[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 118 (Tuesday, June 19, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 36550-36557]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-14891]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service


Office of Clinical and Preventive Services Funding Opportunity: 
National HIV Program for Enhanced HIV/AIDS Screening and Engagement in 
Care

    Announcement Type: New.
    Funding Announcement Number: HHS-2012-IHS-OCPS-HIV-0001.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.933.

DATES: Key Dates:

    Application Deadline Date: July 16, 2012.
    Review Date: July 30, 2012.
    Earliest Anticipated Start Date: September 1, 2012.
    Signed Tribal Resolutions Due Date: July 30, 2012.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Statutory Authority

    The Indian Health Service (IHS) is accepting competitive 
cooperative agreement applications for the Office of Clinical and 
Preventive Services: National HIV Program for Enhanced HIV/AIDS 
Screening and Engagement in Care. This program is authorized under: the 
Snyder Act, 25 U.S.C. 13; the Transfer Act 42 U.S.C. 2001; and the 
Public Health Service Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 241. This program is 
described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance under 93.933.

[[Page 36551]]

Background

    The IHS Office of Clinical and Preventive Services (OCPS), National 
Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/
AIDS) Program serves as the primary source for national advocacy, 
policy development, budget development, and allocation for clinical, 
preventive, and public health HIV/AIDS programs for the IHS, Area 
Offices, and Service Units. It provides leadership in articulating the 
clinical, preventive, and public health needs of American Indian/Alaska 
Native (AI/AN) communities and developing, managing, and administering 
program functions related to HIV/AIDS.

Purpose

    The purpose of this IHS cooperative agreement is to meet community 
needs for the enhancement of HIV/AIDS testing activities and the 
provision of HIV/AIDS-related services among AI/AN people. Such 
programs are necessary to reduce the incidence of HIV/AIDS and improve 
quality of life for People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). The main goals 
are to: increase the number of AI/AN with awareness of his/her HIV 
status; and, improve engagement and retention in care among PLWHA. 
Awardee activities will seek to: increase access to HIV related 
services, reduce stigma, make HIV testing routine, and improve 
engagement in care. Emphasis should be placed on increasing routine HIV 
screening for adults as per 2006 Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention (CDC) guidelines, provide pre- and post-test counseling 
(when indicated), and developing or deploying strategies for engaging 
PLWHA in appropriate, culturally responsive HIV-related care.

II. Award Information

Type of Award

    Cooperative Agreement.

Estimated Funds Available

    The total amount of funding identified for the current fiscal year 
FY 2012 is approximately $180,000. Individual award amounts are 
anticipated to be between $60,000 and $90,000. Competing and 
continuation awards issued under this announcement are subject to the 
availability of funds. In the absence of funding, the IHS is under no 
obligation to make awards that are selected for funding under this 
announcement.

Anticipated Number of Awards

    Approximately two awards will be issued under this program 
announcement.

Project Period

    The project period will be for five years and will run 
consecutively from September 1, 2012 to August 31, 2017.

Cooperative Agreement

    In the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), a cooperative 
agreement is administered under the same policies as a grant. The 
funding agency (IHS) is required to have substantial programmatic 
involvement in the project during the entire award segment. Below is a 
detailed description of the level of involvement required for both IHS 
and the grantee. IHS will be responsible for activities listed under 
section A and the grantee will be responsible for activities listed 
under section B as stated:

