FY2020 SLA for MSI NOFO _ FINAL_8-6-2020.pdf

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Notice of Funding Opportunity

(NOFO)

2020 DHS Scientific Leadership Awards (SLA) for Minority

Serving Institutions (MSI)

NOTE: If you are going to apply for this funding opportunity and have not obtained a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and/or are not currently registered in the System for Award Management (SAM), please take immediate action to obtain a DUNS Number, if applicable, and then to register immediately in SAM. It may take 4 weeks or more after you submit your SAM registration before your registration is active in SAM, then an additional 24 hours for Grants.gov to recognize your information.

Information on obtaining a DUNS number and registering in SAM is available from Grants.gov at:

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html Detailed information regarding DUNS and SAM is also provided in Section D of this NOFO, subsection, Content and Form of Application Submission.

A. Program Description

1) Issued By

DHS Science & Technology Directorate (S&T) Office of University Programs (OUP)

2) Assistance Listings (formerly Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number)

97.062

3) Assistance Listings Title (formerly CFDA Title)

Scientific Leadership Awards (SLA)

4) Funding Opportunity Title

2020 DHS SLA for Minority Serving Institutions

5) Funding Opportunity Number

DHS-20-ST-062-001

6) Authorizing Authority for Program

6 U.S.C. 188(b) and 6 U.S.C. 182(10) The Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary for Science and Technology, has the http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html responsibility for ... (B) detecting, preventing, protecting against, and responding to terrorist attacks; (10) supporting United States leadership in science and technology.

7) Appropriation Authority for Program

Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, P.L. 115-948, Title IV, Research, Development, Training, and Services.

8) Announcement Type

Continuation

9) Program Overview, Objectives, and Priorities

DHS S&T Office of University Program (OUP) is requesting applications for the SLAs from accredited U.S. colleges and universities defined as “minority institutions” by § 365(3) of the Higher Education Act (HEA) (20 U.S.C. § 1067k (3)). Awarded institutions will develop programs providing experiential learning activities for students already studying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics an opportunity to connect to ongoing DHS research programs. SLA recipients will engage with local community colleges to identify the strengths of their local communities and promote their degree completion and transition from 2-year to 4-year institutions.

The DHS SLA program is one of several programs administered by the S&T OUP.

Through the SLA program, S&T aims to support the ability of MSIs to learn techniques, build capacity, and connect with various organizations conducting business in or directly supporting homeland security (HS) mission areas. These institutions will enhance STEM programs to increase the pool of culturally, geographically, and ethnically diverse multidisciplinary job applicants who possess highly desired skills and competencies in areas of critical needs to the homeland security enterprise (HSE), including DHS and its subcomponents. Operational topics of interest, as related to the scientific domains of the HSE, include: applied quantitative analysis; arctic domain awareness; border security, trade, and immigration, countering biothreats in supply chains; infrastructure protection and resilience; law enforcement investigations;

maritime domain awareness; natural hazards and resilience; security technology transition; transportation security and screening; and terrorism prevention.

Students and faculty will engage in research projects addressing Homeland Security (HS) gaps identified by S&T while also providing a pathway towards student internships that provide relevant experiences to support DHS and the HSE at large. SLA recipients will consistently engage with DHS S&T to ensure that the program is effectively building the workforce that will support the HSE going forward. The mission objectives for the SLA program are:

Objective 1: Leverage MSIs to recruit students and provide opportunities to apply classroom knowledge to HS challenges.

Objective 2: Cultivate a highly qualified, diverse, and reflective student population focused on solving DHS’ problems.

Objective 3: Develop innovative approaches and effective solutions to challenges faced by DHS and the HSE.

10) Performance Metrics

DHS S&T will monitor SLA awarded programs for compliance to award terms and conditions. Recipients must effectively monitor financial, performance, and administrative progress through quarterly reviews and reporting requirements.

DHS S&T will conduct quarterly reviews in coordination with the Principal Investigator (PI) and grant recipient team. DHS will use the quarterly reviews to guide future decisions about investments and projects. Following these reviews, some projects or topics may be discontinued or replaced. In such cases, funding will be reallocated to a different priority or initiative beneficial to DHS. The following information will be reviewed during quarterly reviews:

• Status of research project(s) relative to proposed timeline

• Status of student progress relative to proposed timeline

• Upcoming events planned, scheduled, and confirmed

In addition to reports identified in the terms and conditions, programs must provide DHS S&T OUP the following information regarding MSI activities on an annual basis:

• Amount and types of software developed (Algorithms, Prototypes, Models, Deployed, etc.)

