PKG00262801-instructions.pdf

U.S. Department of Education Office of Elementary and Secondary Education

Education Innovation and Research Washington, D.C. 20202-6200

Fiscal Year 2020

Application for New Grants Under

The Education Innovation and Research

CFDA 84.411C

Dated Material - Open Immediately

Closing Date: September 10, 2020

Approved OMB Number: 1894-0006 Expiration Date: 1/31/2021 ii

Paperwork Burden Statement

According to the Paperwork reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is: 1855-0021. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 30 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data resources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. The obligation to respond to this collection is voluntary. Send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S.

Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20210-4537 or email ICDocketMgr@ed.gov. Please do not return completed applications to this address.

If you have comments or concerns regarding the status of your individual submission of this application, please contact:

Ashley Brizzo Education Innovation and Research U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue SW, 3E344 Washington, DC 20202-6200 [Note: Please do not return the completed application to this address.] mailto:ICDocketMgr@ed.gov iii

Table of Contents

I. Program Background Information

Program Overview Frequently Asked Questions Applicant Guide Technical Assistance Workshops for Prospective Applicants

II. Application Submission Procedures

Submission Problems – What should you do?

Helpful Hints When Working with Grants.gov

Dial-Up Internet Connections

Application Transmittal Instructions Electronic Application Submission Checklist

Part 1: Preliminary Documents Part 2: Budget Information Part 3: ED Abstract Form Part 4: Project Narrative Attachment Form Part 5: Budget Narrative Part 6: Other Attachment Form Part 7: Assurances and Certifications Part 8: Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs (Executive Order 12372)

IV. Legal and Regulatory Information

Notice Inviting Applications Program Statute

Dear Colleague:

Thank you for your interest in the Education Innovation and Research program, administered by the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education (Department). This document includes information for applicants seeking funding for new grant projects in Fiscal Year 2020 under the Education Innovation and Research program, authorized under Title IV, Part F, Subpart 1 of the Elementary and Secondary Act, as amended. In Fiscal Year 2020, the Early-phase competition includes two grants-- Early-phase: Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) grants and Early-phase: Teacher-Directed Professional Learning Experiences grants. This document includes information for Early-phase: Teacher-Directed Professional Learning Experiences grants.

Please take the time to review the applicable priorities, selection criteria, and all the application instructions thoroughly. An application will not be evaluated for funding if the applicant does not comply with all the procedural rules that govern the submission of the application or the application does not contain the information required under the program (EDGAR §75.216 (b) and (c)).

For this competition please use the government-wide website, http://www.grants.gov, to apply.

We strongly encourage you to familiarize yourself with Grants.gov and strongly recommend that you register and submit early. To submit successfully, you must provide the DUNS number on your application that was used when you registered as an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) on Grants.gov. This DUNS number is typically the same number used when your organization registered with the SAM (www.sam.gov). If you do not enter the same DUNS number on your application as the DUNS you registered with, Grants.gov will reject your application. You can obtain your DUNS Number at no charge by calling 1 (800) 333-0505 or by completing a DUNS Number Request Form, which can be obtained at the following website:

http://www.dnb.com/US/duns_update/index.html.

Applications submitted to Grants.gov for the Department of Education will be posted using Adobe forms. Therefore, applicants will need to download a compatible version of Adobe reader if they wish to view successful applicants. Please review the Education Submission Procedures and Tips for Applicants form found within this package for further information and guidance.

Using FY 2020 funds, the Department expects to award approximately $178,600,000 for new grants across both Mid-phase and Early-phase Education Innovation and Research competitions.

We will award discretionary grants on a competitive basis for a project period of up to 60 months. Grants are expected to be awarded in December 2020 with a project start date of January 1, 2020.

