[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 65 (Monday, April 6, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18414-18424]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-07780]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service


Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes; National Indian 
Health Outreach and Education II

    Announcement Type: New Limited Competition.

[[Page 18415]]

    Funding Announcement Number: HHS-2015-IHS-NIHOE-0002.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.933.

Key Dates

    Application Deadline Date: June 19, 2015.
    Review Date: July 6-10, 2015.
    Earliest Anticipated Start Date: September 30, 2015.
    Proof of Non-Profit Status Due Date: July 3, 2015.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Statutory Authority

    The Indian Health Service (IHS) is accepting competitive 
applications for two limited competition cooperative agreements under 
the National Indian Health Outreach and Education (NIHOE) program: the 
Behavioral Health--Methamphetamine and Suicide Prevention Intervention 
(MSPI) outreach and education award and the Human Immunodeficiency 
Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) outreach and 
education award. The Behavioral Health--MSPI outreach and education 
award is funded by IHS and is authorized under the Snyder Act, codified 
at 25 U.S.C. Sec.  13; the Transfer Act, codified at 42 U.S.C. Sec.  
2001; the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014, Public. Law 113-76. 
The HIV/AIDS outreach and education award is funded by the Office of 
the Secretary (OS), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). 
Funding for the HIV/AIDS award will be provided by OS via an Intra-
Departmental Delegation of Authority dated to IHS to permit obligation 
of funding appropriated by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014, 
Public Law 113-76. Each award is funded through a separate funding 
stream by each respective Agency's appropriations. The awardee is 
responsible for accounting for each of the two awards separately and 
must provide two separate financial reports (one for each award), as 
indicated below. This program is described in the Catalog of Federal 
Domestic Assistance under 93.933.

Background

    The NIHOE program carries out health program objectives in the 
American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) community in the interest of 
improving Indian health care for all 566 Federally-recognized Tribes 
including Tribal governments operating their own health care delivery 
systems through Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act 
(ISDEAA) contracts and compacts with the IHS and Tribes that continue 
to receive health care directly from the IHS. This program addresses 
health policy and health programs issues and disseminates educational 
information to all AI/AN Tribes and villages. The NIHOE IIMSPI and HIV/
AIDS awards require that public forums be held at Tribal educational 
consumer conferences to disseminate changes and updates in the latest 
health care information. These awards also require that regional and 
national meetings be coordinated for information dissemination as well 
as for the inclusion of planning and technical assistance and health 
care recommendations on behalf of participating Tribes to ultimately 
inform IHS and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) based 
on Tribal input through a broad based consumer network.

Purpose

    The purpose of these cooperative agreements is to further IHS 
health program objectives in the AI/AN community with expanded outreach 
and education efforts for the MSPI and HIV/AIDS programs on a national 
scale and in the interest of improving Indian health care. This 
announcement includes two separate awards, each of which will be 
awarded as noted below. The purpose of the MSPI award is to further the 
goals of the national MSPI program. The MSPI is a national 
demonstration project aimed at addressing the dual problems of 
methamphetamine use and suicide in Indian Country. The MSPI supports an 
AI/AN community driven focus on the utilization and development of 
evidence-based and practice-based intervention models that promote a 
culturally appropriate prevention, treatment, and postvention approach 
to methamphetamine use and suicide. The six goals of the MSPI are to 
effectively prevent, reduce, or delay the use and/or spread of 
methamphetamine use; build on the foundation of prior methamphetamine 
and suicide prevention and treatment efforts in order to support the 
IHS, Tribes, and urban Indian health organizations in developing and 
implementing Tribal and/or culturally appropriate methamphetamine and 
suicide prevention and early intervention strategies; increasing access 
to methamphetamine and suicide prevention services; improving services 
for behavioral health issues associated with methamphetamine use and 
suicide prevention; promoting the development of new and promising 
services that are culturally and community relevant; and demonstrating 
efficacy and impact.

    [Note: While the national MSPI program includes outreach to 
urban Indian organizations, outreach aimed specifically at urban 
Indian organizations will be addressed in a separate award 
announcement. However, materials developed by the grantee in the 
(NIHOE-II) MSPI award described in this announcement may be 
distributed by IHS to urban Indian organizations, at the discretion 
of the Agency.]

