Form G-1482 Citizenship and Integration Direct Services Grant Progra

Citizenship and Integration Direct Services Grant Program, Form G-1482

Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Control Number: 1615-NEW

Expiration Date: XX/XX/XXXX

An agency may not conduct or sponsor an information collection, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information, unless it displays a valid OMB Control Number. The public reporting burden for this collection of information is 40 hours per response for the initial application. This includes the time required for reviewing instructions and completing the form. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing the burden, to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Regulatory Coordination Division, Office of Policy and Strategy, 20 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20529-2140, OMB No. 1615-NEW. Do not mail your completed form to this address.

Obligation to Respond:  Required to Obtain Benefits.

DHS Privacy Notice

AUTHORITIES: The information requested on this application, and the associated evidence, is collected under Section 538 of the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2016 (Pub. L. No. 114-113), Division F, Title V.

PURPOSE: The primary purpose for providing the requested information on this application is to assess an organization’s eligibility for federal funding under the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program. DHS uses the information you provide to grant or deny the grant your organization is seeking.

DISCLOSURE: The information you provide is voluntary. However, failure to provide the requested information, and any requested evidence, may delay a final decision or result in denial of your application.

ROUTINE USES: The information may be used by and disclosed to DHS personnel and contractors or other agents who need the information to assist in reviewing and determining your organization’s eligibility for the citizenship instruction and naturalization application services funding opportunities. DHS follows approved routine uses described in the associated published system of records notice [DHS- ALL-002 DHS Mailing and Other Lists System] and the published privacy impact assessments [DHS/ALL/PIA-006 DHS General Contacts List and DHS/USCIS/PIA-066 Citizen and Integration Grant Program] which you can find at www.dhs.gov/privacy. DHS may also share this information, as appropriate, for law enforcement purposes or in the interest of national security.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program

Citizenship Instruction

NOTE: If you are going to apply for this funding opportunity and have not obtained a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and/or are not currently registered in the System for Award Management (SAM), please take immediate action to obtain a DUNS number, if applicable, and then register immediately in SAM. It may take 4 weeks or more after you submit your SAM registration before your registration is active in SAM, as well as an additional 24 hours for Grants.gov to recognize your information. The process for obtaining a DUNS number and registering in SAM is available from Grants.gov at http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html. Detailed information regarding DUNS and SAM processes are provided in Section D of this NOFO under the subsection titled Content and Form of Application Submission.

1. Program Description

Issued By

DHS, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Office of Citizenship

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number

97.010

CFDA Title

Citizenship Education and Training

Notice of Funding Opportunity Title

FY 2016 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program: Citizenship Instruction

NOFO Number

DHS-16-CIS-010-001

Authorizing Authority for Program

Section 538 of the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2016 (Pub. L. No. 114-113), Division F, Title V

Appropriation Authority for Program

Section 538 of the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2016 (Pub. L. No. 114-113), Division F, Title V

Program Type

New

Program Overview, Objectives, and Priorities

The Office of Citizenship (OoC), within USCIS, DHS, is charged with promoting instruction and training on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. USCIS recognizes that naturalization is an important milestone in the civic integration of immigrants. Naturalization requirements, such as knowledge of English and

U.S. history and civics, encourage civic learning and build a strong foundation upon which immigrants can exercise their rights and responsibilities. Through preparing for naturalization, immigrants will gain the tools to become successful citizens—ready to exercise their rights and meet their responsibilities as

U.S. citizens.

USCIS acknowledges the valuable role that local service provider community-based organizations play in immigrant communities. Due to the strong relationships these agencies often have with immigrants in the local area, these organizations can assist USCIS in its effort to reach underserved populations.

The goal of the Citizenship Instruction grant is to provide support to community-based organizations in their efforts to establish new citizenship instruction programs or expand the quality and reach of existing citizenship instruction programs. Through this funding, USCIS will fund community-based organizations striving to professionalize and increase services to immigrants in the area of citizenship instruction. Verifiable experience in the provision of English as a Second Language (ESL) programming is required to qualify for this funding opportunity. Applicants are required to use existing expertise in ESL instruction to provide citizenship instruction.

Applicants are required to include a copy of the citizenship curriculum and to provide the name of the corresponding textbook intended for use to guide the citizenship instruction throughout the program’s period of performance. OoC reserves the right to suggest changes to curriculum and educational materials after reviewing the applicant’s program during the negotiation period or the first quarter of the funding period. Grant recipients will be required to enroll at least 125 citizenship instruction students and provide a minimum of 40 hours of instruction to each student during the period of performance.

DHS will consider applications that include the cost of Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) training for staff with the ultimate objective of obtaining BIA accreditation.

The Citizenship Instruction grant addresses the following DHS mission as specified in the Quadrennial Homeland Security Review:

Mission 3: Enforce and Administer Our Immigration Laws

Goal 3.1: Strengthen and Effectively Administer the Immigration System

• Promote lawful immigration;

• Effectively administer the immigration services system; and

• Promote the integration of lawful immigrants into American society.

Request for Proposals

In FY 2016, a total of approximately $10 million in Federal funding is available for the USCIS Citizenship and Integration Grant Program. It is anticipated that approximately $1 million will be used to fund citizenship instruction through the program described in this funding opportunity. In addition, another $9 million will fund programs that provide both citizenship instruction and naturalization application services through funding opportunity DHS-16-CIS-010-002.

The proposed citizenship instruction program must prepare lawful permanent residents for the naturalization test and interview and must include:

• Instruction in U.S. history and government;

• ESL instruction in reading, writing, and speaking;

• Instruction on the naturalization process and eligibility interview;

• The use of a nationally normed standardized test of English proficiency to place and assess progress of all students enrolled under this program. At least 80 percent of post-tested students must demonstrate education gains as evidenced by increased standardized test scores;

• The provision of at least 40 hours of citizenship instruction over an 8-15 week class cycle with managed enrollment to at least 125 students at the National Reporting System for Adult Education (NRS) low beginning to high intermediate level; and

• The use of citizenship teachers who have at least 1 year of experience teaching ESL to adults.

