Instructions Child Dev Res Fellowship HHS-2024-ACF-OPRE-PH-0128.pdf

Administration for Children and Families

Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation

Child Development Research Fellowship Program

HHS-2024-ACF-OPRE-PH-0128

Application Due Date: 05/31/2024

Table of Contents Executive Summary

I. Program Description

II. Federal Award Information

III. Eligibility Information

III.1. Eligible Applicants

III.2. Cost Sharing or Matching

III.3. Other

IV. Application and Submission Information

IV.1. Address to Request Application Package

IV.2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Required Forms, Assurances, and Certifications

The Project Description

The Project Budget and Budget Justification

Application Submission Options

IV.3. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM)

IV.4. Submission Dates and Times

Explanation of Due Dates

Acknowledgement of Received Application

IV.5. Intergovernmental Review

IV.6. Funding Restrictions

IV.7. Other Submission Requirements

V. Application Review Information

V.1. Criteria

V.2. Review and Selection Process

V.3. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates

VI. Federal Award Administration Information

VI.1. Federal Award Notices

VI.2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

VI.3. Reporting

VII. HHS Award Agency Contact(s)

VIII. Other Information

Reference Websites

Application Checklist

Funding Opportunity Title:

Child Development Research Fellowship Program Announcement Type:

Initial Funding Opportunity Number:

HHS-2024-ACF-OPRE-PH-0128

Assistance Listing Number:

93.600,93.575, 93.086 Due Date for Applications:

05/31/2024

Executive Summary Notice:

• Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the entire notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) carefully and observe the application formatting requirements listed in Section IV.2. Content and Form of Application Submission. For more information on applying for an award, please visit "Applying for an ACF Award" at https://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/how-apply-grant.

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is funding a cooperative agreement to sponsor the Child Development Research Fellowship that gives child development professionals from across the national academic research community the opportunity to experience policy research relevant to programs serving low-income children and families. This award is for an organization to lead the Child Development Research Fellowship Program. The organization must be a Professional Membership Organization for researchers who can support the Child Development Research Fellowship Program. A Professional Membership Organization aims to support individuals professionally and aid them in progressing within their career/profession. The goal of the fellowship program is to expose researchers to policy environments, particularly at the federal level, whereby they gain skills and expertise for policy-relevant research. The program is intended to stimulate the fellows’ knowledge of child development research and evaluation, particularly regarding services for low-income children and families, and to inform their process of developing long-term, policy-relevant research and evaluation agendas. The public will benefit from the increased availability of researchers highly skilled and experienced in policy and program relevant research and evaluation. Fellows will engage on a full-time basis for a period of 1 year (with a possible second or third year at the discretion of the award recipient and depending on funding availability). Fellows will be exposed to the broader child development policy environment, particularly at the federal level, and to the policy research community through activities organized and conducted by the award recipient.

Fellows will learn extensively about ACF and our programs that serve young children and their families. The cooperative agreement will require active partnership between the successful applicant and Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation (OPRE).

https://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/how-apply-grant

I. Program Description

Statutory Authority Awards offered under this program will be partially funded under the authority of:

Section 658O(a)(5) of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C.

9858m(a)(5)).

Section 649 of the Head Start Act, (42 U.S.C. 9844).

Section 403(a)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 603(a)(2)).

Description Objectives. This award is for an organization to lead the Child Development Research Fellowship Program. The organization must be a Professional Membership Organization for researchers that can support the Child Development Research Fellowship Program. A Professional Membership Organization aims to support individuals professionally and aid them in progressing within their career/profession. The fellowship benefits the public by developing a pool of child development researchers who have expertise in public policy and by enhancing their career development in the policy research field.

The primary objective of the fellowship program is to contribute to the professional development of researchers who have solid scientific grounding in the field of child development but who can benefit from opportunities to increase their experience and capacity for conducting applied policy research relevant to child and family well-being. Fellows benefit from in-depth exposure to policy discussions, interactions with experts from across the nation, and by familiarizing themselves with applied evaluation methodology that contributes to improvement of their understanding of programs for low-income children and families. Former Child Development Research Fellows go on to work in academic settings; in state, local, and federal government; in social services organizations; and in professional associations. Examples of post-fellowship work include leading evaluations of parenting interventions in Early Head Start and Head Start settings; developing a county-level organization to manage the implementation of public pre-kindergarten programs; working in a school system to evaluate student progress; and joining the board of directors of a professional organization that is a national leader in providing support and advocacy for programs serving infants and toddlers.

