CCC_NOFO_2022.01.20.pdf

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE (DoD)

Under Secretary of Defense (Research & Engineering) (USD(R&E)), Laboratories and

Personnel Office, 4800 Mark Center Drive, Suite 17C08, Alexandria, VA 22350 and issued by Washington Headquarters Services / Acquisition Directorate (WHS/AD)

DoD STEM Community College Consortium Cooperative Agreement

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Initial Announcement

Funding Opportunity Number: HQ003422NFOEASD01

Assistance Listing Number: 12.006 National Defense Education Program

Key Dates: EVENT DATE

Final Announcement Issued 25 January 2022

Letter of Intent Due 22 February 2022

Questions Due 22 February 2022

Responses to Questions Posted 01 March 2022

Applications Due 29 March 2022

Evaluations Completed Mid-June 2022

Award 01 September 2022

Agency Contact:

Mr. Jonathan Bertsch

Title: Grants Officer

Washington Headquarters Services (WHS) / Acquisition Directorate (AD)

4800 Mark Center Drive

Alexandria, VA 22311

Email: jonathan.e.bertsch.civ@mail.mil

Date Issued: 25 01 2022 mailto:jonathan.e.bertsch.civ@mail.mil

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

A. Short Description of Funding Opportunity B. Background C. Program Description/Objective D. Authorization E. Legal Requirements F. Program-Specific Requirements

II. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

A. Award History and Instrument B. Funding Amount and Number of Awards C. Profit/Fee D. Place of Performance E. Period of Performance F. Sub-awardees and sub-contracts G. Government Role & Responsibility

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligible Applicants B. Cost Share or Matching C. Conflict of Interest

IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. Submission Dates and Times B. Address to Request Application Package C. Application Procedures and Requirements D. Application Withdrawal E. Intergovernmental review F. Content and Formation of Submissions G. Funding Restrictions

V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

A. Selection Criteria B. Review and Selection Process C. Anticipated Award Announcement and Federal Award Dates:

D. Recipient Qualifications ........................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

E. Handling of Selection Information

VI. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

VII. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

A. Monthly Reports

B. Quarterly Reports C. Annual Reports D. Final Reports

VIII. OTHER ADMINISTARTIVE REQUIREMENTS

IX. FEDERAL CONTACTS

IX. OTHER INFORMATION

I. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

A. Short Description of Funding Opportunity

The Department of Defense (DoD) National Defense Education Program (NDEP) is seeking to strategically fund science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education at 2-year institutions and Community Colleges (2YI/CCs) through a consortium approach. The DoD STEM vision is a diverse and sustainable STEM talent pool ready to serve our Nation and extend the Department’s competitive edge. This

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) aims to enhance the STEM workforce through regional consortia which will develop and encourage STEM ecosystems between

2YI/CCs and 4-Year Institutions (4YIs), industry, local education agencies, and others in

STEM education. Each regional DoD STEM Community College Consortium should collaboratively work with members of their geographical area to promote partnerships that enhance STEM education at 2YI/CCs, while aligning to the DoD STEM mission to

“inspire, cultivate, and develop exceptional STEM talent through a continuum of opportunities to enrich our current and future DoD workforce poised to tackle evolving defense technological challenges”2. These collaborations should foster the development of 2YI/CC STEM ecosystems that have the ability to implement far-reaching sustainable programs, specifically those that promote the completion of certificate training programs aligned to DoD priority areas1; increase transitions from 2YI/CC programs to STEM degrees from 4YIs; and meet the vision, roles, and goals outlined in the DoD STEM

Strategic Plan2.

Responses to this funding opportunity should focus on either or both of the below goals:

(1) Promote and support the completion of technical training and certificate programs that strengthen the DoD and Defense Industrial Base (DIB) science, technology, and manufacturing workforce.

(2) Develop, support, and increase the transition of students, especially those from underserved and underrepresented populations to include veterans and their spouses3, from 2-year institutions and/or Community College STEM programs to STEM degrees at 4-year institutions.

B. Background

The Federal STEM Education Strategic Plan states that the pace of innovation is accelerating globally, and with it, the competition for scientific and technical talent. It further added that now more than ever, the innovation capacity of the United States will depend on an effective and inclusive STEM education system4. A readily accessible, highly technical and diverse

STEM talent is essential to the success of the Department’s Research and Engineering mission, and a national security imperative. The National Defense Strategy has called for the

Department of Defense to make significant investments in science and technology

1 https://www.cto.mil/modernization-priorities/ 2 https://dodstem-assets.dodstem.us/files/DoD_STEM_Strategic_Plan_2021.pdf 3 Supporting Veterans in STEM Careers Act: https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/153/text 4 https://dodstem-assets.dodstem.us/files/2018-23-Federal-STEM-Education-Strategic-Plan.pdf https://www.cto.mil/modernization-priorities/ https://dodstem-assets.dodstem.us/files/DoD_STEM_Strategic_Plan_2021.pdf https://dodstem-assets.dodstem.us/files/2018-23-Federal-STEM-Education-Strategic-Plan.pdf modernization priority areas to meet key capability and capacity needs5, and a diverse technical talent is essential in completing this mission. Additionally, as manufacturing transitions to Industry 4.0 methods, STEM education is increasingly important for traditional industrial skills such as machining and welding. As the largest employer of Federal scientists and engineers across the Federal agencies, DoD is committed to developing the Nation’s

STEM talent.