Grant-funded classes must integrate instruction in U.S. history and government; ESL instruction in reading, writing, and speaking; and instruction on the naturalization process and eligibility interview. For more detailed information on the content and competencies that applicants must address in grant-funded classes, please review the Guide to the Adult Citizenship Education Content Standards and Foundation Skills found at http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/Office%20of%20Citizenship/Citizenship%20Resource%20Center%20Site/Publications/M-1121.pdf.

2. Federal Award Information

Award Amounts, Important Dates, and Extensions

Available Funding for the NOFO: Approximately $1 million

Projected Number of Awards: Approximately 10

Period of Performance: 24 months (comprising two 1-year budget periods)

Applicants may request a no-cost extension in order to complete all project activities. The request must be submitted 60 days prior to the expiration of the performance period. Requests for extensions are subject to approval by DHS. See Section H. Additional Information – Extension.

Projected Period of Performance Start Date(s): 10/01/2016

Projected Period of Performance End Date(s): 9/30/2018

Funding Instrument: Grant

3. Eligibility Information

Eligible Applicants

The following entities are eligible to apply to this announcement:

• _{Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) Internal Revenue Service (IRS) status, other than institutions of higher education, that are local in scope and service delivery area.}

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this program, applicants must meet the below requirements:

1. Applicants must be nonprofits with _{501(c)(3) IRS status}; and

2. At the time of application, applicants must currently offer and have at least 1 year experience providing ESL instruction in a classroom setting that follows a curriculum.

Eligible organizations include, but are not limited to, private, non-profit organizations such as civic, community, and faith-based organizations; adult education organizations; and volunteer and literacy organizations.

Not Eligible

Former awardees and sub-awardees under the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program and the Citizenship Grant Program are not eligible to receive funding with this opportunity. Applicants and sub-applicants to the FY 2016 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program, Citizenship Instruction, and Naturalization Application Services (funding opportunity DHS-16-CIS-010-002), are not eligible to apply to this program.

If DHS determines at any point during the review process that an application does not meet these eligibility requirements, the application will be removed from further consideration.

Non-Responsive Applications

Your application will be deemed non-responsive if:

1. Form SF-424 – Application for Federal Assistance is missing.

2. Form SF-424A – Budget is missing.

3. Form SF-424B – Assurances - Non-Construction Programs is missing.

4. The applicant’s Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) is not registered with SAM.

5. The application does not include either a Budget Narrative or a Budget Table.

6. The Project Abstract is missing.

7. The Project Narrative is missing.

Maintenance of Effort (MOE)

There is no MOE requirement for this program. Requests for funds under this announcement shall not be used to take the place of activities described in the application that are currently supported with other funding. Also, grant funds shall not be used to support activities that are a normal part of the organization’s operations.

Cost Share or Match

There is no cost share requirement for this program. However, projects that supplement government funding are encouraged and may receive favorable consideration. Applicants should clearly identify which budget items are to be supported by Federal grant funding and which are to be supported by in-kind contributions and/or other funding sources, along with an estimate of the value of these non-Federal funding sources.

4. Application and Submission Information

Key Dates and Times

Date Posted to Grants.Gov: 3/2/2016

Application Submission Deadline: 04/22/2016 at 11:59:59 p.m., EDT

Anticipated Funding Selection Date: 09/07/2016

Anticipated Award Date: 09/17/2016

NOTE: The application must be received in Grants.gov by the date and time listed above. If an application is received after the deadline, it will not be considered. Applicants will receive a confirmation from Grants.gov once the application is successfully submitted.

All applications are time stamped by the Grants.gov system when submitted and recipients are notified accordingly. The Federal office will download all applications that are received by the deadline date and time as indicated on the NOFO.

Other Key Dates

Event	Suggested Deadline For Completion
Obtaining DUNS number	3/15/2016
Obtaining a valid Employer Identification Number	3/15/2016
Updating SAM registration	3/21/2016
Starting application in Grants.gov	4/13/2016

Address to Request Application Package

Application forms and instructions are available at Grants.gov. To access these materials, go to http://www.grants.gov, select “Applicants” then “Apply for Grants.” In order to obtain the application package, select “Download a Grant Application Package.” Enter the CFDA and/or the funding opportunity number located on the cover of this NOFO, select “Download Package,” and then follow the prompts to download the application package.

Applications will be processed through the Grants.gov portal. If you experience difficulties accessing information or have any questions, please call the Grants.gov customer support at 1-800-518-4726.

The Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD) and/or Federal Information Relay Service number available for this announcement is: 1-800-518-4726 (Grants.gov Help Desk).

To request a hardcopy of the full NOFO, please email or fax a request to:

Jacqueline Greely

Grants Officer

[email protected]

Fax: 202-447-5600

Content and Form of Application Submission

Applicants must submit all required forms and required documents listed in this section. See the Grants.gov Applicant User Guide for instructions on how to attach forms and documents. Applicant should ensure that the final submitted application package includes all required forms and documents. Applicants should avoid the use of special characters in attachment file names.¹

REQUIRED FORMS

Complete the required forms in accordance with the application instructions on Grants.gov. If submitting any information that is deemed proprietary, privileged, confidential, commercial, or financial, please denote the beginning and ending of such information with asterisks (***).

1. Form SF-424 – Application for Federal Assistance

This form must be completed within the application package on Grants.gov. You must download and install Adobe Reader in order to view this form. Applicants are only required to complete fields which are highlighted.

2. Form SF-424A – Budget

This form must be completed within the application package on Grants.gov. You must download and install Adobe Reader in order to view this form. Applicants are only required to complete the fields that are highlighted. Provide budget amounts by object class (personnel, fringe benefits, travel, etc.). Include second year budget amounts in Section E. Funds may be requested as long as the item and amount are necessary to perform the proposed work and are not precluded by the cost principles or program funding restrictions.

3. Certifications/Assurances

These forms must be completed within the application package on Grants.gov. You must download and install Adobe Reader in order to view these forms. Applicants must submit:

1. Form SF-424B – Assurances – Non-Construction Programs; and

2. Certification Regarding Lobbying. If paragraph two of the certification applies, then complete and submit the SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities that is provided as an optional form in the application package.

