[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 49 (Tuesday, March 16, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 14414-14420]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-05429]
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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Applications for New Awards; American Indian Vocational
Rehabilitation Training and Technical Assistance Center
AGENCY: Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services,
Department of Education.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The Department of Education (Department) is issuing a notice
inviting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2021 for American Indian
Vocational Rehabilitation Training and Technical Assistance Center
(AIVRTTAC)--Assistance Listing Number 84.250Z--to provide training and
technical assistance (TA) to governing bodies of Indian Tribes that
have received an American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services
(AIVRS) grant.
DATES:
Applications available: March 16, 2021.
Deadline for transmittal of applications: June 14, 2021.
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: Jerry Elliott, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 5097, Potomac Center Plaza,
Washington, DC 20202-2800. Telephone: (202) 245-7335. 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 this program is to provide
training and TA to governing bodies of Indian Tribes, and consortia of
those governing bodies, that have received an AIVRS grant under section
121(a) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Under
section 121(c)(2) of the Act, the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation
Services Administration (RSA) makes grants to, or enters into contracts
or other cooperative agreements with, entities that have experience in
the operation of AIVRS programs to provide such training and TA on
developing, conducting, administering, and evaluating these programs.
Priority: This priority is from the notice of final priority and
definitions (NFP) for this program published elsewhere in this issue of
the Federal Register.
Absolute Priority: For FY 2021, this priority is an absolute
priority. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(3), we consider only applications that
meet this priority.
This priority is:
American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services--Training and
Technical Assistance Program
This priority funds a five-year cooperative agreement to establish
an American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Training and Technical
Assistance Center (AIVRTTAC) to provide four types of training and
technical assistance (TA) for the personnel of the American Indian
Vocational Rehabilitation Services (AIVRS) projects awarded under
section 121(a) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (Act), to
the governing bodies of Indian Tribes and consortia of those governing
bodies. The four types of training and TA are: (1) Intensive training
and TA; (2) targeted training and TA; (3) universal training and TA;
and (4) capacity-building for AIVRS project personnel through training
modules that build foundational skills for the delivery of vocational
rehabilitation (VR) services to AIVRS project participants. The
AIVRTTAC will develop and provide these types of training and TA for
AIVRS projects in the following topic areas:
(a) Applicable laws and regulations governing the AIVRS program.
(b) Promising practices for providing VR services to American
Indians with disabilities.
(c) The delivery of VR services to American Indians with
disabilities, including the determination of eligibility, case
management, case record documentation, assessment, development of the
individualized plan for employment, and placement into competitive
integrated employment.
(d) Knowledge of assistive technology (AT), including the
definition of AT, how to evaluate the need for AT and what types of AT
are available, use of AT, and access to AT.
(e) Implementing professional development practices to ensure
effective project coordination, administration, and management.
(f) Implementing appropriate financial and grant management
practices to ensure compliance with OMB's Uniform Guidance (2 CFR part
200) and the Education Department General Administrative Regulations.
(g) Evaluating project performance, including data collection, data
analysis, and reporting.
Specific subjects for training and TA in each of these topic areas
will be identified on an annual basis and in coordination with RSA.
Project Activities
To be considered for funding under this priority, applicants must
conduct the following activities, or a subset of the following
activities as determined by the Department, in a culturally appropriate
manner:
(a) Maintain and build upon the 12 training modules and the fiscal
tool kit developed by the Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Institute
(the Institute) during Federal fiscal years (FFYs) 2015-2021, including
maintaining the series of seven training modules that build
foundational skills that, when satisfactorily completed, lead to a VR
certificate to be awarded by the AIVRTTAC. To satisfy this activity
requirement, the grantee--
(i) Must develop both academic and non-academic options for
completing courses leading to the VR certificate, the requirements for
obtaining a certificate including the specific requirements for
academic credit for courses included in the certificate when
applicable, and how the certificate may be used by the participants who
earn it;
(ii) May offer the series of training modules in a traditional
classroom setting, through distance learning, through week-long
institutes, at regional trainings throughout the country as an
extension of national conferences, and through other delivery methods,
as appropriate, to meet the needs of the targeted audience;
(iii) May use grant funds to provide reasonable financial
assistance for the cost of tuition, fees, and training materials and to
offset costs associated with travel for participants who may be in
remote areas of the country;
(iv) Must conduct an assessment before and after providing training
for each participant in order to assess strengths and specific areas
for improvement, educational attainment and application of skills, and
any issues
[[Page 14415]]
or challenges to be addressed post-training to ensure improved delivery
of VR services to American Indians with disabilities;
(v) Must provide follow-up TA to participants to address any issues
or challenges that are identified post-training and to ensure that the
training they received is applied effectively in their work setting,
and such follow-up may be conducted as part of the provision of
targeted training and TA or intensive training and TA as determined by
the needs of the specific AIVRS project;
(vi) Must conduct an evaluation to obtain feedback on the training
and follow-up TA and to determine whether this training and TA
contributed to increased employment outcomes for American Indians with
disabilities;
(vii) Are encouraged to develop a path by which courses offered for
academic credit lead to a degree in Rehabilitation or a related field;
and
(viii) May develop additional training modules as negotiated
through the cooperative agreement.
