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Department of Health & Human Services
Administration for Children and Families
Federal Agency Name
Administration for Children and Families
(ACF), Administration on Children, Youth, and Families (ACYF), Child
Care Bureau (CCB)
Funding Opportunity Title: Child Care Bureau Research Scholars
Announcement Type: Initial
Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2004-ACF-ACYF-YE-0006
CFDA Number: 93.647
Due Date: The closing date for receipt of applications is June 28, 2004
Summary: The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Administration on Children, Youth, and Families (ACYF), Child Care Bureau (CCB) announces the availability of funds to support new Child Care Research Scholar projects in fiscal year 2004. The CCB Research Scholar Grants are designed to increase the number of graduate students conducting dissertation research on child care issues that are consistent with the Bureau's research agenda.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
A. Child Care Bureau
Since its establishment in 1995, the Child Care Bureau (CCB) has
been dedicated to enhancing the quality, affordability, and supply of child
care available for all families. The Child Care Bureau administers the
Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), a $4.8 billion child care
program that includes funding for child care subsidies and activities
to improve child care quality and availability. CCDF was created after
amendments to ACF child care programs by Title VI of the Personal
Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996
consolidated four Federal child care funding streams, including the
Child Care and Development Block Grant, AFDC/JOBS Child Care,
Transitional Child Care, and At-Risk Child Care. With related State and
Federal funding, CCDF provides more than $11 billion a year to States,
territories, and tribes to help low-income, working families access
child care.
The Bureau works closely with ACF regions, States, territories, and
tribes to facilitate, oversee, and document the implementation of new
policies and programs that support State, local, and private sector
administration of child care services and systems. In addition, the
Bureau collaborates extensively with other offices throughout the
Federal government to promote integrated approaches, family-focused
services, and coordinated child care delivery systems. In all of these
activities, the Bureau strives to support children's healthy growth and
development in safe child care environments, promote children's early
learning and school readiness, enhance parental choice and involvement
in their children's care, and facilitate the linkage of child care with
other community services.
B. Child Care Bureau's Research Agenda
Since 2000, Congress has appropriated $10 million per year from the
CCDF to be used for child care research and evaluation, and the CCB has
used these funds to develop our research agenda. The Bureau's FY 2004
child care research agenda will continue ongoing projects and launch
new research initiatives. The CCB's research agenda supports activities
that will generate knowledge about child care services and programs and
to inform policy decisions and solutions. We intend to improve our
capacity to respond to questions of immediate concern to policymakers,
strengthen the child care research infrastructure, and increase
knowledge about the efficacy of child care policies and programs in
providing positive learning and school readiness outcomes for children
and employment and self-sufficiency outcomes for parents.
The CCB capacity to further child care related research and data is
enhanced by the Child Care Policy Consortium, which is an alliance of
research projects sponsored by the CCB. The consortium is comprised of
researchers who have partnered with policy organizations, States, and
local communities to link research, policy, and practice. The research
projects of consortium members are broadly construed. For example, some
projects describe State and local child care populations, services, and
programs, while others focus on child care subsidy policies and market
dynamics. In addition, some projects examine issues surrounding
professional development and training approaches for child care
providers.
In order to synthesize the broad array of child care information
being generated, the Bureau has created the Child Care Research
Collaboration and Archive (CCRCA), which serves as the Child Care
Bureau's national research knowledge management system for the child
care field. The CCRCA consists of an interactive Web site, an archive
of data sets and reports, and a technical assistance support system to
assist researchers and facilitate collaboration.
C. Purpose & Goals of the CCB Research Scholar Program
The purpose of this grant program is to help develop a national
infrastructure for high quality child care research by increasing the
number of upcoming researchers investigating child care issues that are
consistent with the Bureau's research agenda.
The goals of this program area are as follows:
1. To foster formal mentoring relationships between faculty members
and graduate students who are pursuing research in the child care
field. Each student will work under the direct supervision of a faculty
mentor who ensures that the project will address critical child care
issues with a high level of technical quality. This type of student-
mentor relationship should be collaborative and foster the skills
needed to build the student's career trajectory. The faculty mentor
will be listed as the Principal Investigator of the grant and will
ensure that all requirements are met and that a high quality
dissertation is completed.
2. To support students' graduate training and professional
development as researchers engaged in policy-relevant research.
