[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 211 (Thursday, November 4, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 60843-60850]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-24025]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Indian Health Service
Domestic Violence Prevention: Forensic Healthcare Services
Announcement Type: New.
Funding Announcement Number: HHS-2022-IHS-FHC-0001.
Assistance Listing (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance or CFDA)
Number: 93.653.
Key Dates
Application Deadline Date: February 2, 2022.
Earliest Anticipated Start Date: March 21, 2022.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
Statutory Authority
The Indian Health Service (IHS) is accepting applications for
grants that will develop and/or expand Forensic Healthcare (FHC)
services. This program was first established by the Omnibus
Appropriations Act of 2009, Public Law 111-8, 123 Stat. 524, 735, as a
component of the Domestic Violence Prevention Initiative, and continued
in the annual appropriations acts since that time. This program is
authorized under the Snyder Act, 25 U.S.C. 13; and the Indian Health
Care Improvement Act, 25 U.S.C. 1665a, 1665m. This program is described
in the Assistance Listings located at https://sam.gov/content/home
(formerly known as Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance) under
93.653.
Background
The Division of Behavioral Health (DBH) serves as the primary
source of national advocacy, policy development, management and
administration of behavioral health, alcohol and substance abuse, and
family violence prevention programs. Domestic and sexual violence
including child maltreatment are a public health concern among the
American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) population. American Indians and
Alaska Natives experience high rates of sexual violence according to a
2016 publication from the Department of Justice. Previously, forensic
health care functions were funded under Purpose Area 2 of the Domestic
Violence Prevention (DVP) program, formerly known as the Domestic
Violence Prevention Initiative. This announcement separates forensic
health care functions into a distinct program. The FHC program will
address access to health care needed for AI/AN victims of domestic and
sexual violence. The IHS supports comprehensive efforts to develop and/
or expand FHC services to provide treatment, intervention, and
prevention in order to address the needs of victims impacted by
domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, sexual exploitation/human
trafficking, and child maltreatment. The FHC program is aligned with
the national DVP goals, https://www.ihs.gov/dvpi/aboutdvp/.
Purpose
The purpose of this IHS grant is to provide access to treatment for
AI/AN victims of domestic and sexual violence by supporting the
development of and/or expansion of FHC services that are culturally
appropriate and trauma-informed. The intent is to impact FHC services
in each IHS Area (provided by Tribes, Tribal organizations and Urban
Indian organizations). This also includes promoting treatment,
intervention, and prevention efforts for the social, spiritual, and
emotional well-being of victims, including victims of child
maltreatment. To address domestic and sexual violence, including
victims of sexual exploitation/human trafficking, applicants are
encouraged to use Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) and Sexual Assault
Response Team (SART) approaches. Using these types of team approaches
is crucial--especially among local, state, and Federal agencies that
includes health care providers, law enforcement, child protective
services, social services, legal services, domestic violence
coalitions, behavioral health services, and victim advocacy. The MDT/
SART are community-based approaches in responding to sexual assault,
intimate partner violence, and sexual abuse victims. Without the
advantage of a team approach method, a program is more likely to fail.
Improving collaboration through formal inter-agency agreements can
improve the response time for sexual assault victims.
II. Award Information
Funding Instrument--Grant
Estimated Funds Available
The total funding identified for fiscal year (FY) 2022 is
approximately $2,500,000. Individual award amounts for the first budget
year are anticipated to be $250,000. The funding available for
competing and subsequent 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
Approximately 10 awards will be issued under this program
announcement with up to one award set aside for an eligible Urban
Indian organization.
Period of Performance
The period of performance is for 5 years.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligibility
To be eligible for this new FY 2022 funding opportunity, applicants
must be one of the following as defined by 25 U.S.C. 1603:
A federally recognized Indian Tribe as defined by 25
U.S.C. 1603(14). The term ``Indian Tribe'' means any Indian Tribe,
band, nation, or other organized group or community, including any
Alaska Native village or group, or regional or village corporation as
defined in or established pursuant to the
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Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (85 Stat. 688) [43 U.S.C. 1601 et
seq.], which is recognized as eligible for the special programs and
services provided by the United States to Indians because of their
status as Indians.
A Tribal organization as defined by 25 U.S.C. 1603(26).
