Office of Postsecondary Education: Overview Information: Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) Program; Notice Inviting Applications for New Awards for Fiscal Year (FY) 2010, 26947-26952 [2010-11403]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 92 / Thursday, May 13, 2010 / Notices Applications that propose short-term projects abroad that develop and improve foreign language studies, area studies, or both at elementary and secondary schools by including K–12 teachers or K–12 administrators as at least 50 percent of the project participants. Types of Priorities: When inviting applications for a competition using one or more priorities, we designate the type of each priority as absolute, competitive preference, or invitational through a notice in the Federal Register. The effect of each type of priority follows: Absolute priority: Under an absolute priority, we consider only applications that meet the priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(3)). Competitive preference priority: Under a competitive preference priority, we give competitive preference to an application by (1) awarding additional points, depending on the extent to which the application meets the priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i)); or (2) selecting an application that meets the priority over an application of comparable merit that does not meet the priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(ii)). Invitational priority: Under an invitational priority, we are particularly interested in applications that meet the priority. However, we do not give an application that meets the priority a preference over other applications (34 CFR 75.105(c)(1)). Final Priorities: We will announce the final priorities in a notice in the Federal Register. We will determine the final priorities after considering responses to this notice and other information available to the Department. This notice does not preclude us from proposing additional priorities, requirements, definitions, or selection criteria, subject to meeting applicable rulemaking requirements. sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with NOTICES Note: This notice does not solicit applications. In any year in which we choose to use one or more of these priorities, we invite applications through a notice in the Federal Register. Executive Order 12866: This notice of proposed priorities has been reviewed in accordance with Executive Order 12866. Under the terms of the order, we have assessed the potential costs and benefits of this proposed regulatory action. The potential costs associated with this proposed regulatory action are those resulting from statutory requirements and those we have determined as necessary for administering these programs effectively and efficiently. VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:56 May 12, 2010 Jkt 220001 In assessing the potential costs and benefits—both quantitative and qualitative—of this proposed regulatory action, we have determined that the benefits of the proposed priorities justify the costs. We have also determined that this regulatory action does not unduly interfere with State, local, and tribal governments in the exercise of their governmental functions. Intergovernmental Review: These programs are subject to Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79. One of the objectives of the Executive order is to foster an intergovernmental partnership and a strengthened federalism. The Executive order relies on processes developed by State and local governments for coordination and review of proposed Federal financial assistance. This document provides early notification of our specific plans and actions for these programs. Accessible Format: Individuals with disabilities can obtain this document in an accessible format (e.g., braille, large print, audiotape, or computer diskette) on request to the program contact person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. Electronic Access to This Document: You can view this document, as well as all other documents of this Department published in the Federal Register, in text or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) on the Internet at the following site: https://www.ed.gov/news/ fedregister. To use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at this site. Note: The official version of this 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: https://www.gpoaccess.gov/nara/ index.html. Delegation of Authority: The Secretary of Education has delegated authority to Daniel T. Madzelan, Director, Forecasting and Policy Analysis for the Office of Postsecondary Education, to perform the functions and duties of the Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education. Dated: May 7, 2010. Daniel T. Madzelan, Director, Forecasting and Policy Analysis. [FR Doc. 2010–11402 Filed 5–12–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000–01–P PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 26947 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Postsecondary Education: Overview Information: Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) Program; Notice Inviting Applications for New Awards for Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 84.031S. DATES: Applications Available: May 13, 2010. Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: June 14, 2010. Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: August 11, 2010. Full Text of Announcement I. Funding Opportunity Description Purpose of Program: The HSI Program provides grants to assist HSIs to expand educational opportunities for, and improve the academic attainment of, Hispanic students. The HSI Program grants also enable HSIs to expand and enhance their academic offerings, program quality, and institutional stability. Priorities: Under this competition we are particularly interested in applications that address the following priorities. Invitational Priorities: For FY 2010, these priorities are invitational priorities. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(1) we do not give an application that meets these invitational priorities a competitive or absolute preference over other applications. These priorities are: Invitational Priority 1. Support activities that will improve the institution’s persistence and graduation rates. Invitational Priority 2. Work with the appropriate State agencies to develop strategies for using State longitudinal data systems to track outcomes for students attending the grantee institution, including the extent to which the students complete certificates, two-year degrees, and fouryear degrees at other institutions. Invitational Priority 3. Develop academic programs to improve completion rates or develop innovative support programs that are designed to increase completion rates. Invitational Priority 4. Develop dual enrollment programs that facilitate the transition between high school and college or career pathways programs that integrate basic academic instruction with technical or professional occupational training to advance individuals, particularly adult learners, on a career path toward high- E:\FR\FM\13MYN1.SGM 13MYN1 26948 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 92 / Thursday, May 13, 2010 / Notices wage occupations in high-demand industries. Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1101– 1101d; 1103–1103g. Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR parts 74, 75, 77, 79, 82, 84, 85, 86, 97, 98, and 99. (b) The regulations for this program in 34 CFR part 606. II. Award Information Type of Award: Discretionary grant. Five-year Individual Development Grants and Five-year Cooperative Arrangement Development Grants will be awarded in FY 2010. Planning grants will not be awarded in FY 2010. Estimated Available Funds: $48,254,710. Contingent upon the availability of funds and the quality of applications, we may make additional awards in FY 2011 from the list of unfunded applicants from this competition. Estimated Range of Awards: $537,000–$775,000. Estimate Average Size of Awards: Individual Development Grants: $556,000. Cooperative Arrangement Development Grants: $743,000. Maximum Awards: Individual Development Grants: $650,000. Cooperative Arrangement Development Grants: $775,000. We will not fund any application at an amount exceeding these maximum amounts for a single budget period of 12 months. We may choose not to further consider or review applications with budgets that exceed the maximum amounts specified, if we conclude, during our initial review of the application, that the proposed goals and objectives cannot be obtained with the specified maximum amount. Estimated Number of Awards: Individual Development Grants: 48. Cooperative Arrangement Development Grants: 29. Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice. Applicants should periodically check the HSI Program Web site for further information. The address is: https://www.ed.gov/programs/idueshsi/ index.html. sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with NOTICES Project Period: Up to 60 months. III. Eligibility Information 1. Eligible Applicants: Institutions of higher education (IHEs) that qualify as eligible HSIs are eligible to apply for new Individual Development Grants and Cooperative Arrangement Development Grants under the HSI Program. To be an eligible HSI, an IHE must— (1) Be accredited or preaccredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association that the Secretary VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:56 May 12, 2010 Jkt 220001 has determined to be a reliable authority as to the quality of education or training offered; (2) Be legally authorized by the State in which it is located to be a junior college or to provide an educational program for which it awards a bachelor’s degree; (3) Be designated as an ‘‘eligible institution’’ by demonstrating that it: (A) Has an enrollment of needy students as described in 34 CFR 606.3; and (B) has low average educational and general expenditures per full-time equivalent (FTE) undergraduate student as described in 34 CFR 606.4; and (4) Have an enrollment of undergraduate FTE students that is at least 25 percent Hispanic students at the end of the award year immediately preceding the date of application. The HSI eligibility requirements are in 34 CFR 606.2 through 606.5 and can be accessed from the following Web site: https://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/ waisidx_01/34cfr606_01.html. These regulations do not reflect the changes made to the HSI Program requirements by the Third Higher Education Extension Act of 2006 or the HEOA. Section 502(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA), requires institutions applying for an HSI grant to report their undergraduate Hispanic FTE percentage at the end of the award year immediately preceding the date of application. Funds for the HSI Program are awarded each fiscal year; thus, for this program, the end of the award year refers to the end of the fiscal year prior to the application due date. The end of the fiscal year occurs on September 30 for any given year. Therefore, for purposes of making the determination described in paragraph (4), IHEs must report their undergraduate Hispanic FTE percent based on the student enrollment count closest to, but not after, September 30, 2009. Note: The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA) amended section 503(b) of the HEA to include, among the authorized activities under the HSI Program, activities to improve student services, including innovative and customized instruction courses designed to help retain students and move the students into core courses; articulation agreements and student support programs designed to facilitate the transfer of students from 2-year to 4-year institutions; and providing education, counseling services, and financial information designed to improve the financial and economic literacy of students or their families. The list of authorized activities in section 503(b) was also amended to use the term ‘‘distance education technologies’’ in place of ‘‘distance learning academic instruction capabilities.’’ PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Applicants may include these activities in their proposals. For this competition, the Notice Inviting Applications for Designation as Eligible Institutions for FY 2010 was published in the Federal Register on December 7, 2009 (74 FR 64059) and the deadline for application was January 6, 2010. Only institutions that submitted the required application and received designation through that process are eligible to submit an application for this competition. Relationship Between HSI and Title III, Part A Programs Note 1: A grantee under the HSI Program, which is authorized by Title V of the HEA, may not receive a grant under any HEA, Title III, Part A Program. The Title III, Part A Programs include: the Strengthening Institutions Program; the American Indian Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities Program; the Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions Programs; the Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Program; and the Native American-Serving Non-Tribal Institutions Program. Further, a current HSI Program grantee may not give up its HSI grant in order to receive a grant under any Title III, Part A Program. Note 2: An HSI that does not fall within the limitation described in Note 1 may apply for a FY 2010 grant under all Title III, Part A Programs for which it is eligible, as well as under the HSI Program. However, a successful applicant may receive only one grant. Note 3: An eligible HSI that submits more than one application may only be awarded one Individual Development Grant or one Cooperative Arrangement Development Grant in a fiscal year. Furthermore, we will not award a second Individual Development Grant to an otherwise eligible HSI for the same award year as the HSI’s existing Individual Development Grant as described in 34 CFR 606.9(3)(b)(1). Note 4: An eligible HSI that submits a Cooperative Arrangement Development Grant with a partnering branch campus that is a part of the same institution will not be awarded a grant. Note 5: Applicants must provide, as an attachment to the application, the documentation that the IHE relied upon in determining that at least 25 percent of the IHE’s undergraduate FTE students are Hispanic, as defined in section 502(a)(4) of the HEA. The Department will crossreference for verification, data reported to the Department’s Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), the IHE’s State-reported enrollment data, and the institutional annual report. If there are any differences in the percentages reported in IPEDS and the percentages reported in the grant application, the IHE should explain the differences as a part of its eligibility documentation. E:\FR\FM\13MYN1.SGM 13MYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 92 / Thursday, May 13, 2010 / Notices sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with NOTICES 2. Cost Sharing or Matching: There are no cost sharing or matching requirements unless the grantee uses a portion of its grant for establishing or improving an endowment fund. If a grantee uses a portion of its grant for endowment fund purposes, it must match those grant funds with nonFederal funds. (20 U.S.C. 1101b(c)(2)). IV. Application and Submission Information 1. Address to Request Application Package: Carnisia M. Proctor, U.S. Department of Education, 1990 K Street, NW., Room 6060, Washington, DC 20006–8513. Telephone: (202) 502–7606 or by e-mail: Carnisia.Proctor@ed.gov. If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), call the Federal Relay Service (FRS), toll free, at 1–800–877–8339. Individuals with disabilities can obtain a copy of the application package in an accessible format (e.g., braille, large print, audiotape, or computer diskette) by contacting the program contact person listed in this section. 2. Content and Form of Application Submission: Requirements concerning the content of an application, together with the forms you must submit, are in the application package for this program. Page Limits: The application narrative (Part III of the application) is where you, the applicant, address the selection criteria that reviewers use to evaluate your application. We have established mandatory page limits for both the Individual Development Grant and the Cooperative Arrangement Development Grant applications. You must limit the section of the narrative that addresses the selection criteria to no more than 50 pages for the Individual Development Grant application and 70 pages for the Cooperative Arrangement Development Grant application, using 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, except titles, headings, footnotes, quotations, references, captions and all text in charts, tables, and graphs. These items may be single-spaced. Charts, tables, figures, and graphs in the application narrative count toward the page limit. • Use a font that is either 12 point or larger or no smaller than 10 pitch (characters per inch). • Use one of the following fonts: Times New Roman, Courier, Courier New, or Arial. An application submitted in any other font (including Times VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:56 May 12, 2010 Jkt 220001 Roman or Arial Narrow) will not be accepted. The page limit does not apply to Part I, the Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424); the Department of Education Supplemental Information form (SF 424); Part II, Budget Information—NonConstruction Programs (ED 524); Part IV, the assurances and certifications; or the one-page project abstract, program activity budget detail form and supporting narrative, and the five-year plan. However, the page limit does apply to all of the application narrative section (Part III), including the budget narrative of the selection criteria. If you include any attachments or appendices not specifically requested in the application package, these items will be counted as part of your application narrative (Part III) for purposes of the page limit requirement. You must include your complete response to the selection criteria in the application narrative. Note: The narrative response to the budget selection criteria is not the same as the activity detail budget form and supporting narrative. The supporting narrative for the activity detail budget form details the requested budget items line by line. We will reject your application if you exceed the page limit. 3. Submission Dates and Times: Applications Available: May 13, 2010. Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: June 14, 2010. Applications for grants under this program must be submitted electronically using the Electronic Grant Application System (e-Application) accessible through the Department’s eGrants site. For information (including dates and times) about how to submit your application electronically, or in paper format by mail or hand delivery if you qualify for an exception to the electronic submission requirement, please refer to section IV. 6. Other Submission Requirements of this notice. We do not consider an application that does not comply with the deadline requirements. Individuals with disabilities who need an accommodation or auxiliary aid in connection with the application process should contact the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT in section VII of this notice. If the Department provides an accommodation or auxiliary aid to an individual with a disability in connection with the application process, the individual’s application remains subject to all other requirements and limitations in this notice. PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 26949 Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: August 11, 2010. 4. Intergovernmental Review: This competition is subject to Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79. Information about Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs under Executive Order 12372 is in the application package for this competition. 5. Funding Restrictions: We reference regulations outlining funding restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice. 6. Other Submission Requirements: Applications for grants under this competition must be submitted electronically unless you qualify for an exception to this requirement in accordance with the instructions in this section. a. Electronic Submission of Applications. Applications for grants under the HSI Program CFDA Number 84.031S must be submitted electronically using eApplication, accessible through the Department’s e-Grants Web site at: https://e-grants.ed.gov. We will reject your application if you submit it in paper format unless, as described elsewhere in this section, you qualify for one of the exceptions to the electronic submission requirement and submit, no later than two weeks before the application deadline date, a written statement to the Department that you qualify for one of these exceptions. Further information regarding calculation of the date that is two weeks before the application deadline date is provided later in this section under Exception to Electronic Submission Requirement. While completing your electronic application, you will be entering data online that will be saved into a database. You may not e-mail an electronic copy of a grant application to us. Please note the following: • You must complete the electronic submission of your grant application by 4:30:00 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date. E-Application will not accept an application for this program after 4:30:00 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the application process. • The hours of operation of the eGrants Web site are 6:00 a.m. Monday until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday; and 6:00 a.m. Thursday until 8:00 p.m. Sunday, Washington, DC time. Please note