[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 96 (Wednesday, May 19, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 27410-27433]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-12605]



[[Page 27409]]

_______________________________________________________________________

Part V





Department of Education





_______________________________________________________________________



Office of Vocational and Adult Education, National Research Centers; 
Inviting Applications for New Awards for Fiscal Year 1999; Notice

  Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 96 / Wednesday, May 19, 1999 / 
Notices  

[[Page 27410]]



DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

[CFDA No: 84.051]


Office of Vocational and Adult Education, National Research 
Centers (National Centers and Centers); Notice Inviting Applications 
for New Awards for Fiscal Year (FY) 1999

Notice to Applicants: This notice is a complete application package. 
Together with the statute authorizing the program and the Education 
Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), the notice 
contains all of the information, application forms, and instructions 
needed to apply for a cooperative agreement under these competitions.

SUMMARY: The Secretary invites applications for two new awards for FY 
1999 under the National Research Centers authority of sections 
114(c)(5) and (6) of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical 
Education Act of 1998 (Act) and announces deadline dates for the 
transmittal of applications for funding under that program authority. 
The Secretary plans to hold two separate competitions for the National 
Centers, with the same closing date. Applicants may apply under one or 
both competitions.

PURPOSE OF PROGRAM: Sections 114(c)(5) and (6) of the Act authorize the 
Secretary to establish one or more National Centers for the purpose of 
conducting research, development, evaluation, dissemination, and 
professional development activities, designed to improve the quality 
and effectiveness of academic, vocational, and technical education in 
secondary and postsecondary institutions.
    Given this flexibility, the Secretary has endeavored to design 
Centers that would best address the statutory requirements while 
meeting the most important needs of the vocational and technical 
education community. For assistance in accomplishing this goal, the 
Secretary sought the views of interested parties. First, the Secretary 
invited public comments and suggestions on how to configure the 
National Center or Centers through a notice published in the Federal 
Register (March 1, 1999 (64 FR 10076)). Second, the Secretary actively 
solicited the views of prospective customers of the Centers, especially 
those of States, in accordance with section 114(c)(5)(A) of the Act. 
The Secretary held individual and group consultation sessions with 
representatives of community colleges and State vocational and 
technical education programs, practitioners, researchers, policy 
makers, and disseminators. The interest and enthusiasm of persons 
expressing views provided for a very rich exchange of very thoughtful 
ideas that the Secretary found invaluable when making decisions about 
the scope and structure of the National Centers. A summary of the 
comments and suggestions received by the Secretary are on the Internet 
at: http://www.ed.gov/offices/OVAE/ncrperk111.html.
    One of the most substantive decisions facing the Secretary in 
implementing sections 114(c)(5) and (6) of the Act was to determine the 
most effective structure for the National Center or Centers. The 
Secretary considered the clear meaning of the Act; congressional 
intent; the suggestions of stakeholders; and possible activities, 
focuses, and audiences to be served by the National Center or Centers 
and weighed the advantages and opportunities of a variety of possible 
options for configuring a National Center or Centers.
    The Act clearly highlights (1) research and (2) dissemination and 
professional development as two of the most important functions of the 
National Center or Centers. Moreover, the Act challenges the Secretary 
to support high quality research, development, evaluation, 
dissemination, and professional development activities while, at the 
same time, minimizing duplication of effort among these required 
activities. Section 114(c)(5) of the Act requires a Center to perform 
specifically identified research activities. Section 
114(c)(5)(A)(iii)(II) of the Act authorizes a Center to carry out 
dissemination and professional development activities and section 
114(c)(5)(C) of the Act requires all Centers established under section 
114(c)(5) of the Act to conduct dissemination and professional 
development activities based upon the research described in section 
114(c)(5)(A) of the Act. Further, sections 114(c)(6)(A) and (B)(ii) of 
the Act authorize the Secretary to provide for technical assistance 
upon request of a State and for the dissemination of best practices 
information through a National Center or Centers. The emphasis Congress 
placed on (1) research and (2) dissemination and professional 
development activities lends support to the establishment of two 
Centers.
    The Secretary believes that Congress intended, through the use of 
numerous references in the Act (sections 114(c)(5)(A)(iii)(I), 
114(c)(5)(A)(iii)(II), and (C), and 114(c)(6)(A) and (B)(ii)), to 
emphasize the critical importance of dissemination and professional 
development activities, especially those involving the research of the 
National Centers. Most significantly, in view of section 114(c)(5)(C) 
of the Act, the Secretary believes Congress intended that research 
conducted by the Centers contribute to the efforts of State and local 
agencies to improve the quality and effectiveness of vocational and 
technical education.
    Through their correspondence and during consultation sessions with 
the Secretary, stakeholders overwhelmingly identified needs that would 
be best met through National Centers that focus on dissemination and 
research activities. While agreeing that basic and applied research are 
needed, many stakeholders expressed the view that dissemination of 
information for practitioners is the most important function a National 
Center should perform. Stakeholders thought that researchers typically 
used presentations at conferences and articles in research journals as 
the primary vehicles for sharing research findings. These stakeholders 
thought that the National Centers should be responsive to the needs of 
the field and use a variety of proactive dissemination strategies to 
reach target audiences.
    Further, a majority of stakeholders thought the National Centers 
should use a variety of innovative approaches for carrying out all of 
the Centers' functions; be responsive to the needs of constituencies, 
especially by focusing on activities that have practical applications; 
involve the field when establishing research and dissemination agendas; 
and leverage available resources, including partnering and coordinating 
with exiting networks, professional organizations, and research and 
dissemination efforts at the Federal, State, and local levels.
    After much deliberation, and following the consultations discussed 
earlier, the Secretary has determined that two Centers are needed for 
the most effective implementation of the Act and to meet the distinct 
needs of the vocational and technical education community. Therefore, 
the Secretary plans to establish: (1) the National Research Center for 
Career and Technical Education (Research Center) and (2) the National 
Dissemination Center for Career and Technical Education (Dissemination 
Center). The Secretary believes this configuration will result in the 
most effective services being offered by the Centers and will ensure 
that the work of the Centers will be of high quality, relevant, timely, 
and accessible to the vocational and technical education community. In 
addition, the research and dissemination activities provided for in

