[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 136 (Friday, July 15, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 46089-46100]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-16824]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service


Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes; National Indian 
Health Outreach and Education, Policy/Budget/Diabetes

    Announcement Type: Limited New and Competing Continuation.
    Funding Announcement Number: HHS-2016-IHS-NIHOE-1-PBD-0001.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.933.

Key Dates

    Application Deadline Date: August 15, 2016.
    Review Date: August 22, 2016.
    Earliest Anticipated Start Date: September 15, 2016.
    Proof of Non-Profit Status Due Date: August 15, 2016.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Statutory Authority

    The Indian Health Service (IHS) is accepting competitive 
cooperative agreement applications for the National Indian Health 
Outreach and Education, Policy/Budget/Diabetes (NIHOE-I) limited 
competition cooperative agreement program. This award includes the 
following four components, as described in this announcement: ``Line 
Item 128 Health Education and Outreach funds,'' ``Health Care Policy 
Analysis and Review,'' ``Budget Formulation,'' and ``Tribal Leaders 
Diabetes Committee'' (TLDC). This program is authorized under the 
Snyder Act, codified at 25 U.S.C. 13. The TLDC component is authorized 
by section 330C of the Public Health Service Act, codified at 42 U.S.C. 
254c-3. This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic 
Assistance under 93.933.

Background

    The NIHOE-I program carries out health program objectives in 
American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities in the interest 
of improving Indian health care for all 567 Federally-recognized 
Tribes, including Tribal governments operating their own health care 
delivery systems through self-determination contracts with the IHS and 
Tribes that continue to receive health care directly from the IHS. This 
program addresses health policy and health program issues and 
disseminates educational information to all AI/AN Tribes and villages. 
This program requires that public forums be held at Tribal educational 
consumer conferences to disseminate changes and updates in the latest 
health care information. This program also requires that regional and 
national meetings be coordinated for information dissemination as well 
as the inclusion of planning and technical assistance and health care 
recommendations on behalf of participating Tribes to ultimately inform 
IHS based on Tribal input through a broad based consumer network.

Purpose

    The purpose of this IHS cooperative agreement is to further IHS's 
mission and goals related to providing quality health care to the AI/AN 
community through outreach and education efforts with the sole outcome 
of improving Indian health care. This award includes the following four 
health services components: Line Item 128 Health Education and Outreach 
funds, Health Care Policy Analysis and Review, Budget Formulation, and 
TLDC.

Limited Competition Justification

    Competition for the award included in this announcement is limited 
to

[[Page 46090]]

national Indian health care organizations with at least ten years of 
experience providing 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 Department of Health and Human 
Services (HHS) and 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 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 or 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. With the 
limited funds available for these projects, HHS must ensure that the 
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.

Estimated Funds Available

    The total amount of funding identified for the current fiscal 
period covering (FY) 2016-2018 is approximately $2,475,000 or 
approximately $825,000 per FY. Three hundred thousand dollars 
($300,000) per fiscal year is estimated for outreach, education, and 
support to Tribes who have elected to leave their Tribal shares with 
the IHS (this amount could vary based on Tribal shares assumptions; 
Line Item 128 Health Education and Outreach funding will be awarded in 
partial increments based on availability and amount of funding); 
$200,000 per fiscal year for the Health Care Policy Analysis and 
Review; $75,000 per fiscal year for Budget Formulation; and $250,000 
per fiscal year associated with providing legislative education, 
outreach and communications support to the IHS TLDC and to facilitate 
Tribal consultation on the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI). 
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.

Anticipated Number of Awards

    One award will be issued under this program announcement comprised 
of the following four components: Line Item 128 Health Education and 
Outreach; Health Care Policy Analysis and Review; Budget Formulation; 
and TLDC.

Project Period

    The project period will run for three years from September 15, 2016 
through September 14, 2019.

Cooperative Agreement

    Cooperative agreements awarded by 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 personnel, 
deployment of resources, release of public information materials, 
quality assurance, coordination of activities, any training, reports, 
budget and evaluation. Collaboration includes data analysis, 
interpretation of findings and reporting.
    2. The IHS assigned program official will monitor the overall 
progress of the awardee's execution of the requirements of the award 
noted below, as well as their adherence to the terms and conditions of 
the cooperative agreement. This includes providing guidance for 
required reports, development of tools and other products, interpreting 
program findings and assisting with evaluation and overcoming any 
slippages encountered.
    3. The IHS assigned program official will coordinate review and 
provide final approval of any deliverables, including printed 
materials, reports, testimony, and PowerPoint slides, prior to their 
distribution or dissemination to HHS, Tribes, or the public.
    4. The IHS assigned program official will also coordinate the 
following:
     Discussion and release of any and all special grant 
conditions upon fulfillment.
     Monthly scheduled conference calls.
     Appropriate dissemination of required reports to each 
participating IHS program.
    5. IHS will jointly with the awardee, plan and set an agenda for an 
annual conference that:
     Shares the outcomes of the outreach and health education 
training provided.
     Fosters collaboration amongst the participating IHS 
program offices.
     Increases visibility for the partnership between the 
awardee and IHS.
     Includes HHS Conference Policy:
    6. IHS will provide guidance in preparing articles for publication 
and/or presentations of program successes, lessons learned and new 
findings.
    7. IHS staff will review articles concerning the HHS for accuracy 
and may, if requested by the awardee, provide relevant articles.
    8. IHS will communicate, via monthly conference calls and meetings, 
individual or collective (all participating programs) site visits to 
the awardee.
    9. IHS will provide technical assistance to the awardee as 
requested.
    10. IHS staff may, at the request of the entity's board, 
participate on study groups, attend board meetings, and recommend 
topics for analysis and discussion.
B. Grantee Cooperative Agreement Award Activities
    The awardee must obtain written IHS approval of all deliverables 
produced with award funds, including printed materials, reports, 
testimony, and PowerPoint slides, prior to their distribution or 
dissemination to HHS, Tribes, or the public.
    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.

