[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 90 (Wednesday, May 10, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 30141-30149]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-09958]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service


National Indian Health Outreach and Education

    Announcement Type: New.
    Funding Announcement Number: HHS-2023-IHS-NIHOE-0001.
    Assistance Listing (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance or CFDA) 
Number: 93.933.

Key Dates

    Application Deadline Date: July 10, 2023.
    Earliest Anticipated Start Date: July 24, 2023.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Statutory Authority

    The Indian Health Service (IHS) is accepting applications for a 
cooperative agreement for the National Indian Health Outreach and 
Education (NIHOE) program. This program is authorized under the Snyder 
Act, 25

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U.S.C. 13; the Transfer Act, 42 U.S.C. 2001(a); the Indian Health Care 
Improvement Act at 25 U.S.C. 1621b; and Section 330C of the Public 
Health Service Act, 42 U.S.C. 254c-3. The Assistance Listings section 
of SAM.gov (https://sam.gov/content/home) describes this program under 
93.933.

Background

    The IHS is committed to providing quality health care, consistent 
with its statutory authorities and its government-to-government 
relationship with each Indian Tribe. The IHS mission is to raise the 
physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of American Indians and 
Alaska Natives to the highest level. To further mission success, the 
IHS seeks support on a national scale. The IHS serves as the principal 
Federal health care provider and health advocate for approximately 2.6 
million American Indians and Alaska Natives from 574 federally 
recognized Tribes in 37 states, through a network of over 605 
hospitals, clinics and health stations on or near Indian reservations 
and predominantly in rural locations. Tribes administer over half of 
the annual IHS discretionary appropriation. The IHS also enters into 
agreements with 41 Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs). These 41 UIOs are 
501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that provide culturally appropriate 
and quality health care and referral services for Urban Indians in 22 
states. The IHS seeks to collaborate with local communities, not-for-
profit organizations, universities and schools, foundations, 
businesses, and Federal agencies. This effort will foster outreach and 
education addressing health policy and health program issues; broadcast 
educational information to all American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/
AN) people; provide policy/legislative updates, advocacy, and technical 
assistance.

Purpose

    The purpose of this IHS cooperative agreement is to further the IHS 
mission and goals related to providing quality health care to the AI/AN 
community through outreach and education efforts with a focus on 
improving Indian health care, promoting awareness, visibility, 
advocacy, training, technical assistance, and education efforts. This 
program includes the following nine components, as described in this 
announcement: ``Line Item 128 Health Education and Outreach funds;'' 
``Health Care Policy Analysis and Review;'' ``Substance Abuse and 
Suicide Prevention (SASP) program;'' ``Domestic Violence Prevention 
(DVP) program,''--a national awareness, visibility, advocacy, outreach 
and education award; the ``Special Diabetes Program for Indians'' 
(SDPI); ``Tribal Budget Formulation Activities;'' the ``Affordable Care 
Act (ACA);'' and the ``Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA).''

