84.282D State Charter School Facilities Incentive Grant

State Charter School Facilities Incentive Grants Program (1894-0001)

1855-0012 State Incentive Application

State Charter School Facilities Incentive Grants Program

OMB: 1855-0012

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION OFFICE OF INNOVATION AND IMPROVEMENT

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20202

FY APPLICATION FOR GRANTS

UNDER THE EXPANDING OPPORTUNITY THROUGH QUALITY CHARTER SCHOOLS PROGRAM--STATE CHARTER SCHOOL FACILITIES INCENTIVE GRANTS PROGRAM


ALN: 84.282D



FORM APPROVED

OMB No. 1855-0012, EXP. DATE TBD








DATED MATERIAL - OPEN IMMEDIATELY


Closing Date: TBD







Dear Applicant:

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Office of Innovation and Improvement


Thank you for your interest in the Expanding Opportunity Through Quality Charter Schools Program-- State Charter School Facilities Incentive Grants Program (State Incentive). Included in this application package are the instructions and forms needed to submit an application to the U.S. Department of Education. A copy of the Notice Inviting Applications for New Awards for Fiscal Year (FY) 20XX, the authorizing statute, and program regulations are provided in the application package. Please take the time to review these documents thoroughly.


Please read the document within this application package titled Grants.gov Submission Procedures

and Tips for Applicants which describes the submission procedures to ensure your application is received in a timely and acceptable manner. The application for the State Incentive Grants Program (ALN 84.282D) for FY 20XX must be submitted electronically using the governmentwide Grants.gov apply site at www.Grants.gov on or before the deadline date. The electronic submission of applications is required; therefore, you must submit an electronic application unless you follow the procedures in the Federal Register Notice and qualify for one of the exceptions to the electronic submission requirement. If you think you may need an exception, you are urged to review the requirements promptly.


Please note that U.S. Department of Education grant application deadlines are 4:30:00 P.M. Washington,

D.C. time. Applications submitted late will not be accepted. The Department is required to enforce the established deadline to ensure fairness to all applicants. We suggest that you submit your application several days before the deadline, and we strongly recommend that you do not wait until the last day to submit your application.


A Program Officer is available to provide technical assistance to applicants. If you have any questions about the program after reviewing the application package, please call or e-mail Clifton Jones at

  1. 205-2204 or [email protected]. For questions or problems in navigating the Grants.gov system, please call Grants.gov helpdesk at 1-800-518-4726.


We look forward to receiving your application and appreciate your efforts in assisting and expanding the number of high-quality charter schools.


Sincerely,



Charter Schools Program Director Office of Innovation and Improvement


Table of Contents


SECTION A

    • Grants.Gov Submission Procedures And Tips For Applicants

    • Electronic Submission Policy

    • Instructions For D-U-N-S Number SECTION B

    • Federal Register Notice

    • Program Statue

    • Program Regulations SECTION C

    • General Instructions

    • Instructions For Ed Abstract Narrative

    • Instructions For Project Narrative

    • Instructions For Budget Narrative

    • Instructions For Other Attachments

    • Priorities And Project Selection Criteria

    • Table 1 – Charter School Aid Paid By State

    • Table 2 -Budget Form: Grant Funds Expenditures

    • Instructions For Table 2 -- Budget Form: Grant Funds Expenditures

    • Table 3 - Grant Funds As A Percentage Of The Cost Of Per-Pupil Facilities Aid

    • Program-Specific Assurance SECTION D

    • Application For Federal Assistance SF-424

    • Instructions For The SF-424

    • Supplemental Information For The SF-424

    • Instructions For U.S. Department Of Education Supplemental Information For The SF- 424

    • Definitions For U.S. Department Of Education Supplemental Information For The SF- 424

    • Instructions For ED 524

    • Disclosure Of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL)

    • Instructions For Completion Of SF-LLL

    • Certification Regarding Lobbying

    • Notice To All Applicants (GEPA Statement)

SECTION E

    • Intergovernmental Review Of Federal Programs

    • Estimated Public Reporting Burden

    • Application Checklist

SECTION A


GENERAL APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

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.


ATTENTION – Adobe Forms and PDF Files Required

Applications submitted to Grants.gov for the Department of Education will be posted using Adobe forms. Therefore, applicants will need to download the latest version of Adobe reader (at least Adobe Reader 10.1.14). (Please note that in early 2013, Grants.gov discovered an issue with the newest version of Adobe Reader XI but it was subsequently resolved.) Information on computer and operating system compatibility with Adobe and links to download the latest version is available on Grants.gov at this

link: compatibility table. We strongly recommend that you review these details on www.Grants.gov before completing and submitting your application. In addition, applicants should submit their application a day or two in advance of the closing date as detailed below. Also, applicants are required to upload their attachments in .pdf format only. (See details below under “Attaching Files – Additional Tips.”) If you have any questions regarding this matter please email the Grants.gov Contact Center

at [email protected] or call 1-800-518-4726.


  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 (formerly Central Contractor Registry (CCR)*.]


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


  1. 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 4:30:00 p.m. Washington, DC 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 (formerly CCR -Central Contractor Registry). If you do not enter the same DUNS number on your application as the DUNS you registered with, Grants.gov will reject your application.


  1. 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, login to Grants.gov and click on the Track My Application link. Fora successful submission, the date/time received should be earlier than 4:30:00 p.m. Washington, DC 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 4:30:00 p.m. Washington, D.C. 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/applicant- faqs.html. For more detailed information on troubleshooting Adobe errors, you can review the Adobe Reader Error Messages document at http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support/technical- support/troubleshooting/encountering-error-messages.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 http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/about/contact-us.html, or access the Grants.gov Self-Service web portal at: https://grants-portal.psc.gov/Welcome.aspx?pt=Grants


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.


If electronic submission is required, you must submit an electronic application before 4:30:00 p.m., 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. (See the Federal Register notice for detailed instructions.)

Helpful Hints When Working with Grants.gov


Please note, once you download an application from Grants.gov, you will be working offline and saving data on your computer. Please be sure to note where you are saving the Grants.gov file on your computer. You will need to logon to Grants.gov to upload and submit the application. You must provide the DUNS number on your application that was used when you registered as an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) on Grants.gov.


Please go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/about/contact-us.html for help with Grants.gov. For additional tips related to submitting grant applications, please refer to the Grants.gov Submit Application FAQs found on the Grants.gov http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support/general-support/faqs.html.


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.)


MAC Users


For MAC compatibility information, review the Operating System Platform Compatibility Table at the following Grants.gov link: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support/technical-support/recommended- software.html. If electronic submission is required and you are concerned about your ability to submit electronically as a non-windows user, please follow 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, especially the requirement that applicants only include read-only, non-modifiable .PDF files in their application:


    1. Ensure that you attach .PDF files only for any attachments to your application, and they must be in a read-only, non-modifiable format. PDF files are the only Education approved file type accepted as detailed in the Federal Register application notice. Applicants must submit individual .PDF files only when attaching files to their application. Specifically, the Department will not accept any attachments that contain files within a file, such as PDF Portfolio files, or an interactive or fillable .PDF file. Any attachments uploaded that are not

.PDF files or are password protected files will not be read. If you need assistance converting your files to a .pdf format, please refer to the following Grants.gov webpage with links to conversion programs under the heading of additional

resources: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support/technical-support/software/pdf- conversion- software.html

    1. 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.


    1. When attaching files, applicants should follow the guidelines established by Grants.gov on the size and content of file names. Uploaded files must be less than 50 characters, contain no spaces, no special characters (example: -, &, *, %, /, #, \) including periods (.), blank spaces and accent marks. Applications submitted that do not comply with the Grants.gov guidelines will be rejected at Grants.gov and not forwarded to the Department.


    1. 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 totals 1 to 2 MB. Therefore, you may want to check the total size of your package before submission.


*Please note that the Central Contractor Registry (CCR) was replaced by the System for Award Management (SAM) effective July 30, 2012. For more information on the migration of CCR data to SAM, grant applicants should read this information located on Grants.gov:

http://grants-gov.blogspot.com/2012/07/information-about-pending- migration.html#!/2012/07/information-about-pending- migration.html

Electronic Submission Policy


Electronic Submission is Required – As outlined in the Federal Register notice for this grant competition, applications must be submitted electronically. You must submit your application using the electronic application system designated in the Federal Register notice. (The notice will designate whether you will use e-Application or Grants.gov). You may not e-mail an electronic copy to us. We will reject your application if you submit it in paper format unless you qualify for one of the exceptions to the electronic submission requirement described below 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.


Under mandatory submission, electronic applications must be received by 4:30:00 pm Washington, DC time on the application deadline date. Under this new policy, Education does not allow for any last minute waiver requests from applications, which is a change from the previous policy for mandatory electronic submission. Consequently, we strongly encourage you to review the registration and submission procedures for the designated electronic application system right away. In addition, we strongly suggest that you do not wait until the deadline date to submit your application.