Please visit our program website at https://oese.ed.gov/offices/office-of-discretionary-grants-support-services/innovation-early-learning/education-innovation-and-research-eir/ for further information. The program website includes helpful information, frequently asked questions, United States Department of Education

OFFICE OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

EDUCATION INNOVATION AND RESEARCH

http://www.grants.gov/ https://usdedeop-my.sharepoint.com/personal/ryan_tauriainen_ed_gov/Documents/Desktop/App%20Package%20Template/www.sam.gov http://www.dnb.com/US/duns_update/index.html https://oese.ed.gov/offices/office-of-discretionary-grants-support-services/innovation-early-learning/education-innovation-and-research-eir/ https://oese.ed.gov/offices/office-of-discretionary-grants-support-services/innovation-early-learning/education-innovation-and-research-eir/ dates of future webinars or workshops, and clarifications. If you have any technical questions about the program after reviewing the application package, please contact Ashley Brizzo by telephone at (202) 453-7122 or via e-mail at eir@ed.gov.

Sincerely, Jamila Smith Innovation and Early Learning Programs Director mailto:eir@ed.gov

I. Program Background Information

Program Overview The purpose of the Education Innovation and Research is provide funding to create, develop, implement, replicate, or take to scale entrepreneurial, evidence-based, field-initiated innovations to improve student achievement and attainment for high-need students; and rigorously evaluate such innovations. These projects may include activities authorized under section 4611 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended (ESEA). Priority shall be given to entities proposing projects that are designed to address the needs listed under section 4611 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.

Application Requirements and Priorities There are application requirements for this FY 2020 Early-phase: Teacher-Directed Professional Learning Experiences grant competition and any subsequent year in which awards are made from the list of unfunded applications from this competition. Grant competitions may include “Absolute Priorities,” which must be clearly met in order for an application to be considered, and also “Competitive Preference” or “Invitational Priorities,” which are not required to be met but may increase the likelihood of receiving an award.

To read a list of Absolute Priorities and Competitive Preference Priorities for this grant competition, please reference the Notice Inviting Applications (NIA) for this competition in the Federal Register.

https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2020-15994

Frequently Asked Questions Current information on this program can be found at https://oese.ed.gov/offices/office-of-discretionary-grants-support-services/innovation-early-learning/education-innovation-and-research-eir/. Frequently Asked Questions are also located at https://oese.ed.gov/files/2020/04/EIRFAQs_-EXTERNAL_FY20forweb.doc.

Applicant Guide A completed application will include a program narrative. The program narrative is the section of the application that directly responds to the selection criteria. The program narrative should follow the order of the selection criteria. Applicants should describe, in detail, activities planned for each of the funding periods of the grant. The program office suggests that applicants limit the program narrative to 25 pages. Typically, applications are entered into the Grants.gov system. E-mailed applications are not acceptable. Narrative attachments must be submitted as files in a read-only, flattened Portable Document Format (PDF) or Word document. If applicants upload a different file type or submit a password-protected file, we will not review that material.

Peer reviewers will evaluate each proposal. Reviewers will be asked to review the applicants’ responses to each criterion and score each of their assigned proposals. Not responding to a specific criterion could negatively affect the score.

https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2020-15994 https://oese.ed.gov/offices/office-of-discretionary-grants-support-services/innovation-early-learning/education-innovation-and-research-eir/ https://oese.ed.gov/offices/office-of-discretionary-grants-support-services/innovation-early-learning/education-innovation-and-research-eir/ https://oese.ed.gov/offices/office-of-discretionary-grants-support-services/innovation-early-learning/education-innovation-and-research-eir/ https://oese.ed.gov/files/2020/04/EIRFAQs_-EXTERNAL_FY20forweb.doc

The Notice Inviting Applications for this competition provides the selection criteria, application requirements, eligibility, definitions, and explanations on how each criterion and requirement will be applied during the review process.

https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2020-15994

Selection Criteria The selection criteria for this competition are from 34 CFR 75.210 and from the Department’s notice of final priorities published in the Federal Register on July 29, 2020. The maximum score for all the selection criteria and the maximum possible score for addressing each selection criterion (indicated in parentheses) is detailed in the Notice Inviting Applications for this grant competition. Each criterion also includes the factors that reviewers will consider in determining the extent to which an applicant meets the criterion. The selection criteria for this competition can be found in the Notice Inviting Applications for this grant competition.

https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2020-15994

Program Authority: Section 4611 of the ESEA, 20 U.S.C. 7261

Definitions Definitions for this program are from 34 CFR 77.1, section 8101 of the ESEA, and from the Department’s notice of final priorities published in the Federal Register on July 29, 2020. These definitions apply to the FY 2020 grant competition and any subsequent year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this competition. Definitions can be found in the Notice Inviting Applications for this grant competition.

https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2020-15994

Technical Assistance Workshops for Prospective Applicants A technical assistance webinar for prospective applicants, as well as informational PowerPoints and resources, will also be posted on the program website.

