[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 41 (Thursday, March 4, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 12668-12676]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-04492]


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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION


Applications for New Awards; Indian Education Discretionary 
Grants Programs--Professional Development Grants Program

AGENCY: Office of Elementary and Secondary 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) 2021 for 
Indian Education Discretionary Grants Programs--Professional 
Development Grants Program, Assistance Listing Number 84.299B. This 
notice relates to the approved information collection under OMB control 
number 1810-0580.

DATES: 
    Applications Available: March 4, 2021.
    Deadline for Notice of Intent to Apply: March 19, 2021.
    Date of Pre-Application Meeting: Friday, February 26, 2021, and 
Thursday, March 4, 2021.
    Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: May 3, 2021.
    Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: July 2, 2021.

[[Page 12669]]


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-2019-02-3/pdf/2019-02206.pdf.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Angela Hernandez, U.S. Department of 
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 3W113, Washington, DC 20202-
6335. Telephone: (202) 205-1909. 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 purposes of the Indian Education 
Professional Development Grants program that are relevant to this 
competition are to increase the number of qualified Indian individuals 
in professions that serve Indians, and to provide training to qualified 
Indian individuals to become teachers and administrators.
    Priorities: This competition includes two absolute priorities and 
two competitive preference priorities.
    In accordance with 34 CFR 75.105(b)(2)(ii), these priorities are 
from the regulations in 34 CFR part 263, as revised in the notice of 
final regulations for this program published in the Federal Register on 
July 10, 2020 (85 FR 41372). Absolute Priorities 1 and 2 are from 34 
CFR 263.6(b)(1) and (2). Competitive Preference Priorities 1 and 2 are 
from 34 CFR 263.6(a)(1) and (2).
    Absolute Priorities: For FY 2021 and any subsequent year in which 
we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this 
competition, these priorities are absolute priorities. Under 34 CFR 
75.105(c)(3), we consider only applications that meet one or both of 
these priorities.
    Note: The Department may create two funding slates--one for 
applicants that meet Absolute Priority 1 and one for applicants that 
meet Absolute Priority 2. As a result, the Department may fund 
applications out of the overall rank order, provided applications of 
sufficient quality are submitted, but the Department is not bound to do 
so. The Department anticipates awarding approximately half of available 
funds to applicants that meet Absolute Priority 1 and approximately 
half to applicants that meet Absolute Priority 2, provided applications 
of sufficient quality are submitted, but the Department is not bound by 
these estimates. Applicants must clearly identify the specific absolute 
priority or priorities the proposed project addresses in the project 
abstract; an applicant that wishes to apply under both priorities 
should submit two separate applications.
    These priorities are:
    Absolute Priority 1: Pre-Service Training for Teachers.
    Projects that--
    (a) Provide support and training to Indian individuals to complete 
a pre-service education program before the end of the award period that 
enables the individuals to meet the requirements for full State 
certification or licensure as a teacher through--
    (1) Training that leads to a degree in education;
    (2) For States allowing a degree in a specific subject area, 
training that leads to a degree in the subject area;
    (3) Training in a current or new specialized teaching assignment 
that requires a degree and in which a documented teacher shortage 
exists; or
    (4) Training in the field of Native American language instruction;
    (b) Provide induction services, during the award period, to 
participants after graduation, certification, or licensure, for two 
years, while participants are completing their work-related payback in 
schools in local educational agencies (LEAs) that serve a high 
proportion of Indian students; and
    (c) Include goals for the--
    (1) Number of participants to be recruited each year;
    (2) Number of participants to continue in the project each year;
    (3) Number of participants to graduate each year; and
    (4) Number of participants to find qualifying employment within 12 
months of completion.
    Absolute Priority 2: Pre-service Administrator Training.
    Projects that--
    (a) Provide support and training to Indian individuals to complete 
a graduate degree in education administration that is provided before 
the end of the award period and that allows participants to meet the 
requirements for State certification or licensure as an education 
administrator;
    (b) Provide induction services, during the award period, to 
participants after graduation, certification, or licensure, for two 
years, while administrators are completing their work-related payback 
as administrators in LEAs that serve a high proportion of Indian 
students; and
    (c) Include goals for the--
    (1) Number of participants to be recruited each year;
    (2) Number of participants to continue in the project each year;
    (3) Number of participants to graduate each year; and
    (4) Number of participants to find qualifying employment within 
twelve months of completion.
    Competitive Preference Priorities: For FY 2021 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 an additional five 
points to an application that meets Competitive Preference Priority 1 
or an additional three points to an application that meets Competitive 
Preference Priority 2. Applicants are eligible for points under either 
Competitive Preference Priority 1 or 2, not both; thus, the maximum 
number of points is 5.
    These priorities are:
    Competitive Preference Priority 1: Tribal Applicants (Zero or five 
points).
    An application submitted by an Indian Tribe, Indian organization, 
or Tribal college or university (TCU) that is eligible to participate 
in the Professional Development program. A consortium application of 
eligible entities that meets the requirements of 34 CFR 75.127 through 
75.129 and includes an Indian Tribe, Indian organization, or TCU will 
be considered eligible to receive preference under this priority only 
if the lead applicant for the consortium is the Indian Tribe, Indian 
organization, or TCU. In order to be considered a consortium 
application, the application must include the consortium agreement, 
signed by all parties.
    Competitive Preference Priority 2: Consortium Applicants, Non-
Tribal Lead (Zero or three points).
    A consortium application of eligible entities that--
    (a) Meets the requirements of 34 CFR 75.127 through 75.129 and 
includes an Indian Tribe, Indian organization, or TCU; and
    (b) Is not eligible to receive a preference under Competitive 
Preference Priority 1.
    Application Requirements: For FY 2021 and any subsequent year in 
which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this 
competition, applicants must meet the following application 
requirements from 34 CFR 263.5.
    Each applicant must:
    (a) Describe how it will--
    (1) Recruit qualified Indian individuals, such as students who may

