Applications for New Awards; Modeling and Simulation Program, 24780-24784 [2023-08586]
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Dated: April 19, 2023.
Stephanie Valentine,
PRA Coordinator, Strategic Collections and
Clearance, Governance and Strategy Division,
Office of Chief Data Officer, Office of
Planning, Evaluation and Policy
Development.
[FR Doc. 2023–08550 Filed 4–21–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Applications for New Awards;
Modeling and Simulation Program
Office of Postsecondary
Education, Department of Education.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
The Department of Education
(Department) is issuing a notice inviting
applications for new awards for fiscal
year (FY) 2023 for the Modeling and
Simulation Program (MSP), Assistance
Listing Number 84.116S. This notice
relates to the approved information
collection under OMB control number
1894–0006.
DATES:
Applications Available: April 24,
2023.
Deadline for Transmittal of
Applications: June 23, 2023.
Deadline for Intergovernmental
Review: August 22, 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/d/2022-26554.
Please note that these Common
Instructions supersede the version
published on December 27, 2021.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Robin M. Dabney, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW,
Room 2B117, Washington, DC 20202–
4260. Telephone: (202) 453–7908.
Email: Robin.Dabney@ed.gov.
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:
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SUMMARY:
Full Text of Announcement
I. Funding Opportunity Description
Purpose of Program: The MSP is
designed to promote the study of
modeling and simulation at institutions
of higher education (IHEs) through
collaboration with new and existing
programs, and specifically to promote
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the use of technology through the
creation of accurate models that can
simulate processes or recreate real life,
by—
(a) Establishing a task force at the
Department to raise awareness of and
define the study of modeling and
simulation;
(b) Providing grants to IHEs to
develop new modeling and simulation
degree programs; and
(c) Providing grants for IHEs to
enhance existing modeling and
simulation degree programs.
Background: According to House
Report 117–403, which accompanied
the FY 2023 appropriations bill for the
Departments of Labor, Health and
Human Services, and Education, and
related agencies, ‘‘modeling and
simulation technology has numerous
applications for Federal and State
governments and their partners in the
defense, education, gaming,
shipbuilding, and workforce training
sectors, allowing them to generate data
to help make decisions or predictions
about their systems.’’ 1 Modeling and
simulation programs can develop tools
or techniques in numerous industries to
support education and training where
they otherwise would be high risk or
hazardous in a real-world scenario.
Programs can also leverage modeling
simulation and technology, such as, but
not limited to, experiential learning
models, economic and predictive
modeling, and advanced data science
and analytics. This program seeks to
fund the development or enhancement
of degree programs focused on modeling
and simulation technology. Through
grant support, we hope to increase the
availability and capacity of such
programs in today’s world. In FY 2022,
the Department provided funding to
three IHEs to develop degree programs
in this field. Given the additional
funding for this program in FY 2023, the
Department will fund new projects to
expand opportunities for students who
are interested in pursuing this type of
degree program.
In addition, under the MSP, a task
force provides input into the
development of curriculum and
research on the instructional methods
and pedagogy needed to further develop
modeling and simulation programs. In
accordance with section 891(b)(1) of the
Higher Education Opportunity Act of
2008, as amended (HEA), the task force
will help to define the study of
modeling and simulation (including the
content of modeling and simulation
classes and programs), identify best
practices for such study, identify core
1 H.
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knowledge and skills that individuals
who participate in modeling and
simulation programs should acquire,
and provide recommendations to the
Secretary on these topics and on grants
distribution. Grantees under this
program will be members of the task
force.
Priorities: This notice contains two
absolute priorities and one invitational
priority. Applicants may only apply
under one of the two absolute priorities.
In accordance with 34 CFR
75.105(b)(2)(iv), the absolute priorities
are from section 891 of the HEA, 20
U.S.C. 1161v.
Absolute Priorities: For FY 2023 and
any subsequent year in which we make
awards from the list of unfunded
applications from this competition,
these priorities are absolute priorities.
Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(3) we consider
only applications that meet one of these
priorities. Applicants must specify
which absolute priority they are
responding to in their application
abstract and must respond to each
element of the selected absolute
priority.
These priorities are:
Absolute Priority 1—Enhancing
Modeling and Simulation at Institutions
of Higher Education.
To be considered for a grant under
this absolute priority, an eligible
institution must propose to enhance an
existing modeling and simulation
degree program, including a major,
minor, or career-track program, or an
existing certificate or concentration
program, and must include in its
application—
(a) A letter from the president or
provost of the eligible institution that
demonstrates the institution’s
commitment to the enhancement of the
modeling and simulation program at the
institution of higher education;
(b) An identification of designated
faculty responsible for the enhancement
of the institution’s modeling and
simulation program; and
(c) A detailed plan for how the grant
funds will be used to enhance a
modeling and simulation program of the
institution.