Application Requirements Crosswalk In responding to the application requirements, applicants should clearly identify which application requirement they are addressing and where they can be found. As demonstrated in the chart below, an applicant should respond to requirements (b)(2), (c)(3), (d)(1), (d)(2), (d)(3), (d)(4), and (f)(2) in its response to the Quality of Project Design selection criterion; requirements (c)(1), (c)(2), (f)(1), (f)(2) and (g)(1) in its response to the Adequacy of Resources and Quality of Management Plan selection criterion. An applicant should respond to the application requirements that are not listed above at the end of their Project Narrative. The following chart sets out an approach to addressing that applicants can follow, if they choose, in addressing the Application Requirements. No matter what approach an applicant decides to take, it should clearly identify where each application requirement is being addressed in their Project Narrative.

Application Requirements Crosswalk Selection Criteria Application Requirements

Quality of Project Design The extent to which professional learning funded through the stipend will replace existing mandatory professional development for participating teachers at the following levels…

(d) Describe details about the stipend system, including--

(1) How the applicant will update its policies to offer stipends to teachers such that a significant portion (no less than 20 percent) of existing mandatory professional development is replaced by teacher-directed professional learning, including--

(i) The professional development days or activities from which participating teachers will be released in order to enable teacher-directed learning opportunities and to ensure that teacher-directed learning replaces a significant portion of existing mandatory professional development; or

(ii) Other methods in which participating teachers will be given the flexibility to participate in teacher-directed learning (e.g., by providing release from and substitute teacher coverage during regular instructional days) and how such methods will also ensure participating teachers are released from a significant portion of existing professional development requirements;

(2) How the applicant will ensure that teacher-directed learning will fully substitute for mandatory professional development in meeting mandatory professional development goals or activities (e.g., professional development hours required as part of certification renewal, district- or contract-required professional development hours)

The adequacy of plans to ensure that stipends are

(c) Describe the proposed stipend structure, including--

(3) Mechanisms to protect against fraud, waste, and abuse (e.g., monitoring systems, reviews for conflicts of interest) appropriately used for high-quality professional learning.

(f) Describe the process for managing the stipend system, including--

(2) For professional learning options selected by a teacher that may not be on the applicant’s list of options: how the applicant will determine that the activity meets the definition of “professional learning” and is reasonable, and what processes the applicant will implement to ensure payment or timely reimbursement to teachers

The extent to which the proposed project will offer teachers flexibility and autonomy regarding the extent of the choice teachers have in selecting their professional learning.

(d) Describe details about the stipend system, including--

(3) How the applicant will provide information to teachers about professional learning options not previously available to teachers (e.g., list of innovative options, qualified providers, other resources);

(4) In addition to any list of professional learning options or providers identified by the applicant, mechanisms for teachers to independently select different high-quality, instructionally relevant professional learning activities connected to the achievement and attainment of high-need students (based on teacher-identified needs such as self-assessment surveys, student assessment data, and professional growth plans)

The likelihood that the procedures and resources for teachers result in a simple process to select or request professional learning based on their professional learning needs and those identified needs of high-need students.

(b) Describe the anticipated level of teacher participation, including--

(2) Details on the planned outreach strategy to communicate the stipend opportunity to eligible teachers

(d) Describe details about the stipend system, including--

(3) How the applicant will provide information to teachers about professional learning options not previously available to teachers (e.g., list of innovative options, qualified providers, other resources);

(4) In addition to any list of professional learning options or providers identified by the applicant, mechanisms for teachers to independently select different high-quality, instructionally relevant professional learning activities connected to the achievement and attainment of high-need students (based on teacher-identified needs such as self-assessment surveys, student assessment data, and professional growth plans)

The extent to which the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be achieved by the proposed project are clearly specified and measurable.