• Amount and types of publications (Peer reviewed, Non-peer reviewed, Presentations, Congressional Testimony)

• Amount and types of intellectual property developed (Patents issued, Copyrights registered, Trademarks registered)

• Number of students enrolled or participating in institutional developed education programs (Full/part time, Online/distance learning, DHS Professionals, Internship Enrollees)

• Number of education programs developed by the recipient (Courses, Degree programs, Certificates, Internship programs)

• Total number of offers of employment to current and former students vs. the actual number hired

• Number of students graduated

• Number of workshops conducted in HS-related subject areas

• Number of students recruited from community colleges to participate in research

• Number of student placements in an internship programs related to HS

• Number, type, and current status of requests for assistance or advice from DHS

• Number, type, and current status of requests for assistance or advice from other

Federal (non-DHS), state, and local government entities

• Amount, sources, and duration of follow-on funding from other sources

This information will allow DHS to track the efficiency and effectiveness of the SLA grant.

B. Federal Award Information

1) Available Funding for the NOFO: Up to $470,000 per award

2) Projected number of awards: Up to Seven

3) Period of Performance: Up to 36 months from start date An extension to the period of performance is permitted up to 6 months; please refer to Section H for additional information.

4) Projected Period of Performance Start Date(s): 11/16/2020

5) Projected Period of Performance End Date(s): Phase 1: 09/30/2022

Phase 2: 09/30/2023

6) Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement

C. Eligibility Information

1) Eligible Applicants

1. Private institutions of higher education

2. Public & State-controlled institutions of higher education

2. Applicant Eligibility Criteria

Successful applicants will be Alaska Native-Serving and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions (ANNHs), Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic- Serving Institutions (HSIs), Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions (NASNTI), Predominately Black Institutions (PBIs), or Tribal College or Universities (TCUs).

Institutions must possess the capability to develop an enduring program of undergraduate education and relevant HSE research and development. Institutions must also be able to partner with a community college to provide research experience to its faculty and students, the capability to develop a pathway for students to transition from 2-year to 4-year degrees in HS-related fields, and the means to collaborate with existing DHS Centers of Excellence (COEs), who currently conduct investigations into areas critical to HS.

Proposals may be submitted only by accredited ANNH, AANAPISI, HBCU, HSI, NASNTI, PBI, or TCU academic institutions in the U.S., its territories or possessions, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; these institutions must award bachelors’ degrees in STEM fields. DHS will only fund one award to an eligible institution.

3. Other Eligibility Criteria Early Career Faculty Members

Proposals must include significant involvement of early-career faculty with interest in HSE and connectivity to DHS operations or partners. Faculty should be empowered to develop courses and curricula pertinent to HSE operations, research focused internship opportunities, or other programs to advance the capabilities of the institution in HS research. Additionally, early career faculty members are encouraged to become involved in HSE-related research projects. Opportunities to collaborate with other researchers at COEs, Federally Funded Research Development Centers (FFRDCs) or other HSE research partners that are involved in the development of technologies, research, and other scientific contributions related to the HS mission should be provided to early career faculty members.

Early-career faculty (also referred to as young investigators or junior faculty) should have received their Ph.D. or Masters’ Degree within 7 years prior to the application deadline and be no more than 5 years in their current position. Supported early-career faculty must commit to the grant recipient institution for the duration of the award. Institutions that do not have qualified early-career faculty, but plan to attract them, must have them under contract by the time of award and submit the required letter of departmental support. Other faculty may be included in the proposal as well. However, the early career faculty must have a significant financially compensated role in the proposal. Since researchers are vetted employees of their respective institutions, they are not required to be US citizens.

4. Cost Share or Match

Voluntary: Cost share will not be considered as part of the scoring criteria.

D. Application and Submission Information

1) Key Dates and Times

a. Application Start Date: 08/10/2020

b. Application Submission Deadline: 10/09/2020 at 11:59:59 PM EDT

c. Anticipated Funding Selection Date: No Later Than: 11/06/2020

d. Anticipated Award Date: No Later Than: 11/16/2020

e. Other Key Dates:

Late applications will not be accepted

Event Suggested Deadline for Completion

Obtaining DUNS Number Four weeks before actual submission deadline: 09/09/2020

Obtaining a valid EIN Four weeks before actual submission deadline:

09/09/2020

Updating SAM registration Four weeks before actual submission deadline: 09/09/2020

Informational webinar for interested applicants

August 27, 2020 at 3:00 PM EDT

2) Agreeing to Terms and Conditions of the award

By submitting an application, applicants agree to comply with the requirements of this NOFO and the terms and conditions of the award, should they receive an award.

