DoD Funding Opportunity Announcement Instructions for STEM FOA Dec2019.pdf

I. Overview of the Funding Opportunity

Washington Headquarters Services / Acquisition Directorate (WHS/AD) on behalf of

The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense, Research and Engineering – Laboratories and Personnel OUSD(R&E)/L&P

Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for the National Defense Education Program

(NDEP) for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education, Outreach, and Workforce Initiative Programs, Fiscal Year 2020

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: HQ0034-20-S-FO01

CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE (CFDA) NUMBER: 12.006

National Defense Education Program

ANNOUNCEMENT TYPE:

Initial Announcement

Issue Date: 26 December 2019

KEY DATES

Application Inquiries and Questions

16 January 2020 (Thursday)

Applications must be received no later than

24 February 2020 (Monday) at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

DESCRIPTION OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

The Department of Defense (DoD) seeks innovative applications for the National Defense

Education Program (NDEP) Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) education, outreach, and workforce initiative programs. DoD intends to award multiple grants, subject to the availability of funds. Each individual award will be up to a maximum of $3,000,000, for a period of up to three (3) years. Applications for larger amounts may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Anticipated Funding Type: STEM Programs, Research, scholarship etc.

Table of Contents

I. Overview of the Funding Opportunity

II. Funding Opportunity Description

A. Short Description of Funding Opportunity

B. Background

C. Program Description

D. Deliverables

E. Authorization

III. Award Information

A. Funding Amount and Period of Performance

B. Peer Reviews

IV. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

B. Cost Sharing or Matching

C. Other

V. Application and Submission Information

A. Address to Request Application Package

B. Content and Form of Application Submission

(1) Executive Summary

(2) Applications

(3) Required Forms

(4) Technical Content

(5) R&R Form: Research & Related Budget

(6) Grants.gov Application Submission and Receipt Procedures

(7) How to Submit an Application to WHS via Grants.gov

C. Submission Dates and Times

D. Funding Restrictions

E. Certifications and Assurance

VI. Application Review Criteria

A. Evaluation Criteria

B. Review and Selection Process

(1) Review Process

(2) Handling of Selection Information

(3) Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information (FAPIIS)

VII. Award Administration Information

A. Federal Award Notices

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

C. Reporting

VIII.Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s)

IX. Other Information—Optional

COMPONENT/OFFICE ISSUING ANNOUNCEMENT

II. Funding Opportunity Description

A. Short Description of Funding Opportunity

The Department of Defense (DoD) seeks innovative applications on mechanisms to implement Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, outreach, and/or workforce initiative programs, here onto will be referred as STEM activities.

The Department intends to award multiple grants, subject to the availability of funds. Each individual award will be up to a maximum of $3,000,000, for a period of up to three (3) years. Applications for larger amounts may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

B. Background

The Federal STEM Strategy states, “The pace of innovation is accelerating globally, and with it the competition for scientific and technical talent. Now more than ever the innovation capacity of the United States—and its prosperity and security—depends on an effective and inclusive STEM education ecosystem”. In addition, the National Defense Strategy has called for the Department of Defense to make significant investments in science and technology modernization priority areas to meet key capability and capacity needs. DoD is the largest employer of scientists and engineers in the United States. Therefore, the Department must maintain a robust pipeline of STEM talent by investing in pre-kindergarten through undergraduate STEM activities to ensure the DoD has enduring access to the best and brightest talent. The National Defense Education Program (NDEP) enables the DoD to cultivate and access high-quality STEM personnel vital to national defense now and in the future. This solicitation seeks innovative approaches to support DoD STEM education, outreach, and workforce development that aligns with DoD and Federal STEM Strategic

Plans.

C. Program Description

In accordance with 10 USC §2192, Improvement of education in technical fields: general authority regarding education in science, mathematics, and engineering, NDEP (pre-K-graduate STEM education and outreach) is seeking a broad range of programs to support the

DoD STEM mission to, “attract, inspire, and develop exceptional STEM talent across the education continuum to enrich the current and future DoD workforce to meet defense technological challenges.” The goal of any proposed effort must provide solutions that will establish and maintain a STEM talent pool with an aptitude for innovation, diversity of thought, and the technical agility to sustain the Department’s competitive edge.

