[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 18 (Friday, January 26, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 5310-5316]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-01531]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS


Staff Sergeant Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program Funding 
Opportunity

AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

ACTION: Notice of funding opportunity.

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SUMMARY: VA is announcing the availability of funds for suicide 
prevention grants under the Staff Sergeant Fox Suicide Prevention Grant 
Program (SSG Fox SPGP). This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) 
contains information concerning SSG Fox SPGP; the grant application 
processes; and the amount of funding available. Awards made for suicide 
prevention grants will fund operations beginning on September 30, 2024. 
This is a 1-year award with the option to renew for an additional year, 
pending availability of funds and grantee performance.

DATES: Applications for suicide prevention services grants under SSG 
Fox SPGP must be received by 11:59 p.m. eastern time on April 26, 2024. 
In the interest of fairness to all competing applicants, this deadline 
is firm as to date and hour, and VA will treat as ineligible for 
consideration any application that is received after the deadline. 
Applicants should take this practice into account and make early 
submission of their materials to avoid any risk of loss of eligibility 
brought about by unanticipated delays, computer service outages, or 
other submission-related problems.

ADDRESSES: For a Copy of the Application Package: Copies of the 
application can be downloaded from the SSG Fox SPGP website at https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ssgfox-grants/. Questions should be referred to 
SSG Fox SPGP by email at [email protected]. For detailed program 
information and requirements, see 38 CFR part 78.
    Submission of Application Package: Applicants must submit 
applications electronically following instructions found at https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ssgfox-grants/. Applications may not be mailed, 
hand carried, or sent by facsimile. Applications must be received by 
SSG Fox SPGP by 11:59 p.m. eastern time on the application deadline 
date. Applications must arrive as a complete package. Materials 
arriving separately will not be included in the application package for 
consideration and may result in the application being rejected.
    Technical Assistance: Information regarding how to obtain technical 
assistance with the preparation of a new

[[Page 5311]]

