Notice2021-15365
Applications for New Awards-American History and Civics Education National Activities Program
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
July 19, 2021
Issuing agencies
Education Department
Abstract
The Department of Education (Department) is issuing a notice inviting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2021 for the American History and Civics Education National Activities (AHC-NA) Program, Assistance Listing Number 84.422B. This notice relates to the approved information collection under OMB 1894-0006.
Full Text
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 135 (Monday, July 19, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 38055-38060]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-15365]
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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Applications for New Awards--American History and Civics
Education National Activities Program
AGENCY: Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, Department of
Education.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The Department of Education (Department) is issuing a notice
inviting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2021 for the American
History and Civics Education National Activities (AHC-NA) Program,
Assistance Listing Number 84.422B. This notice relates to the approved
information collection under OMB 1894-0006.
DATES:
Applications Available: July 19, 2021.
Pre-Application Webinars: The Office of Elementary and Secondary
Education intends to post pre-recorded informational webinars designed
to provide technical assistance to interested applicants for grants
under the AHC-NA program. These informational webinars will be
available on the AHC-NA web page shortly after this notice is published
in the Federal Register at <a href="https://oese.ed.gov/offices/office-of-discretionary-grants-support-services/effective-educator-development-programs/national-activities-grant/">https://oese.ed.gov/offices/office-of-discretionary-grants-support-services/effective-educator-development-programs/national-activities-grant/</a>.
Note: For potential grantees new or unfamiliar with grantmaking at
the Department, please consult our funding basics resource at
<a href="http://www2.ed.gov/documents/funding-101/funding-101-basics.pdf">www2.ed.gov/documents/funding-101/funding-101-basics.pdf</a> or a more
detailed resource at <a href="http://www2.ed.gov/documents/funding-101/funding-101.pdf">www2.ed.gov/documents/funding-101/funding-101.pdf</a>.
Deadline for Notice of Intent to Apply: August 18, 2021.
Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: August 18, 2021.
Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: October 4, 2021.
ADDRESSES: For the addresses for obtaining and submitting an
application, please refer to our Common Instructions for Applicants to
Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the
Federal Register on February 13, 2019 (84 FR 3768), and available at
<a href="http://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2019-02-13/pdf/2019-02206.pdf">www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2019-02-13/pdf/2019-02206.pdf</a>.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christine Miller, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 3C152, Washington, DC 20202-
5960. Telephone: (202) 260-7350. Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8fcce7fde6fcfbe6e1eaa1c2e6e3e3eafdcfeaeba1e8e0f9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="cc8fa4bea5bfb8a5a2a9e281a5a0a0a9be8ca9a8e2aba3ba">[email protected]</span></a>.
If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) or a text
telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay Service (FRS), toll free, at 1-
800-877-8339.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Full Text of Announcement
I. Funding Opportunity Description
Purpose of Program: The purpose of this program is to promote new
and existing evidence-based strategies to encourage innovative American
history, civics and government, and geography instruction, learning
strategies, and professional development activities and programs for
teachers, principals, or other school leaders, particularly such
instruction, strategies, activities, and programs that benefit students
from low-income backgrounds and other underserved populations.
Background: The AHC-NA Program seeks to promote evidence-based
approaches that encourage innovative American history and civics
education. In particular, the program seeks to promote strategies,
activities, and programs that benefit students from low-income
backgrounds and other underserved populations. This program is
authorized under section 2233 of the Elementary and Secondary Education
Act of 1965, as amended (ESEA).
This competition includes one absolute priority, one competitive
preference priority, and two invitational priorities. Consistent with
section 2233 of the ESEA, the absolute priority addresses innovative
instruction or professional development in American history, civics and
government, and geography, and the competitive preference priority
encourages applicants to propose projects that incorporate the use of
hands-on civic engagement activities for teachers and students or
programs that educate students about the history and principles of the
U.S. Constitution, including the Bill of Rights.
The Department continues to process, review, and fully respond to
the significant number of public comments received in response to the
notice of proposed priorities published in the Federal Register on
April 19, 2021 (86 FR 20348) (NPP). As a result, it is not possible to
issue a notice of final priorities in time to use the priorities
included in that NPP as competitive preference priorities for this FY
2021 competition. Because the Department has not yet issued final
priorities, we are using these proposed priorities as invitational
priorities. Consistent with the use of invitational priorities across
grant competitions, applicants are not required to respond to the
invitational priorities, and applications that meet invitational
priorities do not receive a preference or competitive advantage over
other applications.
