[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 56 (Thursday, March 23, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 17555-17560]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-05922]


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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION


Applications for New Awards; Strengthening Institutions Program

AGENCY: Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of Education.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Education (Department) is issuing a notice 
inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 2023 for the 
Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP), Assistance Listing Number 
84.031A. This notice relates to the approved information collection 
under OMB control number 1840-0114.

DATES: 
    Applications Available: March 23, 2023.
    Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: May 22, 2023.
    Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: July 21, 2023.

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 7, 2022 (87 FR 75045), and available at 
https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2022-26554. Please note that these 
Common Instructions supersede the version published on December 27, 
2021.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nalini Lamba-Nieves, U.S. Department 
of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 2B116, Washington, DC

[[Page 17556]]

20202-4260. Telephone: (202) 453-7953. Email: ed.gov">Nalini.Lamba-Nieves@ed.gov.
    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 SIP Program provides grants to eligible 
institutions of higher education (IHEs) to help them become self-
sufficient and expand their capacity to serve low-income students by 
providing funds to improve and strengthen the institution's academic 
quality, institutional management, and fiscal stability.
    Priorities: This notice contains one competitive preference 
priority and one invitational priority. The competitive preference 
priority is from the Secretary's Supplemental Priorities and 
Definitions for Discretionary Grants Programs, published in the Federal 
Register on December 10, 2021 (86 FR 70612) (Supplemental Priorities).
    Competitive Preference Priority: For FY 2023, 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 6 
points to an application, depending on how well the application meets 
the priority.
    This priority is:
    Increasing Postsecondary Education Access, Affordability, 
Completion, and Post-Enrollment Success (up to 6 points).
    Background: Academic disparities for low-income and minority 
students have been such a longstanding, serious problem that in the 
2008 Higher Education Opportunity Act, Congress requested the 
Department document these gaps in postsecondary education.\1\ 
Additional significant inequalities in financial, social, and other 
services for these minority and low-income populations were laid bare 
during the COVID-19 pandemic. These students, the institutions that 
serve them, and their communities are still recovering from pandemic 
disruptions. Data collection and analysis is important to this recovery 
process, to identify which service areas need strengthening, what 
services are now necessary and no longer optional, and where funds 
should be invested for maximum impact.\2\ To increase access to and 
success in higher education by low-income and minority students, and to 
hasten recovery efforts, the FY 2023 SIP priorities allow applicants to 
address this goal in any or all of three ways: by improving data 
gathering; implementing proven, evidence-based strategies and programs; 
and providing students with a variety of high-quality learning 
opportunities. The FY 2023 SIP priorities also offer continuity, as 
recent SIP competitions have included similar priorities.
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    \1\ In response to the congressional request, in August 2012, 
the National Center for Education Statistics published a statistical 
report, Higher Education: Gaps in Access and Persistence Study. 
https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2012/2012046.pdf.
    \2\ See Karen Bussey, Kim Dancy, Mamie Voight, Better Data, 
Better Outcomes: Promoting Evidence, Equity, and Student Success 
through the Framework for State Postsecondary Data Solutions. IHEP, 
November 2019. Page 6. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED600578.
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    Priority: Projects that are designed to increase postsecondary 
access, affordability, completion, and post-enrollment success for 
underserved students by addressing one or more of the following 
priority areas:
    (a) Establishing a system of high-quality data collection and 
analysis, such as data on persistence, retention, completion, and post-
college outcomes, for transparency, accountability, and institutional 
improvement. (up to 2 points)
    (b) Supporting the development and implementation of student 
success programs that integrate multiple comprehensive and evidence-
based services or initiatives, such as academic advising, structured/
guided pathways, career services, credit-bearing academic undergraduate 
courses focused on career, and access to technological devices. (up to 
2 points)
    (c) 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. (up to 2 points)
    Invitational Priority: For FY 2023, 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:
    Projects that propose to implement activities that promote 
postsecondary completion for students who are no longer enrolled 
because of challenges they faced during the COVID-19 pandemic or who 
stopped attending for other reasons. Institutions may opt to supplement 
or expand evidence-based and data-driven activities to support 
retention and completion.
    Definitions: The following definitions apply to the priorities for 
this competition. The definition of ``underserved students'' is from 
the Supplemental Priorities, and the remainder of the definitions 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 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 User Guide, available at The 
ELM Application (ed.gov). Other sources include: Logic models: A tool 
for effective program planning, collaboration, and monitoring (ed.gov), 
Logic models: A tool for designing and monitoring program evaluations 
(ed.gov), and Logic models for program design, implementation, and 
evaluation: Workshop toolkit (ed.gov).
    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.
    Underserved student means a student in one or more of the following 
subgroups:
    (a) A student who is living in poverty or is served by schools with 
high concentrations of students living in poverty.
    (b) A student of color.
    (c) A student who is a member of a federally recognized Indian 
Tribe.
    (d) An English learner.
    (e) A child or student with a disability.

