Application for Grants under the Career and Educational Pathways Exploration System Program

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Office of Postsecondary Education

Washington, DC 20202

http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/trio/index.html

Fiscal Year 2020

APPLICATION FOR GRANTS

FUND FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION (FIPSE)--CAREER AND EDUCATIONAL PATHWAYS EXPLORATION SYSTEM PROGRAM

CFDA NUMBER: 84.116C

Form Approved

OMB No. 1894-0006, Expiration Date: 01/31/2021

DATED MATERIAL – OPEN IMMEDIATELY

CLOSING DATE:

Table of Contents

Page

Dear Applicant Letter 1

Competition Highlights 3

Grants.gov Submission Procedures and Tips for Applicants 4

Application Transmittal Instructions 8

Notice Inviting Applications for New Awards 10

Program Statute 39

Intergovernmental Review 44

General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) 45

Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) 46

Instructions for Completing the Application 48

Instructions for the Project Narrative 50

Instructions for the Budget Summary and Itemized Line Item Budget 55

Instructions for Standard Forms 58

Instructions for the SF 424 59

Instructions for Department of Education Supplemental Information for SF 424 61

Definitions for Department of Education Supplemental Information for SF 424 62

Instructions for ED 524 65

Instructions for Completion of SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities 67

Instructions for Completion of General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) 68

Application Checklist 70

Paperwork Burden Statement 71

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

OFFICE OF POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

Dear Applicant,

We are pleased to provide the application package for the fiscal year (FY) 2020 Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) – Career and Educational Pathways Exploration System Program (Career Pathways Program). This is a new program with the potential to positively impact participants across the country. The Career Pathways Program grant competition application package contains the information and instructions needed to submit a complete application to the U.S. Department of Education (Department) through Grants.gov.

The purpose of the Career Pathways Program, funded through FIPSE, is to develop technology-based or technology-enabled career exploration systems that enable high school students to identify and explore career opportunities that align with their interests, ambitions and aptitudes; learn from individuals who work in those fields about the nature of their work and opportunities available in their fields; and identify education and training options – including non-college programs such as work-based learning opportunities, military training, apprenticeships and employer-sponsored training – that enable entry to or advancement in those careers. Career Pathways Program systems should include, for featured occupations, information about employment outlook and likely entry and mid-career earnings in featured fields, and they should enable students to use built-in financial analysis tools to explore the economic impact of their career, education and training choices.

In FY 2020, Congress appropriated $24.5 million to FIPSE, including $10 million designated to the Career Pathways Program. These grants are intended to support the creation of scalable career exploration and guidance systems that help students identify their career interests; explore potential occupations that align with those interests; interact with individuals (including virtually or through the use of bot and other technologies) who work in particular jobs of interest to them; consider the various education and training options (including non-college options, such as work-based learning, apprenticeships, employer-sponsored training and military service) that enable entrance to and advancement in those occupations; and identify the attitudes, skills and aptitudes necessary to be successful in those fields.

Through this grant competition, we invite public and private non-profit institutions and agencies (other than institutions of higher education (IHEs)) with expertise in workforce development and/or career counseling, alone or in partnership with IHEs or other public and private nonprofit institutions and agencies (such as State workforce boards, employers, trade associations, or labor unions) to develop career exploration and guidance systems that will enable students (and their parents) to engage in career exploration and education/training planning.

The FY 2020 competition contains one absolute priority. The Department will only consider an application that addresses this absolute priority and we sincerely hope applicants will offer innovative solutions for addressing this national need.

Please review the entire application package carefully before preparing and submitting an application. Lastly, please do not rely upon any information that is inconsistent with the guidance contained within the Federal Register Notice.

Thank you for your interest in the Career Pathways Program. Should you desire to provide innovative solutions for creating scalable career exploration and guidance systems that help students identify their career interests, we invite you to submit your application for review and consideration.

Sincerely,

Christopher J. McCaghren, Ed.D.

Deputy Assistant Secretary

Competition Highlights

1. Career Pathways Program grant applications for FY 2020 must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov at: http://www.grants.gov. Applicants are required to follow the Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal Register on February 13, 2019 (84 FR 3768), and available at www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2019-02-13/pdf/2019-02206.pdf, which contain requirements and information on how to submit an application.

2. It is important to know that Grants.gov does not allow applicants to “un-submit” applications. Therefore, if you discover that changes or additions are needed once your application has been accepted and validated by the Department, you must “re-submit” the entire application. You should know that if the Department receives duplicate applications, we will accept and process the application with the latest “date/time received” validation.

3. Grants under this competition will be awarded on a competitive basis. For this competition, eligible public and private nonprofit institutions and agencies with expertise in workforce development and/or career counseling may submit one grant application.

4. Under the Career Pathways Program, $9,900,000 has been designated for awards to eligible entities with expertise in workforce development and/or career counseling, alone or in partnership with institutions of higher education or other public and private nonprofit institutions and agencies (such as state workforce boards, employers, trade associations, or labor unions).

5. There is an absolute priority for this competition. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(3), we consider only applications that meet the absolute priority established for this program. (See the Notice Inviting Applications for information regarding the absolute priority.)

6. All applicants are encouraged to adhere to the page limit for the Project Narrative portion of the application. We recommend that you limit the section of the narrative that addresses the selection criteria and the priority to no more than 25 pages.

7. Applicants must complete a supporting budget narrative for each line item on the ED-524 form. The budget narrative does not count against your page count.

8. This application package contains detailed instructions for every required component of your application. It also includes an Application Checklist for your convenience. Note: If all required documents are not submitted with your application, it may be deemed ineligible.

9. Applicants are required to submit a Project Abstract. The Project Abstract is limited to a one-page single-spaced document. The abstract must include the applicant’s name, city, state and purpose. The abstract must be uploaded to the “ED Abstract Form” in the Grants.gov system as a .pdf document.

10. Lastly, applicants are reminded that the notice published in the Federal Register is the official document. You should not rely upon any information that is inconsistent with the guidance contained within the official document.

***Updated 02/21/2019***

IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ FIRST

U.S. Department of Education

Grants.gov Submission Procedures and Tips for Applicants

To facilitate your use of Grants.gov, this document includes important submission procedures you need to be aware of to ensure your application is received in a timely manner and accepted by the Department of Education.

Browser Support

The latest versions of Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE), Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Apple Safari are supported for use with Grants.gov. However, these web browsers undergo frequent changes and updates, so we recommend you have the latest version when using Grants.gov. Legacy versions of these web browsers may be functional, but you may experience issues.

For additional information or updates, please see the Grants.gov Browser information in the Applicant FAQs: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs.html#browser.

ATTENTION – Workspace, Adobe Forms and PDF Files

Grants.gov applicants can apply online using Workspace. Workspace is a shared, online environment where members of a grant team may simultaneously access and edit different web forms within an application. For each funding opportunity announcement (FOA), you can create individual instances of a workspace.

Below is an overview of applying on Grants.gov. For access to complete instructions on how to apply for opportunities, refer to: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html.

1. Create a Workspace: Creating a workspace allows you to complete it online and route it through your organization for review before submitting.

2) Complete a Workspace: Add participants to the workspace to work on the application together, complete all the required forms online or by downloading PDF versions, and check for errors before submission. The Workspace progress bar will display the state of your application process as you apply. As you apply using Workspace, you may click the blue question mark icon near the upper-right corner of each page to access context-sensitive help.

a. Adobe Reader: If you decide not to apply by filling out web forms, you can download individual PDF forms in Workspace. The individual PDF forms can be downloaded and saved to your local device storage, network drive(s), or external drives, then accessed through Adobe Reader.

NOTE: Visit the Adobe Software Compatibility page on Grants.gov to download the appropriate version of the software at: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html.

b. Mandatory Fields in Forms: In the forms, you will note fields marked with an asterisk and a different background color. These fields are mandatory fields that must be completed to successfully submit your application.

c. Complete SF-424 Fields First: The forms are designed to fill in common required fields across other forms, such as the applicant name, address, and DUNS Number. Once it is completed, the information will transfer to the other forms.

1. Submit a Workspace: An application may be submitted through Workspace by clicking the Sign and Submit button on the Manage Workspace page, under the Forms tab. Grants.gov recommends submitting your application package at least 24-48 hours prior to the close date to provide you with time to correct any potential technical issues that may disrupt the application submission.

3. Track a Workspace Submission: After successfully submitting a workspace application, a Grants.gov Tracking Number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) is automatically assigned to the application. The number will be listed on the Confirmation page that is generated after submission. Using the tracking number, access the Track My Application page under the Applicants tab or the Details tab in the submitted workspace.

For additional training resources, including video tutorials, refer to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-training.html.

Helpful Reminders

1. REGISTER EARLY – Grants.gov registration involves many steps including registration on SAM (www.sam.gov) which may take approximately one week to complete, but could take upwards of several weeks to complete, depending upon the completeness and accuracy of the data entered into the SAM database by an applicant. You may begin working on your application while completing the registration process, but you cannot submit an application until all of the registration steps are complete. Please note that once your SAM registration is active, it will take 24-48 hours for the information to be available in Grants.gov, and before you can submit an application through Grants.gov. For detailed information on the registration steps, please go to: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html. [Note: Your organization will need to update its SAM registration annually.]

Primary information about SAM is available at www.sam.gov. However, to further assist you with obtaining and registering your DUNS number and TIN in SAM or updating your existing SAM account, the Department of Education has prepared a SAM.gov Tip Sheet which you can find at: http://www2.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/sam-faqs.html.

2. SUBMIT EARLY – We strongly recommend that you do not wait until the last day to submit your application. Grants.gov will put a date/time stamp on your application and then process it after it is fully uploaded. The time it takes to upload an application will vary depending on a number of factors including the size of the application and the speed of your Internet connection, and the time it takes Grants.gov to process the application will vary as well. If Grants.gov rejects your application (see step three below), you will need to resubmit successfully to Grants.gov before 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the deadline date.

Note: To submit successfully, you must provide the DUNS number on your application that was used when you registered as an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) on Grants.gov. This DUNS number is typically the same number used when your organization registered with the SAM. If you do not enter the same DUNS number on your application as the DUNS you registered with, Grants.gov will reject your application.

3. VERIFY SUBMISSION IS OK – You will want to verify that Grants.gov received your application submission on time and that it was validated successfully. To see the date/time your application was received, log in to Grants.gov and click on the Track My Application link. For a successful submission, the date/time received should be earlier than 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the deadline date, AND the application status should be: Validated, Received by Agency, or Agency Tracking Number Assigned. Once the Department of Education receives your application from Grants.gov, an Agency Tracking Number (PR/award number) will be assigned to your application and will be available for viewing on Grants.gov’s Track My Application link.

If the date/time received is later than 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the deadline date, your application is late. If your application has a status of “Received” it is still awaiting validation by Grants.gov. Once validation is complete, the status will either change to “Validated” or “Rejected with Errors.” If the status is “Rejected with Errors,” your application has not been received successfully. Some of the reasons Grants.gov may reject an application can be found on the Grants.gov site: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/encountering-error-messages.html. For more detailed information on troubleshooting Adobe errors, you can review the Adobe Reader Software Tip Sheet at: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html. If you discover your application is late or has been rejected, please see the instructions below. Note: You will receive a series of confirmations both online and via e-mail about the status of your application. Please do not rely solely on e-mail to confirm whether your application has been received timely and validated successfully.

Submission Problems – What should you do?

If you have problems submitting to Grants.gov before the closing date, please contact Grants.gov Customer Support at 1-800-518-4726 or [email protected] or access the Grants.gov Self-Service Knowledge Base web portal at: https://grants-portal.psc.gov/Welcome.aspx?pt=Grants.

If electronic submission is required, you must submit an electronic application before 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time, unless you follow the procedures in the Federal Register notice and qualify for one of the exceptions to the electronic submission requirement and submit, no later than two weeks before the application deadline date, a written statement to the Department that you qualify for one of these exceptions. If electronic submission is optional and you have problems that you are unable to resolve before the deadline date and time for electronic applications, please follow the transmittal instructions for hard copy applications in the Federal Register notice and get a hard copy application postmarked by midnight on the deadline date. (See the Federal Register notice for detailed instructions.)

Helpful Hints When Working with Grants.gov

Please go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html for help with Grants.gov. For additional tips related to submitting grant applications, please refer to the Grants.gov Applicant FAQs found at this Grants.gov link: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs.html, as well as additional information on Workspace at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs.html#workspace.

