[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 155 (Monday, August 14, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 37877-37884]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-17102]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service


Preventing Alcohol-Related Deaths (PARD) Through Social 
Detoxification

    Announcement Type: New.
    Funding Announcement Number: HHS-2017-IHS-PARD-0001.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.933.

Key Dates

    Application Deadline Date: September 16, 2017.
    Review Date: September 18, 2017.
    Earliest Anticipated Start Date: September 30, 2017.
    Signed Tribal Resolutions Due Date: September 16, 2017.
    Proof of Non-Profit Status Due Date: September 16, 2017.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Statutory Authority

    The Indian Health Service (IHS) Office of Clinical and Preventive 
Services' Division of Behavioral Health is accepting applications for 
cooperative agreements for Preventing Alcohol-Related Deaths (PARD) 
through Social Detoxification. This program is authorized under: Snyder 
Act, 25 U.S.C. 13; Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017, Public Law 
115-31, 131 Stat. 135 (2017); and 25 U.S.C. 1665a. This program is 
described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) under 
93.933.

Background

    Alcohol-related deaths are 520 percent greater among the American 
Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) population than the general United 
States population (IHS Trends in Indian Health, 2014). Providing social 
detoxification services is often a first step toward recovery for 
individuals with an alcohol use disorder to minimize physical harm, 
including death. Detoxification alone is not sufficient treatment for 
alcohol use disorder but is part of the continuum of care that fosters 
an individual's entry into treatment and rehabilitation. Alcohol use 
disorders are brain disorders and not evidence of moral weakness. All 
individuals with alcohol use disorders should be treated with respect 
and dignity at all times, in a nonjudgmental and supportive manner. 
Services should be completed in partnership with the individual and his 
or her social support network with due consideration for individual 
background, culture, preferences,

[[Page 37878]]

gender identity, vulnerabilities, and strengths.

Purpose

    The purpose of this IHS cooperative agreement is to increase access 
to community-based prevention strategies to provide social 
detoxification, evaluation, stabilization, fostering patient readiness 
for and entry into treatment for alcohol use disorders and when 
appropriate, other substance use disorders. Applicants must have a 
fully operational and staffed social detoxification program that 
provides all three critical components of the detoxification process 
that primarily serves Indians.
    IHS will use this funding to focus on the provision of services in 
the Navajo and Great Plains Areas. Congress has highlighted that the 
community of Gallup, New Mexico, continues to face urgent needs for 
substance abuse treatment, residential services, and detoxification 
services to address an ongoing crisis of alcohol-related deaths of 
Tribal members. Senate Appropriations Committee Report 114-281 
expressed the Committee's expectation that IHS use funds provided in 
its appropriation to continue its assistance toward addressing this 
issue in the city of Gallup, New Mexico. Additionally, IHS is aware of 
the urgent need for alcohol detoxification services in the Great Plains 
Area after the removal of liquor licenses in White Clay, Nebraska, 
leading to the potential for increased mortality if services are 
unavailable for alcohol detoxification and subsequent treatment 
services.

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Cooperative Agreement.

Estimated Funds Available

    The total amount of funding identified for the current fiscal year 
(FY) 2017 is approximately $2,000,000. Individual award amounts are 
anticipated to be between $500,000 and $1,500,000. The amount of 
funding available for competing and continuation awards issued under 
this announcement are subject to the availability of appropriations and 
budgetary priorities of the Agency. The IHS is under no obligation to 
make awards that are selected for funding under this announcement.

Anticipated Number of Awards

    Approximately two awards will be issued under this program 
announcement.

Project Period

    The project period is for five years and will run consecutively 
from September 30, 2017, to September 29, 2022.

