Executive Summary: The purpose of this program announcement is to award a cooperative agreement to operate Child Care and Early Education Research Connections (CCEERC) for five years. The CCEERC will work to support family economic self-sufficiency and child care quality for families with children ages 0-12 or with special needs by fostering a child care and early education knowledge management and support system.
I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION Legislative Authority This cooperative agreement is funded under the authority of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990, as amended, and is authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-161). Funding Opportunity Description A. Background Since 2000, Congress has appropriated about $10 million per year of Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) discretionary funds to be used for child care research and evaluation. These funds have supported projects that add to our knowledge about the efficacy of child care policies and programs toward achieving the two targeted long-term outcomes of the CCDF, enhancing the economic security of low-income families with young children and improving quality in all child care and early education settings. One of these projects is Child Care and Early Education Research Connections (see http://www.researchconnections.org). Child Care and Early Education Research Connections (CCEERC) is a national research knowledge management and support system for the child care and early education field. CCEERC is intended to be responsive to the needs of the CCDF program by clearly addressing child care as a support to working families and quality of care in all settings, with a particular focus on children in low-income families. CCEERC has also expanded to integrate research in areas with clear benefit to the CCDF program, including research related to Head Start, and, increasingly, pre-kindergarten. These are important areas of child care and early education, and it is an expectation that the CCEERC will continue to develop in response to the child care and early education research and policy fields. Child Care and Early Education Research Connections (CCEERC) is currently being carried out through Cooperative Agreement Number 90-YE-0063 by the National Center for Children in Poverty (NCCP) and the Interuniversity Consortium for Political and Social Research. This cooperative agreement will end on September 29, 2008, at which time the products, hardware and software developed under this project will be transferred to the organization awarded the cooperative agreement under this announcement. B. Purpose The purpose of this priority area is to seek qualified applicants for a cooperative agreement to operate Child Care and Early Education Research Connections (CCEERC) for five years. Successful applicants will demonstrate the ability to both sustain and build upon the current level of CCEERC functions. C. Goals and Project Description The CCEERC has five interrelated goals that link its functional components: 1. Operating a state-of-the-art, web-based child care and early education project with a comprehensive and up-to-date collection of research articles and reports, selected datasets, policy data, ready access to datasets for secondary analysis, technical assistance for contributors and users, strong linkages with other archives and information systems, and ongoing synthesis of data into useful information and knowledge for child care and early education research and policy. 2. Promoting collaboration and partnership building for child care and early education research and policy analysis and facilitating information-sharing and use of research findings by researchers, policy makers, and other key stakeholders. 3. Developing and providing technical assistance to assist data contributors, technical analysts, and end users of research information. 4. Making sound child care and early education research findings available to researchers and policymakers in accessible language and formats. 5. Encouraging the use of research-based information by policy makers, and other key stakeholders with an interest in child care and early education issues. Functional Components The CCEERC consists of the following functional components: (1) An interactive website through which the public can gain easy access to the research database, datasets, and other related information described in this section; (2) a research database consisting of research reports, summaries, and other related documents designed for end-users of research, which includes related metadata elements and other technical features; (3) a data archive of datasets from major child care, Head Start, and early education research and evaluation studies; (4) a technical assistance and support system to improve quality of data, assist researchers in developing analytic skills and knowledge of major child care, Head Start, and early education datasets that can be accessed through Research Connections, facilitate collaboration, and create a stronger research infrastructure; and (5) ongoing collaboration activities. Component 1. The Interactive Website The most visible component of the CCEERC is the interactive website. The largest group of website users are individuals or organizations whose primary functions and goals relate to child care and early education research. Important categories of users include child care and early education researchers, legislators and policy analysts; Head Start researchers, legislators and policy analysts; child development specialists and educators; professors; and community child care organizations such as resource and referral agencies. Given the large number and diversity of end users from beyond the research community, the CCEERC must be committed to ensuring that findings on a wide variety of topics are easily searchable and accessible in formats that meet the needs of different constituencies. Researchers who wish to conduct secondary analyses of datasets, and have a variety of technically oriented information needs should be able to download data through the website, and participate in a variety of research networks, along with other researchers around the country. This group