Applications for New Awards; National Center for Information and Technical Support for Postsecondary Students With Disabilities Program, 52654-52659 [2021-20496]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 181 (Wednesday, September 22, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52654-52659]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-20496]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION


Applications for New Awards; National Center for Information and 
Technical Support for Postsecondary Students With Disabilities Program

AGENCY: Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of Education.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Department of Education (Department) is issuing a notice 
inviting applications (NIA) for a new award for fiscal year (FY) 2021 
for the National Center for Information and Technical Support for 
Postsecondary Students with Disabilities Program, Assistance Listing 
Number 84.116D. This notice relates to the approved information 
collection under OMB control number 1894-0006.

DATES: 
    Applications Available: September 22, 2021.
    Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: October 22, 2021.
    Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: December 21, 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: Shedita Alston, U.S. Department of 
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 2B194, Washington, DC 20202-
4260. Telephone: (202) 453-7090. 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 support a 
National Center for Information and Technical Support for Postsecondary 
Students with Disabilities (the Center) to provide technical assistance 
and information on best and promising practices for students with 
disabilities as they transition to or attend postsecondary education. 
Institutions of higher education (IHEs), as well as elementary and 
secondary schools, have legal obligations under two civil rights laws 
prohibiting disability discrimination, Section 504 of the 
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (Section 504) (29 U.S.C. 794), 
and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended (ADA) (42 
U.S.C. 12101-12213). The technical assistance and information provided 
by the Center can help students, parents, and educational officials in 
determining how to meet

[[Page 52655]]