or renewal suicide prevention grant application is available on the 
SPGP Program website at https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ssgfox- grants/
.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Sandra Foley, SSG Fox SPGP 
Director, Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, by email at 
[email protected] or 202-502-0002.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Funding Opportunity Title: Staff Sergeant 
Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program.
    Announcement Type: Initial.
    Funding Opportunity Number: VA-FOX-SP-FY2024.
    Assistance Listing Number: 64.055.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    A. Assistance Listing Number: 64.005 Staff Sergeant Fox Suicide 
Prevention Grant Program.
    B. Purpose: The purpose of SSG Fox SPGP is to reduce Veteran 
suicide by expanding suicide prevention programs for Veterans through 
the award of suicide prevention services grants to eligible entities to 
provide or coordinate the provision of suicide prevention services to 
eligible individuals and their families. SSG Fox SPGP builds upon VA's 
public health approach, which combines clinical and community-based 
interventions to prevent Veteran suicide for those inside and outside 
of VA health care. This grant program assists in further implementing a 
public health approach through these community efforts. The goal of 
these grants is to reduce Veteran suicide risk; improve baseline mental 
health status, well-being, and social support; and improve financial 
stability for eligible individuals and their families.
    C. Funding Priorities: The principal goal of this NOFO is to seek 
entities that have demonstrated the ability to provide or coordinate 
suicide prevention services. Under Priority 1, VA will provide funding 
to eligible entities with existing SPGP awards. Grant funds will be 
awarded pursuant to 38 CFR 78.40.
    Under Priority 2, applications will be accepted from new eligible 
entities. VA may prioritize the distribution of suicide prevention 
services grants under this Priority to (i) Rural communities; (ii) 
Tribal lands; (iii) Territories of the United States; (iv) medically 
underserved areas; (v) areas with a high number or percentage of 
minority Veterans or women Veterans; and (vi) areas with a high number 
or percentage of calls to the Veterans Crisis Line.
    D. Definitions: The regulations for SSG Fox SPGP, published in the 
Federal Register on March 10, 2022, and codified in 38 CFR part 78, 
contain all detailed definitions and requirements pertaining to this 
program.
    E. Eligible individuals. To be an eligible individual under this 
part, a person must be at risk of suicide and further meet the 
definition of eligible individual in section 201(q) of Public Law 116-
171. Risk of suicide means exposure to, or the existence of, any of the 
following factors, to any degree, that increase the risk for suicidal 
ideation and/or behaviors:
    (1) Health risk factors, including mental health challenges, 
substance use disorder, serious or chronic health conditions or pain, 
and traumatic brain injury.
    (2) Environmental risk factors, including prolonged stress, 
stressful life events, unemployment, homelessness, recent loss, and 
legal or financial challenges.
    (3) Historical risk factors, including previous suicide attempts, 
family history of suicide, and history of abuse, neglect, or trauma, 
including military sexual trauma.
    F. Authority: Funding applied for under this NOFO is authorized by 
section 201 of the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health 
Improvement Act (Pub. L. 116-171). VA established and implemented this 
statutory authority for SSG Fox SPGP in 38 CFR part 78. Funds made 
available under this NOFO may be subject to the requirements of section 
201 of the Act, 38 CFR part 78 and other applicable laws and 
regulations.
    G. Approach: Suicide prevention services address the needs of 
eligible individuals and their families and are necessary for improving 
the mental health status and well-being and reducing the suicide risk 
of eligible individuals and their families. Applicants must include in 
their application that they will provide or coordinate the provision of 
the baseline mental health screening to all participants aged 18 and 
over. In addition, the application must include the proposed suicide 
prevention services to be provided or coordinated and the identified 
need for those services. Suicide prevention services include:
    Outreach to identify and engage eligible individuals (and their 
families) at highest risk of suicide: Grantees providing or 
coordinating the provision of outreach must use their best efforts to 
ensure that eligible individuals, including those who are at highest 
risk of suicide or who are not receiving health care or other services 
furnished by VA, and their families are identified, engaged, and 
provided suicide prevention services. Based on the suicide risk and 
eligibility screening conducted by grantees, eligible individuals who 
should be considered at highest risk of suicide are those with a recent 
suicide attempt, an active plan or preparatory behavior for suicide or 
a recent hospitalization for suicidality. VA will provide access to the 
Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale to determine level of suicide 
risk. Outreach must include active liaison with local VA facilities; 
State, local or Tribal government (if any); and private agencies and 
organizations providing suicide prevention services to eligible 
individuals and their families in the area to be served by the grantee. 
This outreach can include, for example, local mental health and 
emergency or urgent care departments in local hospitals or clinics. 
Grantees are required to have a presence in the area to meet with 
individuals and organizations to create referral processes to the 
grantee and other community resources. VA requires that grantees 
coordinate with VA with respect to the provision of health care and 
other services to eligible individuals. VA expects that grantees will 
work with local VA facilities on a regular basis to coordinate care 
when needed for eligible individuals.
    Baseline mental health screening: Grantees must provide or 
coordinate the provision of baseline mental health screenings to all 
participants aged 18 and over that the grantee serves at the time those 
services begin. This baseline mental health screening ensures that the 
participant's mental health needs can be properly determined and that 
suicide prevention services can be further tailored to meet the 
individual's needs. The baseline mental health screening must be 
provided using validated screening tools that assess suicide risk and 
mental and behavioral health conditions. VA will provide access to the 
Patient Health Questionnaire, Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale, 
Interpersonal Support Evaluation List, Socio Economic Status, and the 
Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale to grantees providing or 
coordinating the provision of baseline mental health screenings.
    If an eligible individual is at risk of suicide or other mental or 
behavioral health condition pursuant to the baseline mental health 
screening, the grantee must refer such individual to VA for care. If 
the eligible individual refuses the grantee's referral to VA, any 
ongoing clinical services provided to the eligible individual by the 
grantee is at the expense of the grantee. It is important to note that 
this is only required for eligible individuals and not the family of 
eligible individuals.

[[Page 5312]]

