Program Office: Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education
CFDA Number: 84.116S Program Type: Discretionary/Competitive Grants
Also Known As: Modeling and Simulation Program
The purpose of the Modeling and Simulation Program is to promote the study of modeling and simulation at institutions of higher education (IHEs) by promoting the enhancement or development of modeling and simulation degree and certificate programs. Additionally, through this program, the Department will create a task force that will include the successful grantees and other content experts to raise awareness and help further define the study of modeling and simulation.
Grant(s) awarded under this program is for a period of three years. Required grant activities include:
- For applicants proposing to enhance an existing modeling and simulation program, the IHE must provide (1) a letter of commitment from the President or Provost; (2) identify responsible faculty; (3) a plan for use of grant funds to enhance the program; (4) a listing of line-item costs for task force activities, travel to meetings to Washington, D.C., and costs associated with a white paper outlining lessons learned in enhancing the program; (5) a 25% cost match commitment from non-Federal funds; and (6) evidence that the IHE has an already established modeling and simulation degree, certificate, or concentration.
- For applicants proposing to establish a modeling and simulation program, the IHE must provide (1) a letter of commitment from the President or Provost; (2) a detailed plan for how grant funds will be used to establish the modeling and simulation program; (3) a description of how the modeling and simulation program will complement the IHE's existing programs and curricular offerings; (4) provide a listing of line-item costs for task force activities, travel to meetings to Washington, D.C., and costs associated with a white paper outlining lessons learned in establishing the program; and (5) provide a 25% cost match commitment from non-Federal funds.
- In addition, enhancement grants may also use grant funds to expand the multidisciplinary nature of their programs, recruit students through fellowships and assistantships, create new courses, conduct research to support new methodologies and techniques, and purchase necessary equipment. Establishment grants may also use grant funds to establish a modeling and simulation program that may include a major, minor, career-track, certificate, or concentration component, provide adequate staffing (including full-time and supportive faculty), and purchase necessary equipment.
- Grantees must monitor the rates of student enrollment to the level of major, minor, career-track, certificate, and concentration programs. Grantees must also keep track of the number of modeling and simulation courses developed under the grant.
- A grant under this competition must have in place the necessary processes and systems to comply with the reporting requirements in 2 CFR part 170 should you receive funding under the competition. This does not apply if you have an exception under 2 CFR 170.110(b).
- At the end of the project period, grantees must submit a Final Performance Report, including financial information, as directed by the Secretary. If you receive a multiyear award, you must submit an Annual Performance Report that provides the most current performance and financial expenditure information as directed by the Secretary under 34 CFR 75.118. The Secretary may also require more frequent performance reports under 34 CFR 75.720(c). For specific requirements on reporting, please go to www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html.
Who May Apply:
A public or private nonprofit institution of higher education as defined in section 101(a) of the HEA. Applicants must be eligible to apply under either Absolute Priority 1 or Absolute Priority 2 as outlined in the Absolute Priorities section. Applicants applying under Absolute Priority 1 must also be an institution of higher education that has—
Timeline
Previous Competition: FY 2023 Application Available: April 24, 2023 Application Deadline: June 23, 2023
Federal Register Notice
All applicants required to submit a Modeling and Simulation Program application online using Grants.gov. Through Grants.gov you will be able to download a copy of the application package, complete it offline, upload required documents and submit the application. MSP application package can be searched on grants.gov using keyword(s): Modeling and Simulation; or the Opportunity Number: ED-GRANTS-042423-001; or by the CFDA: 84.116S.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability and wish to access telecommunications relay services, please dial 7-1-1. Individuals with disabilities can obtain this document and a copy of the application package in an accessible format (e.g., braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) on request.
TO APPLY:
The FY 2023 Modeling and Simulation Program application is available until June 23, 2023, on Grants.gov website, www.grants.gov. Search by the CFDA Number listing 84.116S or the Funding Opportunity Number ED-GRANTS-042423-001. If you experience problems submitting your application through Grants.gov, refer to the Support page and/or contact the Grants.gov Support Desk, toll free, at 1-800-518-4726. For program-specific questions, contact robin.dabney@ed.gov.