will be supported through the CCEERC components described below. Components 2 and 3. The Research Database and Data Archive The primary function of the CCEERC is to maintain and further develop a web-based database of research and related products. A prominent feature of the website is that products reside in the CCEERC's content database or in other locations, but are accessible in a seamless manner throughout the CCEERC website. For the purposes of this announcement, 'research database' refers to the many reports, publications, and other related products indexed and accessible through CCEERC, whereas 'data archive' refers specifically to the collection of datasets that can be accessed through CCEERC. The research database is intended to improve access to child care and related early education research, promote the use of data for analysis, and facilitate the utilization of research findings by policy makers, practitioners, academics, and other stakeholders. The underlying structure of the research database and data archive consists of specially processed and documented research products and datasets linked to a comprehensive taxonomy that are searchable and include metadata elements that describe and categorize both research database and data archive holdings, and an indexing system. These features interface with end users through the interactive website. Taxonomy. This feature is designed to allow end users of the website to conduct sophisticated searches with ease. The taxonomy will be continually expanded and refined as research products are added and new variables are identified, and according to high priority issues within the child care and related early education and Head Start research and policy communities. Metadata (data about data) that describe holdings were developed in accordance with Data Documentation Initiative (DDI) standards used by nationally recognized archives and information systems. As new products are acquired and indexed in the CCEERC, the metadata will continue to evolve. The metadata will also evolve according to high priority issues within the child care and related early education and Head Start research and policy communities. Documents. Abstracts and other information about documents will be available through the CCEERC website and, where possible, the full text of the documents will be available to users. Through ongoing efforts, including coordination with researchers and other organizations, the grantee will continuously expand CCEERC holdings to ensure up-to-date availability. Datasets. A major function of the CCEERC is to process, house, and preserve quality datasets and related documents from studies on child care and early education, either directly or in partnership with other archives. The CCEERC currently houses Child Care and Development Fund administrative datasets and key datasets from Head Start and Early Head Start research. It will be a priority of this project to maintain and archive data on these government programs, and make them useable and accessible to the larger research community. Data processing includes, but is not limited to: sub-setting of child care-relevant variables and formatting for easy download to statistical packages for analyses; variable labeling; application of weights; and maintenance of subject confidentiality. The amount of data processing required before inclusion in the CCEERC varies depending on the number and types of variables in a dataset and the amount of processing completed by the owner of the data prior to submission. It will also be a priority of CCEERC to provide ongoing support for users of key government funded datasets, which will be decided in collaboration with OPRE (also see Technical Assistance and Collaboration below). Data Standards and Documentation. The archive also sets standards and establishes procedures for documentation of datasets. Data documentation and code books are developed for archived datasets to make these data readily available to other researchers and facilitate secondary analysis. A related goal is to increase the average quality of child care and early education research through systematic improvements in the underlying quality of data. Content Development. Data contributors and end users of research are able to access data and published research, as well as special materials such as research summaries or methodology briefs. This activity will involve ongoing acquisitions and development to ensure that the needs of contributors and users are met. Data Contributors. Any child care or early education investigator, regardless of funding source for their project, is encouraged to house data with the CCEERC. Since 2000, all research grantees funded through CCDF discretionary funds have been required to plan for the archiving of their data. The intent is that grantees will prepare their datasets according to sound data processing and documentation practices, and house those datasets at the CCEERC within two years after the end of their funding period. The CCEERC will provide technical support to contributors regarding data entry, processing, and documentation. For an example of the types of datasets supported at CCEERC, visit the website at www.researchconnections.org. It is expected that the institution receiving the award for this project will continue to expand this data collection. Data Users. Many researchers use the CCEERC to access public datasets for secondary analysis. The CCEERC must maintain a system of data access for primary datasets as well as specially constructed analytic files and interactive tools. For example, some researchers might need to extract child care data from national longitudinal studies in which child care is embedded in a larger set of issues. Some may need to combine Head Start data from two or more datasets to create a linked data file. Others may need to conduct simple analyses of large datasets like national census estimates or State administrative data. Support for data users is expected to grow over the next several years. Components 4 and 5. Technical Assistance and Collaboration The Technical Assistance and Collaboration components provide interface and support for data contributors and users as well as for the Child Care Policy Research