[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 148 (Thursday, August 5, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 42801-42806]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-16832]
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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Applications for New Awards; Postsecondary Programs for Students
with Intellectual Disabilities-National Technical Assistance and
Dissemination Center 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 (NIA) for a new award for fiscal year (FY) 2021
for the Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual
Disabilities-National Technical Assistance and Dissemination Center
(PPSID-NTAD) program, Assistance Listing Number 84.407C. This notice
relates to the approved information collection under OMB control number
1894-0006.
DATES: Applications available: August 5, 2021.
Deadline for transmittal of applications: September 7, 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: Shedita Alston, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 2B194, Washington, DC 20202-
4260. Telephone: (202) 453-7090. 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 Postsecondary Programs for Students with
Intellectual Disabilities-National Technical Assistance and
Dissemination Center (PPSID-NTAD) program provides for the
establishment of a technical assistance center to translate and
disseminate research and best practices for all institutions of higher
education (IHEs), including those not participating in the Transition
and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities
(TPSID) program, for improving inclusive postsecondary education for
students with intellectual disabilities (SWIDs). This center will help
ensure that knowledge and products gained through research will reach
more IHEs and students and improve postsecondary educational
opportunities SWIDs.
Background: Historically in the United States, the education,
employment, and independent living outcomes for individuals with
intellectual disabilities have lagged that of students without
disabilities. According to Migliore, Butterworth, and Hart (2009),
SWIDs have the lowest rates of education, work, or preparation for work
after high school of all disability groups.\1\ Since 2010, through the
grants that the Department has awarded under the TPSID program, we have
seen improvements in services for students with disabilities, including
institutions of higher education more frequently offering specially
designed instruction in inclusive and integrated settings to support
improved academic, functional, and social outcomes, which, in turn,
lead to improved employment and independent living outcomes.
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\1\ A. Migliore, J. Butterworth, and D. Hart, Fast facts:
Postsecondary education and employment outcomes for youth with
intellectual disabilities (No. 1). Boston: Institute for Community
Inclusion.
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The Department is particularly interested in broadening the
dissemination of information that is based on the work that has been
completed by projects that were funded under the TPSID program
(Assistance Listing Number 84.407A). The Department seeks to assist
other IHEs in learning about high-impact practices for these students
and sharing them with the widest audience possible, including other
colleges and universities, local educational agencies (LEAs), families
and students, and other stakeholders who may be interested in
developing, expanding, or improving inclusive higher education for
SWIDs. Through the dissemination of such information, including
research and promising practices in the field of postsecondary
education for SWIDs, the PPSID-NTAD program seeks to better support
comprehensive transition and postsecondary education programs across
the country (including those funded under the TPSID program) as they
work to increase the number of individuals with intellectual
disabilities who are academically, functionally, and socially prepared
to obtain and retain competitive employment in integrated settings and
to live independently as full and active members of their communities.
Priorities: This notice contains one absolute priority and one
competitive preference priority. We are establishing these priorities
for the FY 2021 grant competition and any subsequent year in which we
make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this
competition in accordance with section 437(d)(1) of the General
Education Provisions Act (GEPA), 20 U.S.C. 1232 (d)(1).
Absolute Priority: For FY 2021 and any subsequent year in which we
make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this
competition, this priority is an absolute priority. Under 34 CFR
75.105(c)(3) we consider only applications that meet this priority.
This absolute priority is:
The purpose of this priority is to fund a cooperative agreement to
establish and operate a National Technical Assistance Center for
Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities
(Center). This Center will translate and disseminate to institutions of
higher education (IHEs) research and best practices for improving
inclusive postsecondary education for (SWIDs).
The Center must be designed to achieve, at a minimum, the following
expected outcomes:
(a) Increased accessibility to postsecondary education courses,
including courses conducted in-person and through remote learning, for
SWIDs.
(b) Increased participation of SWIDs in the same curriculum offered
to matriculating college students without intellectual disabilities.
(c) Increased availability for SWIDs of the same campus services
and events offered to matriculating students without intellectual
disabilities (such as academic and career advising, on-campus
residential living that is not restricted to matriculating college
students, employment, and student orientation).
(d) An increased number of IHEs offering comprehensive transition
programs (CTPs) for SWIDs.
