Applications for New Awards; Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language Program, 2115-2120 [2020-00374]
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 9 / Tuesday, January 14, 2020 / Notices
Notice of Federal Advisory
Committee meeting.
ACTION:
The DoD is publishing this
notice to announce that the following
Federal Advisory Committee meeting of
the Defense Health Board (DHB) has
been scheduled.
DATES: Open to the public Monday,
February 10, 2020 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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INFORMATION, ‘‘Meeting Accessibility.’’)
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briefings from Foreign Service Medical
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Examination of Mental Health
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SUMMARY:
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Accession Screening: Predictive Value
of Current Measures and Processes
review, the Health Care Delivery
Subcommittee on the Active Duty
Women’s Health Care Services review,
and the Public Health Subcommittee on
the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella
Booster Immunization Practices review.
Any changes to the agenda can be found
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SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section.
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members of the public who wish to
attend the public meeting must register
by emailing their name, rank/title, and
organization/company to
dha.ncr.dhb.mbx.defense-healthboard@mail.mil or by contacting Dr.
Clarice Waters at (703) 275–6003 no
later than Wednesday, February 5, 2020.
Members of the public who do not have
access to the Gatehouse building will be
required to provide additional
information before access to Gatehouse
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required, this information must be
provided to the DHB Designated Federal
Officer (DFO), Captain Gorman at
gregory.h.gorman.mil@mail.mil (Email)
or (703) 275–6060 (Voice).
Special Accommodations: Individuals
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CFR 102–3.105(j) and 102–3.140, and
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Written statements may be submitted to
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Supporting documentation may also be
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After reviewing the written comments,
the President and the DFO may choose
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to invite the submitter to orally present
their issue during an open portion of
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DFO, in consultation with the DHB
President, may allot time for members of
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review and discussion by the DHB.
Dated: January 9, 2020.
Aaron T. Siegel,
Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison
Officer, Department of Defense.
[FR Doc. 2020–00438 Filed 1–13–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 5001–06–P
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Applications for New Awards;
Undergraduate International Studies
and Foreign Language Program
Office of Postsecondary
Education, Department of Education.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
The Department of Education
is issuing a notice inviting applications
for fiscal year (FY) 2020 for the
Undergraduate International Studies
and Foreign Language (UISFL) program,
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
(CFDA) number 84.016A. This notice
relates to the approved information
collection under OMB control number
1840–0796.
DATES:
Applications Available: January 14,
2020.
Deadline for Transmittal of
Applications: March 24, 2020.
Pre-Application Webinar Information:
The Department will hold a preapplication meeting via webinar for
prospective applicants. Detailed
information regarding this webinar will
be provided on the website for the
UISFL program at www2.ed.gov/
programs/iegpsugisf/.
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-201902-13/pdf/2019-02206.pdf.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Tanyelle H. Richardson, U.S.
Department of Education, 400 Maryland
Avenue SW, Room 258–14, Washington,
DC 20202. Telephone: (202) 453–6391.
Email: tanyelle.richardson@ed.gov.
If you use a telecommunications
device for the deaf (TDD) or a text
telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay
SUMMARY:
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Service (FRS), toll free, at 1–800–877–
8339.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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Full Text of Announcement
I. Funding Opportunity Description
Purpose of Program: The UISFL
program provides grants for planning,
developing, and carrying out projects to
strengthen and improve undergraduate
instruction in international studies and
foreign languages in the United States.
Priorities: This notice contains two
competitive preference priorities and
one invitational priority. Competitive
Preference Priority 1 is from the notice
of final priority (NFP) published in the
Federal Register on June 11, 2014 (79
FR 33432). Competitive Preference
Priority 2 is from 34 CFR 658.35(a).
Note: Applicants must indicate in the
recommended one-page abstract and on
the FY 2020 UISFL program Profile
Form in the application package
whether they intend to address one or
both of the competitive preference
priorities or the invitational priority.
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
additional two or three points to an
application that meets Competitive
Preference Priority 1, depending on how
well the application meets the priority,
and an additional two points to an
application that meets Competitive
Preference Priority 2, for a maximum of
five additional points.
These priorities are:
Competitive Preference Priority 1 (0,
2, or 3 points).
Applications from Minority-Serving
Institutions (MSIs) (as defined in this
notice) or community colleges (as
defined in this notice), whether as
individual applicants or as part of a
consortium of institutions of higher
education (IHEs) (consortium) or a
partnership between nonprofit
educational organizations and IHEs
(partnership).
An application from a consortium or
partnership that has an MSI or a
community college as the lead applicant
will receive more points under this
priority than applications in which the
MSI or community college is a member
of a consortium or partnership but not
the lead applicant.
A consortium or partnership must
undertake activities designed to
incorporate foreign languages into the
curriculum of the MSI or community
college and to improve foreign language
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and international or area studies
instruction on the MSI or community
college campus.
