[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 67 (Thursday, April 7, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 20443-20450]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-07333]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Indian Health Service
Zero Suicide Initiative Coordinating Center
Announcement Type: New.
Funding Announcement Number: HHS-2022-IHS-ZSICC-0001.
Assistance Listing (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance or CFDA)
Number: 93.654.
Key Dates
Application Deadline Date: July 6, 2022.
Earliest Anticipated Start Date: August 22, 2022.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
Statutory Authority
The Indian Health Service (IHS) is accepting applications for a
cooperative agreement for the IHS Zero Suicide Initiative (ZSI)
Coordinating Center. This program is authorized under the Snyder Act,
25 U.S.C. 13; the Transfer Act, 42 U.S.C. 2001(a); and the Indian
Health Care Improvement Act, 25 U.S.C. 1665a. This program is described
in the Assistance Listings located at https://sam.gov/content/home
(formerly known as the CFDA) under 93.654.
Background
Since 1999, suicide rates within the United States have been
steadily increasing.\1\ On March 2, 2018, the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly report released
a data report, ``Suicides Among American Indian/Alaska Natives National
Violent Death Reporting System, 18 States, 2003 to 2014,'' which
highlights American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) people having the
highest rates of suicide of any racial/ethnic group in the United
States. Suicide rates for AI/AN adolescents and young adult ages 15 to
34 (19.1/100,000) were 1.3 times that of the national average for that
age group (14/100,000).\2\ In June 2019, the National Center for Health
Statistics, Health E-Stat reported in ``Suicide Rates for Females and
Males by Race and Ethnicity: United States, 1999 and 2017,'' that
suicide rates increased for all race and ethnicity groups but the
largest increase occurred for AI/AN females (139% from 4.6 to 11.0 per
100,000). Suicide is the 8th leading cause of death among all AI/AN
people across all ages and may be underestimated.
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\1\ Curtin SC, Hedegaard H. Suicide rates for females and males
by race and ethnicity: United States, 1999 and 2017. NCHS Health E-
Stat. 2019.
\2\ Leavitt RA, Ertle AE, Sheats K, Petrosky E, Ivey-Stephenson
A, Fowler KA (2018) Suicides Among American Indian/Alaska Natives--
National Violent Death Reporting System, 18 States, 2003 to 2014.
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2018;67: 37-240.
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The Zero Suicide Initiative (ZSI) is a key concept of the National
Strategy for Suicide Prevention and is a priority of the National
Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention (https://theactionalliance.org/
). Under a separate funding opportunity announcement, the IHS intends
to fund a new ZSI Cohort of eight to ten projects that will support the
implementation of the Zero Suicide model within Tribal and Urban Indian
health care facilities and systems that provide direct care services to
AI/AN patients in order to raise awareness of suicide, establish an
integrated system of care, and improve outcomes for such individuals in
fiscal year (FY) 2022-FY 2026. Applicants are encouraged to visit
https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/reports-and-publications/suicide-prevention/index.html to access a copy of the 2012 National Strategy.
Purpose
The purpose of this cooperative agreement is to build capacity of
ZSI projects to improve the system of care for those at risk for
suicide by implementing a comprehensive, culturally informed, multi-
setting approach to suicide prevention in Indian health systems. The
ZSI Coordinating Center will provide technical assistance in the areas
of data collection, reporting, training, resources, and implementation
of the Zero Suicide approach in Indian Country. The ZSI Coordinating
Center technical assistance will be framed to promote the core Seven
Elements of the Zero Suicide model that was developed by the Suicide
Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) at https://zerosuicide.edc.org/toolkit/zero-suicide-toolkit.
1. Lead--Create and sustain a leadership-driven, safety-oriented
culture committed to dramatically reducing suicide among people under
care. Include survivors of suicide attempts and suicide loss in
leadership and planning roles.
2. Train--Develop a competent, confident, and caring workforce.
3. Identify--Systematically identify and assess suicide risk among
people receiving care.