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    (f) A lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, or 
intersex (LGBTQI+) student.
    (g) A pregnant, parenting, or caregiving student.
    (h) A student who is the first in their family to attend 
postsecondary education.
    (i) A student enrolling in or seeking to enroll in postsecondary 
education for the first time at the age of 20 or older.
    (j) A student who is working full-time while enrolled in 
postsecondary education.
    (k) A student who is enrolled in or is seeking to enroll in 
postsecondary education who is eligible for a Pell Grant.
    (l) An adult student in need of improving their basic skills or an 
adult student with limited English proficiency.
    Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1057-1059g.
    Note: In 2008, the Higher Education Act (HEA) was amended by the 
Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA), Public Law 110-315. 
Please note that the SIP regulations in 34 CFR part 607 have not been 
updated to reflect these statutory changes. The statute supersedes all 
other applicable regulations.
    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. (d) The regulations for this program in 34 CFR part 607. (e) 
The Supplemental Priorities.

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Discretionary grants. Five-year Individual 
Development Grants and Cooperative Arrangement Development Grants will 
be awarded in FY 2023.
    Note: A cooperative arrangement is an arrangement to carry out 
allowable grant activities between an institution eligible to receive a 
grant under this competition and another eligible or ineligible IHE, 
under which the resources of the cooperating institutions are combined 
and shared to better achieve the purposes of this part and avoid costly 
duplication of effort.
    Estimated Available Funds: $36,886,151.
    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.
    Individual Development Grants:
    Estimated Range of Awards: $400,000-$450,000 per year.
    Estimated Average Size of Awards: $425,000 per year.
    Maximum Award: We will not make an award exceeding $450,000 for a 
single 12-month budget period.
    Estimated Number of Awards: 70.
    Cooperative Arrangement Development Grants:
    Estimated Range of Awards: $500,000-$550,000 per year.
    Estimated Average Size of Awards: $525,000 per year.
    Maximum Award: We will not make an award exceeding $550,000 for a 
single 12-month budget period.
    Estimated Number of Awards: 10.
    Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice.
    Project Period: Up to 60 months.

