Executive Summary: Funds are available to support secondary analysis of Head Start data from a number of Federal data sources, including the Early Head Start Research and Evaluation project, the Family and Child Experiences Survey (1997 and 2000 cohorts), the National Head Start/ Public School Early Childhood Transition Demonstration Study and the Evaluation of the Comprehensive Child Development Program. The goal of these projects should be to utilize existing Federal Head Start data to answer questions related to program characteristics that positively influence outcomes for Head Start children and families. I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION Legislative Authority Section 649 of the Head Start Act, as amended by the Community Opportunities, Accountability, and Training and Educational Services Act of 1998, codified at 42 United States Code (U.S.C.) 9844. Funding Opportunity Description The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is committed to the continued improvement of the Head Start program in order to achieve better outcomes for low-income children and families. The Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation (OPRE) is dedicated to using Head Start research to assist in program improvement. Therefore, applicants for this grant priority should focus their research questions on characteristics of Head Start programs that contribute to improved child and family outcomes. Program characteristics of interest include classroom, teacher, and curriculum characteristics, characteristics of the families and children served, as well as variables related to program administration. Priority will be given to applications that address questions that are likely to be of practical use in understanding how to improve outcomes for children and families who participate in Head Start. Successful applicants must plan to use at least one of the datasets discussed in this announcement, but may include additional data sources in their analysis as well. Priority Area 1: Secondary Analysis of Head Start Data Description The purpose of this priority area is to announce the availability of funds to support grants for secondary analysis of data available from a variety of Head Start related sources. The planned analysis should be designed to inform policy and practice related to Head Start program characteristics that influence child outcomes. Background ACF has collected a wealth of data through various studies in the extensive Head Start research agenda. Many datasets from Head Start research, demonstration, and evaluation studies are available to researchers for analysis. The goal of this announcement is to provide opportunities for researchers to extend the use of these datasets through secondary analysis and to use the data in new ways to meet the goal of continuous improvement in Head Start. Through this announcement, ACF will enable researchers to use existing datasets to answer new research questions regarding factors that positively influence child outcomes. Program characteristics of interest might include variables related to the classroom, such as teacher or curriculum characteristics, variables related to children, families or staff of the Head Start program, or program characteristics such as auspices and other administrative factors. Data are available from the Early Head Start Research and Evaluation Project (EHSRE), the Family and Child Experiences Survey (FACES), the National Head Start/Public School Early Childhood Transition Demonstration Study, the Evaluation of the Comprehensive Child Development Program (CCDP). Each of these datasets is described below. Applicants are encouraged to look at whether these ACF-collected data, perhaps in conjunction with other sources of data, can provide new insight into improving outcomes for Head Start children and families. Priority will be given to projects which feature research questions and analyses that are likely to have direct, practical application for Head Start administrators and Head Start programs. Confidentiality ACF and its contract staff have removed or masked information that would allow for identification of specific children or families, and in some cases, of specific Head Start programs. Data users will be asked to enter into agreements to protect the privacy and confidentiality of all parties. In addition, grantees will need to abide by the terms of use for each dataset and implement appropriate safeguards, such as review by an Institutional Review Boards/Human Subjects Review Committee. Early Head Start Research and Evaluation Project The Early Head Start Research and Evaluation Project (EHSRE) included studies of the implementation and impacts of Early Head Start (EHS). The research was conducted in 17 sites representing diverse program models, racial/ethnic makeup, auspices, and regions. In 1996, 3,001 children and families in these sites were randomly assigned to receive EHS services or to be in a control group that could utilize any community services except EHS. Children, families, and children's child care arrangements were assessed when children 14, 24, and 36 months old, and again prior to kindergarten entry. Families were interviewed about services at 7, 16, and 28 months after random assignment. Child assessments included a wide array of child cognitive, language, and social-emotional measures using direct assessment and parent report. Parent assessments included observation (videotaped and by interviewers) and self-report. Families in the program and control groups were demographically comparable at baseline and assessment points. Several research briefs have been published based on findings from this study. A fifth grade follow-up is currently underway. For an overview of study please see http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/ehs/ehs_resrch/ehs_overview.html#overview The Head Start Family and Child Experiences Survey In 1997, ACF launched the Head Start Family and Child Experiences Survey (FACES), a study with a nationally representative sample of 3,200 children and their families in 40 Head Start programs. FACES provides longitudinal information on a periodic basis on the characteristics, experiences, and outcomes for children and families served by Head Start. In the fall of 2000, Head Start began data collection on a new national cohort of FACES, called FACES 2000. The FACES 2000 sample includes 2,800 children and their families in 43 different Head Start programs across the nation. FACES 2003, the third national cohort started in fall of 2003, is a nationally representative sample of approximately 2,400 three- and four-year-old children and their families from 63 different Head Start programs. For the purposes of this announcement, data will be available from FACES 1997 and FACES 2000. FACES examines