The DoD employs a comprehensive approach to develop STEM talent with K-12, postsecondary, and workforce STEM education and talent development efforts, known as

DoD STEM (www.dodstem.us). DoD STEM aims to inspire, cultivate, and develop talent to address the Nation’s technological challenges, now and into the future. The largest program under DoD STEM is the National Defense Education Program (NDEP), which fosters and enhances the Department’s ability to develop and access high-quality STEM talent vital to national defense. Aligned to the Federal STEM Education Strategic Plan3 and to the DoD

STEM Strategic Plan (2021-2025)6, NDEP addresses critical STEM education and talent development challenges using a continuous learning structure and evidence-based approaches. NDEP activities support the DoD STEM effort in providing authentic learning experiences through a variety of education and outreach initiatives in the form of scholarships, internships, enrichment activities, competitions, mentorships, and more by leveraging partners from industry, academia, and other government organizations with a shared STEM mission. One of the main NDEP efforts in addressing talent development and recruitment is through partnerships with 2YI/CCs and promoting 2YI/CC STEM ecosystems.

STEM education is expanding beyond traditional engineering and scientific communities and it is increasingly critical for industrial skills proficiency. As such, 2YI/CCs are vital to the education and innovation of our Nation. In 2019, 2YI/CCs educated 41% of all undergraduate students7. Further, the student body of community colleges have a breadth of racial and ethnic representation: among undergraduate students, 56% of Native American students, 53% of Hispanic students, 43% of Black students, and 38% of Asian/Pacific

Islander students attend Community College8. Additionally, 2YI/CCs reach other non-traditional students such as parents8, students that are also employed part- or full-time9, and military personnel10. However, 2YI/CCs and their students face a unique set of challenges, including, but not limited to, a lack of work-based and research-based opportunities tailored to 2YI/CC students, a need for seamless transition of credit to 4YIs and the workplace, wraparound support services (factors affecting student engagement and participation, for example, childcare, transportation, auxiliary costs), administrative support to execute programs, and the need for mentoring and advising tailored to the unique needs and backgrounds of 2YI/CC students.

C. Program Description/Objective

5 https://dod.defense.gov/Portals/1/Documents/pubs/2018-National-Defense-Strategy-Summary.pdf 6 https://dodstem-assets.dodstem.us/files/DoD_STEM_Strategic_Plan_2021.pdf 7 https://www.aacc.nche.edu/research-trends/fast-facts/ 8 https://www.aacc.nche.edu/2021/01/20/42067/ 9 https://www.aacc.nche.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DataPoints_V7_N2.pdf 10 https://www.aacc.nche.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DataPointsV6N17.pdf file://///rsrcnvfs05/ATL_Org_3/SDO2/3_STEM/8_Programs/Community_College/www.dodstem.us https://dod.defense.gov/Portals/1/Documents/pubs/2018-National-Defense-Strategy-Summary.pdf https://dodstem-assets.dodstem.us/files/DoD_STEM_Strategic_Plan_2021.pdf https://www.aacc.nche.edu/research-trends/fast-facts/ https://www.aacc.nche.edu/2021/01/20/42067/ https://www.aacc.nche.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DataPoints_V7_N2.pdf https://www.aacc.nche.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DataPointsV6N17.pdf

In accordance with 10 USC §2192, Improvement of education in technical fields: general authority regarding education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, NDEP, through WHS/AD, intends to directly support 2YIs/CCs by developing exceptional STEM talent through a regional consortium-based model. Through multiple cooperative agreement awards to regional consortia, DoD STEM aims to foster communication, collaboration, and a

STEM ecosystem between 2YI/CCs and their relevant partners. Two-Year Institutions and

Community Colleges benefit from strong connections to both industry and 4YIs; these regional ecosystems can ensure their coursework and programs address the current need for workers and prepares students for future curricula. Each Consortium should promote the capacity of 2YI/CCs to create impactful STEM educational experiences for students through collaborative partnerships. Consortia partners may include, but are not limited to, 4YIs, industry partners, local educational agencies, and DoD facilities. Two-year institutions and

Community Colleges will be able to leverage these partnerships and collaborations to foster additional support and resources, drawing on the breadth of knowledge and capabilities of each Consortium member.

Specifically, proposals should focus on one or both of the following two areas, through a regional consortium approach:

(1) Promote and support the completion of technical training and certificate programs that strengthen the DoD and Defense Industrial Base (DIB) science, technology, and manufacturing workforce.

(2) Develop, support, and increase the transition of students, especially those from underserved and underrepresented populations to include veterans and their spouses, from 2-year institutions and/or Community College STEM programs to STEM degrees at 4-year institutions.

