[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 81 (Thursday, April 29, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 22650-22657]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-08976]


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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION


Applications for New Awards; Gaining Early Awareness and 
Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (Partnership Grants)

AGENCY: Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of Education.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Education (Department) is issuing a notice 
inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 2021 for the 
Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR 
UP) Partnership Grants, Assistance Listing Number 84.334A. This notice 
relates to the approved information collection under OMB control number 
1840-0821, Application for GEAR UP Partnership Grants.

DATES: 
    Applications Available: April 29, 2021.
    Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: June 28, 2021.
    Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: August 27, 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: Ben Witthoefft, U.S. Department of 
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 2C215, Washington, DC 20202-
6450. Telephone: (202) 453-7576. 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 GEAR UP program is a discretionary grant 
program that encourages eligible entities to provide support, and 
maintain a commitment, to eligible low-income students, including 
students with disabilities, to assist the students in obtaining a 
secondary school diploma (or its recognized equivalent) and to prepare 
for and succeed in postsecondary education. Under the GEAR UP program, 
the Department awards grants to two types of entities: (1) States and 
(2) partnerships consisting of at least one institution of higher 
education (IHE) and at least one local educational agency (LEA).
    Background: In this notice, the Department invites applications for 
partnership grants only. We will invite applications for State grants 
in another notice published in the Federal Register. Required services 
under the GEAR UP program are specified in section 404D(a) of the 
Higher Education

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Act of 1965, as amended (HEA) (20 U.S.C. 1070a-24(a)), and permissible 
services under the GEAR UP program are specified in section 404D(b) of 
the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1070a-24(b)). For partnership grantees, activities 
must include providing financial aid information for postsecondary 
education, encouraging enrollment in rigorous and challenging 
coursework in order to reduce the need for remediation at the 
postsecondary level, and implementing activities to improve the number 
of participating students who obtain a secondary school diploma and who 
complete applications for and enroll in a program of postsecondary 
education. Activities may also include mentoring; tutoring; supporting 
dual or concurrent enrollment programs that support participating 
students in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM); 
academic and career counseling; financial and economic literacy 
education; and exposure to college campuses.
    Recent data suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has created academic 
challenges and greatly exacerbated mental health issues among school-
aged youth. For example, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports 
the proportion of emergency room visits related to mental health crises 
has increased dramatically for young children and adolescents since the 
start of the pandemic.\1\ Researchers also estimate that COVID-19-
related disruptions may put students substantially behind, particularly 
in topics like mathematics, causing many to reenter school with more 
variability in their academic skills compared to normal 
circumstances.\2\
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    \1\ www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6945a3.htm.
    \2\ www.brookings.edu/blog/brown-center-chalkboard/2020/05/27/the-impact-of-covid-19-on-student-achievement-and-what-it-may-mean-for-educators/.
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    In addition, the transition to remote learning has introduced 
academic challenges for all students, particularly students from low-
income backgrounds, students of color, English learners, and students 
with disabilities. Students living in rural communities face additional 
challenges to accessing instruction. Across the Nation, there are gaps 
in access to broadband in rural locations and on Tribal lands. In 
addition to less access to academic instruction, COVID-19 has impacted 
the well-being of rural students \3\ and their likelihood of enrolling 
in postsecondary education.\4\
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    \3\ www.pnas.org/content/118/1/2019378118.www.gse.harvard.edu/news/20/10/harvard-edcast-covid-19s-impact-rural-schools.
    \4\ https://thecollegepost.com/covid-rural-student-enrollment/.
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    Priorities: This notice contains two competitive preference 
priorities and three invitational priorities. Competitive Preference 
Priority 1 is from the Secretary's Final Supplemental Priorities and 
Definitions for Discretionary Grant Programs published in the Federal 
Register on March 2, 2018 (83 FR 9096) (Supplemental Priorities). 
Competitive Preference Priority 2 is from 34 CFR 75.226.
    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 up to an additional 
five points to an application depending on how well the application 
meets the priorities.
    These priorities are:
    Competitive Preference Priority 1--Fostering Flexible and 
Affordable Paths to Obtaining Knowledge and Skills (up to 3 points).
    Projects that are designed to provide work-based learning 
experiences (such as internships, apprenticeships, and fellowships) 
that align with in-demand industry sectors or occupations (as defined 
in section 3(23) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 
2014).
    Competitive Preference Priority 2--Promising Evidence (up to 2 
points).
    Applications supported by evidence that meets the conditions in the 
definition of ``promising evidence'' in 34 CFR 77.1(c).

