[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 139 (Thursday, July 21, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 43537-43545]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-15520]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Indian Health Service
Youth Regional Treatment Center Aftercare Program
Announcement Type: New.
Funding Announcement Number: HHS-2023-IHS-YRTC-0001.
Assistance Listing (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance or CFDA)
Number: 93.654.
Key Dates
Application Deadline Date: September 19, 2022.
Earliest Anticipated Start Date: October 4, 2022.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
Statutory Authority
The Indian Health Service (IHS) is accepting applications for a
cooperative agreement for Youth Regional Treatment Center Aftercare
Programs (Short Title: Youth Aftercare). 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
and 1665g. This program is described in the Assistance Listings located
at https://sam.gov/content/home (formerly known as the CFDA) under
93.654.
Background
As a whole, the American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN)
population is notably young, as 20.3 percent are youth, compared to the
16.6 percent of the non-AI/AN population. Among the total 2.3 million
AI/AN youth, 46.7 percent are adolescents, 12 to 17 years of age, and
53.3 percent are young adults, 18 to 24 years of age. For purposes of
examining youth outcomes, DBH applies the total youth age range, 12 to
24 years, for consistency with Tribal, Federal, and United Nations
standards. For purposes of this effort, Youth Regional Treatment
Centers (YRTCs) serve youth according to ages that their facilities are
allowed to admit. There are multiple indicators that the behavioral
health treatment requirements for AI/AN youth are unaddressed at this
time. As one example, according to the CDC, as of 2020, AI/AN
adolescent and young adult suicide rates have reached all-time highs.
The suicide rate for youth, 15 to 24 year olds, is now 24.6 per
100,000; 1.9 times higher than the average of their non-AI/AN peers.
Meanwhile, AI/AN youth continue to experience an unprecedented
crisis of unaddressed behavioral health treatment needs and
requirements. The persistent risk is due to many personal and community
factors, as well as notable structural factors, which undermine the
development of an appropriately-fitted continuum of care (CoC) for AI/
AN youth. As of 2021, the Division of Behavioral Health (DBH) completed
an evaluation of a pilot Youth Aftercare project with one Tribal and
one Federal YRTC. The pilot evaluation, Evaluation of the Youth
Regional Treatment Center Aftercare Pilot Project, revealed an urgent
need for examining the CoC and its effects on long-term outcomes among
youth. The pilot evaluation was provided to all twelve YRTCs for their
review before publication, as it provides a framework for planning the
future AI/AN youth CoC, and the objectives of this effort. The goal in
reframing the CoC is to address treatment efficacy, operational
efficiency, and organizational suitability to optimally affect the
physical, psychological, spiritual, cultural, familial, and social
factors that sustain safety, sobriety, and employability outcome goals.
This program will support DBH and the YRTCs efforts to develop and
sustain a CoC that fully supports explicit, measurable outcomes of
safety, sobriety, and employability among AI/AN youth after discharge
from a YRTC. The benefit of focusing on employability includes the
array of factors that affirm whole-person wellness, community
engagement, long-term contributions of the individual back to the
community, and the therapeutic experience of developing, testing, and
generalizing personal capabilities.
Purpose
The goal of the Youth Aftercare cooperative agreement is to help
AI/AN youth pursue and sustain safety, sobriety, and employability
after release from a YRTC. While aftercare support services may not
exist in a youth's home community, the YRTC can lead the development of
effective aftercare methods. The YRTC Aftercare cooperative agreement
awardee (``awardee'') will pursue the above stated goal in each AI/AN
client who separates from their respective YRTCs. In addition to the
stated goal, a focus of this funding opportunity is to understand and
overcome aftercare management and performance barriers that affect the
capacity of YRTCs and the IHS to develop effective and responsive
solutions within the scope of the AI/AN Youth CoC, given AI/AN youth's
behavioral health treatment requirements.
In alignment with the IHS 2019-2023 Strategic Plan Goal 1: To
ensure that comprehensive, culturally appropriate personal and public
health services are available and accessible to AI/AN people, the
awardees will work closely with community-based services/programs to
strengthen partnerships that affect youths' ability to use coordinated
services within their CoC. The awardee will examine and monitor its
operational requirements, such as staffing, data collection, case
coordination tools, and communication tools to readily inform the IHS
of changing requirements and challenges. Such examinations may require
engagements with the IHS, technical advisors, or others who can provide
suitable analyses and planning with the YRTCs.
