[Federal Register: April 25, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 78)]
[Notices]
[Page 21204-21213]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr25ap05-46]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Administration for Children and Families
Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation (OPRE); Notice
Funding Opportunity Title: Head Start Graduate Student Research
Grants.
Announcement Type: Initial.
Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2005-ACF-OPRE-YD-0068.
CFDA Number: 93.600.
Due Date for Letter of Intent or Preapplications: June 3, 2005.
Due Date for Applications: Application is due June 24, 2005.
Executive Summary: Funds are provided for Graduate Student Research
Grants to Support field-initiated research activities.
This grant program is part of a larger set of Head Start research
announcements. Three other grant funding mechanisms are being offered
concurrently with the one described in this announcement. They include:
(1) Head Start Graduate Student Research Partnership Development
Grants, (2) Head Start-University Partnership Research Grants:
Curriculum Development and Enhancement for Head Start and Early Head
Start Programs, and (3) American Indian-Alaska Native Head Start-
University Partnerships. For more information, please see these other
Head Start Research announcements listed in the Federal Register or
listed on http://www.Grants.Gov, or send an inquiry to the e-mail
address listed above.
Funding for this grant program is shared with the Head Start
Graduate Student Research Partnership Development Grants. Relative
funding for the two sets of Head Start Graduate Student Research Grants
is contingent upon the results of the review process.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
A. Purpose
The purpose of this announcement is to report the availability of
funds for Head Start Graduate Student Research Grants to support field-
initiated research activities in partnership with Head Start programs.
B. Statutory Authority
Section 649 of the Head Start Act, as amended by the Coats Human
Services Reauthorization Act of 1998 (Pub. L. 105-285), codified at 42
U.S.C. 9844.
C. Background
Since 1991, ACF has explicitly supported the relationship between
established Head Start researchers and their graduate students by
awarding research grants, on behalf of specific graduate students, to
conduct research in Head Start communities. As many previously funded
Head Start graduate students have continued to make significant
contributions to the early childhood research field as they have
pursued their careers, this funding mechanism is an important research
capacity-building effort.
To ensure that future research is responsive to the changing needs
of low-income families, graduate students need strong and positive role
models. Therefore, Head Start's support of the partnership between
students and their mentors is essential. The unique partnership that is
forged between mentor and student within the Head Start research
context serves as a model for the establishment of other partnerships
within the community (e.g., researcher-Head Start staff, researcher-
family, etc.). This foundation helps foster the skills necessary to
build a graduate student's trajectory of successful partnership-
building and contributions to the scientific community. Within this
nurturing and supportive relationship, young researchers are empowered
to become autonomous researchers, learning theory, as well as the
process of interacting with the various members and relevant
organizations within their communities.
Thus, the goals of the Head Start Graduate Student Research Grant
program can be summarized as follows:
1. Provide direct support for graduate students as a way of
encouraging the conduct of research with Head Start populations, thus
contributing to the knowledge base about the best approaches for
delivering services to diverse, low-income families and their children;
2. Promote mentor-student relationships that support students'
graduate training and professional development as young researchers
engaged in policy-relevant, applied research;
3. Emphasize the importance of developing true working research
partnerships with Head Start programs and other relevant entities
within the community, thereby fostering skills necessary to build a
student's trajectory of successful partnership-building and
contributions to the scientific community; and
4. Support the active communication, networking and collaboration
among graduate students, their mentors and other prominent researchers
in the field, both during their graduate training, as well as into the
early stages of their research careers.
While the specific topics addressed under these Graduate Student
Research Grants are intended to be field-initiated,
[[Page 21205]]
applicants who address issues of both local and national significance
will be most likely to succeed. Some illustrative examples of such
topics include, but are not limited to, the areas of school readiness,
children's mental health, serving an increasingly culturally and
linguistically diverse population of children and families, and
promoting child well-being by strengthening responsible fatherhood and
healthy marriages in Head Start families.
Priority Area 1:
Head Start Graduate Student Research Grants
1. Description: The purpose of this announcement is to report the
availability of funds for Head Start Graduate Student Research Grants
to support field-initiated research activities in partnership with Head
Start programs.
Since 1991, ACF has explicitly supported the relationship between
established Head Start researchers and their graduate students by
awarding research grants, on behalf of specific graduate students, to
conduct research in Head Start communities. As many previously funded
Head Start graduate students have continued to make significant
contributions to the early childhood research field as they have
pursued their careers, this funding mechanism is an important research
capacity-building effort.
To ensure that future research is responsive to the changing needs
of low-income families, graduate students need strong and positive role
models. Therefore, Head Start's support of the partnership between
students and their mentors is essential. The unique partnership that is
forged between mentor and student within the Head Start research
context serves as a model for the establishment of other partnerships
within the community (e.g., researcher-Head Start staff, researcher-
family, etc.). This foundation helps foster the skills necessary to
build a graduate student's trajectory of successful partnership-
building and contributions to the scientific community. Within this
nurturing and supportive relationship, young researchers are empowered
to become autonomous researchers, learning theory, as well as the
process of interacting with the various members and relevant
organizations within their communities.
