Applications for New Awards; Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions Program, 71395-71401 [2019-27984]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 248 (Friday, December 27, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 71395-71401]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-27984]


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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION


Applications for New Awards; Developing Hispanic-Serving 
Institutions Program

AGENCY: Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of Education.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Education (Department) is issuing a notice 
inviting applications (NIA) for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 2020 
for the Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (DHSI) Program, 
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number 84.031S. This 
notice relates to the approved information collection under OMB control 
number 1840-0745.

DATES: 
    Applications Available: December 27, 2019.
    Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: February 10, 2020.
    Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: April 10, 2020.

ADDRESSES: For the addresses for obtaining and submitting an 
application, please refer to our Common Instructions for Applicants to 
Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the 
Federal Register on February 13, 2019 (84 FR 3768), and available at 
www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2019-02-13/pdf/2019-02206.pdf.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Njeri Clark, U.S. Department of 
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 260-14, Washington, DC 20202-
4260. Telephone: (202) 453-6224. Email: [email protected].
    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: 

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Purpose of Program: The DHSI Program provides grants to assist 
Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) to expand educational 
opportunities for, and improve the academic attainment of, Hispanic 
students. DHSI Program grants enable HSIs to expand and enhance the 
academic offerings, program quality, faculty quality, and institutional 
stability of colleges and universities that are educating the majority 
of Hispanic college students and help large numbers of Hispanic 
students and other low-income individuals complete postsecondary 
degrees.
    Background: Hispanic students are enrolling in postsecondary 
institutions at higher rates than ever before, yet their high 
enrollments are not translating to degree completion.\1\ HSIs have an 
opportunity to both improve individual educational outcomes and support 
our Nation's economic growth and competitiveness by increasing the 
number of certificates and degrees attained by Hispanic and low-income 
students. HSIs' high enrollment of Hispanic and low-income students 
positions them to serve as models for how best to meet the needs of 
Hispanic and low-income students. The DHSI program supports HSIs that 
demonstrate a commitment to developing or enhancing a comprehensive 
plan that looks to identify and address the strengths and weaknesses of 
an institution's enrollment, retention, support, and graduation rates 
of Hispanic and low-income students.
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    \1\ Digest of Education Statistics 2017, January 2019, https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2018/2018070.pdf.
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    HSIs interested in applying to this grant program can use the 
development of their comprehensive plan to examine

[[Page 71396]]

the alignment of their mission and current strategic plan with the 
needs of the target population and surrounding community to develop, 
enhance, and implement leadership, practice, and policies that best 
promote student success. Moreover, HSIs can use their plans as road 
maps to help all students, especially those with the highest needs, 
find exciting pathways to employment and career advancement.
    To this end, this competition includes two competitive preference 
priorities that are designed to promote student success.
    Priorities: This notice contains two competitive preference 
priorities from the Secretary's Final Supplemental Priorities and 
Definitions for Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal 
Register on March 2, 2018 (83 FR 9096) (Supplemental Priorities).
    Competitive Preference Priorities: For FY 2020 and any subsequent 
year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications 
from this competition, these priorities are competitive preference 
priorities. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i), we award an application up to 
5 additional points, depending on how well the application meets one of 
these priorities. Applicants may respond to one or both priorities, for 
a total of up to 10 additional points.
    These priorities are:

Competitive Preference Priority 1--Fostering Flexible and Affordable 
Paths To Obtaining Knowledge and Skills (Up to 5 Additional Points)

    Projects that are designed to address at least one of the following 
priority areas:
    (a) Improving collaboration between education providers and 
employers to ensure student learning objectives are aligned with the 
skills or knowledge required for employment in in-demand industry 
sectors or occupations (as defined in section 3(23) of the Workforce 
Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014).
    (b) Providing work-based learning experiences (such as internships, 
apprenticeships, and fellowships) that align with in-demand industry 
sectors or occupations (as defined in section 3(23) of the Workforce 
Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014).
    (c) Creating or expanding opportunities for students to obtain 
recognized postsecondary credentials in science, technology, 
engineering, mathematics, or computer science (as defined in this 
notice).

