Notice2026-02178

Applications for New Awards; Office of Indian Education Formula Grants to Local Educational Agencies and Tribes

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
February 3, 2026

Issuing agencies

Education Department

Abstract

The Department of Education (Department) is issuing a notice inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 2026 for Office of Indian Education (OIE) Formula Grants to Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) and Tribes (Formula Grants).

Full Text

<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 22 (Tuesday, February 3, 2026)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 22 (Tuesday, February 3, 2026)]
[Notices]
[Pages 4909-4914]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-02178]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION


Applications for New Awards; Office of Indian Education Formula 
Grants to Local Educational Agencies and Tribes

AGENCY: Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, Department of 
Education.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Department of Education (Department) is issuing a notice 
inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 2026 for 
Office of Indian Education (OIE) Formula Grants to Local Educational 
Agencies (LEAs) and Tribes (Formula Grants).

DATES: 
    Electronic Application System for Indian Education (EASIE) 
transmittal deadlines:
    Part I Open: February 2, 2026.
    Part I Closes: March 6, 2026, 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time.
    Part II Open: March 30, 2026.
    Part II Closes: May 11, 2026, 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donna Bussell, U.S. Department of 
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20202-6335. 
Telephone: (202) 987-0204. Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#91f5fefffff0bff3e4e2e2f4fdfdd1f4f5bff6fee7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e0848f8e8e81ce82959393858c8ca08584ce878f96">[email&#160;protected]</span></a>.
    For technical questions, contact the Partner Support Center (PSC). 
Telephone: 877-457-3336. Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2e61676b006b6f7d676b6e4b4a00494158"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="bcf3f5f992f9fdeff5f9fcd9d892dbd3ca">[email&#160;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

    Note: To be eligible for a Formula Grant, all applicants must 
submit all required documentation described under Content and Form of 
Application Submission in section IV of this notice before the EASIE 
Part I and Part II transmittal deadlines.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Purpose of Program: The Formula Grants program provides support to 
LEAs and Indian Tribes in developing elementary school and secondary 
school programs for all Indian students. Program funding must be used 
to support comprehensive programs that are designed to meet cultural, 
language, and academic needs of Indian students and ensure they meet 
State academic standards. LEAs must develop projects with the 
participation and written approval of an Indian Parent Committee (IPC) 
and develop meaningful consultation and ongoing collaboration with 
nearby Indian Tribes.
    Assistance Listing Number (ALN): 84.060A.
    OMB Control Number: 1810-002.
    Table 1 outlines the required assurances for each proposed project. 
These assurances must be developed through open consultation and active 
participation with stakeholders, include written approval from the 
Indian Parent Committee, undergo review by the State Education Agency. 
Additionally, Table 1 identifies the Local Education Agencies (LEAs) 
that are required to meaningful collaborate with Tribes and those who 
also must consult with Tribes.

[[Page 4910]]