Thus, the goals of the Head Start Graduate Student Research Grant
program can be summarized as follows:
1. Provide direct support for graduate students as a way of
encouraging the conduct of research with Head Start populations, thus
contributing to the knowledge base about the best approaches for
delivering services to diverse, low-income families and their children;
2. Promote mentor-student relationships that support students'
graduate training and professional development as young researchers
engaged in policy-relevant, applied research;
3. Emphasize the importance of developing true working research
partnerships with Head Start programs and other relevant entities
within the community, thereby fostering skills necessary to build a
student's trajectory of successful partnership-building and
contributions to the scientific community; and
4. Support the active communication, networking and collaboration
among graduate students, their mentors and other prominent researchers
in the field, both during their graduate training, as well as into the
early stages of their research careers.
While the specific topics addressed under these Graduate Student
Research Grants are intended to be field-initiated, applicants who
address issues of both local and national significance will be most
likely to succeed. Some illustrative examples of such topics include,
but are not limited to, the areas of school readiness, children's
mental health, serving an increasingly culturally and linguistically
diverse population of children and families, and promoting child well-
being by strengthening responsible fatherhood and healthy marriages in
Head Start families.
II. Award Information
Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $200,000.
Anticipated Number of Awards: 4 to 8.
Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards Per Budget Period: $25,000.
An application that exceeds the upper value of the dollar range
specified will be considered non-responsive and will not be eligible
for funding under this announcement.
Average Projected Award Amount: $25,000.
Length of Project Periods: 24-month project with two 12-month
budget periods.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
State controlled institutions of higher education; Private
institutions of higher education, including faith based institutions of
higher education.
Additional Information on Eligibility: 1. Eligible applicants are
institutions of higher education on behalf of doctoral-level graduate
students. Doctoral students must have completed their Master's Degree
or equivalent in the field of doctoral study and submitted formal
notification to ACF by August 1, 2005.
To be eligible to administer the grant on behalf of the student,
the institution must be fully accredited by one of the regional
accrediting commissions recognized by the Department of Education and
the Council on Post-Secondary Accreditation.
2. Cost Sharing/Matching
None.
3. Other
Additional Information on Eligibility
1. Although the faculty mentor is listed as the Principal
Investigator and must be committed to taking a central role in
maintaining an ongoing research partnership with a Head Start program,
this grant is intended for dissertation research for an individual
student. Information about both the graduate student and the student's
faculty mentor is required as part of this application.
2. The graduate student applicant must agree to attend two meetings
each year of the grant. The budget should reflect travel funds for such
purposes. The first meeting consists of the annual meeting for all Head
Start Graduate Student grantees. This annual grantee meeting is
typically scheduled during the summer or fall of each year and is held
in Washington, DC. It is anticipated that the fall 2005 meeting will be
held in mid to late October. During this meeting, each student
typically presents a brief overview of his or her study (e.g., the
study design, participants, measures, challenges and successes during
implementation, and/or findings, as they become available). The
intended goal of the meeting is to stimulate potentially useful and
constructive feedback from other students and mentors, as well as to
facilitate collaboration, networking and mentoring activities.
The second meeting each year alternates between the biennial Head
Start National Research Conference in Washington, DC (June or July,
2006) and the biennial meeting of the Society for Research in Child
Development--SRCD (April, 2007). At a minimum, students usually are
provided the opportunity to present information on their respective
studies in a poster session format, although both meetings also provide
other networking and mentoring
[[Page 21206]]
activities. The grant budget should reflect travel and housing funds
for the graduate student for all four of these meetings (or two if only
applying for one year of funding).
3. Given the strong emphasis that is placed on supporting the
mentor-student relationship, it is crucial that the faculty mentors
attend and actively participate in the activities of the annual grantee
meeting for all Head Start Graduate Students. The budget should reflect
travel funds for such purposes, as appropriate. However, if the faculty
mentor does plan to attend the annual Graduate Student grantee meeting,
but will utilize another source of travel funds, such arrangements are
encouraged and should be clearly noted in the application.
4. Dun and Bradstreet Numbers
All applicants must have Dun & Bradstreet numbers. On June 27, 2003
the Office of Management and Budget published in the Federal Register a
new Federal policy applicable to all Federal grant applicants. The
policy requires all Federal grant applicants to provide a Dun and
Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number when applying
for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or after October 1,
2003. The DUNS number will be required whether an applicant is
submitting a paper application or using the government-wide electronic
portal (http://www.Grants.gov). A DUNS number will be required for
every application for a new award or renewal/continuation of an award,
including applications or plans under formula, entitlement, and block
grant programs, submitted on or after October 1, 2003.
Please ensure that your organization has a DUNS number. You may
acquire a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free
DUNS number request line on 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number
online at http://www.dnb.com.
5. Private, non-profit institutions of higher education (including
faith based institutions of higher education) are encouraged to submit
with their applications the survey located under ``Grant Related
Documents and Forms,'' ``Survey for Private, Non-profit Grant
Applicants,'' titled ``Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for
Applicants'' at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
6. Any non-profit institution of higher education submitting an
application must submit proof of its non-profit status at the time of
submission. Any of the following constitutes proof of nonprofit status:
--A copy of the applicant organization's listing in the Internal
Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt organizations
described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code.
--A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.
