[Federal Register: March 24, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 56)]
[Notices]
[Page 15098-15106]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr24mr05-60]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Administration for Children and Families
Child Care Bureau Research Scholars
Announcement Type: Initial.
Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2005-ACF-ACYF-YE-0010.
CFDA Number: 93.647.
Dates: Due Date for Notice of Intent or Preapplications: Notice of
Intent is due April 25, 2005.
Due Date for Applications: Application is due May 23, 2005.
Executive Summary: The Administration for Children and Families'
(ACF), Administration on Children, Youth and Families' (ACYF), Child
Care Bureau (CCB) announces the availability of funds to support new
CCB Research Scholar projects in Fiscal Year 2005. The Research Scholar
Grants are designed to increase the number of graduate students
conducting dissertation research on child care issues that are
consistent with the Bureau's research agenda.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
The Administration for Children and Families' (ACF), Administration
on Children Youth and Families' (ACYF), Child Care Bureau (CCB)
announces the availability of funds to support new CCB Research Scholar
projects in Fiscal Year 2005. The Research Scholar grants are designed
to increase the number of graduate students conducting dissertation
research on child care issues that are consistent with the Bureau's
research agenda.
Priority Area 1
1. Description
A. Child Care Bureau. Since its establishment in 1995, the CCB has
been dedicated to enhancing the quality, affordability, and supply of
child care available for all families. CCB administers the Child Care
and Development Fund (CCDF), a $4.8 billion child care program that
includes funding for child care subsidies and activities to improve
child care quality and availability. The CCDF was created after
amendments to ACF child care programs by Title VI of the Personal
Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996
consolidated four Federal child care funding streams, including the
Child Care and Development Block Grant, AFDC/JOBS Child Care,
Transitional Child Care, and At-Risk Child Care. The entitlement
portion consisted of mandatory and matching funds made available under
section 418 of the Social Security Act, while the discretionary funding
was authorized by the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act. The
combined funding from these streams was designated the CCDF. With
related State and Federal funding, CCDF provides more than $11 billion
a year to States, Territories, and Tribes to help low-income, working
families access child care.
The Bureau works closely with States, Territories, Tribes, and ACF
regions to facilitate, oversee, and document the implementation of new
policies and programs that support State, local, and private sector
administration of child care services and systems. In addition, the
Bureau collaborates extensively with other offices throughout the
Federal government to promote integrated approaches, family-focused
services, and coordinated child care delivery systems. In all of these
activities, the Bureau strives to support children's healthy growth and
development in safe child care environments, promote children's early
learning and school readiness, enhance parental choice and involvement
in their children's care, and facilitate the linkage of child care with
other community services.
B. Child Care Bureau's Research Agenda. Since 2000, Congress has
appropriated about $10 million per year of CCDF discretionary funds to
be used for child care research and evaluation, and the CCB has used
these funds to develop its research agenda. The Bureau's FY 2005 child
care research agenda will continue ongoing projects and launch new
research initiatives. CCB's research agenda supports activities that
will generate knowledge about child care services and programs and
inform policy decisions and solutions. We intend to improve our
capacity to respond to questions of immediate concern to policy makers,
strengthen the child care research infrastructure, and increase
knowledge about the efficacy of child care policies and programs in
providing positive learning and school readiness outcomes
[[Page 15099]]
for children and employment and self-sufficiency outcomes for parents.
The CCB's capacity to further child care related research and data
is enhanced by the Child Care Policy Consortium, which is an alliance
of research projects sponsored by CCB. The consortium is comprised of
researchers who have partnered with policy organizations, States, and
local communities to link research, policy, and practice. The research
projects of consortium members cover a wide array of topics. For
example, some projects describe State and local child care populations,
services, and programs, while others focus on child care subsidy
policies and market dynamics. In addition, some projects examine issues
surrounding professional development and training approaches for child
care providers.
In order to synthesize the broad array of child care information
generated, CCB created the Child Care and Early Education Research
Connections (Research Connections) to serve as a national research
knowledge management system for the child care and early education
fields. Research Connections consists of an interactive Web site, an
archive of data sets and reports, and a technical assistance support
system to assist researchers and facilitate collaboration.
C. Purpose and Goals of the CCB Research Scholar Program. The
purpose of this grant program is to help develop a national
infrastructure for high quality child care research by increasing the
number of upcoming researchers investigating child care issues that are
consistent with the Bureau's research agenda.
The goals of this program area are as follows:
1. To foster formal mentoring relationships between faculty members
and graduate students who are pursuing research in the child care
field. Each student will work in partnership with a faculty mentor in
order to foster the skills necessary to build a graduate student's
career trajectory. Within this nurturing and supportive mentoring
relationship, scholars are empowered to become autonomous researchers
with the skills necessary to address critical child care issues with a
high level of technical quality. The faculty mentor will be listed as
the Principal Investigator of the grant and will ensure that all
requirements are met and that a high quality dissertation is completed.