The Department believes that teaching and learning practices that
reflect the diversity, identities, histories, contributions, and
experiences of all students promote academic and social-emotional
development for all groups of students. To that end, Invitational
Priority 1 reinforces that American history and civics education
programs can play an important role in supporting teaching and learning
that reflects the depth and breadth of our Nation's diverse history and
the vital role of diversity in our Nation's democracy. This can be
accomplished, in part, through teaching and learning environments that
provide students with a full and accurate understanding of our Nation's
history, expose students to a range of important civics topics and
equip them with the skills needed to fully participate in civic life,
enable students to see themselves and their histories in the learning
experience, and empower students by developing their problem-solving
and critical thinking skills.
Accordingly, Invitational Priority 1 encourages applicants to
incorporate practices that reflect the diversity, identities,
histories, contributions, and experiences of all students into teaching
and learning and create inclusive, supportive, and identity-safe
learning environments.
Invitational Priority 2 encourages applicants to foster information
literacy skills, including critical thinking, and promote student
engagement in civics education through professional development
opportunities for teachers.
The Department fully recognizes and respects that curriculum
decisions are made at the State and local levels, not by the Federal
Government, and does not mandate, direct, or control curricula through
this competition. Rather, the Department, through this competition,
seeks to encourage efforts to implement more effective, student-
centered teaching practices and professional development activities
while promoting
[[Page 38056]]
learning practices that reflect the diversity, identities, histories,
contributions, and experiences of all students to support enriched
educational opportunity, equity, and success for all students.
Priorities: This notice contains one absolute priority, one
competitive preference priority, and two invitational priorities. In
accordance with 34 CFR 75.105(b)(2)(iv), the absolute priority is from
section 2233(b)(1) of the ESEA, 20 U.S.C. 6663. The competitive
preference priority is from section 2233(b)(2) of the ESEA.
Absolute Priority: For FY 2021 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:
Innovative Instruction or Professional Development in American
History, Civics and Government, and Geography.
Under this priority, we provide funding to projects that are
designed to develop, implement, expand, evaluate, and disseminate for
voluntary use, innovative, evidence-based approaches or professional
development programs in American history, civics and government, and
geography. To meet this priority, a project must--
(a) Show potential to improve the quality of teaching of and
student achievement in American history, civics and government, or
geography, in elementary schools and secondary schools; and
(b) Demonstrate innovation, scalability, accountability, and a
focus on underserved populations.
Competitive Preference Priority: For FY 2021 and any subsequent
year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications
from this competition, this priority is a competitive preference
priority. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i) we award up to an additional
five points to an application, depending on how well the application
meets this priority.
This priority is:
Innovative Activities for Civic Engagement. (up to 5 points)
Projects that include one or both of the following--
(a) Hands-on civic engagement activities for teachers and students;
or
(b) Programs that educate students about the history and principles
of the Constitution of the United States, including the Bill of Rights.
Invitational Priorities: For FY 2021 and any subsequent year in
which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this
competition, these priorities are invitational priorities. Under 34 CFR
75.105(c)(1) we do not give an application that meets these
invitational priorities a competitive or absolute preference over other
applications.
These priorities are:
Invitational Priority 1--Projects That Incorporate Racially,
Ethnically, Culturally, and Linguistically Diverse Perspectives into
Teaching and Learning.
Projects that incorporate teaching and learning practices that
reflect the diversity, identities, histories, contributions, and
experiences of all students and create inclusive, supportive, and
identity-safe learning environments that--
(a) Take into account systemic marginalization, biases, inequities,
and discriminatory policy and practice in American history;
(b) Incorporate racially, ethnically, culturally, and
linguistically diverse perspectives and perspectives on the experience
of individuals with disabilities;
(c) Encourage students to critically analyze the diverse
perspectives of historical and contemporary media and its impacts;
(d) Support the creation of learning environments that validate and
reflect the diversity, identities, and experiences of all students; and
(e) Contribute to inclusive, supportive, and identity-safe learning
environments.
Invitational Priority 2--Promoting Information Literacy Skills.
Projects that foster critical thinking and promote student
engagement in civics education through professional development or
other activities designed to support students in--
(a) Evaluating sources and evidence using standards of proof;
(b) Understanding their own biases when reviewing information, as
well as uncovering and recognizing bias in primary and secondary
sources;
(c) Synthesizing information into cogent communications; and
(d) Understanding how inaccurate information may be used to
influence individuals, and developing strategies to recognize accurate
and inaccurate information.
