Application for the International Research and Studies (IRS) Program

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 1840-0795. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 200 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 (20 U.S.C.§ 1125). 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 Dana Sapatoru, International Research and Studies Program, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Mailstop OPE-258-40, Washington, D.C. 20202.

Privacy Notice

Authorities: The following authorities authorize the collection of this information: 2 CFR § 200.207, under which the Federal awarding agency may only use application information collections approved by OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and OMB's implementing regulations in 5 CFR part 1320 and in alignment with OMB-approved, governmentwide data elements available from the OMB-designated standards lead; 34 CFR § 655.30, which details the basis on which the U.S. Department of Education (Department) may evaluate applications for international education programs; and the Education Department General Administrative Requirements (EDGAR) and Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) of 1993, which outline performance reporting requirements that are contingent on the collection of data from entities and individuals selected to receive funding under the International Research and Studies (IRS) grant program.

Purpose: The purpose of collecting this information is to execute a merit review process for applications, with the objective of selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the IRS program objectives. Collected information will also be used in monitoring grant implementation and performance.

Disclosures: Information about IRS applicant entities and individuals and associated staff will be shared with experts selected to serve as peer reviewers during the IRS panel review process. Readers who serve on the peer review panels are selected based on their expertise in the specialized area studies, international studies, or modern foreign language(s) necessary to effectively review, score, and rank the applications assigned to them. Project abstracts as well as Project Director / Principal Investigator names and email addresses selected to receive funding will be shared on the Department’s website. While other individual information will not be disclosed outside of the International and Foreign Language Education (IFLE) office, there may be circumstances where information may be shared with a third party, such as a Freedom of Information Act request, court orders or subpoena, or if a breach or security incident occurs that affects grant record systems, etc.

Consequences of Failure to Provide Information: Individual grantees or individuals representing successful applicant entities under the IRS program are required to provide the information identified above to obtain an account on the Department’s G5 grant management system and IFLE’s International Resource Information System (IRIS) project monitoring website. Failure to do so may result in not receiving an account.

Applicant Letter

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

OFFICE OF POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

Dear Applicant:

Thank you for your interest in applying for a fiscal year (FY) XXXX grant under the International Research and Studies (IRS) program (Assistance Listing Number 84.017A). This application package includes information about the program as well as the instructions and forms needed to submit a complete application to the U.S. Department of Education.

The IRS program provides grants to institutions, public and private agencies, organizations, and individuals to conduct research and studies to improve and strengthen instruction in modern foreign languages and related area studies.

We strongly recommend that you read the entirety of the application package carefully before you begin preparing your application. In addition to the application instructions, we call your attention to the following information about the FY XXXX IRS competition:

[INSERT INFORMATION]

Information about the IRS program is accessible on the U.S. Department of Education’s Web site at: https://www2.ed.gov/programs/iegpsirs/index.html.

The FY XXXX Notice Inviting Applications (NIA) published in the Federal Register is the official guidance for the competition. Applicants should not rely upon any information that is inconsistent with the official NIA document.

The downloadable application package for the FY XXXX IRS competition is available at www.grants.gov by searching for Assistance Listing Number 84.017. Applications for funding under this program must be submitted electronically in Grants.gov. In order to submit an application for funding in Grant.gov under the FY XXXX IRS program, all entities (including agencies, organizations, institutions, or individuals) must have an active Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). If you do not have an active UEI, you may obtain one online at: https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration.

We strongly encourage applicants to register in Grants.gov early because the registration process may require five (5) or more days to complete. Additionally, because the time it takes to upload an application may vary depending on the size of your application and the speed of your Internet connection, we also strongly encourage you to submit your application 3 days prior to the closing date deadline. Your application must be fully uploaded and submitted and must be date-and time-stamped by the Grants.gov system no later than 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time, on the application deadline.

If you should have any questions or require additional information, please contact:

Dana Sapatoru

International Research Studies Program Officer

[email protected]

(202)-987-1944

We look forward to receiving compelling and innovative projects that are consistent with the priorities of this competition and allowable activities and which would be a worthwhile investment of federal funds to strengthen and improve instruction, learning, and research in modern foreign languages and related area studies.

Sincerely,

/s/

Sarah T. Beaton

Director, Advanced Training and Research Division

International and Foreign Language Education

IRS Competition Overview

The estimated amounts for the FY XXXX competition are below.

Estimated available funds:

Research, Studies, or Survey Projects: [INSERT AMOUNT].

Specialized Instructional Materials Projects: [INSERT AMOUNT].

Estimated Range of Awards:

Research, Studies, or Survey Projects: [INSERT RANGE] for each budget period of 12 months.

Specialized Instructional Materials Projects: [INSERT RANGE] for each budget period of 12 months.

Estimated Average Size of Awards:

Research, Studies, or Survey Projects: [INSERT AMOUNT ] for each budget period of 12 months.

Specialized Instructional Materials Projects: [INSERT AMOUNT] for each budget period of 12 months.

Estimated Number of Awards:

Research, Studies, or Survey Projects: [INSERT NUMBER] .

Specialized Instructional Materials Projects: [INSERT NUMBER].

Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates above.

Project Period: Up to 36 months.

For the FY XXXX competition, eligible applicants may submit an International Research and Studies (IRS) application for one of the following project types:

Research, Studies, and Surveys, OR
Specialized Instructional Materials.

Applicants must provide a description that clearly identifies the type of IRS project for which funding is requested in section 15 of the SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance. Additional application submission details are included in the Notice Inviting Applications (NIA).

Eligible Applicants: Public and private agencies, organizations, institutions, and individuals.
Budget Periods Covered by the FY XXXX-XXXX Grant Cycle:

Year 1

FY XXXX-XX

October 1, XXXX - September 30, XXXX

Year 2

FY XXXX-XX

October 1, XXXX - September 30, XXXX

Year 3

FY XXXX-XX

October 1, XXXX - September 30, XXXX
Competitive Preference Priority: For FY XXXX and any subsequent year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this competition, this priority is a competitive preference priority.

[INSERT COMPETITIVE PREFERENCE PRIORITIES]

IRS Program Authorization and Regulations

Authorization

Title VI, Part A, sections 601 and 605 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended.

Applicable Regulations

a) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations in 34 CFR parts 75, 77, 81, 82, 84, 86, 97, 98, and 99.

(b) The Office of Management and Budget Guidelines to Agencies on Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) in 2 CFR part 180, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department in 2 CFR part 3485.

(c) The Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards in 2 CFR part 200, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department in 2 CFR part 3474.

(d) The regulations for this program in 34 CFR parts 655 and 660.

(e) The Secretary's Supplemental Priorities and Definitions for Discretionary Grants Programs published in the Federal Register on December 10, 2021 (86 FR 70612) (Supplemental Priorities).

Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 86 apply to institutions of higher education only.

Purpose of Program

The research and studies may include, but are not limited to—

(a) Studies and surveys to determine needs for increased or improved instruction in modern foreign languages, area studies, or other international fields, including the demand for foreign language, area, or other international specialists in government, education, and the private sector;

(b) Research on more effective methods of providing instruction and achieving competency in foreign languages, area studies, or other international fields;

(c) Research on applying performance tests and standards across all areas of foreign language instruction and classroom use;

(d) Developing and publishing specialized materials for use in foreign language, area studies, and other international fields or for training foreign language, area, and other international specialists;

(e) Studies and surveys to assess the use of graduates of programs supported under title VI of the HEA by governmental, educational, and private-sector organizations and other studies assessing the outcomes and effectiveness of supported programs;

(f) Comparative studies of the effectiveness of strategies to provide international capabilities at institutions of higher education;

(g) Evaluation of the extent to which programs assisted under title VI of the HEA that address national needs would not otherwise be offered;

(h) Studies and surveys of the use of technologies in foreign language, area studies, and international studies programs;

(i) Studies and evaluations of effective practices in the dissemination of international information, materials, research, teaching strategies, and testing techniques throughout the educational community, including elementary and secondary schools;

(j) Evaluations of the extent to which programs assisted under title VI of the HEA reflect diverse perspectives and a wide range of views and generate debate on world regions and international affairs, as described in the grantee’s application;

(k) Systematic collection, analysis, and dissemination of data that contribute to achieving the purposes of title VI, part A of the HEA; and

(l) Support for programs or activities to make data collected, analyzed, or disseminated under 20 U.S.C. 1125 publicly available and easy to understand.

Eligible Applicants

Institutions, public and private agencies, organizations, and individuals.

Selection Criteria

PLEASE REVIEW THE SELECTION CRITERIA CONTAINED IN THE REGULATIONS FOR THIS PROGRAM THAT ARE INCLUDED LATER IN THIS APPLICATION AND IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE. The FY XXXX Notice Inviting Applications (NIA) published in the Federal Register is the official guidance for the competition. Applicants should not rely upon any information that is inconsistent with the official NIA document.

Common Selection Criteria Used to Evaluate Research, Study, or Survey Projects and Specialized Instructional Materials Projects (34 CFR 655.31)

Plan of operation (up to 10 points).

The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the quality of

the plan of operation for the project.

The Secretary looks for information that shows–

(i) High quality in the design of the project;

(ii) An effective plan of management that ensures proper and efficient administration of the project;

(iii) A clear description of how the objectives of the project relate to the purpose of the program;

(iv) The way the applicant plans to use its resources and personnel to achieve each objective; and

(v) A clear description of how the applicant will provide equal access and treatment for eligible project participants who are members of groups that have been traditionally underrepresented, such as members of racial or ethnic minority groups, women, and handicapped persons.

Quality of key personnel (up to 10 points).

The Secretary reviews each application for information

that shows the quality of the key personnel the applicant plans to use on the project.

The Secretary looks for information that shows—

(i) The qualifications of the project director (if one is to be used);

(ii) The qualifications of each of the other key personnel to be used in the project. In the case of faculty, the qualifications of the faculty and the degree to which that faculty is directly involved in the actual teaching and supervision of students;

(iii) The time that each person referred to in paragraphs (b)(2)(i) and (ii) of this section plans to commit to the project; and

(iv) The extent to which the applicant, as part of its nondiscriminatory employment practices, encourages applications for employment from persons who are members of groups that have been traditionally underrepresented, such as members of racial or ethnic minority groups, women, handicapped persons, and the elderly.

To determine the qualifications of a person, the Secretary considers evidence of past experience and training, in fields related to the objectives of the project, as well as other information that the applicant provides.

Budget and cost effectiveness (up to 5 points).

The Secretary reviews each application for information

that shows that the project has an adequate budget and is cost effective.

The Secretary looks for information that shows—

(i) The budget for the project is adequate to support the project activities; and

(ii) Costs are reasonable in relation to the objectives of the project.

(d) Evaluation plan (up to 10 points).

(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the quality of the evaluation plan for the project.

(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows methods of evaluation that are appropriate for the project and, to the extent possible, are objective and produce data that are quantifiable.

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

(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that the applicant plans to devote adequate resources to the project.

(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows—

(i) Other than library, facilities that the applicant plans to use are adequate (language laboratory, museums, etc.); and

(ii) The equipment and supplies that the applicant plans to use are adequate.

AND

Competitive Preference Priority (0 or 5 points)

Under this priority, an applicant must demonstrate that the project will be implemented by or in partnership with one or more of the following entities:

(1) Community colleges.

(2) Historically Black colleges and universities.

(3) Tribal Colleges and Universities.

(4) Minority-serving institutions.

Please see the FY 2026 IRS Notice Inviting Applications for the definitions of these entities.–

Selection Criteria Used to Evaluate Research, Study, or Survey Projects (34 CFR 660.32)

(a) Need for the project (up to 10 points).

The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows—

(1) A need for the proposed project in the field of study on which the project focuses; and

(2) That the proposed project will provide information about the present and future needs of the United States for study in foreign language and other international fields.

(b) Usefulness of expected results (up to 10 points).

The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the extent to which the results of the proposed project are likely to be used by other research projects or programs with similar objectives.

The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that the extent to which the proposed project is likely to develop new knowledge that will contribute to the purposes of the International Education Program authorized by part A of title VI of the HEA.

(d) Formulation of problems and knowledge of related research (up to 10 points).

The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that problems, questions, or hypotheses to be dealt with by the applicant—

(e) Specificity of statement of procedures (up to 5 points).

The Secretary reviews each application for the specificity and completeness of the statement of procedures to be followed, including a discussion of such components as sampling techniques, controls, data to be gathered, and statistical and other analyses to be undertaken.