these obligations and ensure the rights of students with disabilities. 
In particular, the Center can assist students with disabilities and 
their families in understanding that in IHEs, students with 
disabilities have different rights and protections than they had in 
secondary school under Section 504 and the Individuals with 
Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq. Students with 
disabilities and their parents need to understand the differences in 
these rights and responsibilities as students with disabilities enter 
college and pursue postsecondary education. Specifically, unlike 
students in secondary school, postsecondary students with disabilities 
are responsible for requesting the academic adjustments, auxiliary aids 
and services, and other accommodations they need to have equal 
educational opportunity and are expected to comply with reasonable 
procedures that an IHE may have concerning documentation of disability 
and the need for accommodations under Section 504 and the ADA.
    Note: A more detailed explanation of the different rights and 
responsibilities of students with disabilities in secondary school and 
postsecondary institutions can be found in two pamphlets issued by the 
Department's Office for Civil Rights: ``Transition of Students With 
Disabilities To Postsecondary Education: A Guide for High School 
Educators,'' available at: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/transitionguide.html, and ``Students with Disabilities Preparing for 
Postsecondary Education: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities,'' 
available at: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/transition.html.
    Priority: This notice contains one absolute priority. In accordance 
with 34 CFR 75.105(b)(2)(iv), this priority is from section 777(a) of 
the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA) (20 U.S.C. 
1140q(a)).
    Absolute Priority: For FY 2021 and any subsequent year in which we 
make awards from the list of unfunded applicants 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:
    Entities that can demonstrate the experience and capacity to 
improve postsecondary recruitment, transition, retention, and 
completion rates of students with disabilities by providing the 
following:
    1. Assistance to students and families. The Center must provide 
information and technical assistance to students with disabilities and 
the families of students with disabilities to support students across 
the broad spectrum of disabilities, including--
    (a) Information to assist individuals with disabilities who are 
prospective students of an IHE in planning for postsecondary education 
while the students are in secondary school;
    (b) Information and technical assistance provided to individualized 
education program teams (as defined in 20 U.S.C. 1414(d)(1)) for 
secondary school students with disabilities, and to early outreach and 
student services programs, including programs authorized under subparts 
2, 4, and 5 of title IV of the HEA, to support students across a broad 
spectrum of disabilities with the successful transition to 
postsecondary education;
    (c) Research-based supports, services, and accommodations which are 
available in postsecondary settings, including services provided by 
other agencies such as vocational rehabilitation;
    (d) Information on student mentoring and networking opportunities 
for students with disabilities; and
    (e) Effective recruitment and transition programs at postsecondary 
educational institutions.
    2. Assistance to institutions of higher education. The Center must 
provide information and technical assistance to faculty, staff, and 
administrators of IHEs to improve the services provided to, the 
accommodations for, the retention rates of, and the completion rates 
of, students with disabilities in higher education settings, which may 
include--
    (a) Collection and dissemination of best and promising practices 
and materials for accommodating and supporting students with 
disabilities, including practices and materials supported by the 
grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements authorized under subparts 
1, 2, and 3 of title VII, part D, of the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1140q);
    (b) Development and provision of training modules for higher 
education faculty on exemplary practices for accommodating and 
supporting postsecondary students with disabilities across a range of 
academic fields, which may include universal design for learning and 
practices supported by the grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements 
authorized under subparts 1, 2, and 3 of title VII, part D, of the HEA 
(20 U.S.C. 1140q); and
    (c) Development of technology-based tutorials for higher education 
faculty and staff, including new faculty and graduate students, on best 
and promising practices related to support and retention of students 
with disabilities in postsecondary education.
    3. Information collection and dissemination. The Center will be 
responsible for building, maintaining, and updating a database of 
disability support services information with respect to IHEs, or for 
expanding and updating an existing database of disabilities support 
services information with respect to IHEs. This database must be made 
available to the general public through a website built to high 
technical standards of accessibility practicable for the broad spectrum 
of individuals with disabilities. This database and website must 
include available information on--
    (a) Disability documentation requirements;
    (b) Support services available;
    (c) Links to financial aid;
    (d) Accommodations policies;
    (e) Accessible instructional materials;
    (f) Other topics relevant to students with disabilities; and
    (g) The information in the report described in paragraph (5) below.
    4. Disability support services. The Center must work with 
organizations and individuals with proven expertise related to 
disability support services for postsecondary students with 
disabilities to evaluate, improve, and disseminate information related 
to the delivery of high quality disability support services at IHEs.
    5. Review and report. Not later than three years after the 
establishment of the National Center, and every two years thereafter, 
the National Center must prepare and disseminate a report to the 
Secretary and the authorizing committees analyzing the condition of 
postsecondary success for students with disabilities. The report must 
include--
    (a) A review of the activities and the effectiveness of the 
programs authorized under title VII, part D of the HEA;
    (b) Annual enrollment and graduation rates of students with 
disabilities in IHEs from publicly reported data;
    (c) Recommendations for effective postsecondary supports and 
services for students with disabilities, and how such supports and 
services may be widely implemented at IHEs;
    (d) Recommendations on reducing barriers to full participation for 
students with disabilities in higher education; and
    (e) A description of the strategies with a demonstrated record of 
effectiveness in improving the success of such students in 
postsecondary education.
    6. Staffing of the Center. In hiring employees of the National 
Center, the National Center must consider the expertise and experience 
of prospective employees in providing training and technical assistance 
to practitioners.
    Note: Websites established or maintained to carry out any project

[[Page 52656]]

