[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 80 (Tuesday, April 26, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 24542-24546]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-08828]
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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Applications for New Awards; Training Program for Federal TRIO
Programs
AGENCY: Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of Education.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The Department of Education is issuing a notice inviting
applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 2022 for the Training
Program for Federal TRIO Programs (Training Program), Assistance
Listing Number (ALN) 84.103A. This notice relates to the approved
information collection under OMB control number 1840-0814.
DATES:
Applications Available: April 26, 2022.
Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: June 10, 2022.
Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: August 9, 2022.
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 December 27, 2021 (86 FR 73264) and available at
www.federalregister.gov/d/2021-27979. Please note that these Common
Instructions supersede the version published on February 13, 2019, and,
in part, describe the transition from the requirement to register in
SAM.gov a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number to the
implementation of the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). More information
on the phase-out of DUNS numbers is available at https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ofo/docs/unique-entity-identifier-transition-fact-sheet.pdf.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Suzanne Ulmer, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 2C222, Washington, DC 20202.
Telephone: (202) 453-7691. Email: [email protected]; or ReShone
Moore, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 2B-
214, Washington, DC 20202-4260. Telephone: (202) 453-7624. Email:
[email protected].
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability and
wish to access telecommunications relay services, please dial 7-1-1.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Full Text of Announcement
I. Funding Opportunity Description
Purpose of Program: The Training Program provides grants to train
the staff and leadership personnel employed in, participating in, or
preparing for employment in, projects funded under the Federal TRIO
Programs, to improve project operation.
Priorities: This notice contains six absolute priorities and one
invitational priority. In accordance with 34 CFR 75.105(b)(2)(iv) and
34 CFR 75.105(b)(2)(ii), the absolute priorities are from section
402G(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA), and the
regulations for this program at 34 CFR 642.24. The invitational
priority is from the Secretary's Supplemental Priorities and
Definitions for Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal
Register on December 10, 2021 (86 FR 70612) (Supplemental Priorities).
Absolute Priorities: For FY 2022 and any subsequent year in which
we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this
competition, these priorities are absolute priorities. Under 34 CFR
75.105(c)(3), we consider only applications that meet one of these
absolute priorities.
In accordance with 34 CFR 642.7, each application must clearly
identify the specific absolute priority for which a grant is requested.
An applicant must submit a separate application for each absolute
priority it proposes to address. If an applicant submits more than one
application for the same absolute priority, we will accept only the
application with the latest ``date/time received'' validation.
These priorities are:
Absolute Priority 1. Training to improve reporting of student and
project performance and project evaluation, in order to design and
operate a model program for projects funded under the Federal TRIO
Programs.
Absolute Priority 2. Training on budget management and the
statutory and regulatory requirements for the operation of projects
funded under the Federal TRIO Programs.
Absolute Priority 3. Training on assessment of student needs;
retention and graduation strategies; and the use of appropriate
educational technology in the operation of projects funded under the
Federal TRIO programs.
Absolute Priority 4. Training on assisting students in receiving
adequate financial aid from programs assisted under title IV of the HEA
and from other programs, and on college and university admissions
policies and procedures.
Absolute Priority 5. Training on strategies for recruiting and
serving hard to reach populations, including students who are limited
English proficient, students from groups that are traditionally
underrepresented in postsecondary education, students with
disabilities, students who are homeless children and youths (as this
term is defined in section 725 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11434a)), students who are foster care youth,
or other disconnected students.
Absolute Priority 6. Training on general project management for new
project directors.\1\
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\1\ In addressing Absolute Priority 6, the Department encourages
applicants to (a) focus on directors who are in the early years of
that role, and (b) demonstrate that the training will provide new
project directors with the basic tools required to be a successful
TRIO project director, including incorporation, where possible, of
the content in Absolute Priorities 1 through 5.
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Under this competition we are particularly interested in
applications that address the following priority.
Invitational Priority: For FY 2022 and any subsequent year in which
we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this
competition, this priority is an invitational priority. Under 34 CFR
75.105(c)(1), we do not give an application that meets this
invitational priority a competitive or absolute preference over other
applications.
This priority is:
Increasing Postsecondary Education Access, Affordability,
Completion, and Post-Enrollment Success.