(f) Adequacy of methodology and scope of project (up to 10 points). The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows—

(1) The adequacy of the proposed teaching, testing, and research methodology; and

(2) The size, scope, and duration of the proposed project.

Selection Criteria Used to Evaluated Specialized Instructional Materials Projects (34 CFR 660.33)

(a) Need for the project (up to 10 points).

The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that—

The proposed materials are needed in the educational

field of study on which the project focuses; and

The language or languages, the area, region, or country, or the issues or studies for which the materials are to be developed, are of sufficient priority and significance to the national interest to warrant financial support by the Federal Government.

(b) Potential for the use of materials in other programs (up to 10 points).

The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the extent to which the proposed materials may be used elsewhere in the United States.

The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that—

All existing related or similar materials have been accounted for and the critical commentary on their adequacy is appropriate and accurate; and
The proposed materials will not duplicate any existing adequate materials.

(d) Likelihood of achieving results (up to 10 points).

The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that the outlined methods and procedures for preparing the materials are practicable and can be expected to produce the anticipated results.

(e) Expected contribution to other programs (up to 10 points).

The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the extent to which the proposed work may contribute significantly to strengthening, expanding, or improving programs of foreign language studies, area studies, or international studies in the United States.

(f) Description of final form of materials (up to 5 points).

The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows a high degree of specificity in the description of the contents and final form of the proposed materials.

(g) Provisions for pretesting and revision (up to 5 points).

The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that adequate provision has been made for —

Pretesting the proposed materials; and
If necessary, revising the proposed materials before publication.

The total maximum score for the selection criteria and the competitive preference priority is 100 points for both Research, Studies, or Surveys projects and for Specialized Instructional Materials projects.

Application Format and Components

Preparing Your Application

For FY XXXX, the IRS competition requires applicants to submit an application package into the Grants.gov system for EITHER a Research, Studies, Survey project OR a Specialized Instructional Materials project.

Formatting Your Application

A “page” is 8.5” x 11”, on one side only, with 1” margins at the top, bottom, and both sides. Page numbers and an identifier (e.g., the institution name and Center), may be within the 1” margin. Double space (no more than three lines per vertical inch) all text in the application narrative, except titles, headings, footnotes, quotations, references, and captions. Charts, tables, figures, and graphs in the application narrative may be single-spaced and will count toward the recommended page limit. Applicants may use one of the following fonts: Times New Roman, Courier, Courier New or Arial. Use a font that is either 12-point or larger, or no smaller than 10 pitch (characters per inch). However, you may use a 10-point font in charts, tables, figures, and graphs.

The recommended 25-page limit applies to the entirety of the application narrative. It does not apply to the Application for Federal Assistance face sheet (SF-424); the supplemental SF-424 form; Budget Information- Non-Construction Programs (ED 524 Section A); the detailed line item budget (ED 524 Section C); the assurances, certifications, and the response to section 427 of the General Education Provisions Act; the project abstract; the Table of Contents; the List of Acronyms, the other appendices (including Project Timeline and Bibliography); and the Certification of Eligibility (ED 80-0016).

Application Components

Applications must include the following:

SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance and ED Supplement to the SF-424

SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance and ED Supplement to the SF-424 are standard forms that must be submitted with any grant application and serve as the title pages.

Project Abstract

The project abstract introduces the peer reviewers to the project that you are proposing for fiscal years XXXX-XXXX. It should clearly describe how the proposed activities are consistent with the IRS program purpose and should also include information about the proposed project methodology and the project’s anticipated outcomes and impact, as well as if it responds to the Competitive Preference Priority for the competition.

Please note the following:

The project abstract is not included in the suggested 25 pages.
The suggested page length for the abstract is one page.
The project abstract may be single-spaced.

Project Narrative

The application (project) narrative is where you, the applicant, address the selection criteria, the absolute priority, the competitive preference priority, and the application requirements that reviewers will use to evaluate your application. We recommend that you limit the application (project) narrative to no more than 25 pages. For the complete details and standards for the application narrative, please read the FY XXXX NIA published in the Federal Register.

The selection criteria are listed on pages 8-11 above and in the Notice Inviting Applications. The common set of criteria used to evaluate both Research, Studies, or Surveys projects and Specialized Instructional Materials projects are from 34 CFR 660.31. Additional criteria for Research, Studies, or Surveys projects are from 34 CFR 660.32, and additional criteria for Specialized Instructional Materials projects can be found in 34 CFR 660.33. To better organize the project narrative and to facilitate the evaluation by reviewers, we recommend the following:

Read each selection criterion and the sub-factor(s) carefully and provide meaningful, clear, and relevant information that effectively and efficiently responds to that selection criterion and any sub-factor(s). We recommend following the same sequence and using the selection criteria above as headings throughout the narrative.

Although certain selection criteria might seem to be asking for duplicative information, read the criteria carefully to discern the nuances of what is being requested. However, there is no need to provide the identical information more than once. Include a cross reference if certain information is present elsewhere in the narrative.
Include a Table of Contents, a List of Acronyms, a Project Timeline, and a Bibliography (if desired), which are helpful for the reviewers to find and reference information more easily during the peer review process. These appendices are not included in the suggested project narrative length of 25 pages.

When addressing the evaluation plan for your project, please note the following recommendations:

A strong evaluation plan should be included in the project narrative and should be used, as appropriate, to shape the development of the project from the beginning of the grant period. The plan should include benchmarks to monitor progress toward specific project objectives and outcome measures to assess the impact on teaching and learning, post-graduate research, area studies, world language training or other important outcomes for project participants.
The plan should identify the individual and/or the organization that will serve as the evaluator for the project and describe the qualifications of that evaluator.
The plan should describe the evaluation design, indicating:

what types of data will be collected;
when various types of data will be collected;
what methods will be used;
what instruments will be developed and when;
how the data will be analyzed;
when reports of results and outcomes will be available; and
how the applicant will use the information collected through the evaluation to monitor progress of the funded project and to provide accountability information both about success at the initial site and effective strategies for replication in other settings.

Applicants are encouraged to devote an appropriate level of resources to project evaluation.

Successful applicants will be expected to include in their annual performance reports information about project accomplishments or revisions throughout the grant cycle, including a description of preliminary or key findings and an explanation of any changes in goals, objectives, methodology, or planned products or publications.

Project Budget

The project budget is the financial plan for the Federal award that the Department approves during the award process or in subsequent amendments to the award. The project budget should meet the following requirements:

The budget should demonstrate that the proposed costs are reasonable and necessary for conducting an effective, efficient, and high-quality project.
The budget should include only allowable and allocable costs.
The budget should be in alignment with the proposed project scale and scope.
The itemized budget and budget narrative should provide sufficient detail to enable the reviewers to make an informed judgement about whether the budget represents a sound investment of Federal funds.

Budget Form ED 524 Budget Summary Section A-Non-Construction Programs

Applicants are required to use ED Form 524 Budget Summary Section A – Non-Construction Programs to present the amounts requested for all three years of the project.

Note: DO NOT include ED 524 Budget Summary Section B- Budget Summary Non-Federal Funds in your application. This form is required only for programs that have a legislatively mandated cost-sharing or matching requirement. The IRS program does not require cost-sharing or matching.

Budget Form ED 524 Budget Summary Section C (Budget Narrative)

Applicants are required to use ED 524 Budget Summary Section C to submit the detailed, itemized budget for amounts requested for each year of the 3-year proposed project. You may want to highlight/mark/asterisk all costs that are related to the selected Competitive Preference Priority.

In presenting your detailed budget, use the categories in the ED 524 Budget Section Summary A-Non-Construction Programs as follows.

Personnel. Include the salaries for all personnel who will be assuming key roles in conducting the proposed project. The itemized budget narrative should provide information to support the requested positions, the level of compensation, and the time in effort being charged to the grant.

Note: Professional service fees for consultants, external evaluators, conference speakers, workshop facilitators, etc., should be included in category 8, Other, of the ED 524 form.

Fringe Benefits. Fringe benefits are allowances and services provided by employers to their employees as compensation in addition to regular salaries and wages. Fringe benefits include, but are not limited to, the costs of leave (vacation, family-related sick, or military), employee insurance, pensions, and unemployment benefit plans. The fringe benefits costs are allowable, provided the costs are reasonable and required by law, the non-Federal entity-employee agreement, or an established policy of the non-Federal entity.

For best practices, please indicate the dollar amount as well as the percentage rate for the calculation of fringe benefits.

Travel. Include the travel costs for the center-related personnel and researchers in this category. The travel costs for other project participants should be included in category 8, Other. The definition for travel costs from 34 CFR Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Federal Awards is as follows:

§200.474 Travel costs.

(a) General. Travel costs are the expenses for transportation, lodging, subsistence, and related items incurred by employees who are in travel status on official business of the non-Federal entity. Such costs may be charged on an actual cost basis, on a per diem or mileage basis in lieu of actual costs incurred, or on a combination of the two, provided the method used is applied to an entire trip and not to selected days of the trip, and results in charges consistent with those normally allowed in like circumstances in the non-Federal entity’s non-federally-funded activities and in accordance with non-Federal entity’s written travel reimbursement policies.

(b) Lodging and subsistence. Costs incurred by employees and officers for travel, including costs of lodging, other subsistence, and incidental expenses, must be considered reasonable and otherwise allowable only to the extent such costs do not exceed charges normally allowed by the non-Federal entity in its regular operations as the result of the non-Federal entity’s written travel policy. In addition, if these costs are charged directly to the Federal award documentation must justify that: (1) Participation of the individual is necessary to the Federal award; and (2) The costs are reasonable and consistent with non-Federal entity’s established travel policy.

Equipment. Equipment is defined as non-expendable personal property having a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit. In the itemized budget or in the budget narrative, explain why the requested equipment is necessary and include the per-unit cost and the total number of units.
Supplies. Supplies are all tangible personal property with an acquisition cost of less than $5000 per unit. In the itemized budget or in the budget narrative, provide a list of all requested supplies.
Contractual. This category may include services covered by a legal instrument by which a non-Federal entity purchases property or services needed to carry out the project or program under a Federal award.
Construction. This category is not applicable for IRS grants. Please leave blank.
Other. This category includes direct costs not covered in lines 1 through 5. Professional service fees for consultants and external evaluator fees, non-employee travel costs, costs for conferences, space rental and printing and publication costs, etc., are allowable and should be included in this category. Participant support costs, such as stipends or subsistence allowances, travel allowances, and registration fees paid to or on behalf of participants or trainees in connection with conferences, or training projects, are allowable.

In the detailed budget attachment, please provide a breakdown of all costs included in “Other”.

Total Direct Costs. Total Direct Costs represent the sum of the costs on lines 1-8.
Indirect Costs. Indirect (Facilities and Administrative) costs are the costs incurred for a common or joint purpose benefitting more than one cost objective and not readily assignable to the cost objectives specifically benefited.

The IRS program is a Title VI discretionary program that is not subject to restricted indirect cost rates.

If you are applying as an agency, organization or institution and you are requesting reimbursement for indirect costs on line 10, the following information must be completed by your Business Office:

(1): Indicate whether your organization has an Indirect Cost Rate Agreement that was approved by the Federal government. If you checked “no,” the Department generally will authorize grantees to use a temporary rate of 10 percent of budgeted salaries and wages subject to the following limitations:

(a) The grantee must submit an indirect cost proposal to its cognizant agency within 90 days after the Department issues a grant award notification; and

(b) 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 do have a negotiated indirect cost rate, provide a copy of your Indirect Cost Rate Agreement and indicate the beginning and ending dates of this agreement. In addition, indicate whether the Department or another Federal or State agency issued the approved agreement.

(3): If you do not have a negotiated indirect cost rate, indicate if you want to use the de minimis rate of 10 percent of Modified Total Direct Cost (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.

For additional information on indirect cost rates for organizations and entities, please consult § 200.414 Indirect (F&A) costs.

If you are applying as an individual, please note that Indirect cost reimbursement is not allowable under grants to individuals (34 CFR 75.564(c)(3)).

Training Stipends. This category is not applicable for IRS grants. Please leave blank.

Note: Funds under the IRS program may not be used for the training of students and teachers (see 34 CFR 660.40) “What are the limitations on allowable costs?”).

Total Costs. Total Costs are calculated as the sum of Total Direct costs (category 9) and Indirect Costs (category 10) above

Appendices/Other Attachments

The following constitute additional documents that should be included with the application:

Curricula Vitae of key personnel involved in the project;
Letters of Support on behalf of the proposal;
Project Timeline (optional);
Bibliography (optional);
Certification of Eligibility (ED 80-0016) (required for individual applicants only).