Note: We will award either two or
three points to an application that meets
this priority. If an MSI or a community
college is a single applicant, or the lead
applicant in a consortium or
partnership, the application will receive
three additional points. If an MSI or
community college is a member of a
consortium or partnership, but not the
lead applicant, the application will
receive two additional points. No
application will receive more than three
additional points for this priority.
Competitive Preference Priority 2 (0 or
2 points).
Applications from IHEs or consortia
of these institutions that require
entering students to have successfully
completed at least two years of
secondary school foreign language
instruction or that require each
graduating student to earn two years of
postsecondary credit in a foreign
language (or have demonstrated
equivalent competence in the foreign
language); or, in the case of a two-year
degree granting institution, offer two
years of postsecondary credit in a
foreign language.
Invitational Priority: For FY 2020 and
any subsequent year in which we make
awards from the list of unfunded
applications from this competition, this
priority is an invitational priority.
Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(1), we do not
give an application that meets this
invitational priority a competitive or
absolute preference over other
applications.
This priority is:
Training in Less Commonly Taught
Languages or Thematic Focus on Area
Studies or International Studies
Programs.
Applications that propose programs
or activities focused on language
training or the development of area or
international studies programs focused
on contemporary topics or themes in
conjunction with training in any
modern foreign languages, except
French, German, or Spanish.
Definitions: The following definitions
are from the NFP.
Community college means an
institution that meets the definition in
section 312(f) of the Higher Education
Act of 1965, as amended (HEA) (20
U.S.C. 1058(f)); or an IHE (as defined in
section 101 of the HEA) that awards
degrees and certificates, more than 50
percent of which are not bachelor’s
degrees (or an equivalent) or master’s,
professional, or other advanced degrees.
Minority-Serving Institution means an
institution that is eligible to receive
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assistance under sections 316 through
320 of part A of title III, under part B
of title III, or under title V of the HEA.
Note: The list of institutions currently
designated as eligible under title III and
title V is available at: www2.ed.gov/
about/offices/list/ope/idues/
eligibility.html#el-inst.
Application Requirements: In
addition to any other requirements
outlined in the application package for
this program, section 604(a)(7) of the
HEA, 20 U.S.C. 1124(a)(7), requires that
each application from an IHE, consortia,
or partnership include—
(1) Evidence that the applicant has
conducted extensive planning prior to
submitting the application;
(2) An assurance that the faculty and
administrators of all relevant
departments and programs served by the
applicant are involved in ongoing
collaboration with regard to achieving
the stated objectives of the application;
(3) An assurance that students at the
applicant institutions, as appropriate,
will have equal access to, and derive
benefits from, the UISFL program;
(4) An assurance that each applicant,
consortium, or partnership will use the
Federal assistance provided under the
UISFL program to supplement and not
supplant non-Federal funds the
institution expends for programs to
improve undergraduate instruction in
international studies and foreign
languages;
(5) A description of how the applicant
will provide information to students
regarding federally funded scholarship
programs in related areas;
(6) An explanation of how the
activities funded by the grant will
reflect diverse perspectives and a wide
range of views, and generate debate on
world regions and international affairs,
where applicable; and
(7) A description of how the applicant
will encourage service in areas of
national need, as identified by the
Secretary.
Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1124.
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 Guidelines to Agencies on
Governmentwide Debarment and
Suspension (Nonprocurement) in 2 CFR
part 180, as adopted and amended as
regulations of the Department in 34 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 34 CFR part 3474. (d)
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The regulations in 34 CFR parts 655 and
658. (e) The NFP.
Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part
86 apply to IHEs only.
II. Award Information
Type of Award: Discretionary grants.
Estimated Available Funds: The
Administration’s budget request for FY
2020 does not include funds for this
program. 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 FY
2021 from the list of unfunded
applications from this competition.
Estimated Range of Awards:
For single applicant grants: $70,000–
$100,000 for each 12-month budget
period.
For consortia or partnership grants:
$90,000–$120,000 for each 12-month
budget period.
Estimated Average Size of Awards:
For single applicant grants: $83,603.
For consortia or partnership grants:
$101,000.
Maximum Award: We will not make
an award exceeding $100,000 for a
single applicant for a single budget
period of 12 months, or an award
exceeding $120,000 for a consortium or
partnership applicant for a single budget
period of 12 months.
Estimated Number of Awards: 30.
Note: For applications from public
and private nonprofit agencies and
organizations, including professional
and scholarly associations, the
maximum award for a single budget
period of 12 months is $100,000 if the
entity applies alone and $120,000 if the
entity applies with partner
organizations.
Note: The Department is not bound by
any estimates in this notice.
Project Period:
For single applicant grants: Up to 24
months.
For consortia or partnership grants:
Up to 36 months.
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III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants: (a) IHEs; (b)
consortia of IHEs; (c) partnerships
between nonprofit educational
organizations and IHEs; and (d) public
and private nonprofit agencies and
organizations, including professional
and scholarly associations.
