[Federal Register: October 23, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 204)] [Notices] [Page 60201-60219] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr23oc07-79] [[Page 60201]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Part VI Department of Education ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Compliance Agreement; Notice [[Page 60202]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Compliance Agreement AGENCY: Department of Education. ACTION: Notice of written findings, compliance agreement with the Virgin Islands, and subsequent actions. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This notice is being published in the Federal Register consistent with sections 457(b)(2) and (d) of the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA). Section 457 of GEPA authorizes the U.S. Department of Education (the Department) to enter into a compliance agreement with a recipient that is failing to comply substantially with Federal program requirements and for whom the Department determines that full compliance is not feasible until a future date. Section 457(b)(2) requires the Department to publish written findings leading to a compliance agreement, with a copy of the compliance agreement, in the Federal Register. If a recipient fails to comply with the terms and conditions of a compliance agreement, the Secretary may take any action authorized by law with respect to the recipient. On September 23, 2002, the Department entered into a compliance agreement (Agreement) with the U.S. Virgin Islands (VI) because the Department determined from all available information that the VI would not be able to come into full compliance with applicable Federal regulations for the administration of Department programs until a future date. Notwithstanding the Agreement, and intensive and frequent technical assistance by the Department, when the term of the Agreement ended on September 23, 2005, the VI was substantially in non-compliance with Federal requirements. Therefore, the Department has imposed special conditions and has taken a number of other important measures in its continuing effort to bring the VI into full compliance with all Federal requirements pertaining to the administration of Department programs. Most notably, the special conditions currently in effect require the VI to procure, and maintain, the services of a third-party fiduciary agent to perform the financial management duties required under Federal regulations for all Department grants, which the VI accomplished beginning in August 2006. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Phil Maestri, U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Secretary, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 7E206, Washington, DC 20202-6132. Telephone: (202) 205-3511. If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), you may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339. Individuals with disabilities may obtain this document in an alternative format (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer diskette) on request to the contact person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The VI is an insular area that is authorized under 48 U.S.C. 1469a to consolidate formula grant funds allocated to it under various Federal education programs and use those funds for the purposes of one or more programs included in the consolidated grant. See also 34 CFR 76.125-76.137. Under that authority, the Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) has historically consolidated formula grant funds allocated to it under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended (ESEA), the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (CTE) (formerly the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act), and the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (Adult Education) and used those funds to implement three programs: Title V, Part A (formerly Title VI) of the ESEA, CTE, and Adult Education. The VIDE also receives additional funding under the authority of a number of other Department programs. Additionally, VIDE and the Virgin Islands Department of Health (VIDH) carry out programs under Parts B and C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA); IDEA funds are not subject to the consolidation authority under 48 U.S.C. 1469a and 34 CFR 76.125-76.137. VIDH's IDEA Part C grant funds for fiscal years 2002 through 2007 are subject to special conditions to ensure fiscal accountability. Finally, the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services (VIDHS) also receives Department funds. Because of longstanding and recurring findings of fiscal and programmatic accountability deficiencies in the administration of Department programs by the VI and several of its departments (as discussed in detail in the following paragraphs), the Department has imposed special conditions, on a Department-wide basis, on all Department grants awarded to the VI. These Department-wide special conditions are different from the fiscal special conditions imposed separately on the IDEA Part C grant and from the programmatic special conditions imposed separately by various Department program offices upon individual grant awards. The need for these Department-wide special conditions stems from the VI's failure to meet the terms of the Agreement, which was executed on September 23, 2002, and expired on September 23, 2005, with the VI still in substantial non-compliance. The Department entered into the Agreement in 2002 because it had found serious and recurring fiscal and programmatic accountability deficiencies in the administration of Department programs by the VI, VIDE, and other agencies of the government of the VI dating back several years. Specifically, the Department had found deficiencies in key aspects of the VI's procurement process; program planning and implementation; and financial and property management, including, but not limited to, the VI's lack of appropriate record keeping to account for the use of Federal funds and its failure to obligate and draw down funds and liquidate obligations on a timely basis. The VI also had failed to submit timely and sufficient audits. As a result of these major problems, in September 1999, the Department designated the VI as a ``high-risk grantee'' under 34 CFR 80.12(a) and, consistent with that designation, imposed special conditions on a number of grant awards to the VI and its agencies. But, even after the imposition of these special conditions, the VI continued to have significant problems in administering Department grant programs, resulting in continued noncompliance with various programmatic and fiscal requirements applicable to those programs. In May 2001, officials from the Department met with VI officials to discuss the continuing deficiencies in the administration and implementation by the VI of the Department's programs. The parties reached an agreement on the wide-scale and significant corrective actions that the VI would have to make in order for the Department to continue to provide funds to VI agencies. It was at this time that the Department suggested that the VI and the Department enter into a compliance agreement, pursuant to section 454 of GEPA, to apply to all Department grants awarded to the VI. The purpose of the compliance agreement would be to bring the VI ``into full compliance with the applicable requirements of the law as soon as feasible and not to excuse or remedy past violations of such requirements.'' \1\ 20 U.S.C. 1234f(a). In [[Page 60203]] order to enter into a compliance agreement with the VI, the Department had to determine, in written findings, that the VI would not be able to comply until a future date with the applicable program requirements and that a compliance agreement would be a viable means for bringing about such compliance. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ Section 454 of GEPA, 20 U.S.C. 1234c, sets out the remedies available to the Department when it determines that a recipient ``is failing to comply substantially with any requirement of law applicable'' to the Federal program funds administered by this agency. Specifically, the Department is authorized to-- (1) Withhold funds; (2) Obtain compliance through a cease and desist order; (3) Enter into a compliance agreement with the recipient; or (4) Take any other action authorized by law. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- In accordance with the requirements of section 457(b) of GEPA, 20 U.S.C 1234f(b), Department officials conducted public hearings in the VI in February 2002. Witnesses representing VIDE, students and parents, and other concerned organizations and individuals testified at these hearings on the question of whether the Department should grant VIDE's request to enter into a compliance agreement. The Department reviewed this testimony and all other relevant materials and concluded that, while the Department had been working closely with VIDE and with other VI agencies to address the major issues that the VI had been facing in administering Department grant programs, it was clear that the problems could not be corrected by the VI immediately and that the VI would need more than one year to correct them. Therefore, in order to remedy that condition, the Department and the VI entered into the Agreement, a comprehensive compliance agreement with a three-year term. The purpose of the Agreement, which incorporated the Department's written findings, was to allow the VI to develop integrated and systemic solutions to problems in managing its Department funds and programs. Under the terms of the Agreement, by the end of the three-year term, the VI was supposed to be in full compliance with the requirements of all programs funded by the Department. The Agreement became effective on September 23, 2002. In November 2003, officials from the Department conducted a site visit to provide intensive technical assistance and review the VI's progress during the first year of the Agreement. While VIDE had made significant progress in some issue areas identified in the Agreement, the VI had not made progress in many key areas, particularly that of financial management, which significantly affected its ability to manage Department funds and administer Department programs. The Department continued to monitor the VI's compliance with the terms of the Agreement and provided frequent, intensive technical assistance to the VI during the course of its three-year term. In March 2005, the Department notified the VI of its concerns regarding the VI's limited progress in meeting the goals of the Agreement. The Department required the VI to demonstrate why the Department should not begin to take immediate remedial action under the terms of the Agreement. After considering the VI's response, the Department concluded that the VI had failed to meet on a timely basis key terms and conditions of the Agreement that are critical to successful compliance with applicable requirements and that the VI would not be able to meet all of the terms and conditions of the Agreement by its expiration on September 23, 2005. In particular, the Department noted that there was a significant lack of progress on the part of the VI in developing and implementing a credible central financial management system--the cornerstone of the VI's financial management improvements that are critical to its ability to manage Department funds consistent with applicable Federal regulations concerning fiscal accountability and funds management. Therefore, in accordance with section II.A. of the Agreement, and section 457(d) of GEPA, the Department imposed special conditions on grant awards to the VI, including a requirement that the VI procure, and maintain, the services of a third-party fiduciary agent, acceptable to the Department, to perform the financial management duties required under Federal regulations for all Department grant awards made to the VI. The VI subsequently published a Request for Proposal and selected a third-party fiduciary agent acceptable to the Department. The Department is currently monitoring the work of this third-party fiduciary agent and the VI's compliance with these special conditions and continues to provide technical assistance and oversight in a continuing effort to bring the VI into full compliance with applicable Federal regulations. As required by section 457(b)(2) of GEPA, 20 U.S.C. 1234f(b)(2), the Agreement (which incorporates the Department's written findings in the section entitled ``Overview of Issues'', and in each ``Issue Description'' section of the Agreement) is included as appendix A of this notice. Electronic Access to This Document You may view this document, as well as all other Department of Education documents published in the Federal Register, in text or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) on the Internet at the following site: http://www.ed.gov/news/fedregister. To use PDF you must have the Adobe Acrobat Reader Program with Search, which is available free at this site. If you have questions about using PDF, call the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO), toll free, at 1-888-293-6498; or in the Washington, DC area at (202) 512- 1530. Note: The official version of a document is the document published in the Federal Register. Free Internet access to the official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations is available on GPO Access at: http://www.gpoaccess.gov/nara/index.html . Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1234c, 1234f. Dated: October 18, 2007. Hudson La Force III, Senior Counselor to the Secretary of Education. Appendix A--Compliance Agreement Between The U.S. Virgin Islands and the U.S. Department of Education September 23, 2002. U.S. Virgin Islands Compliance Agreement I. Overview of Issues II. Consequences for Not Meeting the Terms and Conditions of the Agreement A. Mutual Agreements and Understandings Regarding the Terms, Conditions and Enforcement of This Compliance Agreement Severability Additional Terms and Conditions Under 34 CFR Sec. 80.12 Judicial Enforcement 1. Cease and Desist Order Under 20 U.S.C. Sec. Sec. 1234c(a)(2) and 1234e 2. Referral to Department of Justice for Appropriate Enforcement--20 U.S.C. Sec. 1416 Withholding of Grant Funds--20 U.S.C. Sec. Sec. 1234c(a)(1), 1234d and Sec. 1416 Escrow Account to Fund Third-Party Recovery of Funds--20 U.S.C. Sec. 1234a B. Criteria for Determining Consequences III. Reporting Requirements IV. Updated Plans, Action Steps, and Timelines From December 2001 Meeting V. Issues Issue 1.0: Program Planning, Design, and Evaluation Issue Description Identification of Long-Term Goals Assessment of Current Status of Programs in Terms of Goals Identification of Educational Program Needs To Meet Goals [[Page 60204]] Development of Program Design and State Plans or Applications That Address Identified Needs Sub-Issue 1.1: Separation of State and Local Educational Agencies Sub-Issue Description Performance Measures for Issue 1.0 and 1.1 Action Steps Required Issue 2.0: Financial Management Issue Description Sub-Issue 2.1: Credible Financial Management System Sub-Issue Description Performance Measures for Issue 2.0 and 2.1 Action Steps Required Sub-Issue 2.2: Indirect Costs Sub-Issue Description Performance Measures for Issue 2.2 Action Steps Required Sub-Issue 2.3: Obligation of Funds/Disbursement of Obligation Sub-Issue Description Performance Measures for Issue 2.3 Action Steps Required Issue 3.0: Human