III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants:

a. Any urban Indian organization under the authority of 25 U.S.C. 1603(h). Any urban Indian, non-profit, 501 (c) (3) organization with experience in Urban Indian health issues, which has a Board of Directors that is at least 51 percent American Indian or Alaska Native and can demonstrate the Board of Directors is governed primarily by the urban Indian health programs from diverse locations. Only one application per organization is allowed. The following documentation is required: proof of non-profit status and a listing of Board members and their tribal affiliations

2. Cost Sharing: The funding does not require cost sharing or matching to participate in this process.

3. Other Requirements: Applications with budgets that exceed $995,000 per year will not be considered.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. An 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.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission:

o Under the new IHS application submission requirements, paper applications are not the preferred method. However, if any UIHO has technical problems submitting the application on-line, please contact Grants.gov Customer Support directly at: http://www.grants.gov/CustomerSupport.

V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

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 the 12 months of activities, September 1, 2008 through August 31, 2009; information for multi-year projects should be included as an appendix (see Section E. Categorical Budget and Budget Justification) for more information.

The narrative should be written in a manner that is clear to outside reviewers unfamiliar with prior related activities of the Urban Indian Health Program (UIHP). It should be well organized, succinct, and contain all information necessary for reviewers to fully understand the project.

A. INTRODUCTION AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE (20 Points)

1. Describe the organization's current health education operation, specifically in reference to the health needs of the urban Indian population. Identify what programs and services are currently provided (i.e., federally funded, State funded, etc.), memorandums of agreement with other National Indian organizations that deem the applicant as the primary source of information for urban Indian health, information regarding technologies currently used (i.e., hardware, software, services, etc.), and identify the source(s) of technical support for these technologies.

2. Describe the organization's current research and technical assistance ability. Include what programs and services are currently provided, programs and services projected to be provided, memorandums of agreement with other National Indian organizations that deem the applicant as the primary source of information for urban Indian health, information regarding technologies currently used (i.e., hardware, software, services, etc.), and identify the source(s) of technical support for these technologies. Define the research component, which includes data collection and analysis.

3. Describe the population to be served by the proposed project. Include a description of the number of IHS funded Urban Indian health programs who currently use the organization and have membership in the organization.

4. Describe the geographic location of the proposed project including any geographical barriers to users.

5. Identify all previous cooperative agreements received, dates of funding, and summary of project accomplishments. State how previous cooperative agreement funds facilitated education and representation for the Urban Indian health programs relative to the current, proposed project (if applicable). (Copies of reports will not be accepted.)

6. Identify the eligible project type of the applicant.

7. Explain the reason for your proposed project by identifying specific gaps or weaknesses in services or infrastructure that will be addressed by the proposed project. Explain how these gaps/weaknesses were discovered. If the proposed project includes information technology (i.e., hardware, software, etc.), provide further information regarding measures taken or to be taken that ensure that the proposed project will not create other gaps in service or infrastructure (i.e., IHS interface capability, contract reporting requirements, Information Technology (IT) compatibility, etc.).

8. Describe the effect of the proposed project on current programs (i.e., federally funded, State funded, etc.) And, if applicable, on current equipment (i.e., hardware, software, services, etc.). Include the affect of the proposed project on planned/anticipated programs and/or equipment.

9. Address how the project relates to the purpose of the cooperative agreement by addressing the appropriate description that follows:
a. Identify how the proposed project will address Urban Indian health care education, consultation, health data dissemination, training, and technical assistance.

B. Project Objective(s), Approach, and Results/Benefits (40 Points)

1. Describe the proposed objective(s) addressing the following:
a. measurable and (if applicable) quantifiable
b. outcome oriented
c. time-limited
2. Address how the proposed project will result in change or improvement in management capabilities by identifying the expected benefits (i.e., operational improvements) of each proposed project objective. Also, include information regarding expected outcomes (i.e., tangible products) of each proposed project objective.
3. Address the extent to which the proposed project will build the capacity to provide, improve, or expand services that address the need of the target population. This shall include a strategic plan and business plan that are in place and are being used and shall be included in the application packet.
4. Submit a workplan in the appendix which includes the following information:
a. Provide action steps on the timeline for accomplishing the proposed project objective(s).
b. Identify who will perform the action steps.
c. Identify what tangible products will be produced during and the end of the proposed project objective(s).
d. Identify who will supervise the action steps taken.
e. Identify who will accept work products at the end of the proposed project.
f. Include any training that will take place during the proposed project and who will be attending the training.
g. Include evaluation activities planned.
5. If consultants or contractors will be used during the proposed project, please include the following information in their scope of work (or note if consultants/contractors will not be used):
a. Educational requirements
b. Desired qualifications and work experience
c. Expected work products to be delivered on a timeline
6. Describe what updates (i.e., revision of policies/procedures, upgrades, technical support, etc.) Will be required for the continued success of the proposed project. Includes when these updates will be necessary and where funds will come from to conduct the update and/or maintenance.

C. Project Evaluation (15 Points)

Each proposed objective should have an evaluation component and the evaluation activities should appear on the workplan.
1. Describe how the progress of the proposed project objective(s) will be tracked (i.e., status reports, meetings, etc.).
2. Explain how the data demonstrates the change brought about by the proposed project objective.
3. Describe any future evaluation efforts for the proposed project that will be conducted after the expiration of the cooperative agreement.

