Full_Announcement_hhs-2026-acf-ecd-tp-0039.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Application due Friday, November 20, 2026

Office of Early Childhood Development

Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDG B-5) SMART Grant: Strategic Measurement, Analytics, and Results using Technology Opportunity number: HHS-2026-ACF-ECD-TP-0039

Contents

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 4

Basic information 5

Eligibility 7

Agency priorities 10

Program description 12

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 22

Find the application package 23

Get registered 23

Learn more 24

Step 3: Build Your Application 25

Application checklist 26

Application contents and format 28

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 41

Application review 42

Award notices 50

Step 5: Submit Your Application 52

Application submission and deadlines 53

Step 6: Learn What Happens After Award 55

Post-award requirements and administration 56

Contacts and Support 57

Before you begin 3

Modifications 60

Contents 2

Before you begin If you believe you are a good candidate for this funding opportunity, secure your SAM.gov and Grants.gov registrations now. If you are already registered, make sure your registrations are active and up to date.

SAM.gov registration (this can take several weeks)

You must have an active account with SAM.gov. This includes having a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

See Step 2: Get Ready to Apply

Grants.gov registration (this can take several days)

You must have an active Grants.gov registration. Doing so requires a Login.gov registration as well.

See Step 2: Get Ready to Apply

Apply by the application due date

Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, November 20, 2026.

To help you find what you need, this NOFO uses internal links. In Adobe Reader, you can go back to where you were by pressing Alt + Left Arrow (Windows) or Command + Left Arrow (Mac) on your keyboard.

Before you begin 3 https://sam.gov/ https://grants.gov/

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1:

Review the Opportunity

In this step

Basic information 5

Eligibility 7

Agency priorities 10

Program description 12

Basic information Administration for Children and Families (ACF)

Office of Early Childhood Development

Advancing state early care and education priorities through stronger data infrastructure, analytic capacity, and measurable results.

Have questions?

See Contacts and Support.

Key facts

Opportunity name:

Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDG B-5) SMART Grant:

Strategic Measurement, Analytics, and Results using Technology

Opportunity number:

HHS-2026-ACF-ECD-

TP-0039

Federal assistance listing:

93.434—Every Student Succeeds Act/Preschool Development Grants

NOFO version: Original

Key dates

Application submission deadline:

Friday, November 20, 2026

Optional informational webinar:

Tuesday, September 29, Expected project start date:

Thursday, December 31, See intergovernmental review for other submission processes that may apply to this NOFO.

Summary The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), seeks applications for the Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDG B-5) SMART Grant: Strategic Measurement, Analytics, and Results using Technology.

This funding opportunity will support states and territories to make targeted, one-year investments in technology and analytic data infrastructure for statewide early care and education (ECE) that advance PDG B-5 SMART purposes, including platforms and tools that strengthen coordination across the mixed-delivery system, improve program quality and access, support informed family choice, and use data to better address the developmental care needs of children from birth through age 5. You will propose a focused, feasible investment that strengthens your state’s ability to generate actionable information for decision-making and produces a measurable result of coordinating delivery models across provider types and funding streams in a mixed delivery system by the end of the project period.

This funding opportunity has two priority areas:

• Technology infrastructure investment.

• Innovation testing investment.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 5

Funding details Type: Grant

Expected total program funding: $222 million

Total expected awards: 25

Minimum award amount (award floor): $500,000

Maximum award amount (award ceiling): $15 million

This is full funding. We plan to fund a 1-year project period with one budget period.

Awards made under this funding opportunity are subject to federal funds availability.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 6

Eligibility Eligible applicants Identified agencies from the following states are eligible:

* Alabama

* Alaska

* American Samoa

* Arizona

* Arkansas

* California

* Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

* Colorado

* Connecticut

* Delaware

* Florida

* Georgia

* Guam

* Hawaii

* Idaho

* Illinois

* Indiana

* Iowa

* Kentucky

* Louisiana

* Maine

* Maryland

* Massachusetts

* Mississippi

* Missouri

* Montana

* Nebraska

* Nevada

* New Hampshire

* New Jersey

* New Mexico

* North Dakota

* Ohio

* Oklahoma

* Oregon

* Pennsylvania

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 7

* Puerto Rico

* South Dakota

* Texas

* U.S. Virgin Islands

* Utah

* Vermont

* West Virginia

* Wisconsin

* Wyoming

Other eligibility criteria Individuals (including sole proprietorships), federal entities, and foreign entities are not eligible to apply.

The governor of the state must identify your organization as the state entity that will apply for funding and have the responsibility to administer and carry out the project.

See more information in the Additional eligibility documentation section.

