[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 144 (Friday, July 26, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45246-45252]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-17929]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service


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

    Announcement Type: New.
    Funding Announcement Number: HHS-2013-IHS-OCPS-HIV-0001.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.933.

Key Dates

    Application Deadline Date: August 26, 2013.
    Review Date: August 29, 2013.
    Earliest Anticipated Start Date: September 15, 2013.
    Signed Tribal Resolutions Due Date: August 26, 2013.
    Proof of Non-Profit Status Due Date: August 26, 2013.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Statutory Authority

    The Indian Health Service (IHS) is accepting competitive 
cooperative agreement applications for Enhanced HIV/AIDS Screening and 
Engagement in Care. This program is funded by the Office of the 
Secretary (OS), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Funding 
for the HIV/AIDS award will be provided by OS via an Intra-Departmental 
Delegation of Authority dated 07/17/13 to IHS to permit obligation of 
funding appropriated by the Department of Defense, Military 
Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Full-Year Continuing 
Appropriations Act, 2013, Public Law 113-6. This program is described 
in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance under 93.933.

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 education, 
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 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 
2013 is approximately $320,000. Individual award amounts are 
anticipated to be between $60,000 and $90,000. All 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 any awards selected for funding under this 
announcement.

Anticipated Number of Awards

    Approximately four awards will be issued under this program 
announcement. OS and IHS will concur on the final decision as to who 
will receive awards.

Project Period

    The project period will be for five years and will run 
consecutively from September 1, 2013 to August 31, 2018.

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 (OS) 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 the 
funding agency and the grantee. OS, through IHS, will be responsible 
for activities listed under section A and the awardee 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 Grantee Cooperative 
Agreement Award Activities below. Consultation and technical assistance 
will include, but not be limited to, the following areas:
    (1) Interpretation of current scientific literature related to 
epidemiology, statistics, surveillance, Healthy People 2020 Objectives, 
and other HIV disease control activities;
    (2) 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);
    (3) Implementation of program management best practices;
    (4) Conduct site visits to assess program progress and provide 
programmatic technical assistance as travel funds allow; and
    (5) Coordination of 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 their HIV status. The 
grantee will assist and facilitate reporting of HIV diagnoses to local 
and State public health authorities in the region as required by 
applicable law.
     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.

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     Participate in the development of systems for sharing, 
improving, and disseminating aggregate HIV data at a national level for 
purposes of education 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 include the HHS HIV common indicators and 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 announcement.
    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 proof of applicant status documents 
required such as Tribal resolutions, proof of non-profit status, 
etc.

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. If deemed ineligible, IHS 
will not return the application. The applicant will be notified by 
email by the Division of Grants Management (DGM) 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 DGM prior to the 
beginning of the Objective Review. If an official signed resolution is 
not received by the Review Date listed under the Key Dates section on 
page one of this announcement, the application will be considered 
incomplete and ineligible.
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 the application 
submission by the Application Deadline Date listed under the Key Dates 
section on page one of this announcement.
    An applicant submitting any of the above additional documentation 
after the initial application submission due date is 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 five pages).
 Project Narrative (must be single spaced and not exceed 15 
pages).
    [cir] Background information on the Tribe or organization.
    [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 Tribal Council or 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).
 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 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

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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 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 or organization 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 or organization 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 or 
organization 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.
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 budget narrative should not exceed five pages.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 
12:00 a.m., midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the Application 
Deadline Date listed in the Key Dates section on page one of this 
announcement. Any application received after the application deadline 
will not be accepted for processing, nor will it be given further 
consideration for funding. The applicant will be notified by the DGM 
via email 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, DGM 
([email protected]) at (301) 443-2114. 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 the 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 the waiver request has been approved, the 
applicant will receive a confirmation of approval and the mailing 
address to submit the application. Paper applications that are 
submitted without a waiver from the Acting Director of DGM will not be 
reviewed or considered further for funding. The applicant will be 
notified via 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., EST, on the Application Deadline Date listed in the Key Dates 
section on page one of this announcement. Late applications will not be 
accepted for processing or considered for funding.

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.
    If the applicant receives a waiver to submit paper application 
documents, they must follow the rules and timelines that are noted 
below. The applicant must seek assistance at least ten days prior to 
the Application Deadline Date listed in the Key Dates section on page 
one of this announcement.
    Applicants that do not adhere to the timelines for System for Award 
Management (SAM) 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 Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance 
(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).