The IHS will award funding for the provision of aftercare services
for two YRTCs, which are operated by either a Tribe or a Tribal
Organization.
Required Activities
The awardee is required to (1) design inpatient case management
plans that focus on achieving the whole scope of treatment objectives
and outcomes that will be addressed within the inpatient and Aftercare
Domain (i.e., Outpatient Therapy, Independent Aftercare, and Personal
Efficacy Programs) described in the pilot evaluation report; (2)
establish and sustain a full-time aftercare coordinator; (3) coordinate
and communicate with aftercare clients their specific post-inpatient
therapeutic service plans, and their appropriate use of such services
within the scope of whole-person wellness goals; (4) arrange or provide
counseling and coaching (in-person and/or remote) to the client to help
develop measurable improvements in clients' personal efficacy in
achieving goals; (5) reinforce the appropriate treatment engagement and
services
[[Page 43538]]
specific to each client; (6) cooperate with the IHS to test
technologies that may support the data and therapy communication that
supports the program goal; (7) track the content and effort in
communications between the client and the community resources to
increase success of referrals and sustain active and clear partnerships
with the community or other service entities; and (8) work with the IHS
to collect and report data that accurately describes the progress of
the client throughout their aftercare, a minimum of 12 months, and in
support of cooperative annual program evaluations. The awardee may
pursue activities not stated here, as they align with the AI/AN Youth
Behavioral Health Continuum of Care Protocols, described in the pilot
aftercare evaluation.
II. Award Information
Funding Instrument--Cooperative Agreement
Estimated Funds Available
The total funding identified for fiscal year (FY) 2023 is
approximately $1,200,000. Individual award amounts for the first budget
year are anticipated to be $600,000. 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
The IHS anticipates issuing two awards 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 for the IHS.
Substantial Agency Involvement Description for Cooperative Agreement
The IHS DBH will monitor the overall progress of the awardee's
execution of the requirements of the award as well as their adherence
to the terms and conditions of the cooperative agreement. The IHS will
collaborate with awarded YRTCs to develop and refine an AI/AN Youth
Behavioral Health Continuum of Care Protocol, including the use of
potential methods and technologies that reinforce success in aftercare
practices. This includes providing guidance for required reports,
planning or developing tools and other service or technology products,
reviewing evidence of design efficacy, interpreting program findings,
assisting with evaluations, site visits, and overcoming difficulties or
performance issues encountered.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligibility
To be eligible for this funding opportunity, an applicant must be a
current, IHS-funded YRTC, operated by one of the following as defined
by 25 U.S.C. 1603:
A federally recognized Indian Tribe as defined by 25
U.S.C. 1603(14). The term ``Indian Tribe'' means any Indian Tribe,
band, nation, or other organized group or community, including any
Alaska Native village or group or regional or village corporation as
defined in or established pursuant to the 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.
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.
Applicants organized with a governing structure other than a Tribal
council may submit an equivalent document commensurate with their
governing organization.
Proof of Nonprofit Status
Organizations claiming nonprofit status must submit a current copy
of the 501(c)(3) Certificate with the application.
[[Page 43539]]
IV. Application and Submission Information
Grants.gov uses a Workspace model for accepting applications. The
Workspace consists of several online forms and three forms in which to
upload documents--Project Narrative, Budget Narrative, and Other
Documents. Give your files brief descriptive names. The filenames are
key in finding specific documents during the objective review and in
processing awards. Upload all requested and optional documents
individually, rather than combining them into a package. Creating a
package creates confusion when trying to find specific documents. Such
confusion can contribute to delays in processing awards, and could lead
to lower scores during the objective review.
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
[email protected].
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 Narrative (not to exceed five pages). See Section
IV.2.B Budget Narrative for instructions.
Timeline for first year only (one page).
Work Plan for first year only.
Tribal Resolution or Tribal Letter (only required for
Tribes and Tribal organizations).
Letter(s) of Commitment:
1. Local Organizational Partners;
2. Community Partners, as needed to meet objectives;
3. For Tribal organizations: from the board of directors (or
relevant equivalent);
4. For UIOs: from the board of directors (or relevant equivalent).
501(c)(3) Certificate (if applicable).
