[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 145 (Thursday, July 28, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45272-45280]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-19144]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Indian Health Service
Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes Funding
Opportunity
Announcement Type: Limited Competition.
Funding Announcement Number: HHS-2011-IHS-NIHOE-0001.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.933.
Key Dates:
Application Deadline Date: August 2, 2011.
Review Date: August 8, 2011.
Earliest Anticipated Start Date: August 15, 2011.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
Statutory Authority: The Indian Health Service (IHS) is accepting
applications for two limited competition cooperative agreements.
The IHS award includes the following three components, as described
in this announcement: ``Retained Tribal Shares of Line Item 128 of the
IHS Tribal Shares Table'' (Tribal Shares), ``Health Care Policy
Analysis and Review'' and ``Tribal Leaders Diabetes Committee'' (TLDC).
The IHS award is authorized under the Snyder Act, codified at 25 U.S.C.
13.
The CMS award, through IHS, includes the following component, as
described in this announcement: ``CMS''. The CMS award is authorized
under section 1110 of the Social Security Act, codified at 42 U.S.C.
1310, via an Intra-Departmental Delegation of Authority from CMS to IHS
dated April 15, 2011 (IDDA-11-92), to permit obligation of funding for
CMS for analyses, research and studies to address the potential and
actual impact of CMS programs on American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN)
beneficiaries and the health care system serving these beneficiaries.
IHS will be administering the CMS award pursuant to the Economy
Act, codified at 31 U.S.C. 1535. It is the intention of IHS and CMS
that one entity will receive both awards. CMS and IHS will concur on
the final decision as to who will receive the CMS award. Each award is
funded by each respective agency's appropriation. The awardee is
responsible for accounting for each of the two awards separately and
must provide two separate financial reports (one for each award), as
indicated in Section VI. Award Administration Information, Number 4.
Reporting Requirements, Item A. Progress Reports and Item B. Financial
Reports of this announcement.
This program is described at 93.933 in the Catalog of Federal
Domestic Assistance (CFDA).
Background: Outreach and education programs (program) carry out
health program objectives in the AI/AN community in the interest of
improving Indian health care for all 565 Federally-recognized Tribes,
including Tribal governments operating their own health care delivery
systems through self-determination contracts with the IHS and Tribes
that continue to receive health care directly from the IHS. This
program addresses health policy and health programs issues and
disseminates educational information to all AI/AN Tribes and villages.
These awards require that public forums be held at Tribal educational
consumer conferences to disseminate changes and updates in the latest
health care information. These awards also require that regional and
national meetings be coordinated for information dissemination as well
as the inclusion of planning and technical assistance and health care
recommendations on behalf of participating Tribes to ultimately inform
IHS and CMS based on Tribal input through a broad based consumer
network.
Purpose: The purpose of these awards is to further IHS and CMS
missions and goals related to providing quality health care to the AI/
AN community through outreach and education efforts with the sole
outcome of improving Indian health care. The following health services
components will be awarded:
IHS Cooperative Agreement Components
1. Tribal Shares
2. Health Care Policy Analysis and Review
3. TLDC
CMS Cooperative Agreement Component
1. CMS
II. Award Information
Type of Award: Cooperative Agreements.
Estimated Funds Available: The total amount of funding identified
for fiscal year (FY) 2011 is approximately $1,250,000 to fund the two
cooperative agreements for one year. $300,000 is estimated for
outreach, education, and support to Tribes who have elected to leave
their Tribal Shares with the IHS (this amount could vary based on
Tribal Share assumptions; Tribal Shares funding will be awarded in
partial increments based on availability and amount of funding);
$100,000 for the Health Care Policy Analysis and Review; $250,000
associated with providing legislative education, outreach and
communications support to the IHS TLDC and to facilitate Tribal
consultation on the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI); and
$600,000 for CMS. The awards under this announcement are subject to the
availability of funds.
Anticipated Number of Awards: Two awards are anticipated as
follows: One IHS award comprised of the following three components:
Tribal Shares; Health
[[Page 45273]]
Care Policy Analysis and Review; and TLDC; and one CMS award comprised
of the following component: CMS.
IHS Award
A. Tribal Shares portion of funding. Tribal Shares dollar amounts
available for distribution to the awardee are determined each fiscal
year by the IHS Office of Finance and Accounting; e.g., estimated
initial set-aside amount and final determination of remaining balances
after Tribes and Tribal Organizations (T/TO) have either contracted or
compacted Programs, Functions, Services, and Activities from IHS. FY
2011 is estimated at $300,000 total costs which may vary based on
Tribal Shares assumption.
B. Health Care Policy Analysis and Review in the amount of
$100,000.
C. TLDC in the amount of $250,000.
Project Period: August 15, 2011 with completion by August 14, 2012.