Fellows will be offered a range of placements in ACF and partner agencies. ACF is comprised of 22 offices that each specialize in a variety of initiatives that empower families and individuals to create strong, healthy communities and families that positively impact the development of young children. Policy research opportunities at ACF include child care and early education quality, family and child well-being, the impact of poverty and other adverse circumstances on development, school readiness, and parenting. For example, Head Start funding (section 649 of the Head Start Act; 42 U.S.C. 9844) supports a broad range of research efforts to inform Head Start programs' work with family engagement; family well-being; and child health, mental health, and cognitive development. Child Care Development Block Grant funds (section 658O(a)(5) of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9858 m(a)(5)) evaluation efforts examine the links between child care quality (including family engagement and responsiveness) and child development. Healthy Marriage funding (section 403(a)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C 603 (a)(2)) and Responsible Fatherhood funding (Section 403(a)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C 603 (a)(2) support evaluations and research examining promotion of adult relationship health and its impacts on family and children well-being Research suggests that strong families can translate to positive outcomes for children, family economic stability, and more father involvement (e.g., education, employment, marriage, lower rates of adjustment problems) (Amato, 2014; Bachman, Coley, & Carrano 2012; Lerman, 2002; Thomas & Sawhill 2001; Waldfogel et al, 2010).

During their placements, the Child Development Research fellows will have the opportunity to learn from colleagues in federal offices about targeted research and evaluation efforts related to child development and programmatic outcomes for children and families and will learn how research at the federal level is formulated, designed, and implemented.

During their placements, the Child Development Research fellows will have the opportunity to learn from colleagues in federal offices about targeted research and evaluation efforts related to child development and programmatic outcomes for children and families. They will also learn how research at the federal level is formulated, designed, and implemented. As such, the award recipient will provide opportunities to the national field to engage with multi-disciplinary teams, connect with stakeholders across the nation, gain an applied understanding of policy relevant questions and needs, and focus on social science methodology and research design skills.

A high-quality fellowship will include effective recruitment and support of diverse fellows appropriately skilled for federal policy research placements; unique and impactful professional development opportunities for the fellows; and careful and attentive supervision, management, and administration of the program.

The award recipient will be responsible for:

1. Recruitment

2. Supervision, Mentoring, and Administration

3. Professional Development Activities

4. Applied Policy Research Exposure.

Recruitment.

The award recipient will:

1. develop a plan for recruitment to encourage participation of fellows from diverse and underrepresented populations;

2. recruit an annual pool of exceptionally qualified candidates through national advertising and outreach to its membership, other organizations, and academic resources;

3. access research professionals across a variety of disciplines related to child development, and professional development;

4. gather feedback and guidance from engaged community members regarding the recruitment plan;

5. update the plan annually to improve and refine.

Recruited Fellows must:

1. hold doctoral degrees or other degrees of the same level in relevant academic disciplines that are related to social science research and have established expertise in research and evaluation. Degrees and expertise can be from a number of areas relevant to ACF programs and family and child well-being, including (but not limited to) health, education, psychology, and social sciences. They may be newly graduated from their doctoral (or doctoral-equivalent program) or range in experience from senior researchers to faculty members;

2. have an excellent academic record;

3. be ready to locate to the Washington, DC area;

4. pass Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) credentialing check prior to beginning their fellowships.

Final selection will be made by the award recipient. Once the fellows have been selected, the award recipient will assist fellows in finding assignments within the federal government that will expose them to public policy issues related to their area of interest. There may be a limited number of assignments or the fellows' qualification may not match to the available assignments.

During the recruitment process, fellows must be clearly informed that final placements depends on their continued interest, match to the placement requirements, and available funding.

Supervision, Mentoring, and Administration.

The award recipient will:

1. supervise the fellows;

2. maintain communication with the fellows’ assigned federal offices and agencies to identify and resolve any challenges in a timely manner;

3. determine and pay for the fellows' salary or stipends, benefits, and other expenses related to the fellowship;

4. track the funding for each statutory authority;

5. provide career mentorship for the fellows, including guidance on networking with peers and other advanced researchers in the child development research field and understanding the policy-research connection; and

6. provide administrative oversight as employers of the fellows, and ensure that a significant amount of the award funds is used for fellows’ salaries.

Professional Development Activities. The fellows benefit not only from the direct exposure to a policy environment, but also through the activities planned by the award recipient. The professional development activities should be consistent with the goals of the fellowship grant award.

The award recipient will:

1. ensure that the fellows’ activities and opportunities are of high-quality, enriching, and relevant to programs serving low-income children and families.