In both areas, the DoD seeks programs that emphasize areas that support the future mission of the DoD. These include DoD Priority Areas, such as biotechnology, cyber, microelectronics, and autonomy, from the research and development phase through advanced manufacturing11. The DoD will prioritize Consortia that support placement of qualified students, upon completion of the program, to DoD and DIB manufacturing, research, and career opportunities, or a pathway to other educational opportunities. Proposed programs should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the needs of 2YI/CCs in regards to STEM education, potential solutions, and outcomes from enhanced quality and effectiveness of 2YI/CC support.

The Department seeks to complement its portfolio of programs

(https://dodstem.us/participate/opportunities/) while maintaining and/or increasing its focus on underserved populations to include military-connected children and student veterans, as described in the DoD STEM Strategic Plan12.

DoD STEM encourages proposals from Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) as well as other institutions that support the recruitment, retention, and completion (certificate, degree, 11 https://www.cto.mil/modernization-priorities/ 12 https://dodstem-assets.dodstem.us/files/DoD_STEM_Strategic_Plan_2021.pdf program) of groups historically underrepresented in STEM fields. DoD STEM is particularly interested in proposals from all types of Minority Serving Institutions, including Hispanic

Serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities, and Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions.

1. Consortium Membership

It is recommended that the Applicant, also known as the Lead Organization (LO), be either a 2YI/CC or a non-profit institution. When other institutions are a Recipient, it is recommended that a representative from a 2YI/CC be the Principal Investigator

(PI) or co-PI. The LO is to assemble a qualified team of organizations that have expertise and a proven track record in the areas required to successfully manage and implement fundamental DoD STEM elements. Applications should focus on including representation from a robust network of partners in the Consortium, on-boarded as sub-awardees and referred to as Consortium Members, or Members.

Applications should identify Members, the value that each Member adds to the network, and the role that each Member has in promoting this NOFO’s goals: (1) promote and support the completion of technical training and certificate programs that strengthen the DoD and DIB science, technology, and manufacturing workforce, and/or(2) develop, support, and increase the transition of students, especially those from underserved and underrepresented populations to include veterans and their spouses, from 2YI/CC STEM programs to STEM degrees at 4YIsMembers may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Industry and employers, including processional societies, to promote direct career pathways into the workforce, financial support from industry, alignment between awarded credentials and industry needs, and/or increase opportunities for internships and apprenticeships;

Four-year institutions, to promote ease of acceptance from partnering

2YI/CCs, curriculum alignment, meeting the specific needs of 2YI/CCs and their academic backgrounds, and/or pathway alignment;

DoD employers, laboratories, and military installations to promote hands-on workforce development, increase direct career pathways to the DoD workforce, and/or ensure awarded credentials meet the specific needs of the

DoD; and/or

High schools and K-12 school districts to promote curriculum alignment, gaining skills and knowledge required for success in a STEM field, and/or early awareness of 2YI/CC opportunities.

A suggested, but not mandatory, Consortium structure may include multiple

2YI/CCs, and is strongly encouraged to also include regional 4YI, industry, and/or nonprofit organization. At the request of the Consortium and at the approval of the

DoD, additional Consortium Members may be added to or removed to advance the

Consortium’s objectives in support of the DoD STEM strategic goals. The

Consortium should identify key regional challenges and work towards collaborative solutions. As such, the technical application should address the needs in the regional community.

2. Consortium Management

Each LO will lead their regional Consortium to ensure a focus on planning and executing programs that are in alignment with STEM priorities and goals, as outlined in the DoD STEM Strategic Plan, while focusing on key regional challenges. It is recommended that a 2YI/CC or nonprofit institution serve as the award LO, and a member of the LO serve as the Primary Investigatory (PI). Other partnering institutions / Consortium Members should be structured as sub-awardees. When other institutions are a Recipient, a representative from a 2YI/CC must be the

Principal Investigator (PI) or co-PI. The Recipient will be responsible for the distribution of funding to all Consortium members. To ensure successful execution of the CA, the LO PI is expected to stay with the LO and manage the award from at least one (1) year after receipt, or the award may be rescinded. Changes of the PI at any time must be coordinated with the government through the Cooperative

Agreement Manager.

The organizational framework of the Consortium should be efficient and flexible with defined areas of responsibility among the Consortium Members to minimize overhead and duplication, yet ensure relevance and proper oversight. The Applicant will propose a Consortium structure that seamlessly integrates program components to promote collaboration, creativity, and synergy, ultimately aiming to achieve the goals established by the Government.

It is critical that each Consortium be structured and managed to foster an open, collaborative environment in which each member of the Consortium is equal and receptive to leveraging knowledge resources.

The technical application should describe an Agreements Document between partners that ensures program budget and execution is performed in accordance with the proposed activities. This Agreements Document may take the form of a

Memorandum of Understanding, Articles of Collaboration, or other agreement.

