[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 115 (Wednesday, June 16, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32364-32366]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-15324]



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Part V





Department of Education





_______________________________________________________________________



Office of Elementary and Secondary Education; Safe and Drug-Free 
Schools and Communities National Programs, Federal Activities, State 
and Regional Coalition Grant Competition To Prevent High-Risk Drinking 
Among College Students; Notices

  Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 115 / Wednesday, June 16, 1999 / 
Notices  

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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION


Office of Elementary and Secondary Education--Safe and Drug-Free 
Schools and Communities National Programs--Federal Activities--State 
and Regional Coalition Grant Competition To Prevent High-Risk Drinking 
Among College Students

AGENCY: Department of Education.

ACTION: Notice of final priority, eligible applicants, and selection 
criteria for fiscal year 1999 and subsequent years.

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SUMMARY: The Secretary announces a final priority, eligible applicants, 
and selection criteria for fiscal year (FY) 1999 and, at the discretion 
of the Secretary, for subsequent years under the Safe and Drug-Free 
Schools and Communities National Programs--Federal Activities--State 
and Regional Coalition Grant Competition to Prevent High-Risk Drinking 
Among College Students. The Secretary takes this action to focus 
Federal financial assistance on an identified national need. This 
competition seeks to reduce and prevent high-risk drinking among 
college students by funding State or regional coalitions for a two-year 
period to bring together institutions of higher education (IHEs) to 
share ideas and develop, implement, and evaluate collaborative 
strategies.

EFFECTIVE DATE: These priorities take effect July 16, 1999.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kimberly Light, Safe and Drug-Free 
Schools Program, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, 
Washington, DC 20202-6123. Telephone: (202) 260-3954. FAX (202) 260-
7767. Internet: http://www.ed.gov/OESE/SDFS.
    Individuals who use a telecommunication device for the deaf (TDD) 
may call the Federal Information Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339. 
Individuals with disabilities may obtain this document in an alternate 
format (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer diskette) on 
request to the contact person listed above.

    Note: This notice of final priority does not solicit 
applications. A notice inviting applications under this competition 
is published elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: High-risk drinking, including ``binge'' 
drinking, continues to affect the health, learning, and safety of 
college students. Excessive use of alcohol has resulted in deaths, 
serious injuries, vandalism, and sexual assault on college campuses. 
There is strong evidence that environmental factors, including alcohol 
availability, high-risk alcohol use norms, and the restrictiveness of 
State drunk driving laws, play a major role in student alcohol use. 
Different IHEs may have high-risk drinking problems that are affected 
by similar environmental concerns; therefore, developing partnerships 
with other IHEs can provide a forum to develop common solutions as well 
as a mechanism to create the ``critical mass'' of concerned 
stakeholders needed to influence broader environmental changes. The 
recent development of a number of IHE coalitions across the country 
suggests that such partnerships may be an effective method for IHEs 
with common environmental concerns to build local capacity to address 
high-risk drinking within their campus-communities. In addition, these 
efforts can have an impact within a larger community context, such as 
geographic regions within States (e.g., a large metropolitan area), 
similar institutions within States (e.g., all public universities), or 
institutions in States that share common borders. This competition 
seeks to encourage these collaborative efforts and evaluate their 
effectiveness so that other IHEs may adopt effective strategies.
    This notice contains a final priority, eligible applicants, and 
related selection criteria for fiscal year 1999 and subsequent years. 
Under this absolute priority, the Secretary may make awards for up to 
24 months.
    On April 20, 1999, the Secretary published the proposed priorities 
for this competition in a Notice of Proposed Priority in the Federal 
Register (64 FR 19347-19349). In response to the comments received, the 
Secretary made no modifications, as noted in the following section--
Analysis of Comments and Changes--of this notice of final priorities.

Analysis of Comments and Changes

    In response to the Secretary's invitation to comment on the 
proposed priorities, the Department received two responses from 
institutions of higher education. Most of the comments were related to 
the proposed selection criteria, which were selected from the 
established selection criteria published in the Education Department 
General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR). An analysis of the 
comments, organized by topic, follows:

Focus of Priority

    Comment: One commenter suggested that the priority include not only 
binge drinking, but also other patterns of abusive drinking that have 
negative consequences for student life. The commenter indicated that 
other patterns of abusive drinking are seen at historically Black IHEs.
    Discussion: The existing language in the priority is specifically 
designed to include a range of high-risk drinking problems. Although 
``binge'' drinking is a significant type of high-risk drinking, the 
priority would not preclude a focus on other types of abusive drinking.
    Changes: None.