Dial-Up Internet Connections

When using a dial up connection to upload and submit your application, it can take significantly longer than when you are connected to the Internet with a high-speed connection, e.g. cable modem/DSL/T1. While times will vary depending upon the size of your application, it can take a few minutes to a few hours to complete your grant submission using a dial up connection. If you do not have access to a high-speed connection and electronic submission is required, you may want to consider following the instructions in the Federal Register notice to obtain an exception to the electronic submission requirement no later than two weeks before the application deadline date. (See the Federal Register notice for detailed instructions.)

Attaching Files – Additional Tips

Please note the following tips related to attaching files to your application:

• When you submit your application electronically, you must upload any narrative sections and all other attachments to your application as files in either Portable Document Format (PDF) or Microsoft Word. Although applicants have the option of uploading any narrative sections and all other attachments to their application in either PDF or Microsoft Word, we recommend applicants submit all documents as read-only flattened PDFs, meaning any fillable PDF files must be saved and submitted as non-fillable PDF files and not as interactive or fillable PDF files, to better ensure applications are processed in a more timely, accurate, and efficient manner.

• Grants.gov cannot process an application that includes two or more files that have the same name within a grant submission. Therefore, each file uploaded to your application package should have a unique file name.

• When attaching files, applicants should follow the guidelines established by Grants.gov on the size and content of file names. Uploaded file names must be fewer than 50 characters, and, in general, applicants should not use any special characters. However, Grants.gov does allow for the following UTF-8 characters when naming your attachments: A-Z, a-z, 0-9, underscore, hyphen, space, period, parenthesis, curly braces, square brackets, ampersand, tilde, exclamation point, comma, semi colon, apostrophe, at sign, number sign, dollar sign, percent sign, plus sign, and equal sign. Applications submitted that do not comply with the Grants.gov guidelines will be rejected at Grants.gov and not forwarded to the Department.

• Applicants should limit the size of their file attachments. Documents submitted that contain graphics and/or scanned material often greatly increase the size of the file attachments and can result in difficulties opening the files. For reference, the average discretionary grant application package with all attachments is less than 5 MB. Therefore, you may want to check the total size of your package before submission.

Application Transmittal Instructions

This program requires the electronic submission of applications.

According to the instructions found in the Federal Register Notice, those requesting and qualifying for an exception to the electronic submission requirement may submit an application by mail, commercial carrier or by hand delivery.

If you want to apply for a grant and be considered for funding, you must meet the following deadline requirements:

Applications Submitted Electronically:

You must submit your grant application through the Internet using the software provided on the Grants.gov Web site (http://www.grants.gov) by 11:59:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on or before the deadline date.

If you submit your application through the Internet via the Grants.gov Web site, you will receive an automatic acknowledgement when we receive your application.

For more information on using Grants.gov, please refer to the Grants.gov information found in this application package and visit http://www.grants.gov.

Submission of Paper Applications by Mail:

If you qualify for an exemption to the electronic submission requirement and you submit your application in paper format by mail (through the U.S. Postal Service or a commercial carrier), you must mail the original and two copies of your application, on or before the application deadline date, to the Department at the following address:

U.S. Department of Education

Application Control Center

Attention: CFDA Number 84.116C

LBJ Basement Level 1

400 Maryland Avenue, SW.

Washington, DC 20202-4260

You must show proof of mailing consisting of one of the following:

(1) A legibly dated U.S. Postal Service postmark.

(2) A legible mail receipt with the date of mailing stamped by the U.S. Postal Service.

(3) A dated shipping label, invoice, or receipt from a commercial carrier.

(4) Any other proof of mailing acceptable to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education.

If you mail your application through the U.S. Postal Service, we do not accept either of the following as proof of mailing:

1. A private metered postmark.

2. A mail receipt that is not dated by the U.S. Postal Service.

An applicant should note that the U.S. Postal Service does not uniformly provide a dated postmark. Before relying on this method, an applicant should check with its local post office.

Special Note: Due to potential disruption to normal mail delivery, the Department encourages you to consider using an alternative delivery method (for example, a commercial carrier, such as Federal Express or United Parcel Service; U.S. Postal Service Express Mail; or a courier service) to transmit your application for this competition to the Department. If you use an alternative delivery method, please obtain the appropriate proof of mailing under “Applications Delivered by Mail,” and then follow the instructions for “Applications Delivered by Hand.”

Submission of Paper Applications by Hand Delivery:

If you qualify for an exception to the electronic submission requirement, you (or a courier service) may deliver your paper application to the Department by hand. You must deliver the original and two copies of your application by hand, on or before the application deadline date, to the Department at the following address:

U.S. Department of Education

Application Control Center

Attention: CFDA Number 84.116C

550 12th Street, SW.

Room 7041, Potomac Center Plaza

Washington, DC 20202-4260

Note for Mail or Hand Delivery of Paper Applications:

If you mail or hand deliver your application to the Department—

1. You must indicate on the envelope and--if not provided by the Department--in Item 11 of the SF 424 the CFDA number, including suffix letter, if any, of the competition under which you are submitting your application; and

2. The Application Control Center will mail to you a notification of receipt of your grant application. If you do not receive this notification within 15 business days from the application deadline date, you should call the U.S. Department of Education Application Control Center at (202) 245-6288.

Application Control Center Hours of Operation:

The Application Control Center accepts application deliveries daily between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (Washington, D.C. time) except Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal holidays.

Late Applications

If your application is late, we will notify you if we will not consider the application.

4000-01-U

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Applications for New Awards; Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education--Career and Educational Pathways Exploration System Program

AGENCY: Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of Education.

ACTION: Notice.

SUMMARY: The Department of Education (Department) is issuing a notice inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 2020 for the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) Career and Educational Pathways Exploration System (Career Pathways) Program, Assistance Listing Number 84.116C. This notice relates to the approved information collection under OMB control number 1894-0006.

DATES:

Applications Available: [INSERT DATE OF PUBLICATION IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER].

Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: [INSERT DATE 30 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER].

ADDRESSES: For the addresses for obtaining and submitting an application, please refer to our Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal Register on February 13, 2019 (84 FR 3768), and available at www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2019-02-13/pdf/2019-02206.pdf.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sharon Easterling, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, room 278-14, Washington, DC 20202-4260. Telephone: (202) 453-7425. Email: [email protected].

or

Carmen Gordon, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, room 278-42, Washington, DC 20202-4260. Telephone (202) 453-7311. Email: [email protected].

If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) or a text telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay Service (FRS), toll free, at 1-800-877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Purpose of Program: The purpose of the Career Pathways Program funded through FIPSE is to develop technology-based or technology-enabled career exploration systems that enable high school students to identify and explore career opportunities that align with their interests, ambitions, and aptitudes; learn from individuals who work in those fields about the nature of their work and opportunities available in their fields; and identify education and training options--including non-college programs such as work-based learning opportunities, military training, apprenticeships, and employer-sponsored training--that enable entry into or advancement in those careers. Career and education pathways exploration systems must include, for featured occupations, information about employment outlook and likely entry and mid-career earnings in featured fields, and they must enable students to use built-in financial analysis tools to explore the economic impact of their career, education, and training choices.

Background: In FY 2020, Congress appropriated $24.5 million to FIPSE, including $10 million designated to the Career Pathways Program, to support the development of Career and Education Pathways Exploration Systems that will increase student awareness of the many career opportunities available to them and knowledge among students, educators, parents, and counselors about the many education and training pathways that provide entry to and advancement in those careers. These grants are intended to support the creation of scalable career exploration and guidance systems that help students identify their career interests; explore potential occupations that align with those interests; interact with individuals who work in particular jobs of interest to them, or with artificial intelligence or other interactive technologies in the fields of interest; consider the various education and training options (including non-college options, such as work-based learning, apprenticeships, employer-sponsored training, and military service) that enable entrance to and advancement in those occupations; and identify the attitudes, skills, and aptitudes necessary to be successful in those fields.

Over the last several decades, educators, policy-makers, and thought-leaders have prioritized a college credential over other forms of career preparation and training. Though motivated by the hope that a larger pool of college graduates would improve quality of life and economic opportunity for all Americans, the “college for all” goal was short-sighted.

Proponents of this goal failed to anticipate how the college earnings premium would be exploited to justify increasing college costs, leaving too many students and parents with student loan debt that exceeds their ability to meet their repayment obligations. Similarly, policy-makers and others failed to anticipate that ushering an increased number of underprepared students to college, as well as those without a clear purpose and adequate financial support, would result in a growing number of individuals who leave college with debt but no credential, or with a credential that lacks labor market value. Similarly, those policy makers may have never anticipated that this policy agency would leave taxpayers with a $1.5 trillion student loan liability.

Through this grant competition, we invite non-profit organizations with expertise in workforce development or career counseling, alone or in partnership with institutions of higher education (IHEs) or other non-profit agencies/organizations, trade associations, States, and labor unions to develop career exploration and guidance systems that will enable students (and their parents) to engage in career exploration and education/training planning. These systems must be technology based so that they can be deployed at scale, and they must include financial analysis tools that allow students to compare the direct and opportunity costs (including student loan interest) of the educational pathways they are considering as well as earnings potential among occupations of interest.

These exploration and guidance systems must feature the full range of education and training pathways, including short-term programs (less than 600 hours), apprenticeships, employer-sponsored training, military training opportunities, and more traditional college pathways.

Priority: This notice contains one absolute priority. We are establishing this priority for the FY 2020 grant competition and any subsequent year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this competition in accordance with section 437(d)(1) of the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA), 20 U.S.C. 1232 (d)(1).

Absolute Priority: Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(3), we consider only applications that meet this absolute priority.

Providing Career and Education Pathways Exploration Systems.

To meet this priority, applicants must submit--

(a) A plan to create or take to scale a sustainable technology-based or technology-enabled career and education pathways exploration system that accomplishes all of the following objectives:

(1) Enabling high school students to identify and learn about career opportunities based on their personal interests, aptitudes, and career goals;

(2) Enabling high school students to identify, consider, and compare the possible education and training pathways that lead to career entry and advancement in their fields of interest;

(3) Engaging individuals who work in featured occupations, or using other interactive bot technologies simulating interaction with an individual, to provide information to students about their experience working in the field, the aptitudes and attitudes that are necessary for success, and the challenges and opportunities typical for those who work in the field; and

(4) Enabling students to use embedded financial tools to compare the cost and benefits of the career options and educational pathways they are considering, including the long-term impact of taking student loans on their financial security, including likely entry and mid-career earnings in featured fields.

(b) An evaluation plan to assess the effectiveness of the system in assisting students in identifying their career goals, identifying potential education pathways to achieve that goal, and comparing the costs and benefits of each pathway.

(c) A logic model for developing and implementing the project.

Program Requirements: We are establishing the program requirements for the FY 2020 grant competition and any subsequent year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this competition in accordance with section 437(d)(1) of GEPA.

The program requirements are:

Independent Evaluation.

A grantee must conduct an independent evaluation of the activities carried out under the grant and submit to the Department an annual report that includes--

(a) A description of how the grant funds were used;

(b) The performance of the project with respect to, at a minimum, the performance measures described in the approved application; and

(c) A quantitative analysis of the effectiveness of the project.

Use of Funds.

A grantee must use the funds awarded for the following activities:

1. Development of a technology-based or technology-enabled career exploration and pathways system that enables students to identify career options based on their interests, aptitudes, and goals.

2. Identifying and recruiting individuals who work in featured occupations to participate in content development for the system and providing career information to students.

3. Providing training to high school guidance counselors and teachers on proper use of the system to help students explore career opportunities and educational pathways.

4. Disseminating information about the system to high schools, workforce boards, employment and training organizations, and other entities.

Definitions:

The definition of Institution of Higher Education is from section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA). The definitions of Baseline, Logic Model, Performance Measure, Performance Target, Project Component, and Relevant Outcome are from 34 CFR 77.1. We are establishing the definitions of Independent Evaluation, Parent, and Work-Based Learning for this competition in accordance with section 437(d)(1) of GEPA.

Baseline means the starting point from which performance is measured and targets are set.

Independent Evaluation means an evaluation of a Project Component that is designed and carried out independently of, but in coordination with, the entities that develop or implement the Project Component.

Institution of Higher Education (IHE) means—

(a) An educational institution in any State that—

(1) Admits as regular students only persons having a certificate of graduation from a school providing secondary education, or the recognized equivalent of such a certificate, or persons who meet the requirements of section 484(d)(3) of the HEA;

(2) Is legally authorized within such State to provide a program of education beyond secondary education;

(3) Provides an educational program for which the institution awards a bachelor's degree or provides not less than a 2-year program that is acceptable for full credit toward such a degree, or awards a degree that is acceptable for admission to a graduate or professional degree program, subject to review and approval by the Secretary;

(4) Is a public or other nonprofit institution; and

(5) Is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association or, if not so accredited, is an institution that has been granted pre-accreditation status by such an agency or association that has been recognized by the Secretary of Education for the granting of pre-accreditation status, and the Secretary of Education has determined that there is satisfactory assurance that the institution will meet the accreditation standards of such an agency or association within a reasonable time.