that, because of maintenance, the system is E:\FR\FM\13MYN1.SGM 13MYN1 sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with NOTICES 26950 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 92 / Thursday, May 13, 2010 / Notices unavailable between 8:00 p.m. on Sundays and 6:00 a.m. on Mondays, and between 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays and 6:00 a.m. on Thursdays, Washington, DC time. Any modifications to these hours are posted on the e-Grants Web site. • You will not receive additional point value because you submit your application in electronic format, nor will we penalize you if you qualify for an exception to the electronic submission requirement, as described elsewhere in this section, and submit your application in paper format. • You must submit all documents electronically, including all information you typically provide on the following forms: the Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424), the Department of Education Supplemental Information form SF 424, Budget Information—NonConstruction Programs (ED 524), and all necessary assurances and certifications. You must attach any narrative sections of your application as files in a .DOC (document), .RTF (rich text), or .PDF (Portable Document) format. If you upload a file type other than the three file types specified in this paragraph or submit a password protected file, we will not review that material. • Your electronic application must comply with any page limit requirements described in this notice. • Prior to submitting your electronic application, you may wish to print a copy of it for your records. • After you electronically submit your application, you will receive an automatic acknowledgment that will include a PR/Award number (an identifying number unique to your application). • Within three working days after submitting your electronic application, fax a signed copy of the SF 424 to the Application Control Center after following these steps: (1) Print SF 424 from e-Application. (2) The applicant’s Authorizing Representative must sign this form. (3) Place the PR/Award number in the upper right hand corner of the hardcopy signature page of the SF 424. (4) Fax the signed SF 424 to the Application Control Center at (202) 245–6272. • We may request that you provide us original signatures on other forms at a later date. Application Deadline Date Extension in Case of e-Application Unavailability: If you are prevented from electronically submitting your application on the application deadline date because eApplication is unavailable, we will grant you an extension of one business day to enable you to transmit your VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:56 May 12, 2010 Jkt 220001 application electronically, by mail, or by hand delivery. We will grant this extension if— (1) You are a registered user of eApplication and you have initiated an electronic application for this competition; and (2)(a) E-Application is unavailable for 60 minutes or more between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date; or (b) E-Application is unavailable for any period of time between 3:30 p.m. and 4:30:00 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date. We must acknowledge and confirm these periods of unavailability before granting you an extension. To request this extension or to confirm our acknowledgment of any system unavailability, you may contact either (1) the person listed elsewhere in this notice under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT (see VII. Agency Contact) or (2) the e-Grants help desk at 1–888–336– 8930. If e-Application is unavailable due to technical problems with the system and, therefore, the application deadline is extended, an e-mail will be sent to all registered users who have initiated an e-Application. Extensions referred to in this section apply only to the unavailability of e-Application. Exception to Electronic Submission Requirement: You qualify for an exception to the electronic submission requirement, and may submit your application in paper format, if you are unable to submit an application through e-Application because— • You do not have access to the Internet; or • You do not have the capacity to upload large documents to e-Application; and • No later than two weeks before the application deadline date (14 calendar days or, if the fourteenth calendar day before the application deadline date falls on a Federal holiday, the next business day following the Federal holiday), you mail or fax a written statement to the Department, explaining which of the two grounds for an exception prevents you from using the Internet to submit your application. If you mail your written statement to the Department, it must be postmarked no later than two weeks before the application deadline date. If you fax your written statement to the Department, we must receive the faxed statement no later than two weeks before the application deadline date. Address and mail or fax your statement to: Carnisia M. Proctor, U.S. Department of Education, 1990 K Street, PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 NW., Room 6060, Washington, DC 20006–8513. FAX: (202) 502–7861. Your paper application must be submitted in accordance with the mail or hand delivery instructions described in this notice. b. Submission of Paper Applications by Mail. If you qualify for an exception to the electronic submission requirement, you may mail (through the U.S. Postal Service or a commercial carrier) your application to the Department. You must mail the original and two copies of your application, on or before the application deadline date, to the Department at the following address: U.S. Department of Education, Application Control Center, Attention: (CFDA Number 84.031S), LBJ Basement Level 1, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20202–4260. You must show proof of mailing consisting of one of the following: (1) A legibly dated U.S. Postal Service postmark. (2) A legible mail receipt with the date of mailing stamped by the U.S. Postal Service. (3) A dated shipping label, invoice, or receipt from a commercial carrier. (4) Any other proof of mailing acceptable to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education. If you mail your application through the U.S. Postal Service, we do not accept either of the following as proof of mailing: (1) A private metered postmark. (2) A mail receipt that is not dated by the U.S. Postal Service. If your application is postmarked after the application deadline date, we will not consider your application. Note: The U.S. Postal Service does not uniformly provide a dated postmark. Before relying on this method, you should check with your local post office. c. Submission of Paper Applications by Hand Delivery. If you qualify for an exception to the electronic submission requirement, you (or a courier service) may deliver your paper application to the Department by hand. You must deliver the original and two copies of your application, by hand, on or before the application deadline date, to the Department at the following address: U.S. Department of Education, Application Control Center, Attention: (CFDA Number 84.031S), 550 12th Street, SW., Room 7041, Potomac Center Plaza, Washington, DC 20202–4260. The Application Control Center accepts hand deliveries daily between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30:00 p.m., Washington, DC time, except Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal holidays. E:\FR\FM\13MYN1.SGM 13MYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 92 / Thursday, May 13, 2010 / Notices Note for Mail or Hand Delivery of Paper Applications: If you mail or hand deliver your application to the Department— (1) You must indicate on the envelope and—if not provided by the Department—in Item 11 of the SF 424 the CFDA number, including suffix letter, if any, of the competition under which you are submitting your application; and (2) The Application Control Center will mail to you a notification of receipt of your grant application. If you do not receive this grant notification within 15 business days from the application deadline date, you should call the U.S. Department of Education Application Control Center at (202) 245– 6288. V. Application Review Information 1. Selection Criteria: The selection criteria for this program are in 34 CFR 606.22. In addition to these selection criteria, we evaluate an applicant’s performance under a previous development grant under 34 CFR 606.24. 2. Review and Selection Process: Additional factors we consider in selecting an application for an award are as follows: (A) Applicants must provide, as an attachment to the application, the documentation the IHE relied upon in determining that at least 25 percent of the IHE’s undergraduate FTE students are Hispanic. sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with NOTICES Note: The 25 percent requirement applies only to undergraduate Hispanic students and is calculated based upon FTE students as defined in Section 502(a)(4) of the HEA. Instructions for formatting and submitting the verification documentation to eApplication are in the application package for this competition. (B) Tiebreaker for Development Grants. In tie-breaking situations for development grants described in 34 CFR 606.23(b), the HSI Program regulations require that we award one additional point to an application from an IHE that has an endowment fund of which the current market value, per FTE enrolled student, is less than the average current market value of the endowment funds, per FTE enrolled student, at comparable institutions that offer similar instruction. We also award one additional point to an application from an IHE that had expenditures for library materials per FTE enrolled student that are less than the average expenditures for library materials per FTE enrolled student at comparable institutions that offer similar instruction. For the purpose of these funding considerations, we use 2007–2008 data. If a tie remains after applying the tiebreaker mechanism above, priority will be given (a) for Individual Development Grants, to applicants that VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:56 May 12, 2010 Jkt 220001 addressed the statutory priority found in section 521(d) of the HEA, as amended; and (b) for Cooperative Arrangement Development Grants, to applicants in accordance with section 524(b) of the HEA, under which the Secretary determines that the cooperative arrangement is geographically and economically sound or will benefit the applicant HSI. If a tie still remains after applying the additional point(s), and the relevant statutory priority, we will determine the ranking of applicants based on the lowest endowment values per FTE enrolled student. VI. Award Administration Information 1. Award Notices: If your application is successful, we notify your U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators and send you a Grant Award Notification (GAN). We may notify you informally, also. If your application is not evaluated or not selected for funding, we notify you. 2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: We identify administrative and national policy requirements in the application package and reference these and other requirements in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice. We reference the regulations outlining the terms and conditions of an award in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice and include these and other specific conditions in the GAN. The GAN also incorporates your approved application as part of your binding commitments under the grant. 