[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 130 (Monday, July 8, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32431-32437]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-14370]
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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Applications for New Awards; Gaining Early Awareness and
Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (State Grants)
AGENCY: Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of Education.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The Department of Education (Department) is issuing a notice
inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 2019 for the
Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR
UP) State Grants, Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number
84.334S. This notice relates to the approved information collection
under OMB control number 1840-0821, Application for GEAR UP State
Grants.
DATES:
Applications Available: July 8, 2019.
Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: August 7, 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 (83 FR 6003), and available at
www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2019-02-13/pdf/2019-02206.pdf.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Craig Pooler, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 278-64, Washington, DC 20202-
6450. Telephone: (202) 453-6195. 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:
I. Funding Opportunity Description
Purpose of Program: The GEAR UP program is a discretionary grant
program that encourages eligible entities to provide support, and
maintain a commitment to eligible low-income students, including
students with disabilities, to assist the students in obtaining a
secondary school diploma (or its recognized equivalent) and to prepare
for and succeed in postsecondary education. Under the GEAR UP program,
the Department awards grants to two types of entities: (1) States and
(2) eligible partnerships.
In this notice, the Department invites applications for State
grants only. Required services under the GEAR UP program are specified
in sections 404D(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended
(HEA) (20 U.S.C. 1070a-24(a)), and permissible services under the GEAR
UP program are specified in section 404D(b) and (c) of the HEA (20
U.S.C. 1070a-24(b) and (c)). Grantee activities must include providing
financial aid information for postsecondary education, encouraging
enrollment in rigorous and challenging coursework in order to reduce
the need for remediation at the postsecondary level, implementing
activities to improve the number of participating students who obtain a
secondary school diploma and who complete applications for and enroll
in a program of postsecondary education, and providing scholarships as
specified in section 404E of the HEA. Additional permissible activities
for State grantees are specified in sections 404D(b) and (c) of the
HEA.
Background: On March 2, 2018, the Secretary published in the
Federal Register the Secretary's Final Supplemental Priorities and
Definitions for Discretionary Grant Programs (83 FR 9096) (Supplemental
Priorities). In order to advance the Secretary's priorities, this
competition contains a competitive preference priority that focuses on
improving student achievement or other educational outcomes in science,
technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM), including computer
science. In addition, consistent with the Administration's interest in
allocating funding to evidence-based practices, this competition
includes a competitive preference priority that encourages applicants
to propose strategies that are supported by promising evidence.
Priorities: This notice contains three competitive preference
priorities and one invitational priority. Competitive Preference
Priority 1 is from the Supplemental Priorities. In accordance with 34
CFR 75.105(b)(2)(ii) and (iv), Competitive Preference Priority 2 is
from section 404A(b)(3) of the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1070a-21(b)(3)) and the
GEAR UP program regulations (34 CFR 694.19). Competitive Preference
Priority 3 is from 34 CFR 75.226.
Competitive Preference 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 competitive preference
priorities. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i), we award up to an additional
two points to an application, depending on how well the application
meets each of these competitive preference priorities, for a maximum of
six additional points.
These priorities are:
Competitive Preference Priority 1--Promoting STEM Education, With a
Particular Focus on Computer Science (Up to two points).
Projects designed to improve student achievement or other
educational outcomes in science, technology, engineering, math, or
computer science (as defined in this notice). These projects must
address creating or expanding partnerships between schools, local
educational agencies, State educational agencies, businesses, not-for-
profit organizations, or institutions of higher education (IHEs) to
give students access to internships, apprenticeships, or other work-
based learning experiences in STEM fields, including computer science.
Competitive Preference Priority 2 (Up to two points).
We give priority to an eligible applicant for a State GEAR UP grant
that has: (a) Carried out a successful State GEAR UP grant prior to
August 14, 2008, determined on the basis of data (including outcomes
data) submitted by the applicant as part of its annual and final
performance reports from prior GEAR UP State grants administered by the
applicant and the applicant's history of compliance with applicable
statutory and regulatory requirements; and (b) a prior demonstrated
commitment to early intervention leading to college access through
collaboration and replication of successful strategies.
Competitive Preference Priority 3 (Up to two points).
[[Page 32432]]
Applications supported by evidence that meets the definition of
``promising evidence'' in 34 CFR 77.1(c).
