[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 76 (Wednesday, April 22, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18424-18433]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-9151]
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SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
[Docket No. SSA-2009-0024]
Financial Literacy Research Consortium Request for Applications
(RFA); Program Announcement No. SSA-ORP-09-1
AGENCY: Social Security Administration.
ACTION: Notice and request for applications.
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SUMMARY: Social Security benefits are a key foundation in providing
income security for millions of Americans. However, they are intended
to complement other sources of income wherever feasible, such as
pensions, tax-deferred retirement savings accounts, or personal
savings. The current economic climate means that many Americans are now
in danger of having insufficient savings for retirement and other life
events. This situation occurs at a time when workers also need to take
increasing responsibility for their savings decisions as many employers
are moving from defined benefit to defined contribution plans.
As described in the new SSA Agency Strategic Plan, we believe we
have a special responsibility to help Americans of all working ages to
understand the role of Social Security benefits and the need for
Americans to save as they plan for retirement and other life events.
More fundamentally, we also need to educate the public about the role
of Social Security as one of the foundations of household income in the
event of retirement, disability, or death. This includes a focus on key
decisions such as when to stop working and when to take retirement
benefits.
The Financial Literacy Research Consortium (FLRC) will be an
innovative, non-partisan multidisciplinary research and development
(R&D) initiative to develop products to better inform the public about
key financial literacy topics related to retirement savings and
planning. We are interested in developing products--such as Internet
tools as well as print materials--that help foster retirement and other
savings strategies at all stages of the life cycle. Products may be
tailored to new entrants to the workforce, mid-career workers, those
approaching retirement, and those in retirement who must successfully
manage retirement assets. In addition, as part of the FLRC, we are
seeking some (but not exclusive) focus on educational products to help
low and moderate income populations successfully plan and save for
retirement and other life events, as well as products that improve
understanding of Social Security's programs. We are also interested in
potentially evaluating optimal distributional channels for some or many
of these products.
Due to our existing relationship with the public, we are uniquely
positioned to encourage saving. We have over 1,300 field offices across
the country, a Web site that received over 88 million visits in 2008, a
Social Security Statement that is sent to approximately 150 million
workers every year and professional public affairs staff around the
country. We may distribute FLRC products (or revised products) to
better inform the public about retirement savings topics. In addition,
the FLRC will make available to the public products developed by the
FLRC that may be of
[[Page 18425]]
value to the broader savings and retirement planning community.
We are announcing the solicitation of applications for a
cooperative agreement to compete for a Financial Literacy Research
Consortium to help inform the public about financial literacy and
savings. Section 1110 of the Act, 42 U.S.C. 1310. In the first year,
the Consortium will be composed of no more than two research centers.
The centers will have a combined annual budget of approximately $5.0
million. We expect to fund the centers for a period of 5 years,
contingent on an annual review process and continued availability of
funds.
DATES: The opening date of this announcement is the date of
publication. The closing date for receipt of cooperative agreement
applications under this announcement is June 6, 2009.
Notice/Letter of Intent: Prospective applicants are asked to
submit, preferably with an e-mail attachment, within 30 days of
publication of this RFA, an e-mail, fax, postcard or letter of intent
that includes (1) the program announcement number (SSA-ORP-09-1) and
title (Financial Literacy Research Consortium); (2) the name of the
agency or organization that is applying and (3) the name, mailing
address, e-mail address, telephone number and fax number for the
organization's contact person. The notice of intent is not required, is
not binding, and does not enter into the review process of a subsequent
application.
The purpose of the notice of intent is to allow our staff to
estimate the number of independent reviewers needed and to avoid
potential conflicts of interest in the review. The notice of intent
should be faxed to (202) 358-6355 or mailed to Social Security
Administration, Office of Retirement Policy, 500 E St., SW.,
Washington, DC 20254. Attn: David Rogofsky.
ADDRESSES: We require that applicants submit an electronic application
through www.grants.gov for Funding Opportunity Number SSA-ORP-09-1. The
www.grants.gov ``Get Registered'' Web page is available to help explain
the registration and application submission process. In addition, new
Federal grant applicants may find the Grants.gov ``Registration
Brochure'' on the above noted Web site to be helpful. Also, as
questions come in from this RFA, we will be posting a Word attachment
FAQ on the Office of Retirement Policy Web site (http://www.ssa.gov/retirementpolicy). Questions can be submitted to [email protected] and
answers will be posted on the Web site as they become available.
Therefore, all potential applicants should continue to monitor the
Office of Retirement Policy Web site frequently in order to ensure that
they have the latest updates of FAQs.
If you experience problems with the steps related to registering to
do business with the Federal government or application submission, your
first point of contact is the Grants.gov support staff at
[email protected], 1-800-518-4726. If your difficulties are not
resolved, you may also contact the SSA Grants Management Team for
assistance: Audrey Adams, (410) 965-9469; Mary Biddle, (410) 965-9503;
Ann Dwayer, (410) 965-9534; Phyllis Y. Smith (410) 965-9518. If
extenuating circumstances prevent you from submitting an application
through www.grants.gov, please contact the SSA Grants Management Team
for possible prior approval to download, complete, and submit an
application by mail. Should we grant such approval, the downloadable
application package will be available at http://www.ssa.gov/oag. Please
fax inquiries regarding the application process to the Grants
Management Team at (410) 966-9310 or mail to: Social Security
Administration, Office of Acquisition and Grants, Grants Management
Team, Attention: SSA-ORP-09-1, 1st Floor, Rear Entrance, 7111 Security
Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21244. To ensure receipt of the proper application
package, please include program announcement number SSA-ORP-09-1 and
the date of this announcement.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For nonprogrammatic information
regarding the announcement or application package, contact: SSA, Office
of Acquisition and Grants, Grants Management Team, 7111 Security Blvd.,
1st Floor Rear Entrance, Baltimore, MD 21244. Contact persons are:
Audrey Adams, Grants Management Officer, telephone (410) 965-9469, Mary
Biddle, (410) 965-9503; Ann Dwayer, (410) 965-9534; Phyllis Y. Smith,
(410) 965-9518. The fax number is (410) 966-9310.