the relationship between family and program characteristics and outcomes. The FACES data collection methods include direct child assessment, classroom observation, teachers' child ratings, and parent interviews. From the broad based data available through FACES, researchers can glean descriptive information about Head Start children, families, and programs, information about the quality of Head Start programs, and data on the progress of Head Start children across a range of domains, including cognitive and social skills. A wide variety of reports produced from the FACES project are available at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/hs/faces/index.html. National Head Start/Public School Early Childhood Transition Demonstration Study The National Head Start/Public School Early Childhood Transition Demonstration Study funded 31 local Transition Demonstration Programs in 30 states and the Navajo Nation from the 1991-92 school year through the 1997-98 school year. The Transition Study involved more than 450 public schools. Enhanced services under the demonstration included additional educational supports for children, family involvement and family support activities, and a focus on health, mental health, and nutrition. The Transition Study was conducted to provide information about the implementation of this program and its impact on children, families, schools, and communities. The study design involved random assignment of schools to a Transition Demonstration group, which received additional supports and staff funded by this project, or to a comparison group. A total of 7,515 former Head Start children and families were enrolled in this national study in 1992-93 and 1993-94. Data were collected through a variety of methods, including direct assessment of children, observation of classrooms, interviews with families, and self-reports of teachers and administrators. Reports from the project are available at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/hs/ch_trans/reports/transition_study/trans_study_ch2.html. Comprehensive Child Development Program In 1988, Congress created the Comprehensive Child Development Program (CCDP), to address the needs of low-income young children and families. The original Comprehensive Child Development Act of 1988 authorized the establishment of a set of programs to operate for five years at an authorization level of $25 million per year. Twenty-two CCDP projects were funded in fiscal year 1989, and two additional projects were funded in fiscal year 1990. The objectives of each local CCDP grantee were to support young children's development by working with them and with their families, including strategies for the parents aimed at educating them about child development, improving their parenting practices, and helping them achieve and maintain financial self-sufficiency. To these ends, the grantees provided continuous, intensive case management and service coordination strategies to young children and their families until the children entered kindergarten. Of the 24 original projects, 21 participated in the impact evaluation conducted by Abt Associates Inc. Across the 21 projects, 4,410 families were included in the evaluation; 2,213 were part of the CCDP, and 2,197 were part of the control group. For more information about the children and the families in the sample, please refer to the project reports at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/hs/comp_develop/index.html Accessing Datasets The EHSRE, FACES (1997 and 2000 cohort), Transitions Study and CCDP project data are available through Early Care and Education Research Connections (Research Connections), an ACF-sponsored research clearinghouse and data archive, found at www.childcareresearch.org. Research Connections is operated by a partnership of the National Center for Children and Poverty at the Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University and the Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR) at the Institute for Social Research, the University of Michigan. In order to use the dataset, certain agreements regarding confidentiality and appropriate use must be met and these are outlined on the website, governed by Federal laws and regulations, and standards maintained by ICPSR. Applicants who wish to download the EHSRE data should access the website at http://www.childcareresearch.org/location/ccrca2925. Applicants who wish to download the FACES, Transitions Study or the CCDP datasets should contact Research Connections at contact@childcareresearch.org. Other: ACF expects that applicants will attend the Head Start Research conference in 2008 and will present findings, if asked. The applicant should budget for one trip to DC each year, which will cover the Head Start Research conference in 2008 and one other opportunity to share findings. II. AWARD INFORMATION
Awards under this announcement are subject to the availability of funds. III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION 1. Eligible Applicants:
Eligibility is open to all types of domestic applicants other than individuals. Faith-based and community organizations that meet the statutory eligibility requirements are eligible to apply under this announcement. Foreign entities are not eligible under this announcement. All public and private entities are eligible for funding under the announcement as provided by Section 649(b)(1) of the Head Start Act. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching: None 3. Other: Priority will be given to projects that feature research questions and analyses that are likely to have direct, practical application for Head Start administrators and programs. Priority will also be given to projects that will contribute to an understanding of how to improve outcomes for Head Start children and families. Disqualification Factors
IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 1. Address to Request Application Package: Xtria LLC8045 Leesburg Pike, Suite 400 Vienna, VA 22182 Phone: 877-663-0250 Fax: 703-821-3989 Email: opre@xtria.com 2. Content and Form of Application Submission: Notice of Intent to Submit an Application (optional): Applicants are strongly encouraged to notify OPRE by fax or email by the deadline listed in Section IV.3. Letters of Intent may be sent by fax or by email and should include only the following information: the number and title of this announcement; the names, addresses, telephone and fax numbers, and email addresses of the Principal Investigator 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 the proposed project. This information will be used to determine the number of expert reviewers needed to review applications. Failure to submit a letter of intent will not impact eligibility to submit an application and will not disqualify an application from competitive review. Letters of Intent may be submitted to: Application Format: Applicants are strongly encouraged to limit their application to 60 pages, double-spaced, with standard one-inch margins and 12-point fonts (such as Times New Roman or Courier). This page limit applies to both narrative text and supporting materials but not to the Standard Forms (SF) (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: b. Contact Information Sheet: The contact information sheet should include addresses, phone and fax numbers, and email addresses for the applicant, the Principal Investigator, and the institution's fiscal representative (person who signs the SF-424 and SF-269). c. Standard Federal Forms (http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html), including: d. Table of Contents e. Project Description/Narrative Statement: The project narrative should be carefully developed in accordance with f. Third Party Agreements g. Letters of Support (optional) h. Appendix, including: Curriculum Vitae for Primary Investigators D-U-N-S Requirement All applicants must have a D&B Data Universal Numbering System (D-U-N-S) number. On June 27, 2003, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) published in the Federal Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal grant applicants. The policy requires Federal grant applicants to provide a D-U-N-S number when applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or after October 1, 2003. The D-U-N-S number will be required whether an applicant is submitting a paper application or using the government-wide electronic portal, Grants.gov. A D-U-N-S 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 D-U-N-S number. You may acquire a D-U-N-S number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free D-U-N-S number request line at 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number on-line at http://www.dnb.com. Proof of Non-Profit Status Non-profit organizations applying for funding are required to submit proof of their non-profit status. Proof of non-profit status is any one of the following:
When applying electronically, we strongly suggest that you attach your proof of non-profit status with your electronic application. Forms, Assurances, and Certifications The project description should include all the information requirements described in the specific evaluation criteria outlined in this program announcement under Section V. Application Review Information. In addition to the project description, the applicant needs to complete all of the Standard Forms required as part of the application process for awards under this announcement. Applicants seeking financial assistance under this announcement must file the appropriate Standard Forms (SFs) as described in this section. All applicants must submit an SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance. For non-construction programs, applicants must also submit an SF-424A, Budget Information and an SF-424B, Assurances. For construction programs, applicants must also submit SF-424C, Budget Information and SF-424D, Assurances. For research programs that involve human subjects, the Protection of Human Subjects Assurance Identification/IRB Certification/Declaration of Exemption form must be submitted. All 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 Certification Regarding Lobbying. Applicants must sign and return the certification with their application. The Certification Regarding Lobbying may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. (If any funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this commitment providing for the United States to insure or guarantee a loan, the applicant shall complete and submit Standard Form (SF)-LLL, "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying," in accordance with its instructions.) Applicants must also understand that they will be held accountable for the smoking prohibition included within Public Law (P.L.) 103-227, Title XII Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the Pro Children Act of 1994). A copy of the Federal Register notice that implements the smoking prohibition is included with this form. By signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the necessary certification and are not required to return it. Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the necessary certification and are not required to return it. 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/grants/grants_resources.html. Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey" heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Please see Section V.1 for instructions on preparing the full project description. Please reference Section IV.3 for details about acknowledgement of received applications. Electronic Submission Applicants to ACF may submit their applications in either electronic or paper format. To submit an application electronically, please use the http://www.Grants.gov site. When using www.Grants.gov, applicants will be able to download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and then upload and submit the application via the www.Grants.gov site. ACF will not accept grant applications via facsimile or email. Acceptable electronic formats for the application attachments (narratives, charts, etc.) must use the following standard technologies, i.e., Microsoft (Word and Excel), Word Perfect, Adobe PDF, Jpeg, and Gif. IMPORTANT NOTE: Before submitting an electronic application, applicants must complete the organization registration process as well as obtain and register "electronic signature credentials" for the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). Since this process may take more than five business days, it is important to start this process early, well in advance of the application deadline. Be sure to complete all www.Grants.gov registration processes listed on the Organization Registration Checklist, which can be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/registration_checklist.html. Please note the following if planning to submit an application electronically via www.Grants.gov:
Hard Copy Submission Applicants that are submitting their application in paper format should submit one original and two copies of the complete application. The original and each of the two copies must include all required forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed by an authorized representative, and be unbound. The original copy of the application must have original signature(s). Non-Federal Reviewers Since ACF will be using non-Federal reviewers in the review process, 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 as well as Social Security Numbers, if otherwise required for individuals. The copies may include summary salary information. If applicants are submitting their application electronically, ACF will omit the same specific salary rate information from copies made for use during the review and selection process. 3. Submission Dates and Times: Due Date For Letter of Intent: 05/29/2007 Due Date for Applications: 06/26/2007 Explanation of Due Dates The due date for receipt of applications is referenced above. Applications received after 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due date will be classified as late and will not be considered in the current competition. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that applications are mailed or hand-delivered or submitted electronically well in advance of the application due date and time. Applications that are submitted by mail must be received no later than 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due date referenced above at the address listed in Section IV.6. Hand Delivery Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers must be received on or before the due date referenced above, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., eastern time, at the address referenced in Section IV.6., between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays). Electronic Submission Applications submitted electronically via Grants.gov must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due date referenced above. ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by facsimile or email. Late Applications Applications that do not meet the requirements 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 DUE DATE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR COMPETITION. Extension of Deadlines ACF may extend application deadlines when circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur; 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. 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 http://www.Grants.gov. Checklist You may use the checklist below as a guide when preparing your application package.
Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey" heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html.
4. Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs: State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) This program is covered under Executive Order (Exec. 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 Exec. Order, States may design their own processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance under covered programs. As of August 1, 2006, the following jurisdictions have elected to participate in the Exec. Order process: Arkansas, California, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and U.S. 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. Comments submitted directly to ACF 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., 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20447. Although the remaining jurisdictions have chosen not to participate in this process, entities that meet the eligibility requirements of the Program Announcement are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State, Territory, or 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 Exec. Order 12372. The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions that have elected to participate in Exec. Order 12372 can be found on the following URL: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html. 5. Funding Restrictions: Fundraising is not an allowable cost under this program. Grant awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs. Construction and purchase of real property are not allowable activities or expenditures under this grant award. Grants awarded as a result of this competition are not transferable to another institution without prior approval from ACF. In addition, grant funds may not be used to support project activities outside of the scope of the awarded project without prior approval by ACF. 6. Other Submission Requirements: Please see Sections IV.2 and IV.3 for deadline information and other application requirements. Submit applications to one of the following addresses: Submission by Mail Xtria LLC Hand Delivery Xtria LLC Electronic Submission Please see Section IV.2 for guidelines and requirements when submitting applications electronically via http://www.Grants.gov. V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (P.L. 104-13) Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 40 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: Part I THE PROJECT DESCRIPTION OVERVIEW PURPOSE The project description provides the majority of information by which an application is evaluated and ranked in competition with other applications for available assistance. The project description should be concise and complete. It 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 the project description, information that is 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 EXPECTATIONS AND 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. Part II GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARING A FULL PROJECT DESCRIPTION INTRODUCTION Applicants that are 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 the project description should include while the evaluation criteria identify the measures that will be used to evaluate applications. PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Provide a summary of the project description (one page or less) with reference to the funding request. RESULTS OR BENEFITS EXPECTED Identify the results and benefits to be derived. For example, applicants may provide a narrative on how the research questions are of importance to continuous improvement in the Head Start program and will have practical application for Head Start policymakers, administrators, or practitioners. Describe how the research study: 1) makes a significant contribution to the knowledge base, 2) demonstrates that the literature review is current and comprehensive and supports the questions to be addressed or the hypothesis to be tested, and 3) provides a dissemination plan that encompasses both research and practitioner-oriented products.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 OMB. This clearance pertains to any "collection of information that is conducted or sponsored by ACF." Provide a list of organizations, cooperating entities, consultants, or other key individuals who will work on the project along with a short description of the nature of their effort or contribution. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The following are requests for additional information that must be included in the application:
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 (SF-424A or SF-424C). Detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated. If matching is a requirement, 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 allocation of the proposed costs.