Note 1: To address the priority, for up to two authorized
activities, an applicant may submit one study or What Works
Clearinghouse (WWC) publication that it believes supports the
implementation of the proposed activity and that meets the promising
evidence standard. Non-Federal peer reviewers will evaluate studies
cited by the applicants to determine if they meet the requirements
for promising evidence, as well as whether they are sufficiently
aligned with (relevant to) the proposed activity. Applicants will be
awarded one point for each activity supported by a relevant citation
that meets the promising evidence standard, for a maximum number of
two points.
Cited studies may include both those already listed in the
Department's WWC Database of Individual Studies (see https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/StudyFindings) and those that have not yet been
reviewed by the WWC. Studies listed in the WWC Database of
Individual Studies do not necessarily satisfy any or all of the
criteria needed to meet the promising evidence standard. Therefore,
it is important that applicants themselves ascertain the suitability
of the study for the evidence priority. Any proposed studies must be
cited in the section of the application that addresses Competitive
Preference Priority 3.
Note 2: As they consider the activities, they propose to
implement in their GEAR UP projects and how to respond to this
competitive preference priority, we encourage applicants to review
research related to authorized GEAR UP activities to identify
evidence that meets the promising evidence standard.
For State grantees, required GEAR UP services are specified in
sections 404D(a) of the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1070a-24(a)), and permissible
services under the GEAR UP program are specified in section 404D(b) and
(c) of the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1070a-24(b) and (c)).
Invitational 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 invitational priority. Under 34 CFR
75.105(c)(1), we do not give an application that meets this
invitational priority a competitive or absolute preference over other
applications.
This priority is:
Spurring Investment in Qualified Opportunity Zones.
Under this priority, an applicant must demonstrate one or more of
the following:
(a) The area in which the applicant proposes to serve individuals
or otherwise provide services overlaps with a Qualified Opportunity
Zone, as designated by the Secretary of the Treasury under section
1400Z-1 of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended by the Tax Cuts and
Jobs Act (Pub. L. 115-97). An applicant must--
(i) Provide the census tract number of the Qualified Opportunity
Zone(s) in which it proposes to serve individuals or otherwise provide
services; and
(ii) Describe how the applicant will serve individuals or otherwise
provide services in the Qualified Opportunity Zone(s).
(b) The applicant is located in a Qualified Opportunity Zone. The
applicant must provide the census tract number of the Qualified
Opportunity Zone in which it is located. If the applicant has multiple
locations, or if the applicant's location overlaps with a Qualified
Opportunity Zone, the applicant must demonstrate that its proximity to
a Qualified Opportunity Zone is critical to the proposed project.
(c) The applicant has received, or will receive by 30 days after
being awarded a grant, financial assistance from a Qualified
Opportunity Fund under section 1400Z-2 of the Internal Revenue Code, as
amended by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, for the acquisition,
construction, or renovation of real or other tangible property directly
related to its proposed project. An applicant must--
(i) Identify the Qualified Opportunity Fund from which it has
received or will receive financial assistance; and
(ii) Describe how the applicant will use the financial assistance
for its proposed project.
Definitions: These definitions are from the Supplemental Priorities
and 34 CFR 77.1(c).
Computer science means the study of computers and algorithmic
processes and includes the study of computing principles and theories,
computational thinking, computer hardware, software design, coding,
analytics, and computer applications.
Computer science often includes computer programming or coding as a
tool to create software, including applications, games, websites, and
tools to manage or manipulate data; or development and management of
computer hardware and the other electronics related to sharing,
securing, and using digital information.
In addition to coding, the expanding field of computer science
emphasizes computational thinking and interdisciplinary problem-solving
to equip students with the skills and abilities necessary to apply
computation in our digital world.
Computer science does not include using a computer for everyday
activities, such as browsing the internet; use of tools like word
processing, spreadsheets, or presentation software; or using computers
in the study and exploration of unrelated subjects.
Demonstrates a rationale means a key project component included in
the project's logic model is informed by research or evaluation
findings that suggest the project component is likely to improve
relevant outcomes.
Experimental study means a study that is designed to compare
outcomes between two groups of individuals (such as students) that are
otherwise equivalent except for their assignment to either a treatment
group receiving a project component or a control group that does not.