[[Page 27411]]

sections 114(c)(5) and (6)(A) of the Act are more likely to be 
appropriately addressed by two Centers since each activity will be the 
focus of a separate Center.
    While there was no clear preference expressed by stakeholders on 
the number of Centers the Secretary should establish, the types of 
activities stakeholders viewed as being most beneficial to them 
strongly suggests that it is preferable to establish two Centers. In 
addition, the Secretary believes the complexity and magnitude of the 
research and dissemination activities required by the Act provide 
strong support for the establishment of two Centers. The Secretary also 
believes that significant benefits would be derived from having one of 
these Centers focus on dissemination and professional development 
activities, which were identified by stakeholders as their most 
critical need. In sum, a few advantages of two Centers are:
    (a) Providing a nationally recognized and centralized mechanism for 
a broad and comprehensive dissemination and professional development 
effort;
    (b) Providing access, via technology, networking, and brokering, to 
research best practices developed by entities other than the National 
Centers supported under section 114(c) of the Act; and
    (c) Allowing the National Research Center for Career and Technical 
Education to focus on the important work of research, and at the same 
time minimize the amount of resources it would use to support 
dissemination and professional development activities.
    The establishment of a Center to focus on dissemination and 
professional development will certainly reduce the amount of resources 
the Secretary expects a Research Center to devote to carrying out 
dissemination and professional development activities. However, in 
light of the requirement in section 114(c)(5)(C) of the Act, the 
Secretary expects the Research Center to play a key role in 
dissemination and professional development efforts. The Secretary 
believes that a researcher's knowledge of his or her research 
activities is invaluable when translating that research into practice--
it enhances the product being disseminated. For this reason, the 
Secretary believes that researchers of the Research Center shall be 
involved in dissemination and professional development activities. The 
nature and extent of that role would depend on the activities proposed 
by successful applicants under this competition. However, the Secretary 
expects, at a minimum, that an entity entering into a cooperative 
agreement with the Department for the Research Center will (1) make its 
research and researchers available for the translation of research into 
practice that is carried out by the Dissemination Center and (2) 
disseminate information on its work through a wide variety of means, 
including research and practitioner journals, conference presentations, 
newspapers and magazines, newsletters, and technology, as appropriate.
    Further, the Secretary expects, as a part of the overall 
coordination of all activities of the Centers, that both Centers will 
coordinate their dissemination and professional development activities 
to ensure that any duplication of effort is reduced or eliminated. A 
more detailed discussion of coordination to be carried out by the 
Centers is in paragraph (b) of the ``Program Requirements'' section of 
this notice.
    The Secretary plans to make awards for the Research Center and 
Dissemination Center using cooperative agreements. The Secretary 
expects the Department's interaction with the recipients of awards to 
be characterized by continuing and regular participation in the 
project, unusually close collaboration with the recipient, and 
intervention or direct operational involvement in the review and 
approval of project activities.
    Eligible Applicants: The following entities are eligible for an 
award under this program:
    (a) An institution of higher education.
    (b) A public or private nonprofit organization or agency. (See 34 
CFR 75.51, How to prove nonprofit status.)
    (c) A consortium of institutions, organizations, or agencies in 
paragraphs (a) or (b) of this section of this notice. Eligible 
applicants seeking to apply for funds as a consortium should read the 
regulations in 34 CFR 75.127-75.129, which discuss group applications.

                                           Transmittal of Applications
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                        Project
       Title and CFDA No.           Deadline for transmittal of   Available funds per year  Number of  period in
                                           applications                                       awards     months
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
National Research Center for      August 2, 1999................  $2,250,000 (est.).                1         60
 Career and Technical Education.                                   Funding for the second
                                                                   through fifth 12-month
                                                                   period of the 60-month
                                                                   project period is
                                                                   subject to the
                                                                   availability of funds
                                                                   and to the grantee
                                                                   meeting the
                                                                   requirements of 34 CFR
                                                                   75.253.
National Dissemination Center     August 2, 1999................  $2,250,000 (est.).                1         60
 for Career and Technical                                          Funding for the second
 Education.                                                        through fifth 12-month
                                                                   period of the 60-month
                                                                   project period is
                                                                   subject to the
                                                                   availability of funds
                                                                   and to the grantee
                                                                   meeting the
                                                                   requirements of 34 CFR
                                                                   75.253.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Secretary believes National Centers have 
a unique role that enables them to serve as effective catalysts for 
program improvement. In this regard, the Secretary believes that in 
carrying out section 114(c)(5) and (6) of the Act, both National 
Centers should--
    (a) Build a knowledge base that is critical to increasing the 
quality and improving the effectiveness of vocational and technical 
education programs;
    (b) Help to redefine vocational education and spearhead 
conversations on reform;
    (c) Conduct activities that show a balanced agenda that addresses 
secondary and postsecondary vocational and technical education issues;
    (d) Contribute significantly to both theory and practice, 
especially in areas that are relevant to practitioners and in emerging 
areas of practice that are not well defined; and
    (e) Translate research into practice for teachers, counselors, 
administrators, and policy makers through dissemination, professional 
development, and technical assistance.

Center Activites

    Under section 114(c) of the Act, the Secretary will award 
cooperative agreements to establish (1) a National Research Center for 
Career and

[[Page 27412]]

Technical Education and (2) a National Dissemination Center for Career 
and Technical Education.