[[Page 12670]]

not be of traditional college age, to become teachers, principals, or 
school leaders;
    (2) Use funds made available under the grant to support the 
recruitment, preparation, and professional development of Indian 
teachers or principals in LEAs that serve a high proportion of Indian 
students; and
    (3) Assist participants in meeting the payback requirements under 
Sec.  263.9(b);
    (b) Submit one or more letters of support from LEAs that serve a 
high proportion of Indian students. Each letter must include--
    (1) A statement that the LEA agrees to consider program graduates 
for employment;
    (2) Evidence that the LEA meets the definition of ``LEA that serves 
a high proportion of Indian students''; and
    (3) The signature of an authorized representative of the LEA;
    (c) If applying as an Indian organization, demonstrate that the 
entity meets the definition of ``Indian organization'';
    (d) If it is an affected LEA that is subject to the requirements of 
section 8538 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as 
amended (ESEA), consult with appropriate officials from Tribe(s) or 
Tribal organizations approved by the Tribes located in the area served 
by the LEA prior to its submission of an application, as required under 
ESEA section 8538; and
    (e) Comply with any other requirements in the application package.
    Statutory Hiring Preference:
    (a) Awards that are primarily for the benefit of Indians are 
subject to the provisions of section 7(b) of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act (Pub. L. 93-638). That 
section requires that, to the greatest extent feasible, a grantee--
    (1) Give to Indians preferences and opportunities for training and 
employment in connection with the administration of the grant; and
    (2) Give to Indian organizations and to Indian-owned economic 
enterprises, as defined in section 3 of the Indian Financing Act of 
1974 (25 U.S.C. 1452(e)), preference in the award of contracts in 
connection with the administration of the grant.
    (b) For purposes of this section, an Indian is a member of any 
federally recognized Indian Tribe.
    Definitions: The following definitions are from the program 
regulations at 34 CFR 263.3.
    BIE-funded school means a Bureau of Indian Education school, a 
contract or grant school, or a school for which assistance is provided 
under the Tribally Controlled Schools Act of 1988.
    Dependent allowance means costs for the care of minor children 
under the age of 18 who reside with the training participant and for 
whom the participant has responsibility. The term does not include 
financial obligations for payment of child support required of the 
participant.
    Full course load means the number of credit hours that the 
institution requires of a full-time student.
    Full-time student means a student who--
    (1) Is a candidate for a baccalaureate degree, graduate degree, or 
Native American language certificate, as appropriate for the project;
    (2) Carries a full course load; and
    (3) Is not employed for more than 20 hours a week.
    Graduate degree means a post-baccalaureate degree awarded by an 
institution of higher education.
    Indian means an individual who is--
    (1) A member of an Indian Tribe or band, as membership is defined 
by the Indian Tribe or band, including any Tribe or band terminated 
since 1940, and any Tribe or band recognized by the State in which the 
Tribe or band resides;
    (2) A descendant of a parent or grandparent who meets the 
requirements of paragraph (1) of this definition;
    (3) Considered by the Secretary of the Interior to be an Indian for 
any purpose;
    (4) An Eskimo, Aleut, or other Alaska Native; or
    (5) A member of an organized Indian group that received a grant 
under the Indian Education Act of 1988 as it was in effect on October 
19, 1994.
    Indian organization means an organization that--
    (1) Is legally established--
    (i) By Tribal or inter-Tribal charter or in accordance with State 
or Tribal law; and
    (ii) With appropriate constitution, by-laws, or articles of 
incorporation;
    (2) Includes in its purposes the promotion of the education of 
Indians;
    (3) Is controlled by a governing board, the majority of which is 
Indian;
    (4) If located on an Indian reservation, operates with the sanction 