Cooperative Agreement

    Cooperative agreements awarded by the Department of Health and 
Human Services (HHS) are administered under the same policies as a 
grant. However, the funding agency (IHS) is 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
    (1) Participate in community-level meetings with key stakeholders 
that address a strategy to combat the issue of alcohol use disorders 
and subsequent alcohol-related deaths.
    (2) Provide quarterly site visits for technical assistance on 
increasing the clinical capacity of services offered between the 
grantee and IHS programs, where available.
    (3) Provide subject matter expertise on policies, procedures, 
guidelines, and other services provided by the grantee.
    (4) Provide medical services as appropriate for individuals 
requiring a higher level of care, or medical clearance.
B. Grantee Cooperative Agreement Award Activities
    (1) Provide quarterly reports to the IHS program officer on the 
number of individuals served, number of individuals referred to 
treatment services, number of individuals who access services more than 
once, number of individuals who access safe housing options.
    (2) Provide semi-annual reports on successes and challenges, in 
addition to the data included in quarterly reports.
    (3) Host quarterly site visits for IHS officials to discuss 
progress, partnerships, and clinical capacity, challenges, and 
opportunities for improvement.
    (4) Provide hot meals, showers, hygiene kits, and other activities 
of daily living that are necessary for individuals in detoxification 
and treatment services.
    (5) Ensure coordination with cultural services and traditional 
healers to provide services while individuals are participating in 
services.
    (6) Provide transportation to and from medical appointments or for 
medical clearance and ensure that medication management is offered 
while individuals are participating in services.
    (7) Must use 100 percent of IHS grant funds for services provided 
to Indians.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligibility

    To be eligible for this ``New Opportunity'' under this 
announcement, an applicant must be a public or private institution 
operated by a state, local, Tribal, or private entity that operates 
direct, on-site alcohol and/or substance use disorder treatment 
services, including social alcohol detoxification services, to Indians. 
For purposes of this announcement, ``institution'' means an entity that 
provides services on an inpatient services. Eligible applicants must be 
able to start services on the first day of the award. Eligible 
applicants must serve Indians that make up at least 85 percent of the 
institution's average daily census.

    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 notified by 
email by the Division of Grants Management (DGM) of this decision.
Tribal Resolution
    An Indian Tribe or Tribal organization that is proposing a project 
affecting another Indian Tribe must include Tribal resolutions from all 
affected Tribes to be served. Applications by Tribal organizations will 
not require a specific Tribal resolution if the current Tribal 
resolution(s) under which they operate would encompass the proposed 
grant activities.
    An official signed Tribal resolution must be received by the DGM 
prior to

[[Page 37879]]

a Notice of Award (NoA) being issued to any applicant selected for 
funding. However, if an official signed Tribal resolution cannot be 
submitted with the electronic application submission prior to the 
official application deadline date, a draft Tribal resolution must be 
submitted by the deadline 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 official signed Tribal resolution 
is not received by DGM when funding decisions are made, then a NoA will 
not be issued to that applicant and they will not receive any IHS funds 
until such time as they have submitted a signed resolution to the 
Grants Management Specialist listed in this Funding Announcement.
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 DGM 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 http://www.ihs.gov/dgm/funding/.
    Questions regarding the electronic application process may be 
directed to Mr. Paul Gettys at (301) 443-2114 or (301) 443-5204.