Exception to Electronic Submission Requirement: You qualify for an exception to the electronic submission requirement, and may submit your application in paper format, by mail or hand delivery, if you are unable to submit an application through the electronic application system designated in the Federal Register notice because –

    • You do not have access to the Internet; or

    • You do not have the capacity to upload large documents to the system;

and

    • No later than two weeks before the application deadline date (14 calendar days or, if the fourteenth calendar day before the application deadline date falls on a Federal holiday, the next business day following the Federal holiday), you mail or fax a written statement to the Department, explaining which of the two grounds for an exception prevent you from using the Internet to submit your application. If you mail your written statement to the Department, it must be postmarked no later than two weeks before the application deadline date. If you fax your written statement to the Department, we must receive the faxed statement no later than two weeks before the application deadline date. (Please follow the fax instructions found in the Federal Register notice for this competition. Also, your paper application must be submitted in accordance with the mail or hand delivery instructions also described in the Federal Register notice for this grant competition.)


For detailed information on the electronic submission requirement for this competition, please refer to the Federal Register notice.

Instructions for D-U-N-S Number



All applicants must have a D-U-N-S number in order to apply for federal funds.


NOTE: Check with your fiscal office to see if your institution has an assigned D-U-N-S before contacting Dun & Bradstreet.


Please provide the applicant's D-U-N-S Number. You can obtain your D-U-N-S Number at no charge by calling 1-800-333-0505 or by completing a D-U-N-S Number Request Form. The form can be obtained via the Internet at the following URL:


http://www.dnb.com/US/duns_update/index.html


The D-U-N-S Number is a unique nine digit number that does not convey any information about the recipient. A built-in check digit helps assure the accuracy of the D-U-N-S Number. The ninth digit of each number is the check digit, which is mathematically related to the other digits. It lets computer systems determine if a D-U-N-S Number has been entered correctly.


Dun & Bradstreet, a global information services provider, has assigned D-U-N-S numbers to over 43 million companies worldwide. Live help Monday-Friday 8am-6pm (EST) Dial 1-888- 814-1435.


Note: Electronic submission via Grants.gov must use the D-U-N-S number your organization used when it registered in the System for Award Management.

SECTION B


FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE, PROGRAM STATUTE, AND PROGRAM REGULATIONS

Program Statue


‘‘(k) PER-PUPIL FACILITIES AID PROGRAM.—

‘‘(1) DEFINITION OF PER-PUPIL FACILITIES AID PROGRAM.— In this subsection, the

term ‘per-pupil facilities aid program’ means a program in which a State makes payments, on a per- pupil basis, to charter schools to provide the schools with financing—

‘‘(A) that is dedicated solely to funding charter school facilities; or

‘‘(B) a portion of which is dedicated for funding charter school facilities. ‘‘(2) GRANTS.—

‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—From the amount reserved under section 4302(b)(1) and remaining after the Secretary makes grants under subsection (a), the Secretary shall make grants, on a competitive basis, to States to pay for the Federal share of the cost of establishing or enhancing, and administering, per-pupil facilities aid programs.

‘‘(B) PERIOD.—The Secretary shall award grants under this subsection for periods of not more than 5 years.

‘‘(C) FEDERAL SHARE.—The Federal share of the cost described in subparagraph

(A) for a per-pupil facilities aid program shall be not more than—

‘‘(i) 90 percent of the cost, for the first fiscal year for which the program receives assistance under this subsection;

‘‘(ii) 80 percent for the second such year; ‘‘(iii) 60 percent for the third such year;

‘‘(iv) 40 percent for the fourth such year; and ‘‘(v) 20 percent for the fifth such year.

‘‘(D) STATE SHARE.—A State receiving a grant under this subsection may partner with 1 or more organizations, and such organizations may provide not more than 50 percent of the State share of the cost of establishing or enhancing, and administering, the per-pupil facilities aid program.

‘‘(E) MULTIPLE GRANTS.—A State may receive more than 1 grant under this subsection, so long as the amount of total funds provided to charter schools increases with each successive grant.

‘‘(3) USE OF FUNDS.—

‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—A State that receives a grant under this subsection shall use the funds made available through the grant to establish or enhance, and administer, a per- pupil facilities aid program for charter schools in the State of the applicant.

‘‘(B) EVALUATIONS; TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE; DISSEMINATION.—From the

amount made available to a State through a grant under this subsection for a fiscal year, the State may reserve not more than 5 percent to carry out evaluations, to provide technical assistance, and to disseminate information. ‘‘(C) SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUPPLANT.—Funds made available under this subsection shall be used to supplement, and not supplant, State and local public

funds expended to provide per-pupil facilities aid programs, operations financing programs, or other programs, for charter schools.

‘‘(4) REQUIREMENTS.—

‘‘(A) VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION.—No State may be required to participate in a program carried out under this subsection.

‘‘(B) STATE LAW.—

‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—To be eligible to receive a grant under this subsection, a State shall establish or enhance, and administer, a per-pupil facilities aid program for charter schools in the State, that—

‘‘(I) is specified in State law; and

‘‘(II) provides annual financing, on a per-pupil basis, for charter school facilities.

‘‘(ii) SPECIAL RULE.—A State that is required under State law to provide its charter schools with access to adequate facility space, but that does not have a per-pupil facilities aid program for charter schools specified in State law, is eligible to receive a grant under this subsection if the State agrees to use the funds to develop a per-pupil facilities aid program consistent with the requirements of this subsection.

‘‘(5) APPLICATIONS.— To be eligible to receive a grant under this subsection, a State shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.

Program Regulations


PART 226--STATE CHARTER SCHOOL FACILITIES INCENTIVE PROGRAM


Subpart A--General


226.1

What is the State Charter School Facilities Incentive program?

226.2

Who is eligible to receive a grant?

226.3

What regulations apply to the State Charter School Facilities Incentive program?

226.4

What definitions apply to the State Charter School Facilities Incentive program?


Subpart B--How Does the Secretary Award a Grant?


226.11

How does the Secretary evaluate an application?

226.12

What selection criteria does the Secretary use in evaluating an application for a State


Charter School Facilities Incentive program grant?

226.13

What statutory funding priority does the Secretary use in making a grant award?

226.14

What other funding priorities may the Secretary use in making a grant award?


Subpart C--What Conditions Must Be Met by a Grantee?


226.21

How may charter schools use these funds?

226.22

May grantees use grant funds for administrative costs?

226.23

May charter schools use grant funds for administrative costs?



AUTHORITY: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3;7221c (k), unless otherwise noted.

Subpart A -- General


§226.1 What is the State Charter School Facilities Incentive program?


  1. The State Charter School Facilities Incentive program provides grants to States to help charter schools pay for facilities.

  2. Grantees must use these grants to--


    1. Establish new per-pupil facilities aid programs for charter schools;


    1. Enhance existing per-pupil facilities aid programs for charter schools; or


    1. Administer programs described under paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) of this section. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 7221c(k))

§226.2 Who is eligible to receive a grant?


States are eligible to receive grants under this program. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 7221c(k))

§226.3 What regulations apply to the State Charter School Facilities Incentive program?


The following regulations apply to the State Charter School Facilities Incentive program:


  1. The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) as follows:


    1. 34 CFR part 74 (Administration of Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and other Non-Profit Organizations).

    2. 34 CFR part 75 (Direct Grant Programs).


    1. 34 CFR part 77 (Definitions that Apply to Department Regulations).


    1. 34 CFR part 79 (Intergovernmental Review of Department of Education Programs and Activities).

    2. 34 CFR part 80 (Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments).

    3. 34 CFR part 81 (General Education Provisions Act--Enforcement).


    1. 34 CFR part 82 (New Restrictions on Lobbying).


    1. 34 CFR part 84 (Government wide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Financial Assistance)).

    2. 34 CFR part 85 (Government wide Debarment and Suspension (Non- procurement)).

    3. 34 CFR part 97 (Protection of Human Subjects).


    1. 34 CFR part 98 (Student Rights in Research, Experimental Programs, and Testing).

    2. 34 CFR part 99 (Family Educational Rights and Privacy).


  1. The regulations in this part 226. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3; 7221c(k))

§226.4 What definitions apply to the State Charter School Facilities Incentive program?


  1. Definitions in the statute. The following term used in this part is defined in section


4310 (2) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, amended by Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015:

Charter school


  1. Definitions in EDGAR. The following terms used in this part are defined in 34 CFR


77.1:


Applicant Application Award Department

EDGAR


Facilities Grant Grantee Project Public Secretary

  1. Other definition. The following definition also applies to this part:


Construction means--


    1. Preparing drawings and specifications for school facilities projects;


    1. Repairing, renovating, or altering school facilities;


    1. Extending school facilities;


    1. Erecting or building school facilities; and


    1. Inspections or supervision related to school facilities. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 7221c(k); 7221c(i))

Subpart B –- How Does the Secretary Award a Grant?


§226.11 How does the Secretary evaluate an application?


  1. The Secretary evaluates an application on the basis of the criteria in §226.12 and the competitive preference priorities in §226.13 and §226.14.