Selection Criteria--Need for Project

    Comment: One commenter proposed points be reassigned under this 
criterion to place more emphasis on identifying and addressing gaps and 
weaknesses in services, rather than on the magnitude and severity of 
the problem to be addressed, in order to reflect the amount of 
additional work required by applicants to identify gaps and weaknesses.
    Discussion: The points assigned for this selection criterion are 
intended to place greater emphasis on the magnitude and severity of the 
high-risk drinking problem to be addressed by the coalition. Because of 
the limited funds available for this initiative, emphasis is placed on 
directing funds to areas with the greatest need.
    Changes: None.

Selection Criteria--Significance and Quality of the Project Design

    Comment: One commenter proposed that the subcriterion under Quality 
of the Project Design addressing capacity building be combined with the 
subcriterion under Significance addressing system change and 
improvement. The commenter suggested that system change, by definition, 
will build capacity and yield results beyond the period of Federal 
financial assistance.
    Discussion: These subcriteria were selected to address two 
different, but related, aspects of project impact. Capacity building 
may not necessarily lead to system change and improvement, and system 
change and improvement may not necessarily include capacity building. 
Therefore, both of these selection criteria help select projects that 
have the greatest potential to continue the work of the project after 
the Federal project period ends.
    Changes: None.

Selection Criteria--Quality of Project Design

    Comment: One commenter suggested that the number of points be 
increased under the subcriterion addressing clearly specified and 
measurable goals, objectives and outcomes, because the

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organization's goals, objectives and outcomes have a major impact on 
the functioning of the project. In addition, this commenter proposed 
that this subcriterion be expanded to include proposed activities for 
achieving the stated goals, objectives and outcomes.
    Discussion: Clearly specified and measurable goals, objectives and 
outcomes are an important part of the design of a project; however, the 
quality of the content of the goals, objectives and outcomes is most 
important to the design of projects under this program, and is 
therefore more heavily weighted. The subcriterion on the extent to 
which the design of the project reflects up-to-date knowledge from 
research and effective practice will allow reviewers to assess the 
quality of the project goals, objectives and outcomes, including the 
proposed project activities.
    Changes: None.
    Selection Criteria--Quality of the Project Personnel and Quality of 
the Management Plan
    Comment: One commenter suggested that the Quality of the Project 
Personnel criterion and the Quality of the Management Plan criterion be 
combined and renamed ``management and organizational capability.''
    Discussion: The selection criteria Quality of Project Personnel and 
Quality of the Management Plan need to be handled separately because 
they address different aspects of an application. For example, an 
applicant could have well qualified personnel but the management plan 
may be poorly designed or written. Both the plan and personnel are 
critical to the success of the grant.
    Changes: None.

Selection Criteria--Quality of the Management Plan

    Comment: One commenter proposed that the subcriterion on bringing a 
diversity of perspectives to bear on the operation of the proposed 
project be expanded to specify which faculty/student leaders should be 
included. This commenter also suggested that this subcriterion include 
both receiving input from and providing information to key 
stakeholders.
    Discussion: Applicants are encouraged to bring a wide variety of 
perspectives to the operation of their proposed projects. The specific 
individuals who are included may vary depending on the project goals 
and design. This subcriterion does not preclude applicants from both 
receiving input from and providing information to key stakeholders.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter suggested a subcriterion be included to 
require a one-page organization chart to graphically portray the 
management structure of the project.
    Discussion: Illustrating the management structure with an 
organization chart is deemed to be the prerogative of the applicant.
    Changes: None.

Selection Criteria--Adequacy of Resources

    Comment: One commenter proposed that a criterion be added that 
addresses the level of networking between the applicant and members of 
national, statewide and regional college consortiums and related 
collaborations.
    Discussion: The level of networking by applicants will vary 
depending on the design and scope of their projects.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter suggested the expansion of the subcriterion 
on reasonable costs by adding that the proposed budget be complete, 
detailed, and allowable. This commenter also suggested that this 
criterion require a description of how non-Federal resources will be 
utilized.
    Discussion: Administration of Federal grants is governed by Federal 
cost principles that will be referenced in the application package 
information. These cost principles provide information on allowable 
costs. In addition, applicants will be required to submit a budget form 
and narrative detailing their plans for the use of funds.
    Changes: None.