Finally, all applicants are required to include the following mandatory assurances and certifications:

The GEPA 427 Form (ed.gov) is where applicants may identify any barriers that may impede equitable access and participation in the proposed project or activity, including, but not limited to, barriers based on economic disadvantage, gender, race, ethnicity, color, national origin, disability, age, language, migrant status, rural status, homeless status or housing insecurity, pregnancy, parenting, or caregiving status, and sexual orientation.

Note:

This form is now integrated into the grants.gov environment and will not require a separate PDF submission or upload.

We encourage applicants to take the computer-based training, Ensuring Equitable Opportunities Under the GEPA Section 427 on the ED.gov website at Grants Training and Management Resources Online Grants Training Courses and to visit the Department of Education Equity Action Plan website

Assurances – Non-Construction Programs (SF-424B);
Grants.gov Lobbying Form (Formerly ED Form 80-0013);
Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF LLL).

Submission Procedures

IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

All applicants are required to submit applications electronically using Grants.gov.

General

NOTICE INVITING APPLICATIONS

The Notice Inviting Applications (NIA) published in the Federal Register constitutes the official competition guidelines. An applicant should not rely upon external information that is inconsistent with the application preparation guidelines and submission instructions presented in the NIA. The FY XXXX IRS NIA is included in this application booklet on pages 30-50.

COMMON INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICANTS TO DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION DISCRETIONARY GRANT PROGRAMS

Applicants are required to follow the Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal Register on December 7, 2022 (87 FR 75045) and available at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/12/07/2022-26554/common-instructions-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant-programs, which contain requirements and information on how to submit an application. Please note that these Common Instructions supersede the version published on December 27, 2021.

To submit your application electronically using Grants.gov, you must—

Have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).

If you are applying as an organization or entity and do not have an active Unique Entity ID, you may obtain one online at: https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration.

If you are a corporate entity, agency, institution, or organization, you can obtain a TIN from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). If you are an individual, you can obtain a TIN from the IRS or the Social Security Administration. If you need a new TIN, please allow two to five weeks for your TIN to become active.

Be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov), the Government's primary registrant database;
Provide your UEI number and TIN on your application; and
Maintain an active SAM registration with current information while your application is under review by the Department and, if you are awarded a grant, during the project period.

Helpful Reminders

REGISTER EARLY

Grants.gov registration involves many steps which may take approximately one week, but could take upwards of several weeks to complete.

The SAM registration process usually takes approximately 7 to 10 business days, but may take longer, depending on the completeness and accuracy of the data you enter into the SAM.gov database. We recommend that you register early, at least 10 to 14 business days before the application deadline. If you are unable to submit an application on Grants.gov by the application deadline because you do not have an active SAM registration, you will not be considered for funding. 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.

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. For detailed information on the Registration Steps, please go to: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html.

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 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, you will need to resubmit successfully to Grants.gov before 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the deadline date for your application to be eligible and considered for review.

VERIFY SUBMISSION IS COMPLETE

After you submit your application, please make sure you that:

you receive an on-screen and email confirmation receipt;
you document your Grants.gov Tracking Number; and
the date/time stamp is the official time of submission.

Please also consult the section on the Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission, below, for submitting an application to the Department of Education in Grants.gov.

IRS PROGRAM TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

If you have questions about the IRS program and/or preparing your application, please contact Dana Sapatoru at (202) 987-1944 or dana[email protected].

Grants.gov Application Submission and Receipt Procedures

This section provides the application submission and receipt instructions for Department of Education (Department) grant applications. Please read the following instructions carefully and completely.

Electronic Delivery

The U.S. Department of Education is participating in the Grants.gov initiative to provide the grant community with a single site to find and apply for grant funding opportunities. The Department encourages applicants to submit their applications online through Grants.gov.

How to Register to Apply through Grants.gov

Instructions

Read the instructions below about registering to apply for Department of Education funds. Applicants should read the registration instructions carefully and prepare the information requested before beginning the registration process. Reviewing and assembling the required information before beginning the registration process will alleviate last-minute searches for required information.

Organizations must have an active System for Award Management (SAM) registration which provides a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), and a Grants.gov account to apply for grants. Individual applicants (those submitting on their own behalf) eligible to apply for this funding opportunity need only refer to steps 2 and 3 below.

Creating a Grants.gov account can be completed online in minutes, but SAM registration may take several weeks. Therefore, an organization's registration should be done in sufficient time to ensure it does not impact the entity's ability to meet required application submission deadlines.

Organization registration instructions can be found on Grants.gov here: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html.

1) Register with SAM: All organizations (entities) applying online through Grants.gov must register with the System for Award Management (SAM). Failure to register with SAM will prevent your organization from applying through Grants.gov. SAM registration must be renewed annually. For more detailed instructions for registering with SAM, refer to: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html.

2) Create a Grants.gov Account: The next step is to register an account with Grants.gov. Follow the on-screen instructions provided on the registration page.

3) Add a Profile to a Grants.gov Account: A profile in Grants.gov corresponds to a single applicant organization the user represents (i.e., an applicant) or an individual applicant submitting on their own behalf. If you work for or consult with multiple organizations, you can have a profile for each organization under one Grants.gov account. In such cases, you may log in to one Grants.gov account to access all your grant profiles. To add an organizational profile to your Grants.gov account, enter the UEI (Unique Entity Identifier) for the organization in the UEI field. If you are an individual applicant submitting on your own behalf, you do not need a UEI to add the profile. For more detailed instructions about creating a profile on Grants.gov, refer to: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/add-profile.html.

4) EBiz POC Authorized Profile Roles: After you register with Grants.gov and create an Organization Applicant Profile, the applicant's request for Grants.gov roles and access is sent to the EBiz POC. The EBiz POC is then expected to log in to Grants.gov and authorize the appropriate roles, which may include the AOR role, thereby giving you permission to complete and submit applications on behalf of the organization. You will be able to submit your application online any time after you have been assigned the AOR role. For more detailed instructions about creating a profile on Grants.gov, refer to:
https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/authorize-roles.html.

5) Track Role Status: To track your role request, refer to:
https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/track-role-status.html.

Electronic Signature

When applications are submitted through Grants.gov, the name of the organization applicant with the AOR role that submitted the application is inserted into the signature line of the application, serving as the electronic signature. The EBiz POC of the organization must authorize people who are able to make legally binding commitments on behalf of the organization as a user with the AOR role; this step is often missed and it is crucial for valid and timely submissions.

Grants.gov Registration Instructions for Individuals

An individual may submit a grant application on his/her/their own behalf, not representing an organization, institution, or government entity under the IRS program. An individual must, however, also complete the Grants.gov account registration process. When entering an email address, please keep in mind that all correspondence with Grants.gov will be sent to that email address.

Under the How would you like to proceed? heading, select Add Individual Applicant Profile option. Individuals do not need a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) to add a profile and submit applications. The system will generate a default value in that field where applicable. However, if you are the sole proprietor of an organization, you can register as a 'Sole Proprietor' in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).

With this different eligibility also comes several differences in the user experience with Grants.gov. Since an individual may be the only person working on the application, you do not need to perform organization or role management functions.

The Grants.gov Online Help frequently refers to the specific roles and access levels throughout the help articles in order to explain specifically who can take which actions when. As an individual applicant, the core actions for applying and submitting applications are the same as performed by organization applicants, but there are minor steps which you will not need to take since you do not apply for grants as a team or manage other users' access to applications.

How to Submit an Application to the Department of Education via Grants.gov

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

For an overview of applying on Grants.gov using Workspaces, refer to:
https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please note the following recommendations for attaching files to your application:

When you submit your application electronically, you must upload any narrative sections and all other attachments to your application as files in either Portable Document Format (PDF) or Microsoft Word. Although applicants have the option of uploading any narrative sections and all other attachments to their application in either PDF or Microsoft Word, we recommend applicants submit all documents as read-only flattened PDFs, meaning any fillable PDF files must be saved and submitted as non-fillable PDF files and not as interactive or fillable PDF files, to better ensure applications are processed in a more timely, accurate, and efficient manner.
If more than one attachment is included in a grant submission in Grants.gov and two or more files have the same name, the grant application cannot be processed without manual intervention. To correct this, you should:

rename attached files with the same name so that no files share the same name;
reattach the files;
resubmit the application package.

When attaching files, applicants should follow the guidelines established by Grants.gov on the size and content of file names as follows:

Please limit file names to 50 or fewer characters.
Please use only the following UTF-8 characters when naming your attachments: A-Z, a-z, 0-9, underscore, hyphen, space, period, parenthesis, curly braces, square brackets, ampersand, tilde, exclamation point, comma, semi colon, apostrophe, at sign, number sign, dollar sign, percent sign, plus sign, and equal sign. Attachments that do not follow this rule may cause the entire application to be rejected or cause issues during processing.

Applicants should limit the size of their file attachments. Documents submitted that contain graphics and/or scanned material often greatly increase the size of the file attachments and can result in difficulties opening the files. For reference, the average discretionary grant application package with all attachments is less than 5 MB. Grants.gov suggests limiting the file size of the entire grant application package including all the attachments to 200MB. Therefore, you may want to check the total size of your package before submission.

Applications submitted that do not comply with the Grants.gov guidelines will be rejected and will not be forwarded to the Department.

Applicant Support

Grants.gov provides applicants 24/7 support via the toll-free number 1-800-518-4726 and email at [email protected]. For questions related to the specific opportunity, contact the number listed in the application package of the grant you are applying for.

If you are experiencing difficulties with your submission, it is best to call the Grants.gov Support Center and get a ticket number. The Support Center ticket number will assist the Department of Education with tracking your issue and understanding background information on the issue.

Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission

Online Submission

All applications must be received by 11:59:59 Eastern time on the due date established for the competition. Proof of timely submission is automatically recorded by Grants.gov. An electronic date/time stamp is generated within the system when the application is successfully received by Grants.gov. The applicant with the AOR role who submitted the application will receive an acknowledgement of receipt and a tracking number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) from Grants.gov with the successful transmission of their application. This applicant with the AOR role will also receive the official date/time stamp and Grants.gov Tracking number in an email serving as proof of their timely submission.

When the Department of Education successfully retrieves the application from Grants.gov, and acknowledges the download of submissions, Grants.gov will provide an electronic acknowledgment of receipt of the application to the email address of the applicant with the AOR role who submitted the application. Again, proof of timely submission shall be the official date and time that Grants.gov receives your application. Applications received by Grants.gov after the established due date for the program will be considered late and will not be considered for funding.

Applicants using unreliable internet connections should be aware that the process of completing the Workspace can take some time. Therefore, applicants should allow enough time to prepare and submit the application before the package closing date.

You will receive a series of confirmations both online and via e-mail about the status of your application, including the following:

Grants.gov Submission Receipt Email

Your application has been received by Grants.gov
Grants.gov E-mail Verifying Receipt (with Track My Application URL)

Grants.gov Submission Validation or Rejection Email

Grants.gov E-mail Verifying Successful Submission OR
Rejection Due to Errors with a description of issue.

Please do not rely solely on e-mail to confirm whether your application has been received. Rather, please verify that Grants.gov received your application submission on time and that it was validated successfully. Check the date/time your application was received by logging in to Grants.gov, accessing the Details tab of the submitted Workspace and checking the Submission Details. You may also track the application status by entering the Grant Tracking Number under Track My Application. For a successful submission, the date/time received should be earlier than 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time, on the deadline date, AND the application status should be: Validated, Received by Agency, or Agency Tracking Number Assigned. Once the Department of Education receives your application from Grants.gov, an Agency Tracking Number (PR/award number) will be assigned to your application and will be available for viewing at the Track My Application link on Grants.gov.

If the date/time received is later than 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time, on the deadline date, your application is late and is not eligible for review.

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.

If you discover your application is late or has been rejected, please see the instructions below. Some of the reasons Grants.gov may reject an application can be found on Grants.gov at http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/encountering-error-messages.html. For more detailed information on troubleshooting Adobe errors, you can review the Adobe Reader Software Tip Sheet at http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html. Applicants may call or email the Grants.gov Support Center at 1-800-518-4726 or [email protected] for assistance with resolving any issues.

Grants.gov does not allow an applicant to un-submit an application after it has been submitted. If you discover that you need to revise your application after you have submitted it, you must submit another application that is date-and-time stamped by Grants.gov no later than 11:59:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on the application deadline date. The replacement application will be submitted to the peer review process. Once again, we suggest that you submit your application several days before the deadline date in case you discover that you need to submit a replacement application.