    Note 1: To address the priority, an applicant may submit one 
study or What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) publication that it believes 
supports the implementation of a GEAR UP authorized activity 
proposed in the application and that meets the promising evidence 
standard. For Partnership grantees, required GEAR UP services are 
specified in section 404D(a) of the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1070a-24(a)), and 
permissible services are specified in section 404D(b) and (c) of the 
HEA (20 U.S.C. 1070a-24(b)).

    Non-Federal peer reviewers will evaluate studies cited by the 
applicants to determine if they meet the requirements for promising 
evidence, as well as whether they are sufficiently aligned with 
(relevant to) the proposed activity. Applicants will be awarded one 
point for each authorized activity supported by a relevant citation 
that meets the promising evidence standard, for a maximum of two 
points.
    Cited studies may include both those already listed in the 
Department's WWC Database of Individual Studies (see https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/StudyFindings) and those that have not yet been 
reviewed by the WWC. Studies listed in the WWC Database of Individual 
Studies do not necessarily satisfy any or all of the criteria needed to 
meet the promising evidence standard. Therefore, it is important that 
applicants themselves ascertain the suitability of the study for the 
evidence priority. Any proposed studies must be cited in the section of 
the application that addresses Competitive Preference Priority 2.
    Invitational 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 invitational priorities. Under 34 CFR 
75.105 (c)(1) we do not give an application that meets these 
invitational priorities a competitive or absolute preference over other 
applications.
    These priorities are:
    Invitational Priority 1--Building Capacity for Remote Learning.
    Projects that are designed to address one or both of the following 
priority areas:
    (a) Providing personalized and job-embedded professional learning 
to build the capacity of GEAR UP educators who serve GEAR UP 
participants to create remote learning experiences for GEAR UP 
participants that advance student engagement and learning through 
effective use of technology (e.g., both live and video conferencing 
professional learning opportunities, professional learning networks or 
communities, and coaching).
    (b) Providing access to software applications to GEAR UP 
participants without access to such software applications to meet all 
GEAR UP students' and GEAR UP educators' remote learning needs, 
regardless of whether students and educators are inside the school 
building or in remote learning environments.

    Note: The remote learning environment must be accessible to 
individuals with disabilities in accordance with Section 504 of the 
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with 
Disabilities Act, as applicable. The remote learning environment 
must also provide appropriate remote learning language assistance 
services to English learners.

    For the purposes of this priority, ``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 education 
needs. Remote learning may include online, hybrid/blended learning, or 
non-technology-based

[[Page 22652]]