--A written statement from a State taxing body, State attorney general,
or other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant
organization has a nonprofit status and that none of the net earning
accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.
--A certified copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation
or similar document that clearly establishes nonprofit status.
--Any of the items above for a State or national parent organization
and a statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant
organization is a local nonprofit affiliate.
7. A university faculty member must serve as a mentor to the
graduate student; this faculty member is listed as the ``Principal
Investigator.'' The application must include a letter from this faculty
member stating that s/he has reviewed and approved the application,
affirming the status of the project as dissertation research and the
student's status in the doctoral program, and describing how the
faculty member will regularly monitor the student's work.
8. The Principal Investigator must have a doctorate or equivalent
degree in the respective field, conduct research as a primary
professional responsibility, and have published or have been accepted
for publication in the major peer-reviewed research journals in the
field as a first author or second author.
9. An important element of this announcement is the requirement
that researchers demonstrate a partnership or partnerships with Head
Start or Early Head Start programs as part of the development,
piloting, refinement, training, and implementation of research
activities. The application must contain a letter from the Head Start
or Early Head Start program certifying that they have entered into a
partnership with the applicant and the application has been reviewed
and approved by the Head Start or Early Head Start Policy Council (see
section IV-3 for further details about these letters).
10. The research project must be an independent study conducted by
the individual graduate student or well-defined portion(s) of a larger
study currently being conducted by a faculty member. If the project is
part of a larger research effort, the proposal must clearly distinguish
between the student's portion of the research activities and those of
the larger project. The graduate student must have primary
responsibility for the proposed study described in the application.
11. If the graduate student, on whose behalf the university is
applying, expects to receive his/her degree by the end of the first
one-year budget period, the applicant should request a one-year project
period only. A second year budget-period will not be granted if the
student has graduated by the end of the first year.
12. The graduate student must write the application in its
entirety, consistent with the format and style guidelines of the
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 5th ed.
and (APA 2001) the general principles and guidelines of the Ethical
Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct 2002 (APA 2002).
The aforementioned twelve items will not be used as screen out
criteria on applications submitted in response to this program
announcement.
It is unlikely that any individual mentor will be funded for more
than one graduate student research grant if there are at least 10
applications from different mentors/institutions that qualify for
support.
Disqualification Factors
Applications that exceed the ceiling amount will be considered non-
responsive and will not be eligible for funding under this
announcement.
Any application received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the
deadline date will not be considered for competition.
IV. Application and Submission Information
IV.1 Address To Request Application Package
Head Start Research Support Technical Assistance Team, OPRE Grant
Review Team, Xtria, LLC, 8045 Leesburg Pike, Suite 400, Vienna, VA
22182, Phone: 877-663-0250, E-mail: opre@xtria.com.
IV.2 Content and Form of Application Submission
An original and two copies of the complete application are
required. The original copy must include all required forms,
certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed by an authorized
representative, have original signatures, and be submitted unbound. The
two additional copies of the complete application must include all
required forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices and must
also be submitted unbound. Applicants have the option of omitting from
the application copies
[[Page 21207]]
(not the original) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals
specified in the application budget and Social Security Numbers, if
otherwise required for individuals. The copies may include summary
salary information.
Format and Organization: Applicants are strongly encouraged to
limit their application to 100 pages, double-spaced, with standard one-
inch margins and 12 point fonts. This page limit applies to both
narrative text and supporting materials but not the Standard Federal
Forms (see list below). Applicants must number the pages of their
application beginning with the Table of Contents.
Applicants are advised to include all required forms and materials
and to organize these materials according to the format, and in the
order, presented below:
a. Cover Letter.
b. Contact information sheet (see details below).
c. Standard Federal Forms.
Standard Application for Federal Assistance (form 424).
Budget Information--Non-construction Programs (424A).
Certifications Regarding Lobbying.
Disclosures of Lobbying Activities (if necessary).
Certification Regarding Environmental Tobacco Smoke.
Assurance Regarding Non-construction Programs (form 424B).
Assurance Regarding Protection of Human Subjects.
d. Table of Contents.
e. Project Abstract (not to exceed one page).
f. Project Narrative Statement (see details below).
g. Appendix.
Proof of Non-profit Status (see section V.1.F).
Curriculum Vitae for Student and Faculty Advisor.
Letter of Support from Advisor.
Letter(s) of agreement with Head Start program(s) (see details
below).
Letter(s) of agreement with Head Start Policy Council(s) (see
details below).
Official Transcript of Student Reflecting Graduate Courses.
Content of Contact Information Sheet: The contact information sheet
should include complete contact information, including addresses, phone
and fax numbers, and e-mail addresses, for the graduate student
applicant, the Principal Investigator(s), and the institution's grants/
financial officer (person who signs the SF-424).
Content of Project Narrative Statement: The project narrative
should be carefully developed in accordance with ACF's research goals
and agenda as described in the Purpose, Background, and Priorities
sections of this funding opportunity, and the structure requirements
listed in Section V. Application Review Information. Please see Section
V.1. Criteria for instructions on preparing the project summary/
abstract and the full project description.
