2019-17137. Office of Tribal Self-Governance Planning Cooperative Agreement  

  • Start Preamble

    Announcement Type: New.

    Funding Announcement Number: HHS-2019-IHS-TSGP-0001.

    Assistance Listing (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance or CFDA) Number: 93.444.

    Key Dates

    Application Deadline Date: October 23, 2019.

    Earliest Anticipated Start Date: November 22, 2019.

    I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Statutory Authority

    The Indian Health Service (IHS) Office of Tribal Self Governance (OTSG) is accepting applications for Planning Cooperative Agreements for Tribal Self-Governance Program (TSGP). This program is authorized under Title V of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA), 25 U.S.C. 5383(e). This program is described in the Assistance Listings located at https://beta.sam.gov (formerly known as Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance) under 93.444.Start Printed Page 39349

    Background

    The TSGP is more than an IHS program; it is an expression of the Government-to-Government relationship between the United States (U.S.) and Indian Tribes. Through the TSGP, Tribes negotiate with the IHS to assume Programs, Services, Functions, and Activities (PSFAs), or portions thereof, which gives Tribes the authority to manage and tailor health care programs in a manner that best fits the needs of their communities.

    Participation in the TSGP affords Tribes the most flexibility to tailor health care PSFAs and is one of three ways that Tribes can choose to obtain health care from the Federal Government for their citizens. Specifically, Tribes can choose to: (1) Receive health care services directly from the IHS; (2) contract with the IHS to administer individual programs and services the IHS would otherwise provide (referred to as Title I Self-Determination Contracting; and (3) compact with the IHS to assume control over health care programs the IHS would otherwise provide (referred to as Title V Self-Governance Compacting or the TSGP). These options are not exclusive and Tribes may choose to combine options based on their individual needs and circumstances.

    The TSGP is a tribally-driven initiative, and strong Federal-Tribal partnerships are essential to the program's success. The IHS established the OTSG to implement the self-governance authorities under the ISDEAA. The primary OTSG functions are to: (1) Serve as the primary liaison and advocate for Tribes participating in the TSGP; (2) develop, direct, and implement TSGP policies and procedures; (3) provide information and technical assistance to Self-Governance Tribes; and (4) advise the IHS Director on compliance with TSGP policies, regulations, and guidelines. Each IHS Area has an Agency Lead Negotiator (ALN), designated by the IHS Director to act on his or her behalf, who has authority to negotiate Self-Governance Compacts and Funding Agreements. Prospective Tribes interested in participating in the TSGP should contact their respective ALN to begin the Self-Governance planning process. Also, Tribes currently participating in the TSGP, who are interested in expanding existing or adding new PSFAs should also contact their respective ALN to discuss the best methods for expanding or adding new PSFAs.

    Purpose

    The purpose of this Planning Cooperative Agreement is to provide resources to Tribes interested in entering the TSGP and to existing Self-Governance Tribes interested in assuming new or expanded PSFAs. Title V of the ISDEAA requires a Tribe or Tribal organization to complete a planning phase to the satisfaction of the Tribe. The planning phase must include legal and budgetary research and internal Tribal government planning and organizational preparation relating to the administration of health care programs. See 25 U.S.C. 5383(d).

    The planning phase is critical to negotiations and helps Tribes make informed decisions about which PSFAs to assume and what organizational changes or modifications are necessary to successfully support those PSFAs. A thorough planning phase improves timeliness and efficient negotiations and ensures that the Tribe is fully prepared to assume the transfer of IHS PSFAs to the Tribal health program.

    A Planning Cooperative Agreement is not a prerequisite to enter the TSGP and a Tribe may use other resources to meet the planning requirement. Tribes that receive Planning Cooperative Agreements are not obligated to participate in the TSGP and may choose to delay or decline participation based on the outcome of their planning activities. This also applies to existing Self-Governance Tribes exploring the option to expand their current PSFAs or assume additional PSFAs.

    II. Award Information

    Funding Instrument

    Cooperative Agreement.

    Estimated Funds Available

    The total funding identified for fiscal year (FY) 2019 is approximately $600,000. Individual award amounts are anticipated to be $120,000. The funding available for competing and subsequent continuation awards issued under this announcement is subject to the availability of appropriations and budgetary priorities of the Agency. The IHS is under no obligation to make awards that are selected for funding under this announcement.

