International Research and Studies (IRS) Program CFDA 84.017A 1 | Apply Online

International Research and Studies (IRS) Program (CFDA 84.017A) - FAQs

1) What is the International Research and Studies (IRS) Program (CFDA 84.017A)?

The International Research and Studies (IRS) Program (CFDA 84.017A) is a discretionary grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of Education. It supports research and studies intended to improve and strengthen instruction in modern foreign languages, area studies, and other international fields.

2) What is the purpose of this grant program?

The program funds projects that generate useful knowledge, tools, or evidence that can help educators, institutions, and policymakers enhance the quality and effectiveness of international and foreign language education.

3) What kinds of fields or topics does the program focus on?

Based on the notice, the focus is on improving and strengthening instruction in:

• Modern foreign languages
• Area studies
• Other international fields

4) Is this a discretionary or formula grant?

This is a discretionary grant opportunity offered by the U.S. Department of Education.

5) When was this competition posted?

The competition was posted on November 10, 2009.

6) When were applications made available?

Applications were made available on November 10, 2009, the same day the competition was posted.

7) What was the application deadline?

The submission deadline was January 12, 2010.

8) Approximately how many awards did the Department expect to make?

The Department anticipated making about five awards.

9) What was the estimated total funding amount for this competition?

The estimated total funding amount was $820,000.

10) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The notice states there is no cost sharing or matching requirement, meaning applicants are not required to contribute additional non-federal funds to be eligible.

11) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad. The notice indicates that public and private agencies, organizations, institutions, and individuals may apply.

12) Are institutions of higher education eligible?

Yes. Public and private institutions of higher education are listed as examples of eligible applicants.

13) Are nonprofit organizations eligible, including those without 501(c)(3) status?

Yes. Nonprofit organizations are listed as eligible, including nonprofits with and without 501(c)(3) status.

14) Are for-profit organizations eligible, including small businesses?

Yes. For-profit entities are included as eligible applicants, and the examples specifically include small businesses.

15) Are state and local governments eligible to apply?

Yes. State and local governments are included as eligible applicants, with examples such as city, county, township, and special district governments.

16) Are independent school districts eligible?

Yes. Independent school districts are listed among the examples of eligible applicants.

17) Are public housing authorities eligible?

Yes. Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities are listed as examples of eligible applicants.

18) Are Native American tribal governments and tribal organizations eligible?

Yes. Native American tribal governments and tribal organizations are listed among the examples of eligible applicants.

19) How were applications required to be submitted?

Applications had to be submitted electronically through the Department of Education's e-Application system via the e-Grants website at http://e-grants.ed.gov.

20) Could applicants submit an application by email?

No. The notice emphasizes that applicants cannot submit an application by emailing an electronic copy to the Department. Applications had to be transmitted through the official electronic system.

21) Where should applicants look for the official and controlling details of the competition?

Applicants were directed to the official Federal Register notice for the controlling details. The Federal Register is highlighted as the authoritative source.

22) What kinds of information are covered in the official Federal Register notice?

The Federal Register notice is described as containing controlling details such as specific eligibility rules, application and pre-application requirements, submission instructions, performance measures, priorities, and program contact information.

23) How can someone access the Federal Register notice?

The notice indicates that the Federal Register is available with free access online through GPO Access.

24) Who can help with technical or system issues related to accessing the announcement or systems?

The announcement lists Julius Cotton (ED Grants.gov/FIND Systems Admin) as a primary contact for help accessing the full announcement or dealing with system issues.

25) Who can answer program-related questions about the IRS Program?

The announcement lists Carla White as the program manager for questions related to the program itself.

26) What submission platform was mentioned for electronic applications?

The electronic submission platform mentioned is the Department of Education's e-Application system accessed through the e-Grants website (http://e-grants.ed.gov).

27) Does the notice point to any other sources that govern requirements like priorities and performance measures?

Yes. It points to the official Federal Register notice as the controlling source for priorities, performance measures, and other requirements.