3. Reporting: 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 multi-year award, you must submit an annual performance report that provides the most current performance and financial expenditure information as directed by the Secretary under 34 CFR 75.118, 34 CFR 75.720, and 34 CFR 606.31. 4. Performance Measures: The Secretary has established the following key performance measures for assessing the effectiveness of the HSI Program: 1. The percentage change, over the five-year grant period, of the number of full-time degree-seeking undergraduate students enrolled at HSIs. 2. The percentage of first-time, fulltime degree-seeking undergraduate students who were in their first year of postsecondary enrollment in the previous year and are enrolled in the current year at the same Hispanicserving institution. 3. The percentage of first-time, fulltime degree-seeking undergraduate PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 26951 students who were in their first year of postsecondary enrollment in the previous year and are enrolled in the current year at the same four-year Hispanic-serving institution. 4. The percentage of first-time, fulltime degree-seeking undergraduate students who were in their first year of postsecondary enrollment in the previous year and are enrolled in the current year at the same two-year Hispanic-serving institution. 5. The percentage of first-time, fulltime degree-seeking undergraduate students enrolled at four-year HSIs graduating within six years of enrollment. 6. The percentage of first-time, fulltime degree-seeking undergraduate students enrolled at two-year HSIs graduating within three years of enrollment. 7. Federal cost per undergraduate and graduate degree at institutions in the HSI Program. VII. Agency Contact FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carnisia M. Proctor, U.S. Department of Education, 1990 K Street, NW., Room 6060, Washington, DC 20006–8513. Telephone: (202) 502–7606 or by e-mail: Carnisia.Proctor@ed.gov. If you use TDD, call the FRS, toll free, at 1–800–877–8339. VIII. Other Information Accessible Format: Individuals with disabilities can obtain this document and a copy of the application package in an accessible format (e.g., braille, large print, audiotape, or computer diskette) on request to the program contact person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT in section VII of this notice. Electronic Access to this Document: You can view this document, as well as all other documents of this Department published in the Federal Register, in text or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) on the Internet at the following site: https://www.ed.gov/news/ fedregister. To use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at this site. Note: The official version of this 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: https://www.gpoaccess.gov/nara/ index.html. Delegation of Authority: The Secretary of Education has delegated authority to Daniel T. Madzelan, Director, Forecasting and Policy Analysis for the Office of Postsecondary Education, to perform the functions and duties of the E:\FR\FM\13MYN1.SGM 13MYN1 26952 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 92 / Thursday, May 13, 2010 / Notices Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education. Dated: May 7, 2010. Daniel T. Madzelan, Director, Forecasting and Policy Analysis. [FR Doc. 2010–11403 Filed 5–12–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000–01–P DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR)— Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program— Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers (RRTCs)—Center on Employment Policy and Measurement Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 84.133B–4. sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with NOTICES AGENCY: Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Department of Education. ACTION: Notice of proposed priority. SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services proposes a priority for the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program administered by NIDRR. Specifically, this notice proposes a priority for an RRTC on Employment Policy and Measurement. The Assistant Secretary may use this priority for competitions in fiscal year (FY) 2010 and later years. We take this action to focus research attention on areas of national need. We intend this priority to improve rehabilitation services and outcomes for individuals with disabilities. DATES: We must receive your comments on or before June 14, 2010. ADDRESSES: Address all comments about this notice to Marlene Spencer, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Room 5133, Potomac Center Plaza (PCP), Washington, DC 20202–2700. If you prefer to send your comments by e-mail, use the following address: Marlene.Spencer@ed.gov. You must include the term ‘‘Proposed Priority for a Center on Employment Policy and Measurement’’ in the subject line of your electronic message. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Marlene Spencer. Telephone: (202) 245– 7532 or by e-mail: Marlene.Spencer@ed.gov. If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), call the Federal Relay Service (FRS), toll free, at 1–800–877–8339. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice of proposed priority is in concert with NIDRR’s Final Long-Range Plan for VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:56 May 12, 2010 Jkt 220001 FY 2005–2009 (Plan). The Plan, which was published in the Federal Register on February 15, 2006 (71 FR 8165), can be accessed on the Internet at the following site: https://www.ed.gov/ about/offices/list/osers/nidrr/ policy.html. Through the implementation of the Plan, NIDRR seeks to: (1) Improve the quality and utility of disability and rehabilitation research; (2) foster an exchange of expertise, information, and training to facilitate the advancement of knowledge and understanding of the unique needs of traditionally underserved populations; (3) determine best strategies and programs to improve rehabilitation outcomes for underserved populations; (4) identify research gaps; (5) identify mechanisms of integrating research and practice; and (6) disseminate findings. Invitation To Comment: We invite you to submit comments regarding this notice. We invite you to assist us in complying with the specific requirements of Executive Order 12866 and its overall requirement of reducing regulatory burden that might result from this proposed priority. Please let us know of any further ways we could reduce potential costs or increase potential benefits while preserving the effective and efficient administration of the program. During and after the comment period, you may inspect all public comments about this notice in room 5142, 550 12th Street, SW., PCP, Washington, DC, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Washington, DC time, Monday through Friday of each week except Federal holidays. Assistance to Individuals With Disabilities in Reviewing the Rulemaking Record: On request we will provide an appropriate accommodation or auxiliary aid to an individual with a disability who needs assistance to review the comments or other documents in the public rulemaking record for this notice. If you want to schedule an appointment for this type of accommodation or auxiliary aid, please contact the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. Purpose of Program: The purpose of the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Project and Centers Program is to plan and conduct research, demonstration projects, training, and related activities, including international activities, to develop methods, procedures and rehabilitation technology that maximize the full inclusion and integration into society, employment, independent living, family support, and economic and social self- PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 sufficiency of individuals with disabilities, especially individuals with the most severe disabilities, and to improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. RRTC Program The purpose of the RRTC program is to improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act through advanced research, training, technical assistance, and dissemination activities in general problem areas, as specified by NIDRR. Such activities are designed to benefit rehabilitation service providers, individuals with disabilities, and the family members or other authorized representatives of individuals with disabilities. In addition, NIDRR intends to require all RRTC applicants to meet the requirements of the General Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers (RRTC) Requirements priority that it published in a notice of final priorities in the Federal Register on February 1, 2008 (73 FR 6132). Additional information on the RRTC program can be found at: https:// www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/resprogram.html#RRTC. Statutory and Regulatory Requirements of RRTCs RRTCs must— • Carry out coordinated advanced programs of rehabilitation research; • Provide training, including graduate, pre-service, and in-service training, to help rehabilitation personnel more effectively provide rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities; • Provide technical assistance to individuals with disabilities, their representatives, providers, and other interested parties; • Disseminate informational materials to individuals with disabilities, their representatives, providers, and other interested parties; and • Serve as centers of national excellence in rehabilitation research for individuals with disabilities, their representatives, providers, and other interested parties. Applicants for RRTC grants must demonstrate in their applications how they will address, in whole or in part, the needs of individuals from minority backgrounds. Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 762(g) and 764(b)(2). Applicable Program Regulations: 34 CFR part 350. Proposed Priority: This notice contains one proposed priority. E:\FR\FM\13MYN1.SGM 13MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 92 (Thursday, May 13, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 26947-26952]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-11403]