(b) Maintain and build upon the topics and tools the current
AIVRRTAC has developed to provide intensive training and TA. To satisfy
this activity requirement, the grantee must--
(i) Develop and provide intensive training and TA to a minimum of
three AIVRS projects in the first year. For future years, the minimum
number of AIVRS projects to receive intensive training and TA will be
negotiated through the cooperative agreement;
(ii) Develop and implement training and TA consistent with AIVRS
project activities and tailored to the specific needs and challenges of
the AIVRS project receiving the intensive training and TA;
(iii) Provide training and TA under an agreement with each AIVRS
project receiving intensive training and TA that, at a minimum, details
the purpose of the training and TA, intended outcomes, and requirements
for the subsequent evaluation of the training and TA; and
(iv) Assess the results of the training and TA 90 days after its
completion to ensure that the recipient is able to apply effectively
the training and TA, identify any issues or challenges in its
implementation, and provide additional training and TA, either
virtually or on-site, as needed.
(c) Maintain and build upon the topics and tools the current
AIVRTTAC has developed to provide a range of targeted training and TA
in the topic areas described in this priority based on needs common to
multiple AIVRS projects. The grantee must follow up with the recipients
of targeted training and TA it provides to determine the effectiveness
of the training and TA;
(d) Maintain and build upon the topics and tools the current
AIVRTTAC has developed to provide universal training and TA in the
topic areas in this priority;
(e) Provide a minimum of two webinars or video conferences in each
of the topic areas in this priority to describe and disseminate up-to-
date information, guides, examples, and emerging and promising
practices in each area;
(f) Develop new information technology (IT) platforms and systems,
or modify existing platforms and systems, as follows:
(i) Develop or modify, and maintain, a state-of-the-art IT platform
capable and reliable enough to support webinars, teleconferences, video
conferences, and other virtual methods of dissemination of information
and TA;
(ii) Develop or modify, and maintain, a state-of-the-art archiving
and dissemination system that is open and available to all AIVRS
projects and that provides a central location for all AIVRS training
and TA products for later use, including course curricula, audiovisual
materials, webinars, examples of promising practices related to the
topic areas in this priority, the primary areas identified through the
annual surveys completed by AIVRS projects, other topics identified by
RSA, and other relevant TA products (the possibility of collaborating
with the National Clearinghouse of Rehabilitation Training Materials
will be considered with the grantee and included in the cooperative
agreement, as appropriate);
(iii) Ensure that all products produced by the AIVRTTAC meet
government and industry-recognized standards for accessibility; and
(iv) Ensure that all products, resources, and materials developed
by the AIVRTTAC are widely disseminated across the AIVRS projects and
reflect the AIVRS population and diversity among its communities to the
maximum extent possible.
(g) Establish a community of practice (or communities of practice)
that will serve as a vehicle for communication, an exchange of
information among AIVRS projects, and a forum for sharing the results
of training and TA projects that are in progress or have been
completed;
(h) Conduct outreach to AIVRS projects so that they are aware of,
and can participate in, training and TA activities; and
(i) Conduct an evaluation to determine the quality, relevance, and
usefulness of the AIVRTTAC's training and TA, including the impact of
the AIVRTTAC's activities on the ability of AIVRS projects to
effectively manage their projects and improve the delivery of VR
services to American Indians with disabilities.
