[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 158 (Wednesday, August 15, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 40525-40532]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-17515]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service


Division of Epidemiology and Disease Prevention Epidemiology 
Program for American Indian/Alaska Native Tribes and Urban Indian 
Communities

Announcement Type: Competing Supplement
Funding Announcement Number: HHS-2018-IHS-EPI-0002
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.231

Key Dates

Application Deadline Date: September 12, 2018
Review Date: September 14-18, 2018
Earliest Anticipated Start Date: September 30, 2018

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Statutory Authority

    The Indian Health Service (IHS) Office of Public Health Support, 
Division of Epidemiology and Disease Prevention (DEDP), is accepting 
applications for a cooperative agreement for competitive supplemental 
funds to enhance activities in the Epidemiology Program for American 
Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Tribes and Urban Indian communities.
    This program is authorized under: Section 317(k)(2) of the Public 
Health Service Act [42 U.S.C. 247(b)(k)(2), as amended]. Funding for 
this award will be provided by: The Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention's (CDC) National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious 
Diseases (NCEZID). The authorities will be exercised by CDC and through 
an Intra-Departmental Delegation of Authority (IDDA) with IHS to create 
a supplemental funding opportunity for Tribal Epidemiology Centers. The 
administration will be carried out through an Intra-agency Agreement 
(IAA) between CDC and IHS. This program is described in the Catalog of 
Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) under 93.231.

Background

    The Tribal Epidemiology Center (TEC) program was authorized by 
Congress in 1998 as a way to provide public health support to multiple 
Tribes and Urban Indian communities in each of the IHS Areas. Only 
current TEC grantees serving Arizona Indian Tribes or Urban Indian 
communities with confirmed cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) 
between 2003-2017 are eligible to apply for the competing supplemental 
funding under this announcement and must demonstrate that they have 
complied with previous terms and conditions of the TEC program.
    Positioned uniquely within Tribes and Tribal or Urban 
Organizations, TECs are able to conduct disease surveillance, research, 
prevention and control of disease, injury, or disability. This allows 
them to assess the effectiveness of AI/AN public health programs. In 
addition, they can fill gaps in data needed for the relevant Government 
Performance and Results Act and Healthy People 2020 measures. Some of 
the existing TECs have already

[[Page 40526]]

developed innovative strategies to monitor the health status of Tribes 
and Urban Indian communities, including development of Tribal health 
registries and use of sophisticated record linkage computer software to 
correct existing state data sets for racial misclassification. Tribal 
Epidemiology Centers work in partnership with IHS DEDP to provide a 
more accurate national picture of Indian health status. To further the 
goals of the partnership, a new CDC funding opportunity will be made 
available to TECs to implement cancer projects in Indian Country, 
designed to help decrease these disparities and lessen the burden of 
cancer in this population. For administrative purposes, this new 
funding opportunity will be packaged with the existing IHS cooperative 
agreements.
    RMSF is a life-threatening tickborne disease. RMSF has been an 
emerging threat to Tribal communities in Arizona since 2003, with more 
than 388 cases and 23 deaths--a case fatality rate 15 times higher than 
the national rate.
    Epidemics in Arizona Tribal communities are driven by large 
populations of brown dog ticks and free-roaming dog populations, and 
thus require control of the animal and vector population. Effective 
control strategies have been identified through evidence-based research 
with Tribal, Federal, state, and private partners in an innovative 
project called the RMSF Rodeo. This project demonstrated that 
integrated pest management techniques including use of tick preventives 
on dogs, environmental pesticide and community education could 
effectively reduce the number of ticks on dogs, in the environment, and 
more importantly, reduced the incidence of RMSF in Tribal communities. 
Cases in the project area were reduced by 43%. While these effective 
techniques have been identified and successfully implemented, they 
require fundamental infrastructure in vector control and animal 
control, which are often lacking in Tribal communities.
    Many of the impacted Tribal communities are small (fewer than 
15,000 residents), rural communities where resources for vector and 
animal control may not be available. Consolidation of resources by 
region can ensure prudent use of funds where individual positions 
cannot be supported. Tribal Epidemiology Centers have a unique 
appreciation and understanding of these factors and ensure that health 
priorities and program interventions are culturally competent, 
appropriate, and locally minded. Tribal Epidemiology Centers provide 
technical assistance by way of program management, epidemiologic 
support and project design. These resources are often provided to one 
or more Tribal nations in the region and can serve as a regional 
support for area Tribes.
    For the purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), 
technical assistance to support prevention of RMSF should be locally 
tailored and evidence-based. Recommended prevention practices could 
focus on material resources for vector control, environmental cleanup 
or animal control, training and staff development relating to RMSF 
prevention, or developing educational materials to educate the public 
and providers about issues relating to RMSF. All assistance with 
educational materials needs to ensure those that are used are 
culturally appropriate and locally-minded. Awardees are expected to 
provide support for applicant-identified outcomes from the following: 
Improve RMSF prevention practices to support the health of targeted 
Tribal communities at risk for RMSF, disseminate lessons learned on 
proven interventions of RMSF, and create sustainable RMSF prevention 
programs.

