[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 104 (Thursday, May 30, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 25034-25037]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-11226]
[[Page 25034]]
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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Applications for New Awards; Braille Training Program
AGENCY: Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services,
Department of Education.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The mission of the Office of Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) is to improve early childhood,
educational, and employment outcomes and raise expectations for all
people with disabilities, their families, their communities, and the
Nation. The Department of Education (Department) is issuing a notice
inviting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2019 for the Braille
Training program, Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number
84.235E. The Braille Training program will partner with States and
public or nonprofit agencies and organizations, including institutions
of higher education to provide information, material, equipment, and
training in braille instruction. The support provided by the program
will increase the knowledge and skills of personnel providing
vocational rehabilitation services or educational services to youth and
adults who are blind. This notice relates to the approved information
collection under OMB control number 1820-0018.
DATES:
Applications Available: May 30, 2019.
Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: July 1, 2019.
Pre-Application Webinar Information: No later than June 4, 2019,
OSERS will post pre-recorded informational webinars designed to provide
technical assistance to interested applicants. The webinars will be
available at www2.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/rsa/new-rsa-grants.html.
Pre-Application Q & A Blog: No later than June 4, 2019, OSERS will
open a blog where interested applicants may post questions about the
application requirements for this competition and where OSERS will post
answers to the questions received. OSERS will not respond to questions
unrelated to the application requirements for this competition. The
blog will be available at www2.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/rsa/new-rsa-grants.html and will remain open until June 18, 2019. After the blog
closes, applicants should direct questions to the person listed under
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. Deadline for Intergovernmental Review:
August 28, 2019.
ADDRESSES: For the addresses for obtaining and submitting an
application, please refer to our Common Instructions for Applicants to
Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the
Federal Register on February 13, 2019 (84 FR 3768) and available at
www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2019-02-13/pdf/2019-02206.pdf.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Theresa DeVaughn, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 5062A, Potomac Center Plaza,
Washington, DC 20202-2800. Telephone: (202) 245-7321. Email:
[email protected].
If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) or a text
telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay Service (FRS), toll-free, at 1-
800-877-8339.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Full Text of Announcement
I. Funding Opportunity Description
Purpose of Program: The Braille Training program offers financial
assistance to projects that will provide training in the use of braille
for personnel providing vocational rehabilitation services or
educational services to youth and adults who are blind, develop braille
training materials, develop methods used to teach braille, and develop
activities used to promote the knowledge and use of braille and
nonvisual access technology for youth and adults who are blind. The
absolute and invitational priorities align with the Secretary's
supplemental priorities to encourage applicants to meet the unique
needs of students and children with disabilities by ensuring
coursework, books, or other materials are accessible to children or
students who are blind; promoting science, technology, engineering, or
math (STEM) education by ensuring braille instructors are able to teach
mathematical and scientific braille notations; working with schools,
municipal libraries, or other partners to expand access to digital
learning resources to a greater number of children or students who are
blind; and promoting literacy through the use of braille to meet the
employment and independent living needs of adults. Further, the
priorities support States in their work to raise expectations and
improve outcomes for individuals with disabilities, in this case
individuals who are blind, by demonstrating a commitment to high
expectations for each individual with a disability and by engaging with
individuals who are blind, their families, and other stakeholders
through meaningful and effective collaboration. Projects must be
operated in a manner consistent with nondiscrimination requirements
contained in the U.S. Constitution and the Federal civil rights laws.
Priority: In accordance with 34 CFR 75.105(b)(2)(iv), this priority
is from section 303(d) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended
(29 U.S.C. 773(d)).
Absolute Priority: For FY 2019, and any subsequent year in which we
make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this
competition, this priority is an absolute priority. Under 34 CFR
75.105(c)(3) we consider only applications that meet this priority.
This priority is:
Braille Training Program.
