[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 71 (Wednesday, April 14, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18429-18432]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-9310]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Public Health Service
Indian Health Service
Health Professions Recruitment Program for Indians
AGENCY: Indian Health Service.
ACTION: Notice of competitive grant applications for the health
professions recruitment program for Indians.
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SUMMARY: The Indian Health Service (IHS) announces that competitive
grant applications are now being accepted for the Health Professions
Recruitment Program for Indians established by sec. 102 of the Indian
Health Care Improvement Act of 1976 (25 U.S.C. 1612), as amended by
Pub. L. 102-573. There will be only one funding cycle during fiscal
year (FY) 1999. This program is described at sec. 93.970 in the Catalog
of Federal Domestic Assistance and is governed by regulations at 42 CFR
36.310 et seq. Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB
Circulars A-21, A-87, and A-122 (cost principles for different types of
applicant organizations); and 45 CFR part 74 or 45 CFR part 92 (as
applicable). Executive Order 12372 requiring intergovernmental review
is not applicable to this program. This program is not subject to the
Public Health System Reporting requirements.
The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the
health promotion and disease prevention objectives of ``Healthy People
2000.'' ``Healthy People 2000,'' the full report, is currently out of
print. You may obtain the objectives from the latest ``Healthy People
2000 Review.'' A copy may be obtained by calling the National Center
for Health Statistics, telephone (301) 436-8500.
Smoke Free Workplace: PHS strongly encourages all grant recipients
to provide a smoke-free workplace and promote the non-use of all
tobacco products. This is consistent with the
[[Page 18430]]
PHS mission to protect and advance the physical and mental health of
the American people.
DATES: A. Application Receipt Date--An original and two copies of the
completed grant application must be submitted with all required
documentation to the Grants Management Branch, Division of Acquisition
and Grants Management, Twinbrook Building, Suite 100, 12300 Twinbrook
Parkway, Rockville, Maryland 20852, by close of business May 28, 1999.
Applications shall be considered as meeting the deadline if they
are either: (1) Received on or before the deadline with hand carried
applications received by close of business 5 p.m.; or (2) postmarked on
or before the deadline and received in time to be reviewed along with
all other timely applications. A legibly dated receipt from a
commercial carrier on the U.S. Postal Service will be accepted in lieu
of a postmark. Private metered postmarks will not be accepted as proof
of timely mailing. Late applications not accepted for processing will
be returned to the applicant and will not be considered for funding.
B. Additional Dates:
1. Application Review: June 15-17, 1999
2. Applicants Notified of Results: on or about July 1, 1999 (approved,
recommended for approval but not funded, or disapproved)
3. Anticipated Start Date: August 1, 1999
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For program information, contact Ms.
Patricia Lee-McCoy, Chief, Scholarship Branch, Twinbrook Metro Plaza,
12300 Twinbrook Parkway, Suite 100, Rockville, Maryland 20852, (301)
443-6197. For grants application and business management information,
contact Mrs. M. Kay Carpentier, Grants Management Officer, Grants
Management Branch, Division of Acquisition and Grants Management,
Indian Health Service, Twinbrook Building, Suite 100, 12300 Twinbrook
Parkway, Rockville, Maryland 20852 (301) 443-5204. (The telephone
numbers are not toll-free numbers).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This announcement provides information on
the general program purpose, eligibility and preference, program
objectives, required affiliation, fund availability and period of
support, type of program activities considered for support, and
application procedures for FY 1999.
A. General Program Purpose
The purpose of the Health Professions Recruitment program is to
increase the number of American Indians and Alaska Natives entering the
health professions and to ensure an adequate supply of health
professionals to the IHS, Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and
urban Indian organizations involved in the provision of health care to
Indian people.