Randomized controlled trials, regression discontinuity design studies,
and single-case design studies are the specific types of experimental
studies that, depending on their design and implementation (e.g.,
sample attrition in randomized controlled trials and regression
discontinuity design studies), can meet What Works Clearinghouse (WWC)
standards without reservations as described in the WWC Handbook:
(i) A randomized controlled trial employs random assignment of, for
example, students, teachers, classrooms, or schools to receive the
project component being evaluated (the treatment group) or not to
receive the project component (the control group).
(ii) A regression discontinuity design study assigns the project
component being evaluated using a measured variable (e.g., assigning
students reading below a cutoff score to tutoring or developmental
education classes) and controls for that variable in the analysis of
outcomes.
(iii) A single-case design study uses observations of a single case
(e.g., a student eligible for a behavioral intervention) over time in
the absence and presence of a controlled treatment manipulation to
determine whether the outcome is systematically related to the
treatment.
Logic model (also referred to as a theory of action) means a
framework that identifies key project components of the proposed
project (i.e., the active ``ingredients'' that are hypothesized to be
critical to achieving the relevant outcomes) and describes the
theoretical and operational relationships among the key project
components and relevant outcomes.
Project component means an activity, strategy, intervention,
process, product, practice, or policy included in a project. Evidence
may pertain to an individual project component or to a combination of
project components (e.g., training teachers on instructional practices
for
[[Page 32433]]
English learners and follow-on coaching for these teachers).
Promising evidence means that there is evidence of the
effectiveness of a key project component in improving a relevant
outcome, based on a relevant finding from one of the following:
(i) A practice guide prepared by WWC reporting a ``strong evidence
base'' or ``moderate evidence base'' for the corresponding practice
guide recommendation;
(ii) An intervention report prepared by the WWC reporting a
``positive effect'' or ``potentially positive effect'' on a relevant
outcome with no reporting of a ``negative effect'' or ``potentially
negative effect'' on a relevant outcome; or
(iii) A single study assessed by the Department, as appropriate,
that--
(A) Is an experimental study, a quasi-experimental design study, or
a well-designed and well-implemented correlational study with
statistical controls for selection bias (e.g., a study using regression
methods to account for differences between a treatment group and a
comparison group); and
(B) Includes at least one statistically significant and positive
(i.e., favorable) effect on a relevant outcome.
Quasi-experimental design study means a study using a design that
attempts to approximate an experimental study by identifying a
comparison group that is similar to the treatment group in important
respects. This type of study, depending on design and implementation
(e.g., establishment of baseline equivalence of the groups being
compared), can meet WWC standards with reservations, but cannot meet
WWC standards without reservations, as described in the WWC Handbook.
Relevant outcome means the student outcome(s) or other outcome(s)
the key project component is designed to improve, consistent with the
specific goals of the program.
What Works Clearinghouse Handbook (WWC Handbook) means the
standards and procedures set forth in the WWC Procedures and Standards
Handbook, Version 3.0 or Version 2.1 (incorporated by reference, see 34
CFR 77.2). Study findings eligible for review under WWC standards can
meet WWC standards without reservations, meet WWC standards with
reservations, or not meet WWC standards. WWC practice guides and
intervention reports include findings from systematic reviews of
evidence as described in the Handbook documentation.
Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1070a-21-1070a-28.
Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General
Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR parts 75, 77, 79, 81, 82,
84, 97, 98, 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 3485. (c) The Uniform Administrative
Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal
Awards in 2 CFR part 200, as adopted and amended as regulations of the
Department in 2 CFR part 3474. (d) The regulations for this program in
34 CFR part 694.
II. Award Information
Type of Award: Discretionary grants.
Estimated Available Funds: The Department of Education
Appropriations Act, 2019 provided $360,000,000 for the GEAR UP program
for FY 2019, of which we intend to use an estimated $28,276,000 for new
GEAR UP State awards.
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 Range of Awards: $2,500,000-$5,000,000.
Estimated Average Size of Awards: $3,535,000.
Maximum Award: We will not make an award for a State grant
exceeding $5,000,000 for a single budget period of 12 months.
Additionally, no funding will be awarded for increases in budget after
the first 12-month budget period. As described in 34 CFR 694.1, the
Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education may change the maximum
amount through a notice published in the Federal Register.
