[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 100 (Tuesday, May 27, 2025)]
[Notices]
[Pages 22261-22265]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-09428]
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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Applications for New Awards; Parent Information and Training
Program
AGENCY: Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services,
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) 2025 for the
Parent Information and Training Program.
DATES:
Applications Available: May 29, 2025.
Application Deadline: July 18, 2025.
Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: September 16, 2025.
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 23, 2024 (89 FR 104528) and available at
https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2024-30488.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tara Jordan, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20202. Telephone:
(202) 987-0143. 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
Funding Opportunity Description
Purpose of Program: The purpose of the Parent Information and
Training (PTI) centers is to meet the information and training needs of
individuals with disabilities and their families, so that individuals
with disabilities can achieve their employment and independent living
goals. The Department intends to fund eight Regional Parent Information
and Training Centers (PTIs) (Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 84.235F)
and one National PTI Technical Assistance (TA) Center (ALN 84.235G) as
part of this program administered by the Rehabilitation Services
Administration (RSA).
Assistance Listing Number (ALN):
ALN 84.235F--Regional PTI Centers.
ALN 84.235G--National PTI TA Center.
OMB Control Number: 1820-0018.
Eligible Applicants: Private nonprofit organizations that meet the
requirements in section 303(c)(4) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as
amended (Rehabilitation Act). An applicant must--
(a) Include information demonstrating the capacity and expertise of
the organization to--
(i) Coordinate training and information activities with Centers for
Independent Living;
(ii) Coordinate and work closely with PTIs established pursuant to
section 671 of IDEA, the Community Parent Resource Centers pursuant to
section 672 of IDEA, and the eligible entities receiving awards under
section 673 of IDEA; and
(iii) Effectively conduct the training and information activities
authorized in section 303(c) of the Rehabilitation Act;
(b) Be governed by a board of directors that--
(i) Includes professionals in the vocational rehabilitation (VR)
field; and on which a majority of the members are individuals with
disabilities or the parents, family members, guardians, advocates, or
authorized representatives of the individuals (hereafter collectively
referred to as ``individuals with disabilities and their families'');
or
(ii) Has a membership that represents the interests of individuals
with disabilities; and establishes a special governing committee to
operate a training and information program that includes professionals
in the VR field and on which a majority of the members are individuals
with disabilities and their families; and may include representatives
from special education and other public and private agencies on the
board, as appropriate; and
(c) Serve, and demonstrate the capacity for serving, individuals
with a full range of disabilities, and the parents, family members,
guardians, advocates, or authorized representatives of the individuals.
Type of Award: Discretionary grants.
Estimated Available Funds:
ALN 84.235F: $2,400,000.
ALN 84.235G: $300,000.
Maximum Award:
ALN 84.235F: $300,000.
ALN 84.235G: $300,000.
We will not make an award exceeding the maximum award amount for a
single budget period of 12 months.
Estimated Number of Awards: 9.
ALN 84.235F: 8.
ALN 84.235G: 1.
Based on the quality of applications received for projects under
ALN 84.235F, the Department intends to fund one PTI in each of the
eight regions listed below consistent with section 303(c)(3)(A) of the
Rehabilitation Act. Note that the Office of Special Education Programs
also funds Parent Training and Information Centers under the ALN
84.328M program. Previous cohorts funded under ALN 84.235 have been
located at the same site as a ALN 84.328M center. Similar co-location
of projects can occur with FY 2025 grants; such coordination and
collaboration are encouraged, but not required. Based on the quality of
applications received for projects under ALN 84.235G, the Department
intends to fund one national PTI.
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Region States within region
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A-1.......................... Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New
Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont.
A-2.......................... Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York,
Pennsylvania, District of Columbia,
Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands.
B-1.......................... Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South
Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia.
B-2.......................... Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana,
Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas.
C-1.......................... Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan,
Minnesota, Ohio, West Virginia,
Wisconsin.
C-2.......................... Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana,
Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota,
Wyoming.
[[Page 22262]]
D-1.......................... Alaska, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington,
American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the
Northern Mariana Islands, Guam.
D-2.......................... Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho,
Nevada, New Mexico, Utah.
National..................... All.
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Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice.
Project Period: Up to 60 months.
