Applications for New Awards; Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad Program, 85176-85180 [2024-24900]

Download as PDF 85176 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 207 / Friday, October 25, 2024 / Notices 833 435 1820 US Toll Free 833 568 8864 US Toll Free DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION International Numbers are available here: https://cftc-gov.zoomgov.com/u/ apUhB8EuL and will be posted on the CFTC’s website, https://www.cftc.gov, on the page for the meeting, under Related Links. Call-In/Webinar ID: 161 533 1062 Pass Code/Pin Code: 990545 Members of the public may also view a live webcast of the meeting via the https://www.cftc.gov website. The meeting agenda may change to accommodate other Committee priorities. For agenda updates and meeting materials, please visit https:// www.cftc.gov/About/ AdvisoryCommittees/GMAC. After the meeting, a transcript of the meeting will be published through a link on the CFTC’s website, https:// www.cftc.gov. Persons requiring special accommodations to attend the meeting because of a disability should notify the contact person above. (Authority: 5 U.S.C. 1009(a)(2).) Dated: October 22, 2024. Robert Sidman, Deputy Secretary of the Commission. [FR Doc. 2024–24918 Filed 10–24–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6351–01–P CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION Sunshine Act Meeting TIME AND DATE: Tuesday, October 29, 2024—9 a.m. Meeting will be at 4330 East West Highway, Bethesda, Maryland, Room 420. PLACE: Commission Meeting—Closed to the Public. STATUS: MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED: Meeting Matter: Briefing Matter. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 CONTACT PERSON FOR MORE INFORMATION: Alberta E. Mills, Office of the Secretary, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 4330 East West Highway, Bethesda, MD 20814, 301–504–7479 (Office) or 240–863–8938 (Cell). Dated: October 22, 2024. Alberta Mills, Commission Secretary. [FR Doc. 2024–24950 Filed 10–23–24; 11:15 am] BILLING CODE 6355–01–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:40 Oct 24, 2024 Jkt 265001 Applications for New Awards; Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad Program Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of Education. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Department of Education is issuing a notice inviting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2025 for the Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (GPA) Program. DATES: Applications Available: October 25, 2024. Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: January 21, 2025. Pre-Application Webinar information: The Department will hold a preapplication webinar for prospective applicants. Detailed information regarding this webinar will be provided on the GPA website at https:// www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/ grants-higher-education/ifle/fulbrighthays-group-projects-abroad-program. Additionally, for prospective applicants that have never received a grant from the Department and those that are interested in learning more about the process, please review the grant funding basics resource at https:// www.ed.gov/sites/ed/files/documents/ funding-101/funding-101-basics.pdf. Note: For new potential grantees unfamiliar with grantmaking at the Department, please consult our ‘‘Getting Started with Discretionary Grant Applications’’ web page at https:// www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/ apply-grant/getting-starteddiscretionary-grant-applications. 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/commoninstructions-for-applicants-todepartment-of-education-discretionarygrant-programs. Please note that these Common Instructions supersede the version published on December 27, 2021. SUMMARY: Cory Neal, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20202. Telephone: (202) 704–3437. Email: GPA@ed.gov. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability and wish to FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 access telecommunications relay services, please dial 7–1–1. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Full Text of Announcement I. Funding Opportunity Description Purpose of Program: The purpose of the Fulbright-Hays GPA Program is to promote, improve, and develop the study of modern foreign languages and area studies in the United States. The program provides opportunities for faculty, teachers, and undergraduate and graduate students to conduct group projects overseas. Projects may include either (1) short-term seminars, curriculum development, or group research or study, or (2) long-term advanced intensive language programs. This competition invites applicants to submit an application to request support for either a Fulbright-Hays GPA shortterm project (GPA short-term project 84.021A) or a Fulbright-Hays GPA longterm project (GPA long-term project 84.021B). Applicants must clearly indicate on the SF 424, the Application for Federal Assistance cover sheet, whether they are applying for a GPA short-term project (84.021A) or a GPA long-term project (84.021B). Additional submission requirements are included in the application package. There are three types of GPA shortterm projects: (1) short-term seminar projects of 4 to 6 weeks in length designed by the applicant to help participants integrate international studies into the curriculum at an institution of higher education (IHE) or a school system when they return to the United States, by focusing on a particular aspect of area studies, such as the culture of an area or country of study (34 CFR 664.11); (2) curriculum development projects of 4 to 8 weeks in length that provide participants the opportunity to acquire resource materials for curriculum development in modern foreign language and area studies for use and dissemination in the United States (34 CFR 664.12); and (3) group research or study projects of 3 to 12 months in duration designed to give participants the opportunity to undertake research or study in a foreign country (34 CFR 664.13). GPA long-term projects are advanced overseas intensive language programs designed by the applicant that may be carried out during a full year, an academic year, a semester, a trimester, a quarter, or a summer. GPA long-term projects provide participants an opportunity to use and strengthen their advanced language training while experiencing the culture in the foreign country. Participants should have E:\FR\FM\25OCN1.SGM 25OCN1 ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 207 / Friday, October 25, 2024 / Notices successfully completed at least 2 academic years of training in the language to be studied to be eligible to participate in a GPA intensive advanced language training program. In addition, the language to be studied must be indigenous to the host country and maximum use must be made of local institutions and personnel (34 CFR 664.14). Assistance Listing Numbers: 84.021A and 84.021B. OMB Control Number: 1840–0792. Priorities: This notice contains one absolute priority and five competitive preference priorities. In accordance with 34 CFR 75.105(b)(2)(ii), the absolute priority is from the regulations for this program (34 CFR 664.32). Competitive Preference Priorities 1 and 2 are from the Notice of Final Priorities and Definitions published in the Federal Register on June 16, 2016 (81 FR 39196) (the 2016 NFP); Competitive Preference Priorities 3 and 5 are from the regulations for this program (34 CFR 664.32); and Competitive Preference Priority 4 is from the Notice of Final Priorities published in the Federal Register on September 24, 2010 (75 FR 59050) (the 2010 NFP)). Absolute Priority: For FY 2025, and any subsequent year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this competition, this priority is an absolute priority. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(3), we consider only applications that meet this priority. This priority is: Specific Geographic Regions of the World. A group project that focuses on one or more of the following geographic regions of the world: Africa, East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific, the Western Hemisphere (Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean), Eastern and Central Europe and Eurasia, and the Near East. Competitive Preference Priorities: For FY 2025, there are five competitive preference priorities. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i), we award 3 additional points to an application that meets Competitive Preference Priority 1; 2 additional points to an application that meets Competitive Preference Priority 2; 2 additional points for short-term projects or 4 additional points for longterm projects to an application that meets Competitive Preference Priority 3; 2 additional points to an application that meets Competitive Preference Priority 4; and 2 additional points to an application that meets Competitive Preference Priority 5. Applicants for GPA short-term projects may address Competitive Preference Priorities 1, 3, 4, and 5. Applicants for GPA long-term VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:40 Oct 24, 2024 Jkt 265001 projects may address Competitive Preference Priorities 2 and 3. In the application narrative, an applicant must indicate the priority or priorities being addressed, provide a substantive description of how the proposed activities support the applicant’s selected priority or priorities, and provide documentation supporting such claims. These priorities are: Competitive Preference Priority 1— Applications for GPA Short-Term Projects from Selected Institutions and Organizations (3 Points). Applications for GPA short-term projects from the following types of institutions and organizations: • Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) (as defined in this notice); • Community colleges (as defined in this notice); • New applicants (as defined in this notice); or • State educational agencies (SEAs) (as defined in this notice). Competitive Preference Priority 2— Applications for GPA Long-Term Projects from MSIs (2 Points). Applications for GPA long-term advanced overseas intensive language training projects from MSIs. Competitive Preference Priority 3— Substantive Training and Thematic Focus on Less Commonly Taught Languages (2 Points for short-term projects or 4 Points for long-term projects). Applications that propose GPA shortterm projects (2 points) or GPA longterm projects (4 points) that provide substantive training and thematic focus on any modern foreign language except French, German, or Spanish. Competitive Preference Priority 4— Inclusion of K–12 Educators (2 Points). Applications that propose short-term projects abroad that develop and improve foreign language studies, area studies, or both at elementary and secondary schools by including K–12 teachers or K–12 administrators as at least 50 percent of the project participants. Competitive Preference Priority 5— Thematic Focus on Academic Fields (2 Points). Applications that propose short-term projects abroad in modern foreign languages and area studies with an academic focus on any of the following academic fields: science, technology, engineering, mathematics, computer science, education (comparative or international), international development, political science, public health, psychology, or economics. Definitions: The following definitions are from the 2016 NFP and apply to this competition. PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 85177 Community college means an institution that meets the definition in section 312(f) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA) (20 U.S.C. 1058(f)); or an IHE (as defined in section 101 of the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1001)) that awards degrees and certificates, more than 50 percent of which are not bachelor’s degrees (or an equivalent). Minority-serving institution (MSI) means an institution that is eligible to receive assistance under sections 316 through 320 of part A of title III, under part B of title III, or under title V of the HEA. Note: Historically Black Colleges and Universities that meet the criteria in 34 CFR 608.2, Hispanic-Serving Institutions that meet the criteria in 34 CFR 606.2(a), and institutions that meet the definition of Tribal Colleges or Universities in section 316(b)(3) of the HEA, are, among other qualifying institutions, ‘‘minority-serving institutions.’’ New applicant means any applicant that has not received a discretionary grant from the Department of Education under the Fulbright-Hays Act prior to the deadline date for applications under this program. State educational agency (SEA) means the State board of education or other agency or officer primarily responsible for the supervision of public elementary and secondary schools in a State. In the absence of this officer or agency, it is an officer or agency designated by the Governor or State law. Program Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6). Note: Projects 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 (OMB) 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 Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance 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 664. (e) The 2010 NFP. (f) The 2016 NFP. Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 86 apply to IHEs only. Note: As of October 1, 2024, grant applicants must follow the provisions stated in the OMB Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance (89 FR 30046, E:\FR\FM\25OCN1.SGM 25OCN1 85178 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 207 / Friday, October 25, 2024 / Notices April 22, 2024) when preparing an application. For more information about these regulations please visit: https:// www.cfo.gov/resources-coffa/uniformguidance/. II. Award Information Type of Award: Discretionary grants. Estimated Available Funds: The Administration has requested $8,249,000 for awards for the FulbrightHays Overseas program for FY 2025, of which we intend to use an estimated $3,350,510 for this competition. The actual level of funding, if any, depends on final congressional action. However, we are inviting applications to allow enough time to complete the grant process if Congress appropriates funds for this program. Contingent upon the availability of funds and the quality of applications, we may make additional awards in future fiscal years from the list of unfunded applications from this competition. Estimated Range of Awards: GPA short-term projects: $50,000– $180,000. GPA long-term projects: $50,000– $300,000. Estimated Average Size of Awards: GPA short-term projects: $120,000. GPA long-term projects: $250,000. Maximum Award: We will not make a GPA short-term award exceeding $180,000 for a single project period of 18 months. We will not make a GPA long-term project award exceeding $300,000 for a single project period of 24 months. Estimated Number of Awards: 20. GPA short-term projects: 13. GPA long-term projects: 7. Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice. Project Period: GPA short-term projects: Up to 18 months. GPA long-term projects: Up to 24 months. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 III. Eligibility Information 1.a. Eligible Applicants: (1) IHEs, (2) State departments of education, (3) private nonprofit educational organizations, and (4) consortia of these entities. b. Eligible Participants: Citizens, nationals, or permanent residents of the United States, who are (1) faculty members who teach modern foreign languages or area studies at an IHE; (2) teachers in elementary or secondary schools; (3) experienced education administrators responsible for planning, conducting, or supervising programs in modern foreign language or area studies at the elementary, secondary, or VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:40 Oct 24, 2024 Jkt 265001 postsecondary levels; or (4) graduate students, or juniors or seniors in an IHE, who plan teaching careers in modern foreign languages or area studies. Note: If you are a nonprofit organization, under 34 CFR 75.51, you may demonstrate your nonprofit status by providing: (1) proof that the Internal Revenue Service currently recognizes the applicant as an organization to which contributions are tax deductible under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; (2) a statement from a State taxing body or the State attorney general certifying that the organization is a nonprofit organization operating within the State and that no part of its net earnings may lawfully benefit any private shareholder or individual; (3) a certified copy of the applicant’s certificate of incorporation or similar document if it clearly establishes the nonprofit status of the applicant; or (4) any item described above if that item applies to a State or national parent organization, together with a statement by the State or parent organization that the applicant is a local nonprofit affiliate. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching: This program does not require cost sharing or matching. 3. Subgrantees: A grantee under this competition may not award subgrants to entities to directly carry out project activities described in its application. 4. Build America, Buy America Act: This program is not subject to the Build America, Buy America Act (Pub. L. 117– 58) domestic sourcing requirements. 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/ documents/2022/12/07/2022-26554/ common-instructions-for-applicants-todepartment-of-education-discretionarygrant-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. Intergovernmental Review: This program is not subject to Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79. 3. Funding Restrictions: We specify unallowable costs in 34 CFR 664.33. We reference additional regulations outlining funding restrictions in the PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Applicable Regulations section of this notice. 4. Recommended Page Limit: The application narrative is where you, the applicant, address the selection criteria that reviewers use to evaluate your application. We recommend that you (1) limit the application narrative to no more than 40 pages and (2) use the following standards: • A ‘‘page’’ is 8.5″ × 11″, on one side only, with 1″ margins at the top, bottom, and both sides. • Double-space (no more than three lines per vertical inch) all text in the application narrative, including titles, headings, footnotes, quotations, references, and captions, as well as all text in charts, tables, figures, and graphs. • Use a font that is either 12 point or larger, or no smaller than 10 pitch (characters per inch). • Use one of the following fonts: Times New Roman, Courier, Courier New, or Arial. The recommended page limit does not apply to the cover sheet or budget section, including the narrative budget justification; the assurance and certifications; or the one-page abstract, the resumes, the biography, or letters of support. However, the recommended page limit does apply to all of the application narrative. V. Application Review Information 1. Selection Criteria: The selection criteria for this program are from 34 CFR 664.31 and are as follows: (a) Plan of operation. (20 points) (1) The Secretary reviews each application for information to determine the quality of the plan of operation for the project. (2) The Secretary looks for information that shows— (i) High quality in the design of the project; (ii) An effective plan of management that 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 ensure that project participants who are otherwise eligible to participate are selected without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, or handicapping condition. (b) Quality of key personnel. (10 points) (1) The Secretary reviews each application for information to determine the quality of key personnel the applicant plans to use on the project. E:\FR\FM\25OCN1.SGM 25OCN1 ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 207 / Friday, October 25, 2024 / Notices (2) The Secretary looks for information that shows— (i) The qualifications of the project director; (ii) The qualifications of each of the other key personnel to be used in the project; (iii) The time that each person referred to in paragraphs (b)(2)(i) and (ii) of this section will commit to the project; and (iv) The extent to which the applicant, as part of its nondiscriminatory employment practices, will ensure that its personnel are selected for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, or handicapping condition. (3) To determine the qualifications of a person, the Secretary considers evidence of past experience and training in fields related to the objectives of the project as well as other information that the applicant provides. (c) Budget and cost effectiveness. (10 points) (1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that the project has an adequate budget and is cost effective. (2) The Secretary looks for information that shows— (i) The budget for the project is adequate to support the project activities; and (ii) Costs are reasonable in relation to the objectives of the project. (d) Evaluation plan. (20 points) (1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the quality of the evaluation plan for the project. (2) The Secretary