(b) The term also includes:

(1) Any school that provides not less than a 1-year program of training to prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation and that meets the provisions of paragraphs (1), (2), (4), and (5) of paragraph (a) of this definition; and

(2) A public or nonprofit private educational institution in any State that, in lieu of the requirement in paragraph (a)(1) of this definition, admits as regular students individuals—

(i) Who are beyond the age of compulsory school attendance in the State in which the institution is located; or

(ii) Who will be dually or concurrently enrolled in the institution and a secondary school.

Logic Model (also referred to as a theory of action) means a framework that identifies key Project Components of the proposed project (i.e., the active “ingredients” that are hypothesized to be critical to achieving the Relevant Outcomes) and describes the theoretical and operational relationships among the key Project Components and Relevant Outcomes.

Parent means natural, adoptive, and foster parents, guardians, and individuals acting in the role of parent.

Performance Measure means any quantitative indicator, statistic, or metric used to gauge program or project performance.

Performance Target means a level of performance that an applicant would seek to meet during the course of a project or as a result of a project.

Project Component means an activity, strategy, intervention, process, product, practice, or policy included in a project. Evidence may pertain to an individual project component or to a combination of project components (e.g., training teachers on instructional practices for English learners and follow-on coaching for these teachers).

Relevant Outcome means the student outcome(s) or other outcome(s) the key Project Component is designed to improve, consistent with the specific goals of the program.

Work-Based Learning means sustained interactions with industry or community professionals in real workplace settings, to the extent practicable, or simulated environments at an educational institution that foster in-depth, firsthand engagement with the tasks required of a given career field, that are aligned to curriculum and instruction.

Waiver of Proposed Rulemaking: Under the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553), the Department generally offers interested parties the opportunity to comment on proposed priorities, requirements, and definitions. Section 437(d)(1) of GEPA, however, allows the Secretary to exempt from rulemaking requirements regulations governing the first grant competition under a new or substantially revised program authority. This is the first grant competition for this program under a new or substantially revised authority and therefore qualifies for this exemption. In order to ensure timely grant awards, the Secretary has decided to forgo public comment on the priorities, requirements, and definitions under section 437(d)(1) of GEPA. These priorities, requirements, and definitions will apply to the FY 2020 grant competition and any subsequent year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this competition.

Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1138-1138d, the explanatory statement accompanying H.R. 1865 (Pub. L. 116-94), Congressional Record, daily edition, Dec. 17, 2019, at H11083.

Note: Projects must be awarded and operated in a manner consistent with the nondiscrimination requirements contained in the U.S. Constitution and the Federal civil rights laws.

Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations in 34 CFR parts 75, 77, 79, 81, 82, 84, 86, 97, 98, and 99. (b) The Office of Management and Budget Guidelines to Agencies on Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) in 2 CFR part 180, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department in 2 CFR part 3485. (c) The Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards in 2 CFR part 200, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department in 2 CFR part 3474.

Note: The regulations in 34 CFR 86 apply to IHEs only.

II. Award Information

Type of Award: Discretionary grants.

Estimated Available Funds: $9,900,000.

Contingent upon the availability of funds and the quality of applications, we may make additional awards in subsequent years from the list of unfunded applications from this competition.

Estimated Range of Awards: $4,400,000 – 9,000,000 for the 36-month project period.

Estimated Average Size of Awards: $4,950,000 for the 36-month project period.

Estimated Number of Awards: 1-2.

Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice.

Project Period: Up to 36 months.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants: Public and private nonprofit institutions and agencies (other than IHEs) with expertise in workforce development or career counseling, alone or in partnership with IHEs or other public and private nonprofit institutions and agencies (such as State workforce boards, employers, trade associations, or labor unions).

Note: Only public and private nonprofit institutions and agencies may be the fiscal agent in this competition. IHEs may be included as a partner in a grant in which public and private nonprofit institutions and agencies are the fiscal agent as a group application consistent with 34 CFR 75.127-75.129.

Note: If you are a nonprofit organization, under 34 CFR 75.51, you may demonstrate your nonprofit status by providing: (1) proof that the Internal Revenue Service currently recognizes the applicant as an organization to which contributions are tax deductible under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; (2) a statement from a State taxing body or the State attorney general certifying that the organization is a nonprofit organization operating within the State and that no part of its net earnings may lawfully benefit any private shareholder or individual; (3) a certified copy of the applicant's certificate of incorporation or similar document if it clearly establishes the nonprofit status of the applicant; or (4) any item described above if that item applies to a State or national parent organization, together with a statement by the State or parent organization that the applicant is a local nonprofit affiliate.

2. a. Cost Sharing or Matching: This competition does not require cost sharing or matching.

b. Supplement-Not-Supplant: This competition involves supplement-not-supplant funding requirements.

c. Indirect Cost Rate Information: This program uses a training indirect cost rate. This limits indirect cost reimbursement to an entity’s actual indirect costs, as determined in its negotiated indirect cost rate agreement, or eight percent of a modified total direct cost base, whichever amount is less. For more information regarding training indirect cost rates, see 34 CFR 75.562. For more information regarding indirect costs, or to obtain a negotiated indirect cost rate, please see www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocfo/intro.html.

d. Administrative Cost Limitation: This program does not include any program-specific limitation on administrative expenses. All administrative expenses must be reasonable and necessary and conform to Cost Principles described in 2 CFR part 200 subpart E of the Uniform Guidance.

3. Subgrantees: A grantee under this competition may not award subgrants to entities to directly carry out project activities described in its application.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Application Submission Instructions: Applicants are required to follow the Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal Register on February 13, 2019 (84 FR 3768), and available at www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2019-02-13/pdf/2019-02206.pdf, which contain requirements and information on how to submit an application.

2. Intergovernmental Review: This program is subject to Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79. However, under 34 CFR 79.8(a), we waive intergovernmental review in order to make awards by December 31, 2020.

3. Funding Restrictions: We reference regulations outlining funding restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice.

4. Recommended Page Limit: The application narrative is where you, the applicant, address the selection criteria that reviewers use to evaluate your application. We recommend that you (1) limit the application narrative to no more than 25 pages and (2) use the following standards:

• A “page” is 8.5" x 11", on one side only, with 1" margins at the top, bottom, and both sides.

• Double space (no more than three lines per vertical inch) all text in the application narrative, including titles, headings, footnotes, quotations, references, and captions as well as all text in charts, tables, figures, and graphs.

• Use a font that is either 12 point or larger, and no smaller than 10 pitch (characters per inch).

• Use one of the following fonts: Times New Roman, Courier, Courier New, or Arial.

The recommended page limit does not apply to the cover sheet; the budget section, including the narrative budget justification; the assurances and certifications; or the one-page abstract, the resumes, the bibliography, or the letters of support. However, the recommended page limit does apply to all of the application narrative.

V. Application Review Information

1. Selection Criteria: The following selection criteria for this competition are from 34 CFR 75.210. Applicants should address each of the following selection criteria. The selection criteria are worth a total of 100 points; the maximum score for each criterion is noted in parentheses.

(a) Significance. (Maximum 20 points) The Secretary considers the significance of the proposed project. In determining the significance of the proposed project, the Secretary considers the following factors:

(1) The extent to which the proposed project is likely to build local capacity to provide, improve, or expand services that address the needs of the target population. (10 points)

(2) The potential replicability of the proposed project or strategies, including, as appropriate, the potential for implementation in a variety of settings. (10 points)

(b) Quality of the project design. (Maximum 25 points) The Secretary considers the quality of the design of the proposed project. In determining the quality of the design of the proposed project, the Secretary considers:

(1) The extent to which the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be achieved by the proposed project are clearly specified and measurable. (5 points)

(2) The extent to which the design of the proposed project is appropriate to, and will successfully address, the needs of the target population or other identified needs. (5 points)

(3) The extent to which the design for implementing and evaluating the proposed project will result in information to guide possible replication of project activities or strategies, including information about the effectiveness of the approach or strategies employed by the project. (5 points)

(4) The extent to which the proposed project represents an exceptional approach to the priority or priorities established for the competition. (10 points)

(c) Quality of project services. (Maximum 10 points) The Secretary considers the quality of the services to be provided by the proposed project.

(1) In determining the quality of the services to be provided by the proposed project, the Secretary considers the quality and sufficiency of strategies for ensuring equal access and treatment for eligible project participants who are members of groups that have traditionally been underrepresented based on race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability. (3 points)

(2) In addition, the Secretary considers:

(i) The extent to which the services to be provided by the proposed project are appropriate to the needs of the intended recipients or beneficiaries of those services. (3 points)

(ii) The extent to which the services to be provided by the proposed project reflect up-to-date knowledge from research and effective practice. (4 points)

(d) Quality of project personnel. (Maximum 10 points) The Secretary considers the quality of the personnel who will carry out the proposed project.

(1) In determining the quality of project personnel, the Secretary considers the extent to which the applicant encourages applications for employment from persons who are members of groups that have traditionally been underrepresented based on race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability. (3 points)

(2) In addition, the Secretary considers:

(i) The qualifications, including relevant training and experience, of the project director or principal investigator. (4 points)

(ii) The qualifications, including relevant training and experience, of key project personnel. (3 points)

(e) Adequacy of resources. (Maximum 5 points) The Secretary considers the adequacy of resources for the proposed project. In determining the adequacy of resources for the proposed project, the Secretary considers:

(1) The extent to which the budget is adequate to support the proposed project. (3 points)

(2) The extent to which the costs are reasonable in relation to the objectives, design, and potential significance of the proposed project. (2 points)

(f) Quality of the management plan. (Maximum 15 points) The Secretary considers the quality of the management plan for the proposed project. In determining the quality of the management plan for the proposed project, the Secretary considers:

(1) The adequacy of the management plan to achieve the objectives of the proposed project on time and within budget, including clearly defined responsibilities, timelines, and milestones for accomplishing project tasks. (5 points)

(2) The adequacy of procedures for ensuring feedback and continuous improvement in the operation of the proposed project. (5 points)

(3) The adequacy of mechanisms for ensuring high-quality products and services from the proposed project. (5 points)

(g) Quality of the project evaluation. (Maximum 15 points) The Secretary considers the quality of the evaluation to be conducted of the proposed project. In determining the quality of the evaluation, the Secretary considers:

(1) The extent to which the methods of evaluation are thorough, feasible, and appropriate to the goals, objectives, and outcomes of the proposed project. (10 points)

(2) The extent to which the methods of evaluation include the use of objective performance measures that are clearly related to the intended outcomes of the project and will produce quantitative and qualitative data to the extent possible. (5 points)

2. Review and Selection Process: We remind potential applicants that in reviewing applications in any discretionary grant competition, the Secretary may consider, under 34 CFR 75.217(d)(3), the past performance of the applicant in carrying out a previous award, such as the applicant’s use of funds, achievement of project objectives, and compliance with grant conditions. The Secretary may also consider whether the applicant failed to submit a timely performance report or submitted a report of unacceptable quality.

In addition, in making a competitive grant award, the Secretary requires various assurances, including those applicable to Federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department (34 CFR 100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).

3. Risk Assessment and Specific Conditions: Consistent with 2 CFR 200.205, before awarding grants under this competition the Department conducts a review of the risks posed by applicants. Under 2 CFR 3474.10, the Secretary may impose specific conditions and, in appropriate circumstances, high-risk conditions on a grant if the applicant or grantee is not financially stable; has a history of unsatisfactory performance; has a financial or other management system that does not meet the standards in 2 CFR part 200, subpart D; has not fulfilled the conditions of a prior grant; or is otherwise not responsible.

4. Integrity and Performance System: If you are selected under this competition to receive an award that over the course of the project period may exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $250,000), under 2 CFR 200.205(a)(2) we must make a judgment about your integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards--that is, the risk posed by you as an applicant--before we make an award. In doing so, we must consider any information about you that is in the integrity and performance system (currently referred to as the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS)), accessible through the System for Award Management. You may review and comment on any information about yourself that a Federal agency previously entered and that is currently in FAPIIS.

Please note that, if the total value of your currently active grants, cooperative agreements, and procurement contracts from the Federal Government exceeds $10,000,000, the reporting requirements in 2 CFR part 200, Appendix XII, require you to report certain integrity information to FAPIIS semiannually. Please review the requirements in 2 CFR part 200, Appendix XII, if this grant plus all the other Federal funds you receive exceed $10,000,000.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices: If your application is successful, we notify your U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators and send you a Grant Award Notification (GAN); or we may send you an email containing a link to access an electronic version of your GAN. We may notify you informally, also.