learning (e.g., lab kits, project supplies, paper packets).
    Invitational Priority 2--Addressing the Impact of COVID-19 on 
Students' Mental Health and Academic Outcomes.
    Projects designed to provide integrated student support services 
(also known as wrap-around services) for GEAR UP participants to 
address mental health and academic support needs due to the COVID-19 
pandemic. An applicant should describe in its application how it will 
collaborate with any partners to provide resources to support students 
and communities hit the hardest by COVID-19 and implement evidence-
based best practices to address the existing inequities exacerbated by 
the pandemic. The proposed system of integrated student support 
services should include services that meet the whole needs of students 
from low-income backgrounds, including aid for school supplies, 
transportation costs as allowable by program regulations, connections 
to mental health services, mentoring, tutoring, and peer support 
groups, that help ensure graduation from high school and enrollment in 
postsecondary education.
    Invitational Priority 3--Providing GEAR UP Services to Schools 
Located in Rural Areas.
    Applications that include descriptive plans to provide GEAR UP 
services and resources in rural communities and schools, including 
those local educational agencies (LEAs) with a locale code of 32, 33, 
41, 42, or 43.
    Definitions: These definitions are from 34 CFR 77.1(c).
    Demonstrates a rationale means a key project component included in 
the project's logic model is informed by research or evaluation 
findings that suggest the project component is likely to improve 
relevant outcomes.
    Experimental study means a study that is designed to compare 
outcomes between two groups of individuals (such as students) that are 
otherwise equivalent except for their assignment to either a treatment 
group receiving a project component or a control group that does not. 
Randomized controlled trials, regression discontinuity design studies, 
and single-case design studies are the specific types of experimental 
studies that, depending on their design and implementation (e.g., 
sample attrition in randomized controlled trials and regression 
discontinuity design studies), can meet What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) 
standards without reservations as described in the WWC Handbooks:
    (i) A randomized controlled trial employs random assignment of, for 
example, students, teachers, classrooms, or schools to receive the 
project component being evaluated (the treatment group) or not to 
receive the project component (the control group).
    (ii) A regression discontinuity design study assigns the project 
component being evaluated using a measured variable (e.g., assigning 
students reading below a cutoff score to tutoring or developmental 
education classes) and controls for that variable in the analysis of 
outcomes.
    (iii) A single-case design study uses observations of a single case 
(e.g., a student eligible for a behavioral intervention) over time in 
the absence and presence of a controlled treatment manipulation to 
determine whether the outcome is systematically related to the 
treatment.
    Logic model (also referred to as a theory of action) means a 
framework that identifies key project components of the proposed 
project (i.e., the active ``ingredients'' that are hypothesized to be 
critical to achieving the relevant outcomes) and describes the 
theoretical and operational relationships among the key project 
components and relevant outcomes.

    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/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).
    Promising evidence means that there is evidence of the 
effectiveness of a key project component in improving a relevant 
outcome, based on a relevant finding from one of the following:
    (i) A practice guide prepared by WWC reporting a ``strong evidence 
base'' or ``moderate evidence base'' for the corresponding practice 
guide recommendation;
    (ii) An intervention report prepared by the WWC reporting a 
``positive effect'' or ``potentially positive effect'' on a relevant 
outcome with no reporting of a ``negative effect'' or ``potentially 
negative effect'' on a relevant outcome; or
    (iii) A single study assessed by the Department, as appropriate, 
that--
    (A) Is an experimental study, a quasi-experimental design study, or 
a well-designed and well-implemented correlational study with 
statistical controls for selection bias (e.g., a study using regression 
methods to account for differences between a treatment group and a 
comparison group); and
    (B) Includes at least one statistically significant and positive 
(i.e., favorable) effect on a relevant outcome.
    Quasi-experimental design study means a study using a design that 
attempts to approximate an experimental study by identifying a 
comparison group that is similar to the treatment group in important 
respects. This type of study, depending on design and implementation 
(e.g., establishment of baseline equivalence of the groups being 
compared), can meet WWC standards with reservations, but cannot meet 
WWC standards without reservations, as described in the WWC Handbooks.
    Relevant outcome means the student outcome(s) or other outcome(s) 
the key project component is designed to improve, consistent with the 
specific goals of the program.
    What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) Handbooks (WWC Handbooks) means the 
standards and procedures set forth in the WWC Standards Handbook, 
Versions 4.0 or 4.1, and WWC Procedures Handbook, Versions 4.0 or 4.1, 
or in the WWC Procedures and Standards Handbook, Version 3.0 or Version 
2.1 (all incorporated by reference, see Sec.  77.2). Study findings 
eligible for review under WWC standards can meet WWC standards without 
reservations, meet WWC standards with reservations, or not meet WWC 
standards. WWC practice guides and intervention reports include 
findings from systematic reviews of evidence as described in the WWC 
Handbooks documentation.
    Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1070a-21--1070a-28.

