E9-16045. Office of Clinical and Preventive Services; Division of Behavioral Health; the Methamphetamine & Suicide Prevention Initiative for American Indian and Alaska Native Urban Programs  

• Local Evaluation Capacity

The evaluation must include both process and outcome components. Process and outcome evaluations must measure change relating to project goals and objectives over time compared to baseline information. Control or comparison groups are not required. Process components should address issues such as:

• How closely did the implementation match the plan?
• What types of deviations from the plan occurred?
• What led to the deviations?
• What effect did the deviations have on the planned intervention and evaluation?
• Who (program, staff) provided what services (modality, type, intensity, duration), to whom (individual characteristics), in what context (system, community), and at what cost (facilities, personnel, dollars)?

Outcome components should address issues such as:

• Budget Justification (will not be counted in the stated page limit). You must provide a narrative justification of the items included in your proposed budget, as well as a description of existing resources and other support you expect to receive for the proposed project. Be sure to show that no more than 20% of the total grant award will be used for data collection and evaluation.

Additional information shall be included in the application appendices. The appendices will not be counted toward the narrative page limit. This additional information includes:

• Position descriptions for key personnel including local evaluator and data collection/data entry employees. If the evaluator will be subcontracted, include a letter of commitment with a current biographical sketch from the individual(s). Job descriptions should be no longer than one page each.
• Curriculum Vitae/Resume of key personnel (project director, evaluator (if identified). Resumes should be no longer than two (2) pages in length.
• Applicants must provide a letter of support from the board of the urban Indian organization.

You are required to have a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number to apply for a Start Printed Page 32625grant 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 (866) 705-5711. For more information, see the IHS Web site at: http://www.ihs.gov/​od/​pgo/​funding/​pubcommt.htm.

If your application form does not have a DUNS number field, please write your DUNS number at the top of the first page of your application, and/or include your DUNS number in your application cover letter.

3. Submission Dates and Times

Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 12 a.m. midnight Eastern Daylight Time (E.D.T.) on the application deadline due date. If technical challenges arise and the applicant is unable to successfully complete the electronic application process, the applicant should contact Grants Policy Staff 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 Division of Grants Operations (DGO), 801 Thompson Avenue, TMP, Suite 360, Rockville, MD 20852, (301) 443-5204 by 12 midnight E.D.T. on the application deadline date. 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. They 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.
• IHS will not acknowledge receipt of applications.

6. Other Submission Requirements

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 (800) 518-4726 or support@grants.gov. The Contact Center hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. E.D.T. The applicant must seek assistance at least fifteen days prior to the application deadline. Applicants that do not adhere to the timelines for Central Contractor Registry (CCR) and/or Grants.gov registration and/or requesting timely assistance with technical issues will not be a candidate for paper applications.

To submit an application electronically, please use the http://www.Grants.gov and select “Apply for Grants” link on the home page. Download a copy of the application package, on the Grants.gov Web site, complete it offline and then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov site. You may not e-mail an electronic copy of a grant application to IHS.

Please be reminded of the following:

• Under the new IHS application submission requirements, paper applications are not the preferred method. However, if you have technical problems submitting your application online, please contact Grants.gov Customer Support at: http://www.grants.gov/​CustomerSupport.
• Upon contacting Grants.gov obtain a tracking number as proof of contact. The tracking number is helpful if there are technical issues that cannot be resolved and a waiver request from Grants Policy must be obtained.
• If it is determined that a formal waiver is necessary, the applicant must submit a request, in writing (e-mails are acceptable), to Michelle.Bulls@ihs.gov that includes a justification for the need to deviate from the standard electronic submission process. Upon receipt of approval, a hard copy application package must be downloaded by the applicant from Grants.gov, and sent directly to the DGO, 801 Thompson Avenue, TMP, Suite 360, Rockville, MD 20852 on or before 12 midnight of the application deadline date.
• 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 DUNS Number and register in the CCR. You should allow a minimum of ten working days to complete CCR registration. See below for more information 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. DGO will download your application from Grants.gov and provide necessary copies to the cognizant program office. The 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 using either the CFDA number or the Funding Opportunity Number. Both numbers are identified in the heading of this announcement.
• The applicant must provide the Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2009-IHS-METHU-0002.

E-mail applications will not be accepted under this announcement.

DUNS Number

Applicants are 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 (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 Start Printed Page 32626registration 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 (888) 227-2423. Please review and complete the CCR Registration Worksheet located on http://www.grants.gov/​CCRRegister.

More detailed information regarding these registration processes can be found at http://www.grants.gov.

V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

Applicants are required to provide measures of effectiveness that will demonstrate the accomplishment of the various identified objectives of the cooperative agreement. Measures of effectiveness must relate to the performance goals stated in the “Purpose” section of this announcement. Measures must be objective, qualitative and quantitative, and must measure the intended process and outcome. These measures of effectiveness must be submitted with the application and will be an element of evaluation.

Your application will be evaluated against the following criteria:

Project Plan (30) Points

• Comprehensively describe the proposed three (3) year project—5 Points;
• Comprehensively describe the project's objectives and activities—5 Points;
• Include a timeline of activities. Is the timeline provided comprehensive—5 Points;
• Comprehensively describe and identify potential problem areas or barriers and propose solutions—5 Points;
• Provide community focused responses that enhance evidence-based or practice-based methamphetamine and/or suicide prevention or treatment services or education programming—5 Points;
• Provide communities with needed resources to develop their own community-focused programs with preference for coordinated programming that maximizes the impact across communities and Tribal groups—5 Points.