The U.S. Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) periodically seeks Peer Reviewers (field readers) to read and evaluate discretionary grant program applications. If you are interested in serving as a field reader for OPE grant competitions, register in G5 at https://www.g5.gov/, or visit, OPE Field Reader Registration homepage, https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/peer-reviewers/index.html
Please follow the guidance published in the Federal Register Notice and the application instructions in Grants.gov.
Technical Assistance (TA): Pre-Application Technical Assistance Webinar Schedule .
Dr. Robin Dabney (202) 453-7908
Robin.Dabney@ed.gov
Modeling and Simulation Program
U.S. Department of Education, OPE
400 Maryland Avenue, S.W, 5th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20202
FY 2023
- New Award(s): MS Excel (13K)
- Absolute Priority 1—Enhancing Modeling and Simulation at Institutions of Higher Education: PDF (178K)
- Absolute Priority 2—Establishing Modeling and Simulation Programs: PDF (208K)
FY 2022
- New Awards(s): MS Excel (13K)
- Absolute Priority I — Enhancement Grant(s): (n/a)
- Absolute Priority 2 — Establishment Grant(s): PDF (403K)
FY 2021
FY2023
Number of new awards: 7
Average award: $1,131,428.57
Total new awards funded: $7,920,000
FY2022
Number of new awards: 3
Average award: $1,370,077
Total new awards funded: $2,740,154
FY 2021
Number of new awards: 5
Average award: $1,053,827
Total new awards funded: $5,269,134
The Modeling and Simulation Program is authorized under 20 U.S.C. 1161v; 20 U.S.C. 1138 — 1138d; Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2021, H.R. 7614, 116th Congress (2020); the explanatory statement accompanying H.R. 133 (Pub. L. 116 — 260) "…for Modeling and Simulation Programs as authorized under section 891 of the HEA. Modeling and simulation technology has numerous applications for Federal and state governments and their partners in the defense, education, gaming, shipbuilding, and workforce training sectors, allowing them to generate data to help make decisions or predictions about their systems."
Note: Projects will be awarded and must be operated in a manner consistent with the nondiscrimination requirements contained in Federal civil rights laws and Supreme Court precedent.
- There are no program-specific regulations.
- (a) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR parts 75, 77, 79, 82, 84, 86, 97, 98, and 99. (b) The Office of Management and Budget Guidelines to Agencies on Governmentwide Debarment and suspension (Nonprocurement) in 2 CFR part 180, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department in 2 CFR part 3485. (c) The Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards in 2 CFR part 200, as adopted and amended in 2 CFR part 3474.
If you receive a grant under this competition, you must ensure that the necessary processes and systems are developed to comply with the reporting requirements in 2 CFR part 170 should you receive funding under the competition. This does not apply if you have an exception under 2 CFR 170.110(b).
At the end of the project period, the grantee must submit a Final Performance Report, including financial information, as directed by the Secretary. If a grantee receives a multi-year award, it must submit an Annual Performance Report that provides the most current performance and financial expenditure information as directed by the Secretary under 34 CFR 75.118. The Secretary may also require more frequent performance reports under 34 CFR 75.720(c). For specific requirements on reporting, please go to www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html.
FY23 Performance Measures
For the purposes of the Department reporting under 34 CFR 75.110, the Department will use the following performance measures to evaluate the success of the MSP:
- (a) The number of students enrolled in the established and enhanced modeling and simulation programs, including major, minor, career-track, certificate, and concentration programs.
- (b) The number of new modeling and simulation courses in established and enhanced programs developed under the MSP that reflect emerging developments in the modeling and simulation field.
FY22 Performance Measures
For purposes of Department reporting under CFR 75.110, the Department will use the following performance measures to evaluate the success of the MSP:
- (a) The number of students enrolled in the established and enhanced modeling and simulation programs, including major, minor, career-track, certificate, and concentration programs.