Consortium and other collaborative endeavors undertaken by OPRE and in collaboration with the Child Care Bureau within the Administration of Children and Families (ACF). Technical Assistance. CCEERC provides technical support for users of the website. This function includes the following on-line activities, and can be expanded as will enhance the project goals: frequently asked questions and answers; short briefing papers on common technical issues; Secondary Analysis Tool and other ready-to-use formats that make archived datasets more easily accessible to the research community; information on CCEERC services, products and new acquisitions; technical guidelines and documentation for data processing and access; and electronic services to facilitate networking and information exchange among researchers, policy makers, and other stakeholders. The CCEERC also provides training and technical assistance opportunities by conducting technical roundtables for researchers working on special datasets such as child care administrative data from the States. Other opportunities might include training institutes that convene a small number of researchers to work in a guided setting with important national datasets. Support for secondary analysis of various datasets in the CCEERC can be provided through these training institutes as well as through small grants. Workshops and training sessions will be convened at major national conferences. In particular, the CCEERC will conduct sessions at the OPRE Annual Child Care Policy Research Consortium meeting, the Child Care Bureau's annual meeting of State Child Care Administrators, and the Biennial Head Start Research conference. It will be a priority for CCEERC to conduct workshop and training sessions on government datasets specific to child care subsidy administration and Head Start and funded through ACF. These workshops should be responsive as datasets become available, and according to high priority research areas that can be addressed through these datasets. While some technical assistance activities will be supported through this cooperative agreement, others may require outside resources, including other funding partners and fee-for-service arrangements. Collaboration and The CCEERC participates as a member of the Child Care Policy Research Consortium and provides limited support for consortium-wide initiatives. The CCEERC participates in activities of the consortium steering committee and assists with note taking and preparation of summary documents resulting from conference calls, research forums, or major meetings. The CCEERC supports participants in the annual meeting of the consortium with technical workshops and small group discussions, as well as on-site document preparation and organization of materials to lend depth and breadth to the discussions. (Logistical support for the meeting will be supplied by contracts outside of this project). The CCEERC will also assist with planning for meetings and briefings, coordinating the work of thematic work groups for cross-cutting research, and preparation of proceedings or other summary documents. The CCEERC is also expected to maintain collaborations and respond to the research needs of the CCDF program by participating in monthly meetings of the Child Care Technical Assistance Network and other related activities, including participation in the Child Care Bureau's Annual State Administrator's meeting. CCEERC will also be expected to maintain collaborations with other early education programs (e.g., Head Start), as relates to the goals of this announcement, and in consultation with OPRE. The CCEERC will also collaborate in the preparation of documents that can facilitate the use of child care and early education research by program administrators; however, it is not currently the priority of this project to prepare materials that translate research findings to practice. The collaborative and networking function of this project puts CCEERC in an excellent position to identify cutting edge child care, Head Start, and early education research and policy issues that may be in need of further exploration and development. It is within the scope of this project to identify and develop a limited number of publications that synthesize research on critical issues and identify policy implications. Types of publications have included bibliographic lists on key topics, research briefs, and reviews of research. In order to maintain project goals related to operating a state-of-the-art knowledge information system and the dissemination of sound research, the CCEERC will build quality control processes for the development of these materials. Examples include commissioning the development of publications to widely recognized experts in specific topical areas and establishing a formal review process for project publications. As much as possible, product development should leverage the resources maintained by the CCEERC. C. Project Requirement The grantee must attend and present a poster at the Annual Meeting of the Child Care Policy Research Consortium each year of the grant, and also attend and present at the Biennial Head Start Research conference. In addition, the grantee may be asked to attend the annual Child Care State Administrators' Meeting. These meetings typically are held in the
II. AWARD INFORMATION
Substantial Involvement with Cooperative Agreement: A cooperative agreement is Federal assistance in which substantial Federal involvement in project activities is anticipated. Responsibilities of Federal staff and the successful applicant are negotiated prior to award. OPRE and the grantee will work collaboratively on the development of products such as work plans, technical assistance materials, summaries or literature reviews, decisions about datasets to be archived, the proportion of the budget that is allotted to key functional tasks, and other matters. OPRE will also participate in any Advisory Group or Technical Work Group meetings and will work closely with the grantee to promote partnerships and collaborative research, both within the Child Care Policy Research Consortium and with other potential partners. In addition, OPRE will assist with technical assistance activities as appropriate and needed.