Please note that email confirmations and receipts from Grants.gov do not indicate receipt by the Department, nor do they mean that your application is complete or has met all application requirements. While your application may have been successfully validated by Grants.gov, it also must be reviewed in accordance with the Department's application requirements as specified in the competition NIA and in these application instructions. It is your responsibility to ensure that your submitted application has met all of the Department's requirements.

Submission Problems

If you have problems submitting to Grants.gov before the closing date, please contact Grants.gov Customer Support by phone at 1-800-518-4726 (U.S.) or 1-606-545-5035 (International), by email at mailto:[email protected], or access the Grants.gov Self-Service Knowledge Base web portal at: https://grants-portal.psc.gov/Welcome.aspx?pt=Grants.

The Grants.gov Support Center will provide you with a Support Desk Case Number documenting your communication. You must retain your Support Desk Case Number for future reference as proof of your communication with the Support Center. Please subsequently contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section in the competition NIA and provide an explanation of the technical problem you experienced with Grants.gov, along with the Grants.gov Support Desk Case Number.

If you are prevented from electronically submitting your application on the application deadline date because of technical problems within the Grants.gov system, the Department will grant you an extension until 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time, the following business day to enable you to transmit your application electronically, provided the Department can verify the technical issues that affected your ability to submit your application on time via your Grants.gov Support Desk Case Number.

Submission of Paper Applications

We discourage paper applications, but if electronic submission is not possible (e.g., you do not have access to the internet), you must provide a written statement that you intend to submit a paper application. Send this written statement no later than two weeks before the application deadline date (14 calendar days or, if the 14th calendar day before the application deadline date falls on a Federal holiday, the next business day following the Federal holiday).

If you submit your notification by email, it must be received by the Department no later than 14 calendar days before the application deadline date. If you mail your notification to the Department, it must be postmarked no later than 14 calendar days before the application deadline date. Please send this statement to the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of the competition NIA.

If you submit a paper application, you must have, and include on your application, a UEI number and mail the original and two copies of your application, on or before the application deadline date, to the Department at the following address:

U.S. Department of Education
Application Control Center
Attention: (CFDA Number)
LBJ Basement Level 1
400 Maryland Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20202-4260.

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

A legibly dated U.S. Postal Service postmark.
A legible mail receipt with the date of mailing stamped by the U.S. Postal Service.
A dated shipping label, invoice, or receipt from a commercial carrier.
Any other proof of mailing acceptable to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education.

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

A private metered postmark.
A mail receipt that is not dated by the U.S. Postal Service.

Note: The U.S. Postal Service does not uniformly provide a dated postmark. Before relying on this method, you should check with your local post office.

We will not consider applications postmarked after the application deadline date.

Note for Mail Delivery of Paper Applications

If you mail your application to the Department—

You must indicate on the envelope and in Item 11 of the SF 424 the ALN number, including suffix letter, if any, of the competition under which you are submitting your application; and
The G5 Functional Application Team will notify you of the Department’s receipt of your grant application. If you do not receive this notification within 15 business days from the application deadline date, you should call the Application Control Center at (202) 245–6288.

Application Checklist

Before you submit your application, please use this checklist to make sure that you have included the requested components and forms, and that these components are uploaded to the correct places on the Grants.gov.

☐ Part I – Standard Mandatory Forms

 Application for Federal Assistance - (SF-424)

 Department of Education Supplemental Information for SF-424

☐ Part II - Department of Education Budget Summary Information – Non-Construction Programs (ED Form 524) – Section A

☐ Part III – Attachments:

 ED Project Abstract Form (suggested one page)

 Project Narrative that addresses selection criteria, including the Competitive Preference Priority, and may include the following:

Table of Contents
List of Acronyms
Project Timeline
Bibliography

 Budget Narrative Form ED 524 Section C (itemized budget)

☐ Part III - Other Attachments

 Curriculum Vitae

 Letters of Support

 Certification of Eligibility (ED 80-0016) (required for individual applicants only)

☐ Part IV - Assurances, Certifications, and Survey Forms

 ED GEPA 427 Form

ð Assurances – Non-Construction Programs (SF-424B)

ð Grants.gov Lobbying Form (Formerly ED Form 80-0013)

ð Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF LLL)

Supplemental Information: Post-Award Performance Reporting Requirements

If you receive a FY XXXX new grant award, you will be required to submit annual performance reports during the three-year project period into the IFLE International Resource Information System (IRIS). This online system collects progress narratives, data, and budget information from grantees to enable program officers to assess whether the grantee is making substantial progress toward meeting the approved project objectives. At the end of the project period, grantees will submit both a final performance report and a financial status report (SF 425).

Supplemental Information: Award Notices

If your application is successful, we notify your U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators. The Department’s G5 system will send the project director an email containing a link to access the electronic version of your Grant Award Notification. We may notify you informally, also.

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

International Research and Studies Federal Register Notice Inviting Applications

[NIA FOR COMPETITION PUBLISHED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER TO BE INSERTED HERE; NIA FOR FY 2023 BELOW AS PLACEHOLDER]

4000-01-U

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Applications for New Awards; International Research and Studies Program—Research,

Studies and Surveys; and Specialized Instructional Materials

AGENCY: Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of Education.

ACTION: Notice.

SUMMARY: The Department of Education is issuing a notice inviting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2023 for the International Research and Studies (IRS) program, Assistance Listing Number 84.017A. This notice relates to the approved information collection under OMB control number 1840-0795.

DATES:

Applications Available: 28 March 2023.

Pre-Application Webinar: The Department will hold a pre-application meeting via webinar for prospective applicants. Detailed information regarding the webinar, including date and time, will be provided on the website for the IRS program at https://www2.ed.gov/programs/iegpsirs/applicant.html.

Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: 12 May 2023.

ADDRESSES: For the addresses for obtaining and submitting an application, please refer to our Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal Register on December 7, 2022 (87 FR 75045) and available at www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/12/07/2022-26554/common-instructions-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant-programs. Please note that these Common Instructions supersede the version published on December 27, 2021.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dana Sapatoru, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, room 5C108, Lyndon Baines Johnson (LBJ) Building, Washington, DC 20202. Telephone: (202) 987-1944. Email: [email protected].

If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability and wish to access telecommunications relay services, please dial 7-1-1.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Full Text of Announcement

Funding Opportunity Description

Purpose of Program: The IRS program provides grants to public and private agencies, organizations, institutions, and individuals, to conduct research, studies, or surveys, or to develop specialized instructional materials, to improve and strengthen instruction and enrollment in modern foreign languages and related area studies. Under 34 CFR 660.1, research and studies may include, but are not limited to -

(a) Studies and surveys to determine needs for increased or improved instruction in modern foreign languages, area studies, or other international fields, including the demand for foreign language, area studies, and other international specialists in government, education, and the private sector;

(b) Research on more effective methods of providing instruction and achieving competency in foreign languages, area studies, or other international fields;

(c) Research on applying performance tests and standards across all areas of foreign language instruction and classroom use;

(d) Developing and publishing specialized materials for use in foreign language, area studies, and other international fields or for training foreign language, area studies, and other international specialists;

(e) Studies and surveys to assess the use of graduates of programs supported under title VI of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA) by governmental, educational, and private-sector organizations and other studies assessing the outcomes and effectiveness of supported programs;

(f) Comparative studies of the effectiveness of strategies to provide international capabilities at institutions of higher education;

(g) Evaluations of the extent to which programs assisted under title VI of the HEA that address national needs would not otherwise be offered;

(h) Studies and surveys of the use of technologies in foreign language, area studies, and international studies programs;

(k) Systematic collection, analysis, and dissemination of data that contribute to achieving the purposes of title VI, part A of the HEA; and

(l) Support for programs or activities to make data collected, analyzed, or disseminated under this part publicly available and easy to understand.

In this competition, applicants may request support for either a Research, Studies, or Surveys Project or a Specialized Instructional Materials Project. In section 15 of the SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance, applicants must clearly identify the type of IRS project for which funding is requested. Additional submission details are included in the application package.

Priorities: This notice contains one absolute priority and one competitive preference priority. In accordance with 34 CFR 75.105(b)(2)(ii), the absolute priority is from the program regulations at 34 CFR 660.34(a)(1) and 34 CFR 660.10(a), (b), (c), (f), (i), and (l). The competitive preference priority is from the Secretary's Supplemental Priorities and Definitions for Discretionary Grants Programs published in the Federal Register on December 10, 2021 (86 FR 70612) (Supplemental Priorities).

Absolute Priority: For FY 2023, and any subsequent year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this competition, this priority is an absolute priority. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(3) we consider only applications that meet this priority.

This priority is:

Research, Studies, or Survey Projects or Specialized Instructional Materials Projects.

Research, Studies, or Survey Projects or Specialized Instructional Materials Projects that contribute to the purposes of the International Education Program authorized by part A of title VI of the HEA, which must include one or more of the following allowable activities:

Research, Studies, or Survey Projects: (i) Studies and surveys to determine the need for increased or improved instruction in modern foreign languages and area studies and other international fields needed to provide full understanding of the places in which those languages are commonly used; (ii) research and studies on more effective methods of instruction and achieving competency in modern foreign languages, area studies, or other international fields or to evaluate competency in those foreign languages, area studies, or other international fields; (iii) studies and surveys to assess the use of graduates of programs supported under title VI of the HEA by governmental, educational, and private sector organizations, and other studies assessing the outcomes and effectiveness of supported programs; (iv) studies and surveys of the uses of technology in foreign language, area studies, and international studies programs; or (v) systematic collection, analysis, and dissemination of data that contribute to achieving the purposes of title VI, part A of the HEA.

Specialized Instructional Materials Projects: Development and publication of specialized materials for use by students and teachers of modern foreign languages, area studies, and other international fields or for use in providing such instruction and evaluation or for training individuals to provide such instruction and evaluation.

Competitive Preference Priority: For FY 2023, and any subsequent year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this competition, this priority is a competitive preference priority. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i) we award an additional 5 points to an application that meets this priority.

This priority is:

Promoting Equity in Student Access to Educational Resources and Opportunities.

Under this priority, an applicant must demonstrate that the project will be implemented by or in partnership with one or more of the following entities:

(1) Community colleges (as defined in this notice).

(2) Historically Black colleges and universities (as defined in this notice).

(3) Tribal Colleges and Universities (as defined in this notice).

(4) Minority-serving institutions (as defined in this notice).

Definitions: The following definitions apply to this program and are from the Supplemental Priorities.

Community college means “junior or community college” as defined in section 312(f) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA).

Historically Black colleges and universities means colleges and universities that meet the criteria set out in 34 CFR 608.2.

Minority-serving institution means an institution that is eligible to receive assistance under sections 316 through 320 of part A of title III, under part B of title III, or under title V of the HEA.

Tribal College or University has the meaning ascribed it in section 316(b)(3) of the HEA.

Note: The institutions designated eligible under title III and title V of the HEA may be viewed at the following link: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/idues/eligibility.html.

Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1125.

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

Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations in 34 CFR parts 75, 77, 81, 82, 84, 86, 97, 98, and 99. (b) The Office of Management and Budget Guidelines to Agencies on Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) in 2 CFR part 180, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department in 2 CFR part 3485. (c) The Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards in 2 CFR part 200, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department in 2 CFR part 3474. (d) The regulations for this program in 34 CFR part 655 and 660. (e) The Supplemental Priorities.

Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 86 apply to institutions of higher education only.

Award Information

Type of Award: Discretionary grants.

Estimated Available Funds: $1,619,540.

Research, Studies, or Survey Projects: $1,019,540.

Specialized Instructional Materials Projects: $600,000.

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

Estimated Range of Awards:

Research, Studies, or Survey Projects: $72,000 - $102,000 for each budget period of 12 months.

Specialized Instructional Materials Projects: $43,000 - $60,000 for each budget period of 12 months.

Estimated Average Size of Awards:

Research, Studies, or Survey Projects: $85,000 for each budget period of 12 months.

Specialized Instructional Materials Projects: $50,000 for each budget period of 12 months.

Estimated Number of Awards:

Research, Studies, or Survey Projects: 10.

Specialized Instructional Materials Projects: 10.

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

Project Period: Up to 36 months.

Eligibility Information

Eligible Applicants: Public and private agencies, organizations, institutions,

and individuals.

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

or matching.

b. Indirect Cost Rate Information: This program uses an unrestricted indirect cost rate. For more information regarding indirect costs, or to obtain a negotiated indirect cost rate, please see www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocfo/intro.html.