III. Eligibility Information

    1. Eligible Applicants: This program is authorized by title III, 
part A, of the HEA. To qualify as an eligible institution under any 
title III, part A program, an institution must--
    (a) Be accredited or pre-accredited by a nationally recognized 
accrediting agency or association that the Secretary has determined to 
be a reliable authority as to the quality of education or training 
offered;
    (b) Be legally authorized by the State in which it is located to be 
a junior or community college or to provide an educational program for 
which it awards a bachelor's degree; and
    (c) Be designated as an ``eligible institution'' by demonstrating 
that it: (1) has an enrollment of needy students as described in 34 CFR 
607.3; and (2) has low average educational and general expenditures per 
full-time equivalent (FTE) undergraduate student as described in 34 CFR 
607.4.
    Note: The notice announcing the FY 2023 process for designation of 
eligible institutions, and inviting applications for waiver of 
eligibility requirements, was published in the Federal Register on 
January 17, 2023 (88 FR 2611). Only institutions that the Department 
determines are eligible, or which are granted a waiver under the 
process described in the notice, may apply for a grant in this program.
    An eligible IHE may only submit one Individual Development Grant 
application. However, an eligible IHE may submit one application for an 
Individual Development Grant and a Cooperative Arrangement Development 
Grant. Both may be awarded in the same fiscal year. A grantee with an 
Individual Development Grant or a Cooperative Arrangement Development 
Grant may be a partner in one or more Cooperative Development 
Arrangement Grants. The lead institution in a Cooperative Arrangement 
Development Grant must be an eligible institution. Partners are not 
required to be eligible institutions. Current program grantees who have 
Individual Development Grants may not apply for another Individual 
Development Grant in this competition.
    Relationship between the Title III, Part A Programs and the 
Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) Program
    A grantee under the HSI program, which is authorized under title V 
of the HEA, may not receive a grant under any HEA, title III, part A 
program. 20 U.S.C. 1101d. The title III, part A programs are: SIP; the 
Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities program; the Alaska 
Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions program; the Asian 
American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions 
program; the Predominantly Black Institutions program; and the Native 
American-Serving Nontribal Institutions program. Furthermore, a current 
title III, Part A or title V program grantee may not give up its grant 
to receive a grant under SIP, as described in 34 CFR 607.2(g)(1).
    An eligible IHE that is not a current grantee under the above-cited 
programs may apply for a FY 2023 grant under all title III, part A 
programs for which it is eligible, as well as receive consideration for 
a grant under the HSI program. However, a successful applicant may 
receive only one grant, as described in 34 CFR 607.2(g)(1).
    2. a. Cost Sharing or Matching: This program does not require cost 
sharing or matching unless the grantee uses a portion of its grant for 
establishing or improving an endowment fund. If a grantee uses a 
portion of its grant for endowment fund purposes, it must match those 
grant funds with non-Federal funds (20 U.S.C. 1057(d)(1)-(2)).
    b. Supplement-Not-Supplant: This program involves supplement-not-
supplant funding requirements. Grant funds must be used so that they 
supplement and, to the extent practical, increase the funds that would 
otherwise

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be available for the activities to be carried out under the grant and 
in no case supplant those funds (34 CFR 607.30(b)).
    c. Administrative Cost Limitation: This program does not include 
any program-specific limitation on administrative expenses. All 
administrative expenses must be reasonable and necessary and conform to 
Cost Principles described in 2 CFR part 200 subpart E of the Uniform 
Guidance.
    3. Subgrantees: A grantee under this competition may not award 
subgrants to entities to directly carry out project activities 
described in its application.

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 7, 2022 (87 FR 75045), and available at https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2022-26554, which contain requirements and 
information on how to submit an application. Please note that these 
Common Instructions supersede the version published on December 27, 
2021.
    2. Intergovernmental Review: This program is subject to Executive 
Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79. Information about 
Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs under Executive Order 
12372 is in the application package for this program.
    3. Funding Restrictions: We specify unallowable costs in 34 CFR 
607.10(c). We reference additional regulations outlining funding 
restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice.
    4. Recommended Page Limit: The application narrative is where you, 
the applicant, address the selection criteria that reviewers use to 
evaluate your application. We recommend that you limit the application 
narrative to no more than 50 pages for Individual Development Grants 
and no more than 65 pages for Cooperative Arrangement Development 
Grants. If you are addressing the competitive preference priority, we 
recommend that you limit your response to no more than an additional 
five pages total, three additional pages for the competitive preference 
priority and two additional pages for the invitational priority. Please 
include a separate heading when responding to one or both priorities. 
We also recommend that you use the following standards:
     A ``page'' is 8.5'' x 11'', on one side only, with 1'' 
margins at the top, bottom, and both sides.
     Double-space (no more than three lines per vertical inch) 
all text in the application narrative, including titles, headings, 
footnotes, quotations, references, and captions as well as all text in 
charts, tables, figures, and graphs.
     Use a font that is either 12 point or larger, and no 
smaller than 10 pitch (characters per inch).
     Use one of the following fonts: Times New Roman, Courier, 
Courier New, or Arial.
    The recommended page limit does not apply to the cover sheet; the 
budget section, including the narrative budget justification; the 
assurances and certifications; or the one-page abstract. However, the 
recommended page limit does apply to all of the application narrative.
    Note: The Budget Information-Non-Construction Programs Form (ED 
524) Sections A-C are not the same as the narrative response to the 
Budget section of the selection criteria. A detailed budget is required 
in the Budget selection criterion response.