Adequacy of Resources and Quality of Management Plan The sufficiency of the stipend amount to enable professional

(c) Describe the proposed stipend structure, including--learning funded through the stipend to replace a significant portion of existing mandatory professional development for participating teachers.

(1) Estimated dollar amount per stipend, including associated expenses related to the professional learning (e.g., materials, transportation, etc.);

(2) A rationale for how the estimated dollar amount per stipend is sufficient to ensure access to professional learning activities that are, at minimum, comparable in quality, frequency, and duration to the professional development other non-participating teachers will receive in a given year

The extent to which the costs are reasonable in relation to the objectives, design, and potential significance of the proposed project.

The extent to which the proposed payment structure will enable teachers to have an opportunity to apply for and use the stipend with minimal burden.

(f) Describe the process for managing the stipend system, including--

(1) For professional learning options that are among a list of options identified by the applicant: the processes for teachers to submit their requests to participate in those options in place of a previously required training and the processes for direct vendor payment using the stipend; and

(2) For professional learning options selected by a teacher that are not on the applicant’s list of options: how the applicant will determine that the activity meets the definition of “professional learning” and is reasonable, and what processes the applicant will implement to ensure payment or timely reimbursement to teachers

The qualifications, including relevant training and experience, of key project personnel.

The adequacy of the management plan to achieve the objectives of the proposed project on time and within budget, including clearly defined responsibilities, timelines, and milestones for accomplishing project tasks.

The adequacy of procedures for leveraging the stipend program to inform continuous improvement and systematic changes to professional learning.

(g) Describe the proposed strategy to expand the use of professional learning stipends (pending the results of the evaluation), including:

(1) Plans for continuously improving the stipend system in order to, over time, offer more teachers the opportunity to engage in teacher-directed professional learning and, for participating teachers, ensure a higher percentage of all mandatory professional learning is teacher-directed

The relevance and demonstrated commitment of each partner in the proposed project to the implementation and success of the project.

Quality of Project Evaluation methods of evaluation will, if well implemented, produce evidence about the project's effectiveness that would meet the What Works Clearinghouse standards with or without reservations as described in the What Works Clearinghouse Handbook (as defined in 34 CFR 77.1(c)).

evaluation plan clearly articulates the key project components, mediators, and outcomes, as well as a measurable threshold for acceptable implementation.

methods of evaluation will provide performance feedback and permit periodic assessment of progress toward achieving intended outcomes.

The remaining application requirements that must be answered are listed below:

(a) Describe the pool of teachers eligible to request a stipend, including whether the applicant intends to prioritize eligibility based on content areas, strategic staffing initiatives, or other factors (and including a rationale for how such a determination addresses the needs of high-need students, as defined by the applicant)

(b) Describe the anticipated level of teacher participation, including--

(1) Current information on teacher satisfaction with existing professional learning;

(3) A summary of the ways in which teachers were involved in developing the proposed project; and

(4) A plan for how to include teachers in key decisions about the stipend system.

(c) Describe the proposed stipend structure, including--

(4) Plans for how the applicant will select participants if there is more interest than available stipends (e.g., prioritizing by student need or teacher need, content area, human capital priorities, rubric-based review of requests, lottery)

(e) Describe strategies for supporting teachers’ implementation of changes in instructional practice as a result of their professional learning

(g) Describe the proposed strategy to expand the use of professional learning stipends (pending the results of the evaluation), including:

(2) Mechanisms for incorporating effective practices discovered through teacher-directed professional learning into the professional development curriculum for all teachers.

(h) Provide an assurance that--

(1) At a minimum, the SEA or LEA involved in the project (as an applicant, partner, or implementation site) will maintain its current fiscal and administrative levels of effort in teacher professional development and allow the professional learning activities funded through the stipends to supplement the level of effort that is typically supported by the applicant;

(2) Project funds will only be used for instructionally relevant professional learning activities and not solely for obtaining advanced degrees, taking or preparing for licensure exams, or for pursuing personal enrichment activities; and

(3) Projects will allow for a variety professional learning options for teachers and not limit use of the stipend to an overly restrictive set of choices (for example, professional learning provided only by the applicant or partners, specific pedagogical or philosophical viewpoints, or organizations with specific methodological stances). The applicant and any application partners will not be the primary financial beneficiaries of the professional learning stipends, and there is no conflict between the applicant, any application partner, and the purpose of providing teachers the autonomy to select their own professional learning opportunities.