II. Award Information

Funding Instrument--Cooperative Agreement

Estimated Funds Available
    The total funding identified for fiscal year (FY) 2023 is 
approximately $851,311. The award amount for the first budget year is 
anticipated to be between $246,311 and $851,311. The following 
estimates are anticipated: $246,311 is estimated for Line Item 128 
Health Education and Outreach (this amount could vary based on Tribal 
shares assumptions); $125,000 for the Health Care Policy Analysis and 
Review; $150,000 for activities related to the SASP program; $50,000 
for activities related to the DVP program; $75,000 associated with 
providing legislative education, outreach, and communication on the 
SDPI; $100,000 for Tribal Budget Formulation activities; and $105,000 
for outreach and education activities on the ACA and the IHCIA. 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 to applicants selected for funding under 
this announcement.
Anticipated Number of Awards
    The IHS anticipates issuing one award under this program 
announcement.
Period of Performance
    The period of performance is for 3 years.
Cooperative Agreement
    Cooperative agreements awarded by the Department of Health and 
Human Services (HHS) are administered under the same policies as a 
grant. 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
    A. The IHS assigned program official will work in partnership with 
the recipient in all decisions involving strategy, hiring of personnel, 
deployment of resources, release of public information materials, 
quality assurance, coordination of activities, any training, reports, 
budget, and evaluation. Collaboration includes data analysis, 
interpretation of findings, and reporting.
    B. The IHS assigned program official will monitor the overall 
progress of the recipient's execution of the requirements of the award 
noted below, as well as their adherence to the terms and conditions of 
the cooperative agreement. This includes providing guidance for 
required reports, development of tools and other products, interpreting 
program findings, and assisting with evaluation and overcoming any 
slippages encountered.
    C. The IHS assigned program official will also coordinate the 
following:
     Routinely scheduled conference calls.
     Appropriate dissemination of required reports to each 
participating IHS program.
    D. The IHS will jointly, with the recipient, plan and set an agenda 
for events that:
     Shares the outcomes of the outreach and health education 
training provided.
     Fosters collaboration amongst the participating IHS 
program offices.
     Increases visibility for the partnership between the 
recipient and the IHS.
    E. The IHS may provide guidance in preparing articles for 
publication and/or presentations of program successes, lessons learned 
and new findings.
    F. Agency staff will review articles concerning HHS for accuracy 
and may, if requested by the recipient, provide relevant articles.
    G. The IHS will communicate, via routine conference calls and 
meetings, individual or collective (all participating programs) site 
visits to the recipient.
    H. The IHS will provide technical assistance to the recipient as 
requested.
    I. Agency staff may, at the request of the recipient's board, 
participate on study groups, attend board meetings, and recommend 
topics for analysis and discussion.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligibility

    To be eligible for this funding opportunity, an applicant must be a 
501(c)(3) organization that has demonstrated expertise as follows:
     Representing Tribal governments and providing a variety of 
services to Tribes, area health boards, Tribal organizations, and 
Federal agencies, and

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playing a major role in focusing attention on Indian health care needs, 
resulting in improved health outcomes for Tribes.
     Promoting and supporting health education for AI/AN people 
and coordinating efforts to inform AI/AN leaders of Federal decisions 
that affect Tribal government interests including the improvement of 
Indian health care.
     Administering national health policy and health programs.
     Maintaining a national AI/AN constituency and clearly 
supporting critical services and activities within the IHS mission of 
improving the quality of health care for AI/AN people.
     Supporting improved health care in Indian Country.
    The Division of Grants Management (DGM) will notify any applicants 
deemed ineligible.

2. Additional Information on Eligibility

    The IHS does not fund concurrent projects. If an applicant is 
successful under this announcement, any subsequent applications in 
response to other NIHOE announcements from the same applicant will not 
be funded. Applications on behalf of individuals (including sole 
proprietorships) and foreign organizations are not eligible and will be 
disqualified from competitive review and funding under this funding 
opportunity.

    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.

3. Cost Sharing or Matching

    The IHS does not require matching funds or cost sharing for grants 
or cooperative agreements.

4. 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 DGM will notify the applicant.

Additional Required Documentation

Proof of Nonprofit Status
    Organizations claiming nonprofit status must submit a current copy 
of the 501(c)(3) Certificate with the application.