              Table 1--Stakeholder Engagement Requirements
------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Elementary and Secondary
     Education Act (ESEA)        Stakeholders involved     Applicable
          requirement                                    eligible entity
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proposed projects must be       <bullet> Parents of     All Applicants.
 developed by the LEA in open    Indian children;.
 consultation including public  <bullet> Teachers of
 hearings (ESEA section          Indian children;.
 6114(c)(3)).                   <bullet> Tribal
                                 representatives
                                 within 50 miles of
                                 schools with enrolled
                                 Tribal children;.
                                <bullet> Indian
                                 organizations; and.
                                <bullet> Indian
                                 students from
                                 secondary schools (if
                                 appropriate).
                                <bullet> Must provide
                                 stakeholders a full
                                 opportunity to
                                 understand the
                                 program and offer
                                 recommendations..
Proposed projects must be       Indian Parent           LEA applicants
 developed with the              Committee Approval.     only.
 participation and have         <bullet> Parents and
 written approval of a           family members of
 committee (ESEA section         Indian children (must
 6114(c)(4)).                    be majority of the
                                 committee);.
                                <bullet> Tribal
                                 representatives
                                 within 50 miles of
                                 schools with enrolled
                                 children from the
                                 Indian Tribe;.
                                <bullet> Teachers in
                                 the schools; and.
                                <bullet> Indian
                                 students from
                                 secondary schools (if
                                 appropriate).
Proposed projects must be       <bullet> Before         LEA applicants
 developed with the review of    submitting an           only.
 the State Education Agency      application to the
 (SEA) Review, (ESEA section     Department, LEA
 6119).                          applicants shall
                                 submit a copy the
                                 application to the
                                 SEA for review;
                                <bullet> SEA may
                                 comment on
                                 application; and.
                                <bullet> If the SEA
                                 comments, the SEA
                                 shall provide LEAs
                                 with an opportunity
                                 to respond;.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Integration of Services Authorized: As authorized under ESEA 
section 6116, the Secretary will, upon receipt of an acceptable plan 
for the integration of education and related services, and in 
cooperation with Federal agencies, authorize the entity receiving the 
funds under this program to consolidate all Federal funds that are to 
be used exclusively for Indian students. Instructions for submitting an 
integration of education and related services plan are described under 
Application and Submission Information in section IV of this notice.
    Definitions: The following definitions apply to this application 
period. The definition of ``Indian'' is from ESEA section 6151(3). The 
definition of ``Indian Community-Based Organization'' is from ESEA 
section 6112(d)(3).
    Indian means an individual who is:
    (1) a member of an Indian Tribe or band, as membership is defined 
by the Tribe or band, including--
    (a) any Tribe or band terminated since 1940; and
    (b) any tribe or band recognized by the State in which the tribe or 
band resides;
    (2) a descendant, in the first or second degree, of an individual 
described in subparagraph (a);
    (3) considered by the Secretary of the Interior to be an Indian for 
any purpose;
    (4) an Eskimo, Aleut, or other Alaska Native; or
    (5) a member of an organized Indian group that received a grant 
under the Indian Education Act of 1988 as in effect the day preceding 
the date of enactment of the Improving America's Schools Act of 1994.
    Indian Community-Based Organization (ICBO) means any organization 
that--
    (1) is composed primarily of Indian parents, family members, and 
community members, Tribal government education officials, and Tribal 
members, from a specific community;
    (2) assists in the social, cultural, and educational development of 
Indians in such community;
    (3) meets the unique cultural, language, and academic needs of 
Indian students; and
    (4) demonstrates organizational and administrative capacity to 
manage the grant.
    Statutory Hiring Preference: All formula grants are subject to the 
Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA), 
section 7(b) of ISDEAA (25 U.S.C. 5307(b)) requires any contract, 
subcontract, or grant for the benefit of Indians, shall to the greatest 
extent feasible--
    (1) give preferences and opportunities for training and employment 
in connection with the administration of such contracts or grants to 
Indians; and
    (2) give preference in the award of subcontracts in connection with 
the administration of such contracts or grants to Indian Organizations 
and to Indian-owned economic enterprises as defined in section 3 of the 
Indian Financing Act of 1974 (25 U.S.C. 1452(e)).
    For purposes of this requirement, ``Indian'' is defined under 25 
U.S.C. 1452(b).
    Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 7421, et seq.
    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, 97, 98, 
and 99. (b) The Office of Management and Budget Guidelines to Agencies 
on Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Non-procurement) 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.

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Formula grants.
    Estimated Available Funds: The Administration requested 
$110,381,000 for the Formula Grants program for FY 2026. 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.
    Estimated Range of Awards: $4,000 to $2,400,000.
    Estimated Average Size of Awards: $85,000.
    Estimated Number of Awards: 1,250.
    Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice.
    Project Period: 12 months.

III. Eligibility Information

    1. Eligible Applicants: Entities eligible under this program 
include certain LEAs (including charter schools authorized as LEAs 
under State law), BIE-funded schools, Tribes and Tribal organizations, 
ICBOs, and consortia of two or more eligible entities, as prescribed by 
ESEA sections 6112-6113. See Table 2 for detailed eligibility 
requirements by entity type. Applicants can confirm their eligibility 
in Part I of the EASIE application.