Disqualifying factors We will review your application to make sure it meets these responsiveness requirements.

We won’t consider an application that:

• Requests funding above the award ceiling.

• Is submitted after the deadline.

• Is from an individual (including a sole proprietorship), a federal entity, or a foreign entity.

• Is received in paper format that didn’t have a previously approved exemption from

ACF.

• Is not from the state entity that the governor has designated as being responsible for administering and carrying out this award.

Application limits If you submit the same application more than once under this notice of funding opportunity (NOFO), we will only acknowledge the last on-time submission.

Cost sharing This program requires you to contribute 30% of the ACF federal share of the award, according to section 9212(g)(4) of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) (42 U.S.C.

9831 note).

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 8

To calculate your share of the cost:

• Multiply the federal amount (in dollars) you’re applying for by 0.3.

For example:

• If you’re applying for $2 million, multiply that amount by 0.3.

• $2,000,000 x .3 = $600,000

• $600,000 is the match amount you need to contribute.

Types of cost sharing You can meet your match requirement through any combination of:

• Cash contributed by your organization, partners, or other third parties.

• In-kind (non-cash) contributions from partners or other third parties.

Cost-sharing commitments If awarded, you must provide the amount of cost-sharing funds you promised, even if you promised more than the required minimum. We put these commitments in the Notice of Award.

If you don’t provide your promised amount, we may decrease the amount of funding we give you or use other enforcement actions.

You’ll have to include your cost-sharing funds when you fill out your federal financial reports.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 9

Cost-sharing waiver We waive cost sharing up to $199,999 for awards to the governments of American Samoa, Guam, the Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands (except for the consolidated awards under 45 CFR part 97).

If your share is more than $199,999, you must contribute the amount over $199,999.

See 48 USC 1469a(d) Congressional declaration of policy respecting “Insular Areas.”

Post-award requirements

Before you apply, make sure you understand the requirements that come with an award.

See Step 6: Learn What Happens After Award for information on regulations that apply, reporting, and more.

Statutory authority Section 9212 of the ESSA, Public Law 114-95 (December 10, 2015), 42 U.S.C. 9831 note.

Agency priorities Required alignment with ACF Vision, Mission, Values, Priorities, and Guiding Principles The recipient of this award must implement any funds awarded under this NOFO to effectuate program goals or agency priorities in accordance with ACF’s vision, mission, values, priorities, & guiding principles when authorized. Funded activities must advance ACF’s vision of resilient, safe, healthy, and economically secure children, youth, families, and communities, and support ACF’s mission to foster health and well-being through effective, accountable, and compassionate human services when awarded in any programs that authorize these priorities.

Consistent with ACF’s values, in carrying out any project that is funded under this NOFO, the recipient is required to adhere to the following principle:

1. Program integrity and fiscal stewardship: Administer funds in accordance with all applicable federal statutes, regulations, and award conditions; maintain strong internal controls; and prevent waste, fraud, and abuse.

The recipient is also required to adhere to the following principles when consistent with the authority and scope of the award and its activities:

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 10 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/part-97 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:48%20section:1469a%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title48-section1469a)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title42/chapter105/subchapter2&edition=prelim https://acf.gov/about/acf-vision-mission-values

2. Evidence-based and outcome-focused practices: Design and deliver services using evidence-based or evidence-informed approaches, establish measurable performance goals, and use data to monitor outcomes and drive continuous improvement.

3. Partnership and local leadership: Coordinate with state, tribal, territorial, local, and community partners, as appropriate, and tailor services to meet community-identified needs while respecting local decision-making authority.

In addition, in keeping with ACF’s priorities, the recipient must administer any project that is awarded under this NOFO in accordance with the following objectives when consistent with the scope of the award and its activities in programs that are authorized to advance them:

4. Family stability and child well-being: Strengthen families, promote safe and stable home environments, and improve outcomes for children and youth through prevention-focused and developmentally appropriate services.

5. Work, self-sufficiency, and economic mobility: Support pathways to employment, job retention, and economic independence for individuals and families, including through workforce development, education, and supportive services.

6. High-quality early care and learning: Where applicable, invest in high-quality early childhood programs that support school readiness, healthy development, and long-term success.

The recipient must demonstrate ongoing compliance with these values and priorities, in all programs that are authorized to advance them, through program design, implementation, reporting, and evaluation. Failure to meaningfully align funded activities with the applicable requirements may result in corrective action, additional reporting requirements, or other enforcement actions consistent with federal grant regulations found at 2 CFR Part 200 and the terms and conditions of this award.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 11

Program description Purpose The Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDG B-5) SMART Grant:

Strategic Measurement, Analytics, and Results using Technology (PDG B-5 SMART) provides targeted, one-year investments in technology infrastructure, analytic capacity, and innovation testing for states and territories.