[[Page 46091]]

Pre-Conference Grants

    1. Pre-Conference Grant Requirements. The awardee is required to 
comply with the ``HHS Policy on Promoting Efficient Spending: Use of 
Appropriated Funds for Conferences and Meeting Space, Food, Promotional 
Items, and Printing and Publications,'' dated December 16, 2013 
(``Policy''), as applicable to conferences funded by grants and 
cooperative agreements. The Policy is available at http://www.hhs.gov/asfr/ogapa/acquisition/policies/promoting-efficient-conference-spending-policy-12-16-2013.html.
    The awardee is required to:
    Provide a separate detailed budget justification and narrative for 
each conference anticipated. The cost categories to be addressed are as 
follows: (1) Contract/Planner, (2) Meeting Space/Venue, (3) 
Registration Web site, (4) Audio Visual, (5) Speakers Fees, (6) Non-
Federal Attendee Travel, (7) Registration Fees, (8) Other (explain in 
detail and cost breakdown). For additional questions please contact Ms. 
Michelle EagleHawk on (301) 443-1104 or email her at 
[email protected].
    2. Line Item 128 Health Education and Outreach funding is utilized 
for outreach, health education, and support to Tribes--approximately 
$300,000 per fiscal year funding is available totaling $900,000.
    The awardee is expected to fulfill the following:
Meeting Responsibilities ANNUAL (Required)
    Estimated Costs: The estimated costs for this activity shall not 
exceed $100,000 per fiscal year. The awardee shall work with IHS/Office 
of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes (ODSCT) closely on this item. 
As the sponsoring agency, IHS meeting attendees will not incur 
registration fees.
    a. Host an annual conference to disseminate changes and updates on 
health care information relative to AI/AN.
Meeting Responsibilities MID-YEAR (Required)
    Estimated Costs: The estimated costs for this activity shall not 
exceed $100,000 per fiscal year. The awardee shall work with IHS/ODSCT 
closely on this item. As the sponsoring agency, IHS meeting attendees 
will not incur registration fees.
    a. Host a mid-year consumer conference(s) as appropriate to 
disseminate changes and updates on health care information relative to 
AI/AN.
Coordination, Dissemination, and Technical Assistance Responsibilities 
(Required)
    Estimated Costs: The estimated costs for this activity shall not 
exceed $100,000 per fiscal year. The awardee shall work with IHS/ODSCT 
closely on this item.
    a. Conduct regional and national meeting coordination as 
appropriate.
    b. Conduct health care information dissemination as appropriate.
    c. Coordinate planning and technical assistance needs on behalf of 
Tribes/Tribal organizations (T/TO) with IHS.
    d. Convey health care recommendations on behalf of T/TO to IHS.
    3. Health Care Policy Analysis and Review.
    This funding component requires the awardee to provide IHS with 
research and analysis of the impact of Centers for Medicare and 
Medicaid Services (CMS) programs on AI/AN beneficiaries and the health 
care delivery system that serves these beneficiaries. $200,000 funding 
is available per fiscal year totaling $600,000 for analysis of CMS 
programs that affect AI/AN beneficiaries.
    The awardee will produce measurable outcomes to include:
    a. Analytical reports, policy review and recommendation documents--
The products will be in the form of written (hard copy and/or 
electronic files) documents that contain analysis of relevant health 
care issues to be reported on a monthly or quarterly basis and face-to-
face meetings with hard copies submitted to the Director, IHS/Office of 
Resource, Access and Partnerships (ORAP).
    b. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the overall impact of 
the Affordable Care Act (ACA) implementation, including the regulations 
and policies, on the Indian health care system, in terms of whether or 
not it is working as intended. That is, whether Tribes and AI/AN 
consumers are receiving the benefits of the special provisions for 
Indians, and whether all of the necessary stakeholders including Indian 
Health Service/Tribes/Urbans (I/T/Us), qualified health plans, 
providers, and consumers have the information and capacity to ensure 
successful outcomes and are working cooperatively and effectively to 
that end.
    c. Policy recommendations, based on the analysis, that include in 
particular, direct service Tribes' perspectives incorporating real-time 
information on how the structure of the Federal system should support 
the I/T/U healthcare delivery system. If deficiencies are found, 
provide recommendations on improvement and solutions. Issues of 
analysis may include improving access to care, obtaining affordable 
coverage, network contracting and enforcement of Section 206 of the 
Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA).
    d. Educational and informational materials to be disseminated by 
the awardee and communicated to IHS and Tribal health program staff 
during monthly and quarterly conferences, the annual consumer 
conference, meetings and training sessions. This can be in the form of 
PowerPoint presentations, informational brochures, and/or handout 
materials.
    The IHS will provide guidance and assistance as needed. Copies of 
all deliverables shall be submitted to the IHS/ODSCT and IHS/ORAP.
    4. Tribal Budget Consultation--Budget Formulation.
    The awardee will provide assistance and technical support to IHS, 
Tribes, and the Budget Formulation Workgroup with the National Budget 
Formulation work session, the HHS Tribal Consultation meeting, and the 
Budget Formulation Evaluation and Planning meeting. The awardee will 
develop the National Tribal Budget Recommendation document, briefing 
documents, and Tribal Leaders presentation and talking points, by 
performing the activities described below in coordination with and 
support of the IHS Tribal Budget Consultation process. $75,000 is 
available per fiscal year for Budget Formulation. Budget consultation 
is required by the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance 
Act, 25 U.S.C. 450j-1(i).

