Applications will be available at http://www.grants.gov and through the NIFA Web site. An application package will be made available to any potential grant applicant upon request. This package will include all necessary forms and instructions to apply for a grant under this program.

The Proposal Cover Page, Form NIFA-2002, must be completed in its entirety, including all authorizing signatures. One copy of each grant application must contain the original pen-and-ink signatures, or approved electronic equivalent, of:

(a) The Project Director(s); and

(b) The Authorized Organizational Representative for the institution.

Using the Project Summary, Form NIFA-2003, applicants must summarize the proposed graduate program of study and/or the academic and research strengths of the institution in the national need area for which funding is requested. To the extent possible, applicants should emphasize the uniqueness of the proposed program of training. The summary should not include any reference to the specific number of fellowships requested. The information on Form NIFA-2003 will be used in assigning the most appropriate panelists to review an application. If an application is supported, this Form may be used in program publications.

HEP will determine the composition of the narrative for each competition, including page limits, font size, the number and the order of sections, and other supporting information that may be required. Detailed instructions for preparing the narrative will be published in the solicitation.

Applicants must prepare the Budget, Form NIFA-2004, and a budget narrative identifying all costs associated with the application. Instructions for completing the Budget are provided with the form.

This section should include a Summary Vita, no more than 2 pages excluding publications listing, for each faculty member contributing significantly to institutional competence at the level of graduate study for the national need area addressed in the application. Applicants should arrange the faculty vitae with the Project Director(s) first, followed by the remaining faculty, in alphabetical order.

Any additional supporting information deemed essential to enhancing the application should be included in an Appendix and referenced in the national need narrative.