Education Research Training CFDA 84.305B | Apply Online

Education Research Training (CFDA 84.305B) - FAQs

What is CFDA 84.305B (Education Research Training)?

CFDA 84.305B is a discretionary grant/cooperative agreement opportunity from the U.S. Department of Education administered through the Institute of Education Sciences (IES). It supports training-focused projects intended to strengthen education research capacity and improve the quality, credibility, and usefulness of education research.

Which federal agency runs this opportunity?

This opportunity is run by the U.S. Department of Education through the Institute of Education Sciences (IES).

What is the purpose of the Education Research Training program?

The central goal is to strengthen the quality, credibility, and usefulness of education research by supporting training projects that can produce and sustain scientifically valid research capacity. The intended end benefit is more reliable and valid evidence about education practices, interventions, and policies that improve learning outcomes, academic achievement, and equitable access to educational opportunity.

What types of projects does this program support?

Based on the synopsis provided, the program supports training-focused projects designed to build and sustain scientifically valid education research capacity. Applicants are expected to align training activities with areas of demonstrated national need.

What does IES mean by "scientifically valid" research capacity?

The synopsis emphasizes that projects should be capable of producing and sustaining research capacity that is scientifically valid. In practical terms, this reflects IES's focus on rigorous research that can generate credible and useful evidence for educators, families, policymakers, researchers, and the public.

What education levels or parts of the education pipeline are relevant to this opportunity?

The broader IES FY 2011 research competitions described in the synopsis span the full education pipeline, from early childhood through K-12, postsecondary education, and adult education. The Education Research Training program sits within that broader set of competitions.

How does this opportunity relate to other IES research competitions?

This listing is specifically for the Education Research Training program (CFDA 84.305B). The synopsis notes it sits alongside other IES competitions supporting education research, research and development centers, statistical and methodology work, and evaluations of state and local programs.

What law authorizes this grant opportunity?

The opportunity was announced under the authority of the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (Title I of Public Law 107-279).

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad and centers on whether the applicant has the ability and capacity to conduct scientifically valid research. The synopsis indicates eligible applicants include, but are not limited to, public and private agencies and institutions such as colleges and universities, as well as nonprofit and for-profit organizations.

Are colleges and universities eligible?

Yes. The synopsis explicitly includes public and state-controlled institutions of higher education and private institutions of higher education among eligible applicant categories.

Are state governments eligible to apply?

Yes. State governments are explicitly listed as eligible applicants in the categories provided.

Are nonprofit organizations eligible?

Yes. The synopsis lists nonprofits as eligible, including organizations with 501(c)(3) status and also certain nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status.

Are for-profit organizations eligible?

Yes. The synopsis lists for-profit organizations other than small businesses as eligible applicants.

Does eligibility depend on institutional type or research capacity?

The synopsis emphasizes that eligibility is broad and reflects IES's focus on research and training capability rather than a narrow institutional type, while also noting that applicants must still meet all requirements in the official Federal Register notice.

How do applicants submit an application?

Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov. Applicants are expected to download the application package, complete it offline, and submit it using the Grants.gov "Apply" workflow.

Are email submissions allowed?

No. The synopsis states that email submissions are not accepted.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number provided in the synopsis is ED-GRANTS-020410-003.

What are the key dates listed for this opportunity?

The synopsis lists these key dates: application package availability date of February 1, 2010; posted/creation date of February 4, 2010; deadline for transmittal of applications of June 24, 2010; and archive date of July 24, 2010.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching requirement is indicated in the synopsis. It notes that applicants generally are not required to contribute non-federal funds as a condition of receiving an award, but also advises checking the official notice for any nuances or program-specific budgeting rules.

Where are the official requirements and selection details found?

The synopsis states that the authoritative requirements and details are in the official Federal Register Notice Inviting Applications for New Awards for FY 2011, including priorities, selection criteria, performance measures, any pre-application expectations, and submission instructions.

What is the activity category for this opportunity?

The activity category is described as Education, Science and Technology, and other Research and Development.

What kind of help is available if an applicant has trouble with Grants.gov?

The synopsis references a Grants.gov systems administrator contact for technical access issues, indicating that technical submission help is available through Grants.gov support channels.

Who should applicants contact for program-specific questions?

The synopsis indicates there is a program manager contact at IES for program-related questions. This is separate from Grants.gov technical support.

What does it mean that this posting is a "synopsis"?

It means the listing provides a summary, and that the official Federal Register notice is the authoritative source for full requirements, priorities, and instructions.

What outcomes is IES aiming for through this program?

IES frames the end benefit as enabling stakeholders (parents, educators, students, researchers, policymakers, and the public) to access reliable and valid evidence about education practices, interventions, and policies that improve learning outcomes, academic achievement, and equitable access to educational opportunity.

What does "areas of demonstrated national need" imply for applicants?

The synopsis indicates the program emphasizes research in areas of demonstrated national need, meaning applicants are expected to align their training activities with issues and gaps that matter at a national scale and prepare researchers who can contribute to that evidence base.