The term ``Tribal organization'' has the meaning given the term in
section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act
(25 U.S.C. 5304(l)): ``Tribal organization'' means the recognized
governing body of any Indian Tribe; any legally established
organization of Indians which is controlled, sanctioned, or chartered
by such governing body or which is democratically elected by the adult
members of the Indian community to be served by such organization and
which includes the maximum participation of Indians in all phases of
its activities: Provided that, in any case where a contract is let or
grant made to an organization to perform services benefiting more than
one Indian Tribe, the approval of each such Indian Tribe shall be a
prerequisite to the letting or making of such contract or grant.
Applicant shall submit letters of support and/or Tribal Resolutions
from the Tribes to be served.
An Urban Indian organization, as defined by 25 U.S.C.
1603(29). The term ``Urban Indian organization'' means a nonprofit
corporate body situated in an urban center, governed by an urban Indian
controlled board of directors, and providing for the maximum
participation of all interested Indian groups and individuals, which
body is capable of legally cooperating with other public and private
entities for the purpose of performing the activities described in 25
U.S.C. 1653(a). Applicants must provide proof of nonprofit status with
the application, e.g., 501(c)(3).
The program office will notify any applicants deemed ineligible.
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 nonprofit 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
Applications with budget requests that exceed the highest dollar
amount outlined under Section II Award Information, Estimated Funds
Available, or exceed the period of performance outlined under the
Section II Award Information, Period of Performance, are considered not
responsive and will not be reviewed. The Division of Grants Management
(DGM) will notify the applicant.
Additional Required Documentation
Tribal Resolution
The DGM must receive an official, signed Tribal Resolution prior to
issuing a Notice of Award (NoA) to any applicant selected for funding.
An Indian Tribe or Tribal organization that is proposing a project
affecting another Indian Tribe must include resolutions from all
affected Tribes to be served. However, if an official, signed Tribal
Resolution cannot be submitted with the application prior to the
application deadline date, a draft Tribal Resolution must be submitted
with the application by the deadline date in order for the application
to be considered complete and eligible for review. The draft Tribal
Resolution is not in lieu of the required signed resolution but is
acceptable until a signed resolution is received. If an application
without a signed Tribal Resolution is selected for funding, the
applicant will be contacted by the Grants Management Specialist (GMS)
listed in this funding announcement and given 90 days to submit an
official, signed Tribal Resolution to the GMS. If the signed Tribal
Resolution is not received within 90 days, the award will be forfeited.
Tribes organized with a governing structure other than a Tribal
council may submit an equivalent document commensurate with their
governing organization.
Proof of Nonprofit Status
Organizations claiming nonprofit status must submit a current copy
of the 501(c)(3) Certificate with the application.
IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Obtaining Application Materials
The application package and detailed instructions for this
announcement are available at https://www.Grants.gov.
Please direct questions regarding the application process to Mr.
Paul Gettys at (301) 443-2114 or (301) 443-5204.
2. Content and Form Application Submission
Mandatory documents for all applicants include:
Abstract (one page) summarizing the project.
Application forms:
1. SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance.
2. SF-424A, Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs.
3. SF-424B, Assurances--Non-Construction Programs.
Project Narrative (not to exceed 15 pages). See Section
IV.2.A, Project Narrative, for additional instructions.
1. Background information on the organization.
2. Proposed scope of work, objectives, and activities that provide
a description of what the applicant plans to accomplish.
Budget Justification and Narrative (not to exceed four
pages). See Section IV.2.B, Budget Narrative for instructions.
Work plan with timeline, limit one page.
Tribal Resolution(s) or Tribal Letter of Support (only
required for Tribes and Tribal organizations).
Letters of Commitment.
1. For all applicants: From local organizational partners.
2. For all applicants: From community partners.
3. For Tribal organizations: From the board of directors (or
relevant equivalent).
4. For Urban Indian organizations: From the board of directors (or
relevant equivalent).
501(c)(3) Certificate where applicable.
Biographical sketches for all Key Personnel.
Contractor/Consultant resumes or qualifications and scope
of work.
Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL), if applicant
conducts reportable lobbying.
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 Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) Financial Audit.
Acceptable forms of documentation include:
1. Email confirmation from Federal Audit Clearinghouse (FAC) that
audits were submitted; or
2. Face sheets from audit reports. Applicants can find these on the
FAC website at https://harvester.census.gov/facdissem/Main.aspx.