Competitive Preference Priority 2--Fostering Knowledge and Promoting 
the Development of Skills That Prepare Students To Be Informed, 
Thoughtful, and Productive Individuals and Citizens (Up to 5 Additional 
Points)

    Projects that are designed to support instruction in personal 
financial literacy, knowledge of markets and economics, knowledge of 
higher education financing and repayment (e.g., college savings and 
student loans), or other skills aimed at building personal financial 
understanding and responsibility.
    Definitions: The following definitions are from 34 CFR 77.1 and the 
Supplemental Priorities and apply to the priorities and selection 
criteria in this notice:
    Baseline means the starting point from which performance is 
measured and targets are set.
    Budget period means an interval of time into which a project period 
is divided for budgetary purposes.
    Computer science means the study of computers and algorithmic 
processes and includes the study of computing principles and theories, 
computational thinking, computer hardware, software design, coding, 
analytics, and computer applications.
    Computer science often includes computer programming or coding as a 
tool to create software, including applications, games, websites, and 
tools to manage or manipulate data; or development and management of 
computer hardware and the other electronics related to sharing, 
securing, and using digital information.
    In addition to coding, the expanding field of computer science 
emphasizes computational thinking and interdisciplinary problem-solving 
to equip students with the skills and abilities necessary to apply 
computation in our digital world.
    Computer science does not include using a computer for everyday 
activities, such as browsing the internet; use of tools like word 
processing, spreadsheets, or presentation software; or using computers 
in the study and exploration of unrelated subjects.
    Demonstrates a rationale means a key project component included in 
the project's logic model is informed by research or evaluation 
findings that suggest the project component is likely to improve 
relevant outcomes.
    Department means the U.S. Department of Education.
    Evidence-based means the proposed project component is supported by 
promising evidence or evidence that demonstrates a rationale.
    Experimental study means a study that is designed to compare 
outcomes between two groups of individuals (such as students) that are 
otherwise equivalent except for their assignment to either a treatment 
group receiving a project component or a control group that does not. 
Randomized controlled trials, regression discontinuity design studies, 
and single-case design studies are the specific types of experimental 
studies that, depending on their design and implementation (e.g., 
sample attrition in randomized controlled trials and regression 
discontinuity design studies), can meet What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) 
standards without reservations as described in the WWC Handbook:
    (i) A randomized controlled trial employs random assignment of, for 
example, students, teachers, classrooms, or schools to receive the 
project component being evaluated (the treatment group) or not to 
receive the project component (the control group).
    (ii) A regression discontinuity design study assigns the project 
component being evaluated using a measured variable (e.g., assigning 
students reading below a cutoff score to tutoring or developmental 
education classes) and controls for that variable in the analysis of 
outcomes.
    (iii) A single-case design study uses observations of a single case 
(e.g., a student eligible for a behavioral intervention) over time in 
the absence and presence of a controlled treatment manipulation to 
determine whether the outcome is systematically related to the 
treatment.
    Fiscal year means the Federal fiscal year--a period beginning on 
October 1 and ending on the following September 30.
    Grant period means the period for which funds have been awarded.
    Grantee means the legal entity to which a grant is awarded and that 
is accountable to the Federal Government for the use of the funds 
provided. The grantee is the entire legal entity even if only a 
particular component of the entity is designated in the grant award 
notice (GAN). For example, a GAN may name as the grantee one school or 
campus of a university. In this case, the granting agency usually 
intends, or actually intends, that the named component assume primary 
or sole responsibility for administering the grant-assisted project or 
program. Nevertheless, the naming of a component of a legal entity as 
the grantee in a grant award document shall not be construed as 
relieving the whole legal entity from accountability to the Federal 
Government for the use of the