D. Organizational Capabilities and Qualifications (15 Points)

1. Describe the organizational structure of the organization that will be handling the proposed project.
2. 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 cooperative agreements/grants and projects successfully completed.
3. Describe what equipment (i.e., fax machine, phone, computers, 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 cooperative agreement.
4. List key personnel who will work on the project. Include title used in the workplan. In the appendix, include current up-to-date position descriptions of all key personnel. Position descriptions should clearly describe each position and duties, indicating desired qualifications and experience requirements related to the proposed project. Resumes must indicate that the proposed staff member is qualified to carry out the proposed project activities. If a position is to be filled, indicate that information on the proposed position description.
5. Key personnel, once identified, for the organization will require approval by the IHS.
6. If a project requires additional personnel, address how the organization will sustain the position(s) after the funding ends. (If there is no need for additional personnel, simply note it.)

E. Categorical Budget and Budget Justification (10 Points)

1. Provide a categorical budget for each of the 12 month budget periods requested.
2. Provide a narrative justification explaining why each line item is necessary/relevant to the proposed project. Include sufficient cost and other details to facilitate the determination of cost allowability (i.e., equipment specifications, etc.).

F. Multi-Year Project Requirements

Because the project is for multiple years, the second, third, fourth, and fifth years must include a narrative addressing each year's project objectives, evaluation components, workplan, categorical budget, and budget justification.

Appendix Items

A. Workplan for proposed objectives
B. Current up-to-date position descriptions for key staff
C. Consultant proposed scope of work (if applicable)
D. Current approved Organizational chart (optional)
E. Multi-Year Project Requirements
F. Indirect Cost Agreement (if applicable)

Review Selection Process

In addition to the above criteria/requirements, applications are considered according to the following:
A. Application Submission (Application Deadline: July 11, 2008)
Applications submitted in advance of or by the deadline and verified by the postmark will undergo a preliminary review to determine that:
1. The applicant and proposed project is eligible in accordance with this announcement.
2. The application is not a duplication of a previously funded project.
3. 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: July 30, 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 with the IHS 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 VI. The criteria used to evaluate the quality of the 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 the approved application. 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 to the Division of Grants Operations for cost analysis and further recommendation. The program official accepts the Division of Grants Operations recommendations for consideration when funding applications.

Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

The IHS anticipates an award start date of September 1, 2008.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

Anticipated Notification: August 1, 2008

Grants Management 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. The Director, Office of Urban Indian Health Programs, or program official, will notify the contact person named on the each proposal of the results in writing via postal mail. Applicants whose applications are declared ineligible will receive written notification of the ineligibility determination and their original application via postal mail. Applicants who are approved, but unfunded or disapproved will receive a copy of the Executive Summary which identifies weaknesses and strengths of the application submitted. When an application is approved for funding, the Division of Grants Operations will prepare a Notice of Grant Award (NGA) with special terms and conditions binding upon the award and refer to all general terms applicable to the award. The NGA will serve as the official notification of a grant award and will state the amount of Federal funds awarded, the purpose of the award, the project period, and the budget period. Any other correspondence announcing the Project Director that an application was selected is not an authorization to begin performance. Any costs incurred before the receipt of the NGA are at the recipient's risk and are not allowable charges under this cooperative agreement.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Authority and Regulations

This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance at: http://www.cdfa.gov and is not subject to the intergovernmental review requirements of Executive Order 12372 or Health Systems Agency review. Awards are made under the authorization of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, Title V, Sections 503, 505 and 511 along with the Public Health Service Act 203 and 301A. Awards will be subject to the appropriate OMB Circulars and HHS Grant Regulations at 45 CFR, Pt. 74 and 92. The grant will be administered under the PHS Grants Policy Statement and other applicable agency policies.

Healthy People 2010
The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the health promotion and disease prevention objectives of

A. Progress Report - Program progress reports are required semi-annually. These reports will include 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 - Financial status reports are required semi-annually. Standard Form 269 (long form) will be used for financial reporting. A final report must be submitted within 90 days of expiration of the budget/project period.
C. Financial Audit - A financial audit, conducted by an independent auditor will be completed annually for each year within the project (five).

Failure to submit required reports within the time allowed may result in suspension or termination of an active cooperative agreement/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 the imposition of special award provisions, or cause other eligible projects or activities involving that grantee organization, or the individual responsible for the delinquency to not be funded.

VII. Agency Contacts
Questions on the programmatic and technical issues may be directed to:

Danielle Steward, Health Systems Specialist
Office of Urban Indian Health Programs
801 Thompson Avenue, Room 200
Rockville, MD 20852
(301) 443-4680 or dsteward@hqe.ihs.gov

Questions on grants management and fiscal matters may be directed to:

Pallop Chareonvootitam, Grants Management Specialist
Division of Grants Operations
801 Thompson Avenue, TMP 360
Rockville, MD 20852
(301) 443-5204 or pallop.chareonvootitam@hqe.ihs.gov

VIII. Other Information

The PHS strongly encourages all recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and promote 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.

Date: _______________ ______________________________ Robert G. McSwain
Director
Indian Health Service