(e) An increased number of SWIDs obtaining a meaningful
postsecondary credential each year.
In responding to this priority, the applicant must describe--
(a) How the Center will translate and disseminate to all IHEs,
including those not participating in the TPSID program and those not
currently offering Comprehensive Transition Programs, research and best
practices for improving inclusive postsecondary education for SWIDs;
(b) How the Center will assist IHEs, including IHEs that do not
currently have CTPs, in the development, evaluation, and continuous
improvement of such programs;
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(c) How the Center will assist IHEs in the expansion of inclusive
practices for SWIDs across a wide range of academic programs;
(d) How the Center will promote improved academic, social,
independent living, and self-advocacy outcomes for SWIDs;
(e) How the Center will increase the capacity of faculty, campus
service providers, and families to meet the needs of SWIDs; and
(f) How the Center will coordinate with other federally funded
technical assistance centers to avoid duplication of activities.
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 an additional
six points to an application, depending on how well the application
meets this priority.
This priority is:
Projects designed to develop and sustain partnerships between IHEs,
businesses, LEAs, vocational rehabilitation agencies, community-based
organizations, or other non-profit organizations to support improved
academic, social, independent living, and self-advocacy outcomes for
SWIDs.
Definitions: The following definitions apply to this competition.
We are establishing the definition of ``remote learning'' in this
notice for the FY 2021 grant competition and any subsequent year in
which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this
competition, in accordance with section 437(d)(1) of GEPA. The
definitions of ``comprehensive transition and postsecondary program for
students with intellectual disabilities'' and ``student with an
intellectual disability'' are from section 760 of the Higher Education
Act of 1965, as amended (HEA) (20 U.S.C. 1140). The definition of
``institution of higher education'' is from section 101 of the HEA (20
U.S.C. 1001). The term ``cooperative agreement'' is from 2 CFR 200.24.
Comprehensive transition and postsecondary program for students
with intellectual disabilities means a degree, certificate, or
nondegree program that--
(1) Is offered by an IHE;
(2) Is designed to support SWIDs who are seeking to continue
academic, career and technical, and independent living instruction at
an IHE in order to prepare for gainful employment;
(3) Includes an advising and curriculum structure;
(4) Requires SWIDs to participate on not less than a half-time
basis as determined by the institution, with such participation
focusing on academic components, and occurring through one or more of
the following activities:
(i) Regular enrollment in credit-bearing courses with nondisabled
students offered by the institution.
(ii) Auditing or participating in courses with nondisabled students
offered by the institution for which the student does not receive
regular academic credit.
(iii) Enrollment in noncredit-bearing, nondegree courses with
nondisabled students.
(iv) Participation in internships or work-based training in
settings with nondisabled individuals; and
(5) Requires SWIDs to be socially and academically integrated with
non-disabled students to the maximum extent possible.
Cooperative agreement means a legal instrument of financial
assistance between a Federal awarding agency and a recipient or a pass-
through entity and a subrecipient that, consistent with 31 U.S.C. 6302-
6305:
(1) Is used to enter into a relationship the principal purpose of
which is to transfer anything of value to carry out a public purpose
authorized by a law of the United States (see 31 U.S.C. 6101(3)); and
not to acquire property or services for the Federal Government or pass-
through entity's direct benefit or use;
(2) Is distinguished from a grant in that it provides for
substantial involvement of the Federal awarding agency in carrying out
the activity contemplated by the Federal award.
(3) The term does not include:
(i) A cooperative research and development agreement as defined in
15 U.S.C. 3710a; or
(ii) An agreement that provides only:
(A) Direct United States Government cash assistance to an
individual;
(B) A subsidy;
(C) A loan;
(D) A loan guarantee; or
(E) Insurance.
Institution of higher education--
(1) Means an educational institution in any State that--
(i) Admits as regular students only persons having a certificate of
graduation from a school providing secondary education, or the
recognized equivalent of such a certificate, or persons who meet the
requirements of section 484(d) of the HEA;
(ii) Is legally authorized within such State to provide a program
of education beyond secondary education;
(iii) Provides an educational program for which the institution
awards a bachelor's degree or provides not less than a 2-year program
that is acceptable for full credit toward such a degree, or awards a
degree that is acceptable for admission to a graduate or professional
degree program, subject to review and approval by the Secretary;
(iv) Is a public or other nonprofit institution; and
(v) Is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or
association, or if not so accredited, is an institution that has been
granted pre-accreditation status by such an agency or association that
has been recognized by the Secretary for the granting of pre-
accreditation status, and the Secretary has determined that there is
satisfactory assurance that the institution will meet the accreditation
standards of such an agency or association within a reasonable time.
