[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 78 (Monday, April 26, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 22037-22041]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-08657]
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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Applications for New Awards; Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian--
Serving Institutions Program
AGENCY: Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of Education.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The Department of Education (Department) is issuing a notice
inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 2021 for the
Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions (ANNH) Program,
Assistance Listing Numbers 84.031R (Alaska Native) and 84.031V (Native
Hawaiian). This notice relates to the approved information collection
under OMB control number 1840-0810.
DATES:
Applications Available: April 26, 2021.
Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: June 10, 2021.
Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: August 9, 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: Robyn Wood, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 2B203, Washington, DC 20202-
4260. Telephone: (202) 453-7744. 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 ANNH Program provides grants to eligible
institutions of higher education (IHEs) to enable them to improve and
expand their capacity to serve Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians.
Alaska Native-serving institutions and Native Hawaiian-serving
institutions may use these grant awards to plan, develop, undertake,
and carry out activities to improve and expand such institutions'
capacity to serve Alaska Natives or Native Hawaiians.
Priorities: This notice contains one competitive preference
priority. This priority is from the Notice of Administrative Priority
and Definitions for Discretionary Grant Programs, which was published
in the Federal Register on December 30, 2020 (85 FR 86545) (Remote
Learning NFP).
Competitive Preference Priority: For FY 2021 and any subsequent
year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications
from this competition, this priority is a competitive preference
priority. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i), we award up to three additional
points for the priority, depending on how well the application meets
this priority.
This priority is:
Building Capacity for Remote Learning (up to 3 points).
Under this priority, an applicant must propose a project that is
designed to provide personalized and job-embedded professional learning
to build the capacity of educators to create remote learning
experiences that advance student engagement and learning through
effective use of technology (e.g., synchronous and asynchronous
professional learning, professional learning networks or communities,
and coaching).
Definitions: The definitions are from 34 CFR 77.1 and the Remote
Learning NFP.
Demonstrates a rationale means a key project component included in
the project's logic model is informed by research or evaluation
findings that suggest the project component is likely to improve
relevant outcomes.
Logic model (also referred to as theory of action) means a
framework that identifies key project components of the proposed
project (i.e., the active ``ingredients'' that are hypothesized to be
critical to achieving the relevant outcomes) and describes the
theoretical and operational relationships among the key project
components and relevant outcomes.
Note: In developing logic models, applicants may want to use
resources such as the Regional Educational Laboratory Program's (REL
Pacific) Education Logic Model Application, available at https://
ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/pacific/
[[Page 22038]]
elm.asp to help design their logic models. Other sources include:
https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/pacific/pdf/REL_2014025.pdf,
https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/pacific/pdf/REL_2014007.pdf,
and https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/northeast/pdf/REL_2015057.pdf.
Project component means an activity, strategy, intervention,
process, product, practice, or policy included in a project. Evidence
may pertain to an individual project component or to a combination of
project components (e.g., training teachers on instructional practices
for English learners and follow-on coaching for these teachers).
Relevant outcome means the student outcome(s) or other outcome(s)
the key project component is designed to improve, consistent with the
specific goals of the program.
Remote learning means programming where at least part of the
learning occurs away from the physical building in a manner that
addresses a learner's educational needs. Remote learning may include
online, hybrid/blended learning, or non-technology-based learning
(e.g., lab kits, project supplies, paper packets).
Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1067q (title III, part F, of the
Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA)).
Note: In 2008, the HEA was amended by the Higher Education
Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA), Public Law 110-315. Please note that
the regulations for ANNH in 34 CFR part 607 have not been updated to
reflect these statutory changes. The statute supersedes all other
regulations.
Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General
Administrative Regulations in 34 CFR parts 75, 77, 79, 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 607. (e)
The Remote Learning NFP.
II. Award Information
Type of Award: Discretionary grants. Five-year Individual
Development Grants and Cooperative Arrangement Development Grants will
be awarded in FY 2021.
Note: A cooperative arrangement is an arrangement to carry out
allowable grant activities between an institution eligible to
receive a grant under this competition and another eligible or
ineligible IHE, under which the resources of the cooperating
institutions are combined and shared to better achieve the purposes
of this part and avoid costly duplication of effort.