    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 (EDGAR) 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

[[Page 22653]]

(Nonprocurement) in 2 CFR part 180, as adopted and amended as 
regulations of the Department in 2 CFR part 3485. (c) The Uniform 
Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements 
for Federal Awards in 2 CFR part 200, as adopted and amended as 
regulations of the Department in 2 CFR part 3474. (d) The regulations 
for this program in 34 CFR part 694. (e) The Supplemental Priorities.

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

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Discretionary grants.
    Estimated Available Funds: $35,617,582.
    Contingent upon the availability of funds and the quality of 
applications, we may make additional awards in subsequent years from 
the list of unfunded applications from this competition.
    Estimated Range of Awards: $100,000-$5,000,000.
    Estimated Average Size of Awards: $1,200,000.
    Maximum Award: We will not fund any application for a partnership 
grant above the maximum award of $800 per student for a single budget 
period of 12 months. Additionally, no funding will be awarded for 
increases in years two through seven.
    Estimated Number of Awards: 28.

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

    Project Period: Either 72 months or 84 months.

    Note: An applicant that wishes to seek funding for a seventh 
project year (i.e., for a project period greater than 72 months), in 
order to provide project services to GEAR UP students through their 
first year of attendance at an IHE, must propose to do so in its 
application.

III. Eligibility Information

    1. Eligible Applicants: Partnerships consisting of (a) at least one 
LEA and (b) at least one degree-granting IHE. Partnerships may include 
not less than two other community organizations or entities, such as 
businesses, professional organizations, State agencies, institutions or 
agencies sponsoring programs authorized under the Leveraging 
Educational Assistance Partnership Program authorized in part A, 
subpart 4, of title IV of the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1070c et seq.), or other 
public or private agencies or organizations (20 U.S.C. 1070a-21(c)(2)).

    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: Section 404C(b)(1) of the HEA 
requires grantees under this program to provide from State, local, 
institutional, or private funds, not less than 50 percent of the cost 
of the program (or one dollar of non-Federal funds for every one dollar 
of Federal funds awarded), which may be provided in cash or in-kind. 
The provision also specifies that the match may be accrued over the 
full duration of the grant award period, except that the grantee must 
make substantial progress towards meeting the matching requirement in 
each year of the grant award period. Section 404C(c) of the HEA 
provides that in-kind contributions may include (1) the amount of the 
financial assistance obligated under GEAR UP to students from State, 
local, institutional, or private funds, (2) the amount of tuition, 
fees, room or board waived or reduced for recipients of financial 
assistance under GEAR UP, (3) the amount expended on documented, 
targeted, long-term mentoring and counseling provided by volunteers or 
paid staff of non-school organizations, including businesses, religious 
organizations, community groups, postsecondary educational 
institutions, nonprofit and philanthropic organizations, and other 
organizations, and (4) equipment and supplies, cash contributions from 
non-Federal sources, transportation expenses, in-kind or discounted 
program services, indirect costs, and facility usage.
    Section 404C(b)(2) further provides that the Secretary may approve 
a partnership's request for a reduced match percentage at the time of 
application if the partnership demonstrates significant economic 
hardship that precludes the partnership from meeting the matching 
requirement, or if the partnership requests that contributions to the 
scholarship fund be matched on the basis of two non-Federal dollars for 
every one Federal dollar of GEAR UP funds. GEAR UP program regulations 
in 34 CFR 694.8(a)-(c) address the content of an applicant's request 
for such a reduced match, and the maximum percentage match that the 
Secretary may waive. In addition, the Secretary may approve a reduction 
in match of up to 70 percent upon request from a partnership that (a) 
includes three or fewer IHEs as members (b) has a fiscal agent 
identified in 34 CFR 694.8(d)(1), and (c) serves students in schools 
and LEAs that meet the poverty criteria identified in 34 CFR 
694.8(d)(2) and (3).
    Given the importance of matching funds to the long-term success of 
the project, eligible entities must describe how they will meet the 
matching requirement and sources of matching funds, as required by 
General Application Requirements (b) and (j).
    b. Supplement-Not-Supplant: This competition involves supplement, 
not supplant funding requirements. Under section 404B(e) of the HEA (20 
U.S.C. 1070a-22(e)), grant funds awarded under this program must be 
used to supplement, and not supplant, other Federal, State, and local 
funds that would otherwise be expended to carry out activities assisted 
under this program.
    c. Indirect Cost Rate Information: For projects that designate an 
LEA as the fiscal agent, the GEAR UP program regulations at 34 CFR 
694.11 limit indirect cost reimbursement to the rate determined in the 
LEA's negotiated indirect cost rate agreement or eight percent of a 
modified total direct cost base, whichever amount is less. For projects 
that designate an IHE as the fiscal agent, the GEAR UP program uses a 
training indirect cost rate. This rate limits indirect cost 
reimbursement to an entity's actual indirect costs, as determined in 
its negotiated indirect cost rate agreement, or eight percent of a 
modified total direct cost base, whichever amount is less. For more 
information regarding training indirect cost rates, see 34 CFR 75.562. 
For more information regarding indirect costs, or to obtain a 
negotiated indirect cost rate, please see www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocfo/intro.html.
    d. Administrative Cost Limitation: This program does not include 
any program-specific limitation on administrative expenses. All 
administrative expenses must be reasonable and necessary and conform to 
Cost Principles described in 2 CFR part 200 subpart E of the Uniform 
Guidance.
    3. Subgrantees: A grantee under this competition may not award 
subgrants to