Definitions: The following definitions apply to this competition.
The definition of ``evidence-based'' is from section 8101 of the ESEA.
The definitions of ``demonstrates a rationale,'' ``experimental
study,'' ``logic model,'' ``moderate evidence,'' ``project component,''
``promising evidence,'' ``quasi-experimental design study,'' ``relevant
outcome,'' ``strong evidence,'' and ``What Works Clearinghouse
Handbooks'' are from 34 CFR 77.1.
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.
Evidence-based means an activity, strategy, or intervention that--
(i) Demonstrates a statistically significant effect on improving
student outcomes or other relevant outcomes based on--
(A) Strong evidence from at least 1 well-designed and well-
implemented experimental study;
(B) Moderate evidence from at least 1 well-designed and well-
implemented quasi-experimental study; or
(C) Promising evidence from at least 1 well designed and well-
implemented correlational study with statistical controls for selection
bias; or
(ii)(A) Demonstrates a rationale based on high quality research
findings or positive evaluation that such activity, strategy, or
intervention is likely to improve student outcomes or other relevant
outcomes; and
(B) Includes ongoing efforts to examine the effects of such
activity, strategy, or intervention.
Experimental study means a study that is designed to compare
outcomes between two groups of individuals (such as students) that are
otherwise equivalent except for their assignment to either a treatment
group receiving a project component or a control group that does not.
Randomized controlled trials, regression discontinuity design studies,
and single-case design studies are the specific types of experimental
studies that, depending on their design and implementation (e.g.,
sample attrition in randomized controlled trials and regression
discontinuity design studies), can meet What Works Clearinghouse (WWC)
standards without reservations as described in the WWC Handbooks:
(i) A randomized controlled trial employs random assignment of, for
example, students, teachers, classrooms, or schools to receive the
project component being evaluated (the treatment group) or not to
receive the project component (the control group).
(ii) A regression discontinuity design study assigns the project
component being evaluated using a measured variable (e.g., assigning
students reading below a cutoff score to tutoring or developmental
education classes) and controls for that variable in the analysis of
outcomes.
(iii) A single-case design study uses observations of a single case
(e.g., a
[[Page 38057]]
student eligible for a behavioral intervention) over time in the
absence and presence of a controlled treatment manipulation to
determine whether the outcome is systematically related to the
treatment.
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.
Moderate evidence means that there is evidence of effectiveness of
a key project component in improving a relevant outcome for a sample
that overlaps with the populations or settings proposed to receive that
component, based on a relevant finding from one of the following:
(i) A practice guide prepared by the WWC using version 2.1, 3.0,
4.0, or 4.1 of the WWC Handbooks reporting a ``strong evidence base''
or ``moderate evidence base'' for the corresponding practice guide
recommendation;
(ii) An intervention report prepared by the WWC using version 2.1,
3.0, 4.0, or 4.1 of the WWC Handbooks reporting a ``positive effect''
or ``potentially positive effect'' on a relevant outcome based on a
``medium to large'' extent of evidence, with no reporting of a
``negative effect'' or ``potentially negative effect'' on a relevant
outcome; or
(iii) A single experimental study or quasi-experimental design
study reviewed and reported by the WWC using version 2.1, 3.0, 4.0, or
4.1 of the WWC Handbooks, or otherwise assessed by the Department using
version 4.1 of the WWC Handbooks, as appropriate, and that--
(A) Meets WWC standards with or without reservations;
(B) Includes at least one statistically significant and positive
(i.e., favorable) effect on a relevant outcome;
(C) Includes no overriding statistically significant and negative
effects on relevant outcomes reported in the study or in a
corresponding WWC intervention report prepared under version 2.1, 3.0,
4.0, or 4.1 of the WWC Handbooks; and
(D) Is based on a sample from more than one site (e.g., State,
county, city, school district, or postsecondary campus) and includes at
least 350 students or other individuals across sites. Multiple studies
of the same project component that each meet requirements in paragraphs
(iii)(A), (B), and (C) of this definition may together satisfy the
requirement in this paragraph (iii)(D).
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).
