Applications for New Awards; Educational Opportunity Centers Program, 2658-2663 [2021-00329]

Download as PDF 2658 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 8 / Wednesday, January 13, 2021 / Notices 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: On request to the program contact person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT, individuals with disabilities can obtain this document and a copy of the application package in an accessible format. The Department will provide the requestor with an accessible format that may include Rich Text Format (RTF) or text format (txt), a thumb drive, an MP3 file, braille, large print, audiotape, or compact disc, or other accessible format. 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. 2021–00540 Filed 1–11–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000–01–P DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION [Docket No.: ED–2020–SCC–0168] Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP) for Disbursing Title IV Aid to Students With Intellectual Disabilities Expenditure Report Federal Student Aid (FSA), Department of Education (ED). ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, ED is proposing an extension without change of a currently approved collection. SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:08 Jan 12, 2021 Jkt 253001 Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before February 12, 2021. ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for proposed information collection requests should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/ do/PRAMain. Find this information collection request by selecting ‘‘Department of Education’’ under ‘‘Currently Under Review,’’ then check ‘‘Only Show ICR for Public Comment’’ checkbox. Comments may also be sent to ICDocketmgr@ed.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For specific questions related to collection activities, please contact Beth Grebeldinger, (202) 377–4018. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Department of Education (ED), in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), provides the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed, revised, and continuing collections of information. This helps the Department assess the impact of its information collection requirements and minimize the public’s reporting burden. It also helps the public understand the Department’s information collection requirements and provide the requested data in the desired format. ED is soliciting comments on the proposed information collection request (ICR) that is described below. The Department of Education is especially interested in public comment addressing the following issues: (1) Is this collection necessary to the proper functions of the Department; (2) will this information be processed and used in a timely manner; (3) is the estimate of burden accurate; (4) how might the Department enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (5) how might the Department minimize the burden of this collection on the respondents, including through the use of information technology. Please note that written comments received in response to this notice will be considered public records. Title of Collection: Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP) for Disbursing Title IV Aid to Students with Intellectual Disabilities Expenditure Report OMB Control Number: 1845–0113. Type of Review: Extension without change of a currently approved collection. Respondents/Affected Public: State, Local, and Tribal Governments; Private Sector Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 104. DATES: PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 208. Abstract: The Higher Education Opportunity Act, Public Law 110–315, added provisions to the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, in section 750 and 766 that enable eligible students with intellectual disabilities to receive Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, and Federal Work Study funds if they are enrolled in an approved program. The Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP) for Disbursing Title IV Aid to Students with Intellectual Disabilities expenditure report is the tool for reporting the use of these specific funds. The data is used by the Department to monitor program effectiveness and accountability of fund expenditures. The data is used in conjunction with institutional program reviews to assess the administrative capability and compliance of the applicants. Dated: January 8, 2021. Kate Mullan, PRA Coordinator, Strategic Collections and Clearance Governance and Strategy Division, Office of Chief Data Officer, Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development. [FR Doc. 2021–00566 Filed 1–12–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000–01–P DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION [Docket No.: ED–2020–SCC–0154] Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting Under CARES Act Sections 18004(a)(1) Institutional Portion, 18004(a)(2), and 18004(a)(3) Correction In notice document 2020–28000, appearing on page 83068 in the issue of Monday, December 21, 2020, make the following correction: On page 83068, in the second column, in the DATES section, change ‘‘January 20, 2021’’ to read ‘‘January 21, 2021.’’ [FR Doc. C1–2020–28000 Filed 1–12–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 1301–00–D DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Applications for New Awards; Educational Opportunity Centers Program Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of Education. AGENCY: E:\FR\FM\13JAN1.SGM 13JAN1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 8 / Wednesday, January 13, 2021 / Notices ACTION: Notice. The Department of Education (Department) is issuing a notice inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 2021 for the Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC) Program, Assistance Listing Number 84.066A. This notice relates to the approved information collection under OMB control number 1840–0820. DATES: Applications Available: January 13, 2021. Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: March 1, 2021. Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: April 28, 2021. 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: Rachael Wiley Ed.D, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 271–24, Washington, DC 20202– 4260. Telephone: (202) 453–6078. Email: Rachael.Wiley@ed.gov. If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) or a text telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay Service (FRS), toll free, at 1–800–877– 8339. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: Full Text of Announcement I. Funding Opportunity Description Purpose of Program: The purposes of the EOC Program are to: Provide information regarding financial and academic assistance available for qualified individuals who want to enter or continue to pursue a program of postsecondary education; provide assistance to those individuals in applying for admission to institutions that offer programs of postsecondary education, including assistance in preparing necessary applications for use by admissions and financial aid officers; and improve the financial and economic literacy of program participants. Priorities: This notice contains three competitive preference priorities. Competitive Preference Priorities 1 and 2 are from the Secretary’s Notice of Final Supplemental Priorities and Definitions for Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal Register on March 2, 2018 (83 FR 9096) (Supplemental Priorities). Competitive Preference Priority 3 is from the VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:08 Jan 12, 2021 Jkt 253001 Secretary’s Notice of Administrative Priorities and Definitions for Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal Register on March 9, 2020 (85 FR 13640) (Administrative Priorities). Note: Applicants must include, in the onepage abstract submitted with the application, a statement indicating which, if any, of the competitive preference priorities are addressed. If the applicant has addressed the competitive preference priorities, this information must also be listed on the EOC Program Profile Form. Competitive Preference Priorities: For FY 2021 and any subsequent year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this competition, these priorities are competitive preference priorities. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i), we award an application up to two additional points for each priority, for a total of up to six additional points, depending on how well the application meets each of these priorities. These priorities are: Competitive Preference Priority 1: Ensuring that Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families Have Access to High-Quality Educational Options (up to 2 points). Projects that are designed to address the academic needs of military- or veteran-connected students (as defined in this notice). Competitive Priority 2: Fostering Flexible and Affordable Paths to Obtaining Knowledge and Skills (up to 2 points). Projects that are designed to create or expand opportunities for individuals to obtain recognized postsecondary credentials through the demonstration of prior knowledge and skills, such as competency-based learning. Such credentials may include an industryrecognized certificate or certification, a certificate of completion of an apprenticeship, a license recognized by the State involved or Federal Government, or an associate or baccalaureate degree. Competitive Priority 3: Applications that Demonstrate a Rationale (up to 2 points). Under this priority, an applicant proposes a project that demonstrates a rationale (as defined in 34 CFR 77.1). Definitions: The definitions below are from 34 CFR 77.1 and the Supplemental Priorities. 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. PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 2659 Logic model (also referred to as a theory of action) means a framework that identifies key project components of the proposed project (i.e., the active ‘‘ingredients’’ that are hypothesized to be critical to achieving the relevant outcomes) and describes the theoretical and operational relationships among the key project components and relevant outcomes. Note: In developing logic models, applicants may want to use resources such as the Regional Educational Laboratory Program’s (REL Pacific) Education Logic Model Application, available at https:// ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/pacific/ elm.asp, to help design their logic models. Other sources include: https://ies.ed.gov/ ncee/edlabs/regions/pacific/pdf/REL_ 2014025.pdf, https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/ regions/pacific/pdf/REL_2014007.pdf, and https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/ northeast/pdf/REL_2015057.pdf. Military- or veteran-connected student means a student who is a member of the uniformed services, a veteran of the uniformed services, or the spouse of a service member or veteran. Note: For the purpose of this definition, ‘‘student’’ may include a prospective student. 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). 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. Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1070a– 11 and 20 U.S.C. 1070–16. Note: Projects must be awarded and operated in a manner consistent with the nondiscrimination requirements contained in the U.S. Constitution and the Federal civil rights laws. Application Requirements: For FY 2021 and any subsequent year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this competition, applicants must meet the following application requirements from 34 CFR 644.11. An applicant must submit, as part of its application, assurances that— (a) At least two-thirds of the individuals it serves under its proposed EOC project will be low-income individuals who are potential firstgeneration college students; (b) The project will collaborate with other Federal TRIO projects, GEAR UP projects, or programs serving similar E:\FR\FM\13JAN1.SGM 13JAN1 2660 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 8 / Wednesday, January 13, 2021 / Notices populations that are serving the same target schools or target area in order to minimize the duplication of services and promote collaborations so that more students can be served; (c) The project will be located in a setting or settings accessible to the individuals proposed to be served by the project; and (d) If the applicant is an institution of higher education, it will not use the project as a part of its recruitment program. Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations in 34 CFR parts 75 (except for §§ 75.215 through 75.221), 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 regulations for this program in 34 CFR part 644. (e) The Supplemental Priorities. (f) The Administrative Priorities. Note: The regulations in 34 CFR 86 apply to institutions of higher education (IHEs) only. II. Award Information Type of Award: Discretionary grants. Estimated Available Funds: $55,994,306. 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: $232,050–$1,280,000. Estimated Average Size of Awards: $273,793. Maximum Award: The maximum award varies based on whether the applicant is currently receiving an EOC Program grant, as well as the number of participants served. • For an applicant that is not currently receiving an EOC Program grant, the maximum award amount is $232,050. Applicants must have a perparticipant cost of no more than $273 and propose to serve a minimum of 850 participants. • For an applicant that is currently receiving an EOC Program grant— 1. The applicant may request a maximum award amount that is an VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:08 Jan 12, 2021 Jkt 253001 amount equal to 100 percent of the applicant’s base award amount for FY 2020 to serve a minimum number of participants equal to the applicant’s approved FY 2020 participant number; or 2. If the applicant proposes to reduce the number of participants to be served below the amount served in FY 2020, the proposed number of participants must be at least 850 and the perparticipant cost must not exceed the applicant’s cost per participant for FY 2020 or $273, whichever is greater. For example, if an applicant’s per participant cost for FY 2020 is $344 and the applicant is proposing to serve 850 participants under the FY 2021 competition, the applicant would be eligible to request a $292,400 grant ($344 × 850 = $292,400). Note: Applicants currently receiving an EOC Program grant in FY 2020 are strongly encouraged to continue to serve the same number of participants under the proposed project. Estimated Number of Awards: 140. Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice. Project Period: Up to 60 months. III. Eligibility Information 1. Eligible Applicants: IHEs; public and private agencies and organizations, including community-based organizations with experience in serving disadvantaged youth; secondary schools; and combinations of such institutions, agencies, and organizations. Note: 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. 2. a. Cost Sharing or Matching: This competition does not require cost sharing or matching. b. Indirect Cost Rate Information: This program uses a training indirect cost rate. This limits indirect cost reimbursement to an entity’s actual PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 indirect costs, as determined in its negotiated indirect cost rate agreement, or eight percent of a modified total direct cost base, whichever amount is less. For more information regarding training indirect cost rates, see 34 CFR 75.562. For more information regarding indirect costs, or to obtain a negotiated indirect cost rate, please see www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocfo/ intro.html. c. Administrative Cost Limitation: This program does not include any program-specific limitation on administrative expenses. All administrative expenses must be reasonable and necessary and conform to Cost Principles described in 2 CFR part 200 subpart E of the Uniform Guidance. 