[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 217 (Monday, November 9, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 71328-71333]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-24814]


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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION


Applications for New Awards; Fund for the Improvement of 
Postsecondary Education--Career and Educational Pathways Exploration 
System Program

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) 2020 for the 
Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) Career and 
Educational Pathways Exploration System (Career Pathways) Program, 
Assistance Listing Number 84.116C. This notice relates to the approved 
information collection under OMB control number 1894-0006.

DATES: Applications Available: November 9, 2020. Deadline for 
Transmittal of Applications: December 9, 2020.

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: Sharon Easterling, U.S. Department of 
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 278-14, Washington, DC 20202-
4260. Telephone: (202) 453-7425. Email: [email protected], or 
Carmen Gordon, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, 
Room 278-42, Washington, DC 20202-4260. Telephone (202) 453-7311. 
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 purpose of the Career Pathways Program 
funded through FIPSE is to develop technology-based or technology-
enabled career exploration systems that enable high school students to 
identify and explore career opportunities that align with their 
interests, ambitions, and aptitudes; learn from individuals who work in 
those fields about the nature of their work and opportunities available 
in their fields; and identify education and training options--including 
non-college programs such as work-based learning opportunities, 
military training, apprenticeships, and employer-sponsored training--
that enable entry into or advancement in those careers. Career and 
education pathways exploration systems must include, for featured 
occupations, information about employment outlook and likely entry and 
mid-career earnings in featured fields, and they must enable students 
to use built-in financial analysis tools to explore the economic impact 
of their career, education, and training choices.
    Background: In FY 2020, Congress appropriated $24.5 million to 
FIPSE, including $10 million designated to the Career Pathways Program, 
to support the development of Career and Education Pathways Exploration 
Systems that will increase student awareness of the many career 
opportunities available to them and knowledge among students, 
educators, parents, and counselors about the many education and 
training pathways that provide entry to and advancement in those 
careers. These grants are intended to support the creation of scalable 
career exploration and guidance systems that help students identify 
their career interests; explore potential occupations that align with 
those interests; interact with individuals who work in particular jobs 
of interest to them, or with artificial intelligence or other 
interactive technologies in the fields of interest; consider the 
various education and training options (including non-college options, 
such as work-based learning, apprenticeships, employer-sponsored 
training, and military service) that enable entrance to and advancement 
in those occupations; and identify the attitudes, skills, and aptitudes 
necessary to be successful in those fields.
    Through this grant competition, we invite non-profit organizations 
with expertise in workforce development or career counseling, alone or 
in partnership with institutions of higher education (IHEs) or other 
non-profit agencies/organizations, trade associations, employers, 
States, and labor unions to develop, adapt, or expand career 
exploration and guidance systems that will enable students (and their 
parents) to engage in career exploration and education/training

[[Page 71329]]