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funds provided. (This definition is not intended to affect the 
eligibility provision of grant programs in which eligibility is limited 
to organizations that may be only components of a legal entity.) The 
term ``grantee'' does not include any secondary recipients, such as 
subgrantees and contractors, that may receive funds from a grantee 
pursuant to a subgrant or contract.
    Logic model (also referred to as a theory of action) means a 
framework that identifies key project components of the proposed 
project (i.e., the active ``ingredients'' that are hypothesized to be 
critical to achieving the relevant outcomes) and describes the 
theoretical and operational relationships among the key project 
components and relevant outcomes.
    Note: In developing logic models, applicants may want to use 
resources such as the Pacific Education Laboratory's Logic Model 
Application (www.ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/pacific/elm.asp).
    Performance measure means any quantitative indicator, statistic, or 
metric used to gauge program or project performance.
    Performance target means a level of performance that an applicant 
would seek to meet during the course of a project or as a result of a 
project.
    Project component means an activity, strategy, intervention, 
process, product, practice, or policy included in a project. Evidence 
may pertain to an individual project component or to a combination of 
project components (e.g., training teachers on instructional practices 
for English learners and follow-on coaching for these teachers).
    Promising evidence means that there is evidence of the 
effectiveness of a key project component in improving a relevant 
outcome, based on a relevant finding from one of the following:
    (i) A practice guide prepared by What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) 
reporting a ``strong evidence base'' or ``moderate evidence base'' for 
the corresponding practice guide recommendation;
    (ii) An intervention report prepared by the WWC reporting a 
``positive effect'' or ``potentially positive effect'' on a relevant 
outcome with no reporting of a ``negative effect'' or ``potentially 
negative effect'' on a relevant outcome; or
    (iii) A single study assessed by the Department, as appropriate, 
that--
    (A) Is an experimental study, a quasi-experimental design study, or 
a well-designed and well-implemented correlational study with 
statistical controls for selection bias (e.g., a study using regression 
methods to account for differences between a treatment group and a 
comparison group); and
    (B) Includes at least one statistically significant and positive 
(i.e., favorable) effect on a relevant outcome.
    Quasi-experimental design study means a study using a design that 
attempts to approximate an experimental study by identifying a 
comparison group that is similar to the treatment group in important 
respects. This type of study, depending on design and implementation 
(e.g., establishment of baseline equivalence of the groups being 
compared), can meet WWC standards with reservations, but cannot meet 
WWC standards without reservations, as described in the WWC Handbook.
    Relevant outcome means the student outcome(s) or other outcomes(s) 
the key project component is designed to improve, consistent with the 
specific goals of the program.
    Subgrant means an award of financial assistance in the form of 
money, or property in lieu of money, made under a grant by a grantee to 
an eligible subgrantee. The term includes financial assistance when 
provided by contractual or any other form of legal agreement, but does 
not include procurement purchases, nor does it include any form of 
assistance that is excluded from the definition of ``grant or award'' 
in this part (See 2 CFR 200.92, ``Subaward'').
    What Works Clearinghouse Handbook (WWC Handbook) means the 
standards and procedures set forth in the WWC Procedures and Standards 
Handbook, Version 3.0 or Version 2.1 (incorporated by reference, see 34 
CFR 77.2). Study findings eligible for review under WWC standards can 
meet WWC standards without reservations, meet WWC standards with 
reservations, or not meet WWC standards. WWC practice guides and 
intervention reports include findings from systematic reviews of 
evidence as described in the Handbook documentation.
    Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1101-1101d and 1103-1103g.
    Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General 
Administrative Regulations in 34 CFR parts 75, 77, 79, 82, 84, 86, 97, 
98, and 99. (b) The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Guidelines to 
Agencies on Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) in 
2 CFR part 180, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department 
in 2 CFR part 3485. (c) The Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost 
Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards in 2 CFR part 
200, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department in 2 CFR 
part 3474. (d) The regulations for this program in 34 CFR part 606. (e) 
The Supplemental Priorities.

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Discretionary grants. Five-year Individual 
Development Grants only. Cooperative Arrangement Grants and Planning 
Grants will not be awarded in FY 2020.
    Estimated Available Funds: The Department estimates that 
$124,415,000 will be available for the DHSI program in FY 2020, of 
which approximately $52,800,000 will be available for new awards. The 
actual level of funding, if any, depends on final congressional action. 
However, we are inviting applications to allow enough time to complete 
the grant process before the end of the current fiscal year, if 
Congress appropriates funds for this program.
    Contingent upon the availability of funds and the quality of 
applications, we may make additional awards in subsequent fiscal years 
from the list of unfunded applications from this competition.
    Estimated Range of Awards: $500,000-$600,000.
    Maximum Awards: We will not make an award exceeding $600,000 for a 
single budget period of 12 months.
    Estimated Number of Awards: 96.
    Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice.
    Project Period: Up to 60 months.