Content of Letters of Agreement: For research conducted with Head
Start, the application must contain (A) an original copy of a letter
from the Head Start or Early Head Start program certifying that they
have entered into a research partnership with the applicant (graduate
student) and (B) a separate letter certifying that the application has
been reviewed and approved by the local Head Start Program Policy
Council. This certification of approval or pending approval by the
Policy Council must be an original letter from the official
representative of the Policy Council itself.
You may submit your application to us in either electronic or paper
format. To submit an application electronically, please use the http://www.Grants.gov/Apply
site. If you use Grants.gov, you will be able to
download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and
then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov site. ACF
will not accept grant applications via e-mail or facsimile
transmission.
Please note the following if you plan to submit your application
electronically via Grants.gov:
Electronic submission is voluntary, but strongly
encouraged.
When you enter the Grants.gov site, you will find
information about submitting an application electronically through the
site, as well as the hours of operation. We strongly recommend that you
do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the
application process through Grants.gov.
To use Grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must have a DUNS
Number and register in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). You
should allow a minimum of five days to complete the CCR registration.
You will not receive additional point value because you
submit a grant application in electronic format, nor will we penalize
you if you submit an application in paper format.
You may submit all documents electronically, including all
information typically included on the SF 424 and all necessary
assurances and certifications.
Your application must comply with any page limitation
requirements described in this program announcement.
After you electronically submit your application, you will
receive an automatic acknowledgement from Grants.gov that contains a
Grants.gov tracking number. The Administration for Children and
Families will retrieve your application from Grants.gov.
We may request that you provide original signatures on
forms at a later date.
You may access the electronic application for this program
on http://www.Grants.gov.
You must search for the downloadable application package
by the CFDA number.
An original and two copies of the complete application are
required. The original and each of the two copies must include all
required forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed
by an authorized representative, have original signatures, and be
submitted unbound.
Private, non-profit institution of higher education are encouraged
to submit with their applications the survey located under ``Grant
Related Documents and Forms,'' ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant
Applicants,'' titled, ``Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for
Applicants,'' at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Standard Forms and Certifications
The project description should include all the information
requirements described in the specific evaluation criteria outlined in
the program announcement under section V Application Review
Information. In addition to the project description, the applicant
needs to complete all the standard forms required for making
applications for awards under this announcement.
Applicants seeking financial assistance under this announcement
must file the Standard Form (SF) 424, Application for Federal
Assistance; SF-424A, Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs; SF-
424B, Assurances--Non-Construction Programs. The forms may be
reproduced for use in submitting applications. Applicants must sign and
return the standard forms with their application.
Applicants must furnish prior to award an executed copy of the
Standard Form LLL, Certification Regarding Lobbying, when applying for
an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants who have used non-Federal
funds for lobbying activities in connection with receiving assistance
under this announcement shall complete a disclosure form, if
applicable, with their applications (approved by the Office of
Management and Budget under control number 0348-0046 which expires 07/
[[Page 21208]]
2006). Applicants must sign and return the certification with their
application.
Applicants must also understand they will be held accountable for
the smoking prohibition included within P.L. 103-227, Title XII
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the PRO-KIDS Act of 1994). A
copy of the Federal Register notice which implements the smoking
prohibition is included with forms. By signing and submitting the
application, applicants are providing the certification and need not
mail back the certification with the application.
Institutions submitting applications or proposals for support of
research activities involving human subjects must submit certification
of appropriate Institutional Review Board (IRB) review and approval to
the Department or Agency in accordance with the Common Rule (56FR28003,
June 18, 1991). Institutions must have an assurance of compliance that
applies to the research to be conducted and should submit certification
of IRB review and approval with each application or proposal unless
otherwise advised by the Department or Agency. The appropriate forms
may be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their
compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By
signing and submitting the applications, applicants are providing the
certification and need not mail back the certification form. Complete
the standard forms and the associated certifications and assurances
based on the instructions on the forms. The forms and certifications
may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Please see section V.1. Criteria, for instructions on preparing the
full project description.
IV.3 Submission Dates and Times
a. Notice of Intent To Submit an Application
If you plan to submit an application, you must notify us by fax or
e-mail at least three weeks prior to the submission deadline date. This
information will be used only to determine the number of expert
reviewers needed to review the applications. Include only the following
information in this fax or email: the number and title of this
announcement; the names, addresses, telephone and fax numbers, e-mail
addresses of the principal investigator (mentor), the graduate student,
and the fiscal agent (if known); and the name of the university, non-
profit institution of higher education or other eligible organization.
Do not include a description of your proposed project. Sent this
information to: ``Head Start Research Support Technical Assistance
Team'' at: Fax: 1-703-356-0472; Email: opre@xtria.com.
b. Applications
Due Dates for Applications: June 24, 2005.
Explanation of Due Dates: The closing time and date for receipt of
applications is referenced above. Applications received after 4:30 p.m.
eastern time on the closing date will be classified as late.
Deadline: Applications shall be considered as meeting an announced
deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time and date
referenced in Section IV.6. Applicants are responsible for ensuring
applications are mailed or submitted electronically well in advance of
the application due date.
Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other
representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers
shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are
received on or before the deadline date, between the hours of 8 a.m.
and 4:30 p.m., eastern time, at the address referenced in Section
IV.6., between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays).
ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by facsimile.
