Applications for New Awards; Equity Assistance Centers, 2653-2658 [2021-00540]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 8 (Wednesday, January 13, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 2653-2658]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-00540]


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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION


Applications for New Awards; Equity Assistance Centers

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

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Education is issuing a notice inviting 
applications for fiscal year (FY) 2021 for the Equity Assistance 
Centers, Assistance Listing Number 84.004D. This notice relates to the 
approved information collection under OMB control number 1894-0006.

DATES: 
    Applications Available: January 13, 2021.
    Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: March 29, 2021.
    Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: May 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: Ed Vitelli, U.S. Department of 
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, room 3E106, Washington, DC 20202. 
Telephone: (202) 453-6203. 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 Equity Assistance Centers (EAC) program is 
authorized under title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. 
2000c-2000c-2, 2000c-5, and the implementing regulations in 34 CFR part 
270. This program awards grants through cooperative agreements to 
operate regional EACs that provide technical assistance (including 
training) at the request of school boards and other responsible 
governmental agencies in the preparation, adoption, and implementation 
of plans for the desegregation of public schools--which in this context 
means plans for equity (including desegregation based on race, national 
origin, sex, and religion)--and in the development of effective methods 
of coping with special educational problems occasioned by 
desegregation. Desegregation assistance, per 34 CFR 270.4, may include, 
among other activities: (1) Dissemination of information regarding 
effective methods of coping with special educational problems 
occasioned by desegregation; (2) assistance and advice in coping with 
these problems; and (3) training designed to improve the ability of 
teachers, supervisors, counselors, parents, community members, 
community organizations, and other elementary or secondary school 
personnel to deal effectively with special educational problems 
occasioned by desegregation. A project must provide technical 
assistance in all four of the desegregation assistance areas: race, 
sex, national origin, and religion desegregation. Additionally, EACs 
provide critical support to help ensure that all students have access 
to

[[Page 2654]]

positive and safe learning environments that meet their needs and are 
free of bullying, violence, and disruptive actions.
    Desegregation assistance services provided by EACs may also help to 
alleviate the adverse educational effects of the extraordinary 
circumstances caused by the novel coronavirus of 2019 (COVID-19). These 
circumstances have highlighted inequity with respect to a local 
educational agency's (LEA) ability to leverage remote learning to 
support all students. Inadequate support for continuity of learning is 
disproportionately affecting students who already faced special 
educational problems occasioned by desegregation pre-pandemic (e.g., 
English learners). EACs may, where requested, assist clients in 
responding to special educational problems occasioned by desegregation 
related to remote learning, including, for example, online bullying or 
exposure to harassment.
    Where requested to assist in the development of desegregation 
plans, EACs can help eligible entities develop strategies for 
incorporating equitable access to educational opportunities to best 
meet individual student needs into voluntary desegregation plans 
consistent with applicable Federal, State, and local laws. Such 
strategies could include use of public magnet schools; remote learning; 
work-based learning opportunities (e.g., apprenticeships); dual or 
concurrent enrollment programs, early college high schools, or other 
programs that enable secondary school students to begin earning credit 
toward a postsecondary degree or credential; access to services or 
programs for students aspiring to postsecondary education; credit 
recovery, accelerated learning, or tutoring in instances to help create 
a pipeline for participation of students who have not had access to 
these programs based on race, national origin, sex, or religion.
    Priority: This notice contains one competitive preference priority. 
This priority is from the Department's Administrative Priorities for 
Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal Register on 
March 9, 2020 (85 FR 13640) (the Administrative Priorities).
    Competitive Preference Priority: For FY 2021 and any subsequent 
year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications 
from this competition, this priority is a competitive preference 
priority. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i), we award an additional three 
points to an application that meets this priority.
    This priority is:
    New Potential Grantees.
    (a) Under this priority, an applicant must demonstrate that:
    (i) The applicant has not had an active discretionary grant under 
the program from which it seeks funds, including through membership in 
a group application submitted in accordance with 34 CFR 75.127-75.129, 
in the seven years before the deadline date for submission of 
applications under the program; and
    (ii) The applicant has not had an active discretionary grant from 
the Department, including through membership in a group application 
submitted in accordance with 34 CFR 75.127-75.129, in the one year 
before the deadline date for submission of applications under the 
program.
    (b) For the purpose of this priority, a grant or contract is active 
until the end of the grant's or contract's project or funding period, 
including any extensions of those periods that extend the grantee's or 
contractor's authority to obligate funds.