Capital Issue Description Sub-Issue 3.1: Recruiting and Hiring Sub-Issue Description Performance Measures for Issue 3.0 and 3.1 Action Steps Required Sub-Issue 3.2: Inadequate Time Accounting and Supplanting Sub-Issue Description Performance Measures for Issue 3.2 Action Steps Required Issue 4.0: Property Management and Procurement Issue Description Sub-Issue 4.1: Property Management Sub-Issue Description Performance Measures for Issue 4.0 and 4.1 Action Steps Required Sub-Issue 4.2: Competitive Procurement (Improved Process) Sub-Issue Description Performance Measures for Issue 4.2 Action Steps Required I. Overview of Issues As a result of serious and recurring deficiencies in the administration of various Federally funded programs by the government of the U.S. Virgin Islands (VI), the U.S. Department of Education (the Department) has designated VI a ``high-risk grantee'' under 34 CFR Sec. 80.12. The Department has been working closely with the Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) and with other Virgin Islands agencies in recent months to address these major issues, but it is clear that the problems cannot be corrected by the Virgin Islands immediately, and that the Virgin Islands will need more than one year to correct them. Therefore, in order to remedy this condition, the Department has consented to enter into this comprehensive, three-year compliance agreement with VI. Through this Compliance Agreement, the VI, with assistance from the Department, agrees to develop integrated and systemic solutions to problems in managing Federal education funds and programs. The issues are being carefully examined and addressed from the perspective of every VI agency and local entity with management responsibility for resources or programs that have an impact on education. Solutions may involve re-engineering systems and processes or implementing technology. In addition, solutions must address communication and cooperation among VI Departments, and developing a culture of ``getting the work done right.'' Whatever the solutions the VI chooses to implement, they must ensure the best educational systems possible for the people of the Virgin Islands. It is also understood that by the end of the term of this Agreement, VI must be in full compliance with the requirements of all programs funded by the Department. The Compliance Agreement is also intended to ensure an effective planning and evaluation process throughout VI programs and initiatives. Planning and evaluation processes are the basis for determining program goals, current status, improvement needs, budgets, resources, effectiveness of results, and other important aspects of effective program management. Through this Agreement, the VI will improve its program planning and evaluation for education programs and use the plans and evaluation results to drive management and resource decisions. This Compliance Agreement addresses four areas of crosscutting issues: (1) Program Planning, Design and Evaluation, (2) Financial Management, (3) Human Capital, and (4) Property Management and Procurement. The issues are presented as crosscutting because of the impact of other VI agencies on VIDE. Thus, it is critical that these issues be addressed not just in VIDE but across virtually the entire Virgin Islands government. In addition, the issues cannot be addressed in a piecemeal fashion and they must encompass an effective planning and evaluation process. The Compliance Agreement lists specific action items for each crosscutting issue. However, the Department will not determine the VI's progress in meeting the terms of the Agreement only by assessing completion of listed action steps. Rather, the Department will judge progress by the systemic approaches and degree of integration that the VI brings in designing and implementing solutions to complex problems in each of the crosscutting areas, and by the demonstrated communication, cooperation, and organizational culture change toward ``getting the work done right.'' These approaches should include effective planning and evaluation of resource and management decisions that are designed to produce better educational results. In making the critical systemic and organizational culture changes required to meet the terms of the Compliance Agreement, it is important to understand that the Agreement is not designed to benefit the Department, VIDE, or the Virgin Islands government. All of the requirements of the Compliance Agreement are directed toward one end: improving education for the students of the Virgin Islands. In the end, the Department and the VI will judge success by determining how well the VI has improved educational programs and met the terms of the Compliance Agreement. II. Consequences for Not Meeting the Terms and Conditions of the Agreement A. Mutual Agreements and Understandings Regarding the Terms, Conditions and Enforcement of This Compliance Agreement Severability The parties agree that this Compliance Agreement includes terms and conditions that apply to the various Federal programs included in the Agreement (hereafter ``covered Federal programs'') and also terms and conditions that are program specific. To that end, the parties agree that each such term and condition for each covered Federal program may constitute a separate agreement between the Virgin Islands and the Department. For purposes of 20 U.S.C. Sec. 1234f, each such term or condition as to each covered Federal program shall be severable from each other term or condition for each of the covered Federal programs. Unless set out otherwise, a determination by the Department under 20 U.S.C. Sec. 1234f(d) that the Virgin Islands is not meeting the terms and conditions may be specific to such term, condition or program without impacting the continuing obligations under the Agreement. That is, all other terms and conditions for all covered Federal programs or the specific term or condition for other covered Federal programs would remain in place for the duration of the Agreement or until such time as the Department determines failure by the Virgin Islands to meet those terms and conditions. Alternatively, the parties understand and agree that a determination by the Department under 20 U.S.C. Sec. 1234f(d) that the Virgin Islands has failed to meet any of the terms and conditions shall, at [[Page 60205]] the Department's discretion, be grounds for finding the Agreement, as to such terms and conditions, no longer in effect and that the Department may take any and all additional actions authorized by law. Some examples of such actions are set out below. Additional Terms and Conditions Under 34 CFR Sec. 80.12 Under this provision, the Department may apply additional conditions to one or more of the Virgin Islands' grants, having determined that the Virgin Islands is a ``high risk'' grantee (because it has a history of unsatisfactory performance and has not conformed to terms and conditions of previous awards). Special conditions or restrictions may include, but are not limited to: (1) Payment on a reimbursement basis; (2) withholding authority to proceed to next phase until receipt of evidence of acceptable performance within a given funding period; (3) requiring additional, more detailed financial reports; (4) additional project monitoring; (5) requiring the Territory to obtain technical or management assistance, including the designation of a third-party fiduciary to administer all or part of the Virgin Islands' grants from the Department; or (6) establishing additional prior approvals. The use of a condition for one covered Federal program does not require or preclude its use for a different covered Federal program. Under such circumstances the Department would notify the Virgin Islands as early as possible, in