NATIONAL BUDGET FORMULATION WORK SESSION--January 2017-2019 Meeting 
Responsibilities (Required)

    Estimated Costs: The estimated costs for this activity shall not 
exceed $10,000 per fiscal year. The awardee shall work with IHS/Office 
of Finance and Accounting (OFA)/Division of Budget Formulation (DBF) 
closely on this item.
    a. Registration of National Budget Formulation Work Session 
attendees. The Awardee shall assist with the registration of all 
attendees as they enter the Budget Formulation Work Session.
    b. The awardee shall distribute prepared budget formulation 
packages to all attendees.
    Recordation of Meeting--The awardee shall take minutes during the 
work session.
    a. Minutes should be recorded in a clear and concise manner and 
identify all speakers including presenters and any individuals 
contributing comments or motions.

[[Page 46092]]

    b. Minutes will be recorded in an objective manner.
    c. Minutes shall include a record of any comments, votes, or 
recommendations made, as well as notation of any handouts and other 
materials referenced by speakers, documented by the speaker's name and 
affiliation.
    d. Minutes shall document any written materials that were 
distributed at the meeting. These materials will be included with the 
submission of the transcription and the summary page outlining all key 
topics.
    e. Minutes will include information regarding the next meeting, 
including the date, time and location and a list of topics to be 
addressed.
    f. The minutes must be submitted to IHS/OFA in final draft within 
five working days after the conclusion of the work session.
Further Instructions
    The awardee shall:
    a. Package and distribute results of the work session to IHS/OFA 
within five working days, which includes minutes and the final set of 
agreed upon national budget priorities; and
    b. Provide final documents needed for the IHS budget formulation 
Web site.

HHS Tribal Consultation--March 2017-2019

Preparation and Meeting Responsibilities
    Estimated Costs: The estimated costs for this activity shall not 
exceed $55,000 per fiscal year. The awardee shall work with IHS/OFA/DBF 
closely on this item.
    The Tribal testimony is a combined effort that is written and 
presented by the National Tribal Budget Formulation Workgroup. The 
testimony is presented to the Secretary of HHS and related staff as 
part of the Annual National U.S. Department of Health and Human 
Services Tribal Budget and Policy Consultation.
    The awardee will assist the National Tribal Budget Formulation 
Workgroup to prepare for the HHS Consultation meeting by:
    a. Arranging a workgroup meeting;
    b. Preparing testimony and a PowerPoint presentation with talking 
points, with the content of both based on input from the workgroup and 
technical team and with the awardee responsible for formatting and 
design of the products;
    c. Submitting testimony and the draft PowerPoint presentation to 
IHS for review and clearance ten working days prior to the presentation 
to HHS;
    d. Packaging and distributing final materials, once clearance from 
IHS is obtained; and
    e. Delivering the final testimony to the IHS/OFA/DBF five working 
days prior to the presentation.
The awardee will arrange working space for the workgroup to provide 
final input to the presentation and finalize the presentation, if 
needed--not to exceed two days. In addition, the awardee will assist 
presenters, as needed, with rehearsal of the final presentation.