2. Content and Form Application Submission

    The applicant must include the project narrative as an attachment 
to the application package. Mandatory documents for all applicants 
include:
    <bullet> Table of contents.
    <bullet> Abstract (one page) summarizing the project.
    <bullet> Application forms:
    [cir] SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance.
    [cir] SF-424A, Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs.
    [cir] SF-424B, Assurances--Non-Construction Programs.
    <bullet> Budget Justification and Narrative (must be single-spaced 
and not exceed four pages.
    <bullet> Project Narrative (must be single-spaced and not exceed 10 
pages).
    [cir] Background information on the organization.
    [cir] Proposed scope of work, objectives, and activities that 
provide a description of what will be accomplished, including a one-
page Timeframe Chart.
    <bullet> Letters of Support from organization's Board of Directors.
    <bullet> Tribal Resolution(s).
    <bullet> 501(c)(3) Certificate (if applicable).
    <bullet> Biographical sketches 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) 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: https://harvester.census.gov/facdissem/Main.aspx.
Public Policy Requirements
    All Federal-wide public policies apply to IHS grants and 
cooperative agreements with exception of the Discrimination policy.
Requirements for Project and Budget Narratives
    A. Project Narrative: This narrative should be a separate Word 
document that is no longer than 10 pages and must: Be single-spaced, 
type written, have consecutively numbered pages, use black type not 
smaller than 12 points, and be printed on one side only of standard 
size 8\1/2\<gr-thn-eq> x 11<gr-thn-eq> paper.
    Be sure to succinctly answer all questions listed under the 
evaluation criteria (refer to Section V.1, Evaluation criteria in this 
announcement) and place all responses and required information in the 
correct section (noted below), or they will not be considered or 
scored. These narratives will assist the Objective Review Committee 
(ORC) in becoming familiar with the applicant's activities and 
accomplishments prior to this possible cooperative agreement award. If 
the narrative exceeds the page limit, only the first 10 pages will be 
reviewed. The 10-page limit for the narrative does not include the work 
plan, standard forms, 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.
    The page limitations below are for each narrative and budget 
submitted.
Part A: Program Information (2 Pages)
Section 1: Needs
    Describe the current issue of alcohol use disorders, alcohol-
related deaths, and rates of alcohol-related liver cirrhosis, as well 
as other social and health issues impacted by alcohol-related deaths. 
Describe the program's current social detoxification program, who 
operates it, number of employees, how long it has been operating, what 
programs or services are currently being provided. Describe why the 
program is seeking additional funding and how it will be utilized to 
enhance current services. Provide a statement of fact on the clientele 
served, average daily census, and ratio of individuals served who are 
enrolled members of federally recognized Tribes to those who are not.
Part B: Program Planning and Evaluation (6 Pages)
Section 1: Program Plans
    Describe fully and clearly the direction the applicant plans to 
take to provide social detoxification, including three critical 
components of evaluation, stabilization, and fostering patient 
readiness for and entry into treatment. Describe how the applicant will 
provide safe housing and custodial care in a safe environment by 
employees who have successfully passed background checks who have been 
trained in social detoxification and who are familiar with the features 
of substance use withdrawal, have training in basic life support, and 
have access to emergency medical systems. Describe how the applicant 
will provide appropriate monitoring and security to prevent self-harm 
of served individuals and harm to others. Describe how the applicant 
has the ability to provide transportation to and from emergency 
departments, as needed.
    Describe fully and clearly the types of community partnerships and 
referral providers to provide health and behavioral health treatment 
services,

[[Page 37880]]

among others. Include information how the applicant will implement a 
communication and support strategy that includes with family members of 
individuals served (with their consent). Describe the applicant's 
ability to provide daily activities of living, such as exercise, 
showers, and hot meals, personal hygiene, blankets, appropriate 
clothing. Include information on how the applicant will provide 
culturally appropriate interventions and activities. Provide details on 
nurse support for medical issues and medication management and referral 
to a higher level of care, when needed; medication management, 
assessments, and screening of clients; and case management services.
Section 2: Program Evaluation
    Describe how the program intends to evaluate its activities to 
include successes, challenges, outputs, and outcomes.
Part C: Program Report (2 Pages)
    Section 1: Describe your organization's capacity to provide the 
activities that align with the purpose of this funding opportunity. 
Please identify current staffing and key personnel who will be 
responsible for the management of the cooperative agreement. Describe 
significant program activities and accomplishments over the past five 
years associated with the goals of this announcement.
B. Budget Narrative (4 Pages)
    This narrative must include a line item budget with a narrative 
justification for all expenditures identifying reasonable allowable, 
allocable costs necessary to accomplish the goals and objectives as 
outlined in the project narrative. Budget should match the scope of 
work described in the project narrative.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 
11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on the Application Deadline Date 
listed in the Key Dates section on page one of this announcement. Any 
application received after the application deadline will not be 
accepted for processing, nor will it be given further consideration for 
funding. Grants.gov will notify the applicant via email if the 
application is rejected.
    If technical challenges arise and assistance is required with the 
electronic application process, contact Grants.gov Customer Support via 
email to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#05767075756a7771456277646b71762b626a73"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="03707673736c7177436471626d77702d646c75">[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. Gettys 
(<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#174776627b39507263636e64577e7f6439707861"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5a0a3b2f36741d3f2e2e23291a333229743d352c">[email protected]</span></a>,) DGM Grant Systems Coordinator, by telephone at 
(301) 443-2114 or (301) 443-5204. 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.

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 
applicant.
    <bullet> IHS will not acknowledge receipt of applications.

