[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 243 (Wednesday, December 20, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 88093-88100]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-26955]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service


Funding Opportunity for Tribal Self-Governance Negotiation 
Cooperative Agreement Program

    Announcement Type: New.
    Funding Announcement Number: HHS-2024-IHS-TSGN-0001.
    Assistance Listing (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance or CFDA) 
Number: 93.444.

Key Dates

    Application Deadline Date: February 19, 2024.
    Earliest Anticipated Start Date: April 1, 2024.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Statutory Authority

    The Indian Health Service (IHS) is accepting applications for 
cooperative agreements for the Tribal Self-Governance Negotiation 
Cooperative Agreement Program. This program is authorized under the 
Snyder Act, 25 U.S.C. 13; the Transfer Act, 42 U.S.C. 2001(a); and 
title V of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act 
(ISDEAA), 25 U.S.C. 5383(e). The Assistance Listings section of SAM.gov 
(https://same.gov/content/home) describes this program under 93.444.

Background

    The Tribal Self-Governance Program (TSGP) is more than an IHS 
program; it is an expression of the government-to-government 
relationship between the United States (U.S.) and Indian Tribes. 
Through the TSGP, Tribes negotiate with the IHS to assume Programs, 
Services, Functions, and Activities (PSFAs), or portions thereof, which 
gives Tribes the authority to manage and tailor health care programs in 
a manner that best fits the needs of their communities.
    Participation in the TSGP affords Tribes the most flexibility to 
tailor their health care needs by choosing one of three ways to obtain 
health care from the Federal Government for their citizens. 
Specifically, Tribes can choose to: (1) receive health care services 
directly from the IHS; (2) contract with the IHS to administer 
individual programs and services the IHS would otherwise provide 
(referred to as Title I Self-Determination Contracting); and (3) 
compact with the IHS to assume control over health care programs the 
IHS would otherwise provide (referred to as Title V Self-Governance 
Compacting or the TSGP). These options are not exclusive and Tribes may 
choose to combine options based on their individual needs and 
circumstances.
    The TSGP is a Tribally-driven initiative and strong Federal-Tribal 
partnerships are essential to the program's success. The IHS 
established the Office of Tribal Self-Governance (OTSG) to implement 
the Tribal Self-Governance authorities under the ISDEAA. The primary 
OTSG functions are to: (1) serve as the primary liaison and advocate 
for Tribes participating in the TSGP; (2) develop, direct, and 
implement TSGP policies and procedures; (3) provide information and 
technical assistance to Self-Governance Tribes; and (4) advise the IHS 
Director on compliance with TSGP policies, regulations, and guidelines. 
Each IHS Area has an Agency Lead Negotiator (ALN), designated by the 
IHS Director to act on his or her behalf, who has authority to 
negotiate Self-Governance Compacts and Funding Agreements (FA). Tribes 
interested in participating in the TSGP should contact their respective 
ALN to begin the Self-Governance planning and negotiation process. 
Tribes currently participating in the TSGP that are interested in 
expanding existing or adding new PSFAs should also contact their

[[Page 88094]]

respective ALN to discuss the best methods for expanding or adding new 
PSFAs.