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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION


Office of Postsecondary Education: Overview Information: 
Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) Program; Notice Inviting 
Applications for New Awards for Fiscal Year (FY) 2010

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 84.031S.


DATES: Applications Available: May 13, 2010.
    Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: June 14, 2010.
    Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: August 11, 2010.

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Purpose of Program: The HSI Program provides grants to assist HSIs 
to expand educational opportunities for, and improve the academic 
attainment of, Hispanic students. The HSI Program grants also enable 
HSIs to expand and enhance their academic offerings, program quality, 
and institutional stability.
    Priorities: Under this competition we are particularly interested 
in applications that address the following priorities.
    Invitational Priorities: For FY 2010, these priorities are 
invitational priorities. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(1) we do not give an 
application that meets these invitational priorities a competitive or 
absolute preference over other applications.
    These priorities are:
    Invitational Priority 1.
    Support activities that will improve the institution's persistence 
and graduation rates.
    Invitational Priority 2.
    Work with the appropriate State agencies to develop strategies for 
using State longitudinal data systems to track outcomes for students 
attending the grantee institution, including the extent to which the 
students complete certificates, two-year degrees, and four-year degrees 
at other institutions.
    Invitational Priority 3.
    Develop academic programs to improve completion rates or develop 
innovative support programs that are designed to increase completion 
rates.
    Invitational Priority 4.
    Develop dual enrollment programs that facilitate the transition 
between high school and college or career pathways programs that 
integrate basic academic instruction with technical or professional 
occupational training to advance individuals, particularly adult 
learners, on a career path toward high-

[[Page 26948]]

wage occupations in high-demand industries.
    Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1101-1101d; 1103-1103g.
    Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General 
Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR parts 74, 75, 77, 79, 82, 
84, 85, 86, 97, 98, and 99. (b) The regulations for this program in 34 
CFR part 606.

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Discretionary grant. Five-year Individual 
Development Grants and Five-year Cooperative Arrangement Development 
Grants will be awarded in FY 2010. Planning grants will not be awarded 
in FY 2010.
    Estimated Available Funds: $48,254,710.
    Contingent upon the availability of funds and the quality of 
applications, we may make additional awards in FY 2011 from the list of 
unfunded applicants from this competition.
    Estimated Range of Awards: $537,000-$775,000.
    Estimate Average Size of Awards: Individual Development Grants: 
$556,000. Cooperative Arrangement Development Grants: $743,000.
    Maximum Awards: Individual Development Grants: $650,000. 
Cooperative Arrangement Development Grants: $775,000. We will not fund 
any application at an amount exceeding these maximum amounts for a 
single budget period of 12 months. We may choose not to further 
consider or review applications with budgets that exceed the maximum 
amounts specified, if we conclude, during our initial review of the 
application, that the proposed goals and objectives cannot be obtained 
with the specified maximum amount.
    Estimated Number of Awards: Individual Development Grants: 48. 
Cooperative Arrangement Development Grants: 29.

    Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this 
notice. Applicants should periodically check the HSI Program Web 
site for further information. The address is: https://www.ed.gov/programs/idueshsi/.

    Project Period: Up to 60 months.