[[Page 22654]]

entities to directly carry out project activities described in its 
application.
    4. Other: General Application Requirements: All applicants must 
meet the following application requirements in order to be considered 
for funding. The application requirements are from section 404C(a) of 
the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1070a-23(a)).
    In order for an eligible entity to qualify for a grant under the 
GEAR UP program, the eligible entity must submit to the Secretary an 
application for carrying out a GEAR UP program that--
    (a) Describes the activities for which assistance under this 
program is sought, including how the eligible entity will carry out the 
required activities described in section 404D(a) of the HEA;
    (b) Describes, in the case of an eligible entity described in 
section 404A(c)(2) of the HEA that chooses to provide scholarships, or 
an eligible entity described in section 404A(c)(1) of the HEA, how the 
eligible entity will meet the requirements of section 404E of the HEA;
    (c) Describes, in the case of an eligible entity described in 
section 404A(c)(2) of the HEA that requests a reduced match percentage 
under subsection (b)(2), how such reduction will assist the entity to 
provide the scholarships described in subsection (b)(2)(A)(ii);
    (d) Provides assurances that adequate administrative and support 
staff will be responsible for coordinating the activities described in 
section 404D of the HEA;
    (e) Provides assurances that activities assisted under this program 
will not displace an employee or eliminate a position at a school 
assisted under this program, including a partial displacement such as a 
reduction in hours, wages, or employment benefits;
    (f) Describes, in the case of an eligible entity described in 
section 404A(c)(1) of the HEA that chooses to use a cohort approach, or 
an eligible entity described in section 404A(c)(2) of the HEA, how the 
eligible entity will define the cohorts of the students served by the 
eligible entity pursuant to section 404B(d) of the HEA, and how the 
eligible entity will serve the cohorts through grade 12, including--
    (i) How vacancies in the program under this program will be filled; 
and
    (ii) How the eligible entity will serve students attending 
different secondary schools;
    (g) Describes how the eligible entity will coordinate programs 
under this program with other existing Federal, State, or local 
programs to avoid duplication and maximize the number of students 
served;
    (h) Provides such additional assurances as the Secretary determines 
necessary to ensure compliance with the requirements of this program;
    (i) Provides information about the activities that will be carried 
out by the eligible entity to support systemic changes from which 
future cohorts of students will benefit; and
    (j) Describes the sources of matching funds that will enable the 
eligible entity to meet the matching requirement described in 
subsection (b).

