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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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).
6. 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.

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