2. a. Cost Sharing or Matching: This
program has a matching requirement
under section 604(a)(3) of the HEA, 20
U.S.C. 1124(a)(3), and the regulations
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for this program in 34 CFR 658.41.
UISFL program grantees must provide
matching funds in either of the
following ways: (i) Cash contributions
from private sector corporations or
foundations equal to one-third of the
total project costs; or (ii) a combination
of institutional and non-institutional
cash or in-kind contributions including
State and private sector corporation or
foundation contributions, equal to onehalf of the total project costs. The
Secretary may waive or reduce the
required matching share for institutions
that are eligible to receive assistance
under part A or part B of title III or
under title V of the HEA that have
submitted an application that
demonstrates a need for a waiver or
reduction.
b. Supplement-Not-Supplant: This
program involves supplement-notsupplant funding requirements, which
are described in section 604(a)(7)(D) of
the HEA, 20 U.S.C. 1124(a)(7)(D).
3. 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: IHEs,
nonprofit organizations, professional
organizations, or businesses. The
grantee may award subgrants to entities
it has identified in the 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 UISFL grant competition, 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). Consistent with the process
followed in the FY 2018 UISFL
competition, we plan to post on our
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website a selection of funded abstracts
and applications’ narrative sections.
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 not subject to Executive
Order 12372 and the regulations in 34
CFR part 79.
4. Funding Restrictions: We specify
unallowable costs in 34 CFR 658.40. We
reference additional regulations
outlining funding restrictions in the
Applicable Regulations section of this
notice.
5. Recommended Page Limit: The
application narrative (Part III) 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 40 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, except 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 or 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 does not
apply to Part I, the cover sheet; Part II,
budget section, including the narrative
budget justification; Part IV, the
assurance and certifications; or the
abstract, the resumes, the biography, or
letters of support. However, the
recommended page limit does apply to
all of the application narrative.
V. Application Review Information
1. Selection Criteria: The selection
criteria for this program are from 34 CFR
658.31, 658.32, 658.33, and 655.32. The
maximum score for all the selection
criteria, together with the maximum
number of points awarded to applicants
that address the competitive preference
priorities, is 105 points for applications
from IHEs, consortia, and partnerships;
and 100 points for applications from
public and private nonprofit agencies
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and organizations, including
professional and scholarly associations.
The maximum score for each criterion is
indicated in parentheses.
All Applications. All applications will
be evaluated based on the general
selection criteria as follows:
(a) Plan of operation (up to 15 points).
(1) The Secretary reviews each
application for information that shows
the quality of the plan of operation for
the project.
(2) The Secretary looks for
information that shows—
(i) High quality in the design of the
project;
(ii) An effective plan of management
that ensures proper and efficient
administration of the project;
(iii) A clear description of how the
objectives of the project relate to the
purpose of the program;
(iv) The way the applicant plans to
use its resources and personnel to
achieve each objective; and
(v) A clear description of how the
applicant will provide equal access and
treatment for eligible project
participants who are members of groups
that have been traditionally
underrepresented, such as—
(A) Members of racial or ethnic
minority groups;
(B) Women; and
(C) Handicapped persons.
(b) Quality of key personnel (up to 10
points). (1) The Secretary reviews each
application for information that shows
the quality of the key personnel the
applicant plans to use on the project.
(2) The Secretary looks for
information that shows—
(i) The qualifications of the project
director (if one is to be used);
(ii) The qualifications of each of the
other key personnel to be used in the
project. In the case of faculty, the
qualifications of the faculty and the
degree to which that faculty is directly
involved in the actual teaching and
supervision of students; and
(iii) The time that each person
referred to in paragraphs (b)(2)(i) and (ii)
of this section plans to commit to the
project; and
(iv) The extent to which the applicant,
as part of its nondiscriminatory
employment practices, encourages
applications for employment from
persons who are members of groups that
have been traditionally
underrepresented, such as members of
racial or ethnic minority groups,
women, handicapped persons, and the
elderly.
(3) To determine the qualifications of
a person, the Secretary considers
evidence of past experience and
training, in fields related to the
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objectives of the project, as well as other
information that the applicant provides.
(c) Budget and cost effectiveness (up
to 10 points). (1) The Secretary reviews
each application for information that
shows that the project has an adequate
budget and is cost effective.
(2) The Secretary looks for
information that shows—
(i) The budget for the project is
adequate to support the project
activities; and
(ii) Costs are reasonable in relation to
the objectives of the project.
(d) Evaluation plan (up to 20 points).
(1) The Secretary reviews each
application for information that shows
the quality of the evaluation plan for the
project.
(2) The Secretary looks for
information that shows methods of
evaluation that are appropriate for the
project and, to the extent possible, are
objective and produce data that are
quantifiable.
(e) Adequacy of resources (up to 5
points). (1) The Secretary reviews each
application for information that shows
that the applicant plans to devote
adequate resources to the project.