For information on the program content of the announcement/
application, please submit a question to the mailbox [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
I. Funding Opportunity Description
A. Purpose
B. The Role of the Center(s)
1. Key Product Research Questions
2. Product Development and Testing
3. Dissemination of Products and Findings
4. Tasks
C. Responsibilities
1. Responsibilities
2. SSA Responsibilities
II. Award Information
A. Type of Award
B. Availability and Duration of Funding
C. Letter of Intent
III. Eligibility Information
A. Eligible Applicants
B. Cost Sharing or Matching
C. Policies Regarding Potential Conflict of Interest in WIPA
Service Delivery
D. Other
IV. Application and Submission Information
A. Overview
B. Availability of Application Forms
C. Content and Organization of Technical Application
D. Components of a Complete Application
E. Guidelines for Application Submission
F. Submission Date and Times
G. Intergovernmental Review
H. Funding Restrictions
I. Other Submission Requirements
V. Application Review Information
A. Review Process and Funding
B. Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria
VI. Award Administration Information
A. Notification
B. Award Notices
C. Administration and National Policy Requirements
D. Reporting
VII. Agency Contacts
VIII. Other
I. Funding Opportunity Description
A. Purpose
We are announcing the solicitation of applications for a
cooperative agreement to compete for a Financial Literacy Research
Consortium (FLRC). Section 1110 of the Act, 42 U.S.C. 1310. We seek
applications in support of the FLRC that will serve as a national
resource fostering innovative R&D on how to encourage savings through
greater financial literacy, being cognizant that Social Security income
is a fundamental source of retirement savings for many, and thus a
cornerstone of our involvement.
The FLRC may consist of up to two research centers. The
Consortium's purpose is to benefit the public through the following:
(1) Research, development and evaluation. We expect the FLRC to
plan, initiate, and maintain a multi-disciplinary R&D program of high
quality. This R&D will result primarily in educational products that
encourage savings and effective retirement planning, including planning
for the key decisions around retirement timing and benefit receipt. It
may also result in research-based recommendations on the architecture
or structure of programs or mechanisms that encourage use of public and
private sector savings plans.
[[Page 18426]]
(2) Dissemination. The FLRC will disseminate research findings and
product prototypes through center Web sites and other media to inform
the public as well as the broader retirement savings community
including practitioners, policymakers and the public.
(3) SSA's Rights in Data. The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
incorporates into the cooperative agreement the Government's rights in
data. 48 CFR 52.227-14. Under this cooperative agreement, references to
the ``contract'' in the FAR must refer to this cooperative agreement,
and references to the ``Contractor'' in the FAR must refer to the
agency's FLRC cooperative agreement partner(s).
The provision provides, among other things, that the agency will
have unlimited rights in data first produced in performance of the
cooperative agreement, which means that we will have the right, as to
this data, to use, disclose, reproduce, prepare derivative works,
distribute copies to the public, and display it publicly, in any manner
and for any purpose. 48 CFR 52.227-14(1). In addition, the agency can
permit others to have the same rights just described.
Under FAR, the agency's FLRC cooperative agreement partner(s) will
have the right to release to others, reproduce, distribute, or publish
any data first produced or specifically used by the agency's FLRC
cooperative agreement partner(s) in performance of this cooperative
agreement, unless provided otherwise under this regulation. 48 CFR
52.227-14(b)(2)(i). Please refer to the FAR for a complete description
of the parties' rights in data.
B. The Role of the Center(s)--The Center(s) Will Address the Following
Key Research Questions Through Their R&D Initiatives
1. Key Product Research Questions
(a) How to encourage retirement savings for new labor force
entrants in employer-sponsored retirement plans, individual retirement
plans, or other savings vehicles. Time is a critical variable in
amassing retirement savings and consequently, workers' initial savings
decisions upon entering the labor force can have lasting effects. We
seek R&D on products that can help young workers make effective savings
decisions at an age when income adequacy in retirement may appear to be
a distant concern. Work in this area includes identifying sound savings
principles and effective social marketing/media strategies for those
entering the labor force.
A potential near term future publication on this might be a
``Welcome to the Workforce Guide'' provided to every new wage-earner.
Work in this area might also include research-based recommendations on
how we can clearly communicate issues regarding future solvency to
accurately and effectively convey that Social Security benefits will
remain an important component of the retirement savings strategies of
many individuals.
(b) How to encourage the protection of retirement resources for
mid-career individuals (e.g., limiting lump-sum distributions from
employer plans upon job changes, responsible use of loan provisions
within employer-provided plans, limiting overall debt levels). Workers
who have maintained adequate savings throughout the first half of their
careers must take care to ensure these retirement assets are protected
and continue to grow until retirement. In addition, workers who have
not maintained adequate savings may still have time to make
corrections. We are interested in R&D on educational products that help
ensure against the diminishment or loss of these critical retirement
resources. Work in this area includes: considerations of asset
management and work strategies that can affect savings, pensions, and
Social Security benefits.
(c) How to encourage work and retirement decisions for near-
retirees that ensure adequate retirement income. Workers' retirement
decisions can substantially affect their well-being later in life,
regardless of their previous savings behavior. We are interested in R&D
on effective retirement planning educational products for this group.
Work in this area includes: Effects (both separately and together) of
starting Social Security benefits at different ages; pension
distribution options; and private asset management.
(d) How to encourage effective resource management for current
retirees in order to prevent hardship late in life. Financial literacy
encompasses not only the accumulation phase of asset management, but
also the decumulation phase. We are interested in R&D on appropriate
educational resource management products to help retirees maintain
adequate income throughout retirement. Examples of this includes:
Managing private savings, pensions, and other assets during retirement
(either in isolation or as a whole), such as annuitization options.
(e) How to encourage and design effective retirement savings
strategies for the low- and moderate-income populations (young and mid-
career). Conventional savings strategies are often inappropriate for
the low-income population. We are interested in R&D on effective
educational products for helping these individuals save for retirement.
Work in this area includes: Developing plan designs for savings needs
that are not met by restricted use vehicles (e.g., IRAs) and developing
plan designs and communicating about investment strategies for low-
income persons who are more likely to have immediate and unforeseen
financial needs; communicating about opportunities for saving for
recipients of means-tested public assistance programs; developing
educational products appropriate for persons with limited access to
workplace savings vehicles and mainstream financial institutions.