By signing and submitting an application under this announcement, the applicant is providing: Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements; Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters – Primary Covered Transactions; and Certification that the applicant is not delinquent on any Federal debt.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

4. Project Abstract (3 single-spaced page maximum)

Provide the information below in a separate document suitable for public dissemination. The project abstract must not include any proprietary/confidential information. Attach the Project Abstract to the application package.²

General Information

1.

Organization legal name

2.

Organization legal address (Number, street, city, state, Zip code)

3.

Head of the organization (Name, title, address, phone number, email address)

4.

Authorized official, the person at the organization authorized to sign and receive award (Name, title, address, phone number, email address)

5.

Grant project manager, the person who will manage operations of the grant project and will serve as USCIS’ primary point of contact (Name, title, address, phone number, email address)

6.

Type of organization (e.g., community/faith-based organization, public school, adult education program, public library, etc.)

7.

Project description (200 words or less)

Provide a brief summary of the following:

• The organization’s experience providing ESL instruction (and citizenship instruction, if applicable) to immigrants and number of years providing services;

• A description of the immigrant community, including most common countries of origin that the organization will serve; and

• Proposed grant project activities and outcomes.

8.

Annual Organizational Budget

9.

Total Federal funding requested (Up to $100,000)

10.

Total Federal funding allocated for citizenship instructor salary³

11.

Total Federal funding allocated for administrative costs

12.

Applicant’s total in-kind contributions (if applicable)

13.

Geographic area/community (where services will be provided)

14.

Congressional district (based on the legal address of the applicant) )organization)

15.

Targeted underserved immigrant communities (if applicable)

16.

Number of full-time equivalents (FTE)

Indicate the number of intended grant-funded FTEs.

17.

Are all program sites in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act?

(ADA)?

18.

List any grants received by the applicant in the past 3 years focused on adult education or services to immigrants.

Name of Grant	Grantor	Period of Performance	Total Award Amount

Proposed Citizenship Class Structure

20.

Class cycle table: Provide the information below for each class type following the example.

Class Title and Instructor	Proficiency Level	Hours per class	Times per week	Weeks per class cycle	Total hours per class cycle	Number of times offered over a 2 year period of performance
e.g., Citizenship Morning (Instructor - Pat Jones)	High beginning	3	2	10	60	8

NOTE:

Applicants must offer at least 40 hours of citizenship instruction over an 8-15 week class cycle for students at the NRS low beginning to high intermediate level.

21.

Number of total citizenship instruction hours to be offered over the 2-year period

22.

Approximate number of students enrolled per class

23.

Location of classes

24.

Other education services offered (tutoring, study groups, etc.)

25.

The name and language level of the textbook(s) to be provided to students (include publication year)

26.

Use of computers in citizenship instruction, if at all

27.

Nationally normed standardized assessment test(s) of English language proficiency for student placement and assessment of progress

5. _{Project Narrative (10 double-spaced pages maximum)}

Provide a response for each item in the chart below following the order listed. The items and attachments listed in each section are required, and any item or attachment that is omitted will result in points deducted.

Format Requirements

• You must follow the order specified below:

• _{Include the title “Project Narrative” at the top of the first page.}

• _{Ensure that the application can be printed on 8½” x 11” single-sided paper.}

• _{Use double-spacing.}

• Font size must be at least 12 point, preferably Times New Roman font.

• Margins must be at least one (1) inch at the top, bottom, left, and right of the paper.

• _{Project narrative pages must be numbered “1” of “XX.”}

• Pages should be numbered consecutively and are limited to a total of 10 pages.

• Do not include any marks from the “Track Changes” tool in your word processing program.

• _{Attach the completed Project Narrative to the application package.}

Project Narrative Items

Citizenship Instruction Program

Experience and Community Need

Describe:

• Your organization’s experience providing ESL (and citizenship instruction, if applicable) in a structured classroom setting using a curriculum. Indicate dates, total years of experience, qualification and experience of current staff, the number of lawful permanent residents (LPR) served in the past year and any previous years, and, if available, the naturalization test pass rate for program participants.

• The particular LPR population(s) that you serve with ESL (and citizenship instruction, if applicable). Indicate whether you serve any underserved populations (e.g., low-income, low education level, etc.) and how your program will meet the specific needs of that particular population.

• The need for citizenship instruction among the LPR population that you serve, including whether there are wait lists for ESL (and citizenship instruction, if applicable) at your organization. Indicate whether there are other citizenship and ESL instruction service providers in your area.

Program Expansion and Enhancement

Describe:

• Your organization’s administrative infrastructure and programmatic capacity (include staff who will manage the start-up process) to establish a new program or expand an existing program within a short time period. Examples of previous grant funded programs that you quickly and successfully established are also welcome.

• How your organization will leverage existing capacity to implement the proposed citizenship instruction program. Be sure to include a discussion of the use of existing resources, how you will acquire additional resources (e.g., staff) as needed, and the proposed timeline for doing so.

Program Administration

Describe:

• The outreach plan to raise awareness of services and recruit students.

• Intake procedures including how the organization will verify and document that only LPRs will receive services funded through this funding opportunity, and whether there is an orientation process for new students.

• Plans for student retention, including whether there are any known barriers to student attendance (e.g., transportation, childcare, student tuition, etc.) and solutions to retain students.

Curriculum

Describe the proposed curriculum⁴ for the program and how it will be implemented in the classroom. You may reference the information provided in the Class Table in the Project Abstract. Provide the following information:

• Curriculum objectives.

• A description of the proposed comprehensive citizenship education services provided to students and how the proposed class structure will meet the needs of the lawful permanent resident community. If you propose to offer a multi-level class, describe how the different levels will be managed in the classroom.

• The use of materials for citizenship instruction, including the intended textbook(s) or textbook series that will be provided to students for each class level. Include other materials to be used, such as planned use of any USCIS educational resources and any educational software, equipment, or innovative learning tools.

• A description of the proposed assessment process, including the specific nationally normed standardized test or test(s) that will be used for the program to assess English language proficiency⁵, how assessments will be used, and the staff responsible for administering the test. Discuss your organization’s experience administering standardized test(s). Please also discuss non-standardized assessments (e.g., quizzes, unit tests, etc.) that will be used to monitor student learning during the course for each class level.

