[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 118 (Friday, June 19, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 35373-35382]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-15157]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service

[Funding Announcement Number: HHS-2015-IHS-NIHOE-3-Health-Reform-0002; 
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.933]


Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes; National Indian 
Health Outreach and Education--Health Reform Funding Opportunity 
Announcement Type: New Limited Competition

Key Dates

    Application Deadline Date: August 16, 2015.
    Review Date: August 24-26, 2015.
    Earliest Anticipated Start Date: September 30, 2015.
    Proof of Non-Profit Status Due Date: August 16, 2015.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Statutory Authority

    The Indian Health Service (IHS) Office of Direct Service and 
Contracting Tribes (ODSCT) and the Office of Resource Access and 
Partnerships (ORAP) is accepting cooperative agreement applications for 
the National Indian Health Outreach and Education (NIHOE) III--Health 
Reform funding opportunity that includes outreach and education 
activities on the following: The Patient Protection and Affordable Care 
Act, Pub. L. 111-148, as amended by the Health Care and Education 
Reconciliation Act of 2010, Pub. L. 111-152, collectively known as the 
Affordable Care Act (ACA), and the Indian Health Care Improvement Act 
(IHCIA), as amended. This program is authorized under: The Snyder Act, 
codified at 25 U.S.C. 13, and the Transfer Act, codified at 42 U.S.C. 
2001(a). This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic 
Assistance under 93.933.

[[Page 35374]]

Background

    The NIHOE III-Health Reform program carries out health program 
objectives in the American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) community in 
the interest of improving the quality of and access to health care for 
all 566 Federally-recognized Tribes including Tribal governments 
operating their own health care delivery systems through self-
determination contracts and compacts with the IHS and Tribes that 
continue to receive health care directly from the IHS. This program 
addresses health policy and health program issues and disseminates 
educational information to all AI/AN Tribes and villages. These Health 
Reform awards require that public forums be held at Tribal educational 
consumer conferences to disseminate changes and updates on the latest 
health care information. These awards also require that regional and 
national meetings be coordinated for information dissemination as well 
as for the inclusion of planning and technical assistance and health 
care recommendations on behalf of participating Tribes to ultimately 
inform IHS and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) based 
on Tribal input through a broad based consumer network.

Purpose

    The purpose of this IHS cooperative agreement announcement is to 
encourage national Indian organizations, IHS, and Tribal partners to 
work together to conduct ACA/IHCIA training and technical assistance 
throughout Indian Country. Under the Limited Competition NIHOE Health 
Reform Cooperative Agreement program, the overall program objective is 
to improve Indian health care by conducting training and technical 
assistance across AI/AN communities to ensure that the Indian health 
care system and all AI/ANs are prepared to take advantage of the new 
health insurance coverage options which will improve the quality of and 
access to health care services and increase resources for AI/AN health 
care. The goal of this program announcement is to coordinate and 
conduct training and technical assistance on a national scale for the 
566 Federally-recognized Tribes and Tribal organizations on the 
changes, improvements and authorities of the ACA and IHCIA and the 
health insurance options available to AI/AN through the Health 
Insurance Marketplace.

Limited Competition Justification

    Competition for the award included in this announcement is limited 
to national Indian organizations with at least ten years of experience 
providing training, education and outreach on a national scale. This 
limitation ensures that the awardee will have (1) a national 
information-sharing infrastructure which will facilitate the timely 
exchange of information between the HHS, Tribes, and Tribal 
organizations on a broad scale; (2) a national perspective on the needs 
of AI/AN communities that will ensure that the information developed 
and disseminated through the projects is culturally appropriate, useful 
and addresses the most pressing needs of AI/AN communities; and (3) 
established relationships with Tribes and Tribal organizations that 
will foster open and honest participation by AI/AN communities. 
Regional and local organizations will not have the mechanisms in place 
to conduct communication on a national level, nor will they have an 
accurate picture of the health care needs facing AI/ANs nationwide. 
Organizations with less experience will lack the established 
relationships with Tribes and Tribal organizations throughout the 
country that will facilitate participation and the open and honest 
exchange of information between Tribes and HHS. However, awardees will 
be expected to work with regional and local organizations to achieve 
the goals herein. With the limited funds available for these health 
reform projects, HHS must ensure that the training, education and 
outreach efforts described in this announcement reach the widest 
audience possible in a timely fashion, are appropriately tailored to 
the needs of AI/AN communities throughout the country, and come from a 
source that AI/ANs recognize and trust. For these reasons, this is a 
limited competition announcement.

