Institute of Education Sciences (IES): Special Education Research CFDA Number 84.324A | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this grant opportunity?

This is the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) Special Education Research grant opportunity, listed as CFDA 84.324A with Funding Opportunity Number ED GRANTS 030816 007. It is a discretionary program of the U.S. Department of Education intended to support research that produces trustworthy, usable evidence about what works in education, with a particular emphasis on special education.

What is the purpose of the IES Special Education Research program?

The program is designed to generate reliable and valid evidence about education practices that support learning, improve academic achievement, and expand access to educational opportunities for all students. In this competition, the emphasis is on special education research that can improve learning and developmental trajectories for learners with disabilities and those at risk for disability.

Who is the intended audience for research findings funded by this program?

IES describes the intended audience broadly. Findings produced through these awards should be usable by parents, educators, students, researchers, and policymakers.

Which federal agency and institute administer this opportunity?

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

How does this competition fit within IES research competitions?

Special Education Research (84.324A) is identified as one of nine research competitions announced by IES under the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002. These competitions are administered across two IES centers.

What major topic areas does the notice highlight for national leadership?

The notice highlights a national leadership role in building foundational knowledge and improving outcomes in two major areas: (1) developmental and school readiness outcomes for infants and toddlers with or at risk for disability, and (2) education outcomes for students across the full pipeline, from early childhood through postsecondary and adult education.

What kinds of research does this competition aim to support?

In practical terms, the competition is meant to support studies that strengthen the field's knowledge about how to improve learning and developmental trajectories for learners with disabilities and those at risk, and how systems and interventions can be made more effective, equitable, and evidence-based.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad and includes multiple types of organizations. The opportunity lists the following as eligible applicants: state, county, and city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; nonprofit organizations (including both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3) entities); and for-profit organizations (other than small businesses). The listing also includes an "Others" category and advises consulting the official notice for clarifications or additional conditions.

Are nonprofit organizations eligible?

Yes. Nonprofit organizations are listed as eligible, including both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3) entities.

Are for-profit organizations eligible?

Yes, for-profit organizations are listed as eligible, with the limitation noted in the summary that eligibility includes for-profit organizations other than small businesses.

Are schools and school districts eligible?

Yes. Independent school districts are listed as eligible applicants, and various government entities (including special district governments) are also listed as eligible.

Are colleges and universities eligible?

Yes. Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education and private institutions of higher education are both listed as eligible.

Where should applicants look for definitive eligibility rules and any extra conditions?

The summary states that it is only a synopsis and that applicants should rely on the official Federal Register application notice for definitive requirements. It also notes that IES competitions sometimes have specific requirements or definitions that may not fully appear in summary postings.

How must applications be submitted?

Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov. The process involves downloading the application package, completing it offline, and uploading it to Grants.gov for submission.

Can applications be submitted by email?

No. The notice is explicit that applications cannot be submitted by email.

How do applicants find the correct application package on Grants.gov?

Applicants are instructed to search for the application package in Grants.gov using the CFDA number and to omit the alpha suffix when searching. For example, search for 84.324 rather than 84.324A.

What is the closing date for this opportunity?

The closing date shown for this opportunity is August 4, 2016. The listing indicates the original and current closing date are the same.

When was this opportunity created and posted?

The opportunity was created and posted on March 8, 2016.

Is the synopsis the authoritative source for requirements and instructions?

No. The notice emphasizes that the description provided is only a synopsis of the official Federal Register application notice. Applicants are instructed to rely on the Federal Register notice for definitive requirements.

What details are typically found only in the official Federal Register application notice?

According to the summary, the Federal Register notice contains the specific pre-application and application instructions, required components and formatting, performance measures, priorities, review criteria, and program contact information.

Where can applicants access the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations for free?

The summary points to free access through the Government Publishing Office site referenced in the opportunity text, noting that the authoritative rules and details are located in the published notice rather than in the brief synopsis.