[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 78 (Monday, April 25, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 21204-21213]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-8219]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families


Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation (OPRE); Notice

    Funding Opportunity Title: Head Start Graduate Student Research 
Grants.
    Announcement Type: Initial.
    Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2005-ACF-OPRE-YD-0068.
    CFDA Number: 93.600.
    Due Date for Letter of Intent or Preapplications: June 3, 2005.
    Due Date for Applications: Application is due June 24, 2005.
    Executive Summary: Funds are provided for Graduate Student Research 
Grants to Support field-initiated research activities.
    This grant program is part of a larger set of Head Start research 
announcements. Three other grant funding mechanisms are being offered 
concurrently with the one described in this announcement. They include: 
(1) Head Start Graduate Student Research Partnership Development 
Grants, (2) Head Start-University Partnership Research Grants: 
Curriculum Development and Enhancement for Head Start and Early Head 
Start Programs, and (3) American Indian-Alaska Native Head Start-
University Partnerships. For more information, please see these other 
Head Start Research announcements listed in the Federal Register or 
listed on http://www.Grants.Gov, or send an inquiry to the e-mail 
address listed above.
    Funding for this grant program is shared with the Head Start 
Graduate Student Research Partnership Development Grants. Relative 
funding for the two sets of Head Start Graduate Student Research Grants 
is contingent upon the results of the review process.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

A. Purpose

    The purpose of this announcement is to report the availability of 
funds for Head Start Graduate Student Research Grants to support field-
initiated research activities in partnership with Head Start programs.

B. Statutory Authority

    Section 649 of the Head Start Act, as amended by the Coats Human 
Services Reauthorization Act of 1998 (Pub. L. 105-285), codified at 42 
U.S.C. 9844.

C. Background

    Since 1991, ACF has explicitly supported the relationship between 
established Head Start researchers and their graduate students by 
awarding research grants, on behalf of specific graduate students, to 
conduct research in Head Start communities. As many previously funded 
Head Start graduate students have continued to make significant 
contributions to the early childhood research field as they have 
pursued their careers, this funding mechanism is an important research 
capacity-building effort.
    To ensure that future research is responsive to the changing needs 
of low-income families, graduate students need strong and positive role 
models. Therefore, Head Start's support of the partnership between 
students and their mentors is essential. The unique partnership that is 
forged between mentor and student within the Head Start research 
context serves as a model for the establishment of other partnerships 
within the community (e.g., researcher-Head Start staff, researcher-
family, etc.). This foundation helps foster the skills necessary to 
build a graduate student's trajectory of successful partnership-
building and contributions to the scientific community. Within this 
nurturing and supportive relationship, young researchers are empowered 
to become autonomous researchers, learning theory, as well as the 
process of interacting with the various members and relevant 
organizations within their communities.
    Thus, the goals of the Head Start Graduate Student Research Grant 
program can be summarized as follows:
    1. Provide direct support for graduate students as a way of 
encouraging the conduct of research with Head Start populations, thus 
contributing to the knowledge base about the best approaches for 
delivering services to diverse, low-income families and their children;
    2. Promote mentor-student relationships that support students' 
graduate training and professional development as young researchers 
engaged in policy-relevant, applied research;
    3. Emphasize the importance of developing true working research 
partnerships with Head Start programs and other relevant entities 
within the community, thereby fostering skills necessary to build a 
student's trajectory of successful partnership-building and 
contributions to the scientific community; and
    4. Support the active communication, networking and collaboration 
among graduate students, their mentors and other prominent researchers 
in the field, both during their graduate training, as well as into the 
early stages of their research careers.
    While the specific topics addressed under these Graduate Student 
Research Grants are intended to be field-initiated,