II. Award Information

Type of Award

Cooperative Agreement
    The IHS will accept applications as follows:
    Two entities applying separately to accomplish appropriately 
divided program activities.

Estimated Funds Available

    The total amount of funding identified for the current fiscal year 
(FY) 2015 is approximately $500,000. Individual award amounts are 
anticipated to be $300,000 and $200,000, respectively, if awarded to 
two entities applying separately. Further details are provided in the 
applicable section components. The amount of funding available for both 
competing and continuation awards issued under this announcement is 
subject to the availability of appropriations and budgetary priorities 
of the Agency. The IHS is under no obligation to make awards that are 
selected for funding under this announcement.
    Two entities applying separately to accomplish appropriately 
divided program activities:
    1. One entity will apply for $300,000.
    2. The second entity will apply for the remaining $200,000.

Anticipated Number of Awards

    Approximately two awards will be issued under this program 
announcement.

Project Period

    The project period will be for one year and will run consecutively 
from September 30, 2015 to September 29, 2016.

Cooperative Agreement

    Cooperative agreements awarded by the HHS are 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
    (1) The IHS assigned program official will work in partnership with 
the awardee in all decisions involving strategy, hiring of consultants, 
deployment of resources, release of public information materials, 
quality assurance, coordination of activities, any training activities, 
reports, budget and evaluation. Collaboration includes data analysis, 
interpretation of findings and reporting.
    (2) The IHS assigned program official will approve the training 
curriculum content, facts, delivery mode, pre- and post-assessments, 
and evaluation before any materials are printed and the training is 
conducted.
    (3) The IHS assigned program official will review and approve all 
of the final draft products before they are published and distributed.

[[Page 35375]]

B. Grantee Cooperative Agreement Award Activities
    The awardee must comply with relevant Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) Circular provisions regarding lobbying, any applicable 
lobbying restrictions provided under other law, and any applicable 
restriction on the use of appropriated funds for lobbying activities. 
Awardees are expected to:
    (1) Foster collaboration across the Indian health care system to 
encourage and facilitate an open exchange of ideas and open 
communication regarding training and technical assistance on the ACA 
and IHCIA provisions.
    (2) Conduct training and technical assistance on the ACA and IHCIA 
and the changes and requirements that will affect AI/ANs either 
independently or jointly via a partnership as described previously. The 
purpose of this IHS cooperative agreement announcement is to encourage 
national and regional Indian organizations and IHS and Tribal (I/T) 
partners to work together to conduct ACA/IHCIA training and technical 
assistance throughout Indian Country. The project goals are three-fold 
for the IHS and the selected entities:
    (i) Materials--Develop and disseminate (upon IHS approval) training 
materials about the ACA/IHCIA impact on the Indian health care system 
including: Educating consumers on the health care insurance options 
available, educating the I/T system on the process for enrollment (with 
a special focus on the Certified Application Counselor (CAC) and 
Hardship Exemption requirements) and eligibility determinations, and 
maximizing revenue opportunities.
    (ii) Training--Develop and implement an ACA/IHCIA implementation 
training plan and individual training sessions aimed at educating all 
Indian health care system stakeholders on health care system impact and 
changes, specifically implementation in the different types of 
marketplaces, the role of Health Insurance Marketplace assisters 
(special emphasis on CAC), Navigators, and the Hardship Exemption for 
AI/ANs. Collaborate and partner with other national organizations to 
identify ways to take full advantage of the health care coverage 
options offered through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
    (iii) Technical Assistance--Provide technical assistance to I/T on 
the ACA/IHCIA implementation. Work with these entities to assess the 
training needs, identify innovations in ACA/IHCIA implementation, 
including technology, and promote the dissemination and replication of 
solutions to the challenges faced by I/T in implementing the ACA/IHCIA 
through the identification and promotion of best practices.
    SUMMARY OF TASKS TO BE PERFORMED:
    The project will conduct the following major activities:
    1. Develop and implement a communications strategy as follows:
    a. Applicant 1--$300,000.
    i. Educate AI/ANs on the available health coverage options under 
the ACA;
    ii. Focus on the needs of Direct Services Tribes, including: 
Providing policy review and analysis of health care issues, training 
Tribal leaders on the health insurance options available under the ACA 
and sharing outreach and education best practices among Direct Service 
Tribes.
    iii. Develop a technical assistance plan and provide technical 
assistance to NIHOE Health Reform partners, Tribal leaders, Tribal 
employers and Direct Service Tribes on ACA/IHCIA implementation across 
the Indian health care system.
    iv. Work with NIHOE Health Reform partners and Direct Service 
Tribes to achieve economies of scale and reduce duplication of AI/AN 
training and outreach and education materials, including the 
development of cross-cutting ACA/IHCIA content specific to the Indian 
health care system.
    v. Work with NIHOE Health Reform partners and Direct Service Tribes 
to enhance collaboration with other Federal agency programs, local, 
state, Tribal and national partners.
    b. Applicant 2--$200,000.
    i. Educate Tribal leaders and Tribal employers on the health 
insurance options under the ACA including the Small Business Health 
Options Program and Tribal self-insurance; and
    ii. Develop a technical assistance plan and provide technical 
assistance to NIHOE Health Reform partners, Tribal leaders, Tribal 
employers and Direct Service Tribes on ACA/IHCIA implementation across 
the Indian health care system.
    The following key components need to be addressed in the work plan:
    Develop a national coordination strategy for the Health Reform 
project to ensure a shared vision and mission amongst all partners and 
convene partners on a regular basis.
    Applicants should describe plans for addressing the following:

Outreach and Education

     The awardee shall coordinate and develop a multiple 
strategy education and outreach training approach for I/T that reaches 
the widest audience possible in a timely fashion, appropriately 
tailored to the needs of AI/AN communities.
     The awardee shall conduct regional and national ACA/IHCIA 
education and outreach focusing on four consumer groups: 1) Consumers; 
2) Tribal Leadership and Membership; 3) Tribal Employers; and 4) Indian 
Health Facility Administrators.
     The awardee shall provide measurable outcomes and 
performance improvement activities for ACA/IHCIA outreach and education 
actions.
     The awardee shall share information, innovative ideas, 
challenges and solutions, and provide progress reports.

Policy Analysis

     The awardee shall develop, monitor and review ACA review 
metrics that provide indicators of AI/AN participation in Marketplace 
plans and I/T participation as network providers in the Marketplace and 
disseminate ACA policy information at National Conferences and through 
IHS Advisory Committees.
     The awardee shall review and coordinate ACA/IHCIA policy 
recommendations and strategies by the I/T.
     The awardee shall ensure the training curriculum content 
addresses all new regulations and operations for implementing the ACA/
IHCIA requirements.

Information Sharing and Technical Assistance

     The awardee shall collaborate and coordinate to ensure 
training and educational materials are widely distributed to Tribal 
leaders and frontline enrollment personnel.
     The awardee shall conduct and record monthly meetings with 
NIHOE Health Reform national and regional principals to share 
information, share best practices, and provide progress reports.
     The awardee shall plan communication around key moments or 
events through the grant period to increase education efforts.
     The awardees shall identify I/T audiences that may have 
challenges with enrollments and tailor outreach efforts accordingly.
     The awardees shall develop communications vehicles to 
showcase positive impact stories of I/T with ACA/IHCIA.
     The awardee shall develop and provide templates for 
Tribal, IHS, and community outreach and education.
     The awardee shall conduct workshops and/or presentations 
including, but not limited to, the