Purpose

    The purpose of this IHS cooperative agreement is to build capacity 
for RMSF prevention in Arizona's Tribes. RMSF prevention is a 
multidisciplinary problem, requiring technical resources across public 
health, veterinary, clinical medicine, vector control, environmental 
health and sanitation. This NOFO will support Tribes, through the 
technical assistance and trainings of regional TECs, in providing 
training for staff, purchasing equipment, building facilities, 
developing communications materials, and establishing partnerships that 
will sustain RMSF prevention in the long term.

Limited Competition Justification

    The IHS enters into cooperative agreements with TECs under the 
authority of Section 214(a)(1) of the Indian Health Care Improvement 
Act, Public Law 94-437, as amended by Public Law 102-573. Tribal 
Epidemiology Centers carry out a list of functions specified in 
statute. These functions include data collection and analysis; 
evaluation of existing delivery systems, data systems, and other 
systems that impact the improvement of Indian health; making 
recommendations for the targeting of services; and provision of 
requested technical assistance to Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, 
and Urban Indian organizations [25 U.S.C. 1621m(b)]. Other 
organizations do not have the capacity to provide this support. With 
respect to access to information, TECs are treated as public health 
authorities for the purpose of the Health Insurance Portability and 
Accountability Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-191). Unlike their 
counterparts, they have no (or little) funding from their 
jurisdictional governments to perform these public functions.
    The limited-eligibility NOFO will allow direct support of RMSF 
prevention to TECs serving Arizona Indian Tribes and Urban Indian 
Organizations with confirmed cases of RMSF between 2003-2017. 
Utilization of TECs allows for the consolidation of regional resources 
across Tribal boundaries. TECs already possess technical expertise in 
program management, community-based interventions and educational tool 
development. Tribal Epidemiology Centers must have demonstrated their 
ability to methodically and effectively reach Tribal members and 
efficiently work with AI/AN populations on their public health capacity 
building. Selected organizations that have previous experience working 
effectively with Tribal governments will help ensure that interventions 
and infrastructure are culturally appropriate and locally minded.

II. Award Information

Type of Award

    Cooperative Agreement.

Estimated Funds Available

    The total amount of funding identified for the current fiscal year 
(FY) 2018 is approximately $300,000. Individual award amounts are 
anticipated to be between $100,000 and $300,000. The amount of funding 
available for competing and continuation awards issued under this 
announcement are subject to the availability of appropriations and 
budgetary priorities of the Agency. The IHS is under no obligation to 
make awards that are selected for funding under this announcement.

Anticipated Number of Awards

    Approximately two awards will be issued under this program 
announcement.

Period of Performance

    The period of performance is for three years and will run 
consecutively from September 30, 2018 to September 29, 2021.

[[Page 40527]]

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 (CDC) is required to have 
substantial programmatic involvement in the project during the entire 
award segment. Below is a detailed description of the level of 
involvement required for both the CDC and the grantee. The CDC per the 
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the IHS and the CDC, will be 
responsible for activities listed under section A and the grantee will 
be responsible for activities listed under section B as stated:

Substantial Involvement Description for Cooperative Agreement

A. IHS and CDC Programmatic Involvement
    (1) IHS will compete funds for TEC's using a NOFO. The IHS will be 
responsible for convening an Objective Review Committee (ORC) and 
selecting eligible applicants as detailed above.
    (2) The IHS and the CDC will be involved with ongoing consultation 
and technical assistance to plan, implement, and evaluate each 
component as described under Recipient Activities. Consultation and 
technical assistance may include, but not be limited to, the following 
areas:
    (i) Interpretation of current scientific literature related to 
epidemiology, statistics, surveillance, and other public health issues 
relating to RMSF;
    (ii) Technical assistance on the design and implementation of each 
program component such as surveillance, epidemiologic analysis, 
outbreak investigation, development of epidemiologic studies, 
development of disease control programs, coordination of activities, 
and training of study staff;
    (iii) Participating in the presentation of results in publications, 
if applicable; and
    (iv) Technical assistance on overall operational planning and 
program management.
    (3) Conduct site visits to TECs and/or coordinate TEC visits to IHS 
and/or CDC headquarters to assess work plans and ensure data security, 
confirm compliance with applicable laws and regulations, assess program 
activities, and to mutually resolve problems, as needed.
B. Grantee Cooperative Agreement Award Activities
    (1) Build Tribal capacity to provide animal control, vector control 
or environmental cleanup, by providing technical assistance to the 
Tribe and/or Urban Indian Organization (UIO) in the purchase or rental 
of equipment, hiring of staff and training of staff in safe and 
effective vector control, animal control, and environmental cleanup 
practices.
    (2) Assist Tribes with conducting evidence-based RMSF prevention 
activities in communities at risk. Rocky Mountain spotted fever 
prevention activities can include (but are not limited to) cleanup of 
solid waste in and around homes, spay and neuter activities, and tick 
prevention campaigns.
    (3) Provide assistance to Tribes to conduct community education 
about RMSF, including the signs and symptoms, prevention, importance of 
early treatment and confirmatory testing.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligibility

    Only current Arizona TEC grantees serving Tribes with previously 
reported cases of RMSF are eligible to apply for the competing 
supplemental funding under this announcement. They must demonstrate 
that they have complied with previous terms and conditions of the TEC 
program.
    Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a life-threatening tickborne 
disease. An ongoing epidemic of RMSF affects Tribal lands in Arizona 
with more than 388 cases and 23 deaths since 2003--a case fatality rate 
15 times higher than that national rate. All deaths from locally 
acquired RMSF in Arizona have occurred among Native peoples. Six Tribes 
in the Arizona area have experienced epidemic rates of RMSF transmitted 
by this tick vector. Only Arizona TECs serving Tribes with previously 
reported cases of RMSF will be eligible to apply for this cooperative 
agreement. To avoid redundancy for funded activities, applicants must 
disclose any other federal funds from the current FY that have been 
received or applied specifically for RMSF prevention.
No Supplanting of Funds
    The applicant must certify that: (1) The TEC RMSF Competing 
Supplemental Funds, if awarded, will not supplant expenditures from 
other Federal, State, or local sources or funds independently generated 
by the grantee; and (2) the TEC RMSF Competing Supplemental Funds, if 
awarded, will not supplant any leverage related to this grant, if any 
(that is, the grantee must have pursued and secured leverage to the 
fullest extent possible in order to ensure that expenditures from other 
Federal, State, or local sources or funds independently generated by 
the grantee are not supplanted).

    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 and documents 
required.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

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

3. Other Requirements

    If application budgets exceed the highest dollar amount outlined 
under the Estimated Funds Available section within this funding 
announcement, the application will be considered ineligible and will 
not be reviewed for further consideration. If deemed ineligible, the 
IHS will not return the application. The applicant will be notified by 
email by the Division of Grants Management (DGM) of this decision.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Obtaining Application Materials

    The application package and detailed instructions for this 
announcement can be found at http://www.Grants.gov or http://www.ihs.gov/dgm/funding/.
    Questions regarding the electronic application process may be 
directed to Mr. Paul Gettys at (301) 443-2114 or (301) 443-5204.

2. Content and Form Application Submission

    The applicant must include the project narrative as an attachment 
to the application package. Mandatory documents for all applicants 
include:
    <bullet> Table of contents.
    <bullet> Abstract (one page) summarizing the project.
    <bullet> Application forms:
    [cir] SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance.
    [cir] SF-424A, Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs.
    [cir] SF-424B, Assurances--Non-Construction Programs.
    <bullet> Budget Justification and Narrative (must be single-spaced 
and not exceed 5 pages).
    <bullet> Project Narrative (must be single-spaced and not exceed 10 
pages).
    [cir] Background information on the organization.
    [cir] Proposed scope of work, objectives, and activities that 
provide a description of what will be accomplished, including a one-
page Timeframe Chart.
    <bullet> Letters of Support from organization's Board of Directors.

[[Page 40528]]