  2. The Secretary informs applicants of the maximum possible score for each criterion and competitive preference priority in the application package or in a notice published in the Federal Register.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 7221c(k))

§226.12 What selection criteria does the Secretary use in evaluating an application for a State


Charter School Facilities Incentive program grant?


The selection criteria for this program are as follows:


  1. Need for facility funding.


    1. The need for per-pupil charter school facility funding in the State.


    1. The extent to which the proposal meets the need to fund charter school facilities on a per-pupil basis.

  1. Quality of plan.


    1. The likelihood that the proposed grant project will result in the State either retaining a new per-pupil facilities aid program or continuing to enhance such a program without the total amount of assistance (State and Federal) declining over a five-year period.

    2. The flexibility charter schools have in their use of facility funds for the various authorized purposes.

    3. The quality of the plan for identifying charter schools and determining their eligibility to receive funds.

    4. The per-pupil facilities aid formula’s ability to target resources to charter schools with the greatest need and the highest proportions of students in poverty.

    5. For projects that plan to reserve funds for evaluation, the quality of the applicant’s plan to use grant funds for this purpose.

    6. For projects that plan to reserve funds for technical assistance, dissemination, or personnel, the quality of the applicant’s plan to use grant funds for these purposes.

  1. The grant project team.


    1. The qualifications, including relevant training and experience, of the project manager and other members of the grant project team, including employees not paid with grant funds, consultants, and subcontractors.

    2. The adequacy and appropriateness of the applicant’s staffing plan for the grant project.

  1. The budget.


    1. The extent to which the requested grant amount and the project costs are reasonable in relation to the objectives, design, and potential significance of the proposed grant project.

    2. The extent to which the costs are reasonable in relation to the number of students served and to the anticipated results and benefits.

    3. The extent to which the non-Federal share exceeds the minimum percentages (which are based on the percentages under section 4304(k)(2)(C) of the ESEA), particularly in the initial years of the program.

  1. State experience.


The experience of the State in addressing the facility needs of charter schools through various means, including providing per-pupil aid, access to State loan or bonding pools, and the use of Qualified Zone Academy Bonds.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1855-0012) (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 7221c(k))

§226.13 What statutory funding priority does the Secretary use in making a grant award?

The Secretary shall award additional points under a competitive preference priority regarding:

  1. Periodic Review and Evaluation. The State provides for periodic review and


evaluation by the authorized public chartering agency of each charter school at least once every five years unless required more frequently by State law, to determine whether the charter school is meeting the terms of the school’s charter and is meeting or exceeding the student academic performance requirements and goals for charter schools as set forth under State law or the school’s charter.

  1. Number of High-Quality Charter Schools. The State has demonstrated progress in


increasing the number of high-quality charter schools that are held accountable in the terms of the schools’ charters for meeting clear and measurable objectives for the educational progress of the students attending the schools, in the period prior to the period for which the State applies for a grant under this competition.

  1. One Authorized Public Chartering Agency Other than an LEA, or an Appeals Process.


The State --


    1. Provides for one authorized public chartering agency that is not a local educational agency (LEA), such as a State chartering board, for each individual or entity seeking to operate a charter school pursuant to State law; or

    2. In the case of a State in which LEAs are the only authorized public chartering agencies, allows for an appeals process for the denial of an application for a charter school.

  1. High Degree of Autonomy. The State ensures that each charter school has a high


degree of autonomy over the charter school’s budgets and expenditures.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1855-0012) (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 7221b; 7221c(k))

§226.14 What other funding priorities may the Secretary use in making a grant award?


  1. The Secretary may award points to an application under a competitive preference priority regarding the capacity of charter schools to offer public school choice in those communities with the greatest need for this choice based on--

    1. The extent to which the applicant would target services to geographic areas in which a large proportion or number of public schools have been identified for improvement, corrective action, or restructuring under title I of the ESEA;

    2. The extent to which the applicant would target services to geographic areas in which a large proportion of students perform poorly on State academic assessments; and

    3. The extent to which the applicant would target services to communities with large proportions of low-income students.

  2. The Secretary may award points to an application under a competitive preference priority for applicants that have not previously received a grant under the program.

  3. The Secretary may elect to consider the points awarded under these priorities only for proposals that exhibit sufficient quality to warrant funding under the selection criteria in

§226.12 of this part.


(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1855-0012) (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 7221c(k))

Subpart C –- What Conditions Must Be Met by a Grantee?


§226.21 How may charter schools use these funds?

  1. Charter schools that receive grant funds through their State must use the funds for facilities. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, allowable expenditures include:

    1. Rent.


    1. Purchase of building or land.


    1. Construction.


    1. Renovation of an existing school facility.


    1. Leasehold improvements.


    1. Debt service on a school facility.


  1. Charter schools may not use these grant funds for purchasing land when they have no immediate plans to construct a building on that land.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 7221c(k))


§226.22 May grantees use grant funds for administrative costs?


State grantees may use up to five percent of their grant award for administrative expenses that include: indirect costs, evaluation, technical assistance, dissemination, personnel costs, and any other costs involved in administering the State’s per-pupil facilities aid program.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 7221c(k))


§226.23 May charter schools use grant funds for administrative costs?


  1. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, charter school subgrantees may use grant funds for administrative costs that are necessary and reasonable for the proper and efficient performance and administration of this Federal grant. This use of funds, as well as indirect costs and rates, must comply with EDGAR and the Office of

Management and Budget Circular A-87 (Cost Principles for State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments).

  1. Consistent with the requirements in 34 CFR 75.564(c)(2), any charter school subgrantees that use grant funds for construction activities may not be reimbursed for indirect costs for those activities.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3; 7221c(k)

SECTION C


GENERAL APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION

General Instructions


The 84.282D application consists of the below forms, as outlined in the Federal Register Notice. All forms listed below are required. Please review all instructions and the Federal Register Notice before completing your application.


If you have received an exemption to the mandatory electronic submission requirement and are submitting a hard copy application, you will not use these forms, but will prepare a narrative incorporating each element.


ED Abstract FormThe applicant will attach their abstract to the “ED Abstract Attachment Form” in the application package in Grants.gov.


Project Narrative Attachment Form - The applicant will attach their narrative responses to the application requirements and selection criteria that will be used to evaluate applications submitted for this competition to the “ED Project Narrative Attachment Form” in the application package in Grants.gov. Make sure that your narrative addresses all of the elements. We strongly recommend that the information be organized around and appear in the same sequence as the Project Selection Criteria. This section has a suggested page limit of 40 pages (not including the required forms and tables).


Also include in this section, but not subject to the 40 page limit, will be the table of contents and response to the competitive preference priorities.


Budget Narrative Attachment FormThe applicant will attach their ED 524 and Table 2 to the “Budget Narrative Attachment Form” in the application package in Grants.gov.


Other Attachments FormThe applicant will attach additional documents, including resumes/curriculum vitae and appendices to the “Other Attachment Form” in the application package in Grants.gov. This is also where the applicant will upload Table 1 (Charter School Aid Paid by State) and Table 3 (Grant Funds as a Percentage of the Cost of Per-Pupil Facilities Aid).


In this section, the applicant will also include the bill or enacted statute (please specify which one it is) that authorizes per-pupil facilities aid for charter schools. In the event it is a bill, please indicate which hurdles it has passed towards enactment (e.g., passage by a specified legislative body) and which hurdles remain (e.g., passage by a specified legislative body and signature of a governor).


In addition, the applicant should provide any available statutes regarding the appropriation level for per-pupil facilities aid for charter schools since authorized activities are not always funded. In the event that funding has not already been enacted, please indicate which hurdles it has passed towards enactment and which hurdles remain.


Electronic submission requires that narratives and other files be attached to the following attachment forms as per the instruction in this document such as:

    • One page Abstract must be attached to the “Department of Education Abstract Form”

    • Program Narratives must be attached to the “Program Narrative Attachment Form”

    • Budget Narratives must be attached to the “Budget Narrative Attachment Form”

    • All vitas, resumes, table of contents, letters, certifications, supplementary statements; and other requested appendices must be attached to the “Other Attachment Forms”


Forms, Assurances, and Certifications Applicants must complete all forms included in the application package. Instructions for the following forms are included in this document:


    • Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424)

    • Instructions for the SF-424

    • Supplemental Information, Instructions, and Definitions for the U.S. Department of Education Supplemental Information for the SF-424

    • Budget ED 524 and Instructions for ED 524

    • Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL)

    • Instructions for the Completion of SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

    • Certification Regarding Lobbying (Grants.gov Lobbying Form - formerly ED 80-0013 form)

    • GEPA Statement


Instructions for ED Abstract Narrative


Attach the abstract to the “ED Abstract Attachment Form” in the application package in Grants.gov.


The abstract narrative must include the name and address of your organization and the name, phone number, and e-mail address of the contact person for this project.


The abstract narrative must not exceed one page and should use language that will be understood by a range of audiences. For all projects, include the project title (if applicable), goals, expected outcomes and contributions for research, policy, practice, etc. Address how your application meets the purpose of the State Incentive Grants Program as stated in the Notice Inviting Applications.