Budget Formulation Evaluation and Planning Meeting--May 2017-2019

Meeting Responsibilities (Required)
    Estimated Costs: The estimated costs for this activity shall not 
exceed $10,000 per fiscal year. The awardee shall work with IHS/OFA/DBF 
closely on this item.
Recordation of Meeting--The awardee shall take minutes during the work 
session.
    a. Minutes should be recorded in a clear and concise manner and 
identify all speakers including presenters and any individuals 
contributing comments or motions.
    b. Minutes will be recorded in an objective manner.
    c. Minutes shall include a record of any comments, votes, or 
recommendations made, as well as notation of any handouts and other 
materials referenced by speakers, documented by the speaker's name and 
affiliation.
    d. Minutes shall document any written materials that were 
distributed at the meeting. These materials will be included with the 
submission of the transcription and the summary page outlining all key 
topics.
    e. Minutes will include information regarding the next meeting, 
including the date, time and location and a list of topics to be 
addressed.
    f. The minutes must be submitted to IHS/OFA in final draft within 
five working days after the conclusion of the meeting.
Further Instructions
    The awardee shall package and distribute results of the meeting in 
final:
    a. To OFA within five working days; and
    b. The documents needed for IHS budget formulation Web site.
    Additionally, for all specified meeting and activities:
     All expenses will be itemized.
     If costs are projected to exceed the estimated cost for 
any part of this Scope of Work, approval from IHS/OFA must be granted 
before any release of funds.
     Preapproval from IHS is required before any subcontract 
may be awarded at a price above the estimated cost.
    5. Provide Support for TLDC Meetings and Provide Education, 
Outreach and Communications Support.
    A total of $250,000 per fiscal year totaling $750,000 is available 
for tasks associated with providing meeting support for the TLDC and 
providing education, outreach and communications support on the 
activities of the TLDC, the SDPI grant program and related diabetes/
chronic disease issues.

TLDC Meetings

Meeting Responsibilities (Required)
    Estimated Costs: The estimated costs for this activity shall not 
exceed $184,000 per year or $46,000 per face-to-face meeting. The 
awardee shall work with the Division of Diabetes Treatment and 
Prevention (DDTP) closely on this item.
    a. Provide logistical support for TLDC meetings and workgroup 
sessions.
    i. Face-to-Face TLDC meetings (up to quarterly).
    1. Location to be determined by TLDC members and the IHS Principal 
Deputy Director or designee. Every effort will be made to utilize 
Federal meeting space for TLDC meetings where appropriate.
    2. In consultation with DDTP, provide timely pre-meeting logistical 
support for TLDC meetings, including reserving TLDC meeting space, 
establishing hotel sleeping room block(s) at government per diem rate 
for all meeting attendees, setting up transportation for attendees if 
sleeping rooms are at a location separate from the meeting site, and 
other support services as needed to ensure the smooth and timely 
organization of TLDC meetings.
    (a) Note that, for the purpose of this cooperative agreement, TLDC 
meeting attendees include TLDC members/alternates, TLDC advisors, 
federal participants (e.g., IHS leadership, DDTP staff, Area Diabetes 
Consultants, non-IHS federal professionals), invited meeting speakers, 
and others who might reasonably be expected to participate in a TLDC 
meeting or who are otherwise invited to attend.
    3. Provide on-site logistical support for TLDC meetings, including 
coordination of meeting activities; provision of appropriate 
audiovisual equipment, including sufficient number and type of 
microphones (i.e. podium, tabletop, lavalier), laptop computer with 
internet connection, projector/screen; room set-up; registration 
services; and materials (e.g., badges, name tents, paper flip charts, 
and agendas and other meeting documents).

[[Page 46093]]

ii. TLDC Workgroups
    1. When requested by DDTP, schedule conference calls and/or 
webinars for four TLDC workgroups.
    2. Record and provide minutes of TLDC workgroup sessions.
    Minutes will be completed as follows:
    (a) Minutes will be recorded in a clear and concise manner and 
identify all speakers including presenters and any individuals 
contributing comments or motions.
    (b) Minutes will be recorded in an objective manner.
    (c) Minutes shall include a record of any comments or 
recommendations made, as well as notation of any handouts and other 
materials referenced by speakers, documented by the speaker's name and 
affiliation.
    (d) Minutes shall document any written materials that were 
distributed at the meeting.
    (e) Minutes will include information regarding the next meeting, 
including the date, time and location, and a list of topics to be 
addressed.
    (f) The minutes must be submitted to DDTP for review and approval 
within five working days after each TLDC workgroup meeting.
    (g) Provide final minutes and pertinent documents to DDTP within 
five working days of receiving DDTP's edits on the draft versions.
    b. Coordinate travel planning and travel/per diem reimbursement in 
accordance with the approved TLDC charter for 12 TLDC members (or their 
assigned alternate) and five technical advisors to attend up to four 
quarterly TLDC meetings per year. Additionally, coordinate travel 
planning and travel/per diem reimbursement for up to two IHS-approved 
non-Federal speakers per TLDC in-person meeting.
    i. Travel planning and reimbursement process will include:
    1. Direct communication with TLDC members (and alternates, as 
necessary), technical advisors, and speakers to assist in travel 
arrangements.
    2. Provide logistical information to TLDC members, advisors, and 
speakers for meeting location and lodging.
    3. Prepare and distribute reimbursement forms with clear 
instructions in advance of the meeting and serve as the point of 
contact for communicating any additional travel information that is 
required.
    4. Collect reimbursement forms and provide timely reimbursement of 
approved participants' expenses within 30 days of the receipt of the 
claim forms.
    5. Provide a detailed travel reimbursement report to DDTP within 60 
days of the TLDC meeting.
    6. Maintain an active TLDC email directory in order to assist DDTP 
and TLDC with disseminating related meeting, travel and reimbursement 
information and soliciting related feedback.
    7. Include identified DDTP staff on all email correspondence to 
TLDC members and technical advisors.
Provide Education, Outreach, and Communications Support 
Responsibilities (Required)
    Estimated Costs: The estimated cost for these activities is $66,000 
per fiscal year. The awardee shall work with DDTP closely on this item.
    a. Communicate with Tribal leaders and Indian organizations about 
the activities of the TLDC, the SDPI grant program, and related 
diabetes/chronic disease issues.
    i. Provide factual information, review and analysis of legislative 
and policy issues that are relevant to diabetes and related chronic 
conditions in AI/ANs and on related health care disparities in written 
and email format for the purpose of keeping TLDC membership up-to-date 
on such information and for sharing with other Tribal leadership, 
Indian organizations, and others.
    ii. Coordinate sharing DDTP-approved information with national non-
profit organizations, such as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation 
and the American Diabetes Association, for the purpose of strengthening 
outreach to Tribes and Tribal communities as well as education and 
outreach to non-Indian communities in the United States about AI/ANs 
living with diabetes and other chronic diseases.
    iii. Support registration, presentation, and exhibit costs for up 
to five DDTP staff and assignees to potentially include a plenary and 
up to four workshop presentations on diabetes, SDPI, and related 
chronic disease at meetings such as:
    1. National Indian Health Board (NIHB) Public Health Summit and the 
NIHB Annual Consumer Conference; and
    2. Other national Tribal health care conferences/meetings such as 
the National Congress of American Indians Annual Convention.
    iv. Support exhibit opportunity for SDPI grant programs to display 
programmatic information at the 2017-2020 NIHB Public Health Summits.