Absolute Priority 2—Establishing
Modeling and Simulation Programs.
To be considered for a grant under
this absolute priority, an eligible
institution must propose to establish, or
work toward the establishment of, a
modeling and simulation program,
including a major, minor, career-track,
certificate, or concentration program,
and must include in its application—
(a) A letter from the president or
provost of the eligible institution that
demonstrates the institution’s
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commitment to the establishment of a
modeling and simulation program at the
institution of higher education;
(b) A detailed plan for how the grant
funds will be used to establish a
modeling and simulation program at the
institution; and
(c) A description of how the modeling
and simulation program established
under this priority will complement
existing programs and fit into the
institution’s current program and course
offerings.
Invitational 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 invitational priority.
Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(1), we do not
give an application that meets this
invitational priority a competitive or
absolute preference over other
applications.
This priority is:
Promoting Equity in Student Access to
Educational Resources and
Opportunities.
Under this priority, an application
must demonstrate that the project will
be implemented by or in partnership
with one or more of the following
entities:
(a) Community colleges (as defined in
this notice).
(b) Historically Black colleges and
universities (as defined in this notice).
(c) Tribal Colleges and Universities
(as defined in this notice).
(d) Minority-serving institutions (as
defined in this notice).
Definitions: The definition of
‘‘modeling and simulation’’ is from
section 891 of the HEA. The definitions
of ‘‘demonstrates a rationale,’’ ‘‘logic
model,’’ ‘‘project component,’’ and
‘‘relevant outcome’’ are from 34 CFR
77.1.
Community college means ‘‘junior or
community college’’ as defined in
section 312(f) of the HEA, as amended.
Demonstrates a rationale means a key
project component included in the
project’s logic model is informed by
research or evaluation findings that
suggest the project component is likely
to improve relevant outcomes.
Historically Black colleges and
universities means colleges and
universities that meet the criteria set out
in 34 CFR 608.2.
Logic model (also referred to as a
theory of action) means a framework
that identifies key project components
of the proposed project (i.e., the active
‘‘ingredients’’ that are hypothesized to
be critical to achieving the relevant
outcomes) and describes the theoretical
and operational relationships among the
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key project components and relevant
outcomes.
Note: In developing logic models,
applicants may want to use resources
such as the Regional Educational
Laboratory Program’s (REL Pacific)
Education Logic Model Application,
available at https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/
edlabs/regions/pacific/elm.asp. Other
sources include: https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/
edlabs/regions/pacific/pdf/REL_
2014025.pdf, https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/
edlabs/regions/pacific/pdf/REL_
2014007.pdf, and https://ies.ed.gov/
ncee/edlabs/regions/northeast/pdf/REL_
2015057.pdf.
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.
Modeling and simulation means a
field of study related to the application
of computer science and mathematics to
develop a level of understanding of the
interaction of the parts of a system and
of a system as a whole.
Project component means an activity,
strategy, intervention, process, product,
practice, or policy included in a project.
Evidence may pertain to an individual
project component or to a combination
of project components (e.g., training
teachers on instructional practices for
English learners and follow-on coaching
for these teachers).
Relevant outcome means the student
outcome(s) or other outcome(s) the key
project component is designed to
improve, consistent with the specific
goals of the program.
Tribal College or University has the
meaning ascribed it in section 316(b)(3)
of the HEA.
Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1161v;
20 U.S.C. 1138–1138d; and the
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023
(Pub. L. 117–328).
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, 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 as regulations of
the Department in 2 CFR part 3474.
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II. Award Information
Type of Award: Discretionary grant.
Estimated Available Funds:
$7,920,000.
Approximately 50 percent of available
funds will be used to fund awards under
Absolute Priority 1, and approximately
50 percent of available funds will be
used to fund awards under Absolute
Priority 2.
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: $750,000
to $1,155,000.
Estimated Average Size of Awards:
$990,000.
Maximum Award: We will not make
an award exceeding $1,155,000 for the
entire budget period of 36 months.
Estimated Number of Awards: 8.
Note: The Department is not bound by
any estimates in this notice.
Note: Applicants must set aside
sufficient funds to carry out activities
related to task force participation. A
listing of line-item costs associated with
task force activities must include travel
for at least two or three grantee
representatives for two or three annual
meetings to be held in Washington, DC,
and/or site visits to organizations using
modeling and simulation technologies
to help expand awareness, and costs
associated with a white paper outlining
lessons learned from the enhanced or
established modeling and simulation
program.
Project Period: Up to 36 months.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants: A public or
private nonprofit institution of higher
education as defined in section 101(a) of
the HEA. Applicants must be eligible to
apply under either Absolute Priority 1
or Absolute Priority 2 as outlined in the
Absolute Priorities section. Applicants
applying under Absolute Priority 1 must
also be an institution of higher
education that has—
(a) An established modeling and
simulation degree program, including a
major, minor, or career-track program;
or
(b) An established modeling and
simulation certificate or concentration
program.