IV. Application and Submission Information

    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 merit review and in 
processing awards. Upload all requested and optional documents 
individually, rather than combining them into a single file. Creating a 
single file 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 merit 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 for each of the 
components listed in Section I Purpose). See Section IV.2.A Project 
Narrative for instructions.
     Budget Narrative (not to exceed 5 pages). See Section 
IV.2.B Budget Narrative for instructions.
     One-page Timeframe or Work Plan Chart.
     Letters of Support from organization's Board of Directors.
     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 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: https://harvester.census.gov/facdissem/Main.aspx.
Public Policy Requirements
    All Federal public policies apply to IHS grants and cooperative 
agreements. Pursuant to 45 CFR 80.3(d), an individual shall not be 
deemed subjected to discrimination by reason of their exclusion from 
benefits limited by Federal law to individuals eligible for benefits 
and services from the IHS. See https://www.hhs.gov/grants/grants/grants-policies-regulations/index.html.
Requirements for Project and Budget Narratives
A. Project Narrative
    This narrative should be a separate document that is no more than 
10 pages per component 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; 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 reviewers will be directed to 
ignore any content beyond this page limit. 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 three parts to the project 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--Two Pages)
Section 1: Capabilities and Qualifications
    Describe how the applicant has the expertise to provide outreach 
and education efforts on a continuing basis

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regarding the pertinent changes and updates in health care for each of 
the nine components listed herein.
Part 2: Program Planning and Evaluation (Limit--Six Pages)
Section 1: Program Plans
    Describe fully and clearly how the applicant plans to address the 
NIHOE requirements, including how the applicant plans to demonstrate 
improved health education and outreach services to all federally 
recognized Tribes for each of the components described herein. Include 
proposed timelines as appropriate and applicable.
Section 2: Program Evaluation
    Describe fully and clearly how the outreach and education efforts 
will impact changes in knowledge and awareness in Tribal communities. 
Identify anticipated or expected benefits for the Tribal constituency.
    Describe fully and clearly how each project objective will be 
evaluated, including a sample list of data variables to be collected 
(i.e., health education and outreach services, response from community 
surveys, rating of program or project's ability to use technology, 
program or project's ability to cover costs of peripherals and software 
to manage grant). Identify anticipated or expected benefits for the 
Tribal community or target population.
Part 3: Program Report (Limit--Two Pages)
    Section 1: Describe your organization's significant program 
activities and accomplishments over the past 5 years associated with 
the goals of this announcement.
    Section 2: Describe major activities over the last 24 months.
    Please identify and summarize recent major health related project 
activities of the work done regarding each of the four components 
during the project period.
B. Budget Narrative (Limit--Six 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 would 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, Deputy Director, DGM, by email at [email protected]. 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.
     The purchase of food (i.e., as supplies, for meetings or 
events, etc.) is not an allowable cost with this award funding and 
should not be included in the budget.

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. You must submit 
your waiver request by email to [email protected]. Your waiver request must 
include clear justification for the need to deviate from the required 
application submission process. The IHS will not accept any 
applications submitted through any means outside of Grants.gov without 
an approved waiver.
    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 
waiver approval from 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 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
    Organizations that are not registered with the System for Award 
Management (SAM) must access the SAM online registration through the 
SAM home page

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at https://sam.gov. Organizations based in the United States (U.S.) 
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 recipients to report 
information on sub-awards. Accordingly, all IHS recipients must notify 
potential first-tier sub-recipients that no entity may receive a first-
tier sub-award unless the entity has provided its UEI number to the 
prime recipient organization. This requirement ensures the use of a 
universal identifier to enhance the quality of information available to 
the public pursuant to the Transparency Act.
    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. 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