Substantial Involvement Description for Cooperative Agreement

A. IHS Programmatic Involvement
    Provide funded organizations with ongoing consultation and 
technical assistance to plan, implement, and evaluate each component of 
the comprehensive program as described under Recipient Activities 
above. Consultation and technical assistance will include, but not be 
limited to, the following areas:
    (a) Interpretation of current scientific literature related to 
epidemiology, statistics, surveillance, Healthy People 2020 Objectives, 
and other HIV disease control activities;
    (b) Design and implementation of program components (including, but 
not limited to, program implementation methods, surveillance, 
epidemiologic analysis, outbreak investigation, development of 
programmatic evaluation, development of disease control programs, and 
coordination of activities);
    (c) Program management best practices;
    (d) Conduct visits to assess program progress and mutually resolve 
problems, travel funding permitted and if needed; and
    (e) Coordinate these activities with all IHS HIV activities on a 
national basis.
B. Grantee Cooperative Agreement Award Activities
     Assist AI/AN communities and Tribal organizations in 
increasing the number of AI/ANs with awareness of his/her HIV status. 
The grantee will assist and facilitate reporting of HIV diagnoses to 
local and State public health authorities in the region as required 
under existing public health statutes.
     Test at least one previously untested (not tested in the 
prior five years) patient for every $75.00 in cooperative agreement 
funds received, inclusive of all ancillary and indirect costs.
     Collaborate with national IHS programs by providing 
standardized, anonymous HIV surveillance data on a quarterly basis, and 
in identifying and documenting best practices for implementing routine 
HIV testing.
     Participate in the development of systems for sharing, 
improving, and disseminating aggregate HIV data at a national level for 
purposes of advocacy for AI/AN communities, Government Performance 
Results Act of 1993 (GPRA), Healthy People 2020 and other national-
level activities.
     Develop or deploy services for PLWHA to engage or re-
engage (link) them into appropriate medical care, including treatment 
and prevention services for comorbid conditions.
     Provide a three page mid-year report and no more than a 
ten page summary annual report at the end of each project year. The 
report should establish the impact and outcomes of various methods of 
implementing routine screening tried during the funding period.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligibility

    This is a full competition.
    Eligible Applicants must be one of the following:
    i. An Indian Tribe as defined by 25 U.S.C. 1603(14);
    ii. A Tribal organization as defined by 25 U.S.C. 1603(26); or
    iii. An Urban Indian organization as defined by 25 U.S.C. 1603(29). 
Applicants must provide proof of non-profit status with the 
application, e.g. 501(c)(3).
    Note: Please refer to Section IV.2 (Application and Submission 
Information/Subsection 2, Content and Form of Application Submission) 
for additional poof of applicant status documents required such as 
tribal resolutions, proof of non-profit status, etc.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    The Indian Health Service does not require matching funds or cost 
sharing for grants or cooperative agreements.

3. Other Requirements

    If application budgets exceed the highest dollar amount outlined 
under

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the ``Estimated Funds Available'' section within this funding 
announcement, your application will be considered ineligible and will 
not be reviewed for further consideration. IHS will not return your 
application to you. You will be notified by email or certified mail by 
the Division of Grants Management of this decision.
Tribal Resolution
    Tribal Resolution--A tribal resolution is not required for Urban 
Indian organization applicants, however all applying Urban Indian 
organizations must provide proof of non-profit status and a letter from 
the Board of Directors authorizing the application. Board of Directors 
letters are required to accompany the application submission. This can 
be attached to the electronic application. An Indian Tribe that is 
proposing a project affecting another Indian Tribe must include 
resolutions from all affected Tribes to be served. Applications by 
Tribal organizations will not require a specific Tribal resolution 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, an official 
signed Tribal resolution must be received by the Division of Grants 
Management (DGM) prior to the beginning of the Objective Review. If an 
official signed resolution is not received by July 30, 2012, the 
application will be considered incomplete, ineligible for review, and 
returned to the applicant without further consideration.
Proof of Non-Profit Status
    Organizations claiming non-profit status must submit proof. A copy 
of the 501(c)(3) Certificate must be received with your application 
submission by the deadline due date of July 16, 2012.
    Letters of Intent will not be required under this funding 
opportunity announcement.
    Applicants submitting any of the above additional documentation 
after the initial application submission due date are required to 
ensure the information was received by the IHS by obtaining 
documentation confirming delivery (i.e. FedEx tracking, postal return 
receipt, etc.).

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Obtaining Application Materials

    The application package and detailed instructions for this 
announcement can be found at http://www.Grants.gov or http://www.ihs.gov/NonMedicalPrograms/gogp/index.cfm?module=gogp_funding.
    Questions regarding the electronic application process may be 
directed to Paul Gettys at (301) 443-2114.