PDG B-5 SMART supports technical infrastructure for data and analytics, including technology, capacity, and analysis investments, in states and territories that have an established, data-informed perspective on current early care and education (ECE) system challenges and opportunities. These investments advance statutory goals by supporting strategies that increase participation in the mixed-delivery system; improve program quality while maintaining the availability of services; strengthen and expand parental choice among available programs; and improve school readiness, particularly for children from low- and middle-income families, including by supporting successful transitions to elementary school.

PDG B-5 SMART reflects ACF’s commitment to results and evidence, fiscal stewardship, program integrity and fraud prevention, and the responsible use of federal funds. It also emphasizes the importance of protecting data privacy and security as states strengthen their use of data, evidence, sharing, and coordination across early childhood systems.

PDG B-5 SMART investments should align with state-level goals and initiatives, including those established or advanced by the Governor’s office, state early childhood governance bodies, Children’s Cabinets, state advisory councils, Head Start Collaboration offices, or other cross-agency leadership structures. Projects aligned with state leadership goals and embedded in cross-agency structures can strengthen coordination, sustainability, and meaningful use of results beyond the grant period.

Consistent with the broader purpose of PDG B-5 SMART, this funding opportunity is intended to strengthen the state or territory early childhood system by:

• Bolstering supply by increasing the availability of high-quality early childhood programs and services in communities where existing options do not adequately meet family needs.

• Building capacity at the state, community, and provider levels so early childhood systems can respond more effectively to changing needs, improve service delivery, and sustain improvements over time.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 12

• Generating efficiencies and supporting reinvestment by identifying opportunities to streamline systems, reduce duplication, coordinate resources, and realize savings that can be redirected toward expanding or improving services for children and families.

• Strengthening linkages across programs and systems, recognizing that stronger coordination, referral pathways, partnerships, and shared infrastructure can improve program quality, family access, and overall system effectiveness.

• Addressing access and affordability across a broader range of families, including families with low incomes as well as middle-income families who may face significant barriers to accessing affordable, high-quality early childhood programs and services.

This funding opportunity is intended for states and territories that have engaged in substantial ECE planning and priority setting, such as through prior PDG B-5 grants, statewide needs assessments, data infrastructure planning, or other state-led planning efforts. PDG B-5 SMART is not a strategic planning grant. Funded investments are expected to build from an established, data-informed understanding of a state ECE system need or opportunity and advance one defined state goal.

PDG B-5 SMART addresses the following Agency Priority: Promoting Quality Early Learning Environments and Improved Child Outcomes.

This funding opportunity aligns with the stated priority by strengthening states’ capacity to use integrated, high-quality early childhood data to identify needs, inform program improvements, and target resources effectively. Improved data systems and data use can help states assess the quality and reach of early learning services and support more informed decisions that improve outcomes for young children and families.

Investment options PDG B-5 SMART supports two distinct investment options. Each investment must advance one defined state goal and reflect the state’s existing technology infrastructure, analytic capacity, and readiness to carry out the proposed work during the one-year project period.

The two investment options are intended for states at different stages of technology and analytic readiness:

Option 1 will build or strengthens the technology infrastructure needed to collect, connect, analyze, and use information. Those that address Option 2 will use established technology infrastructure and analytic capacity to implement, test, and learn from a strategy or intervention.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 13 https://acf.gov/about/acf-vision-mission-values#:~:text=Priorities-,Promoting%20Quality%20Early%20Learning%20Environments%20and%20Improved%20Child%20Outcomes,-ACF%20recognizes%20that https://acf.gov/about/acf-vision-mission-values#:~:text=Priorities-,Promoting%20Quality%20Early%20Learning%20Environments%20and%20Improved%20Child%20Outcomes,-ACF%20recognizes%20that

Option 1: Technology infrastructure investment Technology infrastructure investments support focused, achievable investments in technology infrastructure, specifically systems that support program oversight and operations or tools that can be used to analyze aggregated data. Investments should build or strengthen technology infrastructure that advance data collection or utilization towards a specific state-defined ECE goal or objective, rather than general information technology modernization.

You may use funds to build and strengthen statewide operational systems, data systems, data linkages, dashboards, reporting tools, analytic tools, or related technology infrastructure. This investment option is intended to support states to operate more effectively to improve access for parents to choose providers, collect and use high-quality data, improve coordination across programs and funding streams, and generate information needed to advance your state’s goal.

State goal & readiness State goal: The investment will advance one defined, data-informed state goal. The goal is grounded in relevant state planning, priorities, data, or evidence and reflect engagement from appropriate state leadership and ECE partners, such as the Governor’s office, State Advisory Council, Head Start Collaboration Director, CCDF lead agency, providers, or families.