(2) The Secretary looks for
information that shows—
(i) Other than library, facilities that
the applicant plans to use are adequate
(language laboratory, museums, etc.);
and
(ii) The equipment and supplies that
the applicant plans to use are adequate.
Applications from IHEs, Consortia, or
Partnerships. Applications submitted by
IHEs, consortia, or partnerships will
also be evaluated based on the following
criteria:
(f) Commitment to international
studies (up to 15 points). (1) The
Secretary reviews each application for
information that shows the applicant’s
commitment to the international studies
program.
(2) The Secretary looks for
information that shows—
(i) The institution’s current strength
as measured by the number of
international studies courses offered;
(ii) The extent to which planning for
the implementation of the proposed
program has involved the applicant’s
faculty, as well as administrators;
(iii) The institutional commitment to
the establishment, operation, and
continuation of the program as
demonstrated by optimal use of
available personnel and other resources;
and
(iv) The institutional commitment to
the program as demonstrated by the use
of institutional funds in support of the
program’s objectives.
(g) Elements of the proposed
international studies program (up to 10
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points). (1) The Secretary reviews each
application for information that shows
the nature of the applicant’s proposed
international studies program.
(2) The Secretary looks for
information that shows—
(i) The extent to which the proposed
activities will contribute to the
implementation of a program in
international studies and foreign
languages at the applicant institution;
(ii) The interdisciplinary aspects of
the program;
(iii) The number of new and revised
courses with an international
perspective that will be added to the
institution’s programs; and
(iv) The applicant’s plans to improve
or expand language instruction.
(h) Need for and prospective results of
the proposed program (up to 15 points).
(1) The Secretary reviews each
application for information that shows
the need for and the prospective results
of the applicant’s proposed program.
(2) The Secretary looks for
information that shows—
(i) The extent to which the proposed
activities are needed at the applicant
institution;
(ii) The extent to which the proposed
use of Federal funds will result in the
implementation of a program in
international studies and foreign
languages at the applicant institution;
(iii) The likelihood that the activities
initiated with Federal funds will be
continued after Federal assistance is
terminated; and
(iv) The adequacy of the provisions
for sharing the materials and results of
the program with other institutions of
higher education.
Applications from Public and Private
Nonprofit Agencies and Organizations,
Including Professional and Scholarly
Associations. Applications from public
and private nonprofit agencies and
organizations, including professional
and scholarly associations, will also be
evaluated based on the following
criteria:
Need for and potential impact of the
proposed project in improving
international studies and the study of
modern foreign language at the
undergraduate level (up to 40 points).
(1) The Secretary reviews each
application for information that shows
the need for and potential impact of the
applicant’s proposed projects in
improving international studies and the
study of modern foreign language at the
undergraduate level.
(2) The Secretary looks for
information that shows—
(i) The extent to which the applicant’s
proposed apportionment of Federal
funds among the various budget
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categories for the proposed project will
contribute to achieving results;
(ii) The international nature and
contemporary relevance of the proposed
project;
(iii) The extent to which the proposed
project will make an especially
significant contribution to the
improvement of the teaching of
international studies or modern foreign
languages at the undergraduate level;
and
(iv) The adequacy of the applicant’s
provisions for sharing the materials and
results of the proposed project with the
higher education community.
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Selection criteria
Additional information regarding
these criteria is in the application
package for this program. The total
number of points available under these
selection criteria combined with the
competitive preference priorities, is as
follows:
UISFL
consortia and
partnerships
UISFL IHEs
UISFL public and
private nonprofit
agencies and
organizations,
including
professional and
scholarly
associations
(a) Plan of Operation ...........................................................................................................
(b) Quality of Key Personnel ...............................................................................................
(c) Budget and Cost Effectiveness ......................................................................................
(d) Evaluation Plan ..............................................................................................................
(e) Adequacy of Resources .................................................................................................
(f) Commitment to International Studies ..............................................................................
(g) Elements of Proposed International Studies Program ..................................................
(h) Need for and Prospective Results of Proposed Program .............................................
(i) Need for and Potential Impact of the Proposed Project in Improving International
Studies and the Study of Modern Foreign Languages at the Undergraduate Level ......
15
10
10
20
5
15
10
15
15
10
10
20
5
15
10
15
15
10
10
20
5
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
40
Sub-Total ......................................................................................................................
Competitive Preference Priority #1 (Optional) .....................................................................
Competitive Preference Priority #2 (Optional) .....................................................................
100
3
2
100
3
2
100
n/a
n/a
Total Possible Points .............................................................................................
105
105
100
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 also 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 of
Education (34 CFR 100.4, 104.5, 106.4,
108.8, and 110.23).
Separate rank order slates for
applications from (1) IHEs, consortia,
and partnerships; and (2) public and
private nonprofit agencies and
organizations will be developed and
used to make funding
recommendations. Each slate will
include the peer reviewers’ scores from
the highest score to the lowest score for
each application.