2. Content and Form Application Submission

    The applicant must include the project narrative as an attachment 
to the application package. Mandatory documents for all applicants 
include:

 Table of contents.
 Abstract (one page) summarizing the project.
 Application forms:
    [cir] SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance.
    [cir] SF-424A, Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs.
    [cir] SF-424B, Assurances--Non-Construction Programs.
 Budget Justification and Narrative (must be single spaced and 
not exceed 5 pages).
 Project Narrative (must not exceed 15 pages).
    [cir] Background information on the Tribe.
    [cir] Proposed scope of work, objectives, and activities that 
provide a description of what will be accomplished, including a one-
page Timeframe Chart.
 Tribal Resolution or Tribal Letter of Support (Tribal 
Organizations only).
 Letter of Support from Organization's Board of Directors.
 501(c)(3) Certificate (if applicable).
 Biographical sketches for all Key Personnel.
 Contractor/Consultant resumes or qualifications and scope of 
work.
 Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL).
 Copy of current Negotiated Indirect Cost rate (IDC) agreement 
(required) in order to receive IDC.
 Organizational Chart (optional).
 Documentation of current OMB A-133 required Financial Audit 
(if applicable).
    Acceptable forms of documentation include:
    [cir] Email 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:
    http://harvester.census.gov/sac/dissem/accessoptions.html?submit=Go+To+Database.
Public Policy Requirements
    All Federal-wide public policies apply to IHS grants with exception 
of the Discrimination policy.
Requirements for Project and Budget Narratives
    A. Project Narrative: This narrative should be a separate Word 
document that is no longer than 15 pages and must: Be single-spaced, be 
type written, have consecutively numbered pages, use black type not 
smaller than 12 characters per one inch, and be printed on one side 
only of standard size 8-1/2'' x 11'' paper.
    Be sure to succinctly answer all questions listed under the 
evaluation criteria (refer to Section V.1, Evaluation criteria in this 
announcement) and place all responses and required information in the 
correct section (noted below), or they will not be considered or 
scored. These narratives will assist the ORC in becoming more familiar 
with the grantee's activities and accomplishments prior to this 
possible grant award. If the narrative exceeds the page limit, only the 
first 15 pages will be reviewed. The 15-page limit for the narrative 
does not include the work plan, standard forms, Tribal resolutions, 
table of contents, budget, budget justifications, narratives, and/or 
other appendix items.
    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.
Part A: Program Information: 3 pages
    Section 1: Needs.
    Describe how the Indian Tribe has determined it has the 
administrative infrastructure to support activities to increase HIV/
AIDS screening and assist individuals with accessing care. Explain any 
previous planning activities the Tribe has completed relevant to this 
or similar goals.
Part B: Program Planning and Evaluation: 5 pages
    Section 1: Program Plans.
    Describe fully and clearly the direction the Indian Tribe plans to 
take in the implementation of this program, including how the Tribe 
plans to demonstrate improved health and services to the community it 
serves. Include proposed timelines. The total timeline should be no 
longer than one page.
    Section 2: Program Evaluation.
    Describe fully and clearly the improvements that will be made by 
the awardee to manage the program and identify the anticipated or 
expected benefits for the Tribe or AI/AN people served.

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Part C: Program Report: 7 pages
    Section 1: Describe major Accomplishments.
    Please identify and describe significant program achievements 
associated with the delivery of quality health services or outreach 
services in the past 24 months in implementing previous grants, 
cooperative agreements, or other related activities. Provide a 
comparison of the actual accomplishments to the goals established for 
the project period, or if applicable, provide justification for the 
lack of progress.
    Section 2: Describe major Activities over the last 24 months.
    Please identify and summarize recent major health related project 
activities of the work done during the project period.
    B. Budget Narrative: This narrative must describe the budget 
requested and match the scope of work described the project narrative. 
The page limitation should not exceed 5 pages.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 
12:00 a.m., midnight Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on July 16, 2012. Any 
application received after the application deadline will not be 
accepted for processing, nor will it be given further consideration for 
funding. You will be notified by the Division of Grants Management via 
email or certified mail of this decision.
    If technical challenges arise and assistance is required with the 
electronic application process, contact Grants.gov Customer Support via 
email to [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, Division 
of Grants Management (DGM) ([email protected]) at (301) 443-5204. 
Please be sure to contact Mr. Gettys at least ten days prior to the 
application deadline. Please do not contact the DGM until you have 
received a Grants.gov tracking number. In the event you are not able to 
obtain a tracking number, call the DGM as soon as possible.
    If an applicant needs to submit a paper application instead of 
submitting electronically via Grants.gov, prior approval must be 
requested and obtained (see Section IV.6 below for additional 
information). The waiver must be documented in writing (emails are 
acceptable), before submitting a paper application. A copy of the 
written approval must be submitted along with the hardcopy that is 
mailed to the DGM. Once your waiver request has been approved, you will 
receive a confirmation of approval and the mailing address to submit 
your application. Paper applications that are submitted without a 
waiver from the Acting Director of DGM will not be reviewed or 
considered further for funding. You will be notified via email or 
certified email of this decision by the Grants Management Officer of 
DGM. Paper applications must be received by the DGM no later than 5:00 
p.m., EDT, on the application deadline date. Late applications will not 
be accepted for processing or considered for funding.
    Other Important Due Dates:
    Proof of Non-Profit Status: Due date July 30, 2012.
    Tribal Resolution: Due date July 30, 2012.