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: An applicant may submit more than one application for an EOC Program grant so long as each application describes a project that serves a different target area (34 CFR 644.10(a)). The term ‘‘target area’’ is defined as a geographic area served by a project (34 CFR 644.7(b)). 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. Intergovernmental Review: This program is subject to Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79. Information about Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs under Executive Order 12372 is in the application package for this program. 3. Funding Restrictions: We specify unallowable costs in 34 CFR 644.31. We reference additional regulations outlining funding restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice. Requirements concerning the content of an application, together with the forms you must submit, are in the application package for this program. 4. Recommended Page Limit: The application narrative is where you, the applicant, address the selection criteria that reviewers use to evaluate your E:\FR\FM\13JAN1.SGM 13JAN1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 8 / Wednesday, January 13, 2021 / Notices application. We recommend that you (1) limit the application narrative, which includes the budget narrative, to no more than 60 pages and (2) use the following standards: • A ‘‘page’’ is 8.5″ × 11″, on one side only, with 1″ margins at the top, bottom, and both sides. • Double space (no more than three lines per vertical inch) all text in the application narrative, including titles, headings, footnotes, quotations, references, and captions as well as all text in charts, tables, figures, and graphs. • Use a font that is either 12 point or larger, and no smaller than 10 pitch (characters per inch). • Use one of the following fonts: Times New Roman, Courier, Courier New, or Arial. The recommended page limit does not apply to the cover sheet; the budget section, including the narrative budget justification; the assurances and certifications; or the one-page abstract. However, the recommended page limit does apply to all of the application narrative. We recommend that any application addressing the competitive preference priorities include no more than three additional pages for each priority addressed. V. Application Review Information 1. Selection Criteria: The selection criteria for this competition are from 34 CFR 644.21. We will award up to 100 points to an application under the selection criteria and up to 6 additional points to an application under the competitive preference priorities, for a total score of up to 106 points. The maximum number of points available for each criterion is indicated in parentheses. (a) Need for the project (24 points). The Secretary evaluates the need for an EOC project in the proposed target area on the basis of the extent to which the application contains clear evidence of— (1) A high number or percentage, or both, of low-income families residing in the target area; (2) A high number or percentage, or both, of individuals residing in the target area with education completion levels below the baccalaureate level; (3) A high need on the part of residents of the target area for further education and training from programs of postsecondary education in order to meet changing employment trends; and (4) Other indicators of need for an EOC project, including the presence of unaddressed educational or socioeconomic problems of adult residents in the target area. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:08 Jan 12, 2021 Jkt 253001 (b) Objectives (8 points). The Secretary evaluates the quality of the applicant’s objectives and proposed targets (percentages) in the following areas on the basis of the extent to which they are both ambitious, as related to the need data provided under selection criterion (a), and attainable, given the project’s plan of operation, budget, and other resources— (1) Secondary school diploma or equivalent (2 points). (2) Postsecondary enrollment (3 points). (3) Financial aid applications (1.5 points). (4) College admission applications (1.5 points). (c) Plan of operation (30 points). The Secretary evaluates the quality of the applicant’s plan of operation on the basis of the following— (1) The plan to inform the residents, schools, and community organizations in the target area of the goals, objectives, and services of the project and the eligibility requirements for participation in the project (4 points); (2) The plan to identify and select eligible participants and ensure their participation without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, or disability (4 points); (3) The plan to assess each participant’s need for services provided by the project (2 points); (4) The plan to provide services that meet the participants’ needs and achieve the objectives of the project (12 points); and (5) The management plan to ensure the proper and efficient administration of the project including, but not limited to, the project’s organizational structure, the time committed to the project by the project director and other personnel, and, where appropriate, its coordination with other projects for disadvantaged students (8 points). (d) Applicant and community support (16 points). The Secretary evaluates the applicant and community support for the proposed project on the basis of the extent to which the applicant has made provision for resources to supplement the grant and enhance the project’s services, including— (1) Facilities, equipment, supplies, personnel, and other resources committed by the applicant (8 points); and (2) Resources secured through written commitments from schools, community organizations, and others (8 points). (e) Quality of personnel (9 points). (1) The Secretary evaluates the quality of the personnel the applicant plans to use in the project on the basis of the following— PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 2661 (i) The qualifications required of the project director. (ii) The qualifications required of each of the other personnel to be used in the project. (iii) The plan to employ personnel who have succeeded in overcoming disadvantages or circumstances like those of the population of the target area. (2) In evaluating the qualifications of a person, the Secretary considers his or her experience and training in fields related to the objectives of the project. (f) Budget (5 points). The Secretary evaluates the extent to which the project budget is reasonable, cost-effective, and adequate to support the project. (g) Evaluation plan (8 points). The Secretary evaluates the quality of the evaluation plan for the project on the basis of the extent to which the applicant’s methods of evaluation— (1) Are appropriate to the project’s objectives; (2) Provide for the applicant to determine, using specific and quantifiable measures, the success of the project in— (i) Making progress toward achieving its objectives (a formative evaluation); and (ii) Achieving its objectives at the end of the project period (a summative evaluation); and (3) Provide for the disclosure of unanticipated project outcomes, using quantifiable measures if appropriate. 2. Review and Selection Process: We remind potential applicants that, 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). For this competition, a panel of nonFederal reviewers will review each application in accordance with the selection criteria in 34 CFR 644.21. The individual scores of the reviewers will be added and the sum divided by the number of reviewers to determine the peer review score received in the review process. Additionally, in accordance with 34 CFR 644.22, the Secretary will award prior experience points to applicants that conducted an EOC Program project during budget periods 2017–18, 2018–19, and 2019–20, based on their documented experience. Prior experience points, if any, will be added to the application’s averaged reader score to determine the total score for each application. If there are insufficient funds for all applications with the same total scores, E:\FR\FM\13JAN1.SGM 13JAN1 2662 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 8 / Wednesday, January 13, 2021 / Notices the Secretary will choose among the tied applications so as to serve geographic areas and eligible populations that have been underserved by the EOC Program. 