National Research Center for Career and Technical Education

    The purpose of the National Research Center is to design and 
conduct, using a variety of approaches, research, development, and 
evaluation activities that are consistent with the purposes of the Act. 
The National Research Center shall design and conduct--
    (a) Research for the purpose of developing, improving, and 
identifying the most successful methods for addressing the education, 
employment, and professional development needs of participants in 
vocational and technical education programs, including research and 
evaluation in such activities as--
    (1) The integration of vocational and technical instruction, and 
academic, secondary and postsecondary instruction;
    (2) Education technology and distance learning approaches and 
strategies that are effective in the delivery of vocational and 
technical education;
    (3) ``State-adjusted levels of performance'' and ``State levels of 
performance'' that serve to improve vocational and technical education 
programs and student achievement; and
    (4) Academic knowledge and vocational and technical skills required 
for employment or participation in postsecondary education.
    (b) Research to increase the effectiveness and improve the 
implementation of vocational and technical education programs, 
including--
    (1) Conducting research and development; and
    (2) Carrying out studies that provide longitudinal information or 
formative evaluation with respect to vocational and technical education 
programs and student achievement.
    (c) Research that can be used to improve pre-service and in-service 
professional development and enhance learning in the vocational and 
technical education classroom.
    (d) Research the Secretary determines appropriate to assist State 
and local recipients of funds under the Act and research in such a 
manner and with methods that are responsive to the changing and 
unanticipated needs of the vocational and technical education 
community.
    (e) Dissemination and professional development activities based 
upon the research described in paragraphs (a) through (d) of this 
section of this notice, including coordination with the Dissemination 
Center and information sharing through a wide variety of approaches, 
including research and practitioner journals, conference presentations, 
newspapers and magazines, newsletters, and technology, as appropriate.

National Dissemination Center for Career and Technical Education

    The purpose of the National Dissemination Center is to design and 
conduct, using a variety of approaches, national level dissemination 
and professional development activities that are consistent with the 
purposes of the Act. The National Dissemination Center shall design and 
conduct--
    (a) Comprehensive dissemination and professional development 
activities that are--
    (1) Related to the applied research and demonstration activities 
described in section 114(c) of the Act, which may also include serving 
as a repository for information on vocational and technical skills, 
State academic standards, and related materials; and
    (2) Based upon the research carried out by the National Research 
Center.
    (b) Effective in-service and pre-service professional development 
to assist vocational and technical education systems.
    (c) The dissemination of best practices information and the 
provision of technical assistance, for the purposes of developing, 
improving, and identifying the most successful methods and techniques 
for providing vocational and technical education programs assisted 
under the Act.
    Priorities: Using as a basis the suggestions that were provided by 
stakeholders on the scope and structure of the Centers, the Secretary 
has identified a number of issues that are important as initial foci 
for the National Research and Dissemination Centers. The issues have 
been separated into two types of priorities: competitive and 
invitational. Although extra points will be awarded to applicants 
addressing competitive priorities, the Secretary encourages applicants 
to incorporate as many as possible of both types of priorities into 
their applications.

Competitive Priorities

    Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(ii), the Secretary gives preference to 
applications that meet the following competitive priorities. The 
Secretary awards up to five points to an application that meets the 
competitive priority in a particularly effective way. These points are 
in addition to any points an application earns under the selection 
criteria for the program.

Research Center

Competitive Priority 1--Program Improvement (up to 5 Points)
    Activities that promote reform and improvement in instructional 
practices; that promote learning that effectively transfers from the 
classroom to the workplace; and that result in measurable student 
achievement of academic and technical knowledge and skills needed to 
prepare for further education and careers (e.g., integrated academic 
and technical learning, skills competencies, career pathways and 
school-wide restructuring).
Competitive Priority 2--Professional Development (up to 5 Points)
    Activities that investigate, validate, and promote professional 
development, such as effective models of pedagogy and models of applied 
learning.
Competitive Priority 3--Effective Links Between Employment Knowledge 
and Skills and Academic Competencies (up to 5 Points)
    Activities that investigate and validate the most successful 
methods and techniques for improving student achievement through 
effective links between employment knowledge and skills and academic 
competencies that support transitions to employment, post secondary 
education, and life-long learning.

Dissemination Center

Competitive Priority 1--Translating Research to Practice (up to 5 
Points)
    Activities that translate research into promising or best 
practices, including synthesizing research and technical reports into 
applied tools and practitioner-oriented documents and materials.
Competitive Priority 2--Most Successful Practices (up to 5 Points)
    Activities that identify and share the most successful products, 
programs, and practices for enhancing student achievement and 
performance, including participation in non-traditional training, and 
that address the immediate needs of practitioners.
Competitive Priority 3--Professional Development (up to 5 Points)
    Professional development activities that lead to high-quality and 
effective professionals providing services and programs under the Act.

Invitational Priorities

    Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(1), the Secretary is particularly interested 
in applications that meet the following

[[Page 27413]]

invitational priorities. However, an application that meets an 
invitational priority does not receive competitive or absolute 
preference over other applications.

Research Center

Invitational Priority 1--Technology
    Activities that investigate and validate the appropriate use of 
technology to facilitate the learning process and provide a basis for 
adoption/adaptation by others.
Invitational Priority 2--Evaluation
    Activities that develop and validate appropriate evaluation methods 
and tools that assess student achievement and educational effectiveness 
at the State and local levels.

Dissemination Center

Invitational Priority--Technical Assistance
    Activities to deliver technical assistance to States and ``eligible 
recipients'' for the purposes of developing, improving, and identifying 
the most successful methods and techniques for providing programs and 
activities under the Act.
    Selection Criteria: Except as noted, the Secretary uses the 
following selection criteria to evaluate applications for new awards 
under both the competition for the National Research Center for Career 
and Technical Education and the competition for the National 
Dissemination Center for Career and Technical Education.