III. Eligibility Information and Supplemental Requirements

    1. Eligible Applicants: (a) Institutions of higher education (IHEs) 
that qualify as eligible HSIs are eligible to apply for new Individual 
Development Grants under the DHSI Program. To be an eligible HSI, an 
IHE must--
    (i) Have an enrollment of needy students, as defined in section 
502(b) of the HEA (section 502(a)(2)(A)(i) of the HEA; 20 U.S.C. 
1101a(a)(2)(A)(i));
    (ii) Have, except as provided in section 522(b) of the HEA, average 
education and general expenditures that are low, per full-time 
equivalent (FTE) undergraduate student, in comparison with the average 
education and general expenditures per FTE undergraduate student of 
institutions that offer similar instruction (section 502(a)(2)(A)(ii) 
of the HEA; 20 U.S.C. 1101a(a)(2)(A)(ii));
    Note: To demonstrate an enrollment of needy students and low 
average education and general expenditures per FTE undergraduate 
student, an IHE must be designated as an ``eligible institution'' in 
accordance with 34 CFR 606.3 through 606.5 and the notice

[[Page 71398]]

inviting applications for designation as an eligible institution for 
the fiscal year for which the grant competition is being conducted.
    Note: The notice announcing the FY 2020 process for designation of 
eligible institutions, and inviting applications for waiver of 
eligibility requirements, was published in the Federal Register on 
December 16, 2019 (84 FR 68434). Only institutions that the Department 
determines are eligible, or are granted a waiver, may apply for a grant 
in this program.
    (iii) Be accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency 
or association that the Secretary has determined to be a reliable 
authority as to the quality of education or training offered, or making 
reasonable progress toward accreditation, according to such an agency 
or association (section 502(a)(2)(A)(iv) of the HEA; 20 U.S.C. 
1101a(a)(2)(A)(iv));
    (iv) Be legally authorized to provide, and provides within the 
State, an education program for which the institution awards a 
bachelor's degree (section 502(a)(2)(A)(iii) of the HEA; 20 U.S.C. 
1101a(a)(2)(A)(iii)), or be a junior or community college (section 
502(a)(2)(A)(iii) of the HEA; 20 U.S.C. 1101a(a)(2)(A)(iii));
    (v) 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 (section 502(a)(5)(B) of 
the HEA; 20 U.S.C. 1101a(a)(5)(B)); and
    (vi) 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. 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 Grants.gov are in the application package for this 
competition.
    (b) For this program, the ``end of the award year immediately 
preceding the date of application'' refers to the end of the fiscal 
year prior to the application due date. For purposes of this 
competition, the data that we will use to determine percent enrollment 
is for academic year 2018-2019.
    (c) In considering applications for grants under this program, the 
Department will compare the data and documentation the institution 
relied on in its application with 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 
different percentages or data are reported in these various sources, 
the institution must, as part of the 25 percent assurance verification, 
explain the reason for the differences. If the IPEDS data show that 
less than 25 percent of the institution's undergraduate FTE students 
are Hispanic, the burden is on the institution to show that the IPEDS 
data are inaccurate. If the IPEDS data indicate that the institution 
has an undergraduate FTE less than 25 percent, and the institution 
fails to demonstrate that the IPEDS data are inaccurate, the 
institution will be considered ineligible.
    (d) A grantee under the DHSI Program, which is authorized by title 
V of the HEA, may not receive a grant under any HEA, title III, part A 
or part B program (section 505 of the HEA; 20 U.S.C. 1101d). 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; the Predominantly Black Institutions 
program; and the Native American-Serving Non-Tribal Institutions 
Program. Furthermore, a current DHSI Program grantee may not give up 
its HSI grant in order to receive a grant under any title III, part A 
program (34 CFR 606.2(c)(1)).
    (e) An eligible HSI may only submit one Individual Development 
Grant application.
    (f) Nothing in this notice alters a grantee's obligations to comply 
with nondiscrimination requirements in the U.S. Constitution and 
Federal civil rights laws, including on the basis of race or ethnicity, 
among others.
    2. Cost Sharing or Matching: This program does not require cost 
sharing or matching unless the grantee uses a portion of its grant for 
establishing or improving an endowment fund. If a grantee uses a 
portion of its grant for endowment fund purposes, it must match or 
exceed those grant funds with non-Federal funds (section 503(c)(2) of 
the HEA; 20 U.S.C. 1101b(c)(2)).
    3. Supplement-Not Supplant: This program involves supplement-not-
supplant funding requirements. Grant funds shall be used so that they 
supplement and, to the extent practical, increase the funds that would 
otherwise be available for the activities to be carried out under the 
grant and in no case supplant those funds. (34 CFR 606.30(b)).
    4. Subgrantees: Under 34 CFR 75.708(b) and (c), a grantee under 
this competition may award subgrants--to directly carry out project 
activities described in its application--to the following types of 
entities: Local educational agencies; State educational agencies; IHEs; 
nonprofit organizations. The grantee may award subgrants to entities it 
has identified in an approved application or that it selects through a 
competition under procedures established by the grantee.