Public Policy Requirements
All Federal public policies apply to IHS grants and cooperative
agreements. Pursuant to 45 CFR 80.3(d), an individual shall not be
deemed subjected to discrimination by reason of
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their exclusion from benefits limited by Federal law to individuals
eligible for benefits and services from the IHS. See https://www.hhs.gov/grants/grants/grants-policies-regulations/index.html.
Requirements for Project and Budget Narratives
A. Project Narrative
This narrative should be a separate document that is no more than
15 pages and must: (1) Have consecutively numbered pages; (2) use black
font 12 points or larger; (3) be single-spaced; and (4) be formatted to
fit standard letter paper (8\1/2\ x 11 inches).
Be sure to succinctly answer all questions listed under the
evaluation criteria (refer to Section V.1, Evaluation Criteria) and
place all responses and required information in the correct section
noted below or they will not be considered or scored. If the narrative
exceeds the page limit, the application will be considered not
responsive and not be reviewed. The 15-page limit for the narrative
does not include the work plan with timeline, standard forms, Tribal
Resolutions, budget, budget justifications, narratives, and/or other
items or requested attachments.
There are four parts to the Project Narrative:
Part 1--Statement of Need
Part 2--Program Plan
Part 3--Organizational Capacity
Part 4--Program Evaluation
Part 1: Statement of Need (Limit--2 Pages)
The project narrative must include the statement of need that
addresses the nature and scope of the problem (e.g., limited or no
access to forensic health care). Refer to Section V.1.A, Evaluation
Criteria--Statement of Need for details.
Part 2: Program Plan (Limit--9 Pages)
Describe the proposed program plan, an outline of goal(s), proposed
implementation of the required five objectives and activities. Refer to
Section V.1.B, Evaluation Criteria--Program Plan for details.
Part 3: Organizational Capacity (Limit--2 Pages)
Describe the applicant's management capability and experience in
administering grants. Refer to Section V.1.C, Evaluation Criteria--
Organizational Capacity.
Part 4: Program Evaluation (Limit--2 Pages)
Describe how you plan to collect data for the proposed project
activities and identify what type of evaluation method will be used.
Applicants are encouraged to partner with their Tribal Epidemiology
Center (TEC) or Urban Epidemiology Center (for urban applicants) and
should describe their plan for coordination and collaboration with the
TEC. Refer to Section V.1.D, Evaluation Criteria--Program Evaluation.
B. Budget Narrative (Limit--4 Pages)
Provide a budget narrative that explains the amounts requested for
each line item of the budget from the SF-424A (Budget Information for
Non-Construction Programs). The budget narrative document can include a
more detailed spreadsheet than is provided by the SF-424A. The budget
narrative should specifically describe how each item will support the
achievement of proposed objectives. Be very careful about showing how
each item in the ``Other'' category is justified. For subsequent budget
years (see Multi-Year Project Requirements in Section V.1, Application
Review Information, Evaluation Criteria), the narrative should
highlight the changes from the first year or clearly indicate that
there are no substantive budget changes during the period of
performance. Do NOT use the budget narrative to expand the project
narrative.
3. Submission Dates and Times
Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m.
Eastern Time on the Application Deadline Date. Any application received
after the application deadline will not be accepted for review.
Grants.gov will notify the applicant via email if the application is
rejected.
If technical challenges arise and assistance is required with the
application process, contact Grants.gov Customer Support (see contact
information at https://www.grants.gov). If problems persist, contact
Mr. Paul Gettys ([email protected]), Acting Director, DGM, by
telephone at (301) 443-2114 or (301) 443-5204. Please be sure to
contact Mr. Gettys at least 10 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.
The IHS will not acknowledge receipt of applications.
4. Intergovernmental Review
Executive Order 12372 requiring intergovernmental review is not
applicable to this program.
5. Funding Restrictions
Pre-award costs are allowable up to 90 days before the
start date of the award provided the costs are otherwise allowable if
awarded. Pre-award costs are incurred at the risk of the applicant.
The available funds are inclusive of direct and indirect
costs.
Only one grant will be awarded per applicant.
6. Electronic Submission Requirements
All applications must be submitted via Grants.gov. Please use the
https://www.Grants.gov website to submit an application. Find the
application by selecting the ``Search Grants'' link on the homepage.
Follow the instructions for submitting an application under the Package
tab. No other method of application submission is acceptable.