V. Application Review Information

    1. Selection Criteria: The following selection criteria for this 
competition are from 34 CFR 607.22(a) through (g) and 34 CFR 75.210. 
Applicants should address each of the following selection criteria 
separately for each proposed activity. The selection criteria below are 
worth a total of 100 points; the maximum score for each criterion is 
noted in parentheses. An applicant that also chooses to address the 
competitive preference priority can earn up to 106 total points.
    (a) Quality of the Applicant's Comprehensive Development Plan. 
(Maximum 20 Points) The extent to which--
    (1) The strengths, weaknesses, and significant problems of the 
institution's academic programs, institutional management, and fiscal 
stability are clearly and comprehensively analyzed and result from a 
process that involved major constituencies of the institution;
    (2) The goals for the institution's academic programs, 
institutional management, and fiscal stability are realistic and based 
on comprehensive analysis;
    (3) The objectives stated in the plan are measurable, related to 
institutional goals, and, if achieved, will contribute to the growth 
and self-sufficiency of the institution; and
    (4) The plan clearly and comprehensively describes the methods and 
resources the institution will use to institutionalize practice and 
improvements developed under the proposed project, including, in 
particular, how operational costs for personnel, maintenance, and 
upgrades of equipment will be paid with institutional resources.
    (b) Quality of the Project Design. (Maximum 15 Points) The 
Secretary considers the quality of the design of the proposed project. 
In determining the quality of the design of the proposed project, the 
Secretary considers the extent to which the proposed project 
demonstrates a rationale (as defined in this notice).
    (c) Quality of Activity Objectives. (Maximum 16 Points) The extent 
to which the objectives for each activity are--
    (1) Realistic and defined in terms of measurable results; and
    (2) Directly related to the problems to be solved and to the goals 
of the comprehensive development plan.
    (d) Quality of Implementation Strategy. (Maximum 15 Points) The 
extent to which--
    (1) The implementation strategy for each activity is comprehensive;
    (2) The rationale for the implementation strategy for each activity 
is clearly described and is supported by the results of relevant 
studies or projects; and
    (3) The timetable for each activity is realistic and likely to be 
attained.
    (e) Quality of Key Personnel. (Maximum 8 Points) The extent to 
which--
    (1) The past experience and training of key professional personnel 
are directly related to the stated activity objectives; and
    (2) The time commitment of key personnel is realistic.
    (f) Quality of Project Management Plan. (Maximum 10 Points) The 
extent to which--
    (1) Procedures for managing the project are likely to ensure 
efficient and effective project implementation; and
    (2) The project coordinator and activity directors have sufficient 
authority to conduct the project effectively, including access to the 
president or chief executive officer.
    (g) Quality of Evaluation Plan. (Maximum 10 Points) The extent to 
which--
    (1) The data elements and the data collection procedures are 
clearly described and appropriate to measure the attainment of activity 
objectives and to measure the success of the project in achieving the 
goals of the comprehensive development plan; and

