Applications for New Awards; High School Equivalency Program
| Court | Education Department |
| Citation | 86 FR 68648 |
| Record Number | 2021-26267 |
| Section | Notices |
| Published date | 03 December 2021 |
Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 230 (Friday, December 3, 2021)
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 230 (Friday, December 3, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 68648-68653]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-26267]
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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Applications for New Awards; High School Equivalency Program
AGENCY: Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, Department of
Education.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The Department of Education (Department) is issuing a notice
inviting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2022 for the High School
Equivalency Program (HEP), Assistance Listing Number 84.141A. This
notice relates to the approved information collection under the Office
of Management and Budget (OMB) control number 1894-0006.
DATES:
Applications Available: December 6, 2021.
Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: February 1, 2022.
Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: April 4, 2022.
Pre-Application Webinar Information: The Department will hold pre-
application workshops via webinar for prospective applicants on
Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time. We will repeat
the webinar on Thursday, December 9, 2021, at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
ADDRESSES: For the addresses for obtaining and submitting an
application, please refer to our Common Instructions for Applicants to
Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the
Federal Register on February 13, 2019 (84 FR 3768) and available at
www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2019-02-13/pdf/2019-02206.pdf.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Millicent Bentley-Memon, U.S.
Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 3E311,
Washington, DC 20202. Telephone: (202) 401-1427. Email:
[email protected].
If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) or a text
telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay Service (FRS), toll free, at 1-
800-877-8339.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Full Text of Announcement
I. Funding Opportunity Description
Purpose of Program: The HEP is designed to assist migratory or
seasonal farmworkers (or immediate family members of such workers) to
obtain the equivalent of a secondary school diploma and subsequently to
gain improved employment, enter into military service, or be placed in
an institution of higher education (IHE) or other postsecondary
education or training.
Priorities: This competition includes one competitive preference
priority and one invitational priority. In accordance with 34
CFR75.105(b)(2)(iv), the competitive preference priority is from
section 418A(e) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA)
(20 U.S.C. 1070d-2(e)).
Competitive Preference Priority: For FY 2022 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 up to an additional 15
points to an application, depending on how well the application meets
this priority.
Consideration of Prior Experience. (Up to 15 points)
Projects that are expiring (current HEP grantees in their final
budget period) will be considered for additional points under this
competitive preference priority. In accordance with section 418A(e) of
the HEA, the Department will award up to 15 points for this priority.
In accordance with 34 CFR 206.31, the Secretary will consider the
applicant's prior experience in implementing its expiring HEP project,
based on information that includes:
(a) The number of HEP participants served;
(b) The percentage of HEP participants exiting the program having
[[Page 68649]]
received a High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma;
(c) The percentage of HSE diploma recipients who enter
postsecondary education or training programs, upgraded employment, or
the military; and
(d) The extent to which the applicant met administrative
requirements.
Note: This competitive preference priority applies to expiring
projects (current HEP grantees in their final budget period) that first
received their current HEP award in FY 2017.
Invitational Priority: For FY 2022 and any subsequent year in which
we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this
competition, this priority is an invitational priority. Under 34 CFR
75.105(c)(1) we do not give an application that meets this invitational
priority a competitive or absolute preference over other applications.
This priority is:
Meeting Student Social, Emotional, and Academic Needs.
Projects that are designed to improve students' social, emotional,
academic, and career development through one or both of the following:
(a) Creating a supportive, positive, identity-safe, and inclusive
climate for students who are migratory or seasonal farmworkers or
immediate family members of such workers.
(b) Fostering partnerships, including across government agencies
(e.g., housing, human services, or employment agencies), local
educational agencies, community-based organizations, adult learning
providers, and postsecondary education institutions, to provide
comprehensive services to students who are migratory or seasonal
farmworkers, or immediate family members of such workers, to support
student social, emotional, mental health and academic needs.