Instructions for Project Narrative


Attach the project narrative to the “Project Narrative Attachment Form” in the application package of Grants.gov.


Before preparing the project narrative, applicants should review the Federal Register notice, the Dear Applicant Letter, and the program statute for specific guidance and requirements. Note that applications will be evaluated according to the specific selection criteria specified in the Federal Register notice.


Please limit the Project Narrative to 40 pages, double-spaced, and number the pages consecutively. Refer to the Federal Register notice for additional application submission requirements.


This part of your application contains information responsive to the Project Selection Criteria and the Application Content Requirements. Make sure that your narrative addresses all of the elements. We strongly recommend that the information be organized around and appear in the same sequence as the Project Selection Criteria and Competitive Priorities as listed in the notice inviting applications. Please upload the program narrative as one document.

Instructions for Budget Narrative


Attach the budget (ED 524 and Table 2- Budget Form: Grant Funds Expenditures) to the “Budget Narrative Attachment Form” in the application package in Grants.gov.


This part of the application contains information about the Federal funding the applicant is requesting. The applicant must fill in the ED 524 budget form. Provide an itemized budget breakdown narrative, by project year, for each budget category listed in Sections A and B of the ED 524 form. If applicable to this program, provide the rate and base on which fringe benefits are calculated.


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. Please indicate which costs are included and which costs are excluded from the base to which the indirect cost rate is applied.


Each State educational agency receiving a grant pursuant to this subpart may reserve not more than 5 percent of such grant funds for administrative expenses associated with the charter school grant program.


Provide other budget explanations or comments deemed necessary.


Applicants are also required to fill out Table 2 (Budget Form: Grant Funds Expenditures).

Instructions for Other Attachments


Attach additional documents to the “Other Attachments Form” in the application package in Grants.gov. These documents would be supplementary statements and other requested information.


In addition to the program narrative, applications should include resumes for key personnel. Before preparing additional documentation, applicants should review the Federal Register notice, the Dear Applicant Letter, and the program statute for specific guidance and requirements. Note that applications will be evaluated according to the specific selection criteria specified in the Federal Register notice.


To facilitate the review of the application, please organize your attachments in the following order:


  1. Table 1 - Charter School Aid Paid by State

  2. Table 3 - Grant Funds as a Percentage of the Cost of Per-Pupil Facilities Aid

  3. Bill or enacted statute

  4. Logic Model

  5. Resumes/Curriculum Vitae

  6. Appendices


Resumes/Curriculum Vitae: Provide resumes/curriculum vitae for the project director as well as any key personnel identified in the application.

Priorities and Project Selection Criteria



The Challenge: Helping Charter Schools and Promoting School Choice


Charter schools have difficulty obtaining adequate facilities for various reasons. One major obstacle is that charter schools that are freestanding local educational agencies (LEAs) generally lack the authority to raise property taxes. This inability to raise taxes, combined with the inherent risk that charter schools need to renew their charters to remain open, makes it difficult for investors to risk financing the purchase of school facilities.


The Expanding Opportunity Through Quality Charter Schools Program--State Charter School Facilities Incentive Grants Program (State Incentive) is intended to encourage States to develop per-pupil facilities aid programs and share in the costs associated with charter schools facilities funding.


Charter schools serve as a key to providing meaningful public school choice. In addition, the number of charter schools that grantees will be able to serve with these funds is limited.

Consequently, proposals that focus funds on areas that need school choice the most will score higher than other proposals.


The Secretary will select for funding under the State Incentive Grants Program those applications that are deemed of highest overall quality. Experts in charter schools and education finance will review the applications and assign to each application up to 140 points using the Project Selection Criteria and corresponding weights described in this section and the Competitive Priorities. Each criterion includes factors the reviewers will consider in determining how well an application meets the criterion.


Reviewers will use their own professional judgment to assess the quality of each application against these criteria. To be competitive, applicants must address each of the selection criteria fully and clearly. We recommend that applicants organize their application narrative around the Competitive Priorities and the Project Selection Criteria.

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Selection Criteria (up to 100 points)


  1. Need for facility funding .


    1. The need for per-pupil charter school facility funding in the State.

    2. The extent to which the proposal meets the need to fund charter school facilities on a per-pupil basis.


This criterion rewards applicants that need the Federal funds to meet the facility needs of charter schools in the State. The materials that reviewers will take into account when rating against this selection criterion include:


  • State budget proposals and tables.

  • A description of how charter schools’ costs in total (operating, capital, and interest costs) are financed in the State and the level of that funding.

  • A description of how public school facilities are financed within the State with a focus on a comparison between how facilities are financed for charter schools and regular public schools.

  • A description of what represents an adequate amount of facilities funding for charter schools in the State.

  • A description of the unmet need for charter school facility funding absent the assistance that would be provided under the proposal.



  1. Quality of plan.


    1. The likelihood that the proposed grant project will result in the State either retaining a new per-pupil facilities aid program or continuing to enhance such a program without the total amount of assistance (State and Federal) declining over a five-year period.

    2. The flexibility charter schools have in their use of facility funds for the various authorized purposes.

    3. The quality of the plan for identifying charter schools and determining their eligibility to receive funds.

    4. The per-pupil facilities aid formula’s ability to target resources to charter schools with the greatest need and the highest proportions of students in poverty.

    5. For projects that plan to reserve funds for evaluation, the quality of the applicant’s plan to use grant funds for this purpose.

    6. For projects that plan to reserve funds for technical assistance, dissemination, or personnel, the quality of the applicant’s plan to use grant funds for these purposes.

    7. The extent to which the proposed project demonstrates a rationale. Note: The applicant should review the Performance Measures section of this notice for information on the requirements for developing project-specific performance measures and targets consistent with the objectives of the program.


The materials that reviewers will take into account when rating against this selection criterion include:


  • Enabling statutes and other relevant legislation, such as appropriation legislation or tables.

  • Table 1 – Per-Pupil Facilities Aid Paid by State.

  • Table 3 – Grant Funds as a Percentage of the Cost of Per-Pupil Facilities Aid.

  • State budget proposals and tables.

  • A description of how charter schools’ facility costs are financed in the State and the level of that funding, and how the distribution and level of funding would change under the plan.

  • A statement identifying the activities proposed to be undertaken with grant funds and the timeline for the activities, including the distribution of funds, and the procedures the applicant will use for documenting grant project procedures and results.

  • Logic model.


  1. The grant project team .


    1. The qualifications, including relevant training and experience, of the project manager and other members of the grant project team, including employees not paid with grant funds, consultants, and subcontractors.

    2. The adequacy and appropriateness of the applicant’s staffing plan for the grant project.


The materials that reviewers will take into account when rating against this selection criterion include:


  • A description of current job responsibilities, the educational background, and the experience and skills of each member of the grant project team as described in current resumes. The resumes should pay particular attention to experience in the fields of education finance and charter schools. Position qualification statements should be

provided for any staff, including through contracts, the applicant plans to hire for the project.

  • A staffing plan for the project, including a description of the assignments by activity or service.


  1. The budget .


    1. The extent to which the requested grant amount and the project costs are reasonable in relation to the objectives, design, and potential significance of the proposed grant project.

    2. The extent to which the costs are reasonable in relation to the number of students served and to the anticipated results and benefits.

    3. The extent to which the non-Federal share exceeds the minimum percentages (which are based on the percentages under section 4304(k)(2)(C) of the ESEA), particularly in the initial years of the program.


The materials reviewers will take into account when rating against this selection criterion include:


  • Table 2 -- Budget Form

  • Table 3 -- Grant Funds as a Percentage of the Cost of Per-Pupil Facilities Aid

  • State budget proposals and tables.

  • A description of how charter schools’ costs in total (operating, capital, and interest costs) are financed in the State and the level of that funding.

  • A description of how public school facilities are financed within the State with focus on a comparison between how facilities are financed for charter schools and regular public schools.

  • A description of the unmet need for charter school facility funding absent the assistance that would be provided under the proposal.


  1. Quality of project evaluation.


    1. The Secretary considers the quality of the evaluation to be conducted of the proposed project.

    2. In determining the quality of the evaluation, the Secretary considers the extent to which--

      1. The methods of evaluation are thorough, feasible, and appropriate to the goals, objectives, and outcomes of the proposed project.

      2. The methods of evaluation will provide performance feedback and permit periodic assessment of progress toward achieving intended outcomes.

      3. The methods of evaluation will provide valid and reliable performance data on relevant outcomes.


The materials reviewers will take into account when rating against this selection criterion include:

  • Logic Model

  • Timeline

  • Performance Measures


  1. State experience.


The experience of the State in addressing the facility needs of charter schools through various means, including providing per-pupil aid, access to State loan or bonding pools, and the use of Qualified Zone Academy Bonds.


The materials reviewers will take into account when rating against this selection criterion include:


  • State budget proposals and tables.

  • A description of how charter schools’ costs in total (operating, capital, and interest costs) are financed in the State and the level of that funding.

