[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 134 (Thursday, July 14, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 42184-42191]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-15074]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Indian Health Service
Tribal Self-Governance Negotiation Cooperative Agreement Program
Announcement Type: New.
Funding Announcement Number: HHS-2022-IHS-TSGN-0002.
Assistance Listing (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance or CFDA)
Number: 93.444.
Key Dates
Application Deadline Date: August 31, 2022.
Earliest Anticipated Start Date: September 30, 2022.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
Statutory Authority
The Indian Health Service (IHS) is accepting applications for
Negotiation Cooperative Agreements for the Tribal Self-Governance
Program (TSGP). This program is authorized under the Snyder Act, 25
U.S.C. 13; the Transfer Act, 42 U.S.C. 2001(a); and Title V of the
Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA), 25
U.S.C. 5383(e). This program is described in the Assistance Listings
located at https://sam.gov/content/home (formerly known as Catalog of
Federal Domestic Assistance) under 93.444.
Background
The TSGP is more than an IHS program; it is an expression of the
government-to-government relationship between the United States (U.S.)
and Indian Tribes. Through the TSGP, Tribes negotiate with the IHS to
assume Programs, Services, Functions, and Activities (PSFAs), or
portions thereof, which gives Tribes the authority to manage and tailor
health care programs in a manner that best fits the needs of their
communities.
Participation in the TSGP affords Tribes the most flexibility to
tailor their health care needs by choosing one of three ways to obtain
health care from the Federal Government for their citizens.
Specifically, Tribes can choose to: (1) receive health care services
directly from the IHS; (2) contract with the IHS to administer
individual programs and services the IHS would otherwise provide
(referred to as Title I Self-Determination Contracting); and (3)
compact with the IHS to assume control over health care programs the
IHS would otherwise provide (referred to as Title V Self-Governance
Compacting or the TSGP). These options are not exclusive and Tribes may
choose to combine options based on their individual needs and
circumstances.
The TSGP is a tribally-driven initiative and strong Federal-Tribal
partnerships are essential to the program's success. The IHS
established the Office of Tribal Self-Governance (OTSG) to implement
the Tribal Self-Governance authorities under the ISDEAA. The primary
OTSG functions are to: (1) serve as the primary liaison and advocate
for Tribes participating in the TSGP; (2) develop, direct, and
implement TSGP policies and procedures; (3) provide information and
technical assistance to Self-Governance Tribes; and (4) advise the IHS
Director on compliance with TSGP policies, regulations, and guidelines.
Each IHS Area has an Agency Lead Negotiator (ALN), designated by the
IHS Director to act on his or her behalf, who has authority to
negotiate Self-Governance Compacts and Funding Agreements (FA). Tribes
interested in participating in the TSGP should contact their respective
ALN to begin the Self-Governance planning and negotiation process.
Tribes currently participating in the TSGP that are interested in
expanding existing or adding new PSFAs should also contact their
respective ALN to discuss the best methods for expanding or adding new
PSFAs.
Purpose
The purpose of this Negotiation Cooperative Agreement is to provide
Tribes with resources to help defray the costs associated with
preparing for and engaging in TSGP negotiations. TSGP negotiations are
a dynamic, evolving, and tribally-driven process that requires careful
planning, preparation, and sharing of precise, up-to-date information
by both Tribal and Federal parties. Because each Tribal situation is
unique, a Tribe's successful transition
[[Page 42185]]
into the TSGP, or expansion of their current program, requires focused
discussions between the Federal and Tribal negotiation teams about the
Tribe's specific health care concerns and plans. One of the hallmarks
of the TSGP is the collaborative nature of the negotiations process,
which is designed to: (1) enable a Tribe to set its own priorities when
assuming responsibility for IHS PSFAs; (2) observe and respect the
government-to-government relationship between the U.S. and each Tribe;
and (3) involve the active participation of both Tribal and IHS
representatives, including the OTSG. Negotiations are a method of
determining and agreeing upon the terms and provisions of a Tribe's
Compact and FA, the implementation documents required for the Tribe to
enter into the TSGP. The Compact sets forth the general terms of the
government-to-government relationship between the Tribe and the
Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
The FA: (1) describes the length of the agreement (whether it will be
annual or multi-year); (2) identifies the PSFAs, or portions thereof,
the Tribe will assume; (3) specifies the amount of funding associated
with the Tribal assumption; and (4) includes terms required by Federal
statutes and other terms agreed to by the parties. Both documents are
required to participate in the TSGP and they are mutually negotiated
agreements that become legally binding and mutually enforceable after
both parties sign the documents. Either document can be renegotiated at
the request of the Tribe.