IV. Application and Submission Information

    1. Application Submission Instructions: Applicants are required to 
follow the Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of 
Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal 
Register on February 13, 2019 (84 FR 3768), and available at 
www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2019-02-13/pdf/2019-02206.pdf, which 
contain requirements and information on how to submit an application.
    2. Submission of Proprietary Information: Given the types of 
projects that may be proposed in applications for the DHSI Program, 
your application may include business information that you consider 
proprietary. In 34 CFR 5.11 we define ``business information'' and 
describe the process we use in determining whether any of that 
information is proprietary and, thus, protected from disclosure under 
Exemption 4 of the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552, as 
amended).
    An applicant may wish to request confidentiality of business 
information because successful applications may be made available to 
the public, if requested.
    Consistent with Executive Order 12600, please designate in your 
application any information that you believe is exempt from disclosure 
under Exemption 4. In the appropriate Appendix section of your 
application, under ``Other Attachments Form,'' please list the page 
number or numbers on which we can find this information. For additional 
information please see 34 CFR 5.11(c).
    3. Intergovernmental Review: This program is subject to Executive 
Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79. Information about 
Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs under Executive Order 
12372 is in the application package for this program.
    4. Funding Restrictions: We specify unallowable costs in 34 CFR 
606.10(c). We reference additional regulations

[[Page 71399]]

outlining funding restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of 
this notice.
    5. Recommended Page Limit: The application narrative is where you, 
the applicant, address the selection criteria that reviewers use to 
evaluate your application. We recommend that you (1) limit the 
application narrative to no more than 55 pages and (2) use the 
following standards:
     A ``page'' is 8.5'' x 11'', on one side only, with 1'' 
margins at the top, bottom, and both sides.
     Double-space (no more than three lines per vertical inch) 
all text in the application narrative, including titles, headings, 
footnotes, quotations, references, and captions, as well as all text in 
charts, tables, figures, and graphs.
     Use a font that is either 12 point or larger, and no 
smaller than 10 pitch (characters per inch).
     Use one of the following fonts: Times New Roman, Courier, 
Courier New, or Arial.
    The recommended page limit applies to the Project Narrative, which 
is your complete response to the selection criteria, and any response 
to the competitive preference priorities, if applicable. However, the 
page limit does not apply to the Application for Federal Assistance 
form (SF-424); the ED SF-424 Supplement form; the Budget Information--
Non-Construction Programs form (ED 524); the assurances and 
certifications; or the one-page project abstract, the program profile 
form, and supporting budget narrative.
    6. Notice of Intent to Apply: The Department will be able to review 
grant applications more efficiently if we know the approximate number 
of applicants that intend to apply. Therefore, we strongly encourage 
each potential applicant to notify us of their intent to submit an 
application. To do so, please email the program contact person listed 
under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT with the subject line ``Intent to 
Apply,'' and include the applicant's name and a contact person's name 
and email address. Applicants that do not submit a notice of intent to 
apply may still apply for funding; applicants that do submit a notice 
of intent to apply are not bound to apply or bound by the information 
provided.