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The Secretary, to the extent
practicable and consistent with the
criterion of excellence, seeks to
encourage diversity by ensuring that a
variety of types of projects and
institutions receive funding.
3. Risk Assessment and Specific
Conditions: Consistent with 2 CFR
200.205, before awarding grants under
this competition, 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
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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 Grant Award Notification
(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.
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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
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.
Performance reports for the UISFL
program must be submitted
electronically into the office of
International and Foreign Language
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18:41 Jan 13, 2020
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Education web-based reporting system,
International Resource Information
System (IRIS). For information about
IRIS and to view the reporting
instructions, please go to https://
iris.ed.gov/iris/pdfs/UISFL.pdf.
5. Performance Measures: Under the
Government Performance and Results
Act of 1993, the Department will use the
following performance measures to
evaluate the success of the UISFL
program: Percentage of UISFL projects
that added or enhanced courses in
international studies in critical world
areas and priority foreign languages; and
percentage of UISFL projects that
established certificate and/or
undergraduate degree programs in
international or foreign language
studies.
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
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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. 2020–00374 Filed 1–13–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
National Petroleum Council
Office of Fossil Energy,
Department of Energy.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
Notice of renewal.
Pursuant to the Federal
Advisory Committee Act, and Title 41,
Code of Federal Regulations, and
following consultation with the
Committee Management Secretariat,
General Services Administration, notice
is hereby given that the National
Petroleum Council has been renewed for
a two-year period.
The Council will continue to provide
advice, information, and
recommendations to the Secretary of
Energy on matters relating to oil and
natural gas, or the oil and natural gas
industries. The Secretary of Energy has
determined that renewal of the National
Petroleum Council is essential to the
conduct of the Department’s business
and in the public interest in connection
with the performance of duties imposed
by law upon the Department of Energy.
The Council will continue to operate in
accordance with the provisions of the
Federal Advisory Committee Act, the
General Services Administration Final
Rule on Federal Advisory Committee
Management, and other directives and
instructions issued in implementation
of those Acts.
SUMMARY:
Ms.
Nancy Johnson at (202) 586–6458; or
email: nancy.johnson@hq.doe.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Signed in Washington, DC on January 8,
2020.
Rachael J. Beitler,
Acting Committee Management Officer.
[FR Doc. 2020–00433 Filed 1–13–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450–01–P
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 9 (Tuesday, January 14, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 2115-2120]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-00374]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Applications for New Awards; Undergraduate International Studies
and Foreign Language Program
AGENCY: Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of Education.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Department of Education is issuing a notice inviting
applications for fiscal year (FY) 2020 for the Undergraduate
International Studies and Foreign Language (UISFL) program, Catalog of
Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number 84.016A. This notice relates
to the approved information collection under OMB control number 1840-
0796.
DATES:
Applications Available: January 14, 2020.
Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: March 24, 2020.
Pre-Application Webinar Information: The Department will hold a
pre-application meeting via webinar for prospective applicants.
Detailed information regarding this webinar will be provided on the
website for the UISFL program at www2.ed.gov/programs/iegpsugisf/.
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: Tanyelle H. Richardson, U.S.
Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 258-14,
Washington, DC 20202. Telephone: (202) 453-6391. Email:
[email protected].
If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) or a text
telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay
[[Page 2116]]
Service (FRS), toll free, at 1-800-877-8339.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Full Text of Announcement
I. Funding Opportunity Description
Purpose of Program: The UISFL program provides grants for planning,
developing, and carrying out projects to strengthen and improve
undergraduate instruction in international studies and foreign
languages in the United States.
Priorities: This notice contains two competitive preference
priorities and one invitational priority. Competitive Preference
Priority 1 is from the notice of final priority (NFP) published in the
Federal Register on June 11, 2014 (79 FR 33432). Competitive Preference
Priority 2 is from 34 CFR 658.35(a).
Note: Applicants must indicate in the recommended one-page abstract
and on the FY 2020 UISFL program Profile Form in the application
package whether they intend to address one or both of the competitive
preference priorities or the invitational priority.
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 additional two or
three points to an application that meets Competitive Preference
Priority 1, depending on how well the application meets the priority,
and an additional two points to an application that meets Competitive
Preference Priority 2, for a maximum of five additional points.
These priorities are:
Competitive Preference Priority 1 (0, 2, or 3 points).
Applications from Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) (as defined
in this notice) or community colleges (as defined in this notice),
whether as individual applicants or as part of a consortium of
institutions of higher education (IHEs) (consortium) or a partnership
between nonprofit educational organizations and IHEs (partnership).
An application from a consortium or partnership that has an MSI or
a community college as the lead applicant will receive more points
under this priority than applications in which the MSI or community
college is a member of a consortium or partnership but not the lead
applicant.