6. Electronic Submission Requirements

    All applications must be submitted electronically. Please use the 
http://www.Grants.gov Web site to submit an application electronically 
and select the ``Find Grant Opportunities'' link on the homepage. 
Follow the instructions for submitting an application under the Package 
tab. Electronic copies of the application may not be submitted as 
attachments to email messages addressed to IHS employees or offices.
    If the applicant needs to submit a paper application instead of 
submitting electronically through Grants.gov, a waiver must be 
requested. Prior approval must be requested and obtained from Mr. 
Robert Tarwater, Director, DGM, (see Section IV.6 below for additional 
information). A written waiver request must be sent to 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b6f1c4d7d8c2c5e6d9dadfd5cff6dfdec598d1d9c0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7c3b0e1d12080f2c1310151f053c15140f521b130a">[email protected]</span></a> with a copy to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0c5e636e697e7822586d7e7b6d78697e4c65647f226b637a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="184a777a7d6a6c364c796a6f796c7d6a5871706b367f776e">[email protected]</span></a>. The waiver 
must: (1) Be documented in writing (emails are acceptable), before 
submitting a paper application, and (2) include clear justification for 
the need to deviate from the required electronic grants submission 
process.
    Once the waiver request has been approved, the applicant will 
receive a confirmation of approval email containing submission 
instructions and the mailing address to submit the application. A copy 
of the written approval must be submitted along with the hardcopy of 
the application that is mailed to DGM. Paper applications that are 
submitted without a copy of the signed waiver from the Director of the 
DGM will not be reviewed or considered for funding. The applicant will 
be notified via email of this decision by the Grants Management Officer 
of the DGM. Paper applications must be received by the DGM no later 
than 5:00 p.m., EDT, on the Application Deadline Date listed in the Key 
Dates section on page one of this announcement. Late applications will 
not be accepted for processing or considered for funding. Applicants 
that do not adhere to the timelines for System for Award Management 
(SAM) and/or http://www.Grants.gov registration or that fail to request 
timely assistance with technical issues will not be considered for a 
waiver to submit a paper application.
    Please be aware of the following:
    <bullet> Please search for the application package in http://www.Grants.gov by entering the CFDA number or the Funding Opportunity 
Number. Both numbers are located in the header of this announcement.
    <bullet> If you experience technical challenges while submitting 
your application electronically, please contact Grants.gov Support 
directly at: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#46353336362934320621342728323568212930"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3a494f4a4a55484e7a5d485b544e49145d554c">[email protected]</span></a> or (800) 518-4726. Customer Support is 
available to address questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (except on 
Federal holidays).
    <bullet> Upon contacting Grants.gov, obtain a tracking number as 
proof of contact. The tracking number is helpful if there are technical 
issues that cannot be resolved and a waiver from the agency must be 
obtained.
    <bullet> Applicants are strongly encouraged not to wait until the 
deadline date to begin the application process through Grants.gov as 
the registration process for SAM and Grants.gov could take up to 
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 Division of 
Behavioral Health will notify the applicant that the application has 
been received.
    <bullet> Email applications will not be accepted under this 
announcement.

[[Page 37881]]

Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)
    All IHS applicants and grantee organizations are required to obtain 
a DUNS number and maintain an active registration in the SAM database. 
The DUNS number is a unique 9-digit identification number provided by 
D&B which uniquely identifies each entity. The DUNS number is site 
specific; therefore, each distinct performance site may be assigned a 
DUNS number. Obtaining a DUNS number is easy, and there is no charge. 
To obtain a DUNS number, you may access it through http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform, or to expedite the process, call (866) 705-
5711.
    All HHS recipients are required by the Federal Funding 
Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006, as amended (``Transparency 
Act''), to report information on sub-awards. Accordingly, all IHS 
grantees must notify potential first-tier sub-recipients that no entity 
may receive a first-tier sub-award unless the entity has provided its 
DUNS number to the prime grantee organization. This requirement ensures 
the use of a universal identifier to enhance the quality of information 
available to the public pursuant to the Transparency Act.
System for Award Management (SAM)
    Organizations that were not registered with Central Contractor 
Registration and have not registered with SAM will need to obtain a 
DUNS number first and then access the SAM online registration through 
the SAM home page at https://www.sam.gov (U.S. organizations will also 
need to provide an Employer Identification Number from the Internal 
Revenue Service that may take an additional 2-5 weeks to become 
active). Completing and submitting the registration takes approximately 
one hour to complete and SAM registration will take 3-5 business days 
to process. Registration with the SAM is free of charge. Applicants may 
register online at https://www.sam.gov.
    Additional information on implementing the Transparency Act, 
including the specific requirements for DUNS and SAM, can be found on 
the IHS Grants Management, Grants Policy Web site: http://www.ihs.gov/dgm/policytopics/.

