[Federal Register: March 31, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 62)]
[Notices]
[Page 16862-16870]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr31mr08-74]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Indian Health Service
Office of Clinical and Preventive Services; Elder Care Initiative
Long-Term Care Grant Program
Announcement Type: New.
Funding Announcement Number: HHS-2008-IHS-EHC-0001.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers: 93.933.
Key Dates:
Letter of Intent Deadline: May 2, 2008.
Application Deadline Date: June 20, 2008.
Review Date: July 21-August 1, 2008.
Earliest Anticipated Start Date: September 1, 2008.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
The Indian Health Service (IHS) announces the availability of up to
$600,000 for competitive grants through the Elder Care Initiative Long
Term Care (ECILTC) Grant Program to support planning and implementation
of sustainable long-term care services for American Indians and Alaska
Native (AI/AN) elders. This program is authorized under the Snyder Act,
Indian Health Care Improvement Act, as amended, 25 U.S.C. 1653(c), and
Public Health Service Act, Section 301, as amended. This program is
described at 93.933 in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
(CFDA).
The AI/AN elder population is growing rapidly and the Al/AN
population as a whole is aging. The prevalence of chronic disease in
this population continues to increase, contributing to a frail elder
population with increasing long-term care (LTC) needs.
LTC is best understood as an array of social and health care
services that support an individual who has needs for assistance in
activities of daily living over a prolonged period. LTC supports elders
and their families with medical, personal, and social services
delivered in a variety of settings to support quality of life, maximum
function, and dignity. While families continue to be the backbone of
LTC for Al/AN elders, there is well documented need to support this
care with formal services. The way these services and systems of care
are developed and implemented can have a profound impact on the
cultural and spiritual health of the community.
Home and community-based services have the potential for meeting
the needs of the vast majority of elders requiring LTC services,
supporting the key roles of the family in the care of the elder and
[[Page 16863]]
the elder in the care of the family and community. A LTC system with a
foundation in HCBS will also comply with the United States Supreme
Court interpretation of the Americans with Disabilities Act in Olmstead
v. L.C., 527 U.S. 581 (1999). The 28 CFR 35.130(d) ruling obligates
States and localities to provide care for persons with disability ``in
the most integrated setting appropriate to the needs of qualified
individuals with disabilities.'' An efficient and effective LTC system
would make use of all available resources, integrating and coordinating
services to assist families in the care of their elders.
The primary focus for planning and program development for AI/AN
LTC is at the Tribal and urban community level. Tribes and communities
have very different histories, capabilities, and resources with regard
to LTC program development. Each Tribe or community will have different
priorities in building LTC infrastructure. It is critical that the
development of LTC services be well grounded in an assessment of need
based on population demographics and rates of functional impairment.
LTC services should be acceptable to elders and their families and
consistent with community values in their implementation. The services
should be a part of an overall vision and plan for a LTC system to
support elders and their families.
There are a number of elements (Tribal sovereignty and the
government-to government relationship, the unique funding structure of
Indian health, and the importance of the cultural context) that
distinguish AI/AN LTC. Tribes and AL/AN organizations have found it
useful to look both inside and outside of the Indian Health system
(IHS, Tribal, and urban Indian health programs) for LTC strategies and
models.
The planning and design of LTC services must identify the revenue
source(s) that will support the delivery of care. Finding resources for
LTC services presents a formidable challenge. Funds appropriated
through the IHS (whether direct service or Tribal) can provide
healthcare services which are part of a LTC system, but do not provide
for a comprehensive set of LTC services and cannot support housing or
social services of a non-medical nature. Programs funded through the
Administration on Aging American Indian, Alaska Native and Native
Hawaiian Program (e.g. Title VI A and Title VI C Family Caregiver
Support Program) have been key elements in the LTC infrastructure in
AI/AN communities. Additional Older American Act resources may be
available through State Units on Aging and Area Agencies on Aging.