A consortium or partnership must undertake activities designed to
incorporate foreign languages into the curriculum of the MSI or
community college and to improve foreign language and international or
area studies instruction on the MSI or community college campus.
Note: We will award either two or three points to an application
that meets this priority. If an MSI or a community college is a single
applicant, or the lead applicant in a consortium or partnership, the
application will receive three additional points. If an MSI or
community college is a member of a consortium or partnership, but not
the lead applicant, the application will receive two additional points.
No application will receive more than three additional points for this
priority.
Competitive Preference Priority 2 (0 or 2 points).
Applications from IHEs or consortia of these institutions that
require entering students to have successfully completed at least two
years of secondary school foreign language instruction or that require
each graduating student to earn two years of postsecondary credit in a
foreign language (or have demonstrated equivalent competence in the
foreign language); or, in the case of a two-year degree granting
institution, offer two years of postsecondary credit in a foreign
language.
Invitational Priority: For FY 2020 and any subsequent year in which
we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this
competition, this priority is an invitational priority. Under 34 CFR
75.105(c)(1), we do not give an application that meets this
invitational priority a competitive or absolute preference over other
applications.
This priority is:
Training in Less Commonly Taught Languages or Thematic Focus on
Area Studies or International Studies Programs.
Applications that propose programs or activities focused on
language training or the development of area or international studies
programs focused on contemporary topics or themes in conjunction with
training in any modern foreign languages, except French, German, or
Spanish.
Definitions: The following definitions are from the NFP.
Community college means an institution that meets the definition in
section 312(f) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA)
(20 U.S.C. 1058(f)); or an IHE (as defined in section 101 of the HEA)
that awards degrees and certificates, more than 50 percent of which are
not bachelor's degrees (or an equivalent) or master's, professional, or
other advanced degrees.
Minority-Serving Institution means an institution that is eligible
to receive assistance under sections 316 through 320 of part A of title
III, under part B of title III, or under title V of the HEA.
Note: The list of institutions currently designated as eligible
under title III and title V is available at: www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/idues/eligibility.html#el-inst.
Application Requirements: In addition to any other requirements
outlined in the application package for this program, section 604(a)(7)
of the HEA, 20 U.S.C. 1124(a)(7), requires that each application from
an IHE, consortia, or partnership include--
(1) Evidence that the applicant has conducted extensive planning
prior to submitting the application;
(2) An assurance that the faculty and administrators of all
relevant departments and programs served by the applicant are involved
in ongoing collaboration with regard to achieving the stated objectives
of the application;
(3) An assurance that students at the applicant institutions, as
appropriate, will have equal access to, and derive benefits from, the
UISFL program;
(4) An assurance that each applicant, consortium, or partnership
will use the Federal assistance provided under the UISFL program to
supplement and not supplant non-Federal funds the institution expends
for programs to improve undergraduate instruction in international
studies and foreign languages;
(5) A description of how the applicant will provide information to
students regarding federally funded scholarship programs in related
areas;
(6) An explanation of how the activities funded by the grant will
reflect diverse perspectives and a wide range of views, and generate
debate on world regions and international affairs, where applicable;
and
(7) A description of how the applicant will encourage service in
areas of national need, as identified by the Secretary.
Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1124.
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 Guidelines to
Agencies on Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) in
2 CFR part 180, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department
in 34 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 34 CFR
part 3474. (d)
[[Page 2117]]
The regulations in 34 CFR parts 655 and 658. (e) The NFP.
Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 86 apply to IHEs only.
II. Award Information
Type of Award: Discretionary grants.
Estimated Available Funds: The Administration's budget request for
FY 2020 does not include funds for this program. 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 FY 2021 from the list of
unfunded applications from this competition.
Estimated Range of Awards:
For single applicant grants: $70,000-$100,000 for each 12-month
budget period.
For consortia or partnership grants: $90,000-$120,000 for each 12-
month budget period.
Estimated Average Size of Awards:
For single applicant grants: $83,603.
For consortia or partnership grants: $101,000.
Maximum Award: We will not make an award exceeding $100,000 for a
single applicant for a single budget period of 12 months, or an award
exceeding $120,000 for a consortium or partnership applicant for a
single budget period of 12 months.
Estimated Number of Awards: 30.
Note: For applications from public and private nonprofit agencies
and organizations, including professional and scholarly associations,
the maximum award for a single budget period of 12 months is $100,000
if the entity applies alone and $120,000 if the entity applies with
partner organizations.
Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice.
Project Period:
For single applicant grants: Up to 24 months.
For consortia or partnership grants: Up to 36 months.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants: (a) IHEs; (b) consortia of IHEs; (c)
partnerships between nonprofit educational organizations and IHEs; and
(d) public and private nonprofit agencies and organizations, including
professional and scholarly associations.