If the applicant cannot submit an application through Grants.gov, a
waiver must be requested. Prior approval must be requested and obtained
from Mr. Paul Gettys, Acting Director, DGM. A written waiver request
must be sent to [email protected] with a copy to
[email protected]. The waiver request must: (1) Be documented in
writing (emails are acceptable) before submitting an application by
some other method, and (2) include clear justification for the need to
deviate from the required application submission process.
Once the waiver request has been approved, the applicant will
receive a confirmation of approval email containing submission
instructions. A copy of the written approval must be included with the
application that is submitted to the DGM. Applications that are
submitted without a copy of the signed waiver from the Acting Director
of the DGM will not be reviewed. The Grants Management Officer of the
DGM will notify the applicant via email of this decision.
Applications submitted under waiver must be received by the DGM no
later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the Application Deadline Date.
Late applications will not be accepted for processing. Applicants that
do not register for both the System for Award Management (SAM) and
Grants.gov and/or fail to request timely assistance with technical
issues will not be considered for a waiver to submit an application via
alternative method.
Please be aware of the following:
Please search for the application package in https://www.Grants.gov by entering the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number or the
Funding Opportunity Number. Both numbers are located in the header of
this announcement.
[[Page 60846]]
If you experience technical challenges while submitting
your application, please contact Grants.gov Customer Support (see
contact information at https://www.Grants.gov).
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.
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 20
working days.
Please follow the instructions on Grants.gov to include
additional documentation that may be requested by this funding
announcement.
Applicants must comply with any page limits described in
this funding announcement.
After submitting the application, the applicant will
receive an automatic acknowledgment from Grants.gov that contains a
Grants.gov tracking number. The IHS will not notify the applicant that
the application has been received.
Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)
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
that 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 the request service through https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform, or call (866) 705-5711.
The Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006, as
amended (``Transparency Act''), requires all HHS recipients 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 are not registered with SAM must have a DUNS
number first, then access the SAM online registration through the SAM
home page at https://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). Please
see SAM.gov for details on the registration process and timeline.
Registration with the SAM is free of charge but can take several weeks
to process. Applicants may register online at https://sam.gov.
Additional information on implementing the Transparency Act,
including the specific requirements for DUNS and SAM, are available on
the DGM Grants Management, Policy Topics web page at https://www.ihs.gov/dgm/policytopics/.
V. Application Review Information
Possible points assigned to each section are noted in parentheses.
The project narrative and budget narrative should include only the
first year of activities; information for multi-year projects should be
included as a separate document. See ``Multi-year Project
Requirements'' at the end of this section for more information. The
project narrative 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.
Attachments requested in the criteria do not count toward the page
limit for the narratives. Points will be assigned to each evaluation
criteria adding up to a total of 100 possible points. Points are
assigned as follows:
1. Evaluation Criteria
A. Statement of Need (20 Points)
The project narrative must include a statement of need that
describes the background knowledge and context on the issue of the
problem (e.g., limited and/or lack of access to care for victims of AI/
AN) affected by domestic and sexual violence, including children, and
victims of sexual exploitation/human trafficking. The applicant should
use data to provide evidence that the problem exits, describe the size
of the problem, and the effects of the problem on the target
population. The data documenting need may come from a variety of
qualitative and quantitative sources. Examples of data sources to be
included are local epidemiologic data from Trends in Indian Health and
State data, national data from My Tribal Area by the U.S Census Bureau;
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports; Department of
Justice; and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration,
National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
1. Describe the needs and conditions of your priority population.
2. Describe the need to support the development of and/or expansion
of FHC services.
3. Provide demographics of the community (e.g., race, ethnicity,
federally recognized Tribe, language, age, socioeconomic status, and
other relevant factors, such as literacy).
4. Provide incidence and prevalence rates on domestic and sexual
violence including children.
5. Describe the existing service gaps, barriers, and other systemic
challenges related to the need for program planning and capacity
building.
B. Program Plan (35 Points)
Using the five objectives, describe the purpose of the proposed
program plan in the narrative, a work plan, and timeline that clearly
outlines the goal(s), five objectives, and activities.
Objective 1: Strengthen or increase access to quality medical
Forensic Healthcare to victims of domestic and sexual violence
including children.
1. Describe your plan to create a MDT and SART team from local,
state, and Federal agencies that includes health care providers, law
enforcement, child protective services, social service, legal service,
coalitions, behavioral health, and victim advocacy.
2. Describe your plan to establish health system policies for
sexual assault and domestic violence, including child maltreatment, and
sexual exploitation/human trafficking.
