[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 110 (Wednesday, June 8, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 33314-33321]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-14131]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Indian Health Service
Epidemiology Program for American Indian/Alaska Native Tribes and
Urban Indian Communities
Division of Epidemiology and Disease Prevention; Epidemiology Program
for American Indian/Alaska Native Tribes and Urban Indian Communities
Announcement Type: New.
Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2011-IHS-EPI-0001.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.231
DATES: Key Dates:
Application Deadline Date: July 15, 2011;
>Review Date: August 16-17, 2011;
Anticipated Start Date: September 16, 2011.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
Statutory Authority
The Indian Health Service (IHS) is accepting competitive
cooperative agreement applications to establish Tribal Epidemiology
Centers serving American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Tribes and urban
Indian communities. This program is managed by the IHS Division of
Epidemiology and Disease Prevention (DEDP). This program is authorized
under the Snyder Act, 25 U.S.C. 13, and 25 U.S.C. 1621m of the Indian
Health Care Improvement Act. To obtain details regarding eligibility,
please refer to Section III below.
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, 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
(GPRA) 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.
[[Page 33315]]
TECs provide critical support for activities that promote Tribal
self-governance and effective management of Tribal and urban Indian
health programs. Data generated locally and analyzed by TECs enable
Tribes and urban Indian communities to effectively plan and make
decisions that best meet the needs of their communities. In addition,
TECs can immediately provide feedback to local data systems which will
lead to improvements in Indian health data overall.
As more Tribes choose to operate health programs in their
communities, TECs ultimately will provide additional public health
services such as disease control and prevention programs. Some existing
centers provide assistance to Tribal and urban Indian communities in
such areas as sexually transmitted disease control and cancer
prevention. They also assist Tribes and urban Indian communities to
establish baseline data for successfully evaluating intervention and
prevention activities through activities such as conducting Behavioral
Risk Factor Surveillance Surveys (BRFSS).
The TEC program will continue to enhance the ability of the Indian
health system to collect and manage data more effectively and to better
understand and develop the link between public health problems and
behavior, socioeconomic conditions, and geography. The TEC program will
also support Tribal and urban Indian communities by providing technical
training in public health practice and prevention-oriented research and
by promoting public health career pathways.
Purpose
The purpose of this cooperative agreement program is to fund
Tribes, Tribal and urban Indian organizations, and intertribal
consortia to provide epidemiological support for the AI/AN population
served by IHS. TEC activities should include, but are not limited to,
enhancement of surveillance for disease conditions; research,
prevention and control of disease, injury, or disability; assessment of
the effectiveness of AI/AN public health programs; epidemiologic
analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of surveillance data;
investigation of disease outbreaks; development and implementation of
epidemiologic studies; development and implementation of disease
control and prevention programs; and coordination of activities of
other public health authorities in the region. It is the intent of IHS
to fund several TECs that will serve Tribes and urban Indian
communities in all 12 IHS Administrative Areas.
Each TEC selected for funding will act under a cooperative
agreement with the IHS. During funded activities, the TECs may receive
Protected Health Information (PHI) for the purpose of preventing or
controlling disease, injury or disability, including, but not limited
to, reporting of disease, injury, vital events, such as birth or death,
and the conduct of public health surveillance, public health
investigation, and public health interventions for the Tribal and urban
Indian communities that they serve. TECs acting under a cooperative
agreement with IHS are public health authorities for which the
disclosure of PHI by covered entities is authorized by the Privacy
Rule. 45 CFR 164.512(b).
To achieve the purpose of this program, the recipient will be
responsible for the activities under item number 1. Recipient
Activities and IHS will be responsible for conducting activities under
item number 2. IHS Activities.
II. Award Information
Type of Award: Cooperative Agreement.