2. provide fellows with peer networking activities, so they may benefit from each other’s experiences;

3. arrange for professional development activities to support fellows' understanding of public policy and its intersection with child development research, including reimbursement for conference attendance and/or materials;

4. maintain a standing in the child development research community that provides for visibility among potential fellowship candidates and that assures the fellows of an experience that will enhance their professional development;

5. maintain connections to both top researchers in child development and policy makers to inform the fellows on the state of the field or career information;

6. provide Child Development Research fellows with access to a range of workshops and lectures, such as activities provided under the aegis of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, including orientation to the federal government and budget process, professional development in methods and evaluation, and networking with other science fellows.

Applied Policy Research Exposure. As part of their professional development, fellows will be provided with opportunities and resources to engage with researchers within a policy environment, either in ACF’s OPRE or in another agency conducting or utilizing related research, such as the Office of Child Care, the Office of Head Start, or the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation within HHS.It is expected that the number of fellows will vary from year to year; approximately six fellows may be accommodated in a single year. The exact number will vary, depending on award recipient discretion, availability of qualified fellows, and the availability of funding. Fellows will engage on a full-time basis for a period of 1 year (with a possible second or third year at the discretion of the award recipient and depending on funding availability). Federal staff expect to maintain substantial involvement in the implementation of the fellowship program, as described in Section II. Description of ACF's Anticipated Substantial Involvement Under the Cooperative Agreement.

II. Federal Award Information

Funding Instrument Type:

CA (Cooperative Agreement) Estimated Total Funding:

$1,500,000 Expected Number of Awards:

Award Ceiling:

$1,500,000 Per Budget Period

Award Floor:

$1,000,000 Per Budget Period

Average Projected Award Amount:

$1,000,000 Per Budget Period

Anticipated Project Start Date:

09/30/2024 Length of Project Periods:

60-month project period with five 12-month budget periods

Additional Information on Project Periods and Explanation of 'Other'

Additional Information on Awards:

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

Applications requesting an award amount that exceeds the Award Ceiling per budget period, or per project period, as stated in this section, will be disqualified from the merit review and funding under this funding opportunity. Please see Section III.3. Other, Application Disqualification Factors.

Fellows' activities will be funded from a federal funding stream specific to the activities to which they are connected. OPRE will consult with award recipient to identify the appropriate funding streams linked to a fellows' placement and set of activities. Once the cooperating agency or office sites are known, it is necessary for the grant award recipient to record expenditures for each funding stream for the Child Development Research Fellowship Program.

Activities for each fellow must be in accordance with the distinct purposes of each statutory authority noted in this section. Each fellow will be assigned activities supported by one funding source.

Each budget year, OPRE will notify the award recipient of research activities that are available for fellows, the specific funding sources linked to the activities, and amounts available. For fiscal year (FY) 2024, the ceiling on funds for the award will be $1.5 million, which includes administrative and oversight costs. The number of fellows expected for each funding source in FY 2024 are noted below within the descriptions of each funding authority.

For the funding of the Fellowship program, the funds are authorized separately as cited here:

•Section 658O(a)(5) of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C.

9858m(a)(5)). Eligible activities under this statutory authority are research and evaluation activities. The Child Care and Development Block are "research and demonstration activities, as well as periodic external, independent evaluations of the impact of the program described by this subchapter on increasing access to child care services and improving the safety and quality of child care services, using scientifically valid research methodologies..." In FY 2024, OPRE expects there to be sufficient research activities for three fellows funded under this authority.

Section 649 of the Head Start Act, as amended by the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007, codified at 42 U.S.C. 9844. Eligible activities under this statutory authority are research and evaluation activities to “(a) foster continuous improvement in the quality of the Head Start programs and in their effectiveness in enabling participating children and their families to succeed in school and otherwise, and (b) use Head Start programs to develop, test, and disseminate new ideas based on existing scientifically valid research, for addressing the needs of low-income preschool children…” Head Start programs focus on supporting the whole-child development, including social, emotional and cognitive, and the context of child development (e.g., parenting, pedagogy and family well-being. etc.). For FY 2024, OPRE expects there to be sufficient research activities for three fellows funded through this authority

•Title IV, Part A, section 403(a)(2) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 603(a)(2)]. Eligible activities under this authority includes "conducting and supporting research and demonstration projects." Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood activities include a focus on the quality and well-being of the primary context of child development (e.g., parenting, co-parenting, family relationships, attachment, etc.). For example, Responsible Fatherhood funding contributed to work promoting father involvement in child welfare cases to improve child outcomes and facilitate placement decisions. For FY 2024, OPRE expects there to be sufficient research activities for one fellow funded under this authority.