Statement of Need (15) Points

• Provide an adequate baseline picture of the community—5 Points;
• Provide a good description and justification for the identified project target population—10 points.

Organizational Capacity (20) Points

• Describe the community infrastructure addressing methamphetamine and/or suicide treatment or prevention—10 Points;
• Comprehensively provide evidence of successful methamphetamine and/or suicide program management capability—5 Points;
• Adequately describe the project staffing, their expected tasks/roles, experience and training, and time commitment—5 Points.

Local Evaluation Capacity (25) Points

• Address applicable outcomes/output measures and how they relate to stated activities and objectives—10 Points;
• State a willingness to collaborate and submit data into the MSPI national evaluation process—2 Points;
• Demonstrate evidence of commitment to securing a qualified local evaluation/data collection/entry capacity. Provide documentation—5 Points;
• Demonstrate how the program will use a portion of awarded funds (not to exceed 20 percent) to develop or enhance funding recipients' local evaluation capacity—2 Points;
• Describe how the funding recipients will establish baseline data and information related to methamphetamine abuse/suicides in the local communities—2 Points;
• Demonstrate how the data collection and storage capacity adequately supports the program? If data collected is non-RPMS based, does the proposal describe how such data will be submitted to IHS/HQ—2 Points;
• Describe the local evaluation process in sufficient detail—2 Points.

National Evaluation Plan Capacity (10) Points

• State a willingness to participate in a nationally coordinated program focusing on increasing access to methamphetamine and/or suicide prevention or treatment related activities—5 Points;
• State a willingness to attend a minimum of one mandatory MSPI meeting per fiscal year—2 Points;
• State a willingness to participate in monthly/quarterly MSPI awardees conferences—3 Points.

2. Review and Selection Process

Each application will be reviewed by the DGO for eligibility, compliance with the announcement, and completeness. Incomplete applications and applications that are non-responsive to the eligibility criteria will not advance through the review process. Applicants will be notified that their application did not meet submission requirements.

Applications that meet eligibility requirements, are complete, and conform to this announcement will be subject to the competitive objective review and evaluation by an Ad Hoc Review Committee of Tribal, IHS, and other Federal or non-Federal reviewers. Applications will be reviewed against criteria. Reviewers will assign a numerical score to each application which will be used to rank applications. The review process will be directed by the DGO staff to ensure compliance with HHS and IHS grant review guidelines.

In addition, the following factors may affect the funding decision:

• Geographic diversity.

IHS will provide justification for any decision to fund out of rank order.

3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

Awards will start on August 14, 2009.

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 and National Policy Requirements

Grants are administrated in accordance with the following documents:

• This Program Announcement.
• 45 CFR Part 92, “Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State, Local and Tribal Governments,” or 45 CFR part 74, “Uniform Administrative Requirements for Awards to Institutions Start Printed Page 32627of Higher Education, Hospitals, Other Nonprofit Organizations, and Commercial Organizations.”
• HHS Grants Policy Statement, January 2007.
• OMB Circular A-87, “State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments,” (Title 2 Part 225) or OMB Circular A-122, “Non-Profit Organizations.” (Title 2 Part 230).
• OMB Circular A-133, “Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations.”

3. Indirect-Cost Requirements

This section applies to all grant recipients that request reimbursement of indirect costs in their grant application. In accordance with HHS Grants Policy Statement, Part II-27, IHS requires applicants to have a current indirect cost rate agreement in place prior to award. The rate agreement must be prepared in accordance with the applicable cost principles and guidance as provided by the agency or office. A current rate means the rate covering the applicable activities and the award budget period. If the current rate is not on file with the DGO at the time of award, the indirect cost portion of the budget will be restricted and not available to the recipient until the current rate is provided to DGO.

Generally, indirect costs rates for IHS grantees are negotiated with the Division of Cost Allocation (DCA) http://rates.psc.gov/​ and the Department of the 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

Progress Report. Semi-annual and annual report are required. A format will be provided. 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. Copies of any materials developed shall be attached. Semi-annual progress reports must be submitted within thirty (30) days of the end of the half year. An annual report must be submitted within thirty (30) days after the end of the 12 month time period.

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.

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.

Telecommunication for the hearing impaired is available at: TTY (301) 443-6394.

VII. Agency Contact(s)

We encourage inquiries concerning this announcement.

For program technical assistance, contact: Bryan E. Wooden, LICSW, LCSW-C, DCSW, Office of Clinical and Preventive Services, Director (Acting), Division of Behavioral Health, 801 Thompson Avenue, Reyes Building, Suite 300, Rockville, Maryland 20852, Telephone: (301) 443-2038, e-mail: bryan.wooden@ihs.gov.

For financial, grants management, or budget assistance, contact: Kimberly Pendleton, Senior Grants Management Officer, 801 Thompson Ave, Reyes Bldg, Suite 360, Rockville, MD 20852, Telephone: (301) 443-6290, e-mail: kimberly.pendleton@ihs.gov.

VIII. Other Information

This and other IHS funding opportunity announcements can be found on the IHS Web site, Internet address: http://www.ihs.gov. Click on “Funding” then “Grants and Cooperative Agreements.”