looks for information that shows that the methods of evaluation are appropriate for the project and, to the extent possible, are objective and produce data that are quantifiable. (e) Adequacy of resources. (5 points) (1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that the applicant plans to devote adequate resources to the project. (2) The Secretary looks for information that shows that the facilities, equipment, and supplies that the applicant plans to use are adequate. (f) Specific program criteria. (35 points) (1) In addition to the general selection criteria contained in this section, the Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that the project meets the specific program criteria. (2) The Secretary looks for information that shows— (i) The potential impact of the project on the development of the study of modern foreign languages and area VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:40 Oct 24, 2024 Jkt 265001 studies in American education. (15 points) (ii) The project’s relevance to the applicant’s educational goals and its relationship to its program development in modern foreign languages and area studies. (10 points) (iii) The extent to which direct experience abroad is necessary to achieve the project’s objectives and the effectiveness with which relevant host country resources will be utilized. (10 points) 2. Review and Selection Process: We remind potential applicants that in reviewing applications in any discretionary grant competition, the Secretary may consider, under 34 CFR 75.217(d)(3), the past performance of the applicant in carrying out a previous award, such as the applicant’s use of funds, achievement of project objectives, and compliance with grant conditions. The Secretary may also consider whether the applicant failed to submit a timely performance report or submitted a report of unacceptable quality. In addition, in making a competitive grant award, the Secretary requires various assurances, including those applicable to Federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department (34 CFR 100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23). For FY 2025, proposed GPA shortterm and GPA long-term projects will be reviewed by peer review panels with expertise in the geographic area that is the focus of the application. The International and Foreign Language Education office will prepare separate rank order slates for GPA short-term projects and GPA long-term projects recommended for new awards in FY 2025. Each slate will include the peer reviewers’ scores for all applications evaluated, from the highest score to the lowest score. In cases where several applications have the same final numerical score in the rank order listing, and there are insufficient funds to support all tied applications, the scores under selection criterion (f)(2)(iii) will be used as a tiebreaker. If the scores remain tied, then the scores under selection criterion (f)(2)(i) will be used to break the tie. Finally, please note that in accordance with 34 CFR 664.30(c), the Secretary does not recommend a project to the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board if the applicant proposes to carry it out in a country in which the United States does not have diplomatic representation. 3. Risk Assessment and Specific Conditions: Consistent with 2 CFR PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 85179 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 (SAM). 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 Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance 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 E:\FR\FM\25OCN1.SGM 25OCN1 85180 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 207 / Friday, October 25, 2024 / Notices ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 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 also may notify you informally. 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:40 Oct 24, 2024 Jkt 265001 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 https:// www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/ apply-grant/grant-application-andother-forms. 5. Performance Measures: For the purposes of Department reporting under 34 CFR 75.110, the following measure will be used by the Department to evaluate the success of the GPA shortterm program: the percentage of GPA short-term project participants who disseminated information about or materials from their group project abroad through more than one outreach activity within 6 months of returning to their home institution. The following measure will be used by the Department to evaluate the success of the GPA longterm program: the percentage of GPA long-term project participants who increased their reading, writing, and/or listening/speaking foreign language scores by one proficiency level. The efficiency of the GPA long-term program will be measured by considering the cost per GPA participant who increased his/her foreign language score in reading, writing, and/or listening/ speaking by at least one proficiency level. The information provided by grantees in their performance reports submitted via the International Resource Information System (IRIS) will be the source of data for this measure. Reporting screens for institutions can be viewed at: https://iris.ed.gov/iris/pdfs/ gpa_director.pdf and https://iris.ed.gov/ iris/pdfs/gpa_participant.pdf. VII. Other Information Accessible Format: On request to the program contact person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 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 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 file, braille, large print, audiotape, 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 Department documents 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 Department documents 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. 2024–24900 Filed 10–24–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Notice of Availability: Opportunity for Public Feedback on the GovernmentCreditor Agreement Office of Infrastructure, Department of Energy. ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments. AGENCY: The Department of Energy (DOE or the Department) Office of Infrastructure is providing notice to the public of an informal opportunity to comment on DOE’s GovernmentCreditor Agreement (GCA), which is a proposed agreement setting forth the relative rights and responsibilities between DOE and entities having a secured interest in DOE-funded tangible property or property provided as cost share in a DOE financial assistance award. The Department seeks input from interested stakeholders but especially encourages lenders and their counsels to provide feedback, particularly on whether there are aspects of the GCA that may prevent lenders from participating in a financing that includes a DOE financial assistance award. This is an informal opportunity to comment on the GCA, but DOE intends to make public a summary of comments received by general topic area as well as the finalized version of the GCA. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\25OCN1.SGM 25OCN1