funded under this competition must meet WCAG 2.1 standards (Source: 
https://www.w3.org/WAI/standards-guidelines/wcag/glance/). Documents 
posted on grantee websites must, at a minimum, meet the Department's 
accessibility standards set out at: https://www2.ed.gov/web-guidance/accessibility/.
    Definitions: The following definitions are from sections 101 and 
103 of the HEA.
    Institution of higher education--
    (1) Means an educational institution in any State that--
    (i) Admits as regular students only persons having a certificate of 
graduation from a school providing secondary education, or the 
recognized equivalent of such a certificate, or persons who meet the 
requirements of section 484(d) of the HEA;
    (ii) Is legally authorized within such State to provide a program 
of education beyond secondary education;
    (iii) Provides an educational program for which the institution 
awards a bachelor's degree or provides not less than a 2-year program 
that is acceptable for full credit toward such a degree, or awards a 
degree that is acceptable for admission to a graduate or professional 
degree program, subject to review and approval by the Secretary;
    (iv) Is a public or other nonprofit institution; and
    (v) Is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or 
association, or if not so accredited, is an institution that has been 
granted pre-accreditation status by such an agency or association that 
has been recognized by the Secretary for the granting of pre-
accreditation status, and the Secretary has determined that there is 
satisfactory assurance that the institution will meet the accreditation 
standards of such an agency or association within a reasonable time; 
and
    (2) Also includes--
    (i) Any school that provides not less than a 1-year program of 
training to prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized 
occupation and that meets the provision of paragraphs (1)(i), (ii), 
(iv), and (v); and
    (ii) A public or nonprofit private educational institution in any 
State that, in lieu of the requirement in paragraph (1)(i), admits as 
regular students individuals--
    (A) Who are beyond the age of compulsory school attendance in the 
State in which the institution is located; or
    (B) Who will be dually or concurrently enrolled in the institution 
and a secondary school.
    Universal design for learning means a scientifically valid 
framework for guiding educational practice that--
    (1) Provides flexibility in the ways information is presented, in 
the ways students respond or demonstrate knowledge and skills, and in 
the ways students are engaged; and
    (2) Reduces barriers in instruction, provides appropriate 
accommodations, supports, and challenges, and maintains high 
achievement expectations for all students, including students with 
disabilities and students who are limited English proficient.
    Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1140q(a).
    Note: Projects will be awarded and must be operated in a manner 
consistent with the nondiscrimination requirements contained in the 
Federal civil rights laws.
    Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General 
Administrative Regulations in 34 CFR parts 75, 77, 79, 82, 84, 86, 97, 
98, and 99. (b) The Office of Management and Budget Guidelines to 
Agencies on Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) in 
2 CFR part 180, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department 
in 2 CFR part 3485. (c) The Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost 
Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards in 2 CFR part 
200, as adopted and amended in 2 CFR part 3474.

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Cooperative agreement.
    Estimated Available Funds: $1,980,000.
    Contingent upon the availability of funds and the quality of 
applications, we may make additional awards in subsequent years from 
the list of unfunded applications from this competition.
    Estimated Average Size of Award: $1,980,000.
    Maximum Award: We will not make an award exceeding $1,980,000 for a 
project period of 48 months.
    Estimated Number of Awards: 1.
    Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice.
    Project Period: Up to 48 months.

III. Eligibility Information

    1. Eligible Applicants: Under section 777(a)(3) of the HEA, an 
``eligible entity'' is an IHE (as defined in this notice); a nonprofit 
organization; or a partnership of two or more IHEs or organizations, 
with demonstrated expertise in:
    (a) Supporting students with disabilities in postsecondary 
education;
    (b) Technical knowledge necessary for the dissemination of 
information in accessible formats;
    (c) Working with diverse types of IHEs, including community 
colleges; and
    (d) The subjects necessary to support students across the broad 
spectrum of disabilities.
    2.a. Cost Sharing or Matching: This competition does not require 
cost sharing or matching.
    b. 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.
    c. Indirect Cost Rate Information: This program uses a restricted 
indirect cost rate of 8 percent. For more information regarding 
indirect costs, or to obtain a negotiated indirect cost rate, please 
see www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocfo/intro.html.
    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 
contains requirements and information on how to submit an application.
    2. Intergovernmental Review: This program is subject to Executive 
Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79. Information about 
Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs under Executive Order 
12372 is in the application package for this program.
    3. Funding Restrictions: We reference 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 50 pages and (2) use the 
following standards:

[[Page 52657]]

     A ``page'' is 8.5'' x 11'', on one side only, with 1'' 
margins at the top, bottom, and both sides.
     Double space (no more than three lines per vertical inch) 
all text in the application narrative, including titles, headings, 
footnotes, quotations, references, and captions as well as all text in 
charts, tables, figures, and graphs.
     Use a font that is either 12 point or larger, and no 
smaller than 10 pitch (characters per inch).
     Use one of the following fonts: Times New Roman, Courier, 
Courier New, or Arial.
    The recommended page limit does not apply to the cover sheet; the 
budget section, including the narrative budget justification; the 
assurances and certifications; or the one-page abstract. However, the 
recommended page limit does apply to all of the application narrative.
    Note: The Budget Information-Non-Construction Programs Form (ED 
524) Sections A-C are not the same as the narrative response to the 
Budget section of the selection criteria.