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. 5. In General: In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s guidance located at 2 CFR part 200, all applicable Federal laws, and relevant Executive guidance, the Department will review and consider applications for funding pursuant to this notice inviting applications in accordance with— (a) Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the program objectives through an VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:08 Jan 12, 2021 Jkt 253001 objective process of evaluating Federal award applications (2 CFR 200.205); (b) Prohibiting the purchase of certain telecommunication and video surveillance services or equipment in alignment with section 889 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2019 (Pub. L. 115–232) (2 CFR 200.216); (c) Promoting the freedom of speech and religious liberty in alignment with Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty (E.O. 13798) and Improving Free Inquiry, Transparency, and Accountability at Colleges and Universities (E.O. 13864) (2 CFR 200.300, 200.303, 200.339, and 200.341); (d) Providing a preference, to the extent permitted by law, to maximize use of goods, products, and materials produced in the United States (2 CFR 200.322); and (e) Terminating agreements in whole or in part to the greatest extent authorized by law if an award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities (2 CFR 200.340). 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 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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. 5. Performance Measures: Under the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993, the following measure will be used by the Department to evaluate the success of the EOC Program: Participants’ success in completing a secondary school diploma or its equivalent, completion of applications for student financial aid, submission of applications for postsecondary admission, and postsecondary enrollment. All EOC Program grantees will be required to submit annual performance reports. 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 E:\FR\FM\13JAN1.SGM 13JAN1 2663 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 8 / Wednesday, January 13, 2021 / Notices receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department (34 CFR 100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23). your search to documents published by the Department. Christopher J. McCaghren, Acting Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education. VII. Other Information Accessible Format: On request to the program contact person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT, individuals with disabilities can obtain this document and a copy of the application package in an accessible format. The Department will provide the requestor with an accessible format that may include Rich Text Format (RTF) or text format (txt), a thumb drive, an MP3 file, braille, large print, audiotape, or compact disc, or other accessible format. 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 [FR Doc. 2021–00329 Filed 1–12–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000–01–P DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Arbitration Panel Decisions Under the Randolph-Sheppard Act Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Department of Education. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: This notice lists arbitration panel decisions under the RandolphSheppard Act issued from April 1, 2020 to July 31, 2020. This notice also lists any older decisions that the Department of Education (Department) has made publicly available in accessible electronic format during that period. All decisions are available on the Department’s website and by request. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James McCarthy, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 5064D, Potomac Center Plaza, Washington, DC 20202–2800. Telephone: (202) 245–6703. Email: james.mccarthy@ed.gov. If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) or a text telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay Service, toll-free, at 1–800–877–8339. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: For the purpose of providing individuals who SUMMARY: Case name Docket No. Illinois v. The Department of Energy ........................................................................................... Oklahoma v. the Department of the Army, Fort Sill .................................................................... These decisions and other decisions that we have already posted are searchable by key terms, are accessible under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, and are available in Portable Document Format (PDF) on the Department’s website at www.ed.gov/ programs/rsarsp/arbitrationdecisions.html or by request to the Case name VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:08 Jan 12, 2021 Jkt 253001 Text Format (RTF) or text format (txt), a thumb drive, an MP3 file, braille, large print, audiotape, or compact disc, or other accessible format. Electronic Access to This Document: The official version of this document is the document published in the Federal PO 00000 R–S/16–12 R–S/18–09 Frm 00027 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Date 4/30/2020 6/22/2020 State Illinois. Oklahoma. person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. At the same site, we have posted the following older, archived decision from 2019. Docket No. The Florida Department of Education, Division of Blind Services v. The Department of the Air Force, Hurlburt Field. Accessible Format: Individuals with disabilities can obtain this document in an accessible format on request to the contact person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. The Department will provide the requestor with an accessible format that may include Rich are blind with remunerative employment, enlarging their economic opportunities, and stimulating greater efforts to make themselves selfsupporting, the Randolph-Sheppard Act, 20 U.S.C. 107 et seq. (Act), authorizes individuals who are blind to operate vending facilities on Federal property and provides them with a priority for doing so. The vending facilities include, among other things, cafeterias, snack bars, and automatic vending machines. The Department administers the Act and designates an agency in each State—the State licensing agency (SLA)—to license individuals who are blind to operate vending facilities on Federal and other property in the State. The Act provides for arbitration of disputes between SLAs and vendors who are blind and between SLAs and Federal agencies before three-person panels, convened by the Department, whose decisions constitute final agency action. 20 U.S.C. 107d–1. The Act also makes these decisions matters of public record and requires their publication in the Federal Register. 20 U.S.C. 107d– 2(c). The Department publishes lists of Randolph-Sheppard Act arbitration panel decisions in the Federal Register and the full text of the decisions listed are available on the Department’s website (see below) or by request (see 84 FR 41941). Older, archived decisions are also added to the Department’s website as they are digitized. In the second quarter of 2020, Randolph-Sheppard arbitration panels issued the following decisions. R–S/17–03 Date 6/13/2019 State Florida. 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 E:\FR\FM\13JAN1.SGM 13JAN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 8 (Wednesday, January 13, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 2658-2663]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-00329]


