ALN 84.031D Application for Grants: American Indian Tribally Control

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

OFFICE OF POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

WASHINGTON, DC 20202

Fiscal Year 2021

APPLICATION FOR GRANTS

AMERICAN INDIAN TRIBALLY CONTROLLED COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES PROGRAM

ALN 84.031D

CLOSING DATE: TBD

OMB No. 1840-0817

Expiration Date XX/XX/XXXX

Paperwork Burden Statement

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number.  The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 1840-0817.  Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 12 hours per response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information.  The obligation to respond to this collection is required to obtain or retain benefit (Title III, Part F of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended).  If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate, suggestions for improving this individual collection, or if you have comments or concerns regarding the status of your individual form, application or survey, please contact Dr. Steve Sniegoski, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20202 or Steve.Sniegoski@ed.gov directly.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Dear Applicant Letter 1

Competition Highlights 2

Overview of Program 3-5

Statute 6-7

Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs 8

Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) 9-10

Instructions for Completing/Transmitting the Application 11-12

Required Information Form 13

Profile Data Collection Form (Profile Form) 14-15

Application Checklist 16

Instructions for Standard Forms 17

Standard Forms and Certifications

Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424)

Department of Education Supplemental Form for SF 424

Form and Instructions - Budget Information, Non-Construction Programs (ED 524)

Certification Regarding Lobbying (Grants.gov)

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF LLL)

General Education Provision Act (GEPA) – Section 427

Dear Applicant:

Thank you for your interest in applying for a grant under the Title III, Part F, American Indian Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCU) program (ALN# 84.031D), authorized by Title III, Part F, Section 371 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA). In December 2019, the President signed Public Law 116-91, the Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education (FUTURE) Act, providing permanent mandatory appropriations for TCCUs and other minority-serving institutions under Part F of Title III of the HEA. The TCCU program provides grants and related assistance to TCCUs to enable such institutions to improve and expand their capacity to serve American Indians. For Fiscal Year (FY) 2021, the Title III, Part F, TCCU program received $28,290,000 in mandatory funding. One-year construction grants are not being awarded this year; however, construction can be incorporated into the five-year development grant as an allowable activity.

In this application package, you will find all the information and forms necessary to complete your application for a new grant award in FY 2021. Please read the directions carefully. In addition to other required forms, each applicant is requested to provide a TCCU Program Profile Form (student data on enrollment of Indian students as well as credit hours). Five-year development grants will be funded on the basis of a program formula. The Program Profile Form is of vital importance so that we may collect your institution’s data under the TCCU Program. In the Department of Education’s (the Department) attempt to ensure equity and consistency in the TCCU institutional data that you are required to submit, it is of the utmost importance that these data are verifiable. The Program Profile data submitted must cover academic years 2020-2021 for the total number of credit hours for Indian students. The deadline for submission of the Program Profile Form is TBD.

The receipt of your institution’s data by the deadline date is critical because each award is determined by the information provided by all participating institutions. No single award can be calculated until all eligible institutions have responded. The Department trusts that you will understand the importance of meeting the TBD due date. The application information required for the TCCU Program must be e-mailed to Dr. Steve Sniegoski at Steve.Sniegoski@ed.gov by 4:30 PM EDT on TBD.

Sincerely,

James E. Laws, Jr., Ed.D.

Director

Strengthening Institutions Division

COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS

1. Each Tribally Controlled College or University (TCCU) seeking to be included in the formula funding for a new grant must have been determined eligible for the program. Section 316(d)(1) of the HEA states that, “To be eligible to receive assistance under this section, a Tribal College or University shall be an eligible institution under section 312(b).” Section 312 (b) is the requirements for designation as an eligible institution.

2. Each TCCU must complete and submit the Profile Data Collection Form, a one Page Abstract, Budget Narrative, Project Narrative, Required Information Form, Assurances, and Certification Forms. TCCUs must submit the Profile Data Collection Form every year in order to receive annual funding. The other aforementioned documents only need to be submitted for a NEW grant and are NOT needed for non-competitive continuation awards.

3. Each eligible TCCU that annually submits relevant Indian Student count and credit hours data will be included in the formula run.