CMS Award
A. CMS in the amount of $600,000.
Project Period: August 15, 2011 with completion by August 14, 2012.
IHS Award Activities
1. Tribal Shares Funding Is Utilized for Outreach, Education, and
Support to Tribes
The awardee is expected to:
1. Host an Annual Consumer Conference to disseminate changes and
updates on health care information relative to AI/AN.
2. Host mid-year consumer conference(s) as appropriate to
disseminate changes and updates on health care information relative to
AI/AN.
3. Conduct regional and national meeting coordination as
appropriate.
4. Conduct health care information dissemination as appropriate.
5. Coordinate planning and technical assistance needs on behalf of
T/TO to IHS and CMS.
6. Convey health care recommendations on behalf of T/TO to IHS and
CMS.
2. Health Care Policy Analysis and Review
This funding component requires the awardee to provide IHS with
research and analysis of the impact of CMS programs on AI/AN
beneficiaries and the health care delivery system that serves these
beneficiaries. The awardee will perform in-depth health care policy
analysis and review of issues related to CMS rules and regulations and
the impact on IHS beneficiaries. This is to include, but not be limited
to, a special emphasis and focus on the health care policy issues
related to the special provisions for Indians in the Affordable Care
Act (ACA).
The awardee will produce measurable outcomes to include:
1. Analytical reports, policy review and recommendation documents--
The products will be in the form of written and/or electronic files
that contain useful analysis relative to current and proposed health
care policy and reform to be reported on a monthly or quarterly basis
during the IHS and CMS teleconferences and face-to-face meetings with
hard copies submitted to the Director, Office of Resource, Access and
Partnerships, IHS.
2. Educational and informational materials to be disseminated by
the awardee and communicated to IHS and Tribal health program staff
during monthly and quarterly conferences, the Annual Consumer
Conference, meetings and training sessions. This can be in the form of
power point presentations, informational brochures, and/or handout
materials.
3. TLDC and Related Support Activities
A. Coordination of travel and travel/per diem reimbursement of 12
TLDC members and five Technical Advisors to attend four quarterly TLDC
meetings in accordance with the approved TLDC charter. Amount:
$150,000.
Activities to be performed by the awardee include:
Communicate directly with TLDC members (and alternates, as
necessary) to arrange travel to TLDC meetings in accordance with the
approved charter.
Address and track all inquiries regarding travel
arrangements and reimbursements for TLDC members and advisors (and
alternates, as necessary) to attend planned TLDC meetings.
Coordinate sharing of logistical information to TLDC
members and advisors for meeting location and lodging with the IHS
Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention (DDTP) contractor(s).
Prepare and distribute reimbursement forms with clear
instructions, in advance of the meeting and serve as the point of
contact for communicating any additional travel information that is
required.
Establish a process to collect reimbursement forms from
TLDC members and communicate this process to them.
Establish and maintain a database on travel reimbursements
and related meeting costs.
Track and report all related travel and per diem costs.
Coordinate and effect the timely reimbursement of approved
participants' expenses within 30 days of the receipt of the claim
forms.
Maintain an active TLDC e-mail directory in order to
assist the DDTP and the TLDC with broadcasting related meeting, travel
and reimbursement information and soliciting related feedback.
Include identified DDTP staff on all electronic
correspondence to TLDC members.
B. Provide education, outreach and communications support to
communicate with Tribal leaders and Indian organizations about the
progress of the TLDC and the SDPI grant program. Amount: $70,000.
Activities to be performed by the awardee include:
Gather and provide information on policy issues that are
relevant to diabetes and related conditions in AI/ANs for the purpose
of keeping TLDC membership up-to-date on such legislative information.
Assist the TLDC with communication to Tribes, Tribal
leaders, Indian organizations, and others about the success and
outcomes of the SDPI and best practice information, to date.
Coordinate sharing of TLDC information with national non-
profit organizations such as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
(JDRF) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) for improving
outreach to Tribes and Tribal communities as well as education and
outreach to non-Indian communities in America about AI/ANs living with
diabetes.
Participate in the development of meeting agendas for
face-to-face and conference call meetings under the direction of the
TLDC and DDTP.
Support the DDTP activities at mid-year meetings and the
Annual Consumer Conference, which will include a plenary presentation
on diabetes and up to four workshops through the payment of presenter
fees, registration fees and exhibit fees.
Support presentations that address diabetes and related
chronic disease issues among AI/ANs at national Tribal health care
conferences through payment of presenter fees and costs for no more
than three separate trips.
C. Support collaborative efforts aimed at addressing obesity and
AI/AN youth Annual Amount: $30,000.
Activities to be performed by the awardee include:
Address the findings in the report generated at the
National Indian Health Board (NIHB)/IHS Obesity Prevention and
Strategies in Native Youth Meeting held December 1, 2009 (contact DDTP
for this report).