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 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 reference regulations outlining funding 
restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice.
    4. Content and Form of Application Submission: You must include 
your complete response to the selection criteria and the competitive 
preference priorities in the application narrative. Other requirements 
concerning the content of an application, together with the forms you 
must submit, are in the application package for this program.
    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 65 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 the text in the application narrative, including titles, headings, 
footnotes, quotations, references, 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. However, the 
recommended page limit does apply to all of the application narrative.
    We recommend that any application addressing the competitive 
preference priorities and invitational priorities include no more than 
three additional pages for each priority addressed. Applications that 
do not follow the page limit and formatting recommendations will not be 
penalized.

V. Application Review Information

    1. Selection Criteria: The selection criteria for this competition 
are from 34 CFR 75.210 and section 404D(a) of the HEA.
    a. Need for project (15 points).
    (i) The Secretary considers the need for the proposed project.
    (ii) In determining the need for the proposed project, the 
Secretary considers:
    (A) The magnitude or severity of the problem to be addressed by the 
proposed project (up to 8 points); and
    (B) The extent to which specific gaps or weaknesses in services, 
infrastructure, or opportunities have been identified and will be 
addressed by the proposed project, including the nature and magnitude 
of those gaps or weaknesses (up to 7 points).
    b. Quality of the project design (25 points).
    (i) The Secretary considers the quality of the project design of 
the proposed project.
    (ii) In determining the quality of project design of the proposed 
project, the Secretary considers:
    (A) The extent to which the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be 
achieved by the proposed project are clearly specified and measurable 
(up to 10 points);
    (B) The extent to which the proposed project demonstrates a 
rationale (as defined in this notice) (up to 15 points).
    c. Quality of project services (15 points).
    (i) The Secretary considers the quality of the services to be 
provided by the proposed project.
    (ii) In determining the quality of project services 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

[[Page 22655]]