[[Page 21205]]

applicants who address issues of both local and national significance 
will be most likely to succeed. Some illustrative examples of such 
topics include, but are not limited to, the areas of school readiness, 
children's mental health, serving an increasingly culturally and 
linguistically diverse population of children and families, and 
promoting child well-being by strengthening responsible fatherhood and 
healthy marriages in Head Start families.
    Priority Area 1:
Head Start Graduate Student Research Grants
    1. Description: The purpose of this announcement is to report the 
availability of funds for Head Start Graduate Student Research Grants 
to support field-initiated research activities in partnership with Head 
Start programs.
    Since 1991, ACF has explicitly supported the relationship between 
established Head Start researchers and their graduate students by 
awarding research grants, on behalf of specific graduate students, to 
conduct research in Head Start communities. As many previously funded 
Head Start graduate students have continued to make significant 
contributions to the early childhood research field as they have 
pursued their careers, this funding mechanism is an important research 
capacity-building effort.
    To ensure that future research is responsive to the changing needs 
of low-income families, graduate students need strong and positive role 
models. Therefore, Head Start's support of the partnership between 
students and their mentors is essential. The unique partnership that is 
forged between mentor and student within the Head Start research 
context serves as a model for the establishment of other partnerships 
within the community (e.g., researcher-Head Start staff, researcher-
family, etc.). This foundation helps foster the skills necessary to 
build a graduate student's trajectory of successful partnership-
building and contributions to the scientific community. Within this 
nurturing and supportive relationship, young researchers are empowered 
to become autonomous researchers, learning theory, as well as the 
process of interacting with the various members and relevant 
organizations within their communities.
    Thus, the goals of the Head Start Graduate Student Research Grant 
program can be summarized as follows:
    1. Provide direct support for graduate students as a way of 
encouraging the conduct of research with Head Start populations, thus 
contributing to the knowledge base about the best approaches for 
delivering services to diverse, low-income families and their children;
    2. Promote mentor-student relationships that support students' 
graduate training and professional development as young researchers 
engaged in policy-relevant, applied research;
    3. Emphasize the importance of developing true working research 
partnerships with Head Start programs and other relevant entities 
within the community, thereby fostering skills necessary to build a 
student's trajectory of successful partnership-building and 
contributions to the scientific community; and
    4. Support the active communication, networking and collaboration 
among graduate students, their mentors and other prominent researchers 
in the field, both during their graduate training, as well as into the 
early stages of their research careers.
    While the specific topics addressed under these Graduate Student 
Research Grants are intended to be field-initiated, applicants who 
address issues of both local and national significance will be most 
likely to succeed. Some illustrative examples of such topics include, 
but are not limited to, the areas of school readiness, children's 
mental health, serving an increasingly culturally and linguistically 
diverse population of children and families, and promoting child well-
being by strengthening responsible fatherhood and healthy marriages in 
Head Start families.

II. Award Information

    Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
    Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $200,000.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: 4 to 8.
    Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards Per Budget Period: $25,000.
    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.
    Average Projected Award Amount: $25,000.
    Length of Project Periods: 24-month project with two 12-month 
budget periods.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    State controlled institutions of higher education; Private 
institutions of higher education, including faith based institutions of 
higher education.
    Additional Information on Eligibility: 1. Eligible applicants are 
institutions of higher education on behalf of doctoral-level graduate 
students. Doctoral students must have completed their Master's Degree 
or equivalent in the field of doctoral study and submitted formal 
notification to ACF by August 1, 2005.
    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.

2. Cost Sharing/Matching

    None.

3. Other

Additional Information on Eligibility
    1. Although the faculty mentor is listed as the Principal 
Investigator and must be committed to taking a central role in 
maintaining an ongoing research partnership with a Head Start program, 
this grant is intended for dissertation research for an individual 
student. Information about both the graduate student and the student's 
faculty mentor is required as part of this application.
    2. The graduate student applicant must agree to attend two meetings 
each year of the grant. The budget should reflect travel funds for such 
purposes. The first meeting consists of the annual meeting for all Head 
Start Graduate Student grantees. This annual grantee meeting is 
typically scheduled during the summer or fall of each year and is held 
in Washington, DC. It is anticipated that the fall 2005 meeting will be 
held in mid to late October. During this meeting, each student 
typically presents a brief overview of his or her study (e.g., the 
study design, participants, measures, challenges and successes during 
implementation, and/or findings, as they become available). The 
intended goal of the meeting is to stimulate potentially useful and 
constructive feedback from other students and mentors, as well as to 
facilitate collaboration, networking and mentoring activities.
    The second meeting each year alternates between the biennial Head 
Start National Research Conference in Washington, DC (June or July, 
2006) and the biennial meeting of the Society for Research in Child 
Development--SRCD (April, 2007). At a minimum, students usually are 
provided the opportunity to present information on their respective 
studies in a poster session format, although both meetings also provide 
other networking and mentoring

[[Page 21206]]

activities. The grant budget should reflect travel and housing funds 
for the graduate student for all four of these meetings (or two if only 
applying for one year of funding).
    3. Given the strong emphasis that is placed on supporting the 
mentor-student relationship, it is crucial that the faculty mentors 
attend and actively participate in the activities of the annual grantee 
meeting for all Head Start Graduate Students. The budget should reflect 
travel funds for such purposes, as appropriate. However, if the faculty 
mentor does plan to attend the annual Graduate Student grantee meeting, 
but will utilize another source of travel funds, such arrangements are 
encouraged and should be clearly noted in the application.