The negotiation process has four major stages, including: (1)
planning; (2) pre-negotiations; (3) negotiations; and (4) post-
negotiations. Title V of the ISDEAA requires that a Tribe or Tribal
Organization (T/TO) complete a planning phase to the satisfaction of
the Tribe. The planning phase must include legal and budgetary research
and internal Tribal government planning and organizational preparation
relating to the administration of health care programs. See 25 U.S.C.
5383(d). The planning phase is critical to the negotiation process and
assists Tribes with making informed decisions about which PSFAs to
assume and what organizational changes or modifications are necessary
to support those PSFAs. A thorough planning phase improves timeliness
and efficient negotiations and ensures that the Tribe is fully prepared
to assume the transfer of IHS PSFAs to the Tribal health program.
During pre-negotiations, the Tribal and Federal negotiation teams
review and discuss issues identified during the planning phase. Pre-
negotiations provide an opportunity for the Tribe and the IHS to
identify and discuss issues directly related to the Tribe's Compact,
FA, and Tribal shares.
In advance of final negotiations, the Tribe should work with the
IHS to secure the following: (1) program titles and descriptions; (2)
financial tables and information; (3) information related to the
identification and justification of residuals; and (4) the basis for
determining Tribal shares (distribution formula). The Tribe may also
wish to discuss financial materials that show estimated funding for
next year and the increases or decreases in funding it may receive in
the current year, as well as the basis for those changes.
During the final negotiation, both the Federal and Tribal
negotiation teams work together in good faith to determine and agree
upon the terms and provisions of the Tribe's Compact and FA.
Negotiations are not an allocation process; they provide an opportunity
to mutually review and discuss budget and program issues to reach
agreement and finalize documents.
There are various entities involved throughout the negotiation
process. For example, a Tribal government selects its representative(s)
for the Tribal negotiation team, which may include a Tribal leader from
the governing body, a Tribal health director, technical and program
staff, legal counsel, and other consultants. Regardless of the
composition of the Tribal team, Tribal representatives must have
decision-making authority from the Tribal governing body to
successfully negotiate and agree to the provisions within the
agreements. The Federal negotiation team is led by the ALN and may
include area and headquarters subject matter experts, OTSG staff, the
Office of Finance and Accounting, and the Office of the General
Counsel. The ALN is the only member of the Federal negotiation team
with delegated authority to negotiate on behalf of the IHS Director.
The ALN is the designated official that provides Tribes with Self-
Governance information, assists Tribes in planning, organizes meetings
between the Tribe and the IHS, and coordinates the agency's response to
Tribal questions during the negotiation process.
The ALN role requires detailed knowledge of the IHS, awareness of
current policy and practice, and understanding of the rights and
authorities available to a Tribe under Title V of the ISDEAA.
In post-negotiations, the mutually agreed to and negotiated Compact
and FA are signed by the authorizing Tribal official and submitted to
the OTSG in preparation for the IHS Director's signature. Once the
Compact and FA have been signed by both parties, they become legally
binding and enforceable agreements. A signed Compact and FA are
necessary for the payment process to begin. The negotiating Tribe then
becomes a ``Self-Governance Tribe'' and a participant in the TSGP.
Acquiring a Negotiation Cooperative Agreement is not a prerequisite
to enter the TSGP. A Tribe may use other resources to develop and
negotiate its Compact and FA. See 42 CFR 137.26. Tribes that receive a
Negotiation Cooperative Agreement are not obligated to participate in
Title V and may choose to delay or decline participation or expansion
in the TSGP.
II. Award Information
Funding Instrument--Cooperative Agreement
Estimated Funds Available
The total funding identified for fiscal year (FY) 2022 is
approximately $420,000. Individual award amounts are anticipated to be
$84,000. The funding available for competing 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 five awards will be issued under this program
announcement.
