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Executive Summary: The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Head Start (OHS) announces the availability of financial assistance and requests applications for grants to institutions of higher education under three priority areas: Priority Area 1- Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), Priority Area 2- Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), and Priority Area 3- Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges and Universities (TCCU). Applicants should have experience in educating and preparing teaching staff to work effectively with young children and their families, as well as experience working with Head Start teachers. Those receiving grants will work in partnership with Head Start programs. The primary purpose of these career advancement programs is to increase the number of Head Start teaching staff with associate and baccalaureate degrees in early childhood education to improve the quality and long-term effectiveness of program services to Head Start children and their families. I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION Legislative Authority This Program Announcement is authorized by Section 648 (g) of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9843) for these Career Advancement Partnership Programs. Funding Opportunity Description The Head Start Act, Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act, as reauthorized in 2007 addresses Career Advancement Partnership Programs within Head Start programs. The provisions include awards of demonstration grants to HBCU, HSI, and TCCU to develop program curricula to promote high-quality services and instruction to children with diverse backgrounds. The provisions also include implementation of education programs that increase the number of associate, baccalaureate, and in some cases graduate degrees in early childhood education and related fields that are earned by Head Start agency staff members, and in some situations parents of children served by such agencies, and members of the communities involved, as well as provide assistance for stipends and costs related to tuition, fees, and books for enrolling students. They also include provisions to upgrade the skills and qualifications of educational personnel to meet the professional standards to better promote high-quality services and instruction to children and parents from populations served by HBCU, HIS and TCCU. A primary goal of this legislation is to increase the number of Head Start teachers with degrees in early childhood education. It is required that all higher education institutions applying for funds under this announcement clearly demonstrate that they have an established relationship with the Head Start program(s) in their community and that these programs have indicated that they are willing to work collaboratively with the institution(s). OHS has identified the following three priority areas for funding awards to address these requirements and provisions of Section 648 (g) in the 2007 Head Start Act, as amended. Priority Areas Priority Area 1: Historically
Priority Area 2: Hispanic-Serving Institutions Priority Area 3: Tribally Controlled Program Background and Purpose Head Start, established in 1965, is a comprehensive child development program currently serving annually over 894,347 primarily young children in low-income families, from three years of age to the age of mandatory school attendance. Since the addition of Early Head Start in 1995, children from birth to three years of age, pregnant women and their families are also included. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2007, Early Head Start grants were awarded to more than 679 programs, which served nearly 61,788 children under the age of three, as well as pregnant women. Grants for Head Start and Early Head Start programs are awarded to public and private agencies by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Over 2,100 grantees and delegate agencies provide these programs in every State, Puerto Rico, The Head Start program was established to ensure low-income children acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to enter school ready for success. Head Start has a long tradition of delivering comprehensive services designed to foster healthy development in the most vulnerable young children, including those with disabilities. The Head Start program enhances children's physical, cognitive, language, social, and emotional development. Head Start and Early Head Start grantees and delegate agencies provide a range of individualized services in the areas of education and early childhood development; medical, dental, mental health and nutrition; and family and community partnership development through parent involvement. In addition, the entire range of Head Start services is responsive and appropriate to each child and family's developmental, ethnic, cultural and linguistic heritage and experience. Historically, OHS has supported many demonstration projects to ensure that highly qualified and well-trained staff provide high-quality services to enrolled children and their families. For example, Head Start supported the creation of the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential designed for early childhood development teaching staff, implemented the Head Start Teaching Centers, and developed other related innovative projects. OHS also implemented higher education partnerships with HBCU, HSI and TCCU to strengthen services for children and families with diverse backgrounds. Priority Area 1: Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Description OHS is announcing the availability of funds and requests applications for higher education partnership grants for accredited institutions with experience and capability in educating and preparing professionals to work effectively with young children eligible for Head Start services and their families, in partnership with Head Start and Migrant and Seasonal Head Start programs. The Head Start Career Advancement HBCU Partnership Program is funded to improve the quality and long-term effectiveness of program services to eligible children and their families through increased numbers of Head Start center-based teachers with associate or baccalaureate degrees in early childhood education. The grants also support partnerships between/among institutions of higher education and Head Start programs. Through this announcement, ACF is making available up to $1,000,000 annually for up to five years to support multiple Head Start Career Advancement HBCU partnerships. These partnerships are designed to improve the quality and long-term effectiveness of Head Start programs increasing the number of Head Start center-based teachers with degrees in age-appropriate early childhood education. To ensure that selected colleges and universities are able to fulfill this task, applicants under this announcement must demonstrate the following:
II. AWARD INFORMATION
Awards will be made on a competitive basis and will be for up to five 12-month budget periods. The total project period will not exceed 60 months. Applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the first 12-month budget period, but within the project period, will be considered on a noncompetitive basis subject to the availability of funds, satisfactory progress and performance of the grantee and a determination that continued funding is in the best interest of the Federal Government and the Head Start partners. Award amounts include allowable direct and indirect costs. Awards under this announcement are subject to the availability of funds. III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION 1. Eligible Applicants:
Eligibility under this announcement is limited to HBCUs as defined as "Part B Institutions" under Section 322(2) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, codified at 20 U.S.C.1061(2). HBCUs are institutions established prior to 1964 whose principal mission was, and is, the education of Black Americans, and must satisfy Section 322 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended. Only those institutions that meet the definition of "Part B institution" in Section 322 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, 20 U.S.C. 1061(2), shall be eligible for assistance under this announcement. Each institution and its existing early childhood education degree program must be accredited by one of the bodies identified in the U.S. Department of Education data base, http://www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation. Additionally, to participate in the competitive review, each applicant must submit proof of current accreditation for their institution and the relevant degree program(s). The applicant must submit documentation of current accreditation or State higher education endorsement for the degree program identified as meeting the objectives of this announcement (i.e., increasing the number of Head Start and Early Head Start teaching staff with either an associate or baccalaureate degree in early childhood education). For the purposes of this announcement, "State higher education endorsement" refers to an endorsement by State agencies such as the Department of Public Instruction, Office of State Superintendent, State Boards of Higher Education, State Board of Education, Board of Regents, etc. This announcement is further limited to HBCUs with existing early childhood degree programs, institutional experience and capability in educating and preparing early childhood professionals to work effectively with young children birth to five years and their families. Applicants that do not meet this requirement will be disqualified from competitive review. See Section III.3. Institutions of higher education that are neither accredited nor State endorsed for the degree program are not eligible to apply under this announcement. Faith-based institutions of higher education that are also HBCU are eligible to apply. HBCUs that are currently funded under previous Head Start Partnership competitions and whose funding will end after October 1, 2008, are not eligible to apply under this announcement. See Section III.3. Foreign entities are not eligible under this announcement. Please see Section IV for required documentation supporting eligibility or funding restrictions if any are applicable. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching: None 3. Other: Number of Proposals
Disqualification Factors Applications with requests that exceed the ceiling on the amount of individual awards referenced in Section II. Award Information will be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement. Any application that fails to satisfy the deadline requirements referenced in Section IV.3., Submission Dates and Times, will be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement. Applicants that do not have existing early childhood education degree programs, institutional experience, and capability in educating and preparing early childhood professionals to work effectively with young children aged birth to five years and their families will be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement. Any applicant that fails to submit proof of a working partnership between/among the HBCU and the Head Start program(s) as defined in Section I of this announcement will be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement. Applicants that do not provide proof of current accreditation for their institution and the relevant degree program(s) will be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement. IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 1. Address to Request Application Package: Office of Head StartHistorically Black Colleges and Universities c/o ACYF Operations Center 118 Q Street, NE. Washington, DC 20002 Phone: 866-796-1591 Email: OHS@dixongroup.com 2. Content and Form of Application Submission: Letter of Intent Letter of intent information will be used to determine the number of expert reviewers needed to evaluate applications. The letter of intent is optional. Failure to submit a letter of intent will not impact eligibility to submit an application and will not disqualify an application from competitive review. The letter or an e-mail should be sent to the