The Department seeks to complement its portfolio of programs (https://dodstem.us/stem-programs) while maintaining and/or increasing its focus on underserved populations to include military connected children. This announcement explicitly encourages projects that improve the capacity of education systems and communities to create impactful STEM educational experiences for students and teachers, and prepare the 21st century technical workforce. Funding efforts will be targeted primarily towards programs, both formal and informal, that are aligned with the Federal STEM Education Strategy’s vision for a future where all Americans will have lifelong access to high-quality STEM education, and the

United States will be the global leader in STEM literacy, innovation, and employment.(https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/STEM-Education-

Strategic-Plan-2018.pdf). This consists of strategic partnerships, convergence, and building computational literacy, and aligns with DoD STEM’s mission. This includes, but is not limited to, programs that:

Address geographic dipartites and broaden participation for underrepresented and underserved communities;

Target military-connected students (dependents from preschool through college of an active Military Service member) and provide this unique population with the resources and encouragement to pursue careers in STEM;

Consider early academic education activities from pre-kindergarten through middle school to generate introductory awareness in STEM subjects and supplement understanding of foundational concepts in STEM

Build STEM skills and literacy in an evidence-based and innovative manner;

Utilize project-based learning opportunities such as STEM challenges, science fairs, and competitions;

Foster family and community support systems to encourage STEM learning and understanding;

Increase awareness of DoD science and technology priorities such as artificial intelligence/machine learning, biotechnology, and cyber to prepare for careers in national security and DoD science and technologies.

STEM workforce development is a DoD priority focus area, and the Department seeks methods in which it can more effectively cultivate a diverse, agile, and world-class STEM workforce. Through effective programming, the DoD supports the transformation of a

STEM talent pool that will lead the Department and the Nation into the future. The

Department fully encourages future workforce development initiatives that align with the strategic, operational, and tactical needs of our nation’s defense. By encouraging a broad range of innovative workforce programs, the DoD hopes to put the 21st century STEM workforce in a position for success in an ever-changing and increasingly competitive world.

Project scope may range in size and complexity. Submissions are encouraged to consider including education and outreach activities that will support the future mission of the DoD;

provide students with exposure to DoD research and career opportunities; and enhance the educational experiences of under-represented and military dependent from pre-kindergarten – college students, their parents, and teachers. All efforts should have an emphasis on hands on-problem based learning activities, mentoring strategies, education outcomes, and an awareness of DoD internships, fellowships, and STEM careers.

Stakeholders are especially encouraged to consider the following scope areas:

Develop and implement programs meaningful integration of math across science and technology subject areas

Develop and implement exploratory pilot programs that seek to create new educational experiences for students in STEM

Develop and implement programs that support DoD science and technology priority areas

(https://www.cto.mil/modernization-priorities/)

Develop larger cohesive STEM education and outreach activities that strengthen the capacity of regional/local communities and stakeholders to leverage partnerships

Implement a manufacturing education program at pre-college that prepares participants for realistic job previews

Develop activities that exposes participants to the necessary technical and problem solving skills for competency in cyber

Encourage partnerships or consortia approach to implement STEM education and outreach programs with a holistic approach to understanding real-world applications

Develop interdisciplinary activities which creates understanding of innovation entrepreneurship in the development of new technologies and technology transfer

Applications should:

Be innovative and novel to address the program description;

Demonstrate potential to make a substantial impact as related to the objectives described above

Create meaningful content and participant experiences that meet DoD STEM education and workforce priorities including an awareness of DoD internships, fellowships, and STEM careers

Collect a set of program-specific measures of performance to include capture of participation rates and measures of effectiveness appropriate to the goals of the project; and, Contain 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.

D. Deliverables

Reports – The Applicant must acknowledge that the following reports are required under a

DoD funded STEM effort:

Monthly Financial Progress Reports – A template will be provided to each starting grant.

This report will include information on current expenses and invoices for the time period.

Quarterly Technical Progress Report– A template will be provided to each starting grant.

This report will include information on programmatic developments to include major successes or major problems that warrant DoD attention. This report will be submitted for three quarters and a final annual report (see below) for the fourth quarter.

Annual Reports – A template will be provided to each starting grant. A complete annual

Performance Progress Report is mandated by DoD. This report will be due a year from the date the grant was awarded.

Annual DoD STEM Program Data Call Form – A manual and templates will be provided to each starting grant. These forms will include information about the organization and program specifics (overview, metrics, budget information, accomplishments, etc.).