    The purpose of the HIV/AIDS award is to further the goals of the 
national HIV/AIDS program. HIV and AIDS are a critical and growing 
health issue within the AI/AN population. The IHS National HIV/AIDS 
Program seeks to avoid complacency and to increase awareness of the 
impact of HIV/AIDS on AI/ANs. All activities are part of the IHS's 
implementation plan to meet the three goals of the President's National 
HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS) to reduce the number of people who become 
infected with HIV, increase access to care and optimize health outcomes 
for people living with HIV, and reduce HIV-related disparities. This 
population faces additional health disparities that contribute 
significantly to the risk of HIV transmission such as substance abuse 
and sexually transmitted infections. Amongst AI/AN people, HIV/AIDS 
exists in both urban and rural populations (and on or near Tribal 
lands); however, many of those living with HIV are not aware of their 
status. These statistics, risk factors, and missed opportunities for 
screening illuminate the need to go beyond raising awareness about HIV 
and begin active integration of initiatives that will help routinize 
HIV services. If the status quo is unchanged, prevalence will continue 
to increase and AI/AN communities may face an irreversible problem. 
Therefore, the National HIV/AIDS Program is working to change the way 
HIV is discussed, to change and improve the way HIV testing is 
integrated into health services, and to firmly establish linkages and 
access to care. The IHS HIV/AIDS Program is implemented and executed 
via an integrated and comprehensive approach through collaborations 
across multi-health sectors, both internal and external to the agency. 
It attempts to encompass all types of service delivery `systems' 
including IHS/Tribal/Urban facilities. The IHS HIV/AIDS Program is 
committed to realizing the goals of the President's NHAS and has 
bridged the objectives and implementation to the IHS HIV/AIDS Strategic 
Plan.

Limited Competition Justification

    Competition for both of the awards included in this announcement is 
limited to national Indian health care organizations with at least ten 
years of

[[Page 18416]]

experience providing education and outreach on a national scale. This 
limitation ensures that the awardee will have: (1) A national 
information-sharing infrastructure which will facilitate the timely 
exchange of information between HHS and Tribes and Tribal organizations 
on a broad scale; (2) a national perspective on the needs of AI/AN 
communities that will ensure that the information developed and 
disseminated through the projects is appropriate, useful and addresses 
the most pressing needs of AI/AN communities; and (3) established 
relationships with Tribes and Tribal organizations that will foster 
open and honest participation by AI/AN communities. Regional or local 
organizations will not have the mechanisms in place to conduct 
communication on a national level, nor will they have an accurate 
picture of the health care needs facing AI/ANs nationwide. 
Organizations with less experience will lack the established 
relationships with Tribes and Tribal organizations throughout the 
country that will facilitate participation and the open and honest 
exchange of information between Tribes and HHS. With the limited funds 
available for these projects, HHS must ensure that the education and 
outreach efforts described in this announcement reach the widest 
audience possible in a timely fashion, are appropriately tailored to 
the needs of AI/AN communities throughout the country, and come from a 
source that AI/ANs recognize and trust. For these reasons, this is a 
limited competition announcement.

II. Award Information

Type of Award

    Cooperative Agreement.

Estimated Funds Available

    The total amount of funding identified for the current fiscal year 
(FY) 2015 is approximately $250,000 to fund two cooperative agreements 
for one year; $150,000 will be awarded for the Behavioral Health--MSPI 
award and $100,000 will be awarded for the HIV/AIDS award. The amount 
of 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 that are selected for funding under this announcement.

Anticipated Number of Awards

    Two awards will be issued under this program announcement. It is 
the intention of IHS and the Office of the Secretary (OS) that one 
entity will receive both awards. OS and IHS will concur on the final 
decision as to who will receive both awards.

Project Period

    The project periods for each award will be for one year and will 
run from September 30, 2015 with completion by September 29, 2016.

