Doing Business with HHS – FAQs, Information & Tips

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Health Care Information:

Doing Business with HHS – FAQs, Information & Tips

November, 2012 _________________________________________________________________________________

Doing business with any governmental agency can be difficult. Doing business with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) just got easier. Read the following to get all of the information you need. You can also visit the HHS web site at: http://www.hhs.gov. Other contact information is at the bottom of this article.

Q: You are interested in doing some business with HHS, what should you do ? A: If you are new to doing business with HHS, you should register to attend one of their
FREE Vendor Outreach Sessions (VOS). They are scheduled for the second Tuesday of every other month from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. http://www.hhs.gov/about/smallbusiness/events.html You can sign up to be notified of upcoming events by going to: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USHHS/subscriber/new?category_id=USHHS_C52 You can also contact HHS Small Business Specialists within their respective division for further guidance. http://www.hhs.gov/about/smallbusiness/osdbustaff.html Also, be sure to check the HHS Small Business Calendar of Events. http://www.hhs.gov/about/smallbusiness/events.html If you want to review all HHS Regulations, please go to: http://www.hhs.gov/regulations/index.html

Q: A:

You are just starting your business, do you need any special certifications from the HHS ?

The Department of Health and Human Services does not require any special businessrelated certifications. If you are dealing with the Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA certifies firms under their 8(a) Business Development Program, the Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) Program and the Historically Underutilized Business Zone program.Small, Women-Owned, Veteran-Owned and Service-Disabled Veteran Owned businesses rely on selfcertifications. Self-certification is not questioned until a competitor or other interested party protests. A Contracting Officer may also request a size determination from the SBA.ServiceDisabled Veteran Owned businesses should obtain validation from the Veterans Administration and register on VetBiz. To Learn More:  SBA Small Disadvantaged Business Certification  Women Owned Small Business Certification (SBA)  8(a) Business Development (SBA)

Health Care Information: Q: A:

Doing Business with HHS – FAQs, Information & Tips

November, 2012 _________________________________________________________________________________

You would like to apply for a Grant or a loan to start your business, does HHS provide them? HHS does NOT provide grants or loans to start small businesses. If you are seeking financial assistance to start a business or expand an existing business, please contact your local Small Business Administration office or visit the SBA Web site to learn the answer to these questions:


How do I get started in a business? http://www.sba.gov/category/navigation-structure/starting-managingbusiness/starting-business How do I get a business license? http://www.sba.gov/content/how-do-i-get-business-license



Q:

Does HHS offer grants?

A: HHS is the largest grant-making organization in the Federal Government. Over 300

grant programs cover mission specific topics and are handled by the various operating components of the Department. All grant announcements across the government are available at: http://www.grants.gov. Additional information about managing HHS grants are found at: http://www.hhs.gov/asfr/ogapa/aboutog/grantsnet.html.
HHS awards two types of grants: non-discretionary and discretionary.



Non-Discretionary grants are those that a federal agency is required by statute to award if the recipient, usually a state, submits an acceptable State Plan or application and meets the eligibility and compliance requirements of the statutory and regulatory provisions of the grant program. Discretionary grants permit the federal government, according to specific authorizing legislation, to exercise judgment, or "discretion," in selecting the applicant/recipient organization, through a competitive grant process.



Information for Applicants and Grantees



Find a Grant:

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HHS Grants Forecast Begin the process by learning about planned grant funding opportunities. Grants.gov Find and apply for a grant on-line.



Business and Financial Grant Management Guidance (by HHS Operating Division) Find links to each HHS grant-making agency's grant management guidance. Also see Program Support Center guidance at:

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Cost Allocation Information (PSC) Payment Management (PSC)

Health Care Information:
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Doing Business with HHS – FAQs, Information & Tips

November, 2012 _________________________________________________________________________________
Tips for Preparing Grant Proposals Learn basic tips for preparing grant proposals. HHS Grant Process Learn about the HHS grants management process and how grants are reviewed Standard Recovery Act Grant Terms and Conditions Track Obligated HHS Grant Funds Tracking Accountability in Government Grants through the TAGGS Web Site. View Grants by

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Major Activity Type HHS Operating Division Recipient Class

Grants Policies, Laws, and Regulations

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HHS Grants Policy Statement [PDF - 1.32MB] National Institutes of Health Grants Policy Statement (NIH) Laws & Regulations Other Policy Resources

Administrative Links

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Grant Forms (OMB) Limited English Proficiency (OCR) Animal Welfare (NIH) Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Federal Register (GPO) Legal Resources (GAO) Human Research Protections (OHRP) Research Integrity (ORI) Single Point of Contact (SPOC) List (OMB) USASpending.gov

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Office of Grants Policy, Oversight and Evaluation Key Office of Grants Personnel

The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) profiles all Federal grant programs, which provides financial assistance, including HHS programs, and list a specific point of contact for obtaining additional information and applications. It also includes a helpful section on writing grant applications. The Web site for CFDA is http://www.cfda.gov.

