FY2023 MSP APPLICATION PACKAGE_FINAL v1 04.17.2023.pdf

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

OFFICE OF POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20202

https://www2.ed.gov/programs/msp/index.html

FY 2023

APPLICATION FOR GRANTS

UNDER THE MODELING AND SIMULATION PROGRAM

CFDA Number: 84.116S

FORM APPROVED

OMB no. 1894-0006, Expiration Date: 02/29/2024

DATE MATERIAL – OPEN IMMEDDIATELY

CLOSING DATE: 06/23/2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. DEAR APPLICANT LETTER

II. COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS ................................................................................... 4 - 7

III. GRANTS.GOV SUBMISSION PROCEDURES AND TIPS FOR APPLICANTS 8- 11

IV. APPLICATION TRANSMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS ............................................ 12 - 13

V. NOTICE INVITING APPLICATIONS .................................................................... 14 - 38

VI. PROGRAM AUTHORITY

VII. EO 12372, INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW OF FEDERAL PROGRAMS

VIII. GENERAL EDUCATION PROVISIONS ACT (GEPA), SECTION 427

IX. GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE AND RESULTS ACT (GPRA)

X. INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING THE APPLICATION............................... 43-44

PART I ............................................................................................................................... 45 - 57 Instructions for Grants.gov Instructions for U.S. Department of Education Supplemental Information for SF-424 Definitions for U.S. Department of Education Supplemental Information for SF-424

PART II.............................................................................................................................. 58 - 61 Instructions for ED 524 Budget Summary Form

PART III ............................................................................................................................ 62 - 65 Instructions for Completing the ED Abstract Form Instructions for Completing the Project Narrative Attachment Form Instructions for Completing the Other Attachments Form

PART IV ............................................................................................................................ 66 - 72 Assurances and Certifications GEPA Section 427 Requirement Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) Grants.gov Lobbying Form (ED 80-0013)

XI. APPLICATION CHECKLIST

PAPERWORK BURDEN STATEMENT

I. DEAR APPLICANT LETTER

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

OFFICE OF POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

Dear Applicant:

Thank you for your interest in the fiscal year (FY) 2023 Modeling and Simulation Program (MSP). This grant competition is administered by the Office of Postsecondary Education at the U.S. Department of Education (the Department). The purpose of the MSP is to promote the study of modeling and simulation at institutions of higher education (IHEs) through collaboration with new and existing programs, and specifically, to promote the use of technology through the creation of accurate models that can simulate processes or recreate real life by, (a) establishing a task force at the Department of Education to raise awareness of and define the study of modeling and simulation; (b) providing grants to IHEs to develop new modeling and simulation degree programs; and (c) providing grants for IHEs to enhance existing modeling and simulation degree programs.

For information on the absolute priorities, invitational priority, selection criteria, and other competition details, refer to the Federal Register Notice Inviting Applications (NIA) published on April 24, 2023, and this application package. This application package contains the instructions and forms needed to submit a complete application for the MSP. Applications for FY 2023 grants under the MSP must be submitted electronically using Grants.gov at http://www.grants.gov.

Applicants are required to follow the Revised Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs published in the Federal Register on December 7, 2022 (87 FR 75045) and available at www.federalregister.gov/d/2022-26554. This document contains requirements and information on how to submit an application.

You are reminded that the NIA published in the Federal Register is the official document and you should not rely upon any information that is inconsistent with the guidance contained within the official document. We also encourage applicants to review the “Competition Highlights” found in this application package for an overview of important items. If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact Dr. Robin M. Dabney at (202) 453-7908 or Robin.Dabney@ed.gov.

We appreciate your interest in the Modeling and Simulation Program and look forward to receiving your application.

Sincerely, Nasser H. Paydar Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.federalregister.gov/d/2022-26554 mailto:Robin.Dabney@ed.gov

II. COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS

1. Eligible Applicants

Public or private nonprofit institutions of higher education (as defined in the NIA) are eligible to apply.

2. Priorities This notice contains two absolute priorities and one invitational priority. Applicants may only apply under one of the two absolute priorities. Applying to the invitational priority is optional. In accordance with 34 CFR 75.105(b)(2)(v), the absolute priorities are from the authorizing statute (section 891 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA), 20 U.S.C. 1161v). The invitational priority is from the Secretary’s Supplemental Priorities and Definitions for Discretionary Grants Programs, published in the Federal Register on December 10, 2021 (86 FR 70612) (Supplemental Priorities).