    <bullet> 501(c)(3) Certificate (if applicable).
    <bullet> Biographical sketches for all Key Personnel.
    <bullet> Contractor or Consultant resumes or qualifications and 
scope of work.
    <bullet> Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL).
    <bullet> Certification Regarding Lobbying (GG-Lobbying Form).
    <bullet> Copy of current Negotiated Indirect Cost rate (IDC) 
agreement (required in order to receive IDC).
    <bullet> Organizational Chart (optional).
    <bullet> Documentation of current Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB)
    Financial Audit (if applicable).
    Acceptable forms of documentation include:
    [cir] Email confirmation from Federal Audit Clearinghouse (FAC) 
that audits were submitted; or
    [cir] Face sheets from audit reports. These can be found on the FAC 
website: https://harvester.census.gov/facdissem/Main.aspx.
    Public Policy Requirements: All Federal-wide public policies apply 
to IHS grants and cooperative agreements with exception of the 
Discrimination policy.
Requirements for Project and Budget Narratives
    A. Project Narrative: This narrative should be a separate Word 
document that is no longer than 10 pages and must: Be single-spaced, 
type written, have consecutively numbered pages, use black type not 
smaller than 12 points, and be printed on one side only of standard 
size 8\1/2\'' x 11'' paper.
    Be sure to succinctly answer all questions listed under the 
evaluation criteria (refer to Section V.1, Evaluation criteria in this 
announcement) and place all responses and required information in the 
correct section (noted below), or they will not be considered or 
scored. These narratives will assist the ORC in becoming familiar with 
the applicant's activities and accomplishments prior to this possible 
cooperative agreement award. If the narrative exceeds the page limit, 
only the first 10 pages will be reviewed. The 10-page limit for the 
narrative does not include the work plan, standard forms, table of 
contents, budget, budget justifications, narratives, and/or other 
appendix items.
    There are three parts to the narrative: Part A--Program 
Information; Part B--Program Planning and Evaluation; and Part C--
Program Report. See below for additional details about what must be 
included in the narrative.
    The page limitations below are for each narrative and budget 
submitted.
Part A: Program Information 3 Page Limit
    Section 1: Needs.
    Describe applicant's current health program activities relating to 
RMSF prevention, including elements of vector control, animal control 
and solid waste cleanup, how long each element has been operating, what 
programs or services are currently being provided and identify any 
current partnerships supporting current Tribal programs. Describe the 
TEC's administrative infrastructure to support the assumption of 
program goals and accomplishments.
Part B: Program Planning and Evaluation 5 Page Limit
    Section 1: Program Plans.
    Fully and clearly describe the TEC's plans to demonstrate improved 
health and services to the community it serves. Include proposed 
timelines for negotiations and deliverables. Please note any 
partnerships you plan to utilize as part of program implementation. 
Please discuss any prioritization of RMSF prevention elements or 
justification for not addressing any of the key RMSF prevention tenets 
(animal control, vector control, education, or environmental cleanup).
    Section 2: Program Evaluation.
    Describe fully and clearly the improvements that will be made by 
the TEC to RMSF and identify the anticipated or expected benefits for 
Tribal communities they serve. Describe the outcomes that you plan to 
achieve within the funding period and how you plan to collect outcome 
and performance measures.
Part C: Program Report 2 Page Limit
    Describe your organization's significant program activities and 
accomplishments over the past five years associated with the goals of 
this announcement.
    Please identify and describe significant program activities and 
achievements associated with RMSF. Provide a comparison of the actual 
accomplishments to the goals established for the project period, or if 
applicable, provide justification for the lack of progress.
B. Budget Narrative 5 Page Limit
    This narrative must include a line item budget with a narrative 
justification for all expenditures identifying reasonable allowable, 
allocable costs necessary to accomplish the goals and objectives as 
outlined in the project narrative. Budget should match the scope of 
work described in the project narrative.
3. Submission Dates and Times
    Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 
11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on the Application Deadline Date 
listed in the Key Dates section on page one of this announcement. Any 
application received after the application deadline will not be 
accepted for processing, nor will it be given further consideration for 
funding. Grants.gov will notify the applicant via email if the 
application is rejected.
    If technical challenges arise and assistance is required with the 
electronic application process, contact Grants.gov Customer Support via 
email at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5a292f2a2a35282e1a3d283b342e29743d352c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b7c4c2c7c7d8c5c3f7d0c5d6d9c3c499d0d8c1">[email protected]</span></a> or at (800) 518-4726. Customer Support is 
available to address questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (except on 
Federal holidays). If problems persist, contact Mr. Paul Gettys 
(<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3e6e5f4b5210795b4a4a474d7e57564d10595148"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="da8abbafb6f49dbfaeaea3a99ab3b2a9f4bdb5ac">[email protected]</span></a>), Grant Systems Coordinator, DGM, by telephone at 
(301) 443-2114 or (301) 443-5204. Please contact Mr. Gettys at least 
ten 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.
4. Intergovernmental Review
    Executive Order 12372 requiring intergovernmental review is not 
applicable to this program.
5. Funding Restrictions
    <bullet> Pre-award costs are not allowable.
    <bullet> The available funds are inclusive of direct and 
appropriate indirect costs.
    <bullet> Only one grant or cooperative agreement will be awarded 
per applicant.
    <bullet> IHS will not acknowledge receipt of applications.
6. Electronic Submission Requirements
    All applications must be submitted electronically. Please use the 
http://www.Grants.gov website to submit an application electronically 
and select the ``Search Grants'' link on the homepage. Follow the 
instructions for submitting an application under the Package tab. 
Electronic copies of the application may not be submitted as 
attachments to email messages addressed to IHS employees or offices.
Waiver Request
    If the applicant needs to submit a paper application instead of 
submitting electronically through Grants.gov, a waiver must be 
requested. Prior approval must be requested and obtained from Mr. 
Robert Tarwater, Director, DGM, (see Section IV.6 below

[[Page 40529]]

