Applications for New Awards; American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Training and Technical Assistance Center, 14414-14420 [2021-05429]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 49 (Tuesday, March 16, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 14414-14420]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-05429]


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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION


Applications for New Awards; American Indian Vocational 
Rehabilitation Training and Technical Assistance Center

AGENCY: Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, 
Department of Education.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Education (Department) is issuing a notice 
inviting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2021 for American Indian 
Vocational Rehabilitation Training and Technical Assistance Center 
(AIVRTTAC)--Assistance Listing Number 84.250Z--to provide training and 
technical assistance (TA) to governing bodies of Indian Tribes that 
have received an American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services 
(AIVRS) grant.

DATES: 
    Applications available: March 16, 2021.
    Deadline for transmittal of applications: June 14, 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: Jerry Elliott, U.S. Department of 
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 5097, Potomac Center Plaza, 
Washington, DC 20202-2800. Telephone: (202) 245-7335. 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 this program is to provide 
training and TA to governing bodies of Indian Tribes, and consortia of 
those governing bodies, that have received an AIVRS grant under section 
121(a) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Under 
section 121(c)(2) of the Act, the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation 
Services Administration (RSA) makes grants to, or enters into contracts 
or other cooperative agreements with, entities that have experience in 
the operation of AIVRS programs to provide such training and TA on 
developing, conducting, administering, and evaluating these programs.
    Priority: This priority is from the notice of final priority and 
definitions (NFP) for this program published elsewhere in this issue of 
the Federal Register.
    Absolute Priority: For FY 2021, this priority is an absolute 
priority. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(3), we consider only applications that 
meet this priority.
    This priority is:

American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services--Training and 
Technical Assistance Program

    This priority funds a five-year cooperative agreement to establish 
an American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Training and Technical 
Assistance Center (AIVRTTAC) to provide four types of training and 
technical assistance (TA) for the personnel of the American Indian 
Vocational Rehabilitation Services (AIVRS) projects awarded under 
section 121(a) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (Act), to 
the governing bodies of Indian Tribes and consortia of those governing 
bodies. The four types of training and TA are: (1) Intensive training 
and TA; (2) targeted training and TA; (3) universal training and TA; 
and (4) capacity-building for AIVRS project personnel through training 
modules that build foundational skills for the delivery of vocational 
rehabilitation (VR) services to AIVRS project participants. The 
AIVRTTAC will develop and provide these types of training and TA for 
AIVRS projects in the following topic areas:
    (a) Applicable laws and regulations governing the AIVRS program.
    (b) Promising practices for providing VR services to American 
Indians with disabilities.
    (c) The delivery of VR services to American Indians with 
disabilities, including the determination of eligibility, case 
management, case record documentation, assessment, development of the 
individualized plan for employment, and placement into competitive 
integrated employment.
    (d) Knowledge of assistive technology (AT), including the 
definition of AT, how to evaluate the need for AT and what types of AT 
are available, use of AT, and access to AT.
    (e) Implementing professional development practices to ensure 
effective project coordination, administration, and management.
    (f) Implementing appropriate financial and grant management 
practices to ensure compliance with OMB's Uniform Guidance (2 CFR part 
200) and the Education Department General Administrative Regulations.
    (g) Evaluating project performance, including data collection, data 
analysis, and reporting.
    Specific subjects for training and TA in each of these topic areas 
will be identified on an annual basis and in coordination with RSA.