    Anticipated Number of Awards

    Approximately five awards will be issued under this program announcement.

    Period of Performance

    The period of performance is for one year.

    Cooperative Agreement

    Cooperative agreements awarded by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are administered under the same policies as a grant. However, the funding agency (IHS) is anticipated to have substantial programmatic involvement in the project during the entire award segment. Below is a detailed description of the level of involvement required for the IHS.

    Substantial IHS Involvement Description for Cooperative Agreement

    A. Provide descriptions of PSFAs and associated funding at all organizational levels (service unit, area, and headquarters), including funding formulas and methodologies related to determining Tribal shares.

    B. Meet with Planning Cooperative Agreement recipients to provide program information and discuss methods currently used to manage and deliver health care.

    C. Identify and provide statutes, regulations, and policies that provide authority for administering IHS programs.

    D. Provide technical assistance on the IHS budget, Tribal shares, and other topics as needed.

    III. Eligibility Information

    1. Eligibility

    To be eligible for the New Planning Cooperative Agreement under this announcement, an applicant must:

    (A) Be an “Indian Tribe” as defined in 25 U. S. C. 5304(e); a “Tribal Organization” as defined in 25 U.S.C. 5304(l); or an “Inter-Tribal Consortium: as defined at 42 CFR 137.10. 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. See Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014, Public Law 113-76 and Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018, Public Law 115-141. By statute, the Native Village of Eyak, Eastern Aleutian Tribes, and the Council for Athabascan Tribal Governments have also been deemed Alaska Native regional health entities and therefore are eligible to apply. Those Alaska Tribes not represented by a Self-Governance Tribal consortium Funding Agreement within their area may still be considered to participate in the TSGP.

    (B) Applicant must request participation in self-governance by resolution or other official action by the governing body of each Indian tribe to be served. Please see IV. Application and Submission Information, 2. Content and Form Application Submission, Start Printed Page 39350Additional Required Documentation, Tribal Resolution(s) for details.

    (C) Demonstrate for three fiscal years, financial stability and financial management capability. The Indian Tribe must provide evidence that, for the three fiscal years prior to requesting participation in the TSGP, the Indian Tribe has had 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. See 25 U.S.C. 5383; 42 CFR 137.15-23.

    For Tribes or Tribal organizations (T/TO) that expended $750,000 or more ($500,000 for fiscal years ending after December 31, 2003) in Federal awards, the OTSG shall retrieve the audits directly from the Federal Audit Clearinghouse.

    For T/TO that expended less than $750,000 ($500,000 for fiscal years ending after December 31, 2003) in Federal awards, the T/TO must provide evidence of the program review correspondence from IHS or Bureau of Indian Affairs officials. See 42 CFR 137.21-23.

    Meeting the eligibility criteria for a Planning Cooperative Agreement does not mean that a Tribe/Tribal Organization is eligible for participation in the IHS TSGP under Title V of the ISDEAA. See 25 U.S.C. 5383; 42 CFR 137.15-23. For additional information on the eligibility for the IHS TSGP, please visit the “Eligibility and Funding” page on the OTSG website located at: http://www.ihs.gov/​SelfGovernance.

    Note:

    Please refer to Section IV.2 (Application and Submission Information/Subsection 2, Content and Form of Application Submission) for additional proof of applicant status documents required, such as Tribal resolutions, proof of non-profit status, etc.

    2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    The IHS does not require matching funds or cost sharing for grants or cooperative agreements.

    3. Other Requirements

    Applications with budget requests that exceed the highest dollar amount outlined under the Award Information, Estimated Funds Available section, or exceed the Period of Performance outlined under the Award Information, Period of Performance section will be considered not responsive and will not be reviewed. The Division of Grants Management (DGM) will notify the applicant.

    IV. Application and Submission Information

    1. Obtaining Application Materials

    The application package and detailed instructions for this announcement is hosted on https://www.Grants.gov.

    Please direct questions regarding the application process to Mr. Paul Gettys at (301) 443-2114 or (301) 443-5204.

    2. Content and Form Application Submission

    The applicant must include the project narrative as an attachment to the application package. Mandatory documents for all applicants include:

    • Abstract (one page) summarizing the project.
    • Application forms:

    ○ SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance.

    ○ SF-424A, Budget Information—Non-Construction Programs.

    ○ SF-424B, Assurances—Non-Construction Programs.