Absolute Priorities: These priorities are absolute priorities. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(3), we consider only applications that meet one of these priorities. Applicants must respond to each element of the selected absolute priority and specify which absolute priority they are responding to in their application abstract.

These priorities are:

Absolute Priority 1--Enhancing Modeling and Simulation at Institutions of Higher Education

To be considered for a grant under this absolute priority, an eligible institution must include in its application—

(a) A letter from the president or provost of the eligible institution that demonstrates the institution’s commitment to the enhancement of the modeling and simulation program at the institution of higher education;

(b) An identification of designated faculty responsible for the enhancement of the institution’s modeling and simulation program;

(c) A detailed plan for how the grant funds will be used to enhance a modeling and simulation program of the institution.

Absolute Priority 2--Establishing Modeling and Simulation Programs

To be considered for a grant under this absolute priority, an eligible institution must include in its application—

(a) A letter from the president or provost of the eligible institution that demonstrates the institution’s commitment to the establishment of a modeling and simulation program at the institution of higher education;

(b) A detailed plan for how the grant funds will be used to establish a modeling and simulation program at the institution; and

(c) A description of how the modeling and simulation program established under this priority will complement existing programs and fit into the institution’s current program and course offerings.

Invitational Priority: For FY 2023, and any subsequent year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this competition, this priority is an invitational priority. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(1), we do not give an application that meets this invitational priority a competitive or absolute preference over other applications.

This priority is:

Promoting Equity in Student Access to Educational Resources and Opportunities.

Under this priority, an application must demonstrate that the project will be implemented by or in partnership with one or more of the following entities:

(a) Community colleges (as defined in the notice).

(b) Historically Black colleges and universities (as defined in the notice).

(c) Tribal Colleges and Universities (as defined in the notice).

(d) Minority-serving institutions (as defined in the notice).

3. Electronic Submission of Applications

Applications must be submitted electronically using Grants.gov, accessible through its portal page at: http://www.grants.gov. Applicants are required to follow the Revised Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs published in the Federal Register on December 7, 2022 (87 FR 75045) and available at www.federalregister.gov/d/2022-26554, which contain requirements and information on how to submit an application.

The Grants.gov site does not allow applicants to “un-submit” applications. Therefore, if you discover that changes or additions are needed once your application has been accepted and validated by the Department, you must “re-submit” the application. Please know that, if the Department receives duplicate applications, we will accept and process the application with the latest “date/time received” validation.

The application must be received on or before the deadline date and time. Late applications will not be accepted. We suggest that you submit your application several days before the deadline. The Department must adhere to the established deadline to ensure fairness to all applicants. No changes or additions to an application will be accepted after the deadline date.

4. Format of Application

We recommend that you limit the application narrative to no more than 50 pages and use the following standards: a “page” is 8.5" x 11", on one side only, with 1" margins at the top, bottom, and both sides; double-space (no more than three lines per vertical inch) all text in the application narrative, including titles, headings, footnotes, quotations, references, and captions, as well as all text in charts, tables, figures, and graphs; use a font that is either 12 point or larger, and no smaller than 10 pitch (characters per inch); and use one of the following fonts: Times New Roman, Courier, Courier New, or Arial. The Notice contains additional information governing formatting instructions.

The recommended 50-page limit applies only to the application narrative and does not apply to Part I, the cover sheet; Part II, the budget section, including the narrative budget justification; Part IV, the assurances and certifications; or the one-page abstract, the resumes, the bibliography, or the letters of support. We recommend that any application addressing the invitational priority include no more than three additional pages for the priority if the priority is addressed.

All attachments must be in PDF format only. Other types of files will not be accepted. If you submit your application electronically, you must upload any narrative sections and all other attachments to your application as files in a PDF (Portable Document) read-only, non-modifiable format. Do not upload an interactive or fillable PDF file. If you upload a file type other than a read-only, non-modifiable PDF or submit a password-protected file, we will not review that material. Please note that this could result in your application not being considered for funding because the material in question--for example, the application narrative--is critical to a meaningful review of your proposal. For that reason, it is important to allow yourself adequate time to upload all material as PDF files. The Department will not convert material from other formats to PDF.

5. Notice to Successful Applicants

The Department’s Office of Legislation and Congressional Affairs will inform the Congress regarding applications approved for new program grants. Successful applicants will receive award notices by mail or e-mail shortly after the Congress is notified. No funding information will be released before the Congress is notified.