planning. These systems must be technology based so that they can be 
deployed at scale, and they must include financial analysis tools that 
allow students to compare the direct and opportunity costs (including 
student loan interest) of the educational pathways they are considering 
as well as earnings potential among occupations of interest.
    These exploration and guidance systems must feature the full range 
of education and training pathways, including short-term programs (less 
than 600 hours), apprenticeships, employer-sponsored training, military 
training opportunities, and more traditional college pathways.
    Priority: This notice contains one absolute priority. We are 
establishing this priority for the FY 2020 grant competition and any 
subsequent year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded 
applications from this competition in accordance with section 437(d)(1) 
of the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA), 20 U.S.C. 1232 (d)(1).
    Absolute Priority: Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(3), we consider only 
applications that meet this absolute priority.
    Providing Career and Education Pathways Exploration Systems.
    To meet this priority, applicants must submit--
    (a) A plan to create or expand a sustainable technology-based or 
technology-enabled career and education pathways exploration system 
that accomplishes all of the following objectives:
    (1) Enabling high school students to identify and learn about 
career opportunities based on their personal interests, aptitudes, and 
career goals;
    (2) Enabling high school students to identify, consider, and 
compare the possible education and training pathways that lead to 
career entry and advancement in their fields of interest;
    (3) Engaging individuals who work in featured occupations, or using 
other interactive bot technologies simulating interaction with an 
individual, to provide information to students about their experience 
working in the field, the aptitudes and attitudes that are necessary 
for success, and the challenges and opportunities typical for those who 
work in the field; and
    (4) Enabling students to use embedded financial tools to compare 
the cost and benefits of the career options and educational pathways 
they are considering, including the long-term impact of taking student 
loans on their financial security, including likely entry and mid-
career earnings in featured fields.
    (b) An evaluation plan to assess the effectiveness of the system in 
assisting students in identifying their career goals, identifying 
potential education pathways to achieve that goal, and comparing the 
costs and benefits of each pathway.
    (c) A logic model for developing and implementing the project.
    Program Requirements: We are establishing the program requirements 
for the FY 2020 grant competition and any subsequent year in which we 
make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this 
competition in accordance with section 437(d)(1) of GEPA.
    The program requirements are:
    Independent Evaluation.
    A grantee must conduct an independent evaluation of the activities 
carried out under the grant and submit to the Department an annual 
report that includes--
    (a) A description of how the grant funds were used;
    (b) The performance of the project with respect to, at a minimum, 
the performance measures described in the approved application; and
    (c) A quantitative analysis of the effectiveness of the project.
    Use of Funds.
    A grantee must use the funds awarded for the following activities:
    (a) Development of a technology-based or technology-enabled career 
exploration and pathways system that enables students to identify 
career options and possible education and training pathways based on 
their interests, aptitudes, and goals.
    (b) Identifying and recruiting individuals who work in featured 
occupations to participate in content development for the system and 
providing career information to students.
    (c) Providing training to high school guidance counselors and 
teachers on proper use of the system to help students explore career 
opportunities and educational pathways.
    (d) Disseminating information about the system to high schools, 
workforce development boards, training providers, IHEs, and other 
entities.
    Definitions:
    The definition of Institution of Higher Education is from section 
101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA). The 
definitions of Baseline, Logic Model, Performance Measure, Performance 
Target, Project Component, and Relevant Outcome are from 34 CFR 77.1. 
We are establishing the definitions of Independent Evaluation, Parent, 
and Work-Based Learning for this competition in accordance with section 
437(d)(1) of GEPA.
    Baseline means the starting point from which performance is 
measured and targets are set.
    Independent Evaluation means an evaluation of a Project Component 
that is designed and carried out independently of, but in coordination 
with, the entities that develop or implement the Project Component.
    Institution of Higher Education (IHE) means--
    (a) An educational institution in any State that--
    (1) Admits as regular students only persons having a certificate of 
graduation from a school providing secondary education, or the 
recognized equivalent of such a certificate, or persons who meet the 
requirements of section 484(d)(3) of the HEA;
    (2) Is legally authorized within such State to provide a program of 
education beyond secondary education;
    (3) Provides an educational program for which the institution 
awards a bachelor's degree or provides not less than a 2-year program 
that is acceptable for full credit toward such a degree, or awards a 
degree that is acceptable for admission to a graduate or professional 
degree program, subject to review and approval by the Secretary;
    (4) Is a public or other nonprofit institution; and
    (5) Is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or 
association or, if not so accredited, is an institution that has been 
granted pre-accreditation status by such an agency or association that 
has been recognized by the Secretary of Education for the granting of 
pre-accreditation status, and the Secretary of Education has determined 
that there is satisfactory assurance that the institution will meet the 
accreditation standards of such an agency or association within a 
reasonable time.
    (b) The term also includes:
    (1) Any school that provides not less than a 1-year program of 
training to prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized 
occupation and that meets the provisions of paragraphs (1), (2), (4), 
and (5) of paragraph (a) of this definition; and
    (2) A public or nonprofit private educational institution in any 
State that, in lieu of the requirement in paragraph (a)(1) of this 
definition, admits as regular students individuals--
    (i) Who are beyond the age of compulsory school attendance in the 
State in which the institution is located; or

[[Page 71330]]

    (ii) Who will be dually or concurrently enrolled in the institution 
and a secondary school.
    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.
    Parent means natural, adoptive, and foster parents, guardians, and 
individuals acting in the role of parent.
    Performance Measure means any quantitative indicator, statistic, or 
metric used to gauge program or project performance.
    Performance Target means a level of performance that an applicant 
would seek to meet during the course of a project or as a result of a 
project.
    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 English learners and follow-on coaching for these teachers).
    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.
    Work-Based Learning means sustained interactions with industry or 
community professionals in real workplace settings, to the extent 
practicable, or simulated environments at an educational institution 
that foster in-depth, firsthand engagement with the tasks required of a 
given career field, that are aligned to curriculum and instruction.
    Waiver of Proposed Rulemaking: Under the Administrative Procedure 
Act (5 U.S.C. 553), the Department generally offers interested parties 
the opportunity to comment on proposed priorities, requirements, and 
definitions. Section 437(d)(1) of GEPA, however, allows the Secretary 
to exempt from rulemaking requirements regulations governing the first 
grant competition under a new or substantially revised program 
authority. This is the first grant competition for this program under a 
new or substantially revised authority and therefore qualifies for this 
exemption. In order to ensure timely grant awards, the Secretary has 
decided to forgo public comment on the priorities, requirements, and 
definitions under section 437(d)(1) of GEPA. These priorities, 
requirements, and definitions will apply to the FY 2020 grant 
competition and any subsequent year in which we make awards from the 
list of unfunded applications from this competition.
    Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1138-1138d, the explanatory statement 
accompanying H.R. 1865 (Pub. L. 116-94), Congressional Record, daily 
edition, Dec. 17, 2019, at H11083.