Cooperative Agreement

    Cooperative agreements awarded by the Department of Health and 
Human Services (HHS) are administered under the same policies as a 
grant. The funding agency (IHS) 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 IHS and the grantee. IHS 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 Programmatic Involvement
    The IHS assigned program official will monitor the overall progress 
of the awardee's execution of the requirements of the two awards: IHS 
award and OS award noted below as well as their adherence to the terms 
and conditions of the cooperative agreements. This includes providing 
guidance for required reports, developing of tools, and other products, 
interpreting program findings, and assisting with evaluations and 
overcoming any difficulties or performance issues encountered. The IHS 
assigned program official must approve all presentations, electronic 
content, and other materials, including mass emails, developed by 
awardee pursuant to these awards and any supplemental awards prior to 
the presentation or dissemination of such materials to any party.
(1) Behavioral Health--MSPI Award
    i. The IHS assigned program official will work in partnership with 
the awardee to identify and provide presentation topics on MSPI for the 
National Tribal Advisory Committee meetings; the Behavioral Health Work 
Group; webinars; and IHS Area conference calls.
    ii. The IHS assigned program official will work in partnership with 
the awardee to identify MSPI projects in need of technical assistance.
(2) HIV/AIDS Award
    IHS staff will provide support for the HIV/AIDS award as follows:
    i. The IHS assigned program official will work in partnership with 
the awardee in all decisions involving strategy, hiring of grantee 
personnel, deployment of resources, release of public information 
materials, quality assurance, coordination of activities, training, 
reports, budgets, and evaluations. Collaboration includes data 
analysis, interpretation of findings, and reporting.
    ii. The IHS assigned program official will work closely with OS and 
all participating IHS health services/programs, as appropriate, to 
coordinate award activities.
    iii. The IHS assigned program official will coordinate the 
following for OS and the participating IHS program offices and staff:
    <bullet> Discussion and release of any and all special grant 
conditions upon fulfillment.
    <bullet> Monthly scheduled conference calls.
    <bullet> Appropriate dissemination of required reports to each 
participating program.
    iv. The IHS will, jointly with the awardee, plan and set an agenda 
for each of the conferences mentioned in this announcement that:
    <bullet> Shares the training and/or accomplishments.
    <bullet> Fosters collaboration amongst the participating program 
offices, agencies, and/or departments.
    <bullet> Increases visibility for the partnership between the 
awardee and the IHS and OS.
    v. IHS will provide guidance in addressing deliverables and 
requirements.
    vi. IHS will provide guidance in preparing articles for publication 
and/or presentations of program successes, lessons learned, and new 
findings.
    vii. IHS will communicate via monthly conference calls, individual 
or collective site visits, and monthly meetings.
    viii. IHS staff will review articles concerning the HHS, OS, and 
the Agency for accuracy and may, as requested by the awardee, provide 
relevant articles.
    ix. IHS will provide technical assistance to the entity as 
requested.
    x. IHS staff may, at the request of the entity's board, participate 
on study groups and may recommend topics for analysis and discussion.
B. Grantee Cooperative Agreement Award Activities
    The awardee must comply with relevant Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) Circular provisions regarding lobbying, any applicable

[[Page 18417]]

lobbying restrictions provided under other law and any applicable 
restriction on the use of appropriated funds for lobbying activities.
    The awardee is responsible for the following in addition to 
fulfilling all requirements noted for each award component: Behavioral 
Health--MSPI and HIV/AIDS.
    i. To succinctly and independently address the requirements for 
each of the two awards listed below: Behavioral Health--MSPI and HIV/
AIDS.
    ii. To facilitate a forum or forums at which concerns can be heard 
that are representative of all Tribal governments in the area of health 
care policy analysis and program development for each of the two 
components listed above.
    iii. To assure that health care outreach and education is based on 
Tribal input through a broad-based consumer network involving the Area 
Indian health boards or health board representatives from each of the 
12 IHS Areas.
    iv. To establish relationships with other national Indian 
organizations, professional groups, and Federal, State, and local 
entities supportive of AI/AN health programs.
    v. To improve and expand access for AI/AN Tribal governments to all 
available programs within the HHS.
    vi. To disseminate timely health care information to Tribal 
governments, AI/AN health boards, other national Indian organizations, 
professional groups, Federal, State, and local entities.
    vii. To provide periodic dissemination of health care information, 
including publication of a newsletter four times a year that features 
articles on MSPI and HIV/AIDS health promotion/disease/behavioral 
health prevention activities and models of best or promising practices, 
health policy, and funding information relevant to AI/AN, etc.
    The following schedule of deliverables outlines the requirements 
necessary to effectuate timely and effective support services to Tribal 
MSPI projects:

Summary of Tasks To Be Performed MSPI:

    <bullet> At a minimum, the awardee shall provide Tribal MSPI 
program updates at the National Tribal Advisory Committee meetings and 
conference calls; and the Behavioral Health Work Group meetings and 
conference calls.
    <bullet> At a minimum, the awardee shall serve as a committee 
member for the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention's 
American Indian/Alaska Native Task Force.
    <bullet> The awardee shall participate in MSPI Area conference 
calls requested by the IHS assigned program official. The awardee must 
be included on the agenda and provide presentations on specific areas 
of interest identified by the Tribal MSPI programs and IHS assigned 
program official.
Outreach and Education
    <bullet> The awardee shall provide information and education via 
multi-media venues, including but not limited to teleconference, 
webinar workshops, and/or online training modules on topics of 
particular importance to Tribal MSPI projects. The awardee will work 
with MSPI Tribal projects and the IHS assigned program official to 
identify topics. Topics will be discussed prior to the teleconference 
or webinar and will be subject to approval from the IHS assigned 
program official. PowerPoint slides must be submitted for approval two 
weeks prior to the presentation and will be made available on the IHS 
MSPI Web sites. Awardee's organizational Web site will link to IHS MSPI 
Web sites.
    <bullet> The awardee shall conduct workshops and/or presentations 
including, but not limited to, the successes of the MSPI and promising 
practices and/or best practices of Tribal MSPI programs at three 
national conferences (venue and content of presentations to be agreed 
upon by the awardee and the IHS assigned program official).
    <bullet> The awardee shall maintain a booth at identified meetings 
and conferences to provide comprehensive information on Tribal MSPI 
programs, curricula, findings, and strategies to local, regional, 
state, and Federal agencies and organizations.
    <bullet> The awardee shall conduct site visits at Tribal MSPI 
programs, as funding is available, with two weeks advanced notification 
to the IHS assigned program official.
Technical Assistance
    <bullet> The awardee shall review progress reports of MSPI projects 
identified by the program official.
    <bullet> The awardee will develop and maintain orientation 
materials for MSPI projects including but limited to factsheets and 
guides.
    <bullet> The awardee will provide training and technical assistance 
to increase AI/AN specific culture- or tradition-based interventions to 
be listed on the IHS Best and Promising Practice Registry.
Information Sharing
    <bullet> The awardee shall develop, maintain, and disseminate 
comprehensive information on Tribal MSPI programs, curricula, findings, 
articles, and strategies to all Tribal MSPI programs, and present the 
information at conference and meeting booths as described above.
    <bullet> The awardee will provide postings on MSPI related 
information for the IHS MSPI Web site.
    <bullet> The awardee will develop and/or maintain a comprehensive 
list of evidence-based and practice-based program development and 
business practice guidelines for use by Tribal MSPI programs.
    <bullet> The awardee will develop and publish a semi-annual MSPI 
newsletter focusing on the impact and outcomes of the MSPI projects in 
Tribal communities to be cleared by IHS and then published on the IHS 
MSPI Web site.
Reporting
    <bullet> The awardee shall provide semi-annual reports documenting 
and describing progress and accomplishment of the activities specified 
above, attaching any necessary documentation to adequately document 
accomplishments.
    <bullet> The awardee shall attend bi-weekly, regularly scheduled, 
in-person and conference call meetings with the IHS assigned program 
official team to discuss the awardee's services and MSPI/related 
issues. The awardee must provide meeting minutes that highlight the 
awardee's specific involvement and participation.
    <bullet> The awardee shall obtain approval from the IHS assigned 
program official for all PowerPoint presentations, electronic content, 
and other materials, including mass emails, developed by awardee 
pursuant to this award and any supplemental awards prior to the 
presentation or dissemination of such materials to any party, allowing 
for a reasonable amount of time for IHS review.
Deliverables
    <bullet> Attendance at regularly scheduled meetings between awardee 
and the IHS assigned program official, evidenced by meeting minutes 
which highlight the awardee's specific involvement and participation.
    <bullet> Participation on MSPI Area conference calls identified by 
the IHS assigned program official, evidenced by meeting agenda and 
minutes as needed.
    <bullet> Report of outcomes at the following (meeting booths, 
workshops, site visitations and/or presentations provided):
    (a) National Tribal Advisory Committee conference calls and 
meetings.

[[Page 18418]]

    (b) Behavioral Health Work Group conference calls and meetings. 
(PowerPoint slides in electronic form and one hard copy are to be 
submitted to the program official and the IHS assigned program official 
as required).
    (c) IHS Area conference calls.
    (d) IHS Area and national webinars.
    (e) MSPI Project site visitations.
    (f) Other AI/AN national conferences.
    <bullet> Completed programmatic reviews of semi and annual progress 
reports of Tribal MSPI projects in order to identify projects that 
require technical assistance.

    [Note: This review is not to replace IHS review of MSPI 
programs. The programmatic reviews to be conducted by grantee are 
secondary reviews intended solely to identify programs in need of 
technical assistance.]