6. Notice to Unsuccessful Applicants

Unsuccessful applicants will be notified in writing following the notice to successful applicants.

7. Application Components

This application package contains detailed instructions for every required component of your application. It also includes an Application Checklist for your convenience. Note: If all required documents are not submitted with your application, it may be deemed ineligible.

8. Carefully review the eligibility information within the NIA.

9. The program uses an unrestricted indirect cost rate. For more information regarding indirect costs, or to obtain a negotiated indirect cost rate, please see https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocfo/intro.html.

10. Applicants must complete a supporting budget narrative for each line item on the ED-524 form.

https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocfo/intro.html

11. If you receive a FY 2023 new grant award, you will be required to submit annual and final performance reports.

12. Applicants are reminded that the NIA published in the Federal Register is the official document. You should not rely upon any information that is inconsistent with the guidance contained within the official document.

13. A Pre-Application webinar will be provided by the program office. Please contact Dr.

Robin M. Dabney at (202) 453-7908 or via email at Robin.Dabney@ed.gov.

mailto:Robin.Dabney@ed.gov

III. GRANTS.GOV SUBMISSION PROCEDURES AND

TIPS FOR APPLICANTS

Revised 12/2022

IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ FIRST

U.S. Department of Education Grants.gov Submission Procedures and Tips for Applicants

To facilitate your use of Grants.gov, this document includes important submission procedures you need to be aware of to ensure your application is received in a timely manner and accepted by the Department of Education.

Browser Support

The latest versions of Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE), Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Apple Safari are supported for use with Grants.gov. However, these web browsers undergo frequent changes and updates, so we recommend you have the latest version when using Grants.gov. Legacy versions of these web browsers may be functional, but you may experience issues. Grants.gov no longer provides support for Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 or below.

For additional information or updates, please see the Grants.gov Browser information in the Applicant FAQs:

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs.html#browser.

ATTENTION – Workspace, Adobe Forms and PDF Files

Grants.gov applicants can apply online using Workspace. Workspace is a shared, online environment where members of a grant team may simultaneously access and edit different web forms within an application. For each funding opportunity announcement (FOA), you can create individual instances of a workspace.

Below is an overview of applying on Grants.gov. For access to complete instructions on how to apply for opportunities, refer to: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html.

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

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

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

NOTE: Visit the Adobe Software Compatibility page on Grants.gov to download the appropriate version of the software at: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html.

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

c. Complete SF-424 Fields First: The forms are designed to fill in common required fields across other forms, such as the applicant name, address, and Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) Number. Once it is completed, the information will transfer to the other forms.

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs.html#browser https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html

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

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

For additional training resources, including video tutorials, refer to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-training.html.

Helpful Reminders

1. REGISTER EARLY – Grants.gov registration involves many steps including registration on SAM (www.sam.gov), which usually takes approximately 7 to 10 business days, but can take longer depending on the completeness and accuracy of the data entered into the SAM database by an applicant. You may begin working on your application while completing the registration process, but you cannot submit an application until all of the Registration steps are complete. Please note that once your SAM registration is active, it will take 24-48 hours for the information to be available in Grants.gov, and before you can submit an application through Grants.gov. For detailed information on the Registration Steps, please go to: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html. Please note that your organization will need to update its SAM registration annually.

To register in SAM.gov, click on the “Get Started” link under the “Register Your Entity…” heading in SAM.gov.

Grantees, and other entities wanting to do business with the U.S. Department of Education (e.g., entities applying for a grant), that are not already registered in SAM.gov must complete the “Register Entity” registration option and NOT the “Get a Unique Entity ID” option. The “Get a Unique Entity ID” option, which is not a full registration, is only available to entities for reporting purposes. Failing to complete the “Register Entity” option may result in loss of funding, loss of applicant eligibility, and/or delays in receiving a grant award. Information about SAM is available at www.SAM.gov. To further assist you with registering in SAM or updating your existing SAM registration, see the Quick Start Guide for Grant Registrations and the Entity Registration Video at https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration.

2. SUBMIT EARLY – We strongly recommend that you do not wait until the last day to submit your application. Grants.gov will put a date/time stamp on your application and then process it after it is fully uploaded. The time it takes to upload an application will vary depending on a number of factors including the size of the application and the speed of your Internet connection, and the time it takes Grants.gov to process the application will vary as well. If Grants.gov rejects your application (see step three below), you will need to resubmit successfully to Grants.gov before 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the deadline date.

