Office of Elementary and Secondary Education Overview Information Native Hawaiian Education Program Competition for Novice Applicants CFDA 84.362A | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is this grant opportunity?

This is a discretionary grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, under the Native Hawaiian Education Program (CFDA 84.362A). It is set aside as a competition for "novice applicants" as defined in 34 CFR 75.225.

2) What is the main purpose of the program?

The central aim is to fund innovative projects that improve and expand educational services for Native Hawaiian children and adults. Proposals are expected to use new or creative approaches that strengthen learning opportunities, academic outcomes, cultural and language instruction, or other education supports serving Native Hawaiian communities, consistent with activities authorized under section 7205(a)(3) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (as amended).

3) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include Native Hawaiian educational organizations and Native Hawaiian community-based organizations, as well as public and private nonprofit organizations, agencies, and institutions that have experience developing or operating Native Hawaiian programs or providing instruction in the Native Hawaiian language.

4) Are consortia allowed to apply?

Yes. Consortia of eligible entities may apply, as long as the applicant/consortium meets the definition of a novice applicant for this competition.

5) Is this competition only for novice applicants?

Yes. This opportunity is specifically set aside as a competition for novice applicants, as defined in 34 CFR 75.225.

6) How many awards were expected to be made?

The opportunity anticipated making about 7 awards.

7) How much funding was available in total?

Total estimated funding was $2,895,000.

8) What was the expected award size?

Individual awards were expected to range from an award floor of $250,000 to an award ceiling of $950,000.

9) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement, so applicants were not required to contribute non-federal funds as a condition of receiving an award.

10) When was the competition posted and when were applications due?

The competition was posted on February 26, 2010, and applications were made available the same day. The deadline for transmittal of applications was April 27, 2010.

11) How did applicants have to submit their applications?

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

12) What standard forms were required for submission?

The submission process required uploading standard federal grant forms electronically, including: the Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424), the Department of Education Supplemental Information for SF-424, and the Budget Information form for Non-Construction Programs (ED-524), along with required assurances and certifications.

13) What file formats were accepted for narrative attachments?

Narrative portions of the application had to be attached as files in .DOC, .RTF, or .PDF format.

14) What happens if files are uploaded in an unapproved format or are password-protected?

Materials uploaded in other formats, or files that were password-protected, would not be reviewed. This made file formatting and accessibility a compliance requirement for this competition.

15) Where could applicants get help with technical issues during electronic submission?

For technical issues with electronic submission, the e-Application Helpdesk number provided was 1-888-336-8930.

16) Who were the Department of Education contacts for program or application questions?

The notice listed agency contacts including Joyce Mays (Management Analyst) at (202) 245-6122 and joyce.mays@ed.gov, and the Program Manager Irene Harwarth at the U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, room 3E244, Washington, DC 20202, telephone (202) 401-3751.

17) Does the synopsis control eligibility and requirements, or is there another official source?

The synopsis emphasizes that controlling details are in the official Federal Register notice, and that eligibility, selection criteria, and other binding requirements should be verified there, using the referenced Federal Register and CFR access points.

18) The general data fields mention tribal governments and tribal organizations. Are those entities eligible here?

While the synopsis lists Native American tribal governments and tribal organizations as eligible applicant categories in the general data fields, the eligibility narrative for this specific competition emphasizes Native Hawaiian-focused organizations and nonprofits with relevant experience. Applicants would be expected to align closely with the Native Hawaiian eligibility descriptions in the official notice.

19) What types of project approaches are encouraged?

The competition is aimed at innovative projects. In practice, that means proposals should focus on new or creative approaches that improve and expand educational services for Native Hawaiian children and adults, including strengthening learning opportunities, academic outcomes, cultural and language instruction, or other education supports serving Native Hawaiian communities, consistent with the authorized activities referenced in the notice.

20) What is the program identifier for this opportunity?

The program is identified as the Native Hawaiian Education Program, CFDA 84.362A.