2. a. Cost Sharing or Matching: In
accordance with the requirements in
section 891(c)(1)(D) and (d)(1)(D) of the
HEA, each eligible institution receiving
a grant under this program must
provide, from non-Federal sources, in
cash or in-kind, an amount equal to 25
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percent of the amount of the grant to
carry out the activities supported by the
grant.
b. Indirect Cost Rate Information: This
program uses an unrestricted indirect
cost rate. For more information
regarding indirect costs, or to obtain a
negotiated indirect cost rate, please see
www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocfo/
intro.html.
c. Administrative Cost Limitation:
This program does not include any
program-specific limitation on
administrative expenses. All
administrative expenses must be
reasonable and necessary and conform
to Cost Principles described in 2 CFR
part 200 subpart E of the Uniform
Guidance.
3. Subgrantees: A grantee under this
competition may not award subgrants to
entities to directly carry out project
activities described in its application.
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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 www.federalregister.gov/d/
2022-26554, 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 MSP, 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 application narrative
sections of all MSP 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).
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3. Intergovernmental Review: This
competition 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
competition.
4. Funding Restrictions: In accordance
with section 891(c)(4) of the HEA, a
grant awarded under Absolute Priority
1, Enhancing Modeling and Simulation
at Institutions of Higher Education,
must be used by an eligible institution
to carry out a plan to enhance the
modeling and simulation program of the
institution, which may include—
(a) Introducing activities to assist in
the establishment of a major, minor, or
career-track modeling and simulation
program at the eligible institution;
(b) Expanding the multidisciplinary
nature of the institution’s modeling and
simulation programs;
(c) Recruiting students into the field
of modeling and simulation through the
provision of fellowships or
assistantships;
(d) Creating new courses to
complement existing courses and reflect
emerging developments in the modeling
and simulation field;
(e) Conducting research to support
new methodologies and techniques in
modeling and simulation; and
(f) Purchasing equipment necessary
for modeling and simulation programs.
In accordance with section 891(d)(3)
of the HEA, a grant awarded under
Absolute Priority 2, Establishing
Modeling and Simulation Programs,
may be used by an eligible institution
to—
(a) Establish, or work toward the
establishment of, a modeling and
simulation program, including a major,
minor, career-track, certificate, or
concentration program at the eligible
institution;
(b) Provide adequate staffing to ensure
the successful establishment of the
modeling and simulation program,
which may include the assignment of
full-time dedicated or supportive
faculty; and
(c) Purchase equipment necessary for
modeling and simulation program.
We reference additional regulations
outlining funding restrictions in the
Applicable Regulations section of this
notice.
5. Recommended Page Limit: The
application narrative is where you, the
applicant, address the selection criteria
that reviewers use to evaluate your
application. We recommend that you (1)
limit the application narrative to no
more than 50 pages and (2) use the
following standards:
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• 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,
the resumes, the bibliography, or the
letters of support. However, the
recommended page limit does apply to
all of the application narrative.
V. Application Review Information
1. Selection Criteria: The selection
criteria for this competition are from 34
CFR 75.210. The points assigned to each
criterion are indicated in parentheses
next to the criterion. An application
may earn up to a total of 100 points
based on the selection criteria. All
applications will be evaluated based on
the selection criteria as follows:
(a) Significance. (Maximum 25 points)
(1) The Secretary considers the
significance of the proposed project.
(2) In determining the significance of
the proposed project, the Secretary
considers the following factors:
(i) The extent to which the proposed
project is likely to yield findings that
may be utilized by other appropriate
agencies and organizations. (up to 5
points)
(ii) The extent to which the proposed
project involves the development or
demonstration of promising new
strategies that build on, or are
alternatives to, existing strategies. (up to
10 points)
(iii) The extent to which the results of
the proposed project are to be
disseminated in ways that will enable
others to use the information or
strategies. (up to 10 points)
(b) Quality of the project design.
(Maximum 50 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 there is a
conceptual framework underlying the
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proposed research or demonstration
activities and the quality of that
framework. (up to 10 points)
(ii) The extent to which the proposed
activities constitute a coherent,
sustained program of training in the
field. (up to 10 points)
(iii) 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.
(up to 10 points)
(iv) The extent to which the proposed
project represents an exceptional
approach to the priority or priorities
established for the competition. (up to
10 points)
(v) The extent to which the proposed
project demonstrates a rationale (as
defined in this notice). (up to 10 points)
(c) Quality of project personnel.