4. Appropriated funds will be distributed among the eligible Tribal Colleges and Universities on a pro rata basis based on the respective Indian student counts (as defined in section 2(a) of the Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities Assistance Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 1801 (a))) of the Tribal Colleges and Universities. No grant may be less than $500,000.

5. Construction is now an allowable activity within the development grant but there is also the option to have special construction grants awarded on a competitive basis.

6. Applicants are asked to carefully read question #4 on the Profile Data Collection Form and, if applicable, to check the box or place an X next to the box certifying that they will comply with the statutory requirements and program assurances (regarding endowments) cited in the program regulations.

7. The application package must be e-mailed to Dr. Steve Sniegoski at Steve.Sniegoski@ed.gov no later than 4:30 PM EDT on TBD.

8. Please note that you must submit your student data by dates specified by the Department. Late formula data will not be accepted. The Department is required to enforce the established deadline to ensure fairness to all applicants.

THE AMERICAN INDIAN TRIBALLY CONTROLLED COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES PROGRAM

AUTHORIZING LEGISLATION

The TCCU Program is authorized under Title III, Part F, Section 316 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended.

APPLICABLE REQULATIONS

Education Department Administrative General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), Parts 74, 75, 77, 79 and 80.

PURPOSE

The purpose of the Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities Program is to provide grants and related assistance to Indian Tribal Colleges and Universities to enable such institutions to improve and expand their capacity to serve Indian students.

ELIGIBILITY

Tribal College or University

AUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES

Grant funds may be used for the following activities;

(1) Faculty exchanges, faculty fellowships, and faculty development that provide faculty with the skills and knowledge needed to—

(i) Develop academic support services, including advising and mentoring students;

(ii) Develop academic programs or methodology, including computer-assisted instruction, that strengthen the academic quality of the institution; or

(iii) Acquire terminal degrees that are required to obtain or retain accreditation of an academic program or department;

(2) Funds and administrative management that will improve the institution's ability to—

(i) Manage financial resources in an efficient and effective manner; and

(ii) Collect, access, and use information about the institution's operations for improved decision making;

(3) Developing and improving academic programs that enable the institution to—

(i) Develop new academic programs or new program options that show promise for increased student enrollment;

(ii) Provide new technology or methodology to increase student success and retention or to retain accreditation; or

(iii) Improve curriculum or methodology for existing academic programs to stabilize or increase student enrollment;

(4) Acquiring equipment for use in strengthening management and academic programs to achieve objectives such as those described in paragraphs (b)(2) and (b)(3) of this section;

(5) Establishing or increasing the joint use of facilities such as libraries and laboratories to—

(i) Eliminate the distance and high cost associated with providing academic programs and academic support; or

(ii) Provide clinical experience that is part of an approved academic program at off-campus locations;

(6) Develop or improve student services to provide—

(i) Deliver new or improved methods to student services, including counseling, tutoring, and instruction in basic skills; or

(ii) Improve strategies to train student services personnel;

(7) Payment of any portion of the salary of a dean, with proper justification, to fill a position under the project such as project coordinator or activity director. For purposes of this paragraph, proper justification includes evidence that the position entitled “Dean” is not one that has college-wide administrative authority and responsibility;

(8) Purchase, rental, or lease of scientific or laboratory equipment for educational purposes, including instructional and research purposes;

(9) Construction, maintenance, renovation, and improvement in classrooms, libraries, laboratories, and other instructional facilities, including the integration of computer technology into institutional facilities to create smart buildings;

(10) Establishing or improving a development office to strengthen or improve contributions from alumni and the private sector;

(11) Establishing or improving an endowment fund, provided a grantee uses no more than 20 percent of its grant funds for this purpose and at least matches those grant funds with non-Federal funds;

(12) Creating or improving facilities for Internet or other distance learning academic instruction capabilities, including purchase or rental of telecommunications technology equipment or services;

(13) For grants authorized under section 316 of the HEA to tribal colleges or universities—

(i) Purchase, rental, or lease of scientific or laboratory equipment for educational purposes, including instructional and research purposes;

(ii) Construction, maintenance, renovation, and improvement in classroom, library, laboratory, and other instructional facilities, including purchase or rental of telecommunications technology equipment or services;

(iii) Support of faculty exchanges, faculty development, and faculty fellowships to assist in attaining advanced degrees in their field of instruction;

