Applications for New Awards; Education Innovation and Research (EIR) Program-Early-Phase Grants, 45602-45612 [2020-15994]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 146 (Wednesday, July 29, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45602-45612]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-15994]


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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION


Applications for New Awards; Education Innovation and Research 
(EIR) Program--Early-Phase Grants

AGENCY: Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, Department of 
Education.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Education (Department) is issuing a notice 
inviting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2020 for the EIR program--
Early-phase Grants, Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) 
number 84.411C (Early-phase Grants). This notice relates to the 
approved information collection under OMB control number 1855-0021.

DATES: 
    Applications Available: July 31, 2020.
    Deadline for Notice of Intent to Apply: August 18, 2020.
    Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: September 10, 2020.
    Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: November 10, 2020.
    Pre-Application Information: The Department will post additional 
competition information for prospective applicants on the EIR program 
website: https://oese.ed.gov/offices/office-of-discretionary-grants-support-services/innovation-early-learning/education-innovation-and-research-eir/fy-2020-competition-2/.

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: Ashley Brizzo, U.S. Department of 
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 3E325, Washington, DC 20202-
5900. Telephone: (202) 453-7122. Email: [email protected].
    If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) or a text 
telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay Service (FRS), toll-free, at 1-
800-877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Purpose of Program: The EIR program, established under section 4611 
of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended (ESEA), 
provides funding to create, develop, implement, replicate, or take to 
scale entrepreneurial, evidence-based, field-initiated innovations to 
improve student achievement and attainment for high-need students; and 
rigorously evaluate such innovations. The EIR program is designed to 
generate and validate solutions to persistent education challenges and 
to support the expansion of those solutions to serve substantially 
larger numbers of students.
    The central design element of the EIR program is its multi-tier 
structure that links the amount of funding an applicant may receive to 
the quality of the evidence supporting the efficacy of the proposed 
project, with the expectation that projects that build this evidence 
will advance through EIR's grant tiers: ``Early-phase,'' ``Mid-phase,'' 
and ``Expansion.'' Applicants proposing innovative practices that are 
supported by limited evidence can receive relatively small grants to 
support the development, implementation, and initial evaluation of the 
practices; applicants proposing practices supported by evidence from 
rigorous evaluations, such as an experimental study (as defined in this 
notice), can receive larger grant awards to support expansion across 
the country. This structure provides incentives for applicants to--(1) 
explore new ways of addressing persistent challenges that other 
educators can build on and learn from; (2) build evidence of 
effectiveness of their practices; and (3) replicate and scale 
successful practices in new schools, districts, and States while 
addressing the barriers to scale, such as cost structures and 
implementation fidelity.

[[Page 45603]]

    All EIR projects are expected to generate information regarding 
their effectiveness in order to inform EIR grantees' efforts to learn 
about and improve upon their efforts, and to help similar, non-EIR 
efforts across the country benefit from EIR grantees' knowledge. By 
requiring that all grantees conduct independent evaluations of their 
EIR projects, EIR ensures that its funded projects make a significant 
contribution to improving the quality and quantity of information 
available to practitioners and policymakers about which practices 
improve student achievement and attainment, for which types of 
students, and in what contexts.
    In prior years, the Department has awarded three types of grants 
under this program: ``Early-phase'' grants, ``Mid-phase'' grants, and 
``Expansion'' grants. For FY 2020, the Department will award two types 
of grants: ``Early-phase'' grants and ``Mid-phase'' grants. These 
grants differ in terms of the level of prior evidence of effectiveness 
required for consideration for funding, the expectations regarding the 
kind of evidence and information funded projects should produce, the 
level of scale funded projects should reach, and, consequently, the 
amount of funding available to support each type of project.
    The Department expects that Early-phase grants provide funding to 
support the development, implementation, and feasibility testing of a 
program, which prior research suggests has promise, for the purpose of 
determining whether the program can successfully improve student 
achievement and attainment for high need students. Early-phase grants 
must demonstrate a rationale. These Early-phase grants are not intended 
simply to implement established practices in additional locations or 
address needs that are unique to one particular context. The goal is to 
determine whether and in what ways relatively newer practices can 
improve student achievement and attainment for high need students.
    The notice inviting applications for Mid-phase grants was published 
in the Federal Register on April 10, 2020 (85 FR 20254), available at 
www.federalregister.gov/d/2020-07556; applications for that competition 
were due on June 15, 2020.
    Background:
    The premise of the EIR program is that new and innovative programs 
and practices can help to solve the persistent problems in education 
that prevent students, particularly high-need students, from 
succeeding. These innovations need to be evaluated, and, if sufficient 
evidence of effectiveness can be demonstrated, the intent is for these 
innovations to be replicated and tested in new populations and 
settings. EIR is not intended to provide support for practices that are 
already commonly implemented by educators, unless significant 
adaptations of such practices warrant testing to determine if they can 
accelerate achievement, or greatly increase the efficiency and 
likelihood that they can be widely implemented in a variety of new 
populations and settings effectively.
    As an EIR project is implemented, grantees are encouraged to learn 
more about how the practices improve student achievement and 
attainment; and to develop increasingly rigorous evidence of 
effectiveness and new strategies to efficiently and cost-effectively 
scale to new school districts, regions, and States. Applicants must 
develop a logic model (as defined in this notice) that includes the 
goals, objectives, proposed outcomes, and key project components (as 
defined in this notice) of the project.
    Disseminating evaluation findings is a critical element of every 
project, even if a rigorous evaluation does not demonstrate positive 
results. Such results can influence the next stage of education 
practice and promote follow-up studies that build upon the results. The 
EIR program considers all high-quality evaluations to be a valuable 
contribution to the field of education research and encourages the 
documentation and sharing of lessons learned.
    For those innovations that have positive results and have the 
potential for continued development and implementation, the Department 
is interested in learning more about continued efforts regarding cost-
effectiveness and feasibility when scaled to additional populations and 
settings. EIR projects at the Mid-phase level are encouraged to test 
new strategies for recruiting and supporting new project adoption, seek 
efficiencies where project implementation has been too costly or 
cumbersome to operate at scale, and test new ways of overcoming any 
other barriers in practice or policy that might inhibit project growth. 
Early-phase grantees that are not yet ready to scale are still 
encouraged to think about how their innovations might translate to 
other populations or settings in the long term and to select their 
partners and implementation sites accordingly.
    All EIR applicants and grantees should also consider how they need 
to develop their organizational capacity, project financing, or 
business plans to sustain their projects and continue implementation 
and adaptation after Federal funding ends. The Department intends to 
provide grantees with technical assistance in their dissemination, 
scaling, and sustainability efforts.
    EIR is designed to offer opportunities for States, districts, 
schools, and educators to develop innovations and scale effective 
practices that address their most pressing challenges. Early-phase 
grantees are encouraged to make continuous improvements in project 
design and implementation before conducting a full-scale evaluation of 
effectiveness. Grantees should consider how easily others could 
implement the proposed practice, and how its implementation could 
potentially be improved. Additionally, grantees should consider using 
data from early indicators to gauge initial impact and to consider 
possible changes in implementation that could increase student 
achievement and attainment.
    By focusing on continuous improvement and iterative development, 
Early-phase grantees can make adaptations that are necessary to 
increase their practice's potential to be effective and ensure that the 
EIR-funded evaluation assesses the impact of a thoroughly conceived 
practice.
    Early-phase applicants should develop, implement, and test the 
feasibility of their projects. The evaluation of an Early-phase project 
should be an experimental or quasi-experimental design study (as 
defined in this notice) that can determine whether the program can 
successfully improve student achievement and attainment for high-need 
students. Early-phase grantees' evaluation designs are encouraged to 
have the potential to demonstrate a statistically significant effect on 
improving student outcomes or other relevant outcomes based on moderate 
evidence (as defined in this notice) from at least one well-designed 
and well-implemented experimental study. The Department intends to 
provide grantees and their independent evaluators with evaluation 
technical assistance. This evaluation technical assistance could 
include grantees and their independent evaluators providing to the 
Department or its contractor updated comprehensive evaluation plans in 
a format as requested by the technical assistance provider and using 
such tools as the Department may request. Grantees will be encouraged 
to update this evaluation plan at least annually to reflect any changes 
to the evaluation, with updates consistent with the scope and 
objectives of the approved application.
    The FY 2020 Early-phase competition includes three absolute 
priorities and