• Describe how you will coordinate services between the broader ESL program and the grant-funded citizenship classes. Be sure to include information on the coordination of assessment data, referrals, curriculum, and other relevant information.

Personnel

• _{Describe the proposed staffing for the proposed citizenship instruction program. Provide} a list of key personnel for the program. Key personnel include the grant project manager and teacher.

• For each person, provide the following information, preferably in a table format:

• Name, or indicate if the position is vacant. If the position is vacant, provide a separate position description and target start date;

• Title and brief position description;

• Whether the position is paid or volunteer;

• FTE charged to the grant; and

1. Relevant experience, qualifications, and training. This grant must include one paid teacher position. The applicant must demonstrate that the teacher has at least 1 year of experience teaching ESL to adults in a classroom setting for a program that has a structured curriculum; and

b. Demonstrate that the teacher holds a degree and/or certification from a state licensing agency in TESOL.

See below for a sample staff table.

Sample Staff Table
Name	Title and Position Description	Paid or Volunteer	FTE charged to grant	Relevant experience, qualifications and training
Mary Brown	Education Program Coordinator – manages adult education programs	Paid	0.5 FTE	TESOL degree, 5 years of experience as a program manager, 10 years of experience teaching ESL

• _If applicable, explain how volunteers will be used for the citizenship instruction program. Describe their roles and responsibilities, the training they will receive, and the reporting structure. Volunteers must be managed by a paid lead teacher.

6. Project Narrative Attachments

NOTE: The attachments will not count toward the page limit for the Project Narrative. These items should be attached to the application package.

1. Provide the proposed curriculum for the citizenship instruction class and the name of the corresponding proposed textbook to be used.

2. Provide a sample of non-standardized assessments (e.g., quizzes, unit tests, etc.) that will be used to monitor student learning during the course for each class level.

3. Provide a sample of lesson plans for each class level.

4. Provide a sample of the types of handouts or activities students will be doing for each class level.

5. Attach résumés for current key staff for ESL (and citizenship instruction, if applicable). Résumés must include all relevant job experience, education, and licensure or accreditation with corresponding dates.

6. Attach résumés and/or position descriptions (if the position is vacant) for the citizenship instructor and any program management personnel, including any volunteer teachers that will lead classroom instruction under the grant.

7. A current organizational chart.

7. Program Goals

Provide the following goals for grant-funded services in a table format. Include the total number over the 2-year period, as well as a breakdown by quarter. There are eight quarters over the 2-year performance period, and each quarter is 3 months long.

Program Goal Chart
Goal	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	Q5	Q6	Q7	Q8	Total
1. Number of newly- enrolled (non-duplicated) LPRs to enroll in citizenship instruction classes (minimum 125 total, 50 in the first year, and 75 the second year)
2. Number of enrolled students who post-test (minimum 80 percent)
3. Number of post-tested students demonstrating measurable educational gains (minimum 80 percent)

8. Budget Table and Narrative

When proposing costs for this grant program, please be aware it is envisioned the majority of grant funds will be dedicated to paying the salary of a qualified instructor or instructors.

If any student fees are proposed that will result in program income, show in the budget how this income will be used.

_{Budget Table}

Provide your budget request in a table format. Include all budget categories, as listed in the budget narrative section. Under each category, list the line items requested. See a sample table below. Note: This sample table shows the Personnel category only. Applicants must provide information on all budget categories.

The Budget Table may be provided either in the same document as the budget narrative or attached to the application package.

Budget Narrative (5 page maximum)

Attach your budget narrative to the application package. Please limit the information provided in this section to budget relevant information only.

Include costs for the first and second performance years. Separate the first from the second performance year costs. Show a total of all requested federal grant funds. This total should match the total listed on the project abstract. Budget categories (b–i) below should add up to this total. This total should not include any in-kind costs. The in-kind contribution total should be listed separately.

Provide budget information in the order listed below. Budget detail is required for:

1. In-Kind Costs: The dollar value of non-cash donations to the project. These donations may be in the form of space, supplies, salaries, etc. The costs should be calculated at the verifiable fair-market value.

2. Personnel: Costs of employee salaries and wages. For each staff person, provide the name (if known), title, and time commitment to the project as a percentage of an FTE, annual salary, and grant funded salary.

3. Fringe Benefits: Costs of employee fringe benefits unless treated as part of an approved indirect cost rate. Provide the method used to calculate the proposed rate amount. If a fringe benefit has been negotiated with, or approved by, a cognizant Federal agency, attach a copy of the negotiated fringe benefit agreement. If no rate agreement exists, provide a breakdown of the amounts and percentages that comprise fringe benefit costs such as health insurance, FICA, retirement insurance, taxes, etc. Identify the base for allocating these fringe benefit expenses. (Attach the agreement to the application package.)

4. Travel: Costs of project-related travel by employees of the applicant organization. For each proposed trip, provide the purpose, number of travelers, travel origin with destination, and number of days. Include a breakdown of costs for airfare, lodging, meals, car rental, and incidentals. The basis for the airfare, lodging, meals, car rental, and incidentals must be provided, such as past trips, current quotations, Federal Travel Regulations, etc. Foreign travel is not permitted. The applicant must include costs for two staff members to attend a mandatory 2-day teacher training workshop in Washington, DC, the first year of the grant.

5. Equipment: Any article of nonexpendable, tangible personal property having a useful life of more than 1 year and an acquisition cost that equals or exceeds the lesser of (a) the capitalization level established by the organization for financial statement purposes, or (b) $5,000. For each type of equipment requested, provide a description of the equipment, the cost per unit, the number of units, the total cost, and a plan for use on the project as well as use or disposal of the equipment after the project ends. An applicant organization that uses its own definition for equipment should provide a copy of its policy or section of its policy that includes the equipment definition.

NOTE 1: Acquisition cost means the net invoice unit price of an item of equipment, including the cost of any modifications, attachments, accessories, calibration and maintenance services, or auxiliary apparatus necessary to make it usable for the purpose for which it is acquired. Ancillary charges, such as taxes, duty, protective in-transit insurance, freight, and installation shall be included in or excluded from acquisition cost in accordance with the organization's regular written accounting practices.