If your application is not evaluated or not selected for funding, we notify you.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: We identify administrative and national policy requirements in the application package and reference these and other requirements in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice.

We reference the regulations outlining the terms and conditions of an award in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice and include these and other specific conditions in the GAN. The GAN also incorporates your approved application as part of your binding commitments under the grant.

3. Open Licensing Requirements: Unless an exception applies, if you are awarded a grant under this competition, you will be required to openly license to the public grant deliverables created in whole, or in part, with Department grant funds. When the deliverable consists of modifications to pre-existing works, the license extends only to those modifications that can be separately identified and only to the extent that open licensing is permitted under the terms of any licenses or other legal restrictions on the use of pre-existing works. Additionally, a grantee or subgrantee that is awarded competitive grant funds must have a plan to disseminate these public grant deliverables. This dissemination plan can be developed and submitted after your application has been reviewed and selected for funding. For additional information on the open licensing requirements please refer to 2 CFR 3474.20.

4. Reporting: (a) If you apply for a grant under this competition, you must ensure that you 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).

(b) At the end of your project period, you 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.

(c) Under 34 CFR 75.250(b), the Secretary may provide a grantee with additional funding for data collection analysis and reporting. In this case the Secretary establishes a data collection period.

5. Performance Measures:

(a) The Secretary establishes the following indicators to measure progress towards achieving the purposes of the program: the percentage of grantees producing independent evaluations that demonstrate improved effectiveness and alignment of career guidance and exploration systems with improved student outcomes. In addition, applicants must propose project-specific performance measures and performance targets consistent with the objectives of the proposed project.

Applications must provide the following information as directed under 34 CFR 75.110(b) and (c):

(b) Project-specific performance measures. How each proposed performance measure would accurately measure the performance of the project and how the proposed performance measures would be consistent with the performance measures established for the program funding the competition.

(c) Baseline data.

(1) Why each proposed baseline is valid; or

(2) If the applicant has determined that there are no established baseline data for a particular performance measure, an explanation of why there is no established baseline and of how and when, during the project period, the applicant would establish a valid baseline for the performance measure.

(d) Performance targets. Why each proposed performance target is ambitious yet achievable compared to the baseline for the performance measure and when, during the project period, the applicant would meet the performance target(s).

(e) Data collection and reporting.

(1) The data collection and reporting methods the applicant would use and why those methods are likely to yield reliable, valid, and meaningful performance data; and

(2) The applicant’s capacity to collect and report reliable, valid, and meaningful performance data, as evidenced by high-quality data collection, analysis, and reporting in other projects or research.

All grantees must submit an annual performance report with information that is responsive to these performance measures.

6. Continuation Awards: In making a continuation award under 34 CFR 75.253, the Secretary considers, among other things: whether a grantee has made substantial progress in achieving the goals and objectives of the project; whether the grantee has expended funds in a manner that is consistent with its approved application and budget; and, if the Secretary has established performance measurement requirements, the performance targets in the grantee’s approved application.

In making a continuation award, the Secretary also considers whether the grantee is operating in compliance with the assurances in its approved application, including those applicable to Federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department (34 CFR 100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).

VII. Other Information

Accessible Format: On request to the program contact persons listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT, individuals with disabilities can obtain this document and a copy of the application package in an accessible format (e.g., braille, large print, audiotape, or compact disc), to the extent reasonably practicable.

Electronic Access to This Document: The official version of this document is the document published in the Federal Register. You may access the official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations at www.govinfo.gov. At this site you can view this document, as well as all other documents of this Department published in the Federal Register, in text or Portable Document Format (PDF). To use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at the site.

You may also access documents of the Department published in the Federal Register by using the article

search feature at: www.federalregister.gov. Specifically, through the advanced search feature at this site, you can limit your search to documents published by the Department.

Dated:

_ ___________________________

Robert L. King,

Assistant Secretary for the Office of Postsecondary Education.

Program Statute

Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) - Authorizing Legislation 2008

20 U.S.C. 1138-1138d

Higher Education Act of 1965
Title VII, Part B, Subparts 741-745
(As amended by the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008)

PART B, SEC. 741. — FUND FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

(a) AUTHORITY — The Secretary is authorized to make grants to, or enter into contracts with, institutions of higher education, combinations of such institutions, and other public and private nonprofit institutions and agencies, to enable such institutions, combinations, and agencies to improve postsecondary education opportunities by–

(1) the encouragement of reform and improvement of, and innovation in, postsecondary education and the provision of educational opportunity for all students, including nontraditional students;

(2) the creation of institutions, programs, and joint efforts involving paths to career and professional training, including–

(A) Efforts that provide academic credit for programs; and

(B) Combinations of academic and experiential learning;

(3) the establishment and continuation of institutions, programs, consortia, collaborations, and other joint efforts based on communications technology, including those efforts that utilize distance education and technological advancements to educate and train postsecondary students (including health professionals serving medically underserved populations);

(4) the carrying out, in postsecondary educational institutions, of changes in internal structure and operations designed to clarify institutional priorities and purposes;

(5) the design and introduction of cost-effective methods of instruction and operation;

(6) the introduction of institutional reforms designed to expand individual opportunities for entering and reentering postsecondary institutions and pursuing programs of postsecondary study tailored to individual needs;

(7) the introduction of reforms in graduate education, in the structure of academic professions, and in the recruitment and retention of faculties;

(8) the creation of new institutions and programs for examining and awarding credentials to individuals, and the introduction of reforms in current institutional practices related thereto;

(9) the introduction of reforms in remedial education, including English language instruction, to customize remedial courses to student goals and help students progress rapidly from remedial courses into core courses and through postsecondary program completion;

(10) the provision of support and assistance to partnerships between institutions of higher education and secondary schools with a significant population of students identified as late-entering limited English proficient students, to establish programs that–

(A) Result in increased secondary school graduation rates of limited English proficient students; and

(B) Increase the number of participating late-entering limited English proficient students who pursue postsecondary education;

(11) the creation of consortia that join diverse institutions of higher education to design and offer curricular and cocurricular interdisciplinary programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, sustained for not less than a 5 year period, that–

(A) Focus on poverty and human capability; and

(B) Include–

(i) A service-learning component; and

(ii) the delivery of educational services through informational resource centers, summer institutes, midyear seminars, and other educational activities that stress the effects of poverty and how poverty can be alleviated through different career paths;

(12) the provision of support and assistance for demonstration projects to provide comprehensive support services to ensure that homeless students, or students who were in foster care or were a ward of the court at any time before the age of 13, enroll and succeed in postsecondary education, including providing housing to such students during periods when housing at the institution of higher education is closed or generally unavailable to other students; and

(13) the support of efforts to work with institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations, that seek to promote cultural diversity in the entertainment media industry, including through the training of students in production, marketing, and distribution of culturally relevant content.

(b) PLANNING GRANTS — The Secretary is authorized to make planning grants to institutions of higher education for the development and testing of innovative techniques in postsecondary education. Such grants shall not exceed $20,000.

(c) CENTER FOR BEST PRACTICES TO SUPPORT SINGLE PARENT STUDENTS —

(1) The Secretary is authorized to award one grant or contract to an institution of higher education to enable such institution to establish and maintain a center to study and develop best practices for institutions of higher education to support single parents who are also students attending such institutions.

(2) The Secretary shall award the grant or contract under this subsection to a four-year institution of higher education that has demonstrated expertise in the development of programs to assist single parents who are students at institutions of higher education, as shown by the institution's development of a variety of targeted services to such students, including on-campus housing, child care, counseling, advising, internship opportunities, financial aid, and financial aid counseling and assistance.

(3) The center funded under this section shall–

(A) Assist institutions implementing innovative programs that support single parents pursuing higher education;

(B) Study and develop an evaluation protocol for such programs that includes quantitative and qualitative methodologies;

(C) Provide appropriate technical assistance regarding the replication, evaluation, and continuous improvement of such programs; and

(D) Develop and disseminate best practices for such programs.

(d) PROHIBITION —

(1) In general. – No funds made available under this part shall be used to provide direct financial assistance in the form of grants or scholarships to students who do not meet the requirements of section 484(a).

(2) Rule of construction. – Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prevent a student who does not meet the requirements of section 484(a) from participating in programs funded under this part.

(e) PRIORITY — In making grants under this part to any institution of higher education after the date of enactment of the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Secretary may give priority to institutions that meet or exceed the most current version of ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1 (as such term is used in section 342(a)(6) of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6313(a)(6)) for any new facilities construction or major renovation of the institution after such date, except that this subsection shall not apply with respect to barns or greenhouses or similar structures owned by the institution.

(f) SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR FAMILY MEMBERS OF VETERANS OR MEMBERS OF THE MILITARY —

(1) Authorization. – The Secretary shall enter into a contract with a nonprofit organization with demonstrated success in carrying out the activities described in this subsection to carry out a program to provide postsecondary education scholarships for eligible students.

(2) Definition of eligible student.--In this subsection, the term 'eligible student' means an individual who is enrolled as a full-time or part-time student at an institution of higher education (as defined in section 102) and is–

(A) A dependent student who is a child of–

(i) An individual who is–

(I) serving on active duty during a war or other military operation or national emergency (as defined in section 481); or

(II) Performing qualifying National Guard duty during a war or other military operation or national emergency (as defined in section 481);

(ii) Was (at the time of death of the veteran) a spouse of a veteran who–

(I) served or performed, as described in clause (i), since September 11, 2001; and

(II) died as a result of such service or performance;

or

(iii) Is a spouse of a veteran who–

(I) served or performed, as described in clause (i), since September 11, 2001; and

(II) has been disabled as a result of such service or performance.

(3) Awarding of scholarships. –Scholarships awarded under this subsection shall be awarded based on need with priority given to eligible students who are eligible to receive Federal Pell Grants under subpart 1 of part A of title IV.

(4) Maximum scholarship amount. –The maximum scholarship amount awarded to an eligible student under this subsection for an award year shall be the lesser of $5,000, or the student's cost of attendance (as defined in section 472).

(5) Amounts for scholarships. –All of the amounts appropriated to carry out this subsection for a fiscal year shall be used for scholarships awarded under this subsection, except that the nonprofit organization receiving a contract under this subsection may use not more than one percent of such amounts for the administrative costs of the contract.

SEC. 742. BOARD OF THE FUND FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION.

(a) ESTABLISHMENT — There is established a National Board of the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (in this part referred to as the `Board'). The Board shall consist of 15 members appointed by the Secretary for overlapping 3-year terms. A majority of the Board shall constitute a quorum. Any member of the Board who has served for 6 consecutive years shall thereafter be ineligible for appointment to the Board during a 2-year period following the expiration of such sixth year.

(b) MEMBERSHIP — The Secretary shall designate one of the members of the Board as Chairperson of the Board. A majority of the members of the Board shall be public interest representatives, including students, and a minority shall be educational representatives. All members selected shall be individuals able to contribute an important perspective on priorities for improvement in postsecondary education and strategies of educational and institutional change.

(c) DUTIES — The Board shall–

(1) Advise the Secretary on priorities for the improvement of postsecondary education and make such recommendations as the Board may deem appropriate for the improvement of postsecondary education and for the evaluation, dissemination, and adaptation of demonstrated improvements in postsecondary educational practice;

(2) advise the Secretary on the operation of the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education, including advice on planning documents, guidelines, and procedures for grant competitions prepared by the Fund; and

(3) Meet at the call of the Chairperson, except that the Board shall meet whenever one-third or more of the members request in writing that a meeting be held.

(d) INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE — The Secretary shall make available to the Board such information and assistance as may be necessary to enable the Board to carry out its functions.

SEC. 743. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS.

The Secretary may appoint, for terms not to exceed 3 years, without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service, not more than 7 technical employees to administer this part who may be paid without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates.

SEC. 744. SPECIAL PROJECTS.

(a) GRANT AUTHORITY — The Secretary is authorized to make grants to institutions of higher education, or consortia thereof, and such other public agencies and nonprofit organizations as the Secretary deems necessary for innovative projects concerning one or more areas of particular national need identified by the Secretary.

(b) APPLICATION — No grant shall be made under this part unless an application is made at such time, in such manner, and contains or is accompanied by such information as the Secretary may require.

(c) AREAS OF NATIONAL NEED — Areas of national need shall include at a minimum, the following:

(1) Institutional restructuring to improve learning and promote productivity, efficiency, quality improvement, and cost reduction.

(2) Improvements in academic instruction and student learning, including efforts designed to assess the learning gains made by postsecondary students.

