Development and Coordination of Rural Health Services (93.223)

 

Program

93.223 Development and Coordination of Rural Health Services

 

Federal Agency

HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

 

Authorization

Public Health Service Act, Section 301.

 

Program Number

93.223

 

Last Known Status

Active

 

Objectives

To (1) Build infrastructure through workshops, conferences, etc., (2) develop and provide information to a wide audience, (3) increase awareness of Federal and State resources, and (4) build partnerships between Federal and State governments.

 

Types of Assistance

Project Grants.

 

Uses and Use Restrictions

All funds awarded are to be expended solely for carrying out the approved activities in accordance with the intent of the cooperative agreement as stipulated in the notice of grant award.

 

Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

Nonprofit private organizations that represent national, State and local rural health constituencies. The applicant must represent National, State, and local constituency groups who are interested in and committed to improvements in rural health care.

Beneficiary Eligibility

Underserved populations in rural areas and rural health care providers wishing to expand their services. Rural health care advocacy groups and their constituents.

Credentials/Documentation

OMB Circular No. A-87 "Cost Principles Applicable to Grants and Contracts with State and Local Governments" and OMB Circular No. A-122, "Cost Principles for Nonprofit Organizations," applies.

 

Application and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

Preapplication is not required. This program is subject to the provisions of E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process which the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance if the State has selected the program for review.

Application Procedure

Subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-102, "Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements with State and Local Governments," and OMB Circular No. A-110, "Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit Organizations." Applicants must obtain an application kit and submit their applications by the deadline stated in the kit. Application kits are obtained by writing HRSA Grants Applications Center, 901 Russell Avenue, Suite 450, Gaithersburg, Md. 20879. Telephone or by calling toll free: 1-877-477- 2123.

Award Procedure

Applications are reviewed by Federal and nonfederal experts in rural health care. Applications are calculated for merit and are recommended for approval or disapproval. Final decisions are made by the Director, Office of Rural Health Policy.

Deadlines

Contact Headquarters Office listed below for deadline dates.

 

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

Appeals

None.

Renewals

None.

 

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

No statutory formula or matching requirements.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

Awards are made annually for a project period of 3 years.

 

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

A progress report and a financial status report are to be submitted within 90 days after the close of the budget period. A final performance report and financial status report are due 90 days following the end of the project period.

Audits

In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $300,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133. In addition, cooperative agreements are subject to inspection and audits by DHHS and other Federal officials.

Records

In accordance with 45 CFR 74, Subpart D, grantees are required to maintain grant accounting records for 3 years after the end of the budget period. If any litigation, audit, or other action involving the records has been started before the expiration of the 3-year period, the records shall be retained until completion of the action and resolution of all issues which arise from it, or until the regular 3-year period expires, whichever is later.

 

Program Accomplishments

One noncompeting continuation award was funded in fiscal year 2002. One noncompeting continuation award is estimated for fiscal year 2003 and fiscal year 2004.

 

Financial Information

Account Identification

75-0350-0-1-550.

Obligations

(Cooperative Agreements) FY 02 $1,374,687; FY 03 est $900,000; and FY 04 est $900,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

A range has not been established, only one award was made.

 

Regulations, Guidelines and Literature

Program guidelines and the PHS Grants Policy Statement, DHHS Publication No. (OASH) 94-50,000, (Rev.) April 1, 1994, may be obtained by contacting the Headquarters Office.

 

Related Programs

93.913, Grants to States for Operation of Offices of Rural Health.

 

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

Not applicable.

Headquarters Office

Program Contact: Jennifer Riggle, Director, Office of Rural Health Policy, Health Resources and Services Administration, Public Health Service, DHHS, Parklawn Building, Room 9A-55, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857. Telephone: (301) 443-0835. Grants Management Contact: Mr. Janice M. Gordon, Acting Grants Management Officer, Division of Grants Management Operations, Health Resources and Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, Maryland 20857. Telephone: (301) 443-2385.

Web Site Address

http://www.ruralhealth.hrsa.gov

 

Examples of Funded Projects

Two national meetings of State Offices. Meetings and support for the National Recruitment Network, and technical assistance to States and local organizations and a paper on rural oral health.

 

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

Applications will be reviewed and rated on the applicant's ability to address the following areas: (1) Developing and disseminating knowledge through the solicitation, review, selection, compilation, and circulation of manuscripts derived from relevant research conducted on rural health issues; (2) organizing, publicizing, and managing meetings to enhance the dissemination of information on rural health care issues, including minority rural health, rural health clinics, and recruitment and retention of health care professionals in rural areas; (3) providing technical and other nonfinancial assistance to State offices of rural health to increase their capability to serve rural residents; (4) developing a network to promote recruitment and retention of health professionals in rural areas; and (5) providing updated information to the public about rural health clinics.