[[Page 35376]]

successes of the ACA/IHCIA promising practices and/or best practices of 
I/T programs at three national conferences (venue and content of 
presentations to be agreed upon in advance by the awardee and the IHS 
assigned program official).
     The awardee will provide postings on ACA/IHCIA outreach 
and education related information for appropriate Web site 
dissemination.
     The awardee will develop and/or maintain a comprehensive 
list of ACA/IHCIA outreach and education program development and 
business practice guidelines for use by I/T programs.
     The awardee shall act as a resource broker and identify 
subject matter experts to conduct trainings and technical assistance 
for implementation of the ACA enrollments.
     The awardee shall provide quarterly articles for national 
and local media outlets and I/T news information sources, focusing on 
the successful impact and outcomes of ACA/IHCIA in Tribal communities, 
available resources, and funding opportunities.
     The awardee shall meet with stakeholders to identify their 
needs from a community level and monitor level of access to education 
and outreach materials (i.e., pharmacy bags, palm cards, posters, 
payroll inserts, etc.).

Training

     The awardee shall re-evaluate all ACA/IHCIA training 
material available for AI/AN, present findings to IHS, and mutually 
decide on new materials.
     The awardee shall record training sessions and make the 
recordings available to the I/T and AI/AN community on the Web sites of 
the national Indian organizations and partners.
     The awardee shall provide focused ACA/IHCIA education that 
translates in everyday language explaining the benefits of the ACA and 
the special provisions for Indians. The awardee, because involvement of 
community based partners and local leadership from all I/T levels is an 
important factor in the success of any enrollment process, shall 
develop modified training briefs for Tribal Health Directors, Chief 
Executive Officers, health care professionals, and Tribal leaders to 
assist with outreach efforts.
     The awardee shall provide ongoing AI/AN consumers training 
on tools developed for State Based Marketplace (SBM) implementation.

Reporting

     The awardee shall provide semi-annual reports documenting 
and describing progress and accomplishment of the activities specified 
above, attaching any necessary documentation to adequately document 
accomplishments.
     The awardee shall attend regularly scheduled, in-person 
and conference call meetings with the IHS assigned program official 
team to discuss the awardee's services and outreach and education 
related issues. The awardee must provide meeting minutes that highlight 
the awardee's specific involvement and participation.
     The awardee shall obtain approval from the IHS assigned 
program official for all PowerPoint presentations, electronic content, 
and other materials, including mass emails, developed by awardee 
pursuant to this award and any supplemental awards prior to the 
presentation or dissemination of such materials to any party, allowing 
for a reasonable amount of time for IHS review.
     The awardee shall conduct and record monthly meetings with 
NIHOE national and regional principals to share information and provide 
progress reports.
     The awardee shall assess and provide measurable outcomes 
and performance improvement activities for ACA/IHCIA outreach and 
education actions both quantitative and qualitative.
    1. The awardee shall monitor and track I/T facility enrollment data 
and identify challenges and opportunities for outreach and education 
activities and report findings on a regular basis.
    2. Identify successes and gaps in enrollment and develop future 
enrollment campaigns and report findings on a regular basis.

Deliverables

    1. Attendance at regularly scheduled meetings between awardee and 
the IHS assigned program official, evidenced by meeting minutes which 
highlight the awardee's specific involvement and participation.
    2. Participation on outreach and education conference calls 
identified by the IHS assigned program official, evidenced by meeting 
agenda and minutes as needed.
    3. Report of outcomes at conferences (meeting booths, workshops 
and/or presentations provided):
    (a) National Advisory Committee conference calls and meetings.
    (b) IHS Area conference calls.
    (c) IHS area and national webinars.
    (d) Other AI/AN national conferences.
    4. Completed programmatic reviews of semi and annual progress 
reports of outreach and education projects, in order to identify 
projects that require technical assistance. [Note: This review is not 
to replace IHS review of outreach and education programs. The 
programmatic reviews to be conducted by grantee are secondary reviews 
intended solely to identify programs in need of technical assistance.]
    [cir] The awardee shall help the IHS assigned program official 
identify challenges faced by participating I/T and assist in developing 
solutions.
    5. Copies of educational and practice-based information provided to 
I/T programs (electronic form and one hard copy).
    6. Copies of all promotional and educational materials provided to 
I/T programs and other projects (electronic form and one hard copy).
    7. Copies of all promotional materials provided to media and other 
outlets (electronic form and one hard copy).
    8. Copies of all articles published (electronic form and one hard 
copy). Submit semi-annual and annual progress reports to ORAP and 
ODSCT, due no later than 30 days after the reporting cycle, attaching 
any necessary documentation. For example: Meeting minutes, 
correspondence with I/T programs, samples of all written materials 
developed including brochures, news articles, videos, and radio and 
television ads to adequately document accomplishments.
    9. The awardee will submit a deliverable schedule to the program 
official not later than 30 days after the start date.
    The IHS will provide guidance and assistance as needed. Copies of 
all deliverables must be submitted to the IHS ODSCT; IHS ORAP; and IHS 
Senior Advisor to the Director.