Project Activities

    To be considered for funding under this priority, applicants must 
conduct the following activities, or a subset of the following 
activities as determined by the Department, in a culturally appropriate 
manner:
    (a) Maintain and build upon the 12 training modules and the fiscal 
tool kit developed by the Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Institute 
(the Institute) during Federal fiscal years (FFYs) 2015-2021, including 
maintaining the series of seven training modules that build 
foundational skills that, when satisfactorily completed, lead to a VR 
certificate to be awarded by the AIVRTTAC. To satisfy this activity 
requirement, the grantee--
    (i) Must develop both academic and non-academic options for 
completing courses leading to the VR certificate, the requirements for 
obtaining a certificate including the specific requirements for 
academic credit for courses included in the certificate when 
applicable, and how the certificate may be used by the participants who 
earn it;
    (ii) May offer the series of training modules in a traditional 
classroom setting, through distance learning, through week-long 
institutes, at regional trainings throughout the country as an 
extension of national conferences, and through other delivery methods, 
as appropriate, to meet the needs of the targeted audience;
    (iii) May use grant funds to provide reasonable financial 
assistance for the cost of tuition, fees, and training materials and to 
offset costs associated with travel for participants who may be in 
remote areas of the country;
    (iv) Must conduct an assessment before and after providing training 
for each participant in order to assess strengths and specific areas 
for improvement, educational attainment and application of skills, and 
any issues

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or challenges to be addressed post-training to ensure improved delivery 
of VR services to American Indians with disabilities;
    (v) Must provide follow-up TA to participants to address any issues 
or challenges that are identified post-training and to ensure that the 
training they received is applied effectively in their work setting, 
and such follow-up may be conducted as part of the provision of 
targeted training and TA or intensive training and TA as determined by 
the needs of the specific AIVRS project;
    (vi) Must conduct an evaluation to obtain feedback on the training 
and follow-up TA and to determine whether this training and TA 
contributed to increased employment outcomes for American Indians with 
disabilities;
    (vii) Are encouraged to develop a path by which courses offered for 
academic credit lead to a degree in Rehabilitation or a related field; 
and
    (viii) May develop additional training modules as negotiated 
through the cooperative agreement.
    (b) Maintain and build upon the topics and tools the current 
AIVRRTAC has developed to provide intensive training and TA. To satisfy 
this activity requirement, the grantee must--
    (i) Develop and provide intensive training and TA to a minimum of 
three AIVRS projects in the first year. For future years, the minimum 
number of AIVRS projects to receive intensive training and TA will be 
negotiated through the cooperative agreement;
    (ii) Develop and implement training and TA consistent with AIVRS 
project activities and tailored to the specific needs and challenges of 
the AIVRS project receiving the intensive training and TA;
    (iii) Provide training and TA under an agreement with each AIVRS 
project receiving intensive training and TA that, at a minimum, details 
the purpose of the training and TA, intended outcomes, and requirements 
for the subsequent evaluation of the training and TA; and
    (iv) Assess the results of the training and TA 90 days after its 
completion to ensure that the recipient is able to apply effectively 
the training and TA, identify any issues or challenges in its 
implementation, and provide additional training and TA, either 
virtually or on-site, as needed.
    (c) Maintain and build upon the topics and tools the current 
AIVRTTAC has developed to provide a range of targeted training and TA 
in the topic areas described in this priority based on needs common to 
multiple AIVRS projects. The grantee must follow up with the recipients 
of targeted training and TA it provides to determine the effectiveness 
of the training and TA;
    (d) Maintain and build upon the topics and tools the current 
AIVRTTAC has developed to provide universal training and TA in the 
topic areas in this priority;
    (e) Provide a minimum of two webinars or video conferences in each 
of the topic areas in this priority to describe and disseminate up-to-
date information, guides, examples, and emerging and promising 
practices in each area;
    (f) Develop new information technology (IT) platforms and systems, 
or modify existing platforms and systems, as follows:
    (i) Develop or modify, and maintain, a state-of-the-art IT platform 
capable and reliable enough to support webinars, teleconferences, video 
conferences, and other virtual methods of dissemination of information 
and TA;
    (ii) Develop or modify, and maintain, a state-of-the-art archiving 
and dissemination system that is open and available to all AIVRS 
projects and that provides a central location for all AIVRS training 
and TA products for later use, including course curricula, audiovisual 
materials, webinars, examples of promising practices related to the 
topic areas in this priority, the primary areas identified through the 
annual surveys completed by AIVRS projects, other topics identified by 
RSA, and other relevant TA products (the possibility of collaborating 
with the National Clearinghouse of Rehabilitation Training Materials 
will be considered with the grantee and included in the cooperative 
agreement, as appropriate);
    (iii) Ensure that all products produced by the AIVRTTAC meet 
government and industry-recognized standards for accessibility; and
    (iv) Ensure that all products, resources, and materials developed 
by the AIVRTTAC are widely disseminated across the AIVRS projects and 
reflect the AIVRS population and diversity among its communities to the 
maximum extent possible.
    (g) Establish a community of practice (or communities of practice) 
that will serve as a vehicle for communication, an exchange of 
information among AIVRS projects, and a forum for sharing the results 
of training and TA projects that are in progress or have been 
completed;
    (h) Conduct outreach to AIVRS projects so that they are aware of, 
and can participate in, training and TA activities; and
    (i) Conduct an evaluation to determine the quality, relevance, and 
usefulness of the AIVRTTAC's training and TA, including the impact of 
the AIVRTTAC's activities on the ability of AIVRS projects to 
effectively manage their projects and improve the delivery of VR 
services to American Indians with disabilities.