[[Page 4911]]



                      Table 2--Eligible Applicants
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Requirements for
       ESEA requirement          Eligible entity      consideration of
                                                           entity
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ESEA section 6112(a)(1).......  Local Educational  <bullet> Must develop
                                 Agencies (LEAs).   application with
                                                    participation and
                                                    written approval of
                                                    an Indian Parent
                                                    Committee (IPC).
                                                   <bullet> Charter
                                                    schools authorized
                                                    as LEAs under State
                                                    law are eligible.
                                                   <bullet> For an LEA
                                                    that selects a
                                                    schoolwide
                                                    application,
                                                    identify how the use
                                                    of such funds in a
                                                    schoolwide program
                                                    will produce
                                                    benefits to Indian
                                                    students that would
                                                    not be achieved if
                                                    the funds were not
                                                    used in a schoolwide
                                                    program (ESEA
                                                    section 6115(c)(3));
ESEA section 6112(a)(2).......  Indian Tribes....  <bullet> May apply in
                                                    lieu of an LEA, if
                                                    the LEA does not
                                                    establish an IPC.
                                                   <bullet> Must
                                                    represent more than
                                                    50 percent of the
                                                    eligible Indian
                                                    children who are
                                                    served by the LEA.
                                                   <bullet> Not required
                                                    to maintain an IPC.
                                                    (ESEA section 6114
                                                    (c)(4)).
                                                   <bullet> Not required
                                                    to describe process
                                                    used to meaningfully
                                                    collaborate with
                                                    Indian Tribes. (ESEA
                                                    section 6114
                                                    (b)(7)).
                                                   <bullet> Not subject
                                                    to Maintenance of
                                                    Effort (MOE)
                                                    requirements.
                                                   <bullet> Not subject
                                                    to SEA review
                                                    requirements.
                                                   <bullet> Must provide
                                                    assurance that the
                                                    Indian Tribe will
                                                    use grant funds to
                                                    provide services to
                                                    all Indian students
                                                    in the LEA.
ESEA section 6112(a)(3).......  Indian             <bullet> May apply in
                                 Organizations      lieu of an LEA, if
                                 (IOs).             the LEA does not
                                                    establish an Indian
                                                    Parent Committee
                                                    (IPC).
                                                   <bullet> Must
                                                    represent more than
                                                    50 percent of the
                                                    eligible Indian
                                                    children who are
                                                    served by the LEA.
                                                   <bullet> Not required
                                                    to maintain an IPC.
                                                   <bullet> Not required
                                                    to describe process
                                                    used to meaningfully
                                                    collaborate with
                                                    Indian Tribes.
                                                   <bullet> Not subject
                                                    to Maintenance of
                                                    Effort (MOE)
                                                    requirements.
                                                   <bullet> Not subject
                                                    to SEA review
                                                    requirements.
                                                   <bullet> Must provide
                                                    assurance that the
                                                    Indian Organization
                                                    will use grant funds
                                                    to provide services
                                                    to all Indian
                                                    students in the LEA.
ESEA section 6112(a)(4).......  Consortia of two   <bullet> Provide an
                                 or more LEAs,      assurance that the
                                 Indian Tribes,     eligible Indian
                                 Indian             children served by
                                 Organizations,     the LEA will receive
                                 or Indian          the services of the
                                 Community-Based    programs funded; and
                                 Organizations.    <bullet> Consortia is
                                                    subject to all the
                                                    requirements,
                                                    assurances, and
                                                    obligations
                                                    applicable to LEAs.
                                                   <bullet>
                                                    Participating Indian
                                                    Tribes and Indian
                                                    Organizations are
                                                    not subject to SEA
                                                    review requirements.
ESEA section 6112(a)(5).......  Indian Community-  <bullet> Cannot apply
                                 Based              if an LEA, Indian
                                 Organizations      Tribe, or a
                                 (ICBOs).           consortia of LEAs or
                                                    Indian Tribes apply
                                                    on behalf of the
                                                    particular
                                                    community.
                                                   <bullet> Provide an
                                                    assurance that the
                                                    eligible Indian
                                                    children served by
                                                    the ICBO will
                                                    receive the services
                                                    of the programs
                                                    funded; and
                                                   <bullet> Not required
                                                    to maintain an IPC.
                                                   <bullet> Not required
                                                    to describe process
                                                    used to meaningfully
                                                    collaborate with
                                                    Indian Tribes.
                                                   <bullet> Not subject
                                                    Maintenance of
                                                    Effort (MOE)
                                                    requirements.
ESEA section 6113(d)..........  Bureau of Indian   <bullet> Must be a
                                 Education (BIE)    BIE operated school;
                                 Schools.           or
                                                   <bullet> Must be a
                                                    Tribally controlled
                                                    school under the
                                                    Indian Self-
                                                    Determination Act or
                                                    the Tribally
                                                    Controlled Schools
                                                    Act of 1988 (Pub. L.
                                                    100-297).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    2. a. Cost Sharing or Matching: This program does not require cost 
sharing or matching.
    b. Supplement Not Supplant: ESEA section 6114(c)(1) requires an LEA 
to use these grant funds only to supplement the funds that, in the 
absence of these Federal funds, such agency would make available for 
services described in this application, and not to supplant such funds.
    c. Indirect Cost Rate Information: This program uses a restricted 
indirect cost rate. For more information regarding restricted indirect 
costs, or to obtain a negotiated restricted indirect cost rate, please 
see: <a href="https://www.ed.gov/about/ed-offices/ofo/ocfos-financial-improvement-post-audit-operations">https://www.ed.gov/about/ed-offices/ofo/ocfos-financial-improvement-post-audit-operations</a>.
    d. Administrative Cost Limitation: Under ESEA section 6115(d), no 
more than five percent of funds awarded for a grant under this program 
may be used for administrative purposes. Note that, since fiscal year 
2020, Congress has included language in appropriations acts to specify 
that the statutory 5 percent limit does not include indirect costs. In 
the event such language is not included in the FY 2026 appropriations 
act, the Department will work with successful applicants to make budget 
adjustments to align with administrative cost restrictions, if 
necessary.

