the electronic application process, contact the Grants.gov 
Customer Support via e-mail at [email protected] or at (800) 518-4726. 
Customer Support is available to address questions 24 hours a day, 7 
days a week (except on Federal holidays). If problems persist, contact 
Paul Gettys, DGM () at (301) 443-5204.[email protected]
     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 a waiver from the agency must be 
obtained.
     Please be sure to contact Mr. Gettys at least ten days 
prior to the application deadline.
    Paper Submission (Waiver Requirements):
    Paper applications are not the preferred method for submitting 
applications. If an applicant needs to submit a paper application 
instead of submitting electronically via Grants.gov, prior approval 
must be requested and obtained from the DGM. The waiver request must be 
documented in writing (e-mails are acceptable), before submitting a 
paper application. A copy of the written approval must be submitted 
along with the hardcopy application that is mailed to the DGM. The 
mailing address for your paper application will be included in your 
approved waiver request. Paper applications that are submitted without 
an approved waiver will be returned to the applicant without review or 
further consideration. Late applications will not be accepted for 
processing or considered for funding and will be returned to the 
applicant. Applicants that receive a waiver to submit paper application 
documents must follow the rules and timelines of this funding 
announcement. The applicant must seek assistance at least ten days 
prior to the application deadline.
     If it is determined that a waiver is needed, you must 
submit a request in writing (e-mails are acceptable) to 
[email protected] with a copy to [email protected]. Please 
include a clear justification for the need to deviate from our standard 
electronic submission process.
     If the waiver is approved, the application should be sent 
directly to the DGM by the deadline date of July 15, 2011.
     Applicants are strongly encouraged 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.
    E-mail applications will not be accepted under this announcement.
Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)
    All IHS applicants and grantee organizations are required to obtain 
a DUNS number and maintain an active registration in the CCR database. 
Additionally, all IHS grantees must notify potential first-tier 
subrecipients

[[Page 33319]]

that no entity may receive a first-tier subaward unless the entity has 
provided its DUNS number to the prime grantee organization. These 
requirements will ensure use of a universal identifier to enhance the 
quality of information available to the public. On October 1, 2010 
recipients began to report information on subawards, as required by the 
Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006, as amended 
(``the Transparency Act''). The DUNS number is a unique nine digit 
identification number provided by D&B, which uniquely identifies your 
entity. The DUNS number is site specific; therefore each distinct 
performance site may be assigned a DUNS number. Obtaining a DUNS number 
is easy and there is no charge. To obtain a DUNS number, you may access 
it through the following website http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform or to 
expedite the process, call (866) 705-5711.
Central Contractor Registry (CCR)
    Organizations that have not registered with CCR will need to obtain 
a DUNS number first and then access the CCR online registration through 
the CCR home page at https://www.bpn.gov/ccr/default.aspx (U.S. 
organizations will also need to provide an Employer Identification 
Number from the IRS that may take an additional 2-5 weeks to become 
active). Completing and submitting the registration takes approximately 
one hour and your CCR registration will take approximately 3-5 business 
days to process. Registration with the CCR is free of charge. 
Applicants may register online at http://www.ccr.gov. Additional 
information on implementing the Transparency Act, including the 
specific requirements for DUNS and CCR, can be found on the IHS Grants 
Policy website:
    http://www.ihs.gov/NonMedicalPrograms/gogp/index.cfm?module=gogp_policy_topics.

V. Application Review Information

    Evaluation criteria will be used in reviews of applications. Points 
will be assigned to each evaluation criterion adding up to a total of 
100 points. A minimum score of 65 points is required for funding. 
Points are assigned to the extent that the applicant is able to 
demonstrate that they met the following criteria.

