[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 33 (Thursday, February 19, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 8460]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-4113]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families


Fiscal Year 1998 Discretionary Announcement for University-Head 
Start Partnerships Research Projects and Head Start Research Scholars; 
Availability of Funds and Request for Proposals

AGENCY: Administration on Children, Youth and Families, ACF, DHHS.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Administration for Children and Families, Administration 
on Children, Youth and Families announces the availability of funds for 
two Priority Areas; University-Head Start Partnerships (1.01) and Head 
Start Research Scholars (1.02) to support research activities in the 
areas of infant and toddler development within the cultural context, 
the promotion of mental health in Head Start and Early Head Start, or 
field-initiated research areas which will increase our knowledge of 
low-income children's development for the purpose of improving services 
or have significant policy implications.

DATES: The closing date for receipt of applications is 5:00 EST May 5, 
1998.

ADDRESSES: Applications, including all necessary forms can be 
downloaded from the Head Start web site at www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/
hsb. The web site also contains a listing of all Head Start and Early 
Head Start programs.
    Hard copies of the application may be obtained by writing, calling 
or sending an e-mail to the E-mail [email protected]

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Head Start Research Support Center at: 
11320 Random Hills Road, Suite 105, Fairfax, Virginia 22030, Phone: 
(703) 218-2480.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Priority Areas

Priority Area 1.01  University-Head Start Partnerships

    Eligible Applicants: Universities and four-year colleges on behalf 
of a faculty member who holds a doctorate degree or equivalent in their 
respectivie field.
    Project Duration: The announcement for priority area 1.01 is 
soliciting applications for project periods of three years with the 
first year as a planning year. However, requests for project periods of 
four or five years will be considered if the applicant can make a 
strong justification for the need for the longer project period in 
order to complete the research. It should be noted that the requests 
for longer project periods will be granted in only rare instances. 
Awards, on a competitive basis, will be for the first one-year planning 
budget period. Applications for continuation grants funded under these 
awards beyond the one-year budget period, but within the established 
project period, will be entertained in subsequent years on a non-
competitive basis, subject to availability of funds, satisfactory 
progress of the grantee and a determination that continued funding 
would be in the best interest of the Government.
    Federal Share of Project Costs: The maximum Federal share is 
$75,000 for the first 12-month budget period. The Federal share for 
subsequent years shall be approximately $150,000 per year for each year 
of the project period. The Federal share is inclusive of indirect 
costs.
    Anticipated Number of Projects to be Funded: It is anticipated that 
6-8 projects will be funded.

Priority Area 1.02  Head Start Research Scholars

    Eligible Applicants: Institutions of higher education on behalf of 
qualified doctoral candidates who have completed their masters degree 
or equivalent and are enrolled in the sponsoring institution. To be 
eligible to administer the grant on behalf of the student, the 
institution must be fully accredited by one of the regional accrediting 
commissions recognized by the Department of Education and the Council 
on Post-Secondary Accreditation. In addition, the specific graduate 
student on whose behalf the application is made must be identified and 
any resultant grant award is not transferable to another student. Funds 
from this grant may not be used to make any payments to other students 
at the university.
    Project Duration: The announcement for priority area 1.02 is 
soliciting applications for project periods up to two years. Awards, on 
a competitive basis, will be for a one-year budget period, although 
project periods may be for two years. It should be noted, that if the 
graduate student, on whose behalf the University is applying, expects 
to receive a doctorate by the end of the first one-year budget period, 
the applicant should request a one-year project period only. A second 
year budget-period will not be granted if the student has graduated by 
the end of the first year. Applications for continuation grants funded 
under these awards beyond the one-year budget period, but within the 
two-year project period, will be entertained in the subsequent year on 
a non-competitive basis, subject to availability of funds, satisfactory 
progress of the grantee and a determination that continued funding 
would be in the best interest of the Government.
    Federal Share of Project Costs: The maximum Federal share is not to 
exceed $15,000 for the first 12-month budget period or a maximum of 
$30,000 for a 2-year project period.
    Anticipated Number of Projects to be Funded: It is anticipated that 
10 projects will be funded. No individual university will be funded for 
more than one candidate unless 10 applications from different 
institutions do not qualify for support.

    Statutory Authority: The Head Start Act, as amended 42 U.S.C. 
9801 et seq.

    Dated: February 11, 1998.
James A. Harrell,
Deputy Commissioner, Administration on Children, Youth, and Families.
[FR Doc. 98-4113 Filed 2-18-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P