[Federal Register: December 15, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 240)]
[Notices]
[Page 74325-74329]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr15de05-75]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Indian Health Service
[Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2006-IHS-TSGP-0002; CFDA Number:
93.210]
Tribal Self-Governance Program; Negotiation Cooperative
Agreement; New Funding Cycle for Fiscal Year 2006
Key Dates: Applications Due--January 20, 2006; Objective Review
Committee to Evaluate Applications--March 8-9, 2006; Anticipated
Project Start Date--April 1, 2006.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
The purpose of the program is to award cooperative agreements that
provide negotiation 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. 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 IHS. The
Negotiation Cooperative Agreement provides Tribes with funds to help
cover the expenses involved in preparing for and negotiating with the
IHS and assists eligible Indian Tribes to prepare for Compacts and
Funding Agreements (FAs) with an effective date of October 1, 2006, or
January 1, 2007.
The Negotiation Cooperative Agreement provides resources to assist
Indian Tribes to conduct negotiation activities that include but are
not limited to:
Analysis of the complex IHS budget to determine what
programs, services, functions, and activities (PSFAs) will be
negotiated.
Development of the terms and conditions that will be set
forth in a Compact and Funding Agreement (FA).
Consultant costs such as Attorney or Financial Advisors.
Communication Costs.
Identification of Tribal shares that will be included in
the FA.
The award of a Negotiation Cooperative Agreement is not required as
a prerequisite to enter the TSGP. Indian Tribes that have completed
comparable health planning activities in previous years using tribal
resources but have not received a Tribal self-governance planning award
are also eligible to apply. Applicants must provide a statement that
the planning phase has been conducted to the satisfaction of the Indian
Tribe and must include: (a) Legal and budgetary research; and (b)
internal Tribal government planning and organizational preparation
relating to the administration of health programs.
II. Award Information
Type of Award: Cooperative Agreement.
Estimated Funds Available: The total amount identified for Fiscal
Year (FY) 2006 is $240,000 for approximately twelve (12) Tribes to
enter the TSGP negotiation process for compacts beginning in Fiscal
Year (FY) 2007 or Calendar Year (CY) 2007. 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: $20,000 per year.
Programmatic Involvement: IHS TSGP funds will be awarded as
cooperative agreements and will have substantial programmatic
involvement to establish a process through which Tribes can effectively
approach the IHS to identify programs and associated funding which
could be incorporated into programs.
The IHS roles and responsibilities will include:
Identification of IHS staff that will consult with
applicants on methods used by the IHS to manage and deliver health
care.
Provide applicants with a list of laws and regulations
that provide authority for the various IHS programs.
[[Page 74326]]
The Grantee roles and responsibilities will include:
Research and analysis of the complex IHS budget, at the
Service Unit, Area, and Headquarters levels.
Establishment of a basic understanding of IHS PSFAs
operations at the Service Unit, Area, and Headquarters levels.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
To be eligible for a negotiation 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, who are located within the area served by an
Alaska Native regional health entity already participating in compact
status, are not eligible (Pub. L. 106-260, Title V, section 12(a)(2)).
Those Tribes not represented by a self-governance Tribal consortium
compact that have previously received negotiation funds may still be
considered to participate in the TSGP, subject to the provisions in
this announcement, however, with the following exception cited in
section 351, Public Law 105-277, the FY 1999 Omnibus Appropriations
Bill: ``Notwithstanding any other provision of law, prior to September
1, 2001, the IHS may not disburse funds for the provision of health
care services pursuant to Public Law 93-638 (25 U.S.C. 450, et seq.)
with any Alaska Native Village or Alaska Native Village Corporation
that is located within the area served by an Alaska Native regional
health entity.''
2. Cost Sharing or Matching Funds
The Self-Governance Negotiation 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 Catalog of Federal
Domestic Assistance. There is limited competition under this
announcement because the authorizing legislation restricts eligibility
to Tribes that meet specific criteria. (Refer to section III,
``Eligible Applicants'' in this announcement.)
B. Request participation in self-governance by resolution by the
governing body of the Indian Tribe. An Indian Tribe that is proposing a
cooperative agreement affecting another Indian Tribe must include
resolutions from all affected Tribes to be served.
C. Demonstrate, for three FY's, financial stability and financial
management capability, which is defined as no uncorrected significant
and 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.
D. Grantees are required to submit a current version of the
organization's audit report. Audit reports can be lengthy; therefore,
the applicants may submit them separately via regular mail by the due
date (January 20, 2006). If the grantee determines that the audit
reports are not lengthy, the applicants may scan the documents and
attach them to the electronic application. Applicants must submit two
copies of the audits that reflect three previous fiscal years under
separate cover directly to the Division of Grants Operations, 801
Thompson Avenue, TMP 360, Rockville, MD 20852, referencing the Funding
Opportunity Number, HHS-2006-IHS-TSGP-0002, 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). If this documentation is not submitted by the
due date, the application will be considered as unresponsive and will
not be considered. Applicants must include the grant tracking number
assigned to their electronic submission by Grants.gov and the date
submitted via Grants.gov in their cover letter transmitting the
required audits for the previous three fiscal years.
