[Federal Register: April 25, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 78)]
[Notices]
[Page 21213-21221]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr25ap05-47]
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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,
Partnership Development Grants.
Announcement Type: Initial.
Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2005-ACF-OPRE-YD-0069.
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
Partnership Development Grants to develop or enhance Head Start
Research Partnerships.
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 Grants, (2) Head Start-
University Partnerships: 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.
Funding for this grant program is shared with the Head Start
Graduate Student Research 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
Head Start Graduate Student Research Partnership Development Grants
A. Purpose
This is to announce the availability of Head Start Graduate Student
Research Partnership Development Grant funds to support graduate
students' efforts to create, develop, and/or enhance ongoing research
partnerships with Head Start programs in good standing. The primary
goal of this priority area is to support the development of critical
research partnerships with Head Start programs that will lead to a
truly collaborative set of research activities.
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
Starting in 1991, ACF began explicitly supporting 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.
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.
However, effectively developing new research partnerships between
researchers and Head Start communities also requires considerable
planning, effort, and commitment. Without resources to support this
work, students in graduate programs that do not already have a research
partnership with a Head Start program are discouraged from conducting
research in this arena. Additionally, in places where partnerships
between researchers and Head Start communities already exist, the
benefit of the partnerships for the Head Start partners could be
strengthened by focused, on-going efforts that specifically target
enhancing the collaborative relationship. One example of such an effort
might be to help a Head Start partner interpret and implement research
findings in a program.
In recognition of these facts, ACF recently established a new
funding mechanism designed to facilitate the entry of more mentor/
student teams to the field of Head Start research by encouraging the
development of such new research partnerships. It is also intended to
support students dedicated to strengthening existing research
partnerships. As noted above, the primary goal of this priority area is
to support the development of critical research partnerships with Head
Start programs that will lead to a truly collaborative set of research
activities.
The broad goals of this priority area are similar to those of the
Head Start Graduate Student Research Grant program, and can be
summarized as follows:
Provide direct support for graduate students engaging in
the development of research partnerships with Head Start programs, thus
strengthening the links between Head Start and the research community,
and increasing the research that contributes to the knowledge base
about the best approaches for delivering services to diverse, low-
income families and their children;
Promote mentor-student relationships which support
students' graduate training and professional development as young
community-based researchers engaged in policy-relevant, applied
research;
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
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.
Priority Area 1: Head Start Graduate Student Research Partnership
Development Grants
[[Page 21214]]
1. Description: This is to announce the availability of Head Start
Graduate Student Research Partnership Development Grant funds to
support graduate students' efforts to create, develop, and/or enhance
ongoing research partnerships with Head Start programs in good
standing. The primary goal of this priority area is to support the
development of critical research partnerships with Head Start programs
that will lead to a truly collaborative set of research activities.
II. Award Information
Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $80,000.
Anticipated Number of Awards: 4 to 8.
Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards Per Budget Period: $10,000.
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: $10,000.
Length of Project Periods: 12 month project and budget period.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
State controlled institutions of higher education and private
institutions of higher education, including faith-based and community-
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.
2. 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 Postsecondary Accreditation.
2. Cost Sharing/Matching
None.
3. Other
1. Although the faculty mentor is listed as the Principal
Investigator and must be committed to taking a central role in
maintaining an on-going 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 activities. The grant budget should
reflect travel and housing funds for the graduate student for these two
required meetings.
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 and community-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, including faith-
based and community-based institutions 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 Non-Profit
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 Non-Profit 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 Non-Profit 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 Non-Profit 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
[[Page 21215]]
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.2. for further details about these letters).
10. The partnership development project must be an independent
project 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
partnership development activities and those of the larger project. The
graduate student must have primary responsibility for the proposed
activities described in the application.
11. 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.
(American Psychological Association, 2001) and the general principles
and guidelines of the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of
Conduct 2002 (APA, 2002).
The aforementioned eleven items will not be used as criteria to
screen out applications.
