Native American Career and Technical Education Program; Final Waivers and Extension of Project Period, 30512-30514 [2012-12540]

Download as PDF 30512 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 100 / Wednesday, May 23, 2012 / Notices universe of need for the first generation of projects is in the range of $40,000,000. The TAC met on January 26–27, 2012 to select waterfront projects and will meet in early summer to select road project priorities for FY 2012. Final project approvals and funding amounts have been approved by the Federal CoChair and are available on the Commission’s Web site. As shown in the FY 2012 Funding Table, the estimate for FHWA funding ranges from $0 to $24,700,000. In 2011 continuing resolution language, the US Secretary of Transportation was assigned the responsibility by Congress to identify FHWA projects and programs that were sufficiently funded (i.e. completed). In following this assignment, the Secretary determined that the Denali Access Program was sufficiently funded and $13,300,000 in FY 2011 FHWA funding was assigned to the Alaska Department of Transportation. At the request of the Denali Commission Inspector General, GAO is presently considering whether the Secretary had the authority to make this determination regarding the Denali Access Program. At the time of drafting this 2012 annual Work Plan, the GAO Comptroller General has not yet issued an opinion. Therefore, depending upon the forthcoming opinion the Commission may receive no FHWA funding or potentially receive both FY 2011 and FY 2012 FHWA funding – totaling $24,740,000. Joel Neimeyer, Federal Co-Chair. [FR Doc. 2012–12462 Filed 5–22–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3300–01–P DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Notice of Proposed Information Collection Requests; Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development; Strategies for Preparing At-Risk Youth for Postsecondary Success Strategies for Preparing AtRisk Youth for Postsecondary Success focuses on preventing students from dropping out and preparing them for postsecondary education or training. DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before July 23, 2012. ADDRESSES: Written comments regarding burden and/or the collection activity requirements should be electronically mailed to ICDocketMgr@ed.gov or mailed to U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:00 May 22, 2012 Jkt 226001 Avenue SW., LBJ, Washington, DC 20202–4537. Copies of the proposed information collection request may be accessed from https://edicsweb.ed.gov, by selecting the ‘‘Browse Pending Collections’’ link and by clicking on link number 04858. When you access the information collection, click on ‘‘Download Attachments’’ to view. Written requests for information should be addressed to U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW., LBJ, Washington, DC 20202–4537. Requests may also be electronically mailed to ICDocketMgr@ed.gov or faxed to 202–401–0920. Please specify the complete title of the information collection and OMB Control Number when making your request. Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877– 8339. Section 3506 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35) requires that Federal agencies provide interested parties an early opportunity to comment on information collection requests. The Acting Director, Information Collection Clearance Division, Privacy, Information and Records Management Services, Office of Management, publishes this notice containing proposed information collection requests at the beginning of the Departmental review of the information collection. The Department of Education is especially interested in public comment addressing the following issues: (1) Is this collection necessary to the proper functions of the Department; (2) will this information be processed and used in a timely manner; (3) is the estimate of burden accurate; (4) how might the Department enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (5) how might the Department minimize the burden of this collection on the respondents, including through the use of information technology. Please note that written comments received in response to this notice will be considered public records. Title of Collection: Strategies for Preparing At-Risk Youth for Postsecondary Success. OMB Control Number: Pending. Type of Review: New. Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 132. Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 114. Abstract: Educators are increasingly concerned about poor high school graduation rates, especially among atrisk youth. Many of the programs SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 adopted by districts and schools to decrease the dropout rate traditionally set the goal of completing high school. Programs that meet the dual goals of supporting at-risk youth to graduate from high school and then enroll in and succeed in postsecondary education are not commonly found in most school districts and few studies of dropout prevention programs have a postsecondary focus. This study aims to fill a gap by conducting qualitative case studies of up to 15 sites. This study will systematically analyze qualitative data across multiple respondents to generate portraits of programs and strategies that the sites use, lessons based on implementation successes and challenges, and evidence suggesting their effectiveness in improving the outcomes of interest. To complete the study, the U.S. Department of Education is