A. Evaluation Criteria: Program Narrative

(1) Introduction, Current Capacity, and Need for Assistance (25 Points)
    a. Describe the applicant's current public health activities 
including whether the applicant has an adequate health department, 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), how long it has been operating, and 
what programs or services are currently provided. Specifically describe 
current epidemiologic capacity and history of support for such 
activities.
    b. Provide a physical location of the TEC and area to be served by 
the proposed program including a map (include the map in the 
attachments), and specifically describe the office space and how it is 
going to be paid for.
    c. If applicable, identify the past three years of grants relevant 
to public health and/or epidemiology, including past awarded 
cooperative agreements from the DEDP, dates of funding, and key project 
accomplishments (do not include copies of reports).
(2) Program Objective(s) (35 Points)
    Approach, Results and Benefits for the entire 5-year funding period 
by year.
    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 
objectives and major activities will be accomplished and who will 
conduct the activities by each year for the entire five-year period.
(3) Program Evaluation (10 Points)
    a. Define the criteria to be used to evaluate activities listed in 
the work-plan under the Recipient Activities and BRFSS project.
    b. Explain the methodology that will be used to determine if the 
needs identified for the objectives are being met and if the outcomes 
identified are being achieved.
    c. Describe how evaluation findings will be disseminated to 
stakeholders.
(4) Organization Capabilities and Qualifications (10 Points)
    a. Explain the management and administrative structure of the 
organization including documentation of current certified financial 
management systems either 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 program of 
the proposed scope.
    c. Provide position descriptions and biographical sketches of key 
personnel, including those of consultants or contractors in the 
Appendix. Position descriptions should very clearly describe each 
position and its duties, indicating desired qualification and 
experience requirements related to the project. Resumes should indicate 
that the proposed staff is qualified to carry out the project 
activities. Applicants with expertise in epidemiology will receive 
priority.
(5) Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) (15 Points)
    a. Describe the BRFSS project specifically for AI/AN populations to 
evaluate the health risk behaviors to include, at a minimum, CDC's 
``core'' BRFSS.
    b. Identify a statistically representative sample of Tribal and 
urban communities that will participate in the BRFSS.
    c. Describe how the applicant will define and complete the 
following items as part of their proposal: develop a protocol for 
conducting the BRFSS; develop a sampling method and recruitment 
strategy; meet with the Tribal Health Director, Health Board, and 
Tribal Council for review and approval; submit protocols for IRB 
review; select and train interviewers for the BRFSS.
    d. Describe how to develop a data base to enter data collected on 
the BRFSS.
    e. Provide a dissemination plan that includes a project overview, 
dissemination goals, targeted audiences, key messages, details of the 
dissemination plan and evaluation.
    f. Complete a separate budget for the BRFSS project.
(6) Budget (5 Points)
    a. Provide a categorical budget by line item and by each year for 
the entire five-year period, including a separate budget for the BRFSS 
project.
    b. Provide a justification by line item in the budget including 
sufficient cost and other details to facilitate the determination of 
cost allowability and relevance of these costs to the proposed project. 
The funds requested should be appropriate and necessary for the scope 
of the project.
    c. If use of consultants or contractors are proposed or 
anticipated, provide a detailed budget and scope of work that clearly 
defines the deliverables or outcomes anticipated.

[[Page 33320]]

B. Review and Selection Process

    Each application will be prescreened by the DGM staff for 
eligibility and completeness as outlined in the funding announcement. 
Incomplete applications and applications that are non-responsive to the 
eligibility criteria will not be referred to the Objective Review 
Committee (ORC).
    To obtain a minimum score for funding by the ORC, applicants must 
address all program requirements and provide all required 
documentation. Applicants that receive less than a minimum score and/or 
are incomplete will be considered to be ``Disapproved'' and will be 
informed via e-mail or regular mail by the IHS Program Office of their 
application's deficiencies. A summary statement outlining the strengths 
and weaknesses of the application will be provided to each disapproved 
applicant. The summary statement will be sent to the Authorized 
Organizational Representative (AOR) that is identified on the face page 
of the application within 60 days of the completion of the objective 
review.
    Award Date(s): September 16, 2011.
    The DEDP will recommend successful applicants for funding based on 
the results of the objective review.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

    The Notice of Award (NoA) will be initiated by DGM and will be 
mailed via postal mail or e-mailed to each entity that is approved for 
funding under this announcement. 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 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 and is signed by an 
authorized grants official within the IHS.