    Note: Under the criterion ``Quality of project design'', the 
elements in paragraph (a)(1) will be used to evaluate only 
applications for the National Research Center. Under the criterion 
``Quality of project design'', the elements in paragraph (a)(2) will 
be used to evaluate only applications for the National Dissemination 
Center.

    (a)(1) (For use in evaluating only applications for the National 
Research Center.) Quality of project design (40 points). (i) The 
Secretary considers the quality of the project design.
    (ii) In determining the quality of the design of the proposed 
project, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (A) The extent to which the proposed project represents an approach 
that is exceptional for each of the required research, development, 
dissemination, and professional development activities provided for in 
section 114(c)(5)(A)(i), (ii), (iii)(I), and (iv); (B); and (C) of the 
Act, and under the heading National Research Center for Career and 
Technical Education in this notice.
    (B) The importance or magnitude of the research proposed by the 
project, especially as it relates to improvement in teaching and 
student achievement.
    (C) The extent to which the proposed activities constitute a 
coherent, sustained program of research and development in the field of 
vocational and technical education, including, as appropriate, a 
substantial addition to an ongoing line of inquiry.
    (D) The extent to which the proposed research design includes a 
thorough, high-quality review of the relevant literature, a high-
quality plan for research activities, and the use of appropriate 
theoretical models and methodological tools, including those of a 
variety of approaches.
    (E) The extent to which the professional development services to be 
provided by the proposed project are of sufficient quality, intensity, 
and duration to lead to improvements in practice among the recipients 
of those services.
    (F) The potential contribution of the proposed project to increased 
knowledge and understanding of educational issues, or effective 
strategies to improve vocational and technical programs.
    (G) The extent to which the project proposes models of 
dissemination that incorporate approaches that meet the needs of 
different communities of users.
    (H) The extent to which the proposed project will be coordinated 
with similar or related efforts, and with other appropriate community, 
State, and Federal resources.
    (I) 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 ability.
    (a)(2) (For use in evaluating only applications for the National 
Dissemination Center.) Quality of project design (40 points). (i) The 
Secretary considers the quality of the project design.
    (ii) In determining the quality of the design of the proposed 
project, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (A) The extent to which the proposed project represents an approach 
that is exceptional for each of the required dissemination and 
professional development activities described in section 
114(c)(5)(A)(iii)(II); (B); (C); and (6)(A) of the Act and under the 
heading National Dissemination Center for Career and Technical 
Education in this notice.
    (B) The extent to which the proposed dissemination design includes 
a thorough, high-quality review of the relevant literature, a high-
quality plan for dissemination activities, and the use of appropriate 
models that include a variety of approaches.
    (C) The extent to which the technical assistance services to be 
provided by the proposed project involves the use of efficient 
strategies, including the use of technology.
    (D) The extent to which the professional development services to be 
provided by the proposed project are of sufficient quality, intensity, 
and duration to lead to improvements in practice among the recipients 
of those services.
    (E) The potential contribution of the proposed project to increased 
knowledge and understanding of educational issues, or effective 
strategies to improve vocational and technical programs.
    (F) The extent to which the project proposes models of 
dissemination that incorporate approaches that meet the needs of 
different communities of users.
    (G) The extent to which the proposed project will be coordinated 
with similar or related efforts, and with other appropriate community, 
State, and Federal resources.
    (H) 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 ability.
    (b) Institutional capability (5 points). (1) The Secretary 
considers the institutional capability of the proposed applicant and 
consortium members, if any.
    (2) In determining the quality of the institutional capability, the 
Secretary reviews each application to determine the extent to which the 
applicant understands the state of knowledge and practice related to 
vocational and technical education, as evidenced by its experience in 
and capacity for conducting--
    (i) Research, development, evaluation, dissemination, and 
professional development activities described in section 
114(c)(5)(A)(i), (ii), (iii)(I), and (iv); (B); and (C) of the Act and 
under the heading National Research Center for Career and Technical 
Education in this notice; or
    (ii) Dissemination and professional development activities 
described in section 114(c)(5)(A)(iii)(II); (B); (C); and (6)(A) of the 
Act and under the heading

[[Page 27414]]

