NDEP FOA Questions FINAL 20200131.pdf

01/31/2020

Q1: There is a discrepancy between the stated page limit for the technical application. Page 12 of the FOA states there is a 20-page limit, while Page 13 of the FOA states there is a 26-page limit for the contents of the technical application. What is the correct number of pages for the technical application?

Q2: For the page limit of the executive summary, it states a 5 page limit. If you add up the sections, it comes out 6.

Q3: The order in which the items required for the technical application are broken out on pages 12-13 is different from the order in which they are described beginning on page 15 and ending on page 19 of the FOA. Therefore, we have a question about the Facilities & Equipment section described on page 19 of the FOA. Is the Facilities & Equipment section of the technical application supposed to be included in the Responsibility section of the technical application?

The Facilities & Equipment description was not given its own page allocation in the breakdown on pages 12-13.

Q4: Under the technical application, it asks for a description of Facilities and Equipment, but there is not a page-limit indicated. Should this be included as a separate section or integrated into the responsibilities section? If a separate section, what is the page limit?

A1-4: The correct page limit is 6 for the executive summary and 27 for the technical application.

We will be adding a page to the technical application for facilities and equipment. We will also reorder so both lists on pages 12-13 and 15-19 match appropriately for ease. This change will be reflected in the updated FOA on pages 12-13.

Q5: Do we attach the 'Executive Summary' under the SF424 Project abstract form? The attached RFP gives detailed instructions on what should be included in the Executive summary, but does not explicitly state where it should be included in the application package.

A5: Executive Summary as well as the Technical Application should be attached to the Other Project Information form in Field 8 – Project Narrative.

Q6: The Workplan (Attachment I) asks for information related to research projects: Proposed Research, Research Scope, Research Questions and Objectives. If the proposed activities do not specifically include primary research, are these fields still required?

Q7: The work plan is limited 5 pages and the technical approach is limited to 8 pages. The work plan template appears to require sections on the proposed research, research scope, research questions and objectives, technical approach (methodology) and applying the approach.

a. If this is more programmatic than research and would have program evaluation but not research, would it still require these sections?

b. Should the technical approach in the workplan be summarized from the 8 page technical approach section of the proposal?

c. Should the Applying the Approach section of the workplan (for a non research grant) summarize the management approach or the metrics and evaluation or both?

Q8: On the template provided for the work plan, there are sections for proposed research, research scope, and research questions and objectives. Our understanding is that this call is to support STEM programming rather than research, is that correct? Would it be appropriate to replace the headings with Proposed Program, Program Scope, and Program Goals and Objective?

A6-8: This is a standardized form for the Department. Yes, these reports are still expected with the proposed programs goals, objectives, and a timeline for when these activities are expected to be completed.

Q9: Are diagrams, logic model and tables also required to be at 12-pt font or can they be 10-pt?

Q10: Can we include pictures, screen shots and graphs in the narrative?

A9-10: The requirement is for 12pt font for the proposal. Pictures can be used however this will include page limits.

Q11: Page 38 of the Grant Application is page 2 of the Work Plan entitled Section 4. Property Reports. It states: “The Grantee shall submit annual inventory listing to all equipment in excess of $5,000 acquired under this grant.”

Could you please clarify if we need to itemize:

a. The total cost of an equipment “group” of the same item (e.g. copy paper for our grant at $55.00/box x 10 boxes = $5,500) or

b. Only singular item cost that exceeds $5,000 (e.g. single computer workstation = $5,100)?

Rationale: If total cost of a group of items as listed in a. above, we may be itemizing consumables like notebook and papers used in conducting STEM workshops/education.

A11: Only individual items in excess of $5000 should be reported.

Q12: The FOA says that the maximum amount of funding is $3M, but budgets exceeding $3M will be entertained. Is the expectation that if the budget exceeds $3M that sufficient justification for this excess budget is provided? Is there a need to connect with the POC if the budget exceeds $3M?

Q13: Are any specific approvals required prior to submitting a boarder, larger community proposals to this funding opportunity? If so, please let us know the process for securing such approval. If you need some additional information regarding our planned approach, we’d be happy to provide it or discuss it as necessary.

Q14: Are there any funding limits or guidelines you can share regarding broader proposals?