  • Enabling statutes and other relevant legislation, such as appropriation legislation or tables.

  • A description of how public school facilities are financed within the State with focus on a comparison between how facilities are financed for charter schools and regular public schools.


Table 1 – Charter School Aid Paid by State



Source

Fiscal year 20XX1

Fiscal year 20XX

Fiscal year 20XX

Fiscal year 20XX

Fiscal year 20XX

Fiscal year 20XX

Fiscal year 20XX

Fiscal year 20XX

1. Number of pupils in average daily attendance in charter schools









2. a. Per-pupil funding for charter school facilities in total2









2. b. Per-pupil funding for charter school facilities

per charter school student in average daily attendance









3. a. Other funding for charter schools3









3. b. Other funding for charter schools per charter school student in average daily attendance









Total


















1 The State’s fiscal year 20XX begins on and ends on . If the State has not yet made a decision about the level of funding for these activities in Fiscal Year 20XX, please indicate the status of funding for Fiscal Year 20XX in the State for these activities. The purpose of this table is to determine total amount of per-pupil facilities aid and assistance in general for charter schools.

2 This funding includes funds that are distributed on a per-pupil basis that are (1) dedicated solely for funding charter school facilities and (2) the portion of funds that are dedicated

for charter school facilities that are part of a distribution of funds that may be used for other purposes, such as operating expenses for charter schools or facility funds for regular public schools.

3 These funds include operating funds for charter schools, per-pupil allocations to charter schools that are not designated solely for facilities, facilities funds that are not awarded to charter schools on a per-pupil basis.



Table 2 -Budget Form: Grant Funds Expenditures




Budget categories

Project year 1

Project year 2

Project year 3

Project year 4

Project year 5

Total

A. Administrative funds (5%)







A.1. Indirect costs







A.2. Evaluation







A.3. Technical assistance







A.4. Dissemination







A.5. Personnel costs not associated with evaluation, technical assistance, or dissemination







A. Total administrative costs







B. Per-pupil facilities aid for charter schools

Per-pupil funding for charter school facilities







C. Grand total – Federal grant request







Instructions for Table 2 -- Budget Form: Grant Funds Expenditures



  1. Administrative funds:


    1. Indirect costs: Many organizations have indirect cost rates established with the U.S. Department of Education which allow those organizations to spend a portion of their grant funds on a share of the total organization costs such as rent and utilities. For this grant you may choose to claim indirect costs, but the total amount may not exceed five percent. Also, if you choose to claim indirect costs, the sum of your indirect costs and your other administrative costs combined may not exceed five percent.


  1. Total administrative costs: The total for this line should include the sum of lines A.1. through A.5. This line cannot exceed five percent of the requested amount for any fiscal year.


  1. Per-pupil facilities aid for charter schools


This funding includes funds that are distributed on a per-pupil basis that are (1) dedicated solely for funding charter school facilities and (2) the portion of funds that are dedicated for charter school facilities that are part of a distribution of funds that may be used for other purposes, such as operating expenses for charter schools or facility funds for regular public schools.


  1. Grand Total


The amount in the total column for this row should be the same as the request on Form ED 424.

Table 3 - Grant Funds as a Percentage of the Cost of Per-Pupil Facilities Aid





Budget Categories

Project

year 1*

Project year 2

Project year 3

Project year 4

Project year 5


Total

A. Line C, Grand total, from Table 2 – Budget Form







B. Line 1, State per-pupil funding for charter

school facilities, from Table 1 -- Charter School Aid Paid by State







C. Total







D. Federal grant request (Line A., Table 3) as a percentage of the cost of per-pupil facilities aid

(Line C., Table 3)








*Project Year 1 is the same as State fiscal year 20XX unless the applicant explicitly notes and explains which project year maps to which State fiscal year


Program-Specific Assurance



I assure that my State intends to provide (either alone or with the assistance of other parties, such as foundations) annual funding, on a per-pupil basis, for charter school facilities. Furthermore, I am aware that the Federal share declines in accordance with the table below:


Matching Requirement for Expanding Opportunity Through Quality Charter Schools Program--State Charter School Facilities Incentive Grants Program (State Incentive), by Grant Project Year.





Non-Federal share


Amount

Federal share (maximum)


Amount

Year 1


10%


90%


Year 2


20%


80%


Year 3


40%


60%


Year 4


60%


40%


Year 5


80%


20%






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Signature Title

SECTION D


INSTRUCTIONS TO STANDARD FORMS AND GRANT APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Forms, Assurances, and Certifications


Applicants must complete all forms included in the application package. Instructions for the following forms are included in this document:

    • Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424)

    • Instructions for the SF-424

    • Supplemental Information, Instructions, and Definitions for the U.S. Department of Education Supplemental Information for the SF-424

    • Budget ED 524 and Instructions for ED 524

    • Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL)

    • Instructions for the Completion of SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

    • Certification Regarding Lobbying (Grants.gov Lobbying Form - formerly ED 80-0013 form)

    • GEPA Statement


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Application for Federal Assistance SF-424





* 1. Type of Submission:



* 2. Type of Application:




* If Revision, select appropriate letter(s):





Preapplication Application

Changed/Corrected Application

New

Continuation * Other (Specify):

Revision










* 3. Date Received: 4. Applicant Identifier:




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5a. Federal Entity Identifier:







5b. Federal Award Identifier:












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State Use Only:
























6. Date Received by State:

7. State Application Identifier:











8. APPLICANT INFORMATION:












* a. Legal Name:











* b. Employer/Taxpayer Identification Number (EIN/TIN):




* c. Organizational DUNS:








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d. Address:























  • Street1: Street2:

  • City: County/Parish:

  • State: Province:

  • Country: USA: UNITED STATES

  • Zip / Postal Code:





e. Organizational Unit:












Department Name:







Division Name:
















f. Name and contact information of person to be contacted on matters involving this application:





Prefix:


Middle Name:

* Last Name: Suffix:

* First Name:





Title:












Organizational Affiliation:



































* Telephone Number: Fax Number:





* Email:











Application for Federal Assistance SF-424

* 9. Type of Applicant 1: Select Applicant Type:

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Type of Applicant 2: Select Applicant Type:

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Type of Applicant 3: Select Applicant Type:

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* Other (specify):

* 10. Name of Federal Agency:

11. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number:


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CFDA Title:

* 12. Funding Opportunity Number:

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* Title:

13. Competition Identification Number:


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Title:

14. Areas Affected by Project (Cities, Counties, States, etc.):






Add Attachment



Delete Attachment


View Attachment

* 15. Descriptive Title of Applicant's Project:

Attach supporting documents as specified in agency instructions.

Add Attachments Delete Attachments View Attachments

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Application for Federal Assistance SF-424


  1. Congressional Districts Of:

* a. Applicant * b. Program/Project


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Add Attachment

Delete Attachment

View Attachment

Attach an additional list of Program/Project Congressional Districts if needed.

  1. Proposed Project:

  • a. Start Date: * b. End Date:


  1. Estimated Funding ($):


  • a. Federal


  • b. Applicant


  • c. State


  • d. Local


  • e. Other


  • f. Program Income


  • g. TOTAL


  • 19. Is Application Subject to Review By State Under Executive Order 12372 Process?

    1. This application was made available to the State under the Executive Order 12372 Process for review on .

    2. Program is subject to E.O. 12372 but has not been selected by the State for review.

    3. Program is not covered by E.O. 12372.


  • 20. Is the Applicant Delinquent On Any Federal Debt? (If "Yes," provide explanation in attachment.)

Yes No


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Add Attachment

Delete Attachment

View Attachment

If "Yes", provide explanation and attach

  1. *By signing this application, I certify (1) to the statements contained in the list of certifications** and (2) that the statements herein are true, complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I also provide the required assurances** and agree to comply with any resulting terms if I accept an award. I am aware that any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or claims may subject me to criminal, civil, or administrative penalties. (U.S. Code, Title 218, Section 1001)

** I AGREE


** The list of certifications and assurances, or an internet site where you may obtain this list, is contained in the announcement or agency specific instructions.


Authorized Representative:


Prefix: * First Name:


Middle Name:


  • Last Name: Suffix:

  • Title:


  • Telephone Number:


  • Email:

Fax Number:

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  • Signature of Authorized Representative: * Date Signed:

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE SF-424


This is a standard form 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 fields on the form are identified with an asterisk (*) and are also specified as “Required” in the instructions below. In addition to these instructions, applicants must consult agency instructions to determine other 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 – Check if this submission is to change or correct a previously submitted application. Unless requested by the agency, applicants may not usethis form 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.


  1. Increase Award D. Decrease Duration

  2. Decrease Award E. Other (specify)

  3. Increase Duration

12.

Funding Opportunity Number/Title: (Required) Enter the Funding Opportunity Number (FON) 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: This data element is intended for use only by programs for which the area(s) affected are likely to be different than the place(s) of performance reported on the SF-424 Project/Performance Site Location(s) Form. Add attachment 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 buy the Federal agency, if any, or the 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: 16a. (Required) Enter the applicant’s congressional district. 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 5th district, CA-012 for California 12 district, NC-103 for North Carolina’s 103 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. This optional data element is intended for use only by programs for which the area(s) affected are likely to be different than place(s) of performance reported on the SF-424 Project/Performance Site Location(s) Form. Attach an

additional list of program/project congressional districts, if needed.