NOTE 2: Prior to the purchase of equipment in the amount of $5,000 or more per unit cost, the Recipient must obtain written approval from DHS. The Recipient shall maintain an annual inventory, which will include a brief description of the item, serial number and amount of purchase for equipment purchased with grant funds, or received under a grant, and having a $5,000 or more per unit cost. The inventory must also identify the sub-award under which the equipment was purchased. Maintenance and insurance will be the responsibility of the Recipient. Title of equipment will remain with the Recipient until closeout when disposition will be provided in writing by DHS within 120 days of submission of final reports.

6. Supplies: Costs of all tangible personal property other than that included in the equipment category. Specify general categories of supplies and their costs. Show computations and provide other information that supports the amount requested.

7. Contractual: Costs of all contracts for services and goods except for those that belong under other categories such as equipment, supplies, construction, etc. Demonstrate that all procurement transactions will be conducted in a manner to provide, to the maximum extent practical, open and free competition. Identify proposed sub-contractor work and the cost of each sub-contractor. Provide a detailed budget for each sub-contractor that is expected to perform work estimated to be $25,000 or more, or 50 percent of the total work effort, whichever is less.

• Identify each planned subcontractor and its total proposed budget. Each subcontractor's budget and supporting detail should be included as part of the applicant's budget narrative.

• Provide the following information for each planned subcontract: A brief description of the work to be subcontracted; the number of quotes solicited and received, if applicable; the cost or price analysis performed by the applicant; names and addresses of the subcontractors tentatively selected and the basis for their selection; e.g., unique capabilities (for sole source subcontracts), low bidder, delivery schedule, technical competence; type of contract and estimated cost and fee or profit; and, affiliation with the applicant, if any.

• Recipient may be required to make pre-award review and procurement documents available to DHS, including request for proposals or invitations for bids, independent cost estimates, etc. This may include procurements expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold fixed at 41 U.S.C. 403(11) (currently set at $100,000) and expected to be awarded without competition or only one bid or offer is received in response to a solicitation.

• All required flow down provisions in the award must be included in any subcontract.

NOTE: Applicants may propose a sub-contract for specific tasks, such as hiring additional citizenship instructors on a contractual basis. However, the applicant must demonstrate its ability to successfully manage all aspects of the grant-funded project, including financial management.

8. Other Direct Costs: Any other items proposed as direct costs. Provide an itemized list with costs, and state the basis for each proposed item.

9. Indirect Costs: Attach a copy of the latest indirect cost rate agreement negotiated with a cognizant federal agency. If the applicant is in the process of initially developing or renegotiating a rate, upon notification that an award will be made, it should immediately develop a tentative indirect cost rate proposal based on its most recently completed fiscal year, in accordance with the cognizant agency's guidelines for establishing indirect cost rates, and submit it to the cognizant agency. Applicants awaiting approval of their indirect cost proposals may also request indirect costs. When an indirect cost rate is requested, those costs included in the indirect cost pool should not also be charged as direct costs to the award. If the applicant is requesting a rate which is less than what is allowed under the program, the authorized representative of the applicant organization must submit a signed acknowledgement that the applicant is accepting a lower rate than allowed.

Any non-Federal entity that has never received a negotiated indirect cost rate (except for those non-Federal entities described in Appendix VII to Part 200, States and Local Government and Indian Tribe Indirect Cost Proposals, paragraph D.1.b) may elect to charge a deminimis rate of 10 percent of modified total direct costs (MTDC), which may be used indefinitely. As described in §200.403, Factors Affecting Allowability of Costs, expenses must be consistently charged as either indirect or direct costs, but may not be double charged or inconsistently charged as both. If chosen, this methodology once elected must be used consistently for all Federal awards until such time as a non-Federal entity chooses to negotiate for a rate, which the non-Federal entity may apply to do at any time. For more information, see 2 CFR Part 200.414.

9. Documentation of Non-profit Status

The applicant must provide documentation of non-profit status. Any of the following constitutes acceptable proof of non-profit status:

• A reference to the applicant organization’s listing in the IRS most recent list of tax-exempt organizations described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code.

• _{A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.}

• A statement from a state taxing body, state attorney general, or other appropriate state official certifying that the applicant organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net earnings accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.

• A certified copy of the organization’s certificate of incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit status.

• Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a state or national parent organization and a statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-profit affiliate.

Note: Attach documentation of non-profit status to the application package.

Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

DHS is participating in the Grants.gov Initiative that provides the grant community a single site to find and apply for grant funding opportunities; therefore, applicants with electronic access are to submit their applications electronically through http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html. Before you can apply for a DHS grant at Grants.gov, you must have a DUNS number and must be registered in SAM, and be approved as an AOR.

Applicants are encouraged to register early. The registration process can take 4 weeks or more to be completed. Therefore, registration should be done in sufficient time to ensure it does not impact your ability to meet required submission deadlines.

DUNS number. Instructions for obtaining a DUNS number can be found at http://www.grants.gov//web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html. The DUNS number must be included in the data entry field labeled "Organizational DUNS" on the Form SF-424, which is submitted as part of this application.

System for Award Management. In addition to having a DUNS number, applicants applying electronically through Grants.gov must register with SAM. Step-by-step instructions for registering with SAM can be found at http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html. Failure to register with SAM will result in your application being rejected by Grants.gov during the submission process.

Authorized Organizational Representative. The next step in the registration process is creating a username and password with Grants.gov to become an AOR. AORs will need to know the DUNS number of the organization for which they will be submitting applications to complete this process. Applicants must register the individual who is able to make legally binding commitments for the applicant organization as the AOR; this step is often missed and it is crucial for valid submissions. To read more detailed instructions for creating a profile on Grants.gov visit http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-3-username-password.html.

AOR Authorization. After creating a profile on Grants.gov, the E-Biz Point of Contact (POC), who is a representative from your organization listed as the contact for SAM, will receive an email to grant the AOR permission to submit applications on behalf of their organization. The E-Biz POC will then log in to Grants.gov and approve an individual as the AOR, thereby giving him or her permission to submit applications. After you have been approved as an AOR, you will be able to submit your application online. To learn more about AOR Authorization, visit http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-4-aor-authorization.html. To track AOR status, visit http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-5-track-aor-status.html.