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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 207 (Friday, October 25, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 85176-85180]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-24900]


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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION


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

AGENCY: Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of Education.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Education is issuing a notice inviting 
applications for fiscal year (FY) 2025 for the Fulbright-Hays Group 
Projects Abroad (GPA) Program.

DATES: 
    Applications Available: October 25, 2024.
    Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: January 21, 2025.
    Pre-Application Webinar information: The Department will hold a 
pre-application webinar for prospective applicants. Detailed 
information regarding this webinar will be provided on the GPA website 
at https://www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/grants-higher-education/ifle/fulbright-hays-group-projects-abroad-program.
    Additionally, for prospective applicants that have never received a 
grant from the Department and those that are interested in learning 
more about the process, please review the grant funding basics resource 
at https://www.ed.gov/sites/ed/files/documents/funding-101/funding-101-basics.pdf.
    Note: For new potential grantees unfamiliar with grantmaking at the 
Department, please consult our ``Getting Started with Discretionary 
Grant Applications'' web page at https://www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/apply-grant/getting-started-discretionary-grant-applications.

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: Cory Neal, U.S. Department of 
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20202. Telephone: 
(202) 704-3437. 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 purpose of the Fulbright-Hays GPA Program 
is to promote, improve, and develop the study of modern foreign 
languages and area studies in the United States. The program provides 
opportunities for faculty, teachers, and undergraduate and graduate 
students to conduct group projects overseas. Projects may include 
either (1) short-term seminars, curriculum development, or group 
research or study, or (2) long-term advanced intensive language 
programs.
    This competition invites applicants to submit an application to 
request support for either a Fulbright-Hays GPA short-term project (GPA 
short-term project 84.021A) or a Fulbright-Hays GPA long-term project 
(GPA long-term project 84.021B). Applicants must clearly indicate on 
the SF 424, the Application for Federal Assistance cover sheet, whether 
they are applying for a GPA short-term project (84.021A) or a GPA long-
term project (84.021B). Additional submission requirements are included 
in the application package.
    There are three types of GPA short-term projects: (1) short-term 
seminar projects of 4 to 6 weeks in length designed by the applicant to 
help participants integrate international studies into the curriculum 
at an institution of higher education (IHE) or a school system when 
they return to the United States, by focusing on a particular aspect of 
area studies, such as the culture of an area or country of study (34 
CFR 664.11); (2) curriculum development projects of 4 to 8 weeks in 
length that provide participants the opportunity to acquire resource 
materials for curriculum development in modern foreign language and 
area studies for use and dissemination in the United States (34 CFR 
664.12); and (3) group research or study projects of 3 to 12 months in 
duration designed to give participants the opportunity to undertake 
research or study in a foreign country (34 CFR 664.13).
    GPA long-term projects are advanced overseas intensive language 
programs designed by the applicant that may be carried out during a 
full year, an academic year, a semester, a trimester, a quarter, or a 
summer. GPA long-term projects provide participants an opportunity to 
use and strengthen their advanced language training while experiencing 
the culture in the foreign country. Participants should have

[[Page 85177]]