    • Project Narrative (not to exceed 10 pages). See IV.2.A Project Narrative for instructions.

    ○ Background information on the organization.

    ○ Proposed scope of work, objectives, and activities that provide a description of what the applicant plans to accomplish.

    • Budget Justification and Narrative (not to exceed 5 pages). See IV.2.B Budget Narrative for instructions.
    • One-page Timeframe Chart.
    • Tribal Resolution(s) (please see additional information below).
    • Letters of Support from organization's Board of Directors.
    • Biographical sketches for all Key Personnel.
    • Contractor/Consultant resumes or qualifications and scope of work.
    • Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL).
    • Certification Regarding Lobbying (GG-Lobbying Form).
    • Copy of current Negotiated Indirect Cost rate (IDC) agreement (required in order to receive IDC).
    • Organizational Chart (optional).
    • Documentation of current Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Financial Audit (if applicable).

    Acceptable forms of documentation include:

    ○ Email confirmation from Federal Audit Clearinghouse (FAC) that audits were submitted; or Face sheets from audit reports. Applicants can find these on the FAC website: https://harvester.census.gov/​facdissem/​Main.aspx.

    Additional Required Documentation

    Tribal Resolution(s)

    Submit Tribal resolution(s) from the appropriate governing body of the Indian Tribe to be served by the ISDEAA Compact authorizing the submission of a Planning Cooperative Agreement application. Tribal consortia applying for a TSGP Planning Cooperative Agreement shall submit Tribal Council resolutions from each Tribe in the consortium. Tribal resolutions can be attached to the electronic online application.

    The DGM must receive an official, signed Tribal resolution prior to issuing a Notice of Award (NoA) to any applicant selected for funding. An Indian Tribe or Tribal organization that is proposing a project affecting another Indian Tribe must include resolutions from all affected Tribes to be served. However, if an official, signed Tribal resolution cannot be submitted with the application prior to the application deadline date, a draft Tribal resolution must be submitted with the application by the deadline date in order for the application to be considered complete and eligible for review. The draft Tribal resolution is not in lieu of the required signed resolution, but is acceptable until a signed resolution is received. If an official signed Tribal resolution is not received by DGM when funding decisions are made, then a NoA will not be issued to that applicant and it will not receive IHS funds until it has submitted a signed resolution to the Grants Management Specialist listed in this Funding Announcement.

    Public Policy Requirements

    All Federal public policies apply to IHS grants and cooperative agreements with the exception of the Discrimination Policy.

    Requirements for Project and Budget Narratives

    A. Project Narrative: This narrative should be a separate document that is no more than 10 pages and must: (1) Have consecutively numbered pages; (2) use black font 12 points or larger; (3) be single-spaced; (4) and be formatted to fit standard letter paper (8-1/2 x 11 inches).

    Be sure to succinctly answer all questions listed under the evaluation criteria (refer to Section V.1, Evaluation Criteria) and place all responses and required information in the correct section noted below or they will not be considered or scored. If the narrative exceeds the page limit, the application will be considered not responsive and not be reviewed. The 10-page limit for the narrative does not include the work Start Printed Page 39351plan, standard forms, Tribal resolutions, budget, budget justifications, narratives, and/or other appendix items.

    There are three parts to the narrative: Part 1—Program Information; Part 2—Program Planning and Evaluation; and Part 3—Program Report. See below for additional details about what must be included in the narrative.

    The page limits below are for each narrative and budget submitted.

    Part 1: Program Information (Limit—4 Pages)

    Section 1: Needs

    Describe the Tribe's current health program activities, including: How long it has been operating, what programs or services are currently being provided, and if the applicant is currently administering any ISDEAA Title I Self-Determination Contracts or Title V Self-Governance Compacts. Identify the need for assistance and how the Planning Cooperative Agreement would benefit the health activities the Tribe is currently administering or looking to expand.

    Part 2: Program Planning and Evaluation (Limit—4 Pages)

    Section 1: Program Plans

    Project Objective(s), Work Plan and Approach

    State in measureable terms the objectives and appropriate activities to achieve the following Planning Cooperative Agreement recipient award activities:

    (A) Research and analyze the complex IHS budget to gain a thorough understanding of funding distribution at all organizational levels and determine which PSFAs the Tribe may elect to assume or expand.

    (B) Establish a process to identify PSFAs and associated funding that may be incorporated into current programs.