writing, of the: (1) Nature of special conditions/restrictions; (2) reason(s) for imposing them; (3) corrective actions which must be taken before they will be removed and time allowed for completing corrective actions; and (4) method of requesting reconsideration of conditions/restrictions imposed. Judicial Enforcement 1. Cease and Desist Order Under 20 U.S.C. Sec. Sec. 1234c(a)(2) and 1234e The Department may seek injunctive relief to compel specific actions or to stop specific actions. Under this process, the Department issues a complaint to the Virgin Islands, describing the factual and legal basis for the Department's belief that the Virgin Islands is failing to comply substantially with a requirement of law including this agreement, and containing a notice of hearing. A hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) must occur. The ALJ's report and order, requiring the Virgin Islands to stop specific actions or compelling specific actions, becomes the final agency decision. The Department may enforce the final order by withholding any portion of the Virgin Islands' grant award or certifying the facts to the Attorney General who may bring an appropriate action for enforcement of the order. 2. Referral to Department of Justice for Appropriate Enforcement--20 U.S.C. Sec. 1416 If the Department finds, after reasonable notice and opportunity for hearing to the Virgin Islands, that: (1) There has been a failure by the Virgin Islands to comply substantially with any provision of applicable Federal laws; or (2) there is a failure to comply with any condition of a Local Educational Agency's or the Virgin Islands' eligibility (including terms of Compliance Agreement within timelines specified in Agreement), the Department may, after notifying the Virgin Islands, refer the matter for an appropriate enforcement action, which may include referral to the Department of Justice. Withholding of Grant Funds--20 U.S.C. Sec. Sec. 1234c(a)(1), 1234d and Sec. 1416 If the Department finds, after reasonable notice and opportunity for hearing to the recipient, that there has been a failure to comply substantially with a requirement of law, including with this Agreement, the Department may withhold, in whole or in part, future payments to the recipient. If the Department finds, after reasonable notice and opportunity for hearing to the Virgin Islands, that: (1) there has been a failure by the Virgin Islands to comply substantially with any provision of applicable Federal laws; or (2) there is a failure to comply with any condition of a Local Educational Agency's or the Virgin Islands' eligibility (including terms of Compliance Agreement within timelines specified in Agreement), the Department may, after notifying the Virgin Islands, withhold, in whole or in part, any further payments to the Territory. Department may limit withholding to a particular Local Educational Agency or State agency. Escrow Account To Fund Third Party If the Virgin Islands fails to meet a term deemed significant by the Department in the Compliance Agreement, the Department may place an appropriate amount of the Virgin Islands grants into an interest bearing escrow account to fund the duties of a third party fiduciary agent. VI may request a reconsideration of this action. Recovery of Funds--20 U.S.C. Sec. 1234a Any funds improperly expended or not properly accounted for are subject to recovery by the Department according to 20 U.S.C. Sec. 1234a. B. Criteria for Determining Consequences The Virgin Islands will provide the Department with quarterly progress reports for all of the action steps and performance measures set forth in the Agreement. The Virgin Islands and the Department agree that failure to (1) provide all required reports in a timely manner, (2) show substantial progress in completing all action steps as required, (3) complete critical action steps within the timeframe designated in the Agreement, or (4) achieve critical performance measures as specified in the Agreement, will be considered a failure to meet the terms and conditions of the Agreement. III. Reporting Requirements This Compliance Agreement requires regular progress reporting for all issues. VI must provide the Department (1) a description of activities and progress for the issue and its related sub-issues during the reporting period, (2) the status of each action step required to be taken during the reporting period, (3) documentation of action step completion for those steps required to be completed during the reporting period (including explanation of delays for all steps not completed that were scheduled to be completed, and expected completion dates for all unimplemented steps), (4) documentation of measures of performance and results, and (5) other data or documentation as specified within the action steps for each issue or related sub-issue in this Agreement. This information should be transmitted to the Department by updating (at least quarterly) an internet web site developed and maintained by the Virgin Islands Government. The Virgin Islands Office of Management and Budget (VIOMB) will be responsible for tracking, monitoring and reporting progress on all requirements and milestones in this Agreement in a manner that is fully accessible to the Department and the public. Information in the progress tracking web site should be updated continuously, but in any event, no later than 30 days from the last day of each quarter. The first quarterly period will encompass the time from which all parties sign this Agreement through December 31, 2002. The VI and the Department agree that the following performance measures [[Page 60206]] apply for each issue and sub-issue, in addition to other performance measures specified throughout this Agreement. 1. All plans, other documents, and reports are timely, complete, accurate, and address the requirements set forth in this Agreement. 2. All action steps are implemented within the timeframes set forth in this Agreement. 3. Implementation of action steps demonstrates progress towards achieving the outcomes or performance measures set forth in this Agreement. IV. Updated Plans, Action Steps, and Timelines From December 2001 Meeting Action steps and timelines that the VI developed in December 2001 are included in the issue descriptions throughout this document. The VI will need to assess the action steps and timelines developed in December and determine if (1) the action steps fully meet the requirements of this Agreement, (2) the action steps will move the VI toward achieving the required performance measures, and (3) the timelines need to be modified within the time boundaries set forth in this Agreement. Updating the December action steps and timelines into plans for which the VI will be accountable is a critical action step for each issue and sub-issue. Once the VI develops a plan for each issue or sub-issue, as specified in this Agreement, and the Department agrees to the plan, the action steps and timelines in the plan will become additional requirements of this Agreement and be subject to the reporting requirements and consequences for not meeting terms and conditions as set forth in this Agreement. The Department will assist by consulting with VI to develop reports or reporting formats that shall satisfy the reporting requirements as set forth in this Agreement. The Department will also assist, to the extent that resources are available, the VI with the orientation and training of personnel. The remainder of this document provides issue descriptions, action steps, and performance measures for (1) Program Planning, Design and Evaluation, (2) Financial Management, (3) Human Capital, and (4) Property Management and Procurement. V. Issues Issue 1.0: Program Planning, Design, and Evaluation