Promising evidence means that there is evidence of the
effectiveness of a key project component in improving a relevant
outcome, based on a relevant finding from one of the following:
(i) A practice guide prepared by WWC reporting a ``strong evidence
base'' or ``moderate evidence base'' for the corresponding practice
guide recommendation;
(ii) An intervention report prepared by the WWC reporting a
``positive effect'' or ``potentially positive effect'' on a relevant
outcome with no reporting of a ``negative effect'' or ``potentially
negative effect'' on a relevant outcome; or
(iii) A single study assessed by the Department, as appropriate,
that--
(A) Is an experimental study, a quasi-experimental design study, or
a well-designed and well-implemented correlational study with
statistical controls for selection bias (e.g., a study using regression
methods to account for differences between a treatment group and a
comparison group); and
(B) Includes at least one statistically significant and positive
(i.e., favorable) effect on a relevant outcome.
Quasi-experimental design study means a study using a design that
attempts to approximate an experimental study by identifying a
comparison group that is similar to the treatment group in important
respects. This type of study, depending on design and implementation
(e.g., establishment of baseline equivalence of the groups being
compared), can meet WWC standards with reservations, but cannot meet
WWC standards without reservations, as described in the WWC Handbooks.
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.
Strong evidence means that there is evidence of the effectiveness
of a key project component in improving a relevant outcome for a sample
that overlaps with the populations and settings proposed to receive
that component, based on a relevant finding from one of the following:
(i) A practice guide prepared by the WWC using version 2.1, 3.0,
4.0, or 4.1 of the WWC Handbooks reporting a ``strong evidence base''
for the corresponding practice guide recommendation;
(ii) An intervention report prepared by the WWC using version 2.1,
3.0, 4.0, or 4.1 of the WWC Handbooks reporting a ``positive effect''
on a relevant outcome based on a ``medium to large'' extent of
evidence, with no reporting of a ``negative effect'' or ``potentially
negative effect'' on a relevant outcome; or
(iii) A single experimental study reviewed and reported by the WWC
using version 2.1, 3.0, 4.0, or 4.1 of the WWC Handbooks, or otherwise
assessed by the Department using version 4.1 of the WWC Handbooks, as
appropriate, and that--
(A) Meets WWC standards without reservations;
(B) Includes at least one statistically significant and positive
(i.e., favorable) effect on a relevant outcome;
(C) Includes no overriding statistically significant and negative
effects on relevant outcomes reported in the study or in a
corresponding WWC intervention report prepared under version 2.1, 3.0,
4.0, or 4.1 of the WWC Handbooks; and
(D) Is based on a sample from more than one site (e.g., State,
county, city, school district, or postsecondary campus) and includes at
least 350 students or other individuals across sites. Multiple studies
of the same project component that each meet requirements in paragraphs
(iii)(A), (B), and (C) of this definition may together satisfy the
requirement in this paragraph (iii)(D).
What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) Handbooks (WWC Handbooks) means the
standards and procedures set forth in the WWC Standards Handbook,
Versions 4.0 or 4.1, and WWC Procedures Handbook, Versions 4.0 or 4.1,
or in the WWC Procedures and Standards Handbook, Version 3.0 or Version
2.1 (all incorporated by reference, see Sec. 77.2). Study findings
eligible for review under WWC standards can meet WWC standards without
reservations, meet WWC standards with reservations, or not meet WWC
standards. WWC practice guides and intervention reports include
findings from systematic reviews of evidence as described in the WWC
Handbooks documentation.
Program Authority: Section 2233 of the ESEA, 20 U.S.C. 6663.
Note: Projects will be awarded and must be operated in a manner
consistent with the nondiscrimination
[[Page 38058]]
requirements contained in the Federal civil rights laws.
Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General
Administrative Regulations in 34 CFR parts 75, 77, 79, 81, 82, 84, 86,
97, 98, and 99. (b) The Office of Management and Budget Guidelines to
Agencies on Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) in
2 CFR part 180, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department
in 2 CFR part 3485. (c) The Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost
Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards in 2 CFR part
200, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department in 2 CFR
part 3474.
Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 86 apply to institutions of
higher education only.
II. Award Information
Type of Award: Discretionary grants.
Estimated Available Funds: $2,150,000.
Contingent upon the availability of funds and the quality of
applications, we may make additional awards in subsequent years from
the list of unfunded applications from this competition.
Estimated Range of Awards: $300,000-$500,000 per year.
Estimated Average Size of Awards: $400,000 per year.
Maximum Award: We will not make an award exceeding $500,000 to any
applicant per 12-month budget period. The Department plans to fully
fund awards made under this notice with FY 2021 funds.
Estimated Number of Awards: 2-3.
Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice.