V. Application Review Information

    1. Selection Criteria: The selection criteria for this program are 
from 34 CFR 75.210 and from section 777(a) of the HEA (20 U.S.C. 
1140q(a)). Applicants should address each of the following selection 
criteria separately for each proposed activity. The selection criteria 
are worth a total of 100 points; the maximum score for each criterion 
is noted in parentheses.

(a) Demonstration of Eligibility. (Maximum 25 Points)

    (1) The Secretary considers whether the applicant has demonstrated 
expertise and experience sufficient to meet the requirements to be an 
eligible entity under section 777(a)(3) of the HEA.
    (2) In considering eligibility, the Secretary considers the 
following factors:
    (i) Demonstrated expertise in supporting students with disabilities 
in postsecondary education;
    (ii) Demonstrated expertise in technical knowledge necessary for 
the dissemination of information in accessible formats;
    (iii) Demonstrated expertise in working with diverse types of IHEs, 
including community colleges; and
    (iv) Demonstrated expertise in the subjects necessary to support 
students across the broad spectrum of disabilities.

(b) Quality of the Project Design. (Maximum 15 Points)

    (1) The Secretary considers the quality of the design of the 
proposed project.
    (2) In determining the quality of the design of the proposed 
project, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (i) 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;
    (ii) The extent to which the design for implementing and evaluating 
the proposed project will result in information to guide possible 
replication of project activities or strategies, including information 
about the effectiveness of the approach or strategies employed by the 
project;
    (iii) The extent to which the proposed project will establish 
linkages with other appropriate agencies and organizations providing 
services to the target population;
    (iv) The extent to which the proposed project is designed to build 
capacity and yield results that will extend beyond the period of 
Federal financial assistance;
    (v) The extent to which performance feedback and continuous 
improvement are integral to the design of the proposed project.
    (vi) The extent to which the design of the proposed project 
reflects up-to-date knowledge from research and effective practice.
    (vii) The extent to which the applicant demonstrates that it has 
the resources to operate the project beyond the length of the grant, 
including a multi-year financial and operating model and accompanying 
plan; the demonstrated commitment of any partners; evidence of broad 
support from stakeholders (e.g., State educational agencies, teachers' 
unions) critical to the project's long-term success; or more than one 
of these types of evidence.

(c) Quality of Project Services. (Maximum 15 Points)

    (1) The Secretary considers the quality of the services to be 
provided by the proposed project.
    (2) 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.
    (3) In addition, the Secretary considers:
    (i) 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;
    (ii) The likelihood that the services to be provided by the 
proposed project will lead to improvements in the achievement of 
students as measured against rigorous academic standards;
    (iii) 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; and
    (iv) The extent to which the technical assistance services to be 
provided by the proposed project involve the use of efficient 
strategies, including the use of technology, as appropriate, and the 
leveraging of non-project resources.

(d) Quality of Project Personnel. (Maximum 15 Points)

    (1) The Secretary considers the quality of the personnel who will 
carry out the proposed project.
    (2) 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.
    (3) In addition, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (i) The qualifications, including relevant training and experience, 
of the project director or principal investigator;
    (ii) The qualifications, including relevant training and 
experience, of key project personnel; and
    (iii) The qualifications, including relevant training and 
experience, of project consultants or subcontractors.

(e) Quality of the Management Plan. (Maximum 10 Points)

    (1) The Secretary considers the quality of the management plan for 
the proposed project.
    (2) In determining the quality of the management plan, the 
Secretary considers the following factors:
    (i) 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;
    (ii) The adequacy of procedures for ensuring feedback and 
continuous improvement in the operation of the proposed project;

[[Page 52658]]

    (iii) The adequacy of mechanisms for ensuring high-quality products 
and services from the proposed project;
    (iv) 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; and
    (v) How the applicant will ensure that a diversity of perspectives 
are brought to bear in the operation of the proposed project, including 
those of parents, teachers, the business community, a variety of 
disciplinary and professional fields, recipients or beneficiaries of 
services, or others, as appropriate.