Students are expected to become autonomous researchers who are
connected to other professionals from diverse backgrounds across a
variety of child care roles. Research projects may include independent
studies conducted by the student or a well-defined portion of a larger
study being conducted by the Principal Investigator holding a faculty
position or senior research position and for which the graduate student
will have primary responsibility. Research projects must use sound
quantitative or qualitative research methodologies or some combination
of the two. The student must be the author of the grant proposal.
3. To encourage the active communication, networking, and
collaboration among graduate students, their mentors, other prominent
child care researchers, and policy makers. Students whose projects
involve community-level or administrative-level research are encouraged
to work with an additional mentor from the field in order to gain a
more comprehensive understanding of child care policies and practices.
Students whose work involves secondary analysis of large data sets are
encouraged to work closely with one or more senior investigators on the
original project. In order to facilitate students' networking with
policy makers, students are required to participate in the Child Care
Bureau's Annual Meeting of the Child Care Policy Research Consortium
and the State Administrators' Meeting.
D. Statutory Authority and Other Citations
Statutory authority: The Child Care and Development Block Grant Act
of 1990 as amended (CCDBG Act); section 418 of the Social Security Act.
Code of Federal Domestic Assistance: The Code of Federal Domestic
Assistance (CFDA) number is 93.647.
II. Award Information
Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
Anticipated Total Program Funding: $120,000 per year.
Anticipated number of awards: It is anticipated that 4 awards will
be made.
Ceiling of Individual Awards: $30,000 per year.
Floor of Individual Award Amounts: None.
Average Projected Award Amount: $30,000 in first year, $20,000 in
second year.
Project Periods for Awards: Up to 24 months.
Funding Levels
Pending the availability of funds and receipt of satisfactory
applications, grants will be awarded for up to $30,000 for the first
12-month budget period and up to $20,000 for a second year, for a total
not exceeding $50,000 for the project period.
All monies must be used for the student's dissertation research,
including required personnel costs, travel, and other expenses directly
related to the research.
Number of Awards
Three or four dissertation grants will be awarded. No individual
educational institution will be funded for more than one candidate
unless applications from different universities or colleges do not
qualify for support.
Project Period
This announcement is inviting applications for project periods up
to two years. Awards, on a competitive basis, will be for a one-year
budget period, although project periods may be for two years.
Applications for continuation grants funded under this award beyond the
one-year budget period but within the two year project period will be
entertained in subsequent years on a non-competitive basis,
satisfactory progress of the grantee, and a determination that
continued funding is in the best interest of the government.
If the student expects to receive a doctorate by the end of the
first 12-month budget period, the application should request funding
for a single grant period. The need for a two-year project period
should be identified in the current application (on SF-424A) and in the
project narrative. A subsequent year award for continuation of the
project will not be approved if the student has completed his/her
dissertation by the end of the 12-month budget period. Scholars are
expected to complete their dissertation by the end of the 24 month
period.
III. Eligibility Information
III.1. Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants are institutions of higher education acting on
behalf of graduate students who are pursuing a doctorate and who are
completing a dissertation on child care issues. The student is expected
to have an approved dissertation proposal before the beginning of the
grant period. The institution must be fully accredited by one of the
regional accrediting commissions recognized by the Department of
Education and the Council of Post-Secondary Accreditation.
Faith-based institutions or institutions serving minority
populations, including but limited to Tribally Controlled Land Grant
Colleges and Universities (TCUs) and Historically Black Colleges and
Universities (HBCUs), are also eligible applicants. TCUs are those
institutions cited in section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land
Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note), any other institution
that qualifies for funding under the Tribally Controlled Community
College Assistance Act of 1978, (25 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), and Navajo
Community College, authorized in the Navajo Community College
Assistance Act of 1978, Public Law 95-471, title II (25 U.S.C. 640a
note). Those TCUs that are not accredited are not eligible to apply
under this announcement. HBCUs are defined in the amended version of
the Higher Education Act of 1965, codified at 20 U.S.C. 1061(2), are
institutions established prior to 1964 whose principle mission was, and
is, the education of Black Americans, and must satisfy section 322 of
the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended. Institutions which 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.
