Applications for New Awards; International Research and Studies Program-Research, Studies and Surveys; and Specialized Instructional Materials, 18304-18309 [2023-06341]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 59 (Tuesday, March 28, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18304-18309]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-06341]


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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION


Applications for New Awards; International Research and Studies 
Program--Research, Studies and Surveys; and Specialized Instructional 
Materials

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) 2023 for the International Research 
and Studies (IRS) program, Assistance Listing Number 84.017A. This 
notice relates to the approved information collection under OMB control 
number 1840-0795.

DATES: 
    Applications Available: March 28, 2023.
    Pre-Application Webinar: The Department will hold a pre-application 
meeting via webinar for prospective applicants. Detailed information 
regarding the webinar, including date and time, will be provided on the 
website for the IRS program at https://www2.ed.gov/programs/iegpsirs/applicant.html.
    Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: May 12, 2023.

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 December 7, 2022 (87 FR 75045) and available at 
www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/12/07/2022-26554/common-instructions-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant-programs. Please note that these Common Instructions supersede 
the version published on December 27, 2021.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dana Sapatoru, U.S. Department of 
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 5C108, Lyndon Baines Johnson 
(LBJ) Building, Washington, DC 20202. Telephone: (202) 987-1944. Email: 
[email protected].

[[Page 18305]]

    If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability and 
wish to access telecommunications relay services, please dial 7-1-1.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Purpose of Program: The IRS program provides grants to public and 
private agencies, organizations, institutions, and individuals, to 
conduct research, studies, or surveys, or to develop specialized 
instructional materials, to improve and strengthen instruction and 
enrollment in modern foreign languages and related area studies. Under 
34 CFR 660.1, research and studies may include, but are not limited 
to--
    (a) Studies and surveys to determine needs for increased or 
improved instruction in modern foreign languages, area studies, or 
other international fields, including the demand for foreign language, 
area studies, and other international specialists in government, 
education, and the private sector;
    (b) Research on more effective methods of providing instruction and 
achieving competency in foreign languages, area studies, or other 
international fields;
    (c) Research on applying performance tests and standards across all 
areas of foreign language instruction and classroom use;
    (d) Developing and publishing specialized materials for use in 
foreign language, area studies, and other international fields or for 
training foreign language, area studies, and other international 
specialists;
    (e) Studies and surveys to assess the use of graduates of programs 
supported under title VI of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as 
amended (HEA) by governmental, educational, and private-sector 
organizations and other studies assessing the outcomes and 
effectiveness of supported programs;
    (f) Comparative studies of the effectiveness of strategies to 
provide international capabilities at institutions of higher education;
    (g) Evaluations of the extent to which programs assisted under 
title VI of the HEA that address national needs would not otherwise be 
offered;
    (h) Studies and surveys of the use of technologies in foreign 
language, area studies, and international studies programs;
    (i) Studies and evaluations of effective practices in the 
dissemination of international information, materials, research, 
teaching strategies, and testing techniques throughout the educational 
community, including elementary and secondary schools;
    (j) Evaluations of the extent to which programs assisted under 
title VI of the HEA reflect diverse perspectives and a wide range of 
views and generate debate on world regions and international affairs;
    (k) Systematic collection, analysis, and dissemination of data that 
contribute to achieving the purposes of title VI, part A of the HEA; 
and
    (l) Support for programs or activities to make data collected, 
analyzed, or disseminated under this part publicly available and easy 
to understand.
    In this competition, applicants may request support for either a 
Research, Studies, or Surveys Project or a Specialized Instructional 
Materials Project. In section 15 of the SF 424 Application for Federal 
Assistance, applicants must clearly identify the type of IRS project 
for which funding is requested. Additional submission details are 
included in the application package.
    Priorities: This notice contains one absolute priority and one 
competitive preference priority. In accordance with 34 CFR 
75.105(b)(2)(ii), the absolute priority is from the program regulations 
at 34 CFR 660.34(a)(1) and 34 CFR 660.10(a), (b), (c), (f), (i), and 
(l). The competitive preference priority is from the Secretary's 
Supplemental Priorities and Definitions for Discretionary Grants 
Programs published in the Federal Register on December 10, 2021 (86 FR 
70612) (Supplemental Priorities).
    Absolute Priority: For FY 2023, 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:
    Research, Studies, or Survey Projects or Specialized Instructional 
Materials Projects.
    Research, Studies, or Survey Projects or Specialized Instructional 
Materials Projects that contribute to the purposes of the International 
Education Program authorized by part A of title VI of the HEA, which 
must include one or more of the following allowable activities:
    Research, Studies, or Survey Projects: (i) Studies and surveys to 
determine the need for increased or improved instruction in modern 
foreign languages and area studies and other international fields 
needed to provide full understanding of the places in which those 
languages are commonly used; (ii) research and studies on more 
effective methods of instruction and achieving competency in modern 
foreign languages, area studies, or other international fields or to 
evaluate competency in those foreign languages, area studies, or other 
international fields; (iii) studies and surveys to assess the use of 
graduates of programs supported under title VI of the HEA by 
governmental, educational, and private sector organizations, and other 
studies assessing the outcomes and effectiveness of supported programs; 
(iv) studies and surveys of the uses of technology in foreign language, 
area studies, and international studies programs; or (v) systematic 
collection, analysis, and dissemination of data that contribute to 
achieving the purposes of title VI, part A of the HEA.
    Specialized Instructional Materials Projects: Development and 
publication of specialized materials for use by students and teachers 
of modern foreign languages, area studies, and other international 
fields or for use in providing such instruction and evaluation or for 
training individuals to provide such instruction and evaluation.
    Competitive Preference Priority: For FY 2023, and any subsequent 
year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications 
from this competition, this priority is a competitive preference 
priority. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i) we award an additional 5 points 
to an application that meets this priority.
    This priority is:
    Promoting Equity in Student Access to Educational Resources and 
Opportunities.
    Under this priority, an applicant must demonstrate that the project 
will be implemented by or in partnership with one or more of the 
following entities:
    (1) Community colleges (as defined in this notice).
    (2) Historically Black Colleges and Universities (as defined in 
this notice).
    (3) Tribal Colleges and Universities (as defined in this notice).
    (4) Minority-serving institutions (as defined in this notice).
    Definitions: The following definitions apply to this program and 
are from the Supplemental Priorities.
    Community college means ``junior or community college'' as defined 
in section 312(f) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended 
(HEA).
    Historically Black colleges and universities means colleges and 
universities that meet the criteria set out in 34 CFR 608.2.
    Minority-serving institution 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.