A. Collaboration and Coordination To Ensure Training and Materials Are 
Widely Distributed

    1. Evaluate all available ACA/IHCIA training material available for 
AI/AN and create additional materials as needed that are related to 
ACA/IHCIA.
    2. Record, track, and coordinate information sharing activities 
(enrollments, trainings, information shared, meetings, updates, etc.) 
with IHS Offices: ODSCT, ORAP and 11 IHS area offices including 
Albuquerque Area, Bemidji Area, Billings Area, California Area, Great 
Plains Area, Nashville Area, Navajo Area, Oklahoma Area, Phoenix Area, 
Portland Area and Tucson Area.
    3. Record training sessions and describe how they will be made 
available on the Web sites of the national Indian organizations and 
partners.

[[Page 35377]]

    4. Describe how to ensure the training curriculum content addresses 
all new regulations implementing the ACA and IHCIA requirements.
    5. Participate in monthly meetings with NIHOE Health Reform 
national and regional principals to share information and provide 
progress reports.
    6. Provide ongoing training on tools developed for SBM 
implementation.
    7. Because involvement of community based partners and local 
leadership from all I/T levels is an important factor in the success of 
any enrollment process, develop modified training briefs for other 
community leaders to assist with outreach efforts.

B. Work Plan

    1. Provide a Work Plan that describes the sequence of specific 
activities and steps that will be used to carry out each of the 
objectives, including updates about progress implementing the ACA.
    2. Report the number of CAC staff trained and employed, network 
contracts, additional consumers enrolled in Medicaid, CHIP or 
Marketplace plan, and in- network contracts with a QHP in the 
Marketplace using the Model QHP Addendum for Indian Health Care 
Providers. Describe outreach and enrollment activities, partnerships, 
and planning.
    3. Include a detailed time line that links activities to project 
objectives for the 12-month budget period.
    4. Identify challenges, both opportunities and barriers that are 
likely to be encountered in designing and implementing the activities 
and approaches that will be used to address such challenges.
    5. Describe communication methods with partners including plans for 
improving communication.

C. Evaluation

    1. Provide a plan for assessing the achievement of the project's 
objectives and for evaluating changes in the specific problems and 
contributing factors.
    2. Identify performance measures by which the project will track 
its progress over time.
    3. Secure agreement with IHS on evaluation methods and deadlines.

D. Budget

    Provide a functional categorically itemized budget and program 
narrative justification that supports accomplishing the program 
objectives, activities, and outcomes within the timeframes specified.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligibility

    To be eligible for this ``New Limited competition Announcement'', 
an applicant must be a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity who meets the 
following criteria:
    Eligible applicants that can apply for this funding opportunity are 
national Indian organizations.
    The national Indian organizations must have the infrastructure in 
place to accomplish the work under the proposed program.
    Eligible entities must have demonstrated expertise in the following 
areas:
     Representing all Tribal governments and providing a 
variety of services to Tribes, area health boards, Tribal 
organizations, and Federal agencies, and playing a major role in 
focusing attention on Indian health care needs, resulting in improved 
health outcomes for AI/ANs.
     Promoting and supporting Indian health care education and 
coordinating efforts to inform AI/AN of Federal decisions that affect 
Tribal government interests including the improvement of Indian health 
care.
     Administering national health policy and health programs.
     Maintaining a national AI/AN constituency and clearly 
supporting critical services and activities within the IHS mission of 
improving the quality of health care for AI/AN people.
     Supporting improved health care in Indian Country.
     Providing education and outreach on a national scale (the 
applicant must provide evidence of at least ten years of experience in 
this area).