(f) Additionally, the FLRC may involve financial literacy research
related to specific programs or features of programs relevant to the
agency. We are interested in R&D that relates to Social Security
Disability Income (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
recipients. Potential future products in these areas might include a
``Guide to Disability Benefits,'' an innovatively designed outreach
tool to help individuals understand SSDI and SSI disability benefits
and the disability determination process. Other products could focus on
savings topics relevant to the disabled population or on work
incentives in the SSDI or SSI programs (e.g., a ``Guide to Work
Incentives'').
There may be several subgroups within the target audiences
mentioned above, for example, those with limited reading skills. To
most effectively develop products to reach target audiences and
potential subgroups, applicants are encouraged to consider teaming with
partners who have expertise in conducting research with disadvantaged
and hard-to-reach populations, including low-income populations, youth
with disabilities and adults with disabilities.
We are also interested in R&D on products that would promote better
understanding of complex provisions of Social Security; for instance, a
potential product could be a ``Guide to the WEP (Windfall Elimination
Provision)/GPO (Government Pension Offset).''
2. Product Development and Testing
The center(s) will develop products designed to address the five
key research questions in ways that will engage the public. Initial
product development will be guided primarily by qualitative research
such as focus groups and in-depth, unstructured individual interviews,
but it could include relevant quantitative survey
[[Page 18427]]
research as well that assesses increased knowledge and changes in
behavior. Additional quantitative research might be utilized in
subsequent evaluation of the products, particularly within the context
of specific potential distributional channels. The key goal of the FLRC
is not only to develop compelling products, but also to get these
products into the hands of the public. Evaluation of the most effective
ways to do this will be of great importance.
Products generated by the FLRC center(s) can include:
(a) Innovative web-based interactive technologies and social
networking applications.
(b) Print publications which are innovative and compelling in terms
of graphics, layout, or messaging.
(c) Development of research-based recommendations on the most
effective distributional channels for the above products. Channels
could include not only our distributional resources such as the annual
statement, teleservice centers and field offices, but also employers,
non-profit national and community organizations, and public libraries.
(d) Development of research-based recommendations on optimal
architecture, plan design, or plan defaults. Recommendations would be
developed and refined through qualitative research and possibly large-
scale, randomized experiments.
(e) Development of research-based recommendations on optimal
combinations of multiple sequenced interventions--possibly even
including some forms of personalized assistance--in consumer outreach
and education. Advertising and social marketing principles hold that
multiple exposures are often necessary for consumers to gain awareness
and change behavior. Recommendations would be developed and refined
through qualitative research and possibly large-scale, randomized
experiments.
(f) Relevant research papers on key issues related to financial
literacy. It is expected that as a result of the above types of
products being researched and tested, one further outcome would be
papers disseminated to the broader research and policy community on
testing results. This would enhance the broader knowledge base about
financial literacy. In addition, there might be a need for basic
research in a previously unexamined area of financial literacy or
analysis that would identify policy changes that would support
financial literacy and savings. Although we acknowledge that there
might be a compelling rationale for centers to produce basic research
or policy analysis papers, prospective applicants should be aware that
we are looking for these papers to constitute no more than 15% of total
center funding.
(g) Development of an experimental recommended audience
segmentation strategy within or even across multiple age groups. This
would group those with similar attitudes and behaviors toward
retirement saving, within more broadly defined age bands, in order to
tailor products that each segment would find compelling.
(h) In general, evaluation includes: Focus groups, in-depth
interviews, observational research, surveys, and larger scale
randomized experiments.
(i) To optimally develop and test products, it is anticipated that
a multidisciplinary approach might be utilized in some, many, or all
instances. Examples of the relevant disciplines that could be included
in the mix are: Economics (behavioral, consumer and family economics);
social marketing; marketing science; psychology; sociology.
3. Dissemination of Products and Findings
At our discretion, we may distribute or arrange to distribute
products or copies of products developed by the center(s). We may also
seek further testing and research within or outside of the FLRC before
making a determination about distribution. We may make changes to the
FLRC product as we deem necessary for its continued use. See 48 CFR
52.227-14.
In addition, we expect that the center(s) will become a focal point
for the public, including the broader saving and financial planning
community (retirement plan sponsors, human resources departments,
government agencies, and others). The center(s) will have a dedicated
Web site on which all products and research results will be available
for use, download, and distribution by this broader community.
We realize that effective R&D encompassing all of the above may be
well beyond the current capacity and scope of any one center.
Therefore, prospective centers are strongly encouraged to engage
partners and affiliates to complement and supplement their own areas of
expertise. Similarly, a center may choose to concentrate on a few of
the research questions and on priority target demographic audience
segments. The goal of the Consortium as a whole is to produce high-
quality research and educational products covering the range of
objectives discussed above.
4. Tasks
Each center will perform the following tasks:
(a) Research, development (including educational materials and
distributional channel testing), and dissemination of findings. Each
center will be expected to plan, initiate, and maintain a research
program that meets the highest standards of rigor and objectivity.
Applicants need to describe their quality assurance standards. We
reserve the right to review all publications created using Consortium
funding prior to publication or dissemination.
Joint research between Consortium and our researchers is
encouraged, as is collaboration with other organizations interested in
financial literacy. In instances where there is joint research with our
researchers, we expect that there would be joint authorship of research
papers. Federal employees cannot receive any funding support for
collaborations. Planning and execution of the research program must
always consider the policy implications of research findings. However,
we also consider it appropriate, for example, to pursue advances in
research techniques, when related to primary objectives of the
Consortium.
In order to ensure the practical utility of the centers' R&D
activities, a group of eight nationally recognized scholars or experts,
as well as financial services and social marketing practitioners from
both the non-profit and business sectors must periodically review the
center's activities. (See Part I, Section C, Center Responsibilities.)