Purpose

    The purpose of this Negotiation Cooperative Agreement is to provide 
Tribes with resources to help defray the costs associated with 
preparing for and engaging in TSGP negotiations. TSGP negotiations are 
a dynamic, evolving, and Tribally-driven process that requires careful 
planning, preparation, and sharing of precise, up-to-date information 
by both Tribal and Federal parties. Because each Tribal situation is 
unique, a Tribe's successful transition into the TSGP, or expansion of 
their current program, requires focused discussions between the Federal 
and Tribal negotiation teams about the Tribe's specific health care 
concerns and plans. One of the hallmarks of the TSGP is the 
collaborative nature of the negotiations process, which is designed to: 
(1) enable a Tribe to set its own priorities when assuming 
responsibility for IHS PSFAs; (2) observe and respect the government-
to-government relationship between the U.S. and each Tribe; and (3) 
involve the active participation of both Tribal and IHS 
representatives, including the OTSG. Negotiations are a method of 
determining and agreeing upon the terms and provisions of a Tribe's 
Compact and FA, the implementation documents required for the Tribe to 
enter into the TSGP. The Compact sets forth the general terms of the 
government-to-government relationship between the Tribe and the 
Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). 
The FA: (1) describes the length of the agreement (whether it will be 
annual or multi-year); (2) identifies the PSFAs, or portions thereof, 
the Tribe will assume; (3) specifies the amount of funding associated 
with the Tribal assumption; and (4) includes terms required by Federal 
statutes and other terms agreed to by the parties. Both documents are 
required to participate in the TSGP and they are mutually negotiated 
agreements that become legally binding and mutually enforceable after 
both parties sign the documents. Either document can be renegotiated at 
the request of the Tribe.
    The negotiation process has four major stages, including: (1) 
planning; (2) pre-negotiations; (3) negotiations; and (4) post-
negotiations. Title V of the ISDEAA requires that a Tribe or Tribal 
Organization (T/TO) complete a planning phase to the satisfaction of 
the Tribe. The planning phase must include legal and budgetary research 
and internal Tribal government planning and organizational preparation 
relating to the administration of health care programs. See 25 U.S.C. 
5383(d). The planning phase is critical to the negotiation process and 
assists Tribes with making informed decisions about which PSFAs to 
assume and what organizational changes or modifications are necessary 
to support those PSFAs. A thorough planning phase improves timeliness 
and efficient negotiations and ensures that the Tribe is fully prepared 
to assume the transfer of IHS PSFAs to the Tribal health program.
    During pre-negotiations, the Tribal and Federal negotiation teams 
review and discuss issues identified during the planning phase. Pre-
negotiations provide an opportunity for the Tribe and the IHS to 
identify and discuss issues directly related to the Tribe's Compact, 
FA, and Tribal shares.
    In advance of final negotiations, the Tribe should work with the 
IHS to secure the following: (1) program titles and descriptions; (2) 
financial tables and information; (3) information related to the 
identification and justification of residuals; and (4) the basis for 
determining Tribal shares (distribution formula). The Tribe may also 
wish to discuss financial materials that show estimated funding for 
next year and the increases or decreases in funding it may receive in 
the current year, as well as the basis for those changes.
    During the final negotiation, both the Federal and Tribal 
negotiation teams work together in good faith to determine and agree 
upon the terms and provisions of the Tribe's Compact and FA. 
Negotiations are not an allocation process; they provide an opportunity 
to mutually review and discuss budget and program issues to reach 
agreement and finalize documents.
    There are various entities involved throughout the negotiation 
process. For example, a Tribal government selects its representative(s) 
for the Tribal negotiation team, which may include a Tribal leader from 
the governing body, a Tribal health director, technical and program 
staff, legal counsel, and other consultants. Regardless of the 
composition of the Tribal team, Tribal representatives must have 
decision-making authority from the Tribal governing body to 
successfully negotiate and agree to the provisions within the 
agreements. The Federal negotiation team is led by the ALN and may 
include area and headquarters subject matter experts, OTSG staff, the 
Office of Finance and Accounting, and the Office of the General 
Counsel. The ALN is the only member of the Federal negotiation team 
with delegated authority to negotiate on behalf of the IHS Director. 
The ALN is the designated official that provides Tribes with Self-
Governance information, assists Tribes in planning, organizes meetings 
between the Tribe and the IHS, and coordinates the agency's response to 
Tribal questions during the negotiation process. The ALN role requires 
detailed knowledge of the IHS, awareness of current policy and 
practice, and understanding of the rights and authorities available to 
a Tribe under Title V of the ISDEAA.
    In post-negotiations, the mutually agreed to and negotiated Compact 
and FA are signed by the authorizing Tribal official and submitted to 
the OTSG in preparation for the IHS Director's signature. Once the 
Compact and FA have been signed by both parties, they become legally 
binding and enforceable agreements. A signed Compact and FA are 
necessary for the payment process to begin. The negotiating Tribe then 
becomes a ``Self-Governance Tribe'' and a participant in the TSGP.
    Acquiring a Negotiation Cooperative Agreement is not a prerequisite 
to enter the TSGP. A Tribe may use other resources to develop and 
negotiate its Compact and FA. See 42 CFR 137.26. Tribes that receive a 
Negotiation Cooperative Agreement are not obligated to participate in 
Title V and may choose to delay or decline participation or expansion 
in the TSGP.

II. Award Information

Funding Instrument--Cooperative Agreement

Estimated Funds Available
    The total funding identified for fiscal year (FY) 2024 is 
approximately $420,000. The IHS anticipates individual award amounts 
will be $84,000. The funding available for competing awards issued 
under this announcement is subject to the availability of 
appropriations and budgetary priorities of the Agency. The IHS is under 
no obligation to make awards to applicants selected for funding under 
this announcement.
Anticipated Number of Awards
    The IHS anticipates issuing approximately five awards under this 
program announcement.
Period of Performance
    The period of performance is for 1 year.
Cooperative Agreement
    Cooperative agreements awarded by the Department of Health and 
Human Services (HHS) are administered under the same policies as 
grants. However,

[[Page 88095]]

the funding agency, IHS, is anticipated to have substantial 
programmatic involvement in the project during the entire period of 
performance. Below is a detailed description of the level of 
involvement required of the IHS.
Substantial Agency Involvement Description for Cooperative Agreement
    A. Provide descriptions of PSFAs and associated funding at all 
organizational levels (service unit, area, and headquarters) including 
funding formulas and methodologies related to determining Tribal 
shares.
    B. Meet with Negotiation Cooperative Agreement recipients to 
provide program information and discuss methods currently used to 
manage and deliver health care.
    C. Identify and provide statutes, regulations, and policies that 
provide authority for administering IHS programs.
    D. Provide technical assistance on the IHS budget, Tribal shares, 
and other topics as needed.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligibility

    To be eligible for this opportunity, an applicant must meet the 
following criteria:
    <bullet> Applicant must be an ``Indian Tribe'' as defined in 25 
U.S.C. 5304(e); a ``Tribal Organization'' as defined in 25 U.S.C. 
5304(l); or an ``Inter-Tribal Consortium'' as defined at 42 CFR 137.10. 
Please note that Tribes prohibited from contracting pursuant to the 
ISDEAA are not eligible. See section 424(a) of the Consolidated 
Appropriations Act, 2014, Public Law 113-76, as amended by section 445 
of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, Public Law 117-328, and 
the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act, 
Public Law 118-15.
    <bullet> Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 5383(c)(1)(B), applicant must 
request participation in self-governance by resolution or other 
official action by the governing body of each Indian Tribe to be 
served.
    <bullet> Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 5383(c)(1)(C), applicant must 
demonstrate financial stability and financial management capability for 
3 consecutive fiscal years prior to the application submission.
    Meeting the eligibility criteria for a Negotiation Cooperative 
Agreement does not mean that a T/TO is eligible for participation in 
the IHS TSGP under title V of the ISDEAA. See 25 U.S.C. 5383, 42 CFR 
137.15-23. For additional information on the eligibility for the IHS 
TSGP, please visit the ``Eligibility and Funding'' page on the OTSG 
website located at https://www.ihs.gov/SelfGovernance.
    The Division of Grants Management (DGM)will notify any applicants 
deemed ineligible.

2. Additional Information on Eligibility

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

    Note: Please refer to Section IV.2 (Application and Submission 
Information/Subsection 2, Content and Form of Application 
Submission) for additional proof of applicant status documents 
required, such as Tribal Resolutions, proof of nonprofit status, 
etc.

3. Cost Sharing or Matching

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

4. Other Requirements

    Applications with budget requests that exceed the highest dollar 
amount outlined under Section II Award Information, Estimated Funds 
Available, or exceed the period of performance outlined under Section 
II Award Information, Period of Performance, are considered not 
responsive and will not be reviewed. The DGM will notify the applicant.
Additional Required Documentation
Tribal Resolution
    The DGM must receive an official, signed Tribal Resolution prior to 
issuing a Notice of Award (NoA) to any T/TO selected for funding. An 
applicant that is proposing a project affecting another Indian Tribe 
must include resolutions from all affected Tribes to be served. 
However, if an official signed Tribal Resolution cannot be submitted 
with the application prior to the application deadline date, a draft 
Tribal Resolution must be submitted with the application by the 
deadline date in order for the application to be considered complete 
and eligible for review. The draft Tribal Resolution is not in lieu of 
the required signed resolution but is acceptable until a signed 
resolution is received. If an application without a signed Tribal 
Resolution is selected for funding, the applicant will be contacted by 
the Grants Management Specialist (GMS) listed in this funding 
announcement and given 90 days to submit an official signed Tribal 
Resolution to the GMS. If the signed Tribal Resolution is not received 
within 90 days, the award will be forfeited.
    Applicants organized with a governing structure other than a Tribal 
council may submit an equivalent document commensurate with their 
governing organization.

IV. Application and Submission Information

    Grants.gov uses a Workspace model for accepting applications. The 
Workspace consists of several online forms and three forms in which to 
upload documents--Project Narrative, Budget Narrative, and Other 
Documents. Give your files brief descriptive names. The filenames are 
key in finding specific documents during the merit review and in 
processing awards. Upload all requested and optional documents 
individually, rather than combining them into a single file. Creating a 
single file creates confusion when trying to find specific documents. 
Such confusion can contribute to delays in processing awards, and could 
lead to lower scores during the merit review.

1. Obtaining Application Materials

    The application package and detailed instructions for this 
announcement are available at https://www.Grants.gov.
    Please direct questions regarding the application process to 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a4e0e3e9e4cdccd78ac3cbd2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="14505359547d7c673a737b62">[email protected]</span></a>.

2. Content and Form Application Submission

    Mandatory documents for all applications are listed below. An 
application is complete if any of the listed mandatory documents are 
missing. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
    <bullet> Application forms:
    1. SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance.
    2. SF-424A, Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs.
    3. SF-424B, Assurances--Non-Construction Programs.
    4. Project Abstract Summary form.
    <bullet> Budget Narrative (not to exceed 5 pages). See Section 
IV.2.B, Budget Narrative for instructions.
    <bullet> One-page Timeframe of award activities.
    <bullet> Tribal Resolution(s) as described in Section III, 
Eligibility.
    <bullet> Biographical sketches for all Key Personnel.
    <bullet> Certification Regarding Lobbying (GG-Lobbying Form).
    The documents listed here may be required. Please read this list 
carefully.

[[Page 88096]]

