Notice2024-16836
Applications for New Awards; Transitioning Gang-Involved Youth to Higher Education 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
August 1, 2024
Issuing agencies
Education Department
Abstract
The Department of Education (Department) is issuing a notice inviting applications (NIA) for fiscal year (FY) 2024 for the Transitioning Gang-Involved Youth to Higher Education Program.
Full Text
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 148 (Thursday, August 1, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 62726-62732]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-16836]
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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Applications for New Awards; Transitioning Gang-Involved Youth to
Higher Education Program
AGENCY: Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of Education.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The Department of Education (Department) is issuing a notice
inviting applications (NIA) for fiscal year (FY) 2024 for the
Transitioning Gang-Involved Youth to Higher Education Program.
DATES:
Applications Available: August 1, 2024.
Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: September 30, 2024.
Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: November 29, 2024.
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
<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/12/07/2022-26554/common-instructions-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant-programs">https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/12/07/2022-26554/common-instructions-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant-programs</a>.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jymece Seward, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 5C113, Washington, DC 20202-
4260. Telephone: 202-453-6138. Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9ed4e7f3fbfdfbb0cdfbe9ffecfadefbfab0f9f1e8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4e0437232b2d2b601d2b392f3c2a0e2b2a60292138">[email protected]</span></a>.
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 Transitioning Gang-Involved
Youth to Higher Education (TGIY) Program is to provide a funding
opportunity for organizations that work directly with gang-involved
youth to help such youth pursue higher education opportunities that
will lead to certification or credentials.
Assistance Listing Number: 84.116Y.
[[Page 62727]]
OMB Control Number: 1894-0006.
Background: In today's economy, 67 percent of U.S. jobs require a
postsecondary credential, and by 2031, this percentage is projected to
grow to 71 percent.\1\ A report by the Alliance for Excellent Education
concluded that increasing the number of students who graduate from high
school and complete a postsecondary degree would create significant
benefits for individuals, communities, States, and the country as a
whole, including increases in lifetime earnings and tax revenues, lower
unemployment rates, and decreased crime and incarceration rates.\2\
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\1\ Carnevale, A.P., Smith, N., Van Der Werf, M., & Quinn, M.C.
(2023). After Everything: Projections of jobs, education, and
training requirements through 2031. Georgetown University--
Georgetown Public Policy Institute Center on Education and the
Workforce.
\2\ Alliance for Excellent Education (2013). ``Saving Futures,
Saving Dollars: The Impact of Education on Crime Reduction and
Earnings.''
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According to the latest data from the National Youth Gang Survey,
in 2012, there were 850,000 gang members in the United States.\3\ And,
gang members are overrepresented among incarcerated populations in the
United States.\4\ One study found that 47 percent of [incarcerated]
juveniles belong to a gang.\5\
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\3\ National Gang Center. National Youth Gang Survey Analysis,
<a href="https://nationalgangcenter.ojp.gov/survey-analysis">https://nationalgangcenter.ojp.gov/survey-analysis</a>.
\4\ Pyrooz, D, Gartner, N, & Smith, M. (2017). ``Consequences of
Incarceration for Gang Membership: A Longitudinal Study of Serious
Offenders in Philadelphia and Phoenix.'' Criminology.
\5\ Ibid.
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Gang involved youth are 30% less likely to complete high school and
58% less likely to earn a four-year degree compared with their non-gang
peers.\6\ For individuals who were previously incarcerated, those who
enroll in postsecondary education programs were found to be 48 percent
less likely to be reincarcerated than those who do not.\7\
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\6\ Pyrooz D.C. (2014). From colors and guns to caps and gowns?
The effect of gang membership on educational attainment. Journal of
Research in Crime and Delinquency, 51(1), 56-87.
\7\ Gibbons, A., & Rar, R. (August 20, 2021). ``The societal
benefits of postsecondary prison education.'' Brookings Institution.
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For students who are coming out of confinement or incarceration,
sustaining engagement in a two-year or four-year college course of
study can be challenging as many of these students do not have the
educational and family supports traditionally associated with college
success and require support to navigate a college path.\8\ Effective
advising can play a central role in helping students navigate
complicated systems and processes that are critical to postsecondary
success. There is evidence that implementing comprehensive, integrated
advising models; building guided pathways to academic success;
integrating wraparound services into holistic advising; and guiding
students to career success beyond completion are strategies that can
lead to increased retention and completion rates for students.\9\
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\8\ JDAI Conference. (2017). Going for the Gold in Secure
Placements, Center for Educational Excellence in Alternative
Settings, Creating a College-Going Culture.