The applicant will be awarded up to $1,500,000 for the first 12-month budget period, and up to $1,500,000 for each of the subsequent 12-month budget periods for the duration of this cooperative agreement. The initial award will be made for the first 12-month budget period. Continuation awards for the subsequent 12-month budget periods will be subject to the availability of funds, satisfactory progress by the grantee, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the Federal Government. The need for a 60-month project period should be identified in Item 17 on the Standard Form (SF) 424, in the project narrative, and in the budget. Applicants will receive instructions on how to submit non-competing continuation applications during the first budget period to request funds for the second and third budget periods. Awards under this announcement are subject to the availability of funds. III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION 1. Eligible Applicants:
Faith-based and community organizations are eligible to apply under this announcement. Foreign entities are not eligible under this announcement. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching: None 3. Other: 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: Xtria, LLCChild Care Research Support Technical Assistance OPRE Grant Review Team 8521 Leesburg Pike, Suite 400 Vienna, VA 22182 Phone: 866-651-6166 Email: opre-ccr@xtria.com 2. Content and Form of Application Submission: Letters of Intent Applicants are strongly encouraged to notify the operations center (opre-ccr@xtria.com), 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. This information will be used to determine the number of expert reviewers needed to review applications. Failure to submit a letter of intent will not impact eligibility to submit an application and will not disqualify an application from competitive review. The letter of intent should include the following information:
Do not include a description of your proposed project in your letter of intent. Format and Organization of Application The original and two copies of an application must be submitted. Applicants must limit their application package 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, not including the appendices and Standard Federal Forms (listed below). In addition, applicants must number the pages of their application beginning with the Table of Contents. Pages in excess of the page limitation will be removed and not reviewed. Applicants are advised to include all required forms and materials and to organize these materials according to the format for their application package, and in the order, presented below:
8. Appendices
Biographical Sketch: These are used to partially evaluate Staff and Position Data (see Section V.1). Inclusion of information regarding the Principal Investigator's and Key Personnel's work and publication history that will address the evaluation criteria is encouraged. 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. 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: 04/14/2008 Due Date for Applications: 05/13/2008 Explanation of Due Dates The due date for receipt of applications is referenced above. Applications that do not meet the deadline requirements 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. Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting the announced deadline if they are either received on or before the due date or postmarked on or before the due date and received by ACF in time for the independent review referenced in Section V.2. Applicants must ensure that a legibly dated U.S. Postal Service postmark or a legibly dated, machine produced postmark of a commercial mail service is affixed to the envelope/package containing the application(s). To be acceptable as a proof of timely mailing, a postmark from a commercial mail service must include the logo/emblem of the commercial mail service company and must reflect the date the package was received by the commercial mail service company from the applicant. Privately metered postmarks shall not be acceptable as proof of timely mailing. Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not always deliver as agreed. Hand Delivery Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers shall be considered as meeting the announced deadline if they are 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 THAT DOES NOT MEET THE DEADLINE REQUIREMENTS ABOVE 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.