4. Engage--Ensure every individual has a pathway to care that is
both timely and adequate to meet his or her needs. Include
collaborative safety planning and restriction of lethal means.
5. Treat--Use effective, evidence-based treatments that directly
target suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
6. Transition--Provide continuous contact and support, especially
after acute care.
7. Improve--Apply a data-driven quality improvement approach to
inform system changes that will lead to improved patient outcomes and
better care for those at risk.
Required Activities
The ZSI Coordinating Center award funds must be used primarily to
support activities to improve performance of a new cohort of ZSI
projects in implementing the ZSI model and support recipients in
meeting data collection and reporting requirements. The awardee will be
required to:
1. Identify or develop key training, educational resources, and
products to promote and implement the Zero Suicide model that is a
multi-setting approach and culturally informed in the prevention of
suicide in Indian health systems.
2. Build and maintain collaborative relationships with key
stakeholders including: ZSI projects; state, territorial, Tribal, and
local governments; local health departments; health care systems;
tribal epidemiology centers, provider associations; national suicide
prevention and behavioral health organizations; academic institutions;
professional, recovery community, and racial/ethnic-specific or LGBT
organizations; survivors; and others.
3. Ensure the technical assistance strategies provided include
information related to specific target populations at risk for suicide,
such as older adults, veterans, the LGBT community, individuals with
serious mental illness, and AI/AN people.
4. Convene Recipient Training (Biannually)--Execute in person and/
or virtual training events that help ZSI projects learn the
foundational principles for the Zero Suicide model while helping the
teams develop detailed action plans to be implemented.
5. Develop a virtual Learning Collaborative--that will provide
culturally specific suicide prevention tools, resources, and
consultation to implement the project.
6. Provide tailored Technical Assistance--Site-specific
consultations and face-to-face or virtual site visits for ZSI projects
that may experience complex challenges while implementing the Zero
Suicide model.
7. Provide consultation with ZSI projects in the collection,
analysis, and reporting of data.
8. Produce and provide the IHS a quarterly summary of the Center's
technical assistance activities to include
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any publications, audiovisuals, and other materials produced (drafts
and final products).
9. Complete all activities proposed in the required activities
section of this announcement.
10. Participate and plan face-to-face and/or virtual meetings and
conference calls with the ZSI projects and IHS during the period of the
cooperative agreement.
11. Develop a National Evaluation Plan for the ZSI within 60 days
of receiving funding:
i. Coordinate a cross-site evaluation with the new cohort of ZSI
funded projects;
ii. Export and organize a quantitative and qualitative data set for
ZSI into one database for each project at the end of each project year
and within 60 days of receiving the data to include the data points
outlined in the Data Collection and Reporting section of this
announcement;
iii. Complete an Evaluation Report within 30 days of the end of
each project year; and,
iv. Create standard tables, slides, and talking points from the
Evaluation Report within 30 days of the end of each project year.
Pre-Conference Award 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 January 23, 2015 (Policy), as applicable to
conferences funded by grants and cooperative agreements. The Policy is
available at https://www.hhs.gov/grants/contracts/contract-policies-regulations/efficient-spending/index.html?language=es.
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 website, (4) Audio Visual, (5)
Speakers Fees, (6) Non-Federal Attendee Travel, (7) Registration Fees,
and (8) Other (explain in detail and cost breakdown). For additional
questions please contact Monique Richards at (240) 252-9625 or email
her at [email protected].
II. Award Information
Funding Instrument--Cooperative Agreement
Estimated Funds Available
The total funding identified for FY 2022 is approximately $500,000.
The award amount for the first budget year is anticipated to be up to
$500,000. 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 one award will be issued under this program
announcement.
Period of Performance
The period of performance is for 5 years.