III. Eligibility Information

    1. Eligible Applicants: Institutions of higher education (IHEs) 
that qualify as eligible HSIs are eligible to apply for new Individual 
Development Grants and Cooperative Arrangement Development Grants under 
the HSI Program. To be an eligible HSI, an IHE must--
    (1) Be accredited or preaccredited by a nationally recognized 
accrediting agency or association that the Secretary has determined to 
be a reliable authority as to the quality of education or training 
offered;
    (2) Be legally authorized by the State in which it is located to be 
a junior college or to provide an educational program for which it 
awards a bachelor's degree;
    (3) Be designated as an ``eligible institution'' by demonstrating 
that it: (A) Has an enrollment of needy students as described in 34 CFR 
606.3; and (B) has low average educational and general expenditures per 
full-time equivalent (FTE) undergraduate student as described in 34 CFR 
606.4; and
    (4) Have an enrollment of undergraduate FTE students that is at 
least 25 percent Hispanic students at the end of the award year 
immediately preceding the date of application.
    The HSI eligibility requirements are in 34 CFR 606.2 through 606.5 
and can be accessed from the following Web site: https://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_01/34cfr606_01.html.
    These regulations do not reflect the changes made to the HSI 
Program requirements by the Third Higher Education Extension Act of 
2006 or the HEOA.
    Section 502(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended 
(HEA), requires institutions applying for an HSI grant to report their 
undergraduate Hispanic FTE percentage at the end of the award year 
immediately preceding the date of application. Funds for the HSI 
Program are awarded each fiscal year; thus, for this program, the end 
of the award year refers to the end of the fiscal year prior to the 
application due date. The end of the fiscal year occurs on September 30 
for any given year. Therefore, for purposes of making the determination 
described in paragraph (4), IHEs must report their undergraduate 
Hispanic FTE percent based on the student enrollment count closest to, 
but not after, September 30, 2009.

    Note: The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA) 
amended section 503(b) of the HEA to include, among the authorized 
activities under the HSI Program, activities to improve student 
services, including innovative and customized instruction courses 
designed to help retain students and move the students into core 
courses; articulation agreements and student support programs 
designed to facilitate the transfer of students from 2-year to 4-
year institutions; and providing education, counseling services, and 
financial information designed to improve the financial and economic 
literacy of students or their families. The list of authorized 
activities in section 503(b) was also amended to use the term 
``distance education technologies'' in place of ``distance learning 
academic instruction capabilities.'' Applicants may include these 
activities in their proposals.

    For this competition, the Notice Inviting Applications for 
Designation as Eligible Institutions for FY 2010 was published in the 
Federal Register on December 7, 2009 (74 FR 64059) and the deadline for 
application was January 6, 2010. Only institutions that submitted the 
required application and received designation through that process are 
eligible to submit an application for this competition.

Relationship Between HSI and Title III, Part A Programs

    Note 1: A grantee under the HSI Program, which is authorized by 
Title V of the HEA, may not receive a grant under any HEA, Title 
III, Part A Program. The Title III, Part A Programs include: the 
Strengthening Institutions Program; the American Indian Tribally 
Controlled Colleges and Universities Program; the Alaska Native and 
Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions Programs; the Asian American 
and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Program; 
and the Native American-Serving Non-Tribal Institutions Program. 
Further, a current HSI Program grantee may not give up its HSI grant 
in order to receive a grant under any Title III, Part A Program.


    Note 2: An HSI that does not fall within the limitation 
described in Note 1 may apply for a FY 2010 grant under all Title 
III, Part A Programs for which it is eligible, as well as under the 
HSI Program. However, a successful applicant may receive only one 
grant.


    Note 3: An eligible HSI that submits more than one application 
may only be awarded one Individual Development Grant or one 
Cooperative Arrangement Development Grant in a fiscal year. 
Furthermore, we will not award a second Individual Development Grant 
to an otherwise eligible HSI for the same award year as the HSI's 
existing Individual Development Grant as described in 34 CFR 
606.9(3)(b)(1).


    Note 4: An eligible HSI that submits a Cooperative Arrangement 
Development Grant with a partnering branch campus that is a part of 
the same institution will not be awarded a grant.


    Note 5: Applicants must provide, as an attachment to the 
application, the documentation that the IHE relied upon in 
determining that at least 25 percent of the IHE's undergraduate FTE 
students are Hispanic, as defined in section 502(a)(4) of the HEA. 
The Department will cross-reference for verification, data reported 
to the Department's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System 
(IPEDS), the IHE's State-reported enrollment data, and the 
institutional annual report. If there are any differences in the 
percentages reported in IPEDS and the percentages reported in the 
grant application, the IHE should explain the differences as a part 
of its eligibility documentation.


[[Page 26949]]


    2. Cost Sharing or Matching: There are no cost sharing or matching 
requirements unless the grantee uses a portion of its grant for 
establishing or improving an endowment fund. If a grantee uses a 
portion of its grant for endowment fund purposes, it must match those 
grant funds with non-Federal funds. (20 U.S.C. 1101b(c)(2)).

IV. Application and Submission Information

    1. Address to Request Application Package: Carnisia M. Proctor, 
U.S. Department of Education, 1990 K Street, NW., Room 6060, 
Washington, DC 20006-8513. Telephone: (202) 502-7606 or by e-mail: 
Carnisia.Proctor@ed.gov.
    If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), call the 
Federal Relay Service (FRS), toll free, at 1-800-877-8339.
    Individuals with disabilities can obtain a copy of the application 
package in an accessible format (e.g., braille, large print, audiotape, 
or computer diskette) by contacting the program contact person listed 
in this section.
    2. Content and Form of Application Submission: Requirements 
concerning the content of an application, together with the forms you 
must submit, are in the application package for this program.
    Page Limits: The application narrative (Part III of the 
application) is where you, the applicant, address the selection 
criteria that reviewers use to evaluate your application. We have 
established mandatory page limits for both the Individual Development 
Grant and the Cooperative Arrangement Development Grant applications. 
You must limit the section of the narrative that addresses the 
selection criteria to no more than 50 pages for the Individual 
Development Grant application and 70 pages for the Cooperative 
Arrangement Development Grant application, using 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, except titles, headings, 
footnotes, quotations, references, captions and all text in charts, 
tables, and graphs. These items may be single-spaced. Charts, tables, 
figures, and graphs in the application narrative count toward the page 
limit.
     Use a font that is either 12 point or larger or no smaller 
than 10 pitch (characters per inch).
     Use one of the following fonts: Times New Roman, Courier, 
Courier New, or Arial. An application submitted in any other font 
(including Times Roman or Arial Narrow) will not be accepted.
    The page limit does not apply to Part I, the Application for 
Federal Assistance (SF 424); the Department of Education Supplemental 
Information form (SF 424); Part II, Budget Information--Non-
Construction Programs (ED 524); Part IV, the assurances and 
certifications; or the one-page project abstract, program activity 
budget detail form and supporting narrative, and the five-year plan. 
However, the page limit does apply to all of the application narrative 
section (Part III), including the budget narrative of the selection 
criteria. If you include any attachments or appendices not specifically 
requested in the application package, these items will be counted as 
part of your application narrative (Part III) for purposes of the page 
limit requirement. You must include your complete response to the 
selection criteria in the application narrative.

    Note: The narrative response to the budget selection criteria is 
not the same as the activity detail budget form and supporting 
narrative. The supporting narrative for the activity detail budget 
form details the requested budget items line by line.