Definitions: The definitions of ``migrant farmworker'' and
``seasonal farmworker'' are from 34 CFR 206.5. The definitions of
``demonstrates a rationale,'' ``experimental study,'' ``logic model,''
``project component,'' ``promising evidence,'' ``quasi-experimental
design study,'' ``relevant outcome,'' and ``What Works Clearinghouse
Handbooks (WWC Handbooks)'' are from 34 CFR 77.1.
Demonstrates a rationale means a key project component included in
the project's logic model is informed by research or evaluation
findings that suggest the project component is likely to improve
relevant outcomes.
Experimental study means a study that is designed to compare
outcomes between two groups of individuals (such as students) that are
otherwise equivalent except for their assignment to either a treatment
group receiving a project component or a control group that does not.
Randomized controlled trials, regression discontinuity design studies,
and single-case design studies are the specific types of experimental
studies that, depending on their design and implementation (e.g.,
sample attrition in randomized controlled trials and regression
discontinuity design studies), can meet What Works Clearinghouse (WWC)
standards without reservations as described in the WWC Handbooks:
(i) A randomized controlled trial employs random assignment of, for
example, students, teachers, classrooms, or schools to receive the
project component being evaluated (the treatment group) or not to
receive the project component (the control group).
(ii) A regression discontinuity design study assigns the project
component being evaluated using a measured variable (e.g., assigning
students reading below a cutoff score to tutoring or developmental
education classes) and controls for that variable in the analysis of
outcomes.
(iii) A single-case design study uses observations of a single case
(e.g., a student eligible for a behavioral intervention) over time in
the absence and presence of a controlled treatment manipulation to
determine whether the outcome is systematically related to the
treatment.
Logic model (also referred to as a theory of action) means a
framework that identifies key project components of the proposed
project (i.e., the active ``ingredients'' that are hypothesized to be
critical to achieving the relevant outcomes) and describes the
theoretical and operational relationships among the key project
components and relevant outcomes.
Migrant farmworker means a seasonal farmworker--as defined in this
notice--whose employment required travel that precluded the farmworker
from returning to his or her domicile (permanent place of residence)
within the same day.
Project component means an activity, strategy, intervention,
process, product, practice, or policy included in a project. Evidence
may pertain to an individual project component or to a combination of
project components (e.g., training teachers on instructional practices
for English learners and follow-on coaching for these teachers).
Promising evidence means that there is evidence of the
effectiveness of a key project component in improving a relevant
outcome, based on a relevant finding from one of the following:
(i) A practice guide prepared by WWC reporting a ``strong evidence
base'' or ``moderate evidence base'' for the corresponding practice
guide recommendation;
(ii) An intervention report prepared by the WWC reporting a
``positive effect'' or ``potentially positive effect'' on a relevant
outcome with no reporting of a ``negative effect'' or ``potentially
negative effect'' on a relevant outcome; or
(iii) A single study assessed by the Department, as appropriate,
that--
(A) Is an experimental study, a quasi-experimental design study, or
a well-designed and well-implemented correlational study with
statistical controls for selection bias (e.g., a study using regression
methods to account for differences between a treatment group and a
comparison group); and
(B) Includes at least one statistically significant and positive
(i.e., favorable) effect on a relevant outcome.
Quasi-experimental design study means a study using a design that
attempts to approximate an experimental study by identifying a
comparison group that is similar to the treatment group in important
respects. This type of study, depending on design and implementation
(e.g., establishment of baseline equivalence of the groups being
compared), can meet WWC standards with reservations, but cannot meet
WWC standards without reservations, as described in the WWC Handbook.
Relevant outcome means the student outcome(s) or other outcome(s)
the key project component is designed to improve, consistent with the
specific goals of the program.
Seasonal farmworker means a person whose primary employment was in
farmwork on a temporary or seasonal basis (that is, not a constant
year-round activity) for a period of at least 75 days within the past
24 months.