(Maximum 5 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. (up to 2
points)
(3) In addition, the Secretary
considers the qualifications, including
relevant training and experience, of the
project director or principal
investigator. (up to 3 points)
(d) Adequacy of resources. (Maximum
5 points)
(1) The Secretary considers the
adequacy of the resources for the
proposed project.
(2) In determining the adequacy of
resources for the proposed project, the
Secretary considers the adequacy of
support, including facilities, equipment,
supplies, and other resources, from the
applicant organization or the lead
applicant organization.
(e) Quality of the management plan.
(Maximum 5 points)
(1) The Secretary considers the
quality of the management plan for the
proposed project.
(2) In determining the quality of the
management plan for the proposed
project, the Secretary considers 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.
(f) Quality of the project evaluation.
(Maximum 10 points)
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(1) The Secretary considers the
quality of the evaluation to be
conducted of the proposed project.
(2) In determining the quality of the
evaluation, 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. (up to
5 points)
(ii) The extent to which the methods
of evaluation will provide performance
feedback and permit periodic
assessment of progress toward achieving
intended outcomes. (up to 5 points)
2. Review and Selection Process: We
remind potential applicants that in
reviewing applications in any
discretionary grant competition, the
Secretary may consider, under 34 CFR
75.217(d)(3), the past performance of the
applicant in carrying out a previous
award, such as the applicant’s use of
funds, achievement of project
objectives, and compliance with grant
conditions. The Secretary may also
consider whether the applicant failed to
submit a timely performance report or
submitted a report of unacceptable
quality.
In addition, in making a competitive
grant award, the Secretary requires
various assurances, including those
applicable to Federal civil rights laws
that prohibit discrimination in programs
or activities receiving Federal financial
assistance from the Department (34 CFR
100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).
For this competition, a panel of
external reviewers will read, prepare a
written evaluation of, and score all
eligible applications using the selection
criteria provided in this notice. The
individual scores of the reviewers will
be added and the sum divided by the
number of reviewers to determine the
peer review score. The Department may
use more than one tier of reviews in
evaluating grantees. The Department
will prepare a rank order of applications
based solely on the evaluation of their
quality according to the selection
criteria.
In the event there are two or more
applications with the same final score in
the rank order listing, and there are
insufficient funds to fully support each
of these applications, the Department
will apply the following procedure to
determine which application or
applications will receive an award:
First Tiebreaker: The first tiebreaker
will be the highest average score for the
selection criterion ‘‘Quality of the
Project Design.’’ If a tie remains, the
second tiebreaker will be utilized.
Second Tiebreaker: The second
tiebreaker will be the highest average
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score for the selection criterion
‘‘Significance.’’ If a tie remains, the
third tiebreaker will be utilized.
Third Tiebreaker: The third tiebreaker
will be the highest average score for the
selection criterion ‘‘Quality of the
Project Evaluation.’’ If a tie remains, the
fourth tiebreaker will be utilized.
Fourth Tiebreaker: The fourth
tiebreaker will be the highest average
score for the selection criterion
‘‘Adequacy of Resources.’’ If a tie
remains, the fifth tiebreaker will be
utilized.
Fifth Tiebreaker: The fifth tiebreaker
will be the application that proposes to
provide the highest non-Federal share
percentage, or the highest total dollar
match if non-Federal share percentages
are determined to be equal.
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
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
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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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:50 Apr 21, 2023
Jkt 259001
works, the license extends only to those
modifications that can be separately
identified and only to the extent that
open licensing is permitted under the
terms of any licenses or other legal
restrictions on the use of pre-existing
works. Additionally, a grantee or
subgrantee that is awarded competitive
grant funds must have a plan to
disseminate these public grant
deliverables. This dissemination plan
can be developed and submitted after
your application has been reviewed and
selected for funding. For additional
information on the open licensing
requirements please refer to 2 CFR
3474.20.
4. Reporting: (a) If you apply for a
grant under this competition, you must
ensure that you have in place the
necessary processes and systems to
comply with the reporting requirements
in 2 CFR part 170 should you receive
funding under the competition. This
does not apply if you have an exception
under 2 CFR 170.110(b).
(b) At the end of your project period,
you must submit a final performance
report, including financial information,
as directed by the Secretary. If you
receive a multiyear award, you must
submit an annual performance report
that provides the most current
performance and financial expenditure
information as directed by the Secretary
under 34 CFR 75.118. The Secretary
may also require more frequent
performance reports under 34 CFR
75.720(c). For specific requirements on
reporting, please go to www.ed.gov/
fund/grant/apply/appforms/
appforms.html.
5. Performance Measures: For the
purposes of the Department reporting
under 34 CFR 75.110, the Department
will use the following performance
measures to evaluate the success of the
MSP:
(a) The number of students enrolled
in the established and enhanced
modeling and simulation programs,
including major, minor, career-track,
certificate, and concentration programs.
