Applications for New Awards; Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad Program, 3142-3146 [2021-00757]

Download as PDF khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES 3142 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 9 / Thursday, January 14, 2021 / Notices 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: Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) Improper Payments Information Form. OMB Control Number: 1840–NEW. Type of Review: A new information collection. Respondents/Affected Public: Private Sector; State, Local, and Tribal Governments.Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 5,138. Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 5,138. Abstract: Under the CARES Act’s Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), the Department has made over 12,000 awards to institutions of higher education (IHEs) to support emergency financial aid to students and institutional costs associated with significant changes to the delivery of instruction due to the coronavirus. This form will be used by institutions that have improperly drawn down funds from their award accounts to provide the Department with information regarding funds being returned to correct these improper payments. Additional Information: An emergency clearance approval for the use of the system is described below due to the following conditions: Under the current unprecedented national health emergency, Congress and the President have come together to offer relief to those individuals and industries affected by the COVID–19 VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:43 Jan 13, 2021 Jkt 253001 virus under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act or the CARES Act. Under the CARES Act’s Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), the U.S. Department of Education (the Department) has made over 12,000 awards to institutions of higher education (IHEs) to support emergency financial aid to students and institutional costs associated with significant changes to the delivery of instruction due to the coronavirus. In the course of monitoring these grant awards, the Department has determined that over 700 IHEs have improperly drawn down funds from their award accounts, totaling over $202 million in funds that must now be returned. Furthermore, during the time that these funds have been drawn down, grantees are earning additional interest in excess of the $500 annual cap prescribed by 2 CFR 200.305(b) of the Uniform Guidance. The Department is concerned that this excess interest, without an expeditious inventory and response by our grantees, may be difficult to account. Therefore, in order to process the return of these funds more efficiently and prevent any further earnings beyond the interest cap, we are requesting emergency approval of a short form that will allow the grantee to provide the Department with information regarding the funds being returned. Dated: January 8, 2021. Kate Mullan, PRA Coordinator, Strategic Collections and Clearance Governance and Strategy Division, Office of Chief Data Officer. [FR Doc. 2021–00571 Filed 1–13–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000–01–P DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Applications for New Awards; Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad Program Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of Education. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Department of Education is issuing a notice inviting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2021 for the Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (GPA) Program, Assistance Listing Numbers 84.021A and 84.021B. This notice relates to the approved information collection under OMB control number 1840–0792. DATES: Applications Available: January 14, 2021. Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: March 15, 2021. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Pre-Application Webinar information: The Department will hold a preapplication meeting via webinar for prospective applicants. Detailed information regarding this webinar will be provided on the Group Projects Abroad website at www2.ed.gov/ programs/iegpsgpa/. Additionally, for prospective applicants unfamiliar with grantmaking at the Department, please consult our funding basics resources at https://www2.ed.gov/ documents/funding-101/funding-101basics.pdf. 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: Cory Neal, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, room 258–12, Washington, DC 20202. Telephone: (202) 453–6137. Email: GPA@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: Full Text of Announcement I. Funding Opportunity Description Purpose of Program: The purpose of the Fulbright-Hays GPA Program is to promote, improve, and develop the study of modern foreign languages and area studies in the United States. The program provides opportunities for faculty, teachers, and undergraduate and graduate students to conduct individual and group projects overseas. Projects may include either (1) shortterm seminars, curriculum development, group research or study, or (2) long-term advanced intensive language programs. This competition invites applicants to submit an application to request support for either a Fulbright-Hays GPA shortterm project (GPA short-term projects 84.021A) or a Fulbright-Hays GPA longterm project (GPA long-term projects 84.021B). Applicants must clearly indicate on the SF 424, the Application for Federal Assistance cover sheet, whether they are applying for a GPA short-term project (84.021A) or a GPA long-term project (84.021B). Additional submission requirements are included in the application package. There are three types of GPA shortterm projects: (1) Short-term seminar E:\FR\FM\14JAN1.SGM 14JAN1 khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 9 / Thursday, January 14, 2021 / Notices projects of four to six weeks in length designed to help participants integrate international studies into an institution’s or school system’s general curriculum by focusing on a particular aspect of area study, such as the culture of an area or country of study (34 CFR 664.11); (2) curriculum development projects of four to eight weeks in length that provide participants the opportunity to acquire resource materials for curriculum development in modern foreign language and area studies for use and dissemination in the United States (34 CFR 664.12); and (3) group research or