Initial Work Plan (IWP): As part of the application, applicants will submit an IWP for the Consortium. The IWP will include a 3-year roadmap for the base years which describes the overall plan to be accomplished by the

Consortium. The roadmap should provide a detailed description of a well-coordinated plan of program execution, focused on DoD STEM priorities and objectives as outlined in this NOFO. It should provide approximate timelines, to the best possible extent for the various components and activities.

The Consortium, as an entity, will not solicit or accept funding from outside sources without the approval of the Grants Officer and the CAM. During the period of performance of the CA, the Grants Officer, in coordination with the

CAM, will have approval authority for certain changes to the initial program plan (IWP), including but not limited to:

1. Changes in the scope or the objective of the program or IWP;

2. Change in the key personnel of the Consortium, including the PI;

3. The need for additional Federal funding; and

4. Any sub-contract, transfer, or contracting out of program performance under an award, unless described in the IWP.

During the period of performance of the CA, the Grants Officer, in coordination with the CAM, will have approval authority for certain specific changes to the cooperative agreement including, but not limited to:

1. Changes to the agreement document (Memorandum of

Understanding, Articles of Collaboration, or other), if such changes substantially alter the relationship of the parties as originally agreed upon;

2. Solicitation or acceptance of funding under the agreement from sources other than DoD;

3. Changes in Consortium membership;

4. Changes in award ceiling; and

5. Exercise of option periods.

Reports: The Consortium will be responsible for completing the following reporting requirements:

o Monthly Technical and Financial Progress Reports: A one-page template will be provided to each Recipient. This report will include information on current expenses and invoices for the time period, programmatic developments, and major successes or major challenges that warrant DoD STEM attention.

o Annual Reports: Complete annual Performance Progress Report.

Reporting occurs during the summer months regardless of grant start date.

o Final Report: Detail the full programmatic accomplishments summarized from prior reports and a forecast for ongoing program sustainability and expansion.

Interim Reviews and Meetings: Individual program reviews between DoD

STEM and the Recipient may be held as necessary. An Annual Program

Review meeting will be held with all regional Consortia members and other

DoD STEM partners. Department of Defense colleagues may participate in these reviews. Program status reviews may also be held to provide a forum for reviews of the latest Consortium progress.

D. Authorization

The authorization to make awards under this funding opportunity may be found via the

Assistance Listing (CFDA) Number on beta.sam.gov.

E. Legal Requirements

Each grant awarded under this announcement will be governed by the general terms and conditions in effect at the time of the award that conform to DoD’s implementation of OMB guidance applicable to financial assistance in 2 CFR 1100 [Subchapter D – Administrative

Requirements Terms and Conditions for Cost-Type Grants and Cooperative Agreements to

Nonprofit and Government Entities] which are located at https://www.onr.navy.mil/work-with-us/manage-your-award/manage-grant-award/grants-terms-conditions. These terms and conditions are incorporated by reference in this announcement.

F. Program-Specific Requirements

Not Applicable

II. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

A. Award History and Instrument

This is a new program and is expected to result in the award of cooperative agreements as defined at 31 U.S.C. 6305. The cooperative agreements will be awarded to “eligible entities” as defined at 10 USC §2192(b)(3) which includes a State, a political subdivision of a State, an individual, and a not-for-profit or organization in the private sector. Each Consortium must be led by a Lead Organization (LO) entity responsible for managing the Consortium.

The LO will be charged with providing leadership to the Consortium as well as coordinating and synchronizing overarching efforts. Performance under the cooperative agreement should also include additional sub-awardees as Consortium Members. The LO will be the Recipient for purposes of the award. Hereafter, the terms LO and Recipient are synonymous.

B. Funding Amount and Number of Awards

This NOFO intends to fund approximately five (5) regional DoD STEM Community

College Consortia Cooperative Agreements (CAs) at a not to exceed amount of $5,000,000 each over a three (3) year base period of performance. After the three (3) year base period, three one (1) year options at a not to exceed funding level of $2,000,000 per year may be exercised based upon recipient’s performance, and subject to availability of funds. As such, the ceiling funding amount over the lifetime of the award could be up to $11,000,000. These funding amounts include both direct and indirect cost. Applicants are reminded that this request is subject to federal funding appropriations and Departmental approval. The option year funding levels provided in this NOFO are for application preparation purposes only. The actual funding level of the cooperative agreement option years will be https://www.onr.navy.mil/work-with-us/manage-your-award/manage-grant-award/grants-terms-conditions https://www.onr.navy.mil/work-with-us/manage-your-award/manage-grant-award/grants-terms-conditions updated annually, beginning in Base Year 3, based on an Annual Program Plan, budget review, and subject to the availability of funds.

C. Profit/Fee

Fee/profit is unallowable under assistance agreements at either the prime or sub-award level, but may be permitted on subcontracts issues by the prime awardee.

D. Place of Performance

Performance is limited to the United States and US territories.

E. Period of Performance

An award made as a result of this NOFO will provide potential funding for up to six (6) years. This award will be structured as a base agreement of a three (3) year duration, with three one (1) year options to be exercised based upon recipient performance. The

Government will review the CA annually to assess the degree to which the recipient is making progress towards meeting the objectives of the agreement. Option year exercises will be subject to the availability of funds. The technical application (Section IV.F) should outline both base year and option year activities.