Project Period: Up to 36 months, with renewal of up to an
additional 24 months.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants: An institution of higher education or other
nonprofit or for-profit organization with demonstrated expertise in the
development of evidence-based approaches with the potential to improve
the quality of American history, civics and government, or geography
learning and teaching.
Note: If multiple eligible entities wish to form a consortium and
jointly submit a single application, they must follow the procedures
for group applications described in 34 CFR 75.127 through 34 CFR
75.129.
Note: If you are a nonprofit organization, under 34 CFR 75.51, you
may demonstrate your nonprofit status by providing: (1) Proof that the
Internal Revenue Service currently recognizes the applicant as an
organization to which contributions are tax deductible under section
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; (2) a statement from a State
taxing body or the State attorney general certifying that the
organization is a nonprofit organization operating within the State and
that no part of its net earnings may lawfully benefit any private
shareholder or individual; (3) a certified copy of the applicant's
certificate of incorporation or similar document if it clearly
establishes the nonprofit status of the applicant; or (4) any item
described above if that item applies to a State or national parent
organization, together with a statement by the State or parent
organization that the applicant is a local nonprofit affiliate.
2.a. Cost Sharing or Matching: This program does not require any
cost sharing or matching.
b. Supplement-Not-Supplant: This program involves supplement-not-
supplant funding requirements. In accordance with section 2301 of the
ESEA, funds made available under this program must be used to
supplement, and not supplant, other non-Federal funds that would
otherwise be expended to carry out activities under this program.
c. Indirect Cost Rate Information: This program uses a training
indirect cost rate. This limits indirect cost reimbursement to an
entity's actual indirect costs, as determined in its negotiated
indirect cost rate agreement, or eight percent of a modified total
direct cost base, whichever amount is less. For more information
regarding training indirect cost rates, see 34 CFR 75.562. For more
information regarding indirect costs, or to obtain a negotiated
indirect cost rate, please see <a href="http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocfo/intro.html">www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocfo/intro.html</a>.
d. Administrative Cost Limitation: This program does not include
any program-specific limitation on administrative expenses. All
administrative expenses must be reasonable and necessary and conform to
Cost Principles described in 2 CFR part 200 subpart E of the Uniform
Guidance.
3. Subgrantees: A grantee under this competition may not award
subgrants to entities to directly carry out project activities
described in its application.
IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Application Submission Instructions: Applicants are required to
follow the Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of
Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal
Register on February 13, 2019 (84 FR 3768) and available at
<a href="http://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2019-02-13/pdf/2019-02206.pdf">www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2019-02-13/pdf/2019-02206.pdf</a>, which
contain requirements and information on how to submit an application.
2. Submission of Proprietary Information: Given the types of
projects that may be proposed in applications for the AHC-NA program,
your application may include business information that you consider
proprietary. In 34 CFR 5.11, we define ``business information'' and
describe the process we use in determining whether any of that
information is proprietary and, thus, protected from disclosure under
Exemption 4 of the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552, as
amended).
Because we plan to make successful applications available to the
public, you may wish to request confidentiality of business
information.
Consistent with Executive Order 12600, please designate in your
application any information that you believe is exempt from disclosure
under Exemption 4. In the appropriate Appendix section of your
application, under ``Other Attachments Form,'' please list the page
number or numbers on which we can find this information. For additional
information please see 34 CFR 5.11(c).
3. Intergovernmental Review: This program is 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. Please note
that, under 34 CFR 79.8(a), we have shortened the standard 60-day
intergovernmental review period in order to make awards by the end of
FY 2021.
4. Funding Restrictions: We specify unallowable costs in 2 CFR 200,
subpart E. 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:
<bullet> A ``page'' is 8.5'' x 11'', on one side only, with 1''
margins at the top, bottom, and both sides.
<bullet> Double space (no more than three lines per vertical inch)
all text in the application narrative, including titles,
[[Page 38059]]
headings, footnotes, quotations, references, and captions, as well as
all text in charts, tables, figures, and graphs.
<bullet> Use a font that is either 12 point or larger or no smaller
than 10 pitch (characters per inch).
<bullet> Use one of the following fonts: Times New Roman, Courier,
Courier New, or Arial.
Furthermore, applicants are strongly encouraged to include a table
of contents that specifies where each required part of the application
is located.