[[Page 45604]]

two competitive preference priorities. All Early-phase applicants must 
address Absolute Priority 1. Early-phase applicants are also required 
to address one of the other two absolute priorities. Applicants 
addressing Absolute Priority 2 also have the option to address 
Competitive Preference Priority 1. Applicants addressing Absolute 
Priority 3 have the option to address Competitive Preference Priority 
2. The absolute priorities and the competitive preference priorities 
align with the purpose of the program and the Administration's 
priorities.
    Absolute Priority 1--Demonstrates a Rationale, establishes the 
evidence requirement for this tier of grants. All Early-phase 
applicants must submit prior evidence of effectiveness that meets the 
demonstrates a rationale (as defined in this notice) evidence standard.
    Absolute Priority 2--Field-Initiated Innovations--STEM, is intended 
to highlight the Administration's efforts to ensure our Nation's 
economic competitiveness by improving and expanding STEM learning and 
engagement, including computer science (as defined in this notice).
    In Absolute Priority 2, the Department recognizes the importance of 
funding Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) through grade 12 STEM education and 
anticipates that projects would expand opportunities for high-need 
students. Within this absolute priority, the Department includes 
Competitive Preference Priority 1, which specifically focuses on 
expanding opportunities in computer science for underserved populations 
such as minorities, girls, and youth from rural communities and low-
income families, to help reduce achievement and attainment gaps in a 
manner consistent with nondiscrimination requirements contained in the 
U.S. Constitution and Federal civil rights laws.
    Absolute Priority 3--Teacher-Directed Professional Learning--is 
intended to support efforts to develop, implement, and evaluate 
teacher-directed professional learning projects designed to enhance 
instructional practice and improve achievement and attainment for high-
need students. The Department believes that teacher-directed 
professional development provided through such projects may be more 
effective in improving instructional practice and student outcomes than 
the one-size-fits-all professional development activities often funded 
by school systems in response to districtwide improvement goals.
    In Absolute Priority 3, the Department identifies a need for 
innovative projects that develop and test approaches providing teachers 
with professional learning stipends. With the autonomy to identify 
instructionally relevant professional learning, teachers can improve 
their craft to better support student achievement and attainment for 
high-need students. Within this absolute priority, the Department 
includes Competitive Preference Priority 2, which encourages 
partnerships between an eligibly entity and a State educational agency 
(SEA).
    Through these priorities, the Department intends to advance 
innovation, build evidence, and address the learning and achievement of 
high-need students beginning in Pre-K through grade 12.
    Priorities: This notice includes three absolute priorities and two 
competitive preference priorities. In accordance with 34 CFR 
75.105(b)(2)(ii), Absolute Priority 1 is from the notice of final 
priorities published in the Federal Register on March 9, 2020 (85 FR 
13640) (Administrative Priorities). In accordance with 34 CFR 
75.105(b)(2)(iv), Absolute Priority 2 is from section 4611(a)(1)(A) of 
the ESEA and the Secretary's Final Supplemental Priorities and 
Definitions for Discretionary Grant Programs (Supplemental Priorities) 
published in the Federal Register on March 2, 2018 (83 FR 9096). 
Competitive Preference Priority 1 is from the Supplemental Priorities. 
Absolute Priority 3 and Competitive Preference Priority 2 are from the 
Department's notice of final priorities, requirements, definition, and 
selection criteria published elsewhere in this issue of the Federal 
Register (NFP).
    In the Early-phase grant competition, Absolute Priorities 2 and 3 
constitute their own funding categories. The Secretary intends to award 
grants under both of these absolute priorities provided that 
applications of sufficient quality are submitted. To ensure that 
applicants are considered for the correct type of grant, applicants 
must clearly identify the specific absolute priority that the proposed 
project addresses. If an entity is interested in proposing two separate 
projects (one that addresses Absolute Priority 2 and another that 
addresses Absolute Priority 3), separate applications must be 
submitted.
    Absolute 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 absolute priorities. Under 34 CFR 
75.105(c)(3), we consider only applications that meet Absolute Priority 
1--Demonstrates a Rationale, and one additional absolute priority 
(either Absolute Priority 2 or Absolute Priority 3).
    These priorities are:
    Absolute Priority 1--Applications that Demonstrate a Rationale.
    Under this priority, an applicant proposes a project that 
demonstrates a rationale (as defined in 34 CFR 77.1).
    Absolute Priority 2--Field-Initiated Innovations--Promoting STEM 
Education, With a Particular Focus on Computer Science.
    Under the priority, we provide funding to projects that are 
designed to--
    (1) Create, develop, implement, replicate, or take to scale 
entrepreneurial, evidence-based (as defined in this notice), field-
initiated innovations to improve student achievement and attainment for 
high-need students; and
    (2) Improve student achievement or other educational outcomes in 
one or more of the following areas: Science, technology, engineering, 
math, or computer science.
    Absolute Priority 3--Teacher Directed Professional Learning.
    Under this priority, an applicant must propose a project in which 
classroom teachers receive stipends to select professional learning 
alternatives that are instructionally relevant and meet their 
individual needs related to instructional practices for high-need 
students. Additionally, teachers receiving stipends must be allowed the 
flexibility to replace a significant portion (no less than 20 percent) 
of existing mandatory professional development with such teacher-
directed learning, which must also be allowed to fully count toward any 
mandatory teacher professional development goals (e.g., professional 
development hours required as part of certification renewal, designated 
professional days mandated by districts).
    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 up to an additional 
five points to an application, depending on how well the application 
addresses the applicable competitive preference priority. Within 
Absolute Priority 2, we give competitive preference to applications 
that address Competitive Preference Priority 1. Within Absolute 
Priority 3, we give competitive preference to applications that address 
Competitive Preference Priority 2.
    These priorities are:
    Competitive Preference Priority 1--Computer Science (up to 5 
Points).