(b) Dissemination. An important feature of each center's
responsibilities is making knowledge and information available to the
public, including but not limited to the broader retirement savings
community. The centers will be expected to host a Web site as a go-to
resource for research, recommendations, and prototypes of practical
products and distributional channels. In addition, the centers will be
expected to organize conferences, workshops, lectures, seminars, or
other ways of sharing current research activities and findings. The
Consortium will hold an annual conference on issues related to
financial literacy, with organizational responsibility rotating among
the centers if there is more than one center in the consortium. The
centers will work with us to produce a conference agenda. The
conference will be held in Washington, DC. The hosting center will also
have the responsibility for preparing and distributing a bound volume
of conference papers and related materials to conference participants.
[[Page 18428]]
(c) Reporting. Every three months during the award period, the
grantee will produce a quarterly report of progress. The grantee's
quarterly progress report should provide a concise summary of the
progress made towards completion of activities in the annual work plan.
The grantee should pay particular attention in the report to achieving
any milestones set forth in the work plan, delays in achieving
milestones, and the affect of delays on the final product. Details
regarding the format of quarterly progress reports will be provided in
the FLRC Terms and Conditions at the time of award. In addition to the
regular reporting, the grantee will provide ad hoc and timely
``hotline'' reports on any significant issues that arise with respect
to management and implementation of the work.
C. Responsibilities
1. Center Responsibilities
The centers have the primary and lead responsibility to define
objectives and approaches; plan research, conduct studies, and analyze
data; design products; and publish results, interpretations, and
conclusions of their work.
Occasionally, we will request quick turnaround projects from the
FLRC. These projects include: Commenting on our research plans,
providing critical commentary on research products, conducting
research, composing policy briefs, performing statistical analyses,
pulling together key research findings and recommendations in
PowerPoint presentations, developing products, organizing research
dissemination opportunities such as seminars and workshops and other
activities designed to inform the agency's R&D initiatives. Funding for
these as well as other related activities should be included in the
budget narrative at a level of $200,000. The agency can raise the
ceiling above $200,000 for quick turnaround projects if both need and
funds exist. For qualitative research, assuming the materials were
ready to be tested, quick turnaround would be defined as focus groups
taking place within three weeks to one month of task order award, with
top line (executive summary--summary of findings) reports to be
delivered within one week after research is concluded. For quantitative
research, a quick turnaround might involve an online research panel.
Therefore, prospective applicants should ensure that they have the
capability of bringing on skilled, relevant partners who could
accommodate this type of timeframe, if they currently do not have the
in-house capability to do so.
Jointly with us, each center will select approximately eight
nationally recognized scholars or experts and financial services/social
marketing practitioners from the non-profit and business sectors who
are unaffiliated with any center to provide assistance in formulating
the center's research agenda and advice on implementation. Each center
must select four scholars/practitioners or experts, and we will select
four scholars/practitioners. Efforts will be made in selecting the
scholars/practitioners to ensure a broad range of academic disciplines
and viewpoints. Funded under this agreement, the scholars/practitioners
must meet once a year at the FLRC Annual Conference in Washington, DC.
On occasion, all centers' scholars/practitioners will meet jointly to
evaluate and provide advice on Consortium objectives and progress.
Further, the centers may contact the scholars/practitioners throughout
the year for suggestions regarding center activities. The agency's
Project Officer or representative will participate in all meetings.
2. SSA Responsibilities
We will be involved with the Consortium in jointly establishing
research priorities and dates to accomplish the objectives of this
announcement. We, or our representatives, will provide the following
types of support to the Consortium:
(a) Consultation and technical assistance in planning, operating,
and evaluating the Consortium's activities.
(b) Information about our programs, policies, and research
priorities.
(c) Assistance in identifying our information and technical
assistance resources pertinent to the centers' success.
(d) Review of Consortium activities and collegial feedback to
ensure that objectives and award conditions are being met. We may
suspend or terminate any cooperative agreement in whole or in part at
any time before the date of expiration, if the awardee materially fails
to comply with the terms and conditions of the cooperative agreement,
if the awardee does not meet technical performance requirements, or the
project is no longer relevant to the agency. We will promptly notify
the awardee in writing of the determination and the reasons for
suspension or termination together with the effective date. We reserve
the right to suspend funding for individual projects in process or in
previously approved research areas or tasks after granting awards.
In general, we seek organizations with demonstrated capacity for
providing quality innovative R&D, and working with government
policymakers.
II. Award Information
A. Type of Award
All awards made under this program will be made in the form of a
cooperative agreement. A cooperative agreement, as distinct from a
grant, anticipates substantial involvement between the agency and the
awardee during the performance of the project. A comprehensive annual
review process will allow us to evaluate, recommend changes, and
approve each center's activities. Our involvement may include
collaboration or participation in the activities of the centers as
determined at the time of award. The terms of the award are in addition
to, not in lieu of, otherwise applicable guidelines and procedures. The
issuance of the terms occurs along with the notice of award.
The grantee must apply to continue the cooperative agreement in
order to receive funds in subsequent years of the 5-year agreement. The
grantee will produce a continuation application, subject to review and
approval by us. The continuation application should clearly describe a
set of research, and dissemination activities that best address the
priorities of the agency. We will engage in a dialogue with grantees
throughout the award period regarding research topics. Based on that
dialogue, we will provide the grantee with guidance (in writing) on the
agency's research priorities for the subsequent continuation cycle.
B. Availability and Duration of Funding
1. Approximately $5.0 million will be available to fund the initial
12-month budget period of a proposed five-year cooperative agreement(s)
pursuant to the announcement.
2. Applicants must include detailed budget estimates for the first
year, assuming a funding level of $5.0 million. If an applicant
receives an award under the FLRC for less than $5.0 million, the agency
and the applicant will jointly renegotiate research priorities.
3. The amount of funds available for the cooperative agreement in
future years has not been established. Legislative support for
continued funding of the Consortium cannot be guaranteed and funding is
subject to future appropriations and budgetary approval. We expect
Consortium support during future fiscal years at an
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annual level of approximately $5 million.
4. The announcement allows for the unequal division of funds among
multiple chosen centers.
5. Additional funds may become available from the agency or other
Federal agencies in support of Consortium projects.
6. Initial awards, pursuant to this announcement, will be made on
or about September 15, 2009.