3) Address to Request Application Package

Application forms and instructions are available at Grants.gov. To access these materials, go to http://www.grants.gov, select “Applicants” then “Apply for Grants.” To obtain the application package, select “Download a Grant Application Package.” Enter the CFDA and/or the funding opportunity number located on the cover of this NOFO, select “Download Package,” and then follow the prompts to download the application package.

For a hardcopy of the full NOFO, please email a request to:

Stephanie Dawkins Grants Officer Stephanie.Dawkins@hq.dhs.gov

In addition, the following Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD) and/or Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) number available for this Notice is: 1-800-518- 4726 (Grants.gov Help Desk).

Applications will be processed through the Grants.gov portal.

Informational Webinar

DHS will conduct an informational webinar for interested applicants on August 27, 2020 at 3:00 PM [EDT]. During the call, DHS will discuss the NOFO and provide an opportunity for interested applicants to ask questions. The webinar may be accessed by phone (Dial: 855-852-7677, Passcode: 3744661) and computer (https://share.dhs.gov/razyhz37lszj/). The webinar will be recorded and posted on www.grants.gov for future reference.

4) Steps Required to Submit an Application, Unique Entity Identifier, and System for Award Management (SAM)

To apply for an award under this program, all applicants must:

a. Apply for, update, or verify their Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS), http://www.grants.gov/ mailto:Stephanie.Dawkins@hq.dhs.gov https://share.dhs.gov/razyhz37lszj/ http://www.grants.gov/

Number from Dun & Bradstreet (D&B), and Employer ID Number (EIN);

b. In the application, provide a valid Data Universal Numbering System DUNS number, which is currently the unique entity identifier;

c. Have an account with login.gov;

d. Register for, update, or verify their SAM account and ensure the account is active before submitting the application; Create a Grants.gov account;

e. Add a profile to a Grants.gov account;

f. Establish an Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) in Grants.gov;

g. Submit (if applicable, add: an initial) application in Grants.gov;

h. (If applicable) Submit the final application in the <insert applicable system>; and

i. Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal awarding agency.

j. Applicants are advised that DHS may not make a Federal award until the applicant has complied with all applicable DUNS and SAM requirements. Therefore, an applicant’s SAM registration must be active not only at the time of application, but also during the application review period and when DHS is ready to make a Federal award. Further, as noted above, an applicant’s or recipient’s SAM registration must remain active for the duration of an active Federal award. If an applicant’s SAM registration is expired at the time of application, expires during application review, or expires any other time before award, DHS may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another applicant.

The Standard Language for Using Grants.gov to Apply is provided to aid in fulfilling these requirements (if applicable), based off of https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/grantors/grantor-standard-language.html.

5) Electronic Delivery

DHS is participating in the Grants.gov initiative to provide the grant community with a single site to find and apply for grant funding opportunities. DHS encourages or requires applicants to submit their applications online through Grants.gov, depending on the funding opportunity.

6) How to Register to Apply through Grants.gov

a. Instructions: Registering in Grants.gov is a multi-step process. Read the instructions below about registering to apply for DHS funds. Applicants should read the registration instructions carefully and prepare the information requested before beginning the registration process. Reviewing and assembling the required information before beginning the registration process will alleviate last-minute searches for required information.

The registration process can take up to four weeks to complete. Therefore, registration should be done in enough time to ensure it does not impact your ability to meet https://www.login.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/grantors/grantor-standard-language.html required application submission deadlines.

Organizations must have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number, active System for Award Management (SAM) registration, and Grants.gov account to apply for grants. If individual applicants are eligible to apply for this grant funding opportunity, then you may begin with step 3, Create a Grants.gov account, listed below.

Creating a Grants.gov account can be completed online in minutes, but DUNS and SAM registrations may take several weeks. Therefore, an organization's registration should be done in enough time to ensure it does not impact the entity's ability to meet required application submission deadlines. Complete organization instructions can be found on Grants.gov here:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html

1) Obtain a DUNS Number: All entities applying for funding, including renewal funding, must have a DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). Applicants must enter the DUNS number in the data entry field labeled "Organizational DUNS" on the SF-424 form.

For more detailed instructions for obtaining a DUNS number, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html

2) Register with SAM: All organizations applying online through Grants.gov must register with the System for Award Management (SAM). Failure to register with SAM will prevent your organization from applying through Grants.gov. SAM registration must be renewed annually.