    (C) Determine the Tribe's share of each PSFA and evaluate the current level of health care services being provided to make an informed decision on new or expanded program assumption.

    (D) Describe how the objectives are consistent with the purpose of the program, the needs of the people to be served, and how they will be achieved within the proposed time frame. Identify the expected results, benefits, and outcomes or products to be derived from each objective of the project.

    Organizational Capabilities, Key Personnel, and Qualifications

    Describe the organizational structure of the Tribe and its ability to manage the proposed project. Include resumes or position descriptions of key staff showing requisite experience and expertise. If applicable, include resumes and scope of work for consultants that demonstrate experience and expertise relevant to the project.

    Section 2: Program Evaluation

    Define the criteria to be used to evaluate planning activities. Describe fully and clearly the methodology that will be used to determine if the needs identified are being met and if the outcomes are being achieved. This section must address the following questions:

    (A) Are the goals and objectives measurable and consistent with the purpose of the program and the needs of the people to be served?

    (B) Are they achievable within the proposed time frame?

    Part 3: Program Report (Limit—2 Pages)

    Section 1: Describe major accomplishments over the last 24 months associated with the goals of this announcement. Please identify and describe significant health related program activities and achievements associated with the delivery of quality health services. Provide a comparison of the actual accomplishments to the goals established for the period of performance, or if applicable, provide justification for the lack of progress. This section should highlight major program achievements over the last 24 months.

    Section 2: Describe major activities over the last 24 months. Please provide an overview of significant program activities associated with the delivery of quality health services over the last 24 months. This section should address significant program activities and include those related to the accomplishments listed in the previous section.

    B. Budget Narrative (Limit—5 Pages)

    Provide a budget narrative that explains the amounts requested for each line of the budget. The budget narrative should specifically describe how each item will support the achievement of proposed objectives. Be very careful about showing how each item in the “other” category is justified. Do NOT use the budget narrative to expand the project narrative.

    3. Submission Dates and Times

    Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on the Application Deadline Date. Any application received after the application deadline will not be accepted for review. Grants.gov will notify the applicant via email if the application is rejected.

    If technical challenges arise and assistance is required with the application process, contact Grants.gov Customer Support (see contact information at https://www.grants.gov). If problems persist, contact Mr. Paul Gettys (Paul.Gettys@ihs.gov), DGM Grant Systems Coordinator, by telephone at (301) 443-2114 or (301) 443-5204. Please be sure to contact Mr. Gettys at least ten days prior to the application deadline. Please do not contact the DGM until you have received a Grants.gov tracking number. In the event you are not able to obtain a tracking number, call the DGM as soon as possible.

    The IHS will not acknowledge receipt of applications.

    4. Intergovernmental Review

    Executive Order 12372 requiring intergovernmental review is not applicable to this program.

    5. Funding Restrictions

    • Pre-award costs are not allowable.
    • The available funds are inclusive of direct and appropriate indirect costs.
    • Tribes can apply and be awarded both a Planning Cooperative Agreement and a Negotiation Cooperative Agreement in the same cycle, so long as the project proposals are different for each application. Tribes cannot apply for both the Planning Cooperative Agreement and the Negotiation Cooperative Agreement within the same grant cycle with the same proposed project.
    • Only one Planning grant/cooperative agreement will be awarded per applicant per grant cycle under this announcement.

    6. Electronic Submission Requirements

    All applications must be submitted via Grants.gov. Please use the https://www.Grants.gov website to submit an application. Find the application by selecting the “Search Grants” link on the homepage. Follow the instructions for submitting an application under the Package tab. No other method of application submission is acceptable.

    If the applicant cannot submit an application through Grants.gov, a waiver must be requested. Prior approval must be requested and obtained from Mr. Robert Tarwater, Director, DGM. A written waiver request must be sent to GrantsPolicy@ihs.gov with a copy to Robert.Tarwater@ihs.gov. The waiver must: (1) Be documented in writing (emails are acceptable), before submitting an application by some other Start Printed Page 39352method, and (2) include clear justification for the need to deviate from the required application submission process.