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    (2) The data analysis procedures are clearly described and are 
likely to produce formative and summative results on attaining activity 
objectives and measuring the success of the project on achieving the 
goals of the comprehensive development plan.
    (h) Budget. (Maximum 6 Points) The extent to which the proposed 
costs are necessary and reasonable in relation to the project's 
objectives and scope.
    2. Review and Selection Process: We remind potential applicants 
that in reviewing applications in any discretionary grant competition, 
the Secretary may consider, under 34 CFR 75.217(d)(3), the past 
performance of the applicant in carrying out a previous award, such as 
the applicant's use of funds, achievement of project objectives, and 
compliance with grant conditions. The Secretary may also consider 
whether the applicant failed to submit a timely performance report or 
submitted a report of unacceptable quality.
    In addition, in making a competitive grant award, the Secretary 
requires various assurances, including those applicable to Federal 
civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or 
activities receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department 
(34 CFR 100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).
    A panel of three non-Federal reviewers will review and score each 
application in accordance with the selection criteria in this notice, 
as well as the competitive preference priority. A rank order funding 
slate will be made from this review. Awards will be made in rank order 
according to the average score received from the peer review.
    If a tie-breaker is necessary, under 34 CFR 607.23(b) we award 
additional points to applications that contain any of the following 
three elements. Specifically, we add 1 additional point for each of the 
following (up to 3 points total) to an application that:
    (1) Has an endowment fund of which the current market value, per 
FTE enrolled student, is less than the average current market value of 
the endowment funds, per FTE enrolled student, at similar type 
institutions;
    (2) Has expenditures for library materials per FTE enrolled student 
that are less than the average expenditure for library materials per 
FTE enrolled student at similar type institutions; or
    (3) Proposes to carry out one or more of the following activities--
    (i) Faculty development;
    (ii) Funds and administrative management;
    (iii) Development and improvement of academic programs;
    (iv) Acquisition of equipment for use in strengthening management 
and academic programs;
    (v) Joint use of facilities; and
    (vi) Student services.
    For these funding considerations, we use 2020-2021 data.
    If a tie remains after applying the tie-breaker mechanism above, 
priority will be given to applicants that have the lowest endowment 
values per FTE enrolled student.
    3. Risk Assessment and Specific Conditions: Consistent with 2 CFR 
200.206, 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 or subgrantee that is awarded competitive grant 
funds must have a plan to

[[Page 17560]]

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 following performance measures will be used in 
assessing the effectiveness of SIP:
    (a) The percentage change, over the 5-year period, of the number of 
full-time degree-seeking undergraduates enrolled at SIP institutions. 
Note that this is a long-term measure that will be used to periodically 
gauge performance.
    (b) The percentage of first-time, full-time degree-seeking 
undergraduate students at 4-year SIP institutions who were in their 
first year of postsecondary enrollment in the previous year and are 
enrolled in the current year at the same SIP institution.
    (c) The percentage of first-time, full-time degree-seeking 
undergraduate students at 2-year SIP institutions who were in their 
first year of postsecondary enrollment in the previous year and are 
enrolled in the current year at the same SIP institution.
    (d) The percentage of first-time, full-time degree-seeking 
undergraduate students enrolled at 4-year SIP institutions graduating 
within 6 years of enrollment.
    (e) The percentage of first-time, full-time degree-seeking 
undergraduate students enrolled at 2-year SIP institutions graduating 
within 3 years of enrollment.
    6. Continuation Awards: In making a continuation award under 34 CFR 
75.253, the Secretary considers, among other things: whether a grantee 
has made substantial progress in achieving the goals and objectives of 
the project; whether the grantee has expended funds in a manner that is 
consistent with its approved application and budget; and, if the 
Secretary has established performance measurement requirements, 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).

VII. Other Information

    Accessible Format: Individuals with disabilities can obtain this 
document and a copy of the application package in an accessible format 
(e.g., braille, large print, audiotape, or compact disc) on request to 
the program contact person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
CONTACT.
    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 https://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 https://www.federalregister.gov. Specifically, through the advanced 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. 2023-05922 Filed 3-22-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P