study projects of three to twelve months in duration designed to give participants the opportunity to undertake research or study in a foreign country (34 CFR 664.13). GPA long-term projects are advanced overseas intensive language projects designed by the applicant that may be carried out during a full year, an academic year, a semester, a trimester, a quarter, or a summer. GPA long-term projects provide participants an opportunity for intensive advanced language training overseas and for using the language while experiencing the culture in the foreign country. Participants should have successfully completed at least two academic years of training in the language to be studied to be eligible to participate in a GPA intensive advanced language training program. In addition, the language to be studied must be indigenous to the host country and maximum use must be made of local institutions and personnel (34 CFR 664.14). Priorities: This notice contains one absolute priority and four competitive preference priorities. In accordance with 34 CFR 75.105(b)(2)(ii), the absolute priority is from the regulations for this program (34 CFR 664.32). Competitive Preference Priorities 1 and 2 are from the notice of final priorities and definitions published in the Federal Register on June 16, 2016 (81 FR 39196) (the 2016 NFP). Competitive Preference Priority 3 is from the regulations for this program (34 CFR 664.32), and Competitive Preference Priority 4 is from the notice of final priorities published in the Federal Register on September 24, 2010 (75 FR 59050) (the 2010 NFP). Absolute 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 an absolute priority. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(3), we consider only applications that meet this priority. This priority is: Specific Geographic Regions of the World. VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:43 Jan 13, 2021 Jkt 253001 A group project that focuses on one or more of the following geographic regions of the world: Africa, East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific, the Western Hemisphere (Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean), Eastern and Central Europe and Eurasia, and the Near East. Competitive Preference Priorities: For FY 2021, there are four competitive preference priorities. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i), we award three additional points to an application that meets Competitive Preference Priority 1; two additional points to an application that meets Competitive Preference Priority 2; two additional points for short-term projects or four additional points for long-term projects to an application that meets Competitive Preference Priority 3; and two additional points to an application that meets Competitive Preference Priority 4. Applicants for GPA short-term projects may address Competitive Preference Priorities 1, 3, and 4. Applicants for GPA long-term projects may address Competitive Preference Priorities 2 and 3. In the application narrative, an applicant must indicate the priority or priorities being addressed and provide a substantive description of how the proposed activities support the applicant’s selected priority or priorities and provide documentation supporting its claims. These priorities are: Competitive Preference Priority 1— Applications for GPA Short-term Projects from Selected Institutions and Organizations (3 Points). Applications for GPA short-term projects from the following types of institutions and organizations: • Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) (as defined in this notice). • Community colleges (as defined in this notice). • New applicants (as defined in this notice). • State educational agencies (as defined in this notice). Competitive Preference Priority 2— Applications for GPA Long-term Projects from MSIs (2 Points). Applications for GPA long-term advanced overseas intensive language training projects from MSIs. Competitive Preference Priority 3— Substantive Training and Thematic Focus on Less Commonly Taught Languages (2 Points for short-term projects or 4 Points for long-term projects). Applications that propose GPA shortterm projects (2 points) or GPA longterm projects (4 points) that provide substantive training and thematic focus PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 3143 on any modern foreign language except French, German, or Spanish. Competitive Preference Priority 4— Inclusion of K–12 Educators (2 Points). Applications that propose short-term projects abroad that develop and improve foreign language studies, area studies, or both at elementary and secondary schools by including K–12 teachers or K–12 administrators as at least 50 percent of the project participants. Definitions: The following definitions are from the 2016 NFP to provide clarity for applicants addressing the competitive preference priorities. Community college means an institution that meets the definition in section 312(f) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA) (20 U.S.C. 1058(f)); or an institution of higher education (IHE) (as defined in section 101 of the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1001)) that awards degrees and certificates, more than 50 percent of which are not bachelor’s degrees (or an equivalent). Minority-serving institution (MSI) means an institution that is eligible to receive assistance under sections 316 through 320 of part A of title III, under part B of title III, or under title V of the HEA. New applicant means any applicant that has not received a discretionary grant from the Department of Education under the Fulbright-Hays Act prior to the deadline date for applications under this program. State educational agency means the State board of education or other agency or officer primarily responsible for the supervision of public elementary and secondary schools in a State. In the absence of this officer or agency, it is an officer or agency designated by the Governor or State law. Program Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6). 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 in 34 CFR parts 75, 77, 81, 82, and 86. (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 E:\FR\FM\14JAN1.SGM 14JAN1 3144 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 9 / Thursday, January 14, 2021 / Notices adopted and amended as regulations of the Department in 2 CFR part 3474. (d) The regulations for this program in 34 CFR part 664. (e) The 2010 NFP. (f) The 2016 NFP. Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 86 apply to IHEs only. II. Award Information Type of Award: Discretionary grants. Estimated Available Funds: The Administration’s budget request for FY 2021 does not include funds for this program. However, we are inviting applications to allow enough time to complete the grant process before the end of the current fiscal year, if Congress appropriates funds for this program. Contingent upon the availability of funds and the quality of applications, we may make additional awards in FY 2022 from the list of unfunded applications from this competition. Estimated Available Funds: $3,532,000. Estimated Range of Awards: GPA short-term projects: $50,000– $100,000. GPA long-term projects: $50,000– $250,000. Estimated Average Size of Awards: GPA short-term projects: $80,059. GPA long-term projects: $185,025. Maximum Award: We will not make a GPA short-term award exceeding $100,000 for a single project period of 18 months. We will not make a GPA long-term project award exceeding $250,000 for a single budget period of 24 months. Estimated Number of Awards: 25. GPA short-term projects: 10. GPA long-term projects: 15. Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice. Project Period: GPA short-term projects: Up to 18 months. GPA long-term projects: Up to 24 months. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES III. Eligibility Information 1. Eligible Applicants: (1) IHEs, (2) State educational agencies, (3) private nonprofit educational organizations, and (4) consortia of these entities. Eligible Participants: Citizens, nationals, or permanent residents of the United States, who are (1) faculty members who teach modern foreign languages or area studies at an IHE, (2) teachers in elementary or secondary schools, (3) experienced education administrators responsible for planning, conducting, or supervising programs in modern foreign language or area studies at the elementary, secondary, or VerDate Sep<11>2014 23:48 Jan 13, 2021 Jkt 253001 postsecondary levels, or (4) graduate students, or juniors or seniors in an IHE, who plan teaching careers in modern foreign languages or area studies. 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. Cost Sharing or Matching: This program does not require cost sharing or matching. 3. Subgrantees: A grantee under this competition may not award subgrants to entities to directly carry out project activities described in its application. 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 not subject to Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79. 3. Funding Restrictions: We specify unallowable costs in 34 CFR 664.33. We reference additional regulations outlining funding restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice. 4. 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 40 pages and (2) use the following standards: • A ‘‘page’’ is 8.5″ x 11″, on one side only, with 1’’ margins at the top, bottom, and both sides. • Double space (no more than three lines per vertical inch) all text in the PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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 or budget section, including the narrative budget justification; the assurance and certifications; or the one-page abstract, the resumes, the biography, or letters of support. However, the recommended page limit does apply to all of the application narrative. V. Application Review Information 1. Selection Criteria: The selection criteria for this program are from 34 CFR 664.31 and are as follows: (a) Plan of operation. (20 points) (1) The Secretary reviews each application for information to determine the quality of the plan of operation for the project. (2) The Secretary looks for information that shows— (i) High quality in the design of the project; (ii) An effective plan of management that insures proper and efficient administration of the project; (iii) A clear description of how the objectives of the project relate to the purpose of the program; (iv) The way the applicant plans to use its resources and personnel to achieve each objective; and (v) A clear description of how the applicant will ensure that project participants who are otherwise eligible to participate are selected without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, or handicapping condition. (b) Quality of key personnel. (10 points) (1) The Secretary reviews each application for information to determine the quality of key personnel the applicant plans to use on the project. (2) The Secretary looks for information that shows— (i) The qualifications of the project director; (ii) The qualifications of each of the other key personnel to be used in the project; (iii) The time that each person referred to in paragraphs (b)(2)(i) and (ii) of this section will commit to the project; and (iv) The extent to which the applicant, as part of its nondiscriminatory employment practices, will ensure that E:\FR\FM\14JAN1.SGM 14JAN1 khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 9 / Thursday, January 14, 2021 / Notices its personnel are selected for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, or handicapping condition. (3) To determine the qualifications of a person, the Secretary considers evidence of past experience and training in fields related to the objectives of the project as well as other information that the applicant provides. (c) Budget and cost effectiveness. (10 points) (1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that the project has an adequate budget and is cost effective. (2) The Secretary looks for information that shows— (i) The budget for the project is adequate to support the project activities; and (ii) Costs are reasonable in relation to the objectives of the project. (d) Evaluation plan. (20 points) (1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the quality of the evaluation plan for the project. (2) The Secretary looks for information that shows that the methods of evaluation are appropriate for the project and, to the extent possible, are objective and produce data that are quantifiable. (e) Adequacy of resources. (5 points) (1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that the applicant plans to devote adequate resources to the project. (2) The Secretary looks for information that shows that the facilities, equipment, and supplies that the applicant plans to use are adequate. (f) Specific Program Criteria. (35 points) (1) In addition to the general