[[Page 18306]]

    Tribal College or University has the meaning ascribed it in section 
316(b)(3) of the HEA.
    Note: The institutions designated eligible under title III and 
title V of the HEA may be viewed at the following link: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/idues/eligibility.html.
    Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1125.
    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, 86, 97, 
98, and 99. (b) The Office of Management and Budget Guidelines to 
Agencies on Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) in 
2 CFR part 180, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department 
in 2 CFR part 3485. (c) The Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost 
Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards in 2 CFR part 
200, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department in 2 CFR 
part 3474. (d) The regulations for this program in 34 CFR part 655 and 
660. (e) The Supplemental Priorities.
    Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 86 apply to institutions of 
higher education only.

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Discretionary grants.
    Estimated Available Funds: $1,619,540.
    Research, Studies, or Survey Projects: $1,019,540.
    Specialized Instructional Materials Projects: $600,000.
    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 Range of Awards:
    Research, Studies, or Survey Projects: $72,000-$102,000 for each 
budget period of 12 months.
    Specialized Instructional Materials Projects: $43,000-$60,000 for 
each budget period of 12 months.
    Estimated Average Size of Awards:
    Research, Studies, or Survey Projects: $85,000 for each budget 
period of 12 months.
    Specialized Instructional Materials Projects: $50,000 for each 
budget period of 12 months.
    Estimated Number of Awards:
    Research, Studies, or Survey Projects: 10.
    Specialized Instructional Materials Projects: 10.
    Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice.
    Project Period: Up to 36 months.

III. Eligibility Information

    1. Eligible Applicants: Public and private agencies, organizations, 
institutions, and individuals.
    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. For more information regarding 
indirect costs, or to obtain a negotiated indirect cost rate, please 
see www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocfo/intro.html.
    c. Administrative Cost Limitation: This program does not include 
any program-specific limitation on administrative expenses. All 
administrative expenses must be reasonable and necessary and conform to 
Cost Principles described in 2 CFR part 200 subpart E of the Uniform 
Guidance.
    3. Subgrantees: Under 34 CFR 75.708(b) and (c) a grantee under this 
competition may award subgrants to directly carry out project 
activities described in its application to the following types of 
entities: local educational agencies, State educational agencies, 
institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, or 
individuals. The grantee may award subgrants to entities it has 
identified in an approved application or that it selects through a 
competition under procedures established by the grantee.