Under this priority, we provide grants for the establishment or
continuation of projects that provide--
(1) Development of braille training materials;
(2) In-service or pre-service training in the use of braille, the
importance of braille literacy, and methods of teaching braille to
youth and adults who are blind; and
(3) Activities to promote knowledge and use of braille and
nonvisual access technology for blind youth and adults through a
program of training, demonstration, and evaluation conducted with
leadership of experienced blind individuals, including the use of
comprehensive, state-of-the-art technology.
Invitational Priorities: For FY 2019 and any subsequent year in
which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this
competition, these priorities are invitational priorities. Under 34 CFR
75.105(c)(1) we do not give an application that meets one or more of
these invitational priorities a competitive or absolute preference over
other applications.
These priorities are:
Invitational Priority 1--Braille Instruction to Transition-age
Students and Youth:
Applications that demonstrate that the personnel obtaining braille
instruction from the grantee will subsequently provide braille
instruction to transition-age students and youth who are blind
(typically ages 14 through 24). This priority is designed to meet the
unique needs of students and children with disabilities by ensuring
coursework, books, or other materials are accessible to children or
students who are blind and to ensure that transition-age students and
youth who are blind have the braille literacy skills to read the
coursework, books, and materials.
Invitational Priority 2--Braille Training in the STEM Subjects:
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Applications that address braille training in the STEM subjects,
including mathematical notations. This priority is designed to promote
STEM education by ensuring braille instructors are able to teach
mathematical and scientific braille notations so that, ultimately,
individuals who are blind have the braille literacy skills to read the
specialized braille notations in order to enroll in STEM education.
Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 773(d).
Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General
Administrative Regulations in 34 CFR parts 75, 77, 79, 81, 82, 84, 86,
97, and 99. (b) The Office of Management and Budget Guidelines to
Agencies on Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) in
2 CFR part 180, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department
in 2 CFR part 3474.
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: $345,000.
Contingent upon the availability of funds and the quality of
applications, we may make additional awards in subsequent years from
the list of unfunded applications from this competition.
Estimated Average Size of Awards: $115,000.
Maximum Award: We will not make an award exceeding $115,000 for a
single budget period of 12 months.
Estimated Number of Awards: 3.
Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice.
Project Period: Up to 60 months.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants: States and public or nonprofit agencies and
organizations, including institutions of higher education.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching: This program does not require cost
sharing or matching.
3. Subgrantees: A grantee under this competition may not award
subgrants to entities to directly carry out project activities
described in its application. Under 34 CFR 75.708(e), a grantee may
contract for supplies, equipment, and other services in accordance with
2 CFR part 200.
IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Application Submission Instructions: Applicants are required to
follow the Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of
Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal
Register on February 13, 2019, and available at www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2019-02-13/pdf/2019-02206.pdf, which contain
requirements and information on how to submit an application.
2. 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.
3. Funding Restrictions: We reference regulations outlining funding
restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice.
V. Application Review Information
1. Selection Criteria: The selection criteria for this competition
are from 34 CFR 75.210, and are as follows:
(a) Need for project and significance (10 points).
(1) The Secretary considers the need for the proposed project and
the significance of the project.
(2) In determining the need for the proposed project and the
significance of the project, the Secretary considers the following
factors:
(i) The magnitude of the need for the services to be provided or
the activities to be carried out by the proposed project.
(ii) The importance or magnitude of the results or outcomes likely
to be attained by the proposed project, especially improvements in
teaching and student achievement.
(iii) The extent to which the results of the proposed project are
to be disseminated in ways that will enable others to use the
information or strategies.
(b) Quality of project design (30 points).
(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the design of the
proposed project.
(2) In determining the quality of the design of the proposed
project, the Secretary considers the following factors:
(i) The extent to which the design of the proposed project is
appropriate to, and will successfully address, the needs of the target
population or other identified needs.
(ii) The quality of the proposed demonstration design and
procedures for documenting project activities and results.
(iii) The extent to which performance feedback and continuous
improvement are integral to the design of the proposed project.