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

Subgrantees: Under 34 CFR 75.708(b) and (c) a grantee under this

competition may award subgrants to directly carry out project activities described in its application to the following types of entities: local educational agencies, State educational agencies, institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, or individuals. The grantee may award subgrants to entities it has identified in an approved application or that it selects through a competition under procedures established by the grantee.

Application and Submission Information

Application Submission Instructions: Applicants are required to follow

the Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal Register on December 7, 2022 (87 FR 75045) and available at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/12/07/2022-26554/common-instructions-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant-programs, which contain requirements and information on how to submit an application. Please note that these Common Instructions supersede the version published on December 27, 2021.

Submission of Proprietary Information: Given the types of projects that

may be proposed in applications for the IRS Program, your application may include business information that you consider proprietary. In 34 CFR 5.11 we define “business information” and describe the process we use in determining whether any of that information is proprietary and, thus, protected from disclosure under Exemption 4 of the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552, as amended).

Because we plan to post on our website the abstracts of all funded applications, you may wish to request confidentiality of business information.

Consistent with Executive Order 12600, please designate in your application any information that you believe is exempt from disclosure under Exemption 4. In the appropriate Appendix section of your application, under “Other Attachments Form,” please list the page number or numbers on which we can find this information. For additional information please see 34 CFR 5.11(c).

Intergovernmental Review: This program is not subject

to Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79.

Funding Restrictions: We reference regulations outlining funding

restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice.

Recommended Page Limit: The application narrative is where you, the

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

A “page” is 8.5" x 11", on one side only, with 1" margins at the top, bottom, and both sides.
Double-space (no more than three lines per vertical inch) all text in the application narrative, including titles, headings, footnotes, quotations, references, and captions, as well as all text in charts, tables, figures, and graphs.
Use a font that is either 12 point or larger or no smaller than 10 pitch (characters per inch).
Use one of the following fonts: Times New Roman, Courier, Courier New, or Arial.

The recommended page limit does not apply to Part I, Application for Federal Assistance cover sheet (SF-424); the Supplemental Information Form SF-424B; Part II, ED 524 (Summary Budget A) and the detailed budget justification (Summary Budget C); or Part IV, assurances, and certifications. The page limit also does not apply to the one-page abstract, the curriculum vitae, the bibliography, or the letters of support. However, the recommended page limit does apply to the entirety of the application narrative.

Application Review Information

Selection Criteria: The selection criteria for this competition are

from 34 CFR 655.31, 660.31, 660.32, and 660.33 and are as follows:

The total maximum score for the selection criteria and the competitive preference priority is 100 points for applications for Research, Studies, or Survey Projects and for Specialized Instructional Materials Projects, respectively.

Applications for Research, Studies, or Survey Projects will be evaluated using the criteria in 34 CFR 655.31 and 660.32. Applications for Specialized Instructional Materials Projects will be evaluated using the selection criteria in 34 CFR 655.31 and 660.33.

The Secretary evaluates all applications for a project under this program on the basis of the following criteria:

(a) Plan of operation (up to 10 points).

(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the quality of the plan of operation for the project.

(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows–

(i) High quality in the design of the project;

(ii) An effective plan of management that ensures proper and efficient administration of the project;

(iii) A clear description of how the objectives of the project relate to the purpose of the program;

(iv) The way the applicant plans to use its resources and personnel to achieve each objective; and

(b) Quality of key personnel (up to 10 points).

(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the quality of the key personnel the applicant plans to use on the project.

(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows—

(i) The qualifications of the project director (if one is to be used);

(iii) The time that each person referred to in paragraphs (b)(2)(i) and (ii) of this section plans to commit to the project; and

(3) To determine the qualifications of a person, the Secretary considers evidence of past experience and training, in fields related to the objectives of the project, as well as other information that the applicant provides.

(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that the project has an adequate budget and is cost effective.

(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows—

(i) The budget for the project is adequate to support the project activities; and

(ii) Costs are reasonable in relation to the objectives of the project.

(d) Evaluation plan (up to 10 points).

(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the quality of the evaluation plan for the project.

(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows methods of evaluation that are appropriate for the project and, to the extent possible, are objective and produce data that are quantifiable.

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

(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that the applicant plans to devote adequate resources to the project.

(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows—

(i) Other than library, facilities that the applicant plans to use are adequate (language laboratory, museums, etc.); and

(ii) The equipment and supplies that the applicant plans to use are adequate.

In addition to the criteria above, under 34 CFR 660.32, the Secretary evaluates applications for Research, Studies, or Survey Projects on the basis of the following criteria:

(a) Need for the project (up to 10 points). The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows—

(1) A need for the proposed project in the field of study on which the project focuses; and

(2) That the proposed project will provide information about the present and future needs of the United States for study in foreign language and other international fields.

(b) Usefulness of expected results (up to 10 points). The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the extent to which the results of the proposed project are likely to be used by other research projects or programs with similar objectives.

(c) Development of new knowledge (up to 10 points). The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the extent to which the proposed project is likely to develop new knowledge that will contribute to the purposes of the International Education Program authorized by part A of title VI of the HEA.

(d) Formulation of problems and knowledge of related research (up to 10 points). The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that problems, questions, or hypotheses to be dealt with by the applicant—

(1) Are well formulated; and

(2) Reflect adequate knowledge of related research.

(e) Specificity of statement of procedures (up to 5 points). The Secretary reviews each application for the specificity and completeness of the statement of procedures to be followed, including a discussion of such components as sampling techniques, controls, data to be gathered, and statistical and other analyses to be undertaken.

(f) Adequacy of methodology and scope of project (up to 10 points). The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows—

(1) The adequacy of the proposed teaching, testing, and research methodology; and

(2) The size, scope, and duration of the proposed project.

In addition to the criteria above, under 34 CFR 660.33, the Secretary evaluates applications for Specialized Instructional Materials Projects on the basis of the following criteria:

(a) Need for the project (up to 10 points). The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows—

(1) The proposed materials are needed in the educational field of study on which the project focuses; and

(2) The language or languages, the area, region, or country, or the issues or studies for which the materials are to be developed, are of sufficient priority and significance to the national interest to warrant financial support by the Federal Government.

(b) Potential for the use of materials in other programs (up to 10 points). The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the extent to which the proposed materials may be used elsewhere in the United States.

(c) Account of related materials (up to 5 points). The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that—

(1) All existing related or similar materials have been accounted for and the critical commentary on their adequacy is appropriate and accurate; and

(2) The proposed materials will not duplicate any existing adequate materials.

(d) Likelihood of achieving results (up to 10 points). The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that the outlined methods and procedures for preparing the materials are practicable and can be expected to produce the anticipated results.

(e) Expected contribution to other programs (up to 10 points). The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the extent to which the proposed work may contribute significantly to strengthening, expanding, or improving programs of foreign language studies, area studies, or international studies in the United States.

(f) Description of final form of materials (up to 5 points). The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows a high degree of specificity in the description of the contents and final form of the proposed materials.

(g) Provisions for pretesting and revision (up to 5 points). The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that adequate provision has been made for—

(1) Pretesting the proposed materials; and

(2) If necessary, revising the proposed materials before publication.

Review and Selection Process: We remind potential applicants that in

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

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

Risk Assessment and Specific Conditions: Consistent with 2 CFR 200.206,

before awarding grants under this program [competition] the Department conducts a review of the risks posed by applicants. Under 2 CFR 200.208, the Secretary may impose specific conditions and, under 2 CFR 3474.10, in appropriate circumstances, high-risk conditions on a grant if the applicant or grantee is not financially stable; has a history of unsatisfactory performance; has a financial or other management system that does not meet the standards in 2 CFR part 200, subpart D; has not fulfilled the conditions of a prior grant; or is otherwise not responsible.

Integrity and Performance System: If you are selected under this competition

to receive an award that over the course of the project period may exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $250,000), under 2 CFR 200.206(a)(2) we must make a judgment about your integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards--that is, the risk posed by you as an applicant--before we make an award. In doing so, we must consider any information about you that is in the integrity and performance system (currently referred to as the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS)), accessible through the System for Award Management. You may review and comment on any information about yourself that a Federal agency previously entered and that is currently in FAPIIS.

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

In General: In accordance with the Office of Management and

Budget’s guidance located at 2 CFR part 200, all applicable Federal laws, and relevant Executive guidance, the Department will review and consider applications for funding pursuant to this notice inviting applications in accordance with:

(a) Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the program objectives through an objective process of evaluating Federal award applications (2 CFR 200.205);

(b) Prohibiting the purchase of certain telecommunication and video surveillance services or equipment in alignment with section 889 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2019 (Pub. L. No. 115—232) (2 CFR 200.216);

(c) Providing a preference, to the extent permitted by law, to maximize use of goods, products, and materials produced in the United States (2 CFR 200.322); and

(d) Terminating agreements in whole or in part to the greatest extent authorized by law if an award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities (2 CFR 200.340).

Award Administration Information

Award Notices: If your application is successful, we notify your U.S.

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

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

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

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

Open Licensing Requirements: Unless an exception applies, if you are

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

Reporting: (a) If you apply for a grant under this competition, you must

ensure that you have in place the necessary processes and systems to comply with the reporting requirements in 2 CFR part 170 should you receive funding under the competition. This does not apply if you have an exception under 2 CFR 170.110(b).

(b) At the end of your project period, you must submit a final performance report, including financial information, as directed by the Secretary. If you receive a multiyear award, you must submit an annual performance report that provides the most current performance and financial expenditure information as directed by the Secretary under 34 CFR 75.118. The Secretary may also require more frequent performance reports under 34 CFR 75.720(c). For specific requirements on reporting, please go to www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html.

Performance reports for the IRS program must be submitted electronically using the International Resource Information System (IRIS), the web-based reporting system for the International and Foreign Language Education office. For information about the system and to view the reporting instructions, please go to http://iris.ed.gov/iris/pdfs/IRS.pdf.

Performance Measures: The following performance measures for this program have been established for the purpose of Department reporting under 34 CFR 75.110.

a. The percentage of IRS projects that are focused on improving or strengthening K-16 instruction in less commonly taught languages, area studies, or other international fields.

b. The percentage of IRS projects that are focused on evaluation of the outcomes and effectiveness of title VI programs in addressing national needs.

c. The percentage of IRS projects that result in information from IRS studies, surveys, or research on language, area studies, and international studies being made available and accessible to the public.

d. The cost per IRS project that is focused on improving or strengthening K-16 instruction in modern foreign languages, area studies, and other international fields.

Continuation Awards: In making a continuation award under 34 CFR 75.253,

the Secretary considers, among other things: whether a grantee has made substantial progress in achieving the goals and objectives of the project; whether the grantee has expended funds in a manner that is consistent with its approved application and budget; and, if the Secretary has established performance measurement requirements, whether the grantee has made substantial progress in achieving the performance targets in the grantee’s approved application.

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

Other Information

Accessible Format: On request to the program contact person listed under For Further Information Contact, individuals with disabilities can obtain this document and a copy of the application package in an accessible format. The Department will provide the requestor with an accessible format that may include Rich Text Format (RTF) or text format (txt), a thumb drive, an MP3 file, braille, large print, audiotape, or compact disc, or other accessible format.

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

You may also access documents of the Department published in the Federal Register by using the article search feature at www.federalregister.gov. Specifically, through the advanced search feature at this site, you can limit your search to documents published by the Department.

Dated:

____________________________________

Nasser H. Paydar,

Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education.

Title VI – International Education Program Statute

20 USC §§1121 and 1125

TITLE VI – International Education Programs

§1121. findings; purposes; consultation; survey

(a)Findings

Congress finds as follows:

(1) The security, stability, and economic vitality of the United States in a complex global era depend upon American experts in and citizens knowledgeable about world regions, foreign languages, and international affairs, as well as upon a strong research base in these areas.

(2) Advances in communications technology and the growth of regional and global problems make knowledge of other countries and the ability to communicate in other languages more essential to the promotion of mutual understanding and cooperation among nations and their peoples.

(3) Dramatic changes in the world's geopolitical and economic landscapes are creating needs for American expertise and knowledge about a greater diversity of less commonly taught foreign languages and nations of the world.

(4) Systematic efforts are necessary to enhance the capacity of institutions of higher education in the United States for--

(A) producing graduates with international and foreign language expertise and knowledge; and

(B) research regarding such expertise and knowledge.

(5) Cooperative efforts among the Federal Government, institutions of higher education, and the private sector are necessary to promote the generation and dissemination of information about world regions, foreign languages, and international affairs throughout education, government, business, civic, and nonprofit sectors in the United States.