Q15: May we submit a proposal which provides for a longer period of performance and/or calls for annual project funding beyond the duration of 3 years per the funding opportunity?

A12-15: If there’s an excess of requested funds over $3M or larger community effort, you will need to include an explanation and the Department will reach out as necessary. The period of performance is stated on pages 1, 4, and 8 which is three years.

Q16: What is the size of the overall grant initiative; how many funds are available to apply for?

Q17: What is the approximate number of grants that will be awarded?

Q18: Will proposals for an amount less than the Award Floor be considered or will they be disqualified?

A16-18: DoD intends to award multiple grants, subject to the availability of funds. Each individual award will be up to a maximum of $3,000,000, for a period of up to three (3) years.

Applications for larger amounts may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Applications for less than $3,000,000 will be accepted as well.

Q19: Is this the first time this program has been competed? And do you expect to hold a competition for this program in 2021?

A19: As stated on pages 1, 4, and 8 of the FOA, “DoD intends to award multiple grants, subject to the availability of funds.”

Q20: On page 8, it states, “Under this FOA competition, DoD intends to award multiple grants…” Will the actual contract vehicle be a cooperative agreement (similar to the one the Army awarded to Battelle for the Army Educational Outreach Program), or will it be a grant?

A20: This will be individual grants.

Q21: What grades/ages constitute “pre-college” in this case?

A21: Anything K-12.

Q22: Is there a limit on the number of letters of support that could be included with the application?

A22: No, there is no limit on the number of letters of support.

Q23: Where can I find more information on the National Defense Education Program (NDEP) for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education, Outreach, and Workforce Initiative Programs?

A23: On page 4 of the FOA, we included a link to the DoD STEM website for “STEM Education Programs” (https://dodstem.us/stem-programs). The user will have to click on “Learn More” under each education level to see the programs across the Department.

Q24: Is it allowable to use grant funds to provide scholarships to undergraduate students identified as underrepresented populations in STEM related degree programs?

Q25: Do you encourage curricula development in support of work-force development in the priority areas listed? Can we utilize the STEM for college scholarships in these areas?

Q26: Page1 lists scholarship as a funding type. Would scholarships (tuition room and board) for military-connected or underrepresented minority students to attend a summer, college-level, intro engineering course for high school students be acceptable?

Q27: Can grant funds be used to pay for tuition for students?

Q28: The FOA mentions education outcomes and preparing the workforce, but is the DoD seeking particular credentials or credentialing levels to meet these outcomes, or is the project seeking a wide range of education levels?

A24-28: The Department has scholarship programs such as SMART, NDSEG, and others, which students can apply. This FOA is for new and innovative, programmatic proposals that will help the Department fill and support gaps, which could include curricula development and workforce development.

Q29: Is the following Funding Opportunity part of DoDEA or is this for a different population?

A29: No, this is not part of DoDEA. On page 1 of the FOA states that this is funding “on behalf of The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense, Research and Engineering – Laboratories and Personnel OUSD(R&E)/L&P”.

Q30: Can for-profit entities be part of a proposal?

Q31: Does industry not profit make my organization qualified to apply for this opportunity?

Q32: Does this FOA typically fund programs that provide services to students or teachers? As we are a non-educational non-profit organization, I wanted to verify if we are eligible to submit an application to be considered for funding.

Q33: Will you consider a new nonprofit in this space?

Q34: Are military installations eligible for subawards if they are working in partnership with the applicant?

Q35: Can we have Brookhaven National Laboratory, a FFRDC, receive a subaward as part of the project?

Q36: Can subcontractors be foreign charitable (nonprofit) organizations, if they are 501(c) equivalents operating in the US?

A30-36: Please refer to page 9 of the FOA. For-profit entities can submit a proposal. Defense laboratories, military universities, and warfare centers, as well as other Department of Defense and civilian agency laboratories, are not eligible to receive awards under this FOA and must not submit applications in response to this FOA. FFRDCs are not eligible to receive awards under this FOA. However, teaming arrangements between FFRDCs and eligible principle applicants are allowed under a sponsoring agreement. In addition, foreign entities will not be considered.

Q37: If only doing program evaluation (as opposed to research), and not planning to publish results…

a. Do we need an IRB, exemption or determination in advance?

b. Does DOD plan to publish the results?