(b) The number of new modeling and
simulation courses in established and
enhanced programs developed under
the MSP that reflect emerging
developments in the modeling and
simulation field.
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
PO 00000
Frm 00034
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 9990
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 accessible format that
may include Rich Text Format (RTF) or
text format (txt), a thumb drive, an MP3
file, braille, large print, audiotape, or
compact disc, or other accessible format.
Electronic Access to This Document:
The official version of this document is
the document published in the Federal
Register. You may access the official
edition of the Federal Register and the
Code of Federal Regulations at
www.govinfo.gov. At this site you can
view this document, as well as all other
documents of this Department
published in the Federal Register, in
text or Portable Document Format
(PDF). To use PDF you must have
Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is
available free at the site.
You may also access documents of the
Department published in the Federal
Register by using the article search
feature at www.federalregister.gov.
Specifically, through the advanced
search feature at this site, you can limit
your search to documents published by
the Department.
Nasser H. Paydar,
Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary
Education.
[FR Doc. 2023–08586 Filed 4–21–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000–01–P
E:\FR\FM\24APN1.SGM
24APN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 78 (Monday, April 24, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 24780-24784]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-08586]
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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Applications for New Awards; Modeling and Simulation Program
AGENCY: Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of Education.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Department of Education (Department) is issuing a notice
inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 2023 for the
Modeling and Simulation Program (MSP), Assistance Listing Number
84.116S. This notice relates to the approved information collection
under OMB control number 1894-0006.
DATES:
Applications Available: April 24, 2023.
Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: June 23, 2023.
Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: August 22, 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/d/2022-26554. Please note that these Common
Instructions supersede the version published on December 27, 2021.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robin M. Dabney, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 2B117, Washington, DC 20202-
4260. Telephone: (202) 453-7908. Email: [email protected].
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 MSP is designed to promote the study of
modeling and simulation at institutions of higher education (IHEs)
through collaboration with new and existing programs, and specifically
to promote the use of technology through the creation of accurate
models that can simulate processes or recreate real life, by--
(a) Establishing a task force at the Department to raise awareness
of and define the study of modeling and simulation;
(b) Providing grants to IHEs to develop new modeling and simulation
degree programs; and
(c) Providing grants for IHEs to enhance existing modeling and
simulation degree programs.
Background: According to House Report 117-403, which accompanied
the FY 2023 appropriations bill for the Departments of Labor, Health
and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies, ``modeling and
simulation technology has numerous applications for Federal and State
governments and their partners in the defense, education, gaming,
shipbuilding, and workforce training sectors, allowing them to generate
data to help make decisions or predictions about their systems.'' \1\
Modeling and simulation programs can develop tools or techniques in
numerous industries to support education and training where they
otherwise would be high risk or hazardous in a real-world scenario.
Programs can also leverage modeling simulation and technology, such as,
but not limited to, experiential learning models, economic and
predictive modeling, and advanced data science and analytics. This
program seeks to fund the development or enhancement of degree programs
focused on modeling and simulation technology. Through grant support,
we hope to increase the availability and capacity of such programs in
today's world. In FY 2022, the Department provided funding to three
IHEs to develop degree programs in this field. Given the additional
funding for this program in FY 2023, the Department will fund new
projects to expand opportunities for students who are interested in
pursuing this type of degree program.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ H. Rept. 117-403 at p. 291 (2023).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In addition, under the MSP, a task force provides input into the
development of curriculum and research on the instructional methods and
pedagogy needed to further develop modeling and simulation programs. In
accordance with section 891(b)(1) of the Higher Education Opportunity
Act of 2008, as amended (HEA), the task force will help to define the
study of modeling and simulation (including the content of modeling and
simulation classes and programs), identify best practices for such
study, identify core knowledge and skills that individuals who
participate in modeling and simulation programs should acquire, and
provide recommendations to the Secretary on these topics and on grants
distribution. Grantees under this program will be members of the task
force.
Priorities: This notice contains two absolute priorities and one
invitational priority. Applicants may only apply under one of the two
absolute priorities. In accordance with 34 CFR 75.105(b)(2)(iv), the
absolute priorities are from section 891 of the HEA, 20 U.S.C. 1161v.
Absolute Priorities: For FY 2023 and any subsequent year in which
we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this
competition, these priorities are absolute priorities. Under 34 CFR
75.105(c)(3) we consider only applications that meet one of these
priorities. Applicants must specify which absolute priority they are
responding to in their application abstract and must respond to each
element of the selected absolute priority.
These priorities are:
Absolute Priority 1--Enhancing Modeling and Simulation at
Institutions of Higher Education.