Funds must be spent in a manner consistent with eligible activities identified in legislation for each of these authorized funding sources. The award recipient will be required to separately track the expenditure of funds related to each authority and their associated activities (i.e., Head Start funds, Child Care funds, Healthy Marriage/Responsible Fatherhood funds). In addition, the administrative costs for managing project activities and budget must also be allocated to each relevant funding source. Budgets and financial records and progress reports must accurately reflect proportionate expenditure of funding on eligible activities.

The recipient will identify final award amounts for each fellow along with each associated funding source based on rates appropriate to the fellows' expertise and qualifications and to the organizational and administrative costs, consistent with the standard rates of the award recipient.

The project period for the award will be up to 5 years. The initial grant award will be for the first 12-month budget period. Awards in subsequent years are dependent on the award recipient's eligibility status, satisfactory progress of the fellows and the award recipient, and funding availability. See Section IV.2. Budget and Budget Justification for further information about budget information required in the proposal.

Description of ACF's Anticipated Substantial Involvement Under the Cooperative Agreement Award

Upon award, federal staff will facilitate those portions of fellows’ activities that involve engagement with federal agencies. Federal staff will:

1. annually notify the award recipient of research activities that are available for fellows, the specific funding sources linked to the activities, and amounts available;

2. participate in the process of facilitating engagement of the selected fellow(s) with appropriate agencies;

3. provide necessary on-site resources for fellows engaged with an agency;

4. assist the award recipient in identifying projects of interest for the fellows;

5. provide mentoring, but not day-to-day supervision, to the fellow(s);

6. work with the award recipient organization to develop goal statements for fellows engaged with a federal agency;

7. provide input feedback to the award recipient organization concerning the fellows' activities and performance in the federal context; and

8. participate with the award recipient organization in the development of advertising and promotional materials and refinement of the equitable plan for recruitment of fellows. As requested, federal staff will provide feedback on the grant award recipient. The federal placement will initiate HSPD-12 credentialing processing for each fellow. Participating federal offices will assess potential fellows' qualification to ensure a match and best placement to the available assignments.

III. Eligibility Information

III.1. Eligible Applicants Eligibility under the Child Development Research Fellowship NOFO is defined under the multiple statutory authorities:

•Section 649 of the Head Start Act, (42 U.S.C. 9844). Eligible applicants under this authority are "public or private entities."

•Section 658O(a)(5) of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C.

9858m(a)(5)) does not specify or limit eligibility for research, demonstration, or evaluation activities.

•Title IV, part A, section 403(a)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 603(a)(2)). Eligible applicants under this authority are "public and private entities."

This award is for an organization to lead the Child Development Research Fellowship Program. The organization must be a Professional Membership Organization for researchers who can support the Child Development Research Fellowship Program. A professional membership organization aims to support individuals professionally and aid them in progressing within their career/profession.

Applications from individuals (including sole proprietorships) and foreign entities are not eligible and will be disqualified from the merit review and funding under this funding opportunity. See Section III.3. Other, Application Disqualification Factors.

Faith-based and community organizations that meet the eligibility requirements are eligible to receive awards under this funding opportunity. Faith-based organizations may apply for this award on the same basis as any other organization, as set forth at and, subject to the protections and requirements of 45 CFR Part 87 and 42 U.S.C. 2000bb et seq., ACF will not, in the selection of recipients, discriminate against an organization on the basis of the organization's religious character, affiliation, or exercise.

Reference to Legal Status See Section IV.2. Legal Status of Applicant Entity for documentation required to support eligibility.

III.2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement:

No See Section IV.2. The Project Budget and Budget Justification, Commitment of Non-Federal Resources for more information.

III.3. Other

Application Disqualification Factors Applications from individuals (including sole proprietorships) and foreign entities are not eligible and will be disqualified from the merit review and funding under this funding opportunity.

Award Ceiling Disqualification

Applications that request an award amount that exceeds the Award Ceiling per budget period or per project period, as stated in Section II. Federal Award Information, will be disqualified from the merit review and funding under this funding opportunity. This disqualification applies only to the Award Ceiling listed for the first 12-month budget period for projects with multiple budget periods. If the project and budget period are the same, the disqualification applies to the Award Ceiling listed for the project period.

Required Electronic Application Submission

ACF requires electronic submission of applications at Grants.gov. Paper applications received that have not been approved for an exemption from required electronic submission will be disqualified from the merit review and funding under this funding opportunity.

If you do not have an internet connection or sufficient capacity to upload large documents to the internet you may contact ACF for an exemption that will allow you to submit your application in paper format. Information and the requirements for requesting an exemption from required electronic application submission are found in "ACF Policy for Requesting an Exemption from Electronic Application Submission."

