[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 136 (Monday, July 18, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
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From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-17336]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: July 18, 1994]


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NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

14 CFR Part 1260

 

Amending the NASA Research Grant Handbook To Address Education 
Grants, Training Grants, and Reduce the Threshold for Incremental 
Funding of Grants

AGENCY: Office of Procurement, Procurement Policy Division, National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

ACTION: Interim rule.

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SUMMARY: NASA has revised its Research Grant Handbook to define 
education and training grants, permit the award of education grants, 
and decrease the threshold for incremental funding of grants. This 
regulation is issued as an interim rule to ensure immediate correction 
of deficiencies in the NASA Research Grant Handbook in these areas.

DATES: This Interim Rule is effective July 18, 1994. Comments are due 
on or before September 16, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Comments should be addressed to Tom O'Toole, NASA 
Headquarters, Office of Procurement, Procurement Policy Division (Code 
HP), Washington, DC 20546.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Tom O'Toole, telephone: (202) 358-0478.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The Research Grant Handbook, 14 CFR Part 1260, NHB 5800.1C, does 
not currently apply to training grants, does not specifically address 
education grants, and does not adequately distinguish these types of 
grants from the research grants generally covered in the Handbook. 
Education grants are now covered by the Research Grant Handbook. They 
may be negotiated and awarded by all Agency grant offices. Training 
Grants remain outside the scope of the Research Grant Handbook. The 
award of training grants will continue to be accomplished by NASA 
Headquarters.
    The Research Grant Handbook currently provides for incremental 
funding of grants exceeding $1 million in annual funding. This notice 
reduces that amount to $50,000.

Availability of NASA Grant Handbook

    The NASA Research Grant Handbook, of which this regulation will 
become a part, is codified in 14 CFR Part 1260 and is available in its 
entirety on a subscription basis from the Superintendent of Documents, 
Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, (202) 783-3238. Cite 
GPO Subscription Stock Number 933-001-00000-8. It is not distributed to 
the public, whether in whole or in part, directly by NASA.

Impact

    NASA certifies that this interim rule will not have a significant 
economic effect on a substantial number of small entities within the 
meaning of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). This 
rule does not impose any reporting or recordkeeping requirements 
subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 1260

    Grants.
Tom Luedtke,
Deputy Associate Administrator for Procurement.

    Accordingly, 14 CFR Part 1260 is amended as follows:

PART 1260--GRANTS AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS

    1. The authority citation for 14 CFR Part 1260 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: Public Law 97-258, 31 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.

Subpart 1--General

    2. Section 1260.102 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 1260.102  Applicability.

    This part 1260 establishes policies and procedures for all research 
and education grants and cooperative agreements awarded by the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to educational institutions 
and nonprofit organizations. It does not cover training grants, 
facilities grants, grants for the Centers for the Commercial 
Development of Space, or contracts.

Subpart 2--Definitions

    3. Section 1260.201 is amended by adding the following definitions 
in alphabetical order:


Sec. 1260.201  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Education Grant. An agreement that provides funds to an educational 
institution or other nonprofit organization to accomplish a public 
purpose of support or stimulation authorized by Federal statute within 
one or more of the following areas: (1) Capturing student interest in 
science, mathematics, technology, or related fields; (2) improving 
student performance in science, mathematics, or technology; (3) 
enhancing the skill, knowledge, or ability of teachers or faculty 
members in science, mathematics or technology; (4) supporting national 
educational reform movements; (5) conducting pilot programs or research 
to increase participation and/or to enhance performance in science, 
mathematics, or technology education at all levels; and (6) developing 
instructional materials, (e.g., teacher guides, printed publications, 
computer software, and videotapes) or networked information services 
for education. No substantial involvement is expected between NASA and 
the grantee.
* * * * *
    Training Grant. An agreement that provides funds to an educational 
institution or other nonprofit organization to accomplish a public 
purpose of support or stimulation authorized by Federal statute solely 
by providing scholarships, fellowships, or stipends to students or 
faculty. No substantial involvement is expected between NASA and the 
grantee.
* * * * *

Subpart 3--The Process

    4. In section 1260.302, paragraph (d) is amended by revising the 
introductory text to read as follows:


Sec. 1260.302  Evaluation and selection.

* * * * *
    (d) Incremental funding. Grants with anticipated annual funding 
exceeding $50,000 may be funded for less than the amount and period of 
performance stated in the proposal provided:
* * * * *
    5. Section 1260.303 is amended by adding paragraphs (i) to read as 
follows:


Sec. 1260.303  Award procedures.

* * * * *
    (i) Education grants. The grant officer shall include in education 
grants the special condition in Sec. 1260.422(i).

Subpart 4--Provisions and Special Conditions

    6. Section 1260.422 is amended by adding paragraph (i) to read as 
follows:


Sec. 1260.422  Special conditions.

* * * * *
    (i) See Sec. 1260.303(i).

Education Grant (July 1994)

    This is an Education Grant. References in other provisions of this 
grant to ``research,'' ``research work,'' and ``technical,'' shall be 
deemed to refer to the efforts or results obtained under this grant.

[FR Doc. 94-17336 Filed 7-15-94; 8:45 am]
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