For more detailed instructions for registering with SAM, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html

3) Create a Grants.gov Account: The next step is to register an account with

Grants.gov. Follow the on-screen instructions or refer to the detailed instructions here: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html

4) Add a Profile to a Grants.gov Account: A profile in Grants.gov corresponds to a single applicant organization the user represents (i.e., an applicant) or an individual applicant. If you work for or consult with multiple organizations and have a profile for each, you may log in to one Grants.gov account to access all your grant applications. To add an organizational profile to your Grants.gov account, enter the DUNS Number for the organization in the DUNS field while adding a profile.

For more detailed instructions about creating a profile on Grants.gov, refer to: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/add-https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/add-profile.html profile.html

5) EBiz POC Authorized Profile Roles: After you register with Grants.gov and create an Organization Applicant Profile, the organization applicant's request for Grants.gov roles and access is sent to the EBiz POC. The EBiz POC will then log in to Grants.gov and authorize the appropriate roles, which may include the AOR role, thereby giving you permission to complete and submit applications on behalf of the organization. You will be able to submit your application online any time after you have been assigned the AOR role.

For more detailed instructions about creating a profile on Grants.gov, refer to:https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/authorize-roles.html

6) Track Role Status: To track your role request, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/track-role-status.html

7) Electronic Signature: When applications are submitted through Grants.gov, the name of the organization applicant with the AOR role that submitted the application is inserted into the signature line of the application, serving as the electronic signature. The EBiz POC must authorize people who are able to make legally binding commitments on behalf of the organization as a user with the AOR role; this step is often missed, and it is crucial for valid and timely submissions.

7) How to Submit an Application to DHS via Grants.gov

Grants.gov applicants can apply online using Workspace. Workspace is a shared, online environment where members of a grant team may simultaneously access and edit different webforms within an application. For each NOFO, you can create individual instances of a workspace.

Below is an overview of applying on Grants.gov. For access to complete instructions on how to apply for opportunities using Workspace, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html

a. Create a Workspace: Creating a workspace allows you to complete it online and route it through your organization for review before submitting.

b. Complete a Workspace: Add participants to the workspace to work on the application together, complete all the required forms online or by downloading PDF versions, and check for errors before submission. The Workspace progress bar will display the state of your application process as you apply. As you apply using Workspace, you may click the blue question mark icon near the upper-right corner of each page to access context-sensitive help.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/add-profile.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/authorize-roles.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/authorize-roles.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/track-role-status.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/track-role-status.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html

c. Adobe Reader: If you decide not to apply by filling out webforms you can download individual PDF forms in Workspace. The individual PDF forms can be downloaded and saved to your local device storage, network drive(s), or external drives, then accessed through Adobe Reader.

NOTE: Visit the Adobe Software Compatibility page on Grants.gov to download the appropriate version of the software at:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html

d. Mandatory Fields in Forms: In the forms, you will note fields marked with an asterisk and a different background color. These fields are mandatory fields that must be completed to successfully submit your application.

e. Complete SF-424 Fields First: The forms are designed to fill in common required fields across other forms, such as the applicant name, address, and DUNS number.

To trigger this feature, an applicant must complete the SF-424 information first.

Once it is completed, the information will transfer to the other forms.

f. Submit a Workspace: An application may be submitted through workspace by clicking the Sign and Submit button on the Manage Workspace page, under the Forms tab. Grants.gov recommends submitting your application package at least 24- 48 hours prior to the close date to provide you with time to correct any potential technical issues that may disrupt the application submission.

g. Track a Workspace Submission: After successfully submitting a workspace application, a Grants.gov Tracking Number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) is automatically assigned to the application. The number will be listed on the Confirmation page that is generated after submission. Using the tracking number, access the Track My Application page under the Applicants tab or the Details tab in the submitted workspace.

For additional training resources, including video tutorials, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-training.html

Applicant Support: Grants.gov provides applicants 24/7 support via the toll-free number 1-800-518-4726 and email at support@grants.gov. For questions related to the specific grant opportunity, contact the number listed in the application package of the grant you are applying for.

If you are experiencing difficulties with your submission, it is best to call the Grants.gov Support Center and get a ticket number. The Support Center ticket number will assist DHS with tracking your issue and understanding background information on the issue.

8) Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-training.html mailto:support@grants.gov

a. Definition. The term “deadline” shall mean the latest time or date by which an application will be accepted.

b. Online Submission. All applications must be received by 11:59:59 PM Eastern

Time on the due date established for each program. Proof of timely submission is automatically recorded by Grants.gov. An electronic date/time stamp is generated within the system when the application is successfully received by Grants.gov. The applicant with the AOR role who submitted the application will receive an acknowledgement of receipt and a tracking number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) from Grants.gov with the successful transmission of their application. This applicant with the AOR role will also receive the official date/time stamp and Grants.gov Tracking number in an email serving as proof of their timely submission.

When DHS successfully retrieves the application from Grants.gov, and acknowledges the download of submissions, Grants.gov will provide an electronic acknowledgment of receipt of the application to the email address of the applicant with the AOR role who submitted the application. Again, the official date and time that Grants.gov receives your application constitutes proof of timely submission.

Applications received by Grants.gov after the established due date for the program will be considered late and will not be considered for funding by DHS.

Applicants using slow internet, such as dial-up connections, should be aware that transmission can take some time before Grants.gov receives your application. Again, Grants.gov will provide either an error or a successfully received transmission in the form of an email sent to the applicant with the AOR role attempting to submit the application. The Grants.gov Support Center reports that some applicants end the transmission because they think that nothing is occurring during the transmission process. Please be patient and give the system time to process the application.

c. As application submission is a two-step process, the applicant with the Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) role who submitted the application will receive an acknowledgment of receipt, a tracking number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) from Grants.gov, and [insert DHS FAO’s tracking number or information] with the successful transmission of the initial application. This notification does not serve as proof of timely submission as the application is not complete until it is submitted in [DHS FAO’s system]. All applications must be received in [DHS FAO’s system] by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on October 9, 2020.

9) Content and Form of Application Submission

A. SF424 (R & R) Application for Federal Assistance (SF424-V2.0)

Please complete the SF424 form in its entirety. If you fill this form out first, other required forms will populate with basic data such as name, address, etc. Signature and date will auto-fill when you submit the application package through Grants.gov. Please note the following supplemental instructions:

1. Block 1, Type of Submission—Please check “Application”

2. Block 8, Type of Application—Please check “New”

3. Block 12, Proposed Program—Please provide the start and end dates for your program

4. Block 15, Total Estimated Program Funding—This amount should correspond to your budget justification and the Budget form’s total for the requested budget period. DHS anticipates the period of performance of the grant to be up to 36 months, encompassing three program years.

5. Block 16 (E.O. 12372 review question)—Please contact your State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) to determine whether you are required to submit this noncompeting continuation application for review, and then check the appropriate box in Block 19.

Find your State SPOCs: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/SPOC-February-2019.pdf

6. Regarding Block 17—By submitting this application, your organization is providing certifications and assurances regarding:

• Drug-Free Workplace Requirements

• Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters—Primary

Covered Transactions

Information regarding the certifications on Drug-Free Workplace, Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters is attached for your reference as Attachment A.

7. If you are requesting Indirect/Fringe Costs, please attach your indirect cost rate agreement, fringe benefit rate agreement, or a description of how fringe rates are calculated, using the “Add Attachments” button at the end of the SF424 form.

B. Budget Information, Non-Construction Programs (SF424A-V1.1) Filling out the Budget Form—Please ensure that funds requested on the Budget Form correspond to the same items in your budget justification and that the total requested corresponds to Block 15 on the SF424 form. Applicants must complete a budget for each year. Applicants must provide budgets by object class (salaries, fringe, travel, indirect, etc.). Funds may be requested as long as the item and amount are necessary to perform the proposed work and are not precluded by the cost principles or program funding restrictions. Attach your budget justification (see below) at Item K on this form. DHS anticipates the period of performance of the grant to be up to 36 months, encompassing 3 program years.

Budget Justification File(s)

1. Budget detail is required at the Recipient level for the entire proposed program period (3 years). In addition to the following cost category justifications, please provide the basis for your calculation for the required 50% for direct support of students. Recipients may not https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/SPOC-February-2019.pdf https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/SPOC-February-2019.pdf make individual scholarship awards greater than full tuition and mandatory nonrefundable fees. Students must also receive the equivalent of at least half of their full tuition. The undergraduate stipend may not exceed $1,000 a month. Stipends are not permitted if a paid internship can be arranged through external means. The graduate stipend may not exceed $2,000. Again, stipends are not permitted if a paid internship can be arranged through external means. Student must receive a monthly stipend appropriate to the geographic region. Students must receive the stipend if an unpaid internship is secured during summer months.

a. Budget detail is required for the following:

i. PERSONNEL: Costs of employee salaries and wages.