4. Dun and Bradstreet Numbers

    All applicants must have Dun & Bradstreet numbers. 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 
online at http://www.dnb.com.
    5. Private, non-profit institutions of higher education (including 
faith based institutions of higher education) are encouraged to 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.
    6. Any non-profit institution of higher education submitting an 
application must submit proof of its non-profit status at the time of 
submission. Any of the following constitutes proof of nonprofit status:

--A copy of the applicant organization's listing in the Internal 
Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt organizations 
described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code.
--A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.
--A written statement from a State taxing body, State attorney general, 
or other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant 
organization has a nonprofit status and that none of the net earning 
accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.
--A certified copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation 
or similar document that clearly establishes nonprofit status.
--Any of the items above for a State or national parent organization 
and a statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant 
organization is a local nonprofit affiliate.
    7. A university faculty member must serve as a mentor to the 
graduate student; this faculty member is listed as the ``Principal 
Investigator.'' The application must include a letter from this faculty 
member stating that s/he has reviewed and approved the application, 
affirming the status of the project as dissertation research and the 
student's status in the doctoral program, and describing how the 
faculty member will regularly monitor the student's work.
    8. The Principal Investigator must have a doctorate or equivalent 
degree in the respective field, conduct research as a primary 
professional responsibility, and have published or have been accepted 
for publication in the major peer-reviewed research journals in the 
field as a first author or second author.
    9. An important element of this announcement is the requirement 
that researchers demonstrate a partnership or partnerships with Head 
Start or Early Head Start programs as part of the development, 
piloting, refinement, training, and implementation of research 
activities. The application must contain a letter from the Head Start 
or Early Head Start program certifying that they have entered into a 
partnership with the applicant and the application has been reviewed 
and approved by the Head Start or Early Head Start Policy Council (see 
section IV-3 for further details about these letters).
    10. The research project must be an independent study conducted by 
the individual graduate student or well-defined portion(s) of a larger 
study currently being conducted by a faculty member. If the project is 
part of a larger research effort, the proposal must clearly distinguish 
between the student's portion of the research activities and those of 
the larger project. The graduate student must have primary 
responsibility for the proposed study described in the application.
    11. If the graduate student, on whose behalf the university is 
applying, expects to receive his/her degree 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.
    12. The graduate student must write the application in its 
entirety, consistent with the format and style guidelines of the 
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 5th ed. 
and (APA 2001) the general principles and guidelines of the Ethical 
Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct 2002 (APA 2002).
    The aforementioned twelve items will not be used as screen out 
criteria on applications submitted in response to this program 
announcement.
    It is unlikely that any individual mentor will be funded for more 
than one graduate student research grant if there are at least 10 
applications from different mentors/institutions that qualify for 
support.
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 date will not be considered for competition.

IV. Application and Submission Information

IV.1 Address To Request Application Package

    Head Start Research Support Technical Assistance Team, OPRE Grant 
Review Team, Xtria, LLC, 8045 Leesburg Pike, Suite 400, Vienna, VA 
22182, Phone: 877-663-0250, E-mail: [email protected].