    Once the waiver request has been approved, the applicant will receive a confirmation of approval email containing submission instructions. A copy of the written approval must be included with the application that is submitted to DGM. Applications that are submitted without a copy of the signed waiver from the Director of the DGM will not be reviewed. The Grants Management Officer of the DGM will notify the applicant via email of this decision. Applications submitted under waiver must be received by the DGM no later than 5:00 p.m., EDT, on the Application Deadline Date. Late applications will not be accepted for processing. Applicants that do not register for both the System for Award Management (SAM) and Grants.gov and/or fail to request timely assistance with technical issues will not be considered for a waiver to submit an application via alternative method.

    Please be aware of the following:

    • Please search for the application package in https://www.Grants.gov by entering the CFDA number or the Funding Opportunity Number. Both numbers are located in the header of this announcement.
    • If you experience technical challenges while submitting your application, please contact Grants.gov Customer Support (see contact information at https://www.grants.gov).
    • Upon contacting Grants.gov, obtain a tracking number as proof of contact. The tracking number is helpful if there are technical issues that cannot be resolved and a waiver from the agency must be obtained.
    • Applicants are strongly encouraged not to wait until the deadline date to begin the application process through Grants.gov as the registration process for SAM and Grants.gov could take up to twenty working days.
    • Please follow the instructions on Grants.gov to include additional documentation that may be requested by the NOFO.
    • Applicants must comply with any page limits described in this funding announcement.
    • After submitting the application, the applicant will receive an automatic acknowledgment from Grants.gov that contains a Grants.gov tracking number. The IHS will not notify the applicant that the application has been received.

    Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)

    Applicants and grantee organizations are required to obtain a DUNS number and maintain an active registration in the SAM database. The DUNS number is a unique 9-digit identification number provided by D&B, which uniquely identifies each entity. The DUNS number is site specific; therefore, each distinct performance site may be assigned a DUNS number. Obtaining a DUNS number is easy, and there is no charge. To obtain a DUNS number, please access the request service through https://fedgov.dnb.com/​webform,, or call (866) 705-5711.

    The Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006, as amended (“Transparency Act”), requires all HHS recipients to report information on sub-awards. Accordingly, all IHS grantees must notify potential first-tier sub-recipients that no entity may receive a first-tier sub-award unless the entity has provided its DUNS number to the prime grantee organization. This requirement ensures the use of a universal identifier to enhance the quality of information available to the public pursuant to the Transparency Act.

    System for Award Management (SAM)

    Organizations that are not registered with SAM will need to obtain a DUNS number first and then access the SAM online registration through the SAM home page at https://www.sam.gov (U.S. organizations will also need to provide an Employer Identification Number from the Internal Revenue Service that may take an additional 2-5 weeks to become active). Please see SAM.gov for details on the registration process and timeline. Registration with the SAM is free of charge, but can take several weeks to process. Applicants may register online at https://www.sam.gov.

    Additional information on implementing the Transparency Act, including the specific requirements for DUNS and SAM, are available on the IHS Grants Management, Policy Topics web page: https://www.ihs.gov/​dgm/​policytopics/​.

    V. Application Review Information

    Weights assigned to each section are noted in parentheses. The 10-page narrative 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. Points will be assigned to each evaluation criteria adding up to a total of 100 possible points. Points are assigned as follows:

    1. Criteria

    A. Introduction and Need for Assistance (25 Points)

    Describe the Tribe's current health program activities, including: How long it has been operating, what programs or services are currently being provided, and if the applicant is currently administering any ISDEAA Title I Self-Determination Contracts or Title V Self-Governance Compacts. Identify the need for assistance and how the Planning Cooperative Agreement would benefit the health activities the Tribe is currently administering and/or looking to expand.

    B. Project Objective(s), Work Plan and Approach (25 Points)

    State in measurable terms the objectives and appropriate activities to achieve the following Planning Cooperative Agreement recipient award activities:

    (1) Research and analyze the complex IHS budget to gain a thorough understanding of funding distribution at all organizational levels and determine which PSFAs the Tribe may elect to assume or expand.

    (2) Establish a process to identify PSFAs and associated funding that may be incorporated into current programs.

    (3) Determine the Tribe's share of each PSFA and evaluate the current level of health care services being provided to make an informed decision on new or expanded program assumption.

    (4) Describe how the objectives are consistent with the purpose of the program, the needs of the people to be served, and how they will be achieved within the proposed time frame. Identify the expected results, benefits, and outcomes or products to be derived from each objective of the project.