V. Application Review Information

    The instructions for preparing the application narrative also 
constitute the evaluation criteria for reviewing and scoring the 
application. Weights assigned to each section are noted in parentheses. 
The 10 page narrative should include only the first year of activities; 
information for multi-year projects should be included as an appendix. 
See ``Multi-year Project Requirements'' at the end of this section for 
more information. The narrative section should be written in a manner 
that is clear to outside reviewers unfamiliar with prior related 
activities of the applicant. It should be well organized, succinct, and 
contain all information necessary for reviewers to understand the 
project fully. Points will be assigned to each evaluation criteria 
adding up to a total of 100 points. A minimum score of 70 points is 
required for funding. Points are assigned as follows:

1. Criteria

A. Need for Assistance (30 Points)
    <bullet> The degree to which the applicant describes the issue of 
alcohol use disorders, alcohol-related deaths, and other social and 
health issues attributed to alcohol in the community they serve.
    <bullet> The degree to which the applicant demonstrates the need 
for funding and how the funding will complement, increase, and/or 
expand the services currently provided.
    <bullet> This section must include the applicant's service 
population, average daily census, and statement of fact that more than 
85 percent of the clientele they serve are members of federally 
recognized Tribes. Without this information, applicants will receive a 
score of 0 for this section.
B. Work Plan, Approach, and Program Approach (40 Points)
    <bullet> The degree to which the applicant plans to provide social 
detoxification, safe housing, and outpatient treatment, including 
custodial care in a safe environment.
    <bullet> How well the applicant describes the process of ensuring 
employees have passed background checks and are training in appropriate 
substance use disorder intervention and treatment.
    <bullet> How well the applicant describes its community 
partnerships and referral network for health and behavioral health 
treatment services.
    <bullet> How well the applicant describes appropriate monitoring of 
individuals accessing services and provides security services to ensure 
safety and prevention of self-harm and harm to others.
    <bullet> How well the applicant describes its communication 
strategy with family members.
    <bullet> How well the applicant describes its community 
partnerships and referral network for treatment services, including 
when medical detoxification is required.
    <bullet> How well the applicant describes its ability to provide 
activities of daily living, exercise, showers, hot meals, cultural 
activities, blankets, and appropriate clothing.
    <bullet> How well the applicant describes its ability to provide 
nurse support for medical issues and medication management, 
assessments, screening, and case management.
C. Program Evaluation (10 Points)
    <bullet> How well the applicant provides a plan to evaluate its own 
impact, including successes and challenges, as well as a plan for the 
type of data that will be collected and submitted on a quarterly basis 
that demonstrate the program's outputs and annual basis that 
demonstrate the program's annual outcomes.
D. Organizational Capabilities, Key Personnel and Qualifications (10 
Points)
    <bullet> How well the applicant describes the capacity to provide 
services on day 1 of the award.
    <bullet> How well the applicant describes the operations and 
management of the services currently being provided.
    <bullet> The degree to which the applicant describes its staffing 
level, experience and education of staff, and key personnel who will 
manage the project.
E. Categorical Budget and Budget Justification (10 Points)
    <bullet> How clear the applicant demonstrates each budget item 
aligns with its proposed work plan and program approach.
    <bullet> The degree to which the applicant budgets for evaluation 
activities.
Multi-Year Project Requirements
    Projects requiring a second, third, fourth, and/or fifth year must 
include a brief project narrative and budget (one additional page per 
year) addressing the developmental plans for each additional year of 
the project.
Additional Documents Can Be Uploaded as Appendix Items in Grants.gov
    <bullet> Work plan, logic model and/or time line for proposed 
objectives.
    <bullet> Position descriptions for key staff.
    <bullet> Resumes of key staff that reflect current duties.
    <bullet> Consultant or contractor proposed scope of work and letter 
of commitment (if applicable).
    <bullet> Current Indirect Cost Agreement.
    <bullet> Organizational chart.
    <bullet> Map of area identifying project location(s).
    <bullet> Additional documents to support narrative (i.e. data 
tables, key news articles, etc.).