B. Eligibility and Preference
The following organizations are eligible with preference given in
the order of priority to:
1. Indian tribes,
2. Indian tribal organizations,
3. urban Indian organizations and other Indian health
organizations; and
4. public and other nonprofit private health or educational
entities
C. Program Objectives
Each proposal must address the following four objectives to be
considered for funding:
1. Identifying Indians with a potential for education or training
in the health professions (excluding nursing--The Nursing profession is
excluded because the IHS Nursing Recruitment Grant Program provides
funding to increase the number of nurses who deliver health care
services to Indians.) and encouraging and assisting them:
(A) to enroll in courses of study in such health professions; or
(B) if they are not qualified to enroll in any such courses of
study, to undertake such postsecondary education or training as may be
required to qualify them for enrollment;
2. Publicizing existing sources of financial aid available to
Indians enrolled in any courses of study referred to in paragraph (1)
of this subsection or who are undertaking training necessary to qualify
them to enroll in any such school.
3. Establishing other programs which the Secretary determines will
enhance and facilitate the enrollment of Indians in, and the subsequent
pursuit and completion by them of courses of study referred to in
paragraph (1) of this section. To delivery the necessary student
support systems to help to ensure that students who are recruited
successfully complete their academic training. Support services may
include:
A. Providing career counseling and academic advice;
B. Assisting students to identify academic deficiencies;
C. Assisting students to locate financial aid;
D. Monitoring students to identify possible problems;
E. Assisting with the determination of, need for, and location of
tutorial services; and
F. Other related activities which will help to retain students in
school.
4. To work in close cooperation with the IHS, tribes, tribal
organizations and urban Indian organizations, in locating and
identifying non-academic period placement opportunities and practicum
experiences, i.e., the IHS Extern Program authorized under section 105
of Pub. L. 94-437, as amended, assisting students with individual
development plans in conjunction with identified placement
opportunities; monitoring students to identify and evaluate possible
problems; and monitoring and evaluating all placement and practicum
experiences within the IHS to further develop and modify the program.
D. Required Affiliation
If the applicant is an Indian tribe, tribal organization, urban
organization or other Indian health organization, or a public or
nonprofit private health organization, the applicant must submit a
letter of support from at least one school accredited for the health
professions program, (excluding nursing). This letter must document
linkage with that educational organization.
When the target population of a proposed project includes a
particular Indian tribe or tribes, an official document, i.e., a letter
of support or tribal resolution, must be submitted indicating that the
tribe or tribes will cooperate with the applicant.
E. Fund Availability and Period of Support
It is anticipated that approximately $250,000 will be available for
approximately 3 new grants. The average funding level for projects in
FY 1998 was $72,500. The anticipated start date for selected projects
will be August 1, 1999. Pursuant to 42 Code of Federal Regulations
Sec. 36.313(c), the project period ``will usually be for one to two
years.'' However, under this notice, projects will be awarded for a
budget term of 12 months, with a maximum project period of up to three
(3) years. A maximum project period of three (3) years is required so
that key staff, such as project directors, may be recruited, without
the financial and career uncertainty of a one or two year budget period
and to enable the projects to carry out their recruitment activities
without the added activity of applying for a grant every one or two
years. Grant funding levels include both direct and indirect costs.
Funding of succeeding years will be based on the FY 1999
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level, continuing need for the program, satisfactory performance, and
the availability of appropriations in those years.
F. Type of Program Activities Considered for Support
Funds are available to develop grant programs to locate and recruit
students with potential for health professions degree programs
(excluding nursing), and to provide support services to Indian students
who are recruited.
G. Application Process
An IHS Recruitment Grant Application Kit, including the required
PHS 5161-1 (Rev.. 5/96) (OMB Approval No. 0920-0428) and the U.S.
Government Standard forms (SF-424, SF-424A and SF-424B), may be
obtained from the Grants Management Branch, Division of Acquisition and
Grants Management, Indian Health Service, 12300 Twinbrook Parkway,
Suite 100, Rockville, Maryland 20852, telephone (301) 443-5204. (This
is not a toll free number.)