National Dissemination Center for Career and Technical Education in 
this notice.
    (c) Management plan (20 points). (1) The Secretary considers the 
quality of the management plan for the proposed project.
    (2) In determining the quality of the management plan for 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.
    (ii) The adequacy of the management plan to achieve the objectives 
of the proposed project on time and within budget, including clearly 
defined responsibilities, timelines, and milestones for accomplishing 
project tasks and a plan for continuous improvement.
    (iii) The adequacy of procedures for coordination and communication 
among staff, subcontractors, members of the consortium, if any, the 
U.S. Department of Education, and any other National Center funded 
under the Act.
    (iv) The adequacy of mechanisms for ensuring high-quality products 
and services from the proposed project.
    (v) How the applicant will ensure that a diversity of perspectives 
are brought to bear in the operation of the proposed project.
    (d) Quality of personnel (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 following:
    (i) The extent to which the proposed director of the National 
Center has appropriate qualifications, including relevant project 
management experience and administrative skills, a commitment to work 
full-time as director of the National Center, and sufficient authority 
to effectively manage the activities of the National Center.
    (ii) The qualifications, including relevant training and 
experience, of key project personnel, and the extent to which their 
time commitments are appropriate and adequate to meet proposed project 
objectives.
    (iii) The qualifications, including relevant training and 
experience, of project consultants or subcontractors.
    (iv) 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.
    (e) Adequacy of resources (10 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 and consortium 
members, if any.
    (ii) The extent to which the costs are reasonable in relation to 
the objectives, design, and potential significance of the proposed 
project.
    (iii) The relevance and demonstrated commitment of each partner in 
the proposed project to the implementation and success of the project.
    (f) Evaluation (15 points). (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.
    (ii) The extent to which the methods of evaluation include the use 
of objective performance measures that are clearly related to the 
intended outcomes of the project and will produce quantitative and 
qualitative data to the extent possible.
    (iii) The extent to which the methods of evaluation will provide 
performance feedback and permit periodic assessment of progress toward 
achieving intended outcomes.
    Program Requirements: To ensure the high quality of the Centers and 
achievement of the goals and purposes of sections 114(c)(5) and (6) of 
the Act, the Secretary establishes the following program requirements:
    (a) Project Director. Each Center shall have a full-time director 
who is appointed by the institution serving as the grantee.
    (b) Coordination. (1) Each Center funded under section 114(c) of 
the Act shall coordinate its activities with the other Center funded 
under the Act.
    (2) To the extent practicable, each Center shall coordinate its 
professional development activities with the professional development 
activities carried out--
    (i) By ``eligible agencies'' and ``eligible recipients'' under the 
Act; and
    (ii) Under title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act 
of 1965 and title II of the Higher Education Act of 1965.
    (3) To the extent practicable, each Center shall coordinate its 
activities with similar or related activities of the Department's 
Office of Educational Research and Improvement, Office of Elementary 
and Secondary Education, Office of Postsecondary Education, Office of 
Special Educational and Rehabilitative Services, and National Library 
of Education; the National Science Foundation; national professional 
associations or organizations; and activities funded under the Work 
Force Investment Act, the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act, the 
School-to-Work Opportunities Act, the Improving Americas Schools Act, 
the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunities Act of 1995; and 
other similar or related agencies, organizations, and activities in 
order to exchange information, avoid duplication of effort, pool 
resources, and improve the effectiveness of the Center's activities.
    (c) Needs Assessment and Customer Satisfaction. Each Center shall 
establish effective procedures to be implemented annually to help to 
ensure that the work of the Center is relevant to the needs of 
vocational and technical education practitioners and continues to be 
effective. The Centers might involve researchers, practitioners, 
including persons knowledgeable about providing preparation for non-
traditional training and employment, policymakers, employers, unions, 
parents, and other concerned vocational and technical educators in 
their efforts.

    Note: The Secretary plans to hold regularly scheduled activities 
to obtain the views of practitioners on the research and 
dissemination needs of the field. Each Center should be prepared to 
employ the information obtained by the Secretary in the course of 
these consultations to shape its agenda.

    (d) Evaluation. Each Center shall conduct an ongoing evaluation of 
the Center's effectiveness. As required in paragraph (f)(1)(v) of the 
``Program Requirements'' section of this notice, the results of this 
evaluation must be submitted to the Secretary in an interim evaluation 
report in the third year of the award and a final evaluation report in 
the fifth year of the award.
    (e) Contingency Plan. During the final year of the award cycle, 
each National Center shall develop and remain prepared to implement a 
contingency plan for completing all substantive work by the end of the 
eleventh month of that year and transferring all projects, services and 
activities to a successor during the twelfth month of that year.
    (f) Reporting. (1) Each Center shall submit to the Secretary the 
following reports--

[[Page 27415]]

    (i) Monthly exception reports that describe--
    (A) Any problems, delays, or adverse conditions that materially 
impair the ability of the National Center to accomplish its purposes, 
along with an explanation of any action taken or contemplated to 
resolve the difficulties; and
    (B) Any favorable developments that will permit the National Center 
to accomplish its purposes sooner, at less cost, or more effectively 
than projected.
    (ii) Semi-annual performance reports.
    (iii) Quarterly financial status reports within 30 days of the end 
of each quarter.
    (iv) Ten printed copies and one electronic copy (pdf) of all 
substantive reports and products.
    (v) An interim evaluation report in the third year of the award and 
a final evaluation report in the fifth year of the award.
    (2) Each Center shall annually prepare and submit a report of key 
research findings of the Center to the Secretary, the Committee on 
Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives, the 
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, the 
Library of Congress, and each ``eligible agency'' as defined in section 
3(9) of the Act.

Waiver of Relemaking

    While it is generally the practice of the Secretary to offer 
interested parties the opportunity to comment on a regulation before it 
is implemented, section 437(d)(1) of the General Education Provisions 
Act exempts from formal rulemaking requirements, regulations governing 
the first grant competition under a new or substantially revised 
program authority (20 U.S.C. 1232(d)(1)). The program authority for the 
National Centers was substantially revised on October 31, 1998 by Pub. 
L. 105-332. In order to make awards on a timely basis, the Secretary 
has decided to publish this notice in final form under the authority of 
section 437(d)(1).

Applicable Statute and Regulations

    (a) Relevant provisions of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and 
Technical Education Act of 1998, 20 U.S.C. 2301 et seq., in particular, 
sections 114(c)(5) and (6)(A), 20 U.S.C. 2324(c)(5) and (6)(A).
    (b) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations 
(EDGAR) as follows:
    (1) 34 CFR part 74 (Administration of Grants and Agreements to 
Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals and Nonprofit 
Organizations).
    (2) 34 CFR part 75 (Direct Grant Programs).
    (3) 34 CFR part 77 (Definitions that Apply to Department 
Regulations).
    (4) 34 CFR part 80 (Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants 
and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments).
    (5) 34 CFR part 81 (General Education Provisions Act --
Enforcement).
    (6) 34 CFR part 82 (New Restrictions on Lobbying).
    (7) 34 CFR part 85 (Government-wide Debarment and Suspension 
(Nonprocurement) and Government-wide Requirements for Drug-Free 
Workplace (Grants)).
    (8) 34 CFR part 86 (Drug-Free Schools and Campuses).

