Applications under the Minority Research Associates Program are not scheduled for submission until late September 1979, allowing approximately four months from the announcement of these Guidelines for the requisite efforts by AoA to publicize the Program, to notify all potentially interested parties of its goals and objectives, and to assure that qualified minority social scientists and applicant institutions have sufficient time to work together in preparing the application.

The design of the project, its innovative and special features, is properly a blend of the interests and strengths of the minority social scientist(s) and the sponsoring institution. By way of general guidance the following elements should be considered for inclusion among the planned project activities:

courses, tutorials and other activities which would give
the research associate a thorough grounding in aging

o seminars, colloquia, workshops, and related opportunities
for advanced study in aging

significant roles that the research associate candidate(s)
is scheduled to play in research projects now underway at
the applicant institution

proposed research studies for which the research associate
will have independent or lead responsibility

o opportunities for the research associate to exchange views
on past, current, and needed research on minority aging at
professional meetings, at the Administration on Aging and
other Federal agencies supporting research on aging, and
at other appropriate locations. AoA will support and, as
appropriate, arrange these meetings.

In scheduling these project activities, the applicant and minority research associate candidate(s) have wide flexibility. In particular, the start of the project can be any time between approximately January 1980 - July 1980, depending upon when the candidate is available. Similarly the applicant institution, the candidate, and that candidate's current institution may choose to agree upon a schedule of project activities whereby the research associate divides his or her time over the two year project period between both institutions.

SECTION 4 PROGRAM NARRATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

Applications for grant support under the Title IV-A Minority Research Associate Program must be submitted on Standard Form 424 (OHDS) which is incorporated in these AoA Education and Training Program Plans and

Guidelines, FY 1979. That application provides for a full proposal description under Part IV Program Narrative. In completing Part IV applicants should include, at a minimum, the following information in their proposals.

a) A one page Abstract of the Proposal (see the Abstract
Sample attached).

b) A full discussion of Project Objectives, particularly
their relevance to building greater participation by
minority scholars in the field of aging research, and
their contribution toward advancing the study of
minority aging.

c) A detailed Project Design, matching the respective resources
and capabilities of the applicant gerontology program
and of the minority research associate candidate(s), and
which includes:

SECTION 5 OTHER SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

a) Grantee Share of Project Costs

Cost sharing is considered to be an important means of
demonstrating an applicant's commitment to the objectives
of this program. Grantees are expected to provide a
minimum of 5% of total allowable project costs. The
grantee share may be cash or in-kind, and must be allowable
under the Department's applicable cost principles published
in 45 CFR Part 74 (see 45 FR 26274, September 19, 1973).

b) Allowable Items of Support

a) Renumeration for research associate(s)

b) travel required to carry out the project

c) Supplies, equipment and other expenses to the extent
that they are essential to carrying out the project
objectives.

d) Consultant services. allowable if consistent with the
design of the project.

e) Indirect costs for the conduct of training by education institutions may not exceed 8% of allowable direct costs, which are all cost excluding those for purchase or rental of space and equipment.

SECTION 6 REVIEW OF PROPOSALS

Applications will be evaluated by an independent technical review panel in accordance with the criteria stated below. Each criterion is accompanied by a point range showing its relative weight. In selecting proposals for award, the Commissioner on Aging will consider comments and recommendations from three sources: the technical review panel of outside experts; State Agencies on Aging; and staff of the Administration on Aging. In addition, the Commissioner will attempt to achieve a balanced representation of the research associates among the four minority groups.

CRITERION 1 (30 points)

Qualifications of the applicant and minority research associate candidate(s) including such factors as:

a. Extent of the applicant's resources in terms of
staff, research facilities, and other capabilities
necessary to carry out the project.

b. clarity, specificity and detail of the
project objectives; the feasibility of
carrying out proposed major activities; the
likely effectiveness of these activities in
carrying out the project design successfully.

c.

Adequacy of the project's recruitment procedures, in-
cluding such considerations as their effectiveness in
attracting qualified social scientists among

the designated minority groups.

CRITERION 3 (30 points)

Anticipated outcomes of the project including such considerations as:

a.

b.

Enhancement of professional capability and career
opportunity for participating in aging research
by minority scientists.

Improving the base of knowledge concerning minority
elderly and the delivery of social services to
minority elderly.

CRITERION 4 (10 points)

Reasonableness and appropriateness of the proposed budget.

SECTION 7 ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

Any public or non-profit agency, organization, or institution is eligible to apply for grant support under the Minority Research Associate Program.

SECTION 8 FUNDING LEVELS

Eight (8) awards are scheduled to be made in FY 1980. Each grant can be expectedto cover up to a two-year grant period. The funding level for each award is $45,000 - $75,000 (including indirect costs) per year.

SECTION 9 LENGTH OF PROJECT

Projects are expected to run two years. Start-up dates will vary from
January 1980 to as late as July 1980 depending upon how soon the
minority research associate(s) will be available to participate in
the project.

The closing date for receipt of applications under the Minority Research
Associate Program is September 20, 1979. Applications may be mailed,
showing a U.S. Postal Service postmark or mail receipt of no later than
September 20, 1979, or they may be hand delivered during regular
working hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, except Saturdays, Sundays,
and Federal holidays, through September 20, 1979.