or by charter of the governing body of that reservation;
    (5) Is neither an organization or subdivision of, nor under the 
direct control of, any institution of higher education or TCU; and
    (6) Is not an agency of State or local government.
    Induction services means services provided--
    (1)(i) By educators, local traditional leaders, or cultural 
experts;
    (ii) For the two years of qualifying employment; and
    (iii) In LEAs that serve a high proportion of Indian students;
    (2) To support and improve participants' professional performance 
and promote their retention in the field of education and teaching, and 
that include, at a minimum, these activities:
    (i) High-quality mentoring, coaching, and consultation services for 
the participant to improve performance.
    (ii) Access to research materials and information on teaching and 
learning.
    (iii) Assisting new teachers with use of technology in the 
classroom and use of data, particularly student achievement data, for 
classroom instruction.
    (iv) Clear, timely, and useful feedback on performance, provided in 
coordination with the participant's supervisor.
    (v) Periodic meetings or seminars for participants to enhance 
collaboration, feedback, and peer networking and support.
    In-service training means activities and opportunities designed to 
enhance the skills and abilities of individuals in their current areas 
of employment.
    Institution of higher education (IHE) has the meaning given that 
term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
1001(a)).
    Local educational agency (LEA) that serves a high proportion of 
Indian students means--
    (1) An LEA, including a BIE-funded school, that serves a high 
proportion of Indian students in the LEA as compared to other LEAs in 
the State; or
    (2) An LEA, including a BIE-funded school, that serves a high 
proportion of Indian students in the school in which the participant 
works compared to other LEAs in the State, even if the LEA as a whole 
in which the participant works does not have a high proportion of 
Indian students compared to other LEAs in the State.
    Native American means ``Indian'' as defined in section 6151(3) of 
the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended, which includes 
Alaska Native and members of federally-recognized or State-recognized 
Tribes; Native Hawaiian; and Native American Pacific Islander.
    Native American language means the historical, traditional 
languages spoken by Native Americans.
    Participant means an Indian individual who is being trained under 
the Professional Development program.
    Payback means work-related service or cash reimbursement to the 
Department of Education for the training received under the 
Professional Development program.

[[Page 12671]]

    Pre-service training means training to Indian individuals to 
prepare them to meet the requirements for licensing or certification in 
a professional field requiring at least a baccalaureate degree, or 
licensing or certification in the field of Native American language 
instruction.
    Qualifying employment means employment in an LEA that serves a high 
proportion of Indian students.
    Secretary means the Secretary of the Department of Education or an 
official or employee of the Department acting for the Secretary under a 
delegation of authority.
    Stipend means that portion of an award that is used for room, 
board, and personal living expenses for full-time participants who are 
living at or near the institution providing the training.
    Tribal college or university (TCU) has the meaning given that term 
in section 316(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
1059c(b)).
    Tribal educational agency (TEA) means the agency, department, or 
instrumentality of an Indian Tribe that is primarily responsible for 
supporting Tribal students' elementary and secondary education.
    Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 7442.
    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. (d) The regulations for this program in 34 CFR part 263.
    Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 79 apply to all applicants 
except federally recognized Indian Tribes.
    Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 86 apply to IHEs only.