Absolute Priority

    Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(3) and the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and 
Communities Act of 1994, the Secretary gives an absolute preference to 
applications that meet the following priority. The Secretary funds 
under this competition only applications that meet the following 
absolute priority:

Implement and Evaluate the Impact of a State or Regional Coalition to 
Develop Strategies for Reducing and Preventing High-Risk Drinking Among 
College Students

    Applicants proposing a project under this priority must:
    (1) Propose to expand an existing or establish a new State or 
regional coalition of IHEs and other relevant organizations that 
includes key stakeholders who will have an impact on the development 
and implementation of State, local, and campus policies and programs to 
reduce and prevent high-risk drinking;
    (2) Explain how coalition members will work together on a regular 
basis, including meeting to discuss common problems and share effective 
strategies;
    (3) Use community collaboration prevention approaches, including 
involvement of students, that research or evaluation has shown to be 
effective in preventing or reducing high-risk drinking;
    (4) Use a qualified evaluator to design and implement an evaluation 
of the project using outcomes-based (summative) performance indicators 
in addition to process (formative) measures that documents strategies 
used and measures the effectiveness of the coalition;
    (5) Demonstrate the ability to start the project within 60 days 
after receiving Federal funding in order to maximize the time available 
to show impact within the grant period; and
    (6) Share information about their projects with the Department of 
Education or its agents.

Eligible Applicants

    Eligible applicants under this competition are IHEs, consortia of 
IHEs, and other public and private nonprofit organizations.

Selection Criteria

    The following selection criteria will be used to evaluate 
applications for new grants under this competition. The maximum score 
for all of these criteria is 100 points. The maximum score for each 
criterion or factor under that criterion is indicated in parentheses.
    (1) Need for project (15 points)
    In determining the need for the proposed project, the following 
factors are considered:
    (a) The magnitude or severity of the problem to be addressed by the 
proposed project. (10 points)
    (b) The extent to which specific gaps or weaknesses in services, 
infrastructure, or opportunities have been identified and will be 
addressed by the proposed project, including the nature and magnitude 
of those gaps or weaknesses. (5 points)
    (2) Significance (14 points)
    In determining the significance of the proposed project, the 
following factors are considered:
    (a) The likelihood that the proposed project will result in system 
change or improvement. (10 points)
    (b) The potential replicability of the proposed project or 
strategies, including, as appropriate, the potential for implementation 
in a variety of settings. (4 points)
    (3) Quality of the project design (15 Points)
    In determining the quality of the design of the proposed project, 
the following factors are considered:
    (a) The extent to which the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be 
achieved

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by the proposed project are clearly specified and measurable. (4 
points)
    (b) The extent to which the design of the proposed project reflects 
up-to-date knowledge from research and effective practice. (6 points)
    (c) The extent to which the proposed project is designed to build 
capacity and yield results that will extend beyond the period of 
Federal financial assistance. (5 points)
    (4) Quality of the project personnel (15 points)
    In determining the quality of project personnel, the following 
factors are considered:
    (a) 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. (3 points)
    (b) The qualifications, including relevant training and experience, 
of key project personnel. (12 points)
    (5) Adequacy of resources (16 points)
    In determining the adequacy of resources for the proposed project, 
the following factors are considered:
    (a) The relevance and demonstrated commitment of each partner in 
the proposed project to the implementation and success of the project. 
(8 points)
    (b) The extent to which the costs are reasonable in relation to the 
number of persons to be served and to the anticipated results and 
benefits. (4 points)
    (c) The potential for continued support of the project after 
Federal funding ends, including, as appropriate, the demonstrated 
commitment of appropriate entities to such support. (4 points)
    (6) Quality of the management plan (14 points)
    In determining the quality of the management plan for the proposed 
project, the following factors are considered:
    (a) How the applicant will ensure that a diversity of perspectives 
are brought to bear in the operation of the proposed project, including 
those of students, faculty, parents, the business community, a variety 
of disciplinary and professional fields, recipients or beneficiaries of 
services, or others, as appropriate. (10 points)
    (b) 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. (4 points)
    (7) Quality of the project evaluation (11 points)
    In determining the quality of the evaluation, the following factors 
are considered:
    (a) The extent to which the methods of evaluation are thorough, 
feasible, and appropriate to the goals, objectives and outcomes of the 
proposed project. (4 points)
    (b) The extent to which the methods of evaluation will provide 
performance feedback and permit periodic assessment of progress toward 
achieving intended outcomes. (3 points)
    (c) 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. (4 points)

Intergovernmental Review

    This program is subject to the requirements of Executive Order 
12372 and the regulations of 34 CFR part 79. The objective of the 
Executive Order is to foster an intergovernmental partnership and a 
strengthened federalism by relying on processes developed by State and 
local governments for coordination and review of proposed Federal 
financial assistance.
    In accordance with this order, this document is intended to provide 
early notification of the Department's specific plans and actions for 
this program.

Electronic Access to This Document

    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 toll free at 1-888-293-6498.

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

(Catalog of Federal Domestic assistance Number 84.184H, Safe and 
Drug-Free Schools and Communities National Programs--Federal 
Activities--State and Regional Coalition Grant Competition to 
Prevent High-Risk Drinking Among College Students)

    Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 7131.
Judith Johnson,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education.
[FR Doc. 99-15324 Filed 6-15-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P