2. To support students' graduate training and professional
development as researchers engaged in policy-relevant research.
Students are expected to become autonomous researchers who are
connected to other professionals from diverse backgrounds across a
variety of child care roles. Research projects may include independent
studies conducted by the student or a well-defined portion of a larger
study being conducted by the Principal Investigator holding a faculty
position or senior research position and for which the graduate student
will have primary responsibility. Research projects must use sound
quantitative or qualitative research methodologies or some combination
of the two. The student must be the author of the grant proposal.
3. To encourage active communication, networking, and collaboration
among graduate students, their mentors, other prominent child care
researchers, and policy makers. Students whose projects involve
community-level or administrative-level research are encouraged to work
with an additional mentor from the field in order to gain a more
comprehensive understanding of child care policies and practices.
Students whose work involves secondary analysis of large data sets are
encouraged to work closely with one or more senior investigators on the
original project. In order to facilitate students' networking with
policy makers, students are required to participate in CCB's Annual
Meeting of the Child Care Policy Research Consortium and the State
Administrators' Meeting.
II. Award Information
Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding Per Budget Period: $120,000
per budget period.
Anticipated Number of Awards: 4.
Average Projected Award Amount Per Budget Period: $30,000 per
budget period.
Ceiling on Individual Awards Per Budget Period: $30,000 per budget
period.
Floor on amount of individual awards: None.
Length of Project Periods: 24-month project with two 12-month
budget periods.
Other
Explanation of other: This announcement is inviting applications
for project periods of up to 24 months with two 12-month budget
periods. Pending the availability of funds and receipt of satisfactory
applications, grants will be awarded for up to $30,000 for the first
12-month budget period and up to $20,000 for the second 12-month budget
period, for a total not exceeding $50,000 for the entire 24-month
project period. The need for a 24-month project period should be
identified in the current application (on SF-424A) and in the project
narrative and budget. If the student expects to receive a doctorate by
the end of the first 12-month budget period, the application should
request funding for only a 12-month project period. A subsequent year
award for continuation of the project will not be approved if the
student has completed his/her dissertation by the end of the first
budget period.
An application that exceeds the upper value of the dollar range
specified will be considered non-responsive and will not be eligible
for funding under this announcement.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
State controlled institutions of higher education; Native American
tribal governments (federally recognized); Nonprofits having a
501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher
education; Private institutions of higher education.
You must have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) to be
considered eligible.
Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with
their applications the optional survey located under ``Grant Manuals &
Forms'' at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Additional Information on Eligibility: Institutions of Higher
Education. Eligible institutions must be fully accredited by one of the
regional accrediting commissions recognized by the Department of
Education and the Council of Post-Secondary Accreditation. No
individual educational institution will be funded for more than one
candidate unless applications from different universities or colleges
do not qualify for support.
Faith-based institutions are eligible applicants. In addition,
Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges and Universities (TCUs) and
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are encouraged to
apply. TCUs are those institutions cited in section 532 of the Equity
in Educational Land Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note), any
other institutions that qualify for funding under the Tribally
Controlled Community College Assistance Act of 1978, (25 U.S.C. 1801 et
seq.), and Navajo Community College, authorized in the Navajo Community
College Assistance Act of 1978, Public Law 95-471, title II (25 U.S.C.
640a note). Those TCUs that are not
[[Page 15100]]
accredited are not eligible to apply under this announcement.
HBCUs are defined in the amended version of the Higher Education
Act of 1965, codified at 20 U.S.C. 1061(2), and are institutions
established prior to 1964 whose principal mission was, and is, the
education of Black Americans, and must satisfy Section 322 of the
Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended. Institutions which meet the
definition of ``Part B institution'' in Section 322 of the Higher
Education Act of 1965, as amended, 20 U.S.C. 1061(2), shall be eligible
for assistance under this announcement.
Eligible applicants are institutions of higher education acting on
behalf of graduate students who are pursuing a doctorate and who are
completing a dissertation on child care issues. As the author of the
grant proposal, the student is expected to have an approved
dissertation proposal before the beginning of the grant period,
September 30, 2005. All monies must be used for the student's
dissertation research, including required personnel costs, travel, and
other expenses directly related to the research.
Please see Section IV.2 for required documentation supporting
eligibility or funding restrictions if any are applicable.
2. Cost Sharing/Matching
None.
3. Other Eligibility Information
1. Contact information for both the graduate student and the
student's faculty mentor is required and should be included in the
Appendix. The student must be the author of the grant proposal.
2. The application must include a letter from the faculty mentor
stating that he/she approves the application and describing how he/she
will regularly monitor the student's work. In addition, the letter must
verify (a) the student's status in the doctoral program, (b) that the
grant will be used to fund the student's dissertation research, and (c)
that the student is within two years or less of completing his/her
dissertation. This letter should be included in the Appendix.