E. Tribal Resolution--A resolution of the Indian Tribe served by
the project must accompany the application submission. For Tribal
Consortia applying for a Negotiation Cooperative Agreement, individual
Tribal Council Resolutions from all individual Tribes whose PSFAs will
be compacted must be submitted.
Draft resolutions are acceptable in lieu of an official resolution
during the review process. However, an official signed Tribal
resolution must be received by the Division of Grants Operations (DGO)
by the end of the Objective Review (March 9, 2006). If an official
signed resolution is not submitted by March 9, 2006, the application
will be considered incomplete and will be returned as unresponsive.
*It is highly recommended that the Tribal resolution be sent by
Federal Express for proof of receipt.
IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Application Package May Be Found on Grants.gov
Information regarding the electronic application process may be
obtained from either of the following persons:
Ms. Mary E. Trujillo, Office of Tribal Self-Governance Operations,
Indian Health Service, 801 Thompson Avenue, Suite 240, Rockville,
Maryland 20852. (301) 443-7821.
Ms. Patricia Spotted Horse, Indian Health Service, Division of Grants,
801 Thompson Avenue, TMP 360, Rockville, Maryland 20852. (301) 443-
5204.
Web address to obtain application kit: http://www.ihs.gov/NonMedicalPrograms/gogp/gogp_submission.asp
.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
A. All applications should:
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\[sec] x
11[sec] paper.
Contain a narrative that does not exceed 7 typed pages
that includes the sections listed below. (The 7 page narrative does not
include the work plan, standard forms, Tribal resolution(s), 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 Lobbying and
Discrimination.
3. Submission Dates and Times
Applications must be submitted on-line by January 20, 2006. Late
applications not accepted for processing will be returned to the
applicant and will not be considered for funding.
4. Intergovernmental Review
This funding opportunity is not subject to Executive Order 12372,
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.'' State approval is not
required.
[[Page 74327]]
5. Funding Restrictions
A. Only one negotiation cooperative agreement will be awarded per
applicant.
B. Each negotiation cooperative agreement shall not exceed $20,000.
The available funds are inclusive of direct and indirect costs.
C. Negotiation awards shall not exceed a maximum period of one
year.
D. Pre-award costs are not allowable.
6. Other Submission Requirements
The application must comply with the following:
A. Abstract (one page)--Summarizes the project.
B. Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424, Rev. 09/03).
C. Narrative (no more than 7 pages) with time frame chart (one
page); pages numbered consecutively, including appendices, and Table of
Contents, and should include the following:
(1) Background information on the Tribe.
(2) Objectives and activities that provide a description of what
will be accomplished.
(3) A line-item budget and narrative justification.
(4) Appendix to include:
a. Resumes or position descriptions of key staff.
b. Contractors/Consultants resumes or qualifications.
c. Proposed Scope of Work.
d. Provide a statement that the planning phase has been conducted
to the satisfaction of the Indian Tribe and must include: (a) Legal and
budgetary research; and (b) internal Tribal government planning and
organizational preparation relating to the administration of health
programs.
Electronic Transmission--The preferred method for receipt of
applications is electronic submission through Grants.gov. However,
should any technical problems arise regarding the submission, please
contact our Grants Policy Staff at (301) 443-6528 at least ten days
prior to the application deadline. To submit an application
electronically, please use the http://www.Grants.gov apply site.
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 us.
Please note the following:
Under the new IHS requirements, paper applications are not
the preferred method. However, if you have technical problems
submitting your application on-line, and you have contacted the Grants
Policy Staff and advised them of the difficulties you are having
submitting your application on-line, you may submit a paper application
after you have downloaded the application package from Grants.gov, and
send it directly to the Division of Grants Operations, 801 Thompson
Avenue, TMP 360, Rockville, MD 20852 by the due date, January 20, 2006.
When you enter the Grants.gov site, you will find
information about submitting an application electronically through the
site, as well as the hours of operation. We strongly recommend that you
do not wait until the deadline date to begin the application process
through Grants.gov.
To use Grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must have a DUNS
Number and register in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). You
should allow a minimum of 10-15 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.
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 Indian Health Service will retrieve
your application from Grants.gov.
You may access the electronic application for this program
on http://www.Grants.gov.
You must search for the downloadable application package
by CFDA number.
To receive an application package, the applicant must
provide the Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2006-IHS-TSGP-0002.