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. 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 Xtria, LLCOPRE Grant Review Team Child Care Research Support Technical Assistance 8521 Leesburg Pike, Suite 400 Vienna, VA 22182 Hand Delivery Xtria, LLCOPRE Grant Review Team Child Care Research Support Technical Assistance 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, See Evaluation Criteria for specific details expected.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. See Evaluation Criteria for specific details expected.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. 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: OBJECTIVES AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE - 10 points The extent to which the applicant: Demonstrates an awareness of current issues and initiatives in child care and early education and Head Start research, policy and practice, technical assistance, and collaboration, as well as the interrelationships among these broad functions. Describes the need for an integrated system of knowledge, data, technical assistance, and collaboration to further effective child care and early childhood research and policy. Describes the relationships among the interactive web site, the research database and data archive, and the technical assistance, and collaborative components of the project. Discusses current issues in archiving including, but not limited to, topics such as the world-wide web, access to full-text documents, dissemination strategies, liability, confidentiality, and terms-of-use agreements. Describes the audience of current CCEERC contributors and users, estimates their number, describes their needs, anticipates future needs of this audience, and if applicable, describes underserved or untapped audiences to be served. APPROACH - 40 points The extent to which the applicant's technical approach: Appropriately links CCEERC goals, objectives, activities and performance indicators to ensure successful operations and ongoing development. Describes strategies for each of the five functional components (interactive website, research database, archive of datasets, technical assistance, and ongoing collaboration). Describes strategies that build upon the current CCEERC activities in each functional component in order to further the stated goals of the CCEERC. Describes strategies in each functional component that address CCDF and related early intervention policy issues. This includes, but is not limited to, quality of care in all settings, the role of child care and the subsidy program as a support to working families, and related Head Start research. Demonstrates the ability to effectively implement and coordinate the functional components of the CCEERC to promote high quality and useful research, make research data and products easily accessible, significantly improve the research infrastructure, and support the CCDF program, OPRE, and the Child Care Policy Research Consortium. Describes the technical specifications of the information technology system that will be developed or sustained to support the web-based functions of the CCEERC and addresses issues related to ACF information technology requirements for project boundaries, data security, risk analysis, operational concepts, functional requirements, systems design, deployment plans, and performance standards. Provides a detailed description and rationale for the range of topics to be included in the CCEERC archive, the types of data sets that currently exist and are anticipated, and which among these should be given priority for inclusion in the CCEERC, with high priority given to data that is supported by and/or informs ACF child care and early education programs (e.g., CCDF, Head Start, Early Head Start). Demonstrates an awareness of current activities being undertaken in the field of data archiving, web site management, technical assistance and collaboration; describes how the approach being proposed would build on or coordinate with this work. Demonstrates an understanding of the technical issues associated with managing a national data archive; describes the strengths and limitations of existing approaches; and proposes effective solutions to a full range of issues. Important issues include, but are not limited to, multiple archiving of individual data sets; technical problems with data sets such as poor variable definitions, small sample sizes, and missing data; delimitation of public access to data; piecemeal publication of data sets and documents related to a single study; masking of individual identifiers and protection of confidentiality; legal issues of liability; and terms-of-use agreements. Provides a detailed description of the technical assistance that will be available for archived datasets which includes, but is not limited to, answering user questions, conducting in-depth data training workshops, and providing documentation to assist data users. This description should anticipate problems and suggest solutions to the ongoing support of dataset archiving, and present a manageable plan for ongoing technical assistance. Describes a plan for effectively partnering with other research and data archives, knowledge management, and information systems; funding partners; and research consortia, professional associations, or other relevant bodies whose members represent target users of the CCEERC. Discusses the relationship of archiving to the protection of human subjects, informed consent, protection from research risks, and Institutional Review Boards (IRB). Addresses the relationship of the funded archive to IRBs, the Department of Health and Human Services Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP), and Certificates of Confidentiality, specifically. Proposes an effective approach to technical assistance for contributors and users of the CCEERC, showing how the technical assistance plan relates to and promotes each of the other components. Proposes an effective quality control approach for the development of CCEERC publications. Examples include commissioning project publications to be developed by widely-recognized experts in specific topical areas and establishing a formal review process for project publications. Describes the composition and role of an advisory group in support of the work