Justification: Identify the program director or PI, if known. For each staff person, provide the title, time commitment to the program (in months), time commitment to the program (as a percentage or full-time equivalent), annual salary, grant salary, and wage rates, etc. Do not include the costs of consultants in this category.

ii. FRINGE BENEFITS: Costs of employee fringe benefits unless treated as part of an approved indirect cost rate. Provide the calculation method for fringe rates and amounts.

If a fringe rate agreement has been negotiated with a cognizant Federal agency, provide

it. If no agreement exists, provide the amounts and percentages of all items that comprise the fringe rate, and the basis for allocation.

Justification: Provide the method used to calculate the proposed rate amount. If a fringe benefit has been negotiated with, or approved by, a Federal government-cognizant agency, provide a copy of the agreement. If no rate agreement exists, provide a breakdown of the amounts and percentages that comprise fringe benefit costs such as health insurance, FICA, retirement insurance, taxes, etc. Identify the base for allocating these fringe benefit expenses.

iii. TRAVEL: Travel is limited to program personnel and students receiving support under this program. Provide the costs of program-related travel. Travel costs must not include costs of subcontractor travel.

PIs will be expected to budget for and participate in the following meetings:

• An annual meeting of all participants in the DHS COE Summit, or an equivalent all-PI meeting

• Meetings with COE research collaborators, laboratory personnel, and other HS agency representatives who may be helpful in to developing student internships, etc.

Students supported under the SLA must attend at least one DHS COE Summit or equivalent all-PI meeting during their tenure. Travel to other technical or scientific conferences is strongly encouraged.

Justification: For each proposed trip, provide the purpose, number of travelers, travel origin and destination, number of days, and a breakdown of costs for airfare, lodging, meals, car rental, and incidentals. The basis for the airfare, lodging, meals, car rental, and incidentals must be provided, such as past trips, current quotations, Federal Travel Regulations, etc. Travel required in the performance of the duties approved in the award must comply with the applicable Office of Management & Budget (OMB) Cost Principles Circular.

Foreign travel using funds obtained under this award may be allowed under special circumstances. However, foreign travel requests must be submitted at least 60 days before the event and approved by DHS in advance and in writing.

iv. EQUIPMENT: If equipment or instrumentation is necessary to complete the proposed research, it must be budgeted in the first 12-month period. Equipment is defined here as any article of nonexpendable, tangible personal property having a useful life of more than 1 year and an acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the capitalization level established by the organization financial statement purposes.

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 must 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 program, as well as use or disposal of the equipment after the program 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.

Furthermore, provide a rationale for each item of equipment/instrumentation requested in the budget. Describe how each item will contribute to achieving the goals of the proposal and enhancing the educational and/or research capabilities of the institution.

Describe how the proposed equipment/instrumentation will interface with existing facilities or upgrade other equipment currently available. As applicable, but in very rare circumstances, indicate (1) any special circumstances regarding the installation of the equipment (For example, will installation require minor plumbing or electrical upgrades? If so, this should be budgeted); (2) Preventative maintenance plan comes with the purchase of the equipment; and (3) training is provided at the time of installation or shortly thereafter.

Note: All funds requested for equipment (including computers) or laboratory supplies will undergo intense scrutiny and must be accompanied by a compelling justification stating that the expense is explicitly required for the proposed program(s) and related curriculum and will not be used for any other education and training outside the project. Equipment requests must be necessary, appropriate and reasonable.

v. SUPPLIES: 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 that supports the amount requested.

vi. CONTRACTUAL: Costs of all contracts for services and goods except for those that belong under other categories such as equipment, supplies, etc. Justification:

Demonstrate that all procurement transactions will be conducted in a manner to provide, to the maximum extent practical, open and free competition.

Recipient may be required to make pre-award review and procurement documents available to DHS, including request for proposals or invitations for bids, independent cost estimates, etc. This may include procurements expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold fixed at 41 USC 403(11) (currently set at $100,000) and expected to be awarded without competition or only one bid or offer is received in response to a solicitation.

All required flow down provisions in the award must be included in any subcontract or sub award.

vii. OTHER DIRECT COSTS: For any other items proposed as direct costs, provide an itemized list with costs, and state the basis for each proposed item.

viii. INDIRECT COSTS: Provide a copy of the latest rate agreement negotiated with a cognizant Federal agency. If the applicant organization is in the process of initially developing a rate, it should immediately develop a tentative indirect cost rate proposal based on its most recently completed fiscal year. Otherwise, use the existing rate until replaced. This should be in accordance with the cognizant agency's guidelines for establishing indirect cost rates and submit it to the cognizant agency. Applicants awaiting approval of their indirect cost proposals may also request indirect costs. When an indirect cost rate is requested, those costs included in the indirect cost pool should not also be charged as direct costs to the award. Also, if the applicant is requesting a rate that 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.