Missing the Application Deadline (Late Applications)

The deadline for electronic application submission is 11:59 pm ET on the due date listed in the Overview and in Section IV.4. Submission Dates and Times. Electronic applications submitted to Grants.gov after 11:59 pm ET on the due date, as indicated by a dated and time-stamped email from Grants.gov, will be disqualified from the merit review and funding under this funding opportunity.

Applications submitted to Grants.gov which fail their validation check, will not be received at, or acknowledged by ACF. If you submit an application for the same NOFO more than once, only the last on-time submission will be acknowledged.

Paper applications with an approved exemption from the electronic submission requirement must be received by 4:30 pm ET on the due date listed in the Overview and in Section IV.4. Submission Dates and Times. Paper applications received after 4:30 pm ET on the due date will be disqualified from the merit review and funding under this funding opportunity.

Professional Membership Organization Disqualification Factor

This award is for an organization to lead the Child Development Research Fellowship Program.

The applicant must be a Professional Membership Organization for researchers who can support the Child Development Research Fellowship Program. Professional Membership Organizations aim to support individuals professionally and aid them in progressing within their career/profession. The applicant must submit documentation demonstrating that they are a https://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ACF_Policy_for_Requesting_an_Exemption_from_Required_Electronic_FINAL_0.pdf https://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ACF_Policy_for_Requesting_an_Exemption_from_Required_Electronic_FINAL_0.pdf

Professional Membership Organization. Applicants that do not submit the documentation will be disqualified from competitive review and award under this NOFO. See Section IV.2. The Project Description for guidance on acceptable documentation.

Notification of Application Disqualification Applicants will be notified of a disqualification determination by email or by USPS postal mail within 30 federal business days from the closing date of this NOFO.

IV. Application and Submission Information

IV.1. Address to Request Application Package Wendy DeCourcey Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation Administration for Children and Families Department of Health and Human Services Mary Switzer Building 330 C Street SW.

Washington

DC

20024

(202) 260-2039 CDResearch@icfi.com Application Packages

Electronic Application Submission:

The electronic application submission package is available in the NOFO's listing at Grants.gov.

IV.2. Content and Form of Application Submission

FORMATTING APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS

Notice of Two-File Requirement Applicants applying via Grants.gov must upload only two electronic files, excluding Standard Forms (SFs) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB)-approved forms. Additional files will be removed prior to the merit review.

FOR ALL APPLICATIONS:

Signature of Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) Each applicant must designate an authorized organization representative (AOR) with authority to act on the organization’s behalf on matters related to the application submission and administration of awards. The AOR signature must appear on all forms in which a signature is required. By signing, the AOR agrees the organization will abide by all applicable Federal statutes, regulations and terms and conditions of the award.

Accepted Font Style and Size Applications must be in Times New Roman 12-point font, except for footnotes, which may be 10-point font. Pages that contain blurred or illegible text will be removed.

If documents must be scanned, the font size on any scanned documents must be large enough so that it is readable. You may not scan more than one page of a documents onto a single page.

Pages with blurred text will be removed from the application.

English Language Applications must be submitted in the English language and must be in the terms of United States (U.S.) dollars. See 45 CFR §75.111 for more information.

Page Limitations You must observe the page limitation(s) listed under "PAGE LIMITATIONS AND CONTENT FOR ALL SUBMISSION FORMATS" later in this section. Page limitation(s) do not include SFs and OMB-approved forms.

All applications must be double-spaced. An application that exceeds the cited page limitation for double-spaced pages will have extra pages removed, and those pages will not be reviewed.

Application Elements Exempted from Double-Spacing Requirements The following elements of the application submission are exempt from the double-spacing requirements and may be single-spaced:

• Table of Contents

• One-page Project Summary

• Required Assurances and Certifications

• SFs and OMB-approved forms

• Resumes, Logic Models, Proof of Legal Status/Non-Profit Status, Third-Party

Agreements, Letters of Support, footnotes and tables

• Line-Item Budget and/or the Budget Justification

Adherence to NOFO Formatting, Font, and Page Limitation Requirements Applications that fail to adhere to ACF’s NOFO formatting, font, and page limitation requirements will be adjusted by the removal of page(s) from the application. Pages will be removed before the merit review and will not be made available to reviewers.

NOTE: Applicants failing to adhere to ACF’s NOFO formatting, font, and page limitation requirements will receive a letter from ACF notifying them that their application was amended.

