[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 157 (Wednesday, August 16, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 38913-38920]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-17311]


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 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service


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

Announcement Type: Competing Supplement
Funding Announcement Number: HHS-2017-IHS-EPI-0001
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.231

Key Dates

Application Deadline Date: September 19, 2017
Review Date: September 21, 2017

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Statutory Authority

    The Indian Health Service (IHS) Office of Public Health Support, 
Division of Epidemiology and Disease Prevention (DEDP), is accepting 
applications for a cooperative agreement for competitive supplemental 
funds to enhance activities in the Epidemiology Program for American 
Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Tribes and Urban Indian communities. This 
program is authorized under: The Public Health Service Act, at 42 
U.S.C. 241, 247b(k)(2), 282, 284 and 285t. Funding for this award will 
be provided by: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) 
National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH) and the National 
Institutes of Health's (NIH) National Institute on Minority Health and 
Health Disparities (NIMHD). The authorities will be exercised through 
an Intra-Departmental Delegation of Authority (IDDA) with IHS to create 
a new funding opportunity for Tribal Epidemiology Centers: This program 
is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) under 
93.231.

Background

    The Tribal Epidemiology Center (TEC) program was authorized by 
Congress in 1998 as a way to provide public health support to multiple 
Tribes and Urban Indian communities in each of the IHS Areas. The 
funding opportunity announcement is open to eligible Tribes, Tribal 
organizations, Indian organizations, intertribal consortia, and Urban 
Indian organizations, including currently-funded TECs.
    TECs are uniquely positioned within Tribes, Tribal and Urban Indian 
organizations to conduct disease surveillance, research, prevention and 
control of disease, injury, or disability, and to assess the 
effectiveness of AI/AN public health programs. In addition, they can 
fill gaps in data needed for Government Performance and Results Act and 
Healthy People 2020 measures. Some of the existing TECs have already 
developed innovative strategies to monitor the health status of Tribes 
and Urban Indian communities, including development of Tribal health 
registries and use of sophisticated record linkage computer software to 
correct existing state data sets for racial misclassification. TECs 
work in partnership with IHS DEDP to provide a more accurate national 
picture of Indian health status. This program will utilize CDC and NIH 
funding to further the ongoing work of IHS and the TECs.
    The mission of NIMHD is to promote minority health and to lead, 
coordinate, support, and assess the NIH effort to reduce and ultimately 
eliminate health disparities.
    The NCEH has identified a public health gap in the nation's ability 
to link environmental hazards and exposure to chronic disease issues, 
and to provide information to a variety of audiences from a nationwide 
network of integrated health and environmental data that drives actions 
to improve health outcomes. The NCEH is seeking, through this 
announcement, to support the creation of a mechanism by which Tribal 
data can be submitted to the Environmental Public Health Tracking 
Network and further explore the application of Tribal data to 
environmental public health.

Purpose

    The purpose of this cooperative agreement is to strengthen public 
health capacity and to fund Tribes, Tribal and Urban Indian 
organizations, and intertribal consortia in identifying relevant health 
status indicators and priorities using sound epidemiologic principles. 
Work-plans submitted in response to this announcement must clearly 
state the grantee's desired objectives and address at least one of the 
Recipient Activities under this announcement. Recipient Activities may 
address one or all of the below two groups of activities:
A. NIH, NIMHD Activities
    (1) Development and implementation of data collection efforts to 
identify and document health disparities experienced by AI/AN 
populations;
    (2) Compilation of existing data (e.g., healthcare utilization, 
vital statistics data) to generate health profiles and document health 
disparities in AI/AN populations;