\9\ Raise the Bar--Advising Resources Guide. (April 2024), U.S.
Department of Education. (See, e.g., Karp, M., Ackerson, S., Cheng,
I., Cocatre-Zilgien, E., Costelloe, S., Freeman, B., Lemire, S.,
Linderman, D., McFarlane, B., Moulton, S., O'Shea, J., Porowski, A.,
& Richburg-Hayes, L. (2021). Effective advising for postsecondary
students: A practice guide for educators (WWC 2022003). Washington,
DC: National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance
(NCEE), Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of
Education.)
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In order to support gang-involved youth to pursue higher education
opportunities, this competition includes two absolute priorities--the
first is for projects that work directly with gang-involved youth to
help such youth pursue higher education opportunities and the second is
to support projects that are designed to increase postsecondary
education access, affordability, completion, and success--and two
competitive preference priorities focused on providing wraparound
student support services and cross-agency coordination. Projects must
serve gang-involved youth (as defined in this notice).
Recognizing the unique experiences and perspectives of
organizations working with this student population, this competition
also includes two invitational priorities--one to support projects that
are designed to specifically work with gang-involved youth who are
justice involved and one to support projects proposed by organizations
that have effectively worked with correctional education programs,
Second Chance Pell Programs, or Prison Education Programs.
Priorities: This notice contains two absolute priorities, two
competitive preference priorities, and two invitational priorities. The
first absolute priority is from the notice of final priority and
definition for this program published elsewhere in this issue of the
Federal Register (2024 NFP). The second absolute priority and the
competitive preference priorities are from the Secretary's Supplemental
Priorities and Definitions for Discretionary Grant Programs, published
in the Federal Register on December 10, 2021 (86 FR 70612)
(Supplemental Priorities).
Absolute Priorities: For FY 2024 and any subsequent year in which
we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this
competition, these priorities are absolute priorities. Under 34 CFR
75.105(c)(3) we consider only applications that meet these priorities.
The priorities are:
Absolute Priority 1--Projects for Organizations to Work Directly
with Gang-Involved Youth to Help Such Youth Pursue Higher Education
Opportunities.
To meet this priority, an eligible applicant must demonstrate that
the project will work directly with gang-involved youth to help such
youth pursue higher education opportunities.
Absolute Priority 2--Increasing Postsecondary Education Access,
Affordability, Completion, and Post-Enrollment Success.
Projects that are designed to increase postsecondary access,
affordability, completion, and success for underserved students by
addressing one or more of the following priority areas:
(a) Increasing the number and proportion of underserved students
who enroll in and complete postsecondary education programs, which may
include strategies related to college preparation, awareness,
application, selection, advising, counseling, and enrollment.
(b) Supporting the development and implementation of student
success programs that integrate multiple comprehensive and evidence-
based services or initiatives, such as academic advising, structured/
guided pathways, career services, credit-bearing academic undergraduate
courses focused on career, and programs to meet basic needs, such as
housing, childcare and transportation, student financial aid, and
access to technological devices.
(c) Increasing the number of individuals who return to the
educational system and obtain a regular high school diploma, or its
recognized equivalent for adult learners; enroll in and complete
community college, college, or career and technical training; or obtain
basic and academic skills, including English language learning, that
they need to succeed in college--including community college--as well
as career and technical education and/or the workforce.
(d) Supporting evidence-based practices in career and technical
education and ensuring equitable access to and successful completion of
high-quality programs, credentials, or degrees.
[[Page 62728]]
(e) Supporting the development and implementation of evidence-based
strategies to promote students' development of knowledge and skills
necessary for success in the workplace and civic life.
(f) Providing secondary school students with access to career
exploration and advising opportunities to help students make informed
decisions about their postsecondary enrollment decisions and to place
them on a career path.
Competitive Preference Priorities: For FY 2024 and any subsequent
year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications
from this competition, these priorities are competitive preference
priorities. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i), we award up to an additional
8 points to an application, depending on how well the application meets
Competitive Preference Priority 1; and up to an additional 5 points to
an application, depending on how well the application meets Competitive
Preference Priority 2. Applicants may address one, both, or neither of
these competitive preference priorities
These priorities are:
Competitive Preference Priority 1--Meeting Student Social,
Emotional, and Academic Needs (up to 8 points).