You must provide the UEI on your application that was used when you registered as an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) on Grants.gov. This UEI is assigned to your organization in SAM at the time your organization registers in SAM. If you do not enter the UEI assigned by SAM on your application, Grants.gov will reject your application.

3. VERIFY SUBMISSION IS OK – You will want to verify that Grants.gov received your application submission on time and that it was validated successfully. To see the date/time your application was received, login to Grants.gov and click on the Track My Application link. For a successful submission, the date/time received should be earlier than 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time, on the deadline date, AND the application status should be: Validated, Received by Agency, or Agency Tracking Number Assigned. Once the Department of Education receives your application from Grants.gov, an Agency Tracking Number (PR/award number) will be assigned to your application and will be available for viewing on Grants.gov’s Track My Application link.

If the date/time received is later than 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time, on the deadline date, your application is late. If your application has a status of “Received” it is still awaiting validation by Grants.gov. Once validation is complete, the status will either change to “Validated” or “Rejected with Errors.” If the status is “Rejected with Errors,” your application has https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-training.html http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html https://www.fsd.gov/sys_attachment.do?sys_id=f51d017e1bab7c105465eaccac4bcb9f%20 https://www.fsd.gov/sys_attachment.do?sys_id=f51d017e1bab7c105465eaccac4bcb9f%20 https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration not been received successfully. Some of the reasons Grants.gov may reject an application can be found on the Grants.gov site: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/encountering-error-messages.html. For more detailed information on troubleshooting Adobe errors, you can review the Adobe Reader Software Tip Sheet at:

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html. If you discover your application is late or has been rejected, please see the instructions below. Note: You will receive a series of confirmations both online and via e-mail about the status of your application. Please do not rely solely on e-mail to confirm whether your application has been received timely and validated successfully.

Submission Problems – What should you do?

If you have problems submitting to Grants.gov before the closing date, please contact Grants.gov Customer Support at 1- 800-518-4726 or email at: mailto:support@grants.gov or access the Grants.gov Self-Service Knowledge Base web portal at: https://grants-portal.psc.gov/Welcome.aspx?pt=Grants.

We discourage paper applications, but if electronic submission is not possible (e.g., you do not have access to the internet), (1) you must provide a prior written notification that you intend to submit a paper application and (2) your paper application must be postmarked by the application deadline date. If you submit your prior written notification by email, it must be received by the Department no later than 14 calendar days before the application deadline date. If you mail your notification to the Department, it must be postmarked no later than 14 calendar days before the application deadline date. (See the 2022 Common Instructions for detailed instructions regarding this procedure.)

Helpful Hints When Working with Grants.gov

Please go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html for help with Grants.gov. For additional tips related to submitting grant applications, please refer to the Grants.gov Applicant FAQs found at this Grants.gov link:

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs.html as well as additional information on Workspace at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs.html#workspace.

Slow Internet Connections

When using a slow internet connection, such as a dial-up connection, to upload and submit your application, it can take significantly longer than when you are connected to the Internet with a high-speed connection, e.g., cable modem/DSL/T1. While times will vary depending upon the size of your application, it can take a few minutes to a few hours to complete your grant submission using a dial up connection. Failure to fully upload an application by the deadline date and time will result in your application being marked late in the G5 system. If you do not have access to a high-speed internet connection, you may want to consider following the instructions in the Federal Register notice to obtain an exception to the electronic submission requirement no later than 14 calendar days before the application deadline date. (See the Federal Register notice for detailed instructions and the 2022 Common Instructions.)

Attaching Files – Additional Tips

Please note the following tips related to attaching files to your application:

• When you submit your application electronically, you must upload any narrative sections and all other attachments to your application as files in either Portable Document Format (PDF) or Microsoft Word. Although applicants have the option of uploading any narrative sections and all other attachments to their application in either PDF or Microsoft Word, we recommend applicants submit all documents as read-only flattened PDFs, meaning any fillable PDF files must be saved and submitted as non-fillable PDF files and not as interactive or fillable PDF files, to better ensure applications are processed in a more timely, accurate, and efficient manner.

• Grants.gov cannot process an application that includes two or more files that have the same name within a grant submission. Therefore, each file uploaded to your application package should have a unique file name.