Electronic Signature. Applications submitted through Grants.gov constitute a submission as electronically signed applications. When you submit the application through Grants.gov, the name of your AOR on file will be inserted into the signature line of the application.

If you experience difficulties accessing information or have any questions, please call the Grants.gov customer support hotline at 800-518-4726 or email Grants.gov at [email protected].

The Federal awarding agency may not make a Federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable DUNS and SAM requirements. If an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the Federal awarding agency is ready to make a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another applicant.

Intergovernmental Review

An intergovernmental review may be required. Applicants must contact their state’s Single Point of Contact (SPOC) to comply with the state’s process under Executive Order 12372 (see http://www.fws.gov/policy/library/rgeo12372.pdf. Name and addresses of the SPOCs are maintained at OMB’s home page at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_spoc to ensure currency.

Funding Restrictions

Eligible Funding Purposes

DHS grant funds may only be used for the purposes set forth in the agreement, and must be consistent with the statutory authority for the award. Grant funds may be used for the following purposes:

1. To provide services to LPRs only, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

2. Resources to support citizenship instruction, including staff salaries, textbooks/materials, nationally normed standardized assessment tests, software, etc.

3. Professional development and training for staff and/or volunteers related to the provision of citizenship instruction and/or naturalization application services (this can include training costs related to BIA recognition and accreditation for partner organizations).

4. Facility rental costs not to exceed more than 20 percent of the total approved budget.

5. Transportation costs for students attending grant-funded classes. Transportation funds provided to students must match the students’ individual transportation costs. Applicant must have a system to track how transportation funds are used.

6. Reimbursement of transportation costs for volunteers participating in grant-funded activities. Volunteers may not receive a general transportation stipend. Transportation funds provided to volunteers must match the volunteers’ individual transportation costs. Applicants must have a system to track how transportation funds are used.

7. Childcare costs to assist eligible participants to attend grant-funded classes.

8. Travel costs for two staff members to attend a mandatory 2-day grant recipient training in the Washington, DC, area during the first year of the grant.

9. Equipment purchases directly related to the provision of services.

10. _Costs associated with the use of computers for citizenship instruction (e.g., computer equipment, internet access, etc.)

_{Ineligible Funding Purposes}

Grant funds may not be used for the following purposes:

1. Cost-sharing or matching funds for other Federal grants, lobbying, or intervention in Federal regulatory or adjudicatory proceedings. In addition, Federal funds may not be used to sue the Federal Government or any other government entity.

2. USCIS application fees.

3. Costs of organized fundraising, including financial campaigns, endowment drives, solicitation of gifts and bequests, and similar expenses incurred solely to raise capital or obtain contributions.

4. Profit/Fee is not allowable except when subcontracting for routine goods and services with commercial organizations. (Note: Applicants may not charge students any fees for class registration or attendance, or the cost of textbooks or materials.)

5. Foreign travel.

6. Construction costs and purchase of real property under this funding opportunity.

7. Pre-award costs.

8. Funding for direct reimbursement of proposal development.

9. Costs for food or refreshments.

10. Incentive items or gift cards.

11. General volunteer stipends.

12. Living allowances for any national volunteer service program participants.

13. Conference fees.

Management and Administration Costs

Management and Administration Costs are allowable for the grantee. For more information on allowable costs, please see Funding Restrictions (above).

Indirect Facilities and Administrative Costs

Indirect Costs are allowable for the grantee and any proposed sub-awardee (if applicable). The applicant must attach a copy of the latest indirect cost rate agreement negotiated with a cognizant Federal agency. If the applicant is in the process of initially developing or renegotiating a rate, upon notification that an award will be made, it should immediately develop a tentative indirect cost rate proposal based on its most recently completed fiscal year, in accordance with the cognizant agency's guidelines for establishing indirect cost rates, and submit it to the cognizant agency. Applicants awaiting approval of their indirect cost proposals may also request indirect costs. When an indirect cost rate is requested, those costs included in the indirect cost pool should not be charged as direct costs to the award. If the applicant is requesting a rate that is less than what is allowed under the program, the authorized representative of the applicant organization must submit a signed acknowledgement that the applicant is accepting a lower rate than allowed.

Any non-Federal entity that has never received a negotiated indirect cost rate (except for those non-Federal entities described in Appendix VII to Part 200, States and Local Government and Indian Tribe Indirect Cost Proposals, paragraph D.1.b), may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10 percent of MTDC, which may be used indefinitely. As described in §200.403, Factors Affecting Allowability of Costs, costs must be consistently charged as either indirect or direct costs, but may not be double charged or inconsistently charged as both. If chosen, this methodology, once elected, must be used consistently for all Federal awards until such time as a non-Federal entity chooses to negotiate for a rate, which the non-Federal entity may apply to do at any time. For more information, see 2 CFR Part 200.414.

Other Submission Requirements

Applications must be submitted in electronic format only.

Application forms and instructions are available at http://www.grants.gov.

Applicants must have a compatible version of Adobe Reader. Adobe Reader is available from Grants.gov at no charge.

If you experience difficulties accessing information or have any questions, please call Grants.gov customer support at 1-800-518-4726.

5. Application Review Information

Application Evaluation Criteria

Prior to making a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency is required by

31 U.S.C. § 3321 and 41 U.S.C. § 2313 to review information available through any OMB-designated repositories of government wide eligibility qualification or financial integrity information. Therefore, application evaluation criteria may include the following risk based considerations of the applicant: (1) financial stability; (2) quality of management systems and ability to meet management standards; (3) history of performance in managing a Federal award; (4) reports and findings from audits; and (5) ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, or other requirements.

DHS will use the following criteria to evaluate applications deemed eligible and responsive. Applicants can receive up to 100 points.

1. Existing Capacity and Community Need (50 Points)

The extent to which the applicant demonstrates:

1. Experience and qualifications providing ESL (and citizenship instruction, if applicable) in a structured classroom setting using a curriculum

(25 points);

2. The need for citizenship instruction within the LPR community that the applicant serves (5 points); and

3. Organizational capacity to establish a new citizenship instruction program or expand an existing one and a plan to manage the establishment of a new citizenship instruction program or the expansion of an existing one

(20 points).