3. In the Appendix the student must include an official transcript
reflecting his/her completed graduate course work.
4. Because of the small size of these grants and their value to
institutions of higher education as well as to the student scholars,
applicants are strongly encouraged to waive any allowable indirect
costs.
All applicants must have a Dun & Bradstreet number. On June 27,
2003 the Office of Management and Budget published in the Federal
Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal grant
applicants. The policy requires all Federal grant applicants to provide
a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number when
applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or after
October 1, 2003. The DUNS number will be required whether an applicant
is submitting a paper application or using the government-wide
electronic portal (http://www.Grants.gov). A DUNS number will be
required for every application for a new award or renewal/continuation
of an award, including applications or plans under formula, entitlement
and block grant programs, submitted on or after October 1, 2003.
Please ensure that your organization has a DUNS number. You may
acquire a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free
DUNS number request line on 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number
on-line at http://www.dnb.com.
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:
A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the
Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt
organizations described in the IRS Code.
A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.
A statement from a State taxing body, State attorney
general, or other appropriate State official certifying that the
applicant organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net
earnings accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.
A certified copy of the organization's certificate of
incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit
status.
Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above
for a State or national parent organization and a statement signed by
the parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-
profit affiliate.
When applying electronically we strongly suggest 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 located under ``Grant Related Documents
and Forms'' titled ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants''
at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Disqualification Factors
Applications that exceed the ceiling amount will be considered non-
responsive and will not be eligible for funding under this
announcement.
Any application received after 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the
deadline will not be considered for competition.
IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Address To Request Application Package
ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Attn: Child Care
Bureau Research Scholars Funding, 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC
20002-2132. Phone: 866-796-1591; e-mail: ccb@dixongroup.com; URL:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/open/HHS-2005-ACF-ACYF-YE-0010.html.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
Notice of Intent to Submit Application: If you intend to submit an
application, please e-mail the ACYF Operations Center
ccb@dixongroup.com) and include the following information: The number
and title of this announcement, your organization's name and address,
and your contact person's name, title, phone number, fax number, and e-
mail address. This notice is not required, but is strongly encouraged.
The information will be used to determine the number of expert
reviewers needed to evaluate applications and to update the mailing
list for future program announcements.
Format and Organization. An original and two copies of your
application must be submitted. Applicants must limit their application
to 100 pages, double-spaced, with standard one-inch margins and 12-
point fonts. This page limit applies to both narrative text and
supporting materials. In addition, applicants must number the pages of
their application and include a table of contents.
Applicants should include all required forms and materials and
organize these materials according to the format presented below:
a. Letter of Intent to Submit Application (30 days prior to application
due date).
b. Cover Letter.
c. Required Standard Forms and Certifications.
d. Table of Contents.
e. Project Abstract.
f. Project Description.
g. Budget Narrative/Justification.
[[Page 15101]]
h. Appendix.
Complete Contact Information for Student and Faculty Advisor;
Curriculum Vitae for Student and Faculty Advisor;
Letter of Support from Advisor;
Official Transcript of Student Reflecting Graduate Courses.
You may submit your application in either electronic or paper
format. To submit an application electronically, please use the http://www.Grants.gov
apply site. If you use Grants.gov, you will be able to
download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and
then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov site. You may
not e-mail an electronic copy of a grant application to us.
Please note the following if you plan to submit your application
electronically via Grants.gov:
Electronic submission is voluntary, but strongly
recommended.
When you enter the Grants.Gov site, you will find
information about submitting an application electronically through the
site, as well as the hours of operation. We strongly recommend that you
do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the
application process through Grants.Gov.
We recommend you visit Grants.gov at least 30 days prior
to filing your application to fully understand the process and
requirements. We encourage applicants who submit electronically to
submit well before the closing date and time so that if difficulties
are encountered an applicant can still send in a hard copy overnight.
If you encounter difficulties, please contact the Grants.gov Help Desk
at 1-800-518-4276 to report the problem and obtain assistance with the
system.
To use Grants.gov, the applicant must have a DUNS number
and register in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). Applicants
should allow a minimum of five days to complete the CCR registration.
Applicants will not receive additional point value for
submitting a grant application in electronic format, nor be penalized
for submitting an application in paper format.
Applicants may submit all documents electronically,
including all information typically included on the SF-424 and all
necessary assurances and certifications.
Applications must comply with any page limitation
requirements described in this program announcement.
After submitting the electronic application, applicants
will receive an automatic acknowledgement from Grants.gov that contains
a Grants.gov tracking number. ACF will retrieve the application from
Grants.gov.
ACF may request that you provide original signatures on
forms at a later date.
The electronic application for this program can be
accessed on http://www.Grants.gov.
Search for the downloadable application package by the
CFDA number.