• When attaching files, applicants should follow the guidelines established by Grants.gov on the size and content of file names. Uploaded file names must be fewer than 50 characters, and, in general, applicants should not use any special characters. However, Grants.gov does allow for the following UTF-8 characters when naming your attachments: A-Z, a-z, 0-9, underscore, hyphen, space, period, parenthesis, curly braces, square brackets, ampersand, tilde, exclamation point, http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/encountering-error-messages.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html mailto:support@grants.gov https://grants-portal.psc.gov/Welcome.aspx?pt=Grants https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/12/07/2022-26554/common-instructions-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant-programs http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs.html#workspace https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/12/07/2022-26554/common-instructions-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant-programs https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/12/07/2022-26554/common-instructions-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant-programs comma, semi colon, apostrophe, at sign, number sign, dollar sign, percent sign, plus sign, and equal sign. Applications submitted that do not comply with the Grants.gov guidelines will be rejected at Grants.gov and not forwarded to the Department.

• Applicants should limit the size of their file attachments. Documents submitted that contain graphics and/or scanned material often greatly increase the size of the file attachments and can result in difficulties opening the files. For reference, the average discretionary grant application package with all attachments is less than 5 MB. Therefore, you may want to check the total size of your package before submission.

IV. APPLICATION TRANSMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS

ATTENTION ELECTRONIC APPLICANTS: Please note that you must follow the application procedures as described in the Federal Register notice announcing the grant competition.

This program requires the electronic submission of applications; specific requirements and waiver instructions can be found in the Federal Register notice.

According to the instructions found in the Federal Register notice, those requesting and qualifying for an exception to the electronic submission requirement may submit an application by mail or commercial carrier.

If you want to apply for a grant and be considered for funding, you must meet the following deadline requirements:

Applications Submitted Electronically You must submit your grant application through the Internet using the software provided on the Grants.gov Web site (http://www.grants.gov) by 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time on or before the deadline date.

If you submit your application through the Internet via the Grants.gov Web site, you will receive an automatic acknowledgement when we receive your application.

For more information on using Grants.gov, please refer to the “Notice Inviting Applications” that was published in the Federal Register or visit http://www.grants.gov.

Submission of Paper Applications by Mail:

If you qualify for an exception to the electronic submission requirement, you may submit your application in paper format by mail (through the U.S. Postal Service or a commercial carrier). You must mail the original and two copies of your application, on or before the application deadline date, to the Department at the following address:

U.S. Department of Education OFO/G5 Functional Application Team Mail Stop 5C231 Attention: Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 84.116S 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.

Washington, DC 20202-4260

You must show proof of mailing consisting of one of the following:

(1) A legibly dated U.S. Postal Service postmark.

(2) A legible mail receipt with the date of mailing stamped by the U.S. Postal Service.

(3) A dated shipping label, invoice, or receipt from a commercial carrier.

(4) Any other proof of mailing acceptable to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education.

If you mail your application through the U.S. Postal Service, we do not accept either of the following as proof of mailing:

(1) A private metered postmark.

(2) A mail receipt that is not dated by the U.S. Postal Service.

If your application is postmarked after the application deadline date, we will not consider your application.

Note: The U.S. Postal Service does not uniformly provide a dated postmark. Before relying on this method, you should check with your local post office.

Note for Mail Delivery of Paper Applications:

If you mail your application to the Department—

(1) You must indicate on the envelope—and, if not provided by the Department, in Item 11 of the SF 424—the Assistance Listing Number (ALN), including suffix letter, if any, of the competition under which you are submitting your application; and

(2) The G5 Functional Application Team will notify you of the Department’s receipt of your grant application. If you do not receive this notification within 15 business days from the application deadline date, you should contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of the competition NIA.

Late Applications:

If your application is late, we will notify you that we will not consider the application.

V. NOTICE INVITING APPLICATIONS

4000-01-U

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Applications for New Awards; Modeling and Simulation Program

AGENCY: Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of Education.

ACTION: Notice.

SUMMARY: The Department of Education (Department) is issuing a notice inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 2023 for the

Modeling and Simulation Program (MSP), Assistance Listing Number

84.116S. This notice relates to the approved information collection under OMB control number 1894-0006.

DATES:

Applications Available: April 24, 2023.

Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: June 23, 2023.

Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: August 22, 2023.

