Like you, we received notice that the Office of Head Start is starting to blog. Today.
Be sure to read Director Yvette Sanchez Fuentes’ first post here. Conveniently, the topic is Head Start Redesignation/recompetition/CFR 1307.
Sanchez Fuentes blog included this status update on the first round of applications, the extension of funding for competing grantees and what the timeline now looks like:
“The more than 500 applications received are now under competitive review by these panels. In order to maintain continuity of services to children and families and to support staff, OHS extended funding for all competing grantees to June 30, 2013. This extension provides current grantees in competition with funding to provide comprehensive Head Start services to children and families through the end of the school year. It also allows for the smooth transition of Head Start services, where applicable, and for minimal disruptions of indirect services.
In the new year, OHS will begin to reach out to applicants who pass both phases of the review process. At that time, we will engage in negotiations to make final determinations about awards in each of the competitive service areas. In the spring of 2013, when the negotiation process is complete, OHS will release the names of the awarded applicants, an abstract of their application and the summary of panel comments for their awarded application. OHS will then begin working with successful applicants on transition activities to ensure they are prepared to begin operations when their five-year Head Start and Early Head Start grants are awarded on July 1, 2013.”
She also reminded us about the OHS interactive applicant support website.
Although July 1, 2013 remains the stated transition date, we know most of you were expecting to hear something this month. How are your Policy Council, families, staff and community responding to updated timeline?
We will share updates as we learn of them and would welcome local perspectives or news you’d like to share with your peers.
Thank you.
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If your agency has activated a ‘trigger’ and is facing recompetition – you might want or need guidance. In most cases, we can help you get through this critical period and, if we can’t, we’ll certainly help you find the support you need.
We are especially happy to help you think about and write your proposal or to update your Community Assessment.
If you think you have a legal issue OR want to prevent one through regulatory compliance and risk assessment, please do yourself a big favor and call Ted Waters at [email protected] or Zoë Beckerman at [email protected], both with Feldesman Tucker Leifer Fidell LLP.
If you are a delegate agency thinking about responding to the upcoming RFP to continue to serve your children and families on your own, but are unsure about grant writing, give us a call.
If you are a community based, solid organization with your heart and management practices in the right place and think could do just as well or better on behalf of young children and their families, we can help you think that through and move forward if you’d like. Call us: 703-299-6570 or 703-299-6570 or email [email protected].