3. Describe your plan to incorporate culturally-sensitive screening
processes and trauma-informed forensic examinations.
4. Describe your plan to create a quality assessment and
performance improvement mechanism to provide professional review of
service quality.
Objective 2: Foster coalitions and networks to improve coordination
and collaboration among partners to ensure adequate services exist
either on-site or by referral for victims of domestic and sexual
violence, sexual exploitation/human trafficking, and child maltreatment
24 hours per day/7 days per week year round.
1. Describe your plan to create a MDT and SART team to ensure
adequate services exist either on-site or by referral for victims of
domestic and sexual violence 24/7 year round.
2. Describe your plan to establish partnerships among local, state,
and Federal agencies to strengthen the system of care.
Objective 3: Promote education, training, and community resources.
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1. Describe your plan to raise awareness about availability of
forensic examination and the benefits of examinations for sexual
assault, sexual abuse, and intimate partner violence examinations.
2. Describe your plan to train health care workforce at the systems
level and support initial and ongoing forensic examiner education
(e.g., intimate partner violence, strangulation, trauma-informed care,
traumatic brain injury, sexual assault, child maltreatment, elder
abuse, sexual exploitation/human trafficking).
3. Describe the project plan to identify and disseminate relevant
local resources and information to be shared with victims and/or local
partners regarding seeking services that require immediate attention
(e.g., care coordination services that increase access to timely
forensic examination services, including follow-up visits, and access
to HIV, STD, pregnancy prophylaxis, and aftercare services).
4. Describe your plan to create public health messages about access
and availability of forensic health care services being offered using
the following resources: Radio; TV; billboards; advertisements; patient
education brochures; and social media.
5. Describe how your project will increase educational awareness
and services that address Missing and Murdered AI/ANs, including
support services for family members of victims (e.g., community support
groups, trainings on ambiguous and traumatic loss, and community-based
trainings that highlight at-risk groups and protection and prevention
activities).
Objective 4: Integrate at least one program/intervention that is an
evidence-based practice, or known as a promising practice, and may be
integrated or coordinated with traditional practices and/or faith-based
services to facilitate the social and emotional well-being of victims
and their families.
1. Describe your chosen practice that is appropriate to achieve the
desired outcomes.
2. Describe your plan to modify/adapt your proposed practice to
meet the goal(s) and objectives of the project and why changes will
improve the outcomes.
3. Describe your training needs or plans to successfully implement
the proposed practice.
Objective 5: Develop a process and a formal plan for sustainability
of these objectives and activities beyond the life of this grant.
1. Describe your plan for sustainability of these objectives and
activities beyond the life of the grant.
C. Organizational Capacity and Staffing/Administration (15 Points)
1. Describe your management's capability and experience in
administering grants and projects, and identify your department/
division that will administer this project.
2. Describe your experience in creating and implementing a MDT and
SART team to expand FHC services.
3. Describe your program's experience and capacity to provide FHC
services to the community.
4. Describe the resources available for your proposed project
(e.g., facilities, equipment, information technology systems, and
financial management systems).
5. Describe how your project continuity will be maintained if/when
there is a change in the operational environment (e.g., staff turnover,
change in project leadership, change in elected officials) to ensure
project stability over the life of the grant.
6. Describe the staff positions showing the role and level of
effort (percent) committed for each position. Forensic health care
services require a coordinated response, however successful grant
applicants should identify and include a position description for the
project lead/full-time coordinator who will serve as the primary point
of contact. For example, if the project lead also serves as the
forensic nurse examiner, please indicate the expected percent of time
that will be committed to grant objectives and outcomes. Include a
biographical sketch for those individuals in key positions that are
identified and currently on staff. Each biographical sketch should not
exceed one page and should be submitted as Other Attachments. Do not
include any of the following in the biographical sketch:
Personally Identifiable Information (i.e., SSN, home
address, etc.);
Resumes; or
Curriculum Vitae.
D. Program Evaluation (20 Points)
Program Evaluation will require grantee submission of annual
progress reports through a web-based Behavioral Health Reporting portal
system. Applicants are expected to collect data within their
communities on prevalence rates of domestic violence, sexual assault,
sexual exploitation/human trafficking, and child maltreatment. Progress
reports will include the compilation of quantitative data (e.g., number
served; screenings completed, etc.) and qualitative or narrative (text)
data. Reporting elements may include data from local community-based
and evidence-based programs pertaining to activities, processes, and
outcomes such as performance measures and other data relevant to
evaluation outcomes including intended results (i.e., impact and
outcomes).