Project Requirements

    To be funded under this priority, applicants must meet the project 
requirements in this priority. RSA encourages innovative approaches to 
meet these requirements, which are--
    (a) Demonstrate in the narrative section of the application under 
``Significance of the Proposed Project'' how the proposed project 
will--
    (1) Use the applicant's knowledge and experience in the operation 
of AIVRS projects to provide training and TA for these projects;
    (2) Address the AIVRS projects' capacity to effectively implement 
an AIVRS project. To meet this requirement, the applicant must--
    (i) Demonstrate knowledge of emerging and promising practices in 
the topic areas in this priority;
    (ii) Demonstrate knowledge of current RSA guidance and Federal 
initiatives designed to improve the functioning of grant projects in 
general and grant projects for American Indian Tribes in particular; 
and
    (iii) Present information about the difficulties that AIVRS 
grantees have encountered in implementing effective AIVRS projects;
    (b) Demonstrate in the narrative section of the application under 
``Quality of Project Design'' how the proposed project will--
    (1) Achieve its goals, objectives, and intended outcomes. To meet 
this requirement, the applicant must provide--
    (i) Measurable intended project outcomes;
    (ii) A plan for how the proposed project will achieve its intended 
outcomes;
    (iii) A plan for communicating and coordinating with RSA and key 
personnel of AIVRS projects; and
    (iv) A draft training module or outline for a targeted training and 
TA presentation or an outline for intensive training and TA activities 
for one of the topic areas in this priority to demonstrate how 
participants would be trained in that area. The module or outline is a 
required attachment in the application and must include, at a minimum, 
the following:
    (A) The goals and objectives of this training module, targeted 
training and TA activity, or intensive training and TA activities;
    (B) A specific list of what participants should know and be able to 
do as a

[[Page 14416]]