Final Report – Detail the full programmatic accomplishments summarized from prior reports and a forecast for ongoing program sustainability and contribution to DoD STEM education and workforce needs as the funding ends. Include, as feasible, examples of educational materials produced, success stories, accomplishments, links to digital materials, and other resultant material from the award.

Grants do not include the delivery of software, prototypes, and other hardware deliverables.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE REQUIREMENT

To evaluate compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 {20 U.S.C. A§

1681 Et. Seq.), the Department of Defense is collecting certain demographic and career information to be able to assess the success rates of women who are proposed for key roles in applications in STEM disciplines. To enable this assessment, each application must include the following forms completed as indicated (Forms are located at https://www.grants.gov/forms/r-r-family.html).

Research and Related Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded) form:

The Degree Type and Degree Year fields on the Research and Related Senior/Key Person

Profile (Expanded) form will be used by DoD as the source for career information. In addition to the required fields on the form, applicants must complete these two fields for all individuals that are identified as having the project role of PD/Pl or Co-PD/Pl on the form.

Additional senior/key persons can be added by selecting the "Next Person" button.

Research and Related Personal Data form:

This form will be used by DoD as the source of demographic information, such as gender, race, ethnicity, and disability information for the Project Director/Principal Investigator and all other persons identified as Co-Project Director(s)/Co-Principal Investigator(s). Each application must include this form with the name fields of the Project Director/Principal

Investigator and any Co-Project Director(s)/Co-Principal Investigator(s) completed; however, provision of the demographic information in the form is voluntary. If completing the form for multiple individuals, each Co-Project Director/Co-Principal Investigator can be added by selecting the "Next Person" button. The demographic information, if provided, will be used for statistical purposes only and will not be made available to merit reviewers. Applicants who do not wish to provide some or all of the information should check or select the "Do not wish to provide" option.

E. Authorization

This publication constitutes a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) as contemplated in the Department of Defense Grants and Agreements Regulations (DoDGARS) 32 CFR

22.315(a). A formal Request for Applications (RFP), solicitation, and/or additional information regarding this announcement will not be issued.

The Washington Headquarters Service Acquisition Directorate (WHS/AD) will not issue paper copies of this announcement. WHS/AD reserves the right to select for award all, some, or none of the applications in response to this announcement. WHS/AD provides no funding for direct reimbursement of application development costs. Technical applications and budgets (or any other material) submitted in response to this FOA will not be returned. It is the policy of WHS/AD to treat all applications as sensitive competitive information and to disclose their contents only for the purposes of evaluation.

This FOA is intended for applications that provide strategic solutions to defense challenges and that meet the evaluation criteria specified in this FOA.

Awards will take the form of grants. Any assistance instrument awarded under this announcement will be governed by the award terms and conditions that conform to DoD’s implementation of OMB circulars applicable to financial assistance. Terms and conditions of new awards made after December 26, 2014, will include revisions to reflect DoD implementation of new OMB guidance in 2 CFR Part 200, “Uniform Administrative

Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.” The DoD

Terms and Conditions are located at https://www.onr.navy.mil/Contracts-Grants/submit-application/grants-application/grants-terms-conditions.aspx.

Applicants should be aware of the following:

Information regarding application packages can be found at:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html

A project abstract is required with the application and must be publically releasable as specified in the following section of this FOA: Section V. B. 3. b. responses to the

Representations indicated in Section VIII. of this FOA are required with the application.

Grant applications will be reviewed only if they (1) meet the criteria specified by this document and (2) are submitted through https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/home.html

III. Award Information

A. Funding Amount and Period of Performance

Under this FOA competition, DoD intends to award multiple grants, subject to the availability of funds. Each individual award will be up to a maximum of $3,000,000, for a period of up to three (3) years. Applications for larger amounts may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Projects addressing a larger community effort must consult with the Technical

Point of Contact (TPOC) listed in Section VIII.

DoD expects projects to be completed within the performance period. Any requests for no-cost extensions must be fully justified and submitted no later than 60 days before the end of the period of performance.

B. Peer Reviews

DoD may utilize peer reviewers to assist in the evaluation of applications, and periodic appraisal of performance under the awards, as outlined in ONR Instruction 3966.1A. Such periodic program reviews monitor the cost, schedule, and technical performances of funded efforts. The reviews are used in part to determine which basic research projects will receive continued funding. Peer reviewers who are not U.S. Government employees must sign nondisclosure agreements before receiving full or partial copies of applications/applications and reports submitted by the performers.