In addition to the annual progress reports, the IHS will compile
and provide aggregate program statistics including associated service
unit-level Government Performance Results Act (GPRA) health care
facility data available in the National Data Warehouse. Each applicant
should prioritize screening efforts as an effective tool in identifying
women at risk of domestic violence so that these individuals can be
referred for appropriate services. Therefore, the IHS will monitor and
collect available service unit GPRA data reporting the proportion of
AI/AN women ages 14-46 who have been screened for domestic violence/
intimate partner violence for all health care facilities associated
with the awardee. For additional information regarding the IHS GPRA,
see https://www.ihs.gov/crs/gprareporting/. Comprehensive information
about CRS software and logic is available at https://www.ihs.gov/crs/.
1. Describe your plan on gathering data, including data related to
evidence-based programs and interventions proposed, how variables will
be measured and what method will be used, and how the data will be used
for quality improvement and sustainability of program.
2. Describe your plan on collaborating with your regional TEC to
complete evaluation efforts.
3. Describe how you will prioritize screening efforts as a tool in
identifying AI/AN women ages 14-46 who are at risk for intimate partner
violence/domestic violence (IPV/DV) so that these individuals can be
referred for appropriate services and data can be collected for IHS
GPRA measures related to IPV/DV.
4. Describe how you will prioritize screening efforts as a tool in
identifying AI/AN who are at risk for sexual exploitation/human
trafficking so that these individuals can be referred for appropriate
services.
5. Describe your plan to establish necessary data-sharing
agreements that will be used in support of these activities.
6. Describe your plan to collect data on number of examinations and
refusals, screening for strangulation and traumatic brain injuries, and
sexual exploitation/human trafficking.
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E. Budget and Budget Narrative (10 Points)
The budget must match the program and work plan described in the
program narrative for the first budget year expenses only.
1. Create a budget narrative and a line item budget that are
aligned with your goal(s), objectives, and activities listed in the
program and work plan described in the project narrative for Year 1.
2. Include travel funds for your project director and coordinator
to attend the first grantee meeting.
Multi-Year Project Requirements
Applications must include a brief project narrative and budget (one
additional page per year) addressing the developmental plans for each
additional year of the project. This attachment will not count as part
of the project narrative or the budget narrative.
Additional documents can be uploaded as Other Attachments in
Grants.gov. These can include:
Work plan, timeline, and logic model for the program plan.
Position descriptions for key staff.
Consultant or contractor proposed scope of work and letter
of commitment (if applicable).
Current Indirect Cost Rate Agreement.
Organizational chart.
Abstract.
Map of area identifying project location(s).
2. Review and Selection
Each application will be prescreened for eligibility and
completeness as outlined in the funding announcement. Applications that
meet the eligibility criteria shall be reviewed for merit by the
Objective Review Committee (ORC) based on evaluation criteria.
Incomplete applications and applications that are not responsive to the
administrative thresholds (budget limit, project period limit) will not
be referred to the ORC and will not be funded. The applicant will be
notified of this determination.
Applicants must address all program requirements and provide all
required documentation.
3. Notifications of Disposition
All applicants will receive an Executive Summary Statement from the
IHS DBH within 30 days of the conclusion of the ORC outlining the
strengths and weaknesses of their application. The summary statement
will be sent to the Authorizing Official identified on the face page
(SF-424) of the application.
A. Award Notices for Funded Applications
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.
Each entity approved for funding must have a user account in
GrantSolutions in order to retrieve the NoA. Please see the Agency
Contacts list in Section VII for the systems contact information.
B. Approved but Unfunded Applications
Approved applications not funded due to lack of available funds
will be held for one year. If funding becomes available during the
course of the year, the application may be reconsidered.
Note: Any correspondence other than the official NoA executed 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 the IHS.
VI. Award Administration Information
1. Administrative Requirements
Awards issued under this announcement are subject to, and are
administered in accordance with, the following regulations and
policies:
A. The criteria as outlined in this program announcement.
B. Administrative Regulations for Grants:
Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and
Audit Requirements for HHS Awards currently in effect or implemented
during the period of award, other Department regulations and policies
in effect at the time of award, and applicable statutory provisions. At
the time of publication, this includes 45 CFR part 75, at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2020-title45-vol1/pdf/CFR-2020-title45-vol1-part75.pdf.