Other resources are available to provide LTC services on a reimbursable
basis for eligible AI/AN elders. The majority of formal LTC services in
this country are funded by reimbursements from state Medicaid and HCBS
programs. The Veterans Administration may be a source of reimbursement
for LTC services for eligible AI/AN veterans. Federal housing programs
are a potential resource in developing the housing component of the LTC
infrastructure. Each of these resources has unique eligibility
requirements. Development of reimbursement-based LTC services often
requires an ongoing investment of funds to support delivery of services
during the initial period of client recruitment, start-up of services,
and the receipt of reimbursement for those services.
This grant program is designed to provide support for the
development of AI/AN LTC, with funding for either assessment and
planning, or program implementation. LTC services developed with
support of this grant program must be those which the IIHS has the
authority to provide, either directly or through funding agreement, and
must be designed to serve IRS beneficiaries. Most Tribes and urban
communities are building toward their ideal LTC system incrementally,
adding new or integrating existing services over time. The goal of this
grant program is to support Tribes, Tribal Organizations, Tribal
consortia, and Urban Indian health programs as they build LTC systems
and services that meet the needs of their elders and that keep elders
engaged and involved in the lives of their families and communities.
II. Award Information
Type of Awards: Grant.
Estimated Funds Available: The total amount identified for fiscal
year (FY) 2008 is up to $600,000. The project period for the grants is
24 months in duration and each budget period is approximately 12
months. The award amounts are set at $50,000-$75,000 each year,
depending on the project category. Continuation awards are subject to
the availability of funds and satisfactory performance.
Anticipated Number of Awards: 8-10 awards will be made under this
program announcement.
Project Period: Two Years (24 months).
Award Amount:
$50,000 per year for Category 1--Assessment and Planning Awards.
$75,000 per year for Category 2--Implementation Awards.
Category 1--Assessment and Planning awards will support the
following activities:
a. Demographic assessment of the population and assessment of LTC
needs on a population basis.
b. Evaluation of existing services and resources for LTC.
c. Evaluation of potential resources to fund LTC services.
d. Assessment of cultural and religious values regarding care of
the elder for the population(s) served.
e. Assessment of elder preferences for type, structure, and setting
of services.
f. Establishment of a comprehensive vision for LTC services with
priorities for implementation.
g. Identification of potential funding sources for program
development and for ongoing financing of service delivery.
h. The integration and incorporation of the above elements into a
report or other document that guides LTC services/system
implementation, including a plan for sustainability.
Category 2--Implementation awards will support the following
activities: Implementation of a service or group of services that add
capacity to the LTC system of the applicant's Tribe or organization.
The implementation plan should be based on a comprehensive assessment
and plan, including a business plan, The services should be designed to
be self-sustaining at the end of the project period.
Applications must be for only one Project Type. Applications that
address more than one Project Type will be considered ineligible and
will be returned to the applicant. The maximum funding level includes
both direct and indirect costs. Applications with budgets which exceed
the maximum funding level or project period identified for a Project
Type will not be reviewed.
III. Eligibility Information
1. The AI/AN applicant must be one of the following:
A. A Federally-recognized Indian Tribe; or
B. Tribal organization as defined by 25 U.S.C. 1603(e); or
C. Urban Indian organization as defined by 25 U.S.C. 1603(h); or
D. A consortium of eligible Tribes, Tribal organization or urban
Indian health programs authorized by governing bodies to apply for and
receive awards on their behalf under this program announcement.
Applicants must provide proof of non-profit status with the
application.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching--The ECILTC Grant Program does not
require matching funds or cost sharing.
[[Page 16864]]
3. Other Requirements:
A. A Letter of Intent (LOI) to apply is required and must be
postmarked no later than May 2, 2008. The LOI is a mandatory but non-
binding request for information that will assist in planning both the
review and post award phase. There is no penalty for submitting a LOI
and not proceeding with the grant application but a grant will not be
reviewed if a LOI was not submitted. See Section IV.6.a for detailed
instructions for submission of the LOI.