    We will reject your application if you exceed the page limit.
    3. Submission Dates and Times:
    Applications Available: May 13, 2010.
    Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: June 14, 2010.
    Applications for grants under this program must be submitted 
electronically using the Electronic Grant Application System (e-
Application) accessible through the Department's e-Grants site. For 
information (including dates and times) about how to submit your 
application electronically, or in paper format by mail or hand delivery 
if you qualify for an exception to the electronic submission 
requirement, please refer to section IV. 6.
    Other Submission Requirements of this notice.
    We do not consider an application that does not comply with the 
deadline requirements.
    Individuals with disabilities who need an accommodation or 
auxiliary aid in connection with the application process should contact 
the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT in section VII 
of this notice. If the Department provides an accommodation or 
auxiliary aid to an individual with a disability in connection with the 
application process, the individual's application remains subject to 
all other requirements and limitations in this notice.
    Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: August 11, 2010.
    4. Intergovernmental Review: This competition is subject to 
Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79. 
Information about Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs under 
Executive Order 12372 is in the application package for this 
competition.
    5. Funding Restrictions: We reference regulations outlining funding 
restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice.
    6. Other Submission Requirements: Applications for grants under 
this competition must be submitted electronically unless you qualify 
for an exception to this requirement in accordance with the 
instructions in this section.
    a. Electronic Submission of Applications.
    Applications for grants under the HSI Program CFDA Number 84.031S 
must be submitted electronically using e-Application, accessible 
through the Department's e-Grants Web site at: https://e-grants.ed.gov.
    We will reject your application if you submit it in paper format 
unless, as described elsewhere in this section, you qualify for one of 
the exceptions to the electronic submission requirement and submit, no 
later than two weeks before the application deadline date, a written 
statement to the Department that you qualify for one of these 
exceptions. Further information regarding calculation of the date that 
is two weeks before the application deadline date is provided later in 
this section under Exception to Electronic Submission Requirement.
    While completing your electronic application, you will be entering 
data online that will be saved into a database. You may not e-mail an 
electronic copy of a grant application to us.
    Please note the following:
     You must complete the electronic submission of your grant 
application by 4:30:00 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application 
deadline date. E-Application will not accept an application for this 
program after 4:30:00 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application 
deadline date. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you do not wait 
until the application deadline date to begin the application process.
     The hours of operation of the e-Grants Web site are 6:00 
a.m. Monday until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday; and 6:00 a.m. Thursday until 
8:00 p.m. Sunday, Washington, DC time. Please note that, because of 
maintenance, the system is

[[Page 26950]]

unavailable between 8:00 p.m. on Sundays and 6:00 a.m. on Mondays, and 
between 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays and 6:00 a.m. on Thursdays, Washington, 
DC time. Any modifications to these hours are posted on the e-Grants 
Web site.
     You will not receive additional point value because you 
submit your application in electronic format, nor will we penalize you 
if you qualify for an exception to the electronic submission 
requirement, as described elsewhere in this section, and submit your 
application in paper format.
     You must submit all documents electronically, including 
all information you typically provide on the following forms: the 
Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424), the Department of 
Education Supplemental Information form SF 424, Budget Information--
Non-Construction Programs (ED 524), and all necessary assurances and 
certifications. You must attach any narrative sections of your 
application as files in a .DOC (document), .RTF (rich text), or .PDF 
(Portable Document) format. If you upload a file type other than the 
three file types specified in this paragraph or submit a password 
protected file, we will not review that material.
     Your electronic application must comply with any page 
limit requirements described in this notice.
     Prior to submitting your electronic application, you may 
wish to print a copy of it for your records.
     After you electronically submit your application, you will 
receive an automatic acknowledgment that will include a PR/Award number 
(an identifying number unique to your application).
     Within three working days after submitting your electronic 
application, fax a signed copy of the SF 424 to the Application Control 
Center after following these steps:
    (1) Print SF 424 from e-Application.
    (2) The applicant's Authorizing Representative must sign this form.
    (3) Place the PR/Award number in the upper right hand corner of the 
hard-copy signature page of the SF 424.
    (4) Fax the signed SF 424 to the Application Control Center at 
(202) 245-6272.
     We may request that you provide us original signatures on 
other forms at a later date.
    Application Deadline Date Extension in Case of e-Application 
Unavailability: If you are prevented from electronically submitting 
your application on the application deadline date because e-Application 
is unavailable, we will grant you an extension of one business day to 
enable you to transmit your application electronically, by mail, or by 
hand delivery. We will grant this extension if--
    (1) You are a registered user of e-Application and you have 
initiated an electronic application for this competition; and
    (2)(a) E-Application is unavailable for 60 minutes or more between 
the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the 
application deadline date; or
    (b) E-Application is unavailable for any period of time between 
3:30 p.m. and 4:30:00 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application 
deadline date.
    We must acknowledge and confirm these periods of unavailability 
before granting you an extension. To request this extension or to 
confirm our acknowledgment of any system unavailability, you may 
contact either (1) the person listed elsewhere in this notice under FOR 
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT (see VII. Agency Contact) or (2) the e-
Grants help desk at 1-888-336-8930. If e-Application is unavailable due 
to technical problems with the system and, therefore, the application 
deadline is extended, an e-mail will be sent to all registered users 
who have initiated an e-Application. Extensions referred to in this 
section apply only to the unavailability of e-Application.
    Exception to Electronic Submission Requirement: You qualify for an 
exception to the electronic submission requirement, and may submit your 
application in paper format, if you are unable to submit an application 
through e-Application because--
     You do not have access to the Internet; or
     You do not have the capacity to upload large documents to 
e-Application; and
     No later than two weeks before the application deadline 
date (14 calendar days or, if the fourteenth calendar day before the 
application deadline date falls on a Federal holiday, the next business 
day following the Federal holiday), you mail or fax a written statement 
to the Department, explaining which of the two grounds for an exception 
prevents you from using the Internet to submit your application. If you 
mail your written statement to the Department, it must be postmarked no 
later than two weeks before the application deadline date. If you fax 
your written statement to the Department, we must receive the faxed 
statement no later than two weeks before the application deadline date.
    Address and mail or fax your statement to: Carnisia M. Proctor, 
U.S. Department of Education, 1990 K Street, NW., Room 6060, 
Washington, DC 20006-8513. FAX: (202) 502-7861.
    Your paper application must be submitted in accordance with the 
mail or hand delivery instructions described in this notice.
    b. Submission of Paper Applications by Mail.
    If you qualify for an exception to the electronic submission 
requirement, you may mail (through the U.S. Postal Service or a 
commercial carrier) your application to the Department. You must mail 
the original and two copies of your application, on or before the 
application deadline date, to the Department at the following address: 
U.S. Department of Education, Application Control Center, Attention: 
(CFDA Number 84.031S), LBJ Basement Level 1, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., 
Washington, DC 20202-4260.
    You must show proof of mailing consisting of one of the following:
    (1) A legibly dated U.S. Postal Service postmark.
    (2) A legible mail receipt with the date of mailing stamped by the 
U.S. Postal Service.
    (3) A dated shipping label, invoice, or receipt from a commercial 
carrier.
    (4) Any other proof of mailing acceptable to the Secretary of the 
U.S. Department of Education.
    If you mail your application through the U.S. Postal Service, we do 
not accept either of the following as proof of mailing:
    (1) A private metered postmark.
    (2) A mail receipt that is not dated by the U.S. Postal Service.
    If your application is postmarked after the application deadline 
date, we will not consider your application.