An original and two copies of the complete application are
required. The original and each of the two copies must include all
required forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed
by an authorized representative, have original signatures, and be
submitted unbound.
Private non-profit organizations may voluntarily submit with their
applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents and
Forms,'' ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,'' titled,
``Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,'' at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm
.
Standard Forms and Certifications
The project description should include all the information
requirements described in the specific evaluation criteria outlined in
the program announcement under Section V Application Review
Information. In addition to the project description, the applicant
needs to complete all the standard forms required for making
applications for awards under this announcement.
Applicants seeking financial assistance under this announcement
must file the Standard Form (SF) 424, Application for Federal
Assistance; SF-424A, Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs; SF-
424B, Assurances--Non-Construction Programs. The forms may be
reproduced for use in submitting applications. Applicants must sign and
return the standard forms with their application.
Applicants must furnish prior to award an executed copy of the
Standard Form LLL, Certification Regarding Lobbying, when applying for
an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants who have used non-Federal
funds for lobbying activities in connection with receiving assistance
under this announcement shall complete a disclosure form, if
applicable, with their applications (approved by the Office of
Management and Budget under control number 0348-0046). Applicants must
sign and return the certification with their application.
Applicants must also understand they will be held accountable for
the smoking prohibition included within Public Law 103-227, Title XII
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the PRO-KIDS Act of 1994). A
copy of the Federal Register notice which implements the smoking
prohibition is included with forms. By signing and submitting the
application, applicants are providing the certification and need not
mail back the certification with the application.
Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their
compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By
signing and submitting the applications, applicants are providing the
certification and need not mail back the certification form. Complete
the standard forms and the associated certifications and assurances
based on the instructions on the forms. The forms and certifications
may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Please see Section V.1. Criteria, for instructions on preparing the
project summary/abstract and the full project description.
3. Submission Dates and Times
Dates: Notices of Intent are due April 25, 2005.
Due Date: Application is due May 23, 2005.
Explanation of Due Dates: The closing time and date for receipt of
applications is referenced above. Mailed or hand carried applications
received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the closing date will be
classified as late.
Deadline: Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting an
announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time
and date referenced in Section IV.6. Applicants are responsible for
mailing applications well in advance, when using all mail services, to
ensure that the applications are received on or before the deadline
time and date.
Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other
representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers
shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are
received on or before the deadline date, between the hours of 8 a.m.
and 4:30 p.m., eastern time, at the address referenced in Section
IV.6., between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays).
ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by fax.
Therefore, applications transmitted to ACF by fax will not be accepted
regardless of date or time of submission and time of receipt.
Late applications: Applications which do not meet the criteria
above are
[[Page 15102]]
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 pm eastern time on the deadline
date will not be considered for competition.
Receipt acknowledgement for application packages will not be
provided to applicants who submit their package via mail, courier
services, or by hand delivery. However, applicants will receive an
electronic acknowledgement for applications that are submitted via
Grants.gov.
Applicants using express/overnight mail services should allow two
(2) working days prior to the deadline date for receipt of
applications. (Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail
services do not always deliver as agreed).
Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend application deadlines when
circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, or
when there are widespread disruptions of mail service, or in other rare
cases. A determination to extend or waive deadline requirements rests
with the Chief Grants Management Officer.
Checklist
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What to submit Required content Required form or format When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Intent to Submit See Section IV.2....... Found in Section IV.2.. 30 days prior to
Application. application due date.
Project Abstract..................... See Sections IV.2 and V Found in Sections IV.2 By application due
and V. date.
Project Description.................. See Sections IV.2 and V Found in Sections IV.2 By application due
and V. date.
Budget Narrative/Justification....... See Sections IV.2 and V Found in Sections IV.2 By application due
and V. date.
Table of Contents.................... See Section IV.2....... Found in Sections IV.2. By application due
date.
Complete Contact Information for See Section IV.2....... Found in Section III.3 By application due
Student and Faculty Advisor. and IV.2. date.
Curriculum Vitae for Student and See Section IV.2....... Found in Section IV.2.. By application due
Faculty Advisor. date.
Letter of Support from Advisor....... See Section IV.2....... Found in Section III.3 By application due
and IV.2. date.
Official Student Transcript See Section IV.2....... Found in Section III.3 By application due
Reflecting Graduate Courses. and IV.2. date.
SF424................................ See Section IV.2....... See http:// By application due
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/ date.
programs/ofs/forms.htm.
SF-LLL Certification Regarding See Section IV.2....... See http:// By date of award.
Lobbying. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Certification Regarding Environmental See Section IV.2....... See http:// By date of award.