F. Sub-awardees and sub-contracts

The PI of the project will represent the Lead Organization, however the consortium-based model necessitates collaboration and funding to multiple institutions. Consortium Members will be funded as sub-awardees, and hereafter the terms sub-awardee and Member are synonymous. The responsibility of each Member, the relationships between Members, the on- and off-boarding of Members, and demonstration of how each Member complements the overall approach should be outlined in the application.

Each Consortium may be augmented with subcontracts to meet specific objectives, especially for the efforts for which the subcontractor is particularly qualified.

DoD STEM encourages Minority Serving Institutions as well as other institutions that support the recruitment, retention, and completion (certificate, degree, program) of groups historically underrepresented in STEM fields to serve as LO’s and/or sub-awards.

Additionally, the inclusion of small and women-owned businesses as sub-awardees and/or subcontracts are encouraged.

G. Government Role & Responsibility

Substantial government involvement is expected under the CA and essential to the performance and successful execution of Consortia. The CA enables and encourages

Consortium Members to synchronize and coordinate the program planning and execution with the Government’s primary representative, the Cooperative Agreement Manager

(CAM). It is the CAM’s responsibility to provide technical and fiscal oversight over the

Cooperative Agreement.

On behalf of the Office of the Under Secretary of the Defense for Research and Engineering

[USD(R&E)], the CAM must ensure that Consortium programs and partnerships are planned and executed in alignment with the CA priorities and goals as implemented annually in the approved program plans and funding levels. In addition, it is the CAM’s responsibility to effectively and efficiently integrate STEM assets/resources across the DoD’s Science and

Technology (S&T) Enterprise into the Community College Consortia’s programs and partnerships, to ensure STEM participants are exposed to and learn about STEM opportunities and careers across DoD. Substantial Government involvement is required to coordinate local and national interactions between regional consortia awardees, and their students and teachers, with other DoD STEM opportunities, as well as with DoD scientists and engineers (S&Es) across the Defense Laboratory Enterprise.

Lastly, the CAM facilitates/synchronizes between the funding and policy office at

USD(R&E), the Grants Officer, Consortium members and DoD stakeholders to ensure program intent and objectives are met. In an effort to ensure that activities align with DoD

STEM strategic goals under the CA, it is expected that the awardees, in coordination with the CAM, will make informed decisions on which efforts to adjust, which practices to sustain and expand, and to make real-time adjustments to funding, planning, implementation, and processes, if required.

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligible Applicants

The cooperative agreements will be awarded to “eligible entities” as defined at 10 USC

§2192(b)(3) which includes a State, a political subdivision of a State, an individual, and a not-for-profit or organization in the private sector. Applicants are reminded that formation of a Consortium is a requirement in order to be responsive to this NOFO, and the Consortium may be either already existing or new partnerships. All responsible sources from industry, non-profit institutions, institutions of higher education, state, and/or local educational agencies, or existing consortia of such institutions and/or industry may submit an application to this NOFO. Current and past awardees from previous NDEP funding opportunities are eligible to submit an application to this NOFO.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a LOI no later than 22 February, 2022 demonstrating their intent to apply to this NOFO, as described in Section IV.A. The LOI should be emailed to osd.dodstem@mail.mil with the subject line: NOFO Letter of Intent.

mailto:osd.dodstem@mail.mil

Defense laboratories, military universities, and warfare centers, as well as other

Department of Defense and civilian agency laboratories, are not eligible to receive awards under this NOFO. If any such organization is interested in the program described herein, the organization may contact DoD STEM at osd.dodstem@mail.mil, to discuss potential projects. The subject line of the email shall read “NDEP Potential

Project Inquiry.”

Federally Funded Research & Development Centers (FFRDCs), including Department of

Energy National Laboratories, are not eligible to receive awards under this NOFO.

However, teaming arrangements between FFRDCs and eligible principal applicants are allowed so long as they are permitted under the sponsoring agreement between the

Government and the specific FFRDC.

University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs) are eligible to submit applications under this NOFO, unless precluded from doing so by their Department of Defense

UARC contract.

Religious organizations are entitled to compete on equal footing with secular organizations for Federal financial assistance as described in E.O. 13798, “Promoting Free Speech and

Religious Liberty.”

All proposed Consortium Members are expected to have significant involvement and input into the program. The Lead Organizations or Recipient will be charged with spearheading the efforts to meet Consortium goals and in managing overall efforts in program evaluations, communications and outreach. Additionally, applicants are expected to consider carefully the construct of their proposed Consortium to ensure clarity of each member’s area(s) of responsibility and in providing flexibility when and where necessary, to efficiently achieve the goals in support of program priorities.

To be qualified, potential Consortium Members must:

Have no known recent record of lack of responsibility or serious deficiency in executing such programs or activities;

Have no known recent record indicating a lack of integrity or business ethics; and

Be otherwise qualified and eligible to receive an award under applicable laws and regulations.

