Federal Register

[Federal Register: March 31, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 62)]
[Notices]
[Page 16874-16878]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr31mr08-77]

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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service


Tribal Self-Governance Program Planning Cooperative Agreement

    Announcement Type: New.
    Funding Announcement Number: 1-[HS-2008-IHS-TS GP-0002.

    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers(s): 93.210.

    Key Dates: Application Deadline Date: April 28, 2008.
    Review Date: May 8-9, 2008.
    Earliest Anticipated Start Date: June 1, 2008.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    The purpose of the program is to award cooperative agreements that
provide planning resources to Tribes interested in participating in the
Tribal Self-Governance Program (TSGP) as authorized by Title V, Tribal
Self-Governance Amendments of 2000 of the Indian Self-Determination and
Education Assistance Act of Public Law (Pub. L.) 93-638, as amended.
There is limited competition under this announcement because the
authorizing legislation restricts eligibility to Tribes that meet
specific criteria (Refer to Section 111.1.A., ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS in
this announcement). The TSGP is designed to promote self-determination
by allowing Tribes to assume more control of Indian Health Service
(IHS) programs and services through compacts negotiated with the IRS.
The Planning Cooperative Agreement allows a Tribe to gather information
to determine the current types of Programs, Services, Functions, and
Activities (PSFAs), and related funding available at the Service Unit,
Area, and Headquarters levels and provide the opportunity to improve
and enhance the healthcare delivery system to better meet the needs of
the Tribal community. This program is described at 93.210 in the
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA).

II. Award Information

    Type of Awards: Cooperative Agreement.
    Estimated Funds Available: The total amount identified for Fiscal
Year (FY) 2008 is $600,000 for approximately twelve (12) Tribes. Awards
under this announcement are subject to the availability of funds.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: The estimated number of awards to be
funded is approximately 12.
    Project Period: 12 months.
    Award Amount: $50,000 per year.
    Programmatic Involvement: TSGP funds will be awarded as cooperative
agreements and will have substantial IHS programmatic involvement to
establish a basic understanding of PSFAs and associated funding at the
Service Unit, Area, and Headquarters levels.
    The IHS roles and responsibilities will include:
     Providing a description of PSFAs and associated funding at
all levels, including funding formulas and methodologies related to
determining Tribal shares.
     Identifying IHS staff who will consult with applicants on
methods currently used to manage and deliver health care.
     Providing applicants with statutes, regulations and
policies that provide authority for administering IHS programs.
    The grantee roles and responsibilities are critical to the success
of the program and will include:
     Researching and analyzing the complex IHS budget, to gain
a thorough understanding of funding distribution at all levels to
determine which PSFAs the Tribe may elect to assume.
     Establishing a process by which Tribes can effectively
approach the IHS

[[Page 16875]]

to identify programs and associated funding which could be incorporated
into their current programs.
     Determining the Tribe's share of each PSFA and evaluating
the current level of health care services being provided to make an
informed decision on new program assumption(s).

III. Eligibility Information

    1. Eligible Applicants
    To be eligible for a Planning Cooperative Agreement under this
announcement, an applicant must meet all of the following criteria:
    A. Be a Federally-recognized Tribe as defined in Title V, Public
Law 106 260, Tribal Self-Governance Amendments of 2000, of the Indian
Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (the Act), Public Law
93-638, as amended. However, Alaska Native Villages or Alaska Native
Village Corporations are not eligible if they are located within the
area served by an Alaska Native regional health entity already
participating in compact status (25 U.S.C. 458aaa-2(e)). Those Tribes
not represented by a self-governance Tribal consortium compact, within
their area, may still be considered to participate in the TSGP.
    2. Cost Sharing or Matching
    The Tribal Self-Governance Planning Cooperative Agreement
announcement does not require matching funds or cost sharing to
participate in the competitive grant process.
    3. Other Requirements
    The following documentation is required (if applicable):
    A. This program is described at 93.210 in the CFDA.
    B. Tribal Resolution--Submit a Tribal resolution from the governing
body authorizing the submission of the application for the Tribal Self-
Governance Planning Cooperative Agreement. Tribal Consortia applying
for a Tribal Self-Governance Planning Cooperative Agreement shall
submit Tribal Council Resolutions from each Tribe in the consortium.
Draft resolutions, submitted with the application, are acceptable in
lieu of an official signed resolution. However, an official signed
Tribal resolution must be received by the Division of Grants Operations
(DGO), Attn: John Hoffman, 801 Thompson Avenue, TMP 360, Rockville, MD
20852, by Friday, April 25, 2008. If an official signed resolution is
not received by April 25, 2008, the application will be considered
incomplete and will be returned without consideration.
    C. Demonstrate, for three fiscal years, financial stability and
financial management capability, which is defined as no uncorrected
significant and/or material audit exceptions in the required annual
audit of the Indian Tribe's self-determination contracts or self
governance funding agreements with any Federal agency. Applicants are
required to submit a current version of the organization's audit
report. The applicants may scan the documents and attach them to the
electronic application. If the applicant determines that the audit
reports are too lengthy, the applicants may submit them separately via
regular mail by the due date, April 28, 2008. Applicants, sending in
audits via regular mail, must submit two copies of the audits for three
previous fiscal years under separate cover directly to the Division of
Grants Operations, Attn: John Hoffman, 801 Thompson Avenue, TMP 360,
Rockville, MD 20852, referencing the Funding Opportunity Number, HHS-
2008-IHS-TSGP-0001, as prescribed by Public Law 98-502, the Single
Audit Act, as amended (see OMB Circular A-133, revised June 24, 1997,
Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations), for
the three previous fiscal years. If this documentation is not received
by April 28, 2008, the application will be considered as incomplete and
will be returned to the applicant without further consideration.
    D. If application budgets exceed the stated dollar amount that is
outlined within this announcement, the application will be returned to
the applicant without further consideration.