Additional Information on Eligibility
Proof of Non-Profit Status
Any non-profit organization submitting an application must submit
proof of its non-profit status at the time of submission (see section
IV.2). The non-profit organization can accomplish this by providing (a)
a reference to the applicant organization's listing in the Internal
Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt organizations
described in the IRS code; (b) a copy of a currently valid IRS tax
exemption certificate; (c) a statement from a State taxing body, State
attorney general, or other appropriate State official certifying that
the applicant organization has a non-profit status and that none of the
net earnings accrue to any private shareholders or individuals; (d) a
certified copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation or
similar document that clearly establishes non-profit status; (e) any of
the items listed above for a State or national parent organization and
a statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant
organization is a local non-profit affiliate.
Applicants are cautioned that the ceiling for individual awards is
$30,000. An application that exceeds the upper value of the dollar
range specified will be considered ``non-responsive'' and will be
returned to the applicant without further review.
III.2. Cost Sharing or Matching and Indirect Costs
There are no matching requirements. Because of the small size of
these grants and their value to institutions of higher learning as well
as to the student scholars, applicants are strongly encouraged to waive
any allowable indirect costs in their applications.
III.3. Other
On June 27, 2003, the Office of Management and Budget published in
the Federal Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal
grant applicants. The policy requires all Federal grant applicants to
provide a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)
number when applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or
after October 1, 2003. The DUNS number will be required whether an
applicant is submitting a paper application or using the government-
wide electronic portal (http://www.grants.gov). A DUNS number will be
required for every application for a new award or renewal/continuation
of an award, including applications or plans under formula, entitlement
and block grant programs, submitted on or after October 1, 2003.
Please ensure that your organization has a DUNS number. You may
acquire a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free
DUNS number request line on 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number
on-line at http://www.dnb.com.
Applications that fail to follow the required format described in
section IV.2 Application Requirements will be considered non-responsive
and will not be eligible for funding under this announcement.
IV. Application and Submission Information
IV.1. Address To Request Application Package
This full announcement can be obtained via the following link:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ccb. If you are unable to download the
complete announcement, requests for applications may be sent to: ACYF
Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, RS/CCB Funding, 118 Q Street,
NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132, phone: 800-351-2293, e-mail:
CCB@dixongroup.com.
IV.2. Content and Form of Application Submission
Format and Organization. An original and two copies of your
application must be submitted. Applicants are strongly encouraged to
limit their application to 100 pages, double-spaced, with standard
one-inch margins and 12 point fonts. This page limit applies to both
narrative text and supporting materials. In addition, applicants should
number the pages of their application and include a table of contents.
Applicants are advised to include all required forms and materials
and to organize these materials according to the format presented
below:
a. Cover Letter.
b. Required Standard Forms:
. Standard Application for Federal Assistance
(forms 424 and 424A).
. Applicants requesting financial assistance for a
non-construction project must sign and return Standard Form 424B,
Assurances: Non-Construction Programs, with their applications.
. Applicants must provide a Certification
Regarding Lobbying. Prior to receiving an award in excess of $100,000,
applicants shall furnish an executed copy of the lobbying
certification. Applicants must sign and return the certification with
their application.
. Applicants must make the appropriate
certification of compliance with all Federal statutes relating to
nondiscrimination. By signing and submitting the application,
applicants are providing the certification and need not mail back a
certification form.
. Applicants must make the appropriate
certification of their compliance with the requirements of the Pro-
Children Act of 1994 as outlined in Certification Regarding Environment
Tobacco Smoke.
c. Table of Contents.
d. Project Narrative Statement.
e. Appendix.
Complete Contact Information for Student and Faculty Advisor.
Curriculum Vitae for Student and Faculty Advisor.
Letter of Support from Advisor.
Official Transcript of Student Reflecting Graduate Courses.
Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit, with
their applications, the optional survey located under ``Grant Manuals &
Forms'' at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
You may submit your application to us in either electronic or paper
format. To submit an application electronically, please use the
http://www.grants.gov apply site. If you use Grants.gov,
you will be able to download a copy of the application package, complete
it off-line, and then upload and submit the application via the
Grants.gov site. You may not email an electronic copy of a grant
application.
Please note the following if you plan to submit your application
electronically via Grants.gov:
. Electronic submission is voluntary.
. When you enter the Grants.gov site, you will find information
about submitting an application electronically through the site,
as well as the hours of operation. We strongly recommend that
you do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the
application process through Grants.gov.
. To use Grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must have a DUNS
Number and register in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR).