    <bullet> Tribal Resolution(s) as described in Section III, 
Eligibility.
    <bullet> Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL), if applicant 
conducts reportable lobbying.
    <bullet> Copy of current Negotiated Indirect Cost (IDC) rate 
agreement (required in order to receive IDC).
    <bullet> Organizational Chart (optional).
    <bullet> Documentation sufficient to demonstrate financial 
stability and financial management capability for 3 fiscal years. The 
Indian Tribe must provide evidence that, for the 3 fiscal years prior 
to requesting participation in the TSGP, the Indian Tribe has had no 
uncorrected significant and material audit exceptions in the required 
annual audit of the Indian Tribe's Self-Determination Contracts or 
Self-Governance Funding Agreements with any Federal agency. See 25 
U.S.C. 5383, 42 CFR 137.15-23. For T/TO that expended $500,000 or more 
in Federal awards, the OTSG shall retrieve the audits directly from the 
Federal Audit Clearinghouse. For T/TO that expended less than $500,000 
in Federal awards, the T/TO must provide evidence of the program review 
correspondence from the IHS or Bureau of Indian Affairs officials. See 
42 CFR 137.21-23.
    <bullet> Documentation of current Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) Financial Audit.
    Acceptable forms of documentation include:
    1. Email confirmation from Federal Audit Clearinghouse (FAC) that 
audits were submitted; or
    2. Face sheets from audit reports. Applicants can find these on the 
FAC website at https://facdissem.census.gov/.
    Additional documents can be uploaded as Other Attachments in 
Grants.gov. These can include:
    <bullet> Work plan, logic model, and/or timeline 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> Organizational chart.
    <bullet> Map of area identifying project location(s).
    <bullet> Additional documents to support narrative (for example, 
data tables, key news articles).
Public Policy Requirements
    All Federal public policies apply to IHS grants and cooperative 
agreements. Pursuant to 45 CFR 80.3(d), an individual shall not be 
deemed subjected to discrimination by reason of their exclusion from 
benefits limited by Federal law to individuals eligible for benefits 
and services from the IHS. See https://www.hhs.gov/grants/grants/grants-policies-regulations/index.html.
Requirements for Project and Budget Narratives
A. Project Narrative
    This narrative should be a separate document that is no more than 
10 pages and must: (1) have consecutively numbered pages; (2) use black 
font 12 points or larger (applicants may use 10 point font for tables); 
(3) be single-spaced; and (4) be formatted to fit standard letter paper 
(8\1/2\ x 11 inches). Do not combine this document with any others.
    Be sure to succinctly answer all questions listed under the 
evaluation criteria (refer to Section V.1, Evaluation Criteria), and 
place all responses and required information in the correct section 
noted below or they will not be considered or scored. If the narrative 
exceeds the overall page limit, the reviewers will be directed to 
ignore any content beyond the page limit. The 10 page limit for the 
project narrative does not include the work plan, standard forms, 
Tribal Resolutions, budget, budget narratives, and/or other items. Page 
limits for each section within the project narrative are guidelines, 
not hard limits.
    There are three parts to the project narrative: Part 1--Program 
Information; Part 2--Program Planning and Evaluation; and Part 3--
Program Report. See below for additional details about what must be 
included in the narrative.
    The page limits below are for each narrative and budget submitted.
Part 1: Program Information (Limit--4 Pages)
Section 1: Needs
    Demonstrate that the Tribe has conducted previous Self-Governance 
planning activities by clearly stating the results of what was learned 
during the planning process. Explain how the Tribe has determined it 
has the knowledge and expertise to assume or expand PSFAs and the 
administrative infrastructure to support the assumption of PSFAs. 
Identify the need for assistance and how the Negotiation Cooperative 
Agreement would benefit the health activities the Tribe is preparing to 
assume or expand.
Part 2: Program Planning and Evaluation (Limit--4 Pages)
Section 1: Program Plans
    State in measurable terms the objectives and appropriate activities 
to achieve the following Negotiation Cooperative Agreement recipient 
award activities:
    (A) Determine the PSFAs that will be negotiated into the Tribe's 
Compact and FA. Prepare and discuss each PSFA in comparison to the 
current level of services provided so that an informed decision can be 
made on new or expanded program assumption.
    (B) Identify Tribal shares associated with the PSFAs that will be 
included in the FA.
    (C) Develop the terms and conditions that will be set forth in both 
the Compact and FA to submit to the ALN prior to negotiations.
    Describe fully and clearly how the Tribe's proposal will result in 
an improved approach to managing the PSFAs to be assumed or expanded. 
Include how the Tribe plans to demonstrate improved health services to 
the community and incorporate the proposed timelines for negotiations.
Section 2: Program Evaluation
    Describe fully and clearly how the goals and proposed activities 
will improve the health care system and identify the anticipated or 
expected benefits for the Tribe. Define the criteria to be used to 
evaluate objectives associated with the project using a model for 
tracking.
Part 3: Program Report (Limit--2 Pages)
Section 1
    Describe your organization's significant program activities and 
accomplishments over the past several years associated with the goals 
of this announcement and leading up to the negotiation phase.
    Please identify and describe significant program activities and 
achievements associated with the delivery of quality health services. 
Provide a comparison of the actual accomplishments to the goals 
established for the project period or, if applicable, provide 
justification for the lack of progress.
B. Budget Narrative (Limit--5 Pages)
    Provide a budget narrative that explains the amounts requested for 
each line item of the budget from the SF-424A (Budget Information for 
Non-Construction Programs) for the project. The applicant can submit 
with the budget narrative a more detailed spreadsheet than is provided 
by the SF-424A (the spreadsheet will not be considered part of the 
budget narrative). The budget narrative should specifically describe 
how each item would support the achievement of proposed objectives. Be 
very careful about showing how each item in the ``Other'' category is 
justified.