Defense Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education

Consortium (DSEC) partners are eligible to apply. However, applications must be stand-alone, innovative, and novel approaches to STEM activities. Scale up of current DSEC efforts will not be considered.

B. Cost Share or Matching

The primary basis for selecting applications for award will be technical merit, relevance to the subject of the NOFO, proposed cost realism and reasonableness, and the availability of funds to support the effort. If offered, voluntary cost sharing may be considered as a demonstration of an offeror's commitment to their proposed project. Any proposed cost sharing becomes a binding term of any award. WHS/AD reserves the right to request and require additional supporting information and documentation after it makes the selection determination. WHS/AD reserves the right to remove Applicants from award consideration if the parties fail to reach agreement on award terms, conditions, or cost/price within a reasonable time; or if the Applicants fail to provide requested or required additional information in a timely manner.

C. Conflict of Interest

1. General Requirement for Disclosure

The Applicant, and Consortium Members, must disclose any potential or actual scientific or nonscientific conflict of interest(s) to the Government. The Applicant and Consortium Members must also disclose any potential or actual conflict(s) of interest for any identified sub recipient you include in the application. The

Government or Grants Officer reserves the right to clarify any conflicts of interest, if needed.

At the Government and/or Grants Officer’s discretion, the Government and/or Grants

Officer may ask the Applicant and/or Consortium Members for a conflict of interest mitigation plan after submission of the application. The plan is subject to

Government and/or Grants Officer approval.

2. Scientific Conflict of Interest

Scientific collaborations on research and development projects are generally the result of close collaboration prior to the submission of applications for support.

Accordingly, these collaborations should be considered when considering potential conflicts of interest. The potential conflict is mitigated by the disclosure of these collaborations, and the list of current and pending support you provide for senior and key researchers. Therefore, you must include in your list of current and pending support all collaborators, even if they did not formally provide support.

3. Other

The Applicant must include the Acknowledgment of Support and Disclaimer on all materials created or produced under our awards. This language may be found in the

Terms and Conditions included in the award documents.

a. Certifications, representations, and assurances

To apply for grants and other funding opportunities the applicant entity must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM).

Applications will not be accepted through Grants.gov or other methods unless the entity is registered in SAM. Registration in SAM now includes the acceptance of Certifications and Assurances. SAM may be accessed at:

https://beta.sam.gov. See https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/grantors/grantor-standard-language.html and Attachment A - Registration and Submission

Instructions for details on how to register in SAM, and Grants.gov

The Federal Assistance Certifications Report is an attestation that the entity will abide by the requirements of the various laws and regulations; therefore, as applicable, you are still required to submit any documentation, including the SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if applicable), and, if applicable, informing DoD of unpaid delinquent tax liability or a felony conviction under and Federal law.

For more information, see Attachment C: Certifications and Representations.

b. Protection of Human Subjects

For proposals containing activities that include research involving human subjects as defined in DoDI 3216.02, after award, the Applicant must submit documentation as requested by a DoD Human Research Protection Official

(HRPO), outlined in the DoDI 3216.02. Additional information and requirements can be found in Section IX.F.

IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. Submission Dates and Times

DoD will only accept application submitted on or before 29 March, 2022, 11:59 PM

Eastern Time (ET). Read the instructions in https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/grantors/grantor-standard-language.html about registering to apply for DoD funds. If you experience difficulties with your submission, Grants.gov provides support via the toll-free number 1-800-518-4726 and email at support@grants.gov. This ticket number will allow DoD to verify your issue if it cannot be resolved by the application date.

A Letter of Intent (LOI) to apply should be submitted by email to osd.dodstem@mail.mil no later than 11:59 PM ET on 22 February, 2022 with a subject line of: NOFO Letter of Intent. The LOI should be no longer than one (1) page in length, stating the LO’s intent to apply to this NOFO. Potential Consortium Members should be outlined. While not mandatory, submission of a LOI is strongly encouraged.

Questions regarding this NOFO may be submitted to osd.dodstem@mail.mil before

11:59 PM ET on 22 February, 2022. Questions regarding this NOFO that are received after 11:59 PM ET on 22 February are not obligated to be answered. Responses to all submitted questions will be posted on grants.gov on or before 11:59 PM on 01 March, https://beta.sam.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/grantors/grantor-standard-language.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/grantors/grantor-standard-language.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/grantors/grantor-standard-language.html mailto:support@grants.gov mailto:support@grants.gov

2022.

B. Address to Request Application Package

The application package for Notice of Funding Opportunity is available on Grants.gov.

C. Application Procedures and Requirements

Applications will only be accepted if submitted through grants.gov. Organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), active System for Award Management (SAM) registration, and Grants.gov account to apply for grants. Please see Attachment A - Registration and

Submission Instructions for details on how to go through this process.

Full application packages must be submitted electronically to Grants.gov no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on 29 March, 2022.

Applicants are responsible for submitting their applications in sufficient time to allow them to reach Grants.gov by the date and time specified in this announcement. It is strongly recommended that applications be uploaded at least 2 days before the closing date and time.