A37: The proposal requires an IRB. Due to the nature of publically available funding, the results will be publically available as well.

Q38: Do you allow for "collaborative proposals" where multiple entities (and PIs) collaborate to submit a proposal and receive their funds separately to support their proposed work, is there only one main entity (with the PI) and other collaborators join as "sub-awardees" (Co-PIs) Q39: Our understanding of the FOA is that the proposal should be submitted with a lead PI identified with additional Co-PIs as appropriate rather than as a collaborative proposal with several Co-PIs. Is that correct?

Q40: Are there guidelines for the project director qualifications? Should preference be given to an expert in grant/program management, or STEM expert, or educator, or someone who has all these areas - solid program management, STEM experience, and education background?

Q41: How important is it that the PI have a PhD or an academic appointment?

A38-41: The goal of the proposal should be project driven, however, please refer to pages 7 and 18-19 of the FOA for information on letters of support, PI qualifications, and key personnel.

Recommend all work be described in as much detail as possible and include which entity will be doing specific work.

Q42: Is this opportunity for K-12 school districts or is it for universities in partnership with school districts?

A42: Both K-12 and university partnerships can apply.

Q43: Are the areas listed in page 5 the only area of priorities for this call; artificial intelligence, biotechnology and cyber security, or the call for all priorities listed at DoD site including space, Hypersonics and autonomous systems.

Q44: Do you encourage proposals that are comprehensive (covering several priority areas, and thus multi departments) vs. proposals with focused areas.

Q45: Will a successful application address all areas of STEM? Or is it reasonable to focus on one or several components, such as artificial intelligence/machine learning and cyber initiatives?

Q46: Does the grant want an education, outreach and workforce component in one application or is workforce separate?

Q47: Do proposals need to cover each of the DoD modernization priorities?

A43-47: Page 5 are examples and page 6 in the FOA contains a link to all the modernization priorities. This was a suggestion, not a requirement. The scope of the project is at the proposer’s discretion. Recommend having a clear vision in the proposal that is ready to implement upon award and complete within the parameters of the FOA.

Q48: Research equipment necessary for the proposed activities, and not available at the institution, is defined as an allowable cost. The activities that we are planning to propose would require such equipment acquisition. If we allocate 15% of the annual proposed budget to equipment/infrastructure that supports the project activities, is that a reasonable percentage?

Q49: Can the grant funds be used for the hiring of an additional staff member(s) in order to ensure our ability to execute the programs? If so, can this include wages, insurance, travel expenses?

Q50: Can this fund staffing for teacher training and coaching if it aligns with STEM initiatives that would be outlined and funded through this grant?

Q51: Are there any restrictions on the amount of full-time personnel cost (e.g. are we allowed to pay for teacher units that would be critical to implementing the program and is there a limit on % total that full-time personnel cost could be)?

Q52: Would the technical activity equipment used exclusively for the proposed project by the students be allowed for this project? One example could be mechatronics equipment for the students participating in the innovative career path program proposed for this project.

Q53: Within the 20-page technical application, the “financial breakdown” section is limited to 2-pages. What level of detail is required here? From the FOA: “It must include all figures, calculations, and supporting documentation for determining cost allowability, allocability and reasonableness” I’m not clear how we can include supporting documentation within the 2-page limit. How is this different from the budget justification that is uploaded as an attachment to the Research & Related Budget form? Is there a page limit for the budget justification?

Q54: Is it a best practice to have a third party/external evaluator as part of our team?

Q55: Can there be released time for some senior project personnel in the budget?

Q56: Is there a maximum percentage of grant funding allowed for personnel? Also, for outside evaluation?

Q57: Is an external evaluator required for this grant? If so, is there a percentage limitation for their services?

Q58: The scale of this opportunity will require significant administrative support to execute the depth and breadth of STEM focused activities. Under the Administrative and Clerical Labor budget category, what is a reasonable percentage of the annual $1 million budget that would be allowable for administrative support?