[[Page 88097]]

Do NOT use the budget narrative to expand the project narrative.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. 
Eastern Time on the Application Deadline Date. Any application received 
after the application deadline will not be accepted for review. 
Grants.gov will notify the applicant via email if the application is 
rejected.
    If technical challenges arise and assistance is required with the 
application process, contact Grants.gov Customer Support (see contact 
information at https://www.Grants.gov). If problems persist, contact 
Mr. Paul Gettys, Deputy Director, DGM, by email at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f0b4b7bdb0999883de979f86"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="90d4d7ddd0f9f8e3bef7ffe6">[email protected]</span></a>. Please 
be sure to contact Mr. Gettys at least 10 days prior to the application 
deadline. Please do not contact the DGM until you have received a 
Grants.gov tracking number. In the event you are not able to obtain a 
tracking number, call the DGM as soon as possible by email at 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1f5b58525f76776c31787069"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="eeaaa9a3ae87869dc0898198">[email protected]</span></a>.
    The IHS will not acknowledge receipt of applications.

4. Intergovernmental Review

    Executive Order 12372 requiring intergovernmental review is not 
applicable to this program.

5. Funding Restrictions

    <bullet> Pre-award costs are not allowable.
    <bullet> The available funds are inclusive of direct and indirect 
costs.
    <bullet> Only one cooperative agreement may be awarded per 
applicant.

6. Electronic Submission Requirements

    All applications must be submitted via Grants.gov. Please use the 
https://www.Grants.gov website to submit an application. Find the 
application by selecting the ``Search Grants'' link on the homepage. 
Follow the instructions for submitting an application under the Package 
tab. No other method of application submission is acceptable.
    If you cannot submit an application through Grants.gov, you must 
request a waiver prior to the application due date. You must submit 
your waiver request by email to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3074777d705958431e575f46"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="89cdcec4c9e0e1faa7eee6ff">[email protected]</span></a>. Your waiver request must 
include clear justification for the need to deviate from the required 
application submission process. The IHS will not accept any 
applications submitted through any means outside of Grants.gov without 
an approved waiver.
    If the DGM approves your waiver request, you will receive a 
confirmation of approval email containing submission instructions. You 
must include a copy of the written approval with the application 
submitted to the DGM. Applications that do not include a copy of the 
waiver approval from the DGM will not be reviewed. The Grants 
Management Officer of the DGM will notify the applicant via email of 
this decision. Applications submitted under waiver must be received by 
the DGM no later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the Application 
Deadline Date. Late applications will not be accepted for processing. 
Applicants that do not register for both the System for Award 
Management (SAM) and Grants.gov and/or fail to request timely 
assistance with technical issues will not be considered for a waiver to 
submit an application via alternative method.
    Please be aware of the following:
    <bullet> Please search for the application package in https://www.Grants.gov by entering the Assistance Listing number or the Funding 
Opportunity Number. Both numbers are located in the header of this 
announcement.
    <bullet> If you experience technical challenges while submitting 
your application, please contact Grants.gov Customer Support (see 
contact information at https://www.Grants.gov).
    <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 20 
working days.
    <bullet> Please follow the instructions on Grants.gov to include 
additional documentation that may be requested by this funding 
announcement.
    <bullet> Applicants must comply with any page limits described in 
this funding announcement.
    <bullet> After submitting the application, you will receive an 
automatic acknowledgment from Grants.gov that contains a Grants.gov 
tracking number. The IHS will not notify you that the application has 
been received.
System for Award Management
    Organizations that are not registered with the System for Award 
Management (SAM) must access the SAM online registration through the 
SAM home page at https://sam.gov. Organizations based in the U.S. will 
also need to provide an Employer Identification Number from the 
Internal Revenue Service that may take an additional 2-5 weeks to 
become active. Please see SAM.gov for details on the registration 
process and timeline. Registration with the SAM is free of charge but 
can take several weeks to process. Applicants may register online at 
https://sam.gov.
Unique Entity Identifier
    Your SAM.gov registration now includes a Unique Entity Identifier 
(UEI), generated by SAM.gov, which replaces the DUNS number obtained 
from Dun and Bradstreet. SAM.gov registration no longer requires a DUNS 
number.
    Check your organization's SAM.gov registration as soon as you 
decide to apply for this program. If your SAM.gov registration is 
expired, you will not be able to submit an application. It can take 
several weeks to renew it or resolve any issues with your registration, 
so do not wait.
    Check your Grants.gov registration. Registration and role 
assignments in Grants.gov are self-serve functions. One user for your 
organization will have the authority to approve role assignments, and 
these must be approved for active users in order to ensure someone in 
your organization has the necessary access to submit an application.
    The Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006, as 
amended (``Transparency Act''), requires all HHS recipients to report 
information on sub-awards. Accordingly, all IHS recipients must notify 
potential first-tier sub-recipients that no entity may receive a first-
tier sub-award unless the entity has provided its UEI number to the 
prime recipient organization. This requirement ensures the use of a 
universal identifier to enhance the quality of information available to 
the public pursuant to the Transparency Act.
    Additional information on implementing the Transparency Act, 
including the specific requirements for SAM, are available on the DGM 
Grants Management, Policy Topics web page at https://www.ihs.gov/dgm/policytopics/.