Health Care Information:

Doing Business with HHS – FAQs, Information & Tips

November, 2012 _________________________________________________________________________________

Q: You are from an IT company and want to find out opportunities at HHS. A: Information technology is the area where HHS receives the most small business inquiries, so
the competition is substantial. When presenting your capabilities to potential customers, it is suggested that you tailor your IT capabilities to specific functions, i.e., IT relating to medical analysis, data base management, or IT related to security. In addition to the above recommendation, you should be aware that HHS has several Multiple Award, Indefinite Delivery contracts for IT services. These contracts, in addition to the significant use of GSA Schedules, make identification of opportunities challenging. If you do not have a GSA schedule contract, you are strongly recommended to contact GSA to obtain one. It is also recommended that you contact major prime contractors for potential subcontracting opportunities.

Q: How do you find 8(a) opportunities at HHS A: The Small Business Act defines the 8(a) program as a “procurement” program. At its
inception, it sought to develop small businesses that were socially and economically disadvantaged while providing the Federal Government a faster way to obtain goods and services. Unlike Small Business set-asides, there is no statutory requirement for Executive Departments to use the 8(a) program. Contracting Officers must determine if a specific requirement is conducive to the 8(a) program. It has been the practice of the Federal Government to maintain these requirements in the 8(a) program once that determination is made. Contracting Officers are also required to notify the SBA if they intend to “remove” a requirement from the 8(a) program. The SBA has the sole authority over this decision. Today, Government-Wide Multiple Award, (GWAC) IDIQ type contracts, in addition to GSA Schedule contracts, has become the most expeditious method of acquiring Government goods and services. You are strongly encouraged to obtain one or more GSA Schedule contracts and/or GWACs. Being on schedule and/or a GWAC makes good “business sense” and will provide your company with multiple options.

Q:

What is the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Program?

A: The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program is a highly competitive three-phase
award system which provides qualified small business concerns with opportunities to propose innovative ideas that meet the specific research and research and development needs of the Federal Government.

Health Care Information:

Doing Business with HHS – FAQs, Information & Tips

November, 2012 _________________________________________________________________________________

Phase I is a feasibility study to evaluate the scientific and technical merit of an idea. Awards are made for periods of up to six months in amounts up to $100,000. Phase II is to expand on the results of and further pursue the development of Phase I. Awards are made for periods of up to two years in amounts up to $750,000. You must have participated in a Phase I award to be considered for a Phase II. Phase III is for the commercialization of the results of Phase II and requires the use of private sector or non-SBIR Federal funding.

Q: What is the

Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program?

A: STTR is a highly competitive three-phase program that reserves a specific percentage of
Federal research and development funding for award to small businesses in partnership with nonprofit research institutions to move ideas from the laboratory to the marketplace, to foster high-tech economic development and to address the technological needs of the Federal Government. Phase I is the startup phase for the exploration of the scientific, technical, and commercial feasibility of an idea or technology. Awards are for periods of up to one year in amounts up to $100,000. Phase II is to expand Phase I results. During this period the Research & Development work is performed and the developer begins to consider commercialization potential. Awards are for periods of up to two years in amounts up to $500,000. Phase III is the period during which Phase II innovation moves from the laboratory into the marketplace. There is no STTR funding in this phase. For continuously updated information concerning the program, you should visit the Small Business Administration (SBA) website: http://www.sba.gov/content/small-businesstechnology-transfer-program-sttr

Q:

How do you obtain a copy of a Small Business Innovative Research or Technology Transfer Program Solicitation?

A: The HHS information is available on: http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/funding/sbir.htm

Health Care Information:

Doing Business with HHS – FAQs, Information & Tips

November, 2012 _________________________________________________________________________________

To obtain a hard copy of an SBIR solicitation, contact the following: PHS SBIR/STTR Solicitation Office 13687 Baltimore Avenue Laurel, MD 20707-5096 Telephone: (301) 206-9385 Fax: (301) 206-9722 Internet Address: [email protected]

Q: Who are the contacts for the NIH and ACF Small Business Innovative Research or
Technology Transfer Program?