IV. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

All responsible sources from industry, non-profit institutions, institutions of higher education, state and local government, or consortia of such institutions or industry may submit applications papers under this FOA. Foreign entities will not be considered.

Current and past awardees from this initiative, or previous versions of this initiative, are eligible to receive awards under this FOA.

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

FOA and must not submit applications in response to this FOA. 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 “HQ0034-20-S-FO01 Potential Project Inquiry.” As with FFRDCs, these types of

Federal organizations may team with eligible applicants that are submitting applications under this FOA.

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

Energy National Laboratories, are not eligible to receive awards under this FOA. 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 (UARC) are eligible to submit applications under this FOA unless precluded from doing so by their Department of Defense UARC contract.

To prevent the bias and unfair competitive advantage resulting from conflicting rules, Applicants must identify in their application any organizational conflict of interests (OCI) which may exist. If an Applicant has an actual or potential OCI, their application must identify the OCI and the mitigation plan to address it. Silence on this topic in an application will be understood to mean there is no OCI with the Applicant.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching

The primary basis for selecting applications for award will be technical merit, relevance to the subject of the solicitation, 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. Other

Required, if applicable

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 outreach and education without scaling up of current activities within DSEC.

Registration in System of Award Management

To apply for grants and other funding opportunities the proposing agency must be registered in the System of Award Management (SAM). Applications will not be accepted unless, either through grants.gov or other method, unless the proposing agency is registered in SAM. Registration in SAM now included the acceptance of

Certifications and Assurances. SAM may be accessed at: https://beta.sam.gov

V. Application and Submission Information

NOTE TO APPLICANTS: The Government seeks only applications that are relevant and responsive to the Funding Opportunity Description in Section II. Applications that fail to address the areas listed in the Funding Opportunity Description will be rejected and not considered further.

Submission of Applications: Applications may only be received electronically through https://www.grants.gov/ no later than 24 February 2020 (Friday) at 11:59 PM Eastern

Time. Applications are NOT to be submitted via email.

You are responsible for making sure your application is submitted, received, and validated by Grants.gov before the application deadline. If your application package is submitted late, your application will be ineligible for consideration.

Award Notification: It is anticipated that final selections for award will be made on or about 10 April 2020 (Friday). See Section V.C. for “Significant Dates and Times.”

A. Address to Request Application Package

All relevant materials are available with the FOA on Grants.gov.

B. Content and Form of Application Submission

Applications submitted under this FOA must seek to address unclassified efforts. As a corollary, no classified applications shall be submitted. Application submissions will be protected from unauthorized disclosure in accordance with applicable laws and DoD regulations.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Titles given to the Applications should be descriptive of the

STEM efforts they cover and should not be merely a copy of the title of this announcement.

(1) Executive Summary

Executive Summary Format:

Paper Size – 8.5 x 11 inch paper

Margins – 1 inch

Spacing – single spaced

Font – Times New Roman, 12 point

Page limit – 5 pages (Cover page, Rough Order of Magnitude Cost, Curricula Vitae, and references are not included in the page limit.)

Executive Summary Content

Executive Summaries will be evaluated to down select applications, therefore the following sections must be included:

Cover Page (1 Page Maximum) – The Cover Page shall be labeled "EXECUTIVE

SUMMARY", and shall include “HQ0034-20-S-FO01”, proposed title, Applicant's administrative and technical points of contact, telephone numbers, facsimile numbers, and email addresses.

Summary (1 Page Maximum) – A summary of the proposed effort. Proposed public benefit must be expressly addressed.

Technical Concept (2 Page Maximum) – A description of the proposed effort and how it advances the DoD STEM mission. The project idea, technical rationale, and approach must identify a problem(s), arguments to substantiate the claims made, and proposed approach to address the issue. The Applicants capacities must be discussed as they relate to achieving success in the project, to include effective program evaluation and sustainability plans. The project must address the Funding Opportunity Description stated in Section II.

Rough Order of Magnitude Cost (1 Page Maximum) – Executive Summaries shall include a rough order of magnitude cost showing requested funding per year and total cost, and which suggests spending priorities to satisfy Section II. The program’s sustainability plan should also be included.