[[Page 45274]]
[cir] Reconvene childhood obesity workgroup to review report cited
above, review action steps and begin planning process.
CMS Award Activities
1. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in the amount
of $600,000.
CMS Research Projects
CMS is funding five research activities/projects for FY 2011 in the
amount of $600,000, subject to the availability of funding.
The research projects are as follows:
(1) CMS Regulations/Initiatives Impact Analysis Project Objective:
$200,000--Assess the impact of the ACA through an analysis of CMS
regulations and CMS initiatives that have a potential impact or effect
on IHS, Tribal and Urban (I/T/U) providers and AI/AN beneficiaries. The
objective is to determine and monitor the level of AI/AN participation
in the CMS regulatory process and assess whether such participation
contributes to the understanding of how CMS-related provisions in the
ACA impact the financing and delivery of health care in the Indian
health care system. Specific tasks include:
Review the Federal Register to identify ACA CMS-related
regulations and policies impacting I/T/U providers and prepare factual
analysis on the potential impact on I/T/U providers and AI/AN
beneficiaries.
Analyze the impact of CMS regulations and CMS health
reform initiatives on AI/AN access to Medicare, Medicaid and CHIP
programs.
Submit to the CMS Tribal Technical Advisory Group (TTAG) a
bi-weekly status report of regulations and policies reviewed and
commented on; such status report shall include a brief summary of the
regulation, and a concise description of the impact of the regulation
on I/T/U providers and AI/AN beneficiaries.
Prepare for the CMS Tribal Affairs Group/Office of Public
Engagement quarterly reports and an annual report which summarizes the
impacts of the ACA CMS-related regulations and initiatives on provision
of health care in the I/T/U system and AI/AN beneficiaries.
(2) Data Research and Analysis Project Objective: $250,000--Refine
inventory and analysis of AI/AN demographic, enrollment, and
utilization data through coordinated review of CMS, IHS, Social
Security Administration (SSA), Census and other data resources to
develop strategies that make CMS data systems capable of reporting AI/
AN enrollment, service utilization, health status and payment data from
the Medicare, Medicaid and CHIP programs to facilitate program planning
and evaluation, performance measurement, health status monitoring, and
targeted enrollment efforts. Coordinate and perform data analysis
activities consistent with Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act rules. Specific tasks include:
Refine understanding of current data collection and
reporting requirements and capabilities of the Medicare system and
develop proposals for additional data collection and/or coordination of
current efforts to ensure that the data accurately reflects enrollment
and utilization of program services, and propose system changes to
improve analytic capabilities.
Refine proposals for protocols that accurately reflect
appropriate collection of ethnicity data on national basis.
Develop research protocols to determine rates of racial
misclassification in current Medicaid data, determine difference in
rates of Medicaid enrollment and services utilization between Medicaid
racially identified AI/ANs and IHS AI/AN Active Users and other
recipients, and analyze determinants which may cause differences in
Medicaid use and payments for Medicaid racially identified AI/ANs and
IHS AI/AN Active Users and other recipients.
Prepare Medicare and Medicaid/CHIP annual reports that
include findings from the analysis of the Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP
data, identifies gaps in data collection, identifies shortcomings in
system interactions, proposes CMS/IHS/SSA data interface protocols, and
makes specific recommendations on additional data systems improvements.
Propose and analyze approaches necessary to change and
augment data collection systems and other information needed to support
all reporting required under the ACA, Children's Health Insurance
Program Reauthorization Act (CHIPRA) and American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act (ARRA), and propose reporting mechanisms and protocols
for such reporting.
(3) CMS Day and other Research Education Activities Project
Objective: $100,000--Provide a national forum and educational
opportunity for sharing the results of CMS-sponsored research and
education and outreach efforts with Tribal leadership, Tribal program
directors and staff, Tribal beneficiaries and IHS leadership and
program staff to enhance information sharing between CMS and the Indian
health care system. Specific tasks include:
Within 30 business days after the effective date of the
CMS cooperative agreement award, participate in a conference call or
meeting with CMS and IHS to clarify the goals and objectives of a CMS
Day during the Annual Consumer Conference and to discuss the agenda for
CMS Day.
Within ten business days after initial meeting, forward to
the IHS and CMS Project Officers for approval a preliminary plan that
includes methodology for surveying Tribes or other methodologies to
determine the most appropriate ways to share CMS information and make
use of CMS Day and a preliminary plan for meeting logistics.
Collaborate with the TTAG throughout the planning phase to
ensure their input is obtained on the agenda and other meeting
developments.
Make all necessary arrangements with the convention site
to acquire and ensure ample conference rooms, audio-visual equipment,
and appropriate room set-ups for this one day CMS meeting.