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 (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 (Form 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 of
this funding opportunity, and the structure requirements listed in the
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
[[Page 21216]]
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 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.
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/
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
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 e-mail: 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. E-mail: opre@xtria.com.
b. Applications
Application Due Date: 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
[[Page 21217]]
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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SF-424............................... See Section IV......... http://www.acf.hhs.gov/ By application due
programs/ofs/forms.htm. date.
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......... Assurance Regarding By application due
Human Subjects.. Protection of Human date.
Subjects..
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
Sharing of Awards: Awards can not 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
[[Page 21218]]
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. E-mail: opre@xtria.com.
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 and a table of contents should be
included for easy reference.
Introduction
Applicants required to submit a full project description shall
prepare the project description statement in accordance with the
following instructions while being aware of the specified evaluation
criteria. The text options give a broad overview of what your project
description should include while the evaluation criteria identifies the
measures that will be used to evaluate applications.
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.
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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 Certified Public
Accountants/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.
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.
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, Federal
Insurance Contributions Act (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.
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. 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 the approach is based in community/
ecological/empowerment models, in which research needs are considered
in the larger context of program needs, as well as mutually beneficial
and empowering relationships.
The extent to which the proposal demonstrates an approach
to the planning, effort, and commitment to development and/or
enhancement of Head Start-research partnership(s) consistent with the
descriptions in this announcement (see III.A.11 for further details).
The extent to which there is a discrete project designed
by the graduate student. If the proposed project is part of a larger
project designed by others, the approach section should clearly
delineate the research
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partnership development component to be carried out by the student and
how it is distinguished from the larger project (see III.A.12 for
further details).
The extent to which the goals and objectives of the
proposed activities, the set of benchmarks for guiding and assessing
progress, and the set of products to be generated are clearly
articulated and reflect an appropriate understanding of how these
activities will fit within the context and complexities of the Head
Start program's operations (see III.A.13 for further details).
The extent to which the description of the proposed
project articulates a set of partnership development activities that
are consistent with the activities described in this announcement, as
opposed to a set of activities associated with the implementation of an
already formulated research study. As noted earlier, the primary goal
of this priority area is targeted towards the partnership development
activities and not the conduct of an actual research study.
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 or proposed
research partnership activities reflect sufficient opportunities for
written input from and an active partnership with the Head Start
program (including the separate required review and written approval of
the proposed partnership activities 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 research project
development activities.
The extent to which proposed products reflect concrete and
measurable steps toward design of a future dissertation project.
As applicable, 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 expertise necessary to successfully form a research
partnership with a Head Start program 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 a reciprocal 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.
The extent to which the mentor-mentee relationship is
clearly described and has the potential to continue throughout the
student's dissertation process.
Results or Benefits Expected 25 Points
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 literature review, as well as a
description of the needs of the local community if appropriate, is
current, comprehensive, and adequately supports the need for developing
this or similar research partnerships.
The extent to which proposed goals and objectives for the
year address the needs identified.
The extent to which the specific products to be generated
through the grant, as well as the benchmarks for assessing progress
toward these goals and objectives, are clearly described and will
potentially benefit the Head Start and/or research communities.
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 proposed project is appropriate to
the student's level of ability and the stated time frame for completing
the project.
The extent to which potential research questions are
clearly stated and are of importance and relevance for low-income
children's development and welfare.
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: In cases where more
applications are approved for funding than ACF can fund with the money
available, the Grants Officer shall fund applications in their order of
approval until funds run out. In this case, ACF has the option of
carrying over the approved applications up to a year for funding
consideration in a later competition of the same program. These
applications need not be reviewed and scored again if the program's
evaluation criteria have not changed. However, they must then be placed
in rank order along with other applications in later competition.
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, and the total project
period for which support is contemplated. The
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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.
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 located at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/index.html.
Direct Federal grants, sub-award 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. 05-8220 Filed 4-22-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P