V. Application Review Information

    1. Selection Criteria: The selection criteria for this competition 
are from 34 CFR 75.210, 606.8, and 606.22 and are as follows:
    (a) Quality of the applicant's comprehensive development plan. (up 
to 25 points)
    The extent to which--
    (1) The strengths, weaknesses, and significant problems of the 
institution's academic programs, institutional management, and fiscal 
stability are clearly and comprehensively analyzed and result from a 
process that involved major constituencies of the institution (up to 5 
points);
    (2) The goals for the institution's academic programs, 
institutional management, and fiscal stability are realistic and based 
on comprehensive analysis (up to 5 points);
    (3) The objectives stated in the plan are measurable, related to 
institutional goals, and, if achieved, will contribute to the growth 
and self-sufficiency of the institution (up to 5 points);
    (4) The plan clearly and comprehensively describes the methods and 
resources the institution will use to institutionalize practice and 
improvements developed under the proposed project, including, in 
particular, how operational costs for personnel, maintenance, and 
upgrades of equipment will be paid with institutional resources (up to 
5 points); and
    (5) The plan clearly and comprehensively describes the five-year 
plan to improve its services to Hispanic and other low-income students 
(up to 5 points).
    Note: A comprehensive development plan is an institution's strategy 
for achieving growth and self-sufficiency by strengthening its--
    (1) Academic programs;
    (2) Institutional management; and
    (3) Fiscal stability.
    (b) Quality of the project design. (up to 15 points)
    The Secretary considers the quality of the design of the proposed 
project. In determining the quality of the design of the proposed 
project, the Secretary considers the following:
    (1) The extent to which the proposed project demonstrates a 
rationale (as defined in this notice) (up to 10 points); and
    (2) The extent to which the proposed project is supported by 
promising evidence (as defined in this notice) (up to 5 points).
    Note: To establish that their projects ``demonstrate a rationale,'' 
applicants must use a logic model (as defined in this notice). To 
establish that their projects are supported by ``promising evidence,'' 
applicants should cite the supporting study or studies that meets the 
conditions in the definition of ``promising evidence'' and attach the 
studies as part of the application attachments. In addressing 
``promising evidence,'' applicants are encouraged to align the direct 
student services proposed in this application to evidence-based 
practices identified in the selected studies.
    (c) Quality of activity objectives. (up to 10 points)
    The extent to which the objectives for each activity are--
    (1) Realistic and defined in terms of measurable results (up to 5 
points); and
    (2) Directly related to the problems to be solved and to the goals 
of the comprehensive development plan (up to 5 points).
    (d) Quality of implementation strategy. (up to 20 points)
    The extent to which--
    (1) The implementation strategy for each activity is comprehensive 
(up to 10 points);
    (2) The rationale for the implementation strategy for each activity 
is clearly described and is supported by the results of relevant 
studies or projects (up to 5 points); and
    (3) The timetable for each activity is realistic and likely to be 
attained (up to 5 points).
    (e) Quality of project management plan. (up to 10 points)
    The extent to which--
    (1) Procedures for managing the project are likely to ensure 
efficient and effective project implementation (up to 5 points); and
    (2) The project coordinator and activity directors have sufficient 
authority to conduct the project effectively, including access to the 
president or chief executive officer (up to 5 points).
    (f) Quality of key personnel. (up to 5 points)
    The extent to which--
    (1) The past experience and training of key professional personnel 
are directly related to the stated activity objectives (up to 2 
points); and
    (2) The time commitment of key personnel is realistic (up to 3 
points).
    (g) Quality of evaluation plan. (up to 10 points)
    The extent to which--
    (1) The data elements and the data collection procedures are 
clearly described and appropriate to measure the attainment of activity 
objectives and to measure the success of the project in achieving the 
goals of the comprehensive development plan (up to 5 points); and
    (2) The data analysis procedures are clearly described and are 
likely to produce formative and summative results on attaining activity 
objectives and measuring the success of the project on achieving the 
goals of the comprehensive development plan (up to 5 points).