What Works Clearinghouse Handbooks (WWC Handbooks) means the
standards and procedures set forth in the WWC Standards Handbook,
Versions 4.0 or 4.1, and WWC Procedures Handbook, Versions 4.0 or 4.1,
or in the WWC Procedures and Standards Handbook, Version 3.0 or Version
2.1 (all incorporated by reference, see Sec. 77.2). Study findings
eligible for review under WWC standards can meet WWC standards without
reservations, meet WWC standards with reservations, or not meet WWC
standards. WWC practice guides and intervention reports include
findings from systematic reviews of
[[Page 68650]]
evidence as described in the WWC Handbooks documentation.
Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1070d-2.
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, 79, 81, 82, 84, 86,
97, 98, and 99. (b) The OMB 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 206. (e) The Migrant
Education Program (MEP) definitions in 34 CFR 200.81. (f) The National
Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP) definitions in 20 CFR 685.110 and
eligibility regulations in 20 CFR 685.320.
Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 86 apply to IHEs only.
Note: The MEP definitions and NFJP definitions and eligibility
regulations apply to individuals seeking to qualify for HEP based on
past participation in the MEP or NFJP.
II. Award Information
Type of Award: Discretionary grants.
Estimated Available Funds: The Administration has requested
$12,574,487 for new awards for this program for FY 2022. The actual
level of funding, if any, depends on final congressional action.
However, we are inviting applications to allow enough time to complete
the grant process if Congress appropriates funds for this program.
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: $180,000-$475,000.
Estimated Average Size of Awards: $475,000.
Maximum Award: We will not make an award exceeding $475,000 for a
single budget period of 12 months. Under 34 CFR 75.104(b) the Secretary
may reject without consideration or evaluation any application that
proposes a project funding level that exceeds the stated maximum award
amount.
Minimum Award: The Department will not make an award for less than
the amount of $180,000 for a single budget period of 12 months. Under
section 418A of the HEA, the Secretary is prohibited from making an
award for less than the stated award amount. Therefore, we will reject
any application that proposes a HEP award that is less than the stated
minimum award amount.
Note: This approach is intended to promote fairness and
transparency in the competitive process.
Estimated Number of Awards: 26.
Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this
notice.
Project Period: Up to 60 months (five 12-month budget periods).
Under section 418(e) of the HEA, except under extraordinary
circumstances, the Secretary must award grants for a five-year period.
Under 34 CFR 75.117(b), applicants must submit a budget narrative
accompanied by a budget form prescribed by the Secretary that provides
budget information for each budget period of the proposed project
period. Therefore, we may reject any application that does not propose
a five-year project period as reflected on the applicant's ED 524 form,
Section A and budget narrative form, submitted as a part of the
application.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants: An IHE (as defined in section 101 and 102
of the HEA) or a private nonprofit (as those terms are defined in 34
CFR 77.1) organization may apply for a grant to operate a HEP project.
If a private nonprofit organization other than an IHE applies for a HEP
grant, that organization must plan the project in cooperation with an
IHE and must propose to operate some aspects of the project with the
facilities of that IHE.
Note: If you are a nonprofit organization, under 34 CFR 75.51,
you may demonstrate your nonprofit status by providing: (1) Proof
that the Internal Revenue Service currently recognizes the applicant
as an organization to which contributions are tax deductible under
section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; (2) a statement from
a State taxing body or the State attorney general certifying that
the organization is a nonprofit organization operating within the
State and that no part of its net earnings may lawfully benefit any
private shareholder or individual; (3) a certified copy of the
applicant's certificate of incorporation or similar document if it
clearly establishes the nonprofit status of the applicant; or (4)
any item described above if that item applies to a State or national
parent organization, together with a statement by the State or
parent organization that the applicant is a local nonprofit
affiliate.