selection criteria contained in this section, the Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that the project meets the specific program criteria. (2) The Secretary looks for information that shows— (i) The potential impact of the project on the development of the study of modern foreign languages and area studies in American education. (15 points) (ii) The project’s relevance to the applicant’s educational goals and its relationship to its program development in modern foreign languages and area studies. (10 points) (iii) The extent to which direct experience abroad is necessary to achieve the project’s objectives and the effectiveness with which relevant host country resources will be utilized. (10 points) 2. Review and Selection Process: We remind potential applicants that in VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:43 Jan 13, 2021 Jkt 253001 reviewing applications in any discretionary grant competition, the Secretary may consider, under 34 CFR 75.217(d)(3), the past performance of the applicant in carrying out a previous award, such as the applicant’s use of funds, achievement of project objectives, and compliance with grant conditions. The Secretary may also consider whether the applicant failed to submit a timely performance report or submitted a report of unacceptable quality. In addition, in making a competitive grant award, the Secretary requires various assurances including those applicable to Federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department (34 CFR 100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23). For FY 2021, proposed GPA shortterm projects will be reviewed by peer review panels with expertise on the world area focus of the application. All proposed GPA long-term projects will be reviewed by one peer review panel. The International and Foreign Language Education office will prepare separate rank order slates for GPA short-term projects and GPA long-term projects recommended for new awards in FY 2021. Each slate will include the peer reviewers’ scores for all applications evaluated, from the highest score to the lowest score. 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 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 3145 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. E:\FR\FM\14JAN1.SGM 14JAN1 khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES 3146 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 9 / Thursday, January 14, 2021 / Notices 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: For the purposes of the Government VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:43 Jan 13, 2021 Jkt 253001 Performance and Results Act of 1993 and Department reporting under 34 CFR 75.110, the following measure will be used by the Department to evaluate the success of the GPA short-term program: The percentage of GPA short-term project participants who disseminated information about or materials from their group project abroad through more than one outreach activity within six months of returning to their home institution. The following measure will be used by the Department to evaluate the success of the GPA long-term program: The percentage of GPA longterm project participants who increased their reading, writing, and/or listening/ speaking foreign language scores by one proficiency level. The efficiency of the GPA long-term program will be measured by considering the cost per GPA participant who increased his/her foreign language score in reading, writing, and/or listening/speaking by at least one proficiency level. The information provided by grantees in their performance reports submitted via the International Resource Information System (IRIS) will be the source of data for this measure. Reporting screens for institutions can be viewed at: https://iris.ed.gov/iris/pdfs/ gpa_director.pdf and https://iris.ed.gov/ iris/pdfs/gpa_participant.pdf. VII. Other Information Accessible Format: On request to the program contact person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONACT, 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 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 your search to documents published by the Department. Christopher J. McCaghren, Acting Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education. [FR Doc. 2021–00757 Filed 1–13–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. NJ21–9–000] City of Pasadena, California; Notice of Filing Take notice that on December 23, 2020, the City of Pasadena, California submitted its tariff filing: Annual revision to its Transmission Revenue Balancing Account Adjustment to be effective 1/1/2021.1 Any person desiring to intervene or to protest this filing must file in accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.211, 385.214). Protests will be considered by the Commission in determining the appropriate action to be taken but will not serve to make protestants parties to the proceeding. Any person wishing to become a party must file a notice of intervention or motion to intervene, as appropriate. Such notices, motions, or protests must be filed on or before the comment date. On or before the comment date, it is not necessary to serve motions to intervene or protests on persons other than the Applicant. In addition to publishing the full text of this document in the Federal Register, the Commission provides all interested persons an opportunity to view and/or print the contents of this document via the internet through the Commission’s Home Page (https:// ferc.gov) using the ‘‘eLibrary’’ link. Enter the docket number excluding the last three digits in the docket number field to access the document. At this 1 Pasadena is a municipal electric utility that is not subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission under Sections 205 and 206 of the Federal Power Act, 16 U.S.C. 824d and 824e (2018). Pasadena became a Participating TO in the CAISO as of January 1, 2005. Without waiving any rights relating to its jurisdictional status, Pasadena submits this filing to the Commission, as it previously submitted its Transmission Revenue Requirement (TRR) and TO Tariff in Docket Nos. EL05–18–000, EL09–67– 000, ER11–4375–000, ER17–392–000, and ER19– 1136–000, for the purpose of permitting the Commission to review the justness and reasonableness of the CAISO’s Tariff charges, which include the TRR of Pasadena as well as those of other non-jurisdictional and jurisdictional Participating TOs. E:\FR\FM\14JAN1.SGM 14JAN1