TOTAL DIRECT CHARGES, TOTAL INDIRECT CHARGES, TOTAL PROJECT COSTS EVALUATION CRITERIA: The corresponding score values indicate the relative importance that ACF places on each evaluation criterion; however, applicants need not develop their applications precisely according to the order presented. Application components may be organized such that a reviewer will be able to follow a seamless and logical flow of information (i.e., from a broad overview of the project to more detailed information about how it will be conducted). In considering how applicants will carry out the responsibilities addressed under this announcement, competing applications for financial assistance will be reviewed and evaluated against the following criteria: RESULTS OR BENEFITS EXPECTED - 20 points
DISSEMINATION PLAN - 10 points
STAFF AND POSITION DATA - 30 points
APPROACH - 40 points
2. Review and Selection Process: No grant award will be made under this announcement on the basis of an incomplete application. Each application will be screened to determine whether it was received by the closing date and time (Section IV.3.) and whether the requested amount exceeds the ceiling or upper range value, whichever is appropriate (Section II.) Applications received by the due date with requests at or below the stated ceiling amount will be reviewed and scored competitively. Reviewers will use the evaluation criteria listed in Section V to review and score the application. Priority will be given to projects that feature research questions and analyses that are likely to have direct, practical application for Head Start administrators and programs. Priority will also be given to projects that contribute to an understanding how to improve outcomes for Head Start children and families. On the basis of the review of an application, ACF will: (a) approve the application for funding; (b) disapprove the application; or (c) approve the application but not fund it due to lack of funds or a need for further review. Please reference Section IV.2 for information on non-Federal reviewers in the review process. 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. 3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates: Not applicable. 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. Following the finalization of funding decisions, organizations whose applications will not be funded will be notified by letter, signed by the Program Office head. 2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: Grantees are subject to the requirements in 45 CFR Part 74 (non-governmental) or 45 CFR Part 92 (governmental). Direct Federal grants, sub-award funds, or contracts under this ACF 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 Equal Treatment for Faith-Based Organizations, which includes the prohibition against Federal funding of inherently religious activities, can be found at the HHS web site at: http://www.hhs.gov/fbci/waisgate21.pdf. A faith-based organization receiving HHS funds retains its independence from Federal, State, and local governments, and may continue to carry out its mission, including the definition, practice, and expression of its religious beliefs. For example, a faith-based organization may use space in its facilities to provide secular programs or services funded with Federal funds without removing religious art, icons, scriptures, or other religious symbols. In addition, a faith-based organization that receives Federal funds retains its authority over its internal governance, and it may retain religious terms in its organization's name, select its board members on a religious basis, and include religious references in its organization's mission statements and other governing documents in accordance with all program requirements, statutes, and other applicable requirements governing the conduct of HHS funded activities. Faith-based and community organizations may reference the "Guidance to Faith-Based and Community Organizations on Partnering with the Federal Government" at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/government/fbci/guidance/index.html. HHS Grants Policy Statement The HHS Grants Policy Statement (GPS) is the Department of Health and Human Services new single policy guide for discretionary grants and cooperative agreements. Unlike previous HHS policy documents, the GPS is intended to be shared with and used by grantees. It became effective October 1, 2006 and is applicable to all Operating Divisions (OPDIVS), such as the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), except the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The GPS covers basic grants processes, standard terms and conditions and points of contact as well as important OPDIV-specific requirements. Appendices include a glossary of terms and a list of standard abbreviations for ease of reference. The GPS may be accessed at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. The Head Start Act requires the Department to take steps to establish the ownership by the Federal Government of "all studies, reports, proposals, and data" produced as part of the implementation of grants (see Section 649(f) of the Head Start Act, 42 U.S.C. 9844(f)). OPRE plans to incorporate terms in the awards under this announcement that are necessary for the implementation of Section 649(f). 3. Reporting Requirements: Grantees will be required to submit program progress and financial reports (SF-269 found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html) throughout the project period. Program progress and financial reports are due 30 days after the reporting period. Final programmatic and financial reports are due 90 days after the close of the project period. Final reports may be submitted in hard copy to the Grants Management Office Contact listed in Section VII of this announcement. Program Progress Reports: Semi-AnnuallyFinancial Reports: Semi-Annually VII. AGENCY CONTACTS Program Office Contact: Behnosh Najafi Grants Management Office Contact: Tim Chappelle VIII. OTHER INFORMATION
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