[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 183 (Thursday, September 22, 2022)] [Notices] [Pages 57883-57888] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2022-20474] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Applications for New Awards; Center of Excellence in Spatial Computing Grant Program AGENCY: Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of Education. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Department of Education (Department) is issuing a notice inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 2022 for the Center of Excellence in Spatial Computing (CESC) grant program, Assistance Listing Number 84.116Q. This notice relates to the approved information collection under OMB control number 1894-0006. DATES: Applications Available: September 22, 2022. Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: November 7, 2022. Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: December 6, 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 www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ofo/docs/unique-entity-identifier-transition-fact-sheet.pdf. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jason Cottrell, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, room 2B127, Washington, DC 20202- 4260. Telephone: (202) 453-7530. 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 CESC grant program is designed to help increase the number of highly qualified Americans available for hire within the high-tech labor pool. Background: The evolution of computers has changed how we interact [[Page 57884]] with the technology in computing systems. Computer technology is no longer limited to a static machine. Computational devices are now found in our kitchen appliances, cars, and other daily use items.\1\ Spatial computing is the digitization and virtualization of the activities and interactions between various entities and environments to improve their functionality.\2\ Autonomous guided vehicles, smart vacuums, virtual and augmented reality, and the cameras in many phones that use light detection and ranging are all examples of technologies that use spatial computing to operate. Spatial computing has the potential to deeply affect how we interact with today's immersive, engaging technology. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ www.uctoday.com/unified-communications/what-is-spatial-computing-the-basics/ \2\ www.ptc.com/en/blogs/corporate/what-is-spatial-computing --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Given how these technologies impact so much of our day-to-day lives, the need to ensure a workforce that can develop, enhance, and maintain such systems is critical. Additionally, given the need to have a workforce in this field that is representative of the diverse U.S. population, it is critical that IHEs recruit and educate underrepresented students, as defined in this notice, in these technologies. The technology sector, as the fastest growing market in the United States, has an increasing need for a spatial computing workforce to remain competitive. To this end, the CESC grant program allows institutions of higher education (IHEs) the opportunity to apply for Federal funding to teach students the necessary skills to succeed in an ever-evolving high-tech economy. Institutions interested in applying for the CESC grant program are expected to teach, improve, and disseminate spatial computing knowledge and skills required to increase the number of highly qualified Americans available for hire within the high-tech labor pool. Priorities: This notice contains one absolute priority and one competitive preference priority. We are establishing these priorities for the FY 2022 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: This priority is an absolute priority. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(3), we consider only applications that meet the priority. The priority is: To be considered for a grant under this absolute priority, an eligible institution must include in its application-- (a) The member IHEs that constitute the consortium that will support the advancement of spatial computing; (b) A description of how best practices and curricula will be evaluated and shared with computer science and other relevant programs; (c) A description of how the consortium will establish leadership and competitiveness in spatial computing, including how it will promote innovative processes for domestic manufacturing of spatial computing technology products; (d) A description of how the consortium will create educational and work placement opportunity programs to recruit, train, and retain underrepresented populations in the technology sector; and (e) A description of how the consortium will develop case studies and skill-based workforce training and company-based education programs in spatial computing. Competitive Preference Priority: This priority is a competitive preference priority. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i), we award up to an additional 10 points to an application, depending on how well the application meets the priority. The priority is: Leveraging Industry Partnerships to Provide Job-Embedded Experiences for Students in Spatial Computing Technologies (up to 10 points). Projects that are designed to increase the proportion of underrepresented students with the skill sets necessary to meet industry demands in spatial computing by providing high-quality, paid, job-embedded opportunities that could potentially lead to stackable credentials in the field. Definitions: In accordance with section 437(d)(1) of GEPA, we are establishing definitions for ``Minority-Serving Institutions,'' ``underrepresented students,'' and ``spatial computing.'' The definitions of ``demonstrates a rationale,'' ``logic model,'' ``project component,'' and ``relevant outcomes'' are from 34 CFR 77.1. Demonstrates a rationale means a key project component included in the project's logic model is informed by research or evaluation findings that suggest the project component is likely to improve relevant outcomes. Logic model (also referred to as 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. 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. Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) means an institution that is eligible to receive assistance under sections 316 through 320 of part A of title III, under part B of title III, or under title V of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended. Project component means an activity, strategy, intervention, process, product, practice, or policy included in a project. Evidence may pertain to an individual project component or to a combination of project components (e.g., training teachers on instructional practices for English learners and follow-on coaching for these teachers). Relevant outcome means the student outcome(s) or other outcome(s) the key project component is designed to improve, consistent with the specific goals of the program. Spatial computing means the digitization of activities of machines, people, objects, and the environments in which they take place to enable and optimize actions and interactions. Underrepresented students means students enrolled in postsecondary, career, or technical education who are in one or more of the following subgroups: (i) A student who is living in poverty. (ii) A student who is American Indian, Alaskan Native, Asian American, Black, Hispanic or Latino, Native Hawaiian, and/or Pacific Islander. (iii) A student who is female. (iv) A student who is lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, queer, or intersex (LGBTQI+). (v) A student with a disability. 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, selection criteria, definitions, and other requirements. Section 437(d)(1) of GEPA, however, allows the Secretary to exempt from rulemaking requirements regulations governing the first grant [[Page 57885]] competition under a new or substantially revised program authority. This is the first grant competition for this program under 20 U.S.C. 1033a, and therefore qualifies for this exemption. In order to ensure timely grant awards, the Secretary has decided to forgo public comment on the priorities, definitions, and requirements under section 437(d)(1) of GEPA. These priorities, definitions, and requirements will apply to the FY 2022 grant competition and any subsequent year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this competition. Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1138-1138d; the Explanatory Statement accompanying Division H of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (Pub. L. 117-103). Note: Projects will be awarded and must be operated in a manner consistent with the nondiscrimination requirements contained in Federal civil rights laws. Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations in 34 CFR parts 75, 77, 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. II. Award Information Type of Award: Discretionary grant. 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 Range of Awards: $990,000 to $1,980,000. Estimated Average Size of Awards: $990,000. Maximum Award: We will not make an award exceeding $1,980,000 for the entire project period of 36 months. Estimated Number of Awards: 1-2. Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice. Project Period: Up to 36 months. III. Eligibility Information 1. Eligible Applicants: A consortium of public and private nonprofit IHEs that includes at least one Historically Black College or University (HBCU), Tribally Controlled College and University (TCCU), or other Minority-Serving Institution (as defined in this notice). Note: In addressing the absolute priority, please identify each IHE that is an HBCU, TCCU, or MSI. 2. a. Cost Sharing or Matching: This competition does not require cost sharing or matching. b. Indirect Cost Rate Information: This program limits a grantee's indirect cost reimbursement to eight percent of a modified total direct cost base. We are establishing this indirect cost limit for the FY 2022 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. 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. c. Administrative Cost Limitation: This program does not include any program-specific limitation on administrative expenses. All administrative expenses must be reasonable and necessary and conform to Cost Principles described in 2 CFR part 200 subpart E of the Uniform Guidance. 3. Subgrantees: A grantee under this competition may not award subgrants to entities to directly carry out project activities described in its application. IV. Application and Submission Information 1. Application Submission Instructions: Applicants are required to follow the Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal Register on 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. Submission of Proprietary Information: Given the types of projects that may be proposed in applications for the CESC grant program, your application may include business information that you consider proprietary. In 34 CFR 5.11 we define ``business information'' and describe the process we use in determining whether any of that information is proprietary and, thus, protected from disclosure under Exemption 4 of the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552, as amended). Because we plan to make successful applications available to the public, you may wish to request confidentiality of business information. Consistent with Executive Order 12600, please designate in your application any information you believe is exempt from disclosure under Exemption 4. In the appropriate Appendix section of your application under ``Other Attachments Form,'' please list the page number or numbers on which we can find this information. For additional information please see 34 CFR 5.11(c). 3. Intergovernmental Review: This competition 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 competition. Information about Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs under Executive Order 12372 is in the application package for this program [competition]. Please note that, under 34 CFR 79.8(a), we have shortened the standard 60-day intergovernmental review period in order to make awards before these funds expire. 4. Funding Restrictions: We reference additional regulations outlining funding restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice. 