    If a participant other than an eligible individual is at risk of 
suicide or other mental or behavioral health condition pursuant to the 
baseline mental health screening, the grantee must refer such 
participant to appropriate health care services in the area. To the 
extent that the grantee can furnish such appropriate health care 
services on an ongoing basis and has available funding separate from 
funds provided under this grant program to do so, they would be able to 
furnish such services using those non-VA funds without being required 
to refer such participants to other services. As noted above, any 
ongoing clinical services provided to the participant by the grantee is 
at the expense of the grantee.
    When such referrals are made by grantees to VA, to the extent 
practicable, those referrals are required to be a ``warm hand-off'' to 
ensure that the eligible individual receives necessary care. This 
``warm hand-off'' may include providing any necessary transportation to 
the nearest VA facility, assisting the eligible individual with 
scheduling an appointment with VA and any other similar activities that 
may be necessary to ensure the eligible individual receives necessary 
care in a timely manner.
    Education: Suicide prevention education programs may be provided 
and coordinated to be provided to educate communities, Veterans, and 
families on how to identify those at risk of suicide, how and when to 
make referrals for care, and the types of suicide prevention resources 
available within the area. Education can include gatekeeper training, 
lethal means safety training, or specific education programs that 
assist with identification, assessment, or prevention of suicide. 
Gatekeeper training generally refers to programs that seek to develop 
individuals' knowledge, attitudes, and skills to prevent suicide. 
Gatekeeper training is an educational course designed to teach clinical 
and non-clinical professionals or gatekeepers the warning signs of a 
suicide crisis and how to respond and refer individuals for care. 
Education is important because learning the signs of suicide risk, how 
to reduce access to lethal means, and to connect those at risk of 
suicide to care can improve understanding of suicide and has the 
potential to reduce suicide.
    Clinical services for emergency treatment: Clinical services may be 
provided or coordinated to be provided for emergency treatment of a 
participant. Emergency treatment means medical services, professional 
services, ambulance services, ancillary care and medication (including 
a short course of medication related to and necessary for the treatment 
of the emergency condition that is provided directly to or prescribed 
for the patient for use after the emergency condition is stabilized and 
the patient is discharged) was rendered in a medical emergency of such 
nature that a prudent layperson would have reasonably expected that 
delay in seeking immediate medical attention would have been hazardous 
to life or health. This standard is met by an emergency medical 
condition manifesting itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity 
(including severe pain) that a prudent layperson who possesses an 
average knowledge of health and medicine could reasonably expect the 
absence of the immediate medical assistance to result in placing the 
health of the individual in serious jeopardy, serious impairment to 
bodily functions, or serious dysfunction of any bodily organ or part. 
It is important to note that emergency medical conditions include 
emergency mental health conditions.
    If an eligible individual is furnished clinical services for 
emergency treatment and the grantee determines that the eligible 
individual requires ongoing services, the grantee must refer the 
eligible individual to VA for additional care. If the eligible 
individual refuses the grantee's referral to VA, any ongoing clinical 
services provided to the eligible individual by the grantee is at the 
expense of the grantee.
    If a participant other than an eligible individual is furnished 
clinical services for emergency treatment and the grantee determines 
that the participant requires ongoing services, the grantee must refer 
the participant to appropriate health care services in the area for 
additional care. Except in instances in which a participant other than 
an eligible individual is furnished clinical services for emergency 
treatment, funds provided under this grant program may not be used to 
provide ongoing clinical services to such participants, and any ongoing 
clinical services provided to the participant by the grantee is at the 
expense of the grantee.
    Case management services: Case management services are focused on 
suicide prevention to effectively assist participants at risk of 
suicide. Grantees providing or coordinating the provision of case 
management services must provide or coordinate the provision of such 
services that include, at a minimum: (a) performing a careful 
assessment of participants and developing and monitoring case plans in 
coordination with a formal assessment of suicide prevention services 
needed, including necessary follow-up activities, to ensure that the 
participant's needs are adequately addressed; (b) establishing linkages 
with appropriate agencies and service providers in the area to help 
participants obtain needed suicide prevention services; (c) providing 
referrals to participants and related activities (such as scheduling 
appointments for participants) to help participants obtain needed 
suicide prevention services, such as medical, social, and educational 
assistance or other suicide prevention services to address 
participants' identified needs and goals; (d) deciding how resources 
and services are allocated to participants on the basis of need; (e) 
educating participants on issues, including, but not limited to, 
suicide prevention services' availability and participant rights; and, 
(f) other activities, as approved by VA, to serve the comprehensive 
needs of participants for the purpose of reducing suicide risk.
    Peer support services: The provision or coordination of the 
provision of peer support services by the grantee must be to help 
participants understand what resources and supports are available in 
their area for suicide prevention. Peer support services must be 
provided by Veterans trained in peer support with similar lived 
experiences related to suicide or mental health. Peer support 
specialists serve as role models and a resource to assist participants 
with their mental health recovery. Peer support specialists function as 
interdisciplinary team members, assisting physicians and other 
professional and non-professional personnel in a rehabilitation 
treatment program. Each grantee providing or coordinating the provision 
of peer support services must ensure that Veterans providing such 
services to participants meet the requirements of 38 U.S.C. 7402(b)(13) 
and meet qualification standards for appointment; or have completed 
peer support training, are pursuing credentials to meet the minimum 
qualification standards for appointment and are under the supervision 
of an individual who meets the necessary requirements of 38 U.S.C. 
7402(b)(13).
    Qualification standards include that the individual is (1) a 
Veteran who has recovered or is recovering from a mental health 
condition, and (2) certified by (i) a not-for-profit entity engaged in 
peer support specialist training as having met such criteria as the 
Secretary shall establish for a peer support specialist position, or 
(ii) a State as having satisfied relevant State requirements for a peer 
support specialist position. VA has further set forth qualifications 
for its peer support specialists in VA