Estimated Funds Available:
The total amount identified for FY 2011 is approximately $4.5
million. Competing and continuation awards issued under this
announcement are subject to the availability of funds. In the absence
of funding, the agency is under no obligation to fund any awards under
this announcement. The program will be awarded for five years with 12
months per budget period. Future year funding levels will be determined
based on availability of funds. The average award is approximately
$350,000 to $1,000,000, depending on the applicant's score and the size
of the area covered by the TEC.
Anticipated Number of Awards:
Approximately 12 awards may be issued under this program
announcement.
Project Period:
This will be a 5-year project from September 16, 2011 to September
15, 2016.
Funding Information:
As part of an effort to establish TECs throughout the nation, these
funds will be used to support activities on an IHS Area basis.
Successful applicants must agree to provide services for all AI/AN
populations in the respective IHS Area. Collaborative efforts among
Tribal, local, State, and Federal health organizations are encouraged.
Funding will be based on scoring levels from the review process. An
example is outlined below. Detailed explanations of Review Criteria are
described in Section V.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Review Criteria Total Points Points Awarded
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Introduction, Current Capacity, and 25 ................
Need for Assistance................
Program Objectives-Recipient 35 ................
Activities.........................
Program Evaluation.................. 10 ................
Organizational Capabilities & 10 ................
Qualification......................
Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance 15 ................
Surveys............................
Budget.............................. 5 ................
Total............................... 100 ................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cooperative Agreements will be funded annually during the project
period of five years, contingent on required continuation applications
with an approved scope of work. Renewals of cooperative agreements will
be based on the following:
Satisfactory progress.
Availability of funds.
Program priorities of IHS.
Programmatic Involvement:
IHS will have substantial involvement in all of the TECs (See IHS
Activities).
Recipient Activities:
a. Assist and facilitate AI/AN communities, Tribes, Tribal
organizations, and urban Indian organizations in identifying Tribal and
urban Indian community health status priorities for building public
health capacity at the local level based on epidemiologic data. Assist
and facilitate Tribal and urban Indian communities with implementing
and conducting disease surveillance, research, prevention and control
of disease, injury, or disability, to assess the effectiveness of AI/AN
public health programs, monitoring progress toward
[[Page 33316]]
meeting each of the health status objectives, developing and
implementing epidemiologic studies that have practical application in
improving the health status of constituent communities, reporting of
notifiable disease conditions to public health authorities and to local
Tribes and urban Indian communities in the region, and address emerging
public health and epidemiological issues as identified by Tribal and
urban Indian community priorities.
b. Develop and disseminate health specific data and Community
Health Profiles (CHPs) based on Tribal and urban Indian community
health status priorities as follows:
1. Develop CHPs specific for each Tribal and urban Indian community
entity served by the TEC. Provide a dissemination plan that includes a
project overview, dissemination goals, and health indicators.
2. Develop a regional CHP encompassing all Tribal and urban Indian
communities served by the TEC. Provide a dissemination plan that
includes a project overview, dissemination goals, and health
indicators.
3. Participate in the national TEC CHP Working Group to develop and
implement a national CHP.
c. Recipient will need to maintain outbreak response capacity by:
1. Establishing and maintaining relationships with local
authorities (Tribal, County, State, etc.) to be able to participate in
outbreak response activities on a national or regional scope.
2. Obligating a minimum of one program staff per year to attend IHS
training in either the ``Outbreak Response Review'' or ``Epidemiology
Ready'' course.
3. Explaining how recipient will collaborate and assist in public
health emergencies with the IHS, DEDP, State, local, County, Tribal,
and other Federal health authorities.
d. Develop a BRFSS project to evaluate health risk behaviors of AI/
AN populations served by the TEC, to include, at a minimum, CDC's
``core'' BRFSS, as follows:
1. Develop a protocol for conducting the BRFSS;
2. Develop a sampling method and recruitment strategy;
3. Meet with the Tribal Health Director, Health Board, and/or the
Tribal Council, as appropriate, for review and approval of the BRFSS
project;
4. Obtain IRB approval or exempt status;
5. Develop a training protocol for interviewers for the BRFSS;
6. Develop a database to enter data collected from the BRFSS;
7. Develop a dissemination plan that includes a project overview,
dissemination goals, targeted audiences, key messages, details of the
dissemination plan and how the plan will be evaluated; and
8. Create a separate budget for the BRFSS project.
e. Establish a Data Sharing Agreement (DSA) with the IHS Area
Office that delineates:
1. ``Routine'' activities for which the TEC will have access to de-
identified data from IHS Epidemiology Data Mart/National Data Warehouse
(NDW).