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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 9 (Thursday, January 14, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 3142-3146]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-00757]


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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION


Applications for New Awards; Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad 
Program

AGENCY: Office of Postsecondary 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 Fulbright-Hays Group 
Projects Abroad (GPA) Program, Assistance Listing Numbers 84.021A and 
84.021B. This notice relates to the approved information collection 
under OMB control number 1840-0792.

DATES: 
    Applications Available: January 14, 2021.
    Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: March 15, 2021.
    Pre-Application Webinar information: The Department will hold a 
pre-application meeting via webinar for prospective applicants. 
Detailed information regarding this webinar will be provided on the 
Group Projects Abroad website at www2.ed.gov/programs/iegpsgpa/. Additionally, for prospective applicants unfamiliar with 
grantmaking at the Department, please consult our funding basics 
resources at https://www2.ed.gov/documents/funding-101/funding-101-basics.pdf.

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: Cory Neal, U.S. Department of 
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, room 258-12, Washington, DC 20202. 
Telephone: (202) 453-6137. 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 purpose of the Fulbright-Hays GPA Program 
is to promote, improve, and develop the study of modern foreign 
languages and area studies in the United States. The program provides 
opportunities for faculty, teachers, and undergraduate and graduate 
students to conduct individual and group projects overseas. Projects 
may include either (1) short-term seminars, curriculum development, 
group research or study, or (2) long-term advanced intensive language 
programs.
    This competition invites applicants to submit an application to 
request support for either a Fulbright-Hays GPA short-term project (GPA 
short-term projects 84.021A) or a Fulbright-Hays GPA long-term project 
(GPA long-term projects 84.021B). Applicants must clearly indicate on 
the SF 424, the Application for Federal Assistance cover sheet, whether 
they are applying for a GPA short-term project (84.021A) or a GPA long-
term project (84.021B). Additional submission requirements are included 
in the application package.
    There are three types of GPA short-term projects: (1) Short-term 
seminar