III. Eligibility Information

I.

1. Eligibility

    To be eligible for this ``New/Competing Continuation 
Announcement,'' an eligible applicant must be a 501(c)(3) national 
Indian organization that has demonstrated expertise as follows:
     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 Tribes.
     Promoting and supporting Indian 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 healthcare in Indian Country.
    Applicants must provide proof of non-profit status with the 
application. The national Indian organization must have the 
infrastructure in place to accomplish the work under the proposed 
program.

    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.
    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

[[Page 46094]]

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/dgm/funding/.
    Questions regarding the electronic application process may be 
directed to Mr. Paul Gettys at (301) 443-2114 or (301) 443-5204.

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 four components listed).
    [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.
     Letter of support from organization's Board of Directors.
     501(c)(3) Certificate (if applicable).
     Position descriptions for key personnel.
     Resumes of key personnel.
     Contractor/Consultant resumes or qualifications and scope 
of work.
     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 or other 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 per each component 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 address and answer all questions listed under 
each part of the narrative 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 Objective Review 
Committee (ORC) in becoming familiar with the applicant's activities 
and accomplishments prior to this grant award. If the narrative exceeds 
the page limit, only the first ten pages of each of the four components 
will be reviewed. The ten pages per component page limit for the 
narrative does not include the work plan, standard forms, table of 
contents, budget, budget narrative justifications, 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 (2 page limitation)
Section 1: Needs
    Describe how the national Indian organization has the expertise to 
provide outreach and education efforts on a continuing basis regarding 
the pertinent changes and updates in health care for each of the four 
components listed herein.
Part B: Program Planning and Evaluation (6 page limitation)
Section 1: Program Plans
    Describe fully and clearly how the national Indian organization 
plans to address the NIHOE1 requirements, including how the national 
Indian organization plans to demonstrate improved health education and 
outreach services to all 567 Federally-recognized Tribes for each of 
the four components described herein. 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 Tribal communities. 
Identify anticipated or expected benefits for the Tribal constituency.
Part C: Program Report (2 page limitation)
    Section 1: Describe major accomplishments over the last 24 months. 
Please identify and describe significant program achievements 
associated with the delivery of quality health outreach and education 
services for each of the four components. 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 regarding each of the four components 
during the project period.
    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. The budget narrative 
should match the scope of work described in 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 
11:59 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) 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.

[[Page 46095]]

    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 or (301) 443-5204. Please be sure to contact Mr. Gettys 
at least ten days prior to the application deadline. Please do not 
contact the DGM until you have received a Grants.gov tracking number. 
In the event you are not able to obtain a tracking number, call the DGM 
as soon as possible.
    If 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 Mr. 
Robert Tarwater, Director, 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 Senior Policy Analyst 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., EDT, 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, 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 sub-awards. Accordingly, all IHS 
grantees must notify potential first-tier sub-recipients that no entity 
may receive a first-tier sub-award 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 and have not registered with SAM will need to obtain a 
DUNS number first and then

[[Page 46096]]

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/dgm/policytopics/.