for additional information). A written waiver request must be sent to 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0641746768727556696a6f657f466f6e7528616970"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="92d5e0f3fce6e1c2fdfefbf1ebd2fbfae1bcf5fde4">[email protected]</span></a> with a copy to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#efbd808d8a9d9bc1bb8e9d988e9b8a9daf86879cc1888099"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="32605d505740461c6653404553465740725b5a411c555d44">[email protected]</span></a>. The waiver 
must: (1) Be documented in writing (emails are acceptable), before 
submitting a paper application, and (2) include clear justification for 
the need to deviate from the required electronic grants submission 
process.
    Once the waiver request has been approved, the applicant will 
receive a confirmation of approval email containing submission 
instructions and the mailing address to submit the application. A copy 
of the written approval must be submitted along with the hardcopy of 
the application that is mailed to DGM. Paper applications that are 
submitted without a copy of the signed waiver from the Director of the 
DGM will not be reviewed or considered for funding. The applicant will 
be notified via email of this decision by the Grants Management Officer 
of the DGM. Paper applications must be received by the DGM no later 
than 5:00 p.m., EDT, on the Application Deadline Date listed in the Key 
Dates section on page one of this announcement. Late applications will 
not be accepted for processing or considered for funding. Applicants 
that do not adhere to the timelines for System for Award Management 
(SAM) and/or http://www.Grants.gov registration or that fail to request 
timely assistance with technical issues will not be considered for a 
waiver to submit a paper application.
    Please be aware of the following:
    <bullet> Please search for the application package in http://www.Grants.gov by entering the CFDA number or the Funding Opportunity 
Number. Both numbers are located in the header of this announcement.
    <bullet> If you experience technical challenges while submitting 
your application electronically, please contact Grants.gov Support 
directly at: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#22515752524d5056624550434c56510c454d54"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8efdfbfefee1fcfacee9fcefe0fafda0e9e1f8">[email protected]</span></a> or (800) 518-4726. Customer Support is 
available to address questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (except on 
Federal holidays).
    <bullet> 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.
    <bullet> 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 15 
working days.
    <bullet> Please use the optional attachment feature in Grants.gov 
to attach additional documentation that may be requested by the DGM.
    <bullet> All applicants must comply with any page limitation 
requirements described in this funding announcement.
    <bullet> After electronically submitting the application, the 
applicant will receive an automatic acknowledgment from Grants.gov that 
contains a Grants.gov tracking number. The DGM will download the 
application from Grants.gov and provide necessary copies to the 
appropriate agency officials. Neither the DGM nor the Division of 
Epidemiology and Disease Prevention will notify the applicant that the 
application has been received.
    <bullet> Email applications will not be accepted under this 
announcement.
Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)
    All IHS applicants and grantee organizations are required to obtain 
a DUNS number and maintain an active registration in the SAM database. 
The DUNS number is a unique 9-digit identification number provided by 
D&B which uniquely identifies each entity. The DUNS number is site 
specific; therefore, each distinct performance site may be assigned a 
DUNS number. Obtaining a DUNS number is easy, and there is no charge. 
To obtain a DUNS number, you may access it through http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform, or to expedite the process, call (866) 705-
5711.
    All HHS recipients are required by the Federal Funding 
Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006, as amended (``Transparency 
Act''), to report information on sub-awards. Accordingly, all IHS 
grantees must notify potential first-tier sub-recipients that no entity 
may receive a first-tier sub-award unless the entity has provided its 
DUNS number to the prime grantee organization. This requirement ensures 
the use of a universal identifier to enhance the quality of information 
available to the public pursuant to the Transparency Act.
System for Award Management (SAM)
    Organizations that were not registered with Central Contractor 
Registration and have not registered with SAM will need to obtain a 
DUNS number first and then access the SAM online registration through 
the SAM home page at https://www.sam.gov (U.S. organizations will also 
need to provide an Employer Identification Number from the Internal 
Revenue Service that may take an additional 2-5 weeks to become 
active). Completing and submitting the registration takes approximately 
one hour to complete and SAM registration will take 3-5 business days 
to process. Registration with the SAM is free of charge. Applicants may 
register online at https://www.sam.gov.
    Additional information on implementing the Transparency Act, 
including the specific requirements for DUNS and SAM, can be found on 
the IHS Grants Management, Grants Policy website: http://www.ihs.gov/dgm/policytopics/.

V. Application Review Information

    The instructions for preparing the application narrative also 
constitute the evaluation criteria for reviewing and scoring the 
application. Weights assigned to each section are noted in parentheses. 
The 10 page narrative should include only the first year of activities; 
information for multi-year projects should be included as an appendix. 
See ``Multi-year Project Requirements'' at the end of this section for 
more information. The narrative section 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 understand the 
project fully. Points will be assigned to each evaluation criteria 
adding up to a total of 100 points. A minimum score of 65 points is 
required for funding. Points are assigned as follows:

1. Criteria

A. Introduction and Need for Assistance (10 Points)
    <bullet> Background and problem statement. Provide concise summary 
of RMSF in Tribal communities served by the TEC. Include information 
about:
    [cir] Impacted Tribal communities. (1 point)
    [cir] Number of RMSF cases in Tribal communities. (1 point)
    [cir] Tribal Epidemiology Center jurisdiction (which of the 
impacted Tribal communities are served by the TEC). (1 point)
    [cir] Evidence of previous work with Tribal populations. (2 points)
    [cir] Evidence of gaps in current Tribal RMSF response. (5 points)
B. Project Objective(s), Work Plan and Approach (25 Points)
    <bullet> Clearly identify the objectives of the program to be 
fulfilled by the TEC. At least two objectives should be able to be 
completed within the program period (indicate these two objectives in 
bold). (10 points)
    <bullet> Outline approach for achieving above listed objectives in 
work plan or