2. Proposed Citizenship Instruction Program (45 Points)

The extent to which the applicant proposes a high quality citizenship instruction program to meet the citizenship education needs of the community, including:

1. Feasible and detailed outreach, intake, and student retention plans

(5 points);

2. High quality service delivery, curriculum, and class structure (15 points);

3. Demonstrated experience with administering nationally recognized standardized assessments and feasible plans to use assessments for student placement and tracking student progress (5 points); and

4. Qualified and experienced personnel (20 points).⁶

3. Cost Effectiveness (5 Points)

The extent to which the applicant’s proposed budget is tied to the delivery of programmatic services.

Review and Selection Process

DHS will conduct an initial review of applications to determine the responsiveness of the application. If an applicant is determined to be ineligible (see Section C. Eligibility Information) or an application is determined to be non-responsive, DHS will notify the applicant. All responsive and eligible applications will be reviewed as described below:

1. DHS will assemble reviewers, which may include both Federal and non-Federal reviewers, to review the eligible applications. Reviews of submitted applications will be conducted either on site or by remote review.

2. Teams of technical reviewers will examine each eligible application against the evaluation criteria. The reviewers will assign a score and provide summary comments based on the evaluation criteria identified above.

3. An application may be selected for a post-review quality control and possible rescoring if it received significantly diverging scores and disparate comments from reviewers.

4. An internal review panel consisting of DHS staff will review the highest ranked applications and make final funding recommendations. The internal review panel may take applications out of rank order in consideration of strategic program priorities, which are identified below as well as previously stated preferred programmatic characteristics.

5. DHS may perform an additional review of the applicant organization and/or its key personnel. This may include reviewing audit reports, publicly available materials, and/or government databases and may have a bearing on award outcome. DHS may request additional materials from the applicant as part of this review, including:

• The summary letter from the applicant’s most recent audit report; and

• Documentation of previous grant award completion that includes the name of the grantor, amount awarded, and whether the grant recipient sufficiently completed the requirements of the grant award (e.g., a final close-out report, certification of grant award completion, etc.).

6. After the technical review and before making final funding decisions, DHS may contact the highest ranking applicants to seek clarification and to negotiate technical and programmatic aspects of the application. If an application includes a partner that will provide non-reimbursed complementary services, DHS may request to speak with all parties included in the application to ensure sufficient planning and coordination has taken place prior to making an award.

7. Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest. Technical and cost proposals submitted under this funding opportunity will be protected from unauthorized disclosure in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. DHS may use one or more support contractors in the logistical processing of proposals. However, funding recommendations and final award decisions are solely the responsibility of DHS personnel.

DHS screens all technical reviewers for potential conflict of interest. To determine possible conflict of interest, DHS requires potential reviewers to complete and sign conflict of interest and nondisclosure forms. DHS will keep the names of submitting institutions and individuals as well as the substance of the applications confidential except to reviewers and DHS staff involved in the award process. DHS will destroy any unsuccessful applications after 3 years following the funding decision.

8. DHS strongly discourages, and will not consider, any materials submitted by or on behalf of the applicant (e.g., letters of support) other than those materials specifically requested in this NOFO.

9. DHS will notify all applicants electronically of funding decisions. Unfunded applicants may send a written request to [email protected] to receive a written summary of comments related to the evaluation criteria, along with the points awarded to the application for each of the evaluation criteria. DHS will send the written summary to the applicant within 60 days of the request. Additional information beyond that described here will not be provided.

Strategic Program Priorities

Based on the recommendations of the internal review panel, DHS may consider the following programmatic balance factors when making an award (in descending order of importance):

1. Whether an application, when balanced with other potential awards and with existing Citizenship and Integration Grant Program recipients, represents a diverse geographic area;

2. Whether an application, when balanced with other potential awards and existing Citizenship and Integration Grant Program recipients, represents a diverse population; and

3. Whether an application, when balanced against other potential awards with similar scores, incorporates:

1. Use of technology in the citizenship instruction program that would help immigrant students to gain sufficient digital literacy skills to navigate USCIS’ educational resources and online application system; and/or

2. Strategies to foster welcoming communities including those that are part of the White House Building Welcoming Communities Campaign; and/or

3. Cooperation with local libraries.

Prior to making a Federal award with a total amount of Federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, DHS is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS).

An applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance systems, accessible through SAM, and comment on any information that a Federal awarding agency previously entered.

DHS will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant’s integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in 2 CFR § 200.205 Federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.

6. Federal Award Administration Information

Notice of Award

DHS issues formal award notification documents following fulfillment of DHS Congressional notifications. All DHS grants and cooperative agreements are subject to the standard DHS Award Terms and Conditions, which are attached to this package.

A grant award will be executed by a DHS Grants Officer authorized to obligate DHS funding. Unsuccessful applicants will be contacted as well and will be encouraged to apply for future grant award programs. Announcements for future programs will be listed at http://www.grants.gov.

Administrative and National Policy Requirements

All successful applicants for all DHS grant and cooperative agreements are required to comply with DHS Standard Administrative Terms and Conditions, which are available online at https://www.dhs.gov/publication/fy15-dhs-standard-terms-and-conditions.

Before accepting the award, the AOR should carefully read the award package for instructions on administering the grant award and the terms and conditions associated with responsibilities under Federal Awards. Recipients must accept all conditions in this NOFO as well as any Special Terms and Conditions in the Notice of Award to receive an award under this program.

Post-award program income: In the event program income becomes available to the recipient post-award, it is the recipient’s responsibility to notify the DHS Grants Officer to explain how that development occurred, as part of their request for guidance and/or approval. The Grants Officer will review approval requests for program income on a case-by-case basis; approval is not automatic. Consistent with the policy and processes outlined in 2 CFR Part 200, pertinent guidance and options, as determined by the type of recipient and circumstances involved, may be approved by the Grant Officer. If approval is granted, an award modification will be issued with an explanatory note in the remarks section of the face page concerning guidance and/or options pertaining to the recipient’s approved request. All instances of program income shall be listed in the progress and financial reports.