Background:
Based on program data from RSA's administration of the PTI program,
individuals with disabilities and their families, particularly those
from underserved populations, commonly experience difficulty acquiring
accurate information from--and navigating--a complex VR system. The PTI
centers can help improve understanding of the varied VR services and
eligibility requirements for programs serving adults and youth with
disabilities by coordinating and establishing partnerships with
professionals to provide information to effectively access services.
PTI centers also provide technical assistance (TA) for transition
employment programs so that individuals with disabilities experience a
smooth transition from secondary school to employment and other pre-
employment and post-school activities.
Family engagement is also vital for successful post-school
transitions. PTI centers assist families to engage more frequently and
effectively in support of the education, employment, and independent
living goals of individuals with disabilities.
In addition to family engagement, community involvement and
collaboration has the potential to help enhance the impact of services
for individuals with disabilities and their families. For example,
parents can identify family volunteering opportunities that lead to
service learning or work-based learning experiences critical for job
training; this may also support ongoing civic engagement, integration
into the community, and contributions as a member of society. PTI
centers also create or expand partnerships with community-based
organizations to enhance supports and services available to individuals
with disabilities and their families.
Absolute Priorities: For FY 2025, there are two absolute
priorities, one for regional PTIs (ALN 84.235F) and one for the
national PTI (ALN 84.235G). The absolute priorities are from the
allowable activities in the statute (see section 303(c)(2) of the
Rehabilitation Act, 29 U.S.C. 773(c)(2)). We will only consider
applications that meet one of these priorities.
Each application should address only one priority. Applicants may
apply for a regional PTI (ALN 84.235F) and the national PTI (ALN
84.235G) but must submit two separate applications (one for each ALN).
For example, an applicant submitting for region C-1 and the National
PTI must submit separate applications for each.
Priorities:
Absolute Priority 1, Regional PTI Centers: Under this priority, we
provide grants to establish or continue regional Parent Information and
Training Centers (Regional PTI Centers) that provide information and
training to assist individuals with disabilities, and the parents,
family members, guardians, advocates, or other authorized
representatives of those individuals, to participate more effectively
with professionals in meeting the vocational, independent living, and
rehabilitation needs of individuals with disabilities.
Absolute Priority 2, National PTI Center: Under this priority, we
provide a grant to establish or continue a National Parent Training and
Information center (National PTI Center) that provides TA to the
Regional PTI Centers and to coordinate the information and training
provided by these Regional PTI Centers.
Program Requirements
Under section 303(c)(2) of the Rehabilitation Act, a grantee must
use the grant funds awarded to assist individuals with disabilities and
their families to achieve the following outcomes:
(a) Better understand VR and independent living programs and
services.
(b) Provide follow-up support for transition and employment
programs.
(c) Communicate more effectively with transition and rehabilitation
personnel and other relevant professionals.
(d) Provide support in the development of the individualized plan
for employment.
(e) Provide support and expertise in obtaining information about
rehabilitation and independent living programs, services, and resources
that are appropriate.
(f) Provide support and guidance in helping individuals with
significant disabilities, including students with disabilities,
transition to competitive integrated employment.
(g) Understand the provisions of the Rehabilitation Act,
particularly provisions relating to employment, supported employment,
and independent living.
Note: In responding to the priorities and selection criteria,
applicants for Regional PTI center grants should address how the
proposed project will meet these program requirements; and applicants
for the National PTI center should address how they will provide TA to
regional centers to help them meet these program requirements.
Selection Criteria: The selection criteria for this competition are
from 34 CFR 75.210 and are as follows:
(a) Significance. (20 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 importance or magnitude of the results or outcomes likely
to be attained by the proposed project, especially improvements in
employment, independent living services, or both, as appropriate.
(ii) The extent to which the proposed project will provide support,
resources, or services; or otherwise address the needs of the target
population, including addressing the needs of underserved populations
most affected by the issue, challenge, or opportunity, to be addressed
by the proposed project and close gaps in educational opportunity.
(iii) The likely utility of the resources (such as materials,
processes, techniques, or data infrastructure) that will result from
the proposed project, including the potential for effective use in a
variety of conditions, populations, or settings.