    [cir] The awardee shall help the IHS assigned program official 
identify challenges faced by participating Tribal communities and 
assist in developing solutions.
    <bullet> Copies of educational and practice-based information 
provided to Tribal MSPI programs (electronic form and one hard copy).
    <bullet> Copies of all promotional and educational materials 
provided to Tribal MSPI programs and other projects (electronic form 
and one hard copy).
    <bullet> Copies of all promotional materials provided to media and 
other outlets (electronic form and one hard copy).
    <bullet> Copies of all articles published (electronic form and one 
hard copy). Submit semi-annual and annual progress reports to Division 
of Behavioral Health (DBH), due no later than 30 days after the 
reporting cycle, attaching any necessary documentation. For example: 
meeting minutes, correspondence with Tribal MSPI projects, samples of 
all written materials developed including brochures, news articles, 
videos, radio and television ads to adequately document 
accomplishments.
    <bullet> The awardee will submit a deliverable schedule to the 
program official no later than 30 days after the start date.
HIV/AIDS
    In alignment with the above program and independent from MSPI 
activities (both via fiscal resources and programmatic implementation), 
the awardee shall:
    <bullet> Disseminate existing HIV/AIDS messages to AI/AN audiences 
in a format designed to solicit, collect, and report on community-level 
feedback and generate discussion regarding the disease and its 
prevention. This may include electronic and emerging means of 
communication. At least four distinct audiences (such as women, young 
people, etc.) will be addressed and engaged. Preference will be given 
to reaching audiences with the highest HIV burden or potential 
increases as supported by the NHAS.
    <bullet> Disseminate existing IHS HIV/AIDS program and other HIV/
AIDS training materials to educators, health care providers, and other 
key audiences. Collect and report on relevant evaluation criteria, 
including impacts on underlying knowledge, attitudes, or beliefs about 
HIV acquisition, testing, or treatment.
    <bullet> Deliver HIV/AIDS technical assistance and activity support 
program. Engage in documented partnerships with AI/AN communities to 
expand their capacity relevant to HIV/AIDS education and prevention 
efforts. Local activity support may include sub-awards of resources and 
distribution of incentives to qualified AI/AN-serving community 
organizations increasing HIV/AIDS education and prevention in their 
populations. Sub-award eligibility standards and management controls 
will be proposed by the awardee and will be subject to IHS approval. 
These activities must be conducted in accordance with Federal grant 
policies and procedures. Awardee will collect and maintain relevant 
evaluation materials and generate reports that highlight progress 
towards the President's NHAS goals on the community level and that 
collect best practices for dissemination to other communities.
    <bullet> Contribute technical expertise to the IHS HIV/AIDS program 
and develop formal written documents responding to information requests 
from the public regarding HIV/AIDS initiatives.
    <bullet> Develop and launch anti-stigma messaging for at least one 
audience, coordinated with other local activities to increase HIV 
screening and increase access to services, or increase positive role 
modeling for people living with, or at risk of, acquiring HIV/AIDS.
    <bullet> Support and document issue-specific discussions with 
Tribal Leaders as needed to address effective prevention interventions 
for AI/AN populations as noted in the President's NHAS.
    <bullet> Obtain approval from the IHS assigned program official of 
all presentations, electronic content, and other materials, including 
mass emails, developed by awardee pursuant to this award and any 
supplemental awards prior to the presentation or dissemination of such 
materials to any party, allowing for a reasonable amount of time for 
IHS review.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligibility

    To be eligible for this ``New/Competing Continuation Limited 
Competition Announcement'', an applicant must:
    Provide proof of non-profit status with the application, e.g., 
501(c)(3). Eligible applicants that can apply for this funding 
opportunity are national Indian organizations.
    The national Indian organization must have the infrastructure in 
place to accomplish the work under the proposed program.
    Eligible entities must have demonstrated expertise in the following 
areas:
    <bullet> Representing all Tribal governments and providing a 
variety of services to Tribes, Area health boards, Tribal 
organizations, and Federal agencies, and playing a major role in 
focusing attention on Indian health care needs, resulting in improved 
health outcomes for AI/ANs.
    <bullet> Promotion and support of Indian education and coordinating 
efforts to inform AI/AN of Federal decisions that affect Tribal 
government interests including the improvement of Indian health care.
    <bullet> National health policy and health programs administration.
    <bullet> Have a national AI/AN constituency and clearly support 
critical services and activities within the IHS mission of improving 
the quality of health care for AI/AN people.
    <bullet> Portray evidence of their solid support of improved health 
care in Indian Country.
    <bullet> Provide evidence of at least ten years of experience 
providing education and outreach on a national scale.

    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 non-profit status, 
etc.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

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

3. Other Requirements

    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, IHS 
will not return the application. The applicant will be

[[Page 18419]]

notified by email by the Division of Grants Management (DGM) of this 
decision.
Proof of Non-Profit Status
    Organizations claiming non-profit status must submit proof. A copy 
of the 501(c)(3) Certificate must be received with the application 
submission by the Application Deadline Date listed under the Key Dates 
section on page one of this announcement.
    An applicant submitting any of the above additional documentation 
after the initial application submission due date is required to ensure 
the information was received by the IHS by obtaining documentation 
confirming delivery (i.e., FedEx tracking, postal return receipt, 
etc.).

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 https://www.ihs.gov/dgm/index.cfm?module=dsp_dgm_funding.
    Questions regarding the electronic application process may be 
directed to Mr. Paul Gettys at (301) 443-2114.