requesting OMB approval of two related qualitative data collection activities: (1) A phone screen with local program managers to determine the final sample of case studies and (2) up to 15 site visits to a purposive case study sample. Although the lessons are not generalizable to a larger population because the sample is purposive and small, the case studies will provide rich contextual information to help practitioners assess the applicability of the lessons in their own schools or districts. Dated: May 18, 2012. Stephanie Valentine, Acting Director, Information Collection Clearance Division, Privacy, Information and Records Management Services, Office of Management. [FR Doc. 2012–12536 Filed 5–22–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000–01–P DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Native American Career and Technical Education Program; Final Waivers and Extension of Project Period Office of Vocational and Adult Education, Department of Education. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: Overview Information: Final Waivers and Extension of Project Period for the Native American Career and Technical Education Program Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 84.101A. SUMMARY: For 60-month projects funded in fiscal year (FY) 2007 under the Native American Career and Technical Education Program (NACTEP), the Secretary waives 34 CFR 75.250 and 75.261(c)(2) in order to extend the E:\FR\FM\23MYN1.SGM 23MYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 100 / Wednesday, May 23, 2012 / Notices mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES project period of these current NACTEP grants for an additional 12 months. This will enable the 30 current NACTEP grantees to seek FY 2012 continuation awards for their current projects through FY 2013, and we will not announce a new NACTEP competition in FY 2012. DATES: This notice of final waivers and extension of project period is effective May 23, 2012. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gwen Washington. Telephone: (202) 245–7790, or by email: gwen.washington@ed.gov. Linda Mayo. Telephone: (202) 245–7792, or by email: linda.mayo@ed.gov. If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) or a text telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay Service (FRS), toll free, at 1–800–877– 8339. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On February 16, 2012, we published a notice in the Federal Register (77 FR 9216) (February 2012 notice) proposing to waive 34 CFR 75.250 and 75.261(c)(2), as they apply to NACTEP. These regulations generally limit project periods to 60 months and prohibit project period extensions involving the obligation of additional Federal funds. In that notice, the Secretary also proposed to extend the project period of NACTEP grants for an additional 12 months to enable the 30 current NACTEP grantees to seek FY 2012 continuation awards for their current projects through FY 2013; and to not announce a new NACTEP competition in FY 2012. Public Comment: In the February 2012 notice for NACTEP, the Secretary invited comments about the potential effect the proposed waivers and extension would have on NACTEP and on applicants that may be eligible to apply for grant awards under any new NACTEP notice inviting applications, should there be one. In response, we received 82 comments. Generally, we do not address comments that raise concerns not related to the proposed waivers and extension. Of the 82 comments we received, 81 supported the waivers, extension, and continuation of current NACTEP grantees’ awards, citing the benefits the NACTEP grants provide to the Native American community. Analysis of Comments and Changes Comments: The vast majority, 81 of the 82 comments we received supported the proposed waivers and extension of the NACTEP project period. We heard from a variety of commenters, including tribal community college deans and administrators, teachers, students, and a VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:00 May 22, 2012 Jkt 226001 project evaluator. The commenters provided various reasons for their support of the waivers and extension, including: their judgment of effectiveness of work being done by current NACTEP grantees in current projects, the number of students served and placed in employment under current projects, and the great need for funding such as that provided by NACTEP in the Native American communities served by current projects. Several commenters stated that it would be difficult for eligible entities to prepare NACTEP applications for shortterm funding prior to the reauthorization of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (the Perkins Act). Other commenters stated that with potential changes in the Perkins authorizing legislation for NACTEP beyond FY 2012, it was not in the public interest to conduct a NACTEP grant competition at this time. Several commenters expressed the view that the waivers and extension of the current project period would be necessary to allow current students sufficient time to complete their programs. One commenter, who fully supported the proposed waivers and extension, stated that tribal colleges would not have sufficient time to plan, establish, or effectively operate viable programs within a one-year timeframe. The commenter expressed the view that continuing the projects of current NACTEP grantees would eliminate the difficulties, barriers, and inefficiencies associated with starting new programs and stated further that extending the