    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 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.
    The following documentation is required:
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 https://www.ihs.gov/dgm/index.cfm?module=dsp_dgm_funding.
    Questions regarding the electronic application process may be 
directed to Mr. 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 
ten pages for each of the two components).
    [cir] Background information on the 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 letters of support (Optional).
     Letter of support from organization's Board of Directors.
     501(c)(3) Certificate (if applicable).
     Position descriptions of key personnel.
     Resumes of key personnel.
     Contractor/Consultant resumes or qualifications and scope 
of work.

[[Page 35378]]

     Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL).
     Certification Regarding Lobbying (GG-Lobbying Form).
     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 and 
cooperative agreements 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 ten pages for each of the two 
components for a total of 20 pages: $500,000 to conduct ACA/IHCIA 
education and outreach training and technical assistance. Project 
narrative 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 address and answer all questions listed under 
the narrative and place them 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 shall not be considered or scored. These narratives 
will assist the ORC in becoming familiar with the applicant's 
activities and accomplishments prior to this cooperative agreement 
award. If the narrative exceeds the page limit, only the first ten 
pages of each component will be reviewed. The ten-page limit for the 
narrative does not include the work plan, standard forms, 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 for Each Component)
Section 1: Needs
    Describe how the national Indian organization(s) has the experience 
to provide outreach and education efforts regarding the pertinent 
changes and updates in health care listed herein.
Part B: Program Planning and Evaluation (4 Page Limitation for Each 
Component)
Section 1: Program Plans
    Describe fully and clearly the direction the national Indian 
organization plans to address the NIHOE III Health Reform requirements, 
including how the national Indian organization plans to demonstrate 
improved health education and outreach services to all 566 Federally-
recognized Tribes. Include proposed timelines as appropriate and 
applicable.
Section 2: Program Evaluation
    Describe fully and clearly how the outreach and education efforts 
will impact changes in knowledge and awareness in Tribes and Tribal 
organizations to encourage appropriate changes by increasing knowledge 
and awareness resulting in informed choices. Identify anticipated or 
expected benefits for the Tribal constituency.
Part C: Program Report (2 Page Limitation for Each Component)
    Section 1: Describe major accomplishments over the last 24 months. 
Identify and describe significant program achievements associated with 
the delivery of quality health outreach and education. 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 provide an overview of significant program activities and 
impacts (meaningful changes made), associated with the delivery of 
quality health outreach and education. This section should address 
significant program activities and impacts including those related to 
the accomplishments listed in the previous section.
    B. Budget Narrative: This narrative must include 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. Budget should match 
the scope of work described in the project narrative. The page 
limitation should not exceed five pages.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 
11:59 p.m. 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. Grants.gov will notify the applicant via email if the 
application is rejected.
    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 Mr. Paul Gettys 
([email protected]), DGM Grant Systems Coordinator, by telephone 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 through Grants.gov, a waiver must be 
requested. Prior approval must be requested and obtained from Ms. Tammy 
Bagley, Acting Director of DGM, (see Section IV.6 below for additional 
information). The waiver must: 1) be documented in writing (emails are 
acceptable), before submitting a paper application, and 2) include 
clear justification for the need to deviate from the required 
electronic grants submission process. A written waiver request must be 
sent to [email protected] with a copy to [email protected]. Once 
the waiver request has been approved, the applicant will receive a 
confirmation of approval email containing submission instructions and 
the mailing address to submit the application. A copy of the written 
approval must be submitted along with the hardcopy of the application 
that is mailed to DGM. Paper applications that are submitted without a 
copy of the signed waiver from the Acting Director of the DGM will not 
be reviewed or considered for funding. The applicant will be notified 
via email of this decision by the Grants Management Officer of the DGM. 
Paper applications must be received by the DGM no later than 5:00 p.m., 
EST, on

[[Page 35379]]