[[Page 40530]]

logic model. Outline overarching activities, short-term and long term-
outcomes. Make note of proposed timelines and partners who will be 
involved in each activity. (15 points)
C. Program Evaluation (30 Points)
    <bullet> Clearly identify plans for program evaluation to ensure 
that objectives of the program are met at the conclusion of the funding 
period. (10 points)
    <bullet> Include SMART (Specific, measurable, achievable, realistic 
and time-bound) evaluation criteria. (10 points)
    <bullet> Evaluation should minimally include summaries of 
activities in each of the key RMSF prevention tenants (animal control, 
vector control, education, or environmental cleanup). (10 points)
D. Organizational Capabilities, Key Personnel and Qualifications (30 
Points)
    <bullet> Include an organizational capacity statement which 
demonstrates the ability to execute program strategies within the 
program period. (10 points)
    <bullet> Project management and staffing plan. Detail that the 
organization has the current staffing and expertise to address each of 
the program activities. If current capacity does not exist please 
describe the actions that the TEC will take to fulfill this gap within 
a specified timeline. (10 points)
    <bullet> Demonstrate Tribal willingness to work with TEC on RMSF 
prevention efforts. (5 points)
    <bullet> Demonstrate that the TEC has previous successful 
experience providing technical or programmatic support to Tribal 
communities. (5 points)
E. Categorical Budget and Budget Justification (5 Points)
    <bullet> Provide a detailed budget and accompanying narrative to 
explain the activities being considered and how they are related to 
proposed program objectives. (5 points)
Multi-Year Project Requirements
    Projects requiring a second, or third year must include a brief 
project narrative and budget (one additional page per year) addressing 
the developmental plans for each additional year of the project.
Additional Documents Can Be Uploaded as Appendix Items in Grants.gov
    <bullet> Work plan, logic model and/or time line for proposed 
objectives.
    <bullet> Position descriptions for key staff.
    <bullet> Resumes of key staff that reflect current duties.
    <bullet> Consultant or contractor proposed scope of work and letter 
of commitment (if applicable).
    <bullet> Current Indirect Cost Agreement.
    <bullet> Organizational chart.
    <bullet> Map of area identifying project location(s).
    <bullet> Additional documents to support narrative (i.e. data 
tables, key news articles, etc.).
2. Review and Selection
    Each application will be prescreened by the DGM staff for 
eligibility and completeness as outlined in the funding announcement. 
Applications that meet the eligibility criteria shall be reviewed for 
merit by the ORC based on evaluation criteria in this funding 
announcement. The ORC could be composed of both Tribal and Federal 
reviewers appointed by the IHS Program to review and make 
recommendations on these applications. The technical review process 
ensures selection of quality projects in a national competition for 
limited funding. Incomplete applications and applications that are non-
responsive to the eligibility criteria will not be referred to the ORC. 
The applicant will be notified via email of this decision by the Grants 
Management Officer of the DGM. Applicants will be notified by DGM, via 
email, regarding minor missing components (i.e., budget narratives, 
audit documentation, key contact form) needed for an otherwise complete 
application. All missing documents must be sent to DGM on or before the 
due date listed in the email of notification of missing documents 
required.
    To obtain a minimum score for funding by the ORC, applicants must 
address all program requirements and provide all required 
documentation.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

    The Notice of Award (NoA) is a legally binding document signed by 
the Grants Management Officer and serves as the official notification 
of the grant award. The NoA will be initiated by the DGM in our grant 
system, GrantSolutions (https://www.grantsolutions.gov). Each entity 
that is approved for funding under this announcement will need to 
request or have a user account in GrantSolutions in order to retrieve 
their NoA. The NoA is the authorizing document for which funds are 
dispersed to the approved entities and reflects the amount of Federal 
funds awarded, the purpose of the grant, the terms and conditions of 
the award, the effective date of the award, and the budget or project 
period.
Disapproved Applicants
    Applicants who received a score less than the recommended funding 
level for approval, 65, and were deemed to be disapproved by the ORC, 
will receive an Executive Summary Statement from the IHS program office 
within 30 days of the conclusion of the ORC outlining the strengths and 
weaknesses of their application. The summary statement will be sent to 
the Authorized Organizational Representative that is identified on the 
face page (SF-424) of the application. The IHS program office will also 
provide additional contact information as needed to address questions 
and concerns as well as provide technical assistance if desired.
Approved But Unfunded Applicants
    Approved but unfunded applicants that met the minimum scoring range 
and were deemed by the ORC to be ``Approved,'' but were not funded due 
to lack of funding, will have their applications retained by DGM for a 
period of one year. If additional funding becomes available during the 
course of FY 2018 the approved but unfunded application may be re-
considered by the awarding program office for possible funding. The 
applicant will also receive an Executive Summary Statement from the IHS 
program office within 30 days of the conclusion of the ORC.

    Note: Any correspondence other than the official NoA signed 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 IHS.