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    (3) Implementation and evaluation of public health awareness 
campaigns to increase knowledge and attention to significant high 
priority health issues in AI/AN communities; and
    (4) Implementation and evaluation of public health interventions to 
promote health or address disparities in AI/AN communities.
B. CDC, NCEH Activities
    (1) Establish data sources to pilot-test Tribal data within the 
Tracking Network, a Web-based system of environmental health data and 
information;
    (2) Identify and work with Tribal partners to use environmental 
health data and data outputs relevant to local decision-making and 
implementing environmental health interventions;
    (3) Establish indicators for the priorities identified;
    (4) Work with CDC to address confidentiality concerns through 
methods such as temporal aggregation and suppression;
    (5) Work with CDC to develop content for the AI/AN Web pages on the 
Tracking Network and to establish the data displays for Tribal data, 
such as maps or charts to visualize Tribal data;
    (6) Work with CDC and its partners to explore the application of 
Tribal data to environmental public health;
    (7) Build environmental epidemiology capacity within the TECs;
    (8) Provide assistance to fellow TECs regarding Tribal issues with 
addressing environmental health data gaps; and
    (9) Present results from environmental health data assessment and 
promote pilot project methodology and outcomes to other TECs.

Limited Competition Justification

    TECs are statutorily authorized as public health authorities for 
tribes and Urban Indian communities with responsibility for essential 
public health infrastructure services such as data collection and 
analysis, evaluation and targeting of services, and provision of 
technical assistance. [25 U.S.C. 1621(m)] Other organizations do not 
have capacity to provide this support. Additionally, like state, local 
and territorial health departments, TECs have statutory public health 
authorities as described above and perform public health functions for 
the Tribes in their administrative area. They also derive authority 
from the Tribes they serve to perform these functions. Unlike their 
counterparts, they have no (or little) funding from their 
jurisdictional governments to perform these public functions.
    IHS, CDC, and NIH have determined that the TECs provide the most 
effective approach to strengthen public health capacity and support to 
support Tribes, Tribal and Urban Indian organizations, and intertribal 
consortia in identifying relevant health status indicators and 
priorities using sound epidemiologic principles.

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 $961,500. A total of $840,000 will be 
awarded for NIMHD-funded activities and a total of $121,500 will be 
awarded for CDC/NCEH Activities.
    Individual award amounts are anticipated to be between $70,000 and 
$191,500 annually. 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 funding 
agencies and the IHS. The IHS is under no obligation to make awards 
that are selected for funding under this announcement.

Anticipated Number of Awards

    Approximately 12 awards will be issued under this program 
announcement.

Project Period

    The project period is for four years and will run consecutively 
from September 30, 2017 to September 29, 2021.

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 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) Provide funded TECs with ongoing consultation and technical 
assistance to plan, implement, and evaluate each component as described 
under Recipient Activities. Consultation and technical assistance may 
include, but not be limited to, the following areas:
    i. Interpretation of current scientific literature related to 
epidemiology, statistics, surveillance, and other public health issues;
    ii. Design and implementation of each program component such as 
surveillance, epidemiologic analysis, outbreak investigation, 
development of epidemiologic studies, development of disease control 
programs, and coordination of activities; and
    iii. Overall operational planning and program management.
    (2) Conduct routine site visits to TECs and/or coordinate TEC 
visits to IHS to assess work plans and ensure data security; confirm 
compliance with applicable laws and regulations; assess program 
activities; and to mutually resolve problems, as needed.
    (3) Provide training in the use of data from the Epidemiology Data 
Mart (EDM) for the purposes of creating reports for disease 
surveillance, epidemiologic analysis, and epidemiologic studies. 
Training can be provided online, or at the request of the grantee 
onsite.
    (4) Coordinate reporting and technical assistance with funding 
agencies.
B. Grantee Cooperative Agreement Award Activities
    (1) Develop and deploy a plan of action to accomplish each 
component as described under Recipient Activities.
    (2) Submit all data products to IHS, with a brief description of 
the methodologies and data sources used to produce the products.
    (3) Succinctly and independently address and report on the 
requirements for each funding stream awarded under Recipient 
Activities. Specifically:
    (i) NIMHD Program Activities must report:
    (a) NIMHD support and collaboration must be highlighted in all 
documents and press releases associated with the activities.
    (ii) CDC, NCEH
    (a) Provide a work plan to accomplish tasks described under CDC, 
NCEH Activities.
    (b) Quarterly calls with a CDC Project Officer to discuss progress 
of activities.
    (c) Provide a final report that highlights successes and challenges 
over the previous project year.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligibility

    Only current TEC grantees are eligible to apply for the competing 
supplemental funding under this announcement and must demonstrate

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that they have complied with previous terms and conditions of the TEC 
program.
    Eligible Applicants must be one of the following as defined by 25 
U.S.C. 1603:
    <bullet> A Federally-recognized Indian Tribe as defined by 25 
U.S.C. 1603(14); operating an Indian health program operated pursuant 
to a contract, grant, cooperative agreement, or compact with IHS 
pursuant to the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act 
(ISDEAA), 25 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.
    <bullet> A Tribal organization as defined by 25 U.S.C. 1603(26); 
operating an Indian health program operated pursuant to a contract, 
grant, cooperative agreement, or compact with the IHS pursuant to the 
ISDEAA, 25 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.
    <bullet> An Urban Indian organization as defined by 25 U.S.C. 
1603(29); operating a Title V Urban Indian health program that 
currently has a grant or contract with the IHS under Title V of the 
Indian Health Care Improvement Act, 25 U.S.C. 1601 et seq. [Public Law 
(Pub. L.) 93-437]. Applicants must provide proof of non-profit status 
with the application, e.g. 501(c)(3).

    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.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Obtaining Application Materials

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

2. Content and Form Application Submission

    The applicant must include the project narrative as an attachment 
to the application package. Mandatory documents for all applicants 
include:
    <bullet> Table of contents.
    <bullet> Abstract (one page) summarizing the project.
    <bullet> Application forms:
    [cir] SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance.
    [cir] SF-424A, Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs.
    [cir] SF-424B, Assurances--Non-Construction Programs.
    <bullet> Budget Justification and Narrative (must be single-spaced 
and not exceed 5 pages).
    <bullet> Project Narrative (must be single-spaced and not exceed 10 
pages).
    [cir] Background information on the organization.
    [cir] Proposed scope of work, objectives, and activities that 
provide a description of what will be accomplished, including a one-
page Timeframe Chart.
    <bullet> Tribal Resolution(s).
    <bullet> Letters of Support from organization's Board of Directors.
    <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, be 
type written, have consecutively numbered pages, use black type not 
smaller than 12 points, and be printed on one side only of standard 
size 8\1/2\'' x 11'' paper.
    Be sure to succinctly answer all questions listed under the 
evaluation criteria (refer to Section V.1, Evaluation criteria in this 
announcement) and place all responses and required information in the 
correct section (noted below), or they will not be considered or 
scored. These narratives will assist the 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 (3 pages)
    Section 1: Introduction and need for assistance.
    Must include the applicant's background information, a description 
of epidemiological service, epidemiological capacity and history of 
support for such activities. Applicants need to include current public 
health activities, what program services are currently being provided, 
and interactions with other public health authorities in the region 
(state, local, or Tribal).
    Section 2: Organizational capabilities.
    The applicant must describe staff capabilities or hiring plans for 
the key personnel with appropriate expertise in epidemiology, health 
sciences, and program management. The applicant must also demonstrate 
access to specialized expertise such as a doctoral level epidemiologist 
and/or a biostatistician. Applicants must include an organizational 
chart, and provide position descriptions and biographical sketches of 
key personnel including consultants or contractors. The position 
description should clearly describe each position and its duties. 
Resume should indicate that proposed staff is qualified to carry out 
the project activities.
    Section 3: User population.
    The number of AI/ANs served must be substantiated by documentation 
describing IHS user populations, United

