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Gifted Education Program Evaluation (GEPE) Grant Opportunity (FY 2014) - FAQs

What was the Gifted Education Program Evaluation (GEPE) grant opportunity?

The Gifted Education Program Evaluation (GEPE) was a FY 2014 competitive funding opportunity issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). It focused on education evaluation work rather than the more typical agriculture-focused projects associated with NIFA funding.

What was the main purpose of this funding opportunity?

The central purpose was to support the development of a comprehensive, evidence-based report describing the current state of gifted education programs operating within the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA).

What was the intended outcome or deliverable for the project?

The opportunity sought proposals that would produce clear, evidence-based findings about DoDEA gifted education programs, resulting in a comprehensive report. The report was intended to describe the current state of those programs and provide findings that could be used for decision-making and program improvement.

Why would NIFA fund a project about gifted education in DoDEA schools?

Although NIFA typically supports work tied to agriculture and related sciences, this particular opportunity was framed as an education evaluation project. The eligibility language also referenced that work must further research, extension, or teaching programs connected to USDA's food and agricultural sciences mission, which is the broader statutory framework under which NIFA operates.

Which gifted education programs were the focus of the evaluation?

The evaluation focus was on gifted education programs operating within the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), with findings intended to be clear across DoDEA areas, districts, and individual schools.

What did the opportunity mean by generating findings across areas, districts, and schools?

The opportunity emphasized producing findings that were not limited to a single location. Instead, it aimed for results that could describe and compare the state of gifted education programs across DoDEA areas, across DoDEA districts, and down to the level of individual schools.

How were the evaluation results expected to be used?

The results were intended to guide future decisions about program direction, strengthen gifted program practices, and improve progress toward stated program goals within DoDEA.

What type of award was this: grant or contract?

The award mechanism was a cooperative agreement. While it is a form of federal financial assistance like a grant, it typically indicates a more hands-on relationship with the funding agency and often includes substantial involvement by the federal partner during the project.

What does it mean that this was a cooperative agreement?

In general, a cooperative agreement implies greater federal involvement than a standard grant. For this opportunity, the description indicated that the federal partner could have substantial involvement during the project, reflecting a more collaborative approach to project execution and oversight.

How much funding was available for the GEPE opportunity?

The total estimated funding available was $360,000.

Was cost-sharing or matching required?

No. The opportunity stated there was no cost-sharing or matching requirement, meaning applicants were not required to provide non-federal matching funds as a condition of receiving the award.

Who was eligible to apply?

Eligibility was broad and included organizations capable of conducting rigorous research and evaluation. Eligible applicants included state agricultural experiment stations, state cooperative extension services, colleges and universities, and other research or educational institutions or organizations.

Could non-traditional or other types of organizations apply?

Yes. The eligibility language indicated that other contractors or recipients could apply as well, including domestic or foreign entities, provided their work furthered research, extension, or teaching programs connected to USDA's food and agricultural sciences mission.

Were foreign applicants allowed to apply?

The eligibility language indicated that contractors or recipients could be domestic or foreign, as long as the proposed work furthered research, extension, or teaching programs connected to USDA's food and agricultural sciences mission.

What was the posting date for the opportunity?

The opportunity was posted on August 7, 2014.

What was the application deadline?

The application deadline was August 28, 2014.

When was the opportunity archived?

The opportunity was archived on September 27, 2014.

What was the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number was USDA NIFA COOP 004615.

What CFDA program was referenced?

The CFDA listing referenced was 10.200, titled "Grants for Agricultural Research, Special Research Grants."

What should an applicant do if they had technical trouble accessing the full announcement?

NIFA directed applicants experiencing technical difficulties accessing the full announcement to contact its Help Desk at 202-401-5048 during standard weekday business hours (Eastern Time).

Was there a point of contact for application or proposal content questions?

Yes. The opportunity noted a point of contact for questions related to preparing application content, indicating applicants could seek guidance on proposal development and compliance expectations.

Was this opportunity a competitive funding announcement?

Yes. It was described as a FY 2014 competitive funding announcement.

What kinds of capabilities were expected from applicants?

The opportunity emphasized eligibility for institutions and organizations capable of conducting rigorous research and evaluation, consistent with the goal of producing a comprehensive, evidence-based report.