2. a. Cost Sharing or Matching: This competition does not require
cost sharing or matching. However, consistent with 34 CFR 75.700, which
requires an applicant to comply with its approved application, an
applicant that proposes non-Federal matching funds and is awarded a
grant must provide those funds for each year that the funds are
proposed.
b. Indirect Cost Rate Information: This program uses a training
indirect cost rate. This limits indirect cost reimbursement to an
entity's actual indirect costs, as determined in its negotiated
indirect cost rate agreement, or eight percent of a modified total
direct cost base, whichever amount is less. For more information
regarding training indirect cost rates, see 34 CFR 75.562. For more
information regarding indirect costs, or to obtain a negotiated
indirect cost rate, please see www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocfo/intro.html.
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.
3. 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: IHEs and nonprofit organizations. 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.
4. Other: Projects funded under this competition must budget for a
three-day Office of Migrant Education annual meeting for HEP Directors
in the Washington, DC area during each year of the project period. Such
expenses are allowable uses of grant funds and may be included in the
proposed project budget. This meeting may be held virtually if
conditions warrant such format.
IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Application Submission Instructions: Applicants are required to
follow the Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of
Education Discretionary Grant Programs,
[[Page 68651]]
published in the Federal Register on February 13, 2019 (84 FR 3768) and
available at www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2019-02-13/pdf/2019-02206.pdf, which contain requirements and information on how to submit
an application. Under 34 CFR 206.20, applicants are required to make
additional submissions with their application. Those requirements are
available at www.ecfr.gov/current/title-34/subtitle-B/chapter-II/part-206/subpart-C/section-206.20.
2. Submission of Proprietary Information: Given the types of
projects that may be proposed in applications for HEP, 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 make successful applications available to the
public, 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).
3. Intergovernmental Review: This competition is subject to
Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79.
Information about Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs under
Executive Order 12372 is in the application package for this
competition.
4. Funding Restrictions: We reference regulations outlining funding
restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice.
5. 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 the cover sheet; the
budget section, including the narrative budget justification; the
assurances and certifications; or the abstract, the resumes, the
bibliography, or the letters of support. However, the recommended page
limit does apply to all of the application narrative. An application
will not be disqualified if it exceeds the recommended page limit.
V. Application Review Information
1. Selection Criteria: The selection criteria for this competition
are from 34 CFR 75.210 and are as follows:
(a) Need for project (Up to 10 points).
(1) The Secretary considers the need for the proposed project.
(2) In determining the need for the proposed project, the Secretary
considers the magnitude of the need for the services to be provided or
the activities to be carried out by the proposed project. (Up to 10
points)
(b) Quality of the project design (Up to 24 points).
(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the design of the
proposed project.
(2) In determining the quality of the design of the proposed
project, the Secretary considers the following factors:
(i) The extent to which the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be
achieved by the proposed project are clearly specified and measurable.
(Up to 7 points)
(ii) The extent to which the design of the proposed project is
appropriate to, and will successfully address, the needs of the target
population or other identified needs. (Up to 5 points)
(iii) The extent to which the proposed project will establish
linkages with other appropriate agencies and organizations providing
services to the target population. (Up to 5 points)
(iv) The extent to which the proposed project demonstrates a
rationale (as defined in this notice). (Up to 7 points)
(c) Quality of project services (Up to 24 points).
(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the services to be
provided by the proposed project.
(2) In determining the quality of the services to be provided by
the proposed project, the Secretary considers the quality and
sufficiency of strategies for ensuring equal access and treatment for
eligible project participants who are members of groups that have
traditionally been underrepresented based on race, color, national
origin, gender, age, or disability. (Up to 3 points)
(3) In addition, the Secretary considers the following factors:
(i) The extent to which the services to be provided by the proposed
project are appropriate to the needs of the intended recipients or
beneficiaries of those services. (Up to 7 points)
(ii) The extent to which the services to be provided by the
proposed project involve the collaboration of appropriate partners for
maximizing the effectiveness of project services. (Up to 7 points)
(iii) The likely impact of the services to be provided by the
proposed project on the intended recipients of those services. (Up to 7
points)
(d) Quality of project personnel (Up to 10 points).