    Note: For new potential grantees unfamiliar with grantmaking at 
the Department, please consult our funding basics resource at 
www2.ed.gov/documents/funding-101/funding-101-basics.pdf or a more 
detailed resource at www2.ed.gov/documents/funding-101/funding-101.pdf.

    Definitions: For the convenience of the applicant, we are 
highlighting the following definitions, for this competition. They 
include definitions from the regulations for the EAC program in 34 CFR 
part 270.7, and the definitions of ``demonstrates a rationale'' and 
``logic model,'' which are from 34 CFR 77.1.
    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.
    Desegregation assistance means the provision of technical 
assistance (including training) in the areas of race, sex, national 
origin, and religion desegregation of public elementary and secondary 
schools.
    Desegregation assistance areas mean the areas of race, sex, 
national origin, and religion desegregation.
    English learner has the same meaning as defined in section 8101(20) 
of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended.
    Equity Assistance Center means a regional desegregation technical 
assistance and training center funded under this part.
    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.
    National origin desegregation means the assignment of students to 
public schools and within those schools without regard to their 
national origin, including providing students such as those who are 
English learners with a full opportunity for participation in all 
educational programs regardless of their national origin.
    Public school means any elementary or secondary educational 
institution operated by a State, subdivision of a State, or 
governmental agency within a State, or operated wholly or predominantly 
from or through the use of governmental funds or property, or funds or 
property derived from governmental sources.
    Public school personnel means school board members and persons who 
are employed by or who work in the schools of a responsible 
governmental agency, as that term is defined in this section.
    Race desegregation means the assignment of students to public 
schools and within those schools without regard to their race, 
including providing students with a full opportunity for participation 
in all educational programs regardless of their race. ``Race 
desegregation'' does not mean the assignment of students to public 
schools to correct conditions of racial separation that are not the 
result of State or local law or official action.
    Religion desegregation means the assignment of students to public 
schools and within those schools without regard to their religion, 
including providing students with a full opportunity for participation 
in all educational programs regardless of their religion.
    Responsible governmental agency means any school board, State, 
municipality, LEA, or other governmental unit legally responsible for 
operating a public school or schools.
    School board means any agency or agencies that administer a system 
of one or more public schools and any other agency that is responsible 
for the assignment of students to or within that system.
    Sex desegregation means the assignment of students to public 
schools and within those schools without regard to their sex (including 
transgender status; gender identity; sex stereotypes, such as treating 
a person differently because he or she does not conform to sex-role 
expectations because he or she

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is attracted to or is in a relationship with a person of the same sex; 
and pregnancy and related conditions), including providing students 
with a full opportunity for participation in all educational programs 
regardless of their sex.
    Special educational problems occasioned by desegregation means 
those issues that arise in classrooms, schools, and communities in the 
course of desegregation efforts based on race, national origin, sex, or 
religion. The phrase does not refer to the provision of special 
education and related services for students with disabilities as 
defined under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 
U.S.C. 1400 et seq.).
    Program Authority: 42 U.S.C. 2000c-2000c-2, 2000c-5.

    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.

    Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General 
Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR parts 75, 77, 79, 81, 82, 
84, 86, 97, 98, and 99. (b) The OMB Guidelines to Agencies on 
Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) in 2 CFR part 
180, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department in 2 CFR 
part 3485. (c) The Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost 
Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards in 2 CFR part 
200, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department in 2 CFR 
part 3474. (d) The regulations for the EAC program in 34 CFR part 270. 
(e) The Administrative Priorities.

    Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 79 apply to all applicants 
except federally recognized Indian Tribes.