ADDRESSES: For the addresses for obtaining and submitting an application, please refer to our Common Instructions for Applicants to

Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the

Federal Register on December 7, 2022 (87 FR 75045), and available at www.federalregister.gov/d/2022-26554. Please note that these Common

Instructions supersede the version published on December 27, 2021.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robin M. Dabney, U.S. Department of

Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, room 2B117, Washington, DC 20202-

4260. Telephone: (202) 453-7908. Email: Robin.Dabney@ed.gov.

If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability and wish to access telecommunications relay services, please dial 7-1-1.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Purpose of Program: The MSP is designed to promote the study of modeling and simulation at institutions of higher education (IHEs) through collaboration with new and existing programs, and specifically to promote the use of technology through the creation of accurate models that can simulate processes or recreate real life, by--

(a) Establishing a task force at the Department to raise awareness of and define the study of modeling and simulation;

(b) Providing grants to IHEs to develop new modeling and simulation degree programs; and

(c) Providing grants for IHEs to enhance existing modeling and simulation degree programs.

Background: According to House Report 117—403, which accompanied the

FY 2023 appropriations bill for the Departments of Labor, Health and

Human Services, and Education, and related agencies, “modeling and simulation technology has numerous applications for Federal and State governments and their partners in the defense, education, gaming, shipbuilding, and workforce training sectors, allowing them to generate data to help make decisions or predictions about their systems.”1

1 H. Rept. 117-403 at p. 291 (2023).

https://www.congress.gov/117/crpt/hrpt403/CRPT-117hrpt403.pdf

Modeling and simulation programs can develop tools or techniques in numerous industries to support education and training where they otherwise would be high risk or hazardous in a real-world scenario.

Programs can also leverage modeling simulation and technology, such as, but not limited to, experiential learning models, economic and predictive modeling, and advanced data science and analytics. This program seeks to fund the development or enhancement of degree programs focused on modeling and simulation technology. Through grant support, we hope to increase the availability and capacity of such programs in today’s world. In FY 2022, the Department provided funding to three

IHEs to develop degree programs in this field. Given the additional funding for this program in FY 2023, the Department will fund new projects to expand opportunities for students who are interested in pursuing this type of degree program.

In addition, under the MSP, a task force provides input into the development of curriculum and research on the instructional methods and pedagogy needed to further develop modeling and simulation programs.

In accordance with section 891(b)(1) of the Higher Education

Opportunity Act of 2008, as amended (HEA), the task force will help to define the study of modeling and simulation (including the content of modeling and simulation classes and programs), identify best practices for such study, identify core knowledge and skills that individuals who participate in modeling and simulation programs should acquire, and provide recommendations to the Secretary on these topics and on grants distribution. Grantees under this program will be members of the task force.

Priorities: This notice contains two absolute priorities and one invitational priority. Applicants may only apply under one of the two absolute priorities. In accordance with 34 CFR 75.105(b)(2)(iv), the absolute priorities are from section 891 of the HEA, 20 U.S.C. 1161v.

Absolute Priorities: For FY 2023 and any subsequent year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this competition, these priorities are absolute priorities. Under 34 CFR

75.105(c)(3) we consider only applications that meet one of these priorities. Applicants must specify which absolute priority they are responding to in their application abstract and must respond to each element of the selected absolute priority.

These priorities are:

Absolute Priority 1--Enhancing Modeling and Simulation at

Institutions of Higher Education.

To be considered for a grant under this absolute priority, an eligible institution must propose to enhance an existing modeling and simulation degree program, including a major, minor, or career-track program, or an existing certificate or concentration program, and must include in its application—

(a) A letter from the president or provost of the eligible institution that demonstrates the institution’s commitment to the enhancement of the modeling and simulation program at the institution of higher education;

(b) An identification of designated faculty responsible for the enhancement of the institution’s modeling and simulation program; and

(c) A detailed plan for how the grant funds will be used to enhance a modeling and simulation program of the institution.

Absolute Priority 2--Establishing Modeling and Simulation

Programs.

To be considered for a grant under this absolute priority, an eligible institution must propose to establish, or work toward the establishment of, a modeling and simulation program, including a major, minor, career-track, certificate, or concentration program, and must include in its application—

(a) A letter from the president or provost of the eligible institution that demonstrates the institution’s commitment to the establishment of a modeling and simulation program at the institution of higher education;

(b) A detailed plan for how the grant funds will be used to establish a modeling and simulation program at the institution; and

(c) A description of how the modeling and simulation program established under this priority will complement existing programs and fit into the institution’s current program and course offerings.