Q59: Under the Materials and Supplies budget category, is it allowable to procure computers for middle school students to learn computer science and engineering design? (Page 21 states that “For computer/laptop purchases and other general purpose equipment, if proposed, include a statement indicating how each item of equipment will be integrated into the program or used as an integral part of the research effort”) Q60: Page 21 Materials and Supplies asks for an itemized list of all proposed materials including unit prices and basis for estimate. Since this is K-12 STEM outreach, can we just provide basis for estimate based on previous times we’ve run similar program rather than unit prices since the engineering design materials may change year to year?

Q61: Does the grant allow for occupancy, furniture and equipment for the main office? Our intent would be to host specific workshops onsite with our education partners but we would work from a community base location for job readiness curriculum (soft skills training, etc.)

Q62: Are costs for guest teachers, while classroom teachers attend PD, allowable? If so, would that be considered personnel costs?

A48-62: Please refer to page 16 of the FOA for the financial breakdown in which applications will include a narrative explaining the budget details and page 20 for itemized budget information with detailed numbers. The percentage of the proposed budget used for equipment and personnel is at the proposer’s discretion. Recommend sustainability after the grant ends should be factored in when hiring staff.

Q63: Besides the expenses for the STEM activities, can part of the budget be allocated to support college students (including graduate students) that are assisting in the STEM activities?

Q64: Do you encourage teaming with other institutes -that do not have programs that support the priority areas- but are HBCU/MSI Q65: Can the STEM funds be utilized to support summer internships at DoD labs?

Q66: Would programs that build teacher quality and capacity to understand and better teach STEM and workforce skills be eligible?

Q67: Would programs that support teachers and directly provide curriculum resources for students be eligible?

Q68: Can this grant be awarded for the development of a program that is currently being piloted on a small scale, but would benefit from further development and scaling?

A63-68: Yes, as long as it fits in the parameters of the FOA.

Q69: We are private Christian 4-year liberal arts institution but strong in the areas of science and math. The guidelines state that institutions of higher learning may apply but I wanted clarification if there was any potential issue for us, being a strong faith-based institution.

A69: All higher institutions will be looked at accordingly.

Q70: How important is the voluntary cost-sharing?

Q71: If an applicant has a cost-sharing or matching arrangement with other funders and non-profit partners, is that allowable and considered favorable in the selection criteria?

Q72: On page 27, it states, “If offered, voluntary cost sharing may be considered as a demonstration of an offeror’s commitment to their proposed project.” However, voluntary cost sharing not a formal part of the source selection criteria. How important and how do you plan to assess an offeror’s commitment based on cost sharing? Do you have any guidelines for the amount of cost sharing?

A70-72: Cost sharing is a suggestion, not a requirement. Recommend all work is included in detail in the proposal stating which entity will be doing specific tasks and what the Departments funds specifically will be used for.

Q73: If the grant award assumes the start of the grant period in September 2020 (but is awarded in April and distributed in July), could associated costs between the time of the award and the estimated start date be included in the budget?

A73: Yes.

Q74: Would we be able to add subawards or move funds between subawards post-award? We sometimes find this necessary as needs of school districts shift during a project (our experience is with NSF grants rather than DoD contracts).

A74: Yes, modifications of the post-award must be justified and can occur at the proposer’s discretion.

Q75: Would grant funds cover non-capital cost of building renovations?

Q76: Would grant funds pay for the construction of a non-traditional building such as storage container building/complex?

Q77: Would grant funds cover the purchase of a vehicle to serve as a platform for a mobile lab?

A75-77: Please refer to page 21 of the FOA. Request will need to fit in the parameters of the

FOA.

Q78: I am writing to inquire if there is a need for us to submit a letter of intent to apply or if we need to do anything else prior to the 2/24/2020 deadline for the grant. I noticed that there was a deadline of 1/16/2020 11:59pm for questions regarding the application.

Q79: An "Application Inquiries and Questions" is scheduled for this RFA for January 16. What time will it be held and how do I access it - webinar, teleconference?

Q80: Is there a webinar recording and/or FAQ available describing priorities and best practices for applicants? If so, please share.

Q81: Are any previously awarded proposals available for viewing?

Q82: Do you have a database of projects awarded by this funding mechanism that would include abstracts or links to proposals? I am looking for examples of projects and proposals that have been funded so that we can confirm our project is in line with the funding requirements.

Q83: Is there a pre-bidder’s conference?

Q84: Is there a program officer available for a phone consultation regarding our concept? If so, who and how would we access this?