C. Certification Regarding Lobbying (GG_Lobbying Form-V1.1) Submit this form. It will be electronically signed upon submission to Grants.gov as part of your application. If paragraph two of the certification applies, then complete and submit the SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying, which is provided as an optional form in the application package.

D. Research and Related: Senior/Key Personnel Profile Applicants must complete a profile for the PI(s) as well as other Senior Key Personnel, to include the early career faculty, identified for the program. Provide a biographical sketch for each senior/key person that include education and research activities and accomplishments and each individual role in the proposed program. Each biographical sketch may not exceed two pages. Biographical sketches should be single-spaced using size 12 Times New Roman font.

a. Results from Prior DHS Support If any PI or co-PI identified on the project has received DHS funding (including any current funding) in the past ten years, information on the award(s) is required, irrespective of whether the support was directly related to the proposal or not. In cases where the PI or co-PI has received more than one award, they need only report on the one award most closely related to the proposal. Funding includes not just salary support, but any funding awarded by DHS. The following information must be provided: (a) the DHS award number, amount, and period of support; (b) the title of the project; (c) a summary of the results of the completed work, including accomplishments, supported by the award. The results must be separately described under two distinct headings, Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts; (d) the publication(s) resulting from the DHS award;

and (e) evidence of research products and their availability, including, but not limited to: data, publications, samples, physical collections, software, and models, as described in any Data Management Plan.

E. Research and Other Related Project Information Applicants must complete the Other Project Information Form, which includes information regarding use of human subjects, use of animal subjects, and proprietary information, among other things. Tips: Write for a general audience and avoid use of scientific jargon to the extent possible. Please define any technical terminology that is discipline-specific. Be concise and direct in descriptions.

a. The Program Summary. Provide a summary description of the program including:

(1) Objectives of the program

(2) Problem statement

(3) Articulation of state of the art

(4) Program management approach

(5) Program Performance targets and methods for measurement

(6) Examples of potential results and how those results may benefit HSE

(7) Technology transfer and transition pathways

Applicants must have an academic and workforce development program with research opportunities within their proposal.

Attach the summary/abstract to Item 7 on the Other Program Information form.

b. The Program Description/Narrative. The Program Description/Narrative section should contain a well-argued and specific proposal for activities and approaches that will build enduring capabilities for years of contributions to integrated HSE research and educational activities. The Program Description/Narrative should be developed in consultation with the intended recipient of the early-career award, the intended community college partner, and the relevant department head or equivalent organizational official.

The Program Narrative is limited to 30 single-spaced pages with 12-point Times New Roman font and one-inch margins. Applicants must adhere strictly to the page limits. This 30-page limit applies to items (1) through (6) noted below, which must be included in the Program Description portion of your application. The Program Narrative should use this order and these subtitles. An application that does not include each required element listed in this section using the headers provided and/or is more than 30 pages long will be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered.

1) Objectives:

Proposals should clearly articulate program objectives, approaches, and planned outcomes with respect to faculty development and academic achievement; student recruitment, retention, degree conferral, and career placement of students; program monitoring guidelines; and how outcomes will be measured. Proposals should demonstrate a solid grounding in relevant literature on the HS mission areas and strategic plans, STEM teaching and learning,. Describe the conceptual basis and unifying aspects of the interdisciplinary research and educational activities to be offered.

Applicants should propose programs lasting up to 3 years with total budgets up to $470,000.00. Subsequent to the first year, program funding is dependent on successful performance in the prior year, the relevance of program outcomes to current HS research priorities, and availability of funds. Multi-year research projects should provide a summary of their: long-term vision, result oriented goals, milestones, performance measures, research and education outcomes, technology transfer or transition pathway, and potential real-world applications.

Applicants must also summarize communication and transition plans that outline how any potential partner will implement its program(s) and how they will be transitioned to user groups. Elements of the plan may include: identification of potential user groups;

description of how those groups currently integrate new approaches, knowledge, and technologies into operations; and a description of how the research results will be transitioned to DHS and other Federal and state agencies.