(3) Articulation between two- and four-year institutions of higher education, including developing innovative methods for ensuring the successful transfer of students from two- to four-year institutions of higher education.

(4) Development, evaluation, and dissemination of model courses, including model courses that–

(A) Provide students with a broad and integrated knowledge base;

(B) include, at a minimum, broad survey courses in English literature, American and world history, American- political institutions, economics, philosophy, college-level mathematics, and the natural sciences; and

(C) Include study of a foreign language that leads to reading and writing competency in the foreign language.

(5) International cooperation and student exchanges among postsecondary educational institutions.

(6) Support of centers to incorporate education in quality and safety into the preparation of medical and nursing students, through grants to medical schools, nursing schools, and osteopathic schools. Such grants shall be used to assist in providing courses of instruction that specifically equip students to–

(A) Understand the causes of, and remedies for, medical error, medically induced patient injuries and complications, and other defects in medical care;

(B) Engage effectively in personal and systemic efforts to continually reduce medical harm; and

(C) Improve patient care and outcomes, as recommended by the Institute of Medicine.

SEC. 745. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this part such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2009 and each of the five succeeding fiscal years.

EXECUTIVE ORDER 12372

Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs

This program is subject to Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79. Please note that, under 34 CFR 79.8(a), we have waived the intergovernmental review period in order to make awards by December 31, 2020.

General Education Provisions Act (GEPA)

Section 427

Section 427 requires each applicant to include in its application a description of the steps the applicant proposes to take to ensure equitable access to, and participation in, its federally-assisted program for students, teachers, and other program beneficiaries with special needs.

This section allows applicants discretion in developing the required description. The statute highlights six barriers that can impede equitable access or participation that you may address: gender, race, national origin, color disability, or age.

A general statement of an applicant’s nondiscriminatory hiring policy is not sufficient to meet this requirement. Applicants must identify potential barriers and explain steps they will take to overcome these barriers.

*Notes:

• Applicants are required to address this provision by uploading a statement to the ED GEPA 427 Form that must be downloaded from Grants.gov.

• All applicants must include information in their applications to address this provision in order to receive funding under this program.

Government Performance

and Results Act (GPRA)

What is GPRA?

The Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 (GPRA) is a straightforward statute that requires all federal agencies to manage their activities with attention to the consequences of those activities. Each agency is to clearly state what it intends to accomplish, identify the resources required, and periodically report their progress to the Congress. In so doing, it is expected that the GPRA will contribute to improvements in accountability for the expenditures of public funds, improve Congressional decision-making through more objective information on the effectiveness of federal programs, and promote a new government focus on results, service delivery, and customer satisfaction.

How has the Department of Education Responded to the GPRA Requirements?

As required by GPRA, the Department of Education prepared a strategic plan for 2018-2022. This plan reflects the Department’s priorities and integrates them with its mission and program authorities and describes how the Department will work to improve education for all children and adults in the U.S. The Department’s goals, as listed in the plan, are:

Goal 1: Support state and local efforts to improve learning outcomes for all P-12 students in every community.

Goal 2: Expand postsecondary educational opportunities, improve outcomes to foster economic opportunity and promote an informed, thoughtful and productive citizenry.

Goal 3: Strengthen the quality, accessibility and use of education data through better management, increased privacy protections and transparency.

Goal 4: Reform the effectiveness, efficiency and accountability of the Department.

What are the Performance Indicators for the Career and Educational Pathways Exploration System Program?

The Career and Educational Pathways Exploration System Program’s overarching goal is: To develop technology-based or technology-enabled career exploration systems that will enable high school students to identify and explore career opportunities that align with their interests, ambitions and aptitudes; learn from individuals who work in those fields about the nature of their work and opportunities available in their fields; and identify education and training options-including non-college programs such as work-based learning opportunities, military training, apprenticeships and employer-sponsored training- that enable entry to or advancement in those careers.

The specific performance indicator for the Career and Educational Pathways Exploration System Program is as follows:

a) The percentage of grantees producing independent project evaluations that demonstrate improved effectiveness and alignment of career guidance and exploration systems with improved student outcomes.

Project-Specific Performance Measures

Applicants must provide information about how each proposed Performance Measure would accurately measure the performance of the project and how the proposed Performance Measures would be consistent with the Performance Measures established for the program funding this competition.

a) Baseline data

1. Why each proposed Baseline is valid; or

2. If the applicant has determined that there are no established Baseline data for a particular Performance Measure, an explanation of why there is no established Baseline and how and when during the project period, the applicant would establish a valid Baseline or the Performance Measure.

b) Performance Targets-Why each proposed Performance Target is ambitious yet achievable compared to the Baseline for the Performance Measure and when, during the project period, the applicant would meet the Performance Target(s).

c) Data collection and reporting

(1) The data collection and reporting methods the applicant would use and why those methods are likely to yield reliable, valid, and meaningful performance data;

(2) The applicant’s capacity to collect and report reliable, valid, and meaningful performance data, as evidenced by high-quality data collection, analysis, and reporting in other projects or research.

How does the Department of Education determine whether performance goals have been met?

An applicant that receives a grant award will be required to submit annual progress reports and a final report as a condition of the award. The reports will document the extent to which project goals and objectives are met.

Instructions for Completing the Application

The Career Pathways Program application within Grants.gov consists of various forms and assurances. Remember to complete all required forms and upload all attachments to the appropriate forms. Note: We strongly recommend that all attachments be in .pdf format. Although Grants.gov allows various file types to be uploaded, you should only upload .pdf files when submitting applications to the Department of Education. This is due to functionality constraints within the Department’s grants system which interfaces with Grants.gov to receive applications.

The forms are as follows:

1. Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424) - Complete all required fields.

2. Assurances – Non-Construction Programs (SF 424B) - Complete all required fields.

3. Certification Regarding Lobbying - Complete all required fields.

4. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) - Complete all required fields.

5. GEPA Section 427 requirement - Applicants must upload a GEPA statement here. Instructions are found within this application.

6. Department of Education Supplemental Information for the SF 424 - Complete all required fields.

7. U.S. Department of Education Budget Information Non-Construction Programs (SF 524) - Applicants should include costs for all 3 project years. Section B is where the applicant should include any non-federal support for the program. This program does not require a non-federal match. Section C of this form should be left blank. Applicants will upload their Budget Narrative to the “Budget Narrative Attachment Form” within Grants.gov.

8. ED Abstract Form - Here is where you will upload a one-page project abstract that will provide an overview of the proposed project. Include the name of the applicant institution. The abstract will not be counted against your page count. You must upload the abstract in .pdf format.

9. Project Narrative Attachment Form - Here is where you will upload the responses to the selection criteria and the absolute priority. Your submitted responses in this section will be used to evaluate your application submitted for this competition. Recommended page limit is 25 pages.

10. Budget Narrative Attachment Form - Here is where you upload a detailed supporting narrative explaining the proposed costs for each year of the performance period. This narrative will not count against your page count. Total costs per year should mimic the costs stated on the ED-524 form. Include the level of effort (time commitment) per year for the proposed Project Director. You must upload the supporting narrative in .pdf format.

NOTE: Please do not attach any miscellaneous narratives, supporting files, or application components to the standard forms (SF Forms) within Grants.gov. Although the forms accept optional attachments, please do not upload attachments there. If you deem it necessary, you may upload miscellaneous attachments to “Other Attachments Form,” but be mindful that uploaded information that is not required by the Notice may not be reviewed.

Remember, all attachments should be in .pdf format. Although Grants.gov allows various file types to be uploaded, you should only upload .pdf files when submitting applications to the Department of Education. This is due to functionality constraints within the Department’s grants system which interfaces with Grants.gov to receive applications.

Instructions for the Project Narrative

The project narrative must be uploaded to the “Project Narrative Attachment Form” in Grants.gov. The narrative should be uploaded as a .pdf

Before preparing the Project Narrative, applicants should review the program statute and the Federal Register Notice for specific guidance and requirements.

The Secretary evaluates an application according to the selection criteria included in the Federal Register Notice Inviting Applications for this program. The Project Narrative is where you provide detailed responses to each selection criterion. The maximum possible score for each category of selection criterion is indicated in parenthesis. For ease of reading by the reviewers, applicants should follow the sequence of the criteria as provided below. The Project Narrative should be written in a concise and clear manner and be consecutively numbered. We recommend that you limit the section of the narrative that addresses the selection criteria to no more than 25 pages. Please include a Table of Contents as the first page of the application narrative. The Table of Contents is not included in your page count. You should upload your project narrative in .pdf format. The Project Narrative is mandatory, so if you use any other format, it will not be received by the Department’s grants system and your application may be deemed ineligible.

Formatting Recommendations: A ‘‘page’’ is 8.5″ x 11″, on one side only, with 1-inch margins at the top bottom, and both sides. Double space (no more than three lines per vertical inch) all text in the application narrative, except titles, headings, footnotes, quotations, references, captions and all text in charts, tables, and graphs. Use one of the following fonts: Times New Roman, Courier, Courier New, or Arial. Use font size 12.

Applicants MUST address each of the following selection criteria in the Project Narrative:

a. Significance (20 points)

b. Quality of the project design (25 points)

c. Quality of project services (10 points)

d. Quality of project personnel (10 points)

e. Adequacy of resources (5 points)

f. Quality of the management plan (15 points)

g. Quality of the project evaluation (15 points)

Maximum Score for Selection Criteria 100 points

TOTAL POSSIBLE SCORE PER APPLICATION 100 POINTS

SELECTION CRITERIA

(a) Significance. (Up to 20 points)

1. The extent to which the proposed project is likely to build local capacity to provide, improve, or expand services that address the needs of the target population. (up to 10 points).

2. The potential replicability of the proposed project or strategies, including, as appropriate, the potential or implementation in a variety of settings. (up to 10 points)

(b) Quality of the project design. (Up to 25 points)

The extent to which--

1. the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be achieved by the proposed project are clearly specified and measurable. (up to 5 points)

2. the design of the proposed project is appropriate to, and will successfully address, the needs of the target population or other identified needs. (up to 5 points)

3. the design or implementing and evaluating the proposed project will result in information to guide possible replication of project activities or strategies, including information about the effectiveness of the approach or strategies employed by the project. (up to 5 points)

4. the proposed project represents an exceptional approach to the priority or priorities established for the competition. (up to 10 points)

(c) Quality of Project Services. (Up to 10 points)

The quality and sufficiency of--

1. the strategies for ensuring equal access and treatment for eligible project participants who are members of groups that have traditionally been underrepresented based on race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability. (up to 3 points)

2. the services to be provided by the proposed project are appropriate to the needs of the intended recipients or beneficiaries of those services. (up to 3 points)

3. the services to be provided by the proposed project reflect up-to-date knowledge from research and effective practice. (up to 4 points)

(d) Quality of project personnel. (Up to 10 points)

The extent to which--

1. the applicant encourages applications for employment from persons who are members of groups that have traditionally been underrepresented based on race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability. (up to 3 points)

2. the qualifications, including relevant training and experience, of the project director or principal investigator. (up to 4 points)

3. the qualifications, including the relevant training and experience, of key project personnel. (up to 3 points)

(e) Adequacy of resources. (Up to 5 points)

1. The extent to which the budget is adequate to support the proposed project. (up to 3 points)

2. The extent to which the costs are reasonable in relations to the objectives, design, and potential significance of the proposed project. (up to 2 points)

(f) Quality of the Management Plan. (Up to 15 points)

1. The adequacy of the management plan to achieve the objectives of the proposed project on time and within budget, including clearly defined responsibilities, timelines, and milestones for accomplishing project tasks. (up to 5 points)

2. The adequacy of procedures for ensuring feedback and continuous improvement in the operation of the proposed project. (up to 5 points)

3. The adequacy of mechanisms for ensuring high-quality products and services from the proposed project. (up to 5 points)

(g) Quality of the Project Evaluation. (up to 15 points)

The extent to which--

1. the methods of evaluation are thorough, feasible, and appropriate to the goals, objectives, and outcomes of the proposed project. (up to 10 points)

2. the methods of evaluation include the use of objective Performance Measures that are clearly related to the intended outcomes of the project and will produce quantitative and qualitative data to the extent possible. (up to 5 points)

YOUR EVALUATION PLAN

When responding to the criterion on evaluation you should consider the appropriate methods and personnel needed to shape an evaluation that will inform you and others about the implementation of the project from the beginning of the grant period, provide you and others with formative and summative information to determine if the project is meeting the purpose of the program, as well as feedback cycles for improved results. The plan should include benchmarks to monitor progress toward specific project objectives and outcome measures to assess the impact of the grant funded activities. More specifically, the plan should respond to the factors listed in the evaluation plan section of the selection criteria.

