Evaluation of State and Local Education Programs and Policies CFDA 84.305E 2 | Apply Online

FAQs: Evaluation of State and Local Education Programs and Policies (CFDA 84.305E)

What is the Evaluation of State and Local Education Programs and Policies grant (CFDA 84.305E)?

It is a discretionary funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of Education, administered through the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), to support rigorous evaluations of education programs and policies created or implemented by states, districts, or other local education entities.

What is the main purpose of this grant opportunity?

The program is designed to produce trustworthy evidence about what works in education, for whom, and under what conditions, by funding scientifically sound evaluations of real-world state and local education programs and policies.

Who is offering and administering this opportunity?

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

How does this competition fit within IES research programs?

It sits within IES broader FY 2011 research competitions authorized under the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-279) and reflects IES emphasis on rigorous research in areas of national need where evidence can inform decisions and resource allocation.

What kinds of projects are intended to be funded?

Projects that conduct rigorous evaluations of education programs and policies that are created or implemented by state and local education entities, with an emphasis on scientifically valid methods capable of producing reliable and valid findings.

What outcomes is IES trying to achieve through this program?

IES aims to generate reliable and valid information that can be used by parents, educators, students, researchers, policymakers, and the public, strengthening knowledge about education practices and policies that support learning, raise academic achievement, and improve access to educational opportunities.

What education levels or settings can the research address?

The broader IES emphasis spans early childhood through postsecondary and adult education, and this competition focuses specifically on evaluating state and local programs and policies across the education system.

What types of award instruments may be used?

Funding is provided through grants and may also be offered through cooperative agreements, indicating that some projects could involve a closer working relationship with the agency depending on the award structure.

What category does this funding opportunity fall under?

The opportunity is categorized under Education, Science and Technology, and other Research and Development.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The synopsis states that this opportunity does not require cost sharing or matching funds.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad but centered on research capability. Applicants must have the ability and capacity to conduct scientifically valid research. Eligible entities include state governments, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations (including 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3) nonprofits other than institutions of higher education), and for-profit organizations (other than small businesses).

Are colleges and universities eligible?

Yes. Both public/state-controlled and private institutions of higher education are listed as eligible.

Are nonprofit organizations eligible even if they do not have 501(c)(3) status?

Yes. The eligibility description includes nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education).

Are for-profit organizations eligible?

Yes. For-profit organizations are eligible as long as they are not small businesses (as stated in the synopsis).

Are state governments eligible?

Yes. State governments are explicitly listed as eligible entities.

Does the notice suggest partnerships are appropriate?

Yes. The synopsis indicates eligibility includes a wide range of nonprofit and for-profit organizations and public and private agencies and institutions such as colleges and universities, which implies partnerships between research organizations and education agencies may be relevant for evaluation work.

How must applications be submitted?

Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov. Applicants are expected to download the application package, complete it offline, then upload and submit it through the Grants.gov system.

Can applications be submitted by email?

No. The synopsis explicitly states that applications cannot be submitted by emailing an electronic copy to the Department.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is ED-GRANTS-020410-007.

What are the key dates listed in the synopsis?

The synopsis indicates the opportunity was posted on February 4, 2010; the application package was available beginning February 1, 2010; the deadline for transmittal of applications was June 24, 2010; and the archived date is July 24, 2010.

Where are the official requirements and instructions published?

The controlling requirements and instructions are those published in the Federal Register notice inviting applications for new FY 2011 awards. The synopsis directs applicants to review that official notice for full details such as priorities, performance measures, application content and formatting rules, and submission instructions.

If there is a conflict between the synopsis and the Federal Register notice, which one controls?

The synopsis emphasizes that the Federal Register version is the authoritative source and should be treated as controlling.

Who should be contacted for Grants.gov technical issues?

The synopsis lists Julius Cotton as the Grants.gov systems contact for technical access issues.

Who is the program contact at IES for this opportunity?

The synopsis identifies Allen Ruby as the program manager and program contact at IES.

What should applicants focus on when designing an application?

Applicants should base compliance and application design on the complete official Federal Register notice rather than the abbreviated summary, since the Federal Register includes the full details on priorities, measures, content, formatting, and submission requirements.