Projects that are designed to improve students' social, emotional,
academic, and career development, with a focus on underserved students,
through one or more of the following priority areas:
(a) Creating a positive, inclusive, and identity-safe climate at
institutions of higher education through one or both of the following
activities:
(1) Fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion for underserved
students. (up to 2 points)
(2) Implementing evidence-based practices for advancing student
success for underserved students. (up to 2 points); and/or
(b) Fostering partnerships, including across government agencies
(e.g., housing, human services, employment agencies), local educational
agencies, community-based organizations, adult learning providers, and
postsecondary education institutions, to provide comprehensive services
to students and families that support students' social, emotional,
mental health, and academic needs, and that are inclusive with regard
to race, ethnicity, culture, language, and disability status. (up to 4
points)
Competitive Preference Priority 2--Strengthening Cross-Agency
Coordination and Community Engagement To Advance Systemic Change (up to
5 points).
Projects that are designed to take a systemic evidence-based
approach to improving outcomes for underserved students by coordinating
efforts with Federal, State, or local agencies, or community-based
organizations, that support students, to address one or more of the
following:
(a) Justice policy. (up to 1 point)
(b) College readiness. (up to 2 points)
(c) Workforce development. (up to 2 points)
Invitational Priorities: For FY 2024 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 Targeted for Justice-Involved
Youth.
Projects that are designed to specifically work with gang-involved
youth who are justice involved, including formerly incarcerated
individuals and/or individuals who have been placed on probation, are
being held pre-trial, are subject to diversion, or are subject to other
alternative criminal sanctions. These projects should be designed to
support the reintegration of, and improve long-term outcomes for, youth
and adults after justice system involvement by linking these
individuals to appropriate educational opportunities and academic
support, vocational rehabilitation, or workforce training programs.
Invitational Priority 2--Organizations with a Correctional
Education Program, Second Chance Pell Program, or Prison Education
Program.
Projects proposed by entities with prior experience effectively
working directly with confined or incarcerated individuals to help such
individuals pursue educational opportunities, including prison
education programs, Second Chance Pell Programs, and programs that
provide or support education in correctional facilities but do not
access Federal Pell grants (correctional education programs).
For the purpose of this invitational priority--
Confined or incarcerated individual means an individual who is
serving a criminal sentence in a Federal, State, or local penitentiary,
prison, jail, reformatory, work farm, juvenile justice facility, or
other similar correctional facility. An individual is not considered
confined or incarcerated if that individual is subject to or serving an
involuntary civil commitment, in a halfway house or home detention, or
sentenced to serve only weekends.
Prison education program means a program operated by a public,
nonprofit, or vocational institution and approved for operation by a
correctional entity, an accreditor, and the Department of Education, in
which a confined or incarcerated individual receives Pell Grant funds
to pay for postsecondary education. A confined or incarcerated
individual includes any student who is serving a criminal sentence in a
Federal, State, or local penitentiary, prison, jail, reformatory, work
farm, juvenile justice facility, or other similar correctional
institution.
Second Chance Pell Program means a program operated under the
Experimental Sites Initiative that provides need-based Pell Grants to
incarcerated individuals to allow them to participate in eligible
postsecondary programs.
Definitions: For FY 2024 and any subsequent year in which we make
awards from the list of unfunded applications from this competition,
the following definitions apply to the priorities and selection
criteria in this notice. The definition of ``gang-involved youth'' is
from the 2024 NFP. The definition of ``underserved student'' is from
the Supplemental Priorities. The remaining definitions 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 the proposed project component is supported by
evidence that demonstrates a rationale.
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
[[Page 62729]]
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 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.
Gang-involved youth means an individual, between the ages 14 and
24, who is or was involved in a group that meets the following
criteria: the group has three or more members who share an identity,
typically linked to a name and often other symbols; members view
themselves as a gang and are recognized by others as a gang; the group
has some permanence and a degree of organization; and the group is
involved in an elevated level of criminal activity.
Logic model (also referred to as theory of action) means a
framework that identifies key project components of the proposed
project (i.e., the active ``ingredients'' that are hypothesized to be
critical to achieving the relevant outcomes) and describes the
theoretical and operational relationships among the key project
components and relevant outcomes.
Note: In developing logic models, applicants may want to use
resources such as the Regional Educational Laboratory Program's
Education Logic Model Application at <a href="https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/rel/Products/Region/pacific/Resource/100677">https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/rel/Products/Region/pacific/Resource/100677</a>.
Performance measure means any quantitative indicator, statistic, or
metric used to gauge program or project performance.
Performance target means a level of performance that an applicant
would seek to meet during the course of a project or as a result of a
project.
