[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 78 (Monday, April 25, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 21213-21221]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-8220]


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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, 
Partnership Development Grants.
    Announcement Type: Initial.
    Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2005-ACF-OPRE-YD-0069.
    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 
Partnership Development Grants to develop or enhance Head Start 
Research Partnerships.
    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 Grants, (2) Head Start-
University Partnerships: 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.
    Funding for this grant program is shared with the Head Start 
Graduate Student Research 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

Head Start Graduate Student Research Partnership Development Grants

A. Purpose
    This is to announce the availability of Head Start Graduate Student 
Research Partnership Development Grant funds to support graduate 
students' efforts to create, develop, and/or enhance ongoing research 
partnerships with Head Start programs in good standing. The primary 
goal of this priority area is to support the development of critical 
research partnerships with Head Start programs that will lead to a 
truly collaborative set of research activities.
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
    Starting in 1991, ACF began explicitly supporting 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.
    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.
    However, effectively developing new research partnerships between 
researchers and Head Start communities also requires considerable 
planning, effort, and commitment. Without resources to support this 
work, students in graduate programs that do not already have a research 
partnership with a Head Start program are discouraged from conducting 
research in this arena. Additionally, in places where partnerships 
between researchers and Head Start communities already exist, the 
benefit of the partnerships for the Head Start partners could be 
strengthened by focused, on-going efforts that specifically target 
enhancing the collaborative relationship. One example of such an effort 
might be to help a Head Start partner interpret and implement research 
findings in a program.
    In recognition of these facts, ACF recently established a new 
funding mechanism designed to facilitate the entry of more mentor/
student teams to the field of Head Start research by encouraging the 
development of such new research partnerships. It is also intended to 
support students dedicated to strengthening existing research 
partnerships. As noted above, the primary goal of this priority area is 
to support the development of critical research partnerships with Head 
Start programs that will lead to a truly collaborative set of research 
activities.
    The broad goals of this priority area are similar to those of the 
Head Start Graduate Student Research Grant program, and can be 
summarized as follows:
     Provide direct support for graduate students engaging in 
the development of research partnerships with Head Start programs, thus 
strengthening the links between Head Start and the research community, 
and increasing the research that contributes to the knowledge base 
about the best approaches for delivering services to diverse, low-
income families and their children;
     Promote mentor-student relationships which support 
students' graduate training and professional development as young 
community-based researchers engaged in policy-relevant, applied 
research;
     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
     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.
    Priority Area 1: Head Start Graduate Student Research Partnership 
Development Grants

[[Page 21214]]

    1. Description: This is to announce the availability of Head Start 
Graduate Student Research Partnership Development Grant funds to 
support graduate students' efforts to create, develop, and/or enhance 
ongoing research partnerships with Head Start programs in good 
standing. The primary goal of this priority area is to support the 
development of critical research partnerships with Head Start programs 
that will lead to a truly collaborative set of research activities.

II. Award Information

    Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
    Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $80,000.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: 4 to 8.
    Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards Per Budget Period: $10,000.
    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: $10,000.
    Length of Project Periods: 12 month project and budget period.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    State controlled institutions of higher education and private 
institutions of higher education, including faith-based and community-
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.
    2. 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 Postsecondary Accreditation.

2. Cost Sharing/Matching

    None.

3. Other

    1. Although the faculty mentor is listed as the Principal 
Investigator and must be committed to taking a central role in 
maintaining an on-going 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 activities. The grant budget should 
reflect travel and housing funds for the graduate student for these two 
required meetings.
    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 and community-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, including faith-
based and community-based institutions 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 Non-Profit 
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 Non-Profit 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 Non-Profit 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 Non-Profit 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

[[Page 21215]]

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.2. for further details about these letters).
    10. The partnership development project must be an independent 
project 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 
partnership development activities and those of the larger project. The 
graduate student must have primary responsibility for the proposed 
activities described in the application.
    11. 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. 
(American Psychological Association, 2001) and the general principles 
and guidelines of the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of 
Conduct 2002 (APA, 2002).
    The aforementioned eleven items will not be used as criteria to 
screen out applications.

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 (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 (Form 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 of 
this funding opportunity, and the structure requirements listed in the 
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

[[Page 21216]]

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 http://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 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.
    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/
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
    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 e-mail: 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. E-mail: [email protected].
b. Applications
    Application Due Date: 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

[[Page 21217]]

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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SF-424...............................  See Section IV.........  http://www.acf.hhs.gov/  By application due
                                                                 programs/ofs/forms.htm.  date.
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.........  Assurance Regarding      By application due
 Human Subjects..                                                Protection of Human      date.
                                                                 Subjects..
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            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.
    Sharing of Awards: Awards can not 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

[[Page 21218]]

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. E-mail: [email protected].
    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 and a table of contents should be 
included for easy reference.
Introduction
    Applicants required to submit a full project description shall 
prepare the project description statement in accordance with the 
following instructions while being aware of the specified evaluation 
criteria. The text options give a broad overview of what your project 
description should include while the evaluation criteria identifies the 
measures that will be used to evaluate applications.
Project Summary/Abstract
    Provide a summary of the project description (a page or less) with 
reference to the funding request.
    Objectives and Need for Assistance. Clearly identify the physical, 
economic, social, financial, institutional, and/or other problem(s) 
requiring a solution. The need for assistance must be demonstrated and 
the principal and subordinate objectives of the project must be clearly 
stated; supporting documentation, such as letters of support and 
testimonials from concerned interests other than the applicant, may be 
included. Any relevant data based on planning studies should be 
included or referred to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate 
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.