[[Page 3143]]

projects of four to six weeks in length designed to help participants 
integrate international studies into an institution's or school 
system's general curriculum by focusing on a particular aspect of area 
study, such as the culture of an area or country of study (34 CFR 
664.11); (2) curriculum development projects of four to eight weeks in 
length that provide participants the opportunity to acquire resource 
materials for curriculum development in modern foreign language and 
area studies for use and dissemination in the United States (34 CFR 
664.12); and (3) group research or study projects of three to twelve 
months in duration designed to give participants the opportunity to 
undertake research or study in a foreign country (34 CFR 664.13).
    GPA long-term projects are advanced overseas intensive language 
projects designed by the applicant that may be carried out during a 
full year, an academic year, a semester, a trimester, a quarter, or a 
summer. GPA long-term projects provide participants an opportunity for 
intensive advanced language training overseas and for using the 
language while experiencing the culture in the foreign country. 
Participants should have successfully completed at least two academic 
years of training in the language to be studied to be eligible to 
participate in a GPA intensive advanced language training program. In 
addition, the language to be studied must be indigenous to the host 
country and maximum use must be made of local institutions and 
personnel (34 CFR 664.14).
    Priorities: This notice contains one absolute priority and four 
competitive preference priorities. In accordance with 34 CFR 
75.105(b)(2)(ii), the absolute priority is from the regulations for 
this program (34 CFR 664.32). Competitive Preference Priorities 1 and 2 
are from the notice of final priorities and definitions published in 
the Federal Register on June 16, 2016 (81 FR 39196) (the 2016 NFP). 
Competitive Preference Priority 3 is from the regulations for this 
program (34 CFR 664.32), and Competitive Preference Priority 4 is from 
the notice of final priorities published in the Federal Register on 
September 24, 2010 (75 FR 59050) (the 2010 NFP).
    Absolute 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 an absolute priority. Under 34 CFR 
75.105(c)(3), we consider only applications that meet this priority.
    This priority is:
    Specific Geographic Regions of the World.
    A group project that focuses on one or more of the following 
geographic regions of the world: Africa, East Asia, South Asia, 
Southeast Asia and the Pacific, the Western Hemisphere (Central and 
South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean), Eastern and Central Europe 
and Eurasia, and the Near East.
    Competitive Preference Priorities: For FY 2021, there are four 
competitive preference priorities. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i), we 
award three additional points to an application that meets Competitive 
Preference Priority 1; two additional points to an application that 
meets Competitive Preference Priority 2; two additional points for 
short-term projects or four additional points for long-term projects to 
an application that meets Competitive Preference Priority 3; and two 
additional points to an application that meets Competitive Preference 
Priority 4. Applicants for GPA short-term projects may address 
Competitive Preference Priorities 1, 3, and 4. Applicants for GPA long-
term projects may address Competitive Preference Priorities 2 and 3. In 
the application narrative, an applicant must indicate the priority or 
priorities being addressed and provide a substantive description of how 
the proposed activities support the applicant's selected priority or 
priorities and provide documentation supporting its claims.
    These priorities are:
    Competitive Preference Priority 1--Applications for GPA Short-term 
Projects from Selected Institutions and Organizations (3 Points).
    Applications for GPA short-term projects from the following types 
of institutions and organizations:
     Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) (as defined in this 
notice).
     Community colleges (as defined in this notice).
     New applicants (as defined in this notice).
     State educational agencies (as defined in this notice).
    Competitive Preference Priority 2--Applications for GPA Long-term 
Projects from MSIs (2 Points).
    Applications for GPA long-term advanced overseas intensive language 
training projects from MSIs.
    Competitive Preference Priority 3--Substantive Training and 
Thematic Focus on Less Commonly Taught Languages (2 Points for short-
term projects or 4 Points for long-term projects).
    Applications that propose GPA short-term projects (2 points) or GPA 
long-term projects (4 points) that provide substantive training and 
thematic focus on any modern foreign language except French, German, or 
Spanish.
    Competitive Preference Priority 4--Inclusion of K-12 Educators (2 
Points).
    Applications that propose short-term projects abroad that develop 
and improve foreign language studies, area studies, or both at 
elementary and secondary schools by including K-12 teachers or K-12 
administrators as at least 50 percent of the project participants.
    Definitions:
    The following definitions are from the 2016 NFP to provide clarity 
for applicants addressing the competitive preference priorities.
    Community college means an institution that meets the definition in 
section 312(f) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA) 
(20 U.S.C. 1058(f)); or an institution of higher education (IHE) (as 
defined in section 101 of the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1001)) that awards degrees 
and certificates, more than 50 percent of which are not bachelor's 
degrees (or an equivalent).
    Minority-serving institution (MSI) means an institution that is 
eligible to receive assistance under sections 316 through 320 of part A 
of title III, under part B of title III, or under title V of the HEA.
    New applicant means any applicant that has not received a 
discretionary grant from the Department of Education under the 
Fulbright-Hays Act prior to the deadline date for applications under 
this program.
    State educational agency means the State board of education or 
other agency or officer primarily responsible for the supervision of 
public elementary and secondary schools in a State. In the absence of 
this officer or agency, it is an officer or agency designated by the 
Governor or State law.
    Program Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6).