B. The following documentation (as applicable) is required for an
application to be considered complete:
1. Tribal Resolution--A resolution of the Indian Tribe served by
the project must accompany the application submission. An Indian Tribe
that is proposing a project affecting another Indian Tribe must include
resolutions from all affected Tribes to be served. Applications by
Tribal organizations will not require a specific Tribal resolution if
the current Tribal resolution(s) under which they operate would
encompass the proposed grant activities. Draft resolutions are
acceptable in lieu of an official resolution. However, an official
signed Tribal resolution must be received by the Division of Grants
Operations (DGO) prior to the beginning of the Objective Review, July
21, 2008. If an official signed resolution is not received by July 21,
2008, the application will be considered incomplete, ineligible for
review, and returned to the applicant without consideration. Applicants
submitting additional documentation after the initial application
submission are required to ensure the information was received by the
IBS by obtaining documentation confirming delivery (i.e. FedEx
tracking, postal return receipt, etc.).
2. Tribal Consortium--If a consortium is submitting an application
it must:
Identify each of the consortium member Tribes.
Identify if any of the member Tribes intend to submit a
LTC grant application of their own.
Demonstrate that Tribes, Tribal organizations, urban
Indian health programs, or Tribal consortia's application does not
duplicate or overlap any objectives of the other consortium members who
may be submitting their own LTC grant application.
Any application received from a Consortium that does not meet the
requirements above will be considered ineligible for review.
Tribes, Tribal organizations, urban Indian health
programs, or Tribal consortia's receiving Category I (Assessment and
Planning funding) in the FY2006-2007 [ITIS Elder Care Initiative grant
cycle will be considered ineligible for FY2008 Category I (Assessment
and Planning) funding unless they can demonstrate that the current
application serves a different population than the FY2006-2007 grant.
(e.g. a consortium may target different Tribes).
Tribes, Tribal organizations, urban Indian health
programs, or Tribal consortias receiving Category II (Implementation)
grants in the FY2006-2007 IHS Elder Health Care Initiative Grants cycle
will be considered ineligible for FY2008 Category II (Implementation)
funding unless they can demonstrate that they will be implementing an
entirely new service or program (e.g. an applicant with current funding
to implement an Adult Day Health Program may now apply for funding to
implement a personal care program).
IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Applicant package 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 the Letter of Intent may be obtained from:
Ms. Orlinda Platero, Office Clinical and Preventive Services, Indian
Health Service, 801 Thompson Avenue, Suite 220, Rockville, Maryland
20852, (301) 443-2522, Fax: 301-594-6213.
The entire application package along with downloadable application
instructions is available at: http://www.grants.gov. Details regarding
the ECILTC Grant Program are available at: http://www.ihs.gov/
MedicalPrograms/ElderCare/. Detailed application instructions for this
announcement are downloadable on Grants.gov.
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.
Contain a narrative that does not exceed ten-typed pages.
See Section V for instructions for the content of the narrative. The
ten page narrative does not include the detailed work plan with
timeline, standard forms, Tribal resolutions or letters of support (if
necessary), table of contents, budget, budget justifications, budget
narrative, and/or other appendix items.
Public Policy Requirements: All Federal-wide public policies apply
to IRS grants with the exception of the discrimination public policy.
3. Submission Dates and Times:
Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by
12:00 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 Grants
Policy Staff (UPS) at (301) 443-6290 at least 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 P1.2., 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:
Pre-award costs are allowable pending prior approval from
the awarding agency. However, in accordance with 45 CFR Part 74, all
pre-award costs are incurred at the recipient's risk. The awarding
office is under no obligation to reimburse such costs if for any reason
the applicant does not receive an award or if the award to the
recipient is less than anticipated.
The available funds are inclusive of direct and
appropriate indirect costs.
Only one grant will be awarded per applicant.
IHS will not acknowledge receipt of applications.
6. Other Submission Requirements:
If the applicant is unable to submit via Grants.gov and
obtains a waiver from the standard application requirements, please use
the following forms: SF-424, 424A, 424B, and certification forms, as
appropriate. One original and two copies must be submitted to: attn:
Norma Jean Dunne; Division of Grants Operations; 801 Thompson Avenue,
Rockville, MD 20852. Copies of the forms may be found at: http://
www.ihs.gov/
[[Page 16865]]
NonMedicalPrograms/gogp/index.cfm?module=forms. Applications are due by
June 20, 2008.