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, the applicant 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 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 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 section 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 ODSCT 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: https://www.ihs.gov/dgm/index.cfm?module=dsp_dgm_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 ten page narrative for each component should include only the first 
year of activities. 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) Describe the individual entity's and/or partnering entities' 
(as applicable) current health, education and technical assistance 
operations as related to the broad spectrum of health

[[Page 35380]]

needs of the AI/AN community. Include what programs and services are 
currently provided (i.e., Federally funded, State funded, etc.), any 
memorandums of agreement with other national, area or local Indian 
health board organizations, HHS' agencies that rely on the applicant as 
the primary gateway organization that is capable of providing the 
dissemination of health information, information regarding technologies 
currently used (i.e., hardware, software, services, etc.), and identify 
the source(s) of technical support for those technologies (i.e., in-
house staff, contractors, vendors, etc.). Include information regarding 
how long the applicant has been operating and its length of 
association/partnerships with area health boards, etc. [historical 
collaboration].
    (2) Describe the organization's current technical assistance 
ability. Include what programs and services are currently provided, 
programs and services projected to be provided, etc.
    (3) Describe the population to be served by the proposed project. 
Include a description of the number of Tribes and Tribal members who 
currently benefit from the technical assistance provided by the 
applicant.
    (4) State how previous cooperative agreement funds facilitated 
education, training and technical assistance nation-wide for AI/ANs and 
relate the progression of health care information delivery and 
development relative to the current proposed project. (Copies of 
reports will not be accepted.)
    (5) Describe collaborative and supportive efforts with national, 
area and local Indian health boards.
    (6) Describe how the project relates to the purpose of the 
cooperative agreement by addressing the following: Identify how the 
proposed project will address the changes and requirements of the Acts.
B. Project Objective(s), Work Plan and Approach (45 Points)
    (1) Proposed project objectives must be:
    a. Measurable and (if applicable) quantifiable.
    b. Results oriented.
    c. Time-limited.
    (2) Submit a work plan in the appendix which includes the following 
information:
    a. Provide the action steps on a timeline for accomplishing the 
proposed project objective(s).
    b. Identify who will perform the action steps.
    c. Identify who will supervise the action steps taken.
    d. Identify what tangible products will be produced during and at 
the end of the proposed project objective(s).
    e. Identify who will accept and/or approve work products during the 
duration of the proposed project and at the end of the proposed 
project.
    f. Include any training that will take place during the proposed 
project and who will be attending the training.
    g. Include evaluation activities planned.
    (3) If consultants or contractors will be used during the proposed 
project, please include the following information in their scope of 
work (or note if consultants/contractors will not be used):
    a. Educational requirements.
    b. Desired qualifications and work experience.
    c. Expected work products to be delivered on a timeline.
    d. If a potential consultant/contractor has already been 
identified, please include a resume in the Appendix.
C. Program Evaluation (15 Points)
    Each proposed objective requires an evaluation component to assess 
its progression and ensure its completion. Also, include the evaluation 
activities in the work plan. Describe the proposed plan to evaluate 
both outcomes and process. Outcome evaluation relates to the results 
identified in the objectives, and process evaluation relates to the 
work plan and activities of the project.
    (1) For outcome evaluation, describe:
    a. What the criteria will be for determining success of each 
objective.
    b. What data will be collected to determine whether the objective 
was met.
    c. At what intervals will data be collected.
    d. Who will collect the data and their qualifications.
    e. How the data will be analyzed.
    f. How the results will be used.
    (2) For process evaluation, describe:
    a. How the project will be monitored and assessed for potential 
problems and needed quality improvements.
    b. Who will be responsible for monitoring and managing project 
improvements based on results of ongoing process improvements and their 
qualifications.
    c. How ongoing monitoring will be used to improve the project.
    d. Any products, such as manuals or policies, that might be 
developed and how they might lend themselves to replication by others.
    (3) How the project will document what is learned throughout the 
project period. Describe any evaluation efforts that are planned to 
occur after the grant periods ends.
    (4) Describe the ultimate benefit for the AI/ANs that will be 
derived from this project.
D. Organizational Capabilities, Key Personnel and Qualifications (15 
Points)
    (1) Describe the organizational structure of the organization.
    (2) Describe the ability of the organization to manage the proposed 
project. Include information regarding similarly sized projects in 
scope and financial assistance as well as other cooperative agreements/
grants and projects successfully completed.
    (3) Describe what equipment (i.e., fax machine, phone, computer, 
etc.) and facility space (i.e., office space) will be available for use 
during the proposed project.
    (4) List key personnel who will work on the project. Include title 
used in the work plan. In the appendix, include position descriptions 
and resumes for all key personnel. Position descriptions should clearly 
describe each position and duties, indicating desired qualifications 
and experience requirements related to the proposed project. Resumes 
must indicate that the proposed staff member is qualified to carry out 
the proposed project activities. If a position is to be filled, 
indicate that information on the proposed position description.
E. Categorical Budget and Budget Justification (10 Points)
    (1) Provide a categorical budget for 12-month budget period 
requested.
    (2) 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.
    (3) Provide a narrative justification explaining why each line item 
is necessary/relevant to the proposed project. Include sufficient cost 
and other details to facilitate the determination of cost allowability 
(i.e., equipment specifications, etc.).
Additional documents can be uploaded as Appendix Items in Grants.gov
     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.
     Map of area identifying project location(s).
     Additional documents to support narrative (i.e. data 
tables, key news articles, etc.).