    Note: Projects must be awarded and operated in a manner 
consistent with the nondiscrimination requirements contained in the 
U.S. Constitution and the Federal civil rights laws.

    Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General 
Administrative Regulations in 34 CFR parts 75, 77, 79, 81, 82, 84, 86, 
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.

    Note: The regulations in 34 CFR 86 apply to IHEs only.

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Discretionary grants.
    Estimated Available Funds: $9,900,000.
    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 Range of Awards: $4,400,000-9,000,000 for the 36-month 
project period.
    Estimated Average Size of Awards: $4,950,000 for the 36-month 
project period.
    Estimated Number of Awards: 1-2.

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

    Project Period: Up to 36 months.

III. Eligibility Information

    1. Eligible Applicants: Public and private nonprofit institutions 
and agencies (other than IHEs) with expertise in workforce development 
or career counseling, alone or in partnership with IHEs or other public 
and private nonprofit institutions and agencies (such as State 
workforce development boards, employers, trade associations, or labor 
unions).

    Note:  Only public and private nonprofit institutions and 
agencies may be the fiscal agent in this competition. IHEs may be 
included as a partner in a grant in which public and private 
nonprofit institutions and agencies are the fiscal agent as a group 
application consistent with 34 CFR 75.127-75.129.


    Note:  If you are a nonprofit organization, under 34 CFR 75.51, 
you may demonstrate your nonprofit status by providing: (1) Proof 
that the Internal Revenue Service currently recognizes the applicant 
as an organization to which contributions are tax deductible under 
section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; (2) a statement from 
a State taxing body or the State attorney general certifying that 
the organization is a nonprofit organization operating within the 
State and that no part of its net earnings may lawfully benefit any 
private shareholder or individual; (3) a certified copy of the 
applicant's certificate of incorporation or similar document if it 
clearly establishes the nonprofit status of the applicant; or (4) 
any item described above if that item applies to a State or national 
parent organization, together with a statement by the State or 
parent organization that the applicant is a local nonprofit 
affiliate.

    2. a. Cost Sharing or Matching: This competition does not require 
cost sharing or matching.
    b. Supplement-Not-Supplant: This competition involves supplement-
not-supplant funding requirements.
    c. Indirect Cost Rate Information: We are establishing a training 
indirect cost rate for this program. This limits indirect cost 
reimbursement to an entity's actual indirect costs, as determined in 
its negotiated indirect cost rate agreement, or eight percent of a 
modified total direct cost base, whichever amount is less. For more 
information regarding training indirect cost rates, see 34 CFR 75.562. 
For more information regarding indirect costs, or to obtain a 
negotiated indirect cost rate, please see www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocfo/intro.html.
    d. Administrative Cost Limitation: This program does not include 
any program-specific limitation on administrative expenses. All 
administrative expenses must be reasonable and necessary and conform to 
Cost Principles described in 2 CFR part 200, subpart E, of the Uniform 
Guidance.
    3. 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,

[[Page 71331]]

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, 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 December 31, 2020.
    3. Funding Restrictions: We reference regulations outlining funding 
restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice.
    4. Recommended Page Limit: The application narrative is where you, 
the applicant, address the selection criteria that reviewers use to 
evaluate your application. We recommend that you (1) limit the 
application narrative to no more than 25 pages and (2) use 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 narrative, including titles, headings, 
footnotes, quotations, references, and captions as well as all text in 
charts, tables, figures, and graphs.
     Use a font that is either 12 point or larger, and no 
smaller than 10 pitch (characters per inch).
     Use one of the following fonts: Times New Roman, Courier, 
Courier New, or Arial.
    The recommended page limit does not apply to the cover sheet; the 
budget section, including the narrative budget justification; the 
assurances and certifications; or the one-page abstract, the resumes, 
the bibliography, or the letters of support. However, the recommended 
page limit does apply to all of the application narrative.

