[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 153 (Wednesday, August 8, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 47399-47405]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-19346]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service

[Funding Announcement Number HHS-2012-IHS-TSGP-0001]


Funding Opportunity: Tribal Self-Governance Program; Planning 
Cooperative Agreement

    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.444.

    Announcement Type: New--Limited Competition.

Key Dates

    Application Deadline Date: September 9, 2012.
    Review Date: September 12, 2012.
    Earliest Anticipated Start Date: September 30, 2012.
    Signed Tribal Resolutions Due Date: September 11, 2012.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Statutory Authority

    The Indian Health Service (IHS) Office of Tribal Self-Governance 
(OTSG) is accepting limited competition Planning Cooperative Agreement 
applications for the Tribal Self-Governance Program (TSGP). This 
program is authorized under Public Law (Pub. L.) 106-260, the Tribal 
Self-Governance Amendments of 2000; Title V of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA), Public Law 93-638, 
as amended; and the Snyder Act, Public Law 67-85 (25 U.S.C. 13). This 
program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance 
(CFDA) under 93.444.

Background

    The TSGP is more than an IHS program; it is an expression of the 
government-to-government relationship between the United States and 
each Indian Tribe. Through the TSGP, Tribes negotiate with the IHS to 
assume IHS programs, services, functions, and activities (PSFAs), or 
portions thereof, to manage them to best fit their Tribal communities. 
Participation in the TSGP is one of three ways that Tribes can choose 
to obtain health care from the Federal Government for their members. 
Specifically, Tribes can choose to: (1) Receive health care services 
directly from the IHS, (2) contract with the IHS to administer 
individual programs and services the IHS would otherwise provide 
(referred to as Title I Self-Determination Contracting), and (3) 
compact with the IHS to assume control over health care programs the 
IHS would otherwise provide (referred to as Title V Self-Governance 
Compacting or the TSGP). These options are not exclusive; Tribes may 
choose to combine them based on their individual needs and 
circumstances. Participation in the TSGP affords Tribes the most 
flexibility to tailor health care services to the needs of their 
communities. The TSGP is and always has been a Tribally driven 
initiative, and strong Federal-Tribal partnerships have been critical 
to the program's success. The OTSG serves as the primary liaison and 
advocate for Tribes participating in the TSGP and was established to 
implement Tribal Self-Governance legislation and authorities within the 
IHS. The OTSG develops, directs, and implements Tribal Self-Governance 
policies and procedures; provides information and technical assistance 
to Self-Governance Tribes; and advises the IHS Director on Agency 
compliance with TSGP policies, regulations and guidelines. Each IHS 
Area has an Agency Lead Negotiator (ALN) that negotiates Self-
Governance instruments (Compacts and Funding Agreements) on behalf of 
the IHS Director. To begin the Self-Governance planning process, a 
Tribe should contact the ALN. The ALN will provide an

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overview of the TSGP and will provide technical assistance as the Tribe 
explores the option of participating in the TSGP.

Purpose

    The purpose of this Planning Cooperative Agreement is to provide 
resources to Tribes interested in participating in the TSGP. Title V of 
the ISDEAA requires that a Tribe or Tribal Organization complete a 
planning phase to the satisfaction of the Tribe. The planning phase 
must include legal and budgetary research and internal Tribal 
government planning and organization preparation relating to the 
administration of health care programs. See 25 U.S.C. 458aaa-
2(c)(1)(A). The planning phase helps Tribes to make informed decisions 
about which PSFAs, or portions thereof, to assume and what 
organizational changes will be necessary to support those PSFAs. A 
thorough planning phase makes the rest of the negotiations process more 
timely and efficient. Planning helps to identify issues in advance and 
ensures that the Tribe is fully prepared for the transfer of IHS PSFAs 
to the Tribal health program. The ultimate goal of the planning stage 
is to ensure that the Tribe is aware of the responsibility involved in 
assuming IHS PSFAs.

Limited Competition Justification

    There is limited competition under this announcement because the 
authorizing legislation restricts eligibility to Tribes that meet 
specific criteria (refer to Section III.1. Eligibility, of this 
announcement). See 25 U.S.C. 458aaa-2(e); 42 CFR 137.24-25; see also 42 
CFR 137.10. The Tribes eligible to compete for the Planning Cooperative 
Agreements include: any Indian Tribe that has not previously received a 
Planning Cooperative Agreement; any Indian Tribe that has previously 
received Planning Cooperative Agreements but chose not to enter the 
TSGP; and those Indian Tribes that received a Planning Cooperative 
Agreement, entered the TSGP, and would like to plan for the assumption 
of new and/or expanded programs. The receipt of a Planning Cooperative 
Agreement is not a prerequisite to enter the TSGP. A Tribe may use its 
own resources to meet the planning requirement. Tribes that receive 
Planning Cooperative Agreements are not obligated to participate in 
Title V and may choose to delay or decline participation in the TSGP 
based on its planning activities.