(f) Quality of the Project Evaluation. (Maximum 20 Points)

    (1) The Secretary considers the quality of the evaluation to be 
conducted of the proposed project.
    (2) In determining the quality of the evaluation to be conducted 
for the proposed project, the Secretary considers the following 
factors:
    (i) The extent to which the methods of evaluation are thorough, 
feasible, and appropriate to the goals, objectives, and outcomes of the 
proposed project;
    (ii) The extent to which the methods of evaluation provide for 
examining the effectiveness of project implementation strategies;
    (iii) 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; and
    (iv) 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 
also requires various assurances including those applicable to Federal 
civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or 
activities receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department 
(34 CFR 100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).
    A panel of three non-Federal reviewers will review and score each 
application in accordance with the selection criteria. A rank order 
funding slate will be made from this review. An award will be made in 
rank order according to the average score received from the combined 
peer review points.
    In a tie-breaking situation under this program, preference will be 
given to the applicant with the highest score under the ``Quality of 
the Project Design'' criterion. If there is still a tie after 
implementing the first tiebreaker, preference will be given to the 
applicant with the highest score under the ``Quality of Project 
Services'' criterion. If there is still a tie after applying the 
secondary tiebreaker, preference will be given to the applicant with 
the highest score under the ``Quality of the Management Plan'' 
selection criterion. If there is still a tie after applying a third 
tiebreaker, preference will be given to the applicant with the highest 
score under the ``Quality of the Project Evaluation'' selection 
criterion.
    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 200.8, 
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 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.

[[Page 52659]]

    3. Open Licensing Requirements: Unless an exception applies, if you 
are awarded a grant under this competition, you will be required to 
openly license to the public grant deliverables created in whole, or in 
part, with Department grant funds. When the deliverable consists of 
modifications to pre-existing works, the license extends only to those 
modifications that can be separately identified and only to the extent 
that open licensing is permitted under the terms of any licenses or 
other legal restrictions on the use of pre-existing works. 
Additionally, a grantee or subgrantee that is awarded competitive grant 
funds must have a plan to disseminate these public grant deliverables. 
This dissemination plan can be developed and submitted after your 
application has been reviewed and selected for funding. For additional 
information on the open licensing requirements, please refer to 2 CFR 
3474.20.
    4. Reporting: (a) If you apply for a grant under this competition, 
you must ensure that you have in place the necessary processes and 
systems to comply with the reporting requirements in 2 CFR part 170 
should you receive funding under the competition. This does not apply 
if you have an exception under 2 CFR 170.110(b).
    (b) At the end of your project period, you must submit a final 
performance report, including financial information, as directed by the 
Secretary. If you receive a multiyear award, you must submit an annual 
performance report that provides the most current performance and 
financial expenditure information as directed by the Secretary under 34 
CFR 75.118. The Secretary may also require more frequent performance 
reports under 34 CFR 75.720(c). For specific requirements on reporting, 
please go to www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html.
    5. Performance Measures: Under the Government Performance and 
Results Act of 1993 and 34 CFR 75.110, the following three performance 
measures will be used in assessing the performance of the National 
Center for Information and Technical Support for Postsecondary Students 
with Disabilities Program:
    1. The extent to which the project serves students with 
disabilities, families of students with disabilities, individualized 
education program teams, and individualized plan for employment teams, 
including growth in numbers served over time, and improved user 
satisfaction ratings with the services received;
    2. The extent to which the project provides information and 
technical assistance to faculty, staff, and administrators of IHEs 
aimed at improving accommodation, retention, and completion rates of 
students with disabilities, including growth in the number of persons 
and institutions served over time, and improved user satisfaction 
ratings with services received, baseline change over time in retention, 
and completion rates of students with disabilities at the institutions 
served; and
    3. The extent and growth over time in utilization of the database 
of disability services information by IHEs, including improved user 
satisfaction ratings of the accessibility and utility of the 
information provided.
    These measures constitute the Department's indicators of success 
for this program. Consequently, we advise an applicant for an award 
under this program to give careful consideration to the 
operationalization of the measures in conceptualizing the approach and 
evaluation for its proposed project.
    If funded, you will be required to collect and report data in your 
project's annual performance report (34 CFR 75.590).

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 another 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.

Michelle Asha Cooper,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education.
[FR Doc. 2021-20496 Filed 9-21-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P