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 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. [[Page 57886]] 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, the resumes, the bibliography, or the letters of support. However, the recommended page limit does apply to all of the application narrative. V. Application Review Information 1. Selection Criteria: The selection criteria for this competition are from 34 CFR 75.210. The points assigned to each criterion are indicated in the parentheses next to the criterion. An application may earn up to a total of 100 points based on the selection criteria. Applications may receive up to 10 additional points under the competitive preference priority, for a total score of up to 110 points. All applications will be evaluated based on the selection criteria as follows: (a) Significance. (Maximum 25 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 proposed project is likely to yield findings that may be utilized by other appropriate agencies and organizations. (up to 5 points) (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. (up to 10 points) (iii) The importance or magnitude of the results or outcomes likely to be attained by the proposed project, especially improvements in teaching and student achievement. (5 points) (iv) 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. (up to 5 points) (b) Quality of the project design. (Maximum 45 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 proposed project is part of a comprehensive effort to improve teaching and learning and support rigorous academic standards for students. (up to 10 points) (ii) The extent to which the proposed activities constitute a coherent, sustained program of training in the field. (up to 10 points) (iii) The extent to which the proposed project is designed to build capacity and yield results that will extend beyond the period of Federal financial assistance. (up to 10 points) (iv) The extent to which the proposed project represents an exceptional approach to the priority or priorities established for the competition. (up to 10 points) (v) The extent to which the proposed project demonstrates a rationale (as defined in this notice). (up to 5 points) (c) Quality of project personnel. (Maximum 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. (d) Adequacy of resources. (Maximum 5 points) (1) The Secretary considers the adequacy of the resources for the proposed project. (2) In determining the adequacy of resources for the proposed project, the Secretary considers the adequacy of support, including facilities, equipment, supplies, and other resources, from the applicant organization or the lead applicant organization. (e) Quality of the management plan. (Maximum 5 points) (1) The Secretary considers the quality of the management plan for the proposed project. (2) In determining the quality of the management plan for the proposed project, the Secretary considers 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. (f) Quality of the project evaluation. (Maximum 10 points) (1) The Secretary considers the quality of the evaluation to be conducted of the proposed project. (2) In determining the quality of the evaluation, the Secretary considers the following factors: (i) The extent to which the methods of evaluation are thorough, feasible, and appropriate to the goals, objectives, and outcomes of the proposed project. (up to 5 points) (ii) The extent to which the methods of evaluation will provide performance feedback and permit periodic assessment of progress toward achieving intended outcomes. (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 external reviewers will read, prepare a written evaluation of, and score all eligible applications using the selection criteria and the competitive preference priority, if applicable, provided in this notice. The individual scores of the reviewers will be added and the sum divided by the number of reviewers to determine the peer review score. The Department may use more than one tier of reviews in evaluating grantees. The Department will prepare a rank order of applications based solely on the evaluation of their quality according to the selection criteria and competitive preference priority points. In the event there are two or more applications with the same final score in the rank order listing, and there are insufficient funds to fully support each of these applications, the Department will apply the following procedure to determine which application or applications will receive an award: First Tiebreaker: The first tiebreaker will be the highest average score for the selection criterion ``Quality of the Project Design.'' If a tie remains, the second tiebreaker will be utilized. Second Tiebreaker: The second tiebreaker will be the highest average score for the selection criterion ``Significance.'' If a tie remains, the third tiebreaker will be utilized. Third Tiebreaker: The third tiebreaker will be the highest average score for the selection criterion ``Project Evaluation.'' If a tie remains, the fourth tiebreaker will be utilized. Fourth Tiebreaker: The fourth tiebreaker will be the highest average score for the competitive preference [[Page 57887]] priority. If a tie remains, the fifth tiebreaker will be utilized. Fifth Tiebreaker: The fifth tiebreaker will be the consortium with the highest percentage of Pell Grant students enrolled at the time of application. 3. Risk Assessment and Specific Conditions: Consistent with 2 CFR 200.206, before awarding grants under this competition, the Department conducts a review of the risks posed by applicants. Under 2 CFR 200.208, the Secretary may impose specific conditions and, under 2 CFR 3474.10, in appropriate circumstances, high-risk conditions on a grant if the applicant or grantee is not financially stable; has a history of unsatisfactory performance; has a financial or other management system that does not meet the standards in 2 CFR part 200, subpart D; has not fulfilled the conditions of a prior grant; or is otherwise not responsible. 4. Integrity and Performance System: If you are selected under this competition to receive an award that over the course of the project period may exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $250,000), under 2 CFR 200.206(a)(2) we must make a judgement 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 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. 5. Performance Measures: For purposes of Department reporting under 34 CFR 75.110, the Department will use the following performance measures to evaluate the success of the CESC grant program: (a) The number and percentage of underrepresented students served by the project. (b) The number and percentage of students placed in paid job- embedded experiences in the spatial computing sector. 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 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). [[Page 57888]] 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. Nasser H. Paydar, Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education. [FR Doc. 2022-20474 Filed 9-21-22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000-01-P