Please review all HHS regulatory provisions for
Termination at 45 CFR 75.372, at https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp&;SID=2970eec67399fab1413ede53d7895d99&mc=true&
;n=pt45.1.75&r=PART&ty=HTML&se45.1.75_1372#se45.1.75_1372.
C. Grants Policy:
HHS Grants Policy Statement, Revised January 2007, at
http://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/grants/grants/policies-regulations/hhsgps107.pdf.
D. Cost Principles:
Uniform Administrative Requirements for HHS Awards, ``Cost
Principles,'' at 45 CFR part 75 subpart E.
E. Audit Requirements:
Uniform Administrative Requirements for HHS Awards,
``Audit Requirements,'' at 45 CFR part 75 subpart F.
F. As of August 13, 2020, 2 CFR 200 was updated to include a
prohibition on certain telecommunications and video surveillance
services or equipment. This prohibition is described in 2 CFR 200.216.
This will also be described in the terms and conditions of every IHS
grant and cooperative agreement awarded on or after August 13, 2020.
2. Indirect Costs
This section applies to all recipients that request reimbursement
of indirect costs (IDC) in their application budget. In accordance with
HHS Grants Policy Statement, Part II-27, the IHS requires applicants to
obtain a current IDC rate agreement and submit it to the DGM prior to
the DGM issuing an 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 agreement 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 agreement is
provided to the DGM.
Per 45 CFR 75.414(f) Indirect (F&A) costs, ``any non-Federal entity
(NFE) [i.e., applicant] that has never received a negotiated indirect
cost rate, . . . may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10 percent of
modified total direct costs which may be used indefinitely. As
described in Section 75.403, costs must be consistently charged as
either indirect or direct costs, but may not be double charged or
inconsistently charged as both. If chosen, this methodology once
elected must be used consistently for all Federal awards until such
time as the NFE chooses to negotiate for a rate, which the NFE may
apply to do at any time.''
Electing to charge a de minimis rate of 10 percent only applies to
applicants that have never received an approved negotiated indirect
cost rate from HHS or another cognizant federal agency. Applicants
awaiting approval of their indirect cost proposal may request the 10
percent de minimis rate. When the applicant chooses this method, costs
included in the indirect cost pool must
[[Page 60849]]
not be charged as direct costs to the grant.
Available funds are inclusive of direct and appropriate indirect
costs. Approved indirect funds are awarded as part of the award amount,
and no additional funds will be provided.
Generally, IDC rates for IHS grantees are negotiated with the
Division of Cost Allocation at https://rates.psc.gov/ or the Department
of the Interior (Interior Business Center) at https://ibc.doi.gov/ICS/tribal. 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.
3. 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 the imposition of special award
provisions and/or 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 awardee organization
or the individual responsible for preparation of the reports. Per DGM
policy, all reports must 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 annually. The progress
reports are due within 30 days after the reporting period ends
(specific dates will be listed in the NoA Terms and Conditions).
Progress reports are required to be submitted via the IHS behavioral
health online data portal and GrantSolutions. These reports must
include a brief comparison of actual accomplishments to the goals
established for the period, a summary of progress to date or, if
applicable, provide sound justification for the lack of progress, in
addition to other information requested by the DBH. A final report must
be submitted within 90 days of expiration of the period of performance.
B. Financial Reports
Federal Cash Transaction Reports are due 30 days after the close of
every calendar quarter to the Payment Management Services at https://pms.psc.gov. Failure to submit timely reports may result in adverse
award actions blocking access to funds.
Federal Financial Reports are due 30 days after the end of each
budget period, and a final report is due 90 days after the end of the
period of performance.
Grantees are responsible and accountable for reporting accurate
information on all required reports: The Progress Reports, the Federal
Cash Transaction Report, and the Federal Financial Report.
C. Data Collection and Reporting
Program Evaluation will require grantee submission of annual
progress reports through a web-based Behavioral Health Reporting portal
system. Applicants are expected to collect data within their
communities on prevalence rates of domestic violence, sexual assault,
and child maltreatment. Progress reports will include the compilation
of quantitative data (e.g., number served, screenings completed, etc.)
and qualitative or narrative (text) data. Reporting elements may
include data from local community-based and evidence-based programs
pertaining to activities, processes, and outcomes, such as performance
measures and other data relevant to evaluation outcomes including
intended results (i.e., impact and outcomes).