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 $600,000. Individual award amounts shall not 
exceed $120,000. Competing 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 five awards will be issued under this program 
announcement.

Project Period

    The project period will be for 12 months and will run from 
September 30, 2012 to September 29, 2013.

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. The 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
    (1) Provide descriptions of PSFAs and associated funding at all 
organizational levels (Service Unit, Area, and Headquarters), including 
funding formulas and methodologies related to determining Tribal 
shares.
    (2) Meet with Tribe to provide program information and discuss 
methods currently used to manage and deliver health care.
    (3) Identify and provide statutes, regulations, and policies that 
provide authority for administering IHS programs.
    (4) Provide technical assistance on the IHS budget, Tribal shares, 
and other topics as needed.
B. Grantee Cooperative Agreement Award Activities
    (1) Research and analyze the complex IHS budget to gain a thorough 
understanding of funding distribution at all organizational levels and 
to determine which PSFAs the Tribe may elect to assume.
    (2) Establish a process by which Tribes can affectively approach 
the IHS to identify programs and associated funding that could be 
incorporated into their current programs.
    (3) Determine the Tribe's share of each PSFA and evaluate the 
current level of health care services being provided to make an 
informed decision on new program assumption(s).

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligibility

    To be eligible for this Limited Competition Planning Cooperative 
Agreement under this announcement, an applicant must:
    A. Be an ``Indian Tribe'' as defined in 25 U.S.C. 450b(e); a 
``Tribal Organization'' as defined in 25 U.S.C. 450b(l); or an ``Inter-
Tribal Consortium'' as defined at 42 CFR 137.10. Entities must be 
eligible to receive IHS funds for the provision of health care services 
pursuant to the ISDEAA in order to be eligible for this award. Pursuant 
to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012, Public Law 112-74, ``the 
Indian Health Service may not disburse funds for the provision of 
health care services pursuant to [the ISDEAA] to any Alaska Native 
village or Alaska Native village corporation that is located within the 
area served by an Alaska Native regional health entity.''
    B. Submit a Tribal resolution from the appropriate governing body 
of each Indian Tribe to be served by the ISDEAA compact and authorizing 
the submission of the Planning Cooperative Agreement application. 
Tribal consortia applying for a TSGP Planning Cooperative Agreement 
shall submit Tribal Council resolutions from each Tribe in the 
consortium. Tribal resolutions can be attached to the electronic online 
application. Draft resolutions can be submitted with the application in 
lieu of an official signed resolution; however an official signed 
Tribal resolution must be received by the Division of Grants Management 
(DGM), prior to the Objective Review on September 6. Official signed 
resolutions can be mailed to the DGM, Attn: John Hoffman, 801 Thompson 
Avenue, TMP Suite 360, Rockville, MD 20852. Please contact John Hoffman 
by telephone at (301) 443-5204 prior to September 6, 2012 regarding 
submission questions. If the DGM does not receive an official signed 
resolution by September 5, 2012, then the application will be 
considered

[[Page 47401]]

incomplete and ineligible for review or further consideration.
    C. Demonstrate, for three fiscal years, financial stability and 
financial management capability. Applicants are required to submit 
complete annual audit reports for the three fiscal years prior to the 
year that the applicant is applying for the Planning Cooperative 
Agreement. The Indian Tribe must provide evidence that for the three 
years prior to applying for the Planning Cooperative Agreement, the 
Tribe has had no uncorrected significant and material audit exceptions 
in the required annual audit of the Indian Tribe's Self-Determination 
contracts or Self-Governance Funding Agreements with any Federal 
agency. See 42 CFR 137.21-23. Scanned electronic copies of the 
documents can be attached to the electronic online application. If the 
applicant determines that the audit reports are too lengthy, then the 
applicants may submit them separately via regular mail by the due date, 
August 30, 2012. Applicants sending audits via regular mail must submit 
two copies of the complete audits for the three previous fiscal years 
under separate cover directly to the DGM, Attn: John Hoffman, 801 
Thompson Avenue, TMP Suite 360, Rockville, MD 20852. Applicants must 
reference the following information in their cover letter transmitting 
the required complete audits: (1) The Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-
2012-IHS-TSGP-0001, (2) the grant tracking number assigned to their 
electronic submission from http://www.grants.gov, and (3) the date 
submitted via http://www.grants.gov. If the DGM does not receive this 
documentation by August 30, 2012, then the application will be 
considered incomplete and ineligible for review or further 
consideration.
    Please note that meeting eligibility criteria for a Planning 
Cooperative Agreement does not mean that a Tribe or Tribal Organization 
will be eligible for participation in the IHS TSGP under Title V of the 
ISDEAA, 25 U.S.C. 458aaa-2; 42 CFR 137.15-23.