Existing technology infrastructure: The state should have an established understanding of the operational systems and/or analytic tools directly related to the state goal, including their current functionality, the data collected, and existing analysis, tracking, and reporting capabilities. Projects should focus on the technology infrastructure relevant to the proposed investment, rather than the state’s full technology environment.

Investment Investment purpose: This investment will:

• Build or strengthen a statewide operational technology system and/or analytic tool.

• Build state-level capacity to maximize use of new or strengthened technology or analytic tool.

• May improve external or end-user use of the technology during the project period.

• Support a specific technology infrastructure improvement directly connected to the state goal, such as an operational system, data system, data linkage, dashboard, reporting tool, analytic tool, interoperability improvement, or related infrastructure.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 14

Investment selection: The investment:

• Reflects engagement from appropriate state leadership and ECE partners, such as the Governor’s office, State Advisory Council, Head Start Collaboration Director, CCDF lead agency, providers, families, or other relevant stakeholders.

• Is informed by relevant information, such as data infrastructure plans, strategic plans, statewide needs assessments, the Governor’s vision for ECE, existing state data or analyses, research, or other evidence.

Cross-system connection: The investment will support the state’s ability to:

• Deepen integration of Head Start and Early Head Start with child care, state-administered ECE programs, prekindergarten, home visiting, early intervention, family support, or other relevant ECE systems and programs.

• Strengthen the state’s ability to prevent, detect, monitor, and/or respond to risks to program integrity and support effective administration of ECE funds.

• Identify the number of unique children served across ECE programs and better understand how children and families move through the mixed-delivery system.

• Improve the state’s ability to identify, reach, support, and coordinate services for young children and families who are at risk of child welfare involvement, involved in the child welfare system, or in foster care.

Design: The investment will address users, utilization and data quality:

• Users: The investment users may include providers, program leaders, agency staff, partner agencies, families, or educators, and a defined purpose for how each uses the technology.

• Effective utilization: The investment’s approved implementation strategies will support wide and effective use of the technology, such as training, technical assistance, communications, governance, user supports, or feedback loops.

• Data quality and use: Data and information produced through the technology infrastructure should be complete, accessible, timely, accurate, usable, and ready for analysis. Analytic tools should support meaningful use of data and findings by relevant stakeholders and state decision-makers.

Performance Measures Measurable outputs: You will track the specific, measurable outputs, which demonstrate progress in addressing the identified technology infrastructure gap. ECD does not require specific measures.

Note: Consistent with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3501-3521, under this NOFO, ACF will not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information covered by such Act, unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number, or unless fewer than 10 people are asked to respond.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 15

Possible outputs may include:

• System modifications completed.

• Data elements added.

• Data linkages established.

• Data-sharing agreements executed.

• Dashboards or reports developed.

• Users trained.

• Testing completed.

• Agencies connected.

• Providers onboarded.

• Other measurable outputs relevant to the investment.

Findings and use of results: The technology infrastructure will generate feasible findings or insights by the end of the project period that can inform decisions related to future funding, policy, operations, service delivery, sustainability, scaling, modification, or broader system improvement.

Option 2: Innovation testing investment Innovation testing investments support recipients that currently have strong technology infrastructure and analytic capacity and are ready to fund, track, and assess a strategy or initiative that advances a defined state ECE need. Through innovation testing investments, you may use existing or strengthened data systems to monitor implementation, assess participation and short-term outcomes, and determine whether an intervention, practice, or service strategy is producing intended results.

You should currently have sufficient technology infrastructure and analysis capacity to implement, monitor, and assess the proposed innovation with specific outcome measures that are used to track success of the strategy. You must currently have strong technology infrastructure and analytic capacity and are ready to fund, track, and assess a strategy or initiative that advances a specific state goal.

You may use funds for innovation testing investments, you may use existing or strengthened data systems to monitor implementation, assess participation and short-term outcomes, and determine whether an intervention, practice, or service strategy is producing intended results.

State goal & readiness State goal: The investment will advance one defined, data-informed state goal. The goal is grounded in relevant state planning, priorities, data, or evidence and reflect engagement from appropriate state leadership and ECE partners, such as the

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 16

Governor’s office, State Advisory Council, Head Start Collaboration Director, CCDF lead agency, providers, or families.

Existing technology infrastructure: The state should have an established understanding of the operational systems and/or analytic tools directly related to the state goal, including their current functionality, the data collected, and existing analysis, tracking, and reporting capabilities. The focus should be on the technology infrastructure relevant to the proposed investment, rather than the state’s full technology environment.