In addition to the annual progress reports, the IHS will compile
and provide aggregate program statistics including associated service
unit GPRA health care facility data available in the National Data
Warehouse. Each applicant should prioritize screening efforts as an
effective tool in identifying women at risk of domestic violence so
that these individuals can be referred for appropriate services.
Therefore, the IHS will monitor and collect available service unit GPRA
data reporting the proportion of AI/AN women ages 14-46 who have been
screened for domestic violence/intimate partner violence for all health
care facilities associated with the community awarded. For additional
information regarding the IHS GPRA, see https://www.ihs.gov/crs/gprareporting/. Comprehensive information about CRS software and logic
is available at https://www.ihs.gov/crs/.
D. 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.
The 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 sub-award obligation threshold met for any specific
reporting period.
For the full IHS award term implementing this requirement and
additional award applicability information, visit the DGM Grants
Management website at https://www.ihs.gov/dgm/policytopics/.
E. Compliance With Executive Order 13166 Implementation of Services
Accessibility Provisions for All Grant Application Packages and Funding
Opportunity Announcements
Should you successfully compete for an award, recipients of Federal
financial assistance (FFA) from HHS must administer their programs in
compliance with Federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination
on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age and, in
some circumstances, religion, conscience, and sex (including gender
identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy). This includes ensuring
programs are accessible to persons with limited English proficiency and
persons with disabilities. The HHS Office for Civil Rights provides
guidance on complying with civil rights laws enforced by HHS. Please
see https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-providers/provider-obligations/index.html and https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/nondiscrimination/index.html.
Recipients of FFA must ensure that their programs are
accessible to persons with limited English proficiency. For guidance on
meeting your legal obligation to take reasonable steps to ensure
meaningful access to your programs or activities by limited English
proficiency individuals, see https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-
individuals/special-topics/limited-
[[Page 60850]]
english-proficiency/fact-sheet-guidance/index.html and https://www.lep.gov.
For information on your specific legal obligations for
serving qualified individuals with disabilities, including reasonable
modifications and making services accessible to them, see https://www.hhs.gov/ocr/civilrights/understanding/disability/index.html.
HHS funded health and education programs must be
administered in an environment free of sexual harassment. See https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/sex-discrimination/index.html.
For guidance on administering your program in compliance
with applicable Federal religious nondiscrimination laws and applicable
Federal conscience protection and associated anti-discrimination laws,
see https://www.hhs.gov/conscience/conscience-protections/index.html
and https://www.hhs.gov/conscience/religious-freedom/index.html.
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 FAPIIS at https://www.fapiis.gov before
making any award in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold
(currently $250,000) over the period of performance. An applicant may
review and comment on any information about itself that a Federal
awarding agency previously entered. The 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,
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, the IHS must require an NFE
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 gratuity violations
potentially affecting the Federal award.
All applicants and recipients must disclose in writing, in a timely
manner, 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: Paul Gettys, Acting Director, 5600 Fishers Lane, Mail
Stop: 09E70, Rockville, MD 20857 (Include ``Mandatory Grant
Disclosures'' in subject line), Office: (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: https://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud/ (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 part 180 and 2 CFR part
376).
VII. Agency Contacts
1. Questions on the programmatic issues may be directed to: Audrey
Solimon, Public Health Analyst, Indian Health Service, Division of
Behavioral Health, 5600 Fishers Lane, Mail Stop: 08N34-A, Rockville, MD
20857, Phone: (301) 590-5421, Fax: (301) 594-6213, Email:
[email protected].
2. Questions on grants management and fiscal matters may be
directed to: Andrew Diggs, Grants Management Specialist, DGM, Indian
Health Service, Division of Grants Management, 5600 Fishers Lane, Mail
Stop: 09E70, Rockville, MD 20857, Phone: (301) 443-2241, Email:
[email protected].
3. Questions on systems matters may be directed to: Paul Gettys,
Acting Director, DGM, Indian Health Service, Division of Grants
Management, 5600 Fishers Lane, Mail Stop: 09E70, Rockville, MD 20857,
Phone: (301) 443-2114; or the DGM main line (301) 443-5204, Email:
[email protected].
VIII. Other Information
The Public Health Service strongly encourages all grant,
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.
Elizabeth A. Fowler,
Acting Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-24025 Filed 11-3-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165-16-P