    Note:  Applicants submitting any of the above documentation 
after or aside from the online electronic application submission are 
required to ensure the information is received by the IHS. It is 
highly recommended that the documentation be sent by a delivery 
method that includes delivery confirmation and tracking.

    (2). Note: Please refer to Section IV.2 (Application and Submission 
Information/Subsection 2, Content and Form of Application Submission) 
for additional documents required to determine eligibility for this 
announcement.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    The IHS 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 the ``Estimated Funds Available'' section within this funding 
announcement, the 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 DGM of this decision.
    Letters of Intent will not be required under this funding 
opportunity announcement.

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
    Additional information regarding the TSGP may also be found on the 
OTSG Web site at http://www.ihs.gov/selfgovernance.
    For questions regarding the electronic application process, please 
contact Paul Gettys, DGM Grant Systems Coordinator, by telephone at 
(301) 443-2114, or by email to [email protected].

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 10 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(s).
     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).
     Certification Regarding Lobbying (GG-LobbyingForm).
     Copy of current Negotiated Indirect Cost rate (IDC) 
agreement (required) in order to receive IDC.
     Organizational Chart (optional).
     Documentation of three years of Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) A-133 required Financial Audit (see Section III.1.C. of 
this announcement for more information).

3. Public Policy Requirements

    All Federal-wide public policies apply to IHS grants with exception 
of the Discrimination policy.

4. Requirements for Project and Budget Narratives

    A. Project Narrative: This narrative should be a separate Word 
document that is no longer than 10 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 Objective Review Committee 
(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 10 pages will be reviewed. The 
10-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 (4-Page Limitation)
Section 1: Needs
    Introduce the Tribe's current health program and describe the 
current level of health care services that are being

[[Page 47402]]

administered. Describe the organizational capabilities and the need for 
assistance.
Part B: Program Planning and Evaluation (4-Page Limitation)
Section 1: Program Plans
    Propose an improved approach to managing the health programs and 
indicate how the delivery of quality health care services will be 
maintained under Self-Governance. Describe the organizational structure 
of the Tribe and its ability to manage the proposed project. Include 
resumes or position descriptions of key staff showing requisite 
experience and expertise. If applicable, include resumes and scope of 
work for consultants that demonstrate experience and expertise relevant 
to the project.
Section 2: Program Evaluation
    Are the goals and objectives measurable and consistent with the 
purpose of the program and the needs of the people to be served? Are 
they achievable within the proposed time frame?
Part C: Program Report (2-Page Limitation)
    Section 1: Describe major accomplishments over the last 24 months. 
Please identify and describe significant health related project 
activities associated with the delivery of quality health services.
    Section 2: Describe major activities over the last 24 months. 
Please identify and describe significant program achievements 
associated with the delivery of quality health services, as described 
in the previous accomplishments section.
    B. Budget Narrative: This narrative must describe the budget 
requested and match the scope of work described in the project 
narrative. The budget narrative should not exceed 5 pages.

5. Submission Dates and Times

    Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 
12:00 a.m., midnight Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on August 30, 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 DGM 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 by 
telephone at (800) 518-4726 or via email to [email protected]. 
Customer Support is available to address questions 24 hours a day, 7 
days a week (except on Federal holidays). If problems persist, contact 
Paul Gettys, DGM Grant Systems Coordinator, by telephone at (301) 443-
2114 or via email at [email protected]. Please be sure to contact Mr. 
Gettys at least ten days prior to the application deadline with your 
tracking number received from Grants.gov. 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, a waiver must be requested. 
Prior approval for a waiver must be requested and obtained from Tammy 
Bagley, Acting Director of DGM (see Section IV.8 of this announcement). 
The waiver must: (1) Be documented in writing (emails are acceptable) 
to [email protected] with a copy to [email protected], before 
submitting a paper application; and (2) include a clear justification 
for the need to deviate from our standard electronic submission 
process. Once your waiver request has been approved by the Acting 
Director of DGM, you will receive a confirmation of approval and the 
mailing address to submit your paper application. A copy of the written 
approval from the Acting Director of DGM must be submitted along with 
the paper application that is submitted to the DGM. 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 mail 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, August 30, 2012. Late applications 
will not be accepted for processing or considered for funding.

6. Intergovernmental Review

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

7. Funding Restrictions

     Pre-award costs are not allowable.
     Each Planning Cooperative Agreement shall not exceed 
$120,000, including direct and appropriate indirect costs.
     Although only one Planning Cooperative Agreement will be 
awarded per applicant per grant cycle, a Tribe may also apply for a 
Negotiation Cooperative Agreement within the same grant cycle. Both 
applications will be reviewed separately for merit by the ORC based on 
evaluation criteria.