Q85: I was wondering if it would be possible for us to schedule a brief (30 minute) phone or video call to discuss the funding opportunity?

A78-85: Please submit proposal according to the guidelines in the FOA. January 16 was the last day to submit questions. There will not be a webinar before the deadline for this proposal. In addition, there are no proposals that we can share.

Q86: Are the forms required for compliance with Title IX due with the proposal or are these deliverables due after award?

Q87: I will appreciate assistance locating a required form mentioned on page 7 of the FOA:

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE REQUIREMENT

To evaluate compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 {20 U.S.C. A§ 1681 Et. Seq.), the Department of Defense is collecting certain demographic and career information to be able to assess the success rates of women who are proposed for key roles in applications in STEM disciplines. To enable this assessment, each application must include the following forms completed as indicated (Forms are located at https://www.grants.gov/forms/r-r-family.html).

I was not able to locate this form at the website link provided. Can you please direct me to the location of the form please?

A86-87: These forms are required with the submission of the application. The forms are accessed when completing the application via the Workspace on Grants.gov.

Q88: In the bullet below the wording of "military connected" and "dependents of an active Military Service member" are conflicting to us. In order to pull the proper data needed I am curious which population of students is the grant application looking for? Military-connected to us comes from our Federal Impact aid forms and includes children of reserve military members, active duty military members, students living on federal property, military contracted families.

Dependents of an active military service member is a subset of that group.

• Target military-connected students (dependents from preschool through college of an active Military Service member) and provide this unique population with the resources and encouragement to pursue careers in STEM Q89: Regarding the DoD’s desire to target military-connected children:

Does active military include DoD civilians, Civil Air Patrol, Reserves, and Guard?

Does the definition include children of non-activated Reserves and Guard?

Would it meet DoD’s priorities if the program serves other children, as long as the focus is on military-connected?

Q90: Could you please define military-connected families? Those at DOD schools or children of service members in local schools, children of reservists or children of civilian DOD families? For example Indian Head, MD has a Navy research center would those civilian families be included?

Would children of reservists at a public school be included?

A88-90: For military-connected we’re referring to children who are dependents of members of the Armed Forces. We will provide clarity by using the military child definition from FY2015 NDAA Section 233.

Q91: When and how would the funds be disbursed, should the grant be approved?

A91: Please refer to the schedule on page 26 of the FOA.

Q92: Is there a schedule of how/when the funds must be spent?

A92: Please refer to page 8 of the FOA for funding amount and period of performance and page 20 of the FOA for itemized budget information.

Q93: What time period would the reporting begin?

A93: Please refer to page 6 of the FOA. Reports will start one month after the date of award.

Q94: I am writing to inquire if there is a need for us to submit a letter of intent to apply or if we need to do anything else prior to the 2/24/2020 deadline for the grant. I noticed that there was a deadline of 1/16/2020 11:59pm for questions regarding the application.

A94: No, please submit proposal according to the guidelines in the FOA.

Q95: In the FOA it says that Executive Summaries will be used to down select applications.

Would the applicants that have been chosen to have their full applications reviewed be notified?

A95: Applicants will not be notified if they are or if they are not selected for further consideration.

Q96: To what degree does a military installation need to be involved in this project, e.g., what percent of program delivery must be on a military installation?

Q97: What percent of students served in this project need to be from "military families"?

Q98: Ideally, what percent of this DoD project would be school-based vs. community/military installation based?

Q99: Are grantees encouraged or limited to working with DOD schools or ROTC programs?

Q100: Can non-military connected students benefit from this funding opportunity?

Q101: Is this funding opportunity for underserved and underrepresented groups in the military or in society more generally?

Q102: In any application submitted should there be sufficient focus on STEM activities involving K-12 students?

Q103: Is the program interested in funding efforts that span STEM activities focused on K-12 through College?

Q104: The FOA says that they will accept applications that focus on formal and informal education? I assume that the focus can be on one or the other or both. Is this correct?

Q105: In terms of our application, is there a preference for individual divisions applying vs.

partnerships? We wondered about adding a university and business partner to our application but wanted to make sure that is allowed.

Q106: Are projects under HQ0034-20-S-FO01 required to be national, or can they be regional/statewide in scope?