[[Page 21219]]

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 Certified Public 
Accountants/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.
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.
    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, Federal 
Insurance Contributions Act (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.
    Supplies. Description: Costs of all tangible personal property 
other than that included under the Equipment category.
    Justification: Specify general categories of supplies and their 
costs. Show computations and provide other information which supports 
the amount requested.
    Other. Enter the total of all other costs. Such costs, where 
applicable and appropriate, may include but are not limited to 
insurance, food, medical and dental costs (noncontractual), 
professional services costs, space and equipment rentals, printing and 
publication, computer use, training costs, such as tuition and 
stipends, staff development costs, and administrative costs.
    Justification: Provide computations, a narrative description and a 
justification for each cost under this category.
    Indirect Charges. Description: Total amount of indirect costs. This 
category should be used only when the applicant currently has an 
indirect cost rate approved by the Department of Health and Human 
Services (HHS) or another cognizant Federal agency.
    Justification: An applicant that will charge indirect costs to the 
grant must enclose a copy of the current rate agreement. If the 
applicant organization is in the process of initially developing or 
renegotiating a rate, upon notification that an award will be made, it 
should immediately develop a tentative indirect cost rate proposal 
based on its most recently completed fiscal year, in accordance with 
the cognizant agency's guidelines for establishing indirect cost rates, 
and submit it to the cognizant agency. Applicants awaiting approval of 
their indirect cost proposals may also request indirect costs. When an 
indirect cost rate is requested, those costs included in the indirect 
cost pool 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 the approach is based in community/
ecological/empowerment models, in which research needs are considered 
in the larger context of program needs, as well as mutually beneficial 
and empowering relationships.
     The extent to which the proposal demonstrates an approach 
to the planning, effort, and commitment to development and/or 
enhancement of Head Start-research partnership(s) consistent with the 
descriptions in this announcement (see III.A.11 for further details).
     The extent to which there is a discrete project designed 
by the graduate student. If the proposed project is part of a larger 
project designed by others, the approach section should clearly 
delineate the research

[[Page 21220]]

partnership development component to be carried out by the student and 
how it is distinguished from the larger project (see III.A.12 for 
further details).
     The extent to which the goals and objectives of the 
proposed activities, the set of benchmarks for guiding and assessing 
progress, and the set of products to be generated are clearly 
articulated and reflect an appropriate understanding of how these 
activities will fit within the context and complexities of the Head 
Start program's operations (see III.A.13 for further details).
     The extent to which the description of the proposed 
project articulates a set of partnership development activities that 
are consistent with the activities described in this announcement, as 
opposed to a set of activities associated with the implementation of an 
already formulated research study. As noted earlier, the primary goal 
of this priority area is targeted towards the partnership development 
activities and not the conduct of an actual research study.
     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 or proposed 
research partnership activities reflect sufficient opportunities for 
written input from and an active partnership with the Head Start 
program (including the separate required review and written approval of 
the proposed partnership activities 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 research project 
development activities.
     The extent to which proposed products reflect concrete and 
measurable steps toward design of a future dissertation project.
     As applicable, 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 expertise necessary to successfully form a research 
partnership with a Head Start program 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 a reciprocal 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.
     The extent to which the mentor-mentee relationship is 
clearly described and has the potential to continue throughout the 
student's dissertation process.
Results or Benefits Expected 25 Points
     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 literature review, as well as a 
description of the needs of the local community if appropriate, is 
current, comprehensive, and adequately supports the need for developing 
this or similar research partnerships.
     The extent to which proposed goals and objectives for the 
year address the needs identified.
     The extent to which the specific products to be generated 
through the grant, as well as the benchmarks for assessing progress 
toward these goals and objectives, are clearly described and will 
potentially benefit the Head Start and/or research communities.
     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 proposed project is appropriate to 
the student's level of ability and the stated time frame for completing 
the project.
     The extent to which potential research questions are 
clearly stated and are of importance and relevance for low-income 
children's development and welfare.
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: In cases where more 
applications are approved for funding than ACF can fund with the money 
available, the Grants Officer shall fund applications in their order of 
approval until funds run out. In this case, ACF has the option of 
carrying over the approved applications up to a year for funding 
consideration in a later competition of the same program. These 
applications need not be reviewed and scored again if the program's 
evaluation criteria have not changed. However, they must then be placed 
in rank order along with other applications in later competition.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

    The successful applicants will be notified through the issuance of 
a Financial Assistance Award document which sets forth the amount of 
funds granted, the terms and conditions of the grant, the effective 
date of the grant, the budget period for which initial support will be 
given, the non-Federal share to be provided, and the total project 
period for which support is contemplated. The

[[Page 21221]]

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.
    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: http://www.Grants.gov. Applicants will also be 
able to find the complete text of all ACF grant announcements on the 
ACF Web site located at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/index.html.
    Direct Federal grants, sub-award 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. 05-8220 Filed 4-22-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P