[[Page 45605]]

    Projects designed to improve student achievement or other 
educational outcomes in computer science (as defined in this notice). 
These projects must address the following priority area: Expanding 
access to and participation in rigorous computer science coursework for 
traditionally underrepresented students such as racial or ethnic 
minorities, women, students in communities served by rural local 
educational agencies (as defined in this notice), children or students 
with disabilities (as defined in this notice), or low-income 
individuals (as defined under section 312(g) of the Higher Education 
Act of 1965, as amended).
    Competitive Preference Priority 2--State Educational Agency 
Partnership (up to 5 points).
    Under this priority, an applicant must demonstrate it has 
established a partnership between an eligible entity and an SEA (with 
either member of the partnership serving as the applicant) to support 
the proposed project.
    Application Requirements: There are no application requirements for 
applicants that address Absolute Priority 2. For FY 2020, and any 
subsequent year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded 
applications from this competition, applicants that address Absolute 
Priority 3 must meet the following application requirements from the 
NFP.
    An applicant must--
    (a) Describe the pool of teachers eligible to request a stipend, 
including whether the applicant intends to prioritize eligibility based 
on content areas, strategic staffing initiatives, or other factors (and 
including a rationale for how such a determination addresses the needs 
of high-need students, as defined by the applicant);
    (b) Describe the anticipated level of teacher participation, 
including--
    (1) Current information on teacher satisfaction with existing 
professional learning;
    (2) Details on the planned outreach strategy to communicate the 
stipend opportunity to eligible teachers;
    (3) A summary of the ways in which teachers were involved in 
developing the proposed project; and
    (4) A plan for how to include teachers in key decisions about the 
stipend system.
    (c) Describe the proposed stipend structure, including--
    (1) Estimated dollar amount per stipend, including associated 
expenses related to the professional learning (e.g., materials, 
transportation, etc.);
    (2) A rationale for how the estimated dollar amount per stipend is 
sufficient to ensure access to professional learning activities that 
are, at minimum, comparable in quality, frequency, and duration to the 
professional development other non-participating teachers will receive 
in a given year;
    (3) Mechanisms to protect against fraud, waste, and abuse (e.g., 
monitoring systems, reviews for conflicts of interest); and
    (4) Plans for how the applicant will select participants if there 
is more interest than available stipends (e.g., prioritizing by student 
need or teacher need, content area, human capital priorities, rubric-
based review of requests, lottery);
    (d) Describe details about the stipend system, including--
    (1) How the applicant will update its policies to offer stipends to 
teachers such that a significant portion (no less than 20 percent) of 
existing mandatory professional development is replaced by teacher-
directed professional learning, including--
    (i) The professional development days or activities from which 
participating teachers will be released in order to enable teacher-
directed learning opportunities and to ensure that teacher-directed 
learning replaces a significant portion of existing mandatory 
professional development; or
    (ii) Other methods in which participating teachers will be given 
the flexibility to participate in teacher-directed learning (e.g., by 
providing release from and substitute teacher coverage during regular 
instructional days) and how such methods will also ensure participating 
teachers are released from a significant portion of existing 
professional development requirements;
    (2) How the applicant will ensure that teacher-directed learning 
will fully substitute for mandatory professional development in meeting 
mandatory professional development goals or activities (e.g., 
professional development hours required as part of certification 
renewal, district- or contract-required professional development 
hours);
    (3) How the applicant will provide information to teachers about 
professional learning options not previously available to teachers 
(e.g., list of innovative options, qualified providers, other 
resources); and
    (4) In addition to any list of professional learning options or 
providers identified by the applicant, mechanisms for teachers to 
independently select different high-quality, instructionally relevant 
professional learning activities connected to the achievement and 
attainment of high-need students (based on teacher-identified needs 
such as self-assessment surveys, student assessment data, and 
professional growth plans);
    (e) Describe strategies for supporting teachers' implementation of 
changes in instructional practice as a result of their professional 
learning;
    (f) Describe the process for managing the stipend system, 
including--
    (1) For professional learning options that are among a list of 
options identified by the applicant: The processes for teachers to 
submit their requests to participate in those options in place of a 
previously required training and the processes for direct vendor 
payment using the stipend; and
    (2) For professional learning options selected by a teacher that 
are not on the applicant's list of options: How the applicant will 
determine that the activity meets the definition of ``professional 
learning'' and is reasonable, and what processes the applicant will 
implement to ensure payment or timely reimbursement to teachers;
    (g) Describe the proposed strategy to expand the use of 
professional learning stipends (pending the results of the evaluation), 
including--
    (1) Plans for continuously improving the stipend system in order 
to, over time, offer more teachers the opportunity to engage in 
teacher-directed professional learning and, for participating teachers, 
ensure a higher percentage of all mandatory professional learning is 
teacher-directed; and
    (2) Mechanisms for incorporating effective practices discovered 
through teacher-directed professional learning into the professional 
development curriculum for all teachers; and
    (h) Provide an assurance that--
    (1) At a minimum, the SEA or local educational agency (LEA) 
involved in the project (as an applicant, partner, or implementation 
site) will maintain its current fiscal and administrative levels of 
effort in teacher professional development and allow the professional 
learning activities funded through the stipends to supplement the level 
of effort that is typically supported by the applicant;
    (2) Project funds will only be used for instructionally relevant 
professional learning activities and not solely for obtaining advanced 
degrees, taking or preparing for licensure exams, or for pursuing 
personal enrichment activities; and
    (3) Projects will allow for a variety professional learning options 
for teachers and not limit use of the stipend to an overly restrictive 
set of choices (for example, professional learning provided only by the 
applicant or partners,

