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Executive Summary: Funds are provided for Graduate Student Research Grants to support dissertation research by advanced graduate students who are working in partnership with Head Start programs and with faculty mentors. I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION Legislative Authority Section 649 of the Head Start Act, as amended by the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007, codified at 42 United States Code (U.S.C.) 9844. Funding Opportunity Description Since 1991, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) has explicitly supported the association between Head Start programs and their local research community through the Head Start Graduate Student Research Grants. These awards attract applications from leading academic researchers and graduate students, specializing in social sciences, education and/or health. In close collaboration with their Head Start program partners, these experts design high-quality projects that directly address the needs of low-income children and families and their early childhood educators; the results inform and improve Head Start policies and practice. This funding mechanism also serves as an important research capacity-building effort. The grants foster the mentor association between leading researchers and their graduate students, in order to maximize the quality of the current work and build the skills of the graduate student. Within this supportive relationship, student researchers learn both theory and the hands-on features of applied research within community service organizations. The researchers often contribute directly to their local Head Start partner programs (e.g., trainings, establishing databases, identification of key resources, and pursuit of research that address questions of interest to programs), and many continue to make significant contributions to the early childhood and Head Start research field throughout their careers. The goals of the Head Start Graduate Student Research Grant program can be summarized as follows:
Given these goals, proposed projects must address applied research questions that will inform and improve Head Start policies and practice. Applicants for the Graduate Student Research Grants will be most likely to succeed if they address issues of both local and national significance for Head Start programs. The application must contain evidence of the collaborative research partnership with the Head Start programs in project development and throughout the research plan. In addition, details of the mentor's plan for supporting the student should be included in the application. Topics of current interest to the Office of Head Start include (but are not limited to): 1. family health literacy (e.g., empirical validation of programs supporting and informing families regarding health issues such as smoking reduction, healthy sleep schedules for children, oral health, vision health, asthma control, appropriate nutrition, etc.); 2. disabilities (e.g., identification of program features that best serve children with disabilities and their families; variations in administration policies); 3. math and/or science program development (e.g., empirical validation of interventions increasing teachers' pedagogical math or science knowledge); 4. obesity interventions (e.g., research regarding effective interventions, needs and obstacles within the Head Start community). It is strongly recommended that potential applicants consider the Head Start Performance standards (http://www.headstartinfo.org/pdf/1304.pdf) or the Early Head Start Performance Measures (http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/ehs/perf_measures/index.html) in order to assess whether their proposals are relevant to the child, family, program and/or community systems that are features of the Head Start and Early Head Start programs. For additional information, descriptions of previous Head Start Graduate Student Research projects can be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/hs/grad_student/index.html. Other: 1. This grant is intended for dissertation research for an individual graduate student. The research project must be an independent study conducted by the individual student or a well-defined portion 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. The graduate student must write the application in its entirety. 2. A university faculty member must serve as a mentor to the graduate student. This faculty member is listed as the Principal Investigator and must be committed to taking a central role in maintaining an ongoing positive research partnership with participating Head Start program(s). Information about both the graduate student and the student's faculty mentor is required as part of this application. The application must include a Letter of Support from the Advisor. The Principal Investigator serving as a mentor must write the letter, 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. This Letter of Support from the Advisor should be included in the appendix of the completed application. See Section IV.2. The Principal Investigator (mentor) must have a doctorate or equivalent degree in the respective field, conduct research as one of their primary professional responsibilities, and have published or have been accepted for publication in major peer-reviewed research journals in the field as a first or second author. 3. The graduate student applicant and mentor must both agree to attend two meetings for each year of the grant. One of these meetings is the annual meeting for all Head Start Graduate Student grantees, the first of which is expected to occur within approximately three months of the initial award. During this meeting, each student typically presents a brief overview of his or her study (e.g., 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 of each year usually alternates between the biennial Head Start National Research Conference in Washington, D.C. (June 2010) and the biennial meeting of the Society for Research in Child Development in Denver, Colorado (April 2009). Depending on the timing of the award, the required meeting dates may vary. The proposed grant budget should reflect travel and housing funds for the graduate student for four meetings (two per year). 