Invitational Priority: For FY 2023 and any subsequent year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this competition, this priority is an invitational priority. Under 34 CFR

75.105(c)(1), we do not give an application that meets this invitational priority a competitive or absolute preference over other applications.

This priority is:

Promoting Equity in Student Access to Educational Resources and

Opportunities.

Under this priority, an application must demonstrate that the project will be implemented by or in partnership with one or more of the following entities:

(a) Community colleges (as defined in this notice).

(b) Historically Black colleges and universities (as defined in this notice).

(c) Tribal Colleges and Universities (as defined in this notice).

(d) Minority-serving institutions (as defined in this notice).

Definitions: The definition of “modeling and simulation” is from section 891 of the HEA. The definitions of “demonstrates a rationale,”

“logic model,” “project component,” and “relevant outcome” are from 34

CFR 77.1.

Community college means “junior or community college” as defined in section 312(f) of the HEA, as amended.

Demonstrates a rationale means a key project component included in the project's logic model is informed by research or evaluation findings that suggest the project component is likely to improve relevant outcomes.

Historically Black colleges and universities means colleges and universities that meet the criteria set out in 34 CFR 608.2.

Logic model (also referred to as a theory of action) means a framework that identifies key project components of the proposed project (i.e., the active “ingredients” that are hypothesized to be critical to achieving the relevant outcomes) and describes the theoretical and operational relationships among the key project components and relevant outcomes.

Note: In developing logic models, applicants may want to use resources such as the Regional Educational Laboratory Program’s (REL Pacific)

Education Logic Model Application, available at https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/pacific/elm.asp. Other sources include:

https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/pacific/pdf/REL_2014025.pdf, https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/pacific/pdf/REL_2014007.pdf, and https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/northeast/pdf/REL_2015057.pdf.

Minority-serving institution means an institution that is eligible to receive assistance under sections 316 through 320 of part A of title

III, under part B of title III, or under title V of the HEA.

Modeling and simulation means a field of study related to the application of computer science and mathematics to develop a level of https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/pacific/elm.asp https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/pacific/pdf/REL_2014025.pdf https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/pacific/pdf/REL_2014007.pdf https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/northeast/pdf/REL_2015057.pdf understanding of the interaction of the parts of a system and of a system as a whole.

Project component means an activity, strategy, intervention, process, product, practice, or policy included in a project. Evidence may pertain to an individual project component or to a combination of project components (e.g., training teachers on instructional practices for English learners and follow-on coaching for these teachers).

Relevant outcome means the student outcome(s) or other outcome(s) the key project component is designed to improve, consistent with the specific goals of the program.

Tribal College or University has the meaning ascribed it in section

316(b)(3) of the HEA.

Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1161v; 20 U.S.C. 1138-1138d; and the

Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (Pub. L. 117-328).

Note: Projects will be awarded and must be operated in a manner consistent with the nondiscrimination requirements contained in Federal civil rights laws.

Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General

Administrative Regulations in 34 CFR parts 75, 77, 79, 82, 84, 86, 97, 98, and 99. (b) The Office of Management and Budget Guidelines to

Agencies on Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) in

2 CFR part 180, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department in 2 CFR part 3485. (c) The Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost

Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards in 2 CFR part

200, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department in 2 CFR part 3474.

II. Award Information

Type of Award: Discretionary grant.

Estimated Available Funds: $7,920,000.

Approximately 50 percent of available funds will be used to fund awards under Absolute Priority 1, and approximately 50 percent of available funds will be used to fund awards under Absolute Priority 2.

Contingent upon the availability of funds and the quality of applications, we may make additional awards in subsequent years from the list of unfunded applications from this competition.

Estimated Range of Awards: $750,000 to $1,155,000.

Estimated Average Size of Awards: $990,000.

Maximum Award: We will not make an award exceeding $1,155,000 for the entire budget period of 36 months.

Estimated Number of Awards: 8.

Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice.

Note: Applicants must set aside sufficient funds to carry out activities related to task force participation. A listing of line-item costs associated with task force activities must include travel for at least two or three grantee representatives for two or three annual meetings to be held in Washington, DC, and/or site visits to organizations using modeling and simulation technologies to help expand awareness, and costs associated with a white paper outlining lessons learned from the enhanced or established modeling and simulation program.