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.
     Only one grant/cooperative agreement will be awarded per 
applicant.
     IHS will not acknowledge receipt of applications.

6. Electronic Submission Requirements

    All applications must be submitted electronically. Please 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 completed application via the http://www.Grants.gov Web site. Electronic copies of the application may not 
be submitted as attachments to email messages addressed to IHS 
employees or offices.
    Applicants that receive a waiver to submit paper application 
documents must follow the rules and timelines that are noted below. The 
applicant must seek assistance at least ten days prior to the 
application deadline.
    Applicants that do not adhere to the timelines for Central 
Contractor Registry (CCR) and/or http://www.Grants.gov registration or 
that fail to request timely assistance with technical issues will not 
be considered for a waiver to submit a paper application.
    Please be aware of the following:
     Please search for the application package in http://www.Grants.gov by entering the CFDA number or the Funding Opportunity 
Number. Both numbers are located in the header of this announcement.
     If you experience technical challenges while submitting 
your application electronically, please contact Grants.gov Support 
directly at: [email protected] or (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 it is determined that a waiver is needed, you must 
submit a request in writing (emails 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 16, 2012.
     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 DGM.
     All applicants must comply with any page limitation 
requirements described in this Funding 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 National HIV/AIDS Program will 
notify applicants that the application has been received.
     Email 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. 
The DUNS number is a unique 9-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

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there is no charge. To obtain a DUNS number, you may access it through 
http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform, or to expedite the process, call (866) 
705-5711.
    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''). Accordingly, 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. This requirement ensures the use of a universal 
identifier to enhance the quality of information available to the 
public pursuant to the ``Transparency Act.''
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 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 3-5 business days to process. Registration with the CCR is free of 
charge. Applicants may register online at https://www.bpn.gov/ccrupdate/NewRegistration.aspx.
    Additional information on implementing the Transparency Act, 
including the specific requirements for DUNS and CCR, can be found on 
the IHS Grants Management, Grants Policy Web site: http://www.ihs.gov/NonMedicalPrograms/gogp/index.cfm?module=gogp_policy_topics.

V. Application Review Information

    The instructions for preparing the application narrative also 
constitute the evaluation criteria for reviewing and scoring the 
application. Weights assigned to each section are noted in parentheses. 
The 15 page narrative should include only the first year of activities; 
information for multi-year projects should be included as an appendix. 
See ``Multi-year Project Requirements'' at the end of this section for 
more information. The narrative section should be written in a manner 
that is clear to outside reviewers unfamiliar with prior related 
activities of the applicant. It should be well organized, succinct, and 
contain all information necessary for reviewers to understand the 
project fully. 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:

1. Criteria

A. Introduction and Need for Assistance (15 Points)
    a. Define the project target population, identify unique 
characteristics, and describe the impact of HIV on the population.
    b. Describe the gaps/barriers in HIV testing for the population.
    c. Describe challenges to providing HIV care in the population.
    d. Describe the cultural or sociological barriers of the target 
population in seeking or accessing services.
B. Project Objective(s), Work Plan and Approach (40 points)
a. Objectives

    i. Describe the objectives of the program and how they will 
increase HIV screening in (self-reported) previously untested clients.
    ii. Describe how the objectives of the program will improve 
linkages to care for PLWHA in the community.

b. Work Plan

    i. Identify the proposed program activities and explain how these 
activities will increase and sustain HIV screening.
    ii. Describe policy and procedure changes anticipated for testing 
implementation that include:
    1. Support of CDC 2006 Revised Testing Recommendations.
    2. Increasing community awareness of new HIV testing and support 
availability. Include activities meant to address and reduce stigma.
    3. Reaching a wide range of persons including diverse age and sex 
categories. If specific groups will receive specific outreach, explain 
why and how.
    4. Provide a clear timeline with quarterly milestones for project 
activities.