[[Page 37882]]

2. Review and Selection

    Each application will be prescreened by the DGM staff for 
eligibility and completeness as outlined in the funding announcement. 
Applications that meet the eligibility criteria shall be reviewed for 
merit by the ORC based on evaluation criteria in this funding 
announcement. The ORC could be composed of both Tribal and Federal 
reviewers appointed by the IHS Program to review and make 
recommendations on these applications. The technical review process 
ensures selection of quality projects in a national competition for 
limited funding. Incomplete applications and applications that are non-
responsive to the eligibility criteria will not be referred to the ORC. 
The applicant will be notified via email of this decision by the Grants 
Management Officer of the DGM. Applicants will be notified by DGM, via 
email, 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, 70 and were deemed to be disapproved by the ORC, 
will receive an Executive Summary Statement from the IHS program office 
within 30 days of the conclusion of the ORC outlining the strengths and 
weaknesses of their application. The summary statement will be sent to 
the Authorized Organizational Representative that is identified on the 
face page (SF-424) of the application. The IHS program office will also 
provide additional contact information as needed to address questions 
and concerns as well as provide technical assistance if desired.
Approved But Unfunded Applicants
    Approved but unfunded applicants that met the minimum scoring range 
and were deemed by the ORC to be ``Approved,'' but were not funded due 
to lack of funding, will have their applications held by DGM for a 
period of one year. If additional funding becomes available during the 
course of FY 2017 the approved but unfunded application may be re-
considered by the awarding program office for possible funding. The 
applicant will also receive an Executive Summary Statement from the IHS 
program office within 30 days of the conclusion of the ORC.

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

2. Administrative Requirements

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

3. Indirect Costs

    This section applies to all grant recipients that request 
reimbursement of indirect costs (IDC) in their grant application. In 
accordance with HHS Grants Policy Statement, Part II-27, IHS requires 
applicants to obtain a current IDC rate agreement prior to award. The 
rate agreement must be prepared in accordance with the applicable cost 
principles and guidance as provided by the cognizant agency or office. 
A current rate covers the applicable grant activities under the current 
award's budget period. If the current rate is not on file with the DGM 
at the time of award, the IDC portion of the budget will be restricted. 
The restrictions remain in place until the current rate is provided to 
the DGM.
    Generally, IDC rates for IHS grantees are negotiated with the 
Division of Cost Allocation (DCA) https://rates.psc.gov/ and the 
Department of Interior (Interior Business Center) https://www.doi.gov/ibc/services/finance/indirect-Cost-Services/indian-tribes. For 
questions regarding the indirect cost policy, please call the Grants 
Management Specialist listed under ``Agency Contacts'' or the main DGM 
office at (301) 443-5204.

4. Reporting Requirements

    The grantee must submit required reports consistent with the 
applicable deadlines. Failure to submit required reports within the 
time allowed may result in suspension or termination of an active 
grant, withholding of additional awards for the project, or other 
enforcement actions such as withholding of payments or converting to 
the reimbursement method of payment. Continued failure to submit 
required reports may result in one or both of the following: (1) The 
imposition of special award provisions; and (2) the non-funding or non-
award of other eligible projects or activities. This requirement 
applies whether the delinquency is attributable to the failure of the 
grantee organization or the individual responsible for preparation of 
the reports. Per DGM policy, all reports are required to be submitted 
electronically by attaching them as a ``Grant Note'' in GrantSolutions. 
Personnel responsible for submitting reports will be required to obtain 
a login and password for GrantSolutions. Please see the Agency Contacts 
list in section VII for the systems contact information.
    The reporting requirements for this program are noted below.
A. Progress Reports
    Program progress reports are required 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, a summary of progress to date or, if applicable, provide sound 
justification for the lack of progress, and other pertinent information 
as required. A final report must be submitted within 90 days of 
expiration of the budget/project period.