Projects supporting the development and implementation of high-
quality and accessible learning opportunities, including learning
opportunities that are accelerated or hybrid online; credit-bearing;
work-based; and flexible for working students.
Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1070a-11 and 1070a-17.
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
[[Page 24543]]
Administrative Regulations in 34 CFR parts 75 (except for 75.215
through 75.221), 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 642. (e) The Supplemental
Priorities.
Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 86 apply to institutions of
higher education (IHEs) only.
II. Award Information
Type of Award: Discretionary grants.
Estimated Available Funds: The Administration received
$1,137,000,000 for new awards for the Federal TRIO Programs for FY
2022, of which we intend to use an estimated $3,219,292 for the TRIO
Training Program.
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: $297,601-$386,882, depending on the
absolute priority under which the award is funded (see below).
Estimated Average Size of Awards: $321,929.
Maximum Award and Minimum Participants: We will not make an award
exceeding the maximum award amount listed here for a single budget
period of 12 months. Projects proposed under each absolute priority
also must propose to serve the minimum number of applicable
participants listed here.
Under Absolute Priorities 1, 2, and 4, the maximum award amount is
$297,601 and the minimum number of participants is 231. Under Absolute
Priorities 3 and 5, the maximum award amount is $386,882 and the
minimum number of participants is 300. Under Absolute Priority 6, the
maximum award amount is $329,961 and the minimum number of participants
is 256.
Estimated Number of Awards: 10, as follows: 2 awards each under
Absolute Priorities 1, 2, 4 and 6; and 1 award each under Absolute
Priorities 3 and 5.
Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice.
Project Period: Up to 24 months.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants: IHEs and other public and private nonprofit
institutions and organizations.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching: This program does not require cost
sharing or matching.
3. Indirect Cost Rate Information: This program uses a training
indirect cost rate. This limits indirect cost reimbursement to an
entity's actual indirect costs, as determined in its negotiated
indirect cost rate agreement, or eight percent of a modified total
direct cost base, whichever amount is less. For more information
regarding training indirect cost rates, see 34 CFR 75.562. For more
information regarding indirect costs, or to obtain a negotiated
indirect cost rate, please see www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocfo/intro.html.
4. 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.
5. 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 December 27, 2021 (86 FR 73264) and available at
www.federalregister.gov/d/2021-27979, which contain requirements and
information on how to submit an application. Please note that these
Common Instructions supersede the version published on February 13,
2019, and, in part, describe the transition from the requirement to
register in SAM.gov a DUNS number to the implementation of the UEI.
More information on the phase-out of DUNS numbers is available at
https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ofo/docs/unique-entity-identifier-transition-fact-sheet.pdf.
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
642.31. We reference additional regulations outlining funding
restrictions in the Applicable Regulations and Application Review
Information sections of this notice.
4. Recommended Page Limit: The application narrative (Part III of
the application) 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, which includes the budget
narrative and invitational priority, if addressed, to no more than 55
pages and (2) use the following standards:
A ``page'' is 8.5'' x 11'', on one side only, with 1''
margins.
Double space all text in the application narrative, and
single space titles, headings, footnotes, quotations, references, and
captions.
Use a 12-point font.
Use an easily readable font such as Times New Roman,
Courier, Courier New, or Arial.
The recommended page limit does not apply to Part I, the
Application for Federal Assistance face sheet (SF 424); Part II, the
Budget Information Summary form (ED Form 524); Part III-A, the Program
Profile form; Part III-B, the one-page Project Abstract form; or Part
IV, the Assurances and Certifications. The recommended page limit also
does not apply to a table of contents, which we recommend that you
include in the application narrative.
5. Content and Form of Application Submission: You should indicate
the absolute priority addressed in your application both on the one-
page abstract and on the Training Program Profile Sheet. You must
include your complete response to the selection criteria and absolute
priority 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.