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Discretionary grants.
    Estimated Available Funds: $7,809,000.
    Estimated Range of Awards: $300,000-$400,000.
    Estimated Average Size of Awards: $350,000.
    Maximum Award: We will not make an award exceeding $400,000 for the 
first, second, or third 12-month budget period. The last two 12-month 
budget periods will be limited to induction services only, at a cost 
not to exceed $120,000 per year. We will not make an award exceeding 
$120,000 for the fourth or fifth 12-month budget period.
    Estimated Number of Awards: 22.
    Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice.
    Project Period: Up to 60 months. We will award grants for an 
initial period of not more than three years and may renew such grants 
for an additional period of not more than two years if we find that the 
grantee is achieving the objectives of the grant.

III. Eligibility Information

    1. Eligible Applicants:
    (a) An eligible applicant must be either--
    (1) An IHE or a TCU;
    (2) A State educational agency in consortium with an IHE or a TCU;
    (3) An LEA in consortium with an IHE or a TCU;
    (4) An Indian Tribe or Indian organization in consortium with an 
IHE or a TCU; or
    (5) A BIE-funded school in consortium with at least one IHE or TCU 
that meets the requirements in paragraph (b).
    (b) Eligibility of an applicant that is an IHE or a TCU, or an 
applicant requiring a consortium with an IHE or a TCU, requires that 
the IHE or TCU be accredited to provide the coursework and level of 
degree or Native American language certificate required by the project.
    2. a. Cost Sharing or Matching: This program does not require cost 
sharing or matching.
    b. Indirect Cost Rate Information: This program uses a training 
indirect cost rate. 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. Note, however, that this training rate limitation does not 
apply to agencies of Indian Tribal governments.
    c. 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. Other: Projects funded under this competition should budget for 
a two-day Project Directors' meeting in Washington, DC during each year 
of the project period. This meeting may be held virtually if conditions 
warrant such format.

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 (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. Submission of Proprietary Information: Given the types of 
projects that may be proposed in applications for the Indian Education 
Professional Development Grants program, your application may include 
business information that you consider proprietary. In 34 CFR 5.11 we 
define ``business information'' and describe the process we use in 
determining whether any of that information is proprietary and, thus, 
protected from disclosure under Exemption 4 of the Freedom of 
Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552, as amended).
    Because we plan to make successful applications available to the 
public by posting them on our website, you may wish to request 
confidentiality of business information.
    Consistent with Executive Order 12600, please designate in your 
application any information that you believe is exempt from disclosure 
under Exemption 4. In the appropriate Appendix section of your 
application, under ``Other Attachments Form,'' please list the page 
number or numbers on which we can find this information. For additional 
information please see 34 CFR 5.11(c).
    3. 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.
    4. Funding Restrictions: The allowable costs below are from 34 CFR 
263.4.

[[Page 12672]]

    A Professional Development program may include, as training costs, 
assistance to--
    (1) Fully finance a student's educational expenses including 
tuition, books, and required fees; health insurance required by the 
IHE; stipend; dependent allowance; technology costs; program required 
travel; and instructional supplies; or
    (2) Supplement other financial aid, including Federal funding other 
than loans, for meeting a student's educational expenses.
    The maximum stipend amount is $1,800 per month for full-time 
students; grantees may also provide participants with a $300 allowance 
per month per dependent during an academic term. The Department will 
reduce any stipends in excess of this amount. Stipends may be paid only 
to full-time students.
    Other costs that a Professional Development program may include, 
but that must not be included as training costs, include costs for--
    (1) Collaborating with prospective employers within the grantees' 
local service area to create a pool of potentially available qualifying 
employment opportunities;
    (2) In-service training activities such as providing mentorships 
linking experienced teachers at job placement sites with program 
participants;
    (3) Assisting participants in identifying and securing qualifying 
employment opportunities in their fields of study following completion 
of the program;
    (4) Teacher mentoring programs, professional guidance, and 
instructional support provided by educators, local traditional leaders, 
or cultural experts, as appropriate for teachers for up to their first 
three years of employment as teachers; and
    (5) Programs designed to train traditional leaders and cultural 
experts to assist participants with relevant Native language and 
cultural mentoring, guidance, and support.
    We reference additional regulations outlining funding restrictions 
in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice.
    5. 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 30 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 or 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, the letter(s) of support, or the signed consortium 
agreement. However, the recommended page limit does apply to all of the 
application narrative.
    An application will not be disqualified if it exceeds the 
recommended page limit.
    6. Notice of Intent to Apply: The Department will be able to review 
grant applications more efficiently if we know the approximate number 
of applicants that intend to apply. Therefore, we strongly encourage 
each potential applicant to notify us of their intent to submit an 
application. To do so, please email the program contact person listed 
under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT with the subject line ``Intent to 
Apply,'' and include the applicant's name and a contact person's name 
and email address. Applicants that do not submit a notice of intent to 
apply may still apply for funding; applicants that do submit a notice 
of intent to apply are not bound to apply or bound by the information 
provided.