Therefore, applications transmitted to ACF by fax will not be accepted
regardless of date or time of submission and time of receipt.
Receipt acknowledgement for application packages will not be
provided to applicants who submit their package via mail, courier
services, or by hand delivery. Applicants will receive an electronic
acknowledgement for applications that are submitted via Grants.gov.
Late Applications: Applications that do not meet the criteria above
are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late applicant
that its application will not be considered in the current competition.
Any application received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the
deadline date will not be considered for competition.
Applicants using express/overnight mail services should allow two
working days prior to the deadline date for receipt of applications.
Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not
always deliver as agreed.
Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend application deadlines when
circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, or
when there are widespread disruptions of mail service, or in other rare
cases. A determination to extend or waive deadline requirements rests
with the Chief Grants Management Officer.
Checklist: You may use the checklist below as a guide when
preparing your application package.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What to submit Required content Required form or format When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SF424................................ See section IV......... http:// www.acf.hhs.gov/ By application due
programs/ofs/ date.
forms.htm.
Assurances and Certifications........ See section IV......... http://www.acf.hhs.gov/ By application due
programs/ofs/forms.htm. date.
Assurance Regarding Protection of See section IV......... http://www.acf.hhs.gov/ By application due
Human Subjects. programs/ofs/forms.htm. date.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Additional Forms: Private, non-profit institutions of higher
education are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey
located under ``Grant Related Documents and Forms,'' ``Survey for
Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,'' titled, ``Survey on Ensuring
Equal Opportunity for Applicants,'' at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm
.
[[Page 21209]]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What to submit Required content Location When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant See form............... May be found on By application due
Applicants. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/ date.
programs/ofs/forms.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IV.4 Intergovernmental Review
State Single Point of Contact (SPOC)
This program is covered under Executive Order 12372,
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,'' and 45 CFR part 100,
``Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services
Programs and Activities.'' Under the Order, States may design their own
processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance
under covered programs.
As of October 1, 2004, the following jurisdictions have elected to
participate in the Executive Order process: Arkansas, California,
Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa,
Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New
Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South
Carolina, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, American Samoa, Guam,
North Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands. As these
jurisdictions have elected to participate in the Executive Order
process, they have established SPOCs. Applicants from participating
jurisdictions should contact their SPOC, as soon as possible, to alert
them of prospective applications and receive instructions. Applicants
must submit all required materials, if any, to the SPOC and indicate
the date of this submittal (or the date of contact if no submittal is
required) on the Standard Form 424, item 16a. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2).
A SPOC has 60 days from the application deadline to comment on
proposed new or competing continuation awards. SPOCs are encouraged to
eliminate the submission of routine endorsements as official
recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are requested to clearly
differentiate between mere advisory comments and those official State
process recommendations which may trigger the ``accommodate or
explain'' rule.
When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they should be
addressed to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants Management,
Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., 4th
floor, Washington, DC 20447.
Although the remaining jurisdictions have chosen not to participate
in the process, entities that meet the eligibility requirements of the
program are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State,
Territory, Commonwealth, etc. does not have a SPOC. Therefore,
applicants from these jurisdictions, or for projects administered by
federally-recognized Indian Tribes, need take no action in regard to
E.O. 12372.
The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions that
have elected to participate in E.O. 12372 can be found on the following
URL: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.
IV.5 Funding Restrictions
Grant awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs.
Transferability. Grants awarded as a result of this competition are
not transferable to another student or to another institution.
Sharing of Awards. Awards cannot be divided among two or more
students.
IV.6 Other Submission Requirements
Submission by Mail: An applicant must provide an original
application with all attachments, signed by an authorized
representative and two copies. The application must be received at the
address below by 4:30 p.m. eastern time on or before the closing date.
Applications should be mailed to: Head Start Research Support Technical
Assistance Team, OPRE Grant Review Team, Xtria, LLC, 8045 Leesburg
Pike, Suite 400, Vienna, VA 22182, Phone: 877-663-0250, E-mail:
opre@xtria.com.
Hand Delivery: An applicant must provide an original application
with all attachments signed by an authorized representative and two
copies. The application must be received at the address below by 4:30
p.m. eastern time on or before the closing date. Applications that are
hand delivered will be accepted between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30
p.m. eastern time, Monday through Friday. Applications should be
delivered to: Head Start Research Support Technical Assistance Team,
OPRE Grant Review Team, Xtria, LLC, 8045 Leesburg Pike, Suite 400,
Vienna, VA 22182, Phone: 877-663-0250.
Electronic Submission: http://www.Grants.gov. Please see section
IV. 2 Content and Form of Application Submission, for guidelines and
requirements when submitting applications electronically.
V. Application Review Information
The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13)
Public reporting burden for this collection of information is
estimated to average 25 hours per response, including the time for
reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed and
reviewing the collection information.
The project description is approved under OMB control number 0970-
0139 which expires 4/30/2007.
An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required
to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a
currently valid OMB control number.
1. Criteria
Purpose. The project description provides a major means by which an
application is evaluated and ranked to compete with other applications
for available assistance. The project description should be concise and
complete and should address the activity for which Federal funds are
being requested. Supporting documents should be included where they can
present information clearly and succinctly. In preparing your project
description, information responsive to each of the requested evaluation
criteria must be provided. Awarding offices use this and other
information in making their funding recommendations. It is important,
therefore, that this information be included in the application in a
manner that is clear and complete.