A LOI to apply is required and must be postmarked no later
than May 2, 2008. The LOI is a mandatory but non-binding request for
information that will assist in planning both the review and post award
phase. There is no penalty for submitting a LOI and not proceeding with
the grant application, but a grant will not be reviewed if a LOI was
not submitted. Applicants will be notified by fax or e-mail that their
LOI has been received, as it is received.
The LOI should be sent to Ms. Orlinda Platero at the following
address: Ms. Orlinda Platero, Office Clinical and Preventive Services,
Indian Health Service, 801 Thompson Avenue, Suite 326, Rockville,
Maryland 20852, Telephone: (301) 443-2522, Fax: (301) 594-6213, E-mail:
Orlinda.Platero@ihs.gov.
The LOI must contain:
The name of the applying organization.
The individual who is responsible for correspondence
regarding the application, and contact information for that individual.
Please indicate whether fax or e-mail notification of receipt of LOl is
preferred, and provide e-mail address and/or fax number.
The name of all member Tribes if the applicant is a Tribal
Consortium and those Tribes involved in the proposal.
Whether the intent is to apply for a Category I or
Category II grant.
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. The applicant must seek assistance at
least fifteen days prior to the application deadline. Applicants that
don't 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 http://
www.Grants.gov and select the ``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 contact
directly 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 (emails 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: http://www.ihs.gov/NonMedicalPrograms/gogp/
index.cfm?rnodule=forms. Please use the following forms for the
standard application requirements: SF-424, 424A, 424B, and
certification forms, as appropriate. One original and two copies must
be submitted to: Attn: Norma Jean Dunne; Division of Grants Operations;
801 Thompson Avenue, TMP 360, Rockville, MD 20852 by the application
due date of June 20, 2008.
Upon entering the Grants.gov site, there is information
available that outlines 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 often 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 IRS, DGO will download your application
from Grants.gov and provide necessary copies to the cognizant program
office. 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
either by 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-EHC-0001. E-mail applications will not be accepted under
this announcement.
DUNS Number
Applicants are required to have a DUNS number 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 DUNS 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 DUNS 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
Note: Only those programs or services which the IHS is
authorized to provide, either directly or through funding agreement,
can be supported by this grant program. UNLESS CONGRESS PROVIDES
OTHERWISE, those services which are primarily housing or custodial
in nature are not eligible for support (e.g. assisted living
facility, board and care, or nursing home which is primarily
custodial in nature). Supportive services delivered in those
facilities, with the intent to promote the health and wellness of
elders, are eligible for
[[Page 16866]]
funding. Programs and services developed with support of this grant
program must be designed for the benefit of IHS beneficiaries.
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 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.
1. Criteria
A. Category I (Assessment and Planning)
1. Introduction and Need for Assistance (35 Points)
Provide an understanding of the LTC needs of the elderly in the
Tribe or service area and identify the additional information needed
for planning. The number of elders that will be affected by the program
will be considered a factor in the review as will the relationship of
the amount of funding requested to the number of elders to be served.
The applicant should use the best data available, understanding that,
for most programs, many of these data elements will not be available or
be poor in quality and that improved data for future planning will be
an outcome of this grant-funded project. Data that is not available
should be noted as such and addressed in the work plan (Section 2).
Identify all information sources.
a. Currently available information for use in planning and service
development:
i. Currently available information regarding population and need
for services.
1. Demographics of the population and assessment of LTC needs on a
population basis.
2. Geographic and social factors, including availability of
caregivers.
3. Cultural and religious values regarding care of the elder for
the population(s) to be served.
4. Elder preferences for type, structure, and setting of services.
ii. Currently available information regarding existing services and
resources for LTC:
1. Availability and organization of existing aging and LTC
services, including services available to Tribal or community members
provided by non-Tribal/non-AI/AN organization programs.
2. Availability and organization of health services for the
elderly, including Native healing systems.
3. Assessment of the capacity of available LTC services to support
care provided ``in the most integrated setting appropriate to the needs
of qualified individuals with disabilities'' (Olmstead v. L.C).
