[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 68 (Thursday, April 8, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18554-18557]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-8021]


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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Office of Postsecondary Education


Overview Information; Training Program for Federal TRIO Programs 
(Training Program); Notice Inviting Applications for New Awards for 
Fiscal Year (FY) 2004

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 84.103A.

    Dates:
    Applications Available: May 6, 2004.
    Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: June 28, 2004.
    Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: August 27, 2004.
    Eligible Applicants: Institutions of higher education and other 
public and private nonprofit institutions and organizations.
    Estimated Available Funds: $6,000,000.
    Estimated Range of Awards: $300,000-$500,000.
    Estimated Average Size of Awards: $400,000.
    Maximum Award: We will reject any application that proposes a 
budget exceeding the maximum amount listed for each of the five 
absolute priorities, listed below, for a single budget period of 12 
months:
    Priority 1: $500,000;
    Priority 2: $500,000;
    Priority 3: $300,000;
    Priority 4: $400,000; and
    Priority 5: $300,000.
    The Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education may change the 
maximum amount through a notice published in the Federal Register.
    In addition, successful applicants must provide training to at 
least one trainee for each $1,500 awarded, unless we specifically 
approve another amount.
    Estimated Number of Awards: 10-15.

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

    Project Period: Up to 24 months.

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Purpose of Program: To improve the operation of projects funded 
under the Federal TRIO Programs, the Training Program provides grants 
to train staff and leadership personnel employed in, participating in, 
or preparing for employment in projects funded under the TRIO Programs.
    Priorities: In accordance with 34 CFR 75.105(b)(2)(iv) and 34 CFR 
75.105(b)(2)(ii), these priorities are from section 402G(b) of the 
Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA); and the

[[Page 18555]]

regulations for this program (34 CFR 642.34). Each successful applicant 
must provide at least one training session on each requisite topic 
listed within a specific priority that is tailored to the needs of TRIO 
staff with less than two years of TRIO project experience.
    Each application must clearly identify the specific priority number 
for which a grant is requested, and must address each of the topics 
listed under that specific priority. An application for a grant under a 
specific priority must not include information concerning any other 
priority. For example, an application for a grant under Priority 1 must 
address only training to improve budget management, recordkeeping and 
reporting student and project performance, and evaluation of project 
performance. The application should not include information concerning 
any other topic or priority.
    Absolute Priorities: For FY 2004, these priorities are absolute 
priorities. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(3), we consider only applications 
that meet these priorities. These priorities are:
    Priority 1. Training to improve: budget management; recordkeeping 
and reporting student and project performance; and evaluation of 
project performance.
    Number of expected awards: 1-3.
    Maximum award amount: $500,000.
    Priority 2. Training on: the legislative and regulatory 
requirements for operation of the Federal TRIO Programs; personnel 
management; and student financial aid.
    Number of expected awards: 1-3.
    Maximum award amount: $500,000.
    Priority 3. Training on: counseling; and retention and graduation 
strategies.
    Number of expected awards: 1-3.
    Maximum award amount: $300,000.
    Priority 4. Training to coordinate project activities with other 
available resources and activities and training to design and operate a 
model TRIO project.
    Number of expected awards: 1-3.
    Maximum award amount: $400,000.
    Priority 5. Training in the use of educational technology.
    Number of expected awards: 1-3.
    Maximum award amount: $300,000.
    Maximum number of applications for a priority: An applicant may 
submit only one application for a grant under each priority. If an 
applicant submits more than one application under a specific priority, 
we will accept only the first application submitted and we will reject 
all other applications. Each application must clearly identify the 
specific priority number for which a grant is requested, and must 
address each of the topics listed under the specific priority. An 
application for a grant under a specific priority must not include 
information concerning any other priority. For example, an application 
for a grant under Priority 1 must address only training to improve 
budget management; record keeping and reporting student and project 
performance; and evaluation of project performance.
    Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1070a-11 and 20 U.S.C. 1070a-17.
    Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General 
Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR parts 74, 75, 77, 79, 80, 
81, 82, 84, 85, 86, 97, 98, and 99. (b) The regulations for this 
program in 34 CFR part 642.

    Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 79 apply to all applicants 
except federally recognized Indian Tribes.


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

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Discretionary grants.
    Estimated Available Funds: $6,000,000.
    Estimated Range of Awards: $300,000-$500,000.
    Estimated Average Size of Awards: $400,000.
    Maximum Award: We will reject any application that proposes a 
budget exceeding the maximum amount listed for each of the five 
absolute priorities, listed below, for a single budget period of 12 
months:
    Priority 1: $500,000;
    Priority 2: $500,000;
    Priority 3: $300,000;
    Priority 4: $400,000; and
    Priority 5: $300,000.
    The Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education may change the 
maximum amount through a notice published in the Federal Register.
    In addition, successful applicants must provide training to at 
least one trainee for each $1,500 awarded, unless we specifically 
approve another amount.
    Estimated Number of Awards: 10-15.

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

    Project Period: Up to 24 months.