Project Period: Up to 36 months.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants: A public or private nonprofit institution of higher education as defined in section 101(a) of the

HEA. Applicants must be eligible to apply under either Absolute

Priority 1 or Absolute Priority 2 as outlined in the Absolute

Priorities section. Applicants applying under Absolute Priority 1 must also be an institution of higher education that has—

(a) An established modeling and simulation degree program, including a major, minor, or career-track program; or

(b) An established modeling and simulation certificate or concentration program.

2. a. Cost Sharing or Matching: In accordance with the requirements in section 891(c)(1)(D) and (d)(1)(D) of the HEA, each eligible institution receiving a grant under this program must provide, from non-Federal sources, in cash or in-kind, an amount equal to 25 percent of the amount of the grant to carry out the activities supported by the grant.

b. Indirect Cost Rate Information: This program uses an unrestricted indirect cost rate. For more information regarding indirect costs, or to obtain a negotiated indirect cost rate, please see www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocfo/intro.html.

c. Administrative Cost Limitation: This program does not include any program-specific limitation on administrative expenses. All administrative expenses must be reasonable and necessary and conform to

Cost Principles described in 2 CFR part 200 subpart E of the Uniform

Guidance.

3. Subgrantees: A grantee under this competition may not award subgrants to entities to directly carry out project activities described in its application.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Application Submission Instructions: Applicants are required to follow the Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of

Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal

Register on December 7, 2022 (87 FR 75045) and available at www.federalregister.gov/d/2022-26554, which contain requirements and information on how to submit an application. Please note that these

Common Instructions supersede the version published on December 27, 2021.

2. Submission of Proprietary Information: Given the types of projects that may be proposed in applications for the MSP, your application may include business information that you consider proprietary. In 34 CFR 5.11 we define “business information” and describe the process we use in determining whether any of that information is proprietary and, thus, protected from disclosure under

Exemption 4 of the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552, as amended). Because we plan to post on our website the application narrative sections of all MSP applications, you may wish to request confidentiality of business information.

Consistent with Executive Order 12600, please designate in your application any information that you believe is exempt from disclosure under Exemption 4. In the appropriate Appendix section of your application under “Other Attachments Form,” please list the page number or numbers on which we can find this information. For additional information please see 34 CFR 5.11(c).

3. Intergovernmental Review: This competition is subject to

Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79.

Information about Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs under

Executive Order 12372 is in the application package for this competition.

4. Funding Restrictions: In accordance with section 891(c)(4) of the HEA, a grant awarded under Absolute Priority 1, Enhancing Modeling and Simulation at Institutions of Higher Education, must be used by an eligible institution to carry out a plan to enhance the modeling and simulation program of the institution, which may include-

(a) Introducing activities to assist in the establishment of a major, minor, or career-track modeling and simulation program at the eligible institution;

(b) Expanding the multidisciplinary nature of the institution's modeling and simulation programs;

(c) Recruiting students into the field of modeling and simulation through the provision of fellowships or assistantships;

(d) Creating new courses to complement existing courses and reflect emerging developments in the modeling and simulation field;

(e) Conducting research to support new methodologies and techniques in modeling and simulation; and

(f) Purchasing equipment necessary for modeling and simulation programs.

In accordance with section 891(d)(3) of the HEA, a grant awarded under Absolute Priority 2, Establishing Modeling and Simulation

Programs, may be used by an eligible institution to-

(a) Establish, or work toward the establishment of, a modeling and simulation program, including a major, minor, career-track, certificate, or concentration program at the eligible institution;

(b) Provide adequate staffing to ensure the successful establishment of the modeling and simulation program, which may include the assignment of full-time dedicated or supportive faculty; and

(c) Purchase equipment necessary for modeling and simulation program.

We reference additional regulations outlining funding restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice.

5. Recommended Page Limit: The application narrative is where you, the applicant, address the selection criteria that reviewers use to evaluate your application. We recommend that you (1) limit the application narrative to no more than 50 pages and (2) use the following standards:

• A “page” is 8.5" x 11", on one side only, with 1" margins at the top, bottom, and both sides.

• Double-space (no more than three lines per vertical inch) all text in the application narrative, including titles, headings, footnotes, quotations, references, and captions, as well as all text in charts, tables, figures, and graphs.

• Use a font that is either 12 point or larger, and no smaller than 10 pitch (characters per inch).

• Use one of the following fonts: Times New Roman, Courier, Courier New, or Arial.

The recommended page limit does not apply to the cover sheet; the budget section, including the narrative budget justification; the assurances and…