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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION


Applications for New Awards; Educational Opportunity Centers 
Program

AGENCY: Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of Education.

[[Page 2659]]


ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Education (Department) is issuing a notice 
inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 2021 for the 
Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC) Program, Assistance Listing 
Number 84.066A. This notice relates to the approved information 
collection under OMB control number 1840-0820.

DATES: 
    Applications Available: January 13, 2021.
    Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: March 1, 2021.
    Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: April 28, 2021.

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: Rachael Wiley Ed.D, U.S. Department of 
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 271-24, Washington, DC 20202-
4260. Telephone: (202) 453-6078. 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 purposes of the EOC Program are to: Provide 
information regarding financial and academic assistance available for 
qualified individuals who want to enter or continue to pursue a program 
of postsecondary education; provide assistance to those individuals in 
applying for admission to institutions that offer programs of 
postsecondary education, including assistance in preparing necessary 
applications for use by admissions and financial aid officers; and 
improve the financial and economic literacy of program participants.
    Priorities: This notice contains three competitive preference 
priorities. Competitive Preference Priorities 1 and 2 are from the 
Secretary's Notice of Final Supplemental Priorities and Definitions for 
Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal Register on 
March 2, 2018 (83 FR 9096) (Supplemental Priorities). Competitive 
Preference Priority 3 is from the Secretary's Notice of Administrative 
Priorities and Definitions for Discretionary Grant Programs, published 
in the Federal Register on March 9, 2020 (85 FR 13640) (Administrative 
Priorities).

    Note:  Applicants must include, in the one-page abstract 
submitted with the application, a statement indicating which, if 
any, of the competitive preference priorities are addressed. If the 
applicant has addressed the competitive preference priorities, this 
information must also be listed on the EOC Program Profile Form.