IV.2 Content and Form of Application Submission

    An original and two copies of the complete application are 
required. The original copy must include all required forms, 
certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed by an authorized 
representative, have original signatures, and be submitted unbound. The 
two additional copies of the complete application must include all 
required forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices and must 
also be submitted unbound. Applicants have the option of omitting from 
the application copies

[[Page 21207]]

(not the original) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals 
specified in the application budget and Social Security Numbers, if 
otherwise required for individuals. The copies may include summary 
salary information.
    Format and Organization: Applicants are strongly encouraged to 
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 but not the Standard Federal 
Forms (see list below). Applicants must number the pages of their 
application beginning with the Table of Contents.
    Applicants are advised to include all required forms and materials 
and to organize these materials according to the format, and in the 
order, presented below:
    a. Cover Letter.
    b. Contact information sheet (see details below).
    c. Standard Federal Forms.
    Standard Application for Federal Assistance (form 424).
    Budget Information--Non-construction Programs (424A).
    Certifications Regarding Lobbying.
    Disclosures of Lobbying Activities (if necessary).
    Certification Regarding Environmental Tobacco Smoke.
    Assurance Regarding Non-construction Programs (form 424B).
    Assurance Regarding Protection of Human Subjects.
    d. Table of Contents.
    e. Project Abstract (not to exceed one page).
    f. Project Narrative Statement (see details below).
    g. Appendix.
    Proof of Non-profit Status (see section V.1.F).
    Curriculum Vitae for Student and Faculty Advisor.
    Letter of Support from Advisor.
    Letter(s) of agreement with Head Start program(s) (see details 
below).
    Letter(s) of agreement with Head Start Policy Council(s) (see 
details below).
    Official Transcript of Student Reflecting Graduate Courses.
    Content of Contact Information Sheet: The contact information sheet 
should include complete contact information, including addresses, phone 
and fax numbers, and e-mail addresses, for the graduate student 
applicant, the Principal Investigator(s), and the institution's grants/
financial officer (person who signs the SF-424).
    Content of Project Narrative Statement: The project narrative 
should be carefully developed in accordance with ACF's research goals 
and agenda as described in the Purpose, Background, and Priorities 
sections of this funding opportunity, and the structure requirements 
listed in Section V. Application Review Information. Please see Section 
V.1. Criteria for instructions on preparing the project summary/
abstract and the full project description.
    Content of Letters of Agreement: For research conducted with Head 
Start, the application must contain (A) an original copy of a letter 
from the Head Start or Early Head Start program certifying that they 
have entered into a research partnership with the applicant (graduate 
student) and (B) a separate letter certifying that the application has 
been reviewed and approved by the local Head Start Program Policy 
Council. This certification of approval or pending approval by the 
Policy Council must be an original letter from the official 
representative of the Policy Council itself.
    You may submit your application to us 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. ACF 
will not accept grant applications via e-mail or facsimile 
transmission.
    Please note the following if you plan to submit your application 
electronically via Grants.gov:
     Electronic submission is voluntary, but strongly 
encouraged.
     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.
     To use Grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must have a DUNS 
Number and register in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). You 
should allow a minimum of five days to complete the CCR registration.
     You will not receive additional point value because you 
submit a grant application in electronic format, nor will we penalize 
you if you submit an application in paper format.
     You may submit all documents electronically, including all 
information typically included on the SF 424 and all necessary 
assurances and certifications.
     Your application must comply with any page limitation 
requirements described in this program announcement.
     After you electronically submit your application, you will 
receive an automatic acknowledgement from Grants.gov that contains a 
Grants.gov tracking number. The Administration for Children and 
Families will retrieve your application from Grants.gov.
     We may request that you provide original signatures on 
forms at a later date.
     You may access the electronic application for this program 
on www.Grants.gov.
     You must 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 institution of higher education are encouraged 
to 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 which expires 07/

[[Page 21208]]

2006). 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 P.L. 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.
    Institutions submitting applications or proposals for support of 
research activities involving human subjects must submit certification 
of appropriate Institutional Review Board (IRB) review and approval to 
the Department or Agency in accordance with the Common Rule (56FR28003, 
June 18, 1991). Institutions must have an assurance of compliance that 
applies to the research to be conducted and should submit certification 
of IRB review and approval with each application or proposal unless 
otherwise advised by the Department or Agency. The appropriate forms 
may be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
    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 
full project description.