IV. Application and Submission Information

    1. Applicant package and detailed instructions for this
announcement may be found in Grants.gov (www.grants.gov) or at: http://
www.ihs.gov/NonMedicalPrograms/gogp/gogp_funding.asp.
    Information regarding the electronic application process may be
directed to Michelle G. Bulls, at (301) 443-6290.
    Information regarding this announcement may also be found on the
Office of Tribal Self-Governance Web site at: http://www.ihs.gov/
NonMedicalPrograms/SelfGovernance/index.cfm?module=planning--
negotiation.
    2. Content and Form of Application Submission:
     Be single spaced.
     Be typewritten.
     Have consecutively numbered pages.
     Use black type not smaller than 12 characters per one
inch.
     Be printed on one side only of standard size 8\1/2\'' x
11'' paper.
     Contain a narrative that does not exceed seven typed pages
that includes the other submission requirements below. The seven page
narrative does not include the work plan, standard forms, Tribal
resolutions or letters of support (if necessary), table of contents,
budget, budget justifications, narratives, and/or other appendix items.
    Public Policy Requirements: All Federal-wide public policies apply
to IHS grants with exception of the Lobbying and Discrimination public
policy.--Include Letter of Intent requirements under Public Policy
Requirements.
    3. Submission Dates and Times:
    Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by
12 midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST). If technical challenges arise
and the applicant is unable to successfully complete the electronic
application process, the applicant should contact Michelle G. Bulls,
Grants Policy Staff (GPS), fifteen days prior to the application
deadline and advise of the difficulties that your organization is
experiencing. The grantee must obtain prior approval, in writing (e-
mails are acceptable) allowing the paper submission. If submission of a
paper application is requested and approved, the original and two
copies may be sent to the appropriate grants contact that is listed in
Section IV.1. above. Applications not submitted through Grants.gov,
without an approved waiver, may be returned to the applicant without
review or consideration. Late applications will not be accepted for
processing, will be returned to the applicant, and will not be
considered for funding.
    4. Intergovernmental Review: Executive Order 12372 requiring
intergovernmental review is not applicable to this program.
    5. Funding Restrictions:
    A. Tribes are only eligible to be awarded one Tribal Self-
Governance Planning Cooperative Agreement award.
    B. Each planning cooperative agreement shall not exceed $50,000.
The available funds are inclusive of direct and appropriate indirect
costs.
    C. The available funds are inclusive of direct and indirect costs.
    D. IHS will not acknowledge receipt of applications.
    6. Other Submission Requirements:
    The application must comply with the following:
    A. Table of Contents.
    B. Abstract (one page)--Summarizes the project.
    C. Narrative (no more than 7 pages) and should include the
following:

[[Page 16876]]

    (1) Background information on the Tribe.
    (2) Proposed scope of work, objectives, and activities that provide
a description of what will be accomplished including a one-page Time
Frame Chart.
    D. Budget narrative and justification.
    E. Tribal Resolution.
    F. Appendices to include:
    (1) Resumes or position descriptions of key staff.
    (2) Contractors/Consultants resumes or qualifications and scope of
work.
    (3) Current Indirect Cost Agreement.
    (4) Organizational Chart (Optional).
    Electronic Submission--The preferred method for receipt of
applications is electronic submission through Grants.gov. However,
should any technical challenges arise regarding the submission, please
contact Grants.gov Customer Support at 1-800-518-4726 or