Some of the existing technology infrastructure could be:

• Operational systems and analytic tools: The state must have operational systems and analytic tools in place to collect, track, and analyze data and information related to the proposed innovation. The focus should be on the systems and tools directly relevant to the innovation rather than the state’s full technology environment.

• Analytic capacity: The state must have sufficient state-level analytic capacity to analyze, generate insights from, and act on data and information produced by the relevant operational systems and analytic tools. This includes the capacity to review or present the data and use findings to inform decisions about sustaining, scaling, modifying, or discontinuing the innovation.

• System utilization: The relevant operational systems and analytic tools must demonstrate meaningful use by the populations, programs, or users necessary to support the innovation. Utilization should be reflected through measurable indicators, such as the percentage of the workforce enrolled in a workforce registry or the percentage of families participating in a coordinated enrollment system.

• Data quality: The operational systems and analytic tools must produce high-quality data that can support analysis and decision-making. Data and information should be complete, accessible, timely, accurate, available in a usable format, and otherwise ready for analysis.

Investment Investment purpose: The investment must support a clearly defined innovation that will be funded, implemented, and tested during the project period. The investment will:

• Build or strengthen a statewide operational technology system and/or analytic tool.

• Build state-level capacity to maximize use of new or strengthened technology or analytic tool.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 17

• Support a specific operational or analytic technology innovation that is directly connected to the state goal.

Investment selection: The innovation:

• Reflect engagement from appropriate state leadership and ECE partners, such as the Governor’s office, State Advisory Council, Head Start Collaboration Director, CCDF lead agency, providers, families, or other relevant stakeholders.

• Be informed by relevant information, such as data infrastructure plans, strategic plans, statewide needs assessments, the Governor’s vision for ECE, existing state data or analyses, research, or other evidence.

Cross-system connection: The investment will support the state’s ability to:

• Deepen integration of Head Start and Early Head Start with child care, state-administered ECE programs, prekindergarten, home visiting, early intervention, family support, or other relevant ECE systems and programs.

• Strengthen the state’s ability to prevent, detect, monitor, and/or respond to risks to program integrity and support effective administration of ECE funds.

• Identify the number of unique children served across ECE programs and better understand how children and families move through the mixed-delivery system.

• Improve the state’s ability to identify, reach, support, and coordinate services for young children and families who are at risk of child welfare involvement, involved in the child welfare system, or in foster care.

Learning design: The innovation will use a defined learning design to track implementation and assess its effects. Appropriate methodologies may include rapid-cycle testing, continuous quality improvement, comparison group design, pre/post analysis, implementation study, mixed-methods approaches, or other methods appropriate to the proposed innovation.

Performance Measures Measurable outputs: You will track the specific, measurable outputs, which demonstrate progress in testing the innovation investment. ECD does not require specific measures.

Note: Consistent with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3501-3521, under this NOFO, ACF will not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information covered by such Act, unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number, or unless fewer than 10 people are asked to respond.

The state’s existing technology infrastructure and analytic capacity will support its ability to collect, track, analyze, and generate insights from the data used to assess the innovation.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 18

Findings and use of results: The technology infrastructure will generate feasible findings or insights by the end of the project period that can inform decisions related to future funding, policy, operations, service delivery, sustainability, scaling, modification, or broader system improvement.

Additional activities Irrespective of which option selected, you:

• Will be expected to attend a 3-day PDG meeting in Washington, DC., including at least 4 attendees.

• May engage in data/ technology technical assistance activities.

Funding policies and limitations Changes in HHS regulations As of October 1, 2025, HHS adopted 2 CFR 200, with some exceptions included in 2 CFR

300. These regulations replace those in 45 CFR 75.

General policies

• We will only make awards if this program receives funding. If Congress appropriates funds for this purpose, we will move forward with the review and award process.

• If we receive more funding for this program, we will consider:

◦ Funding more applicants.

◦ Extending the period of performance.

◦ Awarding supplemental funding.

• To the extent permitted by law, including any relevant court orders, you may not use funds from this NOFO for any diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEI and DEIA) activities. This includes:

◦ DEI- or DEIA-related research.

◦ Activities that discriminate or show preference based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or other protected traits.

◦ Any efforts that promote a “discriminatory equity ideology.”

• To the extent permitted by law, including any relevant court orders, ACF will also not allow funds awarded under this NOFO to support any services or activities that inculcate or promote gender ideology.

For guidance on other types of costs that we restrict or do not allow, see General Provisions for Selected Items of Costs of the Uniform Guidance, 2 CFR part 200.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 19 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-III/part-300 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-III/part-300 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72

Program-specific limitations and policies We do not allow the following costs under this notice of funding opportunity (NOFO):

• Construction.