ACYF Operations Proof of Accreditation Status Applicants must submit proof of accreditation by an agency recognized by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education with their application. Go to http://www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation for the list. Applicants must also submit proof of current accreditation, or State endorsement, of the specific degree program(s) described in the application. Applicants who fail to submit proof of current accreditation will be disqualified and will not participate in the competitive review. See Section III. Head Start Program Participation Agreement Applicants must submit a letter of agreement and participation with their applications from a Head Start Program Director(s) verifying that the applicant has established a relationship with the program(s) and that the Head Start program(s) is willing to partner with the applicant institution of higher education in supporting teachers obtaining degrees. Letter of Interest When applicable, applicants must provide signed letters from any non-Head Start teaching staff, parent, or community member that describes their interest in the degree program and intent to teach in a center-based Head Start program. (See Section I.) Application Requirements The project description section of the application is to be double-spaced and single-sided on 8 1/2" X 11" plain white paper, with 1" margins on all sides. Use only a standard font size no smaller than 12-point throughout the application. Application packages should be assembled in the following manner: the Standard Form-424 and Standard Form-424A budget forms, immediately followed by the project abstract, and the table of contents. All narrative sections of the application (including appendices, resumes, charts, references/footnotes, tables, maps, and exhibits) must be sequentially numbered, beginning on the first page after the table of contents. In responding to Evaluation Criteria, maps or other graphic aids may be attached and will be counted as part of the total page limit. The length of the application, including the project description, appendices, and resumes must not exceed 75 pages. Each page over the 75-page limit will be removed and not distributed to the reviewers. The one-page abstract need not be counted in the 75-page total. Applicants are NOT to send pamphlets, brochures, or other printed materials with their applications. Extensive exhibits are not required. These materials, if submitted, will not be included in the review process. In addition, applicants must NOT submit any additional letters of endorsement beyond those required in this announcement. Do not use staples in order to facilitate photocopying. Project Description Specific factual information and statements of measurable enrollee goals and progress in quantifiable terms must be included in the project description. See Section V for further information regarding the Project Description. Table of Contents All pages must be consecutively and accurately numbered. A table of contents outlining the numbered pages of the application is to be included. Standard Forms and Certifications Information on required Standard Forms and Certifications follow this section. 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. 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. 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. When required for 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 appropriate standard forms with their application. The Protection of Human Subjects Assurance Identification/IRB Certification/Declaration of Exemption (Common Rule) form may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. 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.) The Pro-Children Act of 1994, 20 U.S.C. 7183, imposes restrictions on smoking in facilities where federally funded children's services are provided. HHS grants are subject to these requirements only if they meet the Act's specified coverage. The Act specifies that smoking is prohibited in any indoor facility (owned, leased, or contracted for) used for the routine or regular provision of kindergarten, elementary, or secondary education or library services to children under the age of 18. In addition, smoking is prohibited in any indoor facility or portion of a facility (owned, leased, or contracted for) used for the routine or regular provision of federally funded health care, day care, or early childhood development, including Head Start services to children under the age of 18. The statutory prohibition also applies if such facilities are constructed, operated, or maintained with Federal funds. The statute does not apply to children's services provided in private residences, facilities funded solely by Medicare or Medicaid funds, portions of facilities used for inpatient drug or alcohol treatment, or facilities where WIC coupons are redeemed. Failure to comply with the provisions of the law may result in the imposition of a civil monetary penalty of up to $1,000 per violation and/or the imposition of an administrative compliance order on the responsible entity. Additional information may be found in the HHS Grants Policy Statement at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_related.html. Information on the Certification Regarding Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act (PFCRA) may be found in the HHS Grants Policy Statement at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_related.html. 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. Where return of a form is required, complete the standard forms and the associated certifications and assurances based on the instructions found on the forms. The forms and certifications may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Information on the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) and the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C 552) or FOIA may be found in the HHS Grants Policy Statement 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 SubmissionApplicants 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:
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 ReviewersSince 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: 06/27/2008 Due Date for Applications: 07/28/2008 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 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.