IV. Application and Submission Information

    1. How to Request an Application Package: You can obtain an entity-
specific link for EASIE by contacting PSC listed under FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT.
    Upon 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.
    2. Content and Form of Application Submission: Application 
requirements such as agreements, forms, and technical assistance 
resources are located on the EASIE Communities of Practice website at 
<a href="https://easie.communities.ed.gov/">https://easie.communities.ed.gov/</a>.
    Note: The Department will provide support to applicants with 
accessing, navigating, and entering data and submitting their responses 
into <a href="https://www.connect.gov/">https://www.connect.gov/</a>. Prior to the opening of EASIE Part I, 
this documentation will be announced and posted on the EASIE 
Communities of Practice website at: <a href="https://easie.communities.ed.gov/">https://easie.communities.ed.gov/</a>.
    Applicants will be provided an entity-specific link (also known as 
a token) to access EASIE via <a href="https://www.connect.gov/">https://www.connect.gov/</a>. Only individuals 
that are registered as the current Point of Contact (POC), Project 
Director (PD), or Authorized Official Representative (AOR) will receive 
the entity-specific link to access the application for EASIE Parts I 
and II.
    Supplementary Documentation: EASIE requires submission of the 
following supplementary documentation in electronic Portable Document 
Format (PDF):
    (1) Applicants that are applying as Indian Tribes, IOs, or ICBOs 
must submit the ``Applying in Lieu of the LEA'' agreement form with 
their application to verify their eligibility no later than the EASIE 
Part I close date. The evidence of eligibility forms are available on 
the EASIE Communities of Practice website (<a href="https://easie.communities.ed.gov/">https://easie.communities.ed.gov/</a>) as downloadable documents.

[[Page 4912]]