V. Application Review Information

    Possible points assigned to each section are noted in parentheses. 
The project narrative and budget narrative should include the proposed 
activities for the entire period of performance. The project narrative 
should be written in a manner that is clear to outside reviewers 
unfamiliar with prior related activities of the applicant. It should be 
well organized, succinct, and contain all information necessary for 
reviewers to fully understand the project. Attachments requested in the 
criteria do not count toward the page limit for the narratives. Points 
will be assigned to each evaluation criteria adding up to a total of 
100 possible points. Points are assigned as follows:

[[Page 88098]]

1. Evaluation Criteria

A. Introduction and Need for Assistance (25 Points)
    Demonstrate that the Tribe has conducted previous Self-Governance 
planning activities by clearly stating the results of what was learned 
during the planning process. Explain how the Tribe has determined it 
has the knowledge and expertise to assume or expand PSFAs and the 
administrative infrastructure to support the assumption of PSFAs. 
Identify the need for assistance and how the Negotiation Cooperative 
Agreement would benefit the health activities the Tribe is preparing to 
assume or expand.
B. Project Objective(s), Work Plan and Approach (25 Points)
    State in measurable terms the objectives and appropriate activities 
to achieve the following Negotiation Cooperative Agreement recipient 
award activities:
    1. Determine the PSFAs that will be negotiated into the Tribe's 
Compact and FA. Prepare and discuss each PSFA in comparison to the 
level of services provided so that an informed decision can be made on 
new or expanded program assumption.
    2. Identify Tribal shares associated with the PSFAs that will be 
included in the FA.
    3. Develop the terms and conditions that will be set forth in both 
the Compact and FA to submit to the ALN prior to negotiations. Clearly 
describe how the Tribe's proposal will result in an improved approach 
to managing the PSFAs to be assumed or expanded. Include how the Tribe 
plans to demonstrate improved health care services to the community and 
incorporate the proposed timelines for negotiations.
C. Program Evaluation (25 Points)
    Describe fully the improvements that will be made by the Tribe to 
manage the health care system and identify the anticipated or expected 
benefits for the Tribe. Define the criteria to be used to evaluate 
objectives associated with the project and how they will be measured.
D. Organizational Capabilities, Key Personnel, and Qualifications (15 
Points)
    Describe the organizational structure of the Tribe and its ability 
to manage the proposed project. Include resumes or position 
descriptions of key staff showing requisite experience and expertise. 
If applicable, include resumes and scope of work for consultants that 
demonstrate experience and expertise relevant to the project.
E. Categorical Budget and Budget Justification (10 Points)
    Submit a budget with a narrative describing the budget request and 
matching the scope of work described in the project narrative. Justify 
all expenditures identifying reasonable and allowable costs necessary 
to accomplish the goals and objectives as outlined in the project 
narrative.

2. Review and Selection

    Each application will be prescreened for eligibility and 
completeness as outlined in this funding announcement. The Review 
Committee (RC) will review applications that meet the eligibility 
criteria. The RC will review the applications for merit based on the 
evaluation criteria. Incomplete applications and applications that are 
not responsive to the administrative thresholds (budget limit, period 
of performance limit) will not be referred to the RC and will not be 
funded. The DGM will notify the applicant of this determination.
    Applicants must address all program requirements and provide all 
required documentation.

3. Notifications of Disposition

    All applicants will receive an Executive Summary Statement from the 
OTSG within 30 days of the conclusion of the RC outlining the strengths 
and weaknesses of their application. The summary statement will be sent 
to the Authorizing Official identified on the face page (SF-424) of the 
application.
A. Award Notices for Funded Applications
    The NoA is the authorizing document for which funds are dispersed 
to the approved entities and reflects the amount of Federal funds 
awarded, the purpose of the award, the terms and conditions of the 
award, the effective date of the award, the budget period, and period 
of performance. Each entity approved for funding must have a user 
account in GrantSolutions in order to retrieve the NoA. Please see the 
Agency Contacts list in Section VII for the system's contact 
information.
B. Approved but Unfunded Applications
    Approved applications not funded due to lack of available funds 
will be held for 1 year. If funding becomes available during the course 
of the year, the application may be reconsidered.

    Note:  Any correspondence, other than the official NoA executed 
by an IHS grants management official announcing to the project 
director that an award has been made to their organization, is not 
an authorization to implement their program on behalf of the IHS.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Administrative Requirements

    Awards issued under this announcement are subject to, and are 
administered in accordance with, the following regulations and 
policies:
    A. The criteria as outlined in this program announcement.
    B. Administrative Regulations for Awards:
    <bullet> Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and 
Audit Requirements for HHS Awards currently in effect or implemented 
during the period of award, other Department regulations and policies 
in effect at the time of award, and applicable statutory provisions. At 
the time of publication, this includes 45 CFR part 75, at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2022-title45-vol1/pdf/CFR-2022-title45-vol1-part75.pdf.
    <bullet> If you receive an award, HHS may terminate it if any of 
the conditions in 2 CFR 200.340(a)(1)-(4) are met. Please review all 
HHS regulatory provisions for Termination at 45 CFR 75.372, at the time 
of this publication located at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2022-title45-vol1/pdf/CFR-2022-title45-vol1-sec75-372.pdf.
    C. Grants Policy:
    <bullet> HHS Grants Policy Statement, Revised January 2007, at 
https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/grants/grants/policies-regulations/hhsgps107.pdf.
    D. Cost Principles:
    <bullet> Uniform Administrative Requirements for HHS Awards, ``Cost 
Principles,'' at 45 CFR part 75 subpart E, at the time of this 
publication located at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2022-title45-vol1/pdf/CFR-2022-title45-vol1-part75-subpartE.pdf.
    E. Audit Requirements:
    <bullet> Uniform Administrative Requirements for HHS Awards, 
``Audit Requirements,'' at 45 CFR part 75 subpart F, at the time of 
this publication located at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2022-title45-vol1/pdf/CFR-2022-title45-vol1-part75-subpartF.pdf.
    F. As of August 13, 2020, 2 CFR part 200 was updated to include a 
prohibition on certain telecommunications and video surveillance 
services or equipment. This prohibition is described in 2 CFR 200.216. 
This will also be described in the terms and conditions of every IHS