• Purchase of real property.

• Major renovation.

• Pre-award costs.

Indirect costs Indirect costs are those shared across multiple projects and not easily separated.

To charge indirect costs you can select one of two methods:

Method 1 — Approved rate. If you currently have an indirect cost rate approved by your cognizant federal agency, you may use that rate.

Method 2 — De minimis rate. If you do not have a negotiated indirect cost rate, you may elect to charge a de minimis rate (see 2 CFR 200.414(f)). This rate may be up to 15% of modified total direct costs (MTDC). See the definition of MTDC (2 CFR 200.1). You can use this rate indefinitely.

You may not charge costs included in your indirect cost pool as direct costs.

Subawards As the prime recipient, you must maintain a substantive role in the project. This means that you conduct funded activities and provide services necessary and integral to completing the project.

Monitoring your subrecipient’s activities alone as described in 2 CFR 200.332 is not a substantive role.

We do not fund awards where your role is primarily a conduit for passing funds to other organizations unless that arrangement is authorized by statute.

All subrecipients must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) through the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).

Subrecipients must meet the eligibility requirements of this NOFO.

Salary rate limitation The salary rate limitation in the current appropriations act applies to this program. You may not use awarded funds to pay a salary at a higher rate than the rate for Executive Level II.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 20 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/section-200.414#p-200.414(f) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200#p-200.1(Modified%20Total%20Direct%20Cost%20(MTDC)) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#200.332

For the Executive Level II salary, please see the Office of Personnel Management information on executive and senior level employee pay.

The salary limitation reflects a person’s base salary (including any portion of the salary that is paid with indirect costs). It does not include fringe benefits or any income the person is allowed to earn outside of the duties of the applicant organization.

This salary limitation also applies to subawards, contracts, and subcontracts under an ACF grant or cooperative agreement.

Program income If you earn any money from your award-supported project activities (known as program income), you must use it for the purposes and under the conditions of the award. Find more about program income at 2 CFR 200.307.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 21 https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/ https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/ https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#200.307

Step 2:

Get Ready to Apply

In this step

Find the application package 23

Get registered 23

Learn more 24

Find the application package The application package has all the forms you need to apply. You can find it at this NOFO’s Grants.gov opportunity page. Then select the Package tab.

This NOFO has multiple “Grant Opportunity Packages” reflecting each priority area.

Note: Do NOT use the Apply button on the View Grant Opportunity screen.

1. Click on the Package tab.

2. Scroll down and identify the Grant Opportunity Package you want to apply to using the competition title

3. Click the Apply hyperlink in the “Actions” column. You will be directed to the Apply for Grant Opportunity page.

4. Click on the red Apply button. This Apply button will take you to Grants.gov to login and submit your application.

5. Follow the guidance for applying and uploading the application and associated documents.

We recommend that you select the Subscribe button from the View Grant Opportunity page for this NOFO to get updates.

If you can’t use Grants.gov to download application materials or have other technical difficulties, including issues with application submission, contact Grants.gov for assistance.

Get registered SAM.gov You must have an active account with SAM.gov to apply. SAM.gov registration can take several weeks. Begin that process today.

To register:

• Go to SAM.gov Entity Registration and select Get Started. From the same page, you can also select the Entity Registration Checklist for the information you will need to register.

• You must agree to the financial assistance general certifications and representations [PDF] specifically. Those for contracts are different.

When you register, you will also receive your required Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 23 https://www.grants.gov/support https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/financial-assistance-general-certification-representations.pdf https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/financial-assistance-general-certification-representations.pdf

Once you register:

• You will have to maintain your registration throughout the life of any award.

• If your organization has multiple UEIs, use the one associated with your physical location.

Grants.gov You must also have an active account with Grants.gov. You can see step-by-step instructions at the Grants.gov Quick Start Guide for Applicants.

Need help? See Contacts and Support.

Learn more Visit Applying for an ACF Grant Award on the ACF Grants page.

Join the webinar For more information about this opportunity, join the webinar on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. E.T. You can join at ACF’s Microsoft Teams Site.

If you are not able to join through your computer, you can call in.

• Phone number: 206-420-5032

• Find a local number

• Meeting ID: 242 934 553 082 991

• Passcode: Uk3GP2za

We will record the webinar. If you are not able to join live, you can replay it at ACF’s Preschool Development Grants site.

The goals of this session are to walk through the requirements of this funding opportunity and answer your questions. Joining and participating is voluntary and does not affect eligibility, application scoring, or award selection. You can attend anonymously.