Definitions

    Applicants are encouraged to take particular note of the following 
statutory definition:
    ``Institution of Higher Education'' means--
    (a) An educational institution in any State that--
    (1) Admits as regular students only persons having a certificate of 
graduation from a school providing secondary education, or the 
recognized equivalent of such a certificate;
    (2) Is legally authorized within such State to provide a program of 
education beyond secondary education;
    (3) Provides an educational program for which the institution 
awards a bachelor's degree or provides not less than a 2-year program 
that is acceptable for full credit toward such a degree;
    (4) Is a public or other nonprofit institution; and
    (5) Is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or 
association, or if not so accredited, is an institution that has been 
granted preaccreditation status by such an agency or association that 
has been recognized by the Secretary for the granting of 
preaccreditation status, and the Secretary has determined that there is 
satisfactory assurance that the institution will meet the accreditation 
standards of such an agency or association within a reasonable time.
    (b) The term also includes--
    (1) Any school that provides not less than a 1-year program of 
training to prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized 
occupation and that meets the provisions of paragraphs (a)(1), (2), 
(4), and (5) of this definition.
    (2) A public or nonprofit private educational institution in any 
State that, in lieu of the requirement in paragraph (a)(1) of this 
definition, admits as regular students persons who are beyond the age 
of compulsory school attendance in the State in which the institution 
is located. (See 20 U.S.C. 1141(a).)
    Definitions of the terms ``nonprofit'', ``private'', and ``public'' 
are contained in 34 CFR 77.1.
    Applicants are encouraged to review all applicable definitions in 
section 3 of the Act.

Instructions for Transmittal of Applications

    Applicants are required to submit one original signed application 
and two copies of the application. All forms and assurances must have 
ink signatures. Please mark applications as ``original'' or ``copy''. 
To aid with the review of applications, the Department encourages 
applicants to submit four additional paper copies and one electronic 
copy (in Department of Education standard program format) of the 
application. The Department will not penalize applicants who do not 
provide additional copies.
    (a) If an applicant wants to apply for a cooperative agreement 
under this competition, the applicant must either--
    (1) Mail the original and two copies of the application on or 
before the deadline date to: U.S. Department of Education, Application 
Control Center, Attention: (CFDA #84.051), Washington, DC 20202-4725, 
or
    (2) Hand deliver the original and two copies of the application by 
4:30 p.m. (Washington, D.C. time) on or before the deadline date to: 
U.S. Department of Education, Application Control Center, Attention: 
(CFDA #84.051), Room #3633, Regional Office Building #3, 7th and D 
Streets, SW., Washington, DC.
    (b) An applicant must show one of the following as proof of 
mailing:
    (1) A legibly dated U.S. Postal Service postmark.
    (2) A legible mail receipt with the date of mailing stamped by the 
U.S. Postal Service.
    (3) A dated shipping label, invoice, or receipt from a commercial 
carrier.
    (4) Any other proof of mailing acceptable to the Secretary.
    (c) If an application is mailed through the U.S. Postal Service, 
the Secretary does not accept either of the following as proof of 
mailing:
    (1) A private metered postmark.
    (2) A mail receipt that is not dated by the U.S. Postal Service.

    Notes: (1) The U.S. Postal Service does not uniformly provide a 
dated postmark. Before relying on this method, an applicant should 
check with its local post office.
    (2) The Application Control Center will mail a Grant Application 
Receipt Acknowledgment to each applicant. If an

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applicant fails to receive the notification of application receipt 
within 15 days from the date of mailing the application, the 
applicant should call the U.S. Department of Education Application 
Control Center at (202) 708-9494.
    (3) The applicant must indicate on the envelope and--if not 
provided by the Department--in Item 3 of the Application for Federal 
Assistance (Standard Form 424) the CFDA number--and suffix letter, 
if any--of the competition under which the application is being 
submitted.

    Application Instructions and Forms: All forms and instructions are 
included as Appendix A of this notice. Questions and answers pertaining 
to this program are included, as Appendix B, to assist potential 
applicants.
    To apply for an award under this program competition, your 
application must be organized in the following order and include the 
following five parts. The parts and additional materials are as 
follows:
    Part I: Application for Federal Education Assistance (ED Form 424 
(Rev. 1-12-99)) and instructions.
    Part II: Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs (ED Form No. 
524) and instructions.
    Part III: Budget Narrative.
    Part IV: Program Narrative.
    Estimated Public Reporting Burden.
    Part V: Additional Assurances and Certifications:
    a. Assurances--Non-Construction Programs (Standard Form 424B).
    b. Certification regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other 
Responsibility Matters; and Drug-Free Workplace Requirements (ED 80-
0013) and instructions.
    c. Certification regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and 
Voluntary Exclusion: Lower Tier Covered Transactions (ED Form 80-0014, 
9/90) and instructions.

    (Note: ED Form 80-0014 is intended for the use of grantees and 
should not be transmitted to the Department.)

    d. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (Standard Form LLL), if 
applicable, and instructions. This document has been marked to reflect 
statutory changes. See the notice published by the Office of Management 
and Budget at 61 FR 1413 (January 19, 1996).
    e. Notice to All Applicants.
    No cooperative agreement may be awarded unless a completed 
application form has been received.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ricardo Hernandez, Program Improvement 
Branch, Division of National Programs, Office of Vocational and Adult 
Education, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW (Room 
4512, Mary E. Switzer Building), Washington, DC 20202-7242. Telephone 
(202) 205-5977. Internet address: [email protected].
    Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) 
may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-
8339.
    Individuals with disabilities may obtain this notice in an 
alternate format (e.g., Braille, large print, audio tape, or computer 
diskette) on request to the contact persons listed in the preceding 
paragraph. Please note, however, that the Department is not able to 
reproduce in an alternate format the standard forms included in the 
notice.