2. Activities for which they will need additional permission such
as special studies or research involving PHI.
3. Language which outlines compliance with Health Insurance
Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Privacy Act protection.
4. Use of the IHS Epidemiology Data Mart User Tracking System
(EDMUTS) by the recipient to track both 1 and 2
above.
5. Use of security measures, including:
How security measures will be in place for data usage;
How recipient will be a steward of the data;
Completion of the IHS/OIT yearly security training and
security training required by their respective organization; and
An annual report on the outcomes of TECs access to IHS
data.
f. Participate in national public health priorities and committees,
as appropriate, with additional Department of Health and Human Services
(HHS) agencies.
g. Explain how recipient will support the IHS Agency's priorities:
1. To renew and strengthen our partnership with Tribes.
2. To bring reform to IHS.
3. To improve the quality of and access to care.
4. To make all our work accountable, transparent, fair and
inclusive.
You may access information on IHS priorities via the Internet at
the following Web site: http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm.
h. Establish an advisory council that can provide overall program
direction and guidance. The advisory council should include some
members with technical expertise in epidemiology and public health
(i.e. state health departments, county health departments, etc.) and
representation from the Tribal health and urban Indian health programs
served by the TEC.
i. Provide an annual report (no more than 10 pages) at the end of
each project year to DEDP.
j. Ensure that TEC staff includes key personnel with appropriate
expertise in epidemiology, health sciences, and program management. The
TEC must also demonstrate access to specialized expertise such as a
doctoral level epidemiologist and/or a biostatistician.
IHS Activities:
a. Provide funded TECs with ongoing consultation and technical
assistance to plan, implement, and evaluate each component of the TEC
as described under Recipient Activities above. Consultation and
technical assistance will include, but not be limited to, the following
areas:
1. Interpretation of current scientific literature related to
epidemiology, statistics, surveillance, Healthy People 2020 objectives,
and other public health issues;
2. 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
3. Overall operational planning and program management.
b. Coordinate all IHS epidemiologic activities on a national scope
including investigation of disease outbreaks and CHPs.
c. Conduct site visits to TECs and/or coordinate TEC visits to IHS
to ensure data security; confirm compliance with applicable laws and
regulations; assess program activities; and to mutually resolve
problems, as needed.
d. Convene an annual TEC meeting for information sharing, problem
solving or training.
e. Provide opportunities for training of TEC staff. Examples
include: IHS Outbreak Response Review course; Webinars on NDW Technical
Assistance; Introduction to SAS; Fellowship opportunities.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligibility
AI/AN Tribes, Tribal organizations, and eligible intertribal
consortia or urban Indian organizations as defined by 25 U.S.C. 1603(e)
may be eligible for a TEC cooperative agreement. Such entities must
represent or serve a population of at least 60,000 AI/AN to be eligible
as demonstrated by Tribal resolutions or the equivalent documentation
from urban Indian clinic directors/Chief Executive Officers (CEOs).
Applicants must describe the population of AI/ANs and Tribes that
[[Page 33317]]
will be represented. The number of AI/ANs served 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. An intertribal consortium
or urban Indian organization is eligible to receive a cooperative
agreement if it is incorporated for the primary purpose of improving
AI/AN health, and represents the Tribes, AN villages, or urban Indian
communities in which it is located. Resolutions from each Tribe, AN
village and equivalent documentation from each urban Indian community
represented must be included in the application package. Collaborations
with IHS Areas, Federal agencies such as the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), State, academic institutions or other
organizations are encouraged (letters of support and collaboration
should be included in the application).