5b.

Federal Award Identifier: For new applications, enter NA. 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 organization that has registered with the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). Information on registering with CCR may be

obtained by visiting www.Grants.gov.

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 www.Grants.gov.

19.

Is Application Subject to Review by State Under Executive Order 12372 Process? (Required) 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.

d. Address: Enter address: Street 1 (Required); city (Required); County/Parish, State (Required if country is US), Province, Country (Required), 9-digit zip/postal code (Required if country US).

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 federal debt include; but, may not be limited to: delinquent audit disallowances,

loans and taxes. If yes, include an explanation in an attachment.


e. Organizational Unit: Enter the name of the primary organizational unit, department or division that will undertake the assistance activity.

21.

Authorized Representative: To be signed and dated by the authorized representative of the applicant organization. Enter the first and last name (Required); prefix, middle name, suffix. Enter title, telephone number, email (Required); and fax number. 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.)

f. Name and contact information of person to be contacted on matters involving this application: Enter the first and last name (Required); prefix, middle name, suffix, title. Enter organizational affiliation if affiliated with an organization other than that in 7.a. Telephone number and email (Required); fax number.

9.

Type of Applicant: (Required) Select up to three applicant type(s) in accordance with agency instructions.



  1. State Government

  2. County Government

  3. City or Township Government

  4. Special District Government

  5. Regional Organization

  6. U.S. Territory or Possession

  7. Independent School District

  8. Public/State Controlled Institution of Higher Education

  9. Indian/Native American Tribal Government (Federally Recognized)

  10. Indian/Native American Tribal Government (Other than Federally Recognized)

  11. Indian/Native American Tribally Designated Organization

  12. Public/Indian Housing Authority

  1. Nonprofit

  2. Private Institution of Higher Education

  3. Individual

  4. For-Profit Organization (Other than Small Business)

  5. Small Business

  6. Hispanic-serving Institution

  7. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

  8. Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs)

  9. Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions

  10. Non-US Entity

  11. Other (specify)






[U.S Department of Education note: As of spring, 2010, the FON discussed in Block 12 of the instructions can be found via the following URL: http://www.grants.gov/applicants/find_grant_opportunities.jsp.]


U.S. Department of Education Supplemental Information for the SF-424


    1. Project Director:

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Prefix: * First Name: Middle Name: * Last Name: Suffix:

Address:


      • Shape53 Shape54 Shape55 Street1: Street2:

      • Shape56 City: County:

      • Shape59 Shape57 Shape58 State: * Zip Code: Country:


      • Shape60
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        Phone Number (give area code): Fax Number (give area code):

      • Email Address:

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    1. Novice Applicant:


Are you are a novice applicant as defined in the regulations in 34 CFR 75.225 (and included in the definitions page in the attached instructions)?


Shape64 Shape63 Yes No



    1. Human Subjects Research:


  1. Are any research activities involving human subjects planned at any time duringthe proposed Project Period?


Shape66 Shape65 Yes No


  1. Are ALL the research activities proposed designated to be exempt from the regulations?


Shape68 Shape69 Shape67 Yes Provide Exemption(s) # (s):  1  2  3  4  5  6 7 8 No Provide Assurance #(s), if available:

  1. If applicable, please attach your “Exempt Research” or “Nonexempt Research” narrative to this form as indicated in the definitions page in the attached instructions.

OMB Number: 1894-0007

Expiration Date: 9/30/2020

Instructions for U.S. Department of Education Supplemental Information for the 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. Items marked with an asterisk (*) are mandatory.


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


This novice applicant information will be used by ED to: 1) determine the amount and type of technical assistance that a novice might need, if funded, and 2) determine novice applicant eligibility in discretionary grant competitions that give special consideration to novice applications. Certain ED discretionary grant programs give special consideration to novice applications, either by establishing a special competition for novice applicants or by giving competitive preference to novice applicants under the procedures in 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2). If special consideration is being given to novice applications under a particular discretionary grant competition, the application notice for the competition published in the Federal Register will specify this information


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


3a. 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.


3a. 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 U.S. Department of Education Supplemental Information for SF-424.”)


3b. 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. Check the exemption number(s) corresponding to one or more of the eight 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 U.S. Department of Education Supplemental Information for the SF-424.”


3b. 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 attached page entitled “Definitions for U.S. Department of Education Supplemental Information for the SF-424.”


3b. Human Subjects Assurance Number. If the applicant has an approved Federal Wide Assurance (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. (A list of current FWAs is available at: http://ohrp.cit.nih.gov/search/search.aspx?styp=bsc) 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.


3c. If applicable, please attach your “Exempt Research” or “Nonexempt Research” narrative to your submission of the U.S Department of Education Supplemental Information for the SF-424 form as instructed in item II, “Instructions for Exempt and Nonexempt Human Subjects Research Narratives” in the attached page entitled “Definitions for U.S. Department of Education Supplemental Information for the SF-424.”


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.

No covered human subjects research can be conducted until the study has ED clearance for protection of human subjects in research.


Public 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 20 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. The obligation to respond to this collection is required to obtain or retain benefit (20 USC 3474 General Education Provisions Act). 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 IC[email protected] and reference the OMB Control Number 1894-0007. Note: Please do not return the completed ED SF 424 Supplemental Form to this address.



Definitions for U.S. Department of Education Supplemental Information for the SF-424


Definitions:


Novice Applicant (See 34 CFR 75.225)


For discretionary grant programs, novice applicant means any applicant for a grant from ED that—


    • Has never received a grant or subgrant 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


  1. Definitions and Exemptions


  1. 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. 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 (i) information or biospecimens through intervention or interaction with the individual and uses through intervention or interaction with the individual and uses, studies, or analyzes the information or biospecimens, or (ii ) obtains, uses, studies, analyzes, or generate identifiable private information or identifiable biospecimens. ”

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. If an activity involves obtaining private information about a living person in such a way that the information can be directly or indirectly linked to that individual), 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).


  1. Exemptions.


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


  1. Research conducted in established or commonly accepted educational settings, that specifically involves normal educational practices that are not likely to adversely impact students’ opportunity to learn required educational content or the assessment of educators who provide instruction. This includes most research on regular and special education instructional strategies, and research on the effectiveness of or the comparison among instructional techniques, curricula, or classroom management methods. If an educational practice is being introduced to the site and is not widely used for similar populations, it is not covered by this exemption.


  1. Research that only includes interactions involving educational tests (cognitive, diagnostic, aptitude, achievement), survey procedures, interview procedures or observation of public behavior (including visual or auditory recordings) if at least one of the following criteria is met: (i) the information obtained is recorded by the investigator in such a manner that the identity of the human subjects cannot readily be ascertained, directly or through identifiers linked to the subjects; (ii) Any disclosure of the human subjects’ responses outside the research would not reasonably place the subjects at risk of criminal or civil liability or be damaging to the subjects’ financial standing, employability, educational advancement or reputation; or (iii) the information obtained is recorded by the investigator in such a manner that the identity of the human subjects can readily be ascertained, directly or through identifiers linked to the subjects, and an IRB conducts a “limited IRB review” to make the determinations required by 34 CFR 97.111(a)(7).


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.


  1. Research involving benign behavioral interventions in conjunction with the collection of information from an adult subject through verbal or written responses (including data entry) or audiovisual recording if the subject prospectively agrees to the intervention and information collection and at least one of the following criteria is met: (A) The information obtained is recorded by the investigator in such a manner that the identity of the human subjects cannot readily be ascertained directly or through identifiers linked to the subjects; (B) Any disclosure of the human subjects’ responses outside the research would not reasonably place the subjects at risk of criminal or civil liability or be damaging to the subject’ financial standing, employability, educational advancement or reputation; or (C) The information obtained is recorded by the investigator in such a manner that the identity of the human subjects can readily be ascertained, directly or through identifiers linked to the subjects, and an IRB conducts a limited IRB review to make the determination required by 34 CFR 97.111(a)(7).


For the purpose of this provision, benign behavioral interventions are brief in duration, harmless, painless, not physically invasive, not likely to have a significant adverse lasting impact on the subjects, and the investigator has no reason to think the subjects will find the interventions offensive or embarrassing. Provided all such criteria are met, examples of such benign behavioral interventions would include having the subject play an online game, having them solve puzzles under various noise conditions, or having them decide how to allocate a nominal amount of received cash between themselves and someone else.


If the research involves deceiving the subjects regarding the nature or purposes of the research, this exemption is not applicable unless the subject authorizes the deception through a prospective agreement to participate in research in circumstances in which the subject is informed that he or she will be unaware of or misled regarding the nature or purposes of the research.


