I know. Could it be less intuitive? Probably not. Just today we got this question. And, really, it is a question we get almost everyday.
We are interested in the possibility of becoming a Head Start site but are uncertain of the timeline of the rebid. Do you have any information that could help us in this regard.
The timeline is unclear. A lot of informal sources are suggesting that the Round 3 DRS funding announcements will be made ‘very soon’. OK… (?!)
In the first two rounds of DRS, the first step on the timeline was an announcement in the Department of Health and Human Services’ grants forecast webpage.
How would you know about the forecast? You’d have to look for it. This is our process. You can do this, too. Everyday, we log onto the DHHS grants forecast page:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/hhsgrantsforecast/index.cfm
Then we click on our Agency (second red arrow, middle blue box): ACF (Administration for Children and Families).
Now, start at the right arrow (not intuitive, I know), ask it to search on 93.600 (Head Start programs), then go to the left arrow and ask it to show 100 records (25 is the default and when this goes live, 25 isn’t enough at all), and finally, the middle arrow, sort by last updated. You have to do this twice – first it will show the most historical (not so useful) but when you click it a second time the most recent updates will be at the top.
OK. Then you’ll see that the last modified (left circle) have the status ‘forecasted’. That means then have NOT been posted to grants.gov. We just expect that they will be, at some point.
So – in Rounds 1 and 2, this is where we got the first real clue that the FOAs (funding opportunity announcements = the official word that money is available) were on the way. After they were listed here, they were posted to grants.gov. That was when the applications were officially available. Interested applicants had 90 days from that day to write and upload their most compelling application.
If you are interested in being in the loop – this is a good strategy for you. Go to this website and go through these steps everyday.
Or, sign up to follow this blog – we’ll let you know.
Thank you.
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If you are in Round 3 DRS and need help with your grant application, or if you are a delegate or otherwise qualified agency considering your options, please be in touch. In most cases, we can help you and if not we will certainly connect you with the resources you need. Please do call – 703-599-4329 or email [email protected] .
Considering the EHS-Child Care Partnership funding opportunity? We are following that topic, too. Please visit our sister blog and learn more.