Definitions:
Federally-recognized Indian Tribe means any Indian Tribe, band,
nation, or other organized group or community, including any Alaska
Native village or group or regional or village corporation as defined
in or established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act
(85 Stat. 688) [43 U.S.C. 1601, et seq.], which is recognized as
eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United
States to Indians because of their status as Indians. 25 U.S.C. 1603
(d).
Tribal organization means the elected governing body of any Indian
Tribe or any legally established organization of Indians which is
controlled by one or more such bodies or by a board of directors
elected or selected by one or more such bodies or elected by the Indian
population to be served by such organization and which includes the
maximum participation of Indians in all phases of its activities. 25
U.S.C. 1603(e).
Urban Indian organization means a non-profit corporate body
situated in an urban center governed by an urban Indian controlled
board of directors, and providing for the maximum participation of all
interested Indian groups and individuals, which body is capable of
legally cooperating with other public and private entities for the
purpose of performing the activities. 25 U.S.C. 1603(h).
An intertribal consortium or AI/AN organization is eligible to
receive a cooperative agreement if it is incorporated for the primary
purpose of improving AI/AN health. Collaborations with regional IHS,
CDC, State and local health departments, and academic institutions are
encouraged. Proper tribal resolutions or equivalent documentation from
urban Indian organizations is required.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
DEDP does not require matching funds or cost sharing.
3. Other Requirements
(a) If an applicant's budget exceeds the highest stated award
amount that is outlined within this announcement ($1,000,000.00), that
application will not be considered for funding.
(b) A letter of intent is required (See section IV(3)).
(c) Tribal Resolution--A resolution of all Indian Tribes served by
the project must accompany the application submission. This can be
attached to the electronic application. An Indian Tribe that is
proposing a project with other Indian Tribes must include resolutions
from all Tribes to be served. Applications by Tribal organizations
representing multiple Tribes will not require specific Tribal
resolutions if the current Tribal resolution(s) under which they
operate would encompass the proposed grant activities. Draft
resolutions are acceptable in lieu of an official resolution. However,
all official signed Tribal resolutions must be received by the Division
of Grants Management (DGM) prior to the beginning of the Objective
Review. If official signed resolutions are not received by August 15,
2011, the application will be considered incomplete, ineligible for
review, and returned to the applicant without further consideration.
Applicants submitting additional documentation after the initial
application submission are required to ensure the information was
received by the IHS by obtaining documentation confirming delivery
(i.e. FedEx tracking, postal return receipt, etc.).
(d) Urban Indian clinic director/CEO equivalent Letter of Support
(LoS)--a LoS from the Clinic Director or CEO of all urban Indian
clinics served by the TEC must be provided.
(e) Tribal resolutions supportive of the epidemiology cooperative
agreement proposal from the Indian Tribe(s) or urban Indian clinic
director/CEO equivalent LoS served by the project must accompany the
application and the applicant must demonstrate how these documents meet
the minimum requirement of 60,000 AI/AN population to be eligible for
the cooperative agreement.
(f) Applications with established data sharing agreements (DSAs) or
statements acknowledging the importance of future DSAs from IHS/Tribal/
Urban Indian (I/T/Us) will be given priority in scoring. Likewise,
applicants with established DSAs with respective IHS Area Offices will
be given priority in scoring. DSAs will be scored within the ``Program
Objectives'' (See Review Criteria in Section II).
(g) Non-profit organizations must provide proof of non-profit
status. The applicant must submit a current valid Internal Revenue
Service (IRS) tax exemption certificate or a copy of the 501(c)(3)
form, as proof of status.
IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Obtaining Application Materials
The application package and instructions may be located at http://www.Grants.gov or
http://www.ihs.gov/NonMedicalPrograms/gogp/index.cfm?module=gogp_funding.
2. Content and Form Application Submission
Documents for all applications include:
Application forms:
SF-424.