2. Content and Form Application Submission

    Two complete separate signed applications are required. Both 
applications should address all the following components separately in 
each application. Each separate application 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 five pages).
    <bullet> Project Narrative (must be single spaced and not exceed 20 
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> Letter of Support from Organization's Board of Directors.
    <bullet> 501(c)(3) Certificate (if applicable).
    <bullet> Position Descriptions for all key personnel.
    <bullet> Contractor/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) A-133 required 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 
Web site: http://harvester.census.gov/sac/dissem/accessoptions.html?submit=Go+To+Database
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 20 pages and must: Be single-spaced, be 
type written, have consecutively numbered pages, use black type not 
smaller than 12 characters per one inch, and be printed on one side 
only of standard size 8\1/2\'' x 11'' paper.
    Be sure to succinctly address and answer all questions listed under 
the narrative and place them 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 shall not be considered or scored. These narratives 
will assist the ORC in becoming familiar with the applicant's 
activities and accomplishments prior to this cooperative agreement 
award. If the narrative exceeds the page limit, only the first 20 pages 
will be reviewed. The 20-page page limit for the narrative does not 
include the work plan, standard forms, Tribal resolutions, 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.
    Reminder: You are required to submit two separate complete and 
signed application packages. One for the Behavioral Health--MSPI 
cooperative agreement and one complete signed application package for 
the HIV/AIDS cooperative agreement. This applies to the narratives and 
budgets as well and all components listed below. Be sure to address 
each component separately in its respective application package. The 
page limitations below are for each narrative and budget submitted.
Part A: Program Information (8 page limitation)
Section 1: Needs
    Describe how the national Indian organization has the experience to 
provide outreach and education efforts regarding the pertinent changes 
and updates in health care for each of the two components listed 
herein: Behavioral Health--MSPI and HIV/AIDS.
Part B: Program Planning and Evaluation (7 page limitation)
Section 1: Program Plans
    Describe fully and clearly how the national Indian organization 
plans to address the NIHOE II MSPI and HIV/AIDS requirements, including 
how the national Indian organization plans to demonstrate improved 
health education and outreach services to all 566 Federally-recognized 
Tribes for each of the two components described herein.
Section 2: Program Evaluation
    Describe fully and clearly how the outreach and education efforts 
will impact changes in knowledge and awareness in Tribal communities 
regarding both components. Identify anticipated or expected benefits 
for the Tribal constituency.
Part C: Program Report (5 page limitation)
Section 1: Describe Major Accomplishments Over the Last 24 Months
    Identify and describe significant program achievements associated 
with the delivery of quality health outreach and education. Provide a 
comparison of the actual accomplishments to the goals established for 
the project period for both components, or if applicable, provide 
justification for the lack of progress.
Section 2: Describe Major Activities Over the Last 24 Months
    Identify and summarize recent major health related outreach and 
education project activities of the work performed

[[Page 18420]]

for both components during the last project period.
    B. Budget Narrative: This narrative must include a line item budget 
with a narrative justification for all expenditures identifying 
reasonable and allowable 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. The budget 
narrative should not exceed five pages.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 
11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) 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 to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#11626461617e6365517663707f65623f767e67"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b4c7c1c4c4dbc6c0f4d3c6d5dac0c79ad3dbc2">[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, DGM 
(<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#feae9f8b92d0b99b8a8a878dbe97968dd0999188"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1e4e7f6b7230597b6a6a676d5e77766d30797168">[email protected]</span></a>) at (301) 443-2114. Please be sure to 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.
    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 Ms. Tammy 
Bagley, Acting Director of DGM, (see Section IV.6 below for additional 
information). 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. A written waiver request must be 
sent to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#90d7e2f1fee4e3c0fffcf9f3e9d0f9f8e3bef7ffe6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4c0b3e2d22383f1c2320252f350c25243f622b233a">[email protected]</span></a> with a copy to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b5e1d4d8d8cc9bf7d4d2d9d0ccf5dcddc69bd2dac3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="92c6f3ffffebbcd0f3f5fef7ebd2fbfae1bcf5fde4">[email protected]</span></a>. 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 Acting 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., 
EST, 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.