Extend the invitation to any Tribal participants who are
identified as part of the survey/information gathering process to
determine who should participate in the CMS Day and the best methods
for further information sharing.
Meet periodically with CMS and IHS to discuss progress for
the CMS Day and incorporate all changes recommended by the agencies.
Provide periodic progress updates.
Prepare the final draft CMS Day agenda that incorporates
recommendations from CMS, IHS and the TTAG.
Include up to 40 CMS staff and presenters to permit key
staff to participate in the Conference and present on research findings
and conduct outreach related activities on CMS Day.
Develop and disseminate evaluation forms after each
session to permit CMS, IHS and the TTAG to determine how to improve
current practices and identify other areas where training is needed to
determine other areas for research and outreach.
(4) Strategic Plan Development and Analysis Project Objective:
$25,000--Revise and update the current TTAG Strategic Plan (currently
for the years 2010-2015) to include recent new authorities in the ACA
and other changes as they have developed through CHIPRA and ARRA. With
the recent statutory authorization for a permanent TTAG, this plan
reflects the commitment of CMS to ongoing input from the TTAG on the
administration of
[[Page 45275]]
CMS programs in Indian Country. Specific tasks include:
Revise and update the current strategic plan to include
the years 2012-2018.
Review objectives stated in the plan for current relevance
and update and propose new objectives as appropriate in line with
current program status.
Review and propose new action steps in the plan as
appropriate.
Review and propose new budget categories and priorities to
align the plan with the CMS budget process and funding mechanisms.
Coordinate at least one in-person meeting of the Strategic
Plan Subcommittee and conduct in-person interviews with CMS Baltimore
headquarters staff as part of the process of updating objectives,
action steps and budget alignment.
(5) Consultation Policy Development Project Objective: $25,000--
Provide research support and approaches/options for the development of
a CMS specific Tribal consultation policy. CMS currently does not have
an agency specific policy and needs to develop a policy consonant with
the recently revised HHS policy. Specific tasks include:
Review the newly developed HHS policy for impact on
individual agencies.
Review the CMS draft plan developed in 2008 for consonance
with the new HHS policy.
Review all other currently approved HHS Operating
Divisions' policies for potential impact and inclusion of approaches in
a new CMS policy.
Survey Tribal leadership for input on how to develop an
effective CMS policy.
Coordinate at least one in-person meeting of the Tribal
Consultation Subcommittee and participate in in-person interviews with
CMS Baltimore headquarters staff on specific areas such as budget and
regulation development to ensure full understanding of all CMS
perspectives.
Prepare an options paper and specific language for all
aspects of the proposed CMS Consultation policy.
Provide ongoing review and updates as CMS policy becomes
operational.
Roles of Involvement: In accordance with the Federal Grant and
Cooperative Agreement Act of 1977, two cooperative agreements will be
awarded, as IHS and CMS will have substantial programmatic involvement
as applicable with the awardee in carrying out each of the two awards
as noted in the following delineated roles of involvement to further
IHS and CMS health program objectives in the AI/AN community with
outreach and education efforts in the interest of improving Indian
health care.
Cooperative Agreements--Involvement of Parties: The awardee is
responsible for the following in addition to fulfilling all
requirements noted for each award component: Tribal Shares, Health Care
Policy Analysis and Review, TLDC, and CMS:
(1) To facilitate a forum or forums where concerns can be heard
that are representative of all Tribal Governments in the area of health
care policy analysis and program development for each of the four
components listed above;
(2) To assure that health care outreach and education 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;
(3) To establish relationships with other national Indian
organizations, with professional groups and with Federal, State and
local entities supportive of AI/AN health programs;
(4) To improve and expand access for AI/AN Tribal Governments to
all available programs within the HHS;
(5) To disseminate timely health care information to Tribal
Governments, AI/AN Health Boards, other national Indian organizations,
professional groups, Federal, State, and local entities;
(6) 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
(7) To provide periodic dissemination of health care information,
including publication of a newsletter four times a year that features
articles on health promotion/disease prevention activities and models
of best or improving practices, health policy and funding information
relevant to AI/AN, etc.
Programmatic involvement of IHS staff in IHS and CMS awards: (IHS
will be administering the CMS award pursuant to the Economy Act,
codified at 31 U.S.C. 1535):
(1) The IHS assigned program official will work in partnership with
the awardee in all decisions involving strategy, hiring of personnel,
deployment of resources, release of public information materials,
quality assurance, coordination of activities, any training, reports,
budget and evaluation. Collaboration includes data analysis,
interpretation of findings and reporting.
(2) The IHS assigned program official will monitor the overall
progress of the awardee's execution of the requirements of the IHS
award and the CMS award noted above, as well as their adherence to the
terms and conditions of the cooperative agreements. This includes
providing guidance for required reports, development of tools, and
other products, interpreting program findings and assistance with
evaluation and overcoming any slippages encountered.