  1. Secondary Research for which Consent is not required. Secondary research uses of identifiable private information or identifiable biospecimens, if at least one of the followingcriteria is men: (i) The identifiable private information or identifiable biospecimens are publicly available; (ii) Information, which may include information about biospecimens, is recorded by the investigator in such a manner that the identity of the human subjects cannot readily be ascertained directly or through identifiers linked to the subjects, the investigator does not contact the subjects, and the investigator will not re-identify subjects; (iii) the research involves only information collection and analysis involving the investigators’ use of identifiable health information when that use is regulated under 45 CFR parts 160 and 164, subparts A and E, for the purposes of “health

care operations” or “research” as those terms are defined at 45 CFR 164.501 or for “public health activities and purposes” as described under 45 CFR 164.512 (b); or (iv) The research is conducted by, or on behalf of, a Federal department or agency using government-generated or government-collected information obtained for nonresearch activities, if the research generates identifiable private information that is or will be maintained on information technology that is subject to and in compliance with section 208(b) of the E-Government Act of 2002, 44 USC 3501 note, if all of the identifiable private information collected, used or generated as part of the activity will be maintained in systems of records subject to the Privacy Act of 1974, 5 USC 552a, and, if applicable, the information used in the research was collected subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 USC 3501 et seq.


  1. Research and demonstration projects that are conducted or supported by a Federal department or agency, or otherwise subject to the approval of department or agency heads (or otherwise subject to the approval of department or agency heads (or the approval of the heads of bureaus or other subordinate agencies that have been delegated authority to conduct the research and demonstration projects), and that are designed to study, evaluate, improve, or otherwise examine public benefit or service programs, including procedures for obtaining benefits or services under those programs, possible changes in or alternative to those programs or procedures, or possible changes in methods or levels of payment for benefits or services under those programs. Such projects include, but are not limited to, internal studies by Federal employees, and studies under contracts or consulting arrangements, cooperative agreements, or grants. Exempt projects also include waivers of otherwise mandatory requirements using authorities such as sections 1115 and 1115A of the Social Security Act as amended.


Each Federal department or agency conducting or supporting the research and demonstration projects must establish, on a publicly accessible Federal website or in such other manner as the department or agency head may determine, a list of the research and demonstration projects that the Federal department or agency conducts or supports under this provision. The research or demonstration project must be published on this list prior to commencing the research involving human subjects.


  1. 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.


  1. Storage or Maintenance for Secondary Research for which Broad Consent is required. Storage or maintenance of identifiable private information or identifiable biospecimens for potential secondary research use if an IRB conducts a limited IRB review and makes the determinations requires by 34 CFR 97.111(a)(8).

  1. Secondary Research for which Broad Consent is Required. Research involving the use of identifiable private information or identifiable biospecimens for secondary research use if the following criteria are met: (i) Broad Consent for the storage, maintenance and secondary research use of the identifiable private information or identifiable biospecimens was obtained in accordance with 34 CFR 97.116(a) (1)-(4), (a) (6) and (d); (ii) Documentation of informed consent or waiver of documentation of consent was obtained in accordance with 34 CFR 97.117.

(iii) an IRB conducts a limited IRB review and makes the determination that the research to be conducted is within the scope of the broad consent referenced in paragraph (d)(8)(i) of this section; and (iv) The investigator does not prevent an investigator from abiding by any legal requirements to return individual research results.


  1. Instructions for Exempt and Nonexempt Human Subjects Research Narratives


If the applicant marked “Yes” for Item 3.b. of the U.S. Department of Education Supplemental Information for the SF 424, the applicant must attach a human subjects “exempt research” or “nonexempt research” narrative to the U.S. Department of Education Supplemental Information for the SF- 424 form. If you have multiple projects, include information about each, labeling the responses as to the project they address. For applications that include multiple research projects this can be done in a single narrative or in more than one narrative as appropriate.


  1. Exempt Research Narrative.

If you marked “Yes” for item 3.b. and designated exemption numbers(s), attach the “exempt research” narrative to the U.S. Department of Education Supplemental Information for the SF-

424. 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.


  1. Nonexempt Research Narrative.

If you marked “No” for item 3.b. you must attach the “nonexempt research” narrative to the U.S. Department of Education Supplemental Information for the SF-424. 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.


  1. 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 documentationof consent.


  1. 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.


  1. 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.


  1. 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.


  1. 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 Office of the Chief Financial Officer, U.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C.

20202-4331, telephone: (202) 245-8090, 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.ht ml


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

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

BUDGET INFORMATION NON-CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMS

OMB Control Number: 1894-0008 Expiration Date: 08/31/2020

Name of Institution/Organization

Applicants requesting funding for only one year should complete the column under "Project Year 1." Applicants requesting funding for multi-year grants should complete all applicable columns. Please read all instructions before completing form.

SECTION A - BUDGET SUMMARY U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FUNDS

Budget Categories

Project Year 1 (a)

Project Year 2 (b)

Project Year 3 (c)

Project Year 4 (d)

Project Year 5 (e)

Total (f)

1. Personnel







2. Fringe Benefits







3. Travel







4. Equipment







5. Supplies







6. Contractual







7. Construction







8. Other







9. Total Direct Costs (lines 1-8)







10. Indirect Costs

*Enter Rate Applied







11. Training Stipends







12. Total Costs (lines 9-11)







*Indirect Cost Information (To Be Completed by Your Business Office):

If you are requesting reimbursement for indirect costs on line 10, please answer the following questions:

  1. Do you have an Indirect Cost Rate Agreement approved by the Federal government? Yes No.

  2. If yes, please provide the following information:

Period Covered by the Indirect Cost Rate Agreement: From: / / To: / / (mm/dd/yyyy)

Approving Federal agency: ED Other (please specify): The Indirect Cost Rate is %

  1. If this is your first Federal grant, and you do not have an approved indirect cost rate agreement, are not a State, Local government or Indian Tribe, and are not funded under a training rate program or a restricted rate program, do you want to use the de minimis rate of10% of MTDC? Yes No. If yes, you must comply with the requirements of 2 CFR § 200.414(f).

  2. If you do not have an approved indirect cost rate agreement, do you want to use the temporary rate of 10% of budgeted salaries and wages? Yes No. If yes, you must submit a proposed indirect cost rate agreement within 90 days after the date your grant is awarded, as required by 34 CFR § 75.560.

  3. For Restricted Rate Programs (check one) -- Are you using a restricted indirect cost rate that: Is included in your approved Indirect Cost Rate Agreement? Or Complies with 34 CFR 76.564(c)(2)? The Restricted Indirect Cost Rate is %

  4. For Training Rate Programs (check one) -- Are you using a rate that: Is based on the training rate of 8 percent of MTDC (See EDGAR § 75.562(c)(4))? Or

Is included in your approved Indirect Cost Rate Agreement, because it is lower than the training rate of 8 percent of MTDC (See EDGAR § 75.562(c)(4)).

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ED 524

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Name of Institution/Organization

Applicants requesting funding for only one year should complete the column under "Project Year 1." Applicants requesting funding for multi-year grants should complete all applicable columns. Please read all instructions before completing form.

SECTION B - BUDGET SUMMARY NON-FEDERAL FUNDS


Budget Categories

Project Year 1 (a)

Project Year 2 (b)

Project Year 3 (c)

Project Year 4 (d)

Project Year 5 (e)

Total (f)

1. Personnel







2. Fringe Benefits







3. Travel







4. Equipment







5. Supplies







6. Contractual







7. Construction







8. Other







9. Total Direct Costs (Lines 1-8)







10. Indirect Costs







11. Training Stipends







12. Total Costs (Lines 9-11)







SECTION C – BUDGET NARRATIVE (see instructions)

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ED 524

Instructions for ED 524


General 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. You may access the Education Department General Administrative Regulations cited within these instructions

at: http://www.ed.gov/policy/fund/reg/edgarReg/edgar.html. You may access requirements from 2 CFR 200, “Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards” cited within these instructions

at: https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2013/12/26/2013- 30465/uniform-administrative-requirements-cost-principles-and- audit-requirements-for-federal-awards.

You must 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 break-down 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 the indirect cost rate to be charged to the grant must be entered in the applicable field on line 10, and the following 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. If you checked “no,” ED generally will authorize grantees to use a temporary rate of 10 percent of budgeted salaries and wages (complete (4) of this section when using the temporary rate) subject to the following limitations:

    1. The grantee must submit an indirect cost proposal toits cognizant agency within 90 days after ED issues a grant award notification; and

    2. If after the 90-day period, the grantee has not submitted an indirect cost proposal to its cognizant agency, the grantee may not charge its grant for indirect costs until it has negotiated an indirect cost rate agreement with its cognizant agency.

(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, another Federal agency (Other) or State agency issued the approved agreement. If you check “Other,” specify the name of the Federal or other agency that issued the approved agreement.

(3): If you check “no” in (1), indicate in (3) if you want to use the de minimis rate of 10 percent of MTDC (see 2CFR § 200.68).