Q107: Can funds could be allocated for student transportation to and from enrichment experiences?

Q108: Can grant funds be used to subsidize high school and/or community college students' wages/stipends for STEM internships?

Q109: Are looking for a more national reach on this grant. Are you looking mostly for programs that will be provided, or partnering with Public Schools and non-profits?

Q110: Will the funding go towards programs that are geared to Pre-K through middle school grades only?

Q111: Do you have a list of preferred strategic partners?

Q112: Is it an expectation that services be offered via an education institute partnership?

Q113: Is the Undergraduate, MS, and PhD student focus within scope for this solicitation? Is there an emphasis on one or more of these three for this solicitation?

Q114: On page 16 under technical approach, bullet 5 mentions engaging Defense labs as active participants. That was not explicitly mentioned in section II.C. program description, so want to understand how important that is.

Q115: If a program or (set of programs) is not new, but expanded or enhanced, would you still consider it to be creative, innovative or novel? How important are those review criteria compared to the others like experience, qualifications, reasonable budget?

Q116: On page 10 it states, “NOTE TO APPLICANTS: The Government seeks only applications that are relevant and responsive to the Funding Opportunity Description in Section II.

Applications that fail to address the areas listed in the Funding Opportunity Description will be rejected and not considered further.” Since Section II contains a variety of things like early academic education and manufacturing education programs for pre-college, do proposals do have to meet each of these?

Q117: For this STEM funding opportunity, we are partnering with a post-secondary training organization that issues certifications through a third party. Does this qualify as a institution of higher learning?

A96-117: This FOA is for new and innovative, programmatic proposals that will help the Department fill and support gaps. Examples provided in the FOA were a suggestion, not a requirement. The scope of the project is at the proposer’s discretion.

Q118: What are the expectations for the evaluation tools for a school district? Would state assessment, stakeholder surveys, program enrollment, or course success data be considered valid data instruments? If a proposed program involved project-based learning path (e.g. PLTW or another project-based learning STEM program), would district-created project-based assessment be a valid data collection tool for this proposal?

Q119: Is program evaluation required? If so, what percent of budget can go towards program evaluation?

Q120: Does the application review include criteria related to the level of evidence for the evaluation plan, as is laid out under ESSA, for example?

https://www.cde.ca.gov/re/es/evidence.asp Q121: What type of metrics are required? Counts of students, their gender and race/ethnicity, age or grade level? Post survey results? It will be difficult to track elementary, middle and even high school into college or post-secondary programs given the length of the grant and federal regulations like HIPAA and FERPA.

A118-121: Yes, program evaluation is required and the measured outcomes are at the proposer’s discretion. Please refer to page 17 & 18 of the FOA for reporting requirements, metrics, and evaluations.

Q122: Is there a sample or preferred matrix for the proposed budget?

A122: Yes, please refer to page 20 of the FOA there is a link to a specific template for this purpose.

Q123: Page seven of the FOA includes the following statement: ‘Grants do not include the delivery of software, prototypes, and other hardware deliverables.’ What is this referring to?

https://www.cde.ca.gov/re/es/evidence.asp

Can proposals include the development, or upgrade, of digital tools such as websites, mobile applications, or other web-based digital platforms to support grant activities?

Q124: The solicitation includes the phrase "Grants do not include the delivery of software". We are interpreting this to mean that DoD does not provide access to your software as part of a grant. We also assume that our project can create and provide software to teachers to use as part of curricular materials. (The software we provide is cloud-based, if that matters.)

Is this an accurate interpretation (we may provide a software deliverable, but DoD does not)?

A123-124: We are not requiring a software deliverable of any kind for this grant as long as what the proposer proposing in FOA. Upgrades to program websites and other activities are acceptable.

Q125: Is the idea here that we do research that’s related to progress against deliverables/milestones or are you interested in a full research & development design (RQs to advance a learning theory, experimental study, etc.)?

A125: It can be either one of these things as long as it’s within the parameters of the FOA.

Q126: Sustainability plan: is it allowable for us to establish a licensing fee or program fee that schools would need to pay in order to adopt and sustain our initiative? We are thinking about creating a program that would be eligible for Perkins V funding in order to sustain it.

Q127: How important is for the applicant to demonstrate institutionalization of the effort after the grant expires? Is it good enough to institutionalize parts of the effort?