Priority

Absolute Priority (Required)

This priority is an absolute priority. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(3), we consider only applications that meet this absolute priority.

To meet this priority, applicants must submit--

(a) A plan to create or take to scale a sustainable technology-based or technology-enabled career and education pathways exploration system that accomplishes all of the following objectives:

(1) Enabling high school students to identify and learn about career opportunities based on their personal interests, aptitudes, and career goals;

(2) Enabling high school students to identify, consider, and compare the possible education and training pathways that lead to career entry and advancement in their fields of interest;

(3) Engaging individuals who work in featured occupations, or using other interactive bot technologies simulating interaction with an individual, to provide information to students about their experience working in the field, the aptitudes and attitudes that are necessary for success, and the challenges and opportunities typical for those who work in the field; and

(4) Enabling students to use embedded financial tools to compare the cost and benefits of the career options and educational pathways they are considering, including the long-term impact of taking student loans on their financial security, including likely entry and mid-career earnings in featured fields.

(b) An evaluation plan to assess the effectiveness of the system in assisting students in identifying their career goals, identifying potential education pathways to achieve that goal, and comparing the costs and benefits of each pathway.

(c) A logic model for developing and implementing the project.

Program Requirements: We are establishing the program requirements for the FY 2020 grant competition and any subsequent year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this competition in accordance with section 437(d)(1) of GEPA.

The program requirements are:

Independent Evaluation.

A grantee must conduct an independent evaluation of the activities carried out under the grant and submit to the Department an annual report that includes--

1. A description of how the grant funds were used;

2. The performance of the project with respect to, at a minimum, the performance measures described in the approved application; and

3. A quantitative analysis of the effectiveness of the project.

Use of Funds.

A grantee must use the funds awarded for the following activities:

1. Development of a technology-based or technology-enabled career exploration and pathways system that enables students to identify career options based on their interests, aptitudes, and goals.

2. Identifying and recruiting individuals who work in featured occupations to participate in content development for the system and providing career information to students.

3. Providing training to high school guidance counselors and teachers on proper use of the system to help students explore career opportunities and educational pathways.

4. Disseminating information about the system to high schools, workforce boards, employment and training organizations, and other entities.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE BUDGET SUMMARY AND ITEMIZED LINE ITEM BUDGET (ED FORM 524)

NOTE: Applicants must submit: (1) budget information that categorizes the requested funds (ED Form 524), AND (2) a detailed budget narrative for the first 12-month budget period.

The budget summary is to be included on the Budget Information – Non-Construction Programs (ED Form 524).

The budget narrative, for the first 12-month budget period only, is to be included in the Application Narrative (recommend that you limit the application narrative to the equivalent of no more than 25 pages)

This section requests information on the applicant’s financial plan for carrying out the project.

The federal and any non-federal shares are to be included on the Budget Information – Non- Construction Programs (ED Form 524), and in the Budget selection criterion discussion in the Application Narrative.

The Department is requesting that you complete the Budget Information – Non-Construction Programs (ED Form 524) for ONLY the 2020-2021 year. Please provide a comprehensive and detailed budget narrative for the first 12-month budget period, only.

It is not necessary to provide a budget summary for the total three-year grant period requested. The Department will determine the funding levels for the subsequent years of the grant award cycle.

The Budget Information-Section A – Budget Summary – Non-Construction Programs (ED Form 524) and the Budget Narrative must include all costs that are allowable, reasonable and necessary for carrying out the objectives of the Career Pathways Program. Among the costs that may be supported with grant funds are:

1. Personnel: On line 1 (ED Form 524), enter only the project personnel salaries and wages. [Fees and expenses for consultants should be included on line 8.] The budget should include the total commitment of time and the total salary to be charged to the project for each key staff member. You should provide a breakdown of project personnel that includes: the position titles; the percent of time and number of months committed to the project for each key staff member; the salary for each key staff member; and the total salary costs to be charged to the grant.

2. Fringe Benefits: On line 2 (ED Form 524), enter the amount of fringe benefits. The institution or agency’s normal fringe benefit contribution may be charged to the program. Leave this blank if fringe benefits applicable to direct salaries and wages are treated as part of the indirect costs. In the budget, include an explanation and appropriate justification if the institution or agency’s normal fringe benefit contribution exceeds 20 percent of salaries.

3. Travel: On line 3 (ED Form 524), provide the costs for project personnel. [Consultants’ travel should be included on line 8.] In the budget, you should detail the proposed travel costs – for each trip explain the purpose and objective of the travel and provide the number of persons traveling. Transportation costs should not exceed tourist class airfare. For automobile mileage, the established institution or agency rate should be used. Reimbursement is allowed for taxicab, bus, train, or limousine transportation. Per diem at the established institution or agency rate is permitted when an individual is away from home overnight on official project business (see Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Programs- §200.474). No foreign travel will be authorized under the grant.

4. Equipment: On line 4 (ED Form 524), indicate the cost of equipment -- non-expendable personal property, which has a usefulness of greater than one year and an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit. [Consistent with an applicant’s policy, a lower dollar amount may be used to define equipment.] In the budget, explain why the requested equipment is necessary to carry out project activities, and include a list of all equipment in the following format: item, quantity, cost per unit, and total cost.

5. Supplies: On line 5 (ED Form 524), include the costs of all tangible personal property that was not included as “equipment” on line 4. In the budget, provide an itemized list of the supplies.

6. Contractual: Not applicable. Leave blank.

7. Construction: Not applicable. Leave blank.

8. Other: On line 8 (ED Form 524), indicate all direct costs not covered on lines 1 through 5. The costs/fees for consultants and consultants’ travel should be included here. Examples of “other” costs are equipment rental, required fees, communication costs, rental of space, utilities, custodial services, and printing costs. In the budget, provide a breakdown of all direct costs not clearly covered by other budget categories.

Consultants: If the project proposes to use consultants, identify the consultants who will work on the project, the scope of work to be performed by each consultant, and justify why project personnel cannot perform this work. Also, provide a detailed breakdown of the costs (daily fees to be paid, estimated number of days of services, and all travel expenses, including per diem). Cost allowances for consultant fees, honoraria, per diem, and travel should not exceed amounts permitted by comparable institutional or agency policies.

9. Total Direct Costs: On line 9 (ED Form 524), provide the total direct costs requested – the sum of lines 1 through 8.

10. Indirect Costs: On line 10 (ED Form 524), provide the amount of indirect costs that you propose to charge against the grant.

All grants awarded under the Career Pathways Program (84.116C) are designated as training grants. The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) limits reimbursement to grantees for indirect costs they incur under training grants to the grantee’s actual indirect costs as determined by the grantee’s negotiated indirect cost agreement or a maximum of 8 percent of a modified total direct cost base, whichever is less. (NOTE: This limitation does not apply to State agencies, or local governments, or federally recognized Indian tribal governments. [§75.562(c) (2)]

§200.68 Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC).

MTDC means all direct salaries and wages, applicable fringe benefits, materials and supplies, services, travel, and up to the first $25,000 of each subaward (regardless of the period of performance of the subawards under the award). MTDC excludes equipment, capital expenditures, charges for patient care, rental costs, tuition remission, scholarships and fellowships, participant support costs and the portion of each subaward in excess of $25,000. Other items may only be excluded when necessary to avoid a serious inequity in the distribution of indirect costs, and with the approval of the cognizant agency for indirect costs.

Grantees charging indirect costs to a Department grant are required to have a negotiated rate with their cognizant agency (i.e., either the Federal agency from which it has received the most direct funding that is subject to indirect cost support, or a particular agency specifically assigned cognizance by the Office of Management and Budget). Although applicants are not required to submit with their application a copy of their indirect cost agreement to claim the 8 percent rate for funding received in this program, they are required to have documentation available for audit that shows that their negotiated indirect cost rate is at least 8 percent [§75.563(d)]. In the event that they receive an award under this program, applicants without a negotiated indirect cost rate with its cognizant agency should seek to identify that agency and contact it to obtain an approved rate as soon as possible after award notification.

Applicants should be aware that amounts representing the difference between the 8 percent rate and a greater indirect cost rate negotiated with a cognizant agency may not be charged to direct cost categories, used to satisfy matching or cost-sharing requirements, or charged to another Federal award. [§75.563(c) (3)]

11. Total Costs: On line 12 (ED Form 524), provide the total amount that you are requesting – the sum of lines 9 and 10. Note: This amount should also be the same as that shown in 18g on the application face sheet (SF 424) and on the detailed budget narrative in Part III.

Instructions for Standard Forms

● APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE (SF 424)

● U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FOR THE SF-424

● U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION BUDGET INFORMATION NON-CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMS (ED 524)

● DISCLOSURE OF LOBBYING ACTIVITIES (SF-LLL)

● GENERAL EDUCATION PROVISIONS ACT (GEPA)

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE SF-424

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 60 minutes per response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project (0348-0043), Washington, DC 20503.

PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET. SEND IT TO THE ADDRESS PROVIDED BY THE SPONSORING AGENCY.

This is a standard form (including the continuation sheet) required for use as a cover sheet for submission of pre-applications and applications and related information under discretionary programs. Some of the items are required and some are optional at the discretion of the applicant or the Federal agency (agency). Required items are identified with an asterisk on the form and are specified in the instructions below. In addition to the instructions provided below, applicants must consult agency instructions to determine specific requirements.

Item	Entry:		Item	Entry:
1.	Type of Submission: (Required): Select one type of submission in accordance with agency instructions. Pre-application Application Changed/Corrected Application – If requested by the agency, check if this submission is to change or correct a previously submitted application. Unless requested by the agency, applicants may not use this to submit changes after the closing date.		10.	Name of Federal Agency: (Required) Enter the name of the Federal agency from which assistance is being requested with this application.
			11.	Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number/Title: Enter the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number and title of the program under which assistance is requested, as found in the program announcement, if applicable.
2.	Type of Application: (Required) Select one type of application in accordance with agency instructions. New – An application that is being submitted to an agency for the first time. Continuation - An extension for an additional funding/budget period for a project with a projected completion date. This can include renewals. Revision - Any change in the Federal Government’s financial obligation or contingent liability from an existing obligation. If a revision, enter the appropriate letter(s). More than one may be selected. If "Other" is selected, please specify in text box provided. A. Increase Award B. Decrease Award C. Increase Duration D. Decrease Duration E. Other (specify)		12.	Funding Opportunity Number/Title: (Required) Enter the Funding Opportunity Number and title of the opportunity under which assistance is requested, as found in the program announcement.
			13.	Competition Identification Number/Title: Enter the Competition Identification Number and title of the competition under which assistance is requested, if applicable.
			14.	Areas Affected by Project: List the areas or entities using the categories (e.g., cities, counties, states, etc.) specified in agency instructions. Use the continuation sheet to enter additional areas, if needed.
3.	Date Received: Leave this field blank. This date will be assigned by the Federal agency.		15.	Descriptive Title of Applicant’s Project: (Required) Enter a brief descriptive title of the project. If appropriate, attach a map showing project location (e.g., construction or real property projects). For pre-applications, attach a summary description of the project.
4.	Applicant Identifier: Enter the entity identifier assigned by the Federal agency, if any, or applicant’s control number, if applicable.
5a	Federal Entity Identifier: Enter the number assigned to your organization by the Federal Agency, if any.		16.	Congressional Districts Of: (Required) 16a. Enter the applicant’s Congressional District, and 16b. Enter all District(s) affected by the program or project. Enter in the format: 2 characters State Abbreviation – 3 characters District Number, e.g., CA-005 for California 5thth district, CA-012 for California 12th district, NC-103 for North Carolina’s 103rd district. If all congressional districts in a state are affected, enter “all” for the district number, e.g., MD-all for all congressional districts in Maryland. If nationwide, i.e. all districts within all states are affected, enter US-all. If the program/project is outside the US, enter 00-000.
5b.	Federal Award Identifier: For new applications leave blank. For a continuation or revision to an existing award, enter the previously assigned Federal award identifier number. If a changed/corrected application, enter the Federal Identifier in accordance with agency instructions.
6.	Date Received by State: Leave this field blank. This date will be assigned by the State, if applicable.
7.	State Application Identifier: Leave this field blank. This identifier will be assigned by the State, if applicable.
8.	Applicant Information: Enter the following in accordance with agency instructions: a. Legal Name: (Required): Enter the legal name of applicant that will undertake the assistance activity. This is the name that the organization has registered with the Central Contractor Registry. Information on registering with CCR may be obtained by visiting the Grants.gov website.
			17.	Proposed Project Start and End Dates: (Required) Enter the proposed start date and end date of the project.
	b. Employer/Taxpayer Number (EIN/TIN): (Required): Enter the Employer or Taxpayer Identification Number (EIN or TIN) as assigned by the Internal Revenue Service. If your organization is not in the US, enter 44-4444444.
			18.	Estimated Funding: (Required) Enter the amount requested or to be contributed during the first funding/budget period by each contributor. Value of in-kind contributions should be included on appropriate lines, as applicable. If the action will result in a dollar change to an existing award, indicate only the amount of the change. For decreases, enclose the amounts in parentheses.
	c. Organizational DUNS: (Required) Enter the organization’s DUNS or DUNS+4 number received from Dun and Bradstreet. Information on obtaining a DUNS number may be obtained by visiting the Grants.gov website.
	d. Address: Enter the complete address as follows: Street address (Line 1 required), City (Required), County, State (Required, if country is US), Province, Country (Required), Zip/Postal Code (Required, if country is US).
			19.	Is Application Subject to Review by State Under Executive Order 12372 Process? Applicants should contact the State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for Federal Executive Order 12372 to determine whether the application is subject to the State intergovernmental review process. Select the appropriate box. If “a.” is selected, enter the date the application was submitted to the State
	e. Organizational Unit: Enter the name of the primary organizational unit (and department or division, if applicable) that will undertake the assistance activity, if applicable.
	f. Name and contact information of person to be contacted on matters involving this application: Enter the name (First and last name required), organizational affiliation (if affiliated with an organization other than the applicant organization), telephone number (Required), fax number, and email address (Required) of the person to contact on matters related to this application.
			20.	Is the Applicant Delinquent on any Federal Debt? (Required) Select the appropriate box. This question applies to the applicant organization, not the person who signs as the authorized representative. Categories of debt include delinquent audit disallowances, loans and taxes. If yes, include an explanation on the continuation sheet.
9.	Type of Applicant: (Required) Select up to three applicant type(s) in accordance with agency instructions.		21.	Authorized Representative: (Required) To be signed and dated by the authorized representative of the applicant organization. Enter the name (First and last name required) title (Required), telephone number (Required), fax number, and email address (Required) of the person authorized to sign for the applicant. A copy of the governing body’s authorization for you to sign this application as the official representative must be on file in the applicant’s office. (Certain Federal agencies may require that this authorization be submitted as part of the application.)
	State Government County Government City or Township Government Special District Government Regional Organization U.S. Territory or Possession Independent School District Public/State Controlled Institution of Higher Education Indian/Native American Tribal Government (Federally Recognized) Indian/Native American Tribal Government (Other than Federally Recognized) Indian/Native American Tribally Designated Organization Public/Indian Housing Authority	Nonprofit with 501C3 IRS Status (Other than Institution of Higher Education) Nonprofit without 501C3 IRS Status (Other than Institution of Higher Education) Private Institution of Higher Education Individual For-Profit Organization (Other than Small Business) Small Business Hispanic-serving Institution Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions Non-domestic (non-US) Entity Other (specify)