Electronic Access to This Department

    Anyone may view this document, as well as all other Department of 
Education documents published in the Federal Register, in text or 
portable document format (pdf) on the World Wide Web at either of the 
following sites:

http://ocfo.ed.gov/fedreg.htm
http://www.ed.gov/news.html

    To use the pdf you must have the Adobe Acrobat Reader Program with 
Search, which is available free at either of the preceding sites. If 
you have questions about using the pdf, call the U.S. Government 
Printing Office at (202)512-1530 or toll free at 1-888-293-6498.
    Additionally, this notice, as well as other documents concerning 
the implementation of the national Centers, is available on the World 
Wide Web at the following site: http://www.ed.gov/offices/OVAE/
ncrperk111.html.

    Note: The official version of this document is the document 
published in the Federal Register.

    Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 2324(c)(5) and (6)(A).
Patricia W. McNeil,
Assistant Secretary, Office of Vocational and Adult Education.

Appendix A--Part II--Budget Information

Instructions for Part II--Budget Information

Sections A and B--Budget Summary by Categories

    1. Personnel: Show salaries to be paid to personnel for each 
budget year.
    2. Fringe Benefits: Indicate the rate and amount of fringe 
benefits for each budget year.
    3. Travel: Indicate the amount requested for both local and out 
of State travel of project staff for each budget year.
    4. Equipment: Indicate the cost of non-expendable personal 
property that has a cost of $5,000 or more per unit for each budget 
year.
    5. Supplies: Include the cost of consumable supplies and 
materials to be used during the project period for each budget year.
    6. Contractual: Show the amount to be used for: (1) procurement 
contracts (except those which belong on other lines such as supplies 
and equipment); and (2) sub-contracts for each budget year.
    7. Construction: Not Applicable.
    8. Other: Indicate all direct costs not clearly covered by lines 
1 through 6 above, including consultants and capital expenditures 
for each budget year.
    9. Total Direct Costs: Show the total for Lines 1 through 8 for 
each budget year.
    10. Indirect Costs: Indicate the rate and amount of indirect 
costs for each budget year.
    11. Training/stipend Cost: Indicate cost per student.
    12. Total Costs: Show the total for lines 9 through 11 for each 
budget year.
    Please be sure that each page of your application is numbered 
consecutively.

Instructions for Part IV--Program Narrative

    The program narrative will comprise the largest portion of your 
application. This part is where you spell out the who, what, when, 
why, and how, of your proposed project.
    Although you will not have a form to fill out for your 
narrative, there is a format. This format is based on the selection 
criteria. Because your application will be reviewed and rated by a 
review panel on the basis of the selection criteria, your narrative 
should follow the order and format of the criteria.
    Before preparing your application, you should carefully read the 
legislation and EDGAR rules governing the program, eligibility 
requirements, Center activities, priorities, selection criteria, and 
program requirements for this competition.
    Your program narrative should be clear, concise, and to the 
point. Begin the narrative with a one page abstract or summary of 
your project. Then describe the project in detail, addressing each 
selection criterion in order. Be sure to number consecutively ALL 
pages in your application.
    You may include supporting documentation as appendices to the 
program narrative. Be sure that this material is concise and 
pertinent to this program competition.
    You are advised that--
    (a) The Secretary considers only information contained in the 
application in ranking applications for funding consideration.
    (b) The technical review panel evaluates each application solely 
on the basis of the Center activities, selection criteria, and 
competitive priorities contained in this notice.
    (c) Letters of support included as appendices to an application, 
that are of direct relevance to or contain commitments that pertain 
to the established selection criteria, such as commitment of 
resources, will be reviewed by the panel. Letters of support sent 
separately from the formal application package are not considered in 
the review by the technical review panels. (34 CFR 75.217)

Estimated Burden Statement

    According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are 
required to respond

[[Page 27417]]

to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB 
control number. The valid OMB control number for this information 
collection is 1830-0538. (Expiration date: 4/30/02). The time 
required to complete this information collection is estimated to 
average 90 hours 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 time 
estimate(s) or suggestions for improving this form, please write to: 
U.S. Department of Education, Washington, DC 20202-4651.
    If you have comments or concerns regarding the status of your 
individual submission of this form, write directly to: Ricardo 
Hernandez, Division of National Programs, Office of Vocational and 
Adult Education, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, 
SW (Room 4512, Mary E. Switzer Building), Washington DC 20202-7242.

Notice to All Applicants

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

To Whom Does This Provision Apply?

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

What Does This Provision Require?

    Section 427 requires each applicant for funds (other than an 
individual person) to include in its application a description of 
the steps the applicant proposes to take to ensure equitable access 
to, and participation in, its federally-assisted program for 
students, teachers, and other program beneficiaries with special 
needs.
    This section allows applicants discretion in developing the 
required description. The statute highlights six types of barriers 
that can impede equitable access or participation that you may 
address: gender, race, national origin, color, disability, or age. 
Based on local circumstances, you can determine whether these or 
other barriers may prevent your students, teachers, etc. from 
equitable access or participation. Your description need not be 
lengthy; you may provide a clear and succinct description of how you 
plan to address those barriers that are applicable to your 
circumstances. In addition, the information may be provided in a 
single narrative, or, if appropriate, may be discussed in connection 
with related topics in the application.
    Section 427 is not intended to duplicate the requirements of 
civil rights statutes, but rather to ensure that, in designing their 
projects, applicants for Federal funds address equity concerns that 
may affect the ability of certain potential beneficiaries to fully 
participate in the project and to achieve to high standards. 
Consistent with program requirements and its approved application, 
an applicant may use the Federal funds awarded to it to eliminate 
barriers it identifies.

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

    The following examples may help illustrate how an applicant may 
comply with section 427.
    (1) An applicant that proposes to carry out an adult literacy 
project serving, among others, adults with limited English 
proficiency, might describe in its application how it intends to 
distribute a brochure about the proposed project to such potential 
participants in their native language.
    (2) An applicant that proposes to develop instructional 
materials for classroom use might describe how it will make the 
materials available on audio tape or in Braille for students who are 
blind.
    (3) An applicant that proposes to carry out a model science 
program for secondary students and is concerned that girls may be 
less likely than boys to enroll in the course, might indicate how it 
tends to conduct ``outreach'' efforts to girls, to encourage their 
enrollment.
    We recognize that many applicants may already be implementing 
effective steps to ensure equity of access and participation in 
their grant programs, and we appreciate your cooperation in 
responding to the requirements of this provision.