Period of Performance
The period of performance is for 1 year.
Cooperative Agreement
Cooperative agreements awarded by the 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
A. Provide descriptions of PSFAs and associated funding at all
organizational levels (Service Unit, Area, and Headquarters) including
funding formulas and methodologies related to determining Tribal
shares.
B. Meet with Negotiation Cooperative Agreement recipients to
provide program information and discuss
[[Page 42186]]
methods currently used to manage and deliver health care.
C. Identify and provide statutes, regulations, and policies that
provide authority for administering IHS programs.
D. Provide technical assistance on the IHS budget, Tribal shares,
and other topics as needed.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligibility
To be eligible for this opportunity, applicant must meet the
following criteria:
Applicant must be an ``Indian Tribe'' as defined in 25
U.S.C. 5304(e); a ``Tribal Organization'' as defined in 25 U.S.C.
5304(l); or an ``Inter-Tribal Consortium'' as defined at 42 CFR 137.10.
Please note that Tribes prohibited from contracting pursuant to the
ISDEAA are not eligible. See section 424(a) of the Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2014, Public Law 113-76, as amended by section 428
of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018, Public Law 115-141, and
section 1201 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, Public Law
116-260.
Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 5383(c)(1)(B), applicant must
request participation in self-governance by resolution or other
official action by the governing body of each Indian Tribe to be
served.
Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 5383(c)(1)(C), applicant must
demonstrate financial stability and financial management capability for
3 fiscal years.
Please see Section IV.2, Application and Submission Information,
Content and Form Application Submission for details on required
documentation.
Meeting the eligibility criteria for a Negotiation Cooperative
Agreement does not mean that a T/TO is eligible for participation in
the IHS TSGP under Title V of the ISDEAA. See 25 U.S.C. 5383, 42 CFR
137.15-23. For additional information on the eligibility for the IHS
TSGP, please visit the ``Eligibility and Funding'' page on the OTSG
website located at https://www.ihs.gov/SelfGovernance.
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 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 Tribe or Tribal organization
selected for funding. An applicant 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.
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:
Application forms:
1. SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance.
2. SF-424A, Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs.
3. SF-424B, Assurances--Non-Construction Programs.
4. Project Abstract Summary form.
Project Narrative (not to exceed 10 pages). See Section
IV.2.A, Project Narrative for instructions.
Budget Justification and Narrative (not to exceed five
pages). See Section IV.2.B, Budget Narrative for instructions.
One-page Timeframe Chart.
Tribal Resolution(s), which must explicitly authorize
participation in a Self-Governance Negotiation Cooperative Agreement.
Letters of Support from organization's Board of Directors
(Optional).
501(c)(3) Certificate.
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 sufficient to demonstrate financial
stability and financial management capability for 3 fiscal years. The
Indian Tribe must provide evidence that, for the 3 fiscal years prior
to requesting participation in the TSGP, the Indian Tribe has had no
uncorrected significant and material audit exceptions in the required
annual audit of the Indian Tribe's Self-Determination Contracts or
Self-Governance Funding Agreements with any Federal agency. See 25
U.S.C. 5383, 42 CFR 137.15-23. For Tribes or Tribal organizations (T/
TO) that expended $500,000 or more in Federal awards, the OTSG shall
retrieve the audits directly from the Federal Audit Clearinghouse. For
T/TO that expended less than $500,000 in Federal awards, the T/TO must
provide evidence of the program review correspondence from the IHS or
Bureau of Indian Affairs officials. See 42 CFR 137.21-23.
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.
[[Page 42187]]
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 10 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).
Do not combine this document with any others.
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 overall page limit, the application will be considered not
responsive and will not be reviewed. The 10-page limit for the
narrative does not include the work plan, standard forms, Tribal
Resolutions, budget, budget justifications, narratives, and/or other
appendix items. Page limits for each section within the project
narrative are guidelines, not hard limits.