You should allow a minimum of five days to complete the CCR
registration.
. You will not receive additional point value because you
submit a grant application in electronic format, nor will
we penalize you if you submit an application in paper format.
. You may submit all documents electronically, including
all information typically included on the SF 424 and all
necessary assurances and certifications.
. Your application must comply with any page limitation
requirements described in this program announcement.
. After you electronically submit your application, you
will receive an automatic acknowledgment from Grants.gov that
contains a Grants.gov tracking number. The Administration for
Children and Families will retrieve your application from
Grants.gov and send you a second confirmation, which will include
an ACF tracking number.
. We may request that you provide original signatures on forms at a
later date.
. You may access the electronic application for this program on
http://www.Grants.gov.
You may search for the downloadable application package by the CFDA
number.
Content of Project Narrative Statement: The project narrative
statement contains most of the information on which applications will
be competitively reviewed. The project narrative should be carefully
developed in accordance with the Bureau's research goals and agenda,
the requirements listed in the Uniform Project Description (section
V.A), and the evaluation criteria (section V.B).
The following sections from the Uniform Project Description are
included as part of the project narrative statement:
a. Project Summary Abstract.
b. Objectives and Need for Assistance.
c. Approach--Research Design and Methodology.
d. Approach--Management Plan.
e. Staff and Position Data.
f. Budget and Budget Justification.
IV.3. Submission Dates and Times
The closing time and date for receipt of applications is 4:30 p.m.
eastern standard time (e.s.t.) on June 28, 2004. Mailed applications
received after the closing date will be classified as late. Handcarried
applications received after 4:30 p.m. on the closing date will be
classified as late.
Deadline: Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting an
announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline date
at: ACYF Operations Center, c/o the Dixon Group, Inc., RS/CCB Funding,
118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132.
Applications handcarried by applicants, applicant couriers, other
representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers
shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are
received on or before the deadline date, between the hours of 8 a.m.
and 4:30 p.m., e.s.t., Monday through Friday (excluding Federal
holidays), at: ACYF Operations Center, c/o the Dixon Group, RS/CCB
Funding, 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132. Phone: 800-351-
2293, Email: CCB@dixongroup.com. The address must appear on the
envelope/package containing the application with the note ``Attention:
The Dixon Group.'' Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail
services do not always deliver as agreed. ACYF cannot accept
applications by fax. Applicants will receive a confirmation postcard
upon receipt of applications.
Notice of Intent To Submit Application: If you intend to submit an
application, please e-mail the ACYF Operations Center and include the
following information: the number and title of this announcement, your
organization's name and address, and your contact person's name, title,
phone number, fax number, and e-mail address. This notice is not
required but is strongly encouraged. The information will be used to
determine the number of expert reviewers needed to evaluate
applications and to update the mailing list for future program
announcements.
Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services do
not always deliver as agreed.
Late applications: Applications which do not meet the criteria
above are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late
applicant that its application will not be considered in the current
competition.
Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend application deadlines when
circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur,
or when there are widespread disruptions of mail service, or in other
rare cases. Determination to extend or waive deadline requirements
rest with the Chief Grants Management Officer.
The table below details when the materials need to be submitted and
where these forms or formatting descriptions can be found.
| What to submit | Required Content | Required Form or Format | When to Submit |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1. Standard Application for Federal Assistance
(forms SF 424, 424A, and 424B) |
Per required form. | May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm | By application due date. |
|
2. Certification regarding Lobbying and associated Disclosure
of Lobbying Activities (SF LLL) |
Per required form. | May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm | By application due date. |
|
3. Environmental Tobacco Smoke Certification |
Per required form. |
May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm | By application due date. |
|
4. Protection of Human Subjects |
Per required form. | May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm | By application due date. |
|
5. Proof of Non-Profit Status |
See Section III.B. | May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm | By application due date. |
|
6. Project Narrative Statement |
See Section IV.C and Section V.A and V.B. | Format described in Section IV.C and V.A. and V.B. | By application due date. |
| 7.
Contact Information, Vita, Letter of Support, Transcript |
See Section and IV.B and IV.G. | Format described in Section IV.B and IV.G. | See application due date. |
Additional Forms:
Additional Forms: Private-non-profit organizations may submit with
their applications the voluntary survey located under ``Grant Related
Documents and Forms'' titled ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant
Applicants''.
| What to submit | Required content | Required form or format | When to submit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants. | Per required form...... | May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm. | By application due date. |
IV.4. Intergovernmental Review
This program is covered under Executive Order 12372,
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,'' and 45 CFR part 100,
``Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services
Programs and Activities.'' Under the Order, States may design their own
processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance
under covered programs.