result of successfully completing the module, targeted training and TA 
activity, or intensive training and TA activities;
    (C) Up-to-date resources, publications, applicable laws and 
regulations, and other materials that may be used to develop the 
module, targeted training and TA activity, or intensive training and TA 
activities;
    (D) Exercises that will provide an opportunity for application of 
the subject matter;
    (E) A description of how participant knowledge, skills, and 
abilities will be measured; and
    (F) In the case of an intensive training and TA intervention, how 
the outcomes and impact of the intensive training and TA intervention 
will be measured;
    (2) Use a logic model to develop project plans and activities that 
includes, at a minimum, the goals, activities, outputs, and outcomes of 
the proposed project;
    (3) Be based on current research and make use of emerging and 
promising practices, and evidence-based practices, where available. To 
meet this requirement the applicant must describe--
    (i) The current research on the emerging and promising practices in 
the topic areas in this priority; and
    (ii) How the AIVRTTAC will incorporate current research and 
promising and evidence-based practices, including research about adult 
learning principles and implementation science, in the development and 
delivery of its products and services;
    (4) Develop products and provide services that are of high quality 
and of sufficient intensity and duration to achieve the intended 
outcomes of the proposed project. To address this requirement the 
applicant must describe--
    (i) Its proposed approach to universal training and TA;
    (ii) Its proposed approach to targeted training and TA, which must 
identify--
    (A) The intended recipients of the products and services under this 
approach, including the categories of personnel that would be receiving 
the training and TA;
    (B) Its proposed methods for providing targeted training and TA; 
and
    (C) Its proposed methodology for determining topics for the 
targeted training and TA;
    (iii) Its proposed approach to intensive training and TA, which 
must identify--
    (A) Its proposed approach to identifying recipients for intensive 
training and TA;
    (B) Its proposed methodology for providing intensive training and 
TA to recipients; and
    (C) Its proposed approach to assessing the training and TA needs of 
recipients, including their ability to respond effectively to the 
training and TA; and
    (iv) Its proposed approach to maintaining and building upon 
capacity-building modules, which must identify--
    (A) Its proposed approach to maintaining the 12 training modules 
and the fiscal tool kit developed by the Institute in FFYs 2015-2021, 
including maintaining the series of seven training modules that build 
foundational skills that, when satisfactorily completed, lead to a VR 
certificate to be awarded by the grantee; and
    (B) Its proposed approach to identifying, developing, and 
delivering new capacity-building modules; and
    (5) Develop products and implement services to maximize the 
proposed project's efficiency. To address this requirement, the 
applicant must describe--
    (i) How the proposed project will use technology to achieve the 
intended project outcomes;
    (ii) With whom the proposed project will collaborate and the 
intended outcomes of this collaboration; and
    (iii) In particular, how the proposed project will coordinate and 
collaborate with other RSA-funded technical assistance centers to 
exchange and adapt relevant products and materials to avoid duplication 
and make effective use of grant funds to better manage the AIVRTTAC 
project and its available resources to improve service delivery to 
AIVRS projects;
    (c) Demonstrate in the narrative section of the application under 
``Adequacy of Project Resources'' how--
    (1) The applicant and any key partners possess adequate resources 
to carry out the proposed activities; and
    (2) The proposed costs are reasonable in relation to the 
anticipated results and benefits;
    (d) Demonstrate in the narrative section of the application under 
``Quality of Project Personnel'' how--
    (1) The proposed project will encourage applications for employment 
from persons who are members of groups that have historically been 
underrepresented based on race, color, national origin, gender, age, or 
disability, as appropriate; and
    (2) The proposed key project personnel, consultants, and 
subcontractors have the qualifications and experience to provide 
training and TA to AIVRS projects in each of the topic areas in this 
priority and to achieve the project's intended outcomes, including how 
the proposed project personnel have a high degree of knowledge and 
understanding of cultural factors that will be sufficient to ensure the 
delivery of training and TA in a culturally appropriate manner;
    (e) Demonstrate in the narrative section of the application under 
``Quality of the Management Plan'' how the proposed management plan 
will ensure that the project's intended outcomes will be achieved on 
time and within budget. To address this requirement, the applicant must 
describe--
    (1) Clearly defined roles and responsibilities for at least two 
full-time key project personnel designated to the AIVRTTAC through the 
entire project period and for consultants and subcontractors, as 
applicable;
    (2) Timelines and milestones for accomplishing the project tasks;
    (3) Using a personnel loading chart, detailed project activities 
through the entire project period, key personnel and any consultants or 
subcontractors that will be allocated to each activity, and the 
designated level of effort for each of those activities;
    (4) How the personnel allocations in the personnel loading chart 
are appropriate and adequate to achieve the project's intended 
outcomes, including an assurance that all personnel will communicate 
with stakeholders and RSA in a timely way;
    (5) How the proposed management plan will ensure that the training 
and TA products developed through this cooperative agreement are 
complete, accurate, and of high quality; and
    (6) How the proposed project will benefit from a diversity of 
perspectives, including AIVRS projects and consumers, State VR 
agencies, TA providers, and policy makers, in its development and 
operation; and
    (f) Demonstrate in the narrative section of the application under 
``Quality of the Evaluation Plan'' how the applicant proposes to 
collect and analyze data on specific and measurable goals, objectives, 
and intended outcomes of the project, including the effectiveness of 
the training and TA provided. To address this requirement, the 
applicant must describe--
    (i) Its proposed evaluation methodologies, including instruments, 
data collection methods, and analyses;
    (ii) Its proposed standards or targets for determining 
effectiveness;
    (iii) How it will use the evaluation results to examine the 
effectiveness of its implementation and its progress toward achieving 
the intended outcomes; and