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 allowed per each of the four components 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) Describe the organization's current health, education and 
technical assistance operations as related to the broad spectrum of 
health needs of the AI/AN community. Include what programs and services 
are currently provided (i.e., Federally-funded, State-funded, etc.), 
any memorandums of agreement with other national, area or local Indian 
health board organizations. This could also include HHS agencies that 
rely on the applicant as the primary gateway organization to AI/AN 
communities that are capable of providing the dissemination of health 
information. Include information regarding technologies currently used 
(i.e., hardware, software, services, Web sites, etc.), and identify the 
source(s) of technical support for those technologies (i.e., in-house 
staff, contractors, vendors, etc.). Include information regarding how 
long the applicant has been operating and its length of association/
partnerships with area health boards, etc. [historical collaboration].
    (2) Describe the organization's current technical assistance 
ability. Include what programs and services are currently provided, 
programs and services projected to be provided, memorandums of 
agreement with other national Indian organizations that deem the 
applicant as the primary source of health policy information for AI/AN, 
memorandums of agreement with other area Indian health boards, etc.
    (3) Describe the population to be served by the proposed projects.
    (4) Identify all previous IHS cooperative agreement awards 
received, dates of funding and summaries of the projects' 
accomplishments. State how previous cooperative agreement funds 
facilitated education, training and technical assistance nationwide for 
AI/ANs and relate the progression of health care information delivery 
and development relative to the current proposed projects. (Copies of 
reports will not be accepted.)
    (5) Describe collaborative and supportive efforts with national, 
area and local Indian health boards.
    (6) Explain the need/reason for your proposed projects by 
identifying specific gaps or weaknesses in services or infrastructure 
that will be addressed by the proposed projects. Explain how these 
gaps/weaknesses have been assessed.
    (7) If the proposed projects include information technology (i.e., 
hardware, software, etc.), provide further information regarding 
measures taken or to be taken that ensure the proposed projects will 
not create other gaps in services or infrastructure (i.e., negatively 
or adversely affect IHS interface capability, Government Performance 
Results Act reporting requirements, contract reporting requirements, 
information technology compatibility, etc.), if applicable.
    (8) Describe the effect of the proposed projects on current 
programs (i.e., Federally-funded, State-funded, etc.) and, if 
applicable, on current equipment (i.e., hardware, software, services, 
etc.). Include the effect of the proposed projects on planned/
anticipated programs and/or equipment.
    (9) Describe how the projects relate to the purpose of the 
cooperative agreement by addressing the following: Identify how the 
proposed projects will address outreach and education regarding each of 
the four components: Line Item 128 Health Education and Outreach funds, 
Health Care Policy Analysis and Review, Budget Formulation, and TLDC.
B. Project Objective(s), Work Plan and Approach (40 points)
    (1) Identify the proposed objective(s) for each of the four 
projects, as applicable. Objectives should be:
     Measurable and (if applicable) quantifiable.
     Results oriented.
     Time-limited.
    Example: Issue four quarterly newsletters, provide alerts and 
quantify number of contacts with Tribes.
    Goals must be clear and concise. Objectives must be measurable, 
feasible and attainable for each of the selected projects.
    (2) Address how the proposed projects will result in change or 
improvement in program operations or processes for each proposed 
project objective for all of the projects. Also address what tangible 
products, if any, are expected from the projects, (i.e., policy 
analysis, annual conference, mid-year conferences, summits, etc.).
    (3) Address the extent to which the proposed projects will provide, 
improve, or expand services that address the need(s) of the target 
population. Include a current strategic plan and business plan that 
includes the expanded services. Include the plan(s) with the 
application submission.
    (4) Submit a work plan in the appendix which includes the following 
information:
     Provide the action steps on a timeline for accomplishing 
each of the projects' proposed objective(s).
     Identify who will perform the action steps.
     Identify who will supervise the action steps.
     Identify what tangible products will be produced during 
and at the end of the proposed projects' objective(s).
     Identify who will accept and/or approve work products 
during the duration of the proposed projects and at the end of the 
proposed projects.
     Include any training that will take place during the 
proposed projects and who will be attending the training.
     Include evaluation activities planned in the work plans.
    (5) 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):

[[Page 46097]]