(3) The IHS assigned program official will work closely with CMS
and all participating IHS health services/programs as appropriate per
their requirements noted in each of their respective sections.
(4) The IHS assigned program official will coordinate the following
for CMS and the participating IHS program offices and staff:
Discussion and release of any and all special grant
conditions upon fulfillment.
Monthly scheduled conference calls.
Appropriate dissemination of required reports to each
participating program.
(5) IHS will jointly with the awardee plan and set an agenda for
the Annual Consumer Conference that:
Shares the training and/or accomplishments.
Fosters collaboration among the participating program
offices, agencies and/or departments.
Increases visibility for the partnerships between the
awardee IHS, and CMS.
(6) IHS will provide guidance in addressing deliverables and
requirements.
(7) IHS will provide guidance in preparing articles for publication
and/or presentations of program successes, lessons learned and new
findings.
(8) IHS staff will review articles concerning the HHS for accuracy
and may, if requested by the awardee, provide relevant articles.
(9) IHS will communicate via monthly conference calls, individual
or collective site visits, and monthly meetings.
(10) IHS will provide technical assistance to the awardee as
requested.
(11) IHS staff may, at the request of the entity's board,
participate on study groups, in board meetings, and may recommend
topics for analysis and discussion.
III. Eligibility
1. Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) non-profit entities who meet
the following criteria:
[[Page 45276]]
Eligible entities must have demonstrated expertise in the following
areas:
Representing all Tribal governments and providing a
variety of services to Tribes, Area Health Boards, Tribal
organizations, and Federal agencies, and playing a major role in
focusing attention on Indian health care needs, resulting in progress
for Tribes.
Promotion and support of Indian education, and
coordinating efforts to inform AI/AN of Federal decisions that affect
Tribal government interests including the improvement of Indian health
care.
National health policy and health programs administration.
Have a national AI/AN constituency and clearly support
critical services and activities within the IHS mission of improving
the quality of health care for AI/AN people.
Portray evidence of their solid support of improved
healthcare in Indian Country.
IHS will be available to provide technical assistance to eligible
applicants that meet the above criteria.
2. Limited Competition Announcement
This is a Limited Competition announcement. The funding levels
noted include both direct and indirect costs. Applicant must address
both projects. Applicants must provide a separate budget for each award
and each budget may not exceed the maximum funding level from each
agency. Limited competition refers to a funding opportunity that limits
the eligibility to compete to more than one entity but less than all
entities.
3. Other Required Information
(1) Cost Sharing or Matching--The IHS and CMS awards do not require
matching funds or cost sharing.
(2) Other Requirements
If the budgets submitted in the applications exceed the
stated dollar amounts outlined within this announcement, the
applications will not be considered for funding.
Applications proposing other projects will be considered
ineligible and will be returned to the applicant.
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 of Application Submission
Mandatory documents for both the IHS award and the CMS award
include:
SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance.
SF-424A Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs.
SF-424B Assurances--Non-Construction Programs.
Four separate budget narratives, one for each of the four
components (not to exceed 2 single-spaced pages each). Four separate
project narratives, one for each of the four components (not to exceed
10 single-spaced pages each)
Health Board resolution (if applicable).
501(c)(3) Non-Profit Certification.
Resumes for all key personnel.
Position descriptions.
Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF LLL) (if
applicable).
Copy of current negotiated indirect cost (IDC) rate
agreement (if applicable).
Documentation of current OMB A-133 required financial
audit, (if applicable). Acceptable forms of documentation include:
[cir] E-mail confirmation from Federal Audit Clearinghouse (FAC)
that audits were submitted; or
[cir] Face sheets from audit reports. These can be found on the FAC
Web site.
Public Policy Requirements
All Federal-wide public policies apply to IHS grantees with the
exception of the Discrimination policy. All guidelines provided in this
announcement apply to both the IHS and CMS awards.
Requirements for Project and Budget Narratives
A. Project Narratives for each of the four components: This
announcement is for two cooperative agreements; the narrative should be
a separate Word document that is no longer than ten pages for each
component: IHS will have 30 pages for three components and CMS will
have ten pages for one component (see page limitations for each Part
noted below) with consecutively numbered pages. Be sure to place all
responses and required information in the correct section or they will
not be considered or scored. If the narrative exceeds the page limits
noted above, only the first 30 pages of the IHS submission and only the
first ten pages of the CMS submission will be reviewed. There are three
parts to the narrative: Part A--Program Information; Part B--Program
Planning and Evaluation; and Part C--Program Report. See below for
additional details about what must be included in the narrative:
Page Limitations for Narrative for Each of the Four Components
Submission:
Part A: Program Information (2 page limitation)
Section 1: Needs
Part B: Program Planning and Evaluation (6 page limitation)
Section 1: Program Plans
Section 2: Program Evaluation
Part C: Program Report (2 page limitation)
Section 1: Describe major accomplishments over the last 24
months.
