Application Notes:

Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. ET on August 6, 2024.

Applications must be submitted online at www.ecivis.com/grants.gov.

Applications must include:

• SF 424
• HUD 424B
• HUD 2880
• SF LLL (if applicable)
• Certification regarding lobbying activities
• HUD 424 CBW
• Supporting cost justification (4 pages max)
• Code of conduct
• Abstract (2 pages max)
• Response to rating factors
• Equity narratives (2 pages max)
• Supporting materials:
  • Resumes of the PI and other key personnel (3 pages max each)
  • Organizational chart
  • Letters of commitment
  • List of references cited in responses to the rating factors
• Additional information (optional; 20 pages max)

Narratives may not exceed 25 pages and must be formatted on single-spaced, standard-sized, numbered pages with one-inch margins on all sides and must use at least a 12-point Times New Roman font.

The following are required in order to submit an application:

• Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number
• SAM (System for Award Management) registration

Applicants may obtain a UEI number and verify or renew SAM registration status at www.ecivis.com/sam.

Applications will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

• Capacity of the applicant and relevant organizational experience (20 points)
• Need for the research (30 points)
• Soundness of approach (38 points)
• Achieving results and project management (12 points)
• MSI preference points (2 points)

Refer to the NOFA file for additional application information.

Match Notes:

Matching funds are not required for this program; however, applicants should detail any matching contributions in the application. Applicants that choose to leverage funding sources are encouraged to demonstrate the effectiveness of how program funds are being integrated into supporting study activities.

Federal sources are generally not allowed to be used for monetary leverage unless otherwise permitted by that specific federal program's authorizing statute.

Funding Notes:

Approximately $13.2 million is available to support approximately 15 cooperative agreements through this program overall, with up to $7.5 million available to support approximately 9 cooperative agreements ranging from $300,000 to $800,000 through this component.

If supported by the majority of the application review panel, one award of up to $800,000 will be issued through this component to the highest-scoring application from a qualified new applicant, as defined on page 16 of the NOFA file.

The project period is 36 months, and is expected to begin on December 2, 2024, and end on December 2, 2027. Award recipients may be eligible to receive a single extension of up to 12 months.

Applicants must budget for two trips to the funding agency's required conference, the location of which is to be determined, during the project period. Each trip should be planned for one to two people, as needed, and should assume one or two overnight stays.

Up to 20 percent of the total award amount may be used for allowable construction activities, such as to conduct repair or substantial rehabilitation that is necessary to conduct the proposed study.

In general, funds may not be used for lead or healthy home hazard control activities or related work that constitutes construction, reconstruction, repair, or improvement of a building or mobile home that is located in an area identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as having flood hazards. Refer to page 39 of the NOFA file for details.

For-profit entities are not allowed to earn a profit under this program.

Funds may not be used for:

• Replacing existing resources dedicated to any ongoing project
• The purchase of real property
• The purchase or lease of any equipment having a per-unit cost in excess of $5,000, unless prior written approval is obtained from the funding agency
• Medical treatment
• Activities not in compliance with the Coastal Barrier Resources Act
• Costs related to insect or animal testing except, when necessary, in the context of a broader study focusing on improving integrated pest management methods
• Explicitly religious activities, except where consistent with the Establishment Clause and any other applicable requirements

For FY 2023, two awards of $799,837 to $800,000 were distributed through this component. For FY 2022, one award of $699,981 was distributed through this component. For FY 2021, six awards ranging from $648,549 to $700,000 were distributed. Refer to the Award file for details.

July 9, 2024
A revised full solicitation for this program has been released and attached as the NOFA file. The Eligibility section has been updated accordingly.