Estimated Available Funds: $13,973,850.
Individual Development Grants:
Estimated Range of Awards: $500,000-$550,000 per year.
Estimated Average Size of Awards: $525,000 per year.
Maximum Award: We will not make an award exceeding $550,000 for a
single budget period of 12 months.
Estimated Number of Awards: 20.
Cooperative Arrangement Development Grants:
Estimated Range of Awards: $500,000-$600,000 per year.
Estimated Average Size of Awards: $550,000 per year.
Maximum Award: We will not make an award exceeding $600,000 for a
single budget period of 12 months.
Estimated Number of Awards: 5.
Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this
notice.
Project Period: Up to 60 months.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants:
This program is authorized by title III, part F, of the HEA. At the
time of submission of their applications, applicants must certify their
total undergraduate headcount enrollment and that either 20 percent of
the IHE's enrollment is Alaska Native or 10 percent is Native Hawaiian.
An assurance form, which is included in the application materials for
this competition, must be signed by an official for the applicant and
submitted.
To qualify as an eligible institution under the ANNH Program, an
institution must--
(a) Be accredited or preaccredited by a nationally recognized
accrediting agency or association that the Secretary has determined to
be a reliable authority as to the quality of education or training
offered;
(b) Be legally authorized by the State in which it is located to be
a junior or community college or to provide an educational program for
which it awards a bachelor's degree; and
(c) Be designated as an ``eligible institution'' by demonstrating
that it: (1) Has an enrollment of needy students as described in 34 CFR
607.3; and (2) has low average educational and general expenditures per
full-time equivalent (FTE) undergraduate student as described in 34 CFR
607.4.
Note: The notice announcing the FY 2021 process for designation
of eligible institutions, and inviting applications for waiver of
eligibility requirements, was published in the Federal Register on
March 4, 2021, (86 FR 12665). Only institutions that the Department
determines are eligible, or which are granted a waiver under the
process described in that notice, may apply for a grant in this
program.
An eligible IHE that submits applications for an Individual
Development Grant and a Cooperative Arrangement Development Grant in
this competition may be awarded both in the same fiscal year. A grantee
with an Individual Development Grant or a Cooperative Arrangement
Development Grant may be a partner in one or more Cooperative
Development Arrangement Grants. The lead institution in a Cooperative
Arrangement Development Grant must be an eligible institution. Partners
are not required to be eligible institutions.
Note: If you are a nonprofit organization, under 34 CFR 75.51,
you may demonstrate your nonprofit status by providing: (1) Proof
that the Internal Revenue Service currently recognizes the applicant
as an organization to which contributions are tax deductible under
section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; (2) a statement from
a State taxing body or the State attorney general certifying that
the organization is a nonprofit organization operating within the
State and that no part of its net earnings may lawfully benefit any
private shareholder or individual; (3) a certified copy of the
applicant's certificate of incorporation or similar document if it
clearly establishes the nonprofit status of the applicant; or (4)
any item described above if that item applies to a State or national
parent organization, together with a statement by the State or
parent organization that the applicant is a local nonprofit
affiliate.
2. a. Cost Sharing or Matching: This competition does not require
cost sharing or matching.
b. Supplement-Not-Supplant: This competition involves supplement-
not-supplant funding requirements. Grant funds must be used so that
they supplement and, to the extent practical, increase the funds that
would otherwise be available for the activities to be carried out under
the grant and in no case supplant those funds (34 CFR 607.30 (b)).
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.
[[Page 22039]]
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
contains requirements and information on how to submit an application.
2. Intergovernmental Review: This program is subject to Executive
Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79. Information about
Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs under Executive Order
12372 is in the application package for this program.
3. Funding Restrictions: We specify unallowable costs in 34 CFR
607.10(c). We reference additional regulations outlining funding
restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice.