Reporting

Federal Financial Reporting Requirements

The recipient is required to submit the following financial reports:

1. Quarterly Federal Financial Reports (SF-425) must be submitted to the DHS Grants Officer within 30 days after the end of each quarter. Reports are due January 30, April 30, July 30, and October 30. Reports shall be submitted via email to DHS-GrantReports@hq.dhs.gov (include the DHS grant number in the subject line of the email).

2. Quarterly Cash Transaction Reports (SF-272) must be submitted to the Department of Health and Human Services Division of Payment Management.

3. Final Federal Financial Report (SF-425) must be submitted to the DHS Grants Officer within 90 days after the expiration date of the performance period.

The Federal Financial Reporting Form (FFR) is available online at:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/grants/approved_forms/SF-425.pdf, SF-425, OMB #00348-0061.

Program Performance Reporting Requirements

The recipient is required to submit the following performance reports:

Quarterly Performance Reports must be submitted to the DHS Grants Officer within 30 days after the end of each quarter. Reports are due January 30, April 30, July 30, and October 30. Reports shall be submitted via email to [email protected] (include the DHS grant number in the subject line of the email) and to citizenshipgrantprogram@uscis.dhs.gov.

Grant recipients must use the OMB-approved Performance Progress Report. USCIS will provide guidance on attachments to include with the report. Grant recipients must collect and report data on each LPR served with grant funding, which may include:

• Alien registration numbers. These numbers may be used by USCIS to track naturalization outcomes during and after the period of performance;

• Countries of birth;

• When specific services were provided, including student enrollments;

• Assessment data, including pre- and post-test scores; and

• _{Classes attended, including the number of hours in class.}

Grant recipients must also collect and report data on citizenship classes provided, which may include:

• Class titles and proficiency levels;

• Dates when classes are held;

• The instructor teaching each class;

• The number of instructional hours provided per class; and

• The number of students enrolled per class.

In addition to collecting this data, grant recipients must also provide quarterly narrative reports. The narrative report may include questions on the following topics: program accomplishments, progress meeting goals, progress of the sub-awardee organization (if applicable), challenges in meeting goals, staff and/or organizational development activities, student assessment and progress, outreach activities, volunteer recruitment and training, staff changes, and promising practices.

Monitoring

DHS, through its authorized representatives, has the right, at all reasonable times, to make site visits to review project accomplishments and management control systems and to provide such technical assistance as may be required. During site visits, DHS will review grant recipients’ files related to the grant-funded program.

As part of any monitoring and program evaluation activities, grant recipients must permit DHS, upon reasonable notice, to review grant-related records, interview the organization’s staff and clients regarding the program, and respond in a timely and accurate manner to DHS requests for information relating to their grant program.

Close Out

Within 90 days after the end of the period of performance, or after an amendment has been issued to close out a grant, whichever comes first, recipients must submit a final FFR and final progress report detailing all accomplishments and a qualitative summary of the impact of those accomplishments throughout the period of performance.

The final performance report shall include cumulative quantitative data, program accomplishments and challenges, and any promising practices related to direct service provision to LPRs. If applicable, an inventory of all construction projects that used funds from this program has to be reported using the Real Property Status Report (Standard Form SF 429) available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/grants/approved_forms/sf-429.pdf.

After these reports have been reviewed and approved by USCIS, a close-out notice will be completed to close out the grant. The notice will indicate the period of performance as closed, list any remaining funds that will be deobligated, and address the requirement of maintaining the grant records for 3 years from the date of the final FFR.

The recipient is responsible for returning any funds that have been drawn down but remain as unliquidated on recipient financial records.

7. DHS Awarding Agency Contact Information

Contact and Resource Information

USCIS Program Office

(Office of Citizenship): Send all questions to citizenshipgrantprogram@uscis.dhs.gov.

USCIS Office of Citizenship staff will respond within

5 business days. You may also refer to a list of Questions and Answers found at www.uscis.gov/grants. This document will be available a few days after the posting of this NOFO.

DHS Grants Office: Jacqueline Greely, Grants Officer

_{Send all questions to: [email protected]}

8. Additional Information

Applicants will obtain NOFO overviews and full announcement information from the Grants.gov website where the full NOFO is posted. Applications will be processed through the Grants.gov portal.

Extensions

Applicants may request a no-cost extension in order to complete all project activities. The request must be submitted 60 days prior to the expiration of the performance period. Requests for extensions are subject to approval by DHS.

Appendices

• Use the Eligibility Guide to determine whether you are eligible to apply for this funding opportunity. Visit http://www.uscis.gov/grants and click on FY 2016 Eligibility Guide.

• For definitions of frequently used terms in this NOFO, visit http://www.uscis.gov/grants and click on FY 2016 Glossary.

• Applicants are also encouraged to review the FY 2016 Guidance for Preparing Your Proposal at http://www.uscis.gov/grants.

• Before submitting your application, use the Applicant Checklist to ensure your application is complete and all required documents are included. Visit http://www.uscis.gov/grants and click on FY 2016 Applicant Checklist.

1 http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs/grant-application-faqs.html.

2 See the Grants.gov Applicant User Guide for instructions on how to attach forms and documents. The “Attachment” Section begins on page 83 of the Applicant User Guide.

3 Instruction must be performed by a paid citizenship instructor who has at least 1 year of experience teaching ESL or citizenship to adults and who:

1. Holds a degree in TESOL; and/or

2. Holds TESOL certification from a state licensing agency; and/or

3. Provides substantial documentation of experience in TESOL instruction in a classroom setting for a program that has a structured curriculum.

4 For guidance on developing a citizenship curriculum, please review the Guide to the Adult Citizenship Education Content Standards and Foundation Skills.

5 The standardized tests that the Department of Education has determined to be suitable to assess English language proficiency as listed in Federal Register Notice Tests Determined To Be Suitable for Use in the National Reporting System for Adult Education. See 80 FR 48304 (August 12, 2015).

6 Please see USCIS’ Professional Development Guide for Adult Citizenship Educators for competencies. USCIS would expect qualified and experienced personnel to demonstrate in the citizenship instruction classroom.