(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the personnel who will
carry out the proposed project.
(2) In determining the quality of project personnel, the Secretary
considers the extent to which the applicant encourages applications for
employment from persons who are members of groups that have
traditionally been underrepresented based on race, color, national
origin, gender, age, or disability. (Up to 3 points)
(3) In addition, the Secretary considers the qualifications,
including relevant training and experience, of key project personnel.
(Up to 7 points)
(e) Adequacy of resources. (Up to 12 points).
(1) The Secretary considers the adequacy of resources for the
proposed project.
(2) In determining the adequacy of resources for the proposed
project, the Secretary considers the following factors:
(i) The adequacy of support, including facilities, equipment,
supplies, and other resources, from the applicant organization or the
lead applicant organization. (Up to 4 points)
(ii) The relevance and demonstrated commitment of each partner in
the proposed project to the implementation and success of the project.
(Up to 4 points)
(iii) The extent to which the costs are reasonable in relation to
the objectives, design, and potential significance of the proposed
project. (Up to 4 points)
(f) Quality of the project evaluation. (Up to 20 points).
[[Page 68652]]
(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the evaluation to be
conducted of the proposed project.
(2) In determining the quality of the evaluation, the Secretary
considers the following factors:
(i) The extent to which the methods of evaluation are thorough,
feasible, and appropriate to the goals, objectives, and outcomes of the
proposed project. (Up to 10 points)
(ii) The extent to which the methods of evaluation will provide
performance feedback and permit periodic assessment of progress toward
achieving intended outcomes. (Up to 5 points)
(iii) The extent to which the methods of evaluation will, if well
implemented, produce promising evidence (as defined in this notice)
about the project's effectiveness. (Up to 5 points)
2. Review and Selection Process: We remind potential applicants
that in reviewing applications in any discretionary grant competition,
the Secretary may consider, under 34 CFR 75.217(d)(3), the past
performance of the applicant in carrying out a previous award, such as
the applicant's use of funds, achievement of project objectives, and
compliance with grant conditions. The Secretary may also consider
whether the applicant failed to submit a timely performance report or
submitted a report of unacceptable quality.
In addition, in making a competitive grant award, the Secretary
requires various assurances, including those applicable to Federal
civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or
activities receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department
(34 CFR 100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).
Additional factors we consider in selecting an application for an
award are in section 418A of the HEA. In accordance with section 418A,
the Secretary makes HEP awards based on the number, quality, and
promise of the applications. Additionally, in accordance with section
418A, if final FY 2022 HEP and College Assistance Migrant Program
appropriations exceed $40,000,000, the Secretary will consider the need
to provide an equitable geographic distribution of HEP awards. The
Secretary may consider the need to provide equitable geographic
distribution of HEP awards when--
1. Two or more applicants receive the same score at the funding
cutoff for this competition;
2. The Secretary determines that a geographic region is overserved
by current HEP projects;
3. The Secretary determines that a geographic region is underserved
by current HEP projects; or
4. Two or more applicants propose to operate similar HEP projects
in the same geographical region.
When evaluating a potentially overserved or underserved geographic
region, the Secretary may consider factors such as migrant or seasonal
farmworker population data for a State or region, approximate distance
between current and proposed projects, the type of entity of the
current or proposed project (e.g., private nonprofit organization, 2-
year IHE, 4-year IHE), and the number of students proposed to be served
by the current or proposed HEP project.
3. Risk Assessment and Specific Conditions: Consistent with 2 CFR
200.206, before awarding grants under this 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.
4. Integrity and Performance System: If you are selected under this
competition to receive an award that over the course of the project
period may exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (currently
$250,000), under 2 CFR 200.206(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.
5. 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. 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).
VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices: If your application is successful, we notify your
U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators and send you a Grant Award
Notification (GAN); or we may send you an email containing a link to
access an electronic version of your GAN. We may notify you informally,
also.