DoD STEM Relevance (1 Page Maximum) – A description of potential STEM

Education and DoD STEM relevance and contributions of the effort to the Department’s specific mission.

Applications submitted under this FOA must seek to address unclassified efforts. As a corollary, no classified applications shall be submitted. Application submissions will be protected from unauthorized disclosure in accordance with applicable laws and DoD regulations.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Titles given to the Applications should be descriptive of the

STEM efforts they cover and should not be merely a copy of the title of this announcement.

(2) Applications

Content and Form of Application:

Prospective applicants must complete the mandatory forms in accordance with the instructions provided on the forms and the additional instructions below. Files that are attached to the forms must be in Adobe Portable Document Format (.pdf) unless otherwise specified in this announcement.

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 shall not exceed 20 pages.

Broken out as follows:

Cover Page – 1 page

Table of Contents – 1 page

Technical Approach and Justification – no more than 8 pages

Management Approach – no more than 1 page

Metrics and Evaluation – no more than 2 pages

Project Schedule and Milestones – no more than 2 pages

Financial Breakdown –no more than 2 pages

Qualifications – no more than 1 page

Reports – no more than 1 page

Responsibility – no more than 2 pages

Work Plan – no more than 5 pages

EXCLUDED from the Technical Application 26-page limit are: resumes, curricula vitae, references, letters of support, and current and pending projects.

Technical Applications exceeding the page limit may not be evaluated.

Submit Budgets 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 FOA must not exceed 68 characters in length, including the file name extension.

(3) Required Forms

(a) SF-424 Form (RESEARCH & RELATED) (Mandatory)

The SF-424 (R&R) form must be used as the cover page for all applications. Complete all required fields in accordance with the “pop-up” instructions on the form and the following instructions for specific fields. Please complete the SF-424 first, as some fields on the SF-

424 are used to auto-populate fields on other forms.

The completion of most fields is self-explanatory with the exception of the following special instructions:

Field 3 - Date Received by State: The Date Received by State and the State

Application Identifier are not applicable to research. Leave blank.

Field 4a - Federal Identifier: Enter “HQ0034”.

Field 4b - Agency Routing Number: Enter “332 [DoD STEM]”.

Applicants who fail to provide an Agency Routing Number may receive a notice that their application is rejected.

Field 4c - Previous Grants.gov Tracking ID: If this submission is for a

Changed/Corrected Application, enter the Grants.gov tracking number of the previous application submission; otherwise, leave blank.

Field 7 - Type of Applicant: Complete as indicated. If the organization is a

Minority Institution, select “Other” and under “Other (Specify)” note that the institution is a Minority Institution (MI).

Field 9 - Name of Federal Agency: List the Department of Defense as the reviewing agency. This field is pre-populated in Grants.gov.

Field 16 - Is Application Subject to Review by State Executive Order 12372

Process? Choose “No”. Check “Program is Not Covered by Executive Order

12372.”

Field 17 – Certification: All awards require some form of certifications of compliance with national policy requirements. By checking the “I agree” box in field 17, and attaching the representation to Field 18 of the SF424 (R&R) as part of the electronic application submitted via Grants.gov, the Grant Applicant is providing the certification on lobbying required by 32 CFR Part 28 and representation regarding an unpaid delinquent tax liability or a felony conviction under any federal law – DoD appropriations.

(b) R&R Form: Project Abstract Form (Mandatory)

The project abstract must identify the problem and objectives, technical approaches, anticipated outcome of the effort, if successful, and impact on DoD capabilities. Use only characters available on a standard QWERTY keyboard. Spell out all Greek letters, other non-English letters, and symbols. Graphics are not allowed and there is a 4,000 character limit including spaces. Abstract must be submitted in MS Word format.

Do not include proprietary or confidential information. The project abstract must be marked by the applicant as “Approved for Public Release”. Abstracts of all funded projects will be posted on the public DTIC website: https://dodgrantawards.dtic.mil/grants

(c) R&R Form: Research and Related Other Project Information (Mandatory)

Fields 1 and 1a - Human Subject Use: Each application must address human subject involvement in the research by completing Fields 1 and 1a of the R&R

Other Project Information form. For applications containing activities that include or may include “research involving human subjects” as defined in DoDI

3216.02, prior to award, the Applicant must submit the documentation under “Use of Human Subjects in Research” (Section IX. F.).