    Competitive Preference Priorities: For FY 2021 and any subsequent 
year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications 
from this competition, these priorities are competitive preference 
priorities. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i), we award an application up to 
two additional points for each priority, for a total of up to six 
additional points, depending on how well the application meets each of 
these priorities.
    These priorities are:
    Competitive Preference Priority 1: Ensuring that Service Members, 
Veterans, and Their Families Have Access to High-Quality Educational 
Options (up to 2 points).
    Projects that are designed to address the academic needs of 
military- or veteran-connected students (as defined in this notice).
    Competitive Priority 2: Fostering Flexible and Affordable Paths to 
Obtaining Knowledge and Skills (up to 2 points).
    Projects that are designed to create or expand opportunities for 
individuals to obtain recognized postsecondary credentials through the 
demonstration of prior knowledge and skills, such as competency-based 
learning. Such credentials may include an industry-recognized 
certificate or certification, a certificate of completion of an 
apprenticeship, a license recognized by the State involved or Federal 
Government, or an associate or baccalaureate degree.
    Competitive Priority 3: Applications that Demonstrate a Rationale 
(up to 2 points).
    Under this priority, an applicant proposes a project that 
demonstrates a rationale (as defined in 34 CFR 77.1).
    Definitions: The definitions below are from 34 CFR 77.1 and the 
Supplemental Priorities.
    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.
    Logic model (also referred to as a theory of action) means a 
framework that identifies key project components of the proposed 
project (i.e., the active ``ingredients'' that are hypothesized to be 
critical to achieving the relevant outcomes) and describes the 
theoretical and operational relationships among the key project 
components and relevant outcomes.

    Note:  In developing logic models, applicants may want to use 
resources such as the Regional Educational Laboratory Program's (REL 
Pacific) Education Logic Model Application, available at https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/pacific/elm.asp, to help design their 
logic models. Other sources include: https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/pacific/pdf/REL_2014025.pdf, https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/pacific/pdf/REL_2014007.pdf, and https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/northeast/pdf/REL_2015057.pdf.

    Military- or veteran-connected student means a student who is a 
member of the uniformed services, a veteran of the uniformed services, 
or the spouse of a service member or veteran.

    Note:  For the purpose of this definition, ``student'' may 
include a prospective student.

    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).
    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.
    Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1070a-11 and 20 U.S.C. 1070-16.

    Note:  Projects must be awarded and operated in a manner 
consistent with the nondiscrimination requirements contained in the 
U.S. Constitution and the Federal civil rights laws.

    Application Requirements: For FY 2021 and any subsequent year in 
which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this 
competition, applicants must meet the following application 
requirements from 34 CFR 644.11.
    An applicant must submit, as part of its application, assurances 
that--
    (a) At least two-thirds of the individuals it serves under its 
proposed EOC project will be low-income individuals who are potential 
first-generation college students;
    (b) The project will collaborate with other Federal TRIO projects, 
GEAR UP projects, or programs serving similar

[[Page 2660]]

populations that are serving the same target schools or target area in 
order to minimize the duplication of services and promote 
collaborations so that more students can be served;
    (c) The project will be located in a setting or settings accessible 
to the individuals proposed to be served by the project; and
    (d) If the applicant is an institution of higher education, it will 
not use the project as a part of its recruitment program.
    Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General 
Administrative Regulations in 34 CFR parts 75 (except for Sec. Sec.  
75.215 through 75.221), 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 regulations for this program in 34 CFR part 644. (e) 
The Supplemental Priorities. (f) The Administrative Priorities.

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

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Discretionary grants.
    Estimated Available Funds: $55,994,306.
    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: $232,050-$1,280,000.
    Estimated Average Size of Awards: $273,793.
    Maximum Award: The maximum award varies based on whether the 
applicant is currently receiving an EOC Program grant, as well as the 
number of participants served.
     For an applicant that is not currently receiving an EOC 
Program grant, the maximum award amount is $232,050. Applicants must 
have a per-participant cost of no more than $273 and propose to serve a 
minimum of 850 participants.
     For an applicant that is currently receiving an EOC 
Program grant--
    1. The applicant may request a maximum award amount that is an 
amount equal to 100 percent of the applicant's base award amount for FY 
2020 to serve a minimum number of participants equal to the applicant's 
approved FY 2020 participant number; or
    2. If the applicant proposes to reduce the number of participants 
to be served below the amount served in FY 2020, the proposed number of 
participants must be at least 850 and the per-participant cost must not 
exceed the applicant's cost per participant for FY 2020 or $273, 
whichever is greater. For example, if an applicant's per participant 
cost for FY 2020 is $344 and the applicant is proposing to serve 850 
participants under the FY 2021 competition, the applicant would be 
eligible to request a $292,400 grant ($344 x 850 = $292,400).

    Note:  Applicants currently receiving an EOC Program grant in FY 
2020 are strongly encouraged to continue to serve the same number of 
participants under the proposed project.