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 annual grantee meeting for all Head Start Graduate Students. Therefore, the proposed budget should reflect travel funds for such purposes, as appropriate. However, if the faculty mentor will use another source of travel funds, such arrangements are encouraged and should be clearly noted in the application. 4. Researchers are required to pursue collaborative partnerships with Head Start or Early Head Start programs. The evidence of this partnership should be apparent throughout the research proposal (e.g., development, piloting, etc.). In addition, the application must contain a signed letter of support from the Head Start or Early Head Start program(s) indicating that they have entered into a partnership with the applicant and that the application has been reviewed and approved. An additional original signed letter of support from the Head Start or Early Head Start Policy Council must also be enclosed, indicating either approval or pending approval. See Section IV.2.g for further details about these letters. II. AWARD INFORMATION
An application budget that exceeds the upper-value dollar range specified for the budget period will be considered "non-responsive" and will be returned to the applicant without further review. Therefore, do not request more than $25,000 in the Application Form for Federal Assistance (SF-424, line 18). The project period will be up to two years. The initial award will be for the first one-year budget period. Requests for a second year of funding within the project period should be identified in the current application (on the Standard Form SF-424a and within the project narrative). However, such requests are considered in the subsequent year on a noncompetitive basis, subject to the applicant's eligibility status, satisfactory progress of the grantee, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the Federal Government. A second year budget-period will not be granted if the student has graduated by the end of the first year. Awards under this announcement are subject to the availability of funds. III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION 1. Eligible Applicants:
Eligible applicants are institutions of higher education applying on behalf of doctoral-level students. Doctoral students must have completed their Master's Degree or equivalent in the field of doctoral study. If not completed by the submission deadline, applicants must submit to ACF formal notification from their institute regarding their eligibility to pursue dissertation work by August 1, 2008. 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. Faith-based and community organizations that meet the statutory eligibility requirements are eligible to apply under this announcement. Foreign entities are not eligible under this announcement. Please see Section IV for required documentation supporting eligibility or funding restrictions if any are applicable. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching: None 3. Other: The Principal Investigator (mentor) 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 major peer-reviewed research journals in the field as a first or second author. The applicant must have established a collaborative partnership with Head Start or Early Head Start programs. The evidence of this partnership should be apparent throughout the research proposal (e.g., development, piloting, interpretation of results, etc.), and in the signed letters of support from the participating Head Start or Early Head Start program(s) and from the relevant Head Start Policy Council. See Section IV.2.g for further details about these letters. Disqualification Factors Applications with requests that exceed the ceiling on the amount of individual awards referenced in Section II. Award Information will be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement. Any application that fails to satisfy the deadline requirements referenced in Section IV.3., Submission Dates and Times, will be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement. IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 1. Address to Request Application Package: Head Start Research Technical Assistance TeamOPRE Grant Review Team Xtria, LLC 8521 Leesburg Pike Suite 400 Vienna, VA 22182 Phone: 866-518-9014 Fax: 703-485-8720 Email: opre@xtria.com 2. Content and Form of Application Submission: The graduate student must write the proposal in its entirety. The proposal should be consistent with the format and style guidelines of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 5th ed. (American Psychological Association ( APA) 2001). The research should comply with the "Ethical Standards" detailed in the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (APA 2002; http://www.apa.org/ethics/code2002.html). Notice of Intent to Submit an Application (optional): If a graduate student plans to submit an application, s/he should notify OPRE by fax or email by the deadline listed in Section IV.3. 