Section 2: Describe major activities over the last 24 months.
B. Narratives: A separate budget narrative is required for each
component. Each narrative must describe the budget amount(s) requested
and match the corresponding scopes of work described in the project
narrative. The page limitation should not exceed six pages for the IHS
submission and two pages for the CMS submission--two pages per each of
the four health services/programs components described in this
announcement.
3. Submission Dates and Times
Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by
August 2, 2011 at 12 midnight Eastern Time (ET). Any application
received after the application deadline will not be accepted for
processing.
4. Intergovernmental Review
Executive Order 12372 requiring intergovernmental review is not
applicable to this program.
5. Funding Restrictions
Pre-award costs are not allowable.
The available funds are inclusive of direct and
appropriate indirect costs.
Other Limitations--A current recipient cannot be awarded a
new, renewal, or competing continuation grant for any of the following
reasons:
--The current project is not progressing in a satisfactory manner;
--The current project is not in compliance with program and financial
reporting requirements; or
--The applicant has an outstanding delinquent Federal debt. No award
shall be made until either:
[cir] The delinquent account is paid in full; or
[cir] A negotiated repayment schedule is established and at least
one payment is received.
6. Electronic Submission Requirements
Use the http://www.Grants.gov Web site to submit an application
electronically and select the ``Find
[[Page 45277]]
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 Web site. Electronic copies of the
application may not be submitted as attachments to e-mail messages
addressed to IHS employees or offices.
Applicants that receive a waiver of the requirement to submit
electronic applications must follow the rules and timelines noted below
when they submit a paper application. The applicant must request a
waiver, if needed, at least ten days prior to the application deadline.
Applicants that do not adhere to the timelines for Central
Contractor Registry (CCR) and/or Grants.gov registration and/or request
timely assistance with technical issues will not be considered for a
waiver to submit a paper application. Refer to the CCR Section below
for further information.
Please be aware of the following:
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.
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.
Please use the optional attachment feature in Grants.gov
to attach additional documentation that may be requested by the
Division of Grants Management (DGM).
Page limitation requirements equally apply to paper and
electronic applications. 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 Office of
Direct Service and Contracting Tribes (ODSCT) will notify applicants
that the application has been received.
Technical Challenges
If technical challenges arise and assistance is required
with the electronic application process, contact 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). Upon contacting Grants.gov, obtain a
tracking number as proof of contact. The tracking number is helpful if
there are technical issues that cannot be resolved and waiver from the
agency must be obtained.
If problems persist, contact Paul Gettys, DGM,
([email protected]) at (301) 443-5204.
Waiver requests must be submitted in writing 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
August 2, 2011. A copy of the approved waiver must be submitted along
with the paper application that is mailed to the DGM (Refer to Section
VII to obtain the mailing address). Paper applications that are
submitted without a 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.
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 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. Effective October 1, 2010, all HHS recipients were asked to
start reporting information on subawards, as required by the Federal
Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006, as amended
(``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 Web site http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform or to
expedite the process, call (866) 705-5711.
Central Contractor Registry
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 Internal Revenue Service that may take an additional 2-
5 weeks to become active). Completing and submitting the registration
takes approximately one hour to complete and your CCR registration will
take approximately 3-5 business days to process. Registration with the
CCR is free of charge.
Additional information on implementing the Transparency Act,
including the specific requirements for DUNS and CCR, can be found on
the IHS DGM Web site: http://www.ihs.gov/NonMedicalPrograms/gogp/index.cfm?module=gogp_policy_topics.
V. Application Review/Information
Points will be assigned to each evaluation criteria adding up to a
total of 100 points. A minimum score of 60 points is required for
funding. Points are assigned as follows:
Evaluation Criteria
Part A: Program Information--Needs (15 points)
Part B: Program Planning and Evaluation
Program Plans--(40 points)
Program Evaluation--(20 points)
Part C: Program Report (15 points)
Budget Narratives (10 points)
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.
Points will be assigned to each evaluation criteria adding up to a
total of 100 points.
Part A: Program Information
Project Narrative
A. Abstract--One page summarizing project (narrative).
B. Criteria.
(1) INTRODUCTION AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE (15 points)
(a) 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 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. This could also include HHS' agencies that
rely on the applicant as the primary gateway organization that is
capable of providing the dissemination of health information. Include
information regarding technologies currently used (i.e., hardware,
software, services, Web
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sites, 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].
(b) 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 that deem the
applicant as the primary source of health policy information for AI/AN,
memorandums of agreement with other Area Indian health boards, etc.
(c) Describe the population to be served by the proposed projects.