IV.3 Submission Dates and Times

a. Notice of Intent To Submit an Application
    If you plan to submit an application, you must notify us by fax or 
e-mail at least three weeks prior to the submission deadline date. This 
information will be used only to determine the number of expert 
reviewers needed to review the applications. Include only the following 
information in this fax or email: the number and title of this 
announcement; the names, addresses, telephone and fax numbers, e-mail 
addresses of the principal investigator (mentor), the graduate student, 
and the fiscal agent (if known); and the name of the university, non-
profit institution of higher education or other eligible organization. 
Do not include a description of your proposed project. Sent this 
information to: ``Head Start Research Support Technical Assistance 
Team'' at: Fax: 1-703-356-0472; Email: [email protected].
b. Applications
    Due Dates for Applications: June 24, 2005.
    Explanation of Due Dates: The closing time and date for receipt of 
applications is referenced above. Applications received after 4:30 p.m. 
eastern time on the closing date will be classified as late.
    Deadline: 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 ensuring 
applications are mailed or submitted electronically well in advance of 
the application due 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 facsimile. 
Therefore, applications transmitted to ACF by fax will not be accepted 
regardless of date or time of submission and time of receipt.
    Receipt acknowledgement for application packages will not be 
provided to applicants who submit their package via mail, courier 
services, or by hand delivery. Applicants will receive an electronic 
acknowledgement for applications that are submitted via Grants.gov.
    Late Applications: Applications that do not meet the criteria above 
are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late applicant 
that its application will not be considered in the current competition.
    Any application received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the 
deadline date will not be considered for competition.
    Applicants using express/overnight mail services should allow two 
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: You may use the checklist below as a guide when 
preparing your application package.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            What to submit                 Required content     Required form or format       When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SF424................................  See section IV.........  http://www.acf.hhs.gov/ By application due
                                                                  programs/ofs/           date.
                                                                 forms.htm.
Assurances and Certifications........  See section IV.........  http://www.acf.hhs.gov/  By application due
                                                                 programs/ofs/forms.htm.  date.
Assurance Regarding Protection of      See section IV.........  http://www.acf.hhs.gov/  By application due
 Human Subjects.                                                 programs/ofs/forms.htm.  date.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Additional Forms: Private, non-profit institutions of higher 
education are encouraged to 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.

[[Page 21209]]



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            What to submit                 Required content             Location              When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant   See form...............  May be found on          By application due
 Applicants.                                                     www.acf.hhs.gov/         date.
                                                                 programs/ofs/forms.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IV.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.
    As of October 1, 2004, the following jurisdictions have elected to 
participate in the Executive Order process: Arkansas, California, 
Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, 
Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New 
Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South 
Carolina, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, American Samoa, Guam, 
North Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands. As these 
jurisdictions have elected to participate in the Executive Order 
process, they have established SPOCs. Applicants from participating 
jurisdictions should contact their SPOC, as soon as possible, to alert 
them of prospective applications and receive instructions. Applicants 
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 the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 
Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants Management, 
Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., 4th 
floor, Washington, DC 20447.
    Although the remaining jurisdictions have chosen not to participate 
in the process, entities that meet the 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. Therefore, 
applicants from these jurisdictions, or for projects administered by 
federally-recognized Indian Tribes, need take no action in regard to 
E.O. 12372.
    The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions that 
have elected to participate in E.O. 12372 can be found on the following 
URL: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.

IV.5 Funding Restrictions

    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.
    Sharing of Awards. Awards cannot be divided among two or more 
students.

IV.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: Head Start Research Support Technical 
Assistance Team, OPRE Grant Review Team, Xtria, LLC, 8045 Leesburg 
Pike, Suite 400, Vienna, VA 22182, Phone: 877-663-0250, E-mail: 
[email protected].
    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 should be 
delivered to: Head Start Research Support Technical Assistance Team, 
OPRE Grant Review Team, Xtria, LLC, 8045 Leesburg Pike, Suite 400, 
Vienna, VA 22182, Phone: 877-663-0250.
    Electronic Submission: http://www.Grants.gov. Please see section 
IV. 2 Content and Form of Application Submission, 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 25 hours per response, including the time for 
reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed and 
reviewing the collection information.
    The project description is approved under OMB control number 0970-
0139 which expires 4/30/2007.
    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
    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