2. Administrative Requirements

    Cooperative agreements are administered in accordance with the 
following regulations and policies:
    A. The criteria as outlined in this program announcement.
    B. Administrative Regulations for Grants:
    <bullet> Uniform Administrative Requirements for HHS Awards, 
located at 45 CFR part 75.
    C. Grants Policy:
    <bullet> HHS Grants Policy Statement, Revised 01/07.
    D. Cost Principles:
    <bullet> Uniform Administrative Requirements for HHS Awards, ``Cost 
Principles,'' located at 45 CFR part 75, subpart E.
    E. Audit Requirements:
    <bullet> Uniform Administrative Requirements for HHS Awards, 
``Audit Requirements,'' located at 45 CFR part 75, subpart F.

[[Page 40531]]

3. Indirect Costs
    This section applies to all grant recipients that request 
reimbursement of indirect costs (IDC) in their grant application. In 
accordance with HHS Grants Policy Statement, Part II-27, IHS requires 
applicants to obtain a current IDC rate agreement prior to award. The 
rate agreement must be prepared in accordance with the applicable cost 
principles and guidance as provided by the cognizant agency or office. 
A current rate covers the applicable grant activities under the current 
award's budget period. If the current rate 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 is provided to 
the DGM.
    Generally, IDC rates for IHS grantees are negotiated with the 
Division of Cost Allocation (DCA) https://rates.psc.gov/ and the 
Department of Interior (Interior Business Center) https://www.doi.gov/ibc/services/finance/indirect-Cost-Services/indian-tribes. For 
questions regarding the indirect cost policy, please call the Grants 
Management Specialist listed under ``Agency Contacts'' or the main DGM 
office at (301) 443-5204.

4. Reporting Requirements

    The grantee must submit required reports consistent with the 
applicable deadlines. Failure to submit required reports within the 
time allowed may result in suspension or termination of an active 
grant, withholding of additional awards for the project, or other 
enforcement actions such as withholding of payments or converting to 
the reimbursement method of payment. Continued failure to submit 
required reports may result in one or both of the following: (1) The 
imposition of special award provisions; and (2) 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 
grantee organization or the individual responsible for preparation of 
the reports. Per DGM policy, all reports are required to be submitted 
electronically by attaching them as a ``Grant Note'' in GrantSolutions. 
Personnel responsible for submitting reports will be required to obtain 
a login and password for GrantSolutions. Please see the Agency Contacts 
list in Section VII for the systems contact information.
    The reporting requirements for this program are noted below.
A. Progress Reports
    Program progress reports are required annually, within 30 days 
after the budget period ends. These reports must include a brief 
comparison of actual accomplishments to the goals established for the 
period, a summary of progress to date or, if applicable, provide sound 
justification for the lack of progress, and other pertinent information 
as required. A final report must be submitted within 90 days of the 
expiration of the period of performance.
B. Financial Reports
    Federal Financial Report (FFR or SF-425), Cash Transaction Reports 
are due 30 days after the close of every calendar quarter to the 
Payment Management Services, HHS at https://pms.psc.gov. It is 
recommended that the applicant also send a copy of the FFR (SF-425) 
report to the Grants Management Specialist. Failure to submit timely 
reports may cause a disruption in timely payments to the organization.
    Grantees are responsible and accountable for accurate information 
being reported on all required reports: The Progress Reports and 
Federal Financial Report.
C. Federal Sub-Award Reporting System (FSRS)
    This award may be subject to the Transparency Act sub-award and 
executive compensation reporting requirements of 2 CFR part 170.
    The Transparency Act requires the OMB to establish a single 
searchable database, accessible to the public, with information on 
financial assistance awards made by Federal agencies. The Transparency 
Act also includes a requirement for recipients of Federal grants to 
report information about first-tier sub-awards and executive 
compensation under Federal assistance awards.
    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 dollar threshold met for any specific 
reporting period. Additionally, all new (discretionary) IHS awards 
(where the period of performance is made up of more than one budget 
period) and where: (1) The period of performance start date was October 
1, 2010 or after, and (2) the primary awardee will have a $25,000 sub-
award obligation dollar threshold during any specific reporting period 
will be required to address the FSRS reporting.
    For the full IHS award term implementing this requirement and 
additional award applicability information, visit the DGM Grants Policy 
website at http://www.ihs.gov/dgm/policytopics/.
D. Compliance With Executive Order 13166 Implementation of Services
Accessibility Provisions for All Grant Application Packages and Funding 
Opportunity Announcements
    Recipients of Federal financial assistance (FFA) from HHS must 
administer their programs in compliance with Federal civil rights law. 
This means that recipients of HHS funds must ensure equal access to 
their programs without regard to a person's race, color, national 
origin, disability, age and, in some circumstances, sex and religion. 
This includes ensuring your programs are accessible to persons with 
limited English proficiency. HHS provides guidance to recipients of FFA 
on meeting their legal obligation to take reasonable steps to provide 
meaningful access to their programs by persons with limited English 
proficiency. Please see http://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/special-topics/limited-english-proficiency/guidance-federal-financial-assistance-recipients-title-VI/.
    The HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) also provides guidance on 
complying with civil rights laws enforced by HHS. Please see http://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/section-1557/index.html; and 
http://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/index.html. Recipients of FFA also have 
specific legal obligations for serving qualified individuals with 
disabilities. Please see http://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/disability/index.html. Please contact the HHS OCR for more 
information about obligations and prohibitions under Federal civil 
rights laws at https://www.hhs.gov/ocr/about-us/contact-us/index.html 
or call (800) 368-1019 or TDD (800) 537-7697. Also note it is an HHS 
Departmental goal to ensure access to quality, culturally competent 
care, including long-term services and supports, for vulnerable 
populations. For further guidance on providing culturally and 
linguistically appropriate services, recipients should review the 
National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate 
Services in Health and Health Care at https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/browse.aspx?lvl=2&lvlid=53.
    Pursuant to 45 CFR 80.3(d), an individual shall not be deemed 
subjected to discrimination by reason of his or her exclusion from 
benefits limited by Federal law to individuals