[[Page 45249]]

     Upon contacting Grants.gov, obtain a tracking number as 
proof of contact. The tracking number is helpful if there are technical 
issues that cannot be resolved and a waiver from the agency must be 
obtained.
     If it is determined that a waiver is needed, the applicant 
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 the standard 
electronic submission process.
     If the waiver is approved, the application should be sent 
directly to the DGM by the Application Deadline Date listed in the Key 
Dates on page one 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 SAM 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 electronically submitting the application, the 
applicant will receive an automatic acknowledgment from Grants.gov that 
contains a Grants.gov tracking number. The DGM will download the 
application from Grants.gov and provide necessary copies to the 
appropriate agency officials. Neither the DGM nor the OCPS will notify 
the applicant 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 SAM database. 
The DUNS number is a unique 9-digit identification number provided by 
D&B which uniquely identifies each 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, please access it through http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform, or to expedite the process, call (866) 705-
5711.
    All HHS recipients are required by the Federal Funding 
Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006, as amended (``Transparency 
Act''), to report information on subawards. 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.
System for Award Management (SAM)
    Organizations that were not registered with Central Contractor 
Registration (CCR) and have not registered with SAM will need to obtain 
a DUNS number first and then access the SAM online registration through 
the SAM home page at https://www.sam.gov (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 SAM registration will take 3-5 business days 
to process. Registration with the SAM is free of charge. Applicants may 
register online at https://www.sam.gov.
    Additional information on implementing the Transparency Act, 
including the specific requirements for DUNS and SAM, 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)
    (1) Define the project's target population, identify unique 
characteristics, and describe the impact of HIV on the population.
    (2) Describe the gaps/barriers in HIV testing for the population.
    (3) Describe challenges to providing HIV care in the population.
    (4) 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)
(1) 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.
(2) 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.
(3) 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

[[Page 45250]]

appropriate local and State public health authorities.
    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)
    (1) Grantee shall provide a plan for monitoring and evaluating 
implementation of HIV tests and identify best practices related to 
engagement and retention in care.
    (2) 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.
    (3) 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.
    (1) Describe the organizational structure.
    (2) Describe what equipment (i.e., phone, Web sites, etc.) and 
facility space (i.e., office space) will be available for use during 
the proposed project. Include information about any equipment not 
currently available that will be purchased throughout the agreement.
    (3) 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.
(4) Capability
    i. Briefly describe the facility and user population.
    ii. Describe the Tribe or 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.
    (1) A categorical budget (Form SF 424A, Budget Information Non-
Construction Programs) completing each of the budget periods is 
requested.
    (2) 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.
    (3) Budget justifications should include a brief narrative for the 
second year.
    (4) 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 ORC. Applicants will 
be notified by DGM, via email, 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 ORC, applicants must 
address all program requirements and provide all required 
documentation. If an applicant receives less than a minimum score, it 
will be considered to be ``Disapproved'' and will be informed via email 
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

[[Page 45251]]

statement will be sent to the Authorized Organizational Representative 
(AOR) that is identified on the face page (SF-424), of the application 
within 30 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 in our grant 
system, GrantSolutions (https://www.grantsolutions.gov). Each entity 
that is approved for funding under this announcement will need to 
request or have a user account in GrantSolutions in order to retrieve 
their NoA. 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 points, and were deemed to be disapproved by the 
ORC, 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 one year. If additional funding becomes available during the 
course of FY 2013, 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 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.

2. Administrative Requirements

    Cooperative agreements are administered in accordance with the 
following regulations, policies, and Office of Management and Budget 
(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:
     2 CFR Part 225--Cost Principles for State, Local, and 
Indian Tribal Governments (OMB Circular A-87).
     2 CFR 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) https://rates.psc.gov/ and the 
Department of Interior (Interior Business Center) http://www.doi.gov/ibc/services/Indirect_Cost_Services/index.cfm. For questions 
regarding the indirect cost policy, please call (301) 443-5204 to 
request assistance.

4. Reporting Requirements

    The grantee 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. Reports must be submitted electronically via 
GrantSolutions. Personnel responsible for submitting reports will be 
required to obtain a login and password for GrantSolutions. Please see 
the Agency Contacts list in section VII for the systems contact 
information.
    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 the applicant also send a copy of your FFR (SF-425) 
report to the 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 Transparency Act requires the OMB to establish a single 
searchable

[[Page 45252]]

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.
    IHS has incorporated a Term of Award into all IHS Standard Terms 
and Conditions, NoAs, and funding announcements regarding the FSRS 
reporting 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 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, Phone: 301-443-4305 Email: [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, Phone: 301-443-2262 Email: 
[email protected].
    3. Questions on systems matters may be directed to: Paul Gettys, 
Grant Systems Coordinator, 801 Thompson Avenue, TMP Suite 360, 
Rockville, MD 20852, Phone: 301-443-2114; or the DGM main line 301-443-
5204, Fax: 301-443-9602 E-Mail: [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: June 5, 2013.
Yvette Roubideaux,
Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-17929 Filed 7-25-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165-16-P