H. Grant Application Requirements
All applications must be single-spaced, typewritten, and
consecutively numbered pages using black type not smaller than 12
characters per one inch, with conventional one inch border margins, on
only one side of standard size 8\1/2\ x 11 paper that can be
photocopied. The application narrative (not including abstract, tribal
resolutions or letters of support, standard forms, table of contents or
the appendix) must not exceed 20 typed pages as described above. All
applications must include the following in the order presented:
--Standard Form 424, Application for Federal Assistance
--Standard Form 424A, Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs,
(pages 1 and 2)
--Standard Form 424B, Assurances--Non-Construction Programs (front and
back)
--Certifications, PHS 5161-1, (pages 17-19)
--Checklist, PHS 5161-1, (pages 25-26), NOTE: Each standard form and
the checklist is contained in the PHS Grant Application, Form PHS 5161-
1 (Revised 5/96)
--Project Abstract (one page)
--Table of Contents
--Program Narrative to include:
--Introduction and Potential Effectiveness of Project
--Project Administration
--Accessibility to Target Population
--Relationship of Objectives to Manpower Deficiencies
--Project Budget, including multi-year narratives, and Budget
Justifications
--Appendix to include:
--Tribal Resolution(s) or Letters of Support
--Biographical sketches for key personnel or position descriptions if
position is vacant
--Organizational chart
--Workplan
--Completed IHS Application Checklist
--Application Receipt Card, PHS 3038-1 Rev. 5-90.
I. Application Instructions
The following instructions for preparing the application narrative
also constitute the standards (criteria or basis for evaluation) for
reviewing and scoring the application. Weights assigned each section
are noted in parenthesis.
Abstract--An abstract may not exceed one typewritten page. The
abstract should clearly present the application in summary form, from a
``who-what-when-where-how-cost'' point of view so that reviewers see
how the multiple parts of the application fit together to form a
coherent whole.
Table of Conents--Provide a one page typewritten table of contents.
Narrative
1. Introduction and Potential Effectiveness (30 Pts.)
a. Describe your legal status and organization.
b. State specific objectives of the project, which are measurable
in terms of being quantified, significant to the needs of Indian
people, logical, complete and consistent with the purpose of sec. 102.
c. Describe briefly what the project intends to accomplish.
Identify the expected results, benefits, and outcomes or products to be
derived from each objective of the project.
d. Provide a project specific work plan (milestone chart) which
lists each objective, the task to be conducted in order to reach the
objective, and the timeframe needed to accomplish each task. Timeframes
should be projected in a realistic manner to assure that the scope of
work can be completed within each budget period. (A work plan format is
provided.)
e. In the case of proposed projects for identification of Indians
with a potential for education or training in the health professions
(excluding nursing), include a method for assessing the potential of
interested Indians for undertaking necessary education or training in
such health professions.
f. State clearly the criteria by which the project's progress will
be evaluated and by which the success of the project will be
determined.
g. Explain the methodology that will be used to determine if the
needs, goals, and objectives identified and discussed in the
application are being met and if the results and benefits identified
are being achieved.
h. Identify who will perform the evaluation and when.
2. Project Administration (20 Pts.)
a. Provide an organizational chart (include in appendix). Describe
the administrative, managerial and organizational arrangements and the
facilities and resources to be utilized to conduct the proposed
project.
b. Provide the name and qualifications of the project director or
other individuals responsible for the conduct of the project; the
qualifications of the principal staff carrying out the project; and a
description of the manner in which the applicant's staff is or will be
organized and supervised to carry out the proposed project. Include
biographical sketches of key personnel (or job descriptions if the
position is vacant) (include in appendix).
c. Describe any prior experience in administering similar projects.
d. Discuss the commitment of the organization, i.e., although not
required, the level of non-Federal support. List the intended financial
participation, if any, of the applicant in the proposed project
specifying the type of contributions such as cash or services, loans of
full or part-time staff, equipment, space, materials or facilities or
other contributions.
3. Accessibility to Target Population (20 Pts.)
a. Describe the current and proposed participation of Indians (if
any) in your organization.
b. Identify the target Indian population to be served by your
proposed project and the relationship of your organization to that
population.
c. Describe the methodology to be used to access the target
population.