A. Introduction and Need for Assistance (15 Points)
    (1) Describe the organization's current health, education, and 
technical assistance operations as related to the broad spectrum of 
health needs of the AI/AN community. Include what programs and services 
are currently provided (i.e., federally-funded, state-funded, etc.), 
any memorandums of agreement with other national, area, or local Indian 
health board organizations. This could also include HHS agencies that 
rely on the applicant as the primary gateway organization to AI/AN 
communities that are capable of providing the dissemination of health 
information. Include information regarding technologies currently used 
(i.e., hardware, software, services, websites, etc.), and identify the 
source(s) of technical support for those technologies (i.e., in-house 
staff, contractors, vendors, etc.). Include information regarding how 
long the applicant has been operating and its length of association/
partnerships with area health boards, etc. (historical collaboration).
    (2) Describe the organization's current technical assistance 
ability. Include what programs and services are currently provided, 
programs and services projected to be provided, memorandums of 
agreement with other national Indian organizations that deem the 
applicant as the primary source of health policy information for AI/AN 
communities, and memorandums of agreement with other area Indian health 
boards, etc.
    (3) Describe the population to be served by the proposed projects.
    (4) Identify all previous IHS cooperative agreement awards 
received, dates of funding and summaries of the projects' 
accomplishments. State how previous cooperative agreement funds 
facilitated education, training, and technical assistance nationwide 
for AI/AN people and relate the progression of health care information 
delivery and development relative to the current proposed projects. 
(Copies of reports will not be accepted.)
    (5) Describe collaborative and supportive efforts with national, 
area, and local Indian health boards.
    (6) Explain the need/reason for your proposed projects by 
identifying specific gaps or weaknesses in services or infrastructure 
that will be addressed by the proposed projects. Explain how these 
gaps/weaknesses have been assessed.
    (7) If the proposed projects include information technology (i.e., 
hardware, software, etc.), provide further information regarding 
measures taken or to be taken that ensure the proposed projects will 
not create other gaps in services or infrastructure (i.e., negatively 
or adversely affect IHS interface capability, Government Performance 
Results Act reporting requirements, contract reporting requirements, 
information technology compatibility, etc.), if applicable.
    (8) Describe the effect of the proposed projects on current 
programs (i.e., federally-funded, state-funded, etc.) and, if 
applicable, on current equipment (i.e., hardware, software, services, 
etc.). Include the effect of the proposed projects on planned/
anticipated programs and/or equipment.
    (9) Describe how the projects relate to the purpose of the 
cooperative agreement by addressing the following: Identify how the 
proposed projects will address outreach and education regarding each of 
the components listed.
B. Project Objective(s), Work Plan and Approach (40 Points)
    (1) Identify the proposed objective(s) for each of the nine 
components, as applicable. Objectives should be:
     Measurable and (if applicable) quantifiable.
     Results oriented.
     Time-limited.
    Example: Issue quarterly newsletters, provide alerts, and quantify 
number of contacts with Tribes.
    Goals must be clear and concise. Objectives must be measurable, 
feasible, and attainable for each of the selected projects.
    (2) Address how the proposed projects will result in change or 
improvement in program operations or processes for each proposed 
project objective for all of the projects. Also address what tangible 
products, if any, are expected from the projects, (i.e., policy 
analysis, outreach events, summits, etc.).
    (3) Address the extent to which the proposed projects will provide, 
improve, or expand services that address the need(s) of the target 
population. Include a current strategic plan and business plan that 
includes the