V. Application Review Information

    1. Selection Criteria: The following selection criteria for this 
competition are from 34 CFR 75.210. Applicants should address each of 
the following selection criteria. The selection criteria are worth a 
total of 100 points; the maximum score for each criterion is noted in 
parentheses.
    (a) Significance. (Maximum 20 points) The Secretary considers the 
significance of the proposed project. In determining the significance 
of the proposed project, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (1) The extent to which the proposed project is likely to build 
local capacity to provide, improve, or expand services that address the 
needs of the target population. (10 points)
    (2) The potential replicability of the proposed project or 
strategies, including, as appropriate, the potential for implementation 
in a variety of settings. (10 points)
    (b) Quality of the project design. (Maximum 25 points) The 
Secretary considers the quality of the design of the proposed project. 
In determining the quality of the design of the proposed project, the 
Secretary considers:
    (1) The extent to which the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be 
achieved by the proposed project are clearly specified and measurable. 
(5 points)
    (2) 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. (5 points)
    (3) The extent to which the design for implementing and evaluating 
the proposed project will result in information to guide possible 
replication of project activities or strategies, including information 
about the effectiveness of the approach or strategies employed by the 
project. (5 points)
    (4) The extent to which the proposed project represents an 
exceptional approach to the priority or priorities established for the 
competition. (10 points)
    (c) Quality of project services. (Maximum 10 points) The Secretary 
considers the quality of the services to be provided by the proposed 
project.
    (1) 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 points)
    (2) In addition, the Secretary considers:
    (i) The extent to which the services to be provided by the proposed 
project are appropriate to the needs of the intended recipients or 
beneficiaries of those services. (3 points)
    (ii) The extent to which the services to be provided by the 
proposed project reflect up-to-date knowledge from research and 
effective practice. (4 points)
    (d) Quality of project personnel. (Maximum 10 points) The Secretary 
considers the quality of the personnel who will carry out the proposed 
project.
    (1) 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 points)
    (2) In addition, the Secretary considers:
    (i) The qualifications, including relevant training and experience, 
of the project director or principal investigator. (4 points)
    (ii) The qualifications, including relevant training and 
experience, of key project personnel. (3 points)
    (e) Adequacy of resources. (Maximum 5 points) The Secretary 
considers the adequacy of resources for the proposed project. In 
determining the adequacy of resources for the proposed project, the 
Secretary considers:
    (1) The extent to which the budget is adequate to support the 
proposed project. (3 points)
    (2) The extent to which the costs are reasonable in relation to the 
objectives, design, and potential significance of the proposed project. 
(2 points)
    (f) Quality of the management plan. (Maximum 15 points) The 
Secretary considers the quality of the management plan for the proposed 
project. In determining the quality of the management plan for the 
proposed project, the Secretary considers:
    (1) 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. (5 points)
    (2) The adequacy of procedures for ensuring feedback and continuous 
improvement in the operation of the proposed project. (5 points)
    (3) The adequacy of mechanisms for ensuring high-quality products 
and services from the proposed project. (5 points)
    (g) Quality of the project evaluation. (Maximum 15 points) The 
Secretary considers the quality of the evaluation to be conducted of 
the proposed project. In determining the quality of the evaluation, the 
Secretary considers:
    (1) The extent to which the methods of evaluation are thorough, 
feasible, and appropriate to the goals, objectives, and outcomes of the 
proposed project. (10 points)
    (2) 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. (5 points)

[[Page 71332]]

    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.
    (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:
    (a) For the purposes of the Government Performance and Results Act 
of 1993 (GPRA) and reporting under 34 CFR 75.110, the Secretary 
establishes the following indicators to measure progress towards 
achieving the purposes of the program: The percentage of grantees 
producing independent evaluations that demonstrate improved 
effectiveness and alignment of career guidance and exploration systems 
with improved student outcomes. In addition, applicants must propose 
project-specific performance measures and performance targets 
consistent with the objectives of the proposed project.
    Applications must provide the following information as directed 
under 34 CFR 75.110(b) and (c):
    (b) Project-specific performance measures. How each proposed 
performance measure would accurately measure the performance of the 
project and how the proposed performance measures would be consistent 
with the performance measures established for the program funding the 
competition.
    (c) Baseline data.
    (1) Why each proposed baseline is valid; or
    (2) If the applicant has determined that there are no established 
baseline data for a particular performance measure, an explanation of 
why there is no established baseline and of how and when, during the 
project period, the applicant would establish a valid baseline for the 
performance measure.
    (d) Performance targets. Why each proposed performance target is 
ambitious yet achievable compared to the baseline for the performance 
measure and when, during the project period, the applicant would meet 
the performance target(s).
    (e) Data collection and reporting.
    (1) The data collection and reporting methods the applicant would 
use and

[[Page 71333]]

why those methods are likely to yield reliable, valid, and meaningful 
performance data; and
    (2) The applicant's capacity to collect and report reliable, valid, 
and meaningful performance data, as evidenced by high-quality data 
collection, analysis, and reporting in other projects or research.
    All grantees must submit an annual performance report with 
information that is responsive to these performance measures.
    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: On request to the program contact persons listed 
under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT, 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), to the extent reasonably practicable.
    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.

Robert L. King,
Assistant Secretary for the Office of Postsecondary Education.
[FR Doc. 2020-24814 Filed 11-6-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P