    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 in 34 CFR parts 75, 77, 81, 82, and 86. (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

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adopted and amended as regulations of the Department in 2 CFR part 
3474. (d) The regulations for this program in 34 CFR part 664. (e) The 
2010 NFP. (f) The 2016 NFP.

    Note:  The regulations in 34 CFR part 86 apply to IHEs only.

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Discretionary grants.
    Estimated Available Funds: The Administration's budget request for 
FY 2021 does not include funds for this program. However, we are 
inviting applications to allow enough time to complete the grant 
process before the end of the current fiscal year, if Congress 
appropriates funds for this program.
    Contingent upon the availability of funds and the quality of 
applications, we may make additional awards in FY 2022 from the list of 
unfunded applications from this competition.
    Estimated Available Funds: $3,532,000.
    Estimated Range of Awards:
    GPA short-term projects: $50,000-$100,000.
    GPA long-term projects: $50,000-$250,000.
    Estimated Average Size of Awards:
    GPA short-term projects: $80,059.
    GPA long-term projects: $185,025.
    Maximum Award: We will not make a GPA short-term award exceeding 
$100,000 for a single project period of 18 months. We will not make a 
GPA long-term project award exceeding $250,000 for a single budget 
period of 24 months.
    Estimated Number of Awards: 25.
    GPA short-term projects: 10.
    GPA long-term projects: 15.

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

    Project Period:
    GPA short-term projects: Up to 18 months.
    GPA long-term projects: Up to 24 months.

III. Eligibility Information

    1. Eligible Applicants: (1) IHEs, (2) State educational agencies, 
(3) private nonprofit educational organizations, and (4) consortia of 
these entities.
    Eligible Participants: Citizens, nationals, or permanent residents 
of the United States, who are (1) faculty members who teach modern 
foreign languages or area studies at an IHE, (2) teachers in elementary 
or secondary schools, (3) experienced education administrators 
responsible for planning, conducting, or supervising programs in modern 
foreign language or area studies at the elementary, secondary, or 
postsecondary levels, or (4) graduate students, or juniors or seniors 
in an IHE, who plan teaching careers in modern foreign languages or 
area studies.

    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. Cost Sharing or Matching: This program does not require cost 
sharing or matching.
    3. Subgrantees: A grantee under this competition may not award 
subgrants to entities to directly carry out project activities 
described in its application.

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 not subject to 
Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79.
    3. Funding Restrictions: We specify unallowable costs in 34 CFR 
664.33. We reference additional regulations outlining funding 
restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice.
    4. 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 40 pages and (2) use the 
following standards:
     A ``page'' is 8.5'' x 11'', on one side only, with 1'' 
margins at the top, bottom, and both sides.
     Double space (no more than three lines per vertical inch) 
all text in the application narrative, 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 or 
budget section, including the narrative budget justification; the 
assurance and certifications; or the one-page abstract, the resumes, 
the biography, or letters of support. However, the recommended page 
limit does apply to all of the application narrative.