To be considered for a grant under this absolute priority, an
eligible institution must propose to enhance an existing modeling and
simulation degree program, including a major, minor, or career-track
program, or an existing certificate or concentration program, and must
include in its application--
(a) A letter from the president or provost of the eligible
institution that demonstrates the institution's commitment to the
enhancement of the modeling and simulation program at the institution
of higher education;
(b) An identification of designated faculty responsible for the
enhancement of the institution's modeling and simulation program; and
(c) A detailed plan for how the grant funds will be used to enhance
a modeling and simulation program of the institution.
Absolute Priority 2--Establishing Modeling and Simulation Programs.
To be considered for a grant under this absolute priority, an
eligible institution must propose to establish, or work toward the
establishment of, a modeling and simulation program, including a major,
minor, career-track, certificate, or concentration program, and must
include in its application--
(a) A letter from the president or provost of the eligible
institution that demonstrates the institution's
[[Page 24781]]
commitment to the establishment of a modeling and simulation program at
the institution of higher education;
(b) A detailed plan for how the grant funds will be used to
establish a modeling and simulation program at the institution; and
(c) A description of how the modeling and simulation program
established under this priority will complement existing programs and
fit into the institution's current program and course offerings.
Invitational 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 invitational priority. Under 34 CFR
75.105(c)(1), we do not give an application that meets this
invitational priority a competitive or absolute preference over other
applications.
This priority is:
Promoting Equity in Student Access to Educational Resources and
Opportunities.
Under this priority, an application must demonstrate that the
project will be implemented by or in partnership with one or more of
the following entities:
(a) Community colleges (as defined in this notice).
(b) Historically Black colleges and universities (as defined in
this notice).
(c) Tribal Colleges and Universities (as defined in this notice).
(d) Minority-serving institutions (as defined in this notice).
Definitions: The definition of ``modeling and simulation'' is from
section 891 of the HEA. The definitions of ``demonstrates a
rationale,'' ``logic model,'' ``project component,'' and ``relevant
outcome'' are from 34 CFR 77.1.
Community college means ``junior or community college'' as defined
in section 312(f) of the HEA, as amended.
Demonstrates a rationale means a key project component included in
the project's logic model is informed by research or evaluation
findings that suggest the project component is likely to improve
relevant outcomes.
Historically Black colleges and universities means colleges and
universities that meet the criteria set out in 34 CFR 608.2.
Logic model (also referred to as a theory of action) means a
framework that identifies key project components of the proposed
project (i.e., the active ``ingredients'' that are hypothesized to be
critical to achieving the relevant outcomes) and describes the
theoretical and operational relationships among the key project
components and relevant outcomes.
Note: In developing logic models, applicants may want to use
resources such as the Regional Educational Laboratory Program's (REL
Pacific) Education Logic Model Application, available at https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/pacific/elm.asp. Other sources include:
https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/pacific/pdf/REL_2014025.pdf,
https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/pacific/pdf/REL_2014007.pdf, and
https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/northeast/pdf/REL_2015057.pdf.
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.
Modeling and simulation means a field of study related to the
application of computer science and mathematics to develop a level of
understanding of the interaction of the parts of a system and of a
system as a whole.
Project component means an activity, strategy, intervention,
process, product, practice, or policy included in a project. Evidence
may pertain to an individual project component or to a combination of
project components (e.g., training teachers on instructional practices
for English learners and follow-on coaching for these teachers).
Relevant outcome means the student outcome(s) or other outcome(s)
the key project component is designed to improve, consistent with the
specific goals of the program.
Tribal College or University has the meaning ascribed it in section
316(b)(3) of the HEA.
Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1161v; 20 U.S.C. 1138-1138d; and the
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (Pub. L. 117-328).
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, 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 as regulations of the Department in 2 CFR
part 3474.
II. Award Information
Type of Award: Discretionary grant.
Estimated Available Funds: $7,920,000.
Approximately 50 percent of available funds will be used to fund
awards under Absolute Priority 1, and approximately 50 percent of
available funds will be used to fund awards under Absolute Priority 2.
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: $750,000 to $1,155,000.
Estimated Average Size of Awards: $990,000.
Maximum Award: We will not make an award exceeding $1,155,000 for
the entire budget period of 36 months.
Estimated Number of Awards: 8.
Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice.
Note: Applicants must set aside sufficient funds to carry out
activities related to task force participation. A listing of line-item
costs associated with task force activities must include travel for at
least two or three grantee representatives for two or three annual
meetings to be held in Washington, DC, and/or site visits to
organizations using modeling and simulation technologies to help expand
awareness, and costs associated with a white paper outlining lessons
learned from the enhanced or established modeling and simulation
program.
Project Period: Up to 36 months.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants: A public or private nonprofit institution
of higher education as defined in section 101(a) of the HEA. Applicants
must be eligible to apply under either Absolute Priority 1 or Absolute
Priority 2 as outlined in the Absolute Priorities section. Applicants
applying under Absolute Priority 1 must also be an institution of
higher education that has--
(a) An established modeling and simulation degree program,
including a major, minor, or career-track program; or
(b) An established modeling and simulation certificate or
concentration program.