Q128: Are new/pilot stage programs/curriculum eligible for funding or only proven, evaluated programs?

A126-128: This FOA is for new and innovative, programmatic proposals. Sustainability plans are at the proposer’s discretion. Use caution in sustainability plans for programs that have not been implemented or established.

Q129: Reports: Is the idea here that we acknowledge that we agree to follow all the requirements for reporting, listing each one and our agreement to complete them? Do we need to include any additional information other than this?

A129: Yes, the proposal must contain language stating how the proposer will manage and complete reporting details.

Q130: Could you please clarify “Implement a manufacturing education program at pre-college that prepares participants for realistic job previews” on page 6 of the solicitation?

Q131: What does the solicitation mean when it specifies “realistic job previews”?

A130-131: The idea is to teach the subject and inform the participants of the real world applications to include careers that the subject could be utilized in.

Q132: I could not get the Apply button to work; it is gray. Is that until the Q&A releases?

Q133: How can I get help with Work Space? I viewed the videos and believe I have completed everything bit may need a few minutes of technical assistance.

Q134: Some of the fields on .PDF forms were not usable and required editing. None of the text was changed. Is this acceptable? If not, where can I obtain forms that work properly?

A132-134: Applicants should reach out to Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov

Q135: Is a “manufacturing program” outreach or a Program of Study within a Career Pathway?

A135: Interested parties should focus programs on manufacturing education to support one or more distinct manufacturing technologies of DoD interest. Proposed efforts should develop and enhance curricula and programs to effectively develop skills sets needed for students to operate in multidisciplinary design and manufacturing environments, including those for which manufacturing schema are informed by computational tools for modeling and simulation.

Students also should be prepared to work effectively in environments where multiple engineering disciplines are engaged during design, development and manufacturing, and where the roles of manufacturers and suppliers in businesses of various sizes, from start-ups to major systems integrators, are optimized.

Q136: In the breakdown of the technical content of the proposal, on page 18, it states, “Applicants are required to provide information on all current and pending support for ongoing projects and applications …” Do we need to provide this information for all current and pending support for the entire college, or just for the projects that include Project Director / Principal Investigator / Key Personnel?

Q137: I am seeking clarification on page 18 of the “Overview of the Funding Opportunity,” it states that applicants “are required to provide information on all current and pending support for ongoing projects and applications … from whatever sources (e.g. DoD, Federal, State, local or foreign government agencies, public or private foundations, industrial or other commercial organizations).” Does this refer to the PI/Project Director and key personnel only (and not the institution)?

Q138: One question that we had in reviewing the announcement was in regards to "Current and Pending Project and Application Submissions". We have been fortunate enough to receive DoDEA Grants over the years. Some of those have ended years back while others will end in the next year or two. These grants are already in effective and are stand alone grants with no concurrent submissions. Are we required to provide information regarding those grants since there are no concurrent submissions?

A136-138: The Government is seeking information from institutions regarding applications and existing funded efforts that are related or complimentary to this FOA.

mailto:support@grants.gov

Q140: Are endowment funds unallowable under this project? My assumption is that using the funds for endowments are unallowable unless otherwise specified (e.g. the Department of Education’s Title III Strengthening Institutions Program, where endowments are specifically mentioned in the funding opportunity), but I wanted to confirm this. Some of our other youth outreach programs are sustained through endowments, so we were interested in possibly mirroring that model and kick-starting sustainability efforts in that way.

A140: Creating or supporting endowments is not allowable under this opportunity.

Q141: Is this opportunity being funded with Department of Defense basic research (budget category 6.1) appropriated funding? If so, is this considered a research grant or cooperative research agreement? This makes a difference for the universities in terms of which indirect rate they can charge.

A141: The funding for this FOA is basic research (6.1). The resulting award will be a grant, not a cooperative agreement.

Q142: Page 20 R&R and page 28 mentions “option.” Could you please explain what that means in the context of this FOA?

A142: “Options” refers to the periods of performance.

Q143: How long does the HRPO take to approve the assurance as appropriate for the “research” for a non-research grant? See page 35 F.c.

A143: DoD does not have any involvement in the HRPO in the process. If necessary, this is the responsibility of the proposer.