(c) Quality of project services (30 points).
(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the services to be
provided by the proposed project.
(2) In determining the quality of the services to be provided by
the proposed project, the Secretary considers the quality and
sufficiency of strategies for ensuring equal access and treatment for
eligible project participants who are members of groups that have
traditionally been underrepresented based on race, color, national
origin, gender, age, or disability.
(3) In addition, the Secretary considers the following factors:
(i) The likely impact of the services to be provided by the
proposed project on the intended recipients of those services.
(ii) The extent to which the training or 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.
(iii) The extent to which the services to be provided by the
proposed project involve the collaboration of appropriate partners for
maximizing the effectiveness of project services.
(d) Quality of project personnel, adequacy of resources, and
quality of management plan (30 points).
(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the personnel who will
carry out the proposed project, the adequacy of resources, and the
quality of the management plan.
(2) In determining the quality of project personnel, the Secretary
considers the extent to which the applicant encourages applications for
employment from persons who are members of groups that have
traditionally been underrepresented based on race, color, national
origin, gender, age, or disability.
(3) In addition, the Secretary considers the following factors:
(i) The qualifications, including relevant training and experience,
of the project director or principal investigator.
(ii) The qualifications, including relevant training and
experience, of key project personnel.
(iii) The adequacy of support, including facilities, equipment,
supplies, and other resources, from the applicant organization or the
lead applicant organization.
(iv) 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.
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(v) The extent to which time commitments of the project director
and principal investigator and other key project personnel are
appropriate and adequate to meet the objectives of the proposed
project.
2. Review and Selection Process: We remind potential applicants
that in reviewing applications in any discretionary grant competition,
the Secretary may consider, under 34 CFR 75.217(d)(3), the past
performance of the applicant in carrying out a previous award, such as
the applicant's use of funds, achievement of project objectives, and
compliance with grant conditions. The Secretary may also consider
whether the applicant failed to submit a timely performance report or
submitted a report of unacceptable quality.
In addition, in making a competitive grant award, the Secretary
requires various assurances, including those applicable to Federal
civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or
activities receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department
(34 CFR 100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).
3. Risk Assessment and Specific Conditions: Consistent with 2 CFR
200.205, before awarding grants under this competition the Department
conducts a review of the risks posed by applicants. Under 2 CFR
3474.10, the Secretary may impose specific conditions and, in
appropriate circumstances, high-risk conditions on a grant if the
applicant or grantee is not financially stable; has a history of
unsatisfactory performance; has a financial or other management system
that does not meet the standards in 2 CFR part 200, subpart D; has not
fulfilled the conditions of a prior grant; or is otherwise not
responsible.
4. Integrity and Performance System: If you are selected under this
competition to receive an award that over the course of the project
period may exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (currently
$250,000), under 2 CFR 200.205(a)(2), we must make a judgment about
your integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under
Federal awards--that is, the risk posed by you as an applicant--before
we make an award. In doing so, we must consider any information about
you that is in the integrity and performance system (currently referred
to as the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System
(FAPIIS)), accessible through the System for Award Management. You may
review and comment on any information about yourself that a Federal
agency previously entered and that is currently in FAPIIS.
Please note that if the total value of your currently active
grants, cooperative agreements, and procurement contracts from the
Federal Government exceeds $10,000,000, the reporting requirements in 2
CFR part 200, Appendix XII, require you to report certain integrity
information to FAPIIS semiannually. Please review the requirements in 2
CFR part 200, Appendix XII, if this grant plus all the other Federal
funds you receive exceed $10,000,000.
VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices: If your application is successful, we notify your
U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators and send you a Grant Award
Notification (GAN); or we may send you an email containing a link to
access an electronic version of your GAN. We may notify you informally,
also.