    C. Program Evaluation (25 Points)

    Define the criteria to be used to evaluate planning activities. Clearly describe the methodologies and parameters that will be used to determine if the needs identified are being met and if the outcomes identified are being achieved. Are the goals and objectives measurable and consistent with the purpose of the program and meet the needs of the people to be served? Are they achievable within the proposed time frame? Describe how the assumption of PSFAs enhances sustainable health delivery. Ensure the measurement includes activities that will lead to sustainability.Start Printed Page 39353

    D. Organizational Capabilities, Key Personnel and Qualifications (15 Points)

    Describe the organizational structure of the Tribe and its ability to manage the proposed project. Include resumes or position descriptions of key staff showing requisite experience and expertise. If applicable, include resumes and scope of work for consultants that demonstrate experience and expertise relevant to the project.

    E. Categorical Budget and Budget Justification (10 Points)

    Submit a budget with a narrative describing the budget request and matching the scope of work described in the project narrative. Justify all expenditures identifying reasonable and allowable costs necessary to accomplish the goals and objectives as outlined in the project narrative.

    Additional Documents Can Be Uploaded as Appendix Items in Grants.gov

    • Work plan, logic model and/or time line for proposed objectives.
    • Position descriptions for key staff.
    • Resumes of key staff that reflect current duties.
    • Consultant or contractor proposed scope of work and letter of commitment (if applicable).
    • Current Indirect Cost Agreement.
    • Organizational chart.
    • Map of area identifying project location(s).
    • Additional documents to support narrative (i.e., data tables, key news articles, etc.).

    2. Review and Selection

    Each application will be prescreened for eligibility and completeness as outlined in the funding announcement. Applications that meet the eligibility criteria shall be reviewed for merit by the Objective Review Committee (ORC) based on evaluation criteria. Incomplete applications and applications that are not responsive to the administrative thresholds will not be referred to the ORC and will not be funded. The applicant will be notified of this determination.

    Applicants must address all program requirements and provide all required documentation.

    3. Notifications of Disposition

    All applicants will receive an Executive Summary Statement from the IHS OTSG within 30 days of the conclusion of the ORC outlining the strengths and weaknesses of their application. The summary statement will be sent to the Authorizing Official identified on the face page (SF-424) of the application.

    A. Award Notices for Funded Applications

    The Notice of Award (NoA) is the authorizing document for which funds are dispersed to the approved entities and reflects 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. Each entity approved for funding must have a user account in GrantSolutions in order to retrieve the NoA. Please see the Agency Contacts list in Section VII for the systems contact information.

    B. Approved but Unfunded Applications

    Approved applications not funded due to lack of available funds will be held for one year. If funding becomes available during the course of the year, the application may be reconsidered.

    Note:

    Any correspondence other than the official NoA executed by an IHS grants management official announcing to the project director that an award has been made to their organization is not an authorization to implement their program on behalf of the IHS.

    VI. Award Administration Information

    1. Administrative Requirements

    Cooperative agreements are administered in accordance with the following regulations and policies:

    A. The criteria as outlined in this program announcement.

    B. Administrative Regulations for Grants:

    • Uniform Administrative Requirements for HHS Awards, located at 45 CFR part 75.

    C. Grants Policy:

    • HHS Grants Policy Statement, Revised 01/07.

    D. Cost Principles:

    E. Audit Requirements:

    2. Indirect Costs

    This section applies to all recipients that request reimbursement of indirect costs (IDC) in their application budget. In accordance with HHS Grants Policy Statement, Part II-27, IHS requires applicants to obtain a current IDC rate agreement prior to award. The rate agreement must be prepared in accordance with the applicable cost principles and guidance as provided by the cognizant agency or office. A current rate covers the applicable grant activities under the current award's budget period. If the current rate is not on file with the DGM at the time of award, the IDC portion of the budget will be restricted. The restrictions remain in place until the current rate agreement is provided to the DGM.

    Generally, IDC rates for IHS grantees are negotiated with the Division of Cost Allocation (DCA) https://rates.psc.gov/​ and the Department of Interior (Interior Business Center) https://www.doi.gov/​ibc/​services/​finance/​indirect-Cost-Services/​indian-tribes. For questions regarding the indirect cost policy, please call the Grants Management Specialist listed under “Agency Contacts” or the main DGM office at (301) 443-5204.