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

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Cooperative agreement.
    Estimated Available Funds: The Administration has requested 
$6,475,000 for new awards for this program. The actual level of 
funding, if any, depends on final congressional action. However, we are 
inviting applications to allow enough time to complete the grant 
process before the end of the current fiscal year, if Congress 
appropriates funds for this program.
    Estimated Range of Awards: $1,400,000-$1,700,000.
    Estimated Average Size of Awards: $1,618,750.
    Maximum Award: We will not make an award exceeding $1,700,000 for a 
single budget period of 12 months. Under 34 CFR 75.104(b), the 
Secretary may reject without consideration or evaluation any 
application that proposes a project funding level that exceeds the 
stated maximum award amount.
    Estimated Number of Awards: 4.

    Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this 
notice.
    Project Period: Up to 60 months.

III. Eligibility Information

    1. Eligible Applicants: A public agency (other than a State 
educational agency or a school board) or a private, non-profit 
organization.

    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 program does not require cost 
sharing or matching.
    b. Indirect Cost Rate Information: This program uses an 
unrestricted indirect cost rate. 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. Geographical Regions: Four EACs will be funded under this grant 
program in four geographical regions, in accordance with 34 CFR 270.5. 
One award will be made in each region to the highest-ranking proposal 
for that region. If an applicant wishes to apply to serve more than one 
region, such an applicant must submit an application for each region it 
wishes to serve.

    Note: The Department intends to create four separate funding 
slates, one for each geographic region. As a result, the Department 
will fund applications in rank order for each of the four funding 
slates rather than the overall rank order of all applications 
received.

    The geographic regions served by the EACs are:
    Region I: Connecticut, Delaware, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, 
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, 
Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virgin Islands, West Virginia.
    Region II: Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Florida, 
Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, 
Tennessee, Texas, Virginia.
    Region III: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, 
Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, 
Wisconsin.
    Region IV: Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, California, Colorado, 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, 
Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming.

IV. Application and Submission Information

    1. Application Submission Instructions: Applicants are required to 
follow the Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of 
Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal 
Register on February 13, 2019 (84 FR 3768) and available at 
www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2019-02-13/pdf/2019-02206.pdf, which 
contain requirements and information on how to submit an application.
    2. Submission of Proprietary Information: Given the types of 
projects that may be proposed in applications for the EAC program, your 
application may include business information that you consider 
proprietary. In 34 CFR 5.11 we define ``business information'' and 
describe the process we use in determining whether any of that 
information is proprietary and, thus, protected from disclosure under 
Exemption 4 of the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552, as 
amended).
    Because we plan to make successful applications available to the 
public, you may wish to request confidentiality of business 
information.

[[Page 2656]]

    Consistent with Executive Order 12600, please designate in your 
application any information that you believe is exempt from disclosure 
under Exemption 4. In the appropriate Appendix section of your 
application, under ``Other Attachments Form,'' please list the page 
number or numbers on which we can find this information. For additional 
information please see 34 CFR 5.11(c).
    3. Intergovernmental Review: This program is subject to Executive 
Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79.
    4. Funding Restrictions: We reference regulations outlining funding 
restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice.
    5. Recommended Page Limit: The application narrative is where you, 
the applicant, address the selection criteria that reviewers use to 
evaluate your application. We recommend that you (1) limit the 
application narrative to no more than 50 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 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 the cover sheet; the 
budget section, including the narrative budget justification; 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.

V. Application Review Information

    1. Selection Criteria: The selection criteria for this competition 
are from 34 CFR 75.210. The maximum score for addressing all of these 
criteria is 100 points. The maximum score for addressing each criterion 
is indicated in parentheses. The Secretary uses the following criteria 
to evaluate applications for EAC grants:
    (a) Quality of Project Services. (Up to 35 points) The Secretary 
considers the quality of the services to be provided by the proposed 
project. In determining the quality of the services to be provided by 
the proposed project, the Secretary considers:
    (1) The quality and sufficiency of strategies for ensuring equal 
access and treatment for eligible project participants who are members 
of groups that have traditionally been underrepresented based on race, 
color, national origin, gender, age, or disability. (Up to 5 points)

    Note:  For this competition, ``eligible project participants'' 
refers to those eligible to receive services from an Equity 
Assistance Center.