[[Page 21210]]

and a table of contents should be included for easy reference.
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 demographic data and 
participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the 
project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to 
provide information on the total range of projects currently being 
conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be 
outside the scope of the program announcement.
Results or Benefits Expected
    Identify the results and benefits to be derived. For example, 
explain how your proposed project will achieve the specific goals and 
objectives you have set; specify the number of children and families to 
be served, and how the services to be provided will be funded 
consistent with the local needs assessment. Or, explain how the 
expected results will benefit the population to be served in meeting 
its needs for early learning services and activities. What benefits 
will families derive from these services? How will the services help 
them? What lessons will be learned which might help other agencies and 
organizations that are addressing the needs of a similar client 
population?
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.
Evaluation
    Provide a narrative addressing how the conduct of the project and 
the results of the project will be evaluated. In addressing the 
evaluation of results, state how you will determine the extent to which 
the project has achieved its stated objectives and the extent to which 
the accomplishment of objectives can be attributed to the project. 
Discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate results, and explain the 
methodology that will be used to determine if the needs identified and 
discussed are being met and if the project results and benefits are 
being achieved. With respect to the conduct of the project, define the 
procedures to be employed to determine whether the project is being 
conducted in a manner consistent with the work plan presented and 
discuss the impact of the project's various activities on the project's 
effectiveness.
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.
Organizational Profiles
    Provide information on the applicant organization(s) and 
cooperating partners, such as organizational charts, financial 
statements, audit reports or statements from CPAs/Licensed Public 
Accountants, Employer Identification Numbers, names of bond carriers, 
contact persons and telephone numbers, child care licenses and other 
documentation of professional accreditation, information on compliance 
with Federal/State/local government standards, documentation of 
experience in the program area, and other pertinent information. If the 
applicant is a non-profit organization, submit proof of non-profit 
status in its application.
    The non-profit institution of higher education can accomplish this 
by providing: (a) 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; (b) a copy of a currently 
valid IRS tax exemption certificate; (c) 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; (d) a certified copy of the organization's 
certificate of incorporation or similar document that clearly 
establishes non-profit status; (e) any of the items 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.
Letters of Support
    Provide statements from community, public and commercial leaders 
that support the project proposed for funding. All submissions should 
be included in the application OR by application deadline.
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.

[[Page 21211]]

    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), and 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
    Description: 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 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.
Non-Federal Resources
    Description: Amounts of non-Federal resources that will be used to 
support the project as identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.
    Justification: The firm commitment of these resources must be 
documented and submitted with the application so the applicant is given 
credit in the review process. A detailed budget must be prepared for 
each funding source.
    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 (e.g., from a broad overview of the project 
to more detailed information about how it will be conducted).
    In considering how applicants will carry out the responsibilities 
addressed under this announcement, competing applications for financial 
assistance will be reviewed and evaluated against the following 
criteria:
Approach 40 Points
     The extent to which there is a discrete project designed 
by the graduate student. If the proposed project is part of a larger 
study designed by others, the approach section should clearly delineate 
the research component to be carried out by the student and how it is 
distinguished from the larger research project.
     The extent to which the research design is clearly 
described, as well as appropriate and sufficient for addressing the 
questions of the study.
     The extent to which the planned research specifies the 
measures to be used, their psychometric properties, and contains an 
adequately detailed description of the proposed analyses to be 
conducted.
     The extent to which the planned measures have been shown 
to be appropriate and sufficient for the questions of the study, and 
the population to be studied.
     The extent to which the planned measures and analyses are 
consistent with one another, and reflect knowledge and use of state-of-
the-art measures and analytic techniques, or advance the state-of-the 
art, as appropriate.
     The extent to which the data analytic plan is adequately 
described and that the proposed data analytic techniques are 
appropriate for the specific research question(s) under consideration.
     The extent to which the proposed sample size is sufficient 
to answer the

[[Page 21212]]