[[Page 71400]]

    (h) Budget. (up to 5 points)
    The extent to which the proposed costs are necessary and reasonable 
in relation to the project's objectives and scope.
    2. Review and Selection Process: We remind potential applicants 
that in reviewing applications in any discretionary grant competition, 
the Secretary may consider, under 34 CFR 75.217(d)(3), the past 
performance of the applicant in carrying out a previous award, such as 
the applicant's use of funds, achievement of project objectives, and 
compliance with grant conditions. The Secretary may also consider 
whether the applicant failed to submit a timely performance report or 
submitted a report of unacceptable quality.
    In addition, in making a competitive grant award, the Secretary 
requires various assurances, including those applicable to Federal 
civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or 
activities receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department 
(34 CFR 100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).
    A panel of three non-Federal reviewers will review and score each 
application in accordance with the selection criteria in this notice, 
as well as the competitive preference priorities. A rank order funding 
slate will be made from this review. Awards will be made in rank order 
according to the average score received from the peer review.
    Tiebreaker: In tie-breaking situations for development grants 
described in 34 CFR 606.23(b), the DHSI Program regulations in 34 CFR 
part 606, subpart C require that we award additional points to an 
application from an IHE that--
    (1) Has an endowment fund of which the current market value, per 
FTE enrolled student, is less than the average current market value of 
the endowment funds, per FTE enrolled student, at comparable 
institutions that offer similar instruction;
    (2) Has 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; or
    (3) Proposes to carry out one or more of the following activities--
    (i) Faculty development (1 point);
    (ii) Funds and administrative management (1 point);
    (iii) Development and improvement of academic programs (2 points);
    (iv) Acquisition of equipment for use in strengthening management 
and academic programs (1 point);
    (v) Joint use of facilities (2 points); or
    (vi) Student services (2 points).
    If a tie remains after applying the tiebreaker mechanism above, 
priority will be given to applicants that addressed the statutory 
priority found in section 521(d) of the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1071).
    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 applicant that scores the highest under the 
selection criteria, quality of the applicant's comprehensive 
development plan, followed by quality of implementation strategy.
    3. Risk Assessment and Specific Conditions: Consistent with 2 CFR 
200.205, before awarding grants under this program, the Department 
conducts a review of the risks posed by applicants. Under 2 CFR 
3474.10, the Secretary may impose specific conditions and, in 
appropriate circumstances, high-risk conditions on a grant if the 
applicant or grantee is not financially stable; has a history of 
unsatisfactory performance; has a financial or other management system 
that does not meet the standards in 2 CFR part 200, subpart D; has not 
fulfilled the conditions of a prior grant; or is otherwise not 
responsible.
    4. Integrity and Performance System: If you are selected under this 
competition to receive an award that over the course of the project 
period may exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (currently 
$250,000), under 2 CFR 200.205(a)(2) we must make a judgment about your 
integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal 
awards--that is, the risk posed by you as an applicant--before we make 
an award. In doing so, we must consider any information about you that 
is in the integrity and performance system (currently referred to as 
the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System 
(FAPIIS)), accessible through the System for Award Management. You may 
review and comment on any information about yourself that a Federal 
agency previously entered and that is currently in FAPIIS.
    Please note that, if the total value of your currently active 
grants, cooperative agreements, and procurement contracts from the 
Federal Government exceeds $10,000,000, the reporting requirements in 2 
CFR part 200, Appendix XII, require you to report certain integrity 
information to FAPIIS semiannually. Please review the requirements in 2 
CFR part 200, Appendix XII, if this grant plus all the other Federal 
funds you receive exceed $10,000,000.