    Estimated Number of Awards: 140.

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

    Project Period: Up to 60 months.

III. Eligibility Information

    1. Eligible Applicants: IHEs; public and private agencies and 
organizations, including community-based organizations with experience 
in serving disadvantaged youth; secondary schools; and combinations of 
such institutions, agencies, and organizations.

    Note: 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.

    2. a. Cost Sharing or Matching: This competition does not require 
cost sharing or matching.
    b. Indirect Cost Rate Information: This program uses a training 
indirect cost rate. This limits indirect cost reimbursement to an 
entity's actual indirect costs, as determined in its negotiated 
indirect cost rate agreement, or eight percent of a modified total 
direct cost base, whichever amount is less. For more information 
regarding training indirect cost rates, see 34 CFR 75.562. For more 
information regarding indirect costs, or to obtain a negotiated 
indirect cost rate, please see www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocfo/intro.html.
    c. Administrative Cost Limitation: This program does not include 
any program-specific limitation on administrative expenses. All 
administrative expenses must be reasonable and necessary and conform to 
Cost Principles described in 2 CFR part 200 subpart E of the Uniform 
Guidance.
    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: An applicant may submit more than one application for an 
EOC Program grant so long as each application describes a project that 
serves a different target area (34 CFR 644.10(a)). The term ``target 
area'' is defined as a geographic area served by a project (34 CFR 
644.7(b)).

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. Intergovernmental Review: This program is subject to Executive 
Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79. Information about 
Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs under Executive Order 
12372 is in the application package for this program.
    3. Funding Restrictions: We specify unallowable costs in 34 CFR 
644.31. We reference additional regulations outlining funding 
restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice.
    Requirements concerning the content of an application, together 
with the forms you must submit, are in the application package for this 
program.
    4. Recommended Page Limit: The application narrative is where you, 
the applicant, address the selection criteria that reviewers use to 
evaluate your

[[Page 2661]]

application. We recommend that you (1) limit the application narrative, 
which includes the budget narrative, to no more than 60 pages and (2) 
use the following standards:
     A ``page'' is 8.5'' x 11'', on one side only, with 1'' 
margins at the top, bottom, and both sides.
     Double space (no more than three lines per vertical inch) 
all text in the application narrative, including titles, headings, 
footnotes, quotations, references, and captions as well as all text in 
charts, tables, figures, and graphs.
     Use a font that is either 12 point or larger, and no 
smaller than 10 pitch (characters per inch).
     Use one of the following fonts: Times New Roman, Courier, 
Courier New, or Arial.
    The recommended page limit does not apply to the cover sheet; the 
budget section, including the narrative budget justification; the 
assurances and certifications; or the one-page abstract. However, the 
recommended page limit does apply to all of the application narrative.
    We recommend that any application addressing the competitive 
preference priorities include no more than three additional pages for 
each priority addressed.