If there is a discrepancy between the presentation or materials and the NOFO, the NOFO takes precedence.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 24 https://grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration http://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants https://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/how-apply-grant https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/242934553082991?p=PynJy97Vur4KkmqHWn tel:+12064205032,,968004107 https://dialin.teams.cloud.microsoft/0b344225-e9fc-4de5-9663-43f89dc0c0ca?id=968004107 https://acf.gov/ecd https://acf.gov/ecd

Step 3:

Build Your Application

In this step

Application checklist 26

Application contents and format 28

Application checklist Make sure that you have everything you need to apply. You will find the forms in Grants.gov.

File one: Narratives Use the Project Narrative Attachment form.

Component Included in page limit?

Table of contents Yes

Project summary Yes

Project narrative Yes

Line-item budget and budget narrative Yes

File two: Attachments Insert each in a single Other Attachments form.

Component Included in page limit?

ACF priorities alignment attestation No

Indirect cost agreement Yes

Additional eligibility documentation Yes

Organizational capacity supporting information (including organization chart)

Yes

Step 3: Build Your Application 26

Standard forms Use each required form in Grants.gov.

Component Included in page limit?

Project Abstract Summary No

Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) No

Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs

(SF-424A)

No

Assurances for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424B) No

Key Contacts No

Grants.gov Lobbying Form No

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) No

Project/Performance Site Location(s) (SF-P/PSL) No

Step 3: Build Your Application 27

Application contents and format You will submit two files plus the standard forms in the application package.

Your organization’s authorized official must certify your application.

See intergovernmental review to find out if you need to make any other submissions.

Required format Page limit for file one and file two combined: 75 pages.

File format: Portable Document Format (PDF) is recommended, but not required. ACF supports the following file formats when you attach files to the Project Narrative Attachment form and the Other Attachments form:

Accepted file formats

• Adobe PDF (.pdf)

• Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx)

• Microsoft Excel (.xls or .xlsx)

• Microsoft PowerPoint (.ppt)

• Image formats (.JPG, .GIF, .TIFF, or .BMP only)

Document formats Paper size: 8 ½ inches x 11 inches

Margins: 1 inch all around

Language: English

If possible, include page numbers.

Do not include external links to information you want reviewers to assess because reviewers will score the application solely on information provided in the application.

Step 3: Build Your Application 28

Fonts Font: Times New Roman

Color: Black

Size: 12-point font

Footnotes and text in tables and graphics may be 10-point.

Spacing Table of contents: Must be single-spaced

Project summary: Must be single-spaced

Project narrative: Must be double-spaced

Line-item budget and budget narrative: Can be single-spaced

Attachments: Can be single-spaced

Tables and footnotes throughout: Can be single-spaced

See disqualifying factors to understand what may disqualify your application from consideration.

File one To submit file one, you will use the Project Narrative Attachment form found in the Grants.gov application package for this NOFO.

This file includes:

• Table of contents.

• Project summary, one page.

• Project narrative.

• Line-item budget and budget narrative.

Table of contents At the beginning of file one, insert a table of contents that guides a reader through the contents of both files in your application. If possible, include links to the relevant content in file one.

Step 3: Build Your Application 29

Project summary Provide a one-page summary of the project description. Do not cross-reference to other parts of your application. The summary must include:

• At the top, the project title, applicant name, address, phone numbers, email addresses, and any website URL.

• A brief description of the project, including the needs and population you will address, your proposed services or research questions.

Project narrative The project narrative is where you address all your proposed activities. It is a critical section of your application, which we evaluate using merit review criteria and rank based on application scores.

Remember that substance and measurable outcomes are more important than length.

We are particularly interested in project narratives that convey strategies for achieving intended performance.

In it, you must:

• Explain how the project will meet the purpose of the NOFO, as described in the program description section.

• Make sure your narrative is clear, concise, and complete.

• Use cross-referencing rather than repetition.

• Be sure to include any required supporting documents noted. You generally provide these in your attachments.

• Use the headings and order of the sections that follow.

Purpose and need State goal & readiness

Identify the state goal the proposed investment will advance. Describe how the goal was selected, who was engaged in defining or selecting the goal, and the information used to support its selection. Relevant information may include statewide needs assessments, state data infrastructure plans, strategic plans, existing state data or analyses, prior PDG B-5 work, the Governor’s vision for ECE, or other state planning efforts.

Describe the existing technology infrastructure, operational systems, analytic tools, analytic capacity, and other existing capacity relevant to the proposed investment.

Focus only on the systems, tools, data, and capacity directly related to the proposed project.

Step 3: Build Your Application 30

Include, as applicable:

• The functionality and purpose of relevant operational systems or analytic tools.