support@grants.gov. The Contact Center hours of operation are Monday-
Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST. If you require additional assistance
please call (301) 443-6290 and identify the need for assistance
regarding your Grants.gov application. Your call will be transferred to
the appropriate grants staff member. The applicant must seek assistance
at least fifteen days prior to the application deadline. Applicants
that do not adhere to the timelines for Central Contractor Registry
(CCR) and/or Grants.gov registration and/or requesting timely
assistance with technical issues will not be a candidate for paper
applications.
    To submit an application electronically, please use the http://
www.Grants.gov and select ``Apply for Grants'' link on the home page.
Download a copy of the application package on the Grants.gov Web site,
complete it offline and then upload and submit the application via the
Grants.gov site. You may not e-mail an electronic copy of a grant
application to IHS.
    Please be reminded of the following:
     Under the new IHS application submission requirements,
paper applications are not the preferred method. However, if you have
technical problems submitting your application on-line, please directly
contact Grants.gov Customer Support at: http://www.grants.gov/
CustomerSupport.
     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 request from GPS must be
obtained.
     If it is determined that a formal waiver is necessary, the
applicant must submit a request, in writing (e-mails are acceptable),
to Michelle.Bulls@ihs.gov that includes a justification for the need to
deviate from the standard electronic submission process. Upon receipt
of approval, a hard-copy application package must be downloaded by the
applicant from Grants.gov and sent directly to John Hoffman, Division
of Grants Operations (DGO), 801 Thompson Avenue, TMP 360, Rockville, MD
20852 by the due date, April 28, 2008.
     Upon entering the Grants.gov site, there is information
available outlining the requirements to the applicant regarding
electronic submission of an application through Grants.gov, as well as
the hours of operation. We strongly encourage all applicants 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.
     To use Grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must have a Data
Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number and register in the CCR. You
should allow a minimum of ten days working days to complete CCR
registration. See below on how to apply.
     You must submit all documents electronically, including
all information typically included on the SF-424 and all necessary
assurances and certifications.
     Please use the optional attachment feature in Grants.gov
to attach additional documentation that may be requested by IHS.
     Your application must comply with any page limitation
requirements described in the program announcement.
     After you electronically submit your application, you will
receive an automatic acknowledgment from Grants.gov that contains a
Grants.gov tracking number. The IHS DGO will retrieve your application
from Grants.gov. The IHS DGO will not notify applicants that the
application has been received.
     You may access the electronic application for this program
on http://www.Grants.gov.
     You may search for the downloadable application package by
either the CFDA number or the Funding Opportunity Number. Both numbers
are identified in the heading of this announcement.
     The applicant must provide the Funding Opportunity Number:
HHS-2008-IHS-TSGP-0002.
    E-mail applications will not be accepted under this announcement.

DUNS Number

    Applicants are required to obtain a DUNS number from Dun and
Bradstreet to apply for a grant or cooperative agreement from the
Federal Government. The DUNS number is a nine-digit identification
number, which uniquely identifies business entities. Obtaining a DLTNS
number is easy and there is no charge. To obtain a DUNS number, access

http://www.dunandbradstreet.com or call 1-866-705-5711. Interested
parties may wish to obtain their DUNS number by phone to expedite the
process.
    Applications submitted electronically must also be registered with
the CCR. A DUNS number is required before CCR registration can be
completed. Many organizations may already have a DLTNS number. Please
use the number listed above to investigate whether or not your
organization has a DUNS number. Registration with the CCR is free of
charge.
    Applicants may register by calling 1-888-227-2423. Please review
and complete the CCR Registration Worksheet located on http://
www.grants.gov/CCRRegister. More detailed information regarding these
registration processes can be found at http://www.grants.gov.

V. Application Review Information

    1. Criteria

A. Goals and Objectives of the Project (30 points)

    Are the goals and objectives measurable; are they consistent with
the purpose of the program and the needs of the people to be served,
and are they achievable as demonstrated by the proposed time frame
chart?

B. Methodology (20 points)

    Describe fully and clearly the methodology and activities that will
be used to accomplish the goals and objectives of the project.

C. Management of Health Program(s) (10 points)

    Does the applicant propose an improved approach to managing the
health program(s) and state/demonstrate how the delivery of quality
health services will be maintained under self-governance?

D. Organizational Capabilities and Qualifications (25 points)

    Describe the organizational structure of the Tribe and their
ability to manage the proposed project. Include resumes or position
descriptions of key staff showing requisite experience and expertise
and, where applicable, include

[[Page 16877]]

resumes and scope of work for consultants that demonstrate experience
and expertise relevant to the project.