Project Requirements
To be funded under this priority, applicants must meet the project
requirements in this priority. RSA encourages innovative approaches to
meet these requirements, which are--
(a) Demonstrate in the narrative section of the application under
``Significance of the Proposed Project'' how the proposed project
will--
(1) Use the applicant's knowledge and experience in the operation
of AIVRS projects to provide training and TA for these projects;
(2) Address the AIVRS projects' capacity to effectively implement
an AIVRS project. To meet this requirement, the applicant must--
(i) Demonstrate knowledge of emerging and promising practices in
the topic areas in this priority;
(ii) Demonstrate knowledge of current RSA guidance and Federal
initiatives designed to improve the functioning of grant projects in
general and grant projects for American Indian Tribes in particular;
and
(iii) Present information about the difficulties that AIVRS
grantees have encountered in implementing effective AIVRS projects;
(b) Demonstrate in the narrative section of the application under
``Quality of Project Design'' how the proposed project will--
(1) Achieve its goals, objectives, and intended outcomes. To meet
this requirement, the applicant must provide--
(i) Measurable intended project outcomes;
(ii) A plan for how the proposed project will achieve its intended
outcomes;
(iii) A plan for communicating and coordinating with RSA and key
personnel of AIVRS projects; and
(iv) A draft training module or outline for a targeted training and
TA presentation or an outline for intensive training and TA activities
for one of the topic areas in this priority to demonstrate how
participants would be trained in that area. The module or outline is a
required attachment in the application and must include, at a minimum,
the following:
(A) The goals and objectives of this training module, targeted
training and TA activity, or intensive training and TA activities;
(B) A specific list of what participants should know and be able to
do as a
[[Page 14416]]
result of successfully completing the module, targeted training and TA
activity, or intensive training and TA activities;
(C) Up-to-date resources, publications, applicable laws and
regulations, and other materials that may be used to develop the
module, targeted training and TA activity, or intensive training and TA
activities;
(D) Exercises that will provide an opportunity for application of
the subject matter;
(E) A description of how participant knowledge, skills, and
abilities will be measured; and
(F) In the case of an intensive training and TA intervention, how
the outcomes and impact of the intensive training and TA intervention
will be measured;
(2) Use a logic model to develop project plans and activities that
includes, at a minimum, the goals, activities, outputs, and outcomes of
the proposed project;
(3) Be based on current research and make use of emerging and
promising practices, and evidence-based practices, where available. To
meet this requirement the applicant must describe--
(i) The current research on the emerging and promising practices in
the topic areas in this priority; and
(ii) How the AIVRTTAC will incorporate current research and
promising and evidence-based practices, including research about adult
learning principles and implementation science, in the development and
delivery of its products and services;
(4) Develop products and provide services that are of high quality
and of sufficient intensity and duration to achieve the intended
outcomes of the proposed project. To address this requirement the
applicant must describe--
(i) Its proposed approach to universal training and TA;
(ii) Its proposed approach to targeted training and TA, which must
identify--
(A) The intended recipients of the products and services under this
approach, including the categories of personnel that would be receiving
the training and TA;
(B) Its proposed methods for providing targeted training and TA;
and
(C) Its proposed methodology for determining topics for the
targeted training and TA;
(iii) Its proposed approach to intensive training and TA, which
must identify--
(A) Its proposed approach to identifying recipients for intensive
training and TA;
(B) Its proposed methodology for providing intensive training and
TA to recipients; and
(C) Its proposed approach to assessing the training and TA needs of
recipients, including their ability to respond effectively to the
training and TA; and
(iv) Its proposed approach to maintaining and building upon
capacity-building modules, which must identify--
(A) Its proposed approach to maintaining the 12 training modules
and the fiscal tool kit developed by the Institute in FFYs 2015-2021,
including maintaining the series of seven training modules that build
foundational skills that, when satisfactorily completed, lead to a VR
certificate to be awarded by the grantee; and
(B) Its proposed approach to identifying, developing, and
delivering new capacity-building modules; and
(5) Develop products and implement services to maximize the
proposed project's efficiency. To address this requirement, the
applicant must describe--
(i) How the proposed project will use technology to achieve the
intended project outcomes;
(ii) With whom the proposed project will collaborate and the
intended outcomes of this collaboration; and
(iii) In particular, how the proposed project will coordinate and
collaborate with other RSA-funded technical assistance centers to
exchange and adapt relevant products and materials to avoid duplication
and make effective use of grant funds to better manage the AIVRTTAC
project and its available resources to improve service delivery to
AIVRS projects;
(c) Demonstrate in the narrative section of the application under
``Adequacy of Project Resources'' how--
(1) The applicant and any key partners possess adequate resources
to carry out the proposed activities; and
(2) The proposed costs are reasonable in relation to the
anticipated results and benefits;
(d) Demonstrate in the narrative section of the application under
``Quality of Project Personnel'' how--
(1) The proposed project will encourage applications for employment
from persons who are members of groups that have historically been
underrepresented based on race, color, national origin, gender, age, or