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/cooperative agreement will be awarded per 
component.
    <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 Web site to submit an application electronically 
and select the ``Find Grant Opportunities'' link on the homepage. 
Download a copy of the application package, complete it offline, and 
then upload and submit the completed application via the http://www.Grants.gov Web site. Electronic copies of the application may not 
be submitted as attachments to email messages addressed to IHS 
employees or offices.
    If the applicant receives a waiver to submit paper application 
documents, they must follow the rules and timelines that are noted 
below. The applicant must seek assistance at least ten days prior to 
the Application Deadline Date listed in the Key Dates section on page 
one of this announcement.
    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#cebdbbbebea1bcba8ea9bcafa0babde0a9a1b8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e3909693938c9197a38491828d9790cd848c95">[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> If it is determined that a waiver is needed, the applicant 
must submit a request in writing (emails are acceptable) to 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#622510030c1611320d0e0b011b220b0a114c050d14"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f8bf8a99968c8ba89794919b81b891908bd69f978e">[email protected]</span></a> with a copy to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5b0f3a36362275193a3c373e221b323328753c342d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2f7b4e424256016d4e48434a566f46475c01484059">[email protected]</span></a>. Please 
include a clear justification for the need to deviate from the standard 
electronic submission process.
    <bullet> If the waiver is approved, the application should be sent 
directly to the DGM by the Application Deadline Date listed in the Key 
Dates section on page one of this announcement.
    <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 
fifteen 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 Office of Direct 
Service and Contracting Tribes (ODSCT) will notify the applicant that 
the application has been received.
    <bullet> Email applications will not be accepted under this 
announcement.
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) Numbering System
    All IHS applicants and grantee organizations are required to obtain 
a UEI number and maintain an active registration in the SAM database. 
The UEI number is a unique 9-digit identification number provided to 
each entity. The UEI number is site specific; therefore, each distinct 
performance site may be assigned a UEI number. Obtaining a UEI number 
is easy, and there is no charge. To obtain a UEI

[[Page 18421]]

number, please contact Mr. Paul Gettys at (301) 443-2114.
    All HHS recipients are required by the Federal Funding 
Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006, as amended (``Transparency 
Act''), to report information on subawards. Accordingly, all IHS 
grantees must notify potential first-tier subrecipients that no entity 
may receive a first-tier subaward 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 (CCR) 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 Web site: https://www.ihs.gov/dgm/index.cfm?module=dsp_dgm_policy_topics.

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 20 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 60 points is 
required for funding. Points are assigned as follows:

1. Criteria

A. Introduction and Need for Assistance (15 points)
    (1) Describe the organization's current health, education and 
technical assistance operations as related to the broad spectrum of 
health needs of the AI/AN community. Include what programs and services 
are currently provided (i.e., Federally-funded, State-funded, etc.), 
and identify any memorandums of agreement with other national, Area or 
local Indian health board organizations. This could also include HHS' 
agencies that rely on the applicant as the primary gateway organization 
that is capable of providing the dissemination of health information to 
Tribes. Include information regarding technologies currently used 
(i.e., hardware, software, services, Web sites, etc.), and identify the 
source(s) of technical support for those technologies (i.e., in-house 
staff, contractors, vendors, etc.). Include information regarding how 
long the applicant has been operating and its length of association/
partnerships with Area health boards, etc. [historical collaboration].
    (2) Describe the organization's current technical assistance 
ability. Include what programs and services are currently provided, 
programs and services projected to be provided, and describe any 
memorandums of agreement with other national Indian organizations that 
deem the applicant as the primary source of health policy information 
for AI/ANs, or any other memorandums of agreement with other Area 
Indian health boards, etc.
    (3) Describe the population to be served by the proposed projects. 
Are they hard to reach? Are there barriers? Include a description of 
the number of Tribes who currently benefit from the technical 
assistance provided by the applicant.
    (4) Describe the geographic location of the proposed project 
including any geographic barriers experienced by the recipients of the 
technical assistance to the health care information provided.
    (5) Identify all previous IHS cooperative agreement awards 
received, dates of funding and summaries of the projects' 
accomplishments. State how previous cooperative agreement funds 
facilitated education, training and technical assistance nationwide for 
AI/ANs. (Copies of reports will not be accepted.)
    (6) Describe collaborative and supportive efforts with national, 
Area, and local Indian health boards.
    (7) Explain the need/reason for the proposed projects by 
identifying specific gaps or weaknesses in services or infrastructure 
that will be addressed by the proposed projects. Explain how these 
gaps/weaknesses have been assessed.
    (8) Explain what measures were taken or will be taken to ensure the 
proposed projects will not create new gaps or weaknesses in services or 
infrastructure.
    (9) Describe the effect of the proposed project on current programs 
(i.e., Federally-funded, State funded, etc.) and, if applicable, on 
current equipment (i.e., hardware, software, services, etc.). Include 
the effect of the proposed projects on planned/anticipated programs 
and/or equipment.
    (10) Describe how the projects relate to the purpose of the 
cooperative agreement by identifying how the proposed project will 
address national Indian health care outreach and education regarding 
various health data listed, e.g., MSPI and HIV and AIDS, dissemination, 
training, and technical assistance, etc.
B. Project Objective(s), Work Plan and Approach (40 points)
    (1) Identify the proposed project objective(s) for each of the two 
projects, as applicable, addressing the following:
    <bullet> Measurable and (if applicable) quantifiable.
    <bullet> Results oriented.
    <bullet> Time-limited.
    Example: Issue four quarterly newsletters, provide alerts and 
quantify number of contacts with Tribes. Goals must be clear and 
concise.
    (2) Address how the proposed projects will result in change or 
improvement in program operations or processes for each proposed 
project objective for the selected projects. Also address what tangible 
products, if any, are expected from the project, (i.e., legislative 
analysis, policy analysis, annual conferences, mid-year conferences, 
summits, etc.).
    (3) Address the extent to which the proposed projects will provide, 
improve, or expand services that address the need(s) of the target 
population. Include a strategic plan and business plan currently in 
place that are being used that will include the expanded services. 
Include the plan(s) with the application submission.
    (4) Submit a work plan in the Appendix that:
    <bullet> Provides the action steps on a timeline for accomplishing 
each of the projects' proposed objective(s).