The letter will be sent after awards have been issued and will specify the reason(s) for removal of page(s).

Corrections/Updates to Submitted Applications When applicants revise a previously submitted application, ACF will accept only the last on-time application for pre-review under the Application Disqualification Factors. See Section III.3.

Other, Application Disqualification Factors and Section IV.2. Application Submission Options.

Copies Required Applicants must submit one complete copy of the application package electronically. Applicants must follow the registration and application submission instructions provided at Grants.gov.

Accepted Application Format With the exception of the required SFs and OMB-approved forms, all application materials must be formatted so that they are 8 ½" x 11" white paper with 1-inch margins all around.

If possible, applicants are encouraged to include page numbers for each page within the application.

PAGE LIMITATIONS AND CONTENT FOR ALL SUBMISSION FORMATS:

Applications must be 85 pages or less in total (across both files). Required SFs (including SF- 424, SF-424A, SF-424B, Assurances, or other OMB-approved forms) do not count within the file or page limitations. For the SF-424 Key Contact Form, please include addresses, phone and fax numbers, and email addresses for the Project Director and the organization's Authorized Organization Representative (person who signs the SF-424 and SF-425). Do not include staff who are only temporarily supporting application development.

We require organizing the two files as listed below. Pages must be numbered consecutively within each file.

The Narrative File (File One) must include:

1.Project Summary: one page single-spaced

2.Table of Contents: The table of contents must include a listing of the appendices.

3.Project Description/Narrative Statement: The project description should address the information requested in Section IV.2. The Project Description. The description will be reviewed using the evaluation criteria listed in Section V.1. Criteria.

4.Budget and Budget Narrative Justification: A detailed budget for the first year of funding must be included. The SF-424A form should reflect the first year of funding. See Section IV.2. The Project Description for additional budget and budget narrative information required in the proposal. Administrative costs for managing project activities and budget must also be allocated to each relevant funding source.

The Appendix File (File Two). Pages must be numbered consecutively within the file. The Appendix File (File Two) must include

1.Documentation that shows the applicant is a Professional Membership Organization for researchers who can support the Child Development Research Fellowship Program. See Section IV.2. The Project Description.

2.Organizational Charts

3.Resumes for Project Director(s) and other key staff

4.Proof of Legal Status (if applicable)

5.Job Descriptions for positions not filled

6.Third Party Agreements (if applicable)

ELECTRONIC APPLICATION SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

You are required to submit applications electronically unless you have received an exemption that will allow submission in paper format. See Section IV.2. Application Submission Options for information about requesting an exemption.

Electronic applications will only be accepted via Grants.gov. ACF will not accept applications submitted via email or via facsimile.

Each applicant is required to upload ONLY two electronic files, excluding SFs and OMB-approved forms.

File One: Must contain the entire Project Description, and the Budget and Budget Justification (including a line-item budget and a budget narrative).

File Two: Must contain all documents required in the Appendices.

Formatting Submission Files ACF strongly recommends that File One and File Two be uploaded as Portable Document Files (PDFs).

To adhere to the two-file requirement, you may need to convert and/or merge documents together using a PDF converter software. Applicants using Adobe Acrobat Reader software will be able to merge these documents together. ACF recommends merging documents electronically rather than scanning multiple documents into one document manually.

Applicants must ensure that the version of Adobe Acrobat Reader they are using is compatible with Grants.gov. To verify Adobe software compatibility please go to Grants.gov and click on “Applicants” at the top bar menu and select “Adobe Software Compatibility."

Naming Application Submission Files Carefully observe the file naming conventions required by Grants.gov. Limit file names to 50 characters (characters and spaces).Please also see https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/submitting-utf-8-special-characters.html.

Use only file formats supported by ACF While ACF supports all of the following file formats, we strongly recommend that the two files (Project Description and Appendices) are uploaded as PDFs in order to comply with https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/submitting-utf-8-special-characters.html the two-file upload limitation.

ACF supports the following file formats:

• Adobe PDF – Portable Document Format (.pdf)

• Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx)

• Microsoft Excel (.xls or .xlsx)

• Microsoft PowerPoint (.ppt)

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

Documents in file formats not listed here will be removed from the application and will not be used in the merit review. This may make the application incomplete, and ACF will not make awards based on an incomplete application.

Do Not Encrypt or Password-Protect the Electronic Application Files If ACF cannot access submitted electronic files because they are encrypted or password protected, the affected file will not be reviewed. This may make the application incomplete, and ACF will not make awards based on an incomplete application.