successfully completed at least 2 academic years of training in the 
language to be studied to be eligible to participate in a GPA intensive 
advanced language training program. In addition, the language to be 
studied must be indigenous to the host country and maximum use must be 
made of local institutions and personnel (34 CFR 664.14).
    Assistance Listing Numbers: 84.021A and 84.021B.
    OMB Control Number: 1840-0792.
    Priorities: This notice contains one absolute priority and five 
competitive preference priorities. In accordance with 34 CFR 
75.105(b)(2)(ii), the absolute priority is from the regulations for 
this program (34 CFR 664.32). Competitive Preference Priorities 1 and 2 
are from the Notice of Final Priorities and Definitions published in 
the Federal Register on June 16, 2016 (81 FR 39196) (the 2016 NFP); 
Competitive Preference Priorities 3 and 5 are from the regulations for 
this program (34 CFR 664.32); and Competitive Preference Priority 4 is 
from the Notice of Final Priorities published in the Federal Register 
on September 24, 2010 (75 FR 59050) (the 2010 NFP)).
    Absolute Priority: For FY 2025, and any subsequent year in which we 
make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this 
competition, this priority is an absolute priority. Under 34 CFR 
75.105(c)(3), we consider only applications that meet this priority.
    This priority is:
    Specific Geographic Regions of the World.
    A group project that focuses on one or more of the following 
geographic regions of the world: Africa, East Asia, South Asia, 
Southeast Asia and the Pacific, the Western Hemisphere (Central and 
South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean), Eastern and Central Europe 
and Eurasia, and the Near East.
    Competitive Preference Priorities: For FY 2025, there are five 
competitive preference priorities. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i), we 
award 3 additional points to an application that meets Competitive 
Preference Priority 1; 2 additional points to an application that meets 
Competitive Preference Priority 2; 2 additional points for short-term 
projects or 4 additional points for long-term projects to an 
application that meets Competitive Preference Priority 3; 2 additional 
points to an application that meets Competitive Preference Priority 4; 
and 2 additional points to an application that meets Competitive 
Preference Priority 5. Applicants for GPA short-term projects may 
address Competitive Preference Priorities 1, 3, 4, and 5. Applicants 
for GPA long-term projects may address Competitive Preference 
Priorities 2 and 3. In the application narrative, an applicant must 
indicate the priority or priorities being addressed, provide a 
substantive description of how the proposed activities support the 
applicant's selected priority or priorities, and provide documentation 
supporting such claims.
    These priorities are:
    Competitive Preference Priority 1--Applications for GPA Short-Term 
Projects from Selected Institutions and Organizations (3 Points).
    Applications for GPA short-term projects from the following types 
of institutions and organizations:
     Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) (as defined in this 
notice);
     Community colleges (as defined in this notice);
     New applicants (as defined in this notice); or
     State educational agencies (SEAs) (as defined in this 
notice).
    Competitive Preference Priority 2--Applications for GPA Long-Term 
Projects from MSIs (2 Points).
    Applications for GPA long-term advanced overseas intensive language 
training projects from MSIs.
    Competitive Preference Priority 3--Substantive Training and 
Thematic Focus on Less Commonly Taught Languages (2 Points for short-
term projects or 4 Points for long-term projects).
    Applications that propose GPA short-term projects (2 points) or GPA 
long-term projects (4 points) that provide substantive training and 
thematic focus on any modern foreign language except French, German, or 
Spanish.
    Competitive Preference Priority 4--Inclusion of K-12 Educators (2 
Points).
    Applications that propose short-term projects abroad that develop 
and improve foreign language studies, area studies, or both at 
elementary and secondary schools by including K-12 teachers or K-12 
administrators as at least 50 percent of the project participants.
    Competitive Preference Priority 5--Thematic Focus on Academic 
Fields (2 Points).
    Applications that propose short-term projects abroad in modern 
foreign languages and area studies with an academic focus on any of the 
following academic fields: science, technology, engineering, 
mathematics, computer science, education (comparative or 
international), international development, political science, public 
health, psychology, or economics.
    Definitions: The following definitions are from the 2016 NFP and 
apply to this competition.
    Community college means an institution that meets the definition in 
section 312(f) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA) 
(20 U.S.C. 1058(f)); or an IHE (as defined in section 101 of the HEA 
(20 U.S.C. 1001)) that awards degrees and certificates, more than 50 
percent of which are not bachelor's degrees (or an equivalent).
    Minority-serving institution (MSI) means an institution that is 
eligible to receive assistance under sections 316 through 320 of part A 
of title III, under part B of title III, or under title V of the HEA.
    Note: Historically Black Colleges and Universities that meet the 
criteria in 34 CFR 608.2, Hispanic-Serving Institutions that meet the 
criteria in 34 CFR 606.2(a), and institutions that meet the definition 
of Tribal Colleges or Universities in section 316(b)(3) of the HEA, 
are, among other qualifying institutions, ``minority-serving 
institutions.''
    New applicant means any applicant that has not received a 
discretionary grant from the Department of Education under the 
Fulbright-Hays Act prior to the deadline date for applications under 
this program.
    State educational agency (SEA) means the State board of education 
or other agency or officer primarily responsible for the supervision of 
public elementary and secondary schools in a State. In the absence of 
this officer or agency, it is an officer or agency designated by the 
Governor or State law.
    Program Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6).
    Note: Projects 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 (OMB) 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 Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance 
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 664. (e) The 2010 NFP. (f) The 2016 NFP.
    Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 86 apply to IHEs only.
    Note: As of October 1, 2024, grant applicants must follow the 
provisions stated in the OMB Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance 
(89 FR 30046,

[[Page 85178]]

April 22, 2024) when preparing an application. For more information 
about these regulations please visit: https://www.cfo.gov/resources-coffa/uniform-guidance/.