Although we anticipate two awards, nothing in this announcement
restricts our ability to make more or fewer awards, to make an award of
lesser amount, or to add additional centers to the FLRC in the future.
Further, we are not required to fund all proposed Consortium activities
in any year. We will review all proposed activities annually.
C. Letter of Intent
Prospective applicants must submit a letter of intent by May 7,
2009, which includes (1) this program announcement number and title;
(2) a brief description of the proposed center; (3) the name, postal
and e-mail addresses, telephone and fax numbers of the Center Director;
and (4) the identities of the key personnel and participating
institutions. The letter of intent is not required, is not binding, and
does not enter into the review process of a subsequent application. The
sole purpose of the letter of intent is to allow our staff to estimate
the potential review workload and avoid conflicts of interest in the
review. The letter of intent should be sent to: SSA, Office of
Retirement Policy, 500 E Street, SW., Washington, DC 20254, Attention:
David Rogofsky.
III. Eligibility Information
A. Eligible Applicants
We are seeking applications from domestic Institutions of Higher
Education, Non-Profit organizations, Commercial organizations, Federal
and State Governments, and Native American tribal organizations. A
research team may consist of organizations, individuals, or
institutions that are geographically distant, to the extent that the
research design requires and accommodates such arrangements. Nothing in
this announcement precludes non-academic entities from being affiliated
with an applicant.
No cooperative agreement funds may be paid as profit to any
cooperative agreement recipient. For-profit organizations may apply
with the understanding that no funds may be paid as profit. Profit is
considered as any amount in excess of the allowable costs of the award
recipient.
In accordance with an amendment to the Lobbying Disclosure Act,
popularly known as the Simpson-Craig Amendment, those entities
organized under section 501(c)4 of the Internal Revenue Code that
engage in lobbying are prohibited from receiving Federal cooperative
agreement awards.
B. Cost Sharing
We will not provide a center's entire funding. Recipients of our
cooperative agreement are required to contribute a non-Federal match of
at least 5 percent toward the total approved cost of each center. The
total approved cost of the project is the sum of the Federal share
(maximum of 95 percent) and the non-Federal share (minimum of 5
percent). The non-Federal share may be cash or in-kind (property or
services) contributions.
C. Other
Each center director must have a demonstrated capability to
organize, administer, and direct the center. The director will be
responsible for the organization and operation of the center and for
communication with us on scientific and operational matters. The
director must also have a minimum time commitment of 25 percent to
Consortium activities. Racial/ethnic minority individuals, women, and
persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply as directors.
Submission of a list of previous grants and cooperative agreements held
by the director is required, including the names and contact
information of each grant's and cooperative agreement's administrator.
In addition to the director, skilled personnel and institutional
resources capable of providing a strong research, development and
testing base in the specified priority areas must be available. The
institution must show a strong commitment to the Consortium's support.
Such commitment may be provided as dedicated space, salary support for
investigators or key personnel, dedicated equipment or other financial
support for the proposed center.
IV. Application and Submission Information
A. Overview
This part contains information on the preparation of an application
for submission under this announcement and the forms necessary for
submission. Potential applicants should read this part carefully in
conjunction with the information provided in Part I.
We anticipate that the applicant will have access to additional
sources of funding for some projects and arrangements with other
organizations and institutions. The applicant (including the center
Director and other key personnel) must make all current and anticipated
related funding arrangements (including contact information for grant/
contract/cooperative agreement administrators) explicit in an
attachment to the application (Part IV, Section D). As part of the
annual review process, this information will be updated and reviewed to
limit duplicative funding for center projects.
B. Availability of Application Forms
The application kit is available at www.grants.gov. For information
regarding the application package, contact: SSA, Office of Acquisition
and Grants, Grants Management Team, 7111 Security Blvd, 1st Floor Rear
Entrance, Baltimore, MD 21244. Contact person is Phyllis Y. Smith,
Chief, Grants Management Office, telephone (410) 965-8518, e-mail:
[email protected]. The fax number is (410) 966-9610. To request
an application kit for those without Internet access or for those
experiencing extenuating circumstances preventing the submission of an
electronic application, contact the Grants Management Office as
mentioned above.
When requesting an application kit, the applicant should refer to
the program announcement number SSA-ORP-09-1 and the date of this
announcement to ensure receipt of the proper application kit.
As questions arise, an FLRC FAQ attachment in Word will be posted
and revised on the Office of Retirement Policy Web site (http://www.ssa.gov/retirementpolicy). This will enable us to respond to
questions about this RFA from interested parties.
C. Content and Organization of Technical Application
The application must begin with the required application forms and
a three-page (double-spaced) overview and summary of the application.
Staff resumes should be included in a separate appendix.
Budget Narrative: In addition to providing an explanation of the
budget categories specified in the required forms, the budget narrative
must also link the R&D and administration to the center's funding
level. The special instructions attachment of the application kit
provides information on the distribution and presentation of budget
data. Though we believe that all
[[Page 18430]]
of the stated goals and objectives are important, we expect that the
substantial majority of funds will support R&D. In addition, allocation
of funds for occasional agency requested activities is required
(described in Part I, Section C-1).
Also, this section should include documentation of the
availability, potential availability, or expectation of other funds
(from the host institution, universities, foundations, other Federal
agencies, etc.) and the use of these funds. When contemplating
additional funding, applicants must note whether the host institution
is donating the funding, is in-hand from another funding source, or
applied for from another funding source. Formal commitments for the 5
percent, non-Federal, minimum budget share should be highlighted in
this section.
Seeking additional support from other sources is encouraged.
However, funds pertaining to this announcement must not duplicate those
received from other funding sources.
Project Narrative: The core of the application must contain five
sections, presented in the following order:
(1) A brief (not more than 30 pages) background environmental scan
and situation analysis of the key current financial literacy issues and
trends--with an emphasis on retirement savings--as they pertain to the
priority target audience segments to be addressed by the proposed
center. The analysis should cover the general state of savings
strategies, current educational products and distributional channels
(uptake, utilization, etc) targeted to these audiences. The analysis
should discuss concisely, but comprehensively, important priority R&D
initiatives based on either/both current key noted gaps in current
efforts, or on emerging societal trends that require new ways of
reaching the public.