SF-424A.
SF-424B.
Table of Contents.
Program Executive Summary (one page or less).
Program Narrative (must not exceed 10 single-spaced pages. See
Section IV(2)(a)).
Line-item budget.
Budget narrative (must be single-spaced).
Program Objectives(s) to include a spreadsheet with Objective
Time-Line, Approach, and Results & Benefits.
Applicant's organizational capabilities addressing Recipient's
Activities.
Organizational chart.
Position Descriptions and Biographical sketches for all key
personnel.
Data Sharing Agreements (if applicable).
Tribal Resolutions or equivalent from urban Indian clinic
directors/CEOs.
Letters of support from collaborating agencies.
Copy of current Negotiated Indirect Cost rate (IDC) agreement
(required) in order to receive IDC.
Map of the areas to benefit from the program.
Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL).
Documentation of current OMB A-133 required Financial Audit.
[[Page 33318]]
Acceptable forms of documentation include:
E-mail confirmation from Federal Audit Clearinghouse (FAC)
that audits were submitted; or
Face sheets from audit reports. These can be found on the
FAC Website:http://harvester.census.gov/fac/dissem/accessoptions.html?submit=Retrieve+Records
Policy Requirements: All Federal-wide public policies apply to IHS
grantees with exception of the Discrimination policy. See attached link
for all public policies. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/grants/sf424b.pdf
Requirements for Program and Budget Narratives
A. Program Narrative: This narrative should be a separate Word
document that is no longer than 10 pages, single-spaced (see page
limitations for each Part noted below) with consecutively numbered
pages. If the narrative exceeds the page limit, only the first 10 pages
will be reviewed. There are three parts to the narrative:
Section 1: Program Information--(2 Pages)
(1) Introduction and organizational capabilities.
(2) Need for assistance.
(3) User Population.
Section 2: Recipient Activities: Program Planning and Evaluation--
(6 Pages)
(1) Program Plans. (2) Program Evaluation. Section 3: Program
Report--(2 pages) (1) Describe major accomplishments over the last 24
months. (2) Describe major activities over the last 24 months.
B. Budget Narrative: This narrative must describe the budget
requested and match the program plans and evaluation described in the
program narrative.
3. Submission Dates and Times
Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by
Friday, July 15, 2011 at 12 a.m. midnight Eastern Time. Any application
received after the application deadline will not be accepted for
processing, and it will be returned to the applicant(s) without further
consideration for funding.
Letters of Intent: A Letter of Intent (LoI) is required from each
entity that plans to apply for funding under this announcement. The LoI
must be submitted to the Division of Grants Management to the attention
of Andrew Diggs by June 10, 2011. Please submit all letters of intent
via fax (301) 443-9602. Your LoI must reference the funding opportunity
number, application deadline date, and your eligibility status. The
letter must be signed by the authorized organizational official within
your entity.
4. Intergovernmental Review
Executive Order 12372 requiring intergovernmental review is not
applicable to this program.
5. Funding Restrictions
Pre-award costs are not allowable for this announcement.
The available funds are inclusive of direct and
appropriate indirect costs.
6. Electronic Submission
Use the http://www.Grants.gov Web site to submit an application
electronically and select the ``Find Grant Opportunities'' link on the
homepage. Download a copy of the application package, complete it
offline, and then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov
website. Electronic copies of the application may not be submitted as
attachments to e-mail messages addressed to IHS employees or offices.
Please search for the application package in Grants.gov by entering
the CFDA number or the Funding Opportunity Number. Both numbers are
located in the header of this announcement.
After you electronically submit your application, you will receive
an automatic acknowledgment from Grants.gov that contains a Grants.gov
tracking number. The DGM will download your application from Grants.gov
and provide necessary copies to the appropriate agency officials.
Neither the DGM nor the DEDP will notify applicants that the
application has been received.
Applicants that do not adhere to the timelines for Central
Contractor Registry (CCR) and/or Grants.gov registration and/or request
timely assistance with technical issues will not be considered for a
waiver to submit a paper application.