General Instructions
ACF is particularly interested in specific project descriptions
that focus on outcomes and convey strategies for achieving intended
performance. Project descriptions are evaluated on the basis of
substance and measurable outcomes, not length. Extensive exhibits are
not required. Cross-referencing should be used rather than repetition.
Supporting information concerning activities that will not be directly
funded by the grant or information that does not directly pertain to an
integral part of the grant funded activity should be placed in an
appendix. Pages should be numbered
[[Page 21210]]
and a table of contents should be included for easy reference.
Project Summary/Abstract
Provide a summary of the project description (a page or less) with
reference to the funding request.
Objectives and Need for Assistance
Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial,
institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need
for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate
objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting
documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from
concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any
relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred
to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and
participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the
project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to
provide information on the total range of projects currently being
conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be
outside the scope of the program announcement.
Results or Benefits Expected
Identify the results and benefits to be derived. For example,
explain how your proposed project will achieve the specific goals and
objectives you have set; specify the number of children and families to
be served, and how the services to be provided will be funded
consistent with the local needs assessment. Or, explain how the
expected results will benefit the population to be served in meeting
its needs for early learning services and activities. What benefits
will families derive from these services? How will the services help
them? What lessons will be learned which might help other agencies and
organizations that are addressing the needs of a similar client
population?
Approach
Outline a plan of action that describes the scope and detail of how
the proposed work will be accomplished. Account for all functions or
activities identified in the application. Cite factors that might
accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reason for taking the
proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual features of
the project such as design or technological innovations, reductions in
cost or time, or extraordinary social and community involvement.
Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the
accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in such
terms as the number of people to be served and the number of activities
accomplished.
When accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or function,
list them in chronological order to show the schedule of
accomplishments and their target dates.
If any data is to be collected, maintained, and/or disseminated,
clearance may be required from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget
(OMB). This clearance pertains to any ``collection of information that
is conducted or sponsored by ACF.''
List organizations, cooperating entities, consultants, or other key
individuals who will work on the project along with a short description
of the nature of their effort or contribution.
Evaluation
Provide a narrative addressing how the conduct of the project and
the results of the project will be evaluated. In addressing the
evaluation of results, state how you will determine the extent to which
the project has achieved its stated objectives and the extent to which
the accomplishment of objectives can be attributed to the project.
Discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate results, and explain the
methodology that will be used to determine if the needs identified and
discussed are being met and if the project results and benefits are
being achieved. With respect to the conduct of the project, define the
procedures to be employed to determine whether the project is being
conducted in a manner consistent with the work plan presented and
discuss the impact of the project's various activities on the project's
effectiveness.
Additional Information
Following are requests for additional information that need to be
included in the application:
Staff and Position Data
Provide a biographical sketch and job description for each key
person appointed. Job descriptions for each vacant key position should
be included as well. As new key staff is appointed, biographical
sketches will also be required.
Organizational Profiles
Provide information on the applicant organization(s) and
cooperating partners, such as organizational charts, financial
statements, audit reports or statements from CPAs/Licensed Public
Accountants, Employer Identification Numbers, names of bond carriers,
contact persons and telephone numbers, child care licenses and other
documentation of professional accreditation, information on compliance
with Federal/State/local government standards, documentation of
experience in the program area, and other pertinent information. If the
applicant is a non-profit organization, submit proof of non-profit
status in its application.
The non-profit institution of higher education can accomplish this
by providing: (a) A reference to the applicant organization's listing
in the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt
organizations described in the IRS Code; (b) a copy of a currently
valid IRS tax exemption certificate; (c) a statement from a State
taxing body, State attorney general, or other appropriate State
official certifying that the applicant organization has a non-profit
status and that none of the net earnings accrue to any private
shareholders or individuals; (d) a certified copy of the organization's
certificate of incorporation or similar document that clearly
establishes non-profit status; (e) any of the items immediately above
for a State or national parent organization and a statement signed by
the parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-
profit affiliate.
Letters of Support
Provide statements from community, public and commercial leaders
that support the project proposed for funding. All submissions should
be included in the application OR by application deadline.
Budget and Budget Justification
Provide a budget with line item detail and detailed calculations
for each budget object class identified on the Budget Information form.
Detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit
costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the
calculation to be duplicated. Also include a breakout by the funding
sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.
Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the
categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness,
and allocability of the proposed costs.
Personnel
Description: Costs of employee salaries and wages.
[[Page 21211]]
Justification: Identify the project director or principal
investigator, if known. For each staff person, provide the title, time
commitment to the project (in months), time commitment to the project
(as a percentage or full-time equivalent), and annual salary, grant
salary, wage rates, etc. Do not include the costs of consultants or
personnel costs of delegate agencies or of specific project(s) or
businesses to be financed by the applicant.
Fringe Benefits
Description: Costs of employee fringe benefits unless treated as
part of an approved indirect cost rate.
Justification: Provide a breakdown of the amounts and percentages
that comprise fringe benefit costs such as health insurance, FICA,
retirement insurance, taxes, etc.