(iv) The extent to which the resources, tools, and implementation
lessons of the proposed project will be disseminated in ways to the
target population and local community that will enable them and others
(including practitioners, researchers, education leaders, and partners)
to implement similar strategies.
(b) Quality of the project design. (25 points)
(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the design of the
proposed project.
[[Page 22263]]
(2) In determining the quality of the design of the proposed
project, the Secretary considers the following factors:
(i) The extent to which the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be
achieved by the proposed project are clearly specified, measurable, and
ambitious yet achievable within the project period, and aligned with
the purposes of the grant program.
(ii) The extent to which the proposed project includes explicit
plans for authentic, meaningful, and ongoing community member and
partner engagement, including their involvement in planning,
implementing, and revising project activities for underserved
populations.
(iii) The extent to which the services to be provided by the
proposed project were determined with input from the community to be
served to ensure that they are appropriate and responsive to the needs
of the intended recipients or beneficiaries, including underserved
populations, of those services.
(iv) The extent to which the services to be provided by the
proposed project involve the collaboration of appropriate partners,
including those from underserved populations, to maximize the
effectiveness of project services.
(v) The extent to which the proposed project demonstrates a
rationale that is aligned with the purposes of the grant program.
(c) Quality of the project evaluation or other evidence-building.
(15 points)
(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the evaluation or other
evidence-building of the proposed project.
(2) In determining the quality of the evaluation or other evidence-
building, the Secretary considers the following factors:
(i) The extent to which the methods of evaluation or other
evidence-building are appropriate to the context within which the
project operates and the target population of the proposed project.
(ii) The extent to which the methods of evaluation or other
evidence-building will provide performance feedback and provide
formative, diagnostic, or interim data that is a periodic assessment of
the program toward achieving intended outcomes.
(iii) The extent to which the proposed project proposes specific,
measurable targets, connected to strategies, activities, resources,
outputs, and outcomes, and uses reliable administrative data to measure
progress and inform continuous improvement.
(d) Adequacy of resources. (10 points)
(1) The Secretary considers the adequacy of resources for the
proposed project.
(2) In determining the adequacy of resources for the proposed
project, the Secretary considers the following factors:
(i) The adequacy of support for the project, including facilities,
equipment, supplies, and other resources, from the applicant or the
lead applicant organization.
(ii) The extent to which the budget is adequate to support the
proposed project and the costs are reasonable in relation to the
objectives, design, and potential significance of the proposed project.
(e) Quality of the management plan. (30 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 following factors:
(i) The feasibility of the management plan to achieve project
objectives and goals on time and within budget, including clearly
defined responsibilities, timelines, and milestones for accomplishing
project tasks.
(ii) The adequacy of mechanisms for ensuring high-quality and
accessible products and services from the proposed project for the
target population.
(iii) 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.
(iv) The extent to which the project director or principal
investigator, when hired, has the qualifications required for the
project, including formal training or work experience in fields related
to the objectives of the project and experience in designing, managing,
or implementing similar projects for the target population to be served
by the project.
(v) The relevance and demonstrated commitment of each partner in
the proposed project to the implementation and success of the project.
Performance Measures:
For the purposes of Department reporting under 34 CFR 75.110, the
Department has established a set of performance measures that are
designed to yield information on various aspects of the effectiveness
and quality of the PTI centers. These measures are:
Program Performance Measure 1: The percentage of
individuals with disabilities and their families receiving PTI services
who report enhanced knowledge and understanding of VR services; and
Program Performance Measure 2: The percentage of all
products and services developed to improve VR service utilization
deemed to be useful by individuals with disabilities and their families
receiving PTI services.
The data needed to support these measures will be collected by
grantees via survey, assessed, and reported in the aggregate to RSA.
Grantees will negotiate targets with RSA after the first year, which
will be used to establish a baseline.
Definitions:
For FY 2025 and any subsequent year in which we make awards from
the list of unfunded applications from this competition, the following
definitions apply. The definitions for ``continuous improvement,''
``demonstrates a rationale,'' ``evaluation,'' ``evidence-building,''
``logic model,'' ``project component,'' and ``relevant outcome'' are
from 34 CFR 77.1.