II. Application Submission Procedures

The deadline for submission of Education Innovation and Research Early-phase Competition applications through Grants.gov is 11:59:59 PM EST on September 10, 2020.

***Updated 01/2020***

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.

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 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/workspace-overview.html 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 DUNS Number. Once it is completed, the information will transfer to the other forms.

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 may take approximately one week to complete, but could take upwards of several weeks to complete, depending upon 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 [Note:

Your organization will need to update its SAM registration annually.]

Primary information about SAM is available at www.sam.gov. However, to further assist you with obtaining and registering your DUNS number and TIN in SAM or updating your https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-training.html http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html http://www.sam.gov/ existing SAM account the Department of Education has prepared a SAM.gov Tip Sheet which you can find at: http://www2.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/sam-faqs.html

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.

Note: To submit successfully, you must provide the DUNS number on your application that was used when you registered as an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) on Grants.gov. This DUNS number is typically the same number used when your organization registered with the SAM. If you do not enter the same DUNS number on your application as the DUNS you registered with, 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 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-http://www2.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/sam-faqs.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/encountering-error-messages.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html 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

If electronic submission is required, you must submit an electronic application before 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time, unless you follow the procedures in the Federal Register notice and qualify for one of the exceptions to the electronic submission requirement and submit, no later than two weeks before the application deadline date, a written statement to the Department that you qualify for one of these exceptions. If electronic submission is optional and you have problems that you are unable to resolve before the deadline date and time for electronic applications, please follow the transmittal instructions for hard copy applications in the Federal Register notice and get a hard copy application postmarked by midnight on the deadline date. (See the Federal Register notice for detailed instructions.)

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.

Dial-Up Internet Connections When using 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. If you do not have access to a high-speed connection and electronic submission is required, 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 two weeks before the application deadline date. (See the Federal Register notice for detailed 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 mailto:support@grants.gov https://grants-portal.psc.gov/Welcome.aspx?pt=Grants https://grants-portal.psc.gov/Welcome.aspx?pt=Grants http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs.html#workspace 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, 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.

Application Transmittal Instructions Attention Electronic Applicants: This program requires the electronic submission of applications--specific requirements and instructions can be found in the Federal Register notice.

Submission of paper applications is only allowed in limited circumstances. Please note that you must follow the Application Procedures as described in the Federal Register notice announcing the grant competition.

Applicants are required to follow the Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal Register on February 13, 2019 (84 FR 3768) and available at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2019-02- 13/pdf/2019-02206.pdf, which contain requirements and information on how to submit an application.

For additional training resources, including video tutorials, refer to https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2019-02-13/pdf/2019-02206.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2019-02-13/pdf/2019-02206.pdf

Electronic Application Submission Checklist It is recommended that your electronic application be organized in the following manner and include the following parts in order to expedite the review process. Instructions for all parts and forms of the application are found either on the following pages of the application package or individually for each form on Grants.gov.

Review your electronic application to ensure you have completed the following forms and sections:

Part 1: Standard Documents Application for Federal Assistance (Form SF 424) ED Supplemental Information for SF 424 Grant Application Form for Project Objectives and Performance Measures Information

Part 2: Budget Information ED Budget Information Non-Construction Programs (ED Form 524) Sections A & B

Part 3: ED Abstract Form Project Abstract

Part 4: Project Narrative Attachment Form Application Narrative

Part 5: Budget Narrative Attachment Form Budget Narrative

Part 6: Other Attachments Form Appendix A: Nonprofit 501(c)(3) status verification, if applicable Appendix B: Resumes of Key Personnel Appendix C: Letters of Support and Memoranda of Understanding, if applicable Appendix D: Waiver Request of 10% Match Requirement, if applicable Appendix E: Eligible Applicant’s list of proprietary information found in the application, if applicable Appendix F: Eligibility Checklist and list of rural locale codes, if applicable Appendix G: Demonstration of Match Contributions Appendix H: Copy of Indirect Cost Rate Agreement Appendix I: Other, if applicable NOTE: Eligible applicants should attach all appendices to the Other Attachments Form. The Grants.gov system will allow applicants to attach as many as ten separate appendices in this section; however, applicants are encouraged to limit the number of appendix entries to a reasonable number for a reviewer to read. The entire application package should be no larger than 8MB. Therefore, you may want to check the total size of your package before submission.