REQUIREMENTS FOR PAPER APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS:

You must receive an exemption in order for a paper application to be accepted for review. For more information on the exemption, see "ACF Policy for Requesting an Exemption from Required Electronic Application Submission."

Applicants with an approved exemption for paper application submission should download the forms package associated with the NOFO's Synopsis on Grants.gov under the Package tab.

All copies of mailed paper applications must be submitted in a single package. If an applicant is submitting multiple applications under a single NOFO, or multiple applications under separate NOFOs, each submission must be packaged separately. The package(s) must be clearly labeled with the NOFO title and Funding Opportunity Number.

Applicants must submit one original and two copies of the complete application, including all SFs and OMB-approved forms. The original copy must have original signatures. Copies of the application, not the original, will be reproduced by the federal government for review. All application materials must be one-sided for duplication purposes. All pages in the application submission must be sequentially numbered.

Required Forms, Assurances, and Certifications Applicants seeking an award under this funding opportunity must submit the listed SFs, assurances, and certifications with the application. All required SFs, assurances, and certifications are available in the Application Package posted for this NOFO at Grants.gov.

https://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ACF_Policy_for_Requesting_an_Exemption_from_Required_Electronic_FINAL_0.pdf https://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ACF_Policy_for_Requesting_an_Exemption_from_Required_Electronic_FINAL_0.pdf

Forms/Assurances/Certifications Submission Requirement Notes/Description

SF-424 - Application for Federal Assistance

Submission is required for all applicants by the application due date.

Required for all applications.

Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM) registration.

Required of all applicants.

Applicants must have a UEI and maintain an active SAM registration throughout the application and project award period.

Obtain a UEI and SAM registration at:

http://www.sam.g ov.

See Section IV.3. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM) for more information.

SF-424 Key Contact Form

Submission is required for all applicants by the application due date.

Required for all applications.

Certification Regarding Lobbying (Grants.gov Lobbying Form)

Submission required of all applicants with the application package. If it is not submitted with the application package, it must be submitted prior to the award of a grant.

Submission of the certification is required for all applicants.

https://www.sam.gov/

SF-424A - Budget Information - Non- Construction Programs and SF-424B - Assurances - Non- Construction Programs

Submission is required for all applicants when applying for a non-construction project. SFs must be used. Forms must be submitted by the application due date.

By signing and submitting the

SF-424B,

applicants are making the appropriate certification of their compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination

Required for all applications when applying for a non-construction project.

SF-Project/Performance Site Location(s) (SF-P/PSL)

Submission is required for all applicants by the application due date.

Required for all applications. In the SF-P/PSL, applicants must cite their primary location and up to 29 additional performance sites.

SF-LLL - Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

If submission of this form is applicable, it is due at the time of application. If it is not available at the time of application, it may also be submitted prior to the award of a grant.

If any funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a member of Congress in connection with this commitment providing for the United States to insure or guarantee a loan, the applicant shall complete and submit the SF-LLL, "Disclosure Form to

Report Lobbying," in accordance with its instructions.

Additional Required Assurances and Certifications Mandatory Grant Disclosures All applicants and recipients are required to submit, in writing, to ACF and the HHS Office of the Inspector General, all information related to violations of federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the federal award. (Mandatory Disclosures, 45 CFR § 75.113)

Disclosures must be sent in writing to:

The Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Grants Management, ATTN: Grants Management Specialist, 330 C Street, SW., Switzer Building, Corridor 3200, Washington, DC 20201

And to:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, ATTN:

Mandatory Grant Disclosures, Intake Coordinator, 330 Independence Avenue, SW., Cohen Building, Room 5527, Washington, DC 20201

Fax: (202) 205-0604 (Include “Mandatory Grant Disclosures” in subject line) or Email: grantdisclosures@oig.hhs.gov

Proprietary Information and Personally Identifiable Information (PII) ACF will be using non-federal reviewers in the review process. You have the option of omitting from the application copies (not the original) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals specified in the application budget as well as Social Security Numbers, if otherwise required for individuals. The copies may include summary salary information. If applications are submitted electronically, ACF will omit the same specific salary rate information from copies made for use during the review process.

The Project Description The Project Description Overview

General Expectations and Instructions The Project Description requests the information by which an application is evaluated and ranked in competition with other applications for financial assistance. It must address all activities for which federal funds are being requested and all application requirements as stated in this section. The Project Description must explain how the project will meet the purpose of the NOFO, as described in Section I. Program Description. As a reminder, reviewers will be evaluating this section in accordance with Section V.1. Criteria.

mailto:grantdisclosures@oig.hhs.gov

The Project Description must be clear, concise, and complete. ACF is particularly interested in Project Descriptions that convey strategies for achieving intended performance. Project Descriptions are evaluated on the basis of substance and measurable outcomes, not length.