V. Application Review Information

    1. Selection Criteria: The selection criteria for this competition 
are from 34 CFR 644.21. We will award up to 100 points to an 
application under the selection criteria and up to 6 additional points 
to an application under the competitive preference priorities, for a 
total score of up to 106 points. The maximum number of points available 
for each criterion is indicated in parentheses.
    (a) Need for the project (24 points). The Secretary evaluates the 
need for an EOC project in the proposed target area on the basis of the 
extent to which the application contains clear evidence of--
    (1) A high number or percentage, or both, of low-income families 
residing in the target area;
    (2) A high number or percentage, or both, of individuals residing 
in the target area with education completion levels below the 
baccalaureate level;
    (3) A high need on the part of residents of the target area for 
further education and training from programs of postsecondary education 
in order to meet changing employment trends; and
    (4) Other indicators of need for an EOC project, including the 
presence of unaddressed educational or socio-economic problems of adult 
residents in the target area.
    (b) Objectives (8 points). The Secretary evaluates the quality of 
the applicant's objectives and proposed targets (percentages) in the 
following areas on the basis of the extent to which they are both 
ambitious, as related to the need data provided under selection 
criterion (a), and attainable, given the project's plan of operation, 
budget, and other resources--
    (1) Secondary school diploma or equivalent (2 points).
    (2) Postsecondary enrollment (3 points).
    (3) Financial aid applications (1.5 points).
    (4) College admission applications (1.5 points).
    (c) Plan of operation (30 points). The Secretary evaluates the 
quality of the applicant's plan of operation on the basis of the 
following--
    (1) The plan to inform the residents, schools, and community 
organizations in the target area of the goals, objectives, and services 
of the project and the eligibility requirements for participation in 
the project (4 points);
    (2) The plan to identify and select eligible participants and 
ensure their participation without regard to race, color, national 
origin, gender, or disability (4 points);
    (3) The plan to assess each participant's need for services 
provided by the project (2 points);
    (4) The plan to provide services that meet the participants' needs 
and achieve the objectives of the project (12 points); and
    (5) The management plan to ensure the proper and efficient 
administration of the project including, but not limited to, the 
project's organizational structure, the time committed to the project 
by the project director and other personnel, and, where appropriate, 
its coordination with other projects for disadvantaged students (8 
points).
    (d) Applicant and community support (16 points). The Secretary 
evaluates the applicant and community support for the proposed project 
on the basis of the extent to which the applicant has made provision 
for resources to supplement the grant and enhance the project's 
services, including--
    (1) Facilities, equipment, supplies, personnel, and other resources 
committed by the applicant (8 points); and
    (2) Resources secured through written commitments from schools, 
community organizations, and others (8 points).
    (e) Quality of personnel (9 points). (1) The Secretary evaluates 
the quality of the personnel the applicant plans to use in the project 
on the basis of the following--
    (i) The qualifications required of the project director.
    (ii) The qualifications required of each of the other personnel to 
be used in the project.
    (iii) The plan to employ personnel who have succeeded in overcoming 
disadvantages or circumstances like those of the population of the 
target area.
    (2) In evaluating the qualifications of a person, the Secretary 
considers his or her experience and training in fields related to the 
objectives of the project.
    (f) Budget (5 points). The Secretary evaluates the extent to which 
the project budget is reasonable, cost-effective, and adequate to 
support the project.
    (g) Evaluation plan (8 points). The Secretary evaluates the quality 
of the evaluation plan for the project on the basis of the extent to 
which the applicant's methods of evaluation--
    (1) Are appropriate to the project's objectives;
    (2) Provide for the applicant to determine, using specific and 
quantifiable measures, the success of the project in--
    (i) Making progress toward achieving its objectives (a formative 
evaluation); and
    (ii) Achieving its objectives at the end of the project period (a 
summative evaluation); and
    (3) Provide for the disclosure of unanticipated project outcomes, 
using quantifiable measures if appropriate.
    2. Review and Selection Process: We remind potential applicants 
that, 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).
    For this competition, a panel of non-Federal reviewers will review 
each application in accordance with the selection criteria in 34 CFR 
644.21. The individual scores of the reviewers will be added and the 
sum divided by the number of reviewers to determine the peer review 
score received in the review process. Additionally, in accordance with 
34 CFR 644.22, the Secretary will award prior experience points to 
applicants that conducted an EOC Program project during budget periods 
2017-18, 2018-19, and 2019-20, based on their documented experience. 
Prior experience points, if any, will be added to the application's 
averaged reader score to determine the total score for each 
application.
    If there are insufficient funds for all applications with the same 
total scores,

[[Page 2662]]

the Secretary will choose among the tied applications so as to serve 
geographic areas and eligible populations that have been underserved by 
the EOC Program.
    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.
    5. In General: In accordance with the Office of Management and 
Budget's guidance located at 2 CFR part 200, all applicable Federal 
laws, and relevant Executive guidance, the Department will review and 
consider applications for funding pursuant to this notice inviting 
applications in accordance with--
    (a) Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering 
results based on the program objectives through an objective process of 
evaluating Federal award applications (2 CFR 200.205);
    (b) Prohibiting the purchase of certain telecommunication and video 
surveillance services or equipment in alignment with section 889 of the 
National Defense Authorization Act of 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) (2 CFR 
200.216);
    (c) Promoting the freedom of speech and religious liberty in 
alignment with Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty (E.O. 13798) 
and Improving Free Inquiry, Transparency, and Accountability at 
Colleges and Universities (E.O. 13864) (2 CFR 200.300, 200.303, 
200.339, and 200.341);
    (d) Providing a preference, to the extent permitted by law, to 
maximize use of goods, products, and materials produced in the United 
States (2 CFR 200.322); and
    (e) Terminating agreements in whole or in part to the greatest 
extent authorized by law if an award no longer effectuates the program 
goals or agency priorities (2 CFR 200.340).

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.
    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.
    5. Performance Measures: Under the Government Performance and 
Results Act of 1993, the following measure will be used by the 
Department to evaluate the success of the EOC Program: Participants' 
success in completing a secondary school diploma or its equivalent, 
completion of applications for student financial aid, submission of 
applications for postsecondary admission, and postsecondary enrollment. 
All EOC Program grantees will be required to submit annual performance 
reports.
    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

[[Page 2663]]

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: On request to the program contact person listed 
under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT, individuals with disabilities 
can obtain this document and a copy of the application package in an 
accessible format. The Department will provide the requestor with an 
accessible format that may include Rich Text Format (RTF) or text 
format (txt), a thumb drive, an MP3 file, braille, large print, 
audiotape, or compact disc, or other accessible format.
    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.

Christopher J. McCaghren,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education.
[FR Doc. 2021-00329 Filed 1-12-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P


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