(2) A research, development, and evaluation prospectus for a five-
year research agenda, outlining the major research themes to be
investigated over the next five years. In particular, the prospectus
will describe the activities planned for the priority research areas
and other additional R&D ideas proposed by the applicant. The
prospectus should follow from the background analysis section, and it
should detail how the proposed R&D would plan to result in products
that would be innovative, engaging, and compelling to several or all of
the target audiences, while reaching their intended audiences through
effective distributional channels. The prospectus should be clear on
how the proposed agenda and products do not duplicate research or
products currently available in the public and private sectors.
The prospectus must include detailed descriptions of individual
research projects expected in the center's first year of operation. The
special instructions attachment of the application kit provides
guidelines for project proposals. The prospectus should be specific
about long-term research themes and projects. The lines of research
described in the prospectus should be concrete enough that project
descriptions in subsequent research plan amendments can be viewed as
articulating a research theme discussed in the prospectus. An
application that contains an ad hoc categorization of an unstructured
set of research projects, rather than a set of projects that strike a
coherent theme, will be judged unfavorably.
Note: Once we have selected up to two successful FLRC
applicants, we will review the FLRC research agenda and determine
research priorities. This may include the addition, modification, or
removal of proposed research projects. After review, each center
will submit to us a revised research plan and budget. The research
plan will be periodically reviewed and revised as necessary. The
application should discuss how the centers select research projects
to propose, including involvement of the outside scholars/
practitioners, the agency, and other advisors and participants in
the consortium.
(3) A prospectus for dissemination of research findings, including
ways to reach a broad audience of the retirement savings community.
Dissemination plans should detail the proposed center Web site and
conferences.
(4) A staffing and organization proposal for the center, including
an analysis of the types of background needed among staff members, the
center's organizational structure, and linkages with the host
institution and other organizations. In this section, the applicant
should specify how it will ensure an effective approach to R&D and
where appropriate, identify the necessary links to experts engaged in
outreach and education.
The applicant should identify the center Director and key senior
research staff. Full resumes of proposed staff members must be included
as a separate appendix to the application. Each proposed staff member
must indicate the time commitment to the center and other commitments.
The application should specify how administrative arrangements would be
made to minimize start-up and transition delays. Note that once we
award the cooperative agreement, changes in key staff will require
prior approval from us. The kinds of administrative and tenure
arrangements, if any, the center proposes to make should also be
discussed in this section. In addition, the authors of the application
and the role that they will play in the proposed center must be
specified.
If the applicant envisions an arrangement of several universities
or entities, this section should describe the specifics of the
relationships, including leadership, management, and administration.
The staffing proposal should pay particular attention to discussing how
a focal point for R&D will be maintained given the arrangement
proposed. The applicant should also discuss the criteria for selection,
and expected contribution of the outside scholars/practitioners.
The application should provide an organizational experience summary
of past work at the institution proposed as the location (or the host)
of the center that relates directly or indirectly to the research
priorities of this request. This discussion should include more than a
listing of the individual projects completed by the individuals who are
included in the application. The discussion should provide a sense of
institutional commitment to R&D on issues involving financial literacy.
The application must list in an appendix appropriate recent or current
research projects, with a brief research summary, contact person,
references, and address and telephone numbers of references. This
section should also discuss the experience of the research staff in
working with the government agencies and their demonstrated capacity to
provide relevant support to these agencies.
D. Components of a Complete Application
A complete application package consists of one electronic
application. It should include the following items:
(1) Project Abstract/Summary (not to exceed three pages);
(2) Table of Contents;
(3) Part I (Face Sheet)--Application for Federal Assistance
(Standard Form 424);
(4) Part II--Budget Information--
(a) Form SF-424A--Sections A through F
(b) Form SSA SF424 Section G--Personnel
(5) Budget Narrative for Section B--Budget Categories;
(6) Copy of the applicant's approved indirect cost rate agreement,
if appropriate;
(7) Part III--Project Narrative. The project narrative should be
organized in five sections:
[[Page 18431]]
(a) Background Environmental Scan and Situation Analysis
(b) Research, Development, and Evaluation Prospectus
(c) Dissemination Prospectus,
(d) Staffing Proposal Including Staff Utilization, Staff
Background, Organizational Experience, and Partnerships with other
organizations.
(8) Assurances--Form SF-424B;
(9) Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, Form SF-LLL, if applicable.
(10) Any appendices/attachments; and
(11) Supplement to Section II--Key Personnel.
E. Guidelines for Application Submission
These guidelines should be followed in submitting applications:
(1) All applicants requesting our funds for cooperative agreement
projects under this announcement must submit the standard forms
provided in the application kit.
(2) The application must be executed by an individual authorized to
act for the applicant organization and to assume for the applicant
organization the obligations imposed by the terms and conditions of the
cooperative agreement award.
(3) Length: Applications should be as brief and concise as
possible, but ensure successful communication of the applicant's
proposal to the reviewers. The Project Narrative portion of the
application may not exceed 100 double-spaced pages (excluding the
resume and outside funding appendices), equivalent to being typewritten
on one side using standard (8\1/2\'' x 11'') size paper and 12-point
font. Attachments that support the project narrative count within the
100-page limit. Attachments not applicable to the project narrative do
not count toward this page limit.
(4) Attachments/Appendices, should only be included to provide
supporting documentation.
(5) On all applications developed by more than one organization,
the application must identify only one institution as the lead
organization and the official applicant. The other(s) can be included
as sub-grantees or subcontractors.
F. Submission Dates and Times
Applicants must submit applications through www.grants.gov by the
closing date of June 6, 2009. However, when the SSA Grants Management
Team approves the submission of a mailed application due to extenuating
circumstances, applications may be mailed or hand-delivered to: Social
Security Administration, Office of Acquisition and Grants, Grants
Management Team, Attention: SSA-ORP-09-1, 1st Floor-Rear Entrance, 7111
Security Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21244. Hand-delivered applications are
accepted between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
An application will be considered as meeting the deadline if it is
either:
(1) Received from Grants.gov on or before the deadline date; or
(2) Received at the above address on or before the deadline, when a
mailed application has been authorized by the Grants Management Team;
or
(3) Postmarked by June 6, 2009 when a mailed application has been
authorized by the Grants Management Team. Packages approved for mailing
must be sent through the U.S. Postal Service or by commercial carrier
on or before the deadline date and received in time to be considered
during the competitive review and evaluation process. Applicants are
cautioned to request a legibly dated U.S. Postal Service postmark or to
obtain a legibly dated receipt from a commercial carrier as evidence of
timely mailing. Private metered postmarks are not acceptable as proof
of timely mailing.