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 funding opportunity number and title of this announcement; the names, addresses, telephone and fax numbers, and email addresses of the Principal Investigator and the authorized fiscal representative; and the name of the university, non-profit institution of higher education or other eligible organization. Do not include a description of the proposed project. Send this information to: Head Start Research Support Technical Assistance Team Fax: 1-703-485-8720 Email: opre@xtria.com Application Format: Applicants are strongly encouraged to limit their application to 100 pages, double-spaced, with standard one-inch margins and 12-point fonts (such as Times New Roman or Courier). This page limit applies to both narrative text and supporting materials but not to the Standard Forms (SF) (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: b. Contact Information Sheet: The contact information sheet should include addresses, phone and fax numbers, and email addresses for the graduate student applicant, the Principal Investigator, and the institution's fiscal representative (person who signs the SF-424 and SF-269). c. Standard Federal Forms (http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm), including: d. Table of Contents e. Project Abstract-See Section V.1 f. Project Description/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 for criteria for preparing the full project description. g. Appendix, including: Letters of Support 1) from Advisor: The Principal Investigator serving as a mentor must write the letter, 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. This Letter of Support from the Advisor should be included in the appendix of the completed application. 2) Content of the Letters of Support from a) the Head Start program partner(s) and b) the applicant's local Head Start Program Policy Council: For research conducted with Head Start, the application must contain the signed letter from the Head Start or Early Head Start program(s) certifying that they have entered into a research partnership with the applicant and a separate signed 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 the original letter from the official representative of the Policy Council itself. D-U-N-S Requirement All applicants must have a D&B Data Universal Numbering System (D-U-N-S) number. On June 27, 2003, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) published in the Federal Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal grant applicants. The policy requires Federal grant applicants to provide a D-U-N-S number when applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or after October 1, 2003. The D-U-N-S number will be required whether an applicant is submitting a paper application or using the government-wide electronic portal, Grants.gov. A D-U-N-S 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 D-U-N-S number. You may acquire a D-U-N-S number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free D-U-N-S number request line at 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number on-line at http://www.dnb.com. Proof of Non-Profit Status Non-profit organizations applying for funding are required to submit proof of their non-profit status. Proof of non-profit status is any one of the following:
When applying electronically, we strongly suggest that you attach your proof of non-profit status with your electronic application. Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey" heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Forms, Assurances, and Certifications The project description should include all the information requirements described in the specific evaluation criteria outlined in this program announcement under Section V. Application Review Information. In addition to the project description, the applicant needs to complete all of the Standard Forms required as part of the application process for awards under this announcement. Applicants seeking financial assistance under this announcement must file the appropriate Standard Forms (SFs) as described in this section. All applicants must submit an SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance. For non-construction programs, applicants must also submit an SF-424A, Budget Information and an SF-424B, Assurances. For construction programs, applicants must also submit SF-424C, Budget Information and SF-424D, Assurances. When required for programs that involve human subjects, the Protection of Human Subjects Assurance Identification/IRB Certification/Declaration of Exemption form must be submitted. All forms may be reproduced for use in submitting applications. Applicants must sign and return the appropriate standard forms with their application. The Protection of Human Subjects Assurance Identification/IRB Certification/Declaration of Exemption (Common Rule) form may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Applicants must furnish, prior to award, an executed copy of the Certification Regarding Lobbying. Applicants must sign and return the certification with their application. The Certification Regarding Lobbying may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. (If any funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this commitment providing for the United States to insure or guarantee a loan, the applicant shall complete and submit Standard Form (SF)-LLL, "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying," in accordance with its instructions.) The Pro-Children Act of 1994, 20 U.S.C. 7183, imposes restrictions on smoking in facilities where federally funded children's services are provided. HHS grants are subject to these requirements only if they meet the Act's specified coverage. The Act specifies that smoking is prohibited in any indoor facility (owned, leased, or contracted for) used for the routine or regular provision of kindergarten, elementary, or secondary education or library services to children under the age of 18. In addition, smoking is prohibited in any indoor facility or portion of a facility (owned, leased, or contracted for) used for the routine or regular provision of federally funded health care, day care, or early childhood development, including Head Start services to children under the age of 18. The statutory prohibition also applies if such facilities are constructed, operated, or maintained with Federal funds. The statute does not apply to children's services provided in private residences, facilities funded solely by Medicare or Medicaid funds, portions of facilities used for inpatient drug or alcohol treatment, or facilities where WIC coupons are redeemed. Failure to comply with the provisions of the law may result in the imposition of a civil monetary penalty of up to $1,000 per violation and/or the imposition of an administrative compliance order on the responsible entity. Additional information may be found in the HHS Grants Policy Statement at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_related.html. Information on the Certification Regarding Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act (PFCRA) may be found in the HHS Grants Policy Statement at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_related.html. Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the necessary certification. Where return of a form is required, complete the standard forms and the associated certifications and assurances based on the instructions found on the forms. The forms and certifications may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Information on the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) and the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C 552) or FOIA may be found in the HHS Grants Policy Statement at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Funding for the Head Start Graduate Student Research Grants will support projects that include human subjects (potentially including women and minorities). As such, applicants must submit a completed Assurance Regarding Protection of Human Subjects form, which can be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm, by the award date. Evidence of completed or pending IRB approval should be included in the application. Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey" heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Please see Section V.1 for instructions on preparing the full project description. Please reference Section IV.3 for details about acknowledgement of received applications. Electronic SubmissionApplicants to ACF may submit their applications in either electronic or paper format. To submit an application electronically, please use the http://www.Grants.gov site. When using www.Grants.gov, applicants will be able to download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and then upload and submit the application via the www.Grants.gov site. ACF will not accept grant applications via facsimile or email. Acceptable electronic formats for the application attachments (narratives, charts, etc.) must use the following standard technologies, i.e., Microsoft (Word and Excel), Word Perfect, Adobe PDF, Jpeg, and Gif. IMPORTANT NOTE: Before submitting an electronic application, applicants must complete the organization registration process as well as obtain and register "electronic signature credentials" for the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). Since this process may take more than five business days, it is important to start this process early, well in advance of the application deadline. Be sure to complete all www.Grants.gov registration processes listed on the Organization Registration Checklist, which can be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/registration_checklist.html. Please note the following if planning to submit an application electronically via www.Grants.gov:
Applicants that are submitting their application in paper format should submit one original and two copies of the complete application. The original and each of the two copies must include all required forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed by an authorized representative, and be unbound. The original copy of the application must have original signature(s). Non-Federal ReviewersSince ACF will be using non-Federal reviewers in the review process, 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 as well as Social Security Numbers, if otherwise required for individuals. The copies may include summary salary information. If applicants are submitting their application electronically, ACF will omit the same specific salary rate information from copies made for use during the review and selection process. 3. Submission Dates and Times: Due Date For Letter of Intent: 05/19/2008 Due Date for Applications: 06/16/2008 Explanation of Due Dates The due date for receipt of applications is referenced above. Applications received after 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due date will be classified as late and will not be considered in the current competition. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that applications are mailed or hand-delivered or submitted electronically well in advance of the application due date and time. Applications that are submitted by mail must be received no later than 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due date referenced above at the address listed in Section IV.6. Hand Delivery Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers must be received on or before the due date referenced above, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., eastern time, at the address referenced in Section IV.6., between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays). Electronic Submission Applications submitted electronically via Grants.gov must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due date referenced above. ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by facsimile or email. Late Applications Applications that do not meet the requirements 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 DUE DATE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR COMPETITION. Extension of Deadlines ACF may extend application deadlines when circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur; 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. 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 http://www.Grants.gov. Checklist You may use the checklist below as a guide when preparing your application package.
Additional Forms Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey" heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html.
4. Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs: This program is not subject to Executive Order 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs," or 45 CFR Part 100, "Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services Programs and Activities". 5. Funding Restrictions: Costs of organized fund raising, including financial campaigns, endowment drives, solicitation of gifts and bequests, and similar expenses incurred solely to raise capital or obtain contributions, are unallowable. Grant awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs. Construction and purchase of real property are not allowable activities or expenditures under this grant award. Due to the small amount of the grant, the applicant institution is strongly encouraged to waive indirect costs. An authorized representative of the institution must submit a written acknowledgement that the indirect costs are being waived. In the event that waiving the indirect costs is not possible, the applicant is strongly encouraged to apply the University's or non-profit institution's off-campus research rates for indirect costs. A second year budget-period will not be granted if the student has graduated by the end of the first year budget period. The graduate student applicant and mentor must both agree to attend two meetings for each year of the grant. The first meeting consists of the annual meeting for all Head Start Graduate Student grantees. The second meeting of each year alternates between the biennial Head Start National Research Conference in Washington, D.C. (June 2010) and the biennial meeting of the Society for Research in Child Development in Denver, Colorado (April 2009). The grant budget should reflect travel and housing funds for the graduate student for all four meetings (two per year). The proposed budget should reflect travel funds for the mentor for all four meetings. However, if the faculty mentor will utilize another source of travel funds, such arrangements are encouraged and should be clearly noted in the application. Transferability Grants awarded as a result of this competition are not transferable to another institution without prior approval from ACF. In addition, grant funds may not be used to support project activities outside of the scope of the proposal of the awarded project without prior approval by ACF. Sharing of Awards The awards are for support of an individual graduate student researcher. Awards cannot be divided among two or more students (i.e., no co-investigators). 6. Other Submission Requirements: Please see Sections IV.2 and IV.3 for deadline information and other application requirements. Submit applications to one of the following addresses: Submission by Mail Head Start Research Support Technical Assistance TeamOPRE Grant Review Team Xtria, LLC 8521 Leesburg Pike Suite 400 Vienna, VA 22182 Hand Delivery Head Start Research Support Technical Assistance TeamOPRE Grant Review Team Xtria, LLC 8521 Leesburg Pike Suite 400 Vienna, VA 22182 Electronic Submission Please see Section IV.2 for guidelines and requirements when submitting applications electronically via http://www.Grants.gov. V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (P.L. 104-13) Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 40 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 4/30/2010. 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: Part I THE PROJECT DESCRIPTION OVERVIEW PURPOSE The project description provides the majority of information by which an application is evaluated and ranked in competition with other applications for available assistance. The project description should be concise and complete. It 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 the project description, information that is 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 EXPECTATIONS AND 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. Part II GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARING A FULL PROJECT DESCRIPTION INTRODUCTION Applicants that are 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 the project description should include while the evaluation criteria identify the measures that will be used to evaluate applications. LETTER OF INTENT Applicants are strongly encouraged to notify ACF of their intention to submit an application under this announcement. Please submit the letter of intent by the deadline date listed in Section IV.3 Submission Dates and Times. The letter of intent should include the following information: number and title of this announcement; the name and address of the applicant organization; and/or Fiscal Agent (if known); and the name, phone number, fax number and email address of a contact person. Letter of intent information will be used to determine the number of expert reviewers needed to evaluate applications. The letter of intent is optional. Failure to submit a letter of intent will not impact eligibility to submit an application and will not disqualify an application from competitive review. TABLE OF CONTENTS List the contents of the application including corresponding page numbers. PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Provide a summary of the project description (one 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 the proposed project will achieve the detailed goals and objectives; specify the number of programs, teachers, children and/or families to be involved; and explain specifically how the information obtained will benefit the greater Head Start community. What benefits will programs derive from these results? Discuss how the project will inform Head Start policies and practices.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 OMB. This clearance pertains to any "collection of information that is conducted or sponsored by ACF." Provide a list of 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 that address the project's effectiveness. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The following are requests for additional information that must be included in the application:
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 (SF-424A or SF-424C). Detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated. If matching is a requirement, 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 allocation of the proposed costs.
TOTAL DIRECT CHARGES, TOTAL INDIRECT CHARGES, TOTAL PROJECT COSTS EVALUATION CRITERIA: 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 (i.e., 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 - 45 points Each application will be scored on the extent to which:
STAFF AND POSITION DATA - 30 points Each application will be scored on the extent to which:
RESULTS OR BENEFITS EXPECTED - 25 points Each application will be scored on the extent to which:
2. Review and Selection Process: No grant award will be made under this announcement on the basis of an incomplete application. Initial ACF Screening: Each application will be screened to determine whether it was received by the closing date and time and whether the requested amount exceeds the stated ceiling. Late applications or those exceeding the funding limit will be returned to the applicants with a notation that they were unacceptable and will not be reviewed. It is unlikely that multiple applications with the same principal investigator (i.e., mentor) will be funded if there are at least 10 applications from different mentors/institutions that qualify for support. The competitive review will be conducted in the Washington, D.C. 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, taking into account priorities of the Office of Head Start. The Assistant Secretary of the Administration for Children and Families is responsible for the final selection. 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 objectives of the Office of Head Start; (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. Please reference Section IV.2 for information on non-Federal reviewers in the review process. 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. 3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates: The grant review process and new award processing can take an extensive amount of time. It is anticipated that Award decision letters will be mailed out on or before September 30, 2008.
VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION 1. Award Notices: The successful applicants will be notified through the issuance of a Notice of Award (NoA) document that 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 NoA will be signed by the Grants Officer and transmitted via postal mail. Following the finalization of funding decisions, organizations whose applications will not be funded will be notified by letter, signed by the Program Office head. 2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: Grantees are subject to the requirements in 45 CFR Part 74 (non-governmental) or 45 CFR Part 92 (governmental). Direct Federal grants, sub-award funds, or contracts under this ACF 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 Equal Treatment for Faith-Based Organizations, which includes the prohibition against Federal funding of inherently religious activities, can be found at the HHS web site at: http://www.hhs.gov/fbci/waisgate21.pdf. A faith-based organization receiving HHS funds retains its independence from Federal, State, and local governments, and may continue to carry out its mission, including the definition, practice, and expression of its religious beliefs. For example, a faith-based organization may use space in its facilities to provide secular programs or services funded with Federal funds without removing religious art, icons, scriptures, or other religious symbols. In addition, a faith-based organization that receives Federal funds retains its authority over its internal governance, and it may retain religious terms in its organization's name, select its board members on a religious basis, and include religious references in its organization's mission statements and other governing documents in accordance with all program requirements, statutes, and other applicable requirements governing the conduct of HHS funded activities. Faith-based and community organizations may reference the "Guidance to Faith-Based and Community Organizations on Partnering with the Federal Government" at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/government/fbci/guidance/index.html. HHS Grants Policy Statement The HHS Grants Policy Statement (GPS) is the Department of Health and Human Services new single policy guide for discretionary grants and cooperative agreements. Unlike previous HHS policy documents, the GPS is intended to be shared with and used by grantees. It became effective October 1, 2006 and is applicable to all Operating Divisions (OPDIVS), such as the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), except the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The GPS covers basic grants processes, standard terms and conditions and points of contact as well as important OPDIV-specific requirements. Appendices include a glossary of terms and a list of standard abbreviations for ease of reference. The GPS may be accessed at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_related.html. Funding for the Head Start Graduate Student Research Grants will support projects that include human subjects (potentially including women and minorities). As such, applicants must submit a completed Assurance Regarding Protection of Human Subjects form, which can be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm, by the award date. Evidence of completed or pending IRB approval should be included in the application. The Head Start Act mandates that all studies, reports, proposals, and data produced or developed with Federal funds awarded under the Act shall become the property of the United States (see Section 649(f) of the Head Start Act, 42 U.S.C. 9844(f)). The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS ) authorizes grantee institutions, their researchers and other persons to make use of all studies, reports, proposals, and data produced or developed under grants funded under Section 649 of the Head Start Act in activities in furtherance of the purposes of the Head Start program. 3. Reporting Requirements: Grantees will be required to submit program progress and financial reports (SF-269 found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html) throughout the project period. Program progress and financial reports are due 30 days after the reporting period. Final programmatic and financial reports are due 90 days after the close of the project period. Final reports may be submitted in hard copy to the Grants Management Office Contact listed in Section VII of this announcement. Program Progress Reports: Semi-AnnuallyFinancial Reports: Semi-Annually Grantees will be required to submit progress and financial reports (SF-269 found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html) semi-annually, every six months throughout the project period. Progress and financial reports are due within 30 days after the end of each six month reporting period. Final program and financial reports are due 90 days after the close of the project period. These reports are collected under SF-PPR (OMB # 0970-0334).
VII. AGENCY CONTACTS Program Office Contact: Head Start Research Support Technical Assistance Team Grants Management Office Contact: Head Start Research Support Technical Assistance Team VIII. OTHER INFORMATION Additional information regarding the Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation of the Administration for Children and Families/Department of Health and Human Services can be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/.
Posted on March 18, 2008 |