Tobacco Smoke. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Assurances........................... See Section IV.2....... ....................... By date of award.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Additional Forms
Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with
their applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents
and Forms'' titled ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants''
at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What to submit Required content Required form or format When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Per required form...... May be found on http:// By application due
Applicants. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/ date.
programs/ofs/form.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Intergovernmental Review
State Single Point of Contact (SPOC)
This program is covered under Executive Order 12372,
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,'' and 45 CFR part 100,
``Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services
Programs and Activities.'' Under the Order, States may design their own
processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance
under covered programs.
The following jurisdictions have elected not to participate in the
Executive Order (E.O.) process. Applicants from these jurisdictions or
for projects administered by federally-recognized Indian Tribes need to
take no action in regard to E.O. 12372:
All States and Territories except Alabama, Alaska, Arizona,
Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Indiana, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana,
Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio,
Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont,
Virginia, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa and Palau have elected to
participate in the Executive Order process and have established Single
Points of Contact (SPOCs). Applicants from these twenty-four
jurisdictions need take no action in regard to E.O. 12372. Applicants
for projects to be administered by federally-recognized Indian Tribes
are also exempt from the requirements of E.O. 12372. Otherwise,
applicants should contact their SPOCs as soon as possible to alert them
of the prospective applications and receive any necessary instructions.
Applicants must submit any required material to the SPOCs as soon as
possible so that the program office can obtain and review SPOC comments
as part of the award process. It is imperative that the applicant
submit all required materials, if any, to the SPOC and indicate the
date of this submittal (or the date of contact if no submittal is
required) on the Standard Form 424, item 16a.
Although the jurisdictions listed above no longer participate in
the process, entities which have met the
[[Page 15103]]
eligibility requirements of the program are still eligible to apply for
a grant even if a State, Territory, Commonwealth, etc. does not have a
SPOC. All remaining jurisdictions participate in the Executive Order
process and have established SPOCs. Applicants from participating
jurisdictions should contact their SPOCs as soon as possible to alert
them of the prospective applications and receive instructions.
Applicants must submit any required material to the SPOCs as soon as
possible so that the program office can obtain and review SPOC comments
as part of the award process. The applicant must submit all required
materials, if any, to the SPOC and indicate the date of this submittal
(or the date of contact if no submittal is required) on the Standard
Form 424, item 16a. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has 60 days from
the application deadline to comment on proposed new or competing
continuation awards.
SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the submission of routine
endorsements as official recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are
requested to clearly differentiate between mere advisory comments and
those official State process recommendations which may trigger the
``accommodate or explain'' rule.
When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they should be
addressed to: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration
for Children and Families, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370
L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 20447.
A list of SPOCs for each State and Territory is included with the
application materials for this announcement.
5. Funding Restrictions
Pre-award Costs: Grant awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-
award costs.
Transferability: Grants awarded as a result of this competition are
not transferable to another student or to another institution. Awards
cannot be divided among two or more students.
Concurrent Awards: A CCB research scholar grant may not be held
concurrently with another Federally-funded dissertation grant or
fellowship.
6. Other Submission Requirements
Submission by Mail: An applicant must provide an original
application with all attachments, signed by an authorized
representative and two copies. The application must be received at the
address below by 4:30 p.m. eastern time on or before the closing date.
Applications should be mailed to: ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon
Group, Attn: Child Care Research Scholars Funding, 118 Q Street, NE.,
Washington, DC 20002-2132.
Hand Delivery: An applicant must provide an original application
with all attachments signed by an authorized representative and two
copies. The application must be received at the address below by 4:30
p.m., eastern time, on or before the closing date. Applications that
are hand delivered will be accepted between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30
p.m., eastern time, Monday through Friday. Applications may be
delivered to: ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Attn: Child
Care Research Scholars Funding, 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC
20002-2132.
Electronic Submission: http://www.grants.gov Please see Section IV.
2 for guidelines and requirements when submitting applications
electronically.
V. Application Review Information
The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13)
Public reporting burden for this collection of information is
estimated to average 15 hours per response, including the time for
reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed and
reviewing the collection information. This program announcement fully
complies with the Paperwork Reduction Act through the use of the
Uniform Project Description.
The project description is approved under OMB control number 0970-
0139 which expires April 30, 2007. An agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of
information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.
1. Criteria
The following are instructions and guidelines on how to prepare the
``project summary/abstract'' and ``Full Project Description'' sections
of the application. Under the evaluation criteria section, note that
each criterion is preceded by the generic evaluation requirement under
the ACF Uniform Project Description (UPD).
Part 1--The Project Description Overview
Purpose
The project description provides a major means by which an
application is evaluated and ranked to compete with other applications
for available assistance. The project description should be concise and
complete and should address the activity for which Federal funds are
being requested. Supporting documents should be included where they can
present information clearly and succinctly. In preparing your project
description, information responsive to each of the requested evaluation
criteria must be provided. Awarding offices use this and other
information in making their funding recommendations. It is important,
therefore, that this information be included in the application in a
manner that is clear and complete.