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 What Works Clearinghouse (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.
Underserved student means a student (which may include students in
postsecondary education or career and technical education, and adult
learners, as appropriate) in the following subgroup: A student impacted
by the justice system, including a formerly incarcerated student.
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.
Note: The What Works Clearinghouse Procedures and Standards
Handbook (Version 4.1), as well as the more recent What Works
Clearinghouse Handbook released in August 2022 (Version 5.0), are
available at <a href="https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/Handbooks">https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/Handbooks</a>.
Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1138-1138d; Explanatory Statement
accompanying Division D of the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act,
2024 (Pub. L. 118-47).
Note: Projects will be awarded and must be operated in a manner
consistent with the nondiscrimination requirements contained in Federal
civil rights laws.
Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General
Administrative Regulations in 34 CFR parts 75, 77, 79, 82, 84, 86, 97,
98, and 99. (b) The Office of Management and Budget Guidelines to
Agencies on Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) in
2 CFR part 180, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department
in 2 CFR part 3485. (c) The 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 Supplemental Priorities. (e) The
2024 NFP.
Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 86 apply to institutions of
higher education only.
Note: The Department will implement the provisions included in the
OMB final rule, OMB Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance, which
amends 2 CFR parts 25, 170, 175, 176, 180, 182, 183, 184, and 200, on
October 1, 2024. Grant applicants that anticipate a performance period
start date on or after October 1, 2024 should follow the provisions
stated in the OMB Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance (89 FR
30046, April 22, 2024) when preparing an application. For more
information about these updated regulations please visit: <a href="https://www.cfo.gov/resources/uniform-guidance/">https://www.cfo.gov/resources/uniform-guidance/</a>.
II. Award Information
Type of Award: Discretionary grants.
Estimated Available Funds: $2,970,000.
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: $900,000 to $990,000.
Estimated Average Size of Awards: $950,000.
[[Page 62730]]
Maximum Award: We will not make an award exceeding $990,000 for a
single budget period of 36 months.
Estimated Number of Awards: 3.
Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice.
Project Period: Up to 36 months.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants: Eligible applicants are institutions of
higher education (IHEs) (as defined in section 101 of the Higher
Education Act of 1965, as amended (20 U.S.C. 1001)) that are public or
private nonprofit IHEs, and public and private nonprofit organizations
and agencies that partner with IHEs.
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 competition does not require
cost sharing or matching.
b. Indirect Cost Rate Information: This program uses an
unrestricted indirect cost rate. For more information regarding
indirect costs, or to obtain a negotiated indirect cost rate, please
see <a href="http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocfo/intro.html">www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocfo/intro.html</a>.
c. Administrative Cost Limitation: This program does not include
any program-specific limitation on administrative expenses. All
administrative expenses must be reasonable and necessary and conform to
Cost Principles described in 2 CFR part 200 subpart E of the Uniform
Guidance.
3. Subgrantees: Under 34 CFR 75.708(b) and (c), a grantee under
this competition may award subgrants--to directly carry out project
activities--to entities listed in the grant application.
IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Application Submission Instructions: Applicants are required to
follow the Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of
Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal
Register on December 7, 2022 (87 FR 75045), and available at <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2022-26554">https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2022-26554</a>, which contain requirements and
information on how to submit an application.
2. Intergovernmental Review: This program is subject to Executive
Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79. Information about
Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs under Executive Order
12372 is in the application package for this program.
3. Funding Restrictions: We specify unallowable costs in 34 CFR
606.10(c). We reference additional regulations in the Applicable
Regulations section of this notice.
4. Recommended Page Limit: The application narrative is where you,
the applicant, address the selection criteria and priorities 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, 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, and no
smaller than 10 pitch (characters per inch).
<bullet> Use one of the following fonts: Times New Roman, Courier,
Courier New, or Arial.
The recommended page limit applies to the Project Narrative, which
is your complete response to the selection criteria and the priorities.
However, the page limit does not apply to the Application for Federal
Assistance form (SF-424); the ED SF-424 Supplement form; the Budget
Information--Non-Construction Program form (ED 524); the assurances and
certifications; or the one-page abstract, the program profile form, and
supporting budget narrative.
V. Application Review Information
1. Selection Criteria: The following selection criteria for this
program are from 34 CFR 75.210. Applicants should address each of the
following selection criteria separately for each proposed activity. We
will award up to 100 points to an application under the selection
criteria and up to 13 additional points under the competitive
preference priorities, for a total score of up to 113 points. The
maximum score for each criterion is noted in parentheses.