[[Page 5313]]

Handbook 5005, Staffing (last updated November 8, 2023). See VA 
Handbook/Directive 5005. Grant funds may be used to provide education 
and training for employees of the grantee or the community partner who 
provide peer support services based on the terms set forth in the grant 
agreement.
    Assistance in obtaining VA benefits: The provision of this 
assistance will provide grantees with additional means by which VA can 
notify participants of available VA benefits. Grantees assisting 
participants in obtaining VA benefits are required to aid participants 
in obtaining any benefits from VA for which the participants are 
eligible. Such benefits include but are not limited to: (1) vocational 
and rehabilitation counseling; (2) supportive services for homeless 
Veterans; (3) employment and training services; (4) educational 
assistance; and (5) health care services. Grantees are not permitted to 
represent participants before VA with respect to a claim for VA 
benefits unless they are recognized for that purpose pursuant to 38 
U.S.C. 5902. Employees and members of grantees are not permitted to 
provide such representation unless the individual providing 
representation is accredited pursuant to 38 U.S.C. chapter 59.
    Assistance in obtaining and coordinating other public benefits and 
assistance with emergent needs: Grantees assisting participants in 
obtaining and coordinating other public benefits or assisting with 
emergency needs are required to assist participants in obtaining and 
coordinating the provision of benefits that are being provided by 
Federal, State, local, or Tribal agencies, or any other grantee in the 
area served by the grantee by referring the participant to and 
coordinating with such entity. If a public benefit is not being 
provided by Federal, State, local, or Tribal agencies, or any other 
grantee in the area, the grantee is not required to obtain, coordinate, 
or provide such public benefit. Public benefits and assistance that a 
participant may be referred to include: health care services, which 
include (1) health insurance and (2) referrals to a governmental entity 
or grantee that provides (i) hospital care, nursing home care, 
outpatient care, mental health care, preventive care, habilitative and 
rehabilitative care, case management, respite care, home care, (ii) the 
training of any eligible individual's family in the care of any 
eligible individual, and (iii) the provision of pharmaceuticals, 
supplies, equipment, devices, appliances, and assistive technology. 
Grantees may also refer participants, as appropriate, to an entity that 
provides daily living services relating to the functions or tasks for 
self-care usually performed in the normal course of a day. Grantees may 
refer or provide directly personal financial planning services; 
transportation services; temporary income support services (including, 
among other services, food assistance and housing assistance); 
fiduciary and representative payee services; legal services to assist 
eligible individuals with issues that may contribute to the risk of 
suicide; and childcare. For additional details on these elements, 
applicants should consult 38 CFR 78.80.
    Nontraditional and innovative approaches and treatment practices: 
Grantees may provide or coordinate the provision of nontraditional and 
innovative approaches and treatment, including but not limited to 
complementary or alternative interventions with some evidence for 
effectiveness of improving mental health or mitigating a risk factor 
for suicidal thoughts and behavior. Applicants may propose 
nontraditional and innovative approaches and treatment practices in 
their suicide prevention services grant applications. VA is exercising 
its authority by reserving the right to approve or disapprove 
nontraditional and innovative approaches and treatment practices to be 
provided or coordinated to be provided using funds authorized under SSG 
Fox SPGP.
    Other services: Grantees may provide general suicide prevention 
assistance, which may include payment directly to a third party (and 
not to a participant), in an amount not to exceed $750 per participant 
during any 1-year period, beginning on the date that the grantee first 
submits a payment to a third party. Expenses that may be paid include 
expenses associated with gaining or keeping employment, such as 
uniforms, tools, certificates, and licenses, as well as expenses 
associated with lethal means safety and secure storage, such as gun 
locks and locked medication storage.
    Applicants may propose additional suicide prevention services to be 
provided or coordinated to be provided. Examples of other services may 
include but are not limited to adaptive sports; equine assisted 
therapy; in-place or outdoor recreational therapy; substance use 
reduction programming; individual, group, or family counseling; and 
relationship coaching. VA reserves the right to approve or disapprove 
other suicide prevention services to be provided or coordinated to be 
provided using funds authorized under SSG Fox SPGP.
    H. Guidance for the Use of VA Suicide Prevention Grant Funds: 
Consistent with section 201(o) of the Act, only grantees that are a 
State or local government or an Indian Tribe can use grant funds to 
enter into an agreement with a community partner under which the 
grantee may provide funds to the community partner for the provision of 
services to eligible individuals and their families. However, grantees 
may choose to enter into contracts for goods or services because in 
some situations, resources may be more readily available at a lower 
cost, or they may only be available from another party in the 
community.
    Grantees may make payments directly to a third party on behalf of a 
participant for childcare, transportation, food, housing, and general 
suicide prevention assistance. Funds can be used to conduct outreach, 
educate, and connect with eligible individuals who are not engaged with 
VA services. Any outreach and education that is funded by SSG Fox SPGP 
should link directly back to a referral to the grantee's program for an 
opportunity to enroll the eligible individual in the program.
    Funds must be used to screen for eligibility and suicide risk and 
enroll individuals in the program accordingly. Note that some 
individuals who come through the referral process may not engage in 
services. Grantees are expected to determine what referrals are 
appropriate for these individuals for follow-up services. Funds must be 
used to coordinate and provide suicide prevention services, by the 
grantee, based on screening and assessment, including clinical services 
for emergency treatment.
    Funds must also be used to evaluate outcomes and effectiveness 
related to suicide prevention services. Prior to providing suicide 
prevention services, grantees must verify, document, and classify each 
participant's eligibility for suicide prevention services. Grantees 
must determine and document each participant's degree of risk of 
suicide using tools identified in the suicide prevention services grant 
agreement. Prior to services ending, grantees must provide or 
coordinate the provision of a mental health screening to all 
participants aged 18 or over they serve, when possible. This screening 
must be conducted with the same tools used to conduct the initial 
baseline mental health screening. Having this screening occur at the 
beginning and prior to services ending is important in evaluating the 
effectiveness of the services provided.
    Grantees must document the suicide prevention services provided or