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 December 7, 2022 (87 FR 75045) and available at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/12/07/2022-26554/common-instructions-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant-programs, which contain requirements and information on how to 
submit an application. Please note that these Common Instructions 
supersede the version published on December 27, 2021.
    2. Submission of Proprietary Information: Given the types of 
projects that may be proposed in applications for the IRS Program, your 
application may include business information that you consider 
proprietary. In 34 CFR 5.11 we define ``business information'' and 
describe the process we use in determining whether any of that 
information is proprietary and, thus, protected from disclosure under 
Exemption 4 of the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552, as 
amended).
    Because we plan to post on our website the abstracts of all funded 
applications, you may wish to request confidentiality of business 
information.
    Consistent with Executive Order 12600, please designate in your 
application any information that you believe is exempt from disclosure 
under Exemption 4. In the appropriate Appendix section of your 
application, under ``Other Attachments Form,'' please list the page 
number or numbers on which we can find this information. For additional 
information please see 34 CFR 5.11(c).
    3. Intergovernmental Review: This program is [is not] subject to 
Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79.
    4. Funding Restrictions: We reference regulations outlining funding 
restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice.
    5. Recommended Page Limit: The application narrative is where you, 
the applicant, address the selection criteria that reviewers use to 
evaluate your application. We recommend that you (1) limit the 
application narrative to no more than 25 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 Part I, Application 
for Federal Assistance cover sheet (SF 424); the Supplemental 
Information Form SF 424B; Part II, ED 524 (Summary Budget A) and the 
detailed budget justification (Summary Budget C); or Part IV, 
assurances, and certifications. The page limit also does not apply to 
the one-page abstract, the curriculum vitae, the bibliography, or the 
letters of support. However, the recommended page limit does apply to 
the entirety of the application narrative.

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V. Application Review Information

    1. Selection Criteria: The selection criteria for this competition 
are from 34 CFR 655.31, 660.31, 660.32, and 660.33 and are as follows:
    The total maximum score for the selection criteria and the 
competitive preference priority is 100 points for applications for 
Research, Studies, or Survey Projects and for Specialized Instructional 
Materials Projects, respectively.
    Applications for Research, Studies, or Survey Projects will be 
evaluated using the criteria in 34 CFR 655.31 and 660.32. Applications 
for Specialized Instructional Materials Projects will be evaluated 
using the selection criteria in 34 CFR 655.31 and 660.33.
    The Secretary evaluates all applications for a project under this 
program on the basis of the following criteria:
    (a) Plan of operation (up to 10 points).
    (1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that 
shows 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 ensures 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 provide equal 
access and treatment for eligible project participants who are members 
of groups that have been traditionally underrepresented, such as 
members of racial or ethnic minority groups, women, and handicapped 
persons.
    (b) Quality of key personnel (up to 10 points).
    (1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that 
shows the quality of the 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 (if one is to be 
used);
    (ii) The qualifications of each of the other key personnel to be 
used in the project. In the case of faculty, the qualifications of the 
faculty and the degree to which that faculty is directly involved in 
the actual teaching and supervision of students;
    (iii) The time that each person referred to in paragraphs (b)(2)(i) 
and (ii) of this section plans to commit to the project; and
    (iv) The extent to which the applicant, as part of its 
nondiscriminatory employment practices, encourages applications for 
employment from persons who are members of groups that have been 
traditionally underrepresented, such as members of racial or ethnic 
minority groups, women, handicapped persons, and the elderly.
    (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 (up to 5 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 (up to 10 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 methods of 
evaluation that are appropriate for the project and, to the extent 
possible, are objective and produce data that are quantifiable.
    (e) Adequacy of resources (up to 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--
    (i) Other than library, facilities that the applicant plans to use 
are adequate (language laboratory, museums, etc.); and
    (ii) The equipment and supplies that the applicant plans to use are 
adequate.
    In addition to the criteria above, under 34 CFR 660.32, the 
Secretary evaluates applications for Research, Studies, or Survey 
Projects on the basis of the following criteria:
    (a) Need for the project (up to 10 points). The Secretary reviews 
each application for information that shows--
    (1) A need for the proposed project in the field of study on which 
the project focuses; and
    (2) That the proposed project will provide information about the 
present and future needs of the United States for study in foreign 
language and other international fields.
    (b) Usefulness of expected results (up to 10 points). The Secretary 
reviews each application for information that shows the extent to which 
the results of the proposed project are likely to be used by other 
research projects or programs with similar objectives.
    (c) Development of new knowledge (up to 10 points). The Secretary 
reviews each application for information that shows the extent to which 
the proposed project is likely to develop new knowledge that will 
contribute to the purposes of the International Education Program 
authorized by part A of title VI of the HEA.
    (d) Formulation of problems and knowledge of related research (up 
to 10 points). The Secretary reviews each application for information 
that shows that problems, questions, or hypotheses to be dealt with by 
the applicant--
    (1) Are well formulated; and
    (2) Reflect adequate knowledge of related research.
    (e) Specificity of statement of procedures (up to 5 points). The 
Secretary reviews each application for the specificity and completeness 
of the statement of procedures to be followed, including a discussion 
of such components as sampling techniques, controls, data to be 
gathered, and statistical and other analyses to be undertaken.
    (f) Adequacy of methodology and scope of project (up to 10 points). 
The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows--
    (1) The adequacy of the proposed teaching, testing, and research 
methodology; and
    (2) The size, scope, and duration of the proposed project.
    In addition to the criteria above, under 34 CFR 660.33, the 
Secretary evaluates applications for Specialized Instructional 
Materials Projects on the basis of the following criteria:
    (a) Need for the project (up to 10 points). The Secretary reviews 
each application for information that shows--
    (1) The proposed materials are needed in the educational field of 
study on which the project focuses; and
    (2) The language or languages, the area, region, or country, or the 
issues or studies for which the materials are to be developed, are of 
sufficient priority and significance to the national interest to 
warrant financial support by the Federal Government.
    (b) Potential for the use of materials in other programs (up to 10 
points). The Secretary reviews each application for