disability, as appropriate; and
(2) The proposed key project personnel, consultants, and
subcontractors have the qualifications and experience to provide
training and TA to AIVRS projects in each of the topic areas in this
priority and to achieve the project's intended outcomes, including how
the proposed project personnel have a high degree of knowledge and
understanding of cultural factors that will be sufficient to ensure the
delivery of training and TA in a culturally appropriate manner;
(e) Demonstrate in the narrative section of the application under
``Quality of the Management Plan'' how the proposed management plan
will ensure that the project's intended outcomes will be achieved on
time and within budget. To address this requirement, the applicant must
describe--
(1) Clearly defined roles and responsibilities for at least two
full-time key project personnel designated to the AIVRTTAC through the
entire project period and for consultants and subcontractors, as
applicable;
(2) Timelines and milestones for accomplishing the project tasks;
(3) Using a personnel loading chart, detailed project activities
through the entire project period, key personnel and any consultants or
subcontractors that will be allocated to each activity, and the
designated level of effort for each of those activities;
(4) How the personnel allocations in the personnel loading chart
are appropriate and adequate to achieve the project's intended
outcomes, including an assurance that all personnel will communicate
with stakeholders and RSA in a timely way;
(5) How the proposed management plan will ensure that the training
and TA products developed through this cooperative agreement are
complete, accurate, and of high quality; and
(6) How the proposed project will benefit from a diversity of
perspectives, including AIVRS projects and consumers, State VR
agencies, TA providers, and policy makers, in its development and
operation; and
(f) Demonstrate in the narrative section of the application under
``Quality of the Evaluation Plan'' how the applicant proposes to
collect and analyze data on specific and measurable goals, objectives,
and intended outcomes of the project, including the effectiveness of
the training and TA provided. To address this requirement, the
applicant must describe--
(i) Its proposed evaluation methodologies, including instruments,
data collection methods, and analyses;
(ii) Its proposed standards or targets for determining
effectiveness;
(iii) How it will use the evaluation results to examine the
effectiveness of its implementation and its progress toward achieving
the intended outcomes; and
[[Page 14417]]
(iv) How the methods of evaluation will produce quantitative and
qualitative data that demonstrate whether the project and individual
training and TA activities achieved their intended outcomes.
Definitions: These definitions are from the NFP.
Intensive training and technical assistance means training and TA
provided to the governing bodies of Indian Tribes that have received an
AIVRS grant and to the current personnel of the AIVRS projects
primarily on-site over an extended period. Intensive training and TA is
based on an ongoing relationship between the training and TA center
staff and the governing bodies of Indian Tribes that have received an
AIVRS grant and the current personnel of the AIVRS projects under the
terms of a signed intensive training and TA agreement.
Targeted training and technical assistance means training and TA
based on needs common, to one or more governing bodies of Indian Tribes
that have received an AIVRS grant and to the current personnel of the
AIVRS projects on a time-limited basis and with limited commitment of
training and TA center resources. Targeted training and TA are
delivered through virtual or in-person methods tailored to the
identified needs of the participating governing bodies of Indian Tribes
that have received an AIVRS grant and to the current personnel of the
AIVRS projects.
Universal training and technical assistance means training and TA
broadly available to governing bodies of Indian Tribes that have
received an AIVRS grant and to the current personnel of the AIVRS
projects and other interested parties through their own initiative,
resulting in minimal interaction with training and TA center staff.
Universal training and TA includes generalized presentations, products,
and related activities available through a website or through brief
contacts with the training and TA center staff.
Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 741.
Note: Projects will be awarded and must be operated in a manner
consistent with the nondiscrimination requirements contained in Federal
civil rights laws.
Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General
Administrative Regulations in 34 CFR parts 75, 77, 81, 82, 84, and 86.
(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 NFP.
Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 86 apply to institutions of
higher education only.
II. Award Information
Type of Award: Discretionary grant.
Estimated Available Funds: $1,013,000.
Estimated Average Size of Awards: $1,013,000.
Estimated Number of Awards: 1.
Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice.
Project Period: Up to 60 months.
Continuing the Fourth and Fifth Years of the Program: In deciding
whether to continue funding fourth and fifth years, the Department will
consider, as part of the review, the cooperative agreement, the
application narrative, and the annual performance reports; the degree
to which AIVRTTAC demonstrates substantial progress in providing
intensive training and TA to AIVRS projects, targeted training and TA
to AIVRS projects, universal training and TA to AIVRS projects, and
capacity-building for AIVRS project personnel through training modules
that build foundational skills for the delivery of VR services to AIVRS
project participants; and the extent to which the training and TA
provided has had an impact on the ability of AIVRS projects to
implement appropriate practices in the seven topic areas outlined in
the priority.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants: State, local, or Tribal governments,
nonprofit organizations, or institutions of higher education that have
experience in the operation of AIVRS programs.