    Note: The U.S. Postal Service does not uniformly provide a dated 
postmark. Before relying on this method, you should check with your 
local post office.

    c. Submission of Paper Applications by Hand Delivery.
    If you qualify for an exception to the electronic submission 
requirement, you (or a courier service) may deliver your paper 
application to the Department by hand. You must deliver the original 
and two copies of your application, by hand, on or before the 
application deadline date, to the Department at the following address: 
U.S. Department of Education, Application Control Center, Attention: 
(CFDA Number 84.031S), 550 12th Street, SW., Room 7041, Potomac Center 
Plaza, Washington, DC 20202-4260.
    The Application Control Center accepts hand deliveries daily 
between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30:00 p.m., Washington, DC time, except 
Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal holidays.


[[Page 26951]]


    Note for Mail or Hand Delivery of Paper Applications: If you 
mail or hand deliver your application to the Department--
    (1) You must indicate on the envelope and--if not provided by 
the Department--in Item 11 of the SF 424 the CFDA number, including 
suffix letter, if any, of the competition under which you are 
submitting your application; and

    (2) The Application Control Center will mail to you a 
notification of receipt of your grant application. If you do not 
receive this grant notification within 15 business days from the 
application deadline date, you should call the U.S. Department of 
Education Application Control Center at (202) 245-6288.

V. Application Review Information

    1. Selection Criteria: The selection criteria for this program are 
in 34 CFR 606.22. In addition to these selection criteria, we evaluate 
an applicant's performance under a previous development grant under 34 
CFR 606.24.
    2. Review and Selection Process: Additional factors we consider in 
selecting an application for an award are as follows:
    (A) Applicants must provide, as an attachment to the application, 
the documentation the IHE relied upon in determining that at least 25 
percent of the IHE's undergraduate FTE students are Hispanic.

    Note: The 25 percent requirement applies only to undergraduate 
Hispanic students and is calculated based upon FTE students as 
defined in Section 502(a)(4) of the HEA. Instructions for formatting 
and submitting the verification documentation to e-Application are 
in the application package for this competition.

    (B) Tiebreaker for Development Grants. In tie-breaking situations 
for development grants described in 34 CFR 606.23(b), the HSI Program 
regulations require that we award one additional point to an 
application from an IHE that has an endowment fund of which the current 
market value, per FTE enrolled student, is less than the average 
current market value of the endowment funds, per FTE enrolled student, 
at comparable institutions that offer similar instruction. We also 
award one additional point to an application from an IHE that had 
expenditures for library materials per FTE enrolled student that are 
less than the average expenditures for library materials per FTE 
enrolled student at comparable institutions that offer similar 
instruction.
    For the purpose of these funding considerations, we use 2007-2008 
data.
    If a tie remains after applying the tiebreaker mechanism above, 
priority will be given (a) for Individual Development Grants, to 
applicants that addressed the statutory priority found in section 
521(d) of the HEA, as amended; and (b) for Cooperative Arrangement 
Development Grants, to applicants in accordance with section 524(b) of 
the HEA, under which the Secretary determines that the cooperative 
arrangement is geographically and economically sound or will benefit 
the applicant HSI.
    If a tie still remains after applying the additional point(s), and 
the relevant statutory priority, we will determine the ranking of 
applicants based on the lowest endowment values per FTE enrolled 
student.

VI. Award Administration Information

    1. Award Notices: If your application is successful, we notify your 
U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators and send you a Grant Award 
Notification (GAN). We may notify you informally, also.
    If your application is not evaluated or not selected for funding, 
we notify you.
    2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: We identify 
administrative and national policy requirements in the application 
package and reference these and other requirements in the Applicable 
Regulations section of this notice.
    We reference the regulations outlining the terms and conditions of 
an award in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice and 
include these and other specific conditions in the GAN. The GAN also 
incorporates your approved application as part of your binding 
commitments under the grant.
    3. Reporting: 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 multi-year award, you must submit an 
annual performance report that provides the most current performance 
and financial expenditure information as directed by the Secretary 
under 34 CFR 75.118, 34 CFR 75.720, and 34 CFR 606.31.
    4. Performance Measures: The Secretary has established the 
following key performance measures for assessing the effectiveness of 
the HSI Program:
    1. The percentage change, over the five-year grant period, of the 
number of full-time degree-seeking undergraduate students enrolled at 
HSIs.
    2. The percentage of first-time, full-time degree-seeking 
undergraduate students who were in their first year of postsecondary 
enrollment in the previous year and are enrolled in the current year at 
the same Hispanic-serving institution.
    3. The percentage of first-time, full-time degree-seeking 
undergraduate students who were in their first year of postsecondary 
enrollment in the previous year and are enrolled in the current year at 
the same four-year Hispanic-serving institution.
    4. The percentage of first-time, full-time degree-seeking 
undergraduate students who were in their first year of postsecondary 
enrollment in the previous year and are enrolled in the current year at 
the same two-year Hispanic-serving institution.
    5. The percentage of first-time, full-time degree-seeking 
undergraduate students enrolled at four-year HSIs graduating within six 
years of enrollment.
    6. The percentage of first-time, full-time degree-seeking 
undergraduate students enrolled at two-year HSIs graduating within 
three years of enrollment.
    7. Federal cost per undergraduate and graduate degree at 
institutions in the HSI Program.

VII. Agency Contact

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carnisia M. Proctor, U.S. Department 
of Education, 1990 K Street, NW., Room 6060, Washington, DC 20006-8513. 
Telephone: (202) 502-7606 or by e-mail: Carnisia.Proctor@ed.gov.
    If you use TDD, call the FRS, toll free, at 1-800-877-8339.

VIII. Other Information

    Accessible Format: Individuals with disabilities can obtain this 
document and a copy of the application package in an accessible format 
(e.g., braille, large print, audiotape, or computer diskette) on 
request to the program contact person listed under FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT in section VII of this notice.
    Electronic Access to this Document: You can view this document, as 
well as all other documents of this Department published in the Federal 
Register, in text or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) on the 
Internet at the following site: https://www.ed.gov/news/fedregister. To 
use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at 
this site.

    Note: The official version of this 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: https://www.gpoaccess.gov/nara/.

    Delegation of Authority: The Secretary of Education has delegated 
authority to Daniel T. Madzelan, Director, Forecasting and Policy 
Analysis for the Office of Postsecondary Education, to perform the 
functions and duties of the

[[Page 26952]]

Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education.

    Dated: May 7, 2010.
Daniel T. Madzelan,
Director, Forecasting and Policy Analysis.
[FR Doc. 2010-11403 Filed 5-12-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P
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