Technical Challenges:
If technical challenges arise and assistance is required
with the electronic application process, contact the Grants.gov
Customer Support via e-mail at support@grants.gov 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
Paul Gettys, DGM () at (301) 443-5204.Paul.Gettys@ihs.gov
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.
Please be sure to contact Mr. Gettys at least ten days
prior to the application deadline.
Paper Submission (Waiver Requirements):
Paper applications are not the preferred method for submitting
applications. If an applicant needs to submit a paper application
instead of submitting electronically via Grants.gov, prior approval
must be requested and obtained from the DGM. The waiver request must be
documented in writing (e-mails are acceptable), before submitting a
paper application. A copy of the written approval must be submitted
along with the hardcopy application that is mailed to the DGM. The
mailing address for your paper application will be included in your
approved waiver request. Paper applications that are submitted without
an approved waiver will be returned to the applicant without review or
further consideration. Late applications will not be accepted for
processing or considered for funding and will be returned to the
applicant. Applicants that receive a waiver to submit paper application
documents must follow the rules and timelines of this funding
announcement. The applicant must seek assistance at least ten days
prior to the application deadline.
If it is determined that a waiver is needed, you must
submit a request in writing (e-mails are acceptable) to
GrantsPolicy@ihs.gov with a copy to Tammy.Bagley@ihs.gov. Please
include a clear justification for the need to deviate from our standard
electronic submission process.
If the waiver is approved, the application should be sent
directly to the DGM by the deadline date of July 15, 2011.
Applicants are strongly encouraged not to wait until the
deadline date to begin the application process through Grants.gov as
the registration process for CCR and Grants.gov could take up to
fifteen working days.
E-mail 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 CCR database.
Additionally, all IHS grantees must notify potential first-tier
subrecipients
[[Page 33319]]
that no entity may receive a first-tier subaward unless the entity has
provided its DUNS number to the prime grantee organization. These
requirements will ensure use of a universal identifier to enhance the
quality of information available to the public. On October 1, 2010
recipients began to report information on subawards, as required by the
Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006, as amended
(``the Transparency Act''). The DUNS number is a unique nine digit
identification number provided by D&B, which uniquely identifies your
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 the following website http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform or to
expedite the process, call (866) 705-5711.
Central Contractor Registry (CCR)
Organizations that have not registered with CCR will need to obtain
a DUNS number first and then access the CCR online registration through
the CCR home page at https://www.bpn.gov/ccr/default.aspx (U.S.
organizations will also need to provide an Employer Identification
Number from the IRS that may take an additional 2-5 weeks to become
active). Completing and submitting the registration takes approximately
one hour and your CCR registration will take approximately 3-5 business
days to process. Registration with the CCR is free of charge.
Applicants may register online at http://www.ccr.gov. Additional
information on implementing the Transparency Act, including the
specific requirements for DUNS and CCR, can be found on the IHS Grants
Policy website:
http://www.ihs.gov/NonMedicalPrograms/gogp/index.cfm?module=gogp_policy_topics.
V. Application Review Information
Evaluation criteria will be used in reviews of applications. Points
will be assigned to each evaluation criterion adding up to a total of
100 points. A minimum score of 65 points is required for funding.
Points are assigned to the extent that the applicant is able to
demonstrate that they met the following criteria.
A. Evaluation Criteria: Program Narrative
(1) Introduction, Current Capacity, and Need for Assistance (25 Points)
a. Describe the applicant's current public health activities
including whether the applicant has an adequate health department, how
long it has been operating, what programs or services are currently
provided, and interactions with other public health authorities in the
regions (State, local, or Tribal), how long it has been operating, and
what programs or services are currently provided. Specifically describe
current epidemiologic capacity and history of support for such
activities.
b. 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.
c. If applicable, identify the past three years of grants relevant
to public health and/or epidemiology, including past awarded
cooperative agreements from the DEDP, dates of funding, and key project
accomplishments (do not include copies of reports).