As of October 2003, of the most recent SPOC list, the following
jurisdictions have elected not to participate in the Executive Order
process. Applicants from these jurisdictions or for projects
administered by federally-recognized Indian tribes need take no action
in regard to E.O. 12372: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado,
Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts,
Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma,
Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia,
Washington, Wyoming, and Palau.
Although the jurisdictions listed above no longer participate in
the process, entities which have met the eligibility requirements of
the program are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State,
Territory, Commonwealth, etc. does not have a SPOC. All remaining
jurisdictions participate in the Executive Order process and have
established SPOCs. Applicants from participating jurisdictions should
contact their SPOCs as soon as possible to alert them of the
prospective applications and receive instructions. Applicants must
submit any required material to the SPOCs as soon as possible so that
the program office can obtain and review SPOC comments as part of the
award process. The applicant must submit all required materials, if
any, to the SPOC and indicate the date of this submittal (or the date
of contact if no submittal is required) on the Standard Form 424, item
16a. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a) (2), a SPOC has 60 days from the application
deadline to comment on proposed new or competing continuation awards.
SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the submission of routine
endorsements as official recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are
requested to clearly differentiate between mere advisory comments and
those official State process recommendations which may trigger the
``accommodate or explain'' rule.
When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they should be
addressed to: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration
for Children and Families, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370
L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 20447.
The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions
elected to participate in E.O. 12372 can be found on the following URL:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.
IV.5. Funding Restrictions
Transferability. Grants awarded as a result of this competition are
not transferable to another student or to another institution. Awards
can not be divided among two or more students.
Concurrent Awards. A CCB research scholar grant may not be held
concurrently with another federally funded dissertation grant or
fellowship.
IV.6. Other Submission Requirements
Contact information for both the graduate student and the student's
faculty mentor is required and should be included in the Appendix.
The application must include a letter from the faculty mentor
stating that he/she approves the application and describing how he/she
will regularly monitor the student's work. In addition, the letter must
verify (a) the student's status in the doctoral program, (b) that the
grant will be used to fund the student's dissertation research, and (c)
that the student is within two years or less of completing his/her
dissertation. This letter should be included in the Appendix.
In the Appendix the student must include an official transcript
reflecting his/her completed graduate course work.
Electronic Submission: To submit an application electronically,
please use the http://www.Grants.gov apply site. for complete details
on how to submit electronically, please refer to section IV.2. Content
and Form of Application Submission.
V. Application Review Information
V.1. Criteria
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13): Public reporting
for this collection of information is estimated to average 15 hours for
the Child Care Research Scholars, including time for reviewing
instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and reviewing
the collection of information.
The project description is approved under OMB Control number 0970-
0139 which expires 03/31/04 (currently under review at OMB). An agency
may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it
displays a valid OMB control number. In addition, a person is not
required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a
valid OMB control number.
Instructions: ACF Uniform Project Description (UPD). The following
are instructions and guidelines on how to prepare the ``project
summary/abstract'' and ``Full Project Description'' sections of the
application. Under the evaluation criteria section, note that each
criterion is preceded by the generic evaluation requirement under the
ACF Uniform Project Description (UPD). The UPD was approved by the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Control Number 0970-0139,
expiration date 03/31/04. The generic UPD requirement is followed by
the evaluation criterion specific to this announcement.
The Project Description Overview. The project description provides
a major means by which an application is evaluated and ranked to
compete with other applications for available assistance. The project
description should be concise and complete and should address the
activity for which Federal funds are being requested. Supporting
documents should be included where they can present information clearly
and succinctly. In preparing your project description, all information
requested through each specific evaluation criteria should 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.
General Instructions. ACF is particularly interested in specific
factual information and statements of measurable goals in quantitative
terms. Project descriptions are evaluated on the basis of substance,
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.
Instructions for Preparing a Full Project Description.
1. Project Summary Abstract
Provide a summary of the project description (a page or less) with
reference to the funding request.
2. 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.