[[Page 88099]]

grant and cooperative agreement awarded on or after August 13, 2020.

2. Indirect Costs

    This section applies to all recipients that request reimbursement 
of IDC in their application budget. In accordance with HHS Grants 
Policy Statement, Part II-27, the IHS requires applicants to obtain a 
current IDC rate agreement and submit it to the DGM prior to the DGM 
issuing an award. The rate agreement must be prepared in accordance 
with the applicable cost principles and guidance as provided by the 
cognizant agency or office. A current rate covers the applicable award 
activities under the current award's budget period. If the current rate 
agreement is not on file with the DGM at the time of award, the IDC 
portion of the budget will be restricted. The restrictions remain in 
place until the current rate agreement is provided to the DGM.
    Per 2 CFR 200.414(f) Indirect (F&A) costs, found at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2023-title2-vol1/pdf/CFR-2023-title2-vol1-sec200-414.pdf.
    Electing to charge a de minimis rate of 10 percent can be used by 
applicants that have received an approved negotiated indirect cost rate 
from HHS or another cognizant Federal agency. Applicants awaiting 
approval of their indirect cost proposal may request the 10 percent de 
minimis rate. When the applicant chooses this method, costs included in 
the indirect cost pool must not be charged as direct costs to the 
award.
    Available funds are inclusive of direct and appropriate indirect 
costs. Approved indirect funds are awarded as part of the award amount, 
and no additional funds will be provided.
    Generally, IDC rates for IHS recipients are negotiated with the 
Division of Cost Allocation at https://rates.psc.gov/ or the Department 
of the Interior (Interior Business Center) at https://ibc.doi.gov/ICS/tribal. For questions regarding the indirect cost policy, please write 
to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5115161c113839227f363e27"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2367646e634a4b500d444c55">[email protected]</span></a>.

3. Reporting Requirements

    The recipient must submit required reports consistent with the 
applicable deadlines. Failure to submit required reports within the 
time allowed may result in suspension or termination of an active 
award, withholding of additional awards for the project, or other 
enforcement actions such as withholding of payments or converting to 
the reimbursement method of payment. Continued failure to submit 
required reports may result in the imposition of special award 
provisions and/or the non-funding or non-award of other eligible 
projects or activities. This requirement applies whether the 
delinquency is attributable to the failure of the recipient 
organization or the individual responsible for preparation of the 
reports. Per DGM policy, all reports must be submitted electronically 
by attaching them as a ``Grant Note'' in GrantSolutions. Personnel 
responsible for submitting reports will be required to obtain a login 
and password for GrantSolutions. Please use the form under the 
Recipient User section of https://www.grantsolutions.gov/home/getting-started-request-a-user-account/. Download the Recipient User Account 
Request Form, fill it out completely, and submit it as described on the 
web page and in the form.
    The reporting requirements for this program are noted below.
A. Progress Reports
    Program progress reports are required semi-annually. The progress 
reports are due within 30 days after the reporting period ends 
(specific dates will be listed in the NoA Terms and Conditions). These 
reports must include a brief comparison of actual accomplishments to 
the goals established for the period, a summary of progress to date or, 
if applicable, provide sound justification for the lack of progress, 
and other pertinent information as required. A final report must be 
submitted within 120 days of the period of performance end date.
B. Financial Reports
    Federal Financial Reports are due 90 days after the end of each 
budget period, and a final report is due 120 days after the end of the 
period of performance. Recipients are responsible and accountable for 
reporting accurate information on all required reports: the Progress 
Reports and the Federal Financial Report. Failure to submit timely 
reports may result in adverse award actions blocking access to funds.
C. Federal Sub-Award Reporting System (FSRS)
    This award may be subject to the Transparency Act sub-award and 
executive compensation reporting requirements of 2 CFR part 170.
    The Transparency Act requires the OMB to establish a single 
searchable database, accessible to the public, with information on 
financial assistance awards made by Federal agencies. The Transparency 
Act also includes a requirement for recipients of Federal awards to 
report information about first-tier sub-awards and executive 
compensation under Federal assistance awards.
    The IHS has implemented a Term of Award into all IHS Standard Terms 
and Conditions, NoAs, and funding announcements regarding the FSRS 
reporting requirement. This IHS Term of Award is applicable to all IHS 
grant and cooperative agreements issued on or after October 1, 2010, 
with a $25,000 sub-award obligation threshold met for any specific 
reporting period.
    For the full IHS award term implementing this requirement and 
additional award applicability information, visit the DGM Grants 
Management website at https://www.ihs.gov/dgm/policytopics/.
D. Non-Discrimination Legal Requirements for Recipients of Federal 
Financial Assistance (FFA)
    If you receive an award, you must follow all applicable 
nondiscrimination laws. You agree to this when you register in SAM.gov. 
You must also submit an Assurance of Compliance (HHS-690). To learn 
more, see https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-providers/laws-regulations-guidance/laws/index.html. Pursuant to 45 CFR 80.3(d), an 
individual shall not be deemed subjected to discrimination by reason of 
their exclusion from benefits limited by Federal law to individuals 
eligible for benefits and services from the IHS.
E. Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System 
(FAPIIS)
    The IHS is required to review and consider any information about 
the applicant that is in the FAPIIS at https://www.fapiis.gov/fapiis/#/home before making any award in excess of the simplified acquisition 
threshold (currently $250,000) over the period of performance. An 
applicant may review and comment on any information about itself that a 
Federal awarding agency previously entered. The IHS will consider any 
comments by the applicant, in addition to other information in FAPIIS, 
in making a judgment about the applicant's integrity, business ethics, 
and record of performance under Federal awards when completing the 
review of risk posed by applicants, as described in 45 CFR 75.205.
    As required by 45 CFR part 75 Appendix XII of the Uniform Guidance, 
NFEs are required to disclose in FAPIIS any information about criminal, 
civil, and administrative proceedings, and/or affirm that there is no 
new information to provide. This applies to NFEs that receive Federal 
awards (currently active grants, cooperative agreements, and 
procurement contracts) greater than $10 million for any period of time 
during