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States Census Bureau data, clinical catchment data, or any method that 
is scientifically and epidemiologically valid.
Part B: Program Planning and Evaluation (5 pages)
    Section 1: Program Plans.
    Applicant must include a work-plan that describes program goals, 
objectives, activities, timeline, and responsible person for carrying 
out the objectives/activities. The applicant must specify which 
activities listed under the Grantee Cooperative Agreement Award 
Activities are proposed.
    Section 2: Program Evaluation.
    Applicant must define the criteria to be used to evaluate 
activities listed in the work-plan under the Grantee Cooperative 
Agreement Award Activities. They must explain the methodology that will 
be used to determine if the needs identified for the objectives are 
being met and if the outcomes identified are being achieved and 
describe how evaluation findings will be disseminated to stakeholders.
Part C: Program Report (2 pages)
    Section 1: Describe your organization's significant program 
activities and accomplishments over the past five years associated with 
the goals of this announcement.
    Section 2: Describe major activities over the last 24 months.
    Sample: Please identify and summarize recent major health related 
project activities of the work done during the project period.
B. Budget Narrative (5 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. IHS will not acknowledge receipt of 
applications.
    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#25565055554a5751654257444b51560b424a53"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c2b1b7b2b2adb0b682a5b0a3acb6b1eca5adb4">[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#91c1f0e4fdbfd6f4e5e5e8e2d1f8f9e2bff6fee7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6939081c05472e0c1d1d101a2900011a470e061f">[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 Grant Systems Coordinator until you have received a 
Grants.gov tracking number. In the event you are not able to obtain a 
tracking number, call the DGM Grant Systems Coordinator 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.

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#753207141b0106251a191c160c351c1d065b121a03"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c087b2a1aeb4b390afaca9a3b980a9a8b3eea7afb6">[email protected]</span></a> with a copy to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#aefcc1cccbdcda80facfdcd9cfdacbdceec7c6dd80c9c1d8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2b7944494e595f057f4a595c4a5f4e596b424358054c445d">[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#12616762627d6066527560737c66613c757d64"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d0a3a5a0a0bfa2a490b7a2b1bea4a3feb7bfa6">[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 DEDP will notify 
the applicant that the application has been received.

[[Page 38917]]

    <bullet> Email applications will not be accepted under this 
announcement.
Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)
    All IHS applicants and grantee organizations are required to obtain 
a DUNS number and maintain an active registration in the SAM database. 
The DUNS number is a unique 9-digit identification number provided by 
D&B which uniquely identifies each entity. The DUNS number is site 
specific; therefore, each distinct performance site may be assigned a 
DUNS number. Obtaining a DUNS number is easy, and there is no charge. 
To obtain a DUNS number, you may access it through http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform, or to expedite the process, call (866) 705-
5711.
    All HHS recipients are required by the Federal Funding 
Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006, as amended (``Transparency 
Act''), to report information on sub-awards. Accordingly, all IHS 
grantees must notify potential first-tier sub-recipients that no entity 
may receive a first-tier sub-award unless the entity has provided its 
DUNS number to the prime grantee organization. This requirement ensures 
the use of a universal identifier to enhance the quality of information 
available to the public pursuant to the Transparency Act.
System for Award Management (SAM)
    Organizations that were not registered with Central Contractor 
Registration and have not registered with SAM will need to obtain a 
DUNS number first and then access the SAM online registration through 
the SAM home page at https://www.sam.gov (U.S. organizations will also 
need to provide an Employer Identification Number from the Internal 
Revenue Service that may take an additional 2-5 weeks to become 
active). Completing and submitting the registration takes approximately 
one hour to complete and SAM registration will take 3-5 business days 
to process. Registration with the SAM is free of charge. Applicants may 
register online at https://www.sam.gov.
    Additional information on implementing the Transparency Act, 
including the specific requirements for DUNS and SAM, can be found on 
the IHS Grants Management, Grants Policy 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 65 points is 
required for funding. Points are assigned as follows:

1. Criteria

A. Introduction and Need for Assistance (25 points)
    (1) Describe the applicant's current public health activities 
including programs or services currently provided, interactions with 
other public health authorities in the regions (state, local, or 
Tribal) and how long it has been operating. Specifically describe 
current epidemiologic capacity and history of support for such 
activities.
    (2) Provide a physical location of the TEC and area to be served by 
the proposed program including a map (include the map in the 
attachments), and specifically describe the office space and how it is 
going to be paid for.
    (3) Describe the applicant's user population. The applicant must 
demonstrate AI/ANs will be served and must be substantiated by 
documentation describing IHS user populations, United States Census 
Bureau data, clinical catchment data, or any method that is 
scientifically and epidemiologically valid data.
B. Project Objective(s), Work Plan and Approach (45 points)
    (1) State in measurable and realistic terms the objectives and 
appropriate activities to achieve each objective for the projects as 
listed in the Substantial Involvement Description for Cooperative 
Agreement, B. Grantee Cooperative Agreement Award Activities.
    (2) Identify the expected results, benefits, and outcomes or 
products to be derived from each objective of the project.
    (3) Include a work-plan for each objective that indicates when the 
objectives and major activities will be accomplished and who will 
conduct the activities.
C. Program Evaluation (10 points)
    (1) Define the criteria to be used to evaluate activities listed in 
the work-plan under the Substantial Involvement Description for 
Cooperative Agreement, B. Grantee Cooperative Agreement Award 
Activities.
    (2) Explain the methodology that will be used to determine if the 
needs identified for the objectives are being met and if the outcomes 
identified are being achieved.
    (3) Describe how evaluation findings will be disseminated to 
stakeholders.
D. Organizational Capabilities, Key Personnel and Qualifications (15 
points)
    (1) Explain both the management and administrative structure of the 
organization including documentation of current certified financial 
management systems from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, IHS, or a 
Certified Public Accountant and an updated organizational chart 
(include in appendix).
    (2) Describe the ability of the organization to manage a program of 
the proposed scope.
    (3) Provide position descriptions and biographical sketches of key 
personnel, including those of consultants or contractors in the 
Appendix. Position descriptions should very clearly describe each 
position and its duties, indicating desired qualification and 
experience requirements related to the project. Resumes should indicate 
that the proposed staff is qualified to carry out the project 
activities. Applicants with expertise in epidemiology will receive 
priority.
    (4) Applicant must at least have two epidemiologists as part of the 
proposal.
E. Categorical Budget and Budget Justification (5 points)
    (1) The five points for Categorical Budget only applies to Year 1. 
Provide a line item budget and budget narrative for Year 1.
    (2) Provide a justification by line item in the budget including 
sufficient cost and other details to facilitate the determination of 
cost allowance and relevance of these costs to the proposed project. 
The funds requested should be appropriate and necessary for the scope 
of the project.
    (3) If use of consultants or contractors are proposed or 
anticipated, provide a detailed budget and scope of work that clearly 
defines the deliverables or outcomes anticipated.
    (4) If the applicant will be hosting a conference, the applicant 
must include a separate detailed budget justification and narrative for 
the conference. The

[[Page 38918]]

cost categories to be addressed are as follows: (1) Contract/Planner, 
(2) Meeting Space/Venue, (3) Registration Web site, (4) Audio Visual, 
(5) Speakers Fees, (6) Non-Federal Attendee Travel, (7) Registration 
Fees, (8) Other (explain in detail and cost breakdown).
    (5) Applicant is encouraged to submit a line item budget and budget 
narrative by category for years 2-5 as an appendix to show the five-
year plan of the proposal.
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.).

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, 65, and were deemed to be disapproved by the ORC, 
will receive an Executive Summary Statement from the IHS program office 
within 30 days of the conclusion of the ORC outlining the strengths and 
weaknesses of their application. The summary statement will be sent to 
the Authorized Organizational Representative that is identified on the 
face page (SF-424) of the application. The IHS program office will also 
provide additional contact information as needed to address questions 
and concerns as well as provide technical assistance if desired.
Approved But Unfunded Applicants
    Approved but unfunded applicants that met the minimum scoring range 
and were deemed by the ORC to be ``Approved,'' but were not funded due 
to lack of funding, will have their applications 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

[[Page 38919]]