This will help avoid problems caused by high system usage or any potential technical and/or input problems involving the applicant’s own equipment. It will also allow any application errors detected by Grants.gov to be corrected in time for the application to be resubmitted. If the application is received by Grants.gov after the exact time and date specified as the deadline for receipt, it will be considered “late” and may not be considered for review.

Acceptable evidence to establish the time of receipt by Grants.gov includes documentary evidence of receipt maintained by Grants.gov, and Grants.gov e-mails to the applicant confirming receipt. These e-mails will indicate 1) the application was received on time, 2) application was rejected due to errors, 3) application was received after the deadline. Note that this Grants.gov response may occur over several e-mails, e.g., one acknowledging on-time receipt, and a later e-mail rejecting for errors the system detected. Applicants can also track the status of their applications at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/track-my-application.html.

For full instructions on registration and submission instructions, see Attachment A:

Registration and Submission Instructions.

D. Application Withdrawal

An applicant may withdraw an application at any time before award by written notice or by email. Notice of withdrawal shall be sent to the grants officer identified in this announcement. Withdrawals are effective upon receipt of notice by the grants officer.

E. Intergovernmental review

Not applicable

F. Content and Formation of Submissions

1. Cooperative Agreement Application Overview

See https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/grantors/grantor-standard-language.html for information on how to complete the application using Workspace on Grants.gov.

Documentation submitted under this NOFO are expected to be unclassified;

classified applications are not permitted.

Proposals will be evaluated by Government personnel and/or Non-Government reviewers. Non-Government reviewers may include university faculty and staff researchers. Each reviewer is required to sign a conflict-of-interest and confidentiality statement attesting that the reviewer has no known conflicts of interest, and that application and evaluation information will not be disclosed outside the evaluation panel. The names and affiliations of reviewers are not disclosed. All submissions will be protected from unauthorized disclosure in accordance with applicable law and DoD regulations. Applicants are expected to appropriately mark each page of their submission that contains proprietary information.

a. Full Application

Applicants must complete the mandatory forms and any optional forms in accordance with the instructions on the forms and the additional instructions below. The required fields should be completed in accordance with the “pop-up” instructions on the forms. To activate the instructions, turn on the “Help

Mode” (icon with the pointer and question mark at the top of the form). Files that are attached to the forms must be in Adobe Portable Document Form

(PDF), except for the Initial Work Plan, and unless otherwise specified in this announcement. You must mark your application with the announcement number. A summary of what is required for a complete application is below.

Submit Technical Applications using the following format:

Paper Size – 8.5 x 11-inch paper

Margins – 1 inch

Spacing – single spaced

Font – Times New Roman, 12 point

Page limit – The technical application / Project Narrative shall not exceed 36 pages.

Attachments to Required forms (See Attachment B for detailed instructions on filling out the SF-424 Forms for DoD grants) https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/grantors/grantor-standard-language.html

The below chart specifies which forms and attachments required and specifies the maximum page lengths for attachments to be submitted along with the completed form.

Form

ASSOCIAT

ED FIELD

ATTACHMENT

Attachment

Maximum

Length

(Suggested)

SF 424 (R&R) Application for

Federal Assistance, including an authorized signature

SFLLL Disclosure of Lobbying

Activities

As Required

Representation for

Tax Delinquency, Felony

Conviction, and

Internal

Confidentiality

Agreements

As Required

R&R Other Project Information

Form

Project

Summary/Abstract 1 Page

8 Project Narrative* 36 Pages

Bibliography &

References Cited As required

11 Equipment As required

Bio Sketch Biographical

Sketch 1-2 Pages

R&R Senior/Key Person Profile

Expanded

Current &

Pending

Support

Current & Pending

Support

No page restriction**

L - Budget

Justification

Budget

Justification

As required***

R&R Budget Form

Abstract cleared for public release 1 Page

Project_Abstract_1_2-V1.2

Additional

Locations

Additional

Locations

As required

(if there are not additional locations, no attachment is needed)

N/A (No attachments)

N/A (No attachments)

N/A (No attachments

* The Project Narrative is broken out as follows and explained below:

Cover Page – 1 page

Table of Contents – 1 page

Technical Approach and Justification: Base Years 1-3 – no more than 10 pages

Option Year Exercises – no more than 2 pages

Management Approach – no more than 3 pages

Metrics and Evaluation – no more than 2

Project Schedule and Milestones – no more than 2 pages

Financial Breakdown – no more than 4 pages

Reports – no more than 1 page

Qualifications – no more than 1 page

Responsibility – no more than 2 pages

Facilities & Equipment – 1 page

Initial Work Plan – no more than 6 pages

EXCLUDED from the Project Narrative 36-page limit are: resumes, curricula vitae, references, letters of support, current and pending projects, data management plan, and Agreements Document. These may be included in the same document as appendices, after the 36-page limit.

Technical Applications exceeding the page limit may not be evaluated.

*** Current and Pending Support (required – no page restrictions – not counted in the project scope restrictions):

● A list of all current projects the individual is working on, in addition to any future support the individual has applied to receive, regardless of the source.