(2) Program Objective(s) (35 Points)
Approach, Results and Benefits for the entire 5-year funding period
by year.
a. State in measurable and realistic terms the objectives and
appropriate activities to achieve each objective for the projects as
listed in the Recipient Activities.
b. Identify the expected results, benefits, and outcomes or
products to be derived from each objective of the project.
c. Include a work-plan for each objective that indicates when the
objectives and major activities will be accomplished and who will
conduct the activities by each year for the entire five-year period.
(3) Program Evaluation (10 Points)
a. Define the criteria to be used to evaluate activities listed in
the work-plan under the Recipient Activities and BRFSS project.
b. 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.
c. Describe how evaluation findings will be disseminated to
stakeholders.
(4) Organization Capabilities and Qualifications (10 Points)
a. Explain the management and administrative structure of the
organization including documentation of current certified financial
management systems either from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, IHS, or a
Certified Public Accountant and an updated organizational chart
(include chart in the attachments).
b. Describe the ability of the organization to manage a program of
the proposed scope.
c. 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.
(5) Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) (15 Points)
a. Describe the BRFSS project specifically for AI/AN populations to
evaluate the health risk behaviors to include, at a minimum, CDC's
``core'' BRFSS.
b. Identify a statistically representative sample of Tribal and
urban communities that will participate in the BRFSS.
c. Describe how the applicant will define and complete the
following items as part of their proposal: develop a protocol for
conducting the BRFSS; develop a sampling method and recruitment
strategy; meet with the Tribal Health Director, Health Board, and
Tribal Council for review and approval; submit protocols for IRB
review; select and train interviewers for the BRFSS.
d. Describe how to develop a data base to enter data collected on
the BRFSS.
e. Provide a dissemination plan that includes a project overview,
dissemination goals, targeted audiences, key messages, details of the
dissemination plan and evaluation.
f. Complete a separate budget for the BRFSS project.
(6) Budget (5 Points)
a. Provide a categorical budget by line item and by each year for
the entire five-year period, including a separate budget for the BRFSS
project.
b. Provide a justification by line item in the budget including
sufficient cost and other details to facilitate the determination of
cost allowability and relevance of these costs to the proposed project.
The funds requested should be appropriate and necessary for the scope
of the project.
c. 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.
[[Page 33320]]
B. Review and Selection Process
Each application will be prescreened by the DGM staff for
eligibility and completeness as outlined in the funding announcement.
Incomplete applications and applications that are non-responsive to the
eligibility criteria will not be referred to the Objective Review
Committee (ORC).
To obtain a minimum score for funding by the ORC, applicants must
address all program requirements and provide all required
documentation. Applicants that receive less than a minimum score and/or
are incomplete will be considered to be ``Disapproved'' and will be
informed via e-mail or regular mail by the IHS Program Office of their
application's deficiencies. A summary statement outlining the strengths
and weaknesses of the application will be provided to each disapproved
applicant. The summary statement will be sent to the Authorized
Organizational Representative (AOR) that is identified on the face page
of the application within 60 days of the completion of the objective
review.
Award Date(s): September 16, 2011.
The DEDP will recommend successful applicants for funding based on
the results of the objective review.
VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices
The Notice of Award (NoA) will be initiated by DGM and will be
mailed via postal mail or e-mailed to each entity that is approved for
funding under this announcement. The NoA will be signed by the Grants
Management Officer and is the authorizing document for which funds are
dispersed to the approved entities. The NoA will serve as the official
notification of the grant award and will reflect 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. The NoA is the legally binding document and is signed by an
authorized grants official within the IHS.
2. Administrative Requirements
Grants are administered in accordance with the following
regulations, policies, and OMB cost principles:
A. The criteria as outlined in this Program Announcement.
B. Administrative Regulations for Grants:
45 CFR, part 92, Uniform Administrative Requirements for
Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State, Local and Tribal
Governments.