[[Page 37883]]

B. Financial Reports
    Federal Financial Report (FFR or SF-425), Cash Transaction Reports 
are due 30 days after the close of every calendar quarter to the 
Payment Management Services, HHS at https://pms.psc.gov. It is 
recommended that the applicant also send a copy of the FFR (SF-425) 
report to the Grants Management Specialist. Failure to submit timely 
reports may cause a disruption in timely payments to the organization.
    Grantees are responsible and accountable for accurate information 
being reported on all required reports: The Progress Reports and 
Federal Financial Report.
C. Federal Sub-Award Reporting System (FSRS)
    This award may be subject to the Transparency Act sub-award and 
executive compensation reporting requirements of 2 CFR part 170.
    The Transparency Act requires the OMB to establish a single 
searchable database, accessible to the public, with information on 
financial assistance awards made by Federal agencies. The Transparency 
Act also includes a requirement for recipients of Federal grants to 
report information about first-tier sub-awards and executive 
compensation under Federal assistance awards.
    IHS has implemented a Term of Award into all IHS Standard Terms and 
Conditions, NoAs and funding announcements regarding the FSRS reporting 
requirement. This IHS Term of Award is applicable to all IHS grant and 
cooperative agreements issued on or after October 1, 2010, with a 
$25,000 sub-award obligation dollar threshold met for any specific 
reporting period. Additionally, all new (discretionary) IHS awards 
(where the 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 sub-award 
obligation dollar threshold during any specific reporting period will 
be required to address the FSRS reporting.
    For the full IHS award term implementing this requirement and 
additional award applicability information, visit the DGM Grants Policy 
Web site at: http://www.ihs.gov/dgm/policytopics/.
D. Compliance With Executive Order 13166 Implementation of Services
Accessibility Provisions for All Grant Application Packages and Funding 
Opportunity Announcements
    Recipients of federal financial assistance (FFA) from HHS must 
administer their programs in compliance with federal civil rights law. 
This means that recipients of HHS funds must ensure equal access to 
their programs without regard to a person's race, color, national 
origin, disability, age and, in some circumstances, sex and religion. 
This includes ensuring your programs are accessible to persons with 
limited English proficiency. HHS provides guidance to recipients of FFA 
on meeting their legal obligation to take reasonable steps to provide 
meaningful access to their programs by persons with limited English 
proficiency. Please see http://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/special-topics/limited-english-proficiency/guidance-federal-financial-assistance-recipients-title-VI/.
    The HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) also provides guidance on 
complying with civil rights laws enforced by HHS. Please see http://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/section-1557/index.html; and 
http://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/index.html. Recipients of FFA also have 
specific legal obligations for serving qualified individuals with 
disabilities. Please see http://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/disability/index.html. Please contact the HHS OCR for more 
information about obligations and prohibitions under federal civil 
rights laws at https://www.hhs.gov/ocr/about-us/index.html or call 1-
800-368-1019 or TDD 1-800-537-7697. Also note it is an HHS Departmental 
goal to ensure access to quality, culturally competent care, including 
long-term services and supports, for vulnerable populations. For 
further guidance on providing culturally and linguistically appropriate 
services, recipients should review the National Standards for 
Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health and Health 
Care at http://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/browse.aspx?lvl=2&lvlid=53.
    Pursuant to 45 CFR 80.3(d), an individual shall not be deemed 
subjected to discrimination by reason of his/her exclusion from 
benefits limited by federal law to individuals eligible for benefits 
and services from the IHS.
    Recipients will be required to sign the HHS-690 Assurance of 
Compliance form which can be obtained from the following Web site: 
http://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/forms/hhs-690.pdf, and send it 
directly to the: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office 
of Civil Rights, 200 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20201.
F. Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System 
(FAPIIS)
    The IHS is required to review and consider any information about 
the applicant that is in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity 
Information System (FAPIIS) before making any award in excess of the 
simplified acquisition threshold (currently $150,000) over the period 
of performance. An applicant may review and comment on any information 
about itself that a federal awarding agency previously entered. IHS 
will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to other 
information in FAPIIS in making a judgment about the applicant's 
integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under federal 
awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as 
described in 45 CFR 75.205.
    As required by 45 CFR part 75 Appendix XII of the Uniform Guidance, 
non-federal entities (NFEs) are required to disclose in FAPIIS any 
information about criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings, and/
or affirm that there is no new information to provide. This applies to 
NFEs that receive federal awards (currently active grants, cooperative 
agreements, and procurement contracts) greater than $10,000,000 for any 
period of time during the period of performance of an award/project.
Mandatory Disclosure Requirements
    As required by 2 CFR part 200 of the Uniform Guidance, and the HHS 
implementing regulations at 45 CFR part 75, effective January 1, 2016, 
the IHS must require a non-federal entity or an applicant for a federal 
award to disclose, in a timely manner, in writing to the IHS or pass-
through entity all violations of federal criminal law involving fraud, 
bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the federal 
award.
    Submission is required for all applicants and recipients, in 
writing, to the IHS and to the HHS Office of Inspector General all 
information related to violations of federal criminal law involving 
fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the 
federal award. 45 CFR 75.113.
    Disclosures must be sent in writing to: U.S. Department of Health 
and Human Services, Indian Health Service, Division of Grants 
Management, ATTN: Robert Tarwater, Director, 5600 Fishers Lane, Mail 
Stop: 09E70, Rockville, MD 20857, (Include ``Mandatory Grant