2. a. Cost Sharing or Matching: In accordance with the requirements
in section 891(c)(1)(D) and (d)(1)(D) of the HEA, each eligible
institution receiving a grant under this program must provide, from
non-Federal sources, in cash or in-kind, an amount equal to 25
[[Page 24782]]
percent of the amount of the grant to carry out the activities
supported by the grant.
b. Indirect Cost Rate Information: This program uses an
unrestricted indirect cost rate. For more information regarding
indirect costs, or to obtain a negotiated indirect cost rate, please
see www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocfo/intro.html.
c. Administrative Cost Limitation: This program does not include
any program-specific limitation on administrative expenses. All
administrative expenses must be reasonable and necessary and conform to
Cost Principles described in 2 CFR part 200 subpart E of the Uniform
Guidance.
3. Subgrantees: A grantee under this competition may not award
subgrants to entities to directly carry out project activities
described in its application.
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
www.federalregister.gov/d/2022-26554, 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 MSP, 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 application
narrative sections of all MSP 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 competition 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
competition.
4. Funding Restrictions: In accordance with section 891(c)(4) of
the HEA, a grant awarded under Absolute Priority 1, Enhancing Modeling
and Simulation at Institutions of Higher Education, must be used by an
eligible institution to carry out a plan to enhance the modeling and
simulation program of the institution, which may include--
(a) Introducing activities to assist in the establishment of a
major, minor, or career-track modeling and simulation program at the
eligible institution;
(b) Expanding the multidisciplinary nature of the institution's
modeling and simulation programs;
(c) Recruiting students into the field of modeling and simulation
through the provision of fellowships or assistantships;
(d) Creating new courses to complement existing courses and reflect
emerging developments in the modeling and simulation field;
(e) Conducting research to support new methodologies and techniques
in modeling and simulation; and
(f) Purchasing equipment necessary for modeling and simulation
programs.
In accordance with section 891(d)(3) of the HEA, a grant awarded
under Absolute Priority 2, Establishing Modeling and Simulation
Programs, may be used by an eligible institution to--
(a) Establish, or work toward the establishment of, a modeling and
simulation program, including a major, minor, career-track,
certificate, or concentration program at the eligible institution;
(b) Provide adequate staffing to ensure the successful
establishment of the modeling and simulation program, which may include
the assignment of full-time dedicated or supportive faculty; and
(c) Purchase equipment necessary for modeling and simulation
program.
We reference additional regulations outlining funding restrictions
in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice.
5. Recommended Page Limit: The application narrative is where you,
the applicant, address the selection criteria that reviewers use to
evaluate your application. We recommend that you (1) limit the
application narrative to no more than 50 pages and (2) use the
following standards:
A ``page'' is 8.5'' x 11'', on one side only, with 1''
margins at the top, bottom, and both sides.
Double-space (no more than three lines per vertical inch)
all text in the application narrative, including titles, headings,
footnotes, quotations, references, and captions, as well as all text in
charts, tables, figures, and graphs.
Use a font that is either 12 point or larger, 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, the resumes,
the bibliography, or the letters of support. However, the recommended
page limit does apply to all of the application narrative.
V. Application Review Information
1. Selection Criteria: The selection criteria for this competition
are from 34 CFR 75.210. The points assigned to each criterion are
indicated in parentheses next to the criterion. An application may earn
up to a total of 100 points based on the selection criteria. All
applications will be evaluated based on the selection criteria as
follows:
(a) Significance. (Maximum 25 points)
(1) The Secretary considers the significance of the proposed
project.
(2) In determining the significance of the proposed project, the
Secretary considers the following factors:
(i) The extent to which the proposed project is likely to yield
findings that may be utilized by other appropriate agencies and
organizations. (up to 5 points)
(ii) The extent to which the proposed project involves the
development or demonstration of promising new strategies that build on,
or are alternatives to, existing strategies. (up to 10 points)
(iii) The extent to which the results of the proposed project are
to be disseminated in ways that will enable others to use the
information or strategies. (up to 10 points)
(b) Quality of the project design. (Maximum 50 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 there is a conceptual framework underlying
the
[[Page 24783]]
proposed research or demonstration activities and the quality of that
framework. (up to 10 points)
(ii) The extent to which the proposed activities constitute a
coherent, sustained program of training in the field. (up to 10 points)
(iii) 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. (up to 10 points)
(iv) The extent to which the proposed project represents an
exceptional approach to the priority or priorities established for the
competition. (up to 10 points)
(v) The extent to which the proposed project demonstrates a
rationale (as defined in this notice). (up to 10 points)
(c) Quality of project personnel. (Maximum 5 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. (up to 2 points)
(3) In addition, the Secretary considers the qualifications,
including relevant training and experience, of the project director or
principal investigator. (up to 3 points)
(d) Adequacy of resources. (Maximum 5 points)
(1) The Secretary considers the adequacy of the resources for the
proposed project.