Fields 2 and 2a – Vertebrae Animal Use: Each application must address animal use protocols by addressing Fields 2 and 2a of the R&R Other Project Information form. If animals are to be utilized in the research effort proposed, the Applicant must submit the documents described under “Use of Animals” (Section IX. F.).

Fields 4a through 4d - Environmental Compliance: Address these fields and briefly indicate whether the intended research will result in environmental impacts outside the laboratory, and how the applicant will ensure compliance with environmental statutes and regulations.

Federal agencies making grant or cooperative agreement awards and recipients of such awards must comply with various environmental requirements. The

National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), 42 U.S.C. Sections 4321-

4370 (a), requires that agencies consider the environmental impact of “major

Federal actions” prior to any final agency decision. With respect to those awards which constitute “major Federal actions,” as defined in 40 CFR 1508.18, federal agencies may be required to comply with NEPA and prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS), even if the agency does no more than provide grant funds to the recipient. Questions regarding NEPA compliance should be referred to the technical point of contact. Most research efforts funded by ONR will, however, qualify for a categorical exclusion from the need to prepare an EIS. Navy instructions/regulations provide for a categorical exclusion for basic and applied scientific research usually confined to the laboratory, if the research complies with all other applicable safety, environmental and natural resource conservation laws.

Field 7 – Project Abstract: Leave Field 7 blank; complete Form SF424, Project

Abstract.

Field 8 – Project Narrative: Describe clearly the project, including the objective and approach to be performed, keeping in mind the evaluation criteria. Attach the entire application narrative to R&R Other Project Information form in Field 8. To attach a Project Narrative in Field 8 click on “Add Attachment” and attach the technical application as a single PDF file. (Save the file as “Technical

Application,” as typing in the box is prohibited).

(4) Technical Content

The technical application must describe the effort by the following:

Cover Page – This must include the words “Technical Application” and the following:

(a) FOA Number: HQ0034-20-S-FO01;

(b) Title of Application;

(c) Identity of prime Applicant and complete list of sub-awards, if applicable;

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

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

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

(g) Total proposed budget.

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

Technical Approach – The application must consist of a clear description of the technical approach being proposed. The potential DoD STEM relevance and contribution to the

Department’s STEM outreach and workforce must be made clear. The application should expound on the technical concept and address in particular:

1. Discuss scientific and technical merits of the application;

2. Discuss its potential to achieve the objectives of the program, including the extent to which the proposed effort would enhance current capabilities;

3. Identify proposed efforts for increasing or maintaining the educational pathway and the potential of the proposed program to educate future scientist and engineers in STEM disciplines critical to the DoD mission;

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

5. Discuss the potential and extent to which the proposed program could potentially engage

Defense laboratories as active participants in program.

Project Schedule and Milestones – A summary of the schedule of events and milestones.

Financial Breakdown – The application must include a cost proposal detailing direct labor, administrative and clerical labor, fringe benefits and indirect costs, travel, subawards/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.

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. The Grants Officer must be able to determine that all proposed costs are allowable and reasonable. A detailed budget will facilitate this cost analysis.

Reports – The Applicant must acknowledge that the following reports are required under a DoD funded STEM effort:

Monthly Financial Progress Reports – A template will be provided to each starting grant.

This report will include information on current expenses and invoices for the time period.

Quarterly Technical Progress Report– A template will be provided to each starting grant.

This report will include information on programmatic developments to include major successes or major problems that warrant DoD attention. This report will be submitted for three quarters and a final annual report (see below) for the fourth quarter.

Annual Reports – A template will be provided to each starting grant. A complete annual

Performance Progress Report is mandated by DoD. This report will be due during the summer months regardless of grant start date.

Annual DoD STEM Program Data Call Form – A manual and templates will be provided to each starting grant. These forms will include information about the organization and program specifics (overview, metrics, budget information, accomplishments, etc.).

Final Report – Detail the full programmatic accomplishments summarized from prior reports and a forecast for ongoing program sustainability and contribution to DoD STEM education and workforce needs as the funding ends. Include, as feasible, examples of educational materials produced, success stories, accomplishments, links to digital materials, and other resultant material from the award.

Grants do not include the delivery of software, prototypes, and other hardware deliverables.