[[Page 18422]]

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

[[Page 18423]]

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, to 
outline 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/project 
period.
Disapproved Applicants
    Applicants who received a score less than the recommended funding 
level for approval, 60 points, and were deemed to be disapproved by the 
ORC, will receive an Executive Summary Statement from the ODSCT within 
30 days of the conclusion of the ORC outlining the strengths and 
weaknesses of their application submitted. The ODSCT 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 held by DGM for a 
period of one year. If additional funding becomes available during the 
course of FY 2015 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, policies, and OMB cost principles:
    A. The criteria as outlined in this Program Announcement.
    B. Administrative Regulations for Grants:
    45 CFR part 75, Administrative Requirements.
    C. Grants Policy:
    <bullet> HHS Grants Policy Statement, Revised 01/07.
    D. Cost Principles:
    45 CFR part 75, subpart E. Cost Principles.
    E. Audit Requirements:
    <bullet> 45 CFR part 75, subpart F. Audit Requirements.

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). http://www.doi.gov/ibc/services/Indirect_Cost_Services/index.cfm. 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. Reports must be submitted electronically via 
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 semi-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, 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 expiration of the budget/project 
period.
B. Financial Reports
    Federal Financial Report FFR (SF-425), Cash Transaction Reports are 
due 30 days after the close of every calendar quarter to the Payment 
Management Services, HHS at: http://www.dpm.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 Subaward Reporting System (FSRS)
    This award may be subject to the Transparency Act subaward and 
executive compensation reporting requirements of 2 CFR part 170.

[[Page 18424]]

    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 subawards 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 subaward obligation dollar threshold met for any specific 
reporting period. Additionally, all new (discretionary) IHS awards 
(where the project period is made up of more than one budget period) 
and where: 1) The project period start date was October 1, 2010 or 
after and 2) the primary awardee will have a $25,000 subaward 
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 Web site at: https://www.ihs.gov/dgm/index.cfm?module=dsp_dgm_policy_topics.
    Telecommunication for the hearing impaired is available at: TTY 
(301) 443-6394.

VII. Agency Contacts

    1. Questions on the programmatic issues may be directed to:

Mr. Chris Buchanan, Director, ODSCT, 801 Thompson Avenue, Suite 220, 
Rockville, Maryland 20852. Telephone: (301) 443-1104. E-Mail: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d390bba1baa0fd91a6b0bbb2bdb2bd93babba0fdb4bca5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c586adb7acb6eb87b0a6ada4aba4ab85acadb6eba2aab3">[email protected]</span></a>.

    2. Questions on grants management and fiscal matters may be 
directed to:

Mr. John Hoffman, DGM, Grants Management Specialist, 801 Thompson 
Avenue, TMP Suite 360, Rockville, Maryland 20852. Telephone: (301) 443-
2116 Fax: (301) 443-9602. E-Mail: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#81cbeee9efafc9eee7e7ece0efc1e8e9f2afe6eef7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5c163334327214333a3a313d321c35342f723b332a">[email protected]</span></a>.

    3. Questions on systems matters may be directed to:

Paul Gettys, Grant Systems Coordinator, DGM, 801 Thompson Avenue, TMP 
Suite 360, Rockville, MD 20852. Phone: 301-443-2114; or the DGM main 
line 301-443-5204. Fax: 301-443-9602. E-Mail: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b3e3d2c6df9df4d6c7c7cac0f3dadbc09dd4dcc5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7e2e1f0b1250391b0a0a070d3e17160d50191108">[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: March 29, 2015.
Robert G. McSwain,
Acting Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-07780 Filed 4-3-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165-16-P


</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>