Continuous improvement means using plans for collecting and
analyzing data about a project component's implementation and outcomes
(including the pace and extent to which project outcomes are being met)
to inform necessary changes throughout the project. These plans may
include strategies to gather ongoing feedback from participants and
stakeholders on the implementation of the project component.
Demonstrates a rationale means that there is a key project
component included in the project's logic model that is supported by
citations of high-quality research or evaluation findings that suggest
that the project component is likely to significantly improve relevant
outcomes.
Evaluation means an assessment using systematic data collection and
analysis of one or more programs, policies, practices, and
organizations intended to assess their implementation, outcomes,
effectiveness, or efficiency.
Evidence-building means a systematic plan for identifying and
answering questions relevant to programs and policies through
performance measurement, exploratory studies, or program evaluation.
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
[[Page 22264]]
key project components and relevant outcomes.
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.
Program Authority: Section 303(c) of the Rehabilitation Act (29
U.S.C. 773(c)).
Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General
Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR parts 75, 77, 79, 81, 82,
84, 86, 97, 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.
Cost Sharing or Matching: This program does not require cost
sharing or matching.
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 23, 2024 (89 FR 104528) and available at https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2024-30488, which contain requirements and
information on how to submit an application.
2. Intergovernmental Review: This competition is subject to
intergovernmental review under Executive Order 12372. Information about
this process is in the application package.
3. 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, reference citations, and captions, as well as
all text in charts, tables, figures, graphs, and screen shots.
Use a font that is 12 point or larger.
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 abstract (follow the guidance
provided in the application package for completing the abstract), the
table of contents, the list of priority requirements, the resumes, the
reference list, the letters of support, or the appendices. However, the
recommended page limit does apply to all of the application narrative,
including all text in charts, tables, figures, graphs, and screen
shots.
4. Review and Selection Process: We remind potential applicants
that in reviewing applications in any discretionary grant competition,
the Secretary may consider 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.
Note: If you are a nonprofit organization, under 34 CFR 75.51, you
may demonstrate your nonprofit status by providing: (1) proof that the
Internal Revenue Service currently recognizes the applicant as an
organization to which contributions are tax deductible under section
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; (2) a statement from a State
taxing body or the State attorney general certifying that the
organization is a nonprofit organization operating within the State and
that no part of its net earnings may lawfully benefit any private
shareholder or individual; (3) a certified copy of the applicant's
certificate of incorporation or similar document if it clearly
establishes the nonprofit status of the applicant; or (4) any item
described above if that item applies to a State or national parent
organization, together with a statement by the State or parent
organization that the applicant is a local nonprofit affiliate.
Note: A faith-based organization is eligible to apply for and
receive a grant under this program on the same basis as any other
private organization, consistent with Appendix A to 34 CFR part 75.
5. Risk Assessment and Specific Conditions: Before awarding grants
under this competition, the Department conducts a review of the risks
posed by applicants. The Secretary may impose specific conditions and,
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.
6. 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), 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 System
for Award Management's (SAM) Responsibility/Qualification reports
(formerly referred to as the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity
Information System (FAPIIS)). You may review and comment on any
information about yourself that a Federal agency previously entered and
that is currently in the Responsibility/Qualification reports in SAM.
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
SAM semiannually. Please review these requirements if this grant plus
all the other Federal funds you receive exceed $10,000,000.
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 also may notify you
informally.
If your application is not evaluated or not selected for funding,
we notify you.
[[Page 22265]]
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 should you receive
funding under the competition. This does not apply if you have an
exception.
(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. The
Secretary may also require more frequent performance reports. For
specific requirements on reporting, please go to www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html.
(c) The Secretary may provide a grantee with additional funding for
data collection analysis and reporting. In this case the Secretary
establishes a data collection period.
5. Continuation Awards: In making a continuation award, 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; 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; and whether the
continuation of the project is in the best interest of the Federal
Government.
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.
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, compact disc, or other accessible format.
Diana Diaz,
Deputy Assistant Secretary and Acting Assistant Secretary for Special
Education and Rehabilitative Services.
[FR Doc. 2025-09428 Filed 5-23-25; 8:45 am]
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