[[Page 40532]]

eligible for benefits and services from the IHS.
    Recipients will be required to sign the HHS-690 Assurance of 
Compliance form which can be obtained from the following website: 
http://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/forms/hhs-690.pdf, and send it 
directly to the: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office 
of Civil Rights, 200 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20201.
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 Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity 
Information System (FAPIIS) before making any award in excess of the 
simplified acquisition threshold (currently $150,000) over the period 
of performance. An applicant may review and comment on any information 
about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered. 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, 
non-federal entities (NFEs) are required to disclose in FAPIIS any 
information about criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings, and/
or affirm that there is no new information to provide. This applies to 
NFEs that receive Federal awards (currently active grants, cooperative 
agreements, and procurement contracts) greater than $10,000,000 for any 
period of time during the period of performance of an award/project.
Mandatory Disclosure Requirements
    As required by 2 CFR part 200 of the Uniform Guidance, and the HHS 
implementing regulations at 45 CFR part 75, effective January 1, 2016, 
the IHS must require a non-Federal entity 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.
    Submission is required for all applicants and recipients, in 
writing, to the IHS and to the HHS Office of Inspector General all 
information related to violations of Federal criminal law involving 
fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the 
Federal award. 45 CFR 75.113.
    Disclosures must be sent in writing to: U.S. Department of Health 
and Human Services, Indian Health Service, Division of Grants 
Management, ATTN: Robert Tarwater, 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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#792b161b1c0b0d572d180b0e180d1c0b3910110a571e160f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b2e0ddd0d7c0c69ce6d3c0c5d3c6d7c0f2dbdac19cd5ddc4">[email protected]</span></a>.

AND

    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector 
General, ATTN: Mandatory Grant Disclosures, Intake Coordinator, 330 
Independence Avenue SW, Cohen Building, Room 5527, Washington, DC 
20201, URL: http://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud/index.asp.
    (Include ``Mandatory Grant Disclosures'' in subject line)
    Fax: (202) 205-0604 (Include ``Mandatory Grant Disclosures'' in 
subject line) or
    Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2f624e414b4e5b405d56685d4e415b4a4a6b465c4c43405c5a5d4a5c6f4046480147475c01484059"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e9a488878d889d869b90ae9b88879d8c8cad809a8a85869a9c9b8c9aa986808ec781819ac78e869f">[email protected]</span></a>.
    Failure to make required disclosures can result in any of the 
remedies described in 45 CFR 75.371. Remedies for noncompliance, 
including suspension or debarment (See 2 CFR parts 180 and 376 and 31 
U.S.C. 3321).

VII. Agency Contacts

    1. Questions on the programmatic issues may be directed to: Lisa C. 
Neel, Public Health Advisor, Office of Public Health Support, Division 
of Epidemiology & Disease Prevention, Indian Health Service, 5600 
Fishers Lane, Mailstop: 09E17B, Rockville, MD 20857, Phone: (301) 443-
4305, EMail: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#206c4953410e6e45454c604948530e474f56"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="cd81a4beace383a8a8a18da4a5bee3aaa2bb">[email protected]</span></a>.
    2. Questions on grants management and fiscal matters may be 
directed to: John Hoffman, Senior Grants Management Specialist, 5600 
Fishers Lane, Mail Stop: 09E70, Rockville, MD 20857, Phone: (301) 443-
2116, Fax: (301) 594-0899, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7a301512145432151c1c171b143a131209541d150c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="03496c6b6d2d4b6c65656e626d436a6b702d646c75">[email protected]</span></a>.
    3. Questions on systems matters may be directed to: Paul Gettys, 
Grant Systems Coordinator, 5600 Fishers Lane, Mail Stop: 09E70, 
Rockville, MD 20857, Phone: (301) 443-2114; or the DGM main line (301) 
443-5204, Fax: (301) 594-0899, EMail: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#35655440591b725041414c46755c5d461b525a43"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c797a6b2abe980a2b3b3beb487aeafb4e9a0a8b1">[email protected]</span></a>.

VIII. Other Information

    The Public Health Service strongly encourages all 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.

    Dated: August 9, 2018.
Michael D. Weahkee,
Assistant Surgeon General, U.S. Public Health Service, Acting Director, 
Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-17515 Filed 8-14-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4165-16-P


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