[[Page 88100]]

the period of performance of an award/project.
Mandatory Disclosure Requirements
    As required by 2 CFR part 200 of the Uniform Guidance, and HHS 
implementing regulations at 45 CFR part 75, the IHS must require an NFE 
or an applicant for a Federal award to disclose, in a timely manner, in 
writing to the IHS or pass-through entity all violations of Federal 
criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations 
potentially affecting the Federal award.
    All applicants and recipients must disclose in writing, in a timely 
manner, to the IHS and to the HHS Office of Inspector General all 
information related to violations of Federal criminal law involving 
fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the 
Federal award. 45 CFR 75.113.
    Disclosures must be sent in writing to:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Indian Health Service, 
Division of Grants Management, ATTN: Marsha Brookins, Director, 5600 
Fishers Lane, Mail Stop: 09E70, Rockville, MD 20857 (Include 
``Mandatory Grant Disclosures'' in subject line), Office: (301) 443-
5204, Fax: (301) 594-0899, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0b4f4c464b626378256c647d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2c686b616c45445f024b435a">[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: https://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud/ (Include 
``Mandatory Grant Disclosures'' in subject line), Fax: (202) 205-0604 
(Include ``Mandatory Grant Disclosures'' in subject line) or Email: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#175a767973766378656e50657679637272537e64747b78646265726457787e70397f7f6439707861"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4508242b2124312a373c0237242b312020012c3626292a3630372036052a2c226b2d2d366b222a33">[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 part 180 and 2 CFR part 
376).

VII. Agency Contacts

    1. Questions on the program matters may be directed to: Roxanne 
Houston, Program Officer, Indian Health Service, Office of Tribal Self-
Governance, 5600 Fishers Lane, Mail Stop: 08E09B, Rockville, MD 20857, 
Phone: (301) 443-7821, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#14467b6c757a7a713a5c7b6167607b7a547d7c673a737b62"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1745786f76797972395f786264637879577e7f6439707861">[email protected]</span></a>, website: https://www.ihs.gov/SelfGovernance/.
    2. Questions on awards management and fiscal matters may be 
directed to: Indian Health Service, Division of Grants Management, 5600 
Fishers Lane, Mail Stop: 09E70, Rockville, MD 20857, Email: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6327242e230a0b104d040c15"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7e3a39333e17160d50191108">[email protected]</span></a>.
    3. For technical assistance with Grants.gov, please contact the 
Grants.gov help desk at 800-518-4726, or by email at 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#87f4f2f7f7e8f5f3c7e0f5e6e9f3f4a9e0e8f1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="80f3f5f0f0eff2f4c0e7f2e1eef4f3aee7eff6">[email protected]</span></a>.
    4. For technical assistance with GrantSolutions, please contact the 
GrantSolutions help desk at (866) 577-0771, or by email at 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#127a777e62527560737c66617d7e67667b7d7c613c757d64"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="80e8e5ecf0c0e7f2e1eef4f3efecf5f4e9efeef3aee7eff6">[email protected]</span></a>.

VIII. Other Information

    The Public Health Service strongly encourages all grant, 
cooperative agreement, and contract recipients to provide a smoke-free 
workplace and promote the non-use of all tobacco products. In addition, 
Public Law 103-227, the Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in 
certain facilities (or in some cases, any portion of the facility) in 
which regular or routine education, library, day care, health care, or 
early childhood development services are provided to children. This is 
consistent with the HHS mission to protect and advance the physical and 
mental health of the American people.

Roselyn Tso,
Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-26955 Filed 12-19-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4166-14-P


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