[[Page 37884]]

Disclosures'' in subject line), Office: (301) 443-5204, Fax: (301) 594-
0899, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#eebc818c8b9c9ac0ba8f9c998f9a8b9cae87869dc0898198"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="bceed3ded9cec892e8ddcecbddc8d9cefcd5d4cf92dbd3ca">[email protected]</span></a>.

AND

    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector 
General, ATTN: Mandatory Grant Disclosures, Intake Coordinator, 330 
Independence Avenue SW., Cohen Building, Room 5527, Washington, DC 
20201, URL: http://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud/index.asp (Include 
``Mandatory Grant Disclosures'' in subject line), Fax: (202) 205-0604 
(Include ``Mandatory Grant Disclosures'' in subject line) or Email: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f7ba969993968398858eb0859699839292b39e84949b988482859284b7989e90d99f9f84d9909881"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2e634f404a4f5a415c57695c4f405a4b4b6a475d4d42415d5b5c4b5d6e4147490046465d00494158">[email protected]</span></a>.
    Failure to make required disclosures can result in any of the 
remedies described in 45 CFR 75.371 Remedies for noncompliance, 
including suspension or debarment (See 2 CFR parts 180 & 376 and 31 
U.S.C. 3321).

VII. Agency Contacts

    1. Questions on the programmatic issues may be directed to: Dr. 
Beverly Cotton, Director, Division of Behavioral Health, 5600 Fishers 
Lane, Mail Stop: 08N34A, Rockville, MD 20857, Phone: (301) 443-4754, 
Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3250574457405e4b1c515d46465d5c725b5a411c555d44"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f99b9c8f9c8b9580d79a968d8d9697b990918ad79e968f">[email protected]</span></a>.
    2. Questions on grants management and fiscal matters may be 
directed to: Willis Grant, Senior Grants Management Specialist, 5600 
Fishers Lane, Mail Stop: 09E70, Rockville, MD 20857, Phone: (301) 443-
2214, Fax: (301) 594-0899, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2f78464343465c01685d4e415b6f46475c01484059"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="491e202525203a670e3b28273d0920213a672e263f">[email protected]</span></a>.
    3. Questions on systems matters may be directed to: Paul Gettys, 
Grant Systems Coordinator, 5600 Fishers Lane, Mail Stop: 09E70, 
Rockville, MD 20857, Phone: (301) 443-2114; or the DGM main line (301) 
443-5204, Fax: (301) 594-0899, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7a2a1b0f16543d1f0e0e03093a131209541d150c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="98c8f9edf4b6dffdecece1ebd8f1f0ebb6fff7ee">[email protected]</span></a>.

VIII. Other Information

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

    Dated: August 8, 2017.
Michael D. Weahkee,
Assistant Surgeon General, U.S. Public Health Service, Acting Director, 
Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-17102 Filed 8-11-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4165-16-P


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