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specific pedagogical or philosophical viewpoints, or organizations with 
specific methodological stances). The applicant and any application 
partners will not be the primary financial beneficiaries of the 
professional learning stipends, and there is no conflict between the 
applicant, any application partner, and the purpose of providing 
teachers the autonomy to select their own professional learning 
opportunities.
    Definitions: The definitions of ``baseline,'' ``demonstrates a 
rationale,'' ``experimental study,'' ``logic model,'' ``moderate 
evidence,'' ``nonprofit,'' ``performance measure,'' ``performance 
target,'' ``project component,'' ``quasi-experimental design study,'' 
``relevant outcome,'' and ``What Works Clearinghouse Handbook (WWC 
Handbook)'' are from 34 CFR 77.1. The definitions of ``children or 
students with disabilities,'' ``computer science,'' and ``rural local 
educational agency'' are from the Supplemental Priorities. The 
definitions of ``evidence-based,'' ``local educational agency,'' and 
``State educational agency'' are from section 8101 of the ESEA. The 
definition of ``professional learning'' is from the Department's NFP.
    Baseline means the starting point from which performance is 
measured and targets are set.
    Children or students with disabilities means children with 
disabilities as defined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education 
Act (IDEA) or individuals defined as having a disability under Section 
504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504)(or children or 
students who are eligible under both laws).
    Computer science means the study of computers and algorithmic 
processes and includes the study of computing principles and theories, 
computational thinking, computer hardware, software design, coding, 
analytics, and computer applications.
    Computer science often includes computer programming or coding as a 
tool to create software, including applications, games, websites, and 
tools to manage or manipulate data; or development and management of 
computer hardware and the other electronics related to sharing, 
securing, and using digital information.
    In addition to coding, the expanding field of computer science 
emphasizes computational thinking and interdisciplinary problem-solving 
to equip students with the skills and abilities necessary to apply 
computation in our digital world.
    Computer science does not include using a computer for everyday 
activities, such as browsing the internet; use of tools like word 
processing, spreadsheets, or presentation software; or using computers 
in the study and exploration of unrelated subjects.
    Demonstrates a rationale means a key project component included in 
the project's logic model is informed by research or evaluation 
findings that suggest the project component is likely to improve 
relevant outcomes.
    Evidence-based means an activity, strategy, or intervention that 
demonstrates a rationale based on high quality research findings or 
positive evaluation that such activity, strategy, or intervention is 
likely to improve student outcomes or other relevant outcomes.
    Experimental study means a study that is designed to compare 
outcomes between two groups of individuals (such as students) that are 
otherwise equivalent except for their assignment to either a treatment 
group receiving a project component or a control group that does not. 
Randomized controlled trials, regression discontinuity design studies, 
and single-case design studies are the specific types of experimental 
studies that, depending on their design and implementation (e.g., 
sample attrition in randomized controlled trials and regression 
discontinuity design studies), can meet What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) 
standards without reservations as described in the WWC Handbook:
    (i) A randomized controlled trial employs random assignment of, for 
example, students, teachers, classrooms, or schools to receive the 
project component being evaluated (the treatment group) or not to 
receive the project component (the control group).
    (ii) A regression discontinuity design study assigns the project 
component being evaluated using a measured variable (e.g., assigning 
students reading below a cutoff score to tutoring or developmental 
education classes) and controls for that variable in the analysis of 
outcomes.
    (iii) A single-case design study uses observations of a single case 
(e.g., a student eligible for a behavioral intervention) over time in 
the absence and presence of a controlled treatment manipulation to 
determine whether the outcome is systematically related to the 
treatment.
    Local educational agency (LEA) means:
    (a) In General. A public board of education or other public 
authority legally constituted within a State for either administrative 
control or direction of, or to perform a service function for, public 
elementary schools or secondary schools in a city, county, township, 
school district, or other political subdivision of a State, or of or 
for a combination of school districts or counties that is recognized in 
a State as an administrative agency for its public elementary schools 
or secondary schools.
    (b) Administrative Control and Direction. The term includes any 
other public institution or agency having administrative control and 
direction of a public elementary school or secondary school.
    (c) Bureau of Indian Education Schools. The term includes an 
elementary school or secondary school funded by the Bureau of Indian 
Education but only to the extent that including the school makes the 
school eligible for programs for which specific eligibility is not 
provided to the school in another provision of law and the school does 
not have a student population that is smaller than the student 
population of the local educational agency receiving assistance under 
the ESEA with the smallest student population, except that the school 
shall not be subject to the jurisdiction of any SEA (as defined in this 
notice) other than the Bureau of Indian Education.
    (d) Educational Service Agencies. The term includes educational 
service agencies and consortia of those agencies.
    (e) State Educational Agency. The term includes the SEA in a State 
in which the SEA is the sole educational agency for all public schools.
    Logic model (also referred to as a theory of action) means a 
framework that identifies key project components of the proposed 
project (i.e., the active ``ingredients'' that are hypothesized to be 
critical to achieving the relevant outcomes) and describes the 
theoretical and operational relationships among the key project 
components and relevant outcomes.
    Moderate evidence means that there is evidence of effectiveness of 
a key project component in improving a relevant outcome for a sample 
that overlaps with the populations or settings proposed to receive that 
component, based on a relevant finding from one of the following:
    (i) A practice guide prepared by the WWC using version 2.1 or 3.0 
of the WWC Handbook reporting a ``strong evidence base'' or ``moderate 
evidence base'' for the corresponding practice guide recommendation;
    (ii) An intervention report prepared by the WWC using version 2.1 
or 3.0 of the WWC Handbook reporting a ``positive effect'' or 
``potentially positive effect'' on a relevant outcome based on