Are they hard to reach? Are there barriers? Include a description of
the number of Tribes who currently benefit from the technical
assistance provided by the applicant.
(d) Describe the geographic location of the proposed projects
including any geographic barriers experienced by the recipients of the
technical assistance to the health care information provided.
(e) Identify all previous IHS cooperative agreement awards
received, dates of funding and summaries of the projects'
accomplishments. State how previous cooperative agreement funds
facilitated education, training and technical assistance nation-wide
for AI/ANs and relate the progression of health care information
delivery and development relative to the current proposed projects.
(Copies of reports will not be accepted.)
(f) Describe collaborative and supportive efforts with national,
Area and local Indian health boards.
(g) Explain the need/reason for your proposed projects by
identifying specific gaps or weaknesses in services or infrastructure
that will be addressed by the proposed projects. Explain how these
gaps/weaknesses were discovered. If the proposed projects include
information technology (i.e., hardware, software, etc.), provide
further information regarding measures taken or to be taken that ensure
the proposed projects will not create other gaps in services or
infrastructure (i.e., IHS interface capability, Government Performance
Results Act reporting requirements, contract reporting requirements,
Information Technology (IT) compatibility, etc.), if applicable.
(h) Describe the effect of the proposed projects 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 projects on planned/
anticipated programs and/or equipment.
(i) Describe how the projects relate to the purpose of the
cooperative agreement by addressing the following: Identify how the
proposed projects will address outreach and education regarding various
health data listed, e.g., Health Care Policy Analysis and Review, TLDC,
and CMS, etc., dissemination, training, and technical assistance.
Part B: Program Planning and Evaluation
Section 1: Program Plans
(2) PROJECT OBJECTIVE(S), WORKPLAN AND CONSULTANTS (40 points)
(a) Identify the proposed objective(s) for each of the four
projects, as applicable, addressing the following:
Measurable and (if applicable) quantifiable.
Results oriented.
Time-limited.
Example: Issue four quarterly newsletters, provide alerts and
quantify number of contacts with Tribes.
Goals must be clear and concise. Objectives must be measurable,
feasible and attainable for each of the selected projects.
(b) Address how the proposed projects will result in change or
improvement in program operations or processes for each proposed
project objective for all of the selected projects. Also address what
tangible products, if any, are expected from the projects, (i.e.,
legislative analysis, policy analysis, Annual Consumer Conference, mid-
year conferences, summits, etc.).
(c) Address the extent to which the proposed projects will provide,
improve, or expand services that address the need(s) of the target
population. Include a strategic plan and business plan currently in
place and that are being used that will include the expanded services.
Include the plan(s) with the application submission.
(d) Submit a work plan in the appendix which includes the following
information:
Provide the action steps on a timeline for accomplishing
each of the projects' proposed objective(s).
Identify who will perform the action steps.
Identify who will supervise the action steps.
Identify what tangible products will be produced during
and at the end of the proposed projects' objective(s).
Identify who will accept and/or approve work products
during the duration of the proposed projects and at the end of the
proposed projects.
Include any training that will take place during the
proposed projects and who will be attending the training.
Include evaluation activities planned in the work plans.
(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 projects. Include when these updates are
anticipated and where funds will come from to conduct the update and/or
maintenance.
Section 2: Program Evaluation
PROJECT EVALUATION (20 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 will the criteria 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 will the data be analyzed?
How will the results be used?
b. For process evaluation, describe:
How will each project be monitored and assessed for
potential problems and needed quality improvements?
Who will be responsible for monitoring and managing each
project's improvements based on results of ongoing process improvements
and their qualifications?
How will ongoing monitoring be used to improve the
projects?
Describe any products, such as manuals or policies, that
might be developed and how they might lend themselves to replication by
others.
[[Page 45279]]
How will the organization document what is learned
throughout each of the projects' periods?
c. Describe any evaluation efforts planned after the grant period
has ended.
d. Describe the ultimate benefit to the AI/AN population that the
applicant organization serves that will be derived from these projects.
Part C: Program Report
Section 1: Describe Major Accomplishments Over the Last 24 Months
Section 2: Describe Major Activities Over the Last 24 Months
ORGANIZATIONAL CAPABILITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS (15 points)
This section outlines the broader capacity of the organization to
complete the project outlined in the work plan. It includes the
identification of personnel responsible for completing tasks and the
chain of responsibility for successful completion of the projects
outlined in the work plan.
(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
projects. 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 projects. 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 projects. Include title
used in the work plans. 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 projects. Resumes
must indicate that the proposed staff member is qualified to carry out
the proposed projects' activities. If a position is to be filled,
indicate that information on the proposed position description.
(e) If personnel are to be only partially funded by this
cooperative agreement, indicate the percentage of time to be allocated
to the projects and identify the resources used to fund the remainder
of the individual's salary.