(2) Additional institutions included for the purposes of the HEA,
other than title IV. The term ``institution of higher education'' also
includes--
(i) Any school that provides not less than a 1-year program of
training to prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized
occupation and that meets the provision of paragraphs (i), (ii), (iv),
and (v) of paragraph (1); and
(ii) A public or nonprofit private educational institution in any
State that, in lieu of the requirement in paragraph (1)(i), admits as
regular students individuals--
(A) Who are beyond the age of compulsory school attendance in the
State in which the institution is located; or
(B) Who will be dually or concurrently enrolled in the institution
and a secondary school.
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 learning
(e.g., lab kits, project supplies, paper packets).
Student with an intellectual disability means a student--
(1) With a cognitive impairment, characterized by significant
limitations in--
(i) Intellectual and cognitive functioning; and
(ii) Adaptive behavior as expressed in conceptual, social, and
practical adaptive skills; and
(2) Who is currently, or was formerly, eligible for a free
appropriate public education under the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act.
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Waiver of Proposed Rulemaking: Under the Administrative Procedure
Act (5 U.S.C. 553), the Department generally offers interested parties
the opportunity to comment on proposed priorities. Section 437(d)(1) of
GEPA, however, allows the Secretary to exempt from rulemaking
requirements regulations governing the first grant competition under a
new or substantially revised program authority. To ensure timely grant
awards, the Secretary has decided to forgo public comment on the
priorities and definitions under section 437(d)(1) of GEPA. These
priorities and definitions will apply to the FY 2021 grant competition
and any subsequent year in which we make awards from the list of
unfunded applications from this competition.
Program Authority: Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services,
and Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2021, H.R. 7614,
116th Congress (2020); the explanatory statement accompanying H.R.
7614, Congressional Record, December 21, 2020, H8635.
Note: Projects will be awarded and must be operated in a manner
consistent with the nondiscrimination requirements contained in the
Federal civil rights laws.
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 180, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department in 2
CFR part 3485. (c) The Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost
Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards in 2 CFR part
200, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department in 2 CFR
part 3474.
Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 86 apply to institutions of
higher education only.
II. Award Information
Type of Award: Cooperative agreement.
Estimated Available Funds: $1,980,000.
Contingent upon the availability of funds and the quality of
applications, we may make additional awards in subsequent years from
the list of unfunded applications from this competition.
Estimated Average Size of Award: $1,980,000.
Maximum Award: We will not make an award exceeding $1,980,000 for a
project period of 12 months.
Estimated Number of Awards: 1.
Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this
notice.
Project Period: Up to 36 months.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants: We are establishing the following
eligibility requirement for the FY 2021 grant competition and any
subsequent year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded
applications from this competition, in accordance with section 437(d)
(1) of GEPA. To be eligible to apply for a grant under this
competition, the applicant must be an entity, or partnership of
entities, that has demonstrated expertise in the fields of--
(a) Higher education;
(b) The education of SWIDS;
(c) The development of comprehensive transition and postsecondary
programs for students SWIDs; and
(d) Evaluation and technical assistance.
2. a. Cost Sharing or Matching: This competition does not require
cost sharing or matching.
b. 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.
c. Indirect Cost Rate Information: This program uses a restricted
indirect cost rate. 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.
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
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. However, under 34
CFR 79.8 (a), we waive intergovernmental review in order to make awards
by September 30, 2021.
3. Funding Restrictions: We reference regulations outlining funding
restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice.
4. Recommended Page Limit: The application narrative is where you,
the applicant, address the selection criteria that reviewers use to
evaluate your application. We recommend that you (1) limit the
application narrative to no more than 50 pages and (2) use the
following standards:
A ``page'' is 8.5 x 11, on one side
only, with 1 margins at the top, bottom, and both sides.