[[Page 45607]]

a ``medium to large'' extent of evidence, with no reporting of a 
``negative effect'' or ``potentially negative effect'' on a relevant 
outcome; or
    (iii) A single experimental study or quasi-experimental design 
study reviewed and reported by the WWC using version 2.1 or 3.0 of the 
WWC Handbook, or otherwise assessed by the Department using version 3.0 
of the WWC Handbook, as appropriate, and that--
    (A) Meets WWC standards with or without reservations;
    (B) Includes at least one statistically significant and positive 
(i.e., favorable) effect on a relevant outcome;
    (C) Includes no overriding statistically significant and negative 
effects on relevant outcomes reported in the study or in a 
corresponding WWC intervention report prepared under version 2.1, or 
3.0 of the WWC Handbook; and
    (D) Is based on a sample from more than one site (e.g., State, 
county, city, school district, or postsecondary campus) and includes at 
least 350 students or other individuals across sites. Multiple studies 
of the same project component that each meet requirements in paragraphs 
(iii)(A), (B), and (C) of this definition may together satisfy this 
requirement.
    Nonprofit, as applied to an agency, organization, or institution, 
means that it is owned and operated by one or more corporations or 
associations whose net earnings do not benefit, and cannot lawfully 
benefit, any private shareholder or entity.
    Performance measure means any quantitative indicator, statistic, or 
metric used to gauge program or project performance.
    Performance target means a level of performance that an applicant 
would seek to meet during the course of a project or as a result of a 
project.
    Professional learning means instructionally relevant activities to 
improve and increase classroom teachers'--
    (1) Content knowledge;
    (2) Understanding of instructional strategies and intervention 
techniques for high-need students, including how best to analyze and 
use data to inform such strategies and techniques; and
    (3) Classroom management skills to better support high-need 
students.
    Professional learning must be job-embedded or classroom-focused, 
collaborative, data-driven, part of a sustained and intensive program, 
and related to the achievement and attainment of high-need students. 
Professional learning may include innovative activities such as peer 
shadowing opportunities, virtual mentoring, online modules, 
professional learning communities, communities of practice, action 
research, micro-credentials, and coaching support.
    Project component means an activity, strategy, intervention, 
process, product, practice, or policy included in a project. Evidence 
may pertain to an individual project component or to a combination of 
project components (e.g., training teachers on instructional practices 
for English learners and follow-on coaching for these teachers).
    Quasi-experimental design study means a study using a design that 
attempts to approximate an experimental study by identifying a 
comparison group that is similar to the treatment group in important 
respects. This type of study, depending on design and implementation 
(e.g., establishment of baseline equivalence of the groups being 
compared), can meet WWC standards with reservations, but cannot meet 
WWC standards without reservations, as described in the WWC Handbook.
    Relevant outcome means the student outcome(s) or other outcome(s) 
the key project component is designed to improve, consistent with the 
specific goals of the program.
    Rural local educational agency means a local educational agency 
that is eligible under the Small Rural School Achievement (SRSA) 
program or the Rural and Low-Income School (RLIS) program authorized 
under Title V, Part B of the ESEA. Eligible applicants may determine 
whether a particular district is eligible for these programs by 
referring to information on the Department's website at www2.ed.gov/nclb/freedom/local/reap.html.
    State educational agency (SEA) means the agency primarily 
responsible for the State supervision of public elementary schools and 
secondary schools.
    What Works Clearinghouse Handbook (WWC Handbook) means the 
standards and procedures set forth in the WWC Procedures and Standards 
Handbook, Version 3.0 or Version 2.1 (incorporated by reference, see 34 
CFR 77.2). Study findings eligible for review under WWC standards can 
meet WWC standards without reservations, meet WWC standards with 
reservations, or not meet WWC standards. WWC practice guides and 
intervention reports include findings from systematic reviews of 
evidence as described in the Handbook documentation.

    Note: The What Works Clearinghouse Procedures and Standards 
Handbook (Version 3.0), as well as the more recent What Works 
Clearinghouse Handbooks released in October 2017 (Version 4.0) and 
January 2020 (Version 4.1), are available at https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/Handbooks.


    Authority: Section 4611 of the ESEA, 20 U.S.C. 7261.

    Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General 
Administrative Regulations in 34 CFR parts 75, 77, 79, 81, 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 2 CFR part 3485. (c) The Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost 
Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards in 2 CFR part 
200, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department in 2 CFR 
part 3474. (d) The Administrative Priorities. (e) The Supplemental 
Priorities. (f) The NFP.

    Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 86 apply to institutions of 
higher education (IHEs) only.

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Discretionary grants.
    Estimated Available Funds: $178,600,000.
    These estimated available funds are the total available for both 
Early-phase and Mid-phase grants. Contingent upon the availability of 
funds and the quality of applications, we may make additional awards in 
subsequent years from the list of unfunded applications from this 
competition.
    Estimated Range of Awards for Absolute Priority 2: $3,000,000-
$4,000,000.
    Estimated Average Size of Awards for Absolute Priority 2: 
$4,000,000.
    Maximum Award for Absolute Priority 2: We will not make an award 
exceeding $4,000,000 for a project period of 60 months.
    Estimated Number of Awards for Absolute Priority 2: 5-9.
    Estimated Range of Awards for Absolute Priority 3: $8,000,000-
$12,000,000.
    Estimated Average Size of Awards for Absolute Priority 3: 
$10,000,000.
    Maximum Award for Absolute Priority 3: We will not make an award 
exceeding $12,000,000 for a project period of 60 months.
    Estimated Number of Awards for Absolute Priority 3: 6-8.

    Note:  The Department is not bound by any estimates in this 
notice.

    Project Period: Up to 60 months. We anticipate that initial awards 
under this competition will be made for a three-year (36-month) period.

[[Page 45608]]

    Contingent upon the availability of funds and each grantee's 
substantial progress towards accomplishing the goals and objectives of 
the project as described in its approved application, we may make 
continuation awards to grantees for the remainder of the project 
period.
    Applicants must propose a budget that covers the entire project 
period of up to 60 months.