V. Application Review Information
1. Selection Criteria: The selection criteria for this program are
from 34 CFR 642.21 and 34 CFR 75.210:
(a) Plan of operation. (20 points)
(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that
shows the quality of the plan of operation for the project.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows--
(i) High quality in the design of the project;
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(ii) An effective plan of management that ensures proper and
efficient administration of the project;
(iii) A clear description of how the objectives of the project
relate to the purpose of the program;
(iv) The way the applicant plans to use its resources and personnel
to achieve each objective; and
(v) A clear description of how the applicant will provide equal
access and treatment for eligible project participants who are members
of groups that have been traditionally underrepresented, such as--
(A) Members of racial or ethnic minority groups;
(B) Women;
(C) Individuals with disabilities; and
(D) The elderly.
(b) Quality of key personnel. (20 points)
(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that
shows the qualifications of the key personnel the applicant plans to
use on the project.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows--
(i) The qualifications of the project director;
(ii) The qualifications of each of the other key personnel to be
used in the project;
(iii) The time that each person referred to in paragraphs (b)(2)(i)
and (ii) of this section plans to commit to the project; and
(iv) The extent to which the applicant, as part of its
nondiscriminatory employment practices, encourages applications for
employment from persons who are members of groups that have been
traditionally underrepresented, such as--
(A) Members of racial or ethnic minority groups;
(B) Women;
(C) Individuals with disabilities; and
(D) The elderly.
(3) To determine the qualifications of a person, the Secretary
considers evidence of past experience and training, in fields related
to the objectives of the project, as well as other information that the
applicant provides.
(c) Budget and cost effectiveness. (10 points)
(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that
shows that the project has an adequate budget and is cost effective.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows--
(i) The budget for the project is adequate to support the project
activities; and
(ii) Costs are reasonable in relation to the objectives of the
project.
(d) Evaluation plan. (10 points)
(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that
shows the quality of the evaluation plan for the project.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows methods of
evaluation that are appropriate for the project and, to the extent
possible, are objective and produce data that are quantifiable.
(e) Adequacy of resources. (15 points)
(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that
shows that the applicant plans to devote adequate resources to the
project.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows--
(i) The facilities that the applicant plans to use are adequate;
and
(ii) The equipment and supplies that the applicant plans to use are
adequate.
(f) 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 represents an exceptional approach for meeting statutory
purposes and requirements.
(g) Quality of project services. (15 points)
(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the services to be
provided by the proposed project.
(2) In determining the quality of project services to be provided
by the proposed project, the Secretary considers the extent to which
the technical assistance services to be provided by the proposed
project involve the use of efficient strategies, including the use of
technology, as appropriate, and the leveraging of non-project
resources.
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 also may 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
642.21 and 34 CFR 75.210. 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. Additionally, in
accordance with 34 CFR 642.22, the Secretary will award up to 15 prior
experience points to eligible applicants by evaluating the applicant's
current performance under its expiring Training Program grant. Pursuant
to 34 CFR 642.20(d), if there are insufficient funds to fund all
applications with the same peer review score within a particular
absolute priority, prior experience points, if any, will be added to
the averaged peer review score to determine the total score for each
application.
Under section 402A(c)(3) of the HEA, the Secretary is not required
to make awards under the Training Program in the order of the scores
received. Additionally, under 34 CFR 642.23 the Secretary, to the
greatest extent possible, makes Training Program awards to projects
that will provide training services in all regions of the Nation in
order to assure accessibility for prospective training participants.
In the event a tie score still exists after applying prior
experience points, the Secretary will select for funding the applicant
that has the greatest capacity to provide training to eligible
participants in all regions of the Nation, in order to assure
accessibility to the greatest number of prospective training
participants, consistent with 34 CFR 642.20(e). If the Department
determines that all tied applicants have equal capacity to provide
training to eligible participants in all regions of the Nation, the
Secretary will identify and recommend an award for--
First, the applicant in the funding band that is from an entity not
receiving funding under any of the other absolute priorities.
Second, the applicant with the highest average score across all
applications.
Within each of the steps of the tie-breaker process, if there is
more than one application with the same score and insufficient funding
to support these applications, the applicant proposing to serve the
greatest number of participants through both their on-site and online
trainings will be the final application identified and recommended to
receive an award.