4. Assessment of caregiver workforce.
iii. Funding streams currently paying for LTC services.
iv. Current collaborations in program development or service
delivery.
b. Current vision for LTC system/services and priorities for
development.
c. Elder care assessment and planning activities within the past
ten years:
i. Funding sources.
ii. Dates of funding.
iii. Summary of project accomplishments.
iv. Relationship to the current proposal. Copies of reports will
not be accepted.
d. Unmet need for LTC services.
e. Information needed for planning and service implementation which
is not currently available.
2. Work Plan (35 Points)
This section should demonstrate the soundness and effectiveness of
the applicant's proposal. The work plan should be designed to produce
as an end product the readiness to develop LTC service(s) and should
include all information not already available. For an example of the
information needed to demonstrate readiness to develop LTC service(s),
see Section 1 Introduction and Need for Assistance in the Category II
Implementation criteria.
Note that attendance and presentation at the AI/AN Long Term Care
Conference and participation in periodic grantee teleconferences are a
requirement of the grant and should be included as activities in the
work plan.
a. State the proposed assessment or planning process.
b. List the objectives clearly.
i. Identify the data elements needed.
ii. Indicate the function of each data element in the plan.
c. Describe the approach to the project.
i. Tasks.
ii. Resources needed to implement and complete the project.
iii. Timeline.
iv. Specialized technical resources for data collection or
analysis.
v. Training needs.
Include in work plan attendance and presentation at the
annual AI/AN Long Term Care Conference.
d. Identify the final product of the assessment/plan and the
strategy for dissemination.
e. Submit a work plan in the appendix which includes the following
information:
i. Action steps on a time line for implementation of the work plan.
ii. Identify who will perform the action steps.
iii. Identify who will supervise the action steps.
iv. Identify who will accept and/or approve work products at the
end of the proposed project.
v. Include any additional training that will take place during the
proposed project, who will conduct the training, and who will be
attending the training.
vi. Include the following information if consultants or contractors
will be used during the proposed project, their position description
and scope of work (or note if consultants/contractors will not be
used):
Educational requirements.
Desired qualifications and work experience.
Expected work products.
Contractor's supervisor.
Include a resume and letter of commitment in the appendix
for potential consultant/contractor.
3. Project Evaluation (10 Points)
This section should show how progress on this project will be
assessed and how the success of this project will be judged.
a. Describe and list outcomes by which this project will be
evaluated. Each proposed project objective and task of the work plan
should be evaluated and the evaluation activities should appear on the
work plan.
b. Identify the responsible person for the evaluation (need not be
an outside evaluator).
4. Organizational Capabilities and Qualifications (10 Points)
This section outlines the broader capacity of the Tribe, Tribal
organization, or urban health program to complete the project outlined
in the work plan. It includes the identification of personnel
responsible for completing tasks and chain of responsibility for
successful completion of the project outlined in the work plan.
a. Describe the organizational structure of the Tribe/Tribal
organization beyond health care activities.
b. Describe the ability of the organization to manage the proposed
project. Include information regarding similarly sized projects in
scope and financial assistance as well as other
[[Page 16867]]
grants and projects successfully completed.
c. Describe what equipment (i.e., fax machine, phone, computer,
etc.) and facility space (i.e., office space) will be available for use
during the proposed project. Include information about any equipment
not currently available that will be purchased through the grant.
d. List key personnel who will work on the project.
i. Identify existing personnel and new program staff to be hired.
ii. Include in the appendix, position descriptions and resumes for
all key personnel. Position descriptions should clearly describe each
position and duties, indicating desired qualifications experience,
requirements related to the proposed project and how they will be
supervised. Resumes must indicate that the proposed staff member is
qualified to carry out the proposed project activities and who will
determine if the work of a contractor is acceptable.
iii. Note who will be writing the progress reports.
iv. Indicate if a position is to be filled for a proposed position
description.
v. Note and address how additional personnel beyond those covered
by the grant funds, (i.e., IT support, volunteers, interviewers, etc.),
will be filled and if funds are required, list the funding source.
vi. Indicate the percentage of time to be allocated to this project
and identify the resources used to fund the remainder of the
individual's salary if personnel are to be only partially funded by
this grant.