General Instructions
ACF is particularly interested in specific project descriptions
that focus on outcomes and convey strategies for achieving intended
performance. Project descriptions are evaluated on the basis of
substance and measurable outcomes, not length. Extensive exhibits are
not required. Cross-referencing should be used rather than repetition.
Supporting information concerning activities that will not be directly
funded by the grant or information that does not directly pertain to an
integral part of the grant funded activity should be placed in an
appendix. Pages should be numbered and a table of contents should be
included for easy reference.
Introduction
Applicants required to submit a full project description shall
prepare the project description statement in accordance with the
following instructions while being aware of the specified evaluation
criteria. The text options give a broad overview of what your project
description should include while the evaluation criteria identifies the
measures that will be used to evaluate applications.
Project Summary/Abstract
Provide a summary of the project description (a page or less) with
reference to the funding request.
Objectives and Need for Assistance
Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial,
institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need
for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate
objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting
documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from
concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any
relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred
to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate
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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.
Approach
Outline a plan of action that describes the scope and detail of how
the proposed work will be accomplished. Account for all functions or
activities identified in the application. Cite factors that might
accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reason for taking the
proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual features of
the project such as design or technological innovations, reductions in
cost or time, or extraordinary social and community involvement.
Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the
accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in such
terms as the number of people to be served and the number of activities
accomplished. When accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or
function, list them in chronological order to show the schedule of
accomplishments and their target dates.
If any data is to be collected, maintained, and/or disseminated,
clearance may be required from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget
(OMB). This clearance pertains to any ``collection of information that
is conducted or sponsored by ACF.''
List organizations, cooperating entities, consultants, or other key
individuals who will work on the project along with a short description
of the nature of their effort or contribution.
Additional Information
Following are requests for additional information that need to be
included in the application:
Staff and Position Data
Provide a biographical sketch and job description for each key
person appointed. Job descriptions for each vacant key position should
be included as well. As new key staff is appointed, biographical
sketches will also be required.
Budget and Budget Justification
Provide a budget with line-item detail and detailed calculations
for each budget object class identified on the Budget Information form.
Detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit
costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the
calculation to be duplicated. Also include a breakout by the funding
sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.
Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the
categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness,
and allocability of the proposed costs.
Personnel
Description: Costs of employee salaries and wages.
Justification: Identify the project director or principal
investigator, if known. For each staff person, provide the title, time
commitment to the project (in months), time commitment to the project
(as a percentage or full-time equivalent), annual salary, grant salary,
wage rates, etc. Do not include the costs of consultants or personnel
costs of delegate agencies or of specific project(s) or businesses to
be financed by the applicant.
Fringe Benefits
Description: Costs of employee fringe benefits unless treated as
part of an approved indirect cost rate.
Justification: Provide a breakdown of the amounts and percentages
that comprise fringe benefit costs such as health insurance, FICA,
retirement insurance, taxes, etc.
Travel
Description: Costs of project-related travel by employees of the
applicant organization (does not include costs of consultant travel).
Justification: For each trip, show the total number of traveler(s),
travel destination, duration of trip, per diem, mileage allowances, if
privately owned vehicles will be used, and other transportation costs
and subsistence allowances. Travel costs for key staff to attend ACF-
sponsored workshops should be detailed in the budget.
Equipment
Description: ``Equipment'' means an article of nonexpendable,
tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year
and an acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the lesser of (a) the
capitalization level established by the organization for the financial
statement purposes, or (b) $5,000. (Note: Acquisition cost means the
net invoice unit price of an item of equipment, including the cost of
any modifications, attachments, accessories, or auxiliary apparatus
necessary to make it usable for the purpose for which it is acquired.
Ancillary charges, such as taxes, duty, protective in-transit
insurance, freight, and installation shall be included in or excluded
from acquisition cost in accordance with the organization's regular
written accounting practices.)
Justification: For each type of equipment requested, provide a
description of the equipment, the cost per unit, the number of units,
the total cost, and a plan for use on the project, as well as use or
disposal of the equipment after the project ends. An applicant
organization that uses its own definition for equipment should provide
a copy of its policy or section of its policy which includes the
equipment definition.
Supplies
Description: Costs of all tangible personal property other than
that included under the Equipment category.
Justification: Specify general categories of supplies and their
costs. Show computations and provide other information which supports
the amount requested.
Other
Enter the total of all other costs. Such costs, where applicable
and appropriate, may include but are not limited to insurance, food,
medical and dental costs (noncontractual), professional services costs,
space and equipment rentals, printing and publication, computer use,
training costs, such as tuition and stipends, staff development costs,
and administrative costs.
Justification: Provide computations, a narrative description and a
justification for each cost under this category.
Indirect Charges
Description: Total amount of indirect costs. This category should
be used only when the applicant currently has an indirect cost rate
approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or
another cognizant Federal agency.