(a) Quality of the project design. (up to 20 points)
The Secretary considers the quality of the design of the proposed
project. In determining the quality of the design of the proposed
project, the Secretary considers the following factors:
(1) The extent to which the proposed project demonstrates a
rationale (as defined in this notice). (up to 5 points)
(2) The extent to which the design of the proposed project is
appropriate to, and will successfully address, the needs of the target
population or other identified needs. (up to 10 points)
(3) The extent to which the proposed project will establish
linkages with other appropriate agencies and organizations providing
services to the target population. (up to 5 points)
(b) Quality of project services. (up to 20 points)
The Secretary considers the quality of the services to be provided
by the proposed project. In determining the quality of the services to
be provided by the proposed project, the Secretary considers the
quality and sufficiency of strategies for ensuring equal access and
treatment for eligible project participants who are members of groups
that have traditionally been underrepresented based on race, color,
national origin, gender, age, or disability. (up to 5 points)
In addition, the Secretary considers the following factors:
(1) The extent to which the services to be provided by the proposed
project are appropriate to the needs of the intended recipients or
beneficiaries of those services. (up to 5 points)
(2) The likely impact of the services to be provided by the
proposed project on the intended recipients of those services. (up to 5
points)
(3) The extent to which the services to be provided by the proposed
project involve the collaboration of appropriate partners for
maximizing the effectiveness of project services. (up to 5 points)
(c) Significance. (up to 20 points)
The Secretary considers the significance of the proposed project.
In determining the significance of the proposed project, the Secretary
considers the following factors:
(1) The potential contribution of the proposed project to increased
[[Page 62731]]
knowledge or understanding of educational problems, issues, or
effective strategies. (up to 10 points)
(2) The likelihood that the proposed project will result in system
change or improvement. (up to 10 points)
(d) Quality of project personnel. (up to 20 points)
The Secretary considers the quality of the personnel who will carry
out the proposed project. In determining the quality of project
personnel, the Secretary considers the extent to which the applicant
encourages applications for employment from persons who are members of
groups that have traditionally been underrepresented based on race,
color, national origin, gender, age, or disability. (up to 8 points)
In addition, the Secretary considers the following factors:
(1) The qualifications, including relevant training and experience,
of the project director or principal investigator. (up to 6 points)
(2) The qualifications, including relevant training and experience,
of key project personnel. (up to 6 points)
(e) Quality of the management plan. (up to 10 points)
The Secretary considers the quality of the management plan for the
proposed project. In determining the quality of the management plan,
the Secretary considers the following factors:
(1) 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. (up to 5 points)
(2) How the applicant will ensure that a diversity of perspectives
are brought to bear in the operation of the proposed project, including
those of parents, teachers, the business community, a variety of
disciplinary and professional fields, recipients or beneficiaries of
services, or others, as appropriate. (up to 5 points)
(f) Quality of the project evaluation. (up to 10 points)
The Secretary considers the quality of the evaluation to be
conducted of the proposed project. In determining the quality of the
evaluation, the Secretary considers the following factors:
(1) The extent to which the methods of evaluation are thorough,
feasible, and appropriate to the goals, objectives, and outcomes of the
proposed project. (up to 3 points)
(2) The extent to which the methods of evaluation include the use
of objective performance measures that are clearly related to the
intended outcomes of the project and will produce quantitative and
qualitative data to the extent possible. (up to 3 points)
(3) 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 (up to 4 points).
Note: For the selection criterion ``Quality of personnel'' in
paragraph (d), applicants are encouraged to include in their
application that they are committed to paying their staff a living wage
for the local area and providing benefits.
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).
A panel of three non-Federal reviewers will review and score each
application in accordance with the selection criteria in this notice,
as well as the competitive preference priorities. A rank order funding
slate will be made from this review, and awards will be made in rank
order according to the average score received from the peer review. In
the event there are two or more applications with the same final score,
and there are insufficient funds to fully support each of these
applications, the Department applies the following tiebreaking factors.
The first tiebreaker will be application(s) that propose to serve
geographic areas that have been previously underserved by this program.
If a tie remains, the second tiebreaker will be utilized. The second
tiebreaker will be the highest average score for the selection
criterion ``Quality of Project Design.''