Cooperative Agreement
Cooperative agreements awarded by the Department of Health and
Human Services (HHS) are administered under the same policies as
grants. However, the funding agency, IHS, is anticipated to have
substantial programmatic involvement in the project during the entire
period of performance. Below is a detailed description of the level of
involvement required of the IHS.
Substantial Agency Involvement Description for Cooperative Agreement
1. Liaise with ZSI projects to ensure the ZSI Coordinating Center
is able to provide timely and appropriate technical assistance.
2. Facilitate linkages to other IHS/Federal government resources
and promote collaboration with other IHS and Federal health and
behavioral health initiatives, including the Substance Abuse Mental
Health Services Administration, the National Action Alliance for
Suicide Prevention, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, the
Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC), and the Zero Suicide
Institute.
3. Provide input and monitor the technical assistance being
administered by the ZSI Coordinating Center. Ensure that the ZSI
Coordinating Center receives ZSI project data according to IHS polices.
4. Provide suggested revisions or comments for quarterly and annual
reports.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligibility
To be eligible for this new funding opportunity, an applicant must
be one of the following as defined under 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 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).
In addition, Applicant must also have demonstrated expertise as
follows:
Representing Tribal governments and providing a variety of
services to Tribes, area health boards, Tribal organizations, 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 health education for AI/AN people
and coordinating efforts to inform AI/AN people of Federal decisions
that affect
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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.
Supporting improved health care in Indian Country.
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
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 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.
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 12 pages). See Section
IV.2.A, Project Narrative for 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 five
pages). See Section IV.2.B, Budget Narrative for instructions.
One-page Work Plan.
Logic Model.
Letters of Support from organization's Board of Directors
(if applicable).
501(c)(3) Certificate (if applicable).
Biographical sketches for all Key Personnel.
Contractor/Consultant resumes or qualifications and scope
of work.
Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL), 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.
Documentation of current Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) Financial Audit (if applicable).
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 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 12 pages and must: (1) Have consecutively numbered
pages; (2) use black font 12 points or larger (tables may be done in 10
point font); (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 will not be reviewed. The 12-page limit for the
narrative does not include the work plan, standard forms, budget,
budget justifications, narratives, and/or other items.
There are three parts to the narrative: Part 1--Program
Information; Part 2--Program Planning and Evaluation; and Part 3--
Program Report. See below for additional details about what must be
included in the narrative.
The page limits below are for each narrative and budget submitted.
Part 1: Program Information (Limit--5 Pages)
Section 1: Introduction and need for assistance
Must include the applicant's background information, a description
of epidemiological service, epidemiologic capacity, suicide prevention,
Zero Suicide model expertise, and history of support for such
activities. Applicants need to include current public health
activities, what program services they currently provide, and
interactions with other public health authorities in the region (state,
local, or Tribal).
Section 2: Organizational capabilities
The applicant must describe staff capabilities or hiring plans for
the key personnel with appropriate expertise in suicide prevention,
Zero Suicide model, epidemiology, health sciences, and program
management. The applicant must also demonstrate access to specialized
expertise, such as a Masters level epidemiologist and/or a
biostatistician. Applicants must include an organizational chart and
provide position descriptions and biographical sketches of key
personnel including consultants or contractors. The position
description should clearly describe each position and its duties.
Resume should indicate that proposed staff is qualified to carry out
the project activities.
Part 2: Program Planning and Evaluation (Limit--5 Pages)
Section 1: Program Plans
Applicant must include a work plan that describes program goals,
objectives, activities, timeline, and responsible person for carrying
out the objectives/activities.
The work plan should only include the first year of the project
period showing dates, key activities, and responsible staff for key
requirements.
Describe the proposed technical assistance recipients and the
methods you will use to engage them. In your response, describe your
expertise and experience in providing suicide
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prevention technical assistance to federally recognized Indian Tribes,
Tribal organizations, Urban Indian organizations, domestic public/
private entities, community organizations, or faith-based
organizations.