Estimated Number of Awards: 8.
Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this
notice.
Project Period: Either 72 months or 84 months.
Note: An applicant that wishes to seek funding for a seventh
project year (i.e., for a project period of 84 months), in order to
provide project services to GEAR UP students through their first
year of attendance at an IHE, must propose to do so in the
application provided in response to this notice.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants: States (as defined in section 103(20) of
the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1003(20)), which includes the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico, the District of Columbia, Guam, American Samoa, the United States
Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and
the Freely Associated States. Per Congressional direction in the
Explanatory Statement to the Department of Education Appropriations
Act, 2019 (Pub. L. 115-245), only States without an active State GEAR
UP grant, or States that have an active State GEAR UP grant that is
scheduled to end prior to October 1, 2019, are eligible to receive a
new State GEAR UP award in this competition.
2.a. Cost Sharing or Matching: Section 404C(b)(1) of the HEA (20
U.S.C. 1070a-23(b)(1)) requires grantees under this program to provide
from State, local, institutional, or private funds, not less than 50
percent of the cost of the program (or one dollar of non-Federal funds
for every one dollar of Federal funds awarded), which may be provided
in cash or in-kind. The provision also specifies that the match may be
accrued over the full duration of the grant award period, except that
the grantee must make substantial progress towards meeting the matching
requirement in each year of the grant award period.
Section 404C(c) of the HEA provides that in-kind contributions may
include (1) the amount of the financial assistance obligated under GEAR
UP to students from State, local, institutional, or private funds, (2)
the amount of tuition, fees, room or board waived or reduced for
recipients of financial assistance under GEAR UP, (3) the amount
expended on documented, targeted, long-term mentoring and counseling
provided by volunteers or paid staff of non-school organizations,
including businesses, religious organizations, community groups,
postsecondary educational institutions, nonprofit and philanthropic
organizations, and other organizations, and (4) equipment and supplies,
cash contributions from non-Federal sources, transportation expenses,
in-kind or discounted program services, indirect costs, and facility
usage.
Grantees must include a budget detailing the source of the matching
funds and must provide an outline of the types of matching
contributions for at least the first year of the grant in their grant
applications. Consistent with 2 CFR 200.306(b), any matching funds must
be an allowable use of funds consistent with the GEAR UP program
requirements and the cost principles detailed in subpart E of 2 CFR
part 200, and not included as a contribution for any other Federal
award.
b. Supplement-Not-Supplant: This program involves supplement, not
supplant funding requirements. Under
[[Page 32434]]
section 404B(e) of the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1070a-22(e)), grant funds awarded
under this program must be used to supplement, and not supplant, other
Federal, State, and local funds that would otherwise be expended to
carry out activities assisted under this program.
3. General Application Requirements: All applicants must meet the
following application requirements in order to be considered for
funding. The application requirements are from section 404C(a) of the
HEA (20 U.S.C. 1070a-23(a)).
In order for an eligible entity to qualify for a grant under the
GEAR UP program, the eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an
application for carrying out a GEAR UP program that--
(a) Describes the activities for which assistance under this
program is sought, including how the eligible entity will carry out the
required activities described in section 404D(a) of the HEA;
(b) Describes, in the case of an eligible entity described in
section 404A(c)(1) of the HEA, how the eligible entity will meet the
requirements of section 404E of the HEA;
(c) Provides assurances that adequate administrative and support
staff will be responsible for coordinating the activities described in
section 404D of the HEA;
(d) Provides assurances that activities assisted under this program
will not displace an employee or eliminate a position at a school
assisted under this program, including a partial displacement such as a
reduction in hours, wages, or employment benefits;
(e) Describes, in the case of an eligible entity described in
section 404A(c)(1) of the HEA that chooses to use a cohort approach,
how the eligible entity will define the cohorts of the students served
by the eligible entity pursuant to section 404B(d) of the HEA, and how
the eligible entity will serve the cohorts through grade 12,
including--
(i) How vacancies in the program under this program will be filled;
and
(ii) How the eligible entity will serve students attending
different secondary schools;
(f) Describes how the eligible entity will coordinate programs
under this program with other existing Federal, State, or local
programs to avoid duplication and maximize the number of students
served;
(g) Provides such additional assurances as the Secretary determines
necessary to ensure compliance with the requirements of this program;
(h) Provides information about the activities that will be carried
out by the eligible entity to support systemic changes from which
future cohorts of students will benefit; and
(i) Describes the sources of matching funds that will enable the
eligible entity to meet the matching requirement described in section
404C(b).