5. Categorical Budget and Budget Justification (10 Points)
This section should provide a clear estimate of the project program
costs and justification for expenses for the entire grant period. The
budget and budget justification should be consistent with the tasks
identified in the work plan.
a. Categorical budget (Form SF 424A, Budget Information Non
Construction Programs) completing each of the budget periods requested.
b. Include a narrative justification for all costs, explaining why
each line item is necessary or relevant to the proposed project.
Include sufficient details to facilitate the determination of cost
allowability.
c. Indicate any special start-up costs.
d. Include a brief program narrative budget justification for the
second year.
e. If indirect costs are claimed, indicate and apply the current
negotiated rate to the budget. Include a copy of the rate agreement in
the appendix.
B. Category II (Program Implementation)
1. Introduction and Need for Assistance (35 points)
Provide an understanding of current need for and availability of
LTC services for the elderly in the Tribe or service area. Identify the
number of elders to be served. The number of elders that will be
affected by the program will be considered a factor in the review as
will the relationship of the amount of funding requested to the number
of elders to be served. Demonstrate the necessary assessment and
planning to successfully implement new service(s) and show that the
services fit within a comprehensive vision or plan for elder care. If
significant elements listed below are not available, programs should
consider applying for Category I funding to support the assessment and
planning activities necessary for successful program development.
a. Demographic assessment of the population and assessment of LTC
needs on a population basis.
i. Population distribution. Number of elderly of different age and
gender groups in the population.
ii. Rates of functional impairment and numbers of elders with need
for assistance in activities in daily living with adequate detail to
project need for services.
b. Geographic and social factors that affect access to services and
availability of caregivers.
i. Rural vs. urban; population density.
ii. Family structure and organization. c. Assessment of cultural
and religious values regarding care of the elder for the population(s)
to be served.
d. Assessment of elder preferences for type, structure, and setting
of services.
e. Evaluation of existing services and resources for LTC.
i. Availability and organization of existing aging and LTC
services. Include services available to Tribal or community members
provided by programs or organizations that are not Tribal or AI/AN
organizations.
ii. Availability and organization of health services for the
elderly, including Native healing systems.
iii. Capacity of existing LTC services to support care provided
``in the most integrated setting appropriate to the needs of qualified
individuals with disabilities'' (Olmstead v. L.C).
f. Assessment of caregiver workforce.
i. Availability of potential caregivers (formal and informal).
ii. Training resources for formal and informal caregivers.
g. Identification of potential resources for new LTC service.
i. Funding for program development.
ii. Funding for ongoing service delivery.
iii. Potential partners in program development.
h. Relevant Federal, 11-IS, Tribal and/or State standards, laws and
regulations and codes and relevant licensure or certification
requirements.
i. A comprehensive vision or plan for LTC systems/services which
incorporates the information above and identifies priorities for
implementation.
j. Unmet need for LTC services.
2. Work Plan (35 points)
This section should demonstrate the soundness and effectiveness of
the applicant's proposal. This includes both the work plan for program
implementation and the underlying plan or strategy for sustainability
of the service(s) past the point of grant support. Note that attendance
and presentation at the AI/AN LTC Conference and participation in
periodic grantee teleconferences are a requirement of the grant and
should be included as activities in the work plan.
a. Identify the LTC service(s) to be implemented and:
i. Show how it is consistent with the results of the assessment/
planning process described above (Introduction and Need for
Assistance).
ii. Integrates with existing LTC and health services.
b. Summarize the business plan or plan for self-sufficiency and
sustainability, including:
i. Funding stream(s) to support ongoing services.
ii. Clearly indicate whether the program will be self-supporting
(and if so, when) or not. If not self-supporting, what will be the
source of additional revenue for services?
iii. Timeline with projections for client recruitment, expected
revenue and shortfalls, resources for funds needed to bridge between
onset of services and collection of reimbursement, etc.
iv. Licensure or certification requirements.
v. Indicate if Tribal revenue is expected to pay in part or in
whole for services. A letter from the Tribal Council or administration
indicating that these funds have been budgeted for this purpose should
be included in the appendix.
c. Describe the approach to implementation.
i. Tasks.
ii. Resources needed to implement and complete the project.
iii. Timeline for implementation.
iv. Specialized technical resources.
v. Training needs.