INSTRUCTIONS FOR DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FOR SF 424

1. Project Director. Name, address, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail address of the person to be contacted on matters involving this application.

2. Novice Applicant. Check “Yes” or “No” only if assistance is being requested under a program that gives special consideration to novice applicants. Otherwise, leave blank.

Check “Yes” if you meet the requirements for novice applicants specified in the regulations in 34 CFR 75.225 and included on the attached page entitled “Definitions for Department of Education Supplemental Information for SF 424.” By checking “Yes” the applicant certifies that it meets these novice applicant requirements. Check “No” if you do not meet the requirements for novice applicants.

3. Human Subjects Research. (See I. A. “Definitions” in attached page entitled “Definitions for Department of Education Supplemental Information for SF 424.”)

If Not Human Subjects Research. Check “No” if research activities involving human subjects are not planned at any time during the proposed project period. The remaining parts of Item 3 are then not applicable.

If Human Subjects Research. Check “Yes” if research activities involving human subjects are planned at any time during the proposed project period, either at the applicant organization or at any other performance site or collaborating institution. Check “Yes” even if the research is exempt from the regulations for the protection of human subjects. (See I. B. “Exemptions” in attached page entitled “Definitions for Department of Education Supplemental Information for SF 424.”)

3a. If Human Subjects Research is Exempt from the Human Subjects Regulations. Check “Yes” if all the research activities proposed are designated to be exempt from the regulations. Insert the exemption number(s) corresponding to one or more of the six exemption categories listed in I. B. “Exemptions.” In addition, follow the instructions in II. A. “Exempt Research Narrative” in the attached page entitled “Definitions for Department of Education Supplemental Information for SF 424.”

3a. If Human Subjects Research is Not Exempt from Human Subjects Regulations. Check “No” if some or all of the planned research activities are covered (not exempt). In addition, follow the instructions in II. B. “Nonexempt Research Narrative” in the page entitled “Definitions for Department of Education Supplemental Information for SF 424

3a. Human Subjects Assurance Number. If the applicant has an approved Federal Wide (FWA) on file with the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, that covers the specific activity, insert the number in the space provided. If the applicant does not have an approved assurance on file with OHRP, enter “None.” In this case, the applicant, by signature on the SF-424, is declaring that it will comply with 34 CFR 97 and proceed to obtain the human subjects assurance upon request by the designated ED official. If the application is recommended/selected for funding, the designated ED official will request that the applicant obtain the assurance within 30 days after the specific formal request.

Note about Institutional Review Board Approval. ED does not require certification of Institutional Review Board approval with the application. However, if an application that involves non-exempt human subjects research is recommended/selected for funding, the designated ED official will request that the applicant obtain and send the certification to ED within 30 days after the formal request.

Paperwork Burden Statement

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 1890-0017. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average between 15 and 45 minutes per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data resources, gather the data needed, and complete and review the information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the estimate(s) or suggestions for improving this form, please write to: U.S. Department of Education, Washington, DC 20202-4700. If you have comments or concerns regarding the status of your individual submission of this form write directly to: Joyce I. Mays, Application Control Center, U.S. Department of Education, Potomac Center Plaza, 550 12th Street, S.W. Room 7076, Washington, DC 20202-4260.

DEFINITIONS FOR DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FOR SF 424

(Attachment to Instructions for Supplemental Information for SF 424)

Definitions:

Novice Applicant (See 34 CFR 75.225). For discretionary grant programs under which the Secretary gives special consideration to novice applications, a novice applicant means any applicant for a grant from ED that—

• Has never received a grant or sub-grant under the program from which it seeks funding;

• Has never been a member of a group application, submitted in accordance with 34 CFR 75.127-75.129, that received a grant under the program from which it seeks funding; and

• Has not had an active discretionary grant from the Federal government in the five years before the deadline date for applications under the program. For the purposes of this requirement, a grant is active until the end of the grant’s project or funding period, including any extensions of those periods that extend the grantee’s authority to obligate funds.

In the case of a group application submitted in accordance with 34 CFR 75.127-75.129, a group includes only parties that meet the requirements listed above.

PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECTS IN RESEARCH

I . Definitions and Exemptions

A . Definitions.

A research activity involves human subjects if the activity is research, as defined in the Department’s regulations, and the research activity will involve use of human subjects, as defined in the regulations.

—Research

The ED Regulations for the Protection of Human Subjects, Title 34, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 97, define research as “a systematic investigation, including research development, testing and evaluation, designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge.” If an activity follows a deliberate plan whose purpose is to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge it is research. Activities which meet this definition constitute research whether or not they are conducted or supported under a program that is considered research for other purposes. For example, some demonstration and service programs may include research activities.

—Human Subject

The regulations define human subject as “a living individual about whom an investigator (whether professional or student) conducting research obtains (1) data through intervention or interaction with the individual, or (2) identifiable private information.” (1) If an activity involves obtaining information about a living person by manipulating that person or that person’s environment, as might occur when a new instructional technique is tested, or by communicating or interacting with the individual, as occurs with surveys and interviews, the definition of human subject is met. (2) If an activity involves obtaining private information about a living person in such a way that the information can be linked to that individual (the identity of the subject is or may be readily determined by the investigator or associated with the information), the definition of human subject is met. [Private information includes information about behavior that occurs in a context in which an individual can reasonably expect that no observation or recording is taking place, and information which has been provided for specific purposes by an individual and which the individual can reasonably expect will not be made public (for example, a school health record).]

B. Exemptions.

Research activities in which the only involvement of human subjects will be in one or more of the following six categories of exemptions are not covered by the regulations:

(1) Research conducted in established or commonly accepted educational settings, involving normal educational practices, such as (a) research on regular and special education instructional strategies, or (b) research on the effectiveness of or the comparison among instructional techniques, curricula, or classroom management methods.

(2) Research involving the use of educational tests (cognitive, diagnostic, aptitude, achievement), survey procedures, interview procedures or observation of public behavior, unless: (a) information obtained is recorded in such a manner that human subjects can be identified, directly or through identifiers linked to the subjects; and (b) any disclosure of the human subjects’ responses outside the research could reasonably place the subjects at risk of criminal or civil liability or be damaging to the subjects’ financial standing, employability, or reputation. If the subjects are children, exemption 2 applies only to research involving educational tests and observations of public behavior when the investigator(s) do not participate in the activities being observed. Exemption 2 does not apply if children are surveyed or interviewed or if the research involves observation of public behavior and the investigator(s) participate in the activities being observed. [Children are defined as persons who have not attained the legal age for consent to treatments or procedures involved in the research, under the applicable law or jurisdiction in which the research will be conducted.]

(3) Research involving the use of educational tests (cognitive, diagnostic, aptitude, achievement), survey procedures, interview procedures or observation of public behavior that is not exempt under section (2) above, if the human subjects are elected or appointed public officials or candidates for public office; or federal statute(s) require(s) without exception that the confidentiality of the personally identifiable information will be maintained throughout the research and thereafter.

(4) Research involving the collection or study of existing data, documents, records, pathological specimens, or diagnostic specimens, if these sources are publicly available or if the information is recorded by the investigator in a manner that subjects cannot be identified, directly or through identifiers linked to the subjects.

(5) Research and demonstration projects which are conducted by or subject to the approval of department or agency heads, and which are designed to study, evaluate, or otherwise examine: (a) public benefit or service programs; (b) procedures for obtaining benefits or services under those programs; (c) possible changes in or alternatives to those programs or procedures; or (d) possible changes in methods or levels of payment for benefits or services under those programs.

(6) Taste and food quality evaluation and consumer acceptance studies, (a) if wholesome foods without additives are consumed or (b) if a food is consumed that contains a food ingredient at or below the level and for a use found to be safe, or agricultural chemical or environmental contaminant at or below the level found to be safe, by the Food and Drug Administration or approved by the Environmental Protection Agency or the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

II . Instructions for Exempt and Nonexempt Human Subjects Research Narratives

If the applicant marked “Yes” for Item 3 of Department of Education Supplemental Information for SF 424, the applicant must provide a human subjects “exempt research” or “nonexempt research” narrative.

Insert the narrative(s) in the space provided. If you have multiple projects and need to provide more than one narrative, be sure to label each set of responses as to the project they address.

A. Exempt Research Narrative.

If you marked “Yes” for item 3 a. and designated exemption numbers(s), provide the “exempt research” narrative. The narrative must contain sufficient information about the involvement of human subjects in the proposed research to allow a determination by ED that the designated exemption(s) are appropriate. The narrative must be succinct.

B. Nonexempt Research Narrative.

If you marked “No” for item 3 a. you must provide the “nonexempt research” narrative. The narrative must address the following seven points. Although no specific page limitation applies to this section of the application, be succinct.

(1) Human Subjects Involvement and Characteristics: Provide a detailed description of the proposed involvement of human subjects. Describe the characteristics of the subject population, including their anticipated number, age range, and health status. Identify the criteria for inclusion or exclusion of any subpopulation. Explain the rationale for the involvement of special classes of subjects, such as children, children with disabilities, adults with disabilities, persons with mental disabilities, pregnant women, prisoners, institutionalized individuals, or others who are likely to be vulnerable.

(2) Sources of Materials: Identify the sources of research material obtained from individually identifiable living human subjects in the form of specimens, records, or data. Indicate whether the material or data will be obtained specifically for research purposes or whether use will be made of existing specimens, records, or data.

(3) Recruitment and Informed Consent: Describe plans for the recruitment of subjects and the consent procedures to be followed. Include the circumstances under which consent will be sought and obtained, who will seek it, the nature of the information to be provided to prospective subjects, and the method of documenting consent. State if the Institutional Review Board (IRB) has authorized a modification or waiver of the elements of consent or the requirement for documentation of consent.

(4) Potential Risks: Describe potential risks (physical, psychological, social, legal, or other) and assess their likelihood and seriousness. Where appropriate, describe alternative treatments and procedures that might be advantageous to the subjects.