that have traditionally been underrepresented based on race, color, 
national origin, gender, age, or disability (up to 5 points).
    (iii) In addition, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (A) The extent to which the project services are likely to provide 
comprehensive mentoring, outreach, and supportive services to students, 
including the following activities: information regarding financial aid 
for postsecondary education to participating students, encouraging 
student enrollment in rigorous and challenging curricula and coursework 
in order to reduce the need for remedial coursework at the 
postsecondary level, and improving the number of participating students 
who obtain a secondary school diploma and complete applications for and 
enroll in a program of postsecondary education (up to 5 points); and
    (B) The extent to which the services to be provided by the proposed 
project involve the collaboration of appropriate partners for 
maximizing the effectiveness of project services (up to 5 points).
    d. Quality of project personnel (10 points).
    (i) The Secretary considers the quality of the personnel who will 
carry out the proposed project.
    (ii) In determining the quality of project personnel, the Secretary 
considers the extent to which the applicant encourages applications for 
employment from persons who are members of groups that have 
traditionally been underrepresented based on race, color, national 
origin, gender, age or disability (up to 2 points).
    (iii) In addition, the Secretary considers:
    (A) The qualifications, including relevant training and experience, 
of the project director or principal investigator (up to 4 points); and
    (B) The qualifications, including relevant training and experience, 
of key project personnel (up to 4 points).
    e. Quality of the management plan (10 points).
    (i) The Secretary considers the quality of the management plan for 
the proposed project.
    (ii) In determining the quality of the management plan for the 
proposed project, the Secretary considers:
    (A) The adequacy of the management plan to achieve the objectives 
of the proposed project on time and within budget, including clearly 
defined responsibilities, timelines, and milestones for accomplishing 
project tasks (up to 4 points);
    (B) The adequacy of procedures for ensuring feedback and continuous 
improvement in the operation of the proposed project (up to 2 points);
    (C) The extent to which the time commitments of the project 
director and principal investigator and other key project personnel are 
appropriate and adequate to meet the objectives of the proposed project 
(up to 2 points); and
    (D) How the applicant will ensure that a diversity of perspectives 
are brought to bear in the operation of the proposed project, including 
those of parents, teachers, the business community, a variety of 
disciplinary and professional fields, recipients or beneficiaries of 
services, or others, as appropriate (up to 2 points).
    f. Quality of the project evaluation (10 points).
    (i) The Secretary considers the quality of the evaluation to be 
conducted of the proposed project.
    (ii) In determining the quality of the project evaluation, the 
Secretary considers the following factors:
    (A) The extent to which the methods of evaluation include the use 
of objective performance measures that are clearly related to the 
intended outcomes of the project and will produce quantitative and 
qualitative data to the extent possible (up to 4 points);
    (B) The extent to which the methods of evaluation will provide 
performance feedback and permit periodic assessment of progress toward 
achieving intended outcomes (up to 2 point); and
    (C) The extent to which the evaluation will provide guidance about 
effective strategies suitable for replication or testing in other 
settings (up to 2 points); and
    (D) The extent to which the methods of evaluation will, if well-
implemented, produce promising evidence (as defined in this notice) 
about the project's effectiveness (up to 2 points).
    g. Adequacy of resources (15 points).
    (i) The Secretary considers the adequacy of resources for the 
proposed project.
    (ii) In determining the adequacy of resources for the proposed 
project, the Secretary considers:
    (A) The adequacy of support, including facilities, equipment, 
supplies and other resources from the applicant organization or the 
lead applicant organization and the relevance and demonstrated 
commitment of each partner in the proposed project to the 
implementation and success of the project (up to 5 points);
    (B) The extent to which the costs are reasonable in relation to the 
number of persons to be served and to the anticipated results and 
benefits (up to 5 points); and
    (C) The potential for continued support of the project after 
Federal funding ends, including, as appropriate, the demonstrated 
commitment of appropriate entities to such support (up to 5 points).
    2. Review and Selection Process: We remind potential applicants 
that in reviewing applications in any discretionary grant competition, 
the Secretary may consider, under 34 CFR 75.217(d)(3), the past 
performance of the applicant in carrying out a previous award, such as 
the applicant's use of funds, achievement of project objectives, and 
compliance with grant conditions. The Secretary may also consider 
whether the applicant failed to submit a timely performance report or 
submitted a report of unacceptable quality.
    In addition, in making a competitive grant award, the Secretary 
requires various assurances including those applicable to Federal civil 
rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities 
receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department (34 CFR 
100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).
    For this competition, a panel of non-Federal reviewers will review 
each application in accordance with the selection criteria in 34 CFR 
75.217(d)(3) as required by 20 U.S.C. 1070-a23(d). The individual 
scores of the reviewers will be added and the sum divided by the number 
of reviewers to determine the peer review score received in the review 
process.
    If there are insufficient funds for all applications with the same 
total scores, to the extent practicable the Secretary will consider the 
distribution of grant awards based on the geographic distribution of 
such grant awards and the distribution between urban and rural 
applicants for the GEAR UP program consistent with 20 U.S.C. 1070a-
22(a)(3).
    3. Risk Assessment and Special 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 special 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.

[[Page 22656]]