Cross-referencing should be used rather than repetition. Supporting documents designated as required must be included in the Appendix of the application.

Letter of Intent Applicants are strongly encouraged to notify ACF of their intention to submit an application under this NOFO. The letter of intent is optional. Failure to submit a letter of intent will not impact eligibility to submit an application and will not disqualify an applicant from the merit review. Letter of intent information will be used to determine the number of expert reviewers needed to evaluate applications.

Please submit a letter of intent by the deadline date listed in Section IV.4. Submission Dates and Times. The letter of intent should include the following information: number and title of this funding opportunity; the name and address of the applicant organization; and the name, phone number, fax number and email address of a contact person.

Please email CDResearch@icfi.com and use "HHS-2024-ACF-OPRE-PH-0157 CDRF" in the subject line.

Table of Contents List the contents of the application including corresponding page numbers. The table of contents may be single spaced.

Project Summary Provide a summary of the project description. The summary must include a brief description of the applicant's proposed project including the needs to be addressed, the proposed activities or services, and if applicable, the population group(s) to be served. The summary must be clear, accurate, concise, and without cross-references to other parts of the application. Please place the following at the top of the Project Summary:

• Project Title

• Applicant Name

• Address

• Contact Phone Numbers (Voice, Fax, Cell)

• Email Address

• Website Address, if applicable

The Project Summary must be single-spaced, Times New Roman 12-point font, and limited to one page in length. Additional pages will be removed and will not be reviewed.

Legal Status of Applicant Entity Applicants must provide the following documentation:

Non-Profit Organizations

Proof of Non-Profit Status Options:

mailto:CDResearch@icfi.com

Option 1: 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3) non-profit organizations are eligible Non-profit organizations applying for funding are required to submit proof of their non-profit status. Proof of non-profit status is any one of the following:

• A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the IRS's most recent list of tax-exempt organizations described in the IRS Code.

• A copy of a currently valid IRS tax-exemption certificate.

• A statement from a state taxing body, state attorney general, or other appropriate state official certifying that the applicant organization has non-profit status and that none of the net earnings accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.

• A certified copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit status.

• Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a state or national parent organization and a statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-profit affiliate.

Unless directed otherwise, applicants must include proof of non-profit status in the Appendices file of the application submission.

For-Profits and Small Businesses For-profit organizations (including small businesses) applying for funding must submit the following to provide proof of their legal status: Documentation establishing the power granted to the entity to enter into contractual relationships and/or accept awards (i.e., articles of incorporation, bylaws).

Small Businesses Small businesses must submit a certification signed by the chief executive officer or designee that states that the entity qualifies as a small business under 13 CFR §§ 121.101- 121.201.

Additional Eligibility Documentation Applicants must provide the additional, required documentation, or required credentials, to support eligibility for an award, as described in Section III. Eligibility Information of this funding opportunity.

Applicant needs to provide documentation that they are a Professional Membership Organization for researchers who can support the Fellowship. Professional Membership Organizations aim to support individuals professionally and aid them in progressing within their career/profession.

Appropriate documentation could include, but is not limited to:

• Evidence that professional development is one of the primary goals of the applicant organization (e.g., mission statement, website screenshots, documentation of professional development activities for child development researchers).

• Evidence that child development researchers are members of the applicant organization (e.g., professional background breakdown of organization's membership).

Expected Outcomes Identify the outcomes to be achieved from the project. Outcomes should relate to the overall program as described in Section I. Program Description. If research is part of the proposed work, outcomes must include hypothesized results and implications of the proposed research.

Approach Outline a plan of action that describes the scope and detail of how the proposed project will be accomplished. Applicants must account for all functions or activities identified in the application.

Cite potential obstacles and challenges to accomplishing project goals and explain strategies that will be used to address these challenges.

In describing their approach, the applicant should demonstrate their understanding of:

• implementation of the activities and goals in the grant award program (see Section I.

Program Description) including recruitment, selection, and identifying and defining appropriate activities and placements for the fellowship. Expected outcomes for the project should be clear and linked to objectives and to steps in the applicant's plan for successfully establishing and maintaining the fellowship throughout the project period;

• who would be appropriate for fellowships and how the organization will recruit nationally for a pool of potential applicants; how the recruitment plan will encourage a diverse pool of applicants, and the process for revising and refining the recruitment plan annually;

• what a high-quality fellowship program will entail.

The applicant should provide their plan for providing professional development activities and opportunities for the fellows over the…