4. Subgrantees: A grantee under this competition may not award
subgrants to entities to directly carry out project activities
described in its application.
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 (83 FR 6003), 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 program is subject to Executive
Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79. However, under 34
CFR 79.8(a), we waive intergovernmental review in order to make awards
by the end of FY 2019.
3. Funding Restrictions: We specify unallowable costs in subpart E
of 2 CFR part 200. We reference regulations outlining funding
restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice.
Under HEA section 404E(b)(1), a State must use not less than 25
percent and not more than 50 percent of the grant funds for GEAR UP
project activities described in HEA section 404D,\1\ with the remainder
of grant funds spent on scholarships to eligible GEAR UP students
described in HEA section 404E. However, HEA section 404E(b)(2) permits
the Secretary to allow a State to use more than 50 percent of grant
funds received under this program for GEAR UP project activities
described in HEA section 404D if the State demonstrates that it has
another means of providing eligible GEAR UP students with the financial
assistance described in HEA section 404E and describes such means in
the State's application.
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\1\ Excluding the provision of funds for postsecondary
scholarships required by HEA section 404D(a)(4).
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4. Recommended Page Limit and Format: The application narrative is
where you, the applicant, address the selection criteria that reviewers
use to assess your application. There is no page limit for the
application narrative; however, we recommend no more than 50 pages, and
that you present your information clearly and concisely. Include your
complete response to the selection criteria, the invitational priority,
and Competitive Preference Priority 1 in the application narrative.
Include your complete response to Competitive Preference Priority 2 on
the Project Profile Form, which can be found in the information
collection under OMB control number 1840-0821. Include your response to
Competitive Preference Priority 3 on the Evidence Form (OMB 1894-0001),
which can also be found in the information collection under OMB control
number 1840-0821.
Note: Applications that do not follow the formatting
recommendations will not be penalized.
We recommend the following standards:
A ``page'' is 8.5'' x 11'', on one side only, with 1''
margins.
Double-space all text in the application narrative and
single-space titles, headings, footnotes, quotations, references, and
captions.
Use a 12-point font.
Use an easily readable font such as Times New Roman,
Courier, Courier New, or Arial.
Other requirements concerning the content of an application,
together with the forms you must submit, are in the application package
for this program.
V. Application Review Information
1. Selection Criteria: The selection criteria for this competition
are from 34 CFR 75.210 and section 404D(a) of the HEA.
a. Need for the project (15 points).
(i) The Secretary considers the need for the proposed project.
(ii) In determining the need for the proposed project, the
Secretary considers:
(A) The magnitude or severity of the problem to be addressed by the
proposed project (up to 8 points); and
(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 (up to 7 points).
b. Quality of project design (25 points).
(i) The Secretary considers the quality of the design of the
proposed project.
(ii) In determining the quality of the design of the proposed
project, the Secretary considers:
(A) The extent to which the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be
achieved by the proposed project are clearly specified and measurable
(up to 10 points); and
[[Page 32435]]
(B) The extent to which the proposed project demonstrates a
rationale (as defined in this notice)(up to 15).
c. Quality of project services (15 points).
(i) The Secretary considers the quality of the services to be
provided by the proposed project.
(ii) 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 (up to 5 points).
(iii) In addition, the Secretary considers:
(A) The extent to which the project services are likely to provide
comprehensive mentoring, outreach, and supportive services to students,
including the following activities: information regarding financial aid
for postsecondary education to participating students, encouraging
student enrollment in rigorous and challenging curricula and coursework
in order to reduce the need for remedial coursework at the
postsecondary level, and improving the number of participating students
who obtain a secondary school diploma and complete applications for and
enroll in a program of postsecondary education (up to 5 points); and
(B) 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 (up to 5 points).
d. Quality of project personnel (10 points).
(i) The Secretary considers the quality of the personnel who will
carry out the proposed project.
(ii) 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 (up to 2 points).