    3. Reporting Requirements

    The grantee must submit required reports consistent with the applicable deadlines. Failure to submit required reports within the time allowed may result in suspension or termination of an active grant, withholding of additional awards for the project, or other enforcement actions such as withholding of payments or converting to the reimbursement method of payment. Continued failure to submit required reports may result in one or both of the following: (1) The imposition of special award provisions; and (2) the non-funding or non-award of other eligible projects or activities. This requirement applies whether the delinquency is attributable to the failure of the grantee organization or the individual responsible for preparation of the reports. Per DGM policy, all reports are required to be submitted electronically by attaching them as a “Grant Note” in GrantSolutions. Personnel responsible for submitting reports will be required to obtain a login and password for GrantSolutions. Please see the Agency Contacts list in section VII for the systems contact information.

    The reporting requirements for this program are noted below.

    A. Progress Reports

    Program progress reports are required semi-annually at the 6 month from start date and then the final report within 30 days after the budget period ends. These reports must include a brief comparison of actual accomplishments to the goals established for the period, a summary of progress to date or, if applicable, provide sound justification for the lack of progress, and other pertinent information as required. A final report Start Printed Page 39354must be submitted within 90 days of expiration of the period of performance.

    B. Financial Reports

    Federal Financial Report (FFR or SF-425), Cash Transaction Reports are due 30 days after the close of every calendar quarter to the Payment Management Services, HHS at https://pms.psc.gov. The applicant is also requested to upload a copy of the FFR (SF-425) report into our grants management system, GrantSolutions. Failure to submit timely reports may result in adverse award actions blocking access to funds.

    Grantees are responsible and accountable for accurate information being reported on all required reports: The Progress Reports and Federal Financial Report.

    C. Federal Sub-Award Reporting System (FSRS)

    This award may be subject to the Transparency Act sub-award and executive compensation reporting requirements of 2 CFR part 170.

    The Transparency Act requires the OMB to establish a single searchable database, accessible to the public, with information on financial assistance awards made by Federal agencies. The Transparency Act also includes a requirement for recipients of Federal grants to report information about first-tier sub-awards and executive compensation under Federal assistance awards.

    The IHS has implemented a Term of Award into all IHS Standard Terms and Conditions, NoAs and funding announcements regarding the FSRS reporting requirement. This IHS Term of Award is applicable to all IHS grant and cooperative agreements issued on or after October 1, 2010, with a $25,000 sub-award obligation dollar threshold met for any specific reporting period. Additionally, all new (discretionary) IHS awards (where the period of performance is made up of more than one budget period) and where: (1) The period of performance start date was October 1, 2010 or after, and (2) the primary awardee will have a $25,000 sub-award obligation dollar threshold during any specific reporting period will be required to address the FSRS reporting.

    For the full IHS award term implementing this requirement and additional award applicability information, visit the DGM Grants Policy website at https://www.ihs.gov/​dgm/​policytopics/​.

    D. Compliance With Executive Order 13166 Implementation of Services Accessibility Provisions for All Grant Application Packages and Funding Opportunity Announcements

    Recipients of federal financial assistance (FFA) from HHS must administer their programs in compliance with federal civil rights law. This means that recipients of HHS funds must ensure equal access to their programs without regard to a person's race, color, national origin, disability, age and, in some circumstances, sex and religion. This includes ensuring your programs are accessible to persons with limited English proficiency. The HHS provides guidance to recipients of FFA on meeting their legal obligation to take reasonable steps to provide meaningful access to their programs by persons with limited English proficiency. Please see https://www.hhs.gov/​civil-rights/​for-individuals/​special-topics/​limited-english-proficiency/​guidance-federal-financial-assistance-recipients-title-VI/​.

    The HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) also provides guidance on complying with civil rights laws enforced by HHS. Please see https://www.hhs.gov/​civil-rights/​for-individuals/​section-1557/​index.html;​; and https://www.hhs.gov/​civil-rights/​index.html. Recipients of FFA also have specific legal obligations for serving qualified individuals with disabilities. Please see https://www.hhs.gov/​civil-rights/​for-individuals/​disability/​index.html. Please contact the HHS OCR for more information about obligations and prohibitions under federal civil rights laws at https://www.hhs.gov/​ocr/​about-us/​contact-us/​index.html or call (800) 368-1019 or TDD (800) 537-7697. Also note it is an HHS Departmental goal to ensure access to quality, culturally competent care, including long-term services and supports, for vulnerable populations. For further guidance on providing culturally and linguistically appropriate services, recipients should review the National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health and Health Care at https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/​omh/​browse.aspx?​lvl=​2&​lvlid=​53.