Additional Forms 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. The official list of the jurisdictions that have elected to participate in Exec. Order 12372, including addresses and contact persons, may be found on the following URL: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html. 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 to the SPOC and indicate the date of this submittal (or the date of contact if no submittal is required) on the Standard Form (SF) 424, item 19. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has 60 days from the application due date 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 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 some 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. 5. Funding Restrictions: Costs of organized fund raising, including financial campaigns, endowment drives, solicitation of gifts and bequests, and similar expenses incurred solely to raise capital or obtain contributions, are unallowable. 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. 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 Office of Head Startc/o ACYF Operations Center Priority Area 1: Historically Black Colleges and Universities 118 Q Street, NE. Washington, DC 20002 Hand Delivery Office of Head Startc/o ACYF Operations Center Priority Area 1: Historically Black Colleges and Universities 118 Q Street, NE. Washington, DC 20002 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 4/30/2010. 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. 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. LETTER OF INTENT Applicants are strongly encouraged to notify ACF of their intention to submit an application under this announcement. Please submit the letter of intent by the deadline date listed in Section IV.3 Submission Dates and Times. The letter of intent should include the following information: number and title of this announcement; the name and address of the applicant organization; and/or Fiscal Agent (if known); and the name, phone number, fax number and email address of a contact person. Letter of intent information will be used to determine the number of expert reviewers needed to evaluate applications. The letter of intent is optional. Failure to submit a letter of intent will not impact eligibility to submit an application and will not disqualify an application from competitive review. TABLE OF CONTENTS List the contents of the application including corresponding page numbers. PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Provide a summary of the project description (one 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, describe how the college or university's conduct of higher education programs will increase the number of qualified Head Start teaching staff with associate or baccalaureate degrees in age-specific early childhood education, including faith-based and community organizations. Specify the anticipated number of teachers in a cohort, the number of cohorts, and the total number of teachers to earn degrees over the five years of the project.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. 1) Describe how a cohort of Head Start teachers will be recruited and retained through completion of a degree program in early childhood education (or a related field such as child development). Account for all functions or activities identified in the application. Cite factors that might accelerate or decelerate the work and state the 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. 2) Outline a recruitment plan that identifies the number of center-based Head Start teaching staff to be recruited and supported to associate or baccalaureate degree completion in age-specific, early childhood education each semester and the total number to be graduated by the completion of the grant. Indicate whether one, or more than one cohort, will be supported with these funds. In the event that total actual enrollment is below 80 percent of the number identified in the recruitment plan, the applicant should also provide a plan for recruiting, enrolling, and supporting up to 20 percent of Head Start staff who are not teaching staff but who work directly with children in another capacity and who may intend to pursue Head Start teaching positions upon graduation, or remain in their current positions working with children. 3) The priority for enrollment of a cohort will be given to Head Start teachers where space remains in the proposed cohort size. However, when space remains available, institutions may also enroll other Head Start agency staff, parents and/or community members who are regularly affiliated with the partnering Head Start program(s). Such others require prior approval from OHS to be enrolled as a term of this grant. A signed letter must be included from any non-Head Start teaching staff, parent or community member that describes their interest in the degree program and intent to teach in a center-based Head Start program.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 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. 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 that address the project's effectiveness. GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION Describe the precise location of the project and boundaries of the area to be served by the proposed project. Maps or other graphic aids may be attached. 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: OBJECTIVES AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE - 15 points The application will be evaluated to the extent that it:
APPROACH - 30 points In determining the quality of the project design, the approach will be evaluated to the extent that the approach provides a detailed plan of action for increasing the number of Head Start and/or Migrant and Seasonal Head Start teaching staff from the partnering Head Start and/or Migrant and Seasonal Head Start program(s) with an associate or baccalaureate degree in early childhood education. The application will be evaluated to the extent that it:
ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILES - 15 points In reviewing the required staff and position data, the application will be evaluated to the extent that it:
RESULTS OR BENEFITS EXPECTED - 10 points In determining the quality of expected benefits, the application will be evaluated to the extent that it:
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION - 5 points The application will be evaluated to the extent that it:
BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION - 25 points In determining the soundness of the budget and budget justification, the application will be evaluated to the extent that it:
2. Review and Selection Process: No grant award will be made under this announcement on the basis of an incomplete application. Initial ACF Screening: Each application will be screened to determine whether it was received by the closing date and time and whether the requested amount exceeds the stated ceiling. Late applications or those exceeding the funding limit will be returned to the applicants with a notation that they were unacceptable and will not be reviewed. Applications will be reviewed against the evaluation criteria described in Section V above of this announcement. The review will be conducted by one or more panels of reviewers who are knowledgeable about Head Start programs and early childhood development. Each panel is composed of three reviewers and one chair. The results of these reviews will assist the OHS Director and program staff in considering competing applications. Reviewers' scores will weigh heavily in funding decisions, but will not be the only factors considered. Applications will generally be considered in order of the average scores assigned by reviewers. However, highly ranked applications are not guaranteed funding since additional factors are taken into consideration in the ranking of applicants. These include, but are not limited to, comments of government officials; staff evaluation and input; geographic distribution; uniqueness of applicant's approach, the priority of serving unserved or underserved populations, previous program performance of applicant, including compliance with grant terms under previous HHS grants; audit reports; investigative reports; and an applicant's progress in resolving any final audit disallowance on previous Federal agency grants. ACF may elect not to fund applicants who have management or financial problems that make it unlikely that the applicant would be able to provide effective Head Start services. 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: The anticipated start date for the new awards will be no later than September 30, 2008. Projects may run through September 29, 2013 for a period of up to 60 months. VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION 1. Award Notices: The successful applicants will be notified through the issuance of a Notice of Award (NoA) document that 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 NoA 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_related.html. 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: QuarterlyFinancial Reports: Semi-Annually Suggested formats of required reports will be provided to successful applicants after awards are made. VII. AGENCY CONTACTS Program Office Contact: Michele Plutro Grants Management Office Contact: David Kadan, Grants Management Officer VIII. OTHER INFORMATION Additional information about this program and its purpose can be located on the following web sites: http://www.ed.gov/policy/highered/leg/hea98/index.html http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc Priority Area 2: Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) Description The Office of Head Start is announcing the availability of funds and requests applications for higher education partnership grants for accredited institutions with experience and capability in educating and preparing professionals to work effectively with Hispanic young children and families, in partnership with Head Start and Migrant and Seasonal Head Start. The Head Start Career Advancement HSI Partnership Program is funded to improve the quality and long-term effectiveness of program services to eligible Hispanic children and their families through increased numbers of Head Start teaching staff with baccalaureate degrees in early childhood education and partnerships between/among institutions of higher education and Head Start programs. Through this announcement, the ACF is making available up to $1,000,000 annually for each of five years to support multiple Head Start Career Advancement partnerships for HSI. These partnerships are designed to improve the quality and long-term effectiveness of Head Start programs, increasing the number of Head Start center-based teachers with degrees in age-appropriate early childhood education. To ensure that selected colleges and universities are able to fulfill this task, applicants under this announcement must demonstrate the following:
II. AWARD INFORMATION
Awards will be made on a competitive basis and will be for up to five 12-month budget periods. The total project period will not exceed 60 months. Applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the first 12-month budget period, but within the project period, will be considered on a noncompetitive basis subject to the availability of funds, satisfactory progress and performance of the grantee and a determination that continued funding is in the best interest of the Federal Government and the Head Start partners. Award amounts include allowable direct and indirect costs.Awards under this announcement are subject to the availability of funds. III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION 1. Eligible Applicants:
Eligibility under this announcement is limited to HSI as defined in section 502 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1101a). Only those institutions that meet the definition in Section 502 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, 20 U.S.C. -1101a, shall be eligible for assistance under this announcement. A Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) is defined as a non-profit institution that has at least 25 percent Hispanic full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment. Each institution and its existing early childhood education degree program must be accredited by one of the bodies identified in the U.S. Department of Education data base, http://www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation. Additionally, to participate in the competitive review, each applicant must submit proof of current accreditation for their institution and the relevant degree program(s). The applicant must submit documentation of current accreditation, or State higher education endorsement for the degree program identified as meeting the objectives of this announcement (i.e., increasing the number of Head Start teaching staff with either an associate or baccalaureate degree in early childhood education). For the purposes of this announcement, "State higher education endorsement" refers to an endorsement by State agencies such as Department of Public Instruction, Office of State Superintendent, State Boards of Higher Education, State Board of Education, Board of Regents, etc. This announcement is further limited to HSIs with existing early childhood education degree programs, institutional experience, and capability in educating and preparing early childhood professionals to work effectively with young children ages birth to five years and their families. Applicants that do not meet this requirement will be disqualified from competitive review. See Section III.3. Institutions of higher education that are neither accredited nor State endorsed for the degree program are not eligible to apply under this announcement. Faith-based institutions of higher education that are also HSI are eligible to apply. HSI that are currently funded under previous Higher Education Head Start Partnership competitions and whose funding will end after October 1, 2008 are not eligible to apply under this announcement. See Section III.3. Foreign entities are not eligible under this announcement. Please see Section IV for required documentation supporting eligibility or funding restrictions if any are applicable. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching: None 3. Other:
Disqualification Factors Applications with requests that exceed the ceiling on the amount of individual awards referenced in Section II. Award Information will be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement. Any application that fails to satisfy the deadline requirements referenced in Section IV.3., Submission Dates and Times, will be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement. Applicants that do not have an existing early childhood education degree program, institutional experience, and capability in educating and preparing early childhood professionals to work effectively with young children aged birth to five years and their families will be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement. Any |