Discuss the service gaps, barriers, and other problems related to
the need for technical assistance in the area of suicide prevention in
Indian Country.
Section 2: Program Evaluation
Applicant must define the criteria they will use to evaluate
activities listed in the work plan under the Required Activities
section. They must explain the methodology they will use to determine
if the needs identified for the objectives are being met and if the
outcomes identified are being achieved, and describe how evaluation
findings will be disseminated to the IHS, co-funders, and the
population served. The evaluation plan must include a logic model (not
counted in the page limit) with at least one measurable outcome per
required activity.
Provide specific information about how you will collect the
required data for this program and how you will use such data to
manage, monitor, and enhance the program.
Part 3: Program Report (Limit--2 Pages)
Section 1: Describe major accomplishments over the last 24 months
providing technical assistance, training, and in the area of suicide
prevention.
B. Budget Narrative (limit--5 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 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 cooperative agreement may 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.
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 recipient 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
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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 recipients 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 recipient 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 fully understand the project.
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
The instructions for preparing the application narrative also
constitute the evaluation criteria for reviewing and scoring the
application.
A. Program Information (20 Points)
Describe the applicant's current public health activities,
including Technical Assistance services currently provided,
interactions with other public health authorities in the regions
(Federal, state, local, or Tribal) and how long it has been operating.
Specifically, describe current epidemiologic capacity and history of
support for such activities.
Describe staff capabilities or hiring plans for the key personnel
with appropriate expertise in suicide prevention, Zero Suicide model,
epidemiology, health sciences, and program management.
B. Project Objectives, Work Plan, and Approach (45 Points)
a. Describe the goals and measure objectives of your proposed
project and align them with the Statement of Need.
b. Describe how you will implement the Required Activities. Also
describe how you will assess your activities, identify resources, and
reassess recipient needs.
c. Provide a work plan depicting a realistic timeline for the first
year of the project period showing dates, key activities, and
responsible staff. These key activities should include the
requirements.
C. Program Evaluation (15 Points)
Applicants need to clearly demonstrate the ability to collect and
report on required data associated with this project and lead all
aspects of the cross-site program evaluation. Provide specific
information on the development of the annual data report for this
program and how such data will be used to manage, monitor, and enhance
the program.
a. Define the criteria to be used to evaluate activities listed in
the work plan under the Required Activities.
b. Explain the methodology that will be used to determine if the
needs identified for the objectives are being met and if the outcomes
identified are being achieved. Be explicit about how the logic model
relates to the objectives and activities.
c. Explain how the applicant will lead the cross-recipient site
organization evaluation activities.
D. Organizational Capabilities, Key Personnel, and Qualifications (15
Points)
a. Explain both the management and administrative structure of the
organization, including documentation of current certified financial
management systems from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, IHS, or a
Certified Public Accountant, and an updated organizational chart.
b. Describe the ability of the organization to manage a program of
the proposed scope.
c. Provide position descriptions and biographical sketches of key
personnel, including those of consultants or contractors. Position
descriptions should very clearly describe each position and its duties,
indicating desired qualification and experience requirements related to
the project. Resumes should indicate that the proposed staff is
qualified to carry out the project activities. Applicants must include
an organizational chart.
d. The applicant must also demonstrate access to specialized
expertise, such as a Masters level epidemiologist and/or a
biostatistician. Applicants with expertise in epidemiology will receive
priority.
E. Categorical Budget and Budget Justification (5 Points)
a. Provide a justification by line item in the budget including
sufficient cost and other details to facilitate the determination of
cost allowance and relevance of these costs to the proposed project.
The funds requested should be appropriate and necessary for the scope
of the project.
b. If use of consultants or contractors is proposed or anticipated,
provide a detailed budget and scope of work that clearly defines the
activities' outcomes anticipated.
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 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 Rate Agreement.
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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 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 Office of Clinical and Preventive Services 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 Notice of Award (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 1 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
https://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 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 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 recipients 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 recipient 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,
[[Page 20449]]
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). 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,
and other pertinent information as required. 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.