Management Approach – Describe the overall management approach, and provide rationale for participation of key team members. Describe the planned relationships with any sub-awardees or collaborators.

Metrics and Evaluation – Discuss the metrics and evaluation plans for this project. Metrics and evaluation components must include but not be limited to:

Logic models and program operating guidelines.

Anticipated data collection and results.

Data instruments as feasible.

Letter(s) of Support – There is no specified format or content required for the letter(s) of support other than being authored by the appropriate representative and supporting commitment to the applicant and his or her project. Commitment may include (but is not limited to) funding, related materials and/or computer investments, technical advisement, and organizational or infrastructure support. The letter(s) can include any and all commitments and investments made by the representative towards the applicant and the overall statement about the relevance of the project to DoD STEM goals.

References – Literature citations.

Current and Pending Project and Application Submissions – Applicants are required to provide information on all current and pending support for ongoing projects and applications, including subsequent funding in the case of continuing contracts, grants, and other assistance agreements. Applicants shall provide the following information of any related or complementary application submissions from whatever sources (e.g., DoD, Federal, State, local or foreign government agencies, public or private foundations, industrial or other commercial organizations):

(Concurrent submission of a application to other organizations will not prejudice its review by

DoD.)

1. Title of Application and Summary;

2. Source and amount of funding (annual direct costs; provide contract and/or grant numbers for current contracts/grants);

3. Percentage effort devoted to each project;

4. Identity of prime Applicants and complete list of sub-awards, if applicable;

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

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

7. Period of performance;

8. The proposed project and all other projects or activities requiring a portion of time of the

Project Director / Principal Investigator and other senior personnel must be included, even if they receive no salary support from the project(s);

9. The total award amount for the entire award period covered (including indirect costs) must be shown as well as the number of person-months or labor hours per year to be devoted to the project, regardless of source of support; and

10. State how projects are related to the proposed effort and indicate degree of overlap.

Principal Investigator Qualifications – A discussion of the qualifications of the proposed

Project Director / Principal Investigator and any other key personnel. Include resumes or curricula vitae for the Project Director / Principal Investigator, other key personnel and consultants. The resumes/curricula vitae shall be attached to the application.

For all personnel proposed as key personnel applicants must submit an SF424 Research and Related (R&R) 4040-001 Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded) form

Responsibility – Applicants must provide the following information to DoD in order to assist in

DoD’s evaluation of the applicant’s responsibility:

1. Describe how you have adequate resources or the ability to obtain such capability as required to complete the activities proposed;

2. Describe how you have the ability to comply with the grant conditions, taking into account all existing and currently prospective commitments of the applicant, nongovernmental and governmental;

3. Describe your performance history; specifically, your record in managing Federal awards and the extent to which any previously awarded amounts will be expended prior to future awards;

4. Describe your record of integrity and business ethics;

5. Describe qualifications and eligibility to receive an award under applicable laws and regulations; and

6. Describe your organization, experience, accounting, and operational controls and technical skills, or the ability to obtain them (including as appropriate such elements as property control systems, quality assurance measures, and safety programs applicable to the services to be performed).

Facilities & Equipment – Describe facilities available for performing the proposed effort and any additional facilities or equipment the organization proposes to acquire at its own expense.

Indicate government-owned facilities or equipment already possessed that will be used. Justify the need for each equipment item. (Additional facilities and equipment will not be provided unless the proposed effort cannot be completed by any other practical means.)

Work Plan – Applicants must submit a Work Plan following the format in Attachment 1 to this funding opportunity announcement (see the last section of this document). The Work Plan will become part of the resulting award if the application is selected to be funded.

(5) R&R Form: Research & Related Budget

The applicant must use the Grants.gov forms from the application package template associated with the BAA on the Grants.gov web site located at https://www.grants.gov/. If options are proposed, the budget must provide the pricing information for the option periods; failure to include the proposed costs for the option periods will result in the options not being included in the award.

A separate Adobe .pdf document should be included in the application that provides appropriate justification and/or supporting documentation for each element of cost proposed.

This document shall be attached under Section K. “Budget Justification” of the Research and

Related Budget form. Click “Add Attachment” to attach.

The itemized budget should include the following:

• Direct Labor – Individual labor categories or persons, with associated labor hours and unburdened direct labor rates. Provide escalation rates for out years.