    (2) Consortia applicants, specifically the lead applicant, must 
submit a consortium agreement no later than the EASIE Part I close 
date.
    (3) LEA applicants, including LEA consortia applicants, must submit 
an Indian Parent Committee Approval form no later than the EASIE Part 
II close date.
    3. Submission Dates and Times:
    EASIE transmittal deadlines:
    Part I Opens: February 2, 2026.
    Part I Closes: March 6, 2026, 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time.
    Part II Opens: March 30, 2026.
    Part II Closes: May 11, 2026, 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time.
    For information about how to submit your application, please refer 
to Other Submission Requirements in section IV of this notice. 
Individuals with disabilities who need accommodation or auxiliary aid 
in connection with the application process should contact the person 
listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. If the Department 
provides accommodation or auxiliary aid to an individual with a 
disability in connection with the application process, the individual's 
application remains subject to all other requirements and limitations 
in this notice.
    4. Intergovernmental Review: This program is not subject to 
Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79.
    5. Unique Entity Identification (UEI) Number, Taxpayer 
Identification Number, and System for Award Management: To do business 
with the Department, you must--
    a. Have a Unique Entity Identification (UEI) number and a Taxpayer 
Identification Number (TIN);
    b. Register both your UEI number and TIN with the System for Award 
Management (SAM), the Government's primary registrant database;
    c. Provide your UEI number and TIN on your SAM application; and
    d. Maintain an active SAM registration with current information 
while your application is under review by the Department and, if you 
are awarded a grant, during the project period.
    You can obtain a UEI number from <a href="http://SAM.gov">SAM.gov</a> at the following website: 
<a href="https://sam.gov/">https://sam.gov/</a>. A UEI number can be created within one to two 
business days.
    If you are a corporate entity, agency, institution, or 
organization, you can obtain a TIN from the Internal Revenue Service. 
If you are an individual, you can obtain a TIN from the Internal 
Revenue Service or the Social Security Administration. If you need a 
new TIN, please allow two to five weeks for your TIN to become active.
    The SAM registration process can take approximately seven business 
days but may take upwards of several weeks. Applicants should allow 
sufficient time to obtain and register your UEI number and TIN.
    If you are currently registered with SAM, you may not need to make 
any changes. However, please make certain that the TIN associated with 
your UEI number is correct. Also note that you will need to update your 
registration annually. This may take three or more business days.
    Information about SAM is available at <a href="https://sam.gov/">https://sam.gov/</a>. To further 
assist you with obtaining and registering your UEI number and TIN in 
SAM or updating your existing SAM account, we have prepared a <a href="http://SAM.gov">SAM.gov</a> 
Tip Sheet, which you can find here: <a href="https://sam.gov/content/duns-uei">https://sam.gov/content/duns-uei</a>.
    Other Submission Requirements:
    Electronic Submission of Applications
    EASIE is an electronic application within <a href="http://Connect.gov">Connect.gov</a> that users 
access via an entity-specific link or ``token'' is divided into two 
parts: EASIE Part I (Indian Student Count) and EASIE Part II (Project 
Design and Budget). All applicants must document eligible Indian 
students during the count period and ensure that all individual data 
collected shall be protected and only aggregate data shall be reported 
to the Department. See Table 3 and Table 4 for more information about 
the type of information that is required in EASIE Part I and EASIE Part 
II, respectively.

          Table 3--EASIE Part I: Student Count and Eligibility
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   Requirement          Requirement
       ESEA requirement              element            description
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ESEA section 6117(b)..........  Indian Student     <bullet> Name of the
                                 Eligibility        Indian Tribe to
                                 Certification      which the child
                                 Form (ED 506).     claims membership;
                                                    or
                                                   <bullet> Name of the
                                                    parent or
                                                    grandparent of the
                                                    child from whom the
                                                    child claims
                                                    eligibility, if the
                                                    child is not a
                                                    member of the Indian
                                                    Tribe.
                                                   <bullet> Notation
                                                    that the Indian
                                                    Tribe claimed is
                                                    federally
                                                    recognized.
                                                   <bullet> Name and
                                                    address of the
                                                    parent or legal
                                                    guardian.
                                                   <bullet> Signature of
                                                    parent or legal
                                                    guardian to verify
                                                    the accuracy of the
                                                    information.
ESEA section 6117(d)..........  Types of Proof...  <bullet> If
                                                    enrollment numbers
                                                    are not available,
                                                    eligibility may be
                                                    established by proof
                                                    other than an
                                                    enrollment number
                                                    from the Tribe.
                                                   <bullet> Duplicate
                                                    forms are
                                                    prohibited, once an
                                                    Indian child is
                                                    determined eligible,
                                                    the form shall
                                                    follow the Indian
                                                    child and each LEA
                                                    shall maintain a
                                                    record of
                                                    determination.
ESEA section 6117(f)..........  BIE Schools......  <bullet> BIE schools
                                                    may use their most
                                                    current Indian
                                                    Student Equalization
                                                    Program (ISEP)
                                                    count; or
                                                   <bullet> A count that
                                                    complies with the
                                                    requirements of the
                                                    ED 506 Form.
ESEA section 6117(g)..........  Timing of the      <bullet> Establish 31
                                 Indian Student     consecutive days
                                 Count (ISC).       ``ISC count period''
                                                    which the applicant
                                                    will count Indian
                                                    children before the
                                                    close of Part I.
                                                   <bullet> Determine
                                                    that each counted
                                                    Indian child was
                                                    enrolled at least
                                                    one day during such
                                                    ISC count period.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In EASIE Part II, all applicants will be prompted to select the 
type of program being submitted: regular formula grant project, a 
schoolwide program, or integration of services. Applicants must design 
a comprehensive program as outlined in Table 4 below:

[[Page 4913]]



            Table 4--EASIE Part II: Project Design and Budget
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   Requirement          Requirement
       ESEA requirement              element            description
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ESEA section 6114.............  Comprehensive      <bullet> Describe how
                                 Program Required.  the program will
                                                    offer activities to
                                                    meet culturally
                                                    related academic
                                                    needs of Indian
                                                    students.
                                                   <bullet> Align with
                                                    State, Tribal, and
                                                    Local plans funded
                                                    under the ESEA.
                                                   <bullet> Include
                                                    project objectives
                                                    and outcomes for
                                                    activities based on
                                                    State academic
                                                    standards.
                                                   <bullet> Explain how
                                                    funds will be used
                                                    to supplement and
                                                    coordinate with
                                                    other federal,
                                                    state, and local
                                                    programs.
                                                   <bullet> Demonstrate
                                                    how funds will be
                                                    used for authorized
                                                    services and
                                                    activities.
                                                   <bullet> Describe the
                                                    professional
                                                    development that
                                                    will be provided to
                                                    ensure that all
                                                    teachers and other
                                                    school professionals
                                                    are prepared to work
                                                    with Indian children
                                                    and are properly
                                                    trained.
                                                   <bullet> Describe how
                                                    the LEA will
                                                    periodically assess
                                                    the program of all
                                                    Indian children,
                                                    including Indian
                                                    children who do not
                                                    participate in the
                                                    project. Further,
                                                    how the LEA will
                                                    provide the results
                                                    of each assessment
                                                    to the IPC and
                                                    Indian Tribes
                                                    consistent with the
                                                    Family Educational
                                                    Rights and Privacy
                                                    Act (FERPA).
                                                   <bullet> Describe the
                                                    process to
                                                    meaningfully
                                                    collaborate with
                                                    Indian Tribes in a
                                                    timely, active, and
                                                    ongoing manner in
                                                    developing the
                                                    comprehensive
                                                    program and the
                                                    actions taken as a
                                                    result of the
                                                    collaboration.
ESEA section 6115(b)..........  Authorized         <bullet> Activities
                                 Services and       that support Native
                                 Activities.        American Language
                                                    programs and
                                                    restoration programs
                                                    may be taught by
                                                    traditional leaders.
                                                   <bullet> Culturally
                                                    related activities
                                                    that support the
                                                    project design.
                                                   <bullet> Early
                                                    childhood and family
                                                    programs that
                                                    emphasize school
                                                    readiness.
                                                   <bullet> Enrichment
                                                    programs that focus
                                                    on problem solving
                                                    and cognitive skill
                                                    development.
                                                   <bullet> Promotion of
                                                    parental involvement
                                                    in school
                                                    activities.
                                                   <bullet> Career
                                                    preparation
                                                    activities such as
                                                    tech-prep education,
                                                    mentoring, and
                                                    apprenticeship.
                                                   <bullet> Prevention
                                                    of violence,
                                                    suicide, and
                                                    substance abuse.
                                                   <bullet> Acquisition
                                                    of equipment, only
                                                    if the acquisition
                                                    is essential to
                                                    achieve the purpose
                                                    of meeting the
                                                    unique cultural,
                                                    language, and
                                                    educational needs of
                                                    Indian students.
                                                   <bullet> Activities
                                                    that promote the
                                                    incorporation of
                                                    culturally
                                                    responsive teaching
                                                    and learning.
                                                   <bullet> Family
                                                    literacy services.
                                                   <bullet> Incorporate
                                                    appropriately
                                                    qualified tribal
                                                    elders and seniors.
                                                   <bullet> Dropout
                                                    prevention
                                                    strategies.
                                                   <bullet> Strategies
                                                    to meet the
                                                    education needs of
                                                    at-risk Indian
                                                    students in
                                                    correctional
                                                    facilities,
                                                    including
                                                    transferring from
                                                    such facilities.
ESEA section 6115(c)..........  Schoolwide         <bullet> LEA may use
                                 Programs.          funds to support a
                                                    schoolwide program
                                                    if the IPC approves;
                                                    is consistent with
                                                    the purpose of the
                                                    Indian Education
                                                    formula program; and
                                                    the LEA identifies
                                                    in the application
                                                    how the use of funds
                                                    will produce
                                                    benefits to Indian
                                                    children that would
                                                    not be achieved if
                                                    not used in a
                                                    schoolwide program.
ESEA section 6115(e)..........  Long-distance      <bullet> Funds may
                                 Travel             not be used for long-
                                 Prohibited.        distance travel
                                                    expenses for
                                                    training activities
                                                    that are available
                                                    locally or
                                                    regionally.
General Education Provisions    Equal Access to    <bullet> Project will
 Act (GEPA) 20 U.S.C. Sec.       Overcome           ensure access to and
 1228a.                          Barriers.          participation in
                                                    activities that
                                                    address the unique
                                                    cultural, language,
                                                    and educational
                                                    needs of Indian
                                                    students, teachers,
                                                    and other program
                                                    beneficiaries as
                                                    defined in the
                                                    Elementary and
                                                    Secondary Education
                                                    Act (ESEA) as
                                                    amended.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Registration for Formula Grant EASIE: All applicants interested in 
submitting a Formula Grant application must register for EASIE. Prior 
to the opening of EASIE Part I, PSC will send a broadcast to prior year 
grantees and new prospective applicants that have contacted PSC and 
registered for EASIE. All recipients who receive PSC's broadcast will 
be asked to complete their intent to apply for the upcoming application 
period in the EASIE Portal. All applicants will be provided the 
opportunity to confirm if any updates to their registration information 
are necessary, or if they would like to decline registration. Entities 
that do not have an active registration or are new applicants should 
contact the PSC listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT to 
register any time before the EASIE Part I application transmittal 
deadline. Registration does not serve as the entity's grant 
application. For assistance registering, contact the PSC listed under 
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
    Certification for Formula Grant EASIE: The Authorized Official 
Representative (AOR) must certify EASIE Parts I and II by the 
respective deadlines. Each applicant should identify at least three 
system users, one for each of the following: Project Director, AOR, and 
another party (such as a Budget Director) designated to answer 
questions in the event the project director is unavailable. The 
certification process ensures that the information in the application 
is true, reliable, and valid. An applicant that provides a false 
statement in the application is subject to penalties under the False 
Claims Act, 18 U.S.C. 1001.