Double space (no more than three lines per vertical inch)
all text in the application narrative, including titles, headings,
footnotes, quotations, references, and captions as well as all text in
charts, tables, figures, and graphs.
Use a font that is either 12 point or larger, and no
smaller than 10 pitch (characters per inch).
Use one of the following fonts: Times New Roman, Courier,
Courier New, or Arial.
The recommended page limit does not apply to the cover sheet; the
budget section, including the narrative budget justification; the
assurances and certifications; or the one-page abstract. However, the
recommended page limit does apply to all 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
program are from 34 CFR 75.210. The points assigned to each criterion
are indicated in parentheses. Applicants may earn up to a total of 100
points for the selection criteria and up to six additional points for
the competitive preference priority.
(a) Need for project. (up to 10 points)
(1) The Secretary considers the need for the proposed project.
(2) In determining the need for the proposed project, the Secretary
considers the following factors:
(i) The magnitude or severity of the problem to be addressed by the
proposed project.
(ii) 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
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nature and magnitude of those gaps or weaknesses.
(b) Significance. (up to 10 points)
(1) The Secretary considers the significance of the proposed
project.
(2) In determining the significance of the proposed project, the
Secretary considers the following factors:
(i) The extent to which the results of the proposed project are to
be disseminated in ways that will enable others to use the information
or strategies.
(ii) The extent to which the proposed project involves the
development or demonstration of promising new strategies that build on,
or are alternatives to, existing strategies.
(c) Quality of the project design. (up to 15 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 following factors:
(i) 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.
(ii) The extent to which the design of the proposed project
includes a thorough, high-quality review of the relevant literature, a
high-quality plan for project implementation, and the use of
appropriate methodological tools to ensure successful achievement of
project objectives.
(iii) The extent to which the design of the proposed project
reflects up-to-date knowledge from research and effective practice.
(d) Quality of project services. (up to 15 points)
(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the services to be
provided by the proposed project.
(2) In determining the quality of the services to be provided by
the proposed project, the Secretary considers the quality and
sufficiency of strategies for ensuring equal access and treatment for
eligible project participants who are members of groups that have
traditionally been underrepresented based on race, color, national
origin, gender, age, or disability.
(3) In addition, the Secretary considers the following factors:
(i) The extent to which the services to be provided by the proposed
project are appropriate to the needs of the intended recipients or
beneficiaries of those services.
(ii) The likelihood that the services to be provided by the
proposed project will lead to improvements in the skills necessary to
gain employment or build capacity for independent living.
(iii) The extent to which the services to be provided by the
proposed project reflect up-to-date knowledge from research and
effective practice.
(e) Quality of project personnel. (up to 10 points)
(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the personnel who will
carry out the proposed project.
(2) In determining the quality of project personnel, the Secretary
considers the extent to which the applicant encourages applications for
employment from persons who are members of groups that have
traditionally been underrepresented based on race, color, national
origin, gender, age, or disability.
(3) In addition, the Secretary considers the following factors:
(i) The qualifications, including relevant training and experience,
of the project director or principal investigator.
(ii) The qualifications, including relevant training and
experience, of key project personnel.
(f) Adequacy of resources. (up to 20 points)
(1) The Secretary considers the adequacy of resources for the
proposed project.
(2) In determining the adequacy of resources for the proposed
project, the Secretary considers the following factors:
(i) The adequacy of support, including facilities, equipment,
supplies, and other resources, from the applicant organization or the
lead applicant organization.
(ii) The extent to which the budget is adequate to support the
proposed project.
(iii) 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.
(iv) The potential for continued support of the project after
Federal funding ends, including, as appropriate, the demonstrated
commitment of appropriate entities to such support.
(g) Quality of the project evaluation. (up to 20 points)
(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the evaluation to be
conducted of the proposed project.
(2) In determining the quality of the project evaluation to be
conducted of the proposed project, the Secretary considers the
following factors:
(i) The extent to which the methods of evaluation provide for
examining the effectiveness of project implementation strategies.
(ii) 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.
(iii) The extent to which the methods of evaluation will provide
performance feedback and permit periodic assessment of progress towards
achieving intended outcomes.
(iv) The extent to which the evaluation will provide guidance about
effective strategies suitable for replication or testing in other
settings.