Appendix B--Questions and Answers

    Potential applicants frequently direct questions to officials of 
the Department regarding application notices and programmatic and 
administrative regulations governing various direct grant programs. 
To assist potential applicants, the Department has assembled the 
following most commonly asked questions followed by the Department's 
answers.
    Q. Can we get an extension of the deadline?
    A. No. A closing date may be changed only under extraordinary 
circumstances. Any change must be announced in the Federal Register 
and must apply to all applications. Waivers for individual 
applications cannot be granted regardless of the circumstances.
    Q. How many copies of the application should I submit and must 
they be bound?
    A. Applicants are required to submit one original and two copies 
of the application. To aid with the review of applications, the 
Department encourages applicants to submit four additional paper 
copies and one electronic copy (in Department of Education standard 
program format) of the application. The Department will not penalize 
applicants who do not provide additional copies. The binding of 
applications is optional.
    Q. We just missed the deadline for the XXX competition. May we 
submit under another competition?
    A. Yes, however, the likelihood of success is not good. A 
properly prepared application must meet the specifications of the 
competition to which it is submitted.
    Q. I'm not sure which competition is most appropriate for my 
project. What should I do?
    A. We are happy to discuss any such questions with you and 
provide clarification on the unique elements of the various 
competitions.
    Q. Will you help us prepare our application?
    A. We are happy to provide general program information. Clearly, 
it would not be appropriate for staff to participate in the actual 
writing of an application, but we can respond to specific questions 
about application requirements, evaluation criteria, and the 
priorities. Applicants should understand, however, that prior 
contact with the Department is not required, nor will it in any way 
influence the success of an application.
    Q. When will I find out if I'm going to be funded?
    A. You can expect to receive notification within 2 months of the 
application closing date, depending on the number of applications 
received.
    Q. Once the review panel has reviewed my application, can you 
tell me the outcome?
    A. No. Every year we are called by a number of applicants who 
have a legitimate reason for needing to know the outcome of the 
panel review prior to official notification. Some applicants need to 
make job decisions, some need to notify a local school district, 
etc. Regardless of the reason, because final funding decisions have 
not been made, even at the point where all applications have been 
read, we cannot share information about the results of panel review 
with anyone.
    Q. Will my application be returned if I am not funded?
    A. No. We no longer return unsuccessful applications. Thus, 
applicants should retain at least one copy of their application.
    Q. Can I obtain copies of reviewers' comments?
    A. Upon written request, reviewers' comments will be mailed to 
applicants.
    Q. Is travel allowed under these projects?
    A. Travel associated with carrying out the project is allowed. 
Because we may request the staff of funded projects to attend an 
initial meeting with the Department's staff and provide an annual 
briefing to the Department on the project's activities, you may also 
wish to include a trip or two to Washington, DC in the travel 
budget. Travel to conferences is sometimes allowed when the purpose 
of the conference will be of benefit and relates to the project.
    Q. If my application receives high scores from the reviewers, 
does that mean that I will receive funding?
    A. Not necessarily. In addition to the rank order of an 
application, the Secretary determines which applications will be 
selected for grants by considering--
    (a) Information in the application, including any additional 
information submitted by an applicant to clarify budgetary or 
programmatic questions raised by the Secretary; and
    (b) Other information relevant to a criterion, priority, or 
other requirement that

[[Page 27418]]

applies to the selection of applications for new grants or 
cooperative agreements, including information concerning the 
applicant's use of funds under a previous award under the same 
Federal program. (34 CFR 75.217)
    Q. What happens during pre-award clarification discussions?
    A. During pre-award clarification discussions, technical and 
budget issues may be raised. These are issues that have been 
identified during the panel and staff reviews that require 
clarification. Sometimes issues are stated as ``conditions.'' These 
are issues that have been identified as so critical that the award 
cannot be made unless those conditions are met. Questions may also 
be raised about the proposed budget. Generally, these issues are 
raised because an application contains inadequate justification or 
explanation of a particular budget item, or because the budget item 
seems unimportant to the successful completion of the project. If 
you are asked to make changes that you feel could seriously affect 
the project's success, you may provide reasons for not making the 
changes or provide alternative suggestions. Similarly, if proposed 
budget reductions will, in your opinion, seriously affect the 
project activities, you may explain why and provide additional 
justification for the proposed expenses. An award cannot be made 
until all issues under discussion have been resolved.
    Q. How do I provide an assurance?
    A. Except for SF-424B, ``Assurances--Non-Construction 
Programs,'' you may provide an assurance simply by stating in 
writing that you are meeting a prescribed requirement.
    Q. Where can copies of the Federal Register, regulations, and 
Federal statutes be obtained?
    A. Copies of these materials can usually be found at your local 
library. Or you may obtain copies of the material referenced in this 
notice in the following manner:
    (a) A copy of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical 
Education Act of 1998 (Pub. L. 105-332) may be obtained (1) from the 
Government Printing Office by writing to Superintendent of 
Documents, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954 or telephoning 
(202) 512-1800, or (2) online from the Library of Congress at: 
http://thomas.loc.gov.
    (b) A copy to the Code of Federal Regulations that contains the 
Education Department General Administrative Regulations, 34 CFR 
parts 74, 75, 77, 80, 81, 82, 85, and 86, may be obtained from the 
Government Printing Office by writing to Superintendent of 
Documents, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954 or on the 
Internet at: http://www.access.gpo.gov/su__docs or http://
www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr.

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[FR Doc. 99-12605 Filed 5-18-99; 8:45 am]
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