V. Application Review Information

    1. Selection Criteria: The selection criteria for ``Need for 
project'' and ``Quality of the management plan'' are from 34 CFR 
75.210. The remaining selection criteria are from 34 CFR 263.7. The 
maximum score for all of these criteria is 100 points. The maximum 
score for each criterion is indicated in parentheses.
    (a) Need for project (Maximum 5 points).
    In determining the need for the proposed project, the Secretary 
considers the extent to which the proposed project will prepare 
personnel in specific fields in which shortages have been demonstrated 
through a job market analysis. (34 CFR 263.7(a)(1))
    (b) Significance (Maximum 6 points). In determining the 
significance of the proposed project, the Secretary considers:
    (1) (Up to 3 points) The potential of the proposed project to 
develop effective strategies for teaching Indian students and improving 
Indian student achievement, as demonstrated by a plan to share findings 
gained from the proposed project with parties who could benefit from 
such findings, such as other IHEs who are training teachers and 
administrators who will be serving Indian students.
    (2) (Up to 3 points) The likelihood that the proposed project will 
build local capacity to provide, improve, or expand services that 
address the specific needs of Indian students. (34 CFR 263.7)
    (c) Quality of the project design (Maximum 26 points). The 
Secretary considers the following factors in determining the quality of 
the design of the proposed project:
    (1) (Up to 10 points) The extent to which the goals, objectives, 
and outcomes to be achieved by the proposed project are ambitious but 
also attainable and address--
    (i) The number of participants expected to be recruited in the 
project each year;
    (ii) The number of participants expected to continue in the project 
each year;
    (iii) The number of participants expected to graduate; and
    (iv) The number of participants expected to find qualifying 
employment within twelve months of completion.
    (2) (Up to 10 points) The extent to which the proposed project has 
a plan for recruiting and selecting participants, including students 
who may not be of traditional college age, that ensures that program 
participants are likely to complete the program.
    (3) (Up to 6 points) The extent to which the proposed project will 
incorporate the needs of potential employers, as identified by a job 
market analysis, by establishing partnerships and relationships with 
LEAs that serve a high proportion of Indian students and developing 
programs that meet their employment needs. (34 CFR 263.7)
    (d) Quality of project services (Maximum 32 points). The Secretary 
considers the following factors in determining the quality of project 
services:
    (1) (Up to 4 points) The likelihood that the proposed project will 
provide participants with learning experiences that develop needed 
skills for successful teaching and/or administration in LEAs that serve 
a high proportion of Indian students.
    (2) (Up to 7 points) The extent to which the proposed project 
prepares participants to adapt teaching and/or

[[Page 12673]]