(2) In determining the adequacy of resources for the proposed
project, the Secretary considers the adequacy of support, including
facilities, equipment, supplies, and other resources, from the
applicant organization or the lead applicant organization.
(e) Quality of the management plan. (Maximum 5 points)
(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the management plan for
the proposed project.
(2) In determining the quality of the management plan for the
proposed project, the Secretary considers 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.
(f) Quality of the project evaluation. (Maximum 10 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, 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. (up to 5 points)
(ii) The extent to which the methods of evaluation will provide
performance feedback and permit periodic assessment of progress toward
achieving intended outcomes. (up to 5 points)
2. Review and Selection Process: We remind potential applicants
that in reviewing applications in any discretionary grant competition,
the Secretary may consider, under 34 CFR 75.217(d)(3), the past
performance of the applicant in carrying out a previous award, such as
the applicant's use of funds, achievement of project objectives, and
compliance with grant conditions. The Secretary may also consider
whether the applicant failed to submit a timely performance report or
submitted a report of unacceptable quality.
In addition, in making a competitive grant award, the Secretary
requires various assurances, including those applicable to Federal
civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or
activities receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department
(34 CFR 100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).
For this competition, a panel of external reviewers will read,
prepare a written evaluation of, and score all eligible applications
using the selection criteria provided in this notice. The individual
scores of the reviewers will be added and the sum divided by the number
of reviewers to determine the peer review score. The Department may use
more than one tier of reviews in evaluating grantees. The Department
will prepare a rank order of applications based solely on the
evaluation of their quality according to the selection criteria.
In the event there are two or more applications with the same final
score in the rank order listing, and there are insufficient funds to
fully support each of these applications, the Department will apply the
following procedure to determine which application or applications will
receive an award:
First Tiebreaker: The first tiebreaker will be the highest average
score for the selection criterion ``Quality of the Project Design.'' If
a tie remains, the second tiebreaker will be utilized.
Second Tiebreaker: The second tiebreaker will be the highest
average score for the selection criterion ``Significance.'' If a tie
remains, the third tiebreaker will be utilized.
Third Tiebreaker: The third tiebreaker will be the highest average
score for the selection criterion ``Quality of the Project
Evaluation.'' If a tie remains, the fourth tiebreaker will be utilized.
Fourth Tiebreaker: The fourth tiebreaker will be the highest
average score for the selection criterion ``Adequacy of Resources.'' If
a tie remains, the fifth tiebreaker will be utilized.
Fifth Tiebreaker: The fifth tiebreaker will be the application that
proposes to provide the highest non-Federal share percentage, or the
highest total dollar match if non-Federal share percentages are
determined to be equal.
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 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
[[Page 24784]]
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.
4. Reporting: (a) If you apply for a grant under this competition,
you must ensure that you have in place the necessary processes and
systems to comply with the reporting requirements in 2 CFR part 170
should you receive funding under the competition. This does not apply
if you have an exception under 2 CFR 170.110(b).
(b) At the end of your project period, you must submit a final
performance report, including financial information, as directed by the
Secretary. If you receive a multiyear award, you must submit an annual
performance report that provides the most current performance and
financial expenditure information as directed by the Secretary under 34
CFR 75.118. The Secretary may also require more frequent performance
reports under 34 CFR 75.720(c). For specific requirements on reporting,
please go to www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html.
5. Performance Measures: For the purposes of the Department
reporting under 34 CFR 75.110, the Department will use the following
performance measures to evaluate the success of the MSP:
(a) The number of students enrolled in the established and enhanced
modeling and simulation programs, including major, minor, career-track,
certificate, and concentration programs.
(b) The number of new modeling and simulation courses in
established and enhanced programs developed under the MSP that reflect
emerging developments in the modeling and simulation field.
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
accessible format that may include Rich Text Format (RTF) or text
format (txt), a thumb drive, an MP3 file, braille, large print,
audiotape, or compact disc, or other accessible format.
Electronic Access to This Document: The official version of this
document is the document published in the Federal Register. You may
access the official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of
Federal Regulations at www.govinfo.gov. At this site you can view this
document, as well as all other documents of this Department published
in the Federal Register, in text or Portable Document Format (PDF). To
use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at
the site.
You may also access documents of the Department published in the
Federal Register by using the article search feature at
www.federalregister.gov. Specifically, through the advanced search
feature at this site, you can limit your search to documents published
by the Department.
Nasser H. Paydar,
Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education.
[FR Doc. 2023-08586 Filed 4-21-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P