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3. Risk Assessment and Specific Conditions: Consistent with 2 CFR
200.206, before awarding grants under this program the Department
conducts a review of the risks posed by applicants. Under 2 CFR
200.208, the Secretary may impose specific conditions and, under 2 CFR
3474.10, in appropriate circumstances, high-risk conditions on a grant
if the applicant or grantee is not financially stable; has a history of
unsatisfactory performance; has a financial or other management system
that does not meet the standards in 2 CFR part 200, subpart D; has not
fulfilled the conditions of a prior grant; or is otherwise not
responsible.
4. Integrity and Performance System: If you are selected under this
competition to receive an award that over the course of the project
period may exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (currently
$250,000), under 2 CFR 200.206(a)(2) we must make a judgment about your
integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal
awards--that is, the risk posed by you as an applicant--before we make
an award. In doing so, we must consider any information about you that
is in the integrity and performance system (currently referred to as
the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System
(FAPIIS)), accessible through the System for Award Management. You may
review and comment on any information about yourself that a Federal
agency previously entered and that is currently in FAPIIS.
Please note that, if the total value of your currently active
grants, cooperative agreements, and procurement contracts from the
Federal Government exceeds $10,000,000, the reporting requirements in 2
CFR part 200, Appendix XII, require you to report certain integrity
information to FAPIIS semiannually. Please review the requirements in 2
CFR part 200, Appendix XII, if this grant plus all the other Federal
funds you receive exceed $10,000,000.
5. In General: In accordance with the Office of Management and
Budget's guidance located at 2 CFR part 200, all applicable Federal
laws, and relevant Executive guidance, the Department will review and
consider applications for funding pursuant to this notice inviting
applications in accordance with--
(a) Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering
results based on the program objectives through an objective process of
evaluating Federal award applications (2 CFR 200.205);
(b) Prohibiting the purchase of certain telecommunication and video
surveillance services or equipment in alignment with section 889 of the
National Defense Authorization Act of 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) (2 CFR
200.216);
(c) Providing a preference, to the extent permitted by law, to
maximize use of goods, products, and materials produced in the United
States (2 CFR 200.322); and
(d) Terminating agreements in whole or in part to the greatest
extent authorized by law if an award no longer effectuates the program
goals or agency priorities (2 CFR 200.340).
VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices: If your application is successful, we notify your
U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators and send you a Grant Award
Notification (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: For purposes of Department reporting under
34 CFR 75.110, the Department will use the following performance
measures to assess the effectiveness and quality of the Training
Program: Its cost-effectiveness based on the number of TRIO project
personnel receiving training each year; the percentage of Training
Program participants that, each year, indicate the training has
increased their qualifications and skills in meeting the needs of
disadvantaged students; and the percentage of Training Program
participants that, each year, indicate the training has increased their
knowledge and understanding of the Federal TRIO Programs. All grantees
will be required to submit an annual performance report documenting
their success in training personnel working on TRIO-funded projects,
including the average cost per trainee and the trainees' evaluations of
the effectiveness of the training provided. The success of the Training
Program also is assessed on the quantitative and qualitative outcomes
of the training projects based on project evaluation results.
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, whether
the grantee has made substantial progress in achieving 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
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to Federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs
or activities receiving Federal financial assistance from the
Department (34 CFR 100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).
VII. Other Information
Accessible Format: On request to the program contact person listed
under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT, individuals with disabilities
can obtain this document and a copy of the application package in an
accessible format. The Department will provide the requestor with an
accessible format that may include Rich Text Format (RTF) or text
format (txt), a thumb drive, an MP3 file, braille, large print,
audiotape, or compact disc, or other accessible format.
Electronic Access to this Document: The official version of this
document is the document published in the Federal Register. You may
access the official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of
Federal Regulations at www.govinfo.gov. At this site you can view this
document, as well as all other documents of this Department published
in the Federal Register, in text or Portable Document Format (PDF). To
use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at
the site.
You may also access documents of the Department published in the
Federal Register by using the article search feature at
www.federalregister.gov. Specifically, through the advanced search
feature at this site, you can limit your search to documents published
by the Department.
Michelle Asha Cooper,
Acting Assistant Secretary for the Office of Postsecondary Education.
[FR Doc. 2022-08828 Filed 4-25-22; 8:45 am]
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