If your application is not evaluated or not selected for funding,
we notify 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. Open Licensing Requirements: Unless an exception applies, if you
are awarded a grant under this competition, you will be required to
openly license to the public grant deliverables created in whole, or in
part, with Department grant funds. When the deliverable consists of
modifications to pre-existing works, the license extends only to those
modifications that can be separately identified and only to the extent
that open licensing is permitted under the terms of any licenses or
other legal restrictions on the use of pre-existing works.
Additionally, a grantee or subgrantee that is awarded competitive grant
funds must have a plan to disseminate these public grant deliverables.
This dissemination plan can be developed and submitted after your
application has been reviewed and selected for funding. For additional
information on the open licensing requirements please refer to 2 CFR
3474.20.
4. Reporting: (a) If you apply for a grant under this competition,
you must ensure that you have in place the necessary processes and
systems to comply with the reporting requirements in 2 CFR part 170
should you receive funding under the competition. This does not apply
if you have an exception under 2 CFR 170.110(b).
(b) At the end of your project period, you must submit a final
performance report, including financial information, as directed by the
Secretary. If you receive a multiyear award, you must submit an annual
performance report that provides the most current performance and
financial expenditure information as directed by the Secretary under 34
CFR 75.118. The Secretary may also require more frequent performance
reports under 34 CFR 75.720(c). For specific requirements on reporting,
please go to www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html.
5. Performance Measures: The Government Performance and Results Act
of 1993 (GPRA) directs Federal departments and agencies to improve the
effectiveness of programs by engaging in strategic planning, setting
outcome-related goals for programs, and measuring program results
against those goals.
The goal of the Braille Training program is to provide financial
assistance to projects that will provide training in the use of braille
for personnel providing vocational rehabilitation services or
educational services to youth and adults who are blind. A grantee under
this program must submit information to allow measurement of project
outcomes and performance consistent with its approved application,
including any data needed to comply with GPRA (34 CFR 373.21). For the
Braille Training program, a grantee must collect information on the
number of personnel who attend the program, the number of personnel who
complete the program, and whether these personnel obtain positions
where they provide braille instruction to blind youth and adults
following completion of the program. Grantees are required to report
annually to the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) on these
data.
Other information, as requested by RSA, may be required from
grantees in order to verify substantial progress and to report to
Congress and key stakeholders how well the program meets the stated
objectives. Grantees are strongly encouraged to seek technical guidance
as needed from RSA staff to ensure that they are meeting the
objectives, goals, targets, and projected outcomes specified in their
approved application. Program measures include the development of
braille training materials, the methods used to teach braille, and the
activities used to
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promote the knowledge and use of braille and nonvisual access
technology for blind youth and adults. Annual project progress toward
meeting project goals must be posted on the grantee or project website
or university website.
6. Continuation Awards: In making a continuation award under 34 CFR
75.253, the Secretary considers, among other things: Whether a grantee
has made substantial progress in achieving the goals and objectives of
the project; whether the grantee has expended funds in a manner that is
consistent with its approved application and budget; and, if the
Secretary has established performance measurement requirements, the
performance targets in the grantee's approved application.
In making a continuation award, the Secretary also considers
whether the grantee is operating in compliance with the assurances in
its approved application, including those applicable to Federal civil
rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities
receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department (34 CFR
100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).
VII. Other Information
Accessible Format: Individuals with disabilities can obtain this
document and a copy of the application package in an accessible format
(e.g., braille, large print, audiotape, or compact disc) on request to
the program contact person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT.
Electronic Access to This Document: The official version of this
document is the document published in the Federal Register. You may
access the official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of
Federal Regulations at www.govinfo.gov. At this site you can view this
document, as well as all other documents of this Department published
in the Federal Register, in text or Portable Document Format (PDF). To
use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at
the site.
You may also access documents of the Department published in the
Federal Register by using the article search feature at:
www.federalregister.gov. Specifically, through the advanced search
feature at this site, you can limit your search to documents published
by the Department.
Johnny W. Collett,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
[FR Doc. 2019-11226 Filed 5-29-19; 8:45 am]
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