current project period and funding of current grantees would: capitalize upon the current momentum of NACTEP grantee service delivery, since service streams were already in place and operational; allow current NACTEP grantees to support reasonable modification as a direct outgrowth of their current work without disruption to participant cohorts, partnerships, programs, or plans; and afford a greater likelihood of successful attainment, such as student attainment of associate degrees and certificates, and subsequent job placement. The commenter further stated that NACTEP evaluation requirements place an expectation for the measurement of long-term impact of each project, which would be greatly enhanced by extending the project duration beyond five years. Response: We have considered the comments we received from individuals and from individuals representing tribes, community colleges, and tribal organizations. The vast majority of PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 30513 commenters supported the waivers and extension of the project period and favor our proposal to continue the current grants for an additional year under the current NACTEP authority. The vast majority of commenters agree with our overall rationale for the waivers and extending the current project period and believe that these waivers and extension are in the public interest. Changes: None. Comment: One commenter requested information on future NACTEP grant periods and asked whether a new NACTEP grant competition would be held in FY 2013. Response: At this time, we do not know whether there will be a NACTEP competition in FY 2013 or future years. If there is a NACTEP competition in any future year, we will announce that competition through a Federal Register notice inviting applications in which we will include, among other information, the length of the grant period. Changes: None. Background The current NACTEP grantees, selected based on our March 23, 2007, NACTEP Federal Register notice inviting applications (72 FR 13770) (March 2007 notice), operate career and technical education programs, as authorized by section 116(a) through (g) of the Perkins Act (20 U.S.C. 2326(a)– (g)). The project period for the current 30 NACTEP grantees is scheduled to end in FY 2012. For the NACTEP projects funded in 2007, the Secretary waives the requirements of 34 CFR 75.250 and 75.261(c)(2), which generally limit project periods to 60 months and prohibit project period extensions involving the obligation of additional Federal funds, in order to extend the current NACTEP project period for an additional 12 months and allow the 30 current NACTEP grantees to seek continuation awards in FY 2012. The Secretary’s waivers and extension mean that: (1) Current NACTEP grantees will be authorized to request and receive NACTEP continuation awards in FY 2012 for project periods through FY 2013, (2) we will not announce a new competition to make new awards in FY 2012, (3) the March 2007 notice will continue to govern current projects during the extension year, and (4) the 30 applications approved under the March 2007 notice will govern continuation activities. The March 2007 notice: (1) Established a project period of up to 60 months and reiterated that funding for multi-year awards would be dependent on a grantee meeting the requirements of 34 CFR 75.253 (continuation of a E:\FR\FM\23MYN1.SGM 23MYN1 30514 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 100 / Wednesday, May 23, 2012 / Notices mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES multi-year project after the first budget period); (2) explained the requirements of the program; (3) described the evaluation and reporting requirements; and (4) established the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) performance indicators for NACTEP. With these waivers and extension of the project period, the current 30 NACTEP grantees may request continuation awards for one additional project year, through FY 2013, and we will consider those continuation award requests under the current NACTEP statutory authority. Any requests for continuation awards will be subject to the requirements of 34 CFR 75.253, including the requirement that each grantee demonstrate that it is making substantial progress performing its NACTEP grant activities based on the requirements in the March 2007 notice inviting applications. We will make decisions regarding continuation awards based on information provided in NACTEP grantee requests for continuation awards, including information provided in program narratives, budgets and budget narratives, and performance reports. Any activities to be carried out during the continuation year must be consistent with, or be a logical extension of the scope, goals, and objectives of, each grantee’s application as approved in the 2007 NACTEP competition. Waiver of Delayed Effective Date The Administrative Procedure Act requires that a substantive rule must be published at least 30 days before its effective date, except as otherwise provided for good cause (5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3)). During the 30-day public comment period on the notice of proposed waivers and extension of project period, of the 82 comments we received, 81 supported the waivers and extension of the project period for current NACTEP grantees. Except for minor editorial and technical revisions, there are no differences between the proposed and final notices of waivers and extension of the project period for NACTEP. In addition, given the fact that the additional period of funding is only for a 12-month period, and in order to be able to make timely continuation grants to the 30 entities affected, the Secretary has determined that a delayed effective date is unnecessary and contrary to the public interest. Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification The Secretary certifies that the waivers and extension and the activities required to support an additional year of NACTEP funding will not have a VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:00 May 22, 2012 Jkt 226001 significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The small entities that will be affected by the waivers and extension are the 30 currently-funded NACTEP grantees. The Secretary certifies that the waivers and extension will not have a significant economic impact on these NACTEP entities because the waivers and extension impose minimal compliance costs to extend projects already in existence, and the activities required to support the additional year of funding will not impose additional regulatory burdens or require unnecessary Federal supervision. Furthermore, the costs of carrying out these activities could be paid for with program funds. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 This notice of waivers and extension does not contain any information collection requirements. Intergovernmental Review The NACTEP is not subject to Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79. Accessible Format: Individuals with disabilities can obtain this document in an accessible format (e.g., braille, large print, audiotape, or compact disc) on request to either of the contact persons listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. Electronic Access to This Document: The official version of this document is the document published in the Federal Register. Free Internet access to the official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations is available via the Federal Digital System at: www.gpo.gov/fdsys. At this site you can view this document, as well as all other documents of this Department published in the Federal Register, in text or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). To use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at this site. You may also access documents of the Department published in the Federal Register by using the article search feature at: www.federalregister.gov. Specifically, through the advanced search feature at this site, you can limit your search to documents published by the Department. Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 2326(a) through (g). Dated: May 18, 2012. Johan Uvin, Delegated Authority to Perform the Functions and Duties of the Assistant Secretary for Vocational and Adult Education. [FR Doc. 2012–12540 Filed 5–22–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000–01–P PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Native Hawaiian Career and Technical Education Program; Final Waiver and Extension of Project Period Office of Vocational and Adult Education, Department of Education. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: Overview Information Final Waiver and Extension of Project Period for the Native Hawaiian Career and Technical Education Program Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 84.259A. For 36-month projects funded in fiscal year (FY) 2009 under the Native Hawaiian Career and Technical Education Program (NHCTEP), the Secretary hereby waives 34 CFR 75.261(c)(2) in order to extend the project period of these current NHCTEP grants for an additional 12 months. This will enable the eight current NHCTEP grantees to seek FY 2012 continuation awards for their current projects through FY 2013, and we will not announce a new NHCTEP competition in FY 2012. DATES: This notice of final waiver and extension of project period is effective May 23, 2012. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Linda Mayo. Telephone: (202) 245– 7792, or by email: linda.mayo@ed.gov. If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) or a text telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay Service (FRS), toll free, at 1–800–877– 8339. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On February 16, 2012, we published a notice in the Federal Register (77 FR 9214) (February 2012 notice) proposing to waive 34 CFR 75.261(c)(2) as it applies to NHCTEP. This regulation restricts project period extensions involving the obligation of additional Federal funds. In that notice, the Secretary also proposed to extend the project period of NHCTEP grants for an additional 12 months to enable the eight current NHCTEP grantees to seek FY 2012 continuation awards for their projects through FY 2013. Public Comment: In the February 2012 notice, the Secretary invited comments about the potential effect that this proposed project period waiver and extension would have on NHCTEP and on applicants that may be eligible to apply for grant awards under any new NHCTEP notice inviting applications, should there be one. We received three comments in response. Generally, we do not address comments that raise concerns not related to the proposed waiver and extension. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\23MYN1.SGM 23MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 100 (Wednesday, May 23, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 30512-30514]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-12540]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION


Native American Career and Technical Education Program; Final 
Waivers and Extension of Project Period

AGENCY: Office of Vocational and Adult Education, Department of 
Education.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Overview Information: Final Waivers and Extension of Project Period for 
the Native American Career and Technical Education Program

    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 84.101A.
SUMMARY: For 60-month projects funded in fiscal year (FY) 2007 under 
the Native American Career and Technical Education Program (NACTEP), 
the Secretary waives 34 CFR 75.250 and 75.261(c)(2) in order to extend 
the

[[Page 30513]]

project period of these current NACTEP grants for an additional 12 
months. This will enable the 30 current NACTEP grantees to seek FY 2012 
continuation awards for their current projects through FY 2013, and we 
will not announce a new NACTEP competition in FY 2012.

DATES: This notice of final waivers and extension of project period is 
effective May 23, 2012.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gwen Washington. Telephone: (202) 245-
7790, or by email: gwen.washington@ed.gov. Linda Mayo. Telephone: (202) 
245-7792, or by email: linda.mayo@ed.gov.
    If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) or a text 
telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay Service (FRS), toll free, at 1-
800-877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On February 16, 2012, we published a notice 
in the Federal Register (77 FR 9216) (February 2012 notice) proposing 
to waive 34 CFR 75.250 and 75.261(c)(2), as they apply to NACTEP. These 
regulations generally limit project periods to 60 months and prohibit 
project period extensions involving the obligation of additional 
Federal funds. In that notice, the Secretary also proposed to extend 
the project period of NACTEP grants for an additional 12 months to 
enable the 30 current NACTEP grantees to seek FY 2012 continuation 
awards for their current projects through FY 2013; and to not announce 
a new NACTEP competition in FY 2012.
    Public Comment: In the February 2012 notice for NACTEP, the 
Secretary invited comments about the potential effect the proposed 
waivers and extension would have on NACTEP and on applicants that may 
be eligible to apply for grant awards under any new NACTEP notice 
inviting applications, should there be one. In response, we received 82 
comments. Generally, we do not address comments that raise concerns not 
related to the proposed waivers and extension. Of the 82 comments we 
received, 81 supported the waivers, extension, and continuation of 
current NACTEP grantees' awards, citing the benefits the NACTEP grants 
provide to the Native American community.

Analysis of Comments and Changes

    Comments: The vast majority, 81 of the 82 comments we received 
supported the proposed waivers and extension of the NACTEP project 
period. We heard from a variety of commenters, including tribal 
community college deans and administrators, teachers, students, and a 
project evaluator. The commenters provided various reasons for their 
support of the waivers and extension, including: their judgment of 
effectiveness of work being done by current NACTEP grantees in current 
projects, the number of students served and placed in employment under 
current projects, and the great need for funding such as that provided 
by NACTEP in the Native American communities served by current 
projects.
    Several commenters stated that it would be difficult for eligible 
entities to prepare NACTEP applications for short-term funding prior to 
the reauthorization of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical 
Education Act of 2006 (the Perkins Act). Other commenters stated that 
with potential changes in the Perkins authorizing legislation for 
NACTEP beyond FY 2012, it was not in the public interest to conduct a 
NACTEP grant competition at this time.
    Several commenters expressed the view that the waivers and 
extension of the current project period would be necessary to allow 
current students sufficient time to complete their programs.
    One commenter, who fully supported the proposed waivers and 
extension, stated that tribal colleges would not have sufficient time 
to plan, establish, or effectively operate viable programs within a 
one-year timeframe. The commenter expressed the view that continuing 
the projects of current NACTEP grantees would eliminate the 
difficulties, barriers, and inefficiencies associated with starting new 
programs and stated further that extending the current project period 
and funding of current grantees would: capitalize upon the current 
momentum of NACTEP grantee service delivery, since service streams were 
already in place and operational; allow current NACTEP grantees to 
support reasonable modification as a direct outgrowth of their current 
work without disruption to participant cohorts, partnerships, programs, 
or plans; and afford a greater likelihood of successful attainment, 
such as student attainment of associate degrees and certificates, and 
subsequent job placement. The commenter further stated that NACTEP 
evaluation requirements place an expectation for the measurement of 
long-term impact of each project, which would be greatly enhanced by 
extending the project duration beyond five years.
    Response: We have considered the comments we received from 
individuals and from individuals representing tribes, community 
colleges, and tribal organizations. The vast majority of commenters 
supported the waivers and extension of the project period and favor our 
proposal to continue the current grants for an additional year under 
the current NACTEP authority. The vast majority of commenters agree 
with our overall rationale for the waivers and extending the current 
project period and believe that these waivers and extension are in the 
public interest.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter requested information on future NACTEP grant 
periods and asked whether a new NACTEP grant competition would be held 
in FY 2013.
    Response: At this time, we do not know whether there will be a 
NACTEP competition in FY 2013 or future years. If there is a NACTEP 
competition in any future year, we will announce that competition 
through a Federal Register notice inviting applications in which we 
will include, among other information, the length of the grant period.
    Changes: None.