III. Eligibility Information

    1. Eligible Applicants: Institutions of higher education and other 
public and private nonprofit institutions and organizations.
    2. Cost Sharing or Matching: This competition does not involve cost 
sharing or matching.
    3. Other: An applicant may submit only one application for a grant 
under each priority. Each application must clearly identify the 
specific priority number for which a grant is requested, and must 
address each of the topics listed under that specific priority. An 
application for a grant under a specific priority must not include 
information concerning any other priority.
    Successful applicants will be expected to provide training to at 
least one trainee for each $1,500 awarded, unless we specifically 
approve another amount.
    Each successful applicant also must provide at least one training 
session on each listed topic in a specific priority that is tailored to 
the needs of new project directors and TRIO staff with less than two 
years of TRIO project experience.

IV. Application and Submission Information

    1. Address to Request Application Package: Patricia S. Lucas or 
Virginia A. Mason, U.S. Department of Education, 1990 K Street, NW., 
suite 7000, Washington, DC 20006-8510. Telephone: (202) 502-7600 or by 
e-mail: [email protected].
    If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), you may 
call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339.
    Individuals with disabilities may obtain a copy of the application 
package in an alternative format (e.g., Braille, large print, 
audiotape, or computer diskette) by contacting one of the program 
contact persons listed in this section.
    2. Content and Form of Application Submission: Requirements 
concerning the content of an application, together with the forms you 
must submit, are in the application package for this competition. Page 
Limit: You must limit the entire application (cover to cover, including 
all required forms, assurances and certifications) to no more than 50 
pages using 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 in the application 
narrative, including titles, headings, footnotes, quotations, 
references, and captions. However, you may single space 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).
    We will reject your application if--
     You apply these standards and exceed the page 
limit; or

[[Page 18556]]

     You apply other standards and exceed the 
equivalent of the page limit.
    3. Submission Dates and Times:
    Applications Available: May 6, 2004.
    Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: June 28, 2004.
    The dates and times for the transmittal of applications by mail or 
by hand (including a courier service or commercial carrier) are in the 
application package for this competition. The application package also 
specifies the hours of operation of the e-Application Web site.
    We do not consider an application that does not comply with the 
deadline requirements.
    Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: August 27, 2004.
    4. 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.
    5. Funding Restrictions: We specify unallowable costs in 34 CFR 
642.41. We reference additional regulations outlining funding 
restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice.
    6. Other Submission Requirements: Instructions and requirements for 
the transmittal of applications by mail or by hand (including a courier 
service or commercial carrier) are in the application package for this 
competition. Application Procedures: The Government Paperwork 
Elimination Act (GPEA) of 1998, (Pub. L. 105-277) and the Federal 
Financial Assistance Management Improvement Act of 1999, (Pub. L. 106-
107) encourage us to undertake initiatives to improve our grant 
processes. Enhancing the ability of individuals and entities to conduct 
business with us electronically is a major part of our response to 
these Acts. Therefore, we are taking steps to adopt the Internet as our 
chief means of conducting transactions in order to improve services to 
our customers and to simplify and expedite our business processes.
    Some of the procedures in these instructions for transmitting 
applications differ from those in the Education Department General 
Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) (34 CFR 75.102). Under the 
Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553), the Department generally 
offers interested parties the opportunity to comment on proposed 
regulations. However, these amendments make procedural changes only and 
do not establish new substantive policy. Therefore, under 5 U.S.C. 
553(b)(A), the Secretary has determined that proposed rulemaking is not 
required.
    We are requiring that applications for grants under the Training 
Program--CFDA Number 84.103A--be submitted electronically using the 
Electronic Grant Application System (e-Application) available through 
the Department's e-GRANTS system. The e-GRANTS system is accessible 
through its portal page at: http://e-grants.ed.gov.
    If you are unable to submit an application through the e-GRANTS 
system, you may submit a written request for a waiver of the electronic 
submission requirement. In your request, you should explain the reason 
or reasons that prevent you from using the Internet to submit your 
application. Address your request to: Linda Byrd-Johnson, Ph.D., U.S. 
Department of Education, 1990 K Street, NW., room 7085, Washington, DC 
20006-8510. Please submit your request no later than two weeks before 
the application deadline date.
    If, within two weeks of the application deadline date, you are 
unable to submit an application electronically, you must submit a paper 
application by the application deadline date in accordance with the 
transmittal instructions in the application package. The paper 
application must include a written request for a waiver documenting the 
reasons that prevented you from using the Internet to submit your 
application.