[[Page 14417]]

    (iv) How the methods of evaluation will produce quantitative and 
qualitative data that demonstrate whether the project and individual 
training and TA activities achieved their intended outcomes.
    Definitions: These definitions are from the NFP.
    Intensive training and technical assistance means training and TA 
provided to the governing bodies of Indian Tribes that have received an 
AIVRS grant and to the current personnel of the AIVRS projects 
primarily on-site over an extended period. Intensive training and TA is 
based on an ongoing relationship between the training and TA center 
staff and the governing bodies of Indian Tribes that have received an 
AIVRS grant and the current personnel of the AIVRS projects under the 
terms of a signed intensive training and TA agreement.
    Targeted training and technical assistance means training and TA 
based on needs common, to one or more governing bodies of Indian Tribes 
that have received an AIVRS grant and to the current personnel of the 
AIVRS projects on a time-limited basis and with limited commitment of 
training and TA center resources. Targeted training and TA are 
delivered through virtual or in-person methods tailored to the 
identified needs of the participating governing bodies of Indian Tribes 
that have received an AIVRS grant and to the current personnel of the 
AIVRS projects.
    Universal training and technical assistance means training and TA 
broadly available to governing bodies of Indian Tribes that have 
received an AIVRS grant and to the current personnel of the AIVRS 
projects and other interested parties through their own initiative, 
resulting in minimal interaction with training and TA center staff. 
Universal training and TA includes generalized presentations, products, 
and related activities available through a website or through brief 
contacts with the training and TA center staff.
    Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 741.
    Note: Projects will be awarded and must be operated in a manner 
consistent with the nondiscrimination requirements contained in Federal 
civil rights laws.
    Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General 
Administrative Regulations in 34 CFR parts 75, 77, 81, 82, 84, 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 adopted and amended as regulations of the Department in 2 CFR 
part 3474. (d) The NFP.
    Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 86 apply to institutions of 
higher education only.

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Discretionary grant.
    Estimated Available Funds: $1,013,000.
    Estimated Average Size of Awards: $1,013,000.
    Estimated Number of Awards: 1.
    Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice.
    Project Period: Up to 60 months.
    Continuing the Fourth and Fifth Years of the Program: In deciding 
whether to continue funding fourth and fifth years, the Department will 
consider, as part of the review, the cooperative agreement, the 
application narrative, and the annual performance reports; the degree 
to which AIVRTTAC demonstrates substantial progress in providing 
intensive training and TA to AIVRS projects, targeted training and TA 
to AIVRS projects, universal training and TA to AIVRS projects, and 
capacity-building for AIVRS project personnel through training modules 
that build foundational skills for the delivery of VR services to AIVRS 
project participants; and the extent to which the training and TA 
provided has had an impact on the ability of AIVRS projects to 
implement appropriate practices in the seven topic areas outlined in 
the priority.