2) Program Plan(s):

A successful SLA proposal will incorporate the following elements:

Program Information:

• Title of Program

• Program Abstract

• Principal Official (name, title, school)

• Other key technical and program personnel supporting intellectual property and administrative tasks (name, title, school/business)

• Significant Partners and their roles

Goals and Objectives:

• Describe the goals and objectives that the Program seeks to achieve.

o Align goals to:

DHS Strategic Plan FY20-24 (link:

https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/19_0702_plcy_ dhs-strategic-plan-fy20-24.pdf)

DHS Quadrennial Homeland Security Review (link:

https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2014-qhsr-final-508.pdf)

• Include a Problem Statement that articulates and cites information expressing DHS’ workforce needs and how the proposed program will address those gaps.

• Provide a summary of the state of the art and describe the approaches and processes which will enable the Program to achieve its outlined goals and objectives.

Education Program Highlights:

• Summarize the financial support which will be provided for undergraduate and/or graduate students via internships or other experiential learning programs.

• Describe the program(s) that will be developed to provide pathways towards degrees, certifications, and other HS-relevant qualifications.

Research Projects Highlights

• Summarize planned research projects whose completion will augment the abilities of DHS to respond to HS challenges.

• Describe how both students and faculty will be embedded with HS practitioners to conduct research and foster opportunities for students to gain practical experience in HS-related professions.

• Identify existing partnerships with community colleges to provide research experience and financial support to students specifically supporting HS priorities.

3) Education and Training

Describe the program and training opportunities which will be provided upon acceptance of the proposal submitted. This includes qualities such as the following, but are not limited to them:

• Curricula and/or supplemental activities that complement existing coursework, which will be developed in domains relevant to HSE

• Total number of students that the program can support

• Summary of education and training mechanisms for both students and active workforce participants https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/19_0702_plcy_dhs-strategic-plan-fy20-24.pdf https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/19_0702_plcy_dhs-strategic-plan-fy20-24.pdf https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/19_0702_plcy_dhs-strategic-plan-fy20-24.pdf https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/19_0702_plcy_dhs-strategic-plan-fy20-24.pdf https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2014-qhsr-final-508.pdf https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2014-qhsr-final-508.pdf https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2014-qhsr-final-508.pdf

• Strategy for recruitment and retention of HS-STEM students

• Planned and existing partnerships with internship-providing organizations to increase career prospects of enrolled students

• Planned partnerships with other MSIs to broaden the diversity of the student body and workforce

• Outline of plans to assist students transitioning between 2 and 4-year academic programs

• Description of early-career faculty exchange and collaboration including length of partnerships and other details

4) Academic Research Opportunities

Provide an overview of the research projects that this proposal would develop to provide relevant experience to faculty and students while producing outcomes which will strengthen the HSE. Qualities to be considered include, but are not limited to:

• Abstracts of proposed research projects, including problem statements and hypotheses, research methods, data needs, other specialized infrastructure needs, program risks, program assumptions, and HSE relevance

• Outcomes and or products that research projects will successfully materialize

• Technology development and transfer plans on intellectual property to move research products from the institution to being leveraged by DHS and other stakeholders

• Strategies to integrate students and faculty with interest in HS-STEM into these research projects

• Sustainment plans that accommodate the turnover of faculty and students involved in SLA research projects

• Overview of any plans for academic partnerships with justification for how the partnership will benefit the SLA

Note: Recipients should identify priority needs using DHS S&T’s DHS Long-Range Broad Agency Agreements (BAA’s) webpage.

5) Organization, Management, and Institutional Commitment

Describe plans and procedures for the organization and management of the program.

Discuss the institutional or departmental obstacles anticipated in implementing your program and how the institution and program director plan to address them. Describe the institution’s commitment to facilitating and furthering the plans and goals of the program and to creating a supportive environment for integrative research and education. Describe the administrative levels involved.

6) Performance Assessment and Program Evaluation

Proposals must include an evaluation plan that will be used by the institution to evaluate success in meeting its stated goals and objectives. This plan should include measurable criteria such as:

https://baa2.st.dhs.gov/portal/public/processRequest?eurl=AAAAAAEytBoAAAFuE6MgqAAUQUVTL0NCQy9QS0NTNVBhZGRpbmcAgAAQABAAAQIDBAUGBwgJCgsMDQ4PAAAAUMUP8ssYOu8SxeEfopmq%2F3LKvq0YMxUQ1HrP1WhtWzYxyKW20RE9vatO4rSts5qCMXiqJWSbiM9uIWL8RVZ68I3jiij9TGfVKdiRK4h62Mw7ABQnTIPJN3J1BoFMMIqjJ1QigNX6rw%3D%3D…