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--4 Pages)
Section 1: Introduction and Need for Assistance
Demonstrate that the Tribe has conducted previous Self-Governance
planning activities by clearly stating the results of what was learned
during the planning process. Explain how the Tribe has determined it
has the knowledge and expertise to assume or expand PSFAs and the
administrative infrastructure to support the assumption of PSFAs.
Identify the need for assistance and how the Negotiation Cooperative
Agreement would benefit the health activities the Tribe is preparing to
assume or expand.
Part 2: Program Planning and Evaluation (Limit--4 Pages)
Section 1: Project Objective(s), Work Plan, and Approach
State in measureable terms the objectives and appropriate
activities to achieve the following Negotiation Cooperative Agreement
recipient award activities:
(A) Determine the PSFAs that will be negotiated into the Tribe's
Compact and FA. Prepare and discuss each PSFA in comparison to the
current level of services provided so that an informed decision can be
made on new or expanded program assumption.
(B) Identify Tribal shares associated with the PSFAs that will be
included in the FA.
(C) Develop the terms and conditions that will be set forth in both
the Compact and FA to submit to the ALN prior to negotiations.
Describe fully and clearly how the Tribe's proposal will result in
an improved approach to managing the PSFAs to be assumed or expanded.
Include how the Tribe plans to demonstrate improved health services to
the community and incorporate the proposed timelines for negotiations.
Section 2: Organizational Capabilities, Key Personnel, and
Qualifications
Describe the organizational structure of the Tribe and its ability
to manage the proposed project. Include resumes or position
descriptions of key staff showing requisite experience and expertise.
If applicable, include resumes and scope of work for consultants that
demonstrate experience and expertise relevant to the project.
Section 3: Program Evaluation
Describe fully and clearly how the goals and proposed activities
will improve the health care system and identify the anticipated or
expected benefits for the Tribe. Define the criteria to be used to
evaluate objectives associated with the project using a model for
tracking.
Part 3: Program Report (Limit--2 Pages)
Section 1: Describe your organization's significant program
activities and accomplishments over the past several years associated
with the goals of this announcement and leading up to the negotiation
phase.
Please identify and describe significant program activities and
achievements associated with the delivery of quality health services.
Provide a comparison of the actual accomplishments to the goals
established for the project period or, if applicable, provide
justification for the lack of progress.
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 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. 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]), Deputy 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 not allowable.
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 you cannot submit an application through Grants.gov, you must
request a
[[Page 42188]]
waiver prior to the application due date. This contact must be
initiated prior to the application due date or your waiver request will
be denied. Prior approval must be requested and obtained from Mr. Paul
Gettys, Deputy Director, DGM. You must send a written waiver request to
[email protected] with a copy to [email protected]. The waiver
request must be documented in writing (emails are acceptable) before
submitting an application by some other method, and must include clear
justification for the need to deviate from the required application
submission process.
If the DGM approves your waiver request, you will receive a
confirmation of approval email containing submission instructions. You
must include a copy of the written approval with the application
submitted to the DGM. Applications that do not include a copy of the
signed waiver from the Deputy 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 you that the
application has been received.
System for Award Management (SAM)
Organizations that are not registered with SAM must access the SAM
online registration through the SAM home page at https://sam.gov.
United States (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.
Unique Entity Identifier
Your SAM.gov registration now includes a Unique Entity Identifier
(UEI), generated by SAM.gov, which replaces the DUNS number obtained
from Dun and Bradstreet. SAM.gov registration no longer requires a DUNS
number.
Check your organization's SAM.gov registration as soon as you
decide to apply for this program. If your SAM.gov registration is
expired, you will not be able to submit an application. It can take
several weeks to renew it or resolve any issues with your registration,
so do not wait.
Check your Grants.gov registration. Registration and role
assignments in Grants.gov are self-serve functions. One user for your
organization will have the authority to approve role assignments, and
these must be approved for active users in order to ensure someone in
your organization has the necessary access to submit an application.
The Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006, as
amended (``Transparency Act''), requires all HHS awardees to report
information on sub-awards. Accordingly, all IHS awardees must notify
potential first-tier sub-awardees that no entity may receive a first-
tier sub-award unless the entity has provided its UEI number to the
prime awardee 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.