4. Relationship of Objectives to Health Professional Deficiencies (20
Pts.)
a. Provide data and supporting documentation to address the
relationship of objectives to health professional deficiencies.
b. Indicate the number of potential Indian students to be contacted
and recruited as well as potential cost per student recruited. Those
projects that have the potential to serve a greater number of Indians
will be given first consideration.
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5. Soundness of Fiscal Plan (10 Pts.)
(a) Clearly define the budget. Provide a justification and detailed
breakdown of the funding by category for the first year of the project.
Information on the project director and project staff should include
salaries and percentage of time assigned to the grant. List equipment
purchases necessary for the conduct of the project.
b. The available funding level of $250,000 is inclusive of both
direct and indirect costs. Pursuant to Public Health Service Grants
Policy (DHHS Publication No. (OASH) 94-50,000 (Rev.) April 1, 1994), a
`training grant' includes a grant for ``training or other educational
purposes'', and the Department of Health and Human Services considers
this grant activity as having an educational purpose. Because this
project has an educational purpose, and therefore, is for a training
grant, the Department of Health and Human Services' policy limiting
reimbursement of indirect costs or 8 percent of total direct costs
(exclusive of tuition and related fees and expenditures for equipment)
is applicable. This limitation applied to all institutions of higher
education other than agencies of State and local government.
c. Projects requiring additional years must include a program
narrative and categorical budget and justification for each additional
year of funding requested (this is not considered part of the 20-page
narrative).
Appendix--to include:
a. Tribal Resolution(s) or Letter of Support
b. Biographical sketches of key personnel or position descriptions
if position is vacant
c. Organizational chart
d. Workplan
e. Completed IHS Application Checklist
f. Application Receipt Card, PHS 3038-1 Rev. 5-90.
J. Reporting
1. Progress Report--Program progress reports shall be required
semiannually. These reports will include a brief description of a
comparison of actual accomplishments to the goals established for the
period, reasons for slippage and other pertinent information as
required. A final report is due 90 days after expiration of the budget/
project period.
2. Financial Status Report--Semiannually financial status reports
will be submitted 30 days after the end of the half year. A final
financial status report is due 90 days after expiration of the budget/
project period. Standard Form 269 (long form) will be used for
financial reporting.
K. Grant Administration Requirements
Grants are administered in accordance with the following documents:
1. 45 CFR part 91, HHS, Uniform Administrative Requirements for
Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments, or 45
CFR part 74, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Awards and
Subawards to Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, Other
Nonprofit Organizations, and Commercial Organization; and Certain
Grants and Agreements with States, Local Governments and Indian Tribal
Governments.
2. PHS Grants Policy Statement, and
3. Appropriate Cost Principles: OMB Circular A-21, Educational
Institutions, OMB Circular A-87, State and Local Governments, and OMB
Circular A-122, Non-profit Organizations.
L. Objective Review Process
Applications meeting eligibility requirements that are complete,
responsive, and conform to this program announcement will be reviewed
by an Objective Review Committee (ORC) in accordance with IHS objective
review procedures. The objective review process ensures a nationwide
competition for limited funding. The ORC will be comprised of IHS (40%
or less) and other federal or non-federal individuals (60% or more)
with appropriate expertise. The ORC will review each application
against established criteria. Based upon the evaluation criteria, the
reviewers will assign a numerical score to each application, which will
be used in making the final funding decision. Approved applications
scoring less than 60 points will not be considered for funding.
M. Results of the Review
The results of the objective review are forwarded to the Director,
Office of Management Support (OMS), for final review and approval. The
Director, OMS, will also consider the recommendations from the Acting
Director, Division of Health Professions Support, and the Grants
Management Branch. Applicants are notified in writing on or about July
1, 1999. A Notice of Grant Award will be issued to successful
applicants. Unsuccessful applicants are notified in writing of
disapproval. A brief explanation of the reasons the application was not
approved is provided along with the name of an IHS official to contact
if more information is desired.
Dated: April 4, 1999.
Michael H. Trujillo,
Assistant Surgeon General Director.
[FR Doc. 99-9310 Filed 4-13-99; 8:45 am]
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