4. Recommended Page Limit: The application narrative is where you,
the applicant, address the selection criteria that reviewers use to
evaluate your application. We recommend that you (1) limit the
application narrative to no more than 50 pages for Individual
Development Grants and no more than 65 pages for Cooperative
Arrangement Development Grants and (2) use the following standards:
A ``page'' is 8.5'' x 11'', on one side only, with 1'';
margins at the top, bottom, and both sides.
Double space (no more than three lines per vertical inch)
all text in the application narrative, including titles, headings,
footnotes, quotations, references, and captions as well as all text in
charts, tables, figures, and graphs.
Use a font that is either 12 point or larger, and no
smaller than 10 pitch (characters per inch).
Use one of the following fonts: Times New Roman, Courier,
Courier New, or Arial.
The recommended page limit does not apply to the cover sheet; the
budget section, including the narrative budget justification; the
assurances and certifications; or the one-page abstract. However, the
recommended page limit does apply to all of the application narrative.
Note: The Budget Information-Non-Construction Programs Form (ED
524) Sections A-C are not the same as the narrative response to the
Budget section of the selection criteria.
V. Application Review Information
1. Selection Criteria: The following selection criteria for this
competition are from 34 CFR 607.22(a) through (g) and 34 CFR 75.210. We
will award up to 100 points to an application under the selection
criteria and up to 3 additional points to an application under the
competitive preference priority, for a total score of up to 103 points.
The maximum number of points available for each criterion is indicated
in parentheses.
(a) Quality of the applicant's comprehensive development plan. (20
points). The extent to which--
(1) The strengths, weaknesses, and significant problems of the
institution's academic programs, institutional management, and fiscal
stability are clearly and comprehensively analyzed and result from a
process that involved major constituencies of the institution;
(2) The goals for the institution's academic programs,
institutional management, and fiscal stability are realistic and based
on comprehensive analysis;
(3) The objectives stated in the plan are measurable, related to
institutional goals, and, if achieved, will contribute to the growth
and self-sufficiency of the institution; and
(4) The plan clearly and comprehensively describes the methods and
resources the institution will use to institutionalize practice and
improvements developed under the proposed project, including, in
particular, how operational costs for personnel, maintenance, and
upgrades of equipment will be paid with institutional resources.
(b) Quality of activity objectives. (15 points). The extent to
which the objectives for each activity are--
(1) Realistic and defined in terms of measurable results; and
(2) Directly related to the problems to be solved and to the goals
of the comprehensive development plan.
(c) Quality of the project design. (10 points).
(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the design of the
proposed project.
(2) In determining the quality of the design of the proposed
project, the Secretary considers the extent to which the proposed
project demonstrates a rationale (as defined in this notice).
(d) Quality of implementation strategy. (18 points). The extent to
which--
(1) The implementation strategy for each activity is comprehensive;
(2) The rationale for the implementation strategy for each activity
is clearly described and is supported by the results of relevant
studies or projects; and
(3) The timetable for each activity is realistic and likely to be
attained.
(e) Quality of key personnel. (8 points). The extent to which--
(1) The past experience and training of key professional personnel
are directly related to the stated activity objectives; and
(2) The time commitment of key personnel is realistic.
(f) Quality of project management plan. (10 points). The extent to
which--
(1) Procedures for managing the project are likely to ensure
efficient and effective project implementation; and
(2) The project coordinator and activity directors have sufficient
authority to conduct the project effectively, including access to the
president or chief executive officer.
(g) Quality of evaluation plan. (12 points). The extent to which--
(1) The data elements and the data collection procedures are
clearly described and appropriate to measure the attainment of activity
objectives and to measure the success of the project in achieving the
goals of the comprehensive development plan; and
(2) The data analysis procedures are clearly described and are
likely to produce formative and summative results on attaining activity
objectives and measuring the success of the project on achieving the
goals of the comprehensive development plan.
(h) Budget. (7 points). The extent to which the proposed costs are
necessary and reasonable in relation to the project's objectives and
scope.
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).
A panel of three non-Federal reviewers will review and score each
application in accordance with the
[[Page 22040]]
selection criteria. A rank order funding slate will be made from this
review. Awards will be made in rank order according to the average
score received from the peer review and from the competitive preference
priority.