range of proposed research questions for the study, especially for 
longitudinal studies and studies involving a priori subgroups of 
interest.
     The extent to which the scope of the project is reasonable 
for the funds available and feasible for the time frame specified.
     The extent to which the planned approach reflects 
sufficient written input from, and partnership with, the Head Start 
program (including the separate required review and written approval 
from the Head Start program and the Head Start Program Policy Council).
     The extent to which the budget and budget justification 
are appropriate for carrying out the proposed project.
     The extent to which the researchers assure adequate 
protection of human subjects, confidentiality of data, and consent 
procedures, as appropriate.
Staff and Position Data 35 Points
     The extent to which the faculty mentor and graduate 
student possess the research expertise necessary to conduct the study 
as demonstrated in the application and information contained in their 
vitae.
     The Principal Investigator/faculty mentor has earned a 
doctorate or equivalent in the relevant field and has first or second 
author publications in major research journals.
     The extent to which the faculty mentor and graduate 
student reflect an understanding of and sensitivity to the issues of 
working in a community setting and in partnership with Head Start 
program staff and parents.
     The adequacy of the time devoted to this project by the 
faculty mentor for mentoring the graduate student. The proposal should 
include evidence of the faculty mentor's commitment to mentoring the 
individual graduate student, and as appropriate, willingness to serve 
as a resource to the broader group of Head Start Graduate Students 
funded under this award.
Results or Benefits Expected 25 Points
     The research questions are clearly stated.
     The presentation reflects original work done by the 
student (consistent with the general principles and guidelines of the 
Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct 2002 (APA 
2002).
     The extent to which the questions are of importance and 
relevance for low-income children's development and welfare.
     The extent to which the research study makes a significant 
contribution to the knowledge base.
     The extent to which the literature review is current, 
comprehensive, and supports the need for the study.
     The extent to which the literature review has a complete 
set of reference citations and is written consistent with the 
guidelines of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological 
Association, 5th ed. (APA 2001).
     The extent to which the questions that will be addressed 
or the hypotheses that will be tested are adequately described and 
sufficient for meeting the stated objectives.
     The extent to which the proposed project is appropriate to 
the student's level of ability and the stated time frame for completing 
the project.
2. Review and Selection Process
    No grant award will be made under this announcement on the basis of 
an incomplete application.
    Each application will undergo an eligibility and conformance review 
by Federal staff. Applications that pass the eligibility and 
conformance review will be evaluated on a competitive basis according 
to the specified evaluation criteria.
    The competitive review will be conducted in the Washington, DC, 
metropolitan area by panels of Federal and non-Federal experts 
knowledgeable in the areas of early childhood education and 
intervention research, early learning, child care, and other relevant 
program areas.
    Application review panels will assign a score to each application 
and identify its strengths and weaknesses.
    OPRE will conduct an administrative review of the applications and 
results of the competitive review panels and make recommendations for 
funding to the Director of OPRE.
    The Director of OPRE, in consultation with the Commissioner of the 
Administration on Children, Youth, and Families (ACYF), will make the 
final selection of the applications to be funded. Applications may be 
funded in whole or in part depending on: (1) The ranked order of 
applicants resulting from the competitive review; (2) staff review and 
consultations; (3) the combination of projects that best meets the 
Bureau's objectives; (4) the funds available; and (5) other relevant 
considerations. The Director may also elect not to fund any applicants 
with known management, fiscal, reporting, program, or other problems, 
which make it unlikely that they would be able to provide effective 
services.
    Approved but Unfunded Applications: Applications that are approved 
but unfunded may be held over for funding in the next funding cycle, 
pending the availability of funds, for a period not to exceed one year.

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 (if applicable), 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

    45 CFR Part 74; 45 CFR Part 92.

3. Reporting Requirements

    Programmatic Reports: Semi-Annually.
    Financial Reports: Semi-Annually.
    Programmatic Reports: Semi-annually and a final report is due 90 
days after the end of the grant period.
    Financial Reports: (SF-269 long form) Semi-annually and a final 
report is due 90 days after the end of the grant period.
    Original reports and one copy should be mailed to: Administration 
for Children and Families, Office of Grants Management, Division of 
Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 
20447.

VII. Agency Contacts

    Program Office Contact: Head Start Research Support Technical 
Assistance Team, OPRE Grant Review Team, Xtria, LLC, 8045 Leesburg 
Pike, Suite 400, Vienna, VA 22182. Phone: 877-663-0250. E-mail: 
[email protected].
    Grants Management Office Contact: Tim Chappelle, 370 L'Enfant 
Promenade, Washington, DC 20447, Phone: 202-401-4855. E-mail: 
[email protected].

VIII. Other Information

    Notice: Beginning with FY 2006, The Administration for Children and 
Families (ACF) 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: www.Grants.gov. Applicants will also be able to 
find the complete text of all ACF grant announcements on the ACF Web 
site

[[Page 21213]]

located at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/index.html.
    Direct Federal grants, subaward funds, or contracts under the Head 
Start 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.
    Applicants will be sent acknowledgements of received applications.

    Dated: April 20, 2005.
Naomi Goldstein,
Director, Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation.
[FR Doc. 05-8219 Filed 4-22-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P