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information that shows the extent to which the proposed materials may 
be used elsewhere in the United States.
    (c) Account of related materials (up to 5 points). The Secretary 
reviews each application for information that shows that--
    (1) All existing related or similar materials have been accounted 
for and the critical commentary on their adequacy is appropriate and 
accurate; and
    (2) The proposed materials will not duplicate any existing adequate 
materials.
    (d) Likelihood of achieving results (up to 10 points). The 
Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that the 
outlined methods and procedures for preparing the materials are 
practicable and can be expected to produce the anticipated results.
    (e) Expected contribution to other programs (up to 10 points). The 
Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the 
extent to which the proposed work may contribute significantly to 
strengthening, expanding, or improving programs of foreign language 
studies, area studies, or international studies in the United States.
    (f) Description of final form of materials (up to 5 points). The 
Secretary reviews each application for information that shows a high 
degree of specificity in the description of the contents and final form 
of the proposed materials.
    (g) Provisions for pretesting and revision (up to 5 points). The 
Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that 
adequate provision has been made for--
    (1) Pretesting the proposed materials; and
    (2) If necessary, revising the proposed materials before 
publication.
    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 program [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 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. 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.

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    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.
    Performance reports for the IRS program must be submitted 
electronically using the International Resource Information System 
(IRIS), the web-based reporting system for the International and 
Foreign Language Education office. For information about the system and 
to view the reporting instructions, please go to https://iris.ed.gov/iris/pdfs/IRS.pdf.
    5. Performance Measures: The following performance measures for 
this program have been established for the purpose of Department 
reporting under 34 CFR 75.110.
    a. The percentage of IRS projects that are focused on improving or 
strengthening K-16 instruction in less commonly taught languages, area 
studies, or other international fields.
    b. The percentage of IRS projects that are focused on evaluation of 
the outcomes and effectiveness of title VI programs in addressing 
national needs.
    c. The percentage of IRS projects that result in information from 
IRS studies, surveys, or research on language, area studies, and 
international studies being made available and accessible to the 
public.
    d. The cost per IRS project that is focused on improving or 
strengthening K-16 instruction in modern foreign languages, area 
studies, and other international fields.
    6. Continuation Awards: In making a continuation award under 34 CFR 
75.253, the Secretary considers, among other things: whether a grantee 
has made substantial progress in achieving the goals and objectives of 
the project; whether the grantee has expended funds in a manner that is 
consistent with its approved application and budget; and, if the 
Secretary has established performance measurement requirements, whether 
the grantee has made substantial progress in achieving 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 
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Nasser H. Paydar,
Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education.
[FR Doc. 2023-06341 Filed 3-27-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P