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Discretionary grants.
    Estimated Available Funds: The Administration has requested 
$8,249,000 for awards for the Fulbright-Hays Overseas program for FY 
2025, of which we intend to use an estimated $3,350,510 for this 
competition. The actual level of funding, if any, depends on final 
congressional action. However, we are inviting applications to allow 
enough time to complete the grant process if Congress appropriates 
funds for this program.
    Contingent upon the availability of funds and the quality of 
applications, we may make additional awards in future fiscal years from 
the list of unfunded applications from this competition.
    Estimated Range of Awards:
    GPA short-term projects: $50,000-$180,000.
    GPA long-term projects: $50,000-$300,000.
    Estimated Average Size of Awards:
    GPA short-term projects: $120,000.
    GPA long-term projects: $250,000.
    Maximum Award: We will not make a GPA short-term award exceeding 
$180,000 for a single project period of 18 months. We will not make a 
GPA long-term project award exceeding $300,000 for a single project 
period of 24 months.
    Estimated Number of Awards: 20.
    GPA short-term projects: 13.
    GPA long-term projects: 7.
    Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice.
    Project Period:
    GPA short-term projects: Up to 18 months.
    GPA long-term projects: Up to 24 months.

III. Eligibility Information

    1.a. Eligible Applicants: (1) IHEs, (2) State departments of 
education, (3) private nonprofit educational organizations, and (4) 
consortia of these entities.
    b. Eligible Participants: Citizens, nationals, or permanent 
residents of the United States, who are (1) faculty members who teach 
modern foreign languages or area studies at an IHE; (2) teachers in 
elementary or secondary schools; (3) experienced education 
administrators responsible for planning, conducting, or supervising 
programs in modern foreign language or area studies at the elementary, 
secondary, or postsecondary levels; or (4) graduate students, or 
juniors or seniors in an IHE, who plan teaching careers in modern 
foreign languages or area studies.
    Note: If you are a nonprofit organization, under 34 CFR 75.51, you 
may demonstrate your nonprofit status by providing: (1) proof that the 
Internal Revenue Service currently recognizes the applicant as an 
organization to which contributions are tax deductible under section 
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; (2) a statement from a State 
taxing body or the State attorney general certifying that the 
organization is a nonprofit organization operating within the State and 
that no part of its net earnings may lawfully benefit any private 
shareholder or individual; (3) a certified copy of the applicant's 
certificate of incorporation or similar document if it clearly 
establishes the nonprofit status of the applicant; or (4) any item 
described above if that item applies to a State or national parent 
organization, together with a statement by the State or parent 
organization that the applicant is a local nonprofit affiliate.
    2. Cost Sharing or Matching: This program does not require cost 
sharing or matching.
    3. Subgrantees: A grantee under this competition may not award 
subgrants to entities to directly carry out project activities 
described in its application.
    4. Build America, Buy America Act: This program is not subject to 
the Build America, Buy America Act (Pub. L. 117-58) domestic sourcing 
requirements.

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/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. Intergovernmental Review: This program is not subject to 
Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79.
    3. Funding Restrictions: We specify unallowable costs in 34 CFR 
664.33. We reference additional regulations outlining funding 
restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice.
    4. Recommended Page Limit: The application narrative is where you, 
the applicant, address the selection criteria that reviewers use to 
evaluate your application. We recommend that you (1) limit the 
application narrative to no more than 40 pages and (2) use the 
following standards:
     A ``page'' is 8.5'' x 11'', on one side only, with 1'' 
margins at the top, bottom, and both sides.
     Double-space (no more than three lines per vertical inch) 
all text in the application narrative, including titles, headings, 
footnotes, quotations, references, and captions, as well as all text in 
charts, tables, figures, and graphs.
     Use a font that is either 12 point or larger, or no 
smaller than 10 pitch (characters per inch).
     Use one of the following fonts: Times New Roman, Courier, 
Courier New, or Arial.
    The recommended page limit does not apply to the cover sheet or 
budget section, including the narrative budget justification; the 
assurance and certifications; or the one-page abstract, the resumes, 
the biography, or letters of support. However, the recommended page 
limit does apply to all of the application narrative.

V. Application Review Information

    1. Selection Criteria: The selection criteria for this program are 
from 34 CFR 664.31 and are as follows:
    (a) Plan of operation. (20 points)
    (1) The Secretary reviews each application for information to 
determine the quality of the plan of operation for the project.
    (2) The Secretary looks for information that shows--
    (i) High quality in the design of the project;
    (ii) An effective plan of management that 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 ensure that 
project participants who are otherwise eligible to participate are 
selected without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, 
or handicapping condition.
    (b) Quality of key personnel. (10 points)
    (1) The Secretary reviews each application for information to 
determine the quality of key personnel the applicant plans to use on 
the project.