[[Page 5314]]

coordinated, how such services are provided or coordinated, the 
duration of the services provided or coordinated, and any goals for the 
provision or coordination of such services. If the eligible individual 
wishes to enroll in VA health care, the grantee must inform the 
eligible individual of a VA point of contact for assistance with 
enrollment.
    For each participant aged 18 and over, grantees must develop and 
document an individualized plan with respect to the provision of 
suicide prevention services provided. This plan must be developed in 
consultation with the participant.
    As outlined in 38 CFR 78.105, activities for which grantees will 
not be authorized to use suicide prevention services grant funds 
include direct cash assistance to participants and their families, 
those legal services prohibited pursuant to Sec.  78.80(g), medical or 
dental care and medicines, except for clinical services for emergency 
treatment authorized pursuant to Sec.  78.60, any activities considered 
illegal under Federal law, and any costs identified as unallowable per 
2 CFR part 200, subpart E.

II. Award Information

    A. Overview: This NOFO announces the availability of funds for 
suicide prevention grants under the SSG Fox SPGP.
    B. Funding Priorities: The funding priorities for this NOFO are as 
follows:
    Under Priority 1, current grantees may apply for a new grant award 
to continue to provide services within the scope of their current grant 
award; for purposes of 38 CFR part 78, these awards are considered 
renewals. Priority 1 applicants must apply using the renewal 
application. To be eligible for renewal of a suicide prevention grant, 
the Priority 1 applicants' program must be substantially the same as 
the program of the grantees' current grant award. Renewal applications 
can request funding that is equal to or less than their current 
annualized award.
    Under Priority 2, VA will accept applications from eligible 
entities that are not current grantees for funding consideration. 
Priority 2 applicants must apply using the application materials 
designated for new applicants.
    C. Allocation of funds: Approximately $52,500,000 is available for 
grant awards under this NOFO. The maximum allowable grant size is 
$750,000 per year per eligibility entity.
    (1) In response to this NOFO, only existing grantees can apply as 
Priority 1 applicants. New applicants apply under Priority 2. Priority 
1 renewal grant requests cannot exceed the current award.
    (2) If a Priority 1 applicant is not renewed, the existing grant 
will end on September 30, 2024.
    (3) Priority 1 applicants may request an amount less than their 
current award; this will not be considered a substantial change to the 
program.
    D. Grant Award Period: Grants awarded will be for a minimum of a 1-
year period starting September 30, 2024. Awards may be extended for up 
to 1 additional year pending availability of funding and grantee 
performance.