● Title and objectives of the other research projects.

● The percentage per year to be devoted to the other projects.

● The total amount of support the individual is receiving in connection to each of the other research projects or will receive if other applications are awarded.

● Name and address of the agencies and/or other parties supporting the other research projects.

● Period of performance for the other research projects.

*** Submit Budget Justification using the following format:

Paper Size – 8.5 x 11-inch paper

Margins – 1 inch

Spacing – single spaced

Font – Times New Roman, 12 point

Page limit – There is no page limitation to the Budget

NOTE: The electronic file name for all documents submitted under this

NOFO must not exceed 68 characters in length, including the file name extension.

b. Project Narrative Content

A complete application must include all components in the following section which will be the criteria for how the application will be evaluated (Section

VI). The application must describe the effort by the following:

Cover Page – This must include the words “Cooperative Agreement

Application”. Using the format below, the following information must be included:

(a) NOFO Number: HQ003422NFOEASD01;

(b) Title of Application;

(c) Identity of Lead Organization and complete list of sub-awardees /

Consortium Members;

(d) Technical contact (name, address, phone/fax, electronic mail address);

(e) Administrative/business contact (name, address, phone/fax, electronic mail address);

(f) Principle Investigator (name, address, phone/fax, electronic mail address);

(g) Proposed period of performance (identify both the base period and any options, if included); and

(h) Total proposed budget.

Table of Contents – A listing of the sections within the application, including corresponding page numbers.

Approach and Justification – The application must consist of a clear description of the approach being proposed. The potential DoD STEM relevance and contribution to the Department’s STEM outreach and workforce must be made clear. The focus and impact on either of the two priority areas (Section I.A and Section I.C) should be clearly identified and explained. This section may focus on activities developed or supported during the 3-year base period. The application should expound on the technical concept and in particular:

1. Discuss how the proposed Consortium will meet the goals of supporting STEM education in regards to either of the two priority areas in Section I.A and Section I.C;

2. Discuss the approach to developing the Consortium, with the goals of increasing or maintaining the educational and career pathways, and the potential of the proposed program(s) to educate future scientist and engineers in STEM disciplines critical to the DoD mission;

3. Identify unique challenges within the Applicant’s regional 2YI/CC

STEM education community and describe how will their proposed activities and programs address these needs and/or promote a local

STEM ecosystem;

4. Discuss the structure of the Consortium and how new or existing

STEM activities will be supported and/or developed;

5. Discuss the potential to achieve the objectives of the

Consortium, including the extent to which the proposed effort would enhance current capabilities;

6. Discuss increased or enhanced opportunities to disseminate information on DoD STEM programs and careers;

7. Discuss the potential and extent to which the proposed program could potentially engage the Defense Laboratory Enterprise into the planned activities of the Consortium program;

8. Describe a strategy for program sustainability, such that following the completion of DoD STEM’s investment under this funding opportunity, the effort will have a clear financial path and leave enduring organization capability.

Option Year Exercises – Describe how activities developed in the base year period will be continued, scaled, adjusted, and/or measured during the option year exercises in years 4-6.

Management Approach – Describe the overall management approach, provide rationale for participation of key Consortium members, and describe how members may be on- or off-ramped. Clear responsibilities for each partner should be outlined, and a mechanism for collaboration between partners should be clearly explained. Discuss how the program and budget will be executed according to schedule, and how the

Consortium will monitor the progress of program and budget execution.

Metrics and Evaluation – Discuss how the Consortium will be evaluated, specifically what metrics will be collected and evaluation method(s) used. Metrics and evaluation components must include but not be limited to:

Logic models or learning agenda, and program operating guidelines.

Anticipated data collection and results.

Data instruments as feasible.

Project Schedule and Milestones – A summary of the schedule of events and milestones. This should include both the base and option years.

Financial Breakdown – The application must include a cost proposal detailing direct labor, administrative and clerical labor, fringe benefits and indirect costs, travel, sub-awards, subcontracts, consultants, materials and supplies, recipient acquired equipment of facilities, and other direct costs.

The cost proposal, which is a narrative explaining and justifying budget figures in enough detail so the government can determine reasonableness. It must include all figures, calculations, and supporting documentation for determining cost allowability, allocability and reasonableness. Justifications for costs must be explicitly stated.

Additional information may be requested, if needed. If composite rates are used, provide the calculations used in deriving the composite rates. A

Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) may be required in order for an awardee to invoice for indirect costs. If the Offeror does not currently hold a NICRA, describe the current status of the organization’s request for such an agreement with its cognizant agency.

IAW 2 CFR §200.414(f), any non-Federal entity that has never received a negotiated indirect cost rate, except for those non-Federal entities described in Appendix VII to 2 CFR §200, may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC) which may be used indefinitely.

If subject to Federal Single Audit coverage requirements, the offeror must submit the latest Single Audit with the application.

NOTE: Failure to adequately provide detailed cost data will require the

Grants Officer to contact the proposing organization for the requisite information. All Offerors are required to submit a thoroughly detailed cost breakdown.