Travel
Description: Costs of project-related travel by employees of the
applicant organization (does not include costs of consultant travel).
Justification: For each trip, show the total number of traveler(s),
travel destination, duration of trip, per diem, mileage allowances, if
privately owned vehicles will be used, and other transportation costs
and subsistence allowances. Travel costs for key staff to attend ACF-
sponsored workshops should be detailed in the budget.
Equipment
Description: ``Equipment'' means an article of nonexpendable,
tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year
and an acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the lesser of (a) the
capitalization level established by the organization for the financial
statement purposes, or (b) $5,000. (Note: Acquisition cost means the
net invoice unit price of an item of equipment, including the cost of
any modifications, attachments, accessories, or auxiliary apparatus
necessary to make it usable for the purpose for which it is acquired.
Ancillary charges, such as taxes, duty, protective in-transit
insurance, freight, and installation shall be included in or excluded
from acquisition cost in accordance with the organization's regular
written accounting practices.)
Justification: For each type of equipment requested, provide a
description of the equipment, the cost per unit, the number of units,
the total cost, and a plan for use on the project, as well as use or
disposal of the equipment after the project ends. An applicant
organization that uses its own definition for equipment should provide
a copy of its policy or section of its policy which includes the
equipment definition.
Supplies
Description: Costs of all tangible personal property other than
that included under the Equipment category.
Justification: Specify general categories of supplies and their
costs. Show computations and provide other information which supports
the amount requested.
Other
Description: Enter the total of all other costs. Such costs, where
applicable and appropriate, may include but are not limited to
insurance, food, medical and dental costs (noncontractual),
professional services costs, space and equipment rentals, printing and
publication, computer use, training costs, such as tuition and
stipends, staff development costs, and administrative costs.
Justification: Provide computations, a narrative description and a
justification for each cost under this category.
Indirect Charges
Description: Total amount of indirect costs. This category should
be used only when the applicant currently has an indirect cost rate
approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or
another cognizant Federal agency.
Justification: An applicant that will charge indirect costs to the
grant must enclose a copy of the current rate agreement. If the
applicant organization is in the process of initially developing or
renegotiating a rate, upon notification that an award will be made, it
should immediately develop a tentative indirect cost rate proposal
based on its most recently completed fiscal year, in accordance with
the cognizant agency's guidelines for establishing indirect cost rates,
and submit it to the cognizant agency. Applicants awaiting approval of
their indirect cost proposals may also request indirect costs. When an
indirect cost rate is requested, those costs included in the indirect
cost pool should not also be charged as direct costs to the grant.
Also, if the applicant is requesting a rate which is less than what is
allowed under the program, the authorized representative of the
applicant organization must submit a signed acknowledgement that the
applicant is accepting a lower rate than allowed.
Non-Federal Resources
Description: Amounts of non-Federal resources that will be used to
support the project as identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.
Justification: The firm commitment of these resources must be
documented and submitted with the application so the applicant is given
credit in the review process. A detailed budget must be prepared for
each funding source.
Evaluation Criteria: The following evaluation criteria appear in
weighted descending order. The corresponding score values indicate the
relative importance that ACF places on each evaluation criterion;
however, applicants need not develop their applications precisely
according to the order presented. Application components may be
organized such that a reviewer will be able to follow a seamless and
logical flow of information (e.g., from a broad overview of the project
to more detailed information about how it will be conducted).
In considering how applicants will carry out the responsibilities
addressed under this announcement, competing applications for financial
assistance will be reviewed and evaluated against the following
criteria:
Approach 40 Points
The extent to which there is a discrete project designed
by the graduate student. If the proposed project is part of a larger
study designed by others, the approach section should clearly delineate
the research component to be carried out by the student and how it is
distinguished from the larger research project.
The extent to which the research design is clearly
described, as well as appropriate and sufficient for addressing the
questions of the study.
The extent to which the planned research specifies the
measures to be used, their psychometric properties, and contains an
adequately detailed description of the proposed analyses to be
conducted.
The extent to which the planned measures have been shown
to be appropriate and sufficient for the questions of the study, and
the population to be studied.
The extent to which the planned measures and analyses are
consistent with one another, and reflect knowledge and use of state-of-
the-art measures and analytic techniques, or advance the state-of-the
art, as appropriate.
The extent to which the data analytic plan is adequately
described and that the proposed data analytic techniques are
appropriate for the specific research question(s) under consideration.
The extent to which the proposed sample size is sufficient
to answer the
[[Page 21212]]
range of proposed research questions for the study, especially for
longitudinal studies and studies involving a priori subgroups of
interest.
The extent to which the scope of the project is reasonable
for the funds available and feasible for the time frame specified.
The extent to which the planned approach reflects
sufficient written input from, and partnership with, the Head Start
program (including the separate required review and written approval
from the Head Start program and the Head Start Program Policy Council).
The extent to which the budget and budget justification
are appropriate for carrying out the proposed project.
The extent to which the researchers assure adequate
protection of human subjects, confidentiality of data, and consent
procedures, as appropriate.
Staff and Position Data 35 Points
The extent to which the faculty mentor and graduate
student possess the research expertise necessary to conduct the study
as demonstrated in the application and information contained in their
vitae.