[[Page 16868]]
Include in work plan attendance and presentation at the
annual AI/AN Long Term Care Conference.
vi. Consultation needs (if any).
d. Include a detailed work plan in the appendix, containing the
following information:
i. Action steps on a time line for implementation of the work plan.
ii. Identify who will perform the action steps.
iii. Identify who will supervise the action steps.
iv. Identify who will accept and/or approve work products at the
end of the proposed project.
v. Include any additional training that will take place during the
proposed project,
vi. Include the following information if consultants or contractors
will be used during the proposed project, their position description
and scope of work (or note if consultants/contractors will not be
used):
Educational requirements.
Desired qualifications and work experience.
Expected work products.
Contractor's supervisor.
Include a resume and letter of commitment in the appendix
for potential consultant/contractor.
e. Include a detailed business plan in the appendix, containing the
following information:
i. Timeline with detailed expense and revenue projections.
ii. Timeline with client recruitment projections.
iii. Timeline with licensure or certification requirements and
tasks.
iv. Identification of shortfall funding during implementation with
documentation of the availability of budgeted funds to support the
program until it is self-sustaining (if applicable).
3. Project Evaluation (10 Points)
This section should show how progress on this project will be
assessed and how the success of this project will be judged.
a. Specifically list and describe the outcomes by which this
project will be evaluated.
b. Identify the evaluator and/or the individual with responsibility
for the evaluation (need not be an outside evaluator).
c. Each proposed project objective and task of the work plan should
be able to be evaluated and the evaluation activities should appear on
the work plan.
4. Organizational Capabilities and Qualifications (10 Points)
This section outlines the broader capacity of the Tribe, Tribal
organization, or urban health program to complete the project outlined
in the work plan. This includes the identification of personnel
responsible for completing tasks and chain of responsibility for
successful completion of the project outlined in the work plan. a.
Describe the organizational structure of the Tribe/Tribal organization
beyond health care activities.
b. If management systems are already in place, simply note it.
c. Describe the ability of the organization to manage the proposed
project. Include information regarding similarly sized projects in
scope and financial assistance as well as other grants and projects
successfully completed.
d. Describe what equipment (i.e., fax machine, phone, computer,
etc.) and facility space (i.e., office space) will be available for use
during the proposed project. Include information about any equipment
not currently available that will be purchased through the grant.
e. List key personnel who will work on the project.
i. Identify existing personnel and new program staff to be hired.
ii. Include position descriptions and resumes for all key personnel
in the appendix. Position descriptions should clearly describe each
position and duties, indicating desired qualifications experience,
requirements related to the proposed project and how they will be
supervised. Resumes must indicate that the proposed staff member is
qualified to carry out the proposed project activities and who will
determine if the work of a contractor is acceptable.
iii. Note who will be writing the progress reports.
iv. Indicate if a position is to be filled for a proposed position
description.
v. Note and address how additional personnel beyond those covered
by the grant funds, (i.e., IT support, volunteers, interviewers, etc.),
will be filled and if funds are required, list the funding source.
vi. Indicate the percentage of time to be allocated to this project
and identify the resources used to fund the remainder of the
individual's salary if personnel are to be only partially funded by
this grant.
5. Categorical Budget and Budget Justification (10 Points)
This section should provide a clear estimate of the project program
costs and justification for expenses for the entire grant period. The
budget and budget justification should be consistent with the tasks
identified in the work plan.
a. Categorical budget (Form SF 424A, Budget Information Non-
Construction Programs) completing each of the budget periods requested.
b. Include a narrative justification for all costs, explaining why
each line item is necessary or relevant to the proposed project.
Include sufficient details to facilitate the determination of cost
allowability.
c. Indicate any special start-up costs.
d. Include a brief program narrative budget justification for the
second year.
e. Indicate and apply the current negotiated rate to the budget if
indirect costs are claimed. Include a copy of the rate agreement in the
appendix.