3. Approach
Outline a plan of action which 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 which might
accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reason for taking the
proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual features of
the project such as design or technological innovations, reductions in
cost or time, or extraordinary social and community involvement.
Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the
accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in such
terms as the number of people to be served and the number of activities
accomplished. When accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or
function, list them in chronological order to show the schedule of
accomplishments and their target dates.
If any data is to be collected, maintained, and/or disseminated,
clearance may be required from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget
(OMB). This clearance pertains to any ``collection of information that
is conducted or sponsored by ACF.''
List organizations, cooperating entities, consultants, or other key
individuals who will work on the project along with a short description
of the nature of their effort or contribution.
4. Additional Information
Following are requests for additional information that need to be
included in the application:
a. Staff and Position Data
Provide a biographical sketch for each key person appointed and a
job description for each vacant key position. A biographical sketch
will also be required for new key staff as appointed.
b. Budget and Budget Justification
Provide line item detail and detailed calculations for each budget
object class identified on the Budget Information form. Detailed
calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs,
and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to
be duplicated. The detailed budget must also include a breakout by the
funding sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.
Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the
categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness,
and allocability of the proposed costs.
5. General
The following guidelines are for preparing the budget and budget
justification. Both Federal and non-Federal resources shall be detailed
and justified in the budget and narrative justification. for purposes
of preparing the budget and budget justification, ``Federal resources''
refers only to the ACF grant for which you are applying. Non-Federal
resources are all other Federal and non-Federal resources. It is
suggested that budget amounts and computations be presented in a
columnar format: First column, object class categories; second column,
Federal budget; next column(s), non-Federal budget(s), and last column,
total budget. The budget justification should be a narrative.
a. Personnel
Description: Costs of employee salaries and wages.
Justification: Identify the project director or principal
investigator, if known. for each staff person, provide the title, time
commitment to the project (in months), time commitment to the project
(as a percentage or full-time equivalent), annual salary, grant salary,
wage rates, etc. Do not include the costs of consultants or personnel
costs of delegate agencies or of specific project(s) or businesses to
be financed by the applicant.
b. Fringe Benefits
Description: Costs of employee fringe benefits unless treated as
part of an approved indirect cost rate.
Justification: Provide a breakdown of the amounts and percentages
that comprise fringe benefit costs such as health insurance, FICA,
retirement insurance, taxes, etc.
c. Travel
Description: Costs of project-related travel by employees of the
applicant organization (does not include costs of consultant travel).
Justification: For each trip, show the total number of traveler(s),
travel destination, duration of trip, per diem, mileage allowances, if
privately owned vehicles will be used, and other transportation costs
and subsistence allowances. Travel costs for key staff to attend ACF-
sponsored workshops should be detailed in the budget.
d. Equipment
Description: ``Equipment'' means an article of nonexpendable,
tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year
and an acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the lesser of (a) the
capitalization level established by the organization for the financial
statement purposes, or (b) $5,000. (Note: Acquisition cost means the
net invoice unit price of an item of equipment, including the cost of
any modifications, attachments, accessories, or auxiliary apparatus
necessary to make it usable for the purpose for which it is acquired.
Ancillary charges, such as taxes, duty, protective in-transit
insurance, freight, and installation shall be included in or excluded
from acquisition cost in accordance with the organization's regular
written accounting practices.)
Justification: For each type of equipment requested, provide a
description of the equipment, the cost per unit, the number of units,
the total cost, and a plan for use on the project, as well as use or
disposal of the equipment after the project ends. An applicant
organization that uses its own definition for equipment should provide
a copy of its policy or section of its policy which includes the
equipment definition.
e. Supplies
Description: Costs of all tangible personal property other than
that included under the Equipment category.
Justification: Specify general categories of supplies and their
costs. Show computations and provide other information which supports
the amount requested.
f. Other
Description: Enter the total of all other costs. Such costs, where
applicable and appropriate, may include but are not limited to
insurance, food, medical and dental costs (noncontractual),
professional services costs, space and equipment rentals, printing and
publication, computer use, training costs, such as tuition and
stipends, staff development costs, and administrative costs.
Justification: Provide computations, a narrative description and a
justification for each cost under this category.
g. Indirect Charges
Description: Total amount of indirect costs. This category should
be used only when the applicant currently has an indirect cost rate
approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or
another cognizant Federal agency.