(iv) Curriculum development and academic instruction;

(v) Purchase of library books, periodicals, microfilm, and other educational materials, including telecommunications program materials;

(vi) Funds and administrative management, and acquisition of equipment for use in strengthening funds management;

(vii) Joint use of facilities such as laboratories and libraries; and

(viii) Academic tutoring and counseling programs and student support services designed to improve academic services;

(ix) Academic instruction in disciplines in which Indians are underrepresented;

(x) Establishing or improving a development office to strengthen or improve contributions from the alumni and the private sector;

(xi) Establishing or enhancing a program of teacher education designed to qualify students to teach in elementary schools or secondary schools, with a particular emphasis on teaching Indian children and youth, that shall include, as part of such program, preparation for teacher certification;

(xii) Establishing community outreach programs that encourage Indian elementary school and secondary school students to develop the academic skills and the interest to pursue postsecondary education; and

(xiii) Establishing or improving an endowment fund, provided a grantee uses no more than 20 percent of its grant funds for this purpose and at least matches those grant funds with non-Federal funds.

PROGRAM STATUTE

Sec. 316 AMERICAN INDIAN TRIBALLY CONTROLLED COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES.

(a) PROGRAM AUTHORIZED. -- The Secretary shall provide grants and related assistance to Indian Tribal Colleges and Universities to enable such institutions to improve and expand their capacity to serve Indian students.

(b) DEFINITIONS. – In this section:

(1) INDIAN. -- The term “Indian” has the meaning given the term in section 2 of the Tribally Controlled College or University Assistance Act of 1978.

(2) INDIAN TRIBE. -- The term “Indian tribe” has the meaning given the term in section 2 of the Tribally Controlled College or University Assistance Act of 1978.

(3) TRIBAL COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY. -- The term “Tribal College or University” has the meaning give the term “tribally controlled college or university” in section 2 of the Tribally Controlled College or University Assistance Act of 1978, and includes an institution listed in the Equity in Educational Land Grant Status Act of 1994.

(4) INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION.--The term “institution of higher education” means an institution of higher education as defined in section 101(a), except that paragraph (2) of such section shall not apply.

(c) AUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES.--

(1) IN GENERAL. --Grants awarded under this section shall be used by Tribal Colleges or Universities to assist such institutions to plan, develop, undertake, and carry out activities to improve and expand such institutions’ capacity to serve Indian students.

(2) EXAMPLES OF AUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES.--The activities described in paragraph (1) may include--

(A) purchase, rental, or lease of scientific or laboratory equipment for educational purposes, including instructional and research purposes;

(B) construction, maintenance, renovation, and improvement in classrooms, libraries, laboratories, and other instructional facilities, including purchase or rental of telecommunications technology equipment or services;

(C) support of faculty exchanges, faculty development, and faculty fellowships to assist in attaining advanced degrees in the faculty’s field of instruction;

(D) academic instruction in disciplines in which Indians are underrepresented;

(E) purchase of library books, periodicals, and other educational materials, including telecommunications program material;

(F) tutoring, counseling, and student service programs designed to improve academic success;

(G) funds management, administrative management, and acquisition of equipment for use in strengthening funds management;

(H) joint use of facilities, such as laboratories and libraries;

(I) establishing or improving a development office to strengthen or improve contributions from alumni and the private sector;

(J) establishing or enhancing a program of teacher education designed to qualify students to teach in elementary schools or secondary schools, with a particular emphasis on teaching Indian children and youth, that shall include, as part of such program, preparation for teacher certification;

(K) establishing community outreach programs that encourage Indian elementary school and secondary school students to develop the academic skills and the interest to pursue postsecondary education; and

(L) other activities proposed in the application submitted pursuant to subsection (d) that--

(i) contribute to carrying out the activities described in subparagraphs (A) through (K); and (ii) are approved by the Secretary as part of the review and acceptance of such application.

(3) ENDOWMENT FUND.--

(A) IN GENERAL.-- A Tribal College or University may use not more than 20 percent of the grant funds provided under this section to establish or increase an endowment fund at the institution.

(B) MATCHING REQUIREMENT.-- In order to be eligible to use grant funds in accordance with subparagraph (A