Additional information on implementing the Transparency Act,
including the specific requirements for 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 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 project narrative. 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. Introduction and Need for Assistance (25 Points)
Demonstrate that the Tribe has conducted previous Self-Governance
planning activities by clearly stating the results of what was learned
during the planning process. Explain how the Tribe has determined it
has the knowledge and expertise to assume or expand PSFAs and the
administrative infrastructure to support the assumption of PSFAs.
Identify the need for assistance and how the Negotiation Cooperative
Agreement would benefit the health activities the Tribe is preparing to
assume or expand.
B. Project Objective(s), Work Plan, and Approach (25 Points)
State in measurable terms the objectives and appropriate activities
to achieve the following Negotiation Cooperative Agreement recipient
award activities:
(1) Determine the PSFAs that will be negotiated into the Tribe's
Compact and FA. Prepare and discuss each PSFA in comparison to the
level of services provided so that an informed decision can be made on
new or expanded program assumption.
(2) Identify Tribal shares associated with the PSFAs that will be
included in the FA.
(3) Develop the terms and conditions that will be set forth in both
the Compact and FA to submit to the ALN prior to negotiations. Clearly
describe how the Tribe's proposal will result in an improved approach
to managing the PSFAs to be assumed or expanded. Include how the Tribe
plans to demonstrate improved health care services to the community and
incorporate the proposed timelines for negotiations.
[[Page 42189]]
C. Program Evaluation (25 Points)
Describe fully the improvements that will be made by the Tribe to
manage the health care system and identify the anticipated or expected
benefits for the Tribe. Define the criteria to be used to evaluate
objectives associated with the project and how they will be measured.
D. Organizational Capabilities, Key Personnel, and Qualifications (15
Points)
Describe the organizational structure of the Tribe and its ability
to manage the proposed project. Include resumes or position
descriptions of key staff showing requisite experience and expertise.
If applicable, include resumes and scope of work for consultants that
demonstrate experience and expertise relevant to the project.
E. Categorical Budget and Budget Justification (10 Points)
Submit a budget with a narrative describing the budget request and
matching the scope of work described in the project narrative. Justify
all expenditures identifying reasonable and allowable costs necessary
to accomplish the goals and objectives as outlined in the project
narrative.
Additional documents can be uploaded as Other Attachments in
Grants.gov. These can include:
Work plan, logic model, and/or timeline 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.
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, period of performance limit)
will not be referred to the ORC and will not be funded. The applicant
will be notified by the program office 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 OTSG 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 award, the terms and conditions of the
award, the effective date of the award, the budget period, and period
of performance. 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
[[Page 42190]]
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 awardees 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 awardee 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 semi-annually. The progress
report is 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 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.
Awardees are responsible and accountable for reporting accurate
information on all required reports: the Progress Reports and Federal
Financial Report.
C. Federal Sub-Award Reporting System (FSRS)
This award may be subject to the Transparency Act sub-award and
executive compensation reporting requirements of 2 CFR part 170.
The Transparency Act requires the OMB to establish a single
searchable database, accessible to the public, with information on
financial assistance awards made by Federal agencies. The Transparency
Act also includes a requirement for recipients of Federal grants to
report information about first-tier sub-awards and executive
compensation under Federal assistance awards.
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/.
D. Non-Discrimination Legal Requirements for Awardees 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/civil-rights/for-individuals/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.
E. 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/fapiis/#/home 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
[[Page 42191]]
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 of 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: Marsha Brookins,
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 parts 180 and 2 CFR part
376).
VII. Agency Contacts
1. Questions on the programmatic issues may be directed to: Roxanne
Houston, Program Officer, Indian Health Service, Office of Tribal Self-
Governance, 5600 Fishers Lane, Mail Stop: 08E09B, Rockville, MD 20857,
Phone: (301) 443-7821, Email: [email protected], Website: https://www.ihs.gov/SelfGovernance/.
2. Questions on grants management and fiscal matters may be
directed to: Sheila Little 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,
Deputy Director, Indian Health Service, Division of Grants Management,
5600 Fishers Lane, Mail Stop: 09E70, Rockville, MD 20857, Phone: (301)
443-2114, 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. 2022-15074 Filed 7-13-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165-16-P