Issue Description Because the stated purpose of this Agreement is to improve education for the students of the VI, it is critical to successfully meeting the terms of this Agreement that the VI use the first year of the next three year period to develop long-term goals, assess the current status of each program receiving Federal assistance, and design coherent programs to bridge the gap between the current status of education in the VI and its educational goals and applicable requirements. An issue of significant importance to program planning, design, and evaluation is the legal and administrative impact of the organizational structure and legal classification of the various educational agencies in the Virgin Islands. This Compliance Agreement has been drafted in reliance upon the mutual understanding that the Virgin Islands has established and maintains a State educational agency (SEA) and two local educational agencies (LEA), as defined under Federal law. Thus, for purposes of administering its Federal grants, VIDE, as the SEA, must make steady progress towards meeting all Federal requirements that are related to that designation, including where specified, providing LEAs, the St. Thomas/St. John school district and St. Croix school district, the appropriate levels of Federal funding and autonomy required under each Federal program's requirements. Therefore, by entering into this Agreement, the VI acknowledges the Department's reliance upon this designation, agrees to comply with the specific Federal requirements that apply through this designation and agrees not to change this designation during the period of this Agreement without the prior approval of the Department. Effective planning and design includes the following elements: (1) program goals stated in measurable terms (outcome measures), (2) baseline assessments of current status (baseline measures), (3) comparison of current status to program goals (baseline measures to outcome measures), (4) a report of areas where current programs do not meet goals, (5) a plan to improve current programs to meet goals, (6) a schedule for implementing the plan, (7) measures to determine if the plan implementation is having the intended effect, and (8) options for further modification if implementing the plan is not having the intended effect. Any planning and design process will take into account Federal and State requirements for each program, as well as other applicable professional standards. In addition, the planning process should include citizen and/or customer input and feedback; input is a vital part of the process to set goals, and feedback is equally significant in assessing results. A critically important aspect of the planning and design process is that it is fully integrated as the foundation for other program-related decisions about budgets, financial management, personnel requirements, and other resource needs. In order to fully implement this process, a comprehensive, school- based, statewide plan will be developed. The Department will provide model comprehensive plans, if appropriate, and referrals to successful jurisdictions for guidance. VI will seek the assistance of expert consultants and other grantees to provide hands-on guidance in completing the comprehensive planning process. Reasonable and necessary expenses for this assistance will be considered allowable costs chargeable to a Department grant to be awarded by September 30, 2002, provided an approvable application is received in a timely manner. The expected outcomes identified in this plan, among other federally and locally identified outcomes, will include: Schools gain greater site-based authority to determine needs and apply funding to those needs. School site-based management will be enhanced through greater school community involvement and increased awareness of accountability. Programs can be implemented that best fit the needs of the individual school population rather than one district approach for all. Activities conducted under this plan bring VI into compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements for Department programs. In general, the comprehensive statewide plan should be based on information derived from individual school plans. These school plans should include, at a minimum, the components listed below. A comprehensive needs assessment of the entire school, based on information about student academic achievement. Strategies that provide opportunities for all children to meet proficient and advanced levels of academic achievement, use effective methods of instruction that are based on scientific research and address the needs of all children in the school. Instruction by highly qualified teachers as defined by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. High quality and ongoing professional development for teachers, principals, and other staff. Strategies to attract high-quality teachers in all schools, but with special emphasis on high-need schools. [[Page 60207]] Strategies to increase parental involvement. Plans for assisting preschool children in the transition from early childhood programs to local elementary school programs. Measures to include teachers in decisions about academic assessment. Assistance for children who experience difficulty mastering the proficient or advanced levels of academic achievement standards. Coordination and integration of Federal, State and local services and programs. Annual report cards for the performance of each school as defined by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. All expenditures are allowable under the requirements of each grant and applicable program. This comprehensive plan for reforming the total instructional program in the school should be developed during the first year period, with the involvement of staff, parents, administrators, and others. The plan must: Describe how the school will implement the components summarized above. Describe how the school will use resources to implement the components. Include a description of Federal, SEA, and LEA programs that will be available in the individual school. Describe how the school will provide parents with individual student academic assessment results and other information about the individual schools, including interpretation of the results, in understandable language. Identification of Long-Term Goals For each Federal program it is important to identify the desired or required outcomes, so VI can measure improvement for that program by how close it is to achieving these goals as well as maintaining improvement on a continuous basis. Examples of this are: For the Title V, Part A program, the law requires states to aim for increased student academic achievement or improved quality of education for all students. For the Vocational Education and Adult Education programs, the desired outcomes are defined by the program statutes in terms of the core indicators of performance or additional VI-identified indicators that measure student performance. Assessment of Current Status of Programs in Terms of Goals This sub-issue involves an assessment at the VI-wide and school level of each Federal program in terms of the goals identified. It also requires VI to identify a measurement approach (a method for measuring) for each goal or core indicator. Once the measurement approach is identified, VI must establish a baseline that reflects the current status for each goal or indicator. Examples of this include: For the Title V, Part A program, VI must identify the current academic levels for the students benefiting from the program, which is the baseline, and establish incremental targets for improvement to reach the goals identified in sub-issue 1.2. For the Vocational Education and Adult Education