Part 7: Assurances and Certifications Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (Standard Form LLL)

Grants.Gov Lobbying Form – “Certification Regarding Lobbying” (ED 80-013 Form) General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) Requirements – Section 427

(ED GEPA427 form)

Part 8: Intergovernmental Review (Executive Order 12372) State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) List

Part 1: Preliminary Documents Application for Federal Assistance (Form SF 424) Applicants may consider attaching their documentation for eligibility requirements to the SF 424 Form. Additional information is provided in the pages that follow and at https://oese.ed.gov/offices/office-of-discretionary-grants-support-services/innovation-early-learning/education-innovation-and-research-eir/applicant-info-and-eligibility/.

ED Supplemental Information for SF 424 These forms require basic identifying information about the applicant and the application. Please provide all requested applicant information (including name, address, e-mail address and DUNS number). When applying electronically via Grants.gov, you will need to ensure that the DUNS number you enter on your application is the same as the DUNS number your organization used when it registered with the System for Award Management.

Applicants are advised to complete the Application for Federal Assistance (Form SF 424) first.

Grants.gov will automatically insert the correct CFDA and program name automatically wherever needed on other forms.

Please do not attach any narratives, supporting files, or application components to the Standard Form (SF 424). Although this form accepts attachments, the Department of Education will only review materials/files attached in accordance with the instructions provided within this application.

Additional information is provided in the pages that follow.

Grant Application Form for Project Objectives and Performance Measures

Information Information is provided in the pages that follow.

https://oese.ed.gov/offices/office-of-discretionary-grants-support-services/innovation-early-learning/education-innovation-and-research-eir/applicant-info-and-eligibility/ https://oese.ed.gov/offices/office-of-discretionary-grants-support-services/innovation-early-learning/education-innovation-and-research-eir/applicant-info-and-eligibility/

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE SF-424

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html This is a standard form required for use as a cover sheet for submission of pre-applications and applications and related information under discretionary programs. Some of the items are required and some are optional at the discretion of the applicant or the federal agency (agency). Required fields on the form are identified with an asterisk (*) and are also specified as “Required” in the instructions below. In addition to these instructions, applicants must consult agency instructions to determine other specific requirements.

Item Entry: Item: Entry:

1. Type of Submission: (Required) Select one type of submission in accordance with agency instructions.

• Pre-application

• Application

• Changed/Corrected Application – Check if this submission is to change or correct a previously submitted application. Unless requested by the agency, applicants may not use this form to submit changes after the closing date.

10. Name of Federal Agency: (Required) Enter the name of the federal agency from which assistance is being requested with this application.

11. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number/Title:

Enter the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number and title of the program under which assistance is requested, as found in the program announcement, if applicable.

2. Type of Application: (Required) Select one type of application in accordance with agency instructions.

• New – An application that is being submitted to an agency for the first time.

• Continuation - An extension for an additional funding/budget period for a project with a projected completion date. This can include renewals.

• Revision - Any change in the federal government’s financial obligation or contingent liability from an existing obligation. If a revision, enter the appropriate letter(s). More than one may be selected. If "Other" is selected, please specify in text box provided.

A. Increase Award D. Decrease Duration B. Decrease Award E. Other (specify) C. Increase Duration

12. Funding Opportunity Number/Title: (Required) Enter the Funding Opportunity Number (FON) and title of the opportunity under which assistance is requested, as found in the program announcement.

13. Competition Identification Number/Title: Enter the competition identification number and title of the competition under which assistance is requested, if applicable.

14. Areas Affected by Project: This data element is intended for use only by programs for which the area(s) affected are likely to be different than the place(s) of performance reported on the SF-424 Project/Performance Site Location(s) Form. Add attachment to enter additional areas, if needed.