    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 (GAN), or we may send you an email containing a link to 
access an electronic version of your GAN. We may notify you informally, 
also.
    If your application is not evaluated or not selected for funding, 
we will notify you.
    2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: We identify 
administrative and national policy requirements in the application 
package and reference these and other requirements in the Applicable 
Regulations section of this notice.
    We reference the regulations outlining the terms and conditions of 
an award in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice and 
include these and other specific conditions in the GAN. The GAN also 
incorporates your approved application as part of your binding 
commitments under the grant.
    3. Open Licensing Requirements: Unless an exception applies, if you 
are awarded a grant under this competition, you will be required to 
openly license to the public grant deliverables created in whole, or in 
part, with Department grant funds. When the deliverable consists of 
modifications to pre-existing works, the license extends only to those 
modifications that can be separately identified and only to the extent 
that open licensing is permitted under the terms of any licenses or 
other legal restrictions on the use of pre-existing works. 
Additionally, a grantee or subgrantee that is awarded competitive grant 
funds must have a plan to disseminate these public grant deliverables. 
This dissemination plan can be developed and submitted after your 
application has been reviewed and selected for funding. For additional 
information on the open licensing requirements please refer to 2 CFR 
3474.20.
    4. Reporting: (a) If you apply for a grant under this competition, 
you must ensure that you have in place the necessary processes and 
systems to comply with the reporting requirements in 2 CFR part 170 
should you receive funding under the competition. This does not apply 
if you have an exception under 2 CFR 170.110(b).
    (b) At the end of your project period, you must submit a final 
performance report, including financial information, as directed by the 
Secretary. If you receive a multiyear award, you must submit an annual 
performance report that provides the most current performance and 
financial expenditure information as directed by the Secretary under 34 
CFR 75.118. The Secretary may also require more frequent performance 
reports under 34 CFR 75.720(c). For specific requirements on reporting, 
please go to www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html.
    (c) Under 34 CFR 75.250(b), the Secretary may provide a grantee 
with additional funding for data collection analysis and reporting. In 
this case the Secretary establishes a data collection period.
    5. Performance Measures: The performance measures for the GEAR UP 
Program are established for the Government Performance and Results Act 
of 1993 (GPRA) and used for Department reporting under 34 CFR 75.110. 
The objectives of the GEAR UP program are (1) to increase the academic 
performance and preparation for postsecondary education of 
participating students; (2) to increase the rate of high school 
graduation and participation in postsecondary education of 
participating students; and (3) to increase educational expectations 
for participating students and increase student and family knowledge of 
postsecondary education options, preparation, and financing.
    The effectiveness of this program depends on the rate at which 
program participants complete high school and enroll in and complete a 
postsecondary education. Under GPRA, we developed the following 
performance measures to track progress toward achieving the program's 
goals:
    1. The percentage of GEAR UP students who pass Algebra 1 or its 
equivalent by the end of ninth grade.
    2. The percentage of GEAR UP students who graduate from high 
school.
    3. The percentage of GEAR UP students who complete the Free 
Application for Federal Student Aid.
    4. The percentage of GEAR UP students and former GEAR UP students 
who are enrolled at an IHE.
    5. The percentage of current GEAR UP students and former GEAR UP 
students who enrolled at an IHE and persisted to the second year of 
postsecondary education at the initial or a subsequent IHE.
    In addition, to assess the efficiency of the program, we track the 
average cost, in Federal funds, of achieving a successful outcome, 
where success is defined as enrollment in a program of undergraduate 
instruction at an IHE of GEAR UP students immediately after high school 
graduation. These performance measures constitute GEAR UP's indicators 
of the success of the program. Accordingly, we request that applicants 
include these performance measures in conceptualizing the design,

[[Page 22657]]

implementation, and evaluation of their proposed projects.
    6. Continuation Awards: In making a continuation award under 34 CFR 
75.253, the Secretary considers, among other things: whether a grantee 
has made substantial progress in achieving the goals and objectives of 
the project; whether the grantee has expended funds in a manner that is 
consistent with its approved application and budget; and, if the 
Secretary has established performance measurement requirements, the 
performance targets in the grantee's approved application.
    In making a continuation grant, the Secretary also considers 
whether the grantee is operating in compliance with the assurances in 
its approved application, including those applicable to Federal civil 
rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities 
receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department (34 CFR 
100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23) as well as all applicable 
requirements of all other Federal laws, executive orders, regulations, 
and policies governing this program.

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 Portal 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.

Michelle Asha Cooper,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education.
[FR Doc. 2021-08976 Filed 4-28-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P