2. a. Cost Sharing or Matching: This program has a matching
requirement under section 604(a)(3) of the HEA, 20 U.S.C. 1124(a)(3),
and the regulations for this program in 34 CFR 658.41. UISFL program
grantees must provide matching funds in either of the following ways:
(i) Cash contributions from private sector corporations or foundations
equal to one-third of the total project costs; or (ii) a combination of
institutional and non-institutional cash or in-kind contributions
including State and private sector corporation or foundation
contributions, equal to one-half of the total project costs. The
Secretary may waive or reduce the required matching share for
institutions that are eligible to receive assistance under part A or
part B of title III or under title V of the HEA that have submitted an
application that demonstrates a need for a waiver or reduction.
b. Supplement-Not-Supplant: This program involves supplement-not-
supplant funding requirements, which are described in section
604(a)(7)(D) of the HEA, 20 U.S.C. 1124(a)(7)(D).
3. 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: IHEs, nonprofit organizations, professional organizations, or
businesses. The grantee may award subgrants to entities it has
identified in the 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 UISFL grant
competition, 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). Consistent with the process followed in the FY 2018 UISFL
competition, we plan to post on our website a selection of funded
abstracts and applications' narrative sections.
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 not subject to
Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79.
4. Funding Restrictions: We specify unallowable costs in 34 CFR
658.40. We reference additional regulations outlining funding
restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice.
5. Recommended Page Limit: The application narrative (Part III) 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 40 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, except 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 or 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 does not apply to Part I, the cover
sheet; Part II, budget section, including the narrative budget
justification; Part IV, the assurance and certifications; or the
abstract, the resumes, the biography, or letters of support. However,
the recommended page limit does apply to all of the application
narrative.
V. Application Review Information
1. Selection Criteria: The selection criteria for this program are
from 34 CFR 658.31, 658.32, 658.33, and 655.32. The maximum score for
all the selection criteria, together with the maximum number of points
awarded to applicants that address the competitive preference
priorities, is 105 points for applications from IHEs, consortia, and
partnerships; and 100 points for applications from public and private
nonprofit agencies
[[Page 2118]]
and organizations, including professional and scholarly associations.
The maximum score for each criterion is indicated in parentheses.
All Applications. All applications will be evaluated based on the
general selection criteria as follows:
(a) Plan of operation (up to 15 points). (1) The Secretary reviews
each application for information that shows the quality of the plan of
operation for the project.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows--
(i) High quality in the design of the project;
(ii) An effective plan of management that ensures proper and
efficient administration of the project;
(iii) A clear description of how the objectives of the project
relate to the purpose of the program;
(iv) The way the applicant plans to use its resources and personnel
to achieve each objective; and
(v) A clear description of how the applicant will provide equal
access and treatment for eligible project participants who are members
of groups that have been traditionally underrepresented, such as--
(A) Members of racial or ethnic minority groups;
(B) Women; and
(C) Handicapped persons.
(b) Quality of key personnel (up to 10 points). (1) The Secretary
reviews each application for information that shows the quality of the
key personnel the applicant plans to use on the project.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows--
(i) The qualifications of the project director (if one is to be
used);
(ii) The qualifications of each of the other key personnel to be
used in the project. In the case of faculty, the qualifications of the
faculty and the degree to which that faculty is directly involved in
the actual teaching and supervision of students; and
(iii) The time that each person referred to in paragraphs (b)(2)(i)
and (ii) of this section plans to commit to the project; and
(iv) The extent to which the applicant, as part of its
nondiscriminatory employment practices, encourages applications for
employment from persons who are members of groups that have been
traditionally underrepresented, such as members of racial or ethnic
minority groups, women, handicapped persons, and the elderly.
(3) To determine the qualifications of a person, the Secretary
considers evidence of past experience and training, in fields related
to the objectives of the project, as well as other information that the
applicant provides.
(c) Budget and cost effectiveness (up to 10 points). (1) The
Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that the
project has an adequate budget and is cost effective.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows--
(i) The budget for the project is adequate to support the project
activities; and
(ii) Costs are reasonable in relation to the objectives of the
project.
(d) Evaluation plan (up to 20 points). (1) The Secretary reviews
each application for information that shows the quality of the
evaluation plan for the project.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows methods of
evaluation that are appropriate for the project and, to the extent
possible, are objective and produce data that are quantifiable.
(e) Adequacy of resources (up to 5 points). (1) The Secretary
reviews each application for information that shows that the applicant
plans to devote adequate resources to the project.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows--
(i) Other than library, facilities that the applicant plans to use
are adequate (language laboratory, museums, etc.); and
(ii) The equipment and supplies that the applicant plans to use are
adequate.
Applications from IHEs, Consortia, or Partnerships. Applications
submitted by IHEs, consortia, or partnerships will also be evaluated
based on the following criteria:
(f) Commitment to international studies (up to 15 points). (1) The
Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the
applicant's commitment to the international studies program.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows--
(i) The institution's current strength as measured by the number of
international studies courses offered;
(ii) The extent to which planning for the implementation of the
proposed program has involved the applicant's faculty, as well as
administrators;
(iii) The institutional commitment to the establishment, operation,
and continuation of the program as demonstrated by optimal use of
available personnel and other resources; and
(iv) The institutional commitment to the program as demonstrated by
the use of institutional funds in support of the program's objectives.