3. Date Received: Leave this field blank. This date will be assigned by the Federal agency.

15. Descriptive Title of Applicant’s Project: (Required) Enter a brief descriptive title of the project. If appropriate, attach a map showing project location (e.g., construction or real property projects). For pre-applications, attach a summary description of the project.

4. Applicant Identifier: Enter the entity identifier assigned by the Federal agency, if any, or the applicant’s control number if applicable.

5a. Federal Entity Identifier: Enter the number assigned to your organization by the federal agency, if any.

16. Congressional Districts Of: 16a. (Required) Enter the applicant’s congressional district. 16b. Enter all district(s) affected by the program or project. Enter in the format: 2 characters state abbreviation – 3 characters district number, e.g., CA-005 for California 5th district, CA-012 for California 12 district, NC-103 for North Carolina’s 103 district. If all congressional districts in a state are affected, enter “all” for the district number, e.g., MD-all for all congressional districts in Maryland. If nationwide, i.e. all districts within all states are affected, enter US-all. If the program/project is outside the US, enter 00-000. This optional data element is intended for use only by programs for which the area(s) affected are likely to be different than place(s) of performance reported on the SF-424 Project/Performance Site Location(s) Form.

Attach an additional list of program/project congressional districts, if needed.

5b. Federal Award Identifier: For new applications, enter NA. For a continuation or revision to an existing award, enter the previously assigned federal award identifier number. If a changed/corrected application, enter the federal identifier in accordance with agency instructions.

6. Date Received by State: Leave this field blank. This date will be assigned by the state, if applicable.

7. State Application Identifier: Leave this field blank. This identifier will be assigned by the state, if applicable.

8. Applicant Information: Enter the following in accordance with agency instructions:

a. Legal Name: (Required) Enter the legal name of applicant that will undertake the assistance activity. This is the organization that has registered with the Central Contractor Registry (CCR).

Information on registering with CCR may be obtained by visiting www.Grants.gov.

17. Proposed Project Start and End Dates: (Required) Enter the proposed start date and end date of the project.

b. Employer/Taxpayer Number (EIN/TIN): (Required) Enter the employer or taxpayer identification number (EIN or TIN) as assigned by the Internal Revenue Service. If your organization is not in the US, enter 44-4444444.

18. Estimated Funding: (Required) Enter the amount requested, or to be contributed during the first funding/budget period by each contributor. Value of in-kind contributions should be included on appropriate lines, as applicable. If the action will result in a dollar change to an existing award, indicate only the amount of the change. For decreases, enclose the amounts in parentheses.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html

Item Entry: Item: Entry:

c. Organizational DUNS: (Required) Enter the organization’s

DUNS or DUNS+4 number received from Dun and Bradstreet.

Information on obtaining a DUNS number may be obtained by visiting www.Grants.gov.

19. Is Application Subject to Review by State Under Executive Order 12372 Process? (Required) Applicants should contact the State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for Federal Executive Order 12372 to determine whether the application is subject to the State intergovernmental review process. Select the appropriate box. If “a.” is selected, enter the date the application was submitted to the State.

d. Address: Enter address: Street 1 (Required); city (Required);

County/Parish, State (Required if country is US), Province, Country (Required), 9-digit zip/postal code (Required if country

US).

20. Is the Applicant Delinquent on any Federal Debt?

(Required) Select the appropriate box. This question applies to the applicant organization, not the person who signs as the authorized representative. Categories of federal debt include; but, may not be limited to: delinquent audit disallowances, loans and taxes. If yes, include an explanation in an attachment.

e. Organizational Unit: Enter the name of the primary organizational unit, department or division that will undertake the assistance activity.

21. Authorized Representative: To be signed and dated by the authorized representative of the applicant organization. Enter the first and last name (Required); prefix, middle name, suffix. Enter title, telephone number, email (Required); and fax number. A copy of the governing body’s authorization for you to sign this application as the official representative must be on file in the applicant’s office. (Certain federal agencies may require that this authorization be submitted as part of the application.)

f. Name and contact information of person to be contacted on matters involving this application: Enter the first and last name (Required); prefix, middle name, suffix, title.