programs, the VI must establish a baseline and levels of performance (incremental targets) for each required core indicator and any VI-identified indicators for each of the subsequent years of this Agreement. Identification of Educational Program Needs to Meet Goals Once the VI has identified its baselines in comparison to its goals, it must identify the needs that have to be met to bridge the gap between the baseline (current status) and the goals. The needs must be consistent with the purposes and allowable activities under each program. In developing program activities, VIDE will have as a goal that by the end of the three year period of this agreement, 95% of the Federal education funds will be spent on instructional activities and directly related expenditures. Development of Program Design and State Plans or Applications That Address Identified Needs The VI must develop, prepare, and submit to the Department a State application in conformance with the requirements of each program for which funds are being expended and any other requirements set forth in this Agreement. These applications should be based on information gathered from the school-based comprehensive plans developed under this section. Sub-Issue 1.1: Separation of State and Local Educational Agencies Sub-Issue Description In a letter dated August 1, 2001, at the request of the Department and VIDE, the Attorney General of the Virgin Islands provided the legal opinion that under local law, the structure and functions of the various educational agencies in the Virgin Islands were divided into, VIDE, as the SEA, and the St. Thomas/St. John school district and the St. Croix school district, as the two LEAs. This has significant implications for the administration of Federal education programs. For example, under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the SEA must ensure that eligible LEAs receive subgrants under the formula specified at 34 CFR Sec. 300.712. Additionally, under Title V of ESEA, an LEA is to have complete discretion in deciding how to allocate funds among the allowable Title V program areas, and must ensure that its Title V expenditures carry out the purposes of the program and are used to meet the educational needs in schools within the LEA. The specific terms of this Compliance Agreement contemplate the administrative structure of one SEA and two LEAs. Performance Measures for Issue 1.0 and 1.1 1. By the end of the three-year period of the Compliance Agreement, VI will be in full compliance with the program requirements of all Department grants for which VI expends funds and any other requirements set forth in this Agreement. 2. VI's implementation of the action steps described below brings it into full compliance with the standards and assessment requirements of Title I, ESEA that all States were required to meet by the end of the 2000-2001 school year, no later than the end of the three-year period of the Compliance Agreement. 3. By the end of the three-year period of the Compliance Agreement, VI must have developed a detailed plan for how it will comply with the requirements of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, including Title I, Part A of the ESEA as reauthorized by the No Child Left Behind Act. We expect that at the end of the three-year period, VIDE will apply for most or all of the individual programs authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act rather than consolidating them. 4. By the end of the three-year period of the Compliance Agreement, VI's implementation of the action steps described below must bring its programs into full compliance, with respect to Federal law and with the obligations and responsibilities of a single SEA and two LEAs. Action Steps Required [[Page 60208]] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1. The VI must submit to the 1. In the second 1. In the third year Department within 120 days year of the of the Compliance from the date of the Compliance Agreement, the VI compliance agreement, an Agreement, the VI will implement the approvable action plan that will implement the comprehensive, can demonstrate steady comprehensive, statewide plan and progress toward developing statewide plan and demonstrate that it a comprehensive statewide demonstrate that it is achieving the plan and fiscal year 2003 is achieving the program goals that consolidated grant program goals that are required. application described in are required. items two and three below. 2. Within the first year of 2. In the second 2. In the third year the Compliance Agreement year of the of the Compliance the VI must develop a Compliance Agreement, the VI comprehensive, school- Agreement, the VI will meet all based, statewide action will demonstrate Federal plan for complying with the steady progress requirements requirements of various towards meeting all related to the programs funded by the Federal designation of a Department including, but requirements single SEA and two not limited to: Title I, related to the LEAs and is ready Part A of ESEA standards designation of a to meet all and assessment single SEA and two requirements. requirements, Vocational LEAs and is ready Education State Plan, to meet all Occupational and Employment requirements. continuation grant, Adult Education, and Title V-A. The plan must include, at a minimum, the following elements: (1) Goals stated in measurable terms (outcome measures) based on program requirements; (2) baseline assessments of the VI's current status (baseline measures); (3) comparison of the VI's current status to the goals including an appropriate needs assessment; (4) a report of areas where current programs do not meet goals; (5) action steps to improve current programs to meet goals; (6) a schedule with clear, reasonable completion dates for implementing the action steps; (7) measures to determine if the plan implementation is having the intended effect; (8) options for further modification if implementing the plan is not having the intended effect; (9) demonstration of citizen and customer input and feedback; and (10) demonstration of its foundation for decisions about budgets, personnel requirements, and other resource needs. Other requirements of the plan are included in section 1.0 above and applicable laws and regulations. 3. Within the first year of 3. The VI will 3. By the end of the the Compliance Agreement prepare and make three-year period the VI must include in the public annual of the Compliance development of a report cards for Agreement, VI will comprehensive, school- the performance of have submitted a based, statewide action each school as detailed plan for plan such action steps that defined by the No how it will comply will show steady progress Child Left Behind with the in meeting the requirements Act. requirements of the of Department grants with No Child Left respect to separate SEA/LEA Behind Act, issues described in sub- including Title I, issue 1.1 above. Part A of the ESEA as reauthorized by the No Child Left Behind Act. 4. Prepare and submit semi- 4. The VI will 4. The VI will annual expenditure report prepare and submit prepare and make that includes certification semi-annual public annual that all expenditures are expenditure report report cards for for allowable purposes (the that includes the performance of reports will include the certification that each school as detail required in the FY all expenditures defined by the No 2000 special conditions). are for allowable Child Left Behind purposes (the Act. reports will include the detail required in the FY 2000 special conditions). 5. The VI will prepare and submit semi-annual expenditure report that includes certification that all expenditures are for allowable purposes (the reports will include the detail required in the FY 2000 special conditions). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Issue 2.0: Financial Management Issue Description It is critical to successfully meeting the terms of this Agreement that the VI use the next three years to develop a credible central financial management system (FMS). In brief, such a system would provide the correct amount of funds, in the correct accounts, in a timely manner, all the time. Credible financial management includes systems, policies, and procedures that (1) provide access to accurate information when needed, (2) account appropriately for funds, (3) ensure timely deposits or draw down of funds, (4) ensure timely and accurate payments, and (5) otherwise enable and support generally accepted government financial management and accounting standards and requirements. In addition, VIDE, VIDF and other VI Departments must demonstrate improved communication and cooperation to develop an FMS that meets needs across the VI. Through the terms of this Agreement, financial management systems will be integrated with one another (i.e., across departments) and with other management systems (including budget, human resource management, property and procurement, and planning and [[Page 60209]] evaluation). One example of the integration required includes connecting financial management policies and systems with time and attendance systems to ensure appropriate payment and accounting for staff time. It is especially important for the purposes of this Agreement that the VI financial management system is effectively integrated with all management systems and procedures in VIDE. All of the action steps to address the financial management issue are important, but it is a critical factor for success that the VI improve its cash management function immediately. The cash management function must be able to provide timely and accurate information about each draw down of funds from the Department. Inability to track drawn down funds will be considered a failure to meet the terms and conditions of this Agreement. In addition to the overall requirement to develop a credible central FMS, this Compliance Agreement also addresses issues related to (1) indirect costs, and (2) obligation of funds and disbursement of obligations. Both issues are closely tied to a credible FMS and the Department will assess progress in meeting the terms of this Agreement by the systemic approaches and degree of integration that the VI brings in designing and implementing solutions to all of its longstanding problems in the financial management area. Sub-Issue 2.1: Credible Financial Management System Issue Description This sub-issue involves many areas that must be systemically addressed. In December 2001, VI staff identified a series of action items related to addressing the FMS issues, including information flow, adjustments, system improvements, training, payroll, reporting systems, draw downs, and other areas. Department staff have further supplemented VI's list. One example of the FMS issue was illustrated in the 2000 single audit findings: the auditors are still using different Department (e.g., VIDE) accounting records to compare with Department of Finance records. Invariably, the cash accounts show shortages in terms of amounts drawn from Federal agencies as compared to VI Departments' records. To satisfy the requirements of this Agreement, the VI will develop a credible central FMS in which records account for all draws and expenditures of Federal education funds. VI agencies and single auditors will be able to rely on the central FMS as an accurate system of record. In the short term, any differences between the Department of Finance and VIDE will be reconciled concurrently, but at the end of three years, VI agencies should no longer need separate accounting systems. Performance Measures for Issue 2.0 and 2.1 1. Within one month of the inception of this Agreement, appropriate VIDE, VIDH, VIOMB and VIDF staff members will be provided with access to the Department's GAPS system to monitor draw downs. 2. By December 31, 2002, the VIDF will complete a vision document for the implementation of a credible central FMS. 3. By March 31, 2003, the VIDF will complete a plan for developing and implementing a credible central FMS. 4. From the inception of this Compliance Agreement, all transactions for draws and disbursements, as well as any required adjustments for Federal education programs' funds will be timely and accurately recorded in the VIDF accounting system as they occur according to generally accepted accounting standards. Inability to track drawn down funds will be considered a failure to meet the terms and conditions of this Agreement. 5. By the conclusion of the third year of the Compliance Agreement, VI will conduct monthly reconciliation of draws and expenditures, resolve any differences, and record appropriate adjustments. 6. By the conclusion of the second year of the Compliance Agreement, the VI will institute an independent internal audit function within VIDE that will abide by the standards for internal audit prescribed by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). 7. By the conclusion of the Compliance Agreement, VI agencies will no longer need separate accounting systems. 8. By the conclusion of the Compliance Agreement, single auditors will be able to rely on the FMS as the accurate system of record for the financial statement audit. Action Steps Required ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1. Within one month of the 1. Twice during the 1. VI will conduct inception of this 2003-2004 school quarterly Agreement, appropriate VIDE year, the VI will reconciliation and VIDF staff members will publicize the U.S. between GAPS, VIDE, be provided access to the Department of and VIDF draws and Department's GAPS system to Education Office of expenditures, monitor draw downs. Inspector General resolve any Hotline telephone differences, and number 1-800- record appropriate MISUSED and the adjustments within Department of 30 days. Interior OIG Hotline (1-800-424- 5081) to all schools, teachers, parents of students in schools, participants in adult education and vocational education programs, VIDE employees, and the public and encourage anyone with any knowledge of misuse of Federal education program dollars to call the Hotlines. [[Page 60210]] 2. By December 31, 2002 the 2. By the conclusion 2. Twice during the VIDF will create a vision of the second year 2004-2005 school document of a credible of the Compliance year, the VI will central FMS. The vision Agreement, the VI publicize the document will specifically will institute an Federal Education describe how the system independent Office of Inspector would (1) provide access to internal audit General Hotline accurate information when function within telephone number 1- needed, (2) account VIDE that will 800-MISUSED and the appropriately for funds, abide by the Department of (3) ensure timely deposits standards for Interior OIG or draw down of funds, (4) internal audit Hotline (1-800-424- ensure timely and accurate prescribed by the 5081) to all payments, (5) ensure, prior Institute of schools, teachers, to archiving any financial Internal Auditors parents of students data, the capacity to (IIA). In this in schools, retrieve that data in the regard, VIDE will participants in future, and (6) otherwise create an adult education and enable and support independent Audit vocational generally accepted Committee that will education programs, government financial make all audit VIDE employees, and management and accounting resolution the public and standards and requirements. decisions for the encourage anyone The vision document will VIDE and to whom with any knowledge also describe how the the internal of misuse of central FMS would serve as auditor will report. Federal education an accurate system of program dollars to record that would no longer call the Hotlines. require separate accounting systems in different agencies. The document will also provide a detailed diagram of each function of the system and how it would integrate with other related systems or processes, (including, but not limited to, program planning, grant administration, budget, property and procurement management, time and attendance, human resource management, and payroll). The vision document and plan (see 3 below) will be based on an independent party performing a needs assessment for the financial management system. 