[[Page 85179]]

    (2) The Secretary looks for information that shows--
    (i) The qualifications of the project director;
    (ii) The qualifications of each of the other key personnel to be 
used in the project;
    (iii) The time that each person referred to in paragraphs (b)(2)(i) 
and (ii) of this section will commit to the project; and
    (iv) The extent to which the applicant, as part of its 
nondiscriminatory employment practices, will ensure that its personnel 
are selected for employment without regard to race, color, national 
origin, gender, age, or handicapping condition.
    (3) To determine the qualifications of a person, the Secretary 
considers evidence of past experience and training in fields related to 
the objectives of the project as well as other information that the 
applicant provides.
    (c) Budget and cost effectiveness. (10 points)
    (1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that 
shows that the project has an adequate budget and is cost effective.
    (2) The Secretary looks for information that shows--
    (i) The budget for the project is adequate to support the project 
activities; and
    (ii) Costs are reasonable in relation to the objectives of the 
project.
    (d) Evaluation plan. (20 points)
    (1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that 
shows the quality of the evaluation plan for the project.
    (2) The Secretary looks for information that shows that the methods 
of evaluation are appropriate for the project and, to the extent 
possible, are objective and produce data that are quantifiable.
    (e) Adequacy of resources. (5 points)
    (1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that 
shows that the applicant plans to devote adequate resources to the 
project.
    (2) The Secretary looks for information that shows that the 
facilities, equipment, and supplies that the applicant plans to use are 
adequate.
    (f) Specific program criteria. (35 points)
    (1) In addition to the general selection criteria contained in this 
section, the Secretary reviews each application for information that 
shows that the project meets the specific program criteria.
    (2) The Secretary looks for information that shows--
    (i) The potential impact of the project on the development of the 
study of modern foreign languages and area studies in American 
education. (15 points)
    (ii) The project's relevance to the applicant's educational goals 
and its relationship to its program development in modern foreign 
languages and area studies. (10 points)
    (iii) The extent to which direct experience abroad is necessary to 
achieve the project's objectives and the effectiveness with which 
relevant host country resources will be utilized. (10 points)
    2. Review and Selection Process: We remind potential applicants 
that in reviewing applications in any discretionary grant competition, 
the Secretary may consider, under 34 CFR 75.217(d)(3), the past 
performance of the applicant in carrying out a previous award, such as 
the applicant's use of funds, achievement of project objectives, and 
compliance with grant conditions. The Secretary may also consider 
whether the applicant failed to submit a timely performance report or 
submitted a report of unacceptable quality.
    In addition, in making a competitive grant award, the Secretary 
requires various assurances, including those applicable to Federal 
civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or 
activities receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department 
(34 CFR 100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).
    For FY 2025, proposed GPA short-term and GPA long-term projects 
will be reviewed by peer review panels with expertise in the geographic 
area that is the focus of the application. The International and 
Foreign Language Education office will prepare separate rank order 
slates for GPA short-term projects and GPA long-term projects 
recommended for new awards in FY 2025. Each slate will include the peer 
reviewers' scores for all applications evaluated, from the highest 
score to the lowest score. In cases where several applications have the 
same final numerical score in the rank order listing, and there are 
insufficient funds to support all tied applications, the scores under 
selection criterion (f)(2)(iii) will be used as a tiebreaker. If the 
scores remain tied, then the scores under selection criterion (f)(2)(i) 
will be used to break the tie.
    Finally, please note that in accordance with 34 CFR 664.30(c), the 
Secretary does not recommend a project to the J. William Fulbright 
Foreign Scholarship Board if the applicant proposes to carry it out in 
a country in which the United States does not have diplomatic 
representation.
    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 (SAM). 
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 Guidance for Federal 
Financial Assistance 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

[[Page 85180]]

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 also may notify you 
informally.
    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 https://www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/apply-grant/grant-application-and-other-forms.
    5. Performance Measures: For the purposes of Department reporting 
under 34 CFR 75.110, the following measure will be used by the 
Department to evaluate the success of the GPA short-term program: the 
percentage of GPA short-term project participants who disseminated 
information about or materials from their group project abroad through 
more than one outreach activity within 6 months of returning to their 
home institution. The following measure will be used by the Department 
to evaluate the success of the GPA long-term program: the percentage of 
GPA long-term project participants who increased their reading, 
writing, and/or listening/speaking foreign language scores by one 
proficiency level. The efficiency of the GPA long-term program will be 
measured by considering the cost per GPA participant who increased his/
her foreign language score in reading, writing, and/or listening/
speaking by at least one proficiency level.
    The information provided by grantees in their performance reports 
submitted via the International Resource Information System (IRIS) will 
be the source of data for this measure. Reporting screens for 
institutions can be viewed at: https://iris.ed.gov/iris/pdfs/gpa_director.pdf and https://iris.ed.gov/iris/pdfs/gpa_participant.pdf.

VII. Other Information

    Accessible Format: On request to the program contact person listed 
under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 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, 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 Department documents 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 Department documents 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. 2024-24900 Filed 10-24-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P


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