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expanded services. Include the plan(s) with the application submission.
    (4) Submit a work plan that includes the following information.
     Provide the action steps on a timeline for accomplishing 
each of the projects' proposed objective(s).
     Identify who will perform the action steps.
     Identify who will supervise the action steps.
     Identify what tangible products will be produced during 
and at the end of the proposed projects' objective(s).
     Identify who will accept and/or approve work products 
during the duration of the proposed projects and at the end of the 
proposed projects.
     Include any training that will take place during the 
proposed projects and who will be attending the training.
     Include evaluation activities planned in the work plans.
    (5) If consultants or contractors will be used during the proposed 
project, please include the following information in their scope of 
work (or note if consultants/contractors will not be used).
     Educational requirements.
     Desired qualifications and work experience.
     Expected work products to be delivered on a timeline.
    If a potential consultant/contractor has already been identified, 
please include a resume.
    (6) Describe what updates will be required for the continued 
success of the proposed projects. Include when these updates are 
anticipated and where funds will come from to conduct the update and/or 
maintenance.
C. Program Evaluation (20 Points)
    Each proposed objective requires an evaluation component to assess 
its progression and ensure its completion. Include the evaluation 
activities in the work plan.
    Describe the proposed plan to evaluate both outcomes and process. 
Outcome evaluation relates to the results identified in the objectives, 
and process evaluation relates to the work plan and activities of the 
project.
    (1) For outcome evaluation, describe:
     What will the criteria be for determining success of each 
objective?
     What data will be collected to determine whether the 
objective was met?
     At what intervals will data be collected?
     Who will collect the data, and what are their 
qualifications?
     How will the data be analyzed?
     How will the results be used?
    (2) For process evaluation, describe:
     How will each project be monitored and assessed for 
potential problems and needed quality improvements?
     Who will be responsible for monitoring and managing each 
project's improvements based on results of ongoing process 
improvements, and what are their qualifications?
     How will ongoing monitoring be used to improve the 
projects?
     Describe any products, such as manuals or policies, that 
might be developed and how they might lend themselves to replication by 
others.
     How will the organization document what is learned 
throughout each of the projects' periods?
    (3) Describe any evaluation efforts planned after the period of 
performance has ended.
    (4) Describe the ultimate benefit to the AI/AN population that the 
applicant organization serves that will be derived from these projects.
D. Organizational Capabilities, Key Personnel and Qualifications (15 
Points)
    This section outlines the broader capacity of the organization to 
complete the project outlined in the work plan. It includes the 
identification of personnel responsible for completing tasks and the 
chain of responsibility for successful completion of the projects 
outlined in the work plan.
    (1) Describe the organizational structure of the organization 
beyond health care activities, if applicable.
    (2) Describe the ability of the organization to manage the proposed 
projects. Include information regarding similarly sized projects in 
scope and financial assistance, as well as other cooperative 
agreements/grants and projects successfully completed.
    (3) Describe what equipment (i.e., fax machine, phone, computer, 
etc.) and facility space (i.e., office space) will be available for use 
during the proposed projects. Include information about any equipment 
not currently available that will be purchased through the cooperative 
agreement/grant.
    (4) List key personnel who will work on the projects. Include title 
used in the work plans. Include position descriptions and resumes for 
all key personnel. Position descriptions should clearly describe each 
position and duties, indicating desired qualifications and experience 
requirements related to the proposed projects. Resumes must indicate 
that the proposed staff member is qualified to carry out the proposed 
projects' activities. If a position is to be filled, indicate that 
information on the proposed position description.
    (5) If personnel are to be only partially funded by this 
cooperative agreement, indicate the percentage of time to be allocated 
to the projects and identify the resources used to fund the remainder 
of the individual's salary.
E. Categorical Budget and Budget Justification (10 Points)
    This section should provide a clear estimate of the projects' 
program costs and justification for expenses for the entire period of 
performance. The budgets and budget narratives should be consistent 
with the tasks identified in the work plans.
    (1) Provide a categorical budget for each of the 12-month budget 
periods requested for each of the nine components.
    (2) If indirect costs are claimed, indicate and apply the current 
negotiated rate to the budget. Include a copy of the rate agreement.
    (3) Explain in the budget narrative why each line item is 
necessary/relevant to the proposed project. Include sufficient cost and 
other details to facilitate the determination of cost allowability 
(i.e., equipment specifications, etc.).
    Additional documents can be uploaded as Other Attachments in 
Grants.gov.
    These include:
     Work plan, logic model, and/or time line for proposed 
objectives.
     Position descriptions for key staff.
     Resumes of key staff that reflect current duties.
     Consultant or contractor proposed scope of work and letter 
of commitment (if applicable).
     Current Indirect Cost 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 this funding announcement. Applications 
that meet the eligibility criteria shall be reviewed for merit by the 
Review Committee (RC) 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 RC and will not be funded. The DGM will 
notify the applicant of this determination.
    Applicants must address all program requirements and provide all 
required documentation.