2. Review and Selection Process
In addition to the above criteria/requirements, applications are
considered according to the following:
a. Letter of Intent Submission (Deadline: May 2, 2008); and
b. Application Submission (Application Deadline: June 20, 2006).
Applications submitted in advance of or by deadline and verified by the
postmark will undergo a preliminary review to determine that:
The applicant and proposed project type is eligible in
accordance with this grant announcement.
The application is not a duplication of a previously
funded project.
The application narrative, forms, and materials submitted
meet the requirements of the announcement allowing the review panel to
undertake an in-depth evaluation; otherwise, it may be returned.
c. Competitive Review of Eligible Applications (Objective Review:
July 21-August 1, 2008).
Applications meeting eligibility requirements that are complete,
responsive, and conform to this program announcement will be reviewed
for merit by the Ad Hoc 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. and V.2. 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 funding is not sufficient to support all
approved applications. Applications
[[Page 16869]]
recommended for approval, having a score of 60 or above by the ORC and
scored high enough to be considered for funding, are ranked. Additional
considerations in final ranking include: geographic diversity among
funded programs, diversity in population size among Tribes and
communities served by funded programs, and unique features with regard
to type of program planned or population served. Applications scoring
below 60 points will be disapproved and returned to the applicant.
Applications that are approved but not funded will not be carried over
into the next cycle for funding consideration.
3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates
Anticipated Award Notification: August 18, 2008.
Anticipated Award Start Date: September 1, 2008.
VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices
The Notice of Award (NoA) will be initiated by 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 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.
Administrative Requirements: 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, ``State, Local, and
Indian'' (Title 2 Part 225).
Cost Principles: 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 11-
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 the
DGO.
Generally, indirect costs rates for IFIS 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 within 30
days of the completion of the semi annual report. 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 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.
C. Reports. Grantees are responsible and accountable for accurate
reporting of the Progress Reports and Financial Status Reports which
are generally due semi-annually. Financial Status Reports (SF-269) are
due 90 days after each budget period and the final SF-269 must be
verified from the grantee 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)
For program-related information regarding the IHS Elder Care
Program: Bruce Finke, MD, Nashville Area Elder Health Consultant, 45
Vernon Street, Northampton, MA 01060, (413) 584-0790,
bruce.flnke@ihs.gov.
For general information regarding this announcement: Ms. Orlinda
Platero, Office Clinical and Preventive Services, Indian Health
Service, 801 Thompson Avenue, Suite 326, Rockville, Maryland 20852,
(301) 443-2522, Fax: (301) 594-6213.
For specific grant-related and business management information: Ms.
Norma Jean Dunne, Division of Grant Operations, Indian Health Service,
801 Thompson Avenue, TMP 360-79, Rockville, Maryland 20852, (301) 443-
5204, Fax: (301) 443-9602.
VIII. Other Information
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is committed to
achieving the health promotion and disease prevention objectives of
Healthy People 2010, a HHS led activity for setting priority areas.
This project will aid the accomplishment of Healthy People 2010 Focus
Area 1--Access. Specifically, it will aid the accomplishment of
objective 1-15, ``Increase the proportion of persons with long-term
care needs who have access to the continuum of long-term care
services.'' Potential applicants may obtain a printed copy of Healthy
People 2010, (Summary Report No, 017-001-00549-5) or CD-ROM, Stock No.
0 17-001-00549-5, through the Superintendent of Documents, Government
Printing Office, P.O. Box
[[Page 16870]]
371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7945, (202) 512-1800. You may also access
this information at the following Web site; http://
www.healthypeople.gov/Publications.
The IHS is focusing efforts on three Health Initiatives that,
linked together, have the potential to achieve positive improvements in
the health of AI/AN people. These three initiatives are Health
Promotion/Disease Prevention, Management of Chronic Disease, and
Behavioral Health. Further information is available at the Health
Initiatives Web site: http://www.ihs.gov/NonMedicalPrograms/
DirInitiatives/index.cfm.
Dated: March 24, 2008.
Robert G. McSwain,
Acting Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. E8-6409 Filed 3-28-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165-16-M