2. Administrative Requirements

    Grants are administered in accordance with the following 
regulations, policies, and OMB cost principles:
    A. The criteria as outlined in this Program Announcement.
    B. Administrative Regulations for Grants:
     45 CFR, part 92, Uniform Administrative Requirements for 
Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State, Local and Tribal 
Governments.
     45 CFR, part 74, Uniform Administrative Requirements for 
Awards and Subawards to institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, 
Other Non-profit Organizations, and Commercial Organizations.
    C. Grants Policy:
     HHS Grants Policy Statement, Revised 01/07.
    D. Cost Principles:
     Title 2: Grants and Agreements, Part 225--Cost Principles 
for State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments (OMB A-87).
     Title 2: Grants and Agreements, Part 230--Cost Principles 
for Non-Profit Organizations (OMB Circular A-122).
    E. Audit Requirements:
     OMB Circular A-133, Audits of States, Local Governments, 
and Non-profit Organizations.

3. Indirect Costs

    This section applies to all grant recipients that request 
reimbursement of indirect costs in their grant application. In 
accordance with HHS Grants Policy Statement, Part II-27, IHS requires 
applicants to obtain a current indirect cost rate agreement 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 covers the applicable grant activities 
under the current award's budget period. If the current rate is not on 
file with the DGM at the time of award, the indirect cost portion of 
the budget will be restricted. The restrictions remain in place until 
the current rate is provided to the DGM.
    Generally, indirect costs rates for IHS grantees are negotiated 
with the Division of Cost Allocation http://rates.psc.gov/and the 
Department of Interior (National Business Center) http://www.aqd.nbc.gov/services/ICS.aspx. If your organization has questions 
regarding the indirect cost policy, please call (301) 443-5204 to 
request assistance.

4. Reporting Requirements

    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 requirement applies whether the 
delinquency is attributable to the failure of the grantee organization 
or the individual responsible for preparation of the reports.
    The reporting requirements for this program are noted below.
A. Progress Reports
    Program progress reports are required annually. These reports will 
include a brief comparison of actual accomplishments to 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 must be submitted within 90 days of 
expiration of the budget/project period.
B. Financial Reports
    Federal Financial Report, (FFR- SF-425), Cash Transaction Reports 
are due every calendar quarter to the Division of Payment Management, 
Payment Management Branch, HHS at: http://www.dpm.gov Failure to submit 
timely reports may cause a disruption in timely payments to your 
organization.
    Grantees are responsible and accountable for accurate information 
being reported on all required reports; the Progress Reports, Financial 
Status Reports and Federal Financial Report.

C. Federal Subaward Reporting System (FSRS)

    This award may be subject to the Transparency Act subaward and 
executive compensation reporting requirements of 2 CFR Part 170.
    The Transparency Act requires the Office of Management and Budget 
to establish a single searchable database, accessible to the public, 
with information on financial assistance awards made by Federal 
agencies. The Transparency Act also includes a requirement for 
recipients of Federal grants to report information about first-tier 
subawards and executive compensation under Federal assistance awards.
    Effective as of October 1, 2010, IHS implemented new Terms of 
Award. All New (Type 1) IHS grant and cooperative agreement awards 
issued on or after October 1, 2010 may be subject to the Transparency 
Act Subaward and Executive Compensation reporting requirements. 
Additionally, all IHS Renewal (Type 2) grant and cooperative agreement 
awards and Competing Revision awards (Competing T-3s) issued on or 
after October 1, 2010 may also be subject to the following award term. 
Further guidance on Renewal and Competing Revision awards is expected 
to be provided as it becomes available.
    Please visit the IHS Grants Policy Web site at https://www.ihs.gov/NonMedical

[[Page 33321]]

Programs/gogp for additional information on award applicability 
information.
    Telecommunication for the hearing impaired is available at: TTY 
(301) 443-6394.

VII. Agency Contacts

For program-related information: Selina T. Keryte, Project Officer, 
Division of Epidemiology & Disease Prevention, Indian Health Service, 
5300 Homestead NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110, (505) 248-4132 or 
[email protected].
For specific grant-related and business management information: Andrew 
Diggs, Grants Management Specialist, Division of Grants Management, 
Indian Health Service, 801 Thompson Avenue, TMP 360, Rockville, MD 
20852, (301) 443-2262 or [email protected].
    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: May 31, 2011.
Yvette Roubideaux,
Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-14131 Filed 6-7-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165-16-P