• The data or information currently collected, linked, tracked, analyzed, or reported.

• Current utilization of relevant systems or tools.

• Existing state-level capacity to analyze information, generate insights, and support decision-making.

• The completeness, accessibility, timeliness, accuracy, usability, and other relevant characteristics of the data.

• The state’s existing capacity as appropriate for the selected investment option and meets the applicable readiness requirements described in the Program Description. Identify the specific gap, need, or opportunity that the proposed investment will address.

Response

Approach

Outline your action plan. Describe the scope of your proposed project and describe in detail how you will accomplish it. Account for all functions or activities you identify in your application.

Explain potential obstacles and challenges to accomplishing your project goals. Explain the strategies you will use to address them.

The selected option should reflect your existing capacity and proposed use of PDG B-5 SMART funds. You must demonstrate that the proposed project meets the requirements of the selected investment option described in the Program Description.

Proposed investment

Describe the proposed investment that will be supported with PDG B-5 SMART. Explain how the proposed investment meets the purpose and requirements of the selected investment option described in the Program Description.

For an Option 1 investment, the response should clearly identify the technology infrastructure that will be built or strengthened.

For an Option 2 investment, the response should clearly identify the innovation that will be funded and tested.

Describe how the investment was selected through engagement and collaboration with the stakeholders identified below:

• Reflect engagement from appropriate state leadership and ECE partners, such as the Governor’s office, State Advisory Council, Head Start Collaboration Director, CCDF lead agency, providers, families, or other relevant stakeholders.

Step 3: Build Your Application 31

• Be informed by relevant information, such as data infrastructure plans, strategic plans, statewide needs assessments, the Governor’s vision for ECE, existing state data or analyses, research, or other evidence.

Describe how the proposed investment will advance the identified state goal. The response should be informed by relevant data, evidence, prior planning, needs assessment findings, theory of change, or other information appropriate to the selected investment option.

Describe how the proposed investment will address the cross- system connections, including:

• Deepen integration of Head Start and Early Head Start with child care, state-administered ECE programs, prekindergarten, home visiting, early intervention, family support, or other relevant ECE systems and programs.

• Strengthen the state’s ability to prevent, detect, monitor, and/or respond to risks to program integrity and support effective administration of ECE funds.

• Identify the number of unique children served across ECE programs and better understand how children and families move through the mixed-delivery system.

• Improve the state’s ability to identify, reach, support, and coordinate services for young children and families who are at risk of child welfare involvement, involved in the child welfare system, or in foster care.

The response should explain the connection between each expectation and the proposed investment. Where an expectation is not directly applicable to a specific activity, explain how the overall project will support or strengthen that area.

Describe how the investment design elements will be addressed as described in the Program description.

For an Option 1 investment, the response should clearly identify how the technology infrastructure addresses:

• Intended users: The investment should have clearly identified users, such as providers, program leaders, agency staff, partner agencies, families, or educators, and a defined purpose for how they will use the technology.

• Effective utilization: The investment should include strategies to support wide and effective use of the technology, such as training, technical assistance, communications, governance, user supports, or feedback loops.

• Data quality and use: Data and information produced through the technology infrastructure should be complete, accessible, timely, accurate, usable, and ready for analysis. Analytic tools should support meaningful use of data and findings by relevant stakeholders and state decision-makers.

Step 3: Build Your Application 32

For an Option 2 investment, the response should clearly identify learning design that will be used to track implementation and assess its results. Appropriate methodologies may include rapid-cycle testing, continuous quality improvement, comparison group design, pre/post analysis, implementation study, mixed-methods approaches, or other methods appropriate to the proposed innovation.

Describe how the project plan will be used to manage implementation, learning, and decision-making during the project period. Explain how the state will monitor progress, identify and respond to implementation challenges, review data or findings, engage partners, and make decisions about sustainability, scaling, modification, discontinuation, or other next steps.

Project timeline and milestones

Provide a timeline for your project that includes milestones. To do so:

• Organize the information by task and subtask, showing related milestones.

• Provide monthly or quarterly quantitative projections for tasks you plan to complete and by when. For example, provide the number of people you plan to serve or the number of a certain activity you plan to complete by a specific date.

• Provide target dates for activities you can’t quantify.

• Cover the full period of performance in your timeline.

Impact Project performance evaluation plan

• Describe how you will evaluate your project’s performance and how it will contribute to continuous quality improvement. This plan must describe:

• How you will monitor ongoing activities and progress toward the project’s goals and objectives.

• The inputs, key activities, and expected outcomes of the funded activities. Inputs might include your collaborative partners, key staff, budget, service processes, or other resources.

• How you will measure the inputs, activities, and…