    Note:  Under section 4611(c) of the ESEA, the Department must 
use at least 25 percent of EIR funds for a fiscal year to make 
awards to applicants serving rural areas, contingent on receipt of a 
sufficient number of applications of sufficient quality. For 
purposes of this competition, we will consider an applicant as rural 
if the applicant meets the qualifications for rural applicants as 
described in the Eligible Applicants section and the applicant 
certifies that it meets those qualifications through the 
application.

    In implementing this statutory provision and program requirement, 
the Department may fund high-quality applications from rural applicants 
and applications submitted under Absolute Priorities 2 and 3 out of 
rank order in the Early-phase competition.
    In addition, for FY 2020 Early-phase competition, the Department 
intends to award an estimated $34 million in funds for STEM projects, 
contingent on receipt of a sufficient number of applications of 
sufficient quality.

III. Eligibility Information

    1. Eligible Applicants:
    (a) An LEA;
    (b) An SEA;
    (c) The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE);
    (d) A consortium of SEAs or LEAs;
    (e) A nonprofit organization; and
    (f) An LEA, an SEA, the BIE, or a consortium described in clause 
(d), in partnership with--
    (1) A nonprofit organization;
    (2) A business;
    (3) An educational service agency; or
    (4) An IHE.
    To qualify as a rural applicant under the EIR program, an applicant 
must meet both of the following requirements:
    (a) The applicant is--
    (1) An LEA with an urban-centric district locale code of 32, 33, 
41, 42, or 43, as determined by the Secretary;
    (2) A consortium of such LEAs;
    (3) An educational service agency or a nonprofit organization in 
partnership with such an LEA; or
    (4) A grantee described in clause (1) or (2) in partnership with an 
SEA; and
    (b) A majority of the schools to be served by the program are 
designated with a locale code of 32, 33, 41, 42, or 43, or a 
combination of such codes, as determined by the Secretary.
    Applicants are encouraged to retrieve locale codes from the 
National Center for Education Statistics School District search tool 
(https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/districtsearch/), where districts can be 
looked up individually to retrieve locale codes, and Public School 
search tool (https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/), where individual 
schools can be looked up to retrieve locale codes. More information on 
rural applicant eligibility is in the application package.
    If you are a nonprofit organization, under 34 CFR 75.51, you may 
demonstrate your nonprofit status by providing: (1) Proof that the 
Internal Revenue Service currently recognizes the applicant as an 
organization to which contributions are tax deductible under section 
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, (2) a statement from a State 
taxing body or the State attorney general certifying that the 
organization is a nonprofit organization operating within the State and 
that no part of its net earnings may lawfully benefit any private 
shareholder or individual, (3) a certified copy of the applicant's 
certificate of incorporation or similar document if it clearly 
establishes the nonprofit status of the applicant, or (4) any item 
described above if that item applies to a State or national parent 
organization, together with a statement by the State or parent 
organization that the applicant is a local nonprofit affiliate. In 
addition, any IHE is eligible to be a partner in an application where 
an LEA, SEA, BIE, consortium of SEAs or LEAs, or a nonprofit 
organization is the lead applicant that submits the application. A 
nonprofit organization, such as a development foundation, that is 
affiliated with a public IHE can apply for a grant. A public IHE that 
has 501(c)(3) status would also qualify as a nonprofit organization and 
could be a lead applicant for an EIR grant. A public IHE without 
501(c)(3) status, or that could not provide any other documentation 
described in 34 CFR 75.51(b), however, would not qualify as a nonprofit 
organization, and therefore could not apply for and receive an EIR 
grant.
    2. Cost Sharing or Matching: Under section 4611(d) of the ESEA, 
each grant recipient must provide, from Federal, State, local, or 
private sources, an amount equal to 10 percent of funds provided under 
the grant, which may be provided in cash or through in-kind 
contributions, to carry out activities supported by the grant. Grantees 
must include a budget showing their matching contributions to the 
budget amount of EIR grant funds and must provide evidence of their 
matching contributions for the first year of the grant in their grant 
applications. Section 4611(d) of the ESEA also authorizes the Secretary 
to waive this matching requirement on a case-by-case basis, upon a 
showing of exceptional circumstances, such as:
    (a) The difficulty of raising matching funds for a program to serve 
a rural area;
    (b) The difficulty of raising matching funds in areas with a 
concentration of LEAs or schools with a high percentage of students 
aged 5 through 17--
    (1) Who are in poverty, as counted in the most recent census data 
approved by the Secretary;
    (2) Who are eligible for a free or reduced price lunch under the 
Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.);
    (3) Whose families receive assistance under the State program 
funded under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 
601 et seq.); or
    (4) Who are eligible to receive medical assistance under the 
Medicaid program; and
    (c) The difficulty of raising funds on Tribal land.
    Applicants that wish to apply for a waiver must include a request 
in their application that describes why the matching requirement would 
cause serious hardship or an inability to carry out project activities. 
Further information about applying for waivers can be found in the 
application package. However, given the importance of matching funds to 
the long-term success of the project, the Secretary expects eligible 
entities to identify appropriate matching funds.
    3. Subgrantees: A grantee under this competition may not award 
subgrants to entities to directly carry out project activities 
described in its application.
    4. Other: a. Funding Categories: An applicant will be considered 
for an award only for the type of EIR grant for which it applies (i.e., 
Early-phase: Absolute Priority 2 or Early-phase: Absolute Priority 3). 
An applicant may not submit an application for the same proposed 
project under more than one type of grant (e.g., both an Early-phase 
grant and Mid-phase grant).

    Note:  Each application will be reviewed under the competition 
it was submitted under in the Grants.gov system, and only 
applications that are successfully submitted by the established 
deadline will be peer reviewed. Applicants should be careful that 
they download the intended EIR application package and that they 
submit their applications under the intended EIR competition.


[[Page 45609]]


    b. Evaluation: The grantee must conduct an independent evaluation 
of the effectiveness of its project.
    c. High-need students: The grantee must serve high-need students.

