FY 2017 International Research and Studies (IRS) Program Application Preparation Webinar

Tuesday, July 18, 2017

CFDA Number 84.017A / Funding Opportunity Number ED-GRANTS-062817-001

International and Foreign Language Education: WHAT WE DO

Administer Title VI (domestic) and Fulbright-Hays (overseas) grant programs to respond to the ongoing national need for individuals with expertise and competence in world languages and area or international studies

Advance national security by developing a pipeline of highly-proficient linguists and experts in critical world regions

Contribute to the developing a globally competent workforce able to engage with a multi-lingual/multicultural clientele at home and abroad

Expand access to international and foreign language learning, especially for traditionally underserved students

Support teaching and research on critical world regions, languages, and issues

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Webinar Topics Program Purpose

Eligible Applicants

Types of Projects

FY 2017 Funding

Competition Priorities

Application Sections (Parts) in Grants.gov

Selection Criteria

IRS Budget Categories

Selected Definitions from Part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements

Appendices

Forms and Certifications

Application Tips

Selection Process

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Program Purpose

Section 605, HEA and Section 660.1, Program Regulations

Conduct research and studies to determine the needs for increased or improved instruction in modern foreign languages, area studies, and

other international fields.

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Competition Definitions Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program means a program that

includes native English-speaking students and native speakers of a foreign language. The goals of a DLI program are to develop bilingualism/biliteracy, academic achievement, and cross-cultural competencies for all students. Students learn content through both their native language and the target language.

Global Competence means the acquisition of in-depth knowledge and understanding of international issues; an appreciation of an ability to learn and work with people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, proficiency in foreign language(s), and skills to function productively in an interdependent world community.

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Competition Definitions

International education means teaching and learning about other world regions. It is generally understood to include, but is not limited to, knowledge of other world regions, cultures, and global issues; proficiency in communicating in languages other than English, working in global or cross-cultural environments, and study abroad.

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FY 2017 Funding Estimated Available Funds: $712,329

Estimated Range of Awards: $40,000-$101,761 per year

Estimated Average Size of Awards: $71,232 per year

Maximum Award: $101,761 for a single budget period of 12 months, i.e., per year

Estimated Number of Awards: 10

Project Period: Up to 36 months

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ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

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Eligible Applicants May Be:

Institutions of higher education (single institution or a consortium of institutions)

Individuals

Organizations

Public and private agencies

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Types of IRS Projects for FY 17

Research projects

Surveys

Studies

Note: Per the FY 17 Absolute Priority for the IRS Program, the Department is not inviting proposals for instructional materials development.

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Competitive Preference Priorities

Competitive Preference Priority 1: Research projects, studies, and surveys focused on Dual Language Immersion (DLI) programs in U.S. preschool to grade 12 schools. (5 points)

OR Competitive Preference Priority 2: Research projects,

studies, and surveys on the outcomes of international education programs for U.S. postsecondary students. (5 points)

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Grants.gov Application Parts

Part I: SF 424 and Supplemental Information Form for SF 424

Part II: ED 524 Form (Section A)

Part III: ED Abstract Form; Application Narrative; Detailed Description for Line Item Budget (for all years); Other Attachments Form (Appendices)

Part IV: Assurances and Certifications GEPA Section 427; Assurances-Non-Construction Programs; Grants. gov Lobbying Form; Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

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Grants.gov Application Parts Part III Other Attachments (Appendices): Curriculum Vitae Position Descriptions Letters of Support Project Timeline Certification of Eligibility (ED 80-0016) this is applicable only to individual applicants

Part IV (Federal Assurances and Certifications) See previous slide for list

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IRS Application Narrative (Part III) Recommended/Suggested number of pages: 30

The Application Narrative is the section where you respond to/address the IRS Program selection criteria, including the Competitive Preference Priority that you may have selected as the focus of your research project, study, or survey.

You will attach your Application Narrative to the Project Narrative Attachment in Grants.gov

The total possible points for the Application Narrative: 110, including the Competitive Preference Priority points.

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Project Abstract (ED Abstract Form in Grants.gov)

Suggested/recommended length and format: one page, single-spaced.

The abstract should effectively convey how the proposed project relates to the purposes of Title VI and the International Research and Studies Program.

The abstract is an “introduction” to the reviewers. Use it to give them a clear understanding about what you intend to accomplish during the course of the proposed project, the project’s intended outcomes/impact, and why the proposed project is important.