III. Eligibility Information

    A. Eligible Applicants: Eligible entity means an entity that meets 
the definition of an eligible entity in section 201(q) of the Act. 
Under section 201(q)(3) of the Act, an eligible entity must be one of 
the following:
    (1) An incorporated private institution or foundation that (i) has 
no part of the net earnings of which incurs to the benefit of any 
member, founder, contributor or individual and (ii) has a governing 
board that would be responsible for the operation of the suicide 
prevention services provided under this section.
    (2) A corporation wholly owned and controlled by an organization 
meeting the requirements of clauses (i) and (ii) in section III.A.(1) 
of this NOFO.
    (3) An Indian Tribe.
    (4) A community-based organization that can effectively network 
with local civic organizations, regional health systems, and other 
settings where eligible individuals and their families are likely to 
have contact.
    (5) A State or local government. This may include, but not be 
limited to, nonprofit and private organizations such as those that are 
part of VA-Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's 
Governors' and Mayors' Challenge to prevent suicide among Service 
members, Veterans, and their families; universities; and city, county, 
State, and Tribal governments.
    Demonstration of eligibility as detailed in the application 
includes submission of documents as outlined in Section IV of this 
NOFO.
    Applicants applying for funding consideration under Priority 1 are 
existing grantees with grant awards scheduled to end by September 30, 
2024. For Priority 1 and 2, eligible entities may apply for funding up 
to $750,000 per entity.
    Applicants must be registered in the System for Award Management 
(SAM) located at https://sam.gov, provide a unique entity identifier, 
and continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current 
information as per 2 CFR part 200.
    B. Cost Sharing and Matching: Applicants are not required to submit 
proposals that contain matching funds.

IV. Application Submission Information

    A. Obtaining an Application Package: Initial and renewal 
applications are located at https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ssgfox-grants/. Any questions regarding this process should be referred to SSG 
Fox SPGP by email at [email protected]. For detailed program 
information and requirements, see 38 CFR part 78. Applicants must 
submit applications electronically following instructions found at 
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ssgfox-grants/.
    B. Submission Date and Time: Applications for suicide prevention 
grant under SSG Fox SPGP must be received by SSG Fox SPGP by 11:59 p.m. 
eastern time on April 26, 2024. Awards made for suicide prevention 
grants will fund operations beginning September 30, 2024. Applications 
must arrive as a complete package. Materials arriving separately will 
not be included in the application package for consideration and may 
result in the application being rejected. Additionally, in the interest 
of fairness to all competing applicants, this deadline is firm as to 
date and hour, and VA will treat as ineligible for consideration any 
application that is received after the deadline. Applicants should take 
this practice into account and make early submission of their materials 
to avoid any risk of loss of eligibility brought about by unanticipated 
delays, computer service outages, or other delivery-related problems.
    C. Other Submission Requirements:
    (1) Existing grantees applying for Priority 1 grants may apply only 
as renewal applicants using the application designed for renewal 
grants.
    (2) New applicants applying for Priority 2 grants may apply only as 
new applicants using the application designed for new grants.
    (3) Submission of an incorrect, incomplete, inconsistent, unclear, 
or incorrectly formatted application package will result in the 
application being rejected during threshold review. The application 
packages must contain all required forms and certifications. Selections 
will be made based on criteria described in 38 CFR part 78 and this 
NOFO. Applicants and grantees will be notified of any additional 
information needed to confirm or clarify information provided in the 
application and the deadline by which to submit

[[Page 5315]]

such information. Applicants must submit applications electronically. 
Applications may not be mailed, hand carried, or sent by facsimile.
    (4) In accordance with 2 CFR part 200, applicants may elect to 
charge a de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs, which 
may be used indefinitely. No documentation is required to justify the 
10% de minimis indirect cost rate. As described in 2 CFR 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 a non-Federal entity chooses to negotiate for 
a rate, which the non-Federal entity may apply to do at any time.
    (5) New applicants applying for Priority 2 grants may apply only as 
new applicants using the application designed for new grants.
    D. Funding Restrictions: Funding will be awarded under this NOFO to 
existing grantees and new applicants (pending the availability of 
funds), beginning September 30, 2024. In addition to limitations set 
forth in law and regulation, the following restrictions apply:
    (1) Funding cannot be used for construction.
    (2) Funding cannot be used for vehicle purchases.
    (3) Funding cannot be used for food for staff unless part of per 
diem travel.
    (4) Funding cannot be used for pre-award costs.