45 CFR, part 74, Uniform Administrative Requirements for
Awards and Subawards to institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals,
Other Non-profit Organizations, and Commercial Organizations.
C. Grants Policy:
HHS Grants Policy Statement, Revised 01/07.
D. Cost Principles:
Title 2: Grants and Agreements, Part 225--Cost Principles
for State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments (OMB A-87).
Title 2: Grants and Agreements, Part 230--Cost Principles
for Non-Profit Organizations (OMB Circular A-122).
E. Audit Requirements:
OMB Circular A-133, Audits of States, Local Governments,
and Non-profit Organizations.
3. Indirect Costs
This section applies to all grant recipients that request
reimbursement of indirect costs in their grant application. In
accordance with HHS Grants Policy Statement, Part II-27, IHS requires
applicants to obtain a current indirect cost 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 indirect cost portion of
the budget will be restricted. The restrictions remain in place until
the current rate is provided to the DGM.
Generally, indirect costs rates for IHS grantees are negotiated
with the Division of Cost Allocation http://rates.psc.gov/and the
Department of Interior (National Business Center) http://www.aqd.nbc.gov/services/ICS.aspx. If your organization has questions
regarding the indirect cost policy, please call (301) 443-5204 to
request assistance.
4. Reporting Requirements
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.
The reporting requirements for this program are noted below.
A. Progress Reports
Program progress reports are required annually. These reports will
include a brief comparison of actual accomplishments to the goals
established for the period, or, if applicable, provide sound
justification for the lack of progress, and other pertinent information
as required. A final report must be submitted within 90 days of
expiration of the budget/project period.
B. Financial Reports
Federal Financial Report, (FFR- SF-425), Cash Transaction Reports
are due every calendar quarter to the Division of Payment Management,
Payment Management Branch, HHS at: http://www.dpm.gov Failure to submit
timely reports may cause a disruption in timely payments to your
organization.
Grantees are responsible and accountable for accurate information
being reported on all required reports; the Progress Reports, Financial
Status Reports and Federal Financial Report.
C. Federal Subaward Reporting System (FSRS)
This award may be subject to the Transparency Act subaward and
executive compensation reporting requirements of 2 CFR Part 170.
The Transparency Act requires the Office of Management and Budget
to establish a single searchable database, accessible to the public,
with information on financial assistance awards made by Federal
agencies. The Transparency Act also includes a requirement for
recipients of Federal grants to report information about first-tier
subawards and executive compensation under Federal assistance awards.
Effective as of October 1, 2010, IHS implemented new Terms of
Award. All New (Type 1) IHS grant and cooperative agreement awards
issued on or after October 1, 2010 may be subject to the Transparency
Act Subaward and Executive Compensation reporting requirements.
Additionally, all IHS Renewal (Type 2) grant and cooperative agreement
awards and Competing Revision awards (Competing T-3s) issued on or
after October 1, 2010 may also be subject to the following award term.
Further guidance on Renewal and Competing Revision awards is expected
to be provided as it becomes available.
Please visit the IHS Grants Policy Web site at https://www.ihs.gov/NonMedical
[[Page 33321]]
Programs/gogp for additional information on award applicability
information.
Telecommunication for the hearing impaired is available at: TTY
(301) 443-6394.
VII. Agency Contacts
For program-related information: Selina T. Keryte, Project Officer,
Division of Epidemiology & Disease Prevention, Indian Health Service,
5300 Homestead NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110, (505) 248-4132 or
Selina.keryte@ihs.gov.
For specific grant-related and business management information: Andrew
Diggs, Grants Management Specialist, Division of Grants Management,
Indian Health Service, 801 Thompson Avenue, TMP 360, Rockville, MD
20852, (301) 443-2262 or Andrew.diggs@ihs.gov.
The PHS strongly encourages all grant 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: May 31, 2011.
Yvette Roubideaux,
Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-14131 Filed 6-7-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165-16-P