[[Page 35381]]

2. Review and Selection

    Each application will be prescreened by the DGM staff for 
eligibility and completeness as outlined in the funding announcement. 
Applications that meet the eligibility criteria shall be reviewed for 
merit by the ORC based on evaluation criteria in this funding 
announcement. The ORC could be composed of both Tribal and Federal 
reviewers appointed by the IHS program to review and make 
recommendations on these applications. The technical review process 
ensures selection of quality projects in a national competition for 
limited funding. Incomplete applications and applications that are non-
responsive to the eligibility criteria will not be referred to the ORC. 
The applicant will be notified via email of this decision by the Grants 
Management Officer of the DGM. Applicants will be notified by DGM, via 
email, to outline minor missing components (i.e., budget narratives, 
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.

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 or more, and were deemed to be 
disapproved by the ORC, will receive an Executive Summary Statement 
from the ODSCT within 30 days of the conclusion of the ORC outlining 
the strengths and weaknesses of their application submitted. The ODSCT 
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 2015, the approved but unfunded 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 OMB cost principles:
    A. The criteria as outlined in this program announcement.
    B. Administrative Regulations for Grants:
     Uniform Administrative Requirements for HHS Awards located 
at 45 CFR part 75.
    C. Grants Policy:
     HHS Grants Policy Statement, Revised 01/07.
    D. Cost Principles:
     Uniform Administrative Requirements for HHS Awards, ``Cost 
Principles,'' located at 45 CFR part 75, subpart E.
    E. Audit Requirements:
     Uniform Administrative Requirements for HHS Awards, 
``Audit Requirements,'' located at 45 CFR part 75, subpart F.

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 the Grants Management Specialist 
listed under ``Agency Contacts'' or the main DGM office at (301) 443-
5204.

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

[[Page 35382]]

quarter to the Payment Management Services, HHS at: http://www.dpm.psc.gov. It is recommended that the applicant also send a copy 
of the FFR (SF-425) report to the Grants Management Specialist. Failure 
to submit timely reports may cause a disruption in timely payments to 
the 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 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 implemented 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 DGM Grants Policy Web site at: https://www.ihs.gov/dgm/index.cfm?module=dsp_dgm_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: Mr. 
Chris Buchanan, Director, ODSCT, 801 Thompson Avenue, Suite 220, 
Rockville, Maryland 20852, Telephone: (301) 443-1104, E-Mail: 
[email protected].
    2. Questions on grants management and fiscal matters may be 
directed to: Mr. John Hoffman, Grants Management Specialist, DGM, 801 
Thompson Avenue, TMP Suite 360, Rockville, Maryland 20852, Telephone: 
(301) 443-5204, Fax: (301) 443-9602, E-Mail: [email protected].
    3. Questions on systems matters may be directed to: Mr. 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 12, 2015.
Robert G. McSwain,
Acting Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-15157 Filed 6-18-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4165-16-P