A: For general information or questions concerning the National Institutes of Health SBIR/STTR
programs, contact: Dr. Matthew Portnoy NIH SBIR/STTR Program Coordinator 6705 Rockledge Drive Bethesda, MD 20892-7910 Telephone: (301) 435-2688 Fax: (301) 480-0146 Email: [email protected] For general information or questions concerning the Administration for Children and Families' (ACF) SBIR program, contact: Anne F. Bergan, ACF 370 L'Enfant Promenade, 7th Floor Washington, DC 20447 Telephone: 202-260-8515 Fax: 202-205-3598 E-mail: [email protected]

Health Care Information:

Doing Business with HHS – FAQs, Information & Tips

November, 2012 _________________________________________________________________________________

If you are not able to attend one of the HHS sessions, visit the HHS Web site and review each of their operating divisions within the Department. http://www.hhs.gov
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OS - Office of the Secretary ACF - Administration for Children & Families AoA - Administration on Aging AHRQ - Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality ATSDR - Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease CDC - Centers for Disease Control & Prevention CMS - Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services FDA - Food & Drug Administration HRSA - Health Resources & Services Administration IHS - Indian Health Service NIH - National Institutes of Health OIG - Office of Inspector General

SAMHSA - Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration

HHS Education & Training Funding
To learn about internships, scholarships, and career opportunities that assist students and provide education and training opportunities, click on the links below:

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Find Financial Aid for Health Professions Students & Practitioners (HRSA) Find health care research training and education opportunities (AHRQ) Locate public health training resources and opportunities (CDC) Learn about the Student Training and Extern Program at the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (PHS) Find information from National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH Research Training & Research Development News Extramural training funds NIH National Library of Medicine Associate Fellowship Program Find information from Indian Health Service (IHS): o Jobs and Scholarships o Student Aid Resources

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Health Care Information:

Doing Business with HHS – FAQs, Information & Tips

November, 2012 _________________________________________________________________________________

HHS & Contract Information
For more information for Doing Business with Government, click on the links below:

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Find HHS contracting opportunities at Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps.gov) Small businesses (Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization, OSDBU): o Forecast of HHS Contracting Opportunities o Small Business at HHS o The Pulse Newsletter (Subscribe to receive via email.) o Vendor Outreach Events Calendar Guidance on Allowable Contracting Costs Associated with the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act (PDF - 2 pages)

Government Acquisitions:



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Interagency Contract Directory (ICD) was created to help agencies take better advantage of interagency contracts by supporting market research and the identification of suitable contracts that can facilitate the efficient and effective placement of orders, including with small and disadvantaged businesses. See instructions for using the directory (PDF). HHS Inventory of Service Contracts HHS Vendor Communication Plan, August 26, 2011 o Vendor Communication Plan, Final Summary of Changes

HHS Acquisition Policies and Guidance:

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HHS Acquisition Policies and Guidance Homepage HHS Acquisition Regulation (HHSAR) Acquisition Policy Memoranda by Date By Topic Acquisition Policy Implementation Guidance HHS Policy on Promoting Efficient Spending: Use of Appropriated Funds for Conferences and Meetings, Food, Promotional Items, and Printing and Publications (January 3, 2012)

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Contacting HHS
Resources
If you have additional questions or are in need of customer service, please consult the following resources:



Medicare:

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Medicare Website: www.medicare.gov Medicare Frequently Asked Questions Call 1-800-MEDICARE (For people with Medicare) Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services: www.cms.hhs.gov Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Frequently Asked Questions

Medicaid:

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State Medicaid Contact Information Database: www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/contacts/ Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Medicaid Frequently Asked Questions

Health Care Information:
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Doing Business with HHS – FAQs, Information & Tips

November, 2012 _________________________________________________________________________________
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services: www.cms.hhs.gov Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Frequently Asked Questions

Family assistance (welfare), child support, child care, Head Start, child welfare, and other programs relating to children and families:

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Administration for Children and Families: www.acf.hhs.gov Administration for Children and Families Frequently Asked Questions

Free or low-cost health care, treatment for people with HIV/AIDS, maternal and child health, health professions training (including the National Health Service Corps and Nursing Education Loan Repayment Program) or organ donation:

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Health Resources and Services Administration: www.hrsa.gov Health Resources and Services Administration Frequently Asked Questions

HHS Information and Hotline Directory
A list, by subject, of Websites and public inquiry and publication phone numbers for popular topics: http://www.hhs.gov/about/referlst.html

Mailing Address and Telephone Number
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 200 Independence Avenue, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20201 Toll Free: 1-877-696-6775 Please be aware that mail sent to our Washington D.C area offices takes an additional 3-4 days to process due to changes in mail handling resulting from the Anthrax crisis of October 2001.

Other HHS Information
Supporting Military Families: http://www.hhs.gov/children/supportmilitaryfamilies.html Health Prevention: http://www.hhs.gov/safety/index.html Diseases: http://www.hhs.gov/diseases/index.html Feedback:
Complete an online form to submit general comments to HHS or feedback on the HHS Web site go to: http://wcdapps.hhs.gov/HHSFeedback/ This information compiled by: Dennis Stewart, Streamline Savings dennis@streamlinesavings,com

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