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. Indirect Cost Rate Information: This program uses an
unrestricted indirect cost rate. Applicants for this program are State,
local, or Tribal governments, nonprofit organizations, or institutions
of higher education that have experience in the operation of AIVRS
programs and have negotiated indirect cost rate agreements with a
cognizant agency if indirect costs will be charged to the grant. For
more information regarding indirect costs, or to obtain a negotiated
indirect cost rate, please see www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocft/intro.html.
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. 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 (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 competition is not subject to
Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79.
3. Funding Restrictions: We reference regulations outlining funding
restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice.
V. Application Review Information
1. Selection Criteria: The selection criteria for this competition
are from 34 CFR 75.210, have a maximum score of 100 points, and are as
follows:
[[Page 14418]]
(a) Need for Project and Significance (10 Points):
The Secretary considers the need for and significance of the
proposed project. In determining the need for and significance of the
proposed project, the Secretary considers the following factors:
(1) The magnitude of the need for the services to be provided or
the activities to be carried out by the proposed project.
(2) 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.
(3) The potential contribution of the proposed project to increased
knowledge or understanding of rehabilitation problems, issues, or
effective strategies.
(4) 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.
(b) Quality of the Project Design (20 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 the following factors:
(1) The extent to which the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be
achieved by the proposed project are clearly specified and measurable.
(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.
(3) The extent to which the proposed project will establish
linkages with other appropriate agencies and organizations providing
services to the target population.
(c) Quality of Project Services (20 Points):
The Secretary considers the quality of the services to be provided
by the proposed project. 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.
In addition, the Secretary considers the following factors:
(1) 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.
(2) The likely impact of the services to be provided by the
proposed project on the intended recipients of those services.
(3) The extent to which the services to be provided by the proposed
project involve the collaboration of appropriate partners for
maximizing the effectiveness of project services.
(d) Quality of Project Personnel (15 Points):
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.
In addition, the Secretary considers the qualifications, including
relevant training and experience, of key project personnel.
(e) Adequacy of Resources (10 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 the following factors:
(1) The adequacy of support, including facilities, equipment,
supplies, and other resources, from the applicant organization or the
lead applicant organization.
(2) The extent to which the costs are reasonable in relation to the
objectives, design, and potential significance of the proposed project.
(3) 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.
(f) Quality of the Management Plan (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 the following factors:
(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.
(2) The adequacy of procedures for ensuring feedback and continuous
improvement in the operation of the proposed project.
(3) 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.
(g) Quality of the Project Evaluation (10 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 the following factors:
(1) The extent to which the methods of evaluation are thorough,
feasible, and appropriate to the goals, objectives, and outcomes of the
proposed project.
(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.
(3) The extent to which the methods of evaluation will provide
performance feedback and permit periodic assessment of progress toward
achieving intended outcomes.
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
200.206, 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
[[Page 14419]]
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 (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. 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.
4. Performance Measures: The Government Performance and Results Act
of 1993 (GPRA) directs Federal departments and agencies to improve the
effectiveness of their programs by engaging in strategic planning,
setting outcome-related goals for programs, and measuring program
results against those goals.
For the purposes of GPRA and Department reporting under 34 CFR
75.110, we have established the following performance measures for this
program:
(a) Of all AIVRS project staff, the number and percentage of AIVRS
project staff that complete at least on personnel preparation class
offered by the AIVRTTAC.
(b) Of all AIVRS projects, the number and percentage of AIVRS
projects that have at least one staff member that has completed at
least one personnel preparation class offered by the AIVRTTAC.
(c) Of all AIVRS project staff, the number and percentage of AIVRS
project staff that receive a certificate based on classes offered by
the AIVRTTAC.
(d) Of AIVRS projects that received intensive training and
technical assistance, the number and percentage of AIVRS projects that
completed all activities in the intensive TA agreement.
(e) Of AIVRS projects that received intensive training and
technical assistance, the number and percentage of AIVRS projects that
show an increase in consumers achieving an employment outcome compared
to the prior year.
(f) Of AIVRS projects that received intensive training and
technical assistance, the number and percentage of AIVRS projects that
show an increase in consumers receiving services under an IPE compared
to the prior year.
Applicable short-term and long-term indicators and targets will be
specified in the AIVRTTAC cooperative agreement.
Annual project progress toward meeting project goals must be posted
on the project website.
5. 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.
[[Page 14420]]
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.
David Cantrell,
Deputy Director, Office of Special Education Programs. Delegated the
authority to perform the functions and duties of the Assistant
Secretary for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services.
[FR Doc. 2021-05429 Filed 3-11-21; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P