Justification: An applicant that will charge indirect costs to the
grant must enclose a copy of the current rate agreement. If the
applicant organization is in the process of initially developing or
renegotiating a rate, upon notification that an award will be made, it
should immediately develop a tentative indirect cost rate proposal
based on its most recently completed fiscal year, in accordance with
the cognizant agency's guidelines for establishing indirect cost rates,
and submit it to the cognizant agency. Applicants awaiting approval of
their indirect cost proposals may also request indirect costs. When an
indirect cost rate is requested, those costs included in the indirect
cost pool
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should not also be charged as direct costs to the grant. Also, if the
applicant is requesting a rate which is less than what is allowed under
the program, the authorized representative of the applicant
organization must submit a signed acknowledgement that the applicant is
accepting a lower rate than allowed.
Evaluation Criteria: The following evaluation criteria appear in
weighted descending order. The corresponding score values indicate the
relative importance that ACF places on each evaluation criterion;
however, applicants need not develop their applications precisely
according to the order presented. Application components may be
organized such that a reviewer will be able to follow a seamless and
logical flow of information (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 (35 Points)
The extent to which the proposal reflects a solid understanding of
(a) critical issues, information needs, and research issues of the
child care field, (b) the child care subsidy system and TANF, and (c)
low-income working families from various cultural, language, and ethnic
groups.
The extent to which the conceptual model, objectives and hypotheses
are (a) well formulated and appropriately linked, (b) reflect the
Bureau's research agenda and goals, and (c) will contribute new
knowledge to the field.
The effectiveness with which the proposal articulates the current
state of knowledge on (a) the interplay among child care and other
early care and education programs, (b) child care and children's
development and well-being, or (c) child care and family self-
sufficiency.
Approach (35 Points)
The extent to which the proposed research design (a) appropriately
links research issues, questions, variables, data sources, samples, and
analyses (b) employs technically sound and appropriate approaches,
design elements and procedures, and sampling techniques.
The extent to which the proposed design (a) reflects sensitivity to
technical, logistical, and ethical issues that may arise (b) includes
realistic strategies for the resolution of difficulties, (c)
demonstrates how the researcher will gain access to the necessary
organizations, participants, and data sources needed for the project.
The extent to which the researchers assure (a) adequate protection
of human subjects, confidentiality of data, and consent procedures, as
appropriate; and (b) include a sound description of the anticipated
results and benefits of the project.
The extent to which the research design (a) specifies the measures
to be used and their psychometric properties, (b) describes how these
measures have been used to address the proposed research questions, and
(c) describes how these measures have been used with the low-income,
diverse population to be studied.
Staff and Position (Data 20 Points)
The extent to which the student and his/her mentor (a) demonstrate
competence in the areas addressed by the proposed research, including
relevant background, experience, and training on related research or
similar projects, (b) demonstrate expertise in research design,
sampling, field work, data processing, statistical analysis, (c)
reflect an understanding of the child care subsidy system and the child
care needs of low-income families and the complexities of conducting
research within that system and the diverse cultural, language, and
ethnic population it serves, and (d) include an effective plan for the
dissemination and utilization of information by researchers, policy-
makers, and practitioners in the field.
The extent to which the application includes a management plan that
presents a sound framework for how the mentor and student will maintain
quality control over the implementation and ongoing operations for the
study.
Budget and Budget Justification (10 Points)
The extent to which the proposed project costs (a) are reasonable,
appropriately allocated, and sufficient to accomplish the objectives,
research design, and dissemination plan, (b) include funds for the
student, and his/her mentor if applicable, to participate in the CCB's
Annual Meeting of the Child Care Policy Research Consortium and the
State Administrators' Meeting in Washington, DC (c) are justified
according to the needs and time frame for carrying out the proposed
project, and (d) includes funds for activities, such as conference
attendance, publications, invited lectures, etc.
2. Review and Selection Process
No grant award will be made under this announcement on the basis of
an incomplete application.
Application Process: This announcement includes all of the
information needed to apply for funding. Detailed instructions for
preparing and submitting applications are described. Applicants must
follow the prescribed content and format in preparing their
applications (see Section IV.2). Applications will be evaluated
according to the Evaluation Criteria and the Uniform Project
Description (see Section V.1).
Application, Review, Selection, and Award: Each application will be
screened to determine whether the applicant institution is eligible.
The review will be conducted in Washington, DC. Expert reviewers
may include researchers, Federal or State staff, child care
administrators, or other individuals experienced in child care research
and evaluation. A panel of at least three reviewers will evaluate each
application to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the proposal
in terms of the Bureau's research goals and expectations, its fit with
the bureau's research agenda, and the evaluation criteria.