c. Approach

    i. Describe how the program will ensure that clients receive their 
test results, particularly clients who test positive.
    ii. Describe how the program will ensure that individuals with 
initial HIV positive test results will receive confirmatory tests. If 
you do not provide confirmatory HIV testing, you must provide a letter 
of intent or Memorandum of Understanding with an external laboratory 
documenting the process through which initial HIV positive test results 
will be confirmed.
    iii. Describe the program strategies to linking seropositive 
patients to care and effectively engaging them in care.
    iv. Describe the program procedures for reporting seropositive 
patients to the appropriate State(s).
    v. Describe the program quality assurance strategies.
    vi. Describe how the program will ensure client confidentiality.
    vii. Describe how the program will ensure that services are 
culturally sensitive and relevant.
    viii. Describe how the program will streamline procedures so as to 
reduce the overall cost per test administered.
C. Program Evaluation (20 points)
    a. Grantee shall provide a plan for monitoring and evaluating 
implementation of HIV tests and identify best practices related to 
engagement and retention in care.
    b. Evaluation planning must include reporting of the following:
    i. Facility-level information on gender, age, and race/ethnicity of 
persons tested, with no personal identifiers.
    ii. Number of HIV tests performed.
    iii. Number of HIV tests performed in patients who self-report that 
they have previously been untested (in the last 5 years).
    iv. Number of positive tests.
    v. Number of positive tests confirmed.
    vi. Number of newly diagnosed HIV infections.
    vii. Number of persons with positive tests who receive their 
results.
    viii. Number of persons with positive tests who are actively linked 
to HIV care, as defined by attendance of at least one medical 
appointment within three months of diagnosis.
    ix. Measures in place to protect confidentiality.
    c. Optional Measures:
    i. Number of clients refusing testing due to previous knowledge of 
status.
    ii. Sustainability measures undertaken to continue testing 
following the end of this funding.
D. Organizational Capabilities, Key Personnel and Qualifications (20 
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 project 
outlined in the work plan.
    a. Describe the organizational structure.
    b. Describe what equipment (i.e., phone, Web sites, etc.) and 
facility space (i.e., office space) will be available for

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use during the proposed project. Include information about any 
equipment not currently available that will be purchased throughout the 
agreement.
    c. List key personnel who will work on the project.
    i. Identify staffing plan, existing personnel and new program staff 
to be hired.
    ii. In the appendix, include position descriptions and resumes for 
all key personnel. Position descriptions should clearly describe each 
position and duties indicating desired qualifications, experience, and 
requirements related to the proposed project and how they will be 
supervised. Resumes must indicate that the proposed staff member is 
qualified to carry out the proposed project activities and who will 
determine if the work of a contractor is acceptable.
    iii. If the project requires additional personnel beyond those 
covered by the supplemental grant, (i.e., IT support, volunteers, 
interviewers, etc.), note these and address how these positions will be 
filled and, if funds are required, the source of these funds.
    iv. If personnel are to be only partially funded by this 
supplemental grant, indicate the percentage of time to be allocated to 
this project and identify the resources used to fund the remainder of 
the individual's salary.
    d. Capability.
    i. Briefly describe the facility and user population.
    ii. Describe the organization's ability to conduct this initiative 
through: Linkages to treatment and care: partnerships established to 
refer out of the facility as needed for specialized treatment, care, 
confirmatory testing (if applicable) and counseling services.
E. Categorical Budget and Budget Justification (5 points)
    Provide a clear estimate of the project program costs and 
justification for expenses for the entire grant period. The budget and 
budget justification should be consistent with the tasks identified in 
the work plan. The budget focus should be on increasing and sustaining 
HIV testing services as well as supporting entry and retention into 
care.
    a. A categorical budget (Form SF 424A, Budget Information Non-
Construction Programs) completing each of the budget periods is 
requested.
    b. Budget narrative that serves as justification for all costs, 
explaining why each line item is necessary or relevant to the proposed 
project. Include sufficient details to facilitate the determination of 
allowable costs.
    c. Budget justifications should include a brief narrative for the 
second year.
    d. 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.
    Multi-Year Project Requirements. Projects requiring second, third, 
fourth, and/or fifth year must include a brief project narrative and 
budget (one additional page per year) addressing the developmental 
plans for each additional year of the project.
Appendix Items
     Work plan, logic model and/or time line for proposed 
objectives.
     Position descriptions for key staff.
     Resumes of key staff that reflect current duties.
     Consultant or contractor proposed scope of work and letter 
of commitment (if applicable).
     Current Indirect Cost Agreement.
     Organizational chart(s) highlighting proposed project 
staff and their supervisors as well as other key contacts within the 
organization and key community contacts.
     Map of area to benefit project identifying where target 
population resides and project location(s). Include trails, parks, 
schools, bike paths and other such applicable information.
     Additional documents to support narrative (i.e. data 
tables, key news articles, etc.).