In tie-breaking situations for development grants, 34 CFR 607.23(b)
requires that we award one additional point to an application from an
IHE that has an endowment fund of which the current market value, per
FTE enrolled student, is less than the average current market value of
the endowment funds, per FTE enrolled student, at comparable type
institutions that offer similar instruction. We award one additional
point to an application from an IHE that has expenditures for library
materials per FTE enrolled student that are less than the average
expenditure for library materials per FTE enrolled student at similar
type institutions. We also add one additional point to an application
from an IHE that proposes to carry out one or more of the following
activities--
(1) Faculty development;
(2) Funds and administrative management;
(3) Development and improvement of academic programs;
(4) Acquisition of equipment for use in strengthening management
and academic programs;
(5) Joint use of facilities; and
(6) Student services.
For the purpose of these funding considerations, we use 2018-2019
data.
If a tie remains after applying the tie-breaker mechanism above,
priority will be given to applicants that have the lowest endowment
values per FTE enrolled student.
3. Risk Assessment and Specific Conditions: Consistent with 2 CFR
200.205, before awarding grants under this program the Department
conducts a review of the risks posed by applicants. Under 2 CFR
3474.10, the Secretary may impose specific conditions and, in
appropriate circumstances, high-risk conditions on a grant if the
applicant or grantee is not financially stable; has a history of
unsatisfactory performance; has a financial or other management system
that does not meet the standards in 2 CFR part 200, subpart D; has not
fulfilled the conditions of a prior grant; or is otherwise not
responsible.
4. Integrity and Performance System: If you are selected under this
competition to receive an award that over the course of the project
period may exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (currently
$250,000), under 2 CFR 200.206(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) Promoting the freedom of speech and religious liberty in
alignment with Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty (E.O. 13798)
and Improving Free Inquiry, Transparency, and Accountability at
Colleges and Universities (E.O. 13864) (2 CFR 200.300, 200.303,
200.339, and 200.341);
(d) 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
(e) 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. 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
[[Page 22041]]
reporting, please go to www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html.
5. Performance Measures: Under the Government Performance and
Results Act of 1993 and 34 CFR 75.110, the following performance
measures will be used in assessing the performance of the ANNH Program:
(a) The percentage change, over the five-year period, of the number
of full-time degree-seeking undergraduates enrolled at Alaska Native
and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions (Note: This is a long-term
measure, which will be used to periodically gauge performance);
(b) The percentage of first-time, full-time degree-seeking
undergraduate students at four-year Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-
Serving Institutions who were in their first year of postsecondary
enrollment in the previous year and are enrolled in the current year at
the same Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institution;
(c) The percentage of first-time, full-time degree-seeking
undergraduate students at two-year Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-
Serving Institutions who were in their first year of postsecondary
enrollment in the previous year and are enrolled in the current year at
the same Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institution;
(d) The percentage of first-time, full-time degree-seeking
undergraduate students enrolled at four-year Alaska Native and Native
Hawaiian-Serving Institutions who graduate within six years of
enrollment; and
(e) The percentage of first-time, full-time degree-seeking
undergraduate students enrolled at two-year Alaska Native and Native
Hawaiian-Serving Institutions who graduate within three years of
enrollment.
6. Continuation Awards: In making a continuation award under 34 CFR
75.253, the Secretary considers, among other things: whether a grantee
has made substantial progress in achieving the goals and objectives of
the project; whether the grantee has expended funds in a manner that is
consistent with its approved application and budget; and, if the
Secretary has established performance measurement requirements, the
performance targets in the grantee's approved application.
In making a continuation award, the Secretary also considers
whether the grantee is operating in compliance with the assurances in
its approved application, including those applicable to Federal civil
rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities
receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department (34 CFR
100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).
VII. Other Information
Accessible Format: Individuals with disabilities can obtain this
document and a copy of the application package in an accessible format.
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 feature at
this site, you can limit your search to documents published by the
Department.
Michelle Asha Cooper,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education.
[FR Doc. 2021-08657 Filed 4-23-21; 8:45 am]
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