(b) Purposes

The purposes of this part are--

(1) (A) to support centers, programs, and fellowships in institutions of higher education in the United States for producing increased numbers of trained personnel and research in foreign languages, area studies, and other international studies;

(B) to develop a pool of international experts to meet national needs;

(C) to develop and validate specialized materials and techniques for foreign language acquisition and fluency, emphasizing (but not limited to) the less commonly taught languages;

(D) to promote access to research and training overseas, including through linkages with overseas institutions; and

(E) to advance the internationalization of a variety of disciplines throughout undergraduate and graduate education;

(2) to support cooperative efforts promoting access to and the dissemination of international and foreign language knowledge, teaching materials, and research, throughout education, government, business, civic, and nonprofit sectors in the United States, through the use of advanced technologies; and

(3) to coordinate the programs of the Federal Government in the areas of foreign language, area studies, and other international studies, including professional international affairs education and research.

(1) In general

The Secretary shall, prior to requesting applications for funding under this title during each grant cycle, consult with and receive recommendations, regarding national need for expertise in foreign languages and world regions from the head officials of a wide range of Federal agencies.

(2) Considering recommendations; providing information

The Secretary-

(A) may take into account the recommendations described in paragraph (1); and

(B) shall-

(i) provide information collected under paragraph (1) when requesting applications for funding under this title; and

(ii) make available to applicants a list of areas identified as areas of national need.

(d) SURVEY- The Secretary shall assist grantees in developing a survey to administer to students who have completed programs under this title to determine postgraduate employment, education, or training. All grantees, where applicable, shall administer such survey once every two years and report survey results to the Secretary.

§1125. Research; studies; annual report

Authorized activities

The Secretary may, directly or through grants or contracts, conduct research and studies that contribute to achieving the purposes of this part. Such research and studies may include-

(1) studies and surveys to determine needs for increased or improved instruction in foreign language, area studies, or other international fields, including the demand for foreign language, area, and other international specialists in government, education, and the private sector;

(2) studies and surveys to assess the utilization of graduates of programs supported under this title by governmental, educational, and private sector organizations and other studies assessing the outcomes and effectiveness of programs so supported;

(3) evaluation of the extent to which programs assisted under this title that address national needs would not otherwise be offered;

(4) comparative studies of the effectiveness of strategies to provide international capabilities at institutions of higher education;

(5) research on more effective methods of providing instruction and achieving competency in foreign languages, area studies, or other international fields;

(6) the development and publication of specialized materials for use in foreign language, area studies, and other international fields, or for training foreign language, area, and other international specialists;

(7) studies and surveys of the uses of technology in foreign language, area studies, and international studies programs;

(8) studies and evaluations of effective practices in the dissemination of international information, materials, research, teaching strategies, and testing techniques throughout the education community, including elementary and secondary schools;

(9) the application of performance tests and standards across all areas of foreign language instruction and classroom use;

(10) evaluation of the extent to which programs assisted under this title reflect diverse perspectives and a wide range of views and generate debate on world regions and international affairs, as described in the grantee’s application;

(11) the systematic collection, analysis, and dissemination of data that contributes to achieving the purposes of this part; and

(12) support for programs or activities to make data collected, analyzed, or disseminated under this section publicly available and easy to understand.

(b)Annual report

The Secretary shall prepare, publish, and announce an annual report listing the books and research materials produced with assistance under this section.

34 CFR Part 655 - International Education General Provisions

Code of Federal Regulations

Title 34

Education

Revised as of July 1, 2016

PART 655—INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS—GENERAL PROVISIONS

Subpart A—General

§ 655.1   Which programs do these regulations govern?
§ 655.3   What regulations apply to the International Education Programs?
§ 655.4   What definitions apply to the International Education Programs?

Subpart B—What Kinds of Projects Does the Secretary Assist?

§ 655.10 What kinds of projects does the Secretary assist?

Subpart C [Reserved]

Subpart D—How Does the Secretary Make a Grant?

§ 655.30   How does the Secretary evaluate an application?
§ 655.31   What general selection criteria does the Secretary use?
§ 655.32   What additional factors does the Secretary consider in making grant awards?

Authority: 20 U.S.C 1121–1130b, unless otherwise noted.

Source: 47 FR 14116, Apr. 1, 1982, unless otherwise noted.

Subpart A—General

§ 655.1 Which programs do these regulations govern?

The regulations in this part govern the administration of the following programs in international education:

(a) The National Resource Centers Program for Foreign Language and Area Studies or Foreign Language and International Studies (section 602 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended);

(b) The Language Resource Centers Program (section 603);

(d) The International Research and Studies Program (section 605); and

(e) The Business and International Education Program (section 613).

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1121–1130b)

[47 FR 14116, Apr. 1, 1982, as amended at 58 FR 32575, June 10, 1993; 64 FR 7739, Feb. 16, 1999]

§ 655.3 What regulations apply to the International Education Programs?

The following regulations apply to the International Education Programs:

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

(1) [reserved]

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

(3) 34 CFR part 77 (Definitions that Apply to Department Regulations).

(4) 34 CFR part 79 (Intergovernmental Review of Department of Education Programs and Activities), except that part 79 does not apply to 34 CFR parts 660, 669, and 671.

(5) 34 CFR part 82 (New Restrictions on Lobbying).

(6) [reserved]

(7) 34 CFR part 86 (Drug-Free Schools and Campuses).

(b) The regulations in this part 655; and

(1) 34 CFR part 656 (National Resource Centers Program for Foreign Language and Area Studies or Foreign Language and International Studies);

(2) 34 CFR part 657 (Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships Program);

(3) 34 CFR part 658 (Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language Program);

(4) 34 CFR part 660 (International Research and Studies Program);

(5) 34 CFR part 661 (Business and International Education Program); and

(6) 34 CFR part 669 (Language Resource Centers Program).

(d) (1) 2 CFR part 180 (OMB Guidelines to Agencies on Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement)), as adopted at 2 CFR part 3485; and

(2) 2 CFR part 200 (Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards), as adopted at 2 CFR part 3474.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1121–1127; 1221e–3)

[47 FR 14116, Apr. 1, 1982, as amended at 58 FR 32575, June 10, 1993; 64 FR 7739, Feb. 16, 1999; 79 FR 76104, Dec. 19, 2014]

§ 655.4 What definitions apply to the International Education Programs?

(a) Definitions in EDGAR. The following terms used in this part and 34 CFR parts 656, 657, 658, 660, 661, and 669 are defined in 34 CFR part 77:

Acquisition

Applicant

Application

Award

Budget

Contract

EDGAR

Equipment

Facilities

Fiscal year

Grant

Grantee

Grant period

Local educational agency

Nonprofit

Project

Project period

Private

Public

Secretary

State educational agency

Supplies

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1121–1127)

(b) Definitions that apply to these programs: The following definitions apply to International Education Programs:

Consortium of institutions of higher education means a group of institutions of higher education that have entered into a cooperative arrangement for the purpose of carrying out a common objective, or a public or private nonprofit agency, organization, or institution designated or created by a group of institutions of higher education for the purpose of carrying out a common objective on their behalf.

Critical languages means each of the languages contained in the list of critical languages designated by the Secretary pursuant to section 212(d) of the Education for Economic Security Act, except that, in the implementation of this definition, the Secretary may set priorities according to the purposes of title VI of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended.

Institution of higher education means, in addition to an institution that meets the definition of section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, an institution that meets the requirements of section 101(a) except that (1) it is not located in the United States, and (2) it applies for assistance under title VI of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, in consortia with institutions that meet the definitions in section 101(a).

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1121–1127, and 1141)

[47 FR 14116, Apr. 1, 1982, as amended at 58 FR 32575, June 10, 1993; 64 FR 7739, Feb. 16, 1999; 74 FR 35072, July 17, 2009; 79 FR 76104 , Dec. 19, 2014]

Subpart B—What Kinds of Projects Does the Secretary Assist?

§ 655.10 What kinds of projects does the Secretary assist?

Subpart A of 34 CFR parts 656, 657, and 669 and subpart B of 34 CFR parts 658, 660, 661 describe the kinds of projects that the Secretary assists under the International Education Programs.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1121–1127)

[74 FR 35072, July 17, 2009]

Subpart C [Reserved]

Subpart D—How Does the Secretary Make a Grant?

§ 655.30 How does the Secretary evaluate an application?

The Secretary evaluates an application for International Education Programs on the basis of—

(a) The general criteria in §655.31; and

(b) The specific criteria in, as applicable, subpart D of 34 CFR parts 658, 660, 661, and 669.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1121–1127)

[64 FR 7739, Feb. 16, 1999]

§ 655.31 What general selection criteria does the Secretary use?

(a) Plan of operation.

(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the quality of the plan of operation for the project.

(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows—

(i) High quality in the design of the project;

(ii) An effective plan of management that ensures proper and efficient administration of the project;

(iii) A clear description of how the objectives of the project relate to the purpose of the program;

(iv) The way the applicant plans to use its resources and personnel to achieve each objective; and

(A) Members of racial or ethnic minority groups;

(B) Women; and

(b) Quality of key personnel.

(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the quality of the key personnel the applicant plans to use on the project.

(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows—

(i) The qualifications of the project director (if one is to be used);

(iii) The time that each person referred to in paragraphs (b)(2) (i) and (ii) of this section plans to commit to the project; and

(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that the project has an adequate budget and is cost effective.

(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows—

(i) The budget for the project is adequate to support the project activities; and

(ii) Costs are reasonable in relation to the objectives of the project.

(d) Evaluation plan.

(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the quality of the evaluation plan for the project.

(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows methods of evaluation that are appropriate for the project and, to the extent possible, are objective and produce data that are quantifiable.

(e) Adequacy of resources.

(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that the applicant plans to devote adequate resources to the project.

(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows—

(i) Other than library, facilities that the applicant plans to use are adequate (language laboratory, museums, etc.); and

(ii) The equipment and supplies that the applicant plans to use are adequate.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1121–1127)

§ 655.32 What additional factors does the Secretary consider in making grant awards?

Except for 34 CFR parts 656, 657, and 661, to the extent practicable and consistent with the criterion of excellence, the Secretary seeks to achieve an equitable distribution of funds throughout the Nation.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1126(b)).

[58 FR 32575, June 10, 1993]

34 CFR Part 660 - International Research and Studies Program

Code of Federal Regulations

Title 34

Education

Revised as of July 1, 2016

CHAPTER VI--OFFICE OF POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

PART 660—THE INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH AND STUDIES PROGRAM

Subpart A—General

§ 660.1 What is the International Research and Studies Program?

§ 660.2 Who is eligible to apply for grants under this program?

§ 660.3 What regulations apply?

§ 660.4 What definitions apply to the International Research and Studies Program?

Subpart B—What Kinds of Projects Does the Secretary Assist Under This Program?

§ 660.10 What activities does the Secretary assist?

Subpart C [Reserved]

Subpart D—How Does the Secretary Make a Grant?

§ 660.30 How does the Secretary evaluate an application?

§ 660.31 What selection criteria does the Secretary use for all applications for a grant?

§ 660.32 What additional selection criteria does the Secretary use for an application for a research project, a survey, or a study?

§ 660.33 What additional selection criteria does the Secretary use for an application to develop specialized instructional materials?

§ 660.34 What priorities may the Secretary establish?

Subpart E—What Conditions Must Be Met by a Grantee?

§ 660.40 What are the limitations on allowable costs?

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1125, unless otherwise noted.

Source: 47 FR 14124, Apr. 1, 1982, unless otherwise noted.

Subpart A—General

§ 660.1 What is the International Research and Studies Program?

The Secretary may, directly or through grants or contracts, conduct research and studies which contribute to the purposes of the International Education Program authorized by part A of title VI of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA). The research and studies may include, but are not limited to—

(a) Studies and surveys to determine needs for increased or improved instruction in modern foreign languages, area studies, or other international fields, including the demand for foreign language, area, and other international specialists in government, education, and the private sector;

(b) Research on more effective methods of providing instruction and achieving competency in foreign languages, area studies, or other international fields;

(c) Research on applying performance tests and standards across all areas of foreign language instruction and classroom use;

(f) Comparative studies of the effectiveness of strategies to provide international capabilities at institutions of higher education;

(g) Evaluations of the extent to which programs assisted under title VI of the HEA that address national needs would not otherwise be offered;

(h) Studies and surveys of the use of technologies in foreign language, area studies, and international studies programs;

j) Evaluations of the extent to which programs assisted under title VI of the HEA reflect diverse perspectives and a wide range of views and generate debate on world regions and international affairs, as described in the grantee's application;

(k) Systematic collection, analysis, and dissemination of data that contribute to achieving the purposes of title VI, part A of the HEA; and

(l) Support for programs or activities to make data collected, analyzed, or disseminated under this part publicly available and easy to understand.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1125)

[47 FR 14124, Apr. 1, 1982, as amended at 58 FR 32577, June 10, 1993; 64 FR 7740, Feb. 16, 1999; 74 FR 35074, July 17, 2009]

§ 660.2 Who is eligible to apply for grants under this program?