Applications that do not meet the above criteria will be considered
late applications. We will not waive or extend the deadline for any
applicant unless we waive or extend the deadline for all applicants. We
will notify each late applicant of non-application consideration.
Letters of intent, which are optional, are requested by May 7,
2009. See Part II, Section C for details.
G. Intergovernmental Review
Executive Order 12372 and 12416--Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs
This program is not covered by the requirements of Executive Order
12372, as amended by Executive Order 12416, relating to the Federal
policy for consulting with State and local elected officials on
proposed Federal financial assistance.
(Catalog of Domestic Federal Assistance: Program No. 96.007, Social
Security--Research and Demonstration)
H. Funding Restrictions
There will be limitations concerning allowable construction
expenses. Submitted budgets may include minor construction expenses,
such as alterations and renovations. This could include work required
to change the interior arrangements or other physical characteristics
of an existing facility or installed equipment so that it may be more
effectively used for the project. Alteration and renovation may include
work referred to as improvements, conversion, rehabilitation,
remodeling, or modernization, but is distinguished from construction
and large-scale permanent improvements.
Awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs.
I. Other Submission Requirements
We require that applicants submit an electronic application through
www.grants.gov for Funding Opportunity Number SSA-ORP-09-1. If you
experience problems with the steps related to registering to do
business with the Federal government or application submission, your
first point of contact is the Grants.gov support staff at
[email protected], 1-800-518-4726. If your difficulties are not
resolved, you may also contact the SSA Grants Management Team for
assistance: Audrey Adams, 410-965-9469; Mary Biddle, 410-965-9503; Ann
Dwayer, 410-965-9534; Phyllis Y. Smith, 410-965-9518.
If extenuating circumstances prevent you from submitting an
application through www.grants.gov, please contact the SSA Grants
Management Team for possible prior written approval to download,
complete, and submit an application by mail. Should we grant such
approval; the downloadable application package will be available at
http://www.ssa.gov/oag. Please fax inquiries regarding the application
process to the Grants Management Team at 410-966-9310 or mail to:
Social Security Administration, Office of Acquisition and Grants,
Grants Management Team, Attention: SSA-ORP-09-1, 1st Floor--Rear
Entrance, 7111 Security Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21244. To ensure receipt
of the proper application package, please include program announcement
number SSA-ORP-09-1 and the date of this announcement.
V. Application Review Information
A. Review Process and Funding
In addition to any other reviews, a review panel consisting of at
least three qualified persons will be formed. Each panelist will
objectively review and score the cooperative agreement applications
using the evaluation criteria listed below. The panel will recommend
centers based on (1) the application scores; (2) the feasibility and
adequacy of the project plan and methodology; and (3) how the centers
would jointly meet the objectives of the Consortium. The agency will
consider the panel's recommendations when
[[Page 18432]]
awarding the cooperative agreements. Although the results from the
review panel are the primary factor used in making funding decisions,
they are not the sole basis for making awards. The agency will consider
other factors as well (such as duplication of internal and external
research effort) when making funding decisions.
All applicants must use the guidelines provided in the agency's
application kit at www.grants.gov, for preparing applications
requesting funding under this cooperative agreement announcement. These
guidelines describe the minimum amount of required project information.
However, when completing the Project Narrative, please follow the
guidelines under Part IV, Section C, above.
All awardees must adhere to our Privacy and Confidentiality
Regulations, as well as provide specific safeguards surrounding client
information sharing, paper/computer records/data, and other issues
potentially arising from administrative data. 20 CFR part 401.
Additional details regarding safeguarding of Personally Identifiable
Information are available in the SSA Grants Administration Manual,
Section 3-10-60, available at http://www.ssa.gov/oag/grants/ssagrant_info.htm.
B. Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria
The evaluation criteria correspond to the outline for the
development of the Budget and Project Narrative Statement of the
application described in Part IV, Section C, above. The application
should be prepared in the format indicated by the outline described in
the components of a complete application (Part IV, Section D).
Selection of the successful applicants will be based on the
technical and financial criteria laid out in this announcement.
Reviewers will determine the strengths and weaknesses of each
application in terms of the evaluation criteria listed below.
The point value following each criterion heading indicates the
maximum numerical relative weight that each section will be given in
the review process. An unacceptable rating on any individual criterion
may render the application unacceptable. Consequently, applicants
should take care that all criteria are fully addressed in the
applications. Applications will be reviewed as follows:
(1) Quality of the background environmental scan/situation
analysis. (10 points) Reviewers will judge applications on whether they
provide a thoughtful, coherent, and pragmatic discussion of the key
research questions influencing financial literacy, particularly within
the context of retirement savings.
(2) Quality of the research, development, and evaluation
prospectus. (30 points) Reviewers will judge this section on whether
the R&D agenda and methodology are both sound and geared toward
achieving practical results. Applications must address how they will
develop and test compelling calls to action within the context of the
key research questions, and they must address how they will approach
the evaluation of distributional channels.
The reviewers will judge the application on the breadth and depth
of the applicant's commitment to R&D, particularly with regard to the
key product research questions and product development and testing
described in Part I, Section B, parts 1 and 2. The discussion and
research proposed must address at least three product research
questions and three-product development and testing examples, with a
multi-disciplinary approach. Applicants will generally receive higher
scores for addressing more than four product research questions as well
as more than three product development and testing examples. However, a
strong proposal focusing on three areas will outscore one that is broad
and weakly defined. Applicants with additional insightful research
proposals will also score higher. Besides detailed plans for research
projects in the first year, the research agenda should discuss possible
projects over the longer five-year horizon.