8. Electronic Submission Requirements

    All applications must be submitted electronically. Please use the 
``Find Grant Opportunities'' link on the http://www.Grants.gov homepage 
to search for the application either by entering: (1) The CFDA number 
(93.444), or (2) the Funding Opportunity Number (HHS-20120-IHS-TSGP-
0001). 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 August 30, 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

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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 or 
this announcement.
     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 Program 
officials. Neither the DGM nor the OTSG 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 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 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 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 (25 Points)
    Describe the applicant's current health program activities, how 
long it has been operating, what programs or services are currently 
being provided and if the applicant is currently administering any 
ISDEAA Title I Self-Determination Contracts. Identify the need for 
assistance and how the Planning Cooperative Agreement would benefit the 
health activities the Tribe is currently administering.
B. Project Objective(s), Work Plan and Approach (30 Points)
    State in measurable terms the objectives and appropriate activities 
to achieve each objective for the project listed under Section II. 
(Grantee Cooperative Agreement Award Activities) of this announcement.
    Describe how the goals and objectives are consistent with the 
purpose of the program and the needs of the people to be served and how 
they will be achieved within the proposed time frame. Identify the 
expected results, benefits, and outcomes or products to be derived from 
each objective of the project.
C. Program Evaluation (10 Points)
    Define the criteria to be used to evaluate planning activities. 
Describe fully and clearly the methodology that will be used to 
determine if the needs identified for the objectives are being met and 
if the outcomes identified are being achieved.
D. Organizational Capabilities, Key Personnel and Qualifications (20 
Points)
    Describe the organizational structure of the Tribe and its ability 
to manage the proposed project. Include resumes or position 
descriptions of key staff showing requisite experience and expertise. 
If applicable, include resumes and scope of work for consultants that 
demonstrate experience and expertise relevant to the project.
E. Categorical Budget and Budget Justification (15 Points)
    Submit a line-item budget with a narrative justification for all 
expenditures identifying reasonable and allowable costs necessary to 
accomplish the goals and objectives as outlined in the project 
narrative.

2. Review and Selection

    Each application will be prescreened by the DGM staff for 
eligibility and completeness as outlined in the funding announcement. 
The applications that meet the minimum criteria will be reviewed for 
merit by the ORC based on the evaluation criteria. The ORC is composed 
of both Tribal and Federal reviewers appointed by the IHS to review and 
make recommendations on these applications. The technical review 
process ensures selection of quality projects in a national competition 
for limited funding. The reviewers will use the criteria outlined in 
this announcement to evaluate the quality of a proposed project, 
determine the likelihood of success, and assign a numerical score to 
each application. The scoring of approved applications will assist the 
IHS in determining which proposals will be funded if the amount of TSGP 
funding is not sufficient to support all approved applications. 
Incomplete applications and applications that are non-responsive to the 
eligibility criteria will not be referred to the 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

[[Page 47404]]

due date listed in the email of 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 email or 
regular mail by the IHS OTSG Program Official 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 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: (1) Received a score less than 60 points, the 
recommended approval level; and (2) were deemed to be disapproved by 
the ORC, will receive an Executive Summary Statement outlining the 
strengths and weaknesses of the application that was submitted from the 
IHS OTSG Program Official within 30 days of the conclusion of the ORC. 
The IHS OTSG Program Official will also provide additional contact 
information 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 one year from the date of the official ORC. If additional 
funding becomes available during the course of FY 2012, then the 
approved application may be re-considered by the awarding program 
office for possible funding. The applicant will also receive an 
Executive Summary Statement from the IHS OTSG Program Official 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.

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.
    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).
    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 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 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 IDC, please 
call the DGM at (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 (see Section VII.,2., of this 
announcement). 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 ``Transparency Act'' requires: (1) The OMB to establish a 
single searchable database, accessible to the public, with information 
on financial

[[Page 47405]]

assistance awards made by Federal agencies; and (2) 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: Anna 
Johnson, Program Official, Office of Tribal Self-Governance, 801 
Thompson Avenue, Suite 240, Rockville, MD 20852, Phone: (301) 443-7821, 
Fax: (301) 443-1050, Email: [email protected].
    2. Questions on grants management and fiscal matters may be 
directed to: John Hoffman, Grants Management Specialist, Division of 
Grants Management, 801 Thompson Avenue, TMP 360, Rockville, MD 20852, 
Phone: (301) 443-2116, Fax: (301) 443-9602, Email: 
[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.

    Dated: August 1, 2012.
Yvette Roubideaux,
Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-19346 Filed 8-7-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165-16-P