2. Review and Selection

    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). Applicants will be notified by DGM, via email 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 email of notification of missing 
documents required.
    To obtain a minimum score for funding by the Objective Review 
Committee, 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 
email 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 
(SF-424), 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) is a legally binding document signed by 
the Grants Management Officer and serves as the official notification 
of the grant award. The (NoA) will be initiated by the DGM and will be 
mailed via postal mail or emailed to each entity that is approved for 
funding under this announcement. The NoA is the authorizing document 
for which funds are dispersed to the approved entities and reflects 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.
Disapproved Applicants
    Applicants who received a score less than the recommended funding 
level for approval, 60 and were deemed to be disapproved by the 
Objective Review Committee, will receive an Executive Summary Statement 
from the IHS Program Office within 30 days of the conclusion of the ORC 
outlining the weaknesses and strengths of their application submitted. 
The IHS program office will also provide additional contact information 
as needed to address questions and concerns as well as provide 
technical assistance if desired.
Approved But Unfunded Applicants
    Approved but unfunded applicants that met the minimum scoring range 
and were deemed by the ORC to be ``Approved'', but were not funded due 
to lack of funding, will have their applications held by DGM for a 
period of 1 year. If additional funding becomes available during the 
course of FY 2012, the approved application maybe re-considered by the 
awarding program office for possible funding. You will also receive an 
Executive Summary Statement from the IHS Program Office within 30 days 
of the conclusion of the ORC.

    Note:  Any correspondence other than the official NoA signed by 
an IHS Grants Management Official announcing to the Project Director 
that an award has been made to their organization is not an 
authorization to implement their program on behalf of IHS.


[[Page 36556]]



2. Administrative Requirements

    Cooperative agreements 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, 
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: Grant 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 (IDC) in their grant application. In 
accordance with HHS Grants Policy Statement, Part II-27, IHS requires 
applicants to obtain a current IDC 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 IDC portion of the budget will be restricted. 
The restrictions remain in place until the current rate is provided to 
the DGM.
    Generally, IDC rates for IHS grantees are negotiated with the 
Division of Cost Allocation (DCA) 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

    Grantees 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
    Program progress reports are required semi annually, within 30 days 
after the budget period ends. These reports must 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 30 days after the close of every calendar quarter to the Division 
of Payment Management, HHS at: http://www.dpm.psc.gov. It is 
recommended that you also send a copy of your FFR (SF-425) report to 
your Grants Management Specialist. 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 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 Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006, as 
amended (``Transparency Act''), requires the Office of Management and 
Budget (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 implemented a Term of Award into all 
IHS Standard Terms and Conditions, NoAs and funding announcements 
regarding this requirement. This IHS Term of Award is applicable to all 
IHS grant and cooperative agreements issued on or after October 1, 
2010, with a $25,000 subaward obligation dollar threshold met for any 
specific reporting period. Additionally, all new (discretionary) IHS 
awards (where the project period is made up of more than one budget 
period) and where: (1) the project period start date was October 1, 
2010 or after and (2) the primary awardee will have a $25,000 subaward 
obligation dollar threshold during any specific reporting period will 
be required to conduct address the FSRS reporting. For the full IHS 
award term implementing this requirement and additional award 
applicability information, visit the Grants Management Grants Policy 
Web site at: http://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 Contacts

    1. Questions on the programmatic issues may be directed to: Lisa C. 
Neel, MPH, HIV Program Analyst, 801 Thompson Avenue, Suite 200, 
Rockville, MD 20852, 301-443-4305, [email protected].
    2. Questions on grants management and fiscal matters may be 
directed to: Andrew Diggs, Grants Management Officer, 801 Thompson 
Avenue, TMP Suite 360, Rockville, MD 20852, 301-443-2262, 
[email protected].

VIII. Other Information

    The Public Health Service strongly encourages all cooperative 
agreement 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.


[[Page 36557]]


    Dated: June 4, 2012.
Yvette Roubideaux,
Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-14891 Filed 6-18-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165-16-P