Biographical sketches for all key personnel (not to exceed
one page each).
Organizational Chart (one page).
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).
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://facdissem.census.gov/.
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 (applicants may use 10 point font for tables);
(3) be single-spaced; (4) and 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 project
narrative does not include the work plan, standard forms, Tribal
Resolutions, budget, budget narratives, and/or other items. Page limits
for each section within the project narrative are guidelines, not hard
limits.
There are four parts to the project narrative:
Part 1--Statement of Need
Part 2--Program Plan (Objectives and Activities)
Part 3--Organizational Capacity
Part 4--Program Evaluation (Data Collection and Reporting)
See below for additional details about what must be included in the
narratives. The page limits below are for each narrative and budget
submitted.
Part 1: Statement of Need (Limit--2 Pages)
The statement of need describes the history and catchment area
currently served by the applicant, including Tribal communities
(``community'' means the applicant's Tribe, village, Tribal
organization, or consortium of Tribes and/or Tribal organizations). The
statement of need provides the facts and evidence that support the need
for the project and establishes that the YRTC understands the problems
related to the scope and gaps in aftercare services and can reasonably
address gaps through specific methods. For additional information
regarding the statement of need, refer to Section V.1.A, Statement of
Need.
Part 2: Program Plan (Objectives and Activities) (Limit--4 Pages)
State the purpose, goals, and objectives of your proposed project.
Clearly state how proposed activities address the needs detailed in the
statement of need. Describe fully and clearly the applicant's plans to
meet the seven required activities in section ``Required Activities.''
For additional information regarding program planning, refer to Section
V.1.B, Program Plan (Objectives and Activities).
Part 3: Organizational Capacity (Limit--2 Pages)
This section should describe your organization's significant
program activities and accomplishments over the past three years that
are related to the purpose and goals of this program. Current staffing
levels should also be outlined. Any possible future staff functions
(specifically if funded under this award) should be justified based on
functional need or deficit. Include an organizational chart that
describes the capacity of your organization. For additional information
regarding organizational capacity, refer to Section V.1.C,
Organizational Capacity.
Part 4: Program Evaluation (Data Collection & Reporting) (Limit--2
Pages)
This section of the project narrative should describe your
organization's plan for gathering local and client-specific non-
identifiable data, submitting data requirements, and documenting the
applicant's ability to ensure accurate digital data collection
[[Page 43540]]
and reporting on youth's aftercare experiences that will support and
demonstrate YRTC Aftercare Program activities. Reporting elements from
the aftercare programs will pertain to activities, processes, barriers,
and outcomes, as described in the background of this announcement.
Include any partners who will assist in evaluation efforts if separate
from the primary applicant.
For additional information regarding program evaluation, data
collection, and reporting, refer to Section V.1.D, Program Evaluation
(Data Collection & Reporting).
Awardees will work with the IHS to collect and report data that
accurately describes the progress of the client throughout their
aftercare, a minimum of 12 months, and in support of cooperative annual
program evaluations. The data reports will include a semi-annual and
annual report. The annual program evaluation will include meetings to
discuss the data and its analysis, and investigate explanations of the
data in support of program improvements.
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) for the first year of the project. The
applicant can submit with the budget narrative a more detailed
spreadsheet than is provided by the SF-424A (the spreadsheet will not
be considered part of the budget narrative). 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 additional pages 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. For additional information regarding the budget narrative,
refer to the Section V.1.E, Budget 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. 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 you cannot submit an application through Grants.gov, you must
request a 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, you 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
[[Page 43541]]
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 recipients to report
information on sub-awards. Accordingly, all IHS grantees 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 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
Applications will be reviewed and scored according to the quality
of responses to the required application components in the following
Sections A-E. The number of points after each heading is the maximum
number of points a review committee may assign to that section.
Although scoring weights are not assigned to individual numbers,
responses to each number are assessed in deriving the overall section
score.
A. Statement of Need (20 Points)
1. Identify the proposed catchment area, which may include
demographic information on the population(s) to receive services, e.g.,
race, ethnicity, federally recognized Tribe(s), socioeconomic status,
or other relevant factors, such as substance use rates or health
outcomes related to substance use.
2. Describe the organization's existing program as a tribally
operated YRTC and what current treatment programs or services are
currently being provided by the organization.