III. Eligibility Information

    1. Eligible Applicants: State, local, or Tribal governments, 
nonprofit organizations, or institutions of higher education that have 
experience in the operation of AIVRS programs.
    Note: If you are a nonprofit organization, under 34 CFR 75.51, you 
may demonstrate your nonprofit status by providing: (1) Proof that the 
Internal Revenue Service currently recognizes the applicant as an 
organization to which contributions are tax deductible under section 
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; (2) a statement from a State 
taxing body or the State attorney general certifying that the 
organization is a nonprofit organization operating within the State and 
that no part of its net earnings may lawfully benefit any private 
shareholder or individual; (3) a certified copy of the applicant's 
certificate of incorporation or similar document if it clearly 
establishes the nonprofit status of the applicant; or (4) any item 
described above if that item applies to a State or national parent 
organization, together with a statement by the State or parent 
organization that the applicant is a local nonprofit affiliate.
    2. a. Cost Sharing or Matching: This competition does not require 
cost sharing or matching.
    b. Indirect Cost Rate Information: This program uses an 
unrestricted indirect cost rate. Applicants for this program are State, 
local, or Tribal governments, nonprofit organizations, or institutions 
of higher education that have experience in the operation of AIVRS 
programs and have negotiated indirect cost rate agreements with a 
cognizant agency if indirect costs will be charged to the grant. For 
more information regarding indirect costs, or to obtain a negotiated 
indirect cost rate, please see www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocft/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.

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 competition is not subject to 
Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79.
    3. Funding Restrictions: We reference regulations outlining funding 
restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice.

V. Application Review Information

    1. Selection Criteria: The selection criteria for this competition 
are from 34 CFR 75.210, have a maximum score of 100 points, and are as 
follows:

[[Page 14418]]

    (a) Need for Project and Significance (10 Points):
    The Secretary considers the need for and significance of the 
proposed project. In determining the need for and significance of the 
proposed project, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (1) The magnitude of the need for the services to be provided or 
the activities to be carried out by the proposed project.
    (2) The extent to which specific gaps or weaknesses in services, 
infrastructure, or opportunities have been identified and will be 
addressed by the proposed project, including the nature and magnitude 
of those gaps or weaknesses.
    (3) The potential contribution of the proposed project to increased 
knowledge or understanding of rehabilitation problems, issues, or 
effective strategies.
    (4) The extent to which the proposed project is likely to build 
local capacity to provide, improve, or expand services that address the 
needs of the target population.
    (b) Quality of the Project Design (20 Points):
    The Secretary considers the quality of the design of the proposed 
project. In determining the quality of the design of the proposed 
project, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (1) The extent to which the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be 
achieved by the proposed project are clearly specified and measurable.
    (2) The extent to which the design of the proposed project is 
appropriate to, and will successfully address, the needs of the target 
population or other identified needs.
    (3) The extent to which the proposed project will establish 
linkages with other appropriate agencies and organizations providing 
services to the target population.
    (c) Quality of Project Services (20 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 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.
    In addition, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (1) The extent to which the services to be provided by the proposed 
project are appropriate to the needs of the intended recipients or 
beneficiaries of those services.
    (2) The likely impact of the services to be provided by the 
proposed project on the intended recipients of those services.
    (3) The extent to which the services to be provided by the proposed 
project involve the collaboration of appropriate partners for 
maximizing the effectiveness of project services.
    (d) Quality of Project Personnel (15 Points):
    In determining the quality of project personnel, the Secretary 
considers 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.
    In addition, the Secretary considers the qualifications, including 
relevant training and experience, of key project personnel.
    (e) Adequacy of Resources (10 Points):
    The Secretary considers the adequacy of resources for the proposed 
project. In determining the adequacy of resources for the proposed 
project, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (1) The adequacy of support, including facilities, equipment, 
supplies, and other resources, from the applicant organization or the 
lead applicant organization.
    (2) The extent to which the costs are reasonable in relation to the 
objectives, design, and potential significance of the proposed project.
    (3) The extent to which the costs are reasonable in relation to the 
number of persons to be served and to the anticipated results and 
benefits.
    (f) Quality of the Management Plan (15 Points):
    The Secretary considers the quality of the management plan for the 
proposed project. In determining the quality of the management plan for 
the proposed project, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (1) The adequacy of the management plan to achieve the objectives 
of the proposed project on time and within budget, including clearly 
defined responsibilities, timelines, and milestones for accomplishing 
project tasks.
    (2) The adequacy of procedures for ensuring feedback and continuous 
improvement in the operation of the proposed project.
    (3) The extent to which the time commitments of the project 
director and principal investigator and other key project personnel are 
appropriate and adequate to meet the objectives of the proposed 
project.
    (g) Quality of the Project Evaluation (10 Points):
    The Secretary considers the quality of the evaluation to be 
conducted of the proposed project. In determining the quality of the 
evaluation, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (1) The extent to which the methods of evaluation are thorough, 
feasible, and appropriate to the goals, objectives, and outcomes of the 
proposed project.
    (2) The extent to which the methods of evaluation include the use 
of objective performance measures that are clearly related to the 
intended outcomes of the project and will produce quantitative and 
qualitative data to the extent possible.
    (3) The extent to which the methods of evaluation will provide 
performance feedback and permit periodic assessment of progress toward 
achieving intended outcomes.
    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).
    3. Risk Assessment and Specific Conditions: Consistent with 2 CFR 
200.206, before awarding grants under this competition the Department 
conducts a review of the risks posed by applicants. Under 2 CFR 
200.208, the Secretary may impose specific conditions and, under 2 CFR 
3474.10, 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