Pilot Project for Electronic Submission of Applications

    We are continuing to expand our pilot project for electronic 
submission of applications to include additional formula grant programs 
and additional discretionary grant competitions. The Training Program--
CFDA 84.103A is one of the programs included in the pilot project. If 
you are an applicant under the Training Program--CFDA 84.103A you must 
submit your application to us in electronic format or receive a waiver.
    The pilot project involves the use of e-Application. If you use e-
Application, you will be entering data online while completing your 
application. You may not e-mail an electronic copy of a grant 
application to us. The data you enter online will be saved into a 
database. We shall continue to evaluate the success of e-Application 
and solicit suggestions for its improvement.
    If you participate in e-Application, please note the following:
     When you enter the e-Application system, you 
will find information about its hours of operations. We strongly 
recommend that you do not wait until the application deadline date to 
initiate an e-Application package.
     You will not receive additional point value 
because you submit a grant application in electronic format, nor will 
we penalize you if you submit an application in paper format.
     You must submit all documents electronically, 
including the Application for Federal Education Assistance and 
Supplement to Application for Federal Education Assistance (ED 424), 
Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs (ED 524), and all 
necessary assurances and certifications.
     Your e-Application must comply with any page 
limit requirements described in this notice.
     After you electronically submit your 
application, you will receive an automatic acknowledgement, which will 
include a PR/Award number (an identifying number unique to your 
application).
     Within three working days after submitting your 
electronic application, fax a signed copy of the Application for 
Federal Education Assistance (ED 424) to the Application Control Center 
after following these steps:
    1. Print ED 424 from e-Application.
    2. The applicant's Authorizing Representative must sign this form.
    3. Place the PR/Award number in the upper right hand corner of the 
hard copy signature page of the ED 424.
    4. Fax the signed ED 424 to the Application Control Center at (202) 
260-1349.
     We may request that you give us original 
signatures on all other forms at a later date.
    Application Deadline Date Extension in Case of System 
Unavailability: If you are prevented from submitting your application 
on the application deadline date because the e-Application system is 
unavailable, we will grant you an extension of one business day in 
order to transmit your application electronically, by mail, or by hand 
delivery. We will grant this extension if--
    1. You are a registered user of e-Application and you have 
initiated an e-Application for this competition; and
    2. (a) The e-Application system is unavailable for 60 minutes or 
more between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, 
on the application deadline date; or
    (b) The e-Application system is unavailable for any period of time 
during the last hour of operation (that is, for any period of time 
between 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time) on the 
application deadline date.

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    We must acknowledge and confirm these periods of unavailability 
before granting you an extension. To request this extension or to 
confirm our acknowledgement of any system unavailability, you may 
contact either (1) the persons listed elsewhere in this notice under 
For Further Information Contact (see VII. Agency Contacts) or (2) the 
e-GRANTS help desk at 1-888-336-8930.
    You may access the electronic grant application for the Training 
Program--CFDA 84.103A at: http://e-grants.ed.gov.

V. Application Review Information

    1. Selection Criteria: The selection criteria for this program 
competition are in 34 CFR Part 642.31 and the application package.

    Note: For the FY 2004 competition, the Secretary has identified 
need for training projects through the selection of five absolute 
priorities. Therefore, the Secretary will consider that an applicant 
has satisfied the ``need'' criterion listed in 34 CFR 642.31(f) by 
applying for a grant under one of these priorities, and applicants 
do not have to address this criterion. The application package 
contains instructions on addressing the selection criteria.

    2. Review and Selection Process: Within the specific absolute 
priority for which a grant is requested, the Secretary will select an 
application for funding in rank-order based on the application's total 
score for the selection criteria and the applicant's prior experience, 
pursuant to 34 CFR 642.30-646.32. Within each absolute priority, if 
there are applications with the same total scores, the Secretary will 
select for funding the applicant that has the greatest capacity to 
provide training in all regions of the Nation in order to assure 
accessibility to prospective training participants.

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). We may also notify you informally.
    If your application is not evaluated or not selected for funding, 
we notify you.
    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. Reporting: 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 multi-year award, you must provide 
an annual performance report that provides the most current performance 
and financial expenditure information as specified by the Secretary in 
34 CFR 75.118.
    4. Performance Measures: The success of the Training Program will 
be measured by its cost-effectiveness, based on the percentage of TRIO 
personnel receiving training each year and by the percentage of those 
receiving training who rate the training as highly useful. All grantees 
will be expected to submit an annual performance report documenting 
their success in training TRIO personnel, including the average cost 
per trainee and the trainees' evaluations of the effectiveness of the 
training provided.

VII. Agency Contacts

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Patricia S. Lucas or Virginia A. 
Mason, U.S. Department of Education, 1990 K Street, NW., suite 7000, 
Washington, DC 20006-8510. Telephone: (202) 502-7600 or by e-mail: 
[email protected]
    If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), you may 
call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339.
    Individuals with disabilities may obtain this document in an 
alternative format (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer 
diskette) on request to one of the program contact persons listed in 
this section.
    Electronic Access to This Document: You may view this document, as 
well as all other documents of this Department published in the Federal 
Register, in text or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) on the 
Internet at the following site: http://www.ed.gov/news/fedregister.
    To use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available 
free at this site. If you have questions about using PDF, call the U.S. 
Government Printing Office (GPO), toll free, at 1-888-293-6498; or in 
the Washington, DC area at (202) 512-1530.

    Note: The official version of this document is the document 
published in the Federal Register. Free Internet access to the 
official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of Federal 
Regulations is available on GPO Access at: http://www.gpoaccess.gov/nara/index.html.


    Dated: April 5, 2004.
Sally L. Stroup,
Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education.
[FR Doc. 04-8021 Filed 4-7-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P