B. Program Plan (Objectives and Activities) (30 Points)
Describe the purpose of the proposed project, including a clear
statement of goals and objectives, as it relates to the background and
purpose described herein. Describe how the program's plan will support
the eight required activities. Develop a work plan to serve as a
formative guide that identifies the implementation and completion of
key elements throughout the life of the project (described in the
following numbers 1-4).
1. Develop aftercare case management and aftercare services and
tools for youth that will transition from the YRTC and back into
community living.
a. Provide ongoing services to youth by increasing partnerships
with service providers and community programs at the community level.
Please describe how home visits, site visits, or other community site
engagement will be included in case management services.
b. Hire staff to provide YRTC aftercare coordination, or case
management, that will establish individualized aftercare support plans
for each youth exiting the facility.
c. Improve engagement with families and support systems of youth
participating in a YRTC program, such as providing family-care
engagement counseling, organizing community volunteers as coaches, or
providing travel assistance for family members to increase
participation during youth treatment and positive parenting curriculum
to parents while their youth is in care and throughout post-treatment.
d. Work with DBH to explore opportunities to test and validate
technology tools that support client coordination (e.g., engaging
multiple contributors, integrating services, data collection) and safe
self-care (e.g., prescribed online content, homework, mindfulness
practices, and telehealth services).
2. Establish and formalize partnerships (e.g., MOA, MOU) with
local, Tribal, state, and national programs to identify resources and
provide a continuum of care for youth in recovery such as:
a. increase access to youth peer-to-peer support in partner
community sites;
b. connect youth to peer recovery support specialists, recovery
coaches, volunteer mentors from partner communities;
c. work with partner organizations to ensure successful
implementation of the proposed project;
d. develop aftercare services, trainings, and practices for
cultural competence;
e. identify and connect youth to appropriate academic and recovery
supports through partnering educational systems and trainings for
completion of academic and employment goals.
3. Based on the guidance in the background section of this
announcement, develop aftercare policies, quality improvement measures,
best practices, tools, and procedures that ensure and support
successful implementation of the proposed project such as:
a. create and train in evidence-based care. This may include how to
identify signs of relapse, how to identify signs of mental health
distress, how to navigate community referral processes, and how to
manage prescription drugs;
b. strengthen the YRTC's ongoing efforts to meet clients' safety
and sobriety self-efficacy goals and employability through the support
of aftercare treatment in serving AI/AN clients;
c. provide training to support facility compliance with required
certifications/accreditations and ongoing improvements in quality,
safety, and patient satisfaction;
4. Identify and implement best practices and tools (see Evaluation
of the Youth Regional Treatment Center
[[Page 43542]]
Aftercare Pilot Project, provided to all YRTCs by DBH) for increasing
access to transitional services when the youth moves from the YRTC back
to the youth's home community, such as:
a. patient intake, treatment, and aftercare evaluation, as a
process that critically examines current aftercare programmatic efforts
by collecting and analyzing data that identifies outcomes and serves as
a framework for the work plan;
b. assistance with planning for education, referrals to coaches and
other vetted volunteer programs, referrals for housing, accompanying
youth to outpatient or other community services, accessing culturally
appropriate interventions, consultation with employers, in-home
evaluations of family or living situations, parenting support, and
transitioning to adult services;
c. collect data on treatment progress and outcomes for youth at a
minimum of quarterly intervals, as allowed by the period of performance
and contact management with the youth;
d. develop, maintain, and collect comprehensive information on
youth aftercare practices. This information should focus on evidence-
based, promising, and best practices; service delivery; quality
improvement; and innovation strategies; and
e. maintain open and consistent communication with the IHS program
official on programmatic challenges for meeting the requirements of the
award and requests for technical assistance (i.e., monthly calls with
IHS and project staff etc.).
C. Organizational Capacity (20 Points)
1. Describe the management capability of the YRTC in administering
similar cooperative agreements and projects.
2. Identify staff to maintain open and consistent communication
with the IHS program official on any programmatic barriers to meeting
the requirements of the award.
3. Identify the department/division that will administer this
project. Include a description of this entity, its function, and its
placement within the YRTC.
4. Discuss the experience and capacity to provide substantive,
culturally appropriate, and competent services to the client, their
family, and the communities served.
