Applications for New Awards; Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language Program, 2115-2120 [2020-00374]

Download as PDF 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. ADDRESSES: Gatehouse, 8111 Gatehouse Road, Rooms 345 and 346, Falls Church, Virginia 22042. Registration is required. (Pre-meeting screening for building access and registration required. See guidance in SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION, ‘‘Meeting Accessibility.’’) FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Captain Gregory Gorman, Medical Corps, U.S. Navy, (703) 275–6060 (Voice), (703) 275–6064 (Facsimile), gregory.h.gorman.mil@mail.mil (Email). Mailing address is 7700 Arlington Boulevard, Suite 5101, Falls Church, Virginia 22042. Website: https:// www.health.mil/dhb. The most up-todate changes to the meeting agenda can be found on the website. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This meeting is being held under the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) (5 U.S.C., Appendix), the Government in the Sunshine Act (5 U.S.C. 552b), and 41 CFR 102–3.140 and 102–3.150. Availability of Materials for the Meeting: Additional information, including the agenda, is available at the DHB website, https://www.health.mil/ dhb. A copy of the agenda or any updates to the agenda for the February 10, 2020, meeting will be available on the DHB website. Any other materials presented in the meeting may be obtained at the meeting. Purpose of the Meeting: The DHB provides independent advice and recommendations to maximize the safety and quality of, as well as access to, health care for DoD health care beneficiaries. The purpose of the meeting is to provide progress updates on specific taskings before the DHB. In addition, the DHB will receive information briefings on current issues related to military medicine. Agenda: The DHB anticipates receiving a briefing on the Department of Defense Total Force Fitness initiative, briefings from Foreign Service Medical Liaisons regarding best practices in their countries for mental health and women’s health, and a briefing on the Military Health System Transformation. The DHB also expects to receive progress updates from the Neurological/ Behavioral Health Subcommittee on the Examination of Mental Health lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:41 Jan 13, 2020 Jkt 250001 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 at the link provided in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section. Meeting Accessibility: Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552b and 41 CFR 102–3.140 through 102–3.165 and subject to availability of space, this meeting is open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on February 10, 2020. Seating is limited and is on a first-come basis. All 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 can be arranged by DHB staff and, when 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 requiring special accommodations to access the public meeting should contact Dr. Clarice Waters at least five (5) business days prior to the meeting so that appropriate arrangements can be made. Written Statements: Any member of the public wishing to provide comments to the DHB related to its current taskings or mission may do so at any time in accordance with section 10(a)(3) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 41 CFR 102–3.105(j) and 102–3.140, and the procedures described in this notice. Written statements may be submitted to the DHB DFO, Captain Gorman, at gregory.h.gorman.mil@mail.mil. Supporting documentation may also be included, to establish the appropriate historical context and to provide any necessary background information. If the written statement is not received at least five (5) business days prior to the meeting, the DFO may choose to postpone consideration of the statement until the next open meeting. The DFO will review all timely submissions with the DHB President and ensure they are provided to members of the DHB before the meeting that is subject to this notice. After reviewing the written comments, the President and the DFO may choose PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 2115 to invite the submitter to orally present their issue during an open portion of this meeting or at a future meeting. The DFO, in consultation with the DHB President, may allot time for members of the public to present their issues for 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: E:\FR\FM\14JAN1.SGM 14JAN1 2116 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 9 / Tuesday, January 14, 2020 / Notices Service (FRS), toll free, at 1–800–877– 8339. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with NOTICES 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:41 Jan 13, 2020 Jkt 250001 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 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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) E:\FR\FM\14JAN1.SGM 14JAN1 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 9 / Tuesday, January 14, 2020 / Notices 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. lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with NOTICES 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:41 Jan 13, 2020 Jkt 250001 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 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 2117 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 E:\FR\FM\14JAN1.SGM 14JAN1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with NOTICES 2118 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 9 / Tuesday, January 14, 2020 / Notices 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:41 Jan 13, 2020 Jkt 250001 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 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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 E:\FR\FM\14JAN1.SGM 14JAN1 2119 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 9 / Tuesday, January 14, 2020 / Notices 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. lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with NOTICES 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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:41 Jan 13, 2020 Jkt 250001 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 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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. E:\FR\FM\14JAN1.SGM 14JAN1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with NOTICES 2120 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 9 / Tuesday, January 14, 2020 / Notices 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:41 Jan 13, 2020 Jkt 250001 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 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 9990 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 E:\FR\FM\14JAN1.SGM 14JAN1

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]


=======================================================================
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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


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