Public and private agencies, organizations, and institutions, and individuals are eligible to apply for grants under this part.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1125)

§ 660.3 What regulations apply?

The following regulations apply to this program:

(a) The regulations in 34 CFR part 655.

(b) The regulations in this part 660.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1121–1125)

[58 FR 32577, June 10, 1993]

§ 660.4 What definitions apply to the International Research and Studies Program?

The definitions in 34 CFR 655.4 apply to this program.

(Authority: U.S.C. 1121–1127)

Subpart B—What Kinds of Projects Does the Secretary Assist Under This Program?

§ 660.10 What activities does the Secretary assist?

An applicant may apply for funds to carry out any of the following types of activities:

(a) Studies and surveys to determine the need for increased or improved instruction in—

(1) Modern foreign languages; and

(2) Area studies and other international fields needed to provide full understanding of the places in which those languages are commonly used.

(b) Research and studies—

(1) On more effective methods of instruction and achieving competency in modern foreign languages, area studies, or other international fields;

(2) To evaluate competency in those foreign languages, area studies, or other international fields; or

(3) On the application of performance tests and standards across all areas of foreign language instruction and classroom use.

(1) For use by students and teachers of modern foreign languages, area studies, and other international fields; and

(2) For use in—

(i) Providing such instruction and evaluation; or

(ii) Training individuals to provide such instruction and evaluation.

(d) Research, surveys, studies, or the development of instructional materials that serve to enhance international understanding.

(e) Other research or material development projects that further the purposes of the International Education Program authorized by part A of title VI of the HEA.

(f) Studies and surveys to assess the use of graduates of programs supported under title VI of the HEA by governmental, educational, and private-sector organizations, and other studies assessing the outcomes and effectiveness of supported programs.

(g) Comparative studies of the effectiveness of strategies to provide international capabilities at institutions of higher education.

(h) Evaluations of the extent to which programs assisted under title VI of the HEA that address national needs would not otherwise be offered.

(i) Studies and surveys of the uses of technology in foreign language, area studies, and international studies programs.

(j) Studies and evaluations of effective practices in the dissemination of international information, materials, research, teaching strategies, and testing techniques through the education community, including elementary and secondary schools.

k) Evaluations of the extent to which programs assisted under title VI of the HEA reflect diverse perspectives and a wide range of views and generate debate on world regions and international affairs, as described in the grantee's application.

(l) Systematic collection, analysis, and dissemination of data that contribute to achieving the purposes of title VI, part A of the HEA.

(m) Support for programs or activities to make data collected, analyzed, or disseminated under this part publicly available and easy to understand.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1125)

[47 FR 14124, Apr. 1, 1982, as amended at 52 FR 28424, July 29, 1987; 58 FR 32577, June 10, 1993; 64 FR 7740, Feb. 16, 1999; 74 FR 35074, July 17, 2009]

Subpart C [Reserved]

Subpart D—How Does the Secretary Make a Grant?

§ 660.30 How does the Secretary evaluate an application?

(a) The Secretary evaluates an application for a research project, a study, or a survey on the basis of the criteria in §§660.31 and 660.32. The Secretary informs applicants of the maximum possible score for each criterion in the application package or in a notice published in the Federal Register.

(b) The Secretary evaluates an application for the development of specialized instructional materials on the basis of the criteria in §§660.31 and 660.33. The Secretary informs applicants of the maximum possible score for each criterion in the application package or in a notice published in the Federal Register.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1125)

[70 FR 13375, Mar. 21, 2005]

§ 660.31 What selection criteria does the Secretary use for all applications for a grant?

The Secretary evaluates an application for a project under this program on the basis of the criteria in this section. The Secretary informs applicants of the maximum possible score for each criterion in the application package or in a notice published in the Federal Register.

(a) Plan of operation. (See 34 CFR 655.31(a))

(b) Quality of key personnel. (See 34 CFR 655.31(b))

(d) Evaluation plan. (See 34 CFR 655.31(d))

(e) Adequacy of resources. (See 34 CFR 655.31(e))

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1125)

[47 FR 14124, Apr. 1, 1982, as amended at 58 FR 32577, June 10, 1993; 70 FR 13376, Mar. 21, 2005]

§ 660.32 What additional selection criteria does the Secretary use for an application for a research project, a survey, or a study?

In addition to the criteria referred to in §660.31, the Secretary evaluates an application for a research project, study, or survey on the basis of the criteria in this section.

(a) Need for the project. The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows—

(1) A need for the proposed project in the field of study on which the project focuses; and

(2) That the proposed project will provide information about the present and future needs of the United States for study in foreign language and other international fields.

(b) Usefulness of expected results. The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the extent to which the results of the proposed project are likely to be used by other research projects or programs with similar objectives.

(c) Development of new knowledge. The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that the extent to which the proposed project is likely to develop new knowledge that will contribute to the purposes of the International Education Program authorized by part A of title VI of the HEA.

(d) Formulation of problems and knowledge of related research. The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that problems, questions, or hypotheses to be dealt with by the applicant—

(1) Are well formulated; and

(2) Reflect adequate knowledge of related research.

(e) Specificity of statement of procedures. The Secretary reviews each application for the specificity and completeness of the statement of procedures to be followed, including a discussion of such components as sampling techniques, controls, data to be gathered, and statistical and other analyses to be undertaken.

(f) Adequacy of methodology and scope of project. The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows—

(1) The adequacy of the proposed teaching, testing, and research methodology; and

(2) The size, scope, and duration of the proposed project.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1125)

[47 FR 14124, Apr. 1, 1982, as amended at 58 FR 32577, June 10, 1993; 70 FR 13376, Mar. 21, 2005]

§ 660.33 What additional selection criteria does the Secretary use for an application to develop specialized instructional materials?

In addition to the criteria referred to in § 660.31, the Secretary evaluates an application to develop specialized instructional materials on the basis of the criteria in this section.

(a) Need for the project. The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that—

(1) The proposed materials are needed in the educational field of study on which the project focuses; and

(b) Potential for the use of materials in other programs. The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the extent to which the proposed materials may be used elsewhere in the United States.

(1) All existing related or similar materials have been accounted for and the critical commentary on their adequacy is appropriate and accurate; and

(2) The proposed materials will not duplicate any existing adequate materials.

(d) Likelihood of achieving results. The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that the outlined methods and procedures for preparing the materials are practicable and can be expected to produce the anticipated results.

(e) Expected contribution to other programs. The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the extent to which the proposed work may contribute significantly to strengthening, expanding, or improving programs of foreign language studies, area studies, or international studies in the United States.

(f) Description of final form of materials. The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows a high degree of specificity in the description of the contents and final form of the proposed materials.

(g) Provisions for pretesting and revision. The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that adequate provision has been made for—

(1) Pretesting the proposed materials; and

(2) If necessary, revising the proposed materials before publication.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1125)

[47 FR 14124, Apr. 1, 1982, as amended at 58 FR 32577, June 10, 1993; 70 FR 13376, Mar. 21, 2005]

§ 660.34 What priorities may the Secretary establish?

(a) The Secretary may each year select for funding from among the following priorities:

(1) Categories of eligible projects described in §660.10.

(2) Specific languages or regions for study or materials development; for example, the Near or Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, Inner Asia, the Far East, Africa or Latin America, or the languages of those regions.

(3) Topics of research and studies; for example, language acquisition processes, methodology of foreign language instruction, foreign language performance testing, or assessments of resources and needs.

(4) Levels of education; for example, elementary, secondary, postsecondary, or university-level education, or teacher education.

(b) The Secretary announces any priorities in the application notice published in the Federal Register.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1126)

[47 FR 14124, Apr. 1, 1982, as amended at 58 FR 32577, June 10, 1993]

Subpart E—What Conditions Must Be Met by a Grantee?

§ 660.40 What are the limitations on allowable costs?

Funds awarded under this part may not be used for the training of students and teachers.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1125)

OMB Control Number 1894-0005

Expiration 2/28/2026

General Education Provisions Act (GEPA)

NOTICE TO ALL APPLICANTS: EQUITY FOR STUDENTS, EDUCATORS, AND OTHER PROGRAM BENEFICIARIES

Section 427 of the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) (20 U.S.C. 1228a) applies to applicants for grant awards under this program.

ALL APPLICANTS FOR NEW GRANT AWARDS MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IN THEIR APPLICATIONS TO ADDRESS THIS PROVISION IN ORDER TO RECEIVE FUNDING UNDER THIS PROGRAM.

Please respond to the following requests for information:

Describe how your entity’s existing mission, policies, or commitments ensure equitable access to, and equitable participation in, the proposed project or activity.

Based on your proposed project or activity, what barriers may impede equitable access and participation of students, educators, or other beneficiaries?

Based on the barriers identified, what steps will you take to address such barriers to equitable access and participation in the proposed project or activity?

What is your timeline, including targeted milestones, for addressing these identified barriers?

Notes:

Applicants are not required to have mission statements or policies that align with equity in order to submit an application.

Applicants may identify any barriers that may impede equitable access and participation in the proposed project or activity, including, but not limited to, barriers based on economic disadvantage, gender, race, ethnicity, color, national origin, disability, age, language, migrant status, rural status, homeless status or housing insecurity, pregnancy, parenting, or caregiving status, and sexual orientation.

Applicants may have already included some or all of this required information in the narrative sections of their applications or their State Plans. In responding to this requirement, for each question, applicants may provide a cross-reference to the section(s) and page number(s) in their applications or State Plans that includes the information responsive to that question on this form or may restate that information on this form.

Paperwork Burden Statement

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 1894-0005. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 3 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 a benefit. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate or suggestions for improving this individual collection, send your comments to [email protected] and reference OMB Control Number 1894-0005. All other comments or concerns regarding the status of your individual form may be addressed to either (a) the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section in the competition Notice Inviting Applications, or (b) your assigned program officer

Performance Indicators for the International Research and Studies Program

The Department of Education has prepared a strategic plan for 2022-2026. This plan reflects the Department’s priorities and integrates them with its mission and program authorities and describes how the Department will work to improve education for all children and adults in the U.S. The 2022-2026 plan includes the following five goals:

Goal 1: Promote equity in student access to educational resources, opportunities, and inclusive environments.

Goal 2: Support a diverse and talented educator workforce and professional growth to strengthen student learning.

Goal 3: Meet students’ social, emotional, and academic needs.

Goal 4: Increase postsecondary value by focusing on equity-conscious strategies to address access to high quality institutions, affordability, completion, post-enrollment success, and support for inclusive institutions.

Goal 5: Enhance the Department’s internal capacity to optimize the delivery of its mission.

The following performance measures have been established to assess the effectiveness of the International Research and Studies (IRS) program.

The IRS Program supports surveys, studies, and instructional materials development to improve and strengthen instruction in modern foreign languages, area studies, and other international fields. The following performance measures have been established to assess the effectiveness of the International Research and Studies (IRS) program.

Percentage of IRS projects that are focused on improving or strengthening K-16 instruction in less commonly taught languages, area studies, or other international fields.
Percentage of IRS projects that are focused on the evaluation of the outcomes and effectiveness of Title VI-Fulbright-Hays International Education programs in addressing national needs.
Percentage of IRS projects that result in information from IRS studies, surveys, or research on language, area, and international studies being made available and accessible to the public.
The cost per IRS project that is focused on improving and strengthening K-16 instruction in modern foreign languages, area studies, and other international fields.

Instructions for Standard Forms

Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424)
Department of Education Supplemental Form for the SF-424
Department of Education Budget Summary Form (ED 524)
Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL)
Certification of Eligibility (required for applicants applying as individuals)

Instructions for 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.

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 use this form to submit changes after the closing date.

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.

Increase Award
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Increase Duration
Decrease Duration
Other (specify)

Date Received: Leave this field blank. This date will be assigned by the Federal agency.
Applicant Identifier: Enter the entity identifier assigned by 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.

5b. Federal Award Identifier: For new applications leave blank. For a continuation or revision to an existing award, enter the previously assigned federal award identifier number. If a changed/corrected application, enter the federal identifier in accordance with agency instructions.