Panelists will provide written comments and assign numerical scores
for each application. The assigned scores for each criterion will be
summed to yield a total evaluation score for the proposal. In addition
to the panel review, CCB may solicit comments from other Federal
offices and agencies, States, non-governmental organizations, and
individuals whose particular expertise is identified as necessary for
the consideration of technical issues arising during the review. The
Bureau will consider their comments, along with those of the panelists,
when making funding decisions. The Bureau will also take into account
the best combination of proposed projects to meet its overall research
goals.
The ACYF Commissioner will make the final selection of the
applicants to be funded. Applications may be funded in whole or in part
depending on: (1) Rank order of applicants resulting from the
competitive review, (2) staff review and consultations, (3) the
combination of projects that best meet the Bureau's research
objectives, (4) the funds available; and (5) other relevant
considerations.
Since ACF will be using non-Federal reviewers in the process,
applicants have the option of omitting from the application copies (not
the original) specific salary rates or amounts for
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individuals specified in the application budget and Social Security
Numbers, if otherwise required for individuals. The copies may include
summary salary information.
Approved But Unfunded Applications
In cases where more applications are approved for funding than ACF
can fund with the money available, the Grants Officer shall fund
applications in their order of approval until funds run out. In this
case, ACF has the option of carrying over the approved applications up
to a year for funding consideration in a later competition of the same
program. These applications need not be reviewed and scored again if
the program's evaluation criteria have not changed. However, they must
then be placed in rank order along with other applications in later
competition.
VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices
The successful applicants will be notified through the issuance of
a Financial Assistance Award document which sets forth the amount of
funds granted, the terms and conditions of the grant, the effective
date of the grant, the budget period for which initial support will be
given, the non-Federal share to be provided, and the total project
period for which support is contemplated. The Financial Assistance
Award will be signed by the Grants Officer and transmitted via postal
mail.
Organizations whose applications will not be funded will be
notified in writing.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
Grantees are subject to the requirements in 45 CFR part 74 (non-
governmental) or 45 CFR part 92 (governmental).
Direct Federal grants, subaward funds, or contracts under this
Child Care Research Scholars Program shall not be used to support
inherently religious activities such as religious instruction, worship,
or proselytization. Therefore, organizations must take steps to
separate, in time or location, their inherently religious activities
from the services funded under this Program. Regulations pertaining to
the prohibition of Federal funds for inherently religious activities
can be found on the HHS Web site at http://www.os.dhhs.gov/fbci/waisgate21.pdf
.
Special Terms and Conditions of Awards: The following special
term(s) and condition(s) are in addition to the ACF standard terms and
conditions which accompany the Financial Assistance Award (FAA)
document.
Conference Attendance. The student must attend and present a poster
at the Annual Meeting of the Child Care Policy Research Consortium and
pre-conference each year of the grant. This conference is typically
scheduled during the spring of each year. In addition, the student must
attend and present at the State Administrators' Meeting typically held
in the summer of each year. The budget should reflect travel funds for
both conferences. Faculty advisors are strongly encouraged to attend
these conferences as well.
Archiving and Publishing. The student must agree to archive his/her
approved dissertation document with Research Connections. The student
must also work with CCB staff and Research Connections staff to publish
a research/policy brief that can be published on the Research
Connections Web site.
3. Reporting Requirements
Program Progress Reports: Semi-annual.
Financial Reports: Semi-annual.
Grantees will be required to submit program progress and financial
reports (SF 269) throughout the project period. Program progress and
financial reports are due 30 days after the reporting period. In
addition, final programmatic and financial reports are due 90 days
after the close of the project period. The SF-269 may be found at the
following URL: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
VII. Agency Contacts
Program Office Contact: Dr. Dawn Ramsburg, Administration for
Children and Families, Child Care Bureau, 330 C Street, SW., Switzer
Building, Room 2046, Washington, DC 20447. Phone: 202-690-6705; Fax:
202-690-5600; e-mail: dramsburg@acf.hhs.gov.
Grants Management Office Contact: Peter Thompson, Administration
for Children and Families, Office of Grants Management, Division of
Discretionary Grants, Mary E. Switzer Building, Room 2070, 330 C
Street, SW., Washington, DC 20447. Phone: 202-401-4608; Fax: 202-401-
5644; e-mail: PAThompson@acf.hhs.gov.
VIII. Other Information
Applicants will not be sent acknowledgements of received
applications.
Notice: Beginning with FY 2006, the Administration for Children
and Families will no longer publish grant announcements in the
Federal Register. Beginning October 1, 2005, applicants will be able
to find a synopsis of all ACF grant opportunities and apply
electronically for opportunities via: http://www.Grants.gov.
Applicants will also be able to find the complete text of all ACF
grant announcements on the ACF Web site located at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/index.html
.
Dated: March 14, 2005.
Joan E. Ohl,
Commissioner, Administration on Children, Youth and Families.
[FR Doc. 05-5554 Filed 3-23-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P