Gulf Coast Recovery Grant Application for Initial Funding

Part 4: Project Narrative Attachment Form

This section should be attached as a single document to the Project Narrative Attachment Form in accordance with the instructions found on http://e-grants.ed.gov and should be organized in the following manner and include the following parts in order to expedite the review process.

Ensure that you only attach the Education approved file types detailed in the Federal Register application notice (.doc, .pdf or .rtf). If using Word 2007, save your file to an earlier version of Word before uploading. Also, do not upload any password-protected files to your application.

When attaching files, applicants should limit the size of their file names. Lengthy file names could result in difficulties with opening and processing your application. We recommend your file names be less than 50 characters.

• Table of Contents

The Table of Contents shows where and how the important sections of your proposal are organized and should not exceed one double spaced page.

• Application Narrative

The application narrative responds to the selection criteria found in this application package and should follow the order of the selection criteria.

You must limit the project narrative to the equivalent of no more than 20 pages, using the following standards:

• A “page” is 8.5" x 11", on one side only, with 1" margins at the top, bottom, and both sides.

• Double space (no more than three lines per vertical inch) all text in the application narrative, including titles, headings, and quotations.

• Use a font that is either 12 point or larger or no smaller than 10 pitch (characters per inch).

• Use one of the following fonts: Times New Roman, Courier, Courier New, or Arial. An application submitted in any other font (including Times Roman or Arial Narrow) will not be accepted.

The page limit does not apply to the cover sheet; the budget section, including the narrative budget justification; the assurances and certifications; the one-page abstract; or the appendices. However, the page limit does apply to all of the application narrative section.

Applications that exceed the page limit will be rejected.

Selection Criteria for Program Narrative

The maximum score for all selection criteria is 100 points. The points or weights assigned to each criterion are indicated in parentheses. Non-Federal peer reviewers will review each application. They will be asked to evaluate and score each program narrative against the following selection criteria: (a) Need for the project. (40 points) The Secretary considers the following factors:

(i) The severity of the impact of the hurricane(s) on each school targeted for services under the project (10 points). Note: In addressing this factor, applicants should consider providing quantitative data, qualitative data, or both, on the status of each targeted school prior to the hurricane, as well as the impact of the hurricane(s) on each targeted school.

(ii) The magnitude of the need for the services to be provided or the activities to be carried out at each targeted school (10 points). Note: In addressing this factor, applicants should consider including quantitative data, qualitative data, or both, highlighting the specific needs resulting from the impact of the hurricane(s).

(iii) The extent to which other sources of funds (including FEMA reimbursement, private insurance, other funds) are not available to meet the needs of the targeted schools (20 points). Note: In addressing this factor, applicants should consider describing the financial resources needed for recovery efforts at each targeted school, and the extent to which current or future funding exists to meet these needs.

(b) Project design and services. (30 points) The Secretary considers the following factors:

(i) The extent to which the proposed project services will successfully address the needs of each targeted school (15 points). Note: In addressing this factor, applicants should consider proposing services that focus on restoring the learning environment and that respond to the specific recovery needs of the targeted schools.

(ii) The likelihood that the services to be provided by the proposed project will lead to improvements in the achievement of students as measured against rigorous academic achievement standards (10 points). Note: In addressing this factor, applicants should consider including an explanation of how the proposed recovery efforts will result in the increased academic achievement of students.

(iii) The extent to which the services to be provided by the proposed project involve the collaboration of appropriate partners in order to maximize the effectiveness of proposed project services (5 points). Note: In addressing this factor, applicants should consider identifying how the proposed recovery efforts will be coordinated with other entities to meet the needs of the targeted schools.

(c) Project management. (30 points) The Secretary considers the following factors:

(i) The qualifications, including relevant training and experience, of key personnel (10 points).

(ii) The adequacy of the management plan to achieve the objectives of the proposed project on time and within budget (8 points).

(iii) The extent to which the management plan articulates clearly defined responsibilities and includes realistic timelines and milestones for accomplishing project tasks (5 points).

(iv) The extent to which the applicant has a sound financial management system, including effective internal controls, to administer the grant funds (7 points). Note: In addressing this factor, applicants should consider including an overview of their financial management system, including how they maintain effective internal controls and fund-accountability procedures.