The Principal Investigator/faculty mentor has earned a
doctorate or equivalent in the relevant field and has first or second
author publications in major research journals.
The extent to which the faculty mentor and graduate
student reflect an understanding of and sensitivity to the issues of
working in a community setting and in partnership with Head Start
program staff and parents.
The adequacy of the time devoted to this project by the
faculty mentor for mentoring the graduate student. The proposal should
include evidence of the faculty mentor's commitment to mentoring the
individual graduate student, and as appropriate, willingness to serve
as a resource to the broader group of Head Start Graduate Students
funded under this award.
Results or Benefits Expected 25 Points
The research questions are clearly stated.
The presentation reflects original work done by the
student (consistent with the general principles and guidelines of the
Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct 2002 (APA
2002).
The extent to which the questions are of importance and
relevance for low-income children's development and welfare.
The extent to which the research study makes a significant
contribution to the knowledge base.
The extent to which the literature review is current,
comprehensive, and supports the need for the study.
The extent to which the literature review has a complete
set of reference citations and is written consistent with the
guidelines of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological
Association, 5th ed. (APA 2001).
The extent to which the questions that will be addressed
or the hypotheses that will be tested are adequately described and
sufficient for meeting the stated objectives.
The extent to which the proposed project is appropriate to
the student's level of ability and the stated time frame for completing
the project.
2. Review and Selection Process
No grant award will be made under this announcement on the basis of
an incomplete application.
Each application will undergo an eligibility and conformance review
by Federal staff. Applications that pass the eligibility and
conformance review will be evaluated on a competitive basis according
to the specified evaluation criteria.
The competitive review will be conducted in the Washington, DC,
metropolitan area by panels of Federal and non-Federal experts
knowledgeable in the areas of early childhood education and
intervention research, early learning, child care, and other relevant
program areas.
Application review panels will assign a score to each application
and identify its strengths and weaknesses.
OPRE will conduct an administrative review of the applications and
results of the competitive review panels and make recommendations for
funding to the Director of OPRE.
The Director of OPRE, in consultation with the Commissioner of the
Administration on Children, Youth, and Families (ACYF), will make the
final selection of the applications to be funded. Applications may be
funded in whole or in part depending on: (1) The ranked order of
applicants resulting from the competitive review; (2) staff review and
consultations; (3) the combination of projects that best meets the
Bureau's objectives; (4) the funds available; and (5) other relevant
considerations. The Director may also elect not to fund any applicants
with known management, fiscal, reporting, program, or other problems,
which make it unlikely that they would be able to provide effective
services.
Approved but Unfunded Applications: Applications that are approved
but unfunded may be held over for funding in the next funding cycle,
pending the availability of funds, for a period not to exceed one year.
VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices
The successful applicants will be notified through the issuance of
a Financial Assistance Award document which sets forth the amount of
funds granted, the terms and conditions of the grant, the effective
date of the grant, the budget period for which initial support will be
given, the non-Federal share to be provided (if applicable), and the
total project period for which support is contemplated. The Financial
Assistance Award will be signed by the Grants Officer and transmitted
via postal mail.
Organizations whose applications will not be funded will be
notified in writing.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
45 CFR Part 74; 45 CFR Part 92.
3. Reporting Requirements
Programmatic Reports: Semi-Annually.
Financial Reports: Semi-Annually.
Programmatic Reports: Semi-annually and a final report is due 90
days after the end of the grant period.
Financial Reports: (SF-269 long form) Semi-annually and a final
report is due 90 days after the end of the grant period.
Original reports and one copy should be mailed to: Administration
for Children and Families, Office of Grants Management, Division of
Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC
20447.
VII. Agency Contacts
Program Office Contact: Head Start Research Support Technical
Assistance Team, OPRE Grant Review Team, Xtria, LLC, 8045 Leesburg
Pike, Suite 400, Vienna, VA 22182. Phone: 877-663-0250. E-mail:
opre@xtria.com.
Grants Management Office Contact: Tim Chappelle, 370 L'Enfant
Promenade, Washington, DC 20447, Phone: 202-401-4855. E-mail:
tichappelle@acf.hhs.gov.
VIII. Other Information
Notice: Beginning with FY 2006, The Administration for Children and
Families (ACF) will no longer publish grant announcements in the
Federal Register. Beginning October 1, 2005 applicants will be able to
find a synopsis of all ACF grant opportunities and apply electronically
for opportunities via: http://www.Grants.gov. Applicants will also be able to
find the complete text of all ACF grant announcements on the ACF Web
site
[[Page 21213]]
located at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/index.html.
Direct Federal grants, subaward funds, or contracts under the Head
Start Program shall not be used to support inherently religious
activities such as religious instruction, worship, or proselytization.
Therefore, organizations must take steps to separate, in time or
location, their inherently religious activities from the services
funded under this Program. Regulations pertaining to the prohibition of
Federal funds for inherently religious activities can be found on the
HHS Web site at http://www.os.dhhs.gov/fbci/waisgate21.pdf.
Applicants will be sent acknowledgements of received applications.
Dated: April 20, 2005.
Naomi Goldstein,
Director, Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation.
[FR Doc. 05-8219 Filed 4-22-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P