V. Application Form and Content

    A. Priority 1 (Renewals): VA's regulations at 38 CFR 78.35 describe 
the criteria that VA will use to score those grantees who are applying 
for renewal of a grant. Such criteria will assist with VA's review and 
evaluation of grantees to ensure that those grantees have successful 
existing programs using the previously awarded grant funds and that 
they have complied with the requirements of 38 CFR part 78 and section 
201 of the Act. The criteria in 38 CFR 78.35 ensures that renewals of 
grants are awarded based on the grantee program's success, cost-
effectiveness, and compliance with VA goals and requirements for this 
grant program.
    The renewal application is organized into the following sections: 
Program Outcomes (maximum 55 points), Cost Effectiveness (maximum 20 
points), Compliance with Program Goals and Requirements (25 maximum 
points), and Exhibits (no point values).
    VA will use the following criteria to score grantees applying for 
renewal of a suicide prevention services grant:
    (1) The success of the grantee's program.
    (2) The cost-effectiveness of the grantee's program.
    (3) The extent to which the grantee's program complies with SSG Fox 
SPGP goals and requirements.
    The Exhibit section includes an applicant budget template, to be 
submitted in a Microsoft Excel File. The budget submission must include 
1) Annual budget, attached as Exhibit I, containing a proposed 
quarterly budget for the renewal period, and 2) a Budget Narrative, 
which provides a description of each of the line items contained in the 
renewal application.
    B. Priority 2 (New Applicants): VA's regulations at 38 CFR part 
78.25 describe the criteria that VA will use to score new applications. 
Applicants must include all required documents in their application 
submission. Submission of an incorrect, incomplete, inconsistent, 
unclear, or incorrectly formatted application package will result in 
the application being rejected.
    VA will use the following criteria to score new applicants who are 
applying for a suicide prevention services grant:
    (1) The background, qualifications, experience, and past 
performance of the applicant and any community partners identified by 
the applicant in the suicide prevention services grant application.
    (2) The applicant's program concept and suicide prevention services 
plan.
    (3) The applicant's quality assurance and evaluation plan.
    (4) The applicant's financial capability and plan.
    (5) The applicant's area linkages and relations.
    The Exhibit section includes an applicant budget template, to be 
submitted in a Microsoft Excel File. The budget submission must 
include: 1) annual budget, attached as Exhibit I, containing a proposed 
quarterly budget for the period, and 2) a budget narrative, which 
provides a description of each of the line items contained in the 
application.

VI. Review and Selection Process

    A. Review Process: Based on the application criteria described 
above, grant applications will be divided into two groups: renewal 
applications and new applications. Suicide prevention services grant 
applications will be scored by a VA grant review committee. The grant 
review committee will be trained in understanding the program's goals, 
the requirements of the NOFO, VA's regulations for this program (38 CFR 
part 78) and the prescribed scoring rubric. Consistent with 38 CFR 
78.40, if all available grant funds are awarded to renewal grants for 
existing grantees, no new applications will be awarded.
    B. Application Selection: VA will only score applicants who meet 
the following threshold requirements:
    (1) Application must be filed within the time period established in 
the NOFO, and any additional information or documentation requested by 
VA must be provided within the time frame established by VA.
    (2) Application must be completed in all parts.
    (3) Activities for which the suicide prevention services grant is 
requested must be eligible for funding.
    (4) Applicant's proposed participants must be eligible to receive 
suicide prevention services.
    (5) Applicant must agree to comply with the requirements of 38 CFR 
part 78.
    (6) Applicant must not have an outstanding obligation to the 
Federal Government that is in arrears and does not have an overdue or 
unsatisfactory response to an audit.
    (7) Applicant must not be in default by failing to meet the 
requirements for any previous Federal assistance.
    If these threshold requirements are not met, VA will deem 
applicants to be ineligible for further consideration.
    Renewal applications must receive at least 60 points and at least 1 
point under each of the criteria noted above in Section V of this NOFO. 
After selection of renewal applicants, if there is funding available, 
VA will score and rank all new applicants who score at least 60 
cumulative points and receive at least one point under each of the 
criteria noted above in section V of this NOFO.
    VA will utilize the ranked scores of new applicants as the primary 
basis for selection. The applicants will be ranked in order from 
highest to lowest. However, VA will give preference to applicants that 
have demonstrated the ability to provide or coordinate suicide 
prevention services. VA may prioritize the distribution of suicide 
prevention services grants to: (i) rural communities; (ii) Tribal 
lands; (iii) Territories of the United States; (iv) medically 
underserved areas; (v) areas with a high number or percentage of 
minority Veterans or women Veterans; and (vi) areas with a high number 
or percentage of calls to the Veterans Crisis Line.
    To the extent practicable, VA will ensure that suicide prevention 
services grants are distributed to: (i) provide services in areas of 
the United States

[[Page 5316]]

that have experienced high rates of suicide by eligible individuals; 
(ii) applicants that can assist eligible individuals at risk of suicide 
who are not currently receiving health care furnished by VA; and (iii) 
ensure that suicide prevention services are provided in as many areas 
as possible.