other enforcement actions such as withholding of payments or converting 
to the reimbursement method of payment. Continued failure to submit 
required reports may result in one or both of the following: (1) The 
imposition of special award provisions; and (2) the non-funding or non-
award of other eligible projects or activities. This requirement 
applies whether the delinquency is attributable to the failure of the 
grantee organization or the individual responsible for preparation of 
the reports. Per DGM policy, all reports are required to be submitted 
electronically by attaching them as a ``Grant Note'' in GrantSolutions. 
Personnel responsible for submitting reports will be required to obtain 
a login and password for GrantSolutions. Please see the Agency Contacts 
list in section VII for the systems contact information.
    The reporting requirements for this program are noted below.
A. Progress Reports
    Program progress reports are required annually, within 30 days 
after the budget period ends. These reports must include a brief 
comparison of actual accomplishments to the goals established for the 
period, a summary of progress to date or, if applicable, provide sound 
justification for the lack of progress, and other pertinent information 
as required. A final report must be submitted within 90 days of 
expiration of the budget/project period.
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 http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/about-us/contact-us/headquarters-and-regional-addresses/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 
support, 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.
E. Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System 
(FAPIIS)
    The IHS is required to review and consider any information about 
the applicant that is in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity 
Information System (FAPIIS) before making any award in excess of the 
simplified acquisition threshold (currently $150,000) over the period 
of performance. An applicant may review and comment on any information 
about itself that a federal awarding agency previously entered. IHS 
will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to other 
information in FAPIIS in making a judgment about the applicant's 
integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under federal 
awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as 
described in 45 CFR 75.205.
    As required by 45 CFR part 75 Appendix XII of the Uniform Guidance, 
non-federal entities (NFEs) are required to disclose in FAPIIS any 
information about criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings, and/
or affirm that there is no new information to provide. This applies to 
NFEs that receive federal

[[Page 38920]]

awards (currently active grants, cooperative agreements, and 
procurement contracts) greater than $10,000,000 for any period of time 
during the period of performance of an award/project.
Mandatory Disclosure Requirements
    As required by 2 CFR part 200 of the Uniform Guidance, and the HHS 
implementing regulations at 45 CFR part 75, effective January 1, 2016, 
the IHS must require a non-federal entity or an applicant for a federal 
award to disclose, in a timely manner, in writing to the IHS or pass-
through entity all violations of federal criminal law involving fraud, 
bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the federal 
award.
    Submission is required for all applicants and recipients, in 
writing, to the IHS and to the HHS Office of Inspector General all 
information related to violations of federal criminal law involving 
fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the 
federal award. 45 CFR 75.113.
    Disclosures must be sent in writing to: U.S. Department of Health 
and Human Services, Indian Health Service, Division of Grants 
Management, ATTN: Robert Tarwater, Director, 5600 Fishers Lane, Mail 
Stop: 09E70.
    Rockville, MD 20857
    (Include ``Mandatory Grant Disclosures'' in subject line)
    Office: (301) 443-5204.
    Fax: (301) 594-0899.
    Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2e7c414c4b5c5a007a4f5c594f5a4b5c6e47465d00494158"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="05576a676077712b5164777264716077456c6d762b626a73">[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#89c4e8e7ede8fde6fbf0cefbe8e7fdececcde0faeae5e6fafcfbecfac9e6e0eea7e1e1faa7eee6ff"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3b765a555f5a4f5449427c495a554f5e5e7f5248585754484e495e487b54525c15535348155c544d">[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: Lisa C. 
Neel, MPH, Public Health Advisor, Office of Public Health Support, 
Division of Epidemiology & Disease Prevention, Indian Health Service, 
5600 Fishers Lane, Mailstop: 09E17B, Rockville, MD 20857, Phone: (301) 
443-4305, E-Mail: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#206c4953410e6e45454c604948530e474f56"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1a5673697b34547f7f765a737269347d756c">[email protected]</span></a>.
    2. Questions on grants management and fiscal matters may be 
directed to: John Hoffman, Senior Grants Management Specialist, IHS 
Division of Grants Management, 5600 Fishers Lane, Mailstop: 09E70, 
Rockville, MD 20857, Phone: (301) 443-2116, E-Mail: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9cd6f3f4f2b2d4f3fafaf1fdf2dcf5f4efb2fbf3ea"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="460c292e28680e2920202b2728062f2e3568212930">[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, E-Mail: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b8e8d9cdd496ffddccccc1cbf8d1d0cb96dfd7ce"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="95c5f4e0f9bbd2f0e1e1ece6d5fcfde6bbf2fae3">[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 10, 2017.
Michael D. Weahkee,
RADM, Assistant Surgeon General, U.S. Public Health Service, Acting 
Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-17311 Filed 8-15-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4160-16-P


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