Budget Narratives:
CATEGORICAL BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION (10 points)
This section should provide a clear estimate of the projects'
program costs and justification for expenses for the entire cooperative
agreement periods. The budgets and budget justifications should be
consistent with the tasks identified in the work plans. Because each of
the two awards included in this announcement are funded through
separate funding streams, the applicant must provide a separate budget
and budget narrative for each of the four components and must account
for costs separately.
(a) Provide a categorical budget for each of the 12-month budget
periods requested for each of the four projects.
(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.).
Appendix Items
(1) Resolutions from Health Board of Directors (if applicable).
(2) Work plan for proposed objectives.
(3) Position descriptions for key staff.
(4) Resumes of key staff that reflect current duties.
(5) Consultant proposed scope of work (if applicable).
(6) Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable).
(7) Organizational chart.
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 may not be referred to the Objective Review
Committee (ORC). Applicants will be notified by DGM, via e-mail or
letter, to outline minor missing components (i.e., signature on the SF-
424, audit documentation, key contact form) needed for an otherwise
complete application. All missing documents must be sent to DGM on or
before the due date listed in the e-mail notification of missing
documents required.
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 will
be considered to be ``Disapproved'' and will be informed via e-mail or
regular mail by the ODSCT 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 (SF424), of the application
within 60 days of the completion of the Objective Review.
VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices
The Notice of Award (NoA) will be initiated by DGM and will be e-
mailed or mailed via postal mail to the entity that is approved for
funding under this announcement. The NoA will be signed by the Grants
Management Officer as the authorizing document for which funds are
disbursed 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 a legally binding document.
2. Administrative Requirements
Grants are administrated in accordance with the following
regulations, policies, and OMB cost principles:
A. The criteria as outlined in this 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,
and other Non-profit Organizations.
C. Grants Policy:
HHS Grants Policy Statement, Revised 01/07.
D. Cost Principles:
Title 2: Grant and Agreements, part 225-Cost Principles
for State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments (OMB Circular 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.
[[Page 45280]]
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 Mr. Andrew Diggs, DGM, at (301) 443-
5204 to request assistance.
4. Reporting Requirements
The awardee must submit required reports consistent with the
applicable deadlines. 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
Semi-annual progress report must be submitted within 30 days of the
conclusion of the first six months of the budget period and a final
within 90 days of the expiration of the budget period for each award.
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. Final reports must be submitted within 90 days
of expiration of the budget/project periods. Separate progress reports
are required for the IHS award and the CMS award.
B. Financial Reports
SF 425 Federal Financial Reports, Cash Transaction and Expenditure
Reports are due 30 days after the close of every calendar quarter to
the Division of Payment Management, HHS at: http:[sol][sol]www.dpm.gov
for each award. It is recommended that you also send a copy of your SF
425 reports to your Grants Management Specialists. Failure to submit
timely reports may cause a disruption in timely payments to your
organization. Separate financial reports are required for the IHS award
and the CMS award. The awardee is responsible for accounting for each
award separately.
Awardees are responsible and accountable for accurate information
being reported on all required reports: the Progress Reports and
Federal Financial Reports.
C. Federal Subaward Reporting System (FSRS)
These awards may be subject to the Transparency Act subaward and
executive compensation reporting requirements of 2 CFR part 170. The
Transparency Act requires OMB 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 October 1, 2010, IHS was instructed by HHS to implement a
new Term and Condition into all new NoA, regarding the requirements for
use and reporting of Federal subaward data. Although required to be
referenced in all Funding Opportunity Announcements, this IHS Term of
Award is applicable to all New (Type 1) IHS grants and cooperative
agreement awards issued after October 1, 2010. 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 award requirements to report subaward
data is expected to be provided as it becomes available.
For the full IHS award term and condition implementing this
requirement and additional award applicability information please visit
the Grants Policy Web site at: http:[sol][sol]www.ihs.gov/
NonMedicalPrograms/gogp/index.cfm?module=gogp--policy--topics.
Telecommunication for the hearing impaired is available at: TTY
(301) 443-6394.
VII. Agency Contact(s)
Grants (Business)
Mr. Andrew Diggs, DGM, Grants Management Specialist, 801 Thompson
Avenue, TMP Suite 360, Rockville, Maryland 20852. Telephone: (301) 443-
5204. Fax: (301) 443-9602. E-Mail: [email protected].
Program (Programmatic/Technical)
Ms. Roselyn Tso, Acting Director, ODSCT, 801 Thompson Avenue, Suite
220, Rockville, Maryland 20852. Telephone: (301) 443-1104. Fax: (301)
443-4666. E-Mail: [email protected].
VIII. Other Information
The Public Health Service 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: July 15, 2011.
Randy Grinnell,
Deputy Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-19144 Filed 7-27-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165-16-P