Justification: An applicant that will charge indirect costs to the
grant must enclose a copy of the current rate agreement. If the
applicant organization is in the process of initially developing or
renegotiating a rate, it should immediately upon notification that an
award will be made, develop a tentative indirect cost rate proposal
based on its most recently completed fiscal year in accordance with the
principles set forth in the cognizant agency's guidelines for
establishing indirect cost rates, and submit it to the cognizant
agency. Applicants awaiting approval of their indirect cost proposals
may also request indirect costs. It should be noted that when an
indirect cost rate is requested, those costs included in the indirect
cost pool should not also be charged as direct costs to the grant.
Also, if the applicant is requesting a rate which is less than what is
allowed under the program, the authorized representative of the
applicant organization must submit a signed acknowledgement that the
applicant is accepting a lower rate than allowed.
Evaluation Criteria: Eligible applications will be scored
competitively against the evaluation criteria. These criteria will be
used in conjunction with the other expectations and requirements set
forth in this announcement to evaluate how well each proposal addresses
the bureau's research agenda and the program goals.
Criterion 1: Objectives and Need for Assistance (35 Point Maximum)
The extent to which the application reflects a solid understanding
of (a) critical issues, information needs, and research issues of the
child care field, (b) the child care subsidy system and TANF, and (c)
low-income working families from various cultural, language, and ethnic
groups.
The extent to which the conceptual model, objectives and hypotheses
are (a) well formulated and appropriately linked, (b) reflect the
bureau's research agenda and goals, and (c) will contribute new
knowledge to the field.
The effectiveness with which the application articulates the
current state of knowledge on (a) the interplay among child care and
other early care and education programs, (b) child care and children's
development and well-being, or (c) child care and family self-
sufficiency.
Criterion 2: Approach--Research Design and Methodology (35 Point
Maximum)
The extent to which the proposed research design (a) appropriately
links research issues, questions, variables, data sources, samples, and
analyses (b) employs technically sound and appropriate approaches,
design elements and procedures, and sampling techniques.
The extent to which the proposed design (a) reflects sensitivity to
technical, logistical, and ethical issues that may arise (b) and
includes realistic strategies for the resolution of difficulties.
The extent to which the researchers assure (a) adequate protection
of human subjects, confidentiality of data, and consent procedures, as
appropriate.
The extent to which the research design (a) specifies the measures
to be used and their psychometric properties, (b) describes how these
measures have been used to address the proposed research questions, and
(c) describes how these measures have been used with the low-income,
diverse population to be studied.
Criterion 3: Approach--Management Plan (Maximum of 10 Points)
The extent to which the application includes a management plan that
(a) presents a sound framework for maintaining quality control over the
implementation and ongoing operations of the study, (b) demonstrates
how the researcher will gain access to necessary organizations,
participants, and data sources, and (c) details how the mentor will
actively facilitate this plan.
The extent to which the scope of the project is reasonable for the
funds available and feasible for the time frame specified (d) includes
an effective plan for the dissemination and utilization of information
by researchers, policymakers, and practitioners in the field.
Criterion 4: Staff and Position Data (Maximum of 10 Points)
The extent to which the student and his/her mentor (a) demonstrate
competence in the areas addressed by the proposed research, including
relevant background, experience, and training on related research or
similar projects, (b) demonstrate expertise in research design,
sampling, field work, data processing, statistical analysis, reporting,
and information dissemination to academic and policy communities, (c)
reflect an understanding of the child care subsidy system and the child
care needs of low-income families and the complexities of conducting
research within that system and the diverse cultural, language, and
ethnic population it serves.
Criterion 5: Budget and Budget Justification (Maximum of 10 Points)
The extent to which the proposed project costs (a) are reasonable,
appropriately allocated, and sufficient to accomplish the objectives,
research design, and dissemination plan (b) include funds for the
student, and his/her mentor if applicable, to participate in the Child
Care Bureau's Annual Meeting of the Child Care Policy Research
Consortium and the State Administrators' Meeting in Washington, DC, and
(c) are justified according to the needs and objectives of carrying out
the proposed project.
V.2. Review and Selection Process
Application Process. This announcement includes all of the
information needed to apply for funding. Detailed instructions for
preparing and submitting applications are described. Applicants are
advised to follow the prescribed content and format in preparing their
applications.