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 GAN; or we may 
send you an email containing a link to access an electronic version of 
your GAN. We may notify you informally, also.
    If your application is not evaluated or not selected for funding, 
we notify you.
    2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: We identify 
administrative and national policy requirements in the application 
package and reference these and other requirements in the Applicable 
Regulations section of this notice.
    We reference the regulations outlining the terms and conditions of 
an award in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice and 
include these and other specific conditions in the GAN. The GAN also 
incorporates your approved application as part of your binding 
commitments under the grant.
    3. Open Licensing Requirements: Unless an exception applies, if you 
are awarded a grant under this competition, you will be required to 
openly license to the public grant deliverables created in whole, or in 
part, with Department grant funds. When the deliverable consists of 
modifications to pre-existing works, the license extends only to those 
modifications that can be separately identified and only to the extent 
that open licensing is permitted under the terms of any licenses or 
other legal restrictions on the use of pre-existing works. 
Additionally, a grantee or subgrantee that is awarded competitive grant 
funds must have a plan to disseminate these public grant deliverables. 
This dissemination plan can be developed and submitted after your 
application has been reviewed and selected for funding. For additional 
information on the open licensing requirements, please refer to 2 CFR 
3474.20.
    4. Reporting: (a) If you apply for a grant under this competition, 
you must ensure that you have in place the necessary processes and 
systems to comply with the reporting requirements in 2 CFR part 170 
should you receive funding under the competition. This does not apply 
if you have an exception under 2 CFR 170.110(b).
    (b) At the end of your project period, you must submit a final 
performance report, including financial information, as directed by the 
Secretary. If you receive a multiyear award, you must submit an annual 
performance report that provides the most current performance and 
financial expenditure information as directed by the Secretary

[[Page 71401]]

under 34 CFR 75.118. The Secretary may also require more frequent 
performance reports under 34 CFR 75.720(c). For specific requirements 
on reporting, please go to www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html.
    (c) Under 34 CFR 75.250(b), the Secretary may provide a grantee 
with additional funding for data collection analysis and reporting. In 
this case, the Secretary establishes a data collection period.
    5. Performance Measures: The Secretary has established the 
following key performance measures for assessing the effectiveness of 
the DHSI Program:
    (a) The annual rate of degree or certificate completion for all 
students, and specifically for Hispanic students, at DHSI grantee 
institutions.
    (b) The annual persistence rate at DHSI grantee institutions for 
all students, and for Hispanic students in particular, from one year to 
the next.
    (c) The percentage of all students, and of Hispanic students in 
particular, that transfer from a two-year HSI to a four-year 
institution.
    (d) The number of all students, and the number of Hispanic students 
in particular, served by any direct student service supported by the 
grant.
    (e) The Federal cost per undergraduate and graduate degree at 
institutions in the DHSI program.
    6. Continuation Awards: In making a continuation award under 34 CFR 
75.253, the Secretary considers, among other things: Whether a grantee 
has made substantial progress in achieving the goals and objectives of 
the project; whether the grantee has expended funds in a manner that is 
consistent with its approved application and budget; and, if the 
Secretary has established performance measurement requirements, the 
performance targets in the grantee's approved application.
    In making a continuation award, the Secretary also considers 
whether the grantee is operating in compliance with the assurances in 
its approved application, including those applicable to Federal civil 
rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities 
receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department (34 CFR 
100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).

VII. Other Information

    Accessible Format: Individuals with disabilities can obtain this 
document and a copy of the application package in an accessible format 
(e.g., braille, large print, audiotape, or compact disc) on request to 
the program contact person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
CONTACT.
    Electronic Access to This Document: The official version of this 
document is the document published in the Federal Register. You may 
access the official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of 
Federal Regulations at www.govinfo.gov. At this site, you can view this 
document, as well as all other documents of this Department published 
in the Federal Register, in text or Portable Document Format (PDF). To 
use PDF, you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at 
the site.
    You may also access documents of the Department published in the 
Federal Register by using the article search feature at 
www.federalregister.gov. Specifically, through the advanced search 
feature at this site, you can limit your search to documents published 
by the Department.

Robert L. King,
Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education.
[FR Doc. 2019-27984 Filed 12-26-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4000-01-P