Recipients 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
The IHS will provide ZSI project data and any aggregate program
statistics including associated community-level GPRA health care
facility data available in the National Data Warehouse as needed.
Recipient will receive ZSI project site data reports and will be
required to compile a cross-site evaluation that will include both
qualitative and qualitative analysis. The project site data reports
will include the following data points:
Treat
Number of patient visits.
Number of patients screened for suicide risk.
Number of patients placed on suicide care pathway or
registry.
Number of patients hospitalized for suicide risk.
Number of patients with safety plan.
Number of patients counseled on access to lethal means.
Number of approved ZSI Policies for Screening, Assessment,
Safety-Planning, Means Restriction, Transfer, and Follow-up.
Number of Protocol Guide of culturally informed practices
and activities to be used with Evidence Based Practices (EBP).
Number of Integrated Electronic Health Records (EHR).
Train
Number of staff trained in EBP for Screening.
Number of staff trained in EBP for Assessment.
Number of staff trained in EBP for Treatment.
Number of staff trained, number of trainings, type of
trainings, and number of staff trained in each health care profession
in evidence-based treatment of suicide risk.
Number of staff that report feeling competent to deliver
suicide care.
Number of staff that report feeling confident to deliver
suicide care.
Number of patients who received a suicide screening during
the reporting period.
Number of staff using EBP to provide treatment of suicide
risk.
Number of staff incorporating culturally informed
practices and activities with EBP.
Number of culturally informed practices and activities
used.
Number of patients with a Safety Plan that receive follow-
up within 8 hours of missed appointment.
Number of patients who receive follow-up within 24 hours
of inpatient emergency department visit.
Improve
Existence of multidisciplinary ZSI Leadership Succession
Team.
Existence of Approved ZSI Policies for screening,
assessment, safety-planning, means restriction, prescription, and
follow-up.
Protocol Guide of culturally informed practices and
activities to be used with EBP.
Existence of Integrated EHR.
Existence of data collection and surveillance processes in
place.
Results from Organizational Self-Study.
Results from the Workforce Survey (WFS).
Existence of trained, competent staff as evidenced by
results of WFS.
Existence of approved Implementation Work Plan.
D. Post Conference Grant Reporting
The following requirements were enacted in Section 3003 of the
Consolidated Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013, Public Law 113-6, 127
Stat. 198, 435 (2013), and; Office of Management and Budget Memorandum
M-17-08, Amending OMB 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. Specifically: The
total amount of funds provided in this award/cooperative agreement that
were spent for ``Conference X'' must be reported in final detailed
actual costs within 15 calendar days of the completion of the
conference. Cost categories to address should be: (1) Contract/Planner,
(2) Meeting Space/Venue, (3) Registration website, (4) Audio Visual,
(5) Speakers Fees, (6) Non-Federal Attendee Travel, (7) Registration
Fees, and (8) Other.
E. 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/.
[[Page 20450]]
F. Non-Discrimination Legal Requirements of Federal Financial
Assistance
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-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.
G. 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: LCDR
Monique Richards, MSW, LICSW, Public Health Advisor, Indian Health
Service, Division of Behavioral Health, 5600 Fishers Lane, Mail Stop:
08N70C, Rockville, MD 20857, Telephone: (240) 252-9625, Fax: (301) 443-
5610, Email: [email protected].
2. Questions on grants management and fiscal matters may be
directed to: Sheila Miller, Grants Management Specialist, Indian Health
Service, Division of Grants Management, 5600 Fishers Lane, Mail Stop:
09E70, Rockville, MD 20857, Phone: (240) 535-9308, Email:
[email protected].
3. Questions on systems matters may be directed to: Paul Gettys,
Acting Director, Division of Grants Management, 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, E-Mail: [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. 2022-07333 Filed 4-6-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165-16-P