VI. Award Administration Information

    A. Award Notices: Although subject to change, VA expects to 
announce grant awards in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024. VA 
reserves the right in any year to make adjustments (e.g., to funding 
levels) as needed within the intent of the NOFO based on a variety of 
factors, including the availability of funding. The initial 
announcement of awards will be made via a news release posted on VA's 
SSG Fox SPGP website at https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ssgfox-grants. 
The SSG Fox SPGP will concurrently notify both successful and 
unsuccessful applicants. Only a grant agreement with a VA signature is 
evidence of an award and is an authorizing document allowing costs to 
be incurred against a grant award. Other notices, letters or 
announcements are not authorizing documents. The grant agreement 
includes the terms and conditions of the award and must be signed by 
the entity and VA to be legally binding.
    B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: VA places great 
emphasis on responsibility and accountability. VA has procedures in 
place to monitor grants provided under SSG Fox SPGP. All applicants 
selected in response to this NOFO must agree to meet applicable 
inspection standards outlined in the grant agreement.
    As SSG Fox SPGP grants cannot be used to fund treatment for mental 
health or substance use disorders, with the exception of clinical 
services for emergency treatment, applicants must provide evidence that 
they can provide access to such services to all program participants 
through formal and informal agreements with community providers.
    C. Reporting: Applicants should be aware of the following:
    (1) Upon execution of a suicide prevention services grant agreement 
with VA, grantees will have a liaison appointed by the SSG Fox SPGP 
Office who will provide oversight and monitor the use of funds to 
provide or coordinate suicide prevention services provided to 
participants.
    (2) VA will require that grantees use validated tools and 
assessments to determine the effectiveness of the suicide prevention 
services furnished by VA. These include any measures and metrics 
developed and provided by VA for the purposes of measuring the 
effectiveness of the programming to be provided in improving mental 
health status and well-being and reducing suicide risk and suicide 
deaths of eligible individuals. Grantees will be required to use the VA 
Data Collection Tool for this purpose.
    (3) Grantees must provide each participant with a satisfaction 
survey, which the participant can submit directly to VA, within 30 days 
of such participant's pending exit from the grantee's program. This is 
required to assist VA in evaluating grantees' performance and 
participants' satisfaction with the suicide prevention services they 
receive.
    (4) Monitoring will also include the submittal of periodic and 
annual financial and performance reports by the grantee in accordance 
with 2 CFR part 200. Performance reports submitted quarterly or semi 
quarterly are due no later than 30 calendar days after the reporting 
period per 2 CFR 200.329(c)(1). Performance reports submitted annually 
are due no later than 90 calendar days after the reporting period 
pursuant to 2 CFR 200.329(c)(1). The grantee must submit their Final 
Report no later than 120 calendar days after the conclusion of the 
period of performance per 2 CFR 200.344(b). The grantee will be 
expected to demonstrate adherence to the grantee's proposed program 
concept, as described in the grantee's application.
    (5) VA has the right, at all reasonable times, to make onsite 
visits to all grantee locations and have virtual meetings where a 
grantee is using suicide prevention services grant funds to review 
grantee accomplishments and management control systems and to provide 
such technical assistance as may be required.
    D. Payment to Grantees: Grantees will receive payments 
electronically through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 
Payment Management System. Grantees will have the ability to request 
payments as frequently as they choose. Grantees must have internal 
controls in place to ensure funding is available for the full duration 
of the grant period of performance, to the extent possible.

VII. Program Evaluation

    The purpose of program evaluation is to evaluate the impact that 
participation in SSG Fox SPGP has on eligible individuals' financial 
stability, mental health status, well-being, suicide risk, and social 
support, as required by the Act.
    As part of the national program evaluation, grantees must input 
data regularly in VA's web-based system. VA will ensure grantees have 
access to the data they need to gather and summarize program impacts 
and lessons learned on the implementation of the program evaluation 
criteria; performance indicators used for grantee selection and 
communication; and the criteria associated with the best outcomes for 
Veterans.
    Training and technical assistance for program evaluation will be 
provided by VA, which will coordinate with subject matter experts to 
provide various trainings including the use of measures and metrics 
required for this program.

Signing Authority

    Denis McDonough, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, approved and signed 
this document on January 11, 2024, and authorized the undersigned to 
sign and submit the document to the Office of the Federal Register for 
publication electronically as an official document of the Department of 
Veterans Affairs.

Jeffrey M. Martin,
Assistant Director, Office of Regulation Policy & Management, Office of 
General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2024-01531 Filed 1-25-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8320-01-P