- (b) The number of new modeling and simulation courses in established and enhanced programs developed under the MSP that reflect emerging developments in the modeling and simulation field.
FY21 Performance Measures
Under the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) of 1993 and for purposes of Department reporting under CFR 75.110, the Department will use the following performance measures to evaluate the success of the Modeling and Simulation Program:
- The number of students enrolled in the established modeling and simulation programs, including major, minor, career-track, certificate, and concentration programs.
- The number of new modeling and simulation courses developed under the MSP that reflect emerging developments in the modeling and simulation field.
Key Staff
Dr. Robin Dabney
Competition Manager and Program Lead
Modeling and Simulation Program
Phone: 202-453-7908
Email: Robin.Dabney@ed.gov
Mailing Address:
Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education
U.S. Department of Education, OPE
Modeling and Simulation Program
400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC 20202
E-mail: modelingandsimulation@ed.gov
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- Are applicants required to address the Absolute Priority?
- In addition to the absolute priorities, are there additional requirements to be competitive?
- Will there be equal consideration given to small colleges and universities? Or is this funding targeting larger organizations?
- Can an applicant apply under both Absolute Priority 1 and Absolute Priority 2?
- Are community colleges eligible to apply; and how do they apply to the Invitational priority?
- Could applications be mailed, or hand delivered?
- What is an NIA?
- After submitting an application, can I "un-submit" the application in Grants.gov due to inadvertently omitting a document or discover an error?
- Can an eligible institution of higher education (IHE) submit more than one application during the same funding opportunity year?
- Are there page limits? Also, can tables and charts be singled space (i.e., the logic model)?
- What is the deadline for application transmission?
- Can institutions of higher education (IHEs) that received more than $500,000 in other FIPSE funding apply for the Modeling and Simulation Program grant?
- "I am wondering if this program is open to a wide range of simulation types or if it is primarily focused on computer science and mathematics simulations". Can you clarify?
- If an applicant does not meet eligibility requirements in other areas, will the application still be considered?
- Is there a limit on the number of applications an institution can submit to address both absolute priorities?
- If an institution does not offer formalized training or a major specific program, i.e., PhD Modeling and Simulation in Health Sciences, could a MSP grant fall under Health Sciences?
- How many Modeling and Simulation Program applications were received and funded in 2021 and 2022?
- We have health science programs that uses simulation in a limited capacity. Could MSP funds be used to expand, update, and grow the use of simulations across the campus?
- Examples shared during the Pre-application Technical Assistance Webinar included "bold" text within statements and keywords. Should we (applicants) use bold text similar to the webinar examples?
- Can a current Modeling and Simulation Program apply under this year's grant program competition?
- Does the Logic Model graphic have to be "double-spaced" or could it be "singled-space"?
- Can applicants request amounts over the maximum amount?
- What is the performance period?
- Is there an Indirect Cost restriction?
- Is there a Cost Sharing or Cost Matching requirement?
- Will the base of 25% cost share be the total project budget (funded + cost share) or funded grant budget? Ex. If awarded $1M, will cost share be $250K = $1.25M or 25% of $1.25 = $312K?
- Are points given for providing greater than the 25% cost share/matching?
- What is the guideline for charging white paper pages? Can the charge be used to cover professional editing services, book publisher costs or web hosting for dissemination?
- For the cost share, will the portion of the Indirect Cost charged by university that would return to PI (lost IDC) can be considered as the cost share?
- Can a Grantee award subgrants to carry out project activities?
- Will applicants become eligible members of the Task Force under this Grant?
1. Are applicants required to address the Absolute Priority?
Yes, applicants must only address one of the two absolute priorities established for this competition, not both. Invitational Priorities or Competitive Preference Priorities are optional.
TOP
2. In addition to the absolute priorities, are there additional requirements to be competitive?
Yes, applicants must address the Selection Criteria to be competitive. Available points for each criterion are assigned in the parentheses next to each selection criterion.
TOP
3. Will there be equal consideration given to small colleges and universities? Or is this funding targeting larger organizations?