(g) Elements of the proposed international studies program (up to
10 points). (1) The Secretary reviews each application for information
that shows the nature of the applicant's proposed international studies
program.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows--
(i) The extent to which the proposed activities will contribute to
the implementation of a program in international studies and foreign
languages at the applicant institution;
(ii) The interdisciplinary aspects of the program;
(iii) The number of new and revised courses with an international
perspective that will be added to the institution's programs; and
(iv) The applicant's plans to improve or expand language
instruction.
(h) Need for and prospective results of the proposed program (up to
15 points). (1) The Secretary reviews each application for information
that shows the need for and the prospective results of the applicant's
proposed program.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows--
(i) The extent to which the proposed activities are needed at the
applicant institution;
(ii) The extent to which the proposed use of Federal funds will
result in the implementation of a program in international studies and
foreign languages at the applicant institution;
(iii) The likelihood that the activities initiated with Federal
funds will be continued after Federal assistance is terminated; and
(iv) The adequacy of the provisions for sharing the materials and
results of the program with other institutions of higher education.
Applications from Public and Private Nonprofit Agencies and
Organizations, Including Professional and Scholarly Associations.
Applications from public and private nonprofit agencies and
organizations, including professional and scholarly associations, will
also be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Need for and potential impact of the proposed project in improving
international studies and the study of modern foreign language at the
undergraduate level (up to 40 points). (1) The Secretary reviews each
application for information that shows the need for and potential
impact of the applicant's proposed projects in improving international
studies and the study of modern foreign language at the undergraduate
level.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows--
(i) The extent to which the applicant's proposed apportionment of
Federal funds among the various budget
[[Page 2119]]
categories for the proposed project will contribute to achieving
results;
(ii) The international nature and contemporary relevance of the
proposed project;
(iii) The extent to which the proposed project will make an
especially significant contribution to the improvement of the teaching
of international studies or modern foreign languages at the
undergraduate level; and
(iv) The adequacy of the applicant's provisions for sharing the
materials and results of the proposed project with the higher education
community.
Additional information regarding these criteria is in the
application package for this program. The total number of points
available under these selection criteria combined with the competitive
preference priorities, is as follows:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UISFL public and
private nonprofit
agencies and
UISFL organizations,
Selection criteria UISFL IHEs consortia and including
partnerships professional and
scholarly
associations
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) Plan of Operation....................................... 15 15 15
(b) Quality of Key Personnel................................ 10 10 10
(c) Budget and Cost Effectiveness........................... 10 10 10
(d) Evaluation Plan......................................... 20 20 20
(e) Adequacy of Resources................................... 5 5 5
(f) Commitment to International Studies..................... 15 15 n/a
(g) Elements of Proposed International Studies Program...... 10 10 n/a
(h) Need for and Prospective Results of Proposed Program.... 15 15 n/a
(i) Need for and Potential Impact of the Proposed Project in n/a n/a 40
Improving International Studies and the Study of Modern
Foreign Languages at the Undergraduate Level...............
---------------------------------------------------
Sub-Total............................................... 100 100 100
Competitive Preference Priority #1 (Optional)............... 3 3 n/a
Competitive Preference Priority #2 (Optional)............... 2 2 n/a
---------------------------------------------------
Total Possible Points............................... 105 105 100
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
also 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
of Education (34 CFR 100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).
Separate rank order slates for applications from (1) IHEs,
consortia, and partnerships; and (2) public and private nonprofit
agencies and organizations will be developed and used to make funding
recommendations. Each slate will include the peer reviewers' scores
from the highest score to the lowest score for each application.
The Secretary, to the extent practicable and consistent with the
criterion of excellence, seeks to encourage diversity by ensuring that
a variety of types of projects and institutions receive funding.
3. Risk Assessment and Specific Conditions: Consistent with 2 CFR
200.205, before awarding grants under this competition, 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 Grant Award
Notification (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.
[[Page 2120]]
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 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.
Performance reports for the UISFL program must be submitted
electronically into the office of International and Foreign Language
Education web-based reporting system, International Resource
Information System (IRIS). For information about IRIS and to view the
reporting instructions, please go to https://iris.ed.gov/iris/pdfs/UISFL.pdf.
5. Performance Measures: Under the Government Performance and
Results Act of 1993, the Department will use the following performance
measures to evaluate the success of the UISFL program: Percentage of
UISFL projects that added or enhanced courses in international studies
in critical world areas and priority foreign languages; and percentage
of UISFL projects that established certificate and/or undergraduate
degree programs in international or foreign language studies.
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. 2020-00374 Filed 1-13-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P