• Administrative and Clerical Labor – Salaries of administrative and clerical staff are normally indirect costs (and included in an indirect cost rate). Direct charging of these costs may be appropriate when a major project requires an extensive amount of administrative or clerical support significantly greater than normal and routine levels of support. Budgets proposing direct charging of administrative or clerical salaries must be supported with a budget justification which adequately describes the major project and the administrative and/or clerical work to be performed.

• Fringe Benefits and Indirect Costs (F&A, Overhead, G&A, etc.) – The application should show the rates and calculation of the costs for each rate category. If the rates have been approved/negotiated by a Government agency, provide a copy of the memorandum/agreement. If the rates have not been approved/negotiated, provide sufficient detail to enable a determination of allowability, allocability and reasonableness of the allocation bases, and how the rates are calculated. Additional information may be requested, if needed. If composite rates are used, provide the calculations used in deriving the composite rates.

• Travel – The proposed travel costs must include the following for each trip: the purpose of the trip, origin and destination if known, approximate duration, the number of travelers, and the estimated cost per trip must be justified based on the organizations historical average cost per trip or other reasonable basis for estimation. Such estimates and the resultant costs claimed must conform to the applicable Federal cost principals.

• Subawards/Subcontracts – Provide a description of the work to be performed by the subrecipient/subcontractor. For each subaward, a detailed budget is required to be submitted by the subrecipient(s). An application and any supporting documentation must be received and reviewed before the Government can complete its cost analysis of the application. DoD’s preferred method of receiving subcontract information is for this information to be included with the Prime’s application.

However, a subcontractor's budget can be provided via email directly to the Grants

Officer (Ms. Chrissandra Smith, chrissandra.smith.civ@mail.mil) at the same time the prime application is submitted. The email should identify the application title, the prime Applicant and that the attached application is a subcontract.

• Consultants – Provide a breakdown of the consultant’s hours, the hourly rate proposed, any other proposed consultant costs, a copy of the signed Consulting

Agreement or other documentation supporting the proposed consultant rate/cost, and a copy of the consultant’s proposed statement of work if it is not already separately identified in the prime contractor’s application.

• Materials & Supplies – Provide an itemized list of all proposed materials and supplies including quantities, unit prices, and the basis for the estimate (e.g., quotes, prior purchases, catalog price lists).

• Recipient Acquired Equipment or Facilities – Equipment and/or facilities are normally furnished by the Recipient. If acquisition of equipment and/or facilities is proposed, a justification for the purchase of the items must be provided.

Provide an itemized list of all equipment and/or facilities costs and the basis for the estimate (e.g., quotes, prior purchases, catalog price lists). Allowable items normally are limited to research equipment not already available for the project.

General purpose equipment (i.e., equipment not used exclusively for research, scientific or other technical activities, such as personal computers, laptops, office equipment) should not be requested unless they will be used primarily or exclusively for the project. For computer/laptop purchases and other general purpose equipment, if proposed, include a statement indicating how each item of equipment will be integrated into the program or used as an integral part of the research effort.

• Other Direct Costs – Provide an itemized list of all other proposed other direct costs such as Graduate Assistant tuition, laboratory fees, report and publication costs, and the basis for the estimate (e.g., quotes, prior purchases, catalog price lists).

• Fee/Profit – Fee/profit is unallowable under assistance agreements at either the prime or subaward level but may be permitted on subcontracts issued by the prime awardee.

(6) Grants.gov Application Submission and Receipt Procedures

How to Register to Apply through Grants.gov

a. Instructions: 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 sufficient time to ensure it does not impact your ability to meet required application submission deadlines.

If individual applicants are eligible to apply for this grant funding opportunity, refer to:

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

Organization applicants can find complete instructions 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 Data Universal Numbering System (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: In addition to having a DUNS number, organizations applying online through Grants.gov must register with the System for Award Management

(SAM). All organizations must register with SAM in order to apply online. Failure to register with SAM will prevent your organization from applying through Grants.gov.

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 in the registration process is to create an account with Grants.gov. Applicants must know their organization's DUNS number to complete this process. Completing this process automatically triggers an email request for applicant roles to the organization's E-Business Point of Contact

(EBiz POC) for review. The EBiz POC is a representative from your organization who is the contact listed for SAM. To apply for grants on behalf of your organization, you will need the Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) role.

For more detailed instructions…