6. Notice of Intent to Apply: The Department will be able to
develop a more efficient process for reviewing grant applications if it
has a better understanding of the number of entities that intend to
apply for funding under this competition. Therefore, the Secretary
strongly encourages each potential applicant to notify the Department
of its intent to submit an application. To do so, please email the
program contact person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
with the subject line ``Intent to Apply,'' and include the applicant's
name and a contact person's name and email address.
V. Application Review Information
1. Selection Criteria: The selection criteria for this program are
from 34 CFR 75.210. An applicant may earn up to a total of 100 points
based on the selection criteria. The maximum score for addressing each
criterion is indicated in parentheses.
(a) Quality of the project design. (30 points)
(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the design of the
proposed project.
(2) In determining the quality of the design of the proposed
project, the Secretary considers the following factors:
(i) The extent to which the proposed project demonstrates a
rationale.
(ii) The extent to which the proposed project represents an
exceptional approach to the priority or priorities established for the
competition.
(b) Need for project. (20 points)
(1) The Secretary considers the need for the proposed project.
(2) In determining the need for the proposed project, the Secretary
considers the following factors:
(i) The magnitude or severity of the problem to be addressed by the
proposed project.
(ii) The extent to which specific gaps or weaknesses in services,
infrastructure, or opportunities have been identified and will be
addressed by the proposed project, including the nature and magnitude
of those gaps or weaknesses.
(iii) The extent to which the proposed project will focus on
serving or otherwise addressing the needs of disadvantaged individuals.
(iv) The extent to which the proposed project is likely to build
local capacity to provide, improve, or expand services that address the
needs of the target population.
(c) Quality of the management plan. (20 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 following factors:
(i) The adequacy of the management plan to achieve the objectives
of the proposed project on time and within budget, including clearly
defined responsibilities, timelines, and milestones for accomplishing
project tasks.
(ii) The adequacy of procedures for ensuring feedback and
continuous improvement in the operation of the proposed project.
(d) Quality of the project evaluation. (30 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 will provide
performance feedback and permit periodic assessment of progress toward
achieving intended outcomes. (10 points)
(ii) The extent to which the methods of evaluation will, if well
implemented, produce promising evidence (as defined in this notice)
about the project's effectiveness. (10 points)
(iii) The extent to which the methods of evaluation provide for
examining the effectiveness of project implementation strategies. (5
points)
(iv) The extent to which the evaluation will provide guidance about
effective strategies suitable for replication or testing in other
settings. (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).
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 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 OMB's guidance located at 2 CFR
part 200, all applicable Federal laws, and relevant Executive guidance,
the
[[Page 38060]]
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 must extend 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 <a href="http://www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html">www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html</a>.
(c) Under 34 CFR 75.250(b), the Secretary may provide a grantee
with additional funding for data collection analysis and reporting. In
this case the Secretary establishes a data collection period.
5. Performance Measures: The Department has established the
following Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 (GPRA)
performance objective for the AHC-NA Program: Participants will
demonstrate through pre- and post-assessments an increased
understanding of American history, civics and government, and
geography.
For purposes of GPRA and Department reporting under 34 CFR 75.110,
we will track performance on this objective through the following
measure: The average percentage gain on an assessment after
participation in the grant activities.
We advise an applicant for a grant under this program to give
careful consideration to this measure in conceptualizing the approach
to, and evaluation of, its proposed project. Each grantee will be
required to provide, in its annual and final performance reports, data
about its performance with respect to this measure.
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; whether the
grantee has met the required non-Federal cost share or matching
requirement; and, if the Secretary has established performance
measurement requirements, the performance targets in the grantee's
approved application.
In making a continuation award, the Secretary also considers
whether the grantee is operating in compliance with the assurances in
its approved application, including those applicable to Federal civil
rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities
receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department (34 CFR
100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).
VII. Other Information
Accessible Format: On request to the program contact person listed
under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT, individuals with disabilities
can obtain this document and a copy of the application package in an
accessible format. The Department will provide the requestor with an
accessible format that may include Rich Text Format (RTF) or text
format (txt), a thumb drive, an MP3 file, braille, large print,
audiotape, or compact disc, or other accessible format.
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: <a href="http://www.govinfo.gov">www.govinfo.gov</a>. 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:
<a href="http://www.federalregister.gov">www.federalregister.gov</a>. Specifically, through the advanced search
feature at this site, you can limit your search to documents published
by the Department.
Ian Rosenblum,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Programs Delegated the
authority to perform the functions and duties of the Assistant
Secretary, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education.
[FR Doc. 2021-15365 Filed 7-16-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P
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This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.