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 the Office of Management and
Budget's guidance located at 2 CFR part 200, all applicable Federal
laws, and relevant Executive guidance, the Department will review and
consider applications for funding pursuant to this notice inviting
applications in accordance with:
(a) Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering
results based on the program objectives through an objective process of
evaluating Federal award applications (2 CFR 200.205);
(b) Prohibiting the purchase of certain telecommunication and video
surveillance services or equipment in alignment with section 889 of the
National Defense Authorization Act of 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) (2 CFR
200.216);
(c) Providing a preference, to the extent permitted by law, to
maximize use of goods, products, and materials produced in the United
States (2 CFR 200.322); and
[[Page 62732]]
(d) Terminating agreements in whole or in part to the greatest
extent authorized by law if an award no longer effectuates the program
goals or agency priorities (2 CFR 200.340).
VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices: If your application is successful, we notify your
U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators and send you a Grant Award
Notification (GAN); or we may send you an email containing a link to
access an electronic version of your GAN. We may notify you informally,
also.
If your application is not evaluated or not selected for funding,
we notify you.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: We identify
administrative and national policy requirements in the application
package and reference these and other requirements in the Applicable
Regulations section of this notice.
We reference the regulations outlining the terms and conditions of
an award in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice and
include these and other specific conditions in the GAN. The GAN also
incorporates your approved application as part of your binding
commitments under the grant.
3. Open Licensing Requirements: Unless an exception applies, if you
are awarded a grant under this competition, you will be required to
openly license to the public grant deliverables created in whole, or in
part, with Department grant funds. When the deliverable consists of
modifications to pre-existing works, the license extends only to those
modifications that can be separately identified and only to the extent
that open licensing is permitted under the terms of any licenses or
other legal restrictions on the use of pre-existing works.
Additionally, a grantee or subgrantee that is awarded competitive grant
funds must have a plan to disseminate these public grant deliverables.
This dissemination plan can be developed and submitted after your
application has been reviewed and selected for funding. For additional
information on the open licensing requirements, please refer to 2 CFR
3474.20.
4. Reporting: (a) If you apply for a grant under this competition,
you must ensure that you have in place the necessary processes and
systems to comply with the reporting requirements in 2 CFR part 170
should you receive funding under the competition. This does not apply
if you have an exception under 2 CFR 170.110(b).
(b) At the end of your project period, you must submit a final
performance report, including financial information, as directed by the
Secretary. If you receive a multiyear award, you must submit an annual
performance report that provides the most current performance and
financial expenditure information as directed by the Secretary under 34
CFR 75.118. The Secretary may also require more frequent performance
reports under 34 CFR 75.720(c). For specific requirements on reporting,
please go to <a href="https://www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html">https://www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html</a>.
5. Performance Measures: For purposes of Department reporting under
34 CFR 75.110, the Department will use the following program-level
performance measures to evaluate the success of the TGIY Program:
(a) Number and rate of project participants enrolled in a
postsecondary education program.
(b) Number and rate of project participants, by the end of the
grant period, earning a certificate, degree, or other credential.
(c) Number and rate of project participants active in internships,
apprenticeships, or other work experiences.
These measures constitute the Department's indicators of success
for this program. Consequently, we advise an applicant for an award
under this program to give careful consideration to the
operationalization of the measures in conceptualizing the approach and
evaluation for its proposed project.
If funded, you will be required to collect and report data in your
project's annual performance report (34 CFR 75.590).
6. Continuation Awards: In making a continuation award under 34 CFR
75.253, the Secretary considers, among other things: whether a grantee
has made substantial progress in achieving the goals and objectives of
the project; whether the grantee has expended funds in a manner that is
consistent with its approved application and budget; and, if the
Secretary has established performance measurement requirements, whether
the grantee has made substantial progress in achieving the performance
targets in the grantee's approved application.
In making a continuation award, the Secretary also considers
whether the grantee is operating in compliance with the assurances in
its approved application, including those applicable to Federal civil
rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities
receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department (34 CFR
100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).
VII. Other Information
Accessible Format: On request to the program contact person listed
under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT, individuals with disabilities
can obtain this document and a copy of the application package in an
accessible format. The Department will provide the requestor with an
accessible format that may include Rich Text Format (RTF) or text
format (txt), a thumb drive, an MP3 file, braille, large print,
audiotape, 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="https://www.govinfo.gov">https://www.govinfo.gov</a>. 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 documents of the Department published in the
Federal Register by using the article search feature at <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov">https://www.federalregister.gov</a>. Specifically, through the advanced search
feature at this site, you can limit your search to documents published
by the Department.
Nasser Paydar,
Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education.
[FR Doc. 2024-16836 Filed 7-31-24; 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.