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
also 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 selection criteria. A rank order
funding slate will be made from this review. An award will be made in
rank order according to the average score received from the combined
peer review and competitive preference priority point grand total.
In a tie-breaking situation under this program, if a tie remains
after applying any additional points from the competitive preference
priority, preference will be given to the applicant with the highest
score under the ``Quality of the Project Design'' criterion. If there
is still a tie after implementing the first tiebreaker, preference will
be given to the applicant with the highest score under the ``Quality of
the Project Services'' criterion. If there is still a tie after
applying the secondary tiebreaker, preference will be given to the
applicant with the highest score on the ``Quality of Management Plan''
selection criterion.
3. Risk Assessment and Specific Conditions: Consistent with 2 CFR
200.206, before awarding grants under this program, the Department
conducts
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a review of the risks posed by applicants. Under 2 CFR 200.208, the
Secretary may impose specific conditions and, under 2 CFR 3474.10, in
appropriate circumstances, high-risk conditions on a grant if the
applicant or grantee is not financially stable; has a history of
unsatisfactory performance; has a financial or other management system
that does not meet the standards in 2 CFR part 200, subpart D; has not
fulfilled the conditions of a prior grant; or is otherwise not
responsible.
4. Integrity and Performance System: If you are selected under this
competition to receive an award that over the course of the project
period may exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (currently
$250,000), under 2 CFR 200.206(a)(2) we must make a judgment about your
integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal
awards--that is, the risk posed by you as an applicant--before we make
an award. In doing so, we must consider any information about you that
is in the integrity and performance system (currently referred to as
the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System
(FAPIIS)), accessible through the System for Award Management. You may
review and comment on any information about yourself that a Federal
agency previously entered and that is currently in FAPIIS.
Please note that, if the total value of your currently active
grants, cooperative agreements, and procurement contracts from the
Federal Government exceeds $10,000,000, the reporting requirements in 2
CFR part 200, Appendix XII, require you to report certain integrity
information to FAPIIS semiannually. Please review the requirements in 2
CFR part 200, Appendix XII, if this grant plus all the other Federal
funds you receive exceed $10,000,000.
5. In General: In accordance with the Office of Management and
Budget's guidance located at 2 CFR part 200, all applicable Federal
laws, and relevant Executive guidance, the Department will review and
consider applications for funding pursuant to this notice inviting
applications in accordance with--
(a) Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering
results based on the program objectives through an objective process of
evaluating Federal award applications (2 CFR 200.205);
(b) Prohibiting the purchase of certain telecommunication and video
surveillance services or equipment in alignment with section 889 of the
National Defense Authorization Act of 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) (2 CFR
200.216);
(c) Providing a preference, to the extent permitted by law, to
maximize use of goods, products, and materials produced in the United
States (2 CFR 200.322); and
(d) Terminating agreements in whole or in part to the greatest
extent authorized by law if an award no longer effectuates the program
goals or agency priorities (2 CFR 200.340).
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).
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 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.
5. Performance Measures: The Government Performance and Results Act
of 1993 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. To assess the success of the grantee in
meeting these goals, the Secretary has established the following two
performance measures for annually assessing the effectiveness of the
PPSID-NTAD program:
(a) The percentage of inclusive comprehensive transition and
postsecondary programs SWIDs assisted by the Center that use the
technical assistance and/or best practices knowledge disseminated by
the Center; and
(b) The percentage of SWIDs who are enrolled in programs assisted
by the Center who complete the programs and obtain a meaningful
credential, as defined by the Center and supported through empirical
evidence.
[[Page 42806]]
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 another accessible format.
Electronic Access to This Document: The official version of this
document is the document published in the Federal Register. You may
access the official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of
Federal Regulations at www.govinfo.gov. At this site you can view this
document, as well as all other documents of this Department published
in the Federal Register, in text or Portable Document Format (PDF). To
use PDF, you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at
the site.
You may also access documents of the Department published in the
Federal Register by using the article search feature at
www.federalregister.gov. Specifically, through the advanced search
feature at this site, you can limit your search to documents published
by the Department.
Michelle Asha Cooper,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education.
[FR Doc. 2021-16832 Filed 8-4-21; 8:45 am]
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