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APPLICATION NARRATIVE (PART III)

SELECTION CRITERIA

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IRS Selection Criteria Overview CRITERIA POSSIBLE POINTS Need for the project (10) Usefulness of expected Results (10) Development of new knowledge (10) Formulation of problem (10) and knowledge of related research Specificity of statement of (5) procedures Adequacy of research (15) methodology and scope of project Plan of operation (10)

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IRS Selection Criteria Overview CRITERIA POSSIBLE POINTS Quality of key personnel (10) Budget and cost effectiveness (5) Evaluation plan (15) Adequacy of resources (5) Competitive priority 1 OR 2 (5)

TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS 110 points

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Selection Criteria Descriptions

1. Need for the project (Up to 10 points) Information that shows a need for the proposed

project in the field of study on which the project focuses; and that

The proposed project will provide information about the present and future needs of the United States for study in foreign language and other international fields.

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Selection Criteria Descriptions

2. Usefulness of expected results (Up to 10 points) The results of the proposed project are likely to be

used by other research projects or programs with similar objectives.

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Selection Criteria Descriptions

3. Development of new knowledge (Up to 10 points) The proposed project is likely to develop new

knowledge that will contribute to the purposes of the International Education Program authorized by Part A, Title VI of the Higher Education Act.

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Selection Criteria Descriptions

4. Formulation of problems and knowledge of related research (Up to 10 points) Problems, questions, or hypotheses to be dealt

with by the applicant are well-formulated; and Reflect adequate knowledge of related research.

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Selection Criteria Descriptions

5. Specificity of statement of procedures (Up to 5 points) Specificity and completeness of the statement of

procedures to be followed, including a discussion of such components as sampling techniques, controls, data to be gathered, and statistical and other analyses to be undertaken.

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Selection Criteria Descriptions

6. Adequacy of research methodology and scope of project (Up to 10 points) The adequacy of the proposed teaching, testing,

and research methodology; and The size, scope, and duration of the proposed

project.

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Selection Criteria Descriptions 7. Plan of operation (Up to 10 points) High quality in the design of the project; An effective plan of management that ensures proper and efficient

administration of the project; A clear description of how the objectives of the project relate to the

purpose of the program; The way the applicant plans to use its resources and personnel to

achieve each objective; and A clear description of how the applicant will provide equal access and

treatment for eligible project participants who are members of groups that have been traditionally underrepresented, such as members of racial or ethnic minority groups, women, and handicapped persons.

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Selection Criteria Descriptions 8. Quality of key personnel (Up to 10 points) The qualifications of the project director (if one is to be used); The qualifications of the other key personnel to be used in the project; The time that each key personnel plans to commit to the project; The extent to which the applicant, as part of its non-discriminatory

employment practices, encourages applications for employment from members of groups that have been traditionally underrepresented, such as members of racial or ethnic minority groups, women, handicapped persons, and the elderly; and

Evidence of past experience and training , in fields related to the objectives of the project, as well as other information the applicant provides.

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Selection Criteria Descriptions 9. Budget and cost effectiveness (Up to 5 points) The proposed budget is adequate to support the project

activities ; and The costs are reasonable in relation to the objectives of the

project.

10. Evaluation plan (Up to 15 points) Quality of the evaluation plan for the project; and Methods of evaluation are appropriate for the project and, to

the extent possible, are objective and produce data that are quantifiable.

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Selection Criteria Descriptions

11. Adequacy of resources (Up to 5 points) Facilities that the applicant plans to use are adequate; and Equipment and supplies that the applicant plans to use are

adequate.

12. Competitive Preference Priority (5 points) CPP 1: Dual Language Immersion Program

OR CPP 2: Outcomes of International Education Programs

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ED 524 Budget Categories ED 524 Form includes the following (not all line items are applicable to the IRS Program):

1. PERSONNEL 2. FRINGE BENEFITS 3. TRAVEL 4. EQUIPMENT 5. SUPPLIES 6. CONTRACTUAL N/A 7. CONSTRUCTION N/A 8. OTHER 9. TOTAL DIRECT COSTS 10. INDIRECT COSTS (unrestricted, i.e., is not capped at 8%) 11. TRAINING STIPENDS N/A 12. TOTAL DIRECT COSTS

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Selected Definitions from Part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements

Direct costs. Typical costs charged directly to a Federal award are the compensation of employees who work on the award, their related fringe benefit costs, the costs of materials and other items of expense incurred for the Federal award.