If your application is not evaluated or not selected for funding,
we notify yyou.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: We identify
administrative and national policy requirements in the application
package and reference these and other requirements in the Applicable
Regulations section of this notice.
We reference the regulations outlining the terms and conditions of
an award in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice and
include these and other specific conditions in the GAN. The GAN also
incorporates your approved application as part of your binding
commitments under the grant.
3. Open Licensing Requirements: Unless an exception applies, if you
are awarded a grant under this competition, you will be required to
openly license to the public grant deliverables created in whole, or in
part, with Department grant funds. When the deliverable consists of
modifications to pre-existing works, the license extends only to those
modifications that can be separately identified and only to the extent
that open licensing is permitted under the
[[Page 68653]]
terms of any licenses or other legal restrictions on the use of pre-
existing works. Additionally, a grantee or subgrantee that is awarded
competitive grant funds must have a plan to disseminate these public
grant deliverables. This dissemination plan can be developed and
submitted after your application has been reviewed and selected for
funding. For additional information on the open licensing requirements
please refer to 2 CFR 3474.20.
4. Reporting: (a) If you apply for a grant under this competition,
you must ensure that you have in place the necessary processes and
systems to comply with the reporting requirements in 2 CFR part 170
should you receive funding under the competition. This does not apply
if you have an exception under 2 CFR 170.110(b).
(b) At the end of your project period, you must submit a final
performance report, including financial information, as directed by the
Secretary. If you receive a multiyear award, you must submit an annual
performance report that provides the most current performance and
financial expenditure information as directed by the Secretary under 34
CFR 75.118. The Secretary may also require more frequent performance
reports under 34 CFR 75.720(c). For specific requirements on reporting,
please go to www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html.
5. Performance Measures: For the purposes of the Government
Performance and Results Act of 1993 (GPRA) and reporting under 34 CFR
75.110, the Department developed the following performance measures to
evaluate the overall effectiveness of HEP: (1) The percentage of HEP
participants exiting the program having received a HSE diploma (GPRA
1), and (2) the percentage of HSE diploma recipients who enter
postsecondary education or training programs, upgraded employment, or
the military (GPRA 2).
Applicants must propose annual targets for these measures and
establish annual student enrollment targets in their applications.
Applicants should identify these targets within their application
abstracts. The national target for GPRA 1 for FY 2022 is that 69
percent of HEP participants exit the program having received an HSE
credential. The national target for GPRA 2 for FY 2022 is that 80
percent of HEP HSE diploma recipients will enter postsecondary
education or training programs, upgraded employment, or the military.
The national targets for subsequent years may be adjusted based on
additional baseline data.
Peer reviewers evaluate how well applicants propose to meet their
application's goals and objectives. Peer reviewers will score related
selection criteria on the basis of how well an applicant addresses
these GPRA measures in addition to any other goals and objectives
included in the application. Therefore, applicants will want to
consider how to demonstrate a sound capacity to provide reliable data
on the GPRA measures, including the project's annual performance
targets for addressing the GPRA performance measures, as is required by
the OMB-approved annual performance report that is included in the
application package. All grantees will be required to submit, as part
of their annual performance report, information with respect to these
GPRA performance measures.
6. Continuation Awards: In making a continuation award under 34 CFR
75.253, the Secretary considers, among other things: Whether a grantee
has made substantial progress in achieving the goals and objectives of
the project; whether the grantee has expended funds in a manner that is
consistent with its approved application and budget; and, if the
Secretary has established performance measurement requirements, 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).
VII. 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), text format
(txt), a thumb drive, an MP3 file, braille, large print, audiotape,
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.
Ian Rosenblum,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Programs Delegated the
authority to perform the functions and duties of the Assistant
Secretary, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education.
[FR Doc. 2021-26267 Filed 12-2-21; 8:45 am]
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