    Pursuant to 45 CFR 80.3(d), an individual shall not be deemed subjected to discrimination by reason of his/her exclusion from benefits limited by federal law to individuals eligible for benefits and services from the IHS.

    Recipients will be required to sign the HHS-690 Assurance of Compliance form which can be obtained from the following website: https://www.hhs.gov/​sites/​default/​files/​forms/​hhs-690.pdf,, and send it directly to the: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Civil Rights, 200 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20201.

    E. Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS)

    The IHS is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS), at https://www.fapiis.gov,, before making any award in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $150,000) over the period of performance. An applicant may review and comment on any information about itself that a federal awarding agency previously entered. The IHS will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to other information in FAPIIS in making a judgment about the applicant's integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in 45 CFR 75.205.

    As required by 45 CFR part 75 Appendix XII of the Uniform Guidance, non-federal entities (NFEs) are required to disclose in FAPIIS any information about criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings, and/or affirm that there is no new information to provide. This applies to NFEs that receive federal awards (currently active grants, cooperative agreements, and procurement contracts) greater than $10,000,000 for any period of time during the period of performance of an award/project.

    Mandatory Disclosure Requirements

    As required by 2 CFR part 200 of the Uniform Guidance, and the HHS implementing regulations at 45 CFR part 75, effective January 1, 2016, the IHS must require a non-federal entity or an applicant for a federal award to disclose, in a timely manner, in writing to the IHS or pass-through entity all violations of federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the federal award.

    Submission is required for all applicants and recipients, in writing, to the IHS and to the HHS Office of Inspector General all information related to violations of federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the federal award. 45 CFR 75.113.

    Disclosures must be sent in writing to:

    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Indian Health Service, Division of Grants Management, Start Printed Page 39355ATTN: Robert Tarwater, Director, 5600 Fishers Lane, Mail Stop: 09E70, Rockville, MD 20857. (Include “Mandatory Grant Disclosures” in subject line). Office: (301) 443-5204, Fax: (301) 594-0899, Email: Robert.Tarwater@ihs.gov.

    AND

    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, ATTN: Mandatory Grant Disclosures, Intake Coordinator, 330 Independence Avenue SW, Cohen Building, Room 5527, Washington, DC 20201, URL: https://oig.hhs.gov/​fraud/​report-fraud/​. (Include “Mandatory Grant Disclosures” in subject line). Fax: (202) 205-0604 (Include “Mandatory Grant Disclosures” in subject line) or Email: MandatoryGranteeDisclosures@oig.hhs.gov.

    Failure to make required disclosures can result in any of the remedies described in 45 CFR 75.371 Remedies for noncompliance, including suspension or debarment (See 2 CFR parts 180 & 376 and 31 U.S.C. 3321).

    VII. Agency Contacts

    1. Questions on the programmatic issues may be directed to: Roxanne Houston, Program Officer, Office of Tribal Self-Governance, 5600 Fishers Lane, Mail Stop: 08E05, Rockville, MD 20857, Phone: (301) 443-7821, Email: Roxanne.Houston@ihs.gov, Website: https://www.ihs.gov/​self-governance.

    2. Questions on grants management and fiscal matters may be directed to: Vanietta Armstrong, Grants Management Specialist, 5600 Fishers Lane, Mail Stop: 09E70, Rockville, MD 20857, Phone: (301) 443-4792, Fax: (301) 594-0899, Email: Vanietta.Armstrong@ihs.gov.

    3. Questions on systems matters may be directed to: Paul Gettys, Grant Systems Coordinator, 5600 Fishers Lane, Mail Stop: 09E70, Rockville, MD 20857, Phone: (301) 443-2114; or the DGM main line (301) 443-5204, Fax: (301) 594-0899, E-Mail: Paul.Gettys@ihs.gov.

    VIII. Other Information

    The Public Health Service strongly encourages all grant, 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 HHS mission to protect and advance the physical and mental health of the American people.

    Start Signature

    RADM Chris B. Buchanan,

    Assistant Surgeon General, U.S. Public Health Service, Deputy Director, Indian Health Service.

    End Signature End Preamble

    [FR Doc. 2019-17137 Filed 8-8-19; 8:45 am]

    BILLING CODE 4165-16-P