(3) Dissemination. (15 points) Reviewers will evaluate the proposed
Web site, conferences, and other strategies for dissemination of
research and other related information to the general public, including
but not limited to a broad and disparate set of practitioner and policy
communities.
(4) Quality of the staffing proposal and proposed administration.
(25 points) Reviewers will judge the applicant's center Director, staff
and proposed business partners/subawardees on relevant research
experience, demonstrated research and testing experience, prior
administrative and leadership skills, and public administration
experience. Relevant research experience may include, but is not
limited to: (a) Prior publications on financial literacy tools,
financial education in the workplace, retirement planning, saving over
the life cycle, affect of benefits and/or health on timing of
retirement and claiming decisions (with ideally at least some
publications incorporating a social marketing approach); (b) Prior
published financial literacy research with audience segments reflecting
the above priority areas is sought; (c) Relevant administrative and
practical public administration experience that may include, but not be
limited to, leading a current center; serving in a senior government
capacity in a relevant agency such as the Department of Treasury, the
Federal Reserve or the Social Security Administration; or board
leadership of relevant non-profit organizations.
(i) An additional criterion will be the center's demonstrated
potential to facilitate, on its own or through partnerships/subawards,
applied research to inform the development and testing of educational
outreach materials and channels. The reviewers will consider both the
evidence of past involvement in related R&D, and the specific plans for
seeking applied outcomes described in the application as part of that
potential. Applications that list key proposed partnership/proposed
subawardee personnel, along with the accompanying rationale for
selection, (e.g., entities and organizations external to the
applicants) are highly desirable.
(ii) Reviewers will consider references from grant/cooperative
agreement/contract administrators on previous grants, cooperative
agreements and contracts held by the proposed center Director or other
key personnel, as well as other known references within the agency.
Reviewers will take into account past performance on other grants/
cooperative/contracts.
(iii) Director and staff time commitments to the center also will
be a factor in evaluation. Reviewers will evaluate the affiliations of
proposed key personnel to ensure fulfillment of the required multi-
disciplinary nature of the consortium.
(iv) The reviewers will judge applicants on the nature and extent
of the organizational support for research and dissemination in areas
related to the center's central priorities and this request. Reviewers
will evaluate the commitment of the host institution (and the proposed
institutional unit that will contain the center) to assess its ability
to support both of the center's major activities: (1) R&D and (2)
dissemination.
(v) The application should address how the applicant will pull a
team together of subawardees--what their evaluation criteria will be,
and how they will manage the subawardees if the applicant is the
recipient of an award. The government expects that all applicable
subawardees will be in any
[[Page 18433]]
relevant meetings and conference calls with the government.
(5) Extent to which applicants meet program policy evaluation
criteria. It may be desirable to select centers for awards based upon
the applicants' total mix of areas of concentration so as to round out
portfolio objectives. (10 points)
(6) Appropriateness of the budget for carrying out the planned
staffing and activities. (10 points) Reviewers will consider whether
(1) the budget ensures an efficient and effective allocation of funds
to achieve the objectives of this solicitation, and (2) the applicant
has additional funding from other sources, in particular, the host
institution. Applications that show funding from other sources that
supplement funds from this cooperative agreement will be given higher
marks than those without financial support. Awardees are required to
contribute a minimum of 5 percent cost share of total project costs.
Panel Recommendations. Once each application is scored and ranked,
the panel will then review the top applicants and recommend centers
that together best address the range of responsibilities described in
Part I.
VI. Award Administration Information
A. Notification
Grants.gov will issue application receipt acknowledgments.
B. Award Notices
Applicants who have been selected will receive an official
electronic notice of award signed by an SSA Grants Management Officer
around September 15, 2009. Those who were not selected will be notified
by official letter.
C. Administration and National Policy Requirements
Grantees will have access to confidential beneficiary information
and will be subject to our background checks and fingerprinting in
accordance with our personnel, security and suitability requirements.
In addition, grantees are required to adhere to our policy regarding
the protection of Personally Identifiable Information (PII). When
making awards, we will distribute the necessary packages including
forms and consents for completion, for both PII and Suitability
Determination.
D. Reporting
Every three months during the award period, the grantee will
produce a quarterly report of progress. The grantee's quarterly
progress reports should provide a concise summary of the progress being
made toward completion of activities in the annual work plan. The
grantee should pay particular attention in the reports to achieving any
milestones set forth in the work plan, delays in achieving milestones,
and the affect of delays on the final product. Details regarding the
format of quarterly progress reports will be provided in the FLRC Terms
and Conditions at the time of award. In addition to the regular
reporting, the grantee will provide ad hoc and timely ``hotline''
reports on any significant issues that arise with respect to management
and implementation of the work.
In addition, the grantee will submit quarterly and annual financial
status reports to us. We will provide detailed instructions for
submitting financial reports and the required forms with each year's
award.
VII. Agency Contacts
For matters related to the application and submission process for
this cooperative agreement, contact Audrey Adams, (410) 965-9469; Mary
Biddle, (410) 965-9503; Ann Dwayer, (410) 965-9534; Phyllis Y. Smith,
(410) 965-9518. The mailing address is SSA, Office of Acquisition and
Grants, Grants Management Team, 7111 Security Blvd., 1st Floor, Rear
Entrance, Baltimore, MD 21244. The fax number is (410) 966-9310.
For program content information, send questions to the FLRC mailbox
at [email protected]. Questions and answers will be continuously posted to
the Office of Retirement Policy Web site.
VIII. Other
This announcement is for the initial competition of the FLRC.
Along with the official notice of award each year, we will issue a
set of Terms and Conditions that define closely the responsibilities of
the center and of us towards meeting the goals of the cooperative
agreement.
An Annual Priority Research Memo will also be issued each year
before the start of the continuation cycle to guide the centers in
preparing their continuation applications.
We are committed to accessibility of our products to persons with
disabilities. Each center's Web site should meet accessibility
standards identified in Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. The
annual conference also should be accessible to persons with
disabilities.
For additional information on how we sponsor grants and other
details go to the Grants Home page at http://www.ssa.gov/oag.
Michael J. Astrue,
Commissioner of Social Security.
[FR Doc. E9-9151 Filed 4-21-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4191-02-P