Date Received by State: Leave this field blank. This date will be assigned by the state, if applicable.
State Application Identifier: Leave this field blank. This identifier will be assigned by the state, if applicable.
Applicant Information: Enter the following in accordance with agency instructions:

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.
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.
UEI: (Required) Enter the organization’s Unique Entity Identifies (UEI). Information on obtaining a UEI number may be obtained by visiting www.Grants.gov or www.SAM.gov.
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).
Organizational Unit: Enter the name of the primary organizational unit, department or division that will undertake the assistance activity.
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.

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

State Government
County Government
City or Township Government
Special District Government
Regional Organization
U.S. Territory or Possession
Independent School District
Public/State Controlled Institution of Higher Education
Indian/Native American Tribal Government (Federally Recognized)
Indian/Native American Tribal Government (Other than Federally Recognized)
Indian/Native American Tribally Designated Organization
Public/Indian Housing Authority
Nonprofit
Private Institution of Higher Education
Individual
For-Profit Organization (Other than Small Business)
Small Business
Hispanic-serving Institution
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs)
Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions
Non-US Entity
Other (specify)

Name Of Federal Agency: (Required) Enter the name of the federal agency from which assistance is being requested with this application.
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.
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.
Competition Identification Number/Title: Enter the competition identification number and title of the competition under which assistance is requested, if applicable.
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.
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.
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.
Proposed Project Start and End Dates: (Required) Enter the proposed start date and end date of the project.
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.
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.
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.
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.)

[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.]

Instructions for Department of Education
Supplemental Information for SF-424

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Paperwork Burden Statement. According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 1894-0007. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average between 15 and 45 minutes per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data resources, gather the data needed, and complete and review the information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the estimate(s) or suggestions for improving this form, please write to: U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20202-4537. If you have comments or concerns regarding the status of your individual submission of this form write directly to: Application Control Center, U.S. Department of Education, Potomac Center Plaza, 550 12^th Street, S.W. Room 7076, Washington, D.C. 20202-4260.

Definitions for Department of Education
Supplemental Information for SF-424

(Attachment to Instructions for Supplemental Information for SF-424)

Definitions:

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

Has never received a grant or 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

I. Definitions and Exemptions

A. Definitions.

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

—Research

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

Human Subject

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

B. Exemptions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

II. Instructions for Exempt and Nonexempt Human Subjects Research Narratives

If the applicant marked “Yes” for Item 3 of Department of Education Supplemental Information for SF 424, the applicant must provide a human subjects “exempt research” or “nonexempt research” narrative. Insert the narrative(s) in the space provided. If you have multiple projects and need to provide more than one narrative, be sure to label each set of responses as to the project they address.

A. Exempt Research Narrative.

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

B. Nonexempt Research Narrative.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Copies of the Department of Education’s Regulations for the Protection of Human Subjects, 34 CFR Part 97 and other pertinent materials on the protection of human subjects in research are available from the U.S. Department of Education, Protection of Human Subjects Coordinator, Office of the Chief Financial Officer, LBJ Building, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-4250, telephone: (202) 260-3353, and on the U.S. Department of Education’s Protection of Human Subjects in Research Web Site: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocfo/humansub.html

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

Instructions for ED 524

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, 34 CFR 74 – 86 and 97-99, on ED’s website at:

http://www.ed.gov/policy/fund/reg/edgarReg/edgar.html

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

Section B - Budget Summary
Non-Federal Funds

If you are required to provide or volunteer to provide 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

Provide an itemized budget breakdown, and justification by project year, for each budget category listed in Sections A and B. For grant projects that will be divided into two or more separately budgeted major activities or sub-projects, show for each budget category of a project year the breakdown of the specific expenses attributable to each sub-project or activity.
For non-Federal funds or resources listed in Section B that are used to meet a cost-sharing or matching requirement or provided as a voluntary cost-sharing or matching commitment, you must include:

a. The specific costs or contributions by budget category;

b. The source of the costs or contributions; and

c. 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 ED’s general cost sharing and matching regulations, which include specific limitations, in 34 CFR 74.23, applicable to non-governmental entities, and 80.24, applicable to governments, and the applicable Office of Management and Budget (OMB) cost principles for your entity type regarding donations, capital assets, depreciation and use allowances. OMB cost principle circulars are available on OMB’s website at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/index.html]

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. 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.

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, DC 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 SW, Washington, DC 20202.

Instructions for SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

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

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

2. Identify the status of the covered Federal action.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act, as amended, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control Number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is OMB No. 0348-0046. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 10 minutes per response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project (0348-0046), Washington, DC 2050.

Certification of Eligibility for Federal Assistance in Certain Programs (ED 80-0016)

I understand that 34 CFR 75.60, 75.61, and 75.62 require that I make specific certifications of eligibility to the U.S. Department of Education (ED) as a condition of applying for Federal funds in certain programs and that these requirements are in addition to any other eligibility requirements that ED imposes under program regulations. Under 34 CFR 75.60 – 75.62:

I certify that:

I do not owe a debt, or I am current in repaying a debt, or I am not in default (as that term is used at 34 CFR Part 668) on a debt:

To the Federal Government under a nonprocurement transaction (e.g., a previous loan, scholarship, grant, or cooperative agreement); or
For a fellowship, scholarship, stipend, discretionary grant, or loan in any program of ED that is subject to 34 CFR 75.60, 75.61, and 75.62, including:

Federal Pell Grant Program (20 U.S.C. 1070a, et seq.);
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) Program (20 U.S.C. 1070(b), et seq.):
State Student Incentive Grant Program (SSIG) 20 U.S.C. 1070c, et seq.);
Federal Perkins Loan Program (20 U.S.C. 1087aa, et seq.);
Income Contingent Direct Loan Demonstration Project (20 U.S.C. 1087a, note);
Federal Stafford Loan Program, Federal Supplemental Loans for Students [SLS], Federal PLUS, or Federal Consolidation Loan Program (20 U.S.C. 1071, et seq.);
William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program (20 U.S.C. 1087a, et. seq.);
Cuban Student Loan Program (20 U.S.C. 2601, et seq.);
Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program (20 U.S.C. 1070d-31, et seq.);
Jacob K. Javits Fellows Program (20 U.S.C. 1134h-1134l);
Patricia Roberts Harris Fellowship Program (20 U.S.C. 1134d-1134g);
Christa McAuliffe Fellowship Program (20 U.S.C. 1105-1105i);
Bilingual Education Fellowship Program (20 U.S.C. 3221-3262);
Rehabilitation Long-Term Training Program (29 U.S.C. 774(b));
Paul Douglas Teacher Scholarship Program (20 U.S.C. 1104, et seq.);
Law Enforcement Education Program (42 U.S.C. 3775);
Indian Fellowship Program (29 U.S.C. 774(b));
Teacher Quality Enhancement Grants Program (20 U.S.C. 1021, et seq.);

I have made arrangements satisfactory to ED to repay a debt as described in A.1. or A.2. (above) on which I had not been current in repaying or on which I was in default (as that term is used in 34 CFR Part 668).

I certify also that I have not been declared by a judge, as a condition of sentencing under section 5301 of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 (21 U.S.C. 862), ineligible to receive Federal assistance for the period of this requested funding.

I understand that providing a false certification to any of the statements above makes me liable for repayment to ED for funds received on the basis of this certification, for civil penalties, and for criminal prosecution under 18 U.S.C. 1001.


(Signature)		(Date)

(Typed or Printed Name)

Name or number of ED program under which this certification is being made:

ED 80-0016 (Revised 2/01)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the International Research and Studies (IRS) program?

The purpose of the IRS program is to award grants that support research, surveys, studies, as well as the development of instructional materials to improve and strengthen instruction in modern foreign languages, area studies, and other international fields.

What kinds of activities can be supported with grant funds?

Grant funds can support salaries, fringe benefits, travel related to the project, equipment, supplies, consultant costs, evaluation costs, production of the materials, etc. Funds awarded for IRS projects may not be used for the training of students and teachers.

A grantee under this competition may award subgrants to directly carry out project activities described in its application.

What are a few concrete examples of allowable activities?

A few examples of allowable activities and associated expenses include the following:

Domestic travel, in alignment with the Fly America Act and Open Skies Agreement and approved domestic GSA per diem rates, to conduct a survey or interviews with students.
International travel, in alignment with the Fly America Act and Open Skies Agreement and approved U.S. Department of State international per diem rates, to conduct language research for specialized instructional materials in a less-commonly-taught language.
Compensation (and fringe benefits, if applicable) for a data entry assistant, a data analyst, or a transcriber.
Printing, digitization or website hosting of textbooks or workbooks for instructional materials.
Attendance at a professional conference to present the results of a study.
Compensation for an evaluation expert to perform the final evaluation for a completed project.

How often are competitions generally held?

The International Research and Studies program generally competes every three years.

What is the duration of the average grant?

The IRS Program awards grants for a duration of 12-36 months. Most grants are awarded for a full three-year cycle.

What is the average annual grant amount?

For the FY XXXX IRS competition cycle, the average annual grant amount was approximately [INSERT AMOUNT] . The maximum annual award was [INSERT AMOUNT].

Is there a cost matching requirement? If so, are in-kind contributions acceptable as part of the grantee’s match?

Cost matching is not required for this program.

What are the reporting requirements for grantees? What kind of records and data should be maintained or collected in order to complete required reports?

Grant recipients are required to submit an interim report in the fall and an annual performance report in the spring through the International Resource Information System (IRIS). Grantees are expected to report on the following categories:

Objectives and Accomplishments

Adjustments to Project

Exemplary Activities

Priorities

International Travel

Projects Conducted

Adoption of Outcomes

Publications

Outreach Activities

Sources of Funding

What are the requirements for the evaluation of funded projects?

All funded projects must have an evaluation plan for their grant and report on evaluation activities in accordance with that plan through the International Resource Information System (IRIS).

The evaluation plan should discuss goals, objectives, performance measures to monitor progress, data gathering techniques, funding, and personnel. Activities should focus on both formative and summative evaluations. The formative evaluation will provide feedback to the grantee on progress in meeting goals and objectives and reveal areas for improvement. The summative evaluation should focus on outcomes and should be completed by an independent evaluator that does not have a relationship with the project.

Are there program-wide performance measures?

The Department uses the following measures to evaluate the success of the IRS program:

Percentage of IRS projects that are focused on improving or strengthening K-16 instruction in less commonly taught languages, area studies, or other international fields.
Percentage of IRS projects that are focused on the evaluation of the outcomes and effectiveness of Title VI programs in addressing national needs.
Percentage of IRS projects that result in information from IRS studies, surveys, or research on language, area, and international studies being made available and accessible to the public.
The cost per IRS project that is focused on improving or strengthening K-16 instruction in modern foreign languages, area studies, and other international fields.

What is the indirect cost rate for the program?

This program uses an unrestricted indirect cost rate. The U.S. Department of Education's training rate of eight percent does not apply because training is not a component of the IRS program.

Does an applicant IHE have the option of using 8% (restricted rate for training grants) if they have a higher negotiated indirect rate?

The IRS program is not an educational training grant. Educational training grants provide funding for training or other educational services. Examples of the work supported by training grants are summer institutes, training programs for selected participants, the introduction of new or expanded courses, and similar instructional undertakings that are separately budgeted and accounted for by the sponsoring institution. These grants do not usually support activities involving research, development, and dissemination of new educational materials and methods.

Nonetheless, the applicant or subrecipient may budget the lower rate of 8% and annotate the voluntarily choice to waive indirect costs or charge less than the negotiated indirect cost rate.

May the applicant IHE use a 10% de minimis indirect cost rate if their institution does not have a federally negotiated rate?

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

How does an applicant entity choose which indirect cost rate to use?

An applicant may choose any of the above rates (or a different rate) for the calculation of indirect costs (IDC) in the application budget. When considering this, we strongly recommend that IHEs take into account how their choice of IDC rate aligns with the response to the “Budget and Cost Effectiveness” selection criteria. Specifically, direct costs for which funding is requested should allow for the completion of the proposed project activities, and all costs (including indirect costs) should be reasonable in relation to the objectives of the project.

What indirect cost rate should an entity applying as an individual use?

Entities applying as individuals are not eligible to request reimbursement for indirect costs (IDC). Therefore, the budget line for IDC on the ED-524 Budget Summary form submitted by individuals should be $0.00.

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Year 1	FY XXXX-XX	October 1, XXXX - September 30, XXXX
Year 2	FY XXXX-XX	October 1, XXXX - September 30, XXXX
Year 3	FY XXXX-XX	October 1, XXXX - September 30, XXXX

Application for the International Research and Studies (IRS) Program