Background

    The current NACTEP grantees, selected based on our March 23, 2007, 
NACTEP Federal Register notice inviting applications (72 FR 13770) 
(March 2007 notice), operate career and technical education programs, 
as authorized by section 116(a) through (g) of the Perkins Act (20 
U.S.C. 2326(a)-(g)). The project period for the current 30 NACTEP 
grantees is scheduled to end in FY 2012. For the NACTEP projects funded 
in 2007, the Secretary waives the requirements of 34 CFR 75.250 and 
75.261(c)(2), which generally limit project periods to 60 months and 
prohibit project period extensions involving the obligation of 
additional Federal funds, in order to extend the current NACTEP project 
period for an additional 12 months and allow the 30 current NACTEP 
grantees to seek continuation awards in FY 2012.
    The Secretary's waivers and extension mean that: (1) Current NACTEP 
grantees will be authorized to request and receive NACTEP continuation 
awards in FY 2012 for project periods through FY 2013, (2) we will not 
announce a new competition to make new awards in FY 2012, (3) the March 
2007 notice will continue to govern current projects during the 
extension year, and (4) the 30 applications approved under the March 
2007 notice will govern continuation activities.
    The March 2007 notice: (1) Established a project period of up to 60 
months and reiterated that funding for multi-year awards would be 
dependent on a grantee meeting the requirements of 34 CFR 75.253 
(continuation of a

[[Page 30514]]

multi-year project after the first budget period); (2) explained the 
requirements of the program; (3) described the evaluation and reporting 
requirements; and (4) established the Government Performance and 
Results Act (GPRA) performance indicators for NACTEP.
    With these waivers and extension of the project period, the current 
30 NACTEP grantees may request continuation awards for one additional 
project year, through FY 2013, and we will consider those continuation 
award requests under the current NACTEP statutory authority. Any 
requests for continuation awards will be subject to the requirements of 
34 CFR 75.253, including the requirement that each grantee demonstrate 
that it is making substantial progress performing its NACTEP grant 
activities based on the requirements in the March 2007 notice inviting 
applications.
    We will make decisions regarding continuation awards based on 
information provided in NACTEP grantee requests for continuation 
awards, including information provided in program narratives, budgets 
and budget narratives, and performance reports. Any activities to be 
carried out during the continuation year must be consistent with, or be 
a logical extension of the scope, goals, and objectives of, each 
grantee's application as approved in the 2007 NACTEP competition.

Waiver of Delayed Effective Date

    The Administrative Procedure Act requires that a substantive rule 
must be published at least 30 days before its effective date, except as 
otherwise provided for good cause (5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3)). During the 30-
day public comment period on the notice of proposed waivers and 
extension of project period, of the 82 comments we received, 81 
supported the waivers and extension of the project period for current 
NACTEP grantees. Except for minor editorial and technical revisions, 
there are no differences between the proposed and final notices of 
waivers and extension of the project period for NACTEP. In addition, 
given the fact that the additional period of funding is only for a 12-
month period, and in order to be able to make timely continuation 
grants to the 30 entities affected, the Secretary has determined that a 
delayed effective date is unnecessary and contrary to the public 
interest.

Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification

    The Secretary certifies that the waivers and extension and the 
activities required to support an additional year of NACTEP funding 
will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities.
    The small entities that will be affected by the waivers and 
extension are the 30 currently-funded NACTEP grantees.
    The Secretary certifies that the waivers and extension will not 
have a significant economic impact on these NACTEP entities because the 
waivers and extension impose minimal compliance costs to extend 
projects already in existence, and the activities required to support 
the additional year of funding will not impose additional regulatory 
burdens or require unnecessary Federal supervision. Furthermore, the 
costs of carrying out these activities could be paid for with program 
funds.

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

    This notice of waivers and extension does not contain any 
information collection requirements.

Intergovernmental Review

    The NACTEP is not subject to Executive Order 12372 and the 
regulations in 34 CFR part 79.
    Accessible Format: Individuals with disabilities can obtain this 
document in an accessible format (e.g., braille, large print, 
audiotape, or compact disc) on request to either of the contact persons 
listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
    Electronic Access to This Document: The official version of this 
document is the document published in the Federal Register. Free 
Internet access to the official edition of the Federal Register and the 
Code of Federal Regulations is available via the Federal Digital System 
at: www.gpo.gov/fdsys. At this site you can view this document, as well 
as all other documents of this Department published in the Federal 
Register, in text or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). To use PDF 
you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at this 
site.
    You may also access documents of the Department published in the 
Federal Register by using the article search feature at: 
www.federalregister.gov. Specifically, through the advanced search 
feature at this site, you can limit your search to documents published 
by the Department.

    Program Authority:  20 U.S.C. 2326(a) through (g).

    Dated: May 18, 2012.
Johan Uvin,
Delegated Authority to Perform the Functions and Duties of the 
Assistant Secretary for Vocational and Adult Education.
[FR Doc. 2012-12540 Filed 5-22-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P
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