    (2) In addition, the Secretary considers:
    (i) The extent to which the training or professional development 
services to be provided by the proposed project are of sufficient 
quality, intensity, and duration to lead to improvements in practice 
among the recipients of those services. (Up to 15 points)
    (ii) 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. (Up to 10 points)
    (iii) The extent to which the budget is adequate to support the 
proposed project. (Up to 5 points)
    (b) 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:
    (1) The extent to which the proposed project demonstrates a 
rationale (as defined in this notice). (Up to 10 points)
    (2) The extent to which the design of the proposed project includes 
a thorough, high-quality review of the relevant literature, a high-
quality plan for project implementation, and the use of appropriate 
methodological tools to ensure successful achievement of project 
objectives. (Up to 20 points)
    (3) The extent to which the methods of evaluation will provide 
performance feedback and permit periodic assessment of progress toward 
achieving intended outcomes. (Up to 10 points)
    (c) Quality of Project Personnel. (Up to 25 points) The Secretary 
considers the quality of the personnel who will carry out the proposed 
project. In determining the quality of project personnel, the Secretary 
considers:
    (1) The extent to which the applicant encourages applications for 
employment from persons who are members of groups that have 
traditionally been underrepresented based on race, color, national 
origin, gender, age, or disability. (Up to 10 points)
    (2) The qualifications, including relevant training and experience, 
of key project personnel. (Up to 15 points)
    2. Review and Selection Process: We remind potential applicants 
that in reviewing applications in any discretionary grant competition, 
the Secretary may consider, under 34 CFR 75.217(d)(3), the past 
performance of the applicant in carrying out a previous award, such as 
the applicant's use of funds, achievement of project objectives, and 
compliance with grant conditions. The Secretary may also consider 
whether the applicant failed to submit a timely performance report or 
submitted a report of unacceptable quality.
    In addition, in making a competitive grant award, the Secretary 
also requires various assurances including those applicable to Federal 
civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or 
activities receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department 
(34 CFR 100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).
    3. Risk Assessment and Special Conditions: Consistent with 2 CFR 
200.205, before awarding grants under this program the Department 
conducts a review of the risks posed by applicants. Under 2 CFR 
3474.10, the Secretary may impose special 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 200.206(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

[[Page 2657]]

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.
    (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 Department has established the 
following Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 performance 
measures for the EAC program, adapted from a set of common measures 
developed to help assess performance across the Department's technical 
assistance programs:
    Measure 1: The percentage of clients reporting an increase in 
awareness or knowledge resulting from technical assistance provided.
    Measure 2: The percentage of clients who report changed policies or 
practices related to providing students with a full opportunity for 
participation in all educational programs regardless of their sex, 
race, religion, and national origin.
    Measure 3: The percentage of clients reporting an increase in 
capacity resulting from technical assistance provided.
    Measure 4: The percentage of clients who report outcomes, as 
documented in memoranda of understanding with EACs, were met as a 
result of the technical assistance provided.
    All grantees will be expected to submit, as part of their annual 
and final performance reports, quantitative data documenting their 
progress with regard to these performance measures.
    Project Measures: The Department has established the following 
project measures for the EAC program:
    Measure 1: The percentage of technical assistance requests received 
from organizations that were accepted during the performance period.
    Measure 2: The percentage of clients willing to request additional 
technical assistance or refer another organization to an EAC for 
technical assistance during the performance period.
    All grantees will be expected to submit, as part of their annual 
and final performance reports, quantitative data documenting their 
progress with regard to these project measures. An applicant may 
propose additional project measures specific to that applicant's 
proposed project. If an applicant chooses to propose such project 
measures, the application must provide the following information as 
directed under 34 CFR 75.110(b): How each proposed project measure 
would accurately measure the performance of the project and how the 
proposed project measure would be consistent with the performance 
measures established for this program.
    6. Continuation Awards: In making a continuation award under 34 CFR 
75.253, the Secretary considers, among other things: whether a grantee 
has made substantial progress in achieving the goals and objectives of 
the project; whether the grantee has expended funds in a manner that is 
consistent with its approved application and budget; and, if the 
Secretary has established performance measurement requirements, the 
performance targets in the grantee's approved application.
    In making a continuation award, the Secretary also considers 
whether the grantee is operating in compliance with the assurances in 
its approved

[[Page 2658]]

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