administrative practices to meet the breadth of Indian student needs.
    (3) (Up to 7 points) The extent to which the applicant will provide 
job placement activities that reflect the findings of a job market 
analysis and needs of potential employers and that offer qualifying 
employment opportunities.
    (4) (Up to 7 points) The extent to which the applicant will offer 
induction services that reflect the latest research on effective 
delivery of such services.
    (5) (Up to 7 points) The extent to which the applicant will assist 
participants in meeting the service obligation requirements. (34 CFR 
263.7)
    (e) Quality of project personnel. (Maximum 13 points). The 
Secretary considers the following factors when determining the quality 
of the personnel who will carry out the proposed project:
    (1) (Up to 5 points) The qualifications, including relevant 
training, experience, and cultural competence, of the project director 
and the amount of time this individual will spend directly involved in 
the project.
    (2) (Up to 8 points) The qualifications, including relevant 
training, experience, and cultural competence, of key project personnel 
and the amount of time to be spent on the project and direct 
interactions with participants. (34 CFR 263.7)
    (f) Quality of the management plan. (Maximum 18 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) (Up to 8 points) 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.
    (2) (Up to 4 points) The adequacy of procedures for ensuring 
feedback and continuous improvement in the operation of the proposed 
project.
    (3) (Up to 6 points) 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. (34 CFR 75.210)
    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).
    The Department will screen applications that are submitted in 
accordance with the requirements in this notice, and determine which 
applications are eligible to be read based on whether they have met the 
eligibility and application requirements established by this notice. 
The Department will use reviewers with knowledge and expertise on 
issues related to educator training and improving outcomes for Native 
American youth to score the selection criteria. The Department will 
thoroughly screen all reviewers for conflicts of interest to ensure a 
fair and competitive review.
    Peer reviewers will read, prepare a written evaluation of, and 
score the assigned applications, based on the six selection criteria 
listed in the Selection Criteria section of this notice.
    In reviewing applications, the Department will assign points for 
Competitive Preference Priorities 1 and 2 based on each application's 
adherence to the requirements of each.
    Technical scoring. Reviewers will read, prepare a written 
evaluation, and assign a technical score to the applications assigned 
to their panel, using the selection criteria provided in this notice 
and the respective advisory scoring rubric in Appendix A. The 
Department will then prepare rank order(s) of applications based on 
their technical scores.
    3. Risk Assessment and Specific Conditions: Consistent with 2 CFR 
200.206, before awarding grants under this competition, the Department 
conducts a review of the risks posed by applicants. Under 2 CFR 
200.208, the Secretary may impose specific conditions and, under 2 CFR 
3474.10, 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 200.206(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.
    5. In General. In accordance with the Office of Management and 
Budget's guidance located at 2 CFR part 200, all applicable Federal 
laws, and relevant Executive guidance, the Department will review and 
consider applications for funding pursuant to this notice inviting 
applications in accordance with:
    (a) Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering 
results based on the program objectives through an objective process of 
evaluating Federal award applications (2 CFR 200.205);
    (b) Prohibiting the purchase of certain telecommunication and video 
surveillance services or equipment in alignment with section 889 of the 
National Defense Authorization Act of 2019 (Pub. L. 115--232) (2 CFR 
200.216);
    (c) Providing a preference, to the extent permitted by law, to 
maximize use of goods, products, and materials produced in the United 
States (2 CFR 200.322); and
    (d) Terminating agreements in whole or in part to the greatest 
extent authorized by law if an award no longer effectuates the program 
goals or agency priorities (2 CFR 200.340).

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

[[Page 12674]]

(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: For the purposes of the Government 
Performance and Results Act of 1993 (GPRA) and Department reporting 
under 34 CFR 75.110, the Department has established the following 
performance measures: (1) The percentage of participants in 
administrator preparation projects who become principals, vice 
principals, or other school administrators in ``LEAs that serve a high 
proportion of Indian students''; (2) the percentage of participants in 
teacher preparation projects who become teachers in ``LEAs that serve a 
high proportion of Indian students''; (3) the percentage of program 
participants who meet State licensure requirements; (4) the percentage 
of program participants who complete their service requirement on 
schedule; (5) the cost per individual who successfully completes an 
administrator preparation program, takes a position in an ``LEA that 
serves a high proportion of Indian students,'' and completes the 
service requirement in such a district; and (6) the cost per individual 
who successfully completes a teacher preparation program, takes a 
position in an ``LEA that serves a high proportion of Indian 
students,'' and completes the service requirement in such a district.
    These measures constitute the Department's indicators of success 
for this program. Consequently, we advise an applicant for a grant 
under this program to carefully consider these measures in 
conceptualizing the approach to, and evaluation for, its proposed 
project. Each grantee will be required to provide, in its annual 
performance and final reports, data about its progress in meeting these 
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 person listed 
under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT, individuals with disabilities 
can obtain this document and a copy of the application package in an 
accessible format. The Department will provide the requestor with an 
accessible format that may include Rich Text Format (RTF) or text 
format (txt), a thumb drive, an MP3 file, braille, large print, 
audiotape, or compact disc, or other accessible format.
    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.

Mark Washington,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Elementary and Secondary 
Education.

Appendix A--Selection Criteria Scoring Rubric

    Reviewers will assign points to an application for each 
selection sub-criterion.
    To help promote consistency across and within the panels that 
will review PD applications, the Department has created an advisory, 
non-binding scoring rubric for reviewers to aid them in scoring the 
selection criteria. The scoring rubric below shows the maximum 
number of points that may be assigned to each criterion and sub-
criterion.