Applicants are also advised to adhere to the guidelines describing
the preparation of their Project Narrative Statement. This section of
the proposal details the applicant's need for assistance, research
design and methodology, management plan, staff and position data, and
budget. It thus contains most of the information on which applications
will be competitively reviewed. The Project Narrative Statement will be
evaluated according to the evaluation criteria (section V.B) and the
Uniform Project Description (section V.A).
Application, Review, Selection, and Award. Each application will be
screened to determine whether the applicant institution is eligible.
Applications from ineligible institutions will be excluded from the
review.
a. The review will be conducted in Washington, DC. Expert reviewers
may include researchers, Federal or State staff, child care
administrators, or other individuals experienced in child care research
and evaluation. A panel of at least three reviewers will evaluate each
application to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the proposal
in terms of the Bureau's research goals and expectations, its fit with
the bureau's research agenda, and the evaluation criteria.
b. Given the involvement of non-Federal reviewers, applicants have
the option of omitting from the application copies (but not the
original) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals specified in
the budget and individuals' Social Security Numbers. If the applicant
omits individual salary information on the application copies, the
copies must include summary salary information.
c. Panelists will provide written comments and assign numerical
scores for each application. The assigned scores for each criterion
will be summed to yield a total evaluation score for the proposal.
d. In addition to the panel review, the Child Care Bureau may
solicit comments from other Federal offices and agencies, States, non-
governmental organizations, and individuals whose particular expertise
is identified as necessary for the consideration of technical issues
arising during the review. The Bureau will consider their comments,
along with those of the panelists, when making funding decisions. The
Bureau will also take into account the best combination of proposed
projects to meet its overall research goals.
e. The ACYF Commissioner will make the final selection of the
applicants to be funded. Applications may be funded in whole or in part
depending on: (1) The rank order of applicants resulting from the
competitive review, (2) staff review and consultations, (3) the
combination of projects that best meets the bureau's research
objectives, (4) the funds available; and (5) other relevant
considerations.
VI. Award Administration Information
VI.1. Award Notices
Successful applicants will be notified via a notice of award signed
by the grants officer which will document the funding level, terms and
conditions of the award, reporting requirements, effective date of the
award, budget period for which support is given, and the total project
period for which support is provided.
VI.2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
45 CFR parts 74 and 92.
Conference Attendance. The student must attend and present a poster
at the Annual Meeting of the Child Care Policy Research Consortium and
pre-conference each year of the grant. This conference is typically
scheduled during the spring of each year. In addition, the student must
attend and present at the State Administrators' Meeting typically held
in the summer of each year. The budget should reflect travel funds for
both conferences. Faculty advisors are strongly encouraged to attend
these conferences as well.
Archiving and Publishing. The student must agree to archive his/her
approved dissertation document with the Child Care Research and
Collaboration Archive (CCRCA). The student must also work with Child
Care Bureau staff and CCRCA staff to publish a research/policy brief
that can be published on the CCRCA Web site.
VI.3. Reporting Requirements
Programmatic Reports: All grantees will be required to submit semi-
annual progress reports that describe major accomplishments during the
previous six months, plans for the next six months, problems or
difficulties encountered and plans for their resolution, significant
research findings, and dissemination activities. The final report is
due 90 days after the end of the grant period.
Financial Reports: Grantees will also be required to submit semi-
annual fiscal reports on the Standard Federal Form 269 (long version).
A final report documenting the project activities and results will be
due 90 days after the end of the grant period.
VII. Agency Contacts
Application Process Contact: ACYF Operations Center, c/o the Dixon
Group, RS/CCB Funding, 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132;
phone: 800-351-2293, e-mail: CCB@dixongroup.com.
Program Office Contact: Dr. Stephanie Curenton, Child Care Bureau
Policy and Research Division, Child Care Bureau, 330 C Street, SW.,
Washington, DC 20447; phone: (202) 205-9899, e-mail:
scurenton@acf.hhs.gov.
Grants Management Office Contact: William Wilson, Grants Management
Officer, 330 C Street, SW., Switzer Bldg, Room 2070, Washington DC
20447; phone: (202) 205-8913, e-mail: wwilson@acf.hhs.gov.
VIII. Other
None.
Dated: April 7, 2004.
Frank Fuentes,
Deputy Commissioner, Administration for Children, Youth and Families.
[FR Doc. 04-9545 Filed 4-26-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P