V. Application Review Information

    1. Selection Criteria: The selection criteria for this program are 
from 34 CFR 664.31 and are as follows:
    (a) Plan of operation. (20 points)
    (1) The Secretary reviews each application for information to 
determine the quality of the plan of operation for the project.
    (2) The Secretary looks for information that shows--
    (i) High quality in the design of the project;
    (ii) An effective plan of management that insures proper and 
efficient administration of the project;
    (iii) A clear description of how the objectives of the project 
relate to the purpose of the program;
    (iv) The way the applicant plans to use its resources and personnel 
to achieve each objective; and
    (v) A clear description of how the applicant will ensure that 
project participants who are otherwise eligible to participate are 
selected without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, 
or handicapping condition.
    (b) Quality of key personnel. (10 points)
    (1) The Secretary reviews each application for information to 
determine the quality of key personnel the applicant plans to use on 
the project.
    (2) The Secretary looks for information that shows--
    (i) The qualifications of the project director;
    (ii) The qualifications of each of the other key personnel to be 
used in the project;
    (iii) The time that each person referred to in paragraphs (b)(2)(i) 
and (ii) of this section will commit to the project; and
    (iv) The extent to which the applicant, as part of its 
nondiscriminatory employment practices, will ensure that

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its personnel are selected for employment without regard to race, 
color, national origin, gender, age, or handicapping condition.
    (3) To determine the qualifications of a person, the Secretary 
considers evidence of past experience and training in fields related to 
the objectives of the project as well as other information that the 
applicant provides.
    (c) Budget and cost effectiveness. (10 points)
    (1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that 
shows that the project has an adequate budget and is cost effective.
    (2) The Secretary looks for information that shows--
    (i) The budget for the project is adequate to support the project 
activities; and
    (ii) Costs are reasonable in relation to the objectives of the 
project.
    (d) Evaluation plan. (20 points)
    (1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that 
shows the quality of the evaluation plan for the project.
    (2) The Secretary looks for information that shows that the methods 
of evaluation are appropriate for the project and, to the extent 
possible, are objective and produce data that are quantifiable.
    (e) Adequacy of resources. (5 points)
    (1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that 
shows that the applicant plans to devote adequate resources to the 
project.
    (2) The Secretary looks for information that shows that the 
facilities, equipment, and supplies that the applicant plans to use are 
adequate.
    (f) Specific Program Criteria. (35 points)
    (1) In addition to the general selection criteria contained in this 
section, the Secretary reviews each application for information that 
shows that the project meets the specific program criteria.
    (2) The Secretary looks for information that shows--
    (i) The potential impact of the project on the development of the 
study of modern foreign languages and area studies in American 
education. (15 points)
    (ii) The project's relevance to the applicant's educational goals 
and its relationship to its program development in modern foreign 
languages and area studies. (10 points)
    (iii) The extent to which direct experience abroad is necessary to 
achieve the project's objectives and the effectiveness with which 
relevant host country resources will be utilized. (10 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 
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 FY 2021, proposed GPA short-term projects will be reviewed by 
peer review panels with expertise on the world area focus of the 
application. All proposed GPA long-term projects will be reviewed by 
one peer review panel. The International and Foreign Language Education 
office will prepare separate rank order slates for GPA short-term 
projects and GPA long-term projects recommended for new awards in FY 
2021. Each slate will include the peer reviewers' scores for all 
applications evaluated, from the highest score to the lowest score.
    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.

[[Page 3146]]

    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: For the purposes of the Government 
Performance and Results Act of 1993 and Department reporting under 34 
CFR 75.110, the following measure will be used by the Department to 
evaluate the success of the GPA short-term program: The percentage of 
GPA short-term project participants who disseminated information about 
or materials from their group project abroad through more than one 
outreach activity within six months of returning to their home 
institution. The following measure will be used by the Department to 
evaluate the success of the GPA long-term program: The percentage of 
GPA long-term project participants who increased their reading, 
writing, and/or listening/speaking foreign language scores by one 
proficiency level. The efficiency of the GPA long-term program will be 
measured by considering the cost per GPA participant who increased his/
her foreign language score in reading, writing, and/or listening/
speaking by at least one proficiency level.
    The information provided by grantees in their performance reports 
submitted via the International Resource Information System (IRIS) will 
be the source of data for this measure. Reporting screens for 
institutions can be viewed at: https://iris.ed.gov/iris/pdfs/gpa_director.pdf and https://iris.ed.gov/iris/pdfs/gpa_participant.pdf.

VII. Other Information

    Accessible Format: On request to the program contact person listed 
under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONACT, 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. 2021-00757 Filed 1-13-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P


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