[[Page 12675]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           Sub-criterion     Criterion
           Selection criteria                 points          points
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) Need for project (34 CFR                                           5
 263.7(a)(1)). In determining the need
 for the proposed project, the Secretary
 considers the extent to which the
 proposed project will prepare personnel
 in specific fields in which shortages
 have been demonstrated through a job
 market analysis........................
(b) Significance (34 CFR 263.7). In                                    6
 determining the significance of the
 proposed project, the Secretary
 considers:.............................
    (1) The potential of the proposed                  3
     project to develop effective
     strategies for teaching Indian
     students and improving Indian
     student achievement, as
     demonstrated by a plan to share
     findings gained from the proposed
     project with parties who could
     benefit from such findings, such as
     other IHEs who are training
     teachers and administrators who
     will be serving Indian students....
    (2) The likelihood that the proposed               3
     project will build local capacity
     to provide, improve, or expand
     services that address the specific
     needs of Indian students...........
(c) Quality of the project design (34                                 26
 CFR 263.7). The Secretary considers the
 following factors in determining the
 quality of the design of the proposed
 project:...............................
    (1) (Up to 10 points) The extent to
     which the goals, objectives, and
     outcomes to be achieved by the
     proposed project are ambitious but
     also attainable and address--
        (i) The number of participants
         expected to be recruited in the
         project each year;.............
        (ii) The number of participants
         expected to continue in the
         project each year;.............
        (iii) The number of participants
         expected to graduate; and......
        (iv) The number of participants               10
         expected to find qualifying
         employment within twelve months
         of completion..................
    (2) The extent to which the proposed              10
     project has a plan for recruiting
     and selecting participants,
     including students who may not be
     of traditional college age, that
     ensures that program participants
     are likely to complete the program.
    (3) The extent to which the proposed               6
     project will incorporate the needs
     of potential employers, as
     identified by a job market
     analysis, by establishing
     partnerships and relationships with
     LEAs that serve a high proportion
     of Indian students and developing
     programs that meet their employment
     needs..............................
(d) Quality of project services (34 CFR                               32
 263.7). The Secretary considers the
 following factors in determining the
 quality of project services:...........
    (1) The likelihood that the proposed               4
     project will provide participants
     with learning experiences that
     develop needed skills for
     successful teaching and/or
     administration in LEAs that serve a
     high proportion of Indian students.
    (2) The extent to which the proposed               7
     project prepares participants to
     adapt teaching and/or
     administrative practices to meet
     the breadth of Indian student needs
    (3) The extent to which the                        7
     applicant will provide job
     placement activities that reflect
     the findings of a job market
     analysis and needs of potential
     employers and that offer qualifying
     employment opportunities...........
    (4) The extent to which the                        7
     applicant will offer induction
     services that reflect the latest
     research on effective delivery of
     such services......................
    (5) The extent to which the                        7
     applicant will assist participants
     in meeting the service obligation
     requirements.......................
(e) Quality of project personnel (34 CFR                              13
 263.7). The Secretary considers the
 following factors when determining the
 quality of the personnel who will carry
 out the proposed project:..............
    (1) The qualifications, including                  5
     relevant training, experience, and
     cultural competence, of the project
     director and the amount of time
     this individual will spend directly
     involved in the project............
    (2) (Up to 8 points) The                           8
     qualifications, including relevant
     training, experience, and cultural
     competence, of key project
     personnel and the amount of time to
     be spent on the project and direct
     interactions with participants.....
(f) Quality of the management plan. (34                               18
 CFR 75.210). 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 extent to which the costs                  8
     are reasonable in relation to the
     number of persons to be served and
     to the anticipated results and
     benefits...........................
    (2) The adequacy of procedures for                 4
     ensuring feedback and continuous
     improvement in the operation of the
     proposed project...................
    (3) The extent to which the time                   6
     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............................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    While case-by-case determinations will be made, the reviewers 
will be asked to consider the general ranges below as a guide when 
awarding points.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                             Quality of response
                    Maximum point value                    -----------------------------------------------------
                                                                   Low             Medium             High
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.........................................................                 0               1-2                 3
4.........................................................               0-1               2-3                 4
5.........................................................               0-1               2-3               4-5
6.........................................................               0-2               3-4               5-6
7.........................................................               0-2               3-5               6-7
8.........................................................               0-2               3-5               6-8
10........................................................               0-3               4-7              8-10
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 12676]]

[FR Doc. 2021-04492 Filed 3-3-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P