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 Early-phase grants, 
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).
    Because we plan to make successful applications available to the 
public, you may wish to request confidentiality of business 
information.
    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 competition is subject to 
Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79. 
Information about Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs under 
Executive Order 12372 is in the application package for this 
competition.
    4. Funding Restrictions: We reference regulations outlining funding 
restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice.
    5. Recommended Page Limit: The application narrative (Part III of 
the application) is where you, the applicant, address the selection 
criteria that reviewers use to evaluate your application. We recommend 
that you (1) limit the application narrative for an Early-phase grant 
to no more than 25 pages and (2) use the following standards:
     A ``page'' is 8.5'' x 11'', on one side only, with 1'' 
margins at the top, bottom, and both sides.
     Double space (no more than three lines per vertical inch) 
all text in the application narrative, including titles, headings, 
footnotes, quotations, references, and captions.
     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, the budget section, including the narrative budget 
justification; Part IV, the assurances and certifications; or the one-
page abstract, the resumes, the bibliography, or the letters of 
support. However, the recommended page limit does apply to all of the 
application narrative.
    6. Notice of Intent to Apply: We will be able to develop a more 
efficient process for reviewing grant applications if we know the 
approximate number of applicants that intend to apply for funding under 
this competition. Therefore, the Secretary strongly encourages each 
potential applicant to notify us of the applicant's intent to apply by 
completing a web-based form. When completing this form, applicants will 
provide (1) the applicant organization's name and address and (2) which 
absolute priority the applicant intends to address. Applicants may 
access this form using the link available on the Notice of Intent to 
Apply section of the competition website: https://oese.ed.gov/offices/office-of-discretionary-grants-support-services/innovation-early-learning/education-innovation-and-research-eir/fy-2020-competition-2/. 
Applicants that do not complete this form may still submit an 
application.

V. Application Review Information

    1. Selection Criteria: The selection criteria for Absolute Priority 
2 are from 34 CFR 75.210. The selection criteria for Absolute Priority 
3 are from 34 CFR 75.210 and the NFP. The points assigned to each 
criterion are indicated in the parentheses next to the criterion. An 
applicant may earn up to a total of 100 points based on the selection 
criteria for the application.
    In evaluating an application for Absolute Priority 2, the Secretary 
considers the following criteria:
    A. Quality of the Project Design (up to 40 points).
    The Secretary considers the quality of the design of the proposed 
project. In determining the quality of the design of the proposed 
project, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (1) The extent to which the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be 
achieved by the proposed project are clearly specified and measurable. 
(10 points)
    (2) The extent to which the design of the proposed project is 
appropriate to, and will successfully address, the needs of the target 
population or other identified needs. (10 points)
    (3) The extent to which the design of the proposed project reflects 
up-to-date knowledge from research and effective practice. (10 points)
    (4) The potential contribution of the proposed project to increased 
knowledge or understanding of educational problems, issues, or 
effective strategies. (10 points)
    B. Adequacy of Resources and Quality of the Management Plan (up to 
35 points).
    The Secretary considers the adequacy of resources and the quality 
of the management plan for the proposed project. In determining the 
adequacy of resources and quality of the management plan for the 
proposed project, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (1) The adequacy of the management plan to achieve the objectives 
of the proposed project on time and within budget, including clearly 
defined responsibilities, timelines, and milestones for accomplishing 
project tasks. (10 points)
    (2) The extent to which the costs are reasonable in relation to the 
objectives, design, and potential significance of the proposed project. 
(5 points)
    (3) The qualifications, including relevant training and experience, 
of key project personnel. (5 points)
    (4) The adequacy of procedures for ensuring feedback and continuous 
improvement in the operation of the proposed project. (10 points)
    (5) The extent to which the results of the proposed project are to 
be disseminated in ways that will enable others to use the information 
or strategies. (5 points)
    C. Quality of the Project Evaluation (up to 25 points).
    The Secretary considers the quality of the evaluation to be 
conducted of the proposed project. In determining the quality of the 
evaluation, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (1) The extent to which the methods of evaluation will, if well 
implemented, produce evidence about the project's effectiveness that 
would meet the What Works Clearinghouse standards with or

[[Page 45610]]

without reservations as described in the What Works Clearinghouse 
Handbook (as defined in this notice). (15 points)
    (2) The extent to which the evaluation plan clearly articulates the 
key project components, mediators, and outcomes, as well as a 
measurable threshold for acceptable implementation. (5 points)
    (3) The extent to which the methods of evaluation will provide 
valid and reliable performance data on relevant outcomes. (5 points)
    In evaluating an application for Absolute Priority 3, the Secretary 
considers the following criteria:
    A. Quality of the Project Design (up to 45 points).
    The Secretary considers the quality of the design of the proposed 
project. In determining the quality of the design of the proposed 
project, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (1) The extent to which professional learning funded through the 
stipend will replace existing mandatory professional development for 
participating teachers at the following levels:
    (i) Replacing less than 20 percent of required professional 
learning. (0 points)
    (ii) Replacing 20 percent of required professional learning. (5 
points)
    (iii) Replacing 40 percent of required professional learning. (10 
points)
    (iv) Replacing 60 percent of required professional learning. (15 
points)
    (v) Replacing 80 percent of required professional learning. (20 
points)
    (vi) Replacing 100 percent of required professional learning. (25 
points)
    (2) The adequacy of plans to ensure that stipends are appropriately 
used for high-quality professional learning. (5 points)
    (3) The extent to which the proposed project will offer teachers 
flexibility and autonomy regarding the extent of the choice teachers 
have in selecting their professional learning. (5 points)
    (4) The likelihood that the procedures and resources for teachers 
result in a simple process to select or request professional learning 
based on their professional learning needs and those identified needs 
of high-need students. (5 points)
    (5) The extent to which the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be 
achieved by the proposed project are clearly specified and measurable. 
(5 points)
    B. Adequacy of Resources and Quality of the Management Plan (up to 
30 points).
    The Secretary considers the adequacy of resources and the quality 
of the management plan for the proposed project. In determining the 
adequacy of resources and quality of the management plan for the 
proposed project, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (1) The sufficiency of the stipend amount to enable professional 
learning funded through the stipend to replace a significant portion of 
existing mandatory professional development for participating teachers. 
(5 points)
    (2) The extent to which the costs are reasonable in relation to the 
objectives, design, and potential significance of the proposed project. 
(5 points)
    (3) The extent to which the proposed payment structure will enable 
teachers to have an opportunity to apply for and use the stipend with 
minimal burden. (5 points)
    (4) The qualifications, including relevant training and experience, 
of key project personnel. (5 points)
    (5) The adequacy of the management plan to achieve the objectives 
of the proposed project on time and within budget, including clearly 
defined responsibilities, timelines, and milestones for accomplishing 
project tasks. (5 points)
    (6) The adequacy of procedures for leveraging the stipend program 
to inform continuous improvement and systematic changes to professional 
learning. (5 points)
    C. Quality of the Project Evaluation (up to 25 points).
    The Secretary considers the quality of the evaluation to be 
conducted of the proposed project. In determining the quality of the 
evaluation, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (1) The extent to which the methods of evaluation will, if well 
implemented, produce evidence about the project's effectiveness that 
would meet the What Works Clearinghouse standards with or without 
reservations as described in the What Works Clearinghouse Handbook (as 
defined in 34 CFR 77.1(c)). (15 points)
    (2) The extent to which the evaluation plan clearly articulates the 
key project components, mediators, and outcomes, as well as a 
measurable threshold for acceptable implementation. (5 points)
    (3) The extent to which the methods of evaluation will provide 
performance feedback and permit periodic assessment of progress toward 
achieving intended outcomes. (5 points)