[[Page 30147]]

3. Notifications of Disposition

    All applicants will receive an Executive Summary Statement from the 
IHS Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes within 30 days of 
the conclusion of the RC outlining the strengths and weaknesses of 
their application. The summary statement will be sent to the 
Authorizing Official identified on the face page (SF-424) of the 
application.
A. Award Notices for Funded Applications
    The Notice of Award (NoA) is the authorizing document for which 
funds are dispersed to the approved entities and reflects the amount of 
Federal funds awarded, the purpose of the award, the terms and 
conditions of the award, the effective date of the award, and 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-2021-title45-vol1/pdf/CFR-2021-title45-vol1-part75.pdf.
     Please review all HHS regulatory provisions for 
Termination at 45 CFR 75.372, at the time of this publication located 
at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2021-title45-vol1/pdf/CFR-2021-title45-vol1-sec75-372.pdf.
    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, at the time of this 
publication located at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2021-title45-vol1/pdf/CFR-2021-title45-vol1-part75-subpartE.pdf.
    E. Audit Requirements:
     Uniform Administrative Requirements for HHS Awards, 
``Audit Requirements,'' at 45 CFR part 75 subpart F, at the time of 
this publication located at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2021-title45-vol1/pdf/CFR-2021-title45-vol1-part75-subpartF.pdf.
    F. As of August 13, 2020, 2 CFR part 200 was updated to include a 
prohibition on certain telecommunications and video surveillance 
services or equipment. This prohibition is described in 2 CFR part 
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 award 
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 2 CFR 200.414(f) Indirect (F&A) costs,

any non-Federal entity (NFE) [i.e., applicant] that does not have a 
current negotiated 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 200.403, 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 can be used by 
applicants that have 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 
award.
    Available funds are inclusive of direct and appropriate indirect 
costs. Approved indirect funds are awarded as part of the award amount, 
and no additional funds will be provided.
    Generally, IDC rates for IHS recipients are negotiated with the 
Division of Cost Allocation at https://rates.psc.gov/ or the Department 
of the Interior (Interior Business Center) at https://ibc.doi.gov/ICS/tribal. For questions regarding the indirect cost policy, please write 
to [email protected].

3. Reporting Requirements

    The recipient must submit required reports consistent with the 
applicable deadlines. Failure to submit required reports within the 
time allowed may result in suspension or termination of an active 
award, 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 recipient 
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.

[[Page 30148]]

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 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 120 days of expiration of the period of performance.
B. Financial Reports
    Federal Financial Reports are due 90 days after the end of each 
budget period, and a final report is due 120 days after the end of the 
period of performance. Recipients are responsible and accountable for 
reporting accurate information on all required reports: the Progress 
Reports and the Federal Financial Report. Failure to submit timely 
reports may result in adverse award actions blocking access to funds.
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 awards 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 (FFA)
    The recipient must administer the project in compliance with 
Federal civil rights laws, where applicable, that prohibit 
discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, 
disability, age, and comply with applicable conscience protections. The 
recipient must comply with applicable laws that prohibit discrimination 
on the basis of sex, which includes discrimination on the basis of 
gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy. Compliance with 
these laws requires taking reasonable steps to provide meaningful 
access to persons with limited English proficiency and providing 
programs that are accessible to and usable by persons with 
disabilities. The HHS Office for Civil Rights provides guidance on 
complying with civil rights laws enforced by HHS. 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.
     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.
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 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 million 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 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-
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

[[Page 30149]]

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: Mr. 
Kenneth Coriz, Policy Analyst, ODSCT, Mail Stop, 8E17, 5600 Fishers 
Lane, Rockville, Maryland 20857, Phone: (301) 443-1104, Email: 
[email protected].
    2. Questions on awards management and fiscal matters may be 
directed to: Indian Health Service, Division of Grants Management, 5600 
Fishers Lane, Mail Stop: 09E70, Rockville, MD 20857, Email: 
[email protected].
    3. For technical assistance with Grants.gov, please contact the 
Grants.gov help desk at 800-518-4726, or by email at 
[email protected].
    4. For technical assistance with GrantSolutions, please contact the 
GrantSolutions help desk at (866) 577-0771, or by email at 
[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.

P. Benjamin Smith,
Deputy Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-09958 Filed 5-9-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165-16-P