If you use the de minimis rate, you are subject to the provisions in 2 CFR § 200.414(f). Note, you may only use the 10 percent de minimis rate if you are a first-time Federal grant recipient, and you do not have an Approved Indirect Cost Rate Agreement. You may not use the de minimis rate if you are a State, Local government, or Indian Tribe, or if your grant is funded under a training rate or restricted rate program.

(5): 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.

(6): For Training Rate Programs, ED regulations limit non-governmental entities to the recovery of indirect costs on training grants to the grantee’s actual indirect costs, as determined by its negotiated rate agreement, or 8 percent of a MTDC, whichever is lower (see EDGAR § 75.562(c)(4)). The 8 percent limit also applies to cost-type contracts under grants, if these contracts are for training as defined in EDGAR § 75.562(a). If a non-governmental entity that receives a grant under a training grant program does not have an approved indirect cost rate and wants to recover indirect costs, it may use a temporary rate of 10 percent of budgeted direct salaries and wages, but it must submit an indirect cost rate proposal to its cognizant agency for indirect costs within 90 days after ED issues the GAN. After the 90-day period, the government entity may not charge its grant for indirect costs until it has negotiated an indirect cost rate agreement.

Section B - Budget Summary Non-Federal Funds

If you are required to provide or volunteer to provide cost-sharing or 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 this space blank.


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 Aand

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.


  1. For non-Federal funds or resources listed in Section B that are used to meet a cost-sharing or matching requirement orprovided as a voluntary cost-sharing or matching commitment, you must include:


    1. The specific costs or contributions by budget category;

    2. The source of the costs or contributions; and

    3. In the case of third-party in-kind contributions, a description of how the value was determined for the donated or contributed goods or services.


[Please review cost sharing and matching regulations found in 2 CFR 200.306.]


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


  1. 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.


  1. Provide other explanations or comments you deem necessary.


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 1894-0008. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to vary from 13 to 22 hours per response, with an average of 17.5 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather the data needed, and complete and review the information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate(s) or suggestions for improving this form, please write to: U.S. Department of Education, Washington,

    1. 20202-4537. If you have comments or concerns regarding the status of your individual submission of this form, write directly to (insert program office), U.S. Department of Education,400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20202.

Shape74 DISCLOSURE OF LOBBYING ACTIVITIES

Complete this form to disclose lobbying activities pursuant to 31 U.S.C.1352


Review Public Burden Disclosure Statement


Approved by OMB

4040-0013

      1. * Type of Federal Action:

        1. contract

        2. Shape75





          grant

        3. cooperative agreement

        4. loan

        5. loan guarantee

        6. loan insurance

      2. * Status of Federal Action:

        1. bid/offer/application


        1. initial award

        2. post-award

      1. * Report Type:

        1. initial filing

        2. material change

      1. Name and Address of Reporting Entity:

Prime SubAwardee


  • Name


  • Street 1 Street 2


  • City State Zip



Congressional District, if known:


      1. If Reporting Entity in No.4 is Subawardee, Enter Name and Address of Prime:







      1. * Federal Department/Agency: 7. * Federal Program Name/Description:



CFDA Number, if applicable:

8. Federal Action Number, if known: 9. Award Amount, if known:

$


  1. a. Name and Address of Lobbying Registrant:

Prefix * First Name Middle Name


  • Last Name Suffix


  • Street 1 Street 2


  • City State Zip



b. Individual Performing Services (including address if different from No. 10a)

Prefix * First Name Middle Name


  • Last Name Suffix


  • Street 1 Street 2


  • City State Zip



  1. Information requested through this form is authorized by title 31 U.S.C. section 1352. This disclosure of lobbying activities is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed by the tier above when the transaction was made or entered into. This disclosure is required pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 1352. This information will be reported to

the Congress semi-annually and will be available for public inspection. Any person who fails to file the required disclosure shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than

$10,000 and not more than $100,000 for each such failure.


* Signature:

*Name: Prefix * First Name Middle Name


* Last Name Suffix


Shape76 Title: Telephone No.: Date:


Federal Use Only:




Authorized for Local Reproduction Standard Form - LLL (Rev. 7-97)

Shape77 Shape78 Shape79 Shape80



CERTIFICATION REGARDING LOBBYING


Certification for Contracts, Grants, Loans, and Cooperative Agreements


The undersigned certifies, to the best of his or her knowledge and belief, that:


    1. No Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid, by or on behalf of the undersigned, to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of an agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with the awarding of any Federal contract, the making of any Federal grant, the making of any Federal loan, the entering into of any cooperative agreement, and the extension, continuation, renewal, amendment, or modification of any Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement.


    1. If any funds other than Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid to any person 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 this Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement, the undersigned shall complete and submit Standard Form-LLL, ''Disclosure of Lobbying Activities,'' in accordance with its instructions.


    1. The undersigned shall require that the language of this certification be included in the award documents for all subawards at all tiers (including subcontracts, subgrants, and contracts under grants, loans, and cooperative agreements) and that all subrecipients shall certify and disclose accordingly. This certification is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when this transaction was made or entered into. Submission of this certification is a prerequisite for making or entering into this transaction imposed by section 1352, title 31, U.S. Code. Any person who fails to file the required certification shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $10,00 0 and not more than $100,000 for each such failure.


Statement for Loan Guarantees and Loan Insurance


The undersigned states, to the best of his or her knowledge and belief, that:


Shape81 Shape82 Shape83 Shape84 Shape85 Shape86 If any funds have been paid or will be paid to any person 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 this commitment providing for the United States to insure or guarantee a loan, the undersigned shall complete and submit Standard Form-LLL, ''Disclosure of Lobbying Activities,'' in accordance with its instructions. Submission of this statement is a prerequisite for making or entering into this transaction imposed by section 1352, title 31, U.S. Code. Any person who fails to file the required statement shall be subjec t to a civil penalty of not less than $10,000 and not more than $100,000 for each such failure.



* APPLICANT'S ORGANIZATION

* PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE

Prefix: * First Name:



Middle Name:





* Last Name:



Suffix:





* Title:




* SIGNATURE:



* DATE:


Shape87

OMB Control No. 1894-0005 (Exp. 04/30/2020)



NOTICE TO ALL APPLICANTS


The purpose of this enclosure is to inform you about the following 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.


  1. 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.


  1. 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.


  1. 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.



SECTION E


OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs


Executive Order 12372 (Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs)


This program falls under the rubric of Executive Order 12372 (Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs) and the regulations in 34 CFR Part 79. One of the objectives of the Executive order is to strengthen federalism--or the distribution of responsibility between localities, States, and the Federal government--by fostering intergovernmental partnerships. This idea includes supporting processes that State or local governments have devised for coordinating and reviewing proposed Federal financial grant applications.


The process for doing this requires grant applicants to contact State Single Points of Contact for information on how this works. Multi-state applicants should follow procedures specific to each state.


Further information about the State Single Point of Contact process and a list of names by State can be found at: https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/omb/grants_spoc

Absent specific State review programs, applicants may submit comments directly to the Department. All recommendations and comments must be mailed or hand-delivered by the date indicated in the actual application notice to the following address: The Secretary, EO 12372--CFDA# [commenter must insert number--including suffix letter, if any], U.S. Department of Education, room 7E200. 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20202.


Proof of mailing will be determined on the same basis as applications (see 34 CFR §75.102).


Recommendations or comments may be hand-delivered until 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) on the closing date indicated in this notice.


Important note: The above address is not the same address as the one to which the applicant submits its completed applications. Do not send applications to the above address.

Estimated Public Reporting Burden


Public 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 1855-0012. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 40 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 benefits under 20 U.S.C. 7221c. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate, suggestions for improving this individual collection, or if you have comments or concerns regarding the status of your individual form, application or survey, please contact Expanding Opportunity Through Quality Charter Schools Program--State Charter School Facilities Incentive Grants Program, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Room 4W244, Washington D.C. 20202- 4651 or email [email protected] directly.



Application Checklist


As discussed on the following pages, a complete application must include all of the documents listed below.


[

]

Cover page (SF 424 Form)

[

]

ED Abstract Narrative Attachment Form

[

]

Project Narrative Attachment Form

  • Table of Contents

  • Responses to Competitive Preference Priorities

  • Responses to the Selection Criteria

[

]

Budget Narrative Attachment Form

  • ED 524

  • Table 2 - Budget Form: Grant Funds Expenditures

[

]

Other Attachments Form

  • Enabling Statutes and Other Relevant Legislation

  • Table 1- Charter School Aid Paid by State

  • Table 3- Grant Funds as a Percentage of the Cost of Per-Pupil Facilities Aid

  • Logic Model

  • Resumes/Curriculum Vitae

  • Program-Specific Assurance

[

]

Other Standard Forms

  • Supplemental Information for the SF-424

  • Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL)

  • Certification Regarding Lobbying (Grants.gov Lobbying Form - formerly ED 80-0013 form)

  • GEPA Statement

  • Assurances--Non-Construction Programs (SF-424B)

[

]

Did you submit a copy of the application to the State Single Point of Contact (if applicable)?


File Typeapplication/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document
AuthorU.S. Department of Education
File Modified0000-00-00
File Created2021-12-29

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