Yes, equal consideration will be given as there are no additional priority points to be earned based on the size of a college or university.
TOP
4. Can an applicant apply under both Absolute Priority 1 and Absolute Priority 2?
No. As noted above in Question 1, eligible institutions can only apply under one absolute priority, not both.
TOP
5. Are community colleges eligible to apply; and how do they apply to the Invitational priority?
Community colleges (as defined under the NIA) may apply as the lead institution or under the invitational priority. If applying as the lead institution (eligibility institution), identify which absolute priority applying. If addressing the invitational priority, i.e., in partnership with an eligible institution, the eligible institution will explain how the project will be implemented by or in partnership with the community college.
TOP
6. Could applications be mailed, or hand delivered?
The Department's preferred method to submit applications electronically using Grants.gov at: http://www.grants.gov. If you submit your application through Grants.gov, you will receive an automatic acknowledgement as to when your application was received. Applications that are mailed must refer to our Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal Register on December 7, 2022 (87 FR 75045), and available at www.federalregister.gov/d/2022-26554. The Department does not accept hand delivered applications.
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7. What is an NIA?
The NIA (Notice Inviting Applications) published in the Federal Register is the official document describing the requirements for submitting a Modeling and Simulation Program grant application. Applicants should not rely upon any information that is inconsistent with the guidance contained in the NIA.
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8. After submitting an application, can I "un-submit" the application in Grants.gov due to inadvertently omitting a document or discover an error?
No. If you discover changes or additions are needed after submitting your application, you must "re-submit" the entire application. If the Department receives duplicate applications, the Department will accept and process the application with the latest "date/time received" validation.
TOP
9. Can an eligible institution of higher education (IHE) submit more than one application during the same funding opportunity year?
No. For this competition, grants are awarded on a competitive basis; therefore, an IHE meeting eligibility requirement may submit only one application.
TOP
10. Are there page limits? Also, can tables and charts be singled space (i.e., the logic model)?
We recommend applicants limit the application narrative to no more than 50 pages and use 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, footnotes, quotations, references, and captions, as well as all text in charts, tables, figures, and graphs (if the logic model is in a graph or chart, recommendations are double-spaced).
- Use a font that is either 12 point or larger, and no smaller than 10 pitch (characters per inch).
- Use one of the following fonts: Times New Roman, Courier, Courier New, or Arial.
The recommended page limit applies to the application narrative, which is your complete response to the selection criteria and any response to the invitational priority. TOP
11. What is the deadline for application transmission?
June 23, 2023, 11:59:59 p.m.
TOP
12. Can institutions of higher education (IHEs) that received more than $500,000 in other FIPSE funding apply for the Modeling and Simulation Program grant?
Yes.
TOP
13. "I am wondering if this program is open to a wide range of simulation types or if it is primarily focused on computer science and mathematics simulations". Can you clarify?
Modeling and Simulation Program seeks to fund the "development or enhancement of degree programs focused on modeling and simulation technology". The program is not primary focus on computer science and mathematics simulations. It's up to the "Eligible institution" to provide a detailed plan on how they will "establish" or "enhance" a modeling and simulation program.
NOTE: Simulation technology can be found in many fields including industries, mining, healthcare, manufacturing, etc.
TOP
14. If an applicant does not meet eligibility requirements in other areas, will the application still be considered?
Applications will be screened in accordance with requirements in the Federal Register to determine whether they have met eligibility and other requirements.
TOP
15. Is there a limit on the number of applications an institution can submit to address both absolute priorities?
The eligible institution (potential applicant) submits only one (1) application. TOP
16. If an institution does not offer formalized training or a major specific program, i.e., PhD Modeling and Simulation in Health Sciences, could a MSP grant fall under Health Sciences?
The focus of MSP grant program is to fund "the development or enhancement of degree programs focused on modeling and simulation technology".