5. Describe the tools and resources available for the proposed
project (e.g., facilities, equipment, information technology systems,
and financial management systems).
6. Identify organization(s) that may participate in the proposed
project. Describe their roles and responsibilities and demonstrate
their commitment to the project. Include a list of these organizations
as an attachment item to the application.
7. Describe how project continuity will be maintained if there is a
change in the operational environment (e.g., staff turnover, change in
project leadership, change in elected officials) to ensure project
stability over the life of the grant.
8. Discuss the program business model and its service components in
terms of sustainment opportunities and barriers.
9. Provide a list of staff positions for the project including
project director, project coordinator/caseworker, and other key
personnel, showing the role of each and their level of effort and
qualifications. Demonstrate successful project implementation for the
level of effort budgeted for the behavioral health staff, project
director, project coordinator, and other key staff.
10. Include position descriptions as attachments to the application
for the project director, project coordinator/caseworker, and all key
personnel. Position descriptions should not exceed one page each.
11. For individuals that are currently on staff, include a
biographical sketch for each individual listed as the behavioral health
staff, project director, project coordinator, and other key positions.
Describe the experience of identified staff who are working to address
youth substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and aftercare.
Include each biographical sketch as attachments to the project
proposal/application. Biographical sketches should not exceed one page
per staff member. Do not include any of the following:
a. Personally Identifiable Information;
b. Resumes; or
c. Curriculum Vitae.
D. Program Evaluation (Data Collection and Reporting) (20 Points)
Reporting on this evaluation plan will occur on a semi-annual
basis. The IHS will work with grantees at the start of the period of
performance to help develop and finalize a reporting and evaluation and
performance measurement plan to monitor the progress of the activities
implemented, gaps in activities that need to be addressed (based on
guidance in the Background section), and outcomes achieved. The IHS
will work with the awardees to ensure consistent and integrated data
collection, in order to optimize the reporting effort within a semi-
annual reporting schedule.
1. Describe proposed data collection capacities in support of
ongoing performance measurement and periodic program evaluation. This
description should address data collection methods, data sources, data
measurement tools, staff roles in data collection and management, and a
data collection timeline. The major data categories include (a)
prevalence of problems to address; (b) expected effects of service
protocols and innovations through interpersonal and technological
methods; (c) costs of service providers, training, organization, tools,
and resources; (d) expected service competencies by training; (e) scope
and frequency of service actions by recipient groups; (f) changes in
recipients' perspectives, behaviors, and status (e.g., safety,
sobriety, employability); (g) observed gaps in services, competencies,
or capabilities; and (h) changes in community-wide practices and plans.
Relevant measures would include those that indicate trends in the above
categories. Client impacts should be measured on consistent quarterly
intervals, such as 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Other relevant pre-treatment
descriptive data would include client protective and risk status in
terms of family, years of alcohol or substance use, and associated
mentoring, detention, or other notable experiences.
2. Identify the key data collection partners and describe how they
will participate in the implementation of the performance management
and evaluation plan, even if their work is parallel to the project and
not funded by the IHS (e.g., Tribal Epidemiology Centers, local Tribal
health boards, universities, consultants, etc.).
3. Describe training, data collection, and evaluation of any
competencies that will be monitored and validated among staff, such as
the application of counseling or coaching services based on cultural
and spiritual competencies.
4. Describe data collection and program reviews that will address
key issues in the evaluation of the services provided, focused on the
improvement and sustainability of the program. Relevant issues include
changes in capabilities for collecting data, analyzing data, monitoring
operations, meeting program improvement and sustainment goals,
achieving desirable impacts for clients, and sustaining effective
services in the future.
5. Discuss any barriers or challenges expected for implementing the
plan or collecting relevant data that IHS should monitor to support the
program (e.g., adopting performance measures, recruiting and training
staff,
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participating in technology testing, or participating in evaluation
efforts).
6. Describe how the applicant plans to overcome potential barriers.
In addition, applicants may describe other measures to be developed or
additional data sources and data collection methods that applicants
will use.
E. Budget Narrative (10 Points)
1. Based on the budget line items, describe the reasonable and
allowable costs necessary to accomplish the goals and objectives as
outlined in the project narrative for budget year one only.