3. By March 31, 2003, the 3. VI will conduct VIDF will create a plan for quarterly how it will develop and reconciliation implement the credible between GAPS, VIDE, central FMS described in and VIDF draws and the vision document. The expenditures, plan will also include resolve any resource requirements for differences, and implementing the plan, with record appropriate action steps and timelines, adjustments within and identify how the 30 days. resources will be obtained. The vision document (see 2 above) and plan will be based on an independent party performing a needs assessment for the financial management system. 4. During the first year of the compliance agreement, VI will conduct semi-annual reconciliation between GAPS, VIDE, and VIDF draws and expenditures, resolve any differences, and record appropriate adjustments within 30 days. These reconciliations will be provided on a semi-annual basis to the Department for review with evidence that all adjustments have been made. 5. Twice during the 2002- 2003 school year, the VI will publicize the Federal education Office of Inspector General (OIG) Hotline telephone number 1- 800-MISUSED, and the Department of Interior OIG Hotline (1-800-424-5081) to all schools, teachers, parents of students in schools, participants in adult education and vocational education programs, VIDE employees, and the public and encourage anyone with any knowledge of misuse of Federal education program dollars to call the Hotline. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sub-Issue 2.2: Indirect Costs Sub-Issue Description The indirect cost issue relates to the manner in which the indirect costs associated with Federal funds are distributed within VI. OMB Circular A-87 specifies indirect cost requirements. In December 2001, officials from ED, VI and other Federal agencies developed and agreed on a three-phase process to address the indirect cost issue. Phase I of the process outlines steps for indirect cost determination and distribution; Phase II outlines steps for making rate application corrections, and Phase III outlines steps for preparing a new rate proposal. The VI will implement the agreed upon steps of the process in a timely manner and report progress to ED. Performance Measures for Issue 2.2 1. As described below, steps to determine indirect costs and distribute indirect cost reimbursement between the VIDE and the VI will be fully [[Page 60211]] implemented by OCTOBER 1, 2002 in accordance with VIOMB's new policy. The new OMB policy will provide for a pro rata allocation that segregates central service indirect costs from agency level or departmental indirect costs. 2. By the beginning of Fiscal Year (FY) 2003, the VI and the Department must have agreed on an indirect cost rate to use for FY 2003. 3. Starting April 1, 2003, unused leave for separating employees will not be charged directly to Federal programs, but allocated only as indirect costs. 4. All of the underlying problems having to do with indirect costs will be eliminated by FY 2004, so that audits and other monitoring procedures will have minimal findings related to indirect rates in FY 2003, and no findings related to indirect rates in FY 2004 and 2005. 5. By the conclusion of the Compliance Agreement, there will be 100 percent application of the correct, current indirect cost rate in education programs. Action Steps Required Officials from VI, the Department and other Federal agencies agreed in December 2001 about three phases of action steps to address the indirect cost issue. The phases, related steps, and agreed upon time lines are listed in the table below. (Steps listed in bold were added by the Department staff members after the December 2001 meeting.) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. If the steps or timelines listed in this table are no longer valid, the VI will ask the Department to consider a revised plan of action steps and timeline by October 1, 2002. 2. In addition to other requirements set forth in the Reporting Requirements section of this document, the quarterly reports for this sub-issue will include a copy of the products developed for each step of the process. Phase I: Indirect Cost Determination and Distribution DOI IG will submit letter to the Legislature and Governor outlining the indirect cost fund sharing issue. Develop cost policy statement regarding Indirect Cost Fund Sharing. OMB will submit policy change recommendation and potential changes to the existing legislation on the indirect cost fund, if necessary, to the Legislature with copies to the U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) and the Department. ED indirect cost staff transmit cost policy template to VI OMB. VIDE will provide cost policy statements to the Department and DOI by September 30, 2002. Cost policy statements will be amended as appropriate to account for the LEA/SEA relationship. OMB will provide agencies with account codes for receipt and expenditure of indirect cost funds. Any shortfalls will be absorbed by VIDE, not VIDE programs. VIDF will propose accounting changes to implement new indirect cost policy for review by the Department and DOI by September 30, 2002. The policy must address unused leave for separating employees. Training needs will be identified....... Training will be planned and scheduled.. Training will be implemented............ Phase II: Rate Application Corrections Determine and correct current rates, as necessary. As needed, correct the rate table and apply correct rates to current grant programs. Review FY 2002 indirect cost rates on FMS versus current rates on indirect rate plan. Review the prior year indirect costs applied to grants and prepare necessary adjustments. Develop a procedure to report indirect cost rate application errors to VIDF. Phase III: New Rate Obtain three-year rate proposal with the following steps:. Issue RFP for 2003-2005................. P& P issue invitations for bids......... P& P review bid packages................ Contract sent to Justice................ Justice reviews contract and forwards to Governor's legal counsel. Contract executed....................... Contract work performed................. Submit rate proposal to IG.............. Submit draft agreements to agencies for review and approval/signature. Agencies implement new rates............ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub-Issue 2.3: Obligation of Funds/Disbursement of Obligation Sub-Issue Description Federal education funds in the VI must be obligated and disbursed in a manner that ensures that programs are appropriately managed. Specifically, application for funds should be based on program plans, and funds disbursement should occur as the program plans dictate and be tied to specific activities. In addition, funds should be spent in a timely manner based on resource requirements for activities specified in the program plans. Under the terms of this Agreement, the VI will develop a grant application process and subsequent spending process that ensures that grant awards are based on specified pr