of the CCEERC. Proposes an effective plan to increase collaboration and partnership-building at national, statewide and local levels; support researchers and other stakeholders in their efforts to build effective partnerships; and promote collaboration in a variety of environments, such as colleges and universities, State and local child care and early education agencies, and child care and early education organizations. Proposes approaches that reflect cultural sensitivity to the issues being addressed. Identifies possible barriers to achieving the proposed results and benefits and describes effective strategies for addressing these barriers. Provides assurance that, should the occasion arise, all products acquired, developed or maintained during the term of the cooperative agreement will be passed on to ACF or the subsequent CCEERC grantee. STAFF AND POSITION DATA - 10 points The extent to which the applicant: Commits to an adequate number of staff with the expertise to carry out the project with a high level of accomplishment, on time, and within budget. Proposes a project director and key staff with highly relevant skills, knowledge, and experience in child care, Head Start, and early education. Proposes a project director and key staff with evidence of sufficient time available to fulfill this role. Proposes a project director and key staff, who, when taken together as a team, have the knowledge and experience to accomplish collaborations across researchers, policy makers, and other key stakeholders described for this project. Provides brief resumes of the current and proposed staff, as well as job descriptions that demonstrate the ability of the proposed staff to fulfill key roles, including their percent effort committed to projects outside of CCEERC. Resumes indicate what position each individual will fill and position descriptions specifically describe each job as it relates to the proposed project. ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILES - 15 points The extent to which the applicant: Describes university or agency support, if applicable, to the organizational capabilities required for implementation of this activity. Describes organizations and consultants who may work on the program along with a short description of the nature of their effort or contribution. Provides a detailed management plan, with personnel allocations, tasks and subtasks, products, timelines, and coordination of components which shows how the proposed project goals will be accomplished. Provides a means of monitoring progress, accomplishments, and shortfalls. Provides information on plans for training project staff as well as staff of cooperating organizations and individuals, if needed. Identifies a process of self-evaluation for the project, which may include, but is not limited to, monitoring the usage of the website and making comparisons to other similar projects in an effort to monitor and improve the CCEERC's service to its intended audience. Demonstrates sufficient resources and appropriate facilities to successfully implement, manage and further develop the CCEERC. Includes letters of intention from any subcontractors or primary consultants. RESULTS OR BENEFITS EXPECTED - 10 points The extent to which the applicant: Identifies the results and benefits of the proposed project to enhance policy on children in low-income families and advance science in child care and early education, including Head Start. Describes how the proposed approach to the CCEERC would contribute to overall efforts to improve child care and early education services and systems, the development and well-being of children, and particular outcome measures, as applicable. Provides a set of performance measures designed to demonstrate how well the goals and objectives of the CCEERC are being met. Describes how technical assistance plans will benefit contributors and users of the CCEERC including OPRE, the Child Care Bureau, the Child Care Policy Research Consortium and other members of the child care and early education research and policy communities, including Head Start researchers. Describes how the proposed project will significantly increase collaboration and partnership building among researchers, policy makers, and other stakeholders at national, State, and local levels. BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION - 15 points The extent to which the applicant: Provides a narrative description and sound rationale for the budget information presented on Standard Forms 424 and 424A and related budget tables presented in the text. The description and rationale should indicate the proportion of the budget that is allotted for the key functions, which at least include: 1) Interactive website; 2) research database; 3) data archive; 4) technical assistance; and 5) ongoing collaboration activities. Demonstrates that costs to operate the CCEERC are reasonable, adequate and justified in terms of the proposed tasks and subtasks as well as anticipated results and benefits. Includes sound fiscal control and accounting procedures to ensure prudent use, proper and timely disbursement and accurate accounting of funds received under this program announcement. 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. The competitive review will be conducted in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area by panels of Federal and non-Federal expert reviewers knowledgeable in the areas of child care, Head Start and early education. Application review panels will assign a score to each application and identify its strengths and weaknesses in direct relation to the evaluation criteria. 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 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 competitive review; (2) staff review and consultations; (3) the combination of projects that best meet the information needs of the program; (4) the funds available; and (5) other relevant considerations. 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: Not ApplicableVI. 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. 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 VII. AGENCY CONTACTS Program Office Contact: Susan Jekielek Grants Management Office Contact: Tim Chapelle VIII. OTHER INFORMATION
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