2. Applicants should ensure that the budget narrative aligns with
the project narrative. The budget narrative will be considered by
reviewers in assessing the applicant's submission, along with the
materials in the project narrative. Questions to address in the budget
narrative include: What resources or technologies are needed to
successfully carry out and manage the project? What other resources are
available from the organization? Will new staff be recruited? Will
outside consultants be required?
3. For any outside consultants, include the total cost broken down
by activity.
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:
Proposed work plan and 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 pre-screened 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 the 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 program
office will notify the applicant 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 Division of Behavioral Health 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,'' located at 45 CFR part 75 subpart E.
E. Audit Requirements:
Uniform Administrative Requirements for HHS Awards,
``Audit Requirements,'' located at 45 CFR part 75 subpart F.
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
[[Page 43544]]
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 grantees are negotiated with the
Division of Cost Allocation at https://rates.psc.gov/ or the Department
of the Interior (Interior Business Center) at https://ibc.doi.gov/ICS/tribal. For questions regarding the indirect cost policy, please call
the Grants Management Specialist listed under ``Agency Contacts'' or
write to [email protected].
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 use the form under the Recipient User section of
https://www.grantsolutions.gov/home/getting-started-request-a-user-account/. Download the Recipient User Account Request Form, fill it out
completely, and submit it as described on the web page and in the form.
The reporting requirements for this program are noted below.
A. Progress Reports
Program progress reports are required semi-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 will include a brief comparison of actual accomplishments to
the goals established for the period (based on the data collected under
Section V.1.D.), a summary of progress to date or, if applicable,
provide sound justification for the lack of progress, and other
pertinent information as required by the data analyses. 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 the
Federal Financial Report.
C. Data Collection and Reporting
All awardees will be required to collect and report data pertaining
to activities, processes, and outcomes. The IHS will identify a Tribal
Epidemiology Center that will provide additional guidance on data
collection and reporting for evaluation purposes. Programmatic
reporting must be submitted within 30 days after the budget period ends
for each project year (specific dates will be listed in the NoA Terms
and Conditions). Reporting items that are not evaluation related will
be submitted via GrantSolutions. Technical assistance for web-based
data entry will be timely and readily available to awardees by assigned
DBH staff. Awardees are responsible and accountable for accurate
information being submitted by required due dates for Data Collection
and Reporting.
D. Federal Sub-Award Reporting System (FSRS)
This award may be subject to the Transparency Act sub-award and
executive compensation reporting requirements of 2 CFR part 170.
The Transparency Act requires the OMB to establish a single
searchable database, accessible to the public, with information on
financial assistance awards made by Federal agencies. The Transparency
Act also includes a requirement for recipients of Federal grants to
report information about first-tier sub-awards and executive
compensation under Federal assistance awards.
The IHS has implemented a Term of Award into all IHS Standard Terms
and Conditions, NoAs, and funding announcements regarding the FSRS
reporting requirement. This IHS Term of Award is applicable to all IHS
grant and cooperative agreements issued on or after October 1, 2010,
with a $25,000 sub-award obligation threshold met for any specific
reporting period. For the full IHS award term implementing this
requirement and additional award applicability information, visit the
DGM Grants Management website at https://www.ihs.gov/dgm/policytopics/.
E. 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.
[[Page 43545]]
HHS funded health and education programs must be
administered in an environment free of sexual harassment. See https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/sex-discrimination/index.html.
For guidance on administering your program in compliance
with applicable Federal religious nondiscrimination laws and applicable
Federal conscience protection and associated anti-discrimination laws,
see https://www.hhs.gov/conscience/conscience-protections/index.html
and https://www.hhs.gov/conscience/religious-freedom/index.html.
F. Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System
(FAPIIS)
The IHS is required to review and consider any information about
the applicant that is in the FAPIIS at https://www.fapiis.gov/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 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 awardees 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: Marsha Brookins,
Director, 5600 Fishers Lane, Mail Stop: 09E70, Rockville, MD 20857,
(Include ``Mandatory Grant Disclosures'' in subject line), Office:
(301) 443-4750, 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: JB
Kinlacheeny, Public Health Advisor, Indian Health Service, Division of
Behavioral Health, 5600 Fishers Lane, Mail Stop: 0834NB, Rockville, MD
20857, Phone: (301) 443-0104, 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, Fax: (301) 594-0899,
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 awardees 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. 2022-15520 Filed 7-20-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165-16-P