E-mail applications will not be accepted under this announcement.
DUNS Number
Beginning October 1, 2003, applicants were required to have a Dun
and Bradstreet (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 Central Contractor Registry (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 in the appendix
of the TSGP Negotiation Cooperative Agreement application kit or 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
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.
1. Criteria
Demonstration Of Previous Planning Activities (30 points)
Thoroughness and appropriateness of planning activity to proposed
scope of compact is demonstrated, i.e., has the Indian Tribe determined
the PSFAs to be assumed? Has the Indian Tribe determined it has the
administrative infrastructure to support the assumption of the PSFAs?
Are the results of what was learned or is being learned during the
planning process clearly stated?
Thoroughness of Approach (25 points)
Is a specific narrative provided of the direction the Indian Tribe
plans to take in the TSGP? How will the Tribe demonstrate improved
health and services? Is the Indian Tribe ready to negotiate a compact
to begin October 1, 2006 or January 1, 2007? Are proposed time lines
for negotiations indicated?
Project Outcome (25 points)
What beneficial contributions are expected or anticipated to the
TSGP projected? Is information provided on the services that will be
assumed? How will any improvements be made to managing the health
program under the TSGP to better serve its Tribal members? Are Tribal
needs discussed in relation to programmatic alternatives and outcomes?
Administrative Capabilities (20 points)
Does the Indian Tribe clearly demonstrate knowledge and experience
[[Page 74328]]
in the operation and management of other health programs? Is the
internal management and administrative infrastructure of the applicant
described and its relationship to the successful implementation of
self-governance operation of health programs explained?
Appendix Items
Work plan for proposed objectives.
Position descriptions for key staff.
Resumes of key staff that reflect current duties.
Consultant proposed scope of work (if applicable).
Indirect Cost Agreement.
Organizational chart (optional).
Audits
2. Review and Selection Process
In addition to the above criteria/requirements, applications are
considered according to the following:
A. Application Submission (Application Deadline: January 20, 2006).
Applications submitted in advance of or by the deadline and verified by
the tracking number 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.
B. Competitive Review of Eligible Applications (Objective Review:
March 8-9, 2006). 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 and scored high enough to be considered
for funding, are forwarded by the Division of Grants Operations (DGO)
for cost analysis and further recommendation. The program official
forwards the approval list to the IHS Director for final review and
approval. Applications scoring below 60 points will be disapproved and
returned to the applicant.
Note: In making final selections, the IHS Director will consider
the ranking factor and the status of the applicant's 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 Division of Grants Operations (DGO) will not award a grant
without an approved application in conformance with regulatory and
policy requirements which describes the purpose and scope of the
project to be funded. When the application is approved for funding, the
DGO will prepare a Notice of Award (NoA) with special terms and
conditions binding upon the award and refer to all general terms
applicable to the award. The NoA will serve as the official
notification of a grant award and will state the amount of Federal
funds awarded, the purpose of the grant, the terms and conditions of
the grant award, the effective date of the award, the project period,
and the budget period. Any other correspondence announcing to the
Project Director that an application was selected is not an
authorization to begin performance.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
Grants are administered in accordance with the following documents:
This grant announcement.
Health and Human Services regulations governing Public Law
93-638 grants at 42 CFR 36.101 et seq.
45 CFR part 92, ``Department of Health and Human Services,
Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative
Agreements to State and Local Governments Including Indian Tribes.''
Public Health Service Grants Policy Statement.
Grants Policy Directives.
Appropriate Cost Principles: OMB Circular A-87, ``State
and Local Governments.''
OMB Circular A-133, ``Audits of States, Local Governments,
and Non-Profit Organizations.''
Other Applicable OMB Circulars.
3. Reporting
A. Progress Report. Program progress reports are required semi-
annually. These reports will include a brief comparison of actual
accomplishments to the goals established for the period, reasons for
slippage (if applicable), 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. 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 are allowed a reasonable period of time in which to submit
financial and performance reports.
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.
VII. Agency Contact(s)
1. Questions on the programmatic and technical issues may be
directed to: Mary E. Trujillo, Program Specialist. Telephone No.: 301-
443-7821. Fax No.: 301-443-1050. E-mail: metrujil@hqe.ihs.gov.
2. Questions on grants management and fiscal matters may be
directed to: Patricia Spotted Horse, Grants Management Specialist.
Telephone No.: 301-443-5204. Fax No.: 301-443-9602. E-mail:
pspotted@hqe.ihs.gov.
VIII. Other Information
The Public Health Service (PHS) strongly encourages all grant and
contract recipients to provide a smoke-
[[Page 74329]]
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: December 7, 2005.
Robert G. McSwain,
Deputy Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. E5-7393 Filed 12-14-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165-16-P