Modeling and Simulation Program funding opportunity is twofold; eligible institutions (review the Eligibility Information in the NIA) may apply under Absolute Priority 1-Enhancing Modeling and Simulation at Institutions of Higher Education which an eligible institution propose to enhance an existing "modeling and simulation degree program" including a major, minor, or career-track program, or an existing certificate or concentration program, or apply under Absolute Priority 2—Establishing Modeling and Simulation Programs which an eligible institution propose to establish, or work toward the establishment of, a "modeling and simulation program, including a major, minor, career-track, certificate, or concentration program".
Potential applicants cannot apply under both funding during a competition.
TOP
17. How many Modeling and Simulation Program applications were received and funded in 2021 and 2022?
Five (5) application were received; five (5) applications were funded in year 2021. Five (5) applications were received; three (3) applications were funded in the year 2022.
TOP
18. We have health science programs that uses simulation in a limited capacity. Could MSP funds be used to expand, update, and grow the use of simulations across the campus?
The "Funding Restrictions" section outlines usage of funds for each Absolute priority.
TOP
19. Examples shared during the Pre-application Technical Assistance Webinar included "bold" text within statements and keywords. Should we (applicants) use bold text similar to the webinar examples?
No, applicants' responses do not require bold text.
TOP
20. Can a current Modeling and Simulation Program apply under this year's grant program competition?
A previously awarded grantee may apply under a new competition year for an additional award if they will be conducting new activities and not duplicating the work of their current grant.
TOP
21. Does the Logic Model graphic have to be "double-spaced" or could it be "singled-space"?
We recommend you limit the application narrative to no more than 50 pages and use 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, footnotes, quotations, references, and captions, as well as all text in charts, tables, figures, and graphs; use a font that is either 12 point or larger, and no smaller than 10 pitch (characters per inch); and use one of the following fonts: Times New Roman, Courier, Courier New, or Arial. The Notice contains additional information regarding formatting instructions. Additional information can be found in the application instruction booklet found in Grants.gov.
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22. Can applicants request amounts over the maximum amount?
No. Awards will not be granted over the maximum allowable amount.
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23. What is the performance period?
The initial performance period is for a three-year period (up to 36 months), which may be extended for not more than two years.
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24. Is there an Indirect Cost restriction?
This program uses an unrestricted indirect cost rate. For more information regarding indirect costs, or to obtain a negotiated indirect cost rate, visit, www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocfo/intro.html.
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25. Is there a Cost Sharing or Cost Matching requirement?
Yes, cost sharing or cost matching is required from non-Federal sources, in cash or in-kind, an amount equal to 25 percent of the amount of the grant to carry out the activities supported by the grant.
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26. Will the base of 25% cost share be the total project budget (funded + cost share) or funded grant budget? Ex. If awarded $1M, will cost share be $250K = $1.25M or 25% of $1.25 = $312K?
The cost share portion is the amount equal to 25 percent of the amount of the grant award (the total approved budget). So, your cost share portion is a 25% match for each federal dollar awarded. ex. $1M grant award, the cost share is $250,000.
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27. Are points given for providing greater than the 25% cost share/matching?
No additional points are given for cost share greater than 25%.
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28. What is the guideline for charging white paper pages? Can the charge be used to cover professional editing services, book publisher costs or web hosting for dissemination?
Regarding the cost of white papers, or any other grant related costs, generally, the Department does not advise on specific cost amounts. IHEs are responsible for justifying and documenting grant related cost associate with White Paper.
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29. For the cost share, will the portion of the Indirect Cost charged by university that would return to PI (lost IDC) can be considered as the cost share?
IDC should not be used in the cost share portion as IDC is part of the federal funded portion of an award. Refer to federal regulation, 2 CFR 200.306 -Cost sharing or matching - https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306
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30. Can a Grantee award subgrants to carry out project activities?
No. Grantees under this competition may not award subgrants to entities to directly carry out project activities described in its application.
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31. Will applicants become eligible members of the Task Force under this Grant?
Yes. Task force membership shall be composed of representatives from IHEs to include additional federal agencies, private sectors, and other national modeling and simulation organizations.