V. Grant Administration Information

    1. Risk Assessment and Specific Conditions: Consistent with 2 CFR 
200.206, before awarding grants under this program 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.
    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 
a grant in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice and 
include these and other specific conditions in the Grant Award 
Notification (GAN). The GAN also incorporates your approved application 
as part of your binding commitments under the grant.
    3. Reporting: (a) If you apply for a grant under this program, 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. This does not apply if you have an exception under 2 
CFR 170.110(b).
    (b) You must submit a final annual performance report (APR) using 
EASIE, including financial information, as directed by the Secretary, 
within 120

[[Page 4914]]

days after the close of the grant year. Grantees will be able to access 
the APR via EASIE prior to the system being open to users. Grantees 
will receive an email from the PSC identifying the date that the APR 
will be available to grantees and the deadline for its transmission.
    4. Performance Measures: For the purposes of Department reporting 
under 34 CFR 75.110, the Secretary has established the following key 
performance measures for assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of 
the Formula Grants program: (1) the percentage of AIAN students in 
grades four and eight who score at or above the basic level in reading 
on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP); (2) the 
percentage of AIAN students in grades four and eight who score at or 
above the basic level in mathematics on the NAEP; (3) the percentage of 
Indian students in grades three through eight meeting State achievement 
standards by scoring at or above the proficient level in reading and 
mathematics on State assessments; (4) the difference between the 
percentage of AIAN students in grades three through eight at or above 
the proficient level in reading and mathematics on State assessments 
and the percentage of all students scoring at those levels; and (5) the 
percentage of Indian students who graduate from high school as measured 
by the 4 year adjusted cohort graduation rate. The Department will 
report data for these measures from administrative data sources; 
grantees do not need to report data for these measures.
    5. Integrity and Performance System: If you receive an award under 
this grant program 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 <a href="https://sam.gov/">https://sam.gov/</a>. 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 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.

VI. Other Information

    Accessible Format: On request to the PSC 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 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 other Department documents published in the 
Federal Register, in text or 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: 
<a href="http://www.federalregister.gov">www.federalregister.gov</a>.

Kirsten Baesler,
Assistant Secretary, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education.
[FR Doc. 2026-02178 Filed 2-2-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P


</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>
Indexed from Federal Register on February 3, 2026.

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.