(5) Protection Against Risk: Describe the procedures for protecting against or minimizing potential risks, including risks to confidentiality, and assess their likely effectiveness. Where appropriate, discuss provisions for ensuring necessary medical or professional intervention in the event of adverse effects to the subjects. Also, where appropriate, describe the provisions for monitoring the data collected to ensure the safety of the subjects.

(6) Importance of the Knowledge to be Gained: Discuss the importance of the knowledge gained or to be gained as a result of the proposed research. Discuss why the risks to subjects are reasonable in relation to the anticipated benefits to subjects and in relation to the importance of the knowledge that may reasonably be expected to result.

(7) Collaborating Site(s): If research involving human subjects will take place at collaborating site(s) or other performance site(s), name the sites and briefly describe their involvement or role in the research.

Copies of the Department of Education’s Regulations for the Protection of Human Subjects, 34 CFR Part 97 and other pertinent materials on the protection of human subjects in research are available from the Grants Policy and Oversight Staff, Office of the Chief Financial Officer, U.S. Department of Education, Washington, DC 20202-4250, telephone: (202) 245-6120, and on the U.S. Department of Education’s Protection of Human Subjects in Research Web Site: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/OCFO/humansub.html

NOTE: The State Applicant Identifier on the SF 424 is for State Use only. Please complete it on the OMB Standard 424 in the upper right corner of the form (if applicable).

Instructions for ED 524

Instructions

This form is used to apply to individual U.S. Department of Education (ED) discretionary grant programs. Unless directed otherwise, provide the same budget information for each year of the multi-year funding request. Pay attention to applicable program specific instructions, if attached. Please consult with your Business Office prior to submitting this form.

Section A - Budget Summary

U.S. Department of Education Funds

All applicants must complete Section A and provide a breakdown by the applicable budget categories shown in lines 1-11.

Lines 1-11, columns (a)-(e): For each project year for which funding is requested, show the total amount requested for each applicable budget category.

Lines 1-11, column (f): Show the multi-year total for each budget category. If funding is requested for only one project year, leave this column blank.

Line 12, columns (a)-(e): Show the total budget request for each project year for which funding is requested.

Line 12, column (f): Show the total amount requested for all project years. If funding is requested for only one year, leave this space blank.

Indirect Cost Information: If you are requesting reimbursement for indirect costs on line 10, this information is to be completed by your Business Office. (1): Indicate whether or not your organization has an Indirect Cost Rate Agreement that was approved by the federal government. (2): If you checked “yes” in (1), indicate in (2) the beginning and ending dates covered by the Indirect Cost Rate Agreement. In addition, indicate whether ED or another federal agency (Other) issued the approved agreement. If you check “Other,” specify the name of the federal agency that issued the approved agreement. (3): If you are applying for a grant under a Restricted Rate Program (34 CFR 75.563 or 76.563), indicate whether you are using a restricted indirect cost rate that is included on your approved Indirect Cost Rate Agreement or whether you are using a restricted indirect cost rate that complies with 34 CFR 76.564(c)(2). Note: State or local government agencies may not use the provision for a restricted indirect cost rate specified in 34 CFR 76.564(c)(2). Check only one response. Leave blank, if this item is not applicable.

Section B - Budget Summary

Non-Federal Funds

If you are required to provide or volunteer to provide matching funds or other non-federal resources to the project, these should be shown for each applicable budget category on lines 1 11 of Section B.

Lines 1-11, columns (a)-(e): For each project year, for which matching funds or other contributions are provided, show the total contribution for each applicable budget category.

Lines 1-11, column (f): Show the multi-year total for each budget category. If non-federal contributions are provided for only one year, leave this column blank.

Line 12, columns (a)-(e): Show the total matching or other contribution for each project year.

Line 12, column (f): Show the total amount to be contributed for all years of the multi-year project. If non-Federal contributions are provided for only one year, leave

Section C - Budget Narrative [Attach separate sheet(s)]

Pay attention to applicable program specific instructions, if attached.

1. Provide an itemized budget breakdown, and justification by project year, for each budget category listed in Sections A and B. For grant projects that will be divided into two or more separately budgeted major activities or sub-projects, show for each budget category of a project year the breakdown of the specific expenses attributable to each sub-project or activity.

2. If applicable to this program, provide the rate and base on which fringe benefits are calculated.

3. If you are requesting reimbursement for indirect costs on line 10, this information is to be completed by your Business Office. Specify the estimated amount of the base to which the indirect cost rate is applied and the total indirect expense. Depending on the grant program to which you are applying and/or your approved Indirect Cost Rate Agreement, some direct cost budget categories in your grant application budget may not be included in the base and multiplied by your indirect cost rate. For example, you must multiply the indirect cost rates of “Training grants" (34 CFR 75.562) and grants under programs with “Supplement not Supplant” requirements ("Restricted Rate" programs) by a “modified total direct cost” (MTDC) base (34 CFR 75.563 or 76.563). Please indicate which costs are included and which costs are excluded from the base to which the indirect cost rate is applied.

When calculating indirect costs (line 10) for "Training grants" or grants under "Restricted Rate" programs, you must refer to the information and examples on ED’s website at: http://www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html.

You may also contact (202) 377-3838 for additional information regarding calculating indirect cost rates or general indirect cost rate information.

4. Provide other explanations or comments you deem necessary.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETION OF SF-LLL, DISCLOSURE OF LOBBYING ACTIVITIES

This disclosure form shall be completed by the reporting entity, whether sub-awardee or prime Federal recipient, at the initiation or receipt of a covered Federal action, or a material change to a previous filing, pursuant to Title 31 U.S.C. Section 1352. The filing of a form is required for each payment or agreement to make payment to any lobbying entity for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with a covered Federal action. Complete all items that apply for both the initial filing and material change report. Refer to the implementing guidance published by the Office of Management and Budget for additional information.

1. Identify the type of covered Federal action for which lobbying activity is and/or has been secured to influence the outcome of a covered Federal action.

2. Identify the status of the covered Federal action.

3. Identify the appropriate classification of this report. If this is a follow-up report caused by a material change to the information previously reported, enter the year and quarter in which the change occurred. Enter the date of the last previously submitted report by this reporting entity for this covered Federal action.

4. Enter the full name, address, city, State and zip code of the reporting entity. Include Congressional District, if known. Check the appropriate classification of the reporting entity that designates if it is, or expects to be, a prime or sub-award recipient. Identify the tier of the sub-awardee, e.g., the first sub-awardee of the prime is the 1st tier. Sub-awards include but are not limited to subcontracts, subgrants and contract awards under grants.

5. If the organization filing the report in item 4 checks “Subawardee,” then enter the full name, address, city, State and zip code of the prime Federal recipient. Include Congressional District, if known.

6. Enter the name of the federal agency making the award or loan commitment. Include at least one organizational level below agency name, if known. For example, Department of Transportation, United States Coast Guard.

7. Enter the Federal program name or description for the covered Federal action (item 1). If known, enter the full Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number for grants, cooperative agreements, loans, and loan commitments.

8. Enter the most appropriate Federal identifying number available for the Federal action identified in item 1 (e.g., Request for Proposal (RFP) number; Invitations for Bid (IFB) number; grant announcement number; the contract, grant, or loan award number; the application/proposal control number assigned by the Federal agency). Included prefixes, e.g., “RFP-DE-90-001.”

9. For a covered Federal action where there has been an award or loan commitment by the Federal agency, enter the Federal amount of the award/loan commitment for the prime entity identified in item 4 or 5.

10. (a) Enter the full name, address, city, State and zip code of the lobbying registrant under the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 engaged by the reporting entity identified in item 4 to influence the covered Federal action.

(b) Enter the full names of the individual(s) performing services, and include full address if different from 10(a). Enter Last Name, First Name, and Middle Initial (MI).

11. The certifying official shall sign and date the form; print his/her name, title, and telephone number.

OMB Control No. 1894-0005 (Exp. 06/30/2023)

INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETION OF GENERAL EDUCATION PROVISIONS ACT (GEPA)

The purpose of this enclosure is to inform you about a new provision in the Department of Education's General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) that applies to applicants for new grant awards under Department programs. This provision is Section 427 of GEPA, enacted as part of the Improving America's Schools Act of 1994 (Public Law (P.L.) 103-382).

To Whom Does This Provision Apply?

Section 427 of GEPA affects applicants for new grant awards under this program. ALL APPLICANTS FOR NEW AWARDS MUST INCLUDE INFORMATION IN THEIR APPLICATIONS TO ADDRESS THIS NEW PROVISION IN ORDER TO RECEIVE FUNDING UNDER THIS PROGRAM.

(If this program is a State-formula grant program, a State needs to provide this description only for projects or activities that it carries out with funds reserved for State-level uses. In addition, local school districts or other eligible applicants that apply to the State for funding need to provide this description in their applications to the State for funding. The State would be responsible for ensuring that the school district or other local entity has submitted a sufficient section 427 statement as described below.)

What Does This Provision Require?

Section 427 requires each applicant for funds (other than an individual person) to include in its application a description of the steps the applicant proposes to take to ensure equitable access to, and participation in, its Federally-assisted program for students, teachers, and other program beneficiaries with special needs. This provision allows applicants discretion in developing the required description. The statute highlights six types of barriers that can impede equitable access or participation: gender, race, national origin, color, disability, or age. Based on local circumstances, you should determine whether these or other barriers may prevent your students, teachers, etc. from such access or participation in, the Federally-funded project or activity. The description in your application of steps to be taken to overcome these barriers need not be lengthy; you may provide a clear and succinct description of how you plan to address those barriers that are applicable to your circumstances. In addition, the information may be provided in a single narrative, or, if appropriate, may be discussed in connection with related topics in the application.

Section 427 is not intended to duplicate the requirements of civil rights statutes, but rather to ensure that, in designing their projects, applicants for Federal funds address equity concerns that may affect the ability of certain potential beneficiaries to fully participate in the project and to achieve to high standards. Consistent with program requirements and its approved application, an applicant may use the Federal funds awarded to it to eliminate barriers it identifies.

What are Examples of How an Applicant Might Satisfy the Requirement of This Provision?

The following examples may help illustrate how an applicant may comply with Section 427.

(1) An applicant that proposes to carry out an adult literacy project serving, among others, adults with limited English proficiency, might describe in its application how it intends to distribute a brochure about the proposed project to such potential participants in their native language.

(2) An applicant that proposes to develop instructional materials for classroom use might describe how it will make the materials available on audio tape or in braille for students who are blind.

(3) An applicant that proposes to carry out a model science program for secondary students and is concerned that girls may be less likely than boys to enroll in the course, might indicate how it intends to conduct "outreach" efforts to girls, to encourage their enrollment.

(4) An applicant that proposes a project to increase school safety might describe the special efforts it will take to address concern of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students, and efforts to reach out to and involve the families of LGBT students

We recognize that many applicants may already be implementing effective steps to ensure equity of access and participation in their grant programs, and we appreciate your cooperation in responding to the requirements of this provision.

Estimated Burden Statement for GEPA Requirements

^According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1.5 hours per response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. The obligation to respond to this collection is required to obtain or retain benefit (Public Law 103-382. Send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20210-4537 or email [email protected] and reference the OMB Control Number ^1894-0005.

Application Checklist

Here’s a checklist to use to ensure your successful submission of your proposal. Please make sure all items are checked before submitting your proposal in Grants.gov.

All items listed on this checklist are required.

 Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424) – All required fields are complete.

 Department of Education Supplemental Information for SF 424 – All required fields are complete.

 Department of Education Budget Information Non-Construction Programs Form (ED 524) – All required fields are complete.

 Assurances for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424B) – All required fields are complete.

 Certification Regarding Lobbying – All required fields are complete.

 Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) – All required fields are complete.

 ED GEPA 427 Form – All required fields are complete and the GEPA statement has been uploaded to the form.

 One-Page Project Abstract – The one-page abstract has been uploaded in .pdf format to the “ED Abstract Form” in Grants.gov.

 Project Narrative – Responses to all selection criteria and the absolute priority. All documents are uploaded in .pdf format to the “Project Narrative Attachment Form” in Grants.gov.

 Budget Narrative – Supporting narrative for the proposed budget has been completed for the first twelve months of the performance period. Costs match the costs stated on the ED-524 Budget Form. The Narrative has been uploaded in .pdf format to the “Budget Narrative Attachment Form.”

Paperwork Burden Statement

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 75 hours per response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. The obligation to respond to this collection is required to obtain or retain benefit (Sections 741-745 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended). Send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to regulations.gov during the public comment period for this collection of information.  If you have specific questions about the form, instrument or survey, please contact U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20202.