(iii) In addition, the Secretary considers:
(A) The qualifications, including relevant training and experience,
of the project director or principal investigator (up to 4 points); and
(B) The qualifications, including relevant training and experience,
of key personnel (up to 4 points).
e. Quality of the management plan (10 points).
(i) The Secretary considers the quality of the management plan for
the proposed project.
(ii) In determining the quality of the management plan for the
proposed project, the Secretary considers:
(A) 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 (up to 4 points);
(B) The adequacy of procedures for ensuring feedback and continuous
improvement in the operation of the proposed project (up to 2 points);
(C) The extent to which the 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
(up to 2 points); and
(D) How the applicant will ensure that a diversity of perspectives
are brought to bear in the operation of the proposed project, including
those of parents, teachers, the business community, a variety of
disciplinary and professional fields, recipients or beneficiaries of
services, or others, as appropriate (up to 2 points).
f. Quality of the project evaluation (10 points).
(i) The Secretary considers the quality of the evaluation to be
conducted of the proposed project.
(ii) In determining the quality of the project evaluation, the
Secretary considers:
(A) 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 (up to 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 (up to 4 points); and
(C) The extent to which the evaluation will provide guidance about
effective strategies suitable for replication or testing in other
settings (up to 2 points).
g. Adequacy of resources (15 points).
(i) The Secretary considers the adequacy of resources for the
proposed project.
(ii) In determining the adequacy of resources for the proposed
project, the Secretary considers:
(A) The relevance and demonstrated commitment of each partner in
the proposed project to the implementation and success of the project
(up to 5 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 (up to 5 points); and
(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 (up to 5 points).
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).
For this competition, a panel of non-Federal reviewers will review
each application in accordance with the selection criteria in 34 CFR
75.217(d)(3), as required by 20 U.S.C. 1070-a23(d). The individual
scores of the reviewers will be added and the sum divided by the number
of reviewers to determine the peer review score received in the review
process.
If there are insufficient funds for all applications with the same
total scores, the Secretary will, to the extent practicable, consider
the distribution of grant awards based on the geographic distribution
of such grant awards and the distribution between urban and rural
applicants for the GEAR UP program consistent with 20 U.S.C. 1070a-
22(a)(3).
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
[[Page 32436]]
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 will 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(c).
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.
(c) Under 34 CFR 75.250(b), the Secretary may provide a grantee
with additional funding for data collection analysis and reporting. In
this case the Secretary establishes a data collection period.
5. Performance Measures: The objectives of the GEAR UP program are
(1) to increase the academic performance and preparation for
postsecondary education of participating students; (2) to increase the
rate of high school graduation and participation in postsecondary
education of participating students; and (3) to increase education
expectations for participating students and increase student and family
knowledge of postsecondary education options, preparation, and
financing.
The effectiveness of this program depends on the rate at which
program participants complete high school and enroll in and complete a
postsecondary education. Under the Government Performance and Results
Act of 1993 (GPRA), we developed the following performance measures to
track progress toward achieving the program's goals:
1. The percentage of GEAR UP students who pass Pre-Algebra or its
equivalent by the end of eighth grade.
2. The percentage of GEAR UP students who pass Algebra 1 or its
equivalent by the end of ninth grade.
3. The percentage of GEAR UP students who graduate from high
school.
4. The percentage of GEAR UP students who complete the Free
Application for Federal Student Aid.
5. The percentage of GEAR UP students and former GEAR UP students
who are enrolled at an IHE.
6. The percentage of GEAR UP students who place into college-level
math and English without need for remediation.
7. The percentage of current GEAR UP students and former GEAR UP
students who enrolled at an IHE and persisted to the second year of
postsecondary education at the initial or a subsequent IHE.
In addition, to assess the efficiency of the program, we track the
average cost, in Federal funds, of achieving a successful outcome,
where success is defined as enrollment in a program of undergraduate
instruction at an IHE of GEAR UP students immediately after high school
graduation. These performance measures constitute GEAR UP's indicators
of the success of the program. Accordingly, we require that applicants
include these performance measures in conceptualizing the design,
implementation, and evaluation of their proposed projects.
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 grant, 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).
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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
one of the program contact persons 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 via 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.
Diane Auer Jones,
Principal Deputy Under Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2019-14370 Filed 7-5-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P