E. Budget and Budget Justification (15 points)

    Submit a line-item budget with a narrative justification for all
expenditures identifying reasonable and allowable costs necessary to
accomplish the goals and objectives as outlined in the project
narrative.
    2. Review and Selection Process
    In addition to the above criteria/requirements, applications are
considered according to the following:
    A. Application Submission:
    (1) The applicant and proposed project type is eligible in
accordance with this cooperative agreement announcement.
    (2) The applicant has not previously received a Tribal Self
Governance Planning Cooperative Agreement award.
    (3) Abstract, narrative, budget, required forms, appendices and
other material submitted meet the requirements of the announcement
allowing the review panel to undertake an in-depth evaluation.
    B. Competitive Review of Eligible Applications:
    Applications meeting eligibility requirements that are complete,
responsive, and conform to this program announcement will be reviewed
for merit by the Objective Review Committee (ORC) appointed by the IHS
to review and make recommendations on these applications. The review
will be conducted in accordance with the IHS Objective Review
Guidelines. The technical review process ensures selection of quality
projects in a national competition for limited funding. Applications
will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the evaluation criteria
listed in Section V.1. The criteria are used to evaluate the quality of
a proposed project, determine the likelihood of success, and assign a
numerical score to each application. The scoring of approved
applications will assist the IHS in determining which proposals will be
funded if the amount of TSGP funding is not sufficient to support all
approved applications. Applications recommended for approval, having a
score of 60 or above by the ORC are forwarded to the DGO for cost
analysis and further recommendation. The program official forwards the
recommended approval list to the IHS Director for final review and
approval. Applications scoring below 60 points will be disapproved.

    Note: In making final selections, the IHS Director will consider
the ranking factor and the status of the applicant's three previous
years' single audit reports. The comments from the ORC will be
advisory only. The IHS Director will make the final decision on
awards.

VI. Award Administration Information

    1. Award Notices:
    The Notice of Award (NOA) will be initiated by the DGO and will be
mailed via postal mail to each entity that is approved for funding
under this announcement. The NOA will be signed by the Grants
Management Officer and this 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.
Applicants who are approved but unfunded or disapproved based on their
Objective Review score will receive a copy of the Final Executive
Summary which identifies the weaknesses and strengths of the
application submitted.
    2. Administrative Requirements:
    Grants are administrated in accordance with the following
documents:
     This Program Announcement.
     45 CFR Part 92, ``Uniform Administrative Requirements for
Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State, Local and Tribal
Governments,'' or 45 CFR Part 74, ``Uniform Administrative Requirements
for Awards to Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, Other Non-
Profit Organizations, and Commercial Organizations.''
     Grants Policy Guidance: HHS Grants Policy Statement,
January 2007.
     Cost Principles: OMB Circular A-87, ``Cost Principles for
State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments'' (Title 2 Part 225).
     Administrative Requirements: OMB Circular A-122, ``Non-
profit Organizations'' (Title 2 Part 230).
     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 have a current indirect cost rate agreement in place
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 means the rate covering the
applicable activities and the award budget period. If the current rate
is not on file with the DGO at the time of award, the indirect cost
portion of the budget will be restricted and not available to the
recipient until the current rate is provided to DGO.
    Generally, indirect costs rates for IHS grantees are negotiated
with the Division of Cost Allocation (DCA) http://rates.psc.gov/ and
the Department of Interior (National Business Center) http://
www.nbc.gov/acquisition/ics/icshome.html. If your organization has
questions regarding the indirect cost policy, please contact the DGO at
301-443-5204.
    4. Reporting:
    A. Progress Report. Program progress reports are required
semiannually. These reports must be submitted within 30 days of the end
of the half year and 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 Status Report. Semi-annual financial status reports
must be submitted within 30 days of the end of the half year. Final
financial status reports are due within 90 days of expiration of the
budget/project period. Standard Form 269 (long form) will be used for
financial reporting. The final SF-269 must be verified from the
grantee's records on how the value was derived. Grantees must submit
reports in a reasonable period of time.
    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 applies whether the delinquency is
attributable to the failure of the grantee organization or the
individual responsible for preparation of the reports.
    5. Telecommunication for the hearing impaired is available at: TTY
301-443-6394.

VII. Agency Contact(s)

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

[[Page 16878]]

Policy Analyst Office of Tribal Self-Governance, Telephone No.: 301-
443-7821, Fax No.: 301-443-1050, E-mail: matthew.johiison@ihs.gov.
    2. Questions on grants management and fiscal matters may be
directed to: John Hoffman, Grants Management Specialist, Division of
Grants Operations, Telephone No.: 301-443-5204, Fax No.: 301-443-9602,
E-mail: john.hoffman2@ihs.gov.

VIII. Other Information

    The Public Health Service (PHS) 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 PHS mission to protect and advance the physical and
mental health of the American people.

    Dated: March 24, 2008.
Robert G. McSwain,
Acting Director, Indian Health Service.
 [FR Doc. E8-6406 Filed 3-28-08; 8:45 am]

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