    Note:  Applicants may wish to review the following technical 
assistance resources on evaluation: (1) WWC Procedures and Standards 
Handbooks: https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/Handbooks; (2) ``Technical 
Assistance Materials for Conducting Rigorous Impact Evaluations'': 
https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/projects/evaluationTA.asp; and (3) IES/NCEE 
Technical Methods papers: https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/tech_methods/. In 
addition, applicants may view an optional webinar recording that was 
hosted by the Institute of Education Sciences. The webinar focused 
on more rigorous evaluation designs, discussing strategies for 
designing and executing experimental studies that meet WWC evidence 
standards without reservations. This webinar is available at: https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/Multimedia/18.

    2. Review and Selection Process: We remind potential applicants 
that in reviewing applications in any discretionary grant competition, 
the Secretary may consider, under 34 CFR 75.217(d)(3), the past 
performance of the applicant in carrying out a previous award, such as 
the applicant's use of funds, achievement of project objectives, and 
compliance with grant conditions. The Secretary may also consider 
whether the applicant failed to submit a timely performance report or 
submitted a report of unacceptable quality.
    In addition, in making a competitive grant award, the Secretary 
requires various assurances, including those applicable to Federal 
civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or 
activities receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department 
(34 CFR 100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).
    Before making awards, we will screen applications submitted in 
accordance with the requirements in this notice to determine whether 
applications have met eligibility and other requirements. This 
screening process may occur at various stages of the process; 
applicants that are determined to be ineligible will not receive a 
grant, regardless of peer reviewer scores or comments.
    Peer reviewers will read, prepare a written evaluation of, and 
score the assigned applications, using the selection criteria provided 
in this notice.
    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

[[Page 45611]]

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.
    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(c).

    Note:  The evaluation report is a specific deliverable under an 
Early-phase grant that grantees must make available to the public. 
Additionally, EIR grantees are encouraged to submit final studies 
resulting from research supported in whole or in part by EIR to the 
Educational Resources Information Center (https://eric.ed.gov).

    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.
    (c) Under 34 CFR 75.250(b), the Secretary may provide a grantee 
with additional funding for data collection analysis and reporting. In 
this case the Secretary establishes a data collection period.
    5. Performance Measures: The overall purpose of the EIR program is 
to expand the implementation of, and investment in, innovative 
practices that are demonstrated to have an impact on improving student 
achievement and attainment for high-need students. We have established 
several performance measures (as defined in this notice) for the Early-
phase grants.
    Annual performance measures: (1) The percentage of grantees that 
reach their annual target number of students as specified in the 
application; (2) the percentage of grantees that reach their annual 
target number of high-need students as specified in the application; 
(3) the percentage of grantees with ongoing well-designed and 
independent evaluations designed to provide performance feedback to 
inform project design; (4) the percentage of grantees with ongoing 
well-designed and independent evaluations that will provide evidence of 
their effectiveness at improving student outcomes; (5) the percentage 
of grantees that implement an evaluation that provides information 
about the key elements and the approach of the project so as to 
facilitate testing, development, or replication in other settings; and 
(6) the cost per student served by the grant.
    Cumulative performance measures: (1) The percentage of grantees 
that reach the targeted number of students specified in the 
application; (2) the percentage of grantees that reach the targeted 
number of high-need students specified in the application; (3) the 
percentage of grantees that use evaluation data to make changes to 
their practice(s); (4) the percentage of grantees that implement a 
completed well-designed, well-implemented, and independent evaluation 
that provides evidence of their effectiveness at improving student 
outcomes; (5) the percentage of grantees with a completed evaluation 
that provides information about the key elements and the approach of 
the project so as to facilitate testing, development, or replication in 
other settings; and (6) the cost per student served by the grant.
    Project-Specific Performance Measures: Applicants must propose 
project-specific performance measures and performance targets (as 
defined in this notice) consistent with the objectives of the proposed 
project. Applications must provide the following information as 
directed under 34 CFR 75.110(b) and (c):
    (1) Performance measures. How each proposed performance measure 
would accurately measure the performance of the project and how the 
proposed performance measure would be consistent with the performance 
measures established for the program funding the competition.
    (2) Baseline (as defined in this notice) data. (i) Why each 
proposed baseline is valid; or (ii) if the applicant has determined 
that there are no established baseline data for a particular 
performance measure, an explanation of why there is no established 
baseline and of how and when, during the project period, the applicant 
would establish a valid baseline for the performance measure.
    (3) Performance targets. Why each proposed performance target is 
ambitious yet achievable compared to

[[Page 45612]]

the baseline for the performance measure and when, during the project 
period, the applicant would meet the performance target(s).
    (4) Data collection and reporting. (i) The data collection and 
reporting methods the applicant would use and why those methods are 
likely to yield reliable, valid, and meaningful performance data; and 
(ii) the applicant's capacity to collect and report reliable, valid, 
and meaningful performance data, as evidenced by high-quality data 
collection, analysis, and reporting in other projects or research.
    All grantees must submit an annual performance report with 
information that is responsive to these performance measures.
    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.

Frank T. Brogan,
Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education.
[FR Doc. 2020-15994 Filed 7-28-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P