[[Page 14419]]

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 
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) 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
    (d) 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. 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.
    4. Performance Measures: The Government Performance and Results Act 
of 1993 (GPRA) directs Federal departments and agencies to improve the 
effectiveness of their programs by engaging in strategic planning, 
setting outcome-related goals for programs, and measuring program 
results against those goals.
    For the purposes of GPRA and Department reporting under 34 CFR 
75.110, we have established the following performance measures for this 
program:
    (a) Of all AIVRS project staff, the number and percentage of AIVRS 
project staff that complete at least on personnel preparation class 
offered by the AIVRTTAC.
    (b) Of all AIVRS projects, the number and percentage of AIVRS 
projects that have at least one staff member that has completed at 
least one personnel preparation class offered by the AIVRTTAC.
    (c) Of all AIVRS project staff, the number and percentage of AIVRS 
project staff that receive a certificate based on classes offered by 
the AIVRTTAC.
    (d) Of AIVRS projects that received intensive training and 
technical assistance, the number and percentage of AIVRS projects that 
completed all activities in the intensive TA agreement.
    (e) Of AIVRS projects that received intensive training and 
technical assistance, the number and percentage of AIVRS projects that 
show an increase in consumers achieving an employment outcome compared 
to the prior year.
    (f) Of AIVRS projects that received intensive training and 
technical assistance, the number and percentage of AIVRS projects that 
show an increase in consumers receiving services under an IPE compared 
to the prior year.
    Applicable short-term and long-term indicators and targets will be 
specified in the AIVRTTAC cooperative agreement.
    Annual project progress toward meeting project goals must be posted 
on the project website.
    5. Continuation Awards: In making a continuation award under 34 CFR 
75.253, the Secretary considers, among other things: whether a grantee 
has made substantial progress in achieving the goals and objectives of 
the project; whether the grantee has expended funds in a manner that is 
consistent with its approved application and budget; and, if the 
Secretary has established performance measurement requirements, the 
performance targets in the grantee's approved application.
    In making a continuation award, the Secretary also considers 
whether the grantee is operating in compliance with the assurances in 
its approved application, including those applicable to Federal civil 
rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities 
receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department (34 CFR 
100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).

VII. Other Information

    Accessible Format: 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.

[[Page 14420]]

    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.

David Cantrell,
Deputy Director, Office of Special Education Programs. Delegated the 
authority to perform the functions and duties of the Assistant 
Secretary for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative 
Services.
[FR Doc. 2021-05429 Filed 3-11-21; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P