Reasonableness. Compensation for employees engaged in work on Federal awards will be considered reasonable to the extent that it is consistent with that paid for similar work in other activities of the non-Federal entity; if there isn’t a comparable employee position/work at the non-Federal entity, reasonableness is determined by what would be paid for similar work in the labor market .

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Selected Definitions from Part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements

Compensation-personal services. General. Compensation for personal services includes all remuneration, paid currently or accrued, for services of employees rendered during the period of performance under the Federal award, including, but not necessarily limited to wages and salaries.

Publication and printing costs. Publication costs for electronic and print media , including distribution, promotion, and general handling are allowable.

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Selected Definitions from Part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements

Equipment. An item or device that has a unit acquisition cost greater than $5000.

Travel costs. General. The expenses for transportation, lodging, subsistence, and related items incurred by employees who are in travel status on official business.

Publication and printing costs. Publication costs for electronic and print media , including distribution, promotion, and general handling are allowable.

Indirect cost rate. For the IRS program, the IDR is the negotiated IDR established between the institution and the cognizant agency. The Department of Health and Human Services negotiates the IDR for virtually all institutions of higher education that receive grants from ED. Note: IDRs are not reimbursed on grants to individuals.

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IRS Program Unallowable Costs

IRS funds may not be used for the training of students and teachers.

(sec. 660.40 of program regulations)

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Appendices (Part IV) Curriculum vitae for key personnel

Position descriptions

Letters of support

Project timeline with goals, milestones, indicators, and targets

Certification of eligibility (applicable to individual applicants only)

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Forms and Certifications SF-424

Item 1 Type of Submission Item 2 Type of Application Item 6 Date Received by State Item 8 (f) Name and contact information of person to be contacted on matters

involving this application Item 12 Funding Opportunity Number ED-GRANTS-062817-001 Item 13 Competition Identification Number 84.017A Item 18 (a) Federal = REQUESTED AMOUNT FOR THE FIRST YEAR ONLY Item 19 Mark box (c) Item 21 Authorized Representative

Supplemental Information for the SF -424

ED 524 Form (Summary A)

Assurances- Non-Construction Programs

Certification Regarding Lobbying

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

Certification of eligibility (applicable to individual applicants only)

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SELECTION PROCESS

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Application Selection Process Screen applications to ensure that they are complete

Conduct peer review -- peer review panels have expertise and experience relevant to the IRS program and priorities

Review peer reviewers’ technical review forms

Prepare FY 17 slate of awards for the Secretary of Education’s review and approval (slate includes recommended and non-recommended applicants)

Conduct Congressional notifications (OCLA)

Notify successful and unsuccessful applicants by September 30, 2017

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APPLICATION TIPS

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Writing Your Proposal Address all Selection Criteria and,

to the extent possible. follow the sequence as listed in the application packet to facilitate an “easy” read for the peer reviewers

The Application Narrative is a story presented through the lens of 12 qualitative factors. Use those qualitative factors to tell a clear, concise, and compelling story about your proposed research project, study, or survey and why it is important

Develop a budget that clearly is in alignment with the project framework and the activities to be conducted

Obtain input from colleagues in the field about the feasibility of your project and to share ideas

Proofread multiple times

Have the proposal read by persons who are experts in the field as well as those who are not as familiar with the research project, study, or survey. If written clearly, both groups should come away with a clear understanding of the project

Include a list of acronyms

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Submitting Your Application Register on the www.Grants.gov online system early to

avoid any system issues

Back up/save your written proposal in case of any computer issues

DO NOT wait until the last minute to submit. Grants.gov is a federal-wide system with a high volume of users. High traffic on the system will slow down the upload process.

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For more information visit these websites:

Electronic grant application submission http://www.grants.gov

Panel reviewer application submission http://www.g5.gov

Subscribe to IFLE’s newsletter and listserv www.ed.gov/ope/iegps, click on “Subscribe to IFLE Newsletter”

Grant making at ED http://www2.ed.gov/fund/grant/about/grantmaking/index.html

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Program Contact

For further information:

Cheryl Gibbs Cheryl.Gibbs@ed.gov

(202)453-5690

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