     Educational requirements.
     Desired qualifications and work experience.
     Expected work products to be delivered on a timeline.
    If a potential consultant/contractor has already been identified, 
please include a resume in the Appendix.
    (6) Describe what updates will be required for the continued 
success of the proposed projects. Include when these updates are 
anticipated and where funds will come from to conduct the update and/or 
maintenance.
C. Program Evaluation (20 points)
    Each proposed objective requires an evaluation component to assess 
its progression and ensure its completion. Also, include the evaluation 
activities in the work plan.
    Describe the proposed plan to evaluate both outcomes and process. 
Outcome evaluation relates to the results identified in the objectives, 
and process evaluation relates to the work plan and activities of the 
project.
    (1) For outcome evaluation, describe:
     What will the criteria be for determining success of each 
objective?
     What data will be collected to determine whether the 
objective was met?
     At what intervals will data be collected?
     Who will collect the data and their qualifications?
     How will the data be analyzed?
     How will the results be used?
    (2) For process evaluation, describe:
     How will each project be monitored and assessed for 
potential problems and needed quality improvements?
     Who will be responsible for monitoring and managing each 
project's improvements based on results of ongoing process improvements 
and their qualifications?
     How will ongoing monitoring be used to improve the 
projects?
     Describe any products, such as manuals or policies, that 
might be developed and how they might lend themselves to replication by 
others.
     How will the organization document what is learned 
throughout each of the projects' periods?
    (3) Describe any evaluation efforts planned after the grant period 
has ended.
    (4) Describe the ultimate benefit to the AI/AN population that the 
applicant organization serves that will be derived from these projects.
D. Organizational Capabilities, Key Personnel and Qualifications (15 
points)
    This section outlines the broader capacity of the organization to 
complete the project outlined in the work plan. It includes the 
identification of personnel responsible for completing tasks and the 
chain of responsibility for successful completion of the projects 
outlined in the work plan.
    (1) Describe the organizational structure of the organization 
beyond health care activities, if applicable.
    (2) Describe the ability of the organization to manage the proposed 
projects. Include information regarding similarly sized projects in 
scope and financial assistance, as well as other cooperative 
agreements/grants and projects successfully completed.
    (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 projects. Include information about any equipment 
not currently available that will be purchased through the cooperative 
agreement/grant.
    (4) List key personnel who will work on the projects. Include title 
used in the work plans. In the appendix, include position descriptions 
and resumes for all key personnel. Position descriptions should clearly 
describe each position and duties, indicating desired qualifications 
and experience requirements related to the proposed projects. Resumes 
must indicate that the proposed staff member is qualified to carry out 
the proposed projects' activities. If a position is to be filled, 
indicate that information on the proposed position description.
    (5) If personnel are to be only partially funded by this 
cooperative agreement, indicate the percentage of time to be allocated 
to the projects and identify the resources used to fund the remainder 
of the individual's salary.
E. Categorical Budget and Budget Justification (10 points)
    This section should provide a clear estimate of the projects' 
program costs and justification for expenses for the entire cooperative 
agreement period. The budgets and budget justifications should be 
consistent with the tasks identified in the work plans.
    (1) Provide a categorical budget for each of the 12-month budget 
periods requested for each of the four projects.
    (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.).
Multi-Year Project Requirements (if applicable)
    Projects requiring a second and/or third 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.
Additional Documents Must 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.).

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.

[[Page 46098]]

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 
strengths and weaknesses 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 2016 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) https://www.doi.gov/ibc/services/finance/indirect-Cost-Services/indian-tribes. 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. Per DGM policy, all reports are required to be submitted 
electronically by attaching them as a ``Grant Note'' in 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 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 Sub-Award Reporting System (FSRS)
    This award may be subject to the Transparency Act sub-award 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 sub-awards 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

[[Page 46099]]

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 sub-award 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 sub-award 
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: http://www.ihs.gov/dgm/policytopics/.
D. Post Conference Grant Reporting
    The following requirements were enacted in section 3003 of the 
Consolidated Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013, and Section 119 of 
the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2014; Office of Management and 
Budget Memorandum M-12-12: All HHS/IHS awards containing grants funds 
allocated for conferences will be required to complete a mandatory post 
award report for all conferences in excess of $20,000. Specifically: 
The total amount of funds provided in this grant/cooperative agreement 
that were spent for ``Conference X,'' must be reported in final 
detailed actual costs within 15 days of the completion of the 
conference.
    Final Post Conference Report should include all final expenditures 
on the cost categories as follows: (1) Contract/Planner, (2) Meeting 
Space/Venue, (3) Registration Web site, (4) Audio Visual, (5) Speakers 
Fees, (6) Federal Attendee Travel, (7) Non-Federal Attendee Travel, (8) 
Registration Fees, and (9) Other.
    Failure to submit your required ``Post Conference Report'' within 
15 days after the completion of the conference could result in cost 
associated with your conference being disallowed.
    For additional questions please contact Ms. Michelle EagleHawk by 
telephone at (301) 443-1104 or email her at [email protected].
E. Compliance With Executive Order 13166 Implementation of Services 
Accessibility Provisions for All Grant Application Packages and Funding 
Opportunity Announcements
    Recipients of federal financial assistance (FFA) from HHS must 
administer their programs in compliance with federal civil rights law. 
This means that recipients of HHS funds must ensure equal access to 
their programs without regard to a person's race, color, national 
origin, disability, age and, in some circumstances, sex and religion. 
This includes ensuring your programs are accessible to persons with 
limited English proficiency. HHS provides guidance to recipients of FFA 
on meeting their legal obligation to take reasonable steps to provide 
meaningful access to their programs by persons with limited English 
proficiency. Please see http://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/special-topics/limited-english-proficiency/guidance-federal-financial-assistance-recipients-title-VI/.
    The HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) also provides guidance on 
complying with civil rights laws enforced by HHS. Please see http://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/section-1557/index.html; and 
http://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/index.html. Recipients of FFA also have 
specific legal obligations for serving qualified individuals with 
disabilities. Please see http://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/disability/index.html. Please contact the HHS OCR for more 
information about obligations and prohibitions under federal civil 
rights laws at http://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/disability/index.html or call 1-800-368-1019 or TDD 1-800-537-7697. 
Also note it is an HHS Departmental goal to ensure access to quality, 
culturally competent care, including long-term services and supports, 
for vulnerable populations. For further guidance on providing 
culturally and linguistically appropriate services, recipients should 
review the National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically 
Appropriate Services in Health and Health Care at http://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/browse.aspx?lvl=2&lvlid=53.
    Pursuant to 45 CFR 80.3(d), an individual shall not be deemed 
subjected to discrimination by reason of his/her exclusion from 
benefits limited by federal law to individuals eligible for benefits 
and services from the IHS.
    Recipients will be required to sign the HHS-690 Assurance of 
Compliance form which can be obtained from the following Web site: 
http://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/forms/hhs-690.pdf, and send it 
directly to the: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office 
of Civil Rights, 200 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20201.
F. Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System 
(FAPIIS)
    The IHS is required to review and consider any information about 
the applicant that is in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity 
Information System (FAPIIS) before making any award in excess of the 
simplified acquisition threshold (currently $150,000) over the period 
of performance. An applicant may review and comment on any information 
about itself that a federal awarding agency previously entered. IHS 
will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to other 
information in FAPIIS in making a judgment about the applicant's 
integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under federal 
awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as 
described in 45 CFR 75.205.
    As required by 45 CFR part 75 Appendix XII of the Uniform Guidance, 
non-Federal entities (NFEs) are required to disclose in FAPIIS any 
information about criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings, and/
or affirm that there is no new information to provide. This applies to 
NFEs that receive federal awards (currently active grants, cooperative 
agreements, and procurement contracts) greater than $10,000,000 for any 
period of time during the period of performance of an award/project.
Mandatory Disclosure Requirements
    As required by 2 CFR part 200 of the Uniform Guidance, and the HHS 
implementing regulations at 45 CFR part 75, effective January 1, 2016, 
the IHS must require a non-Federal entity or an applicant for a federal 
award to disclose, in a timely manner, in writing to the IHS or pass-
through entity all violations of federal criminal law involving fraud, 
bribery, or gratutity violations potentially affecting the federal 
award.
    Submission is required for all applicants and recipients, in 
writing, to the IHS and to the HHS Office of Inspector General all 
information related to violations of Federal criminal law involving 
fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the 
Federal award. 45 CFR 75.113.
    Disclosures must be sent in writing to: U.S. Department of Health 
and Human Services, Indian Health Service, Division of Grants 
Management, ATTN: Robert Tarwater, Director, 5600 Fishers Lane, 
Mailstop 09E70, Rockville, Maryland 20857. (Include ``Mandatory Grant 
Disclosures'' in subject line). Ofc: (301) 443-5204, Fax: (301) 594-
0899, email: [email protected]; and
    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector 
General, ATTN: Mandatory Grant Disclosures, Intake Coordinator, 330 
Independence Avenue SW., Cohen Building, Room 5527, Washington, DC 
20201, URL: http://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/

[[Page 46100]]

reportfraud/index.asp. (Include ``Mandatory Grant Disclosures'' in 
subject line). Fax: (202) 205-0604. (Include ``Mandatory Grant 
Disclosures'' in subject line) or email: 
[email protected].
    Failure to make required disclosures can result in any of the 
remedies described in 45 CFR 75.371. Remedies for noncompliance, 
including suspension or debarment (See 2 CFR parts 180 and 376 and 31 
U.S.C. 3321).

VII. Agency Contacts

    1. Questions on the programmatic issues may be directed to: Ms. 
Michelle EagleHawk, Deputy Director, ODSCT, Mail Stop: 8E17, 5600 
Fishers Lane, Rockville, Maryland 20857, Telephone: (301) 443-1104, 
email: [email protected].
    2. Questions on grants management and fiscal matters may be 
directed to: Ms. Patience Musikikongo, Grants Management Specialist, 
Division of Grants Management, Mail Stop: 09E70, 5600 Fishers Lane, 
Rockville, MD 20857, Telephone: (301) 443-2059, Fax: (301) 594-0899, 
email: [email protected].
    3. Questions on systems matters may be directed to: Mr. Paul 
Gettys, Grant Systems Coordinator, Division of Grants Management, Mail 
Stop: 09E70, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857, Phone: (301) 443-
2114; or the DGM main line (301) 443-5204, Fax: (301) 594-0899, email: 
[email protected].

VIII. Other Information

    The Public Health Service strongly encourages all cooperative 
agreement and contract recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and 
promote the non-use of all tobacco products. In addition, Public Law 
103-227, the Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in certain 
facilities (or in some cases, any portion of the facility) in which 
regular or routine education, library, day care, health care, or early 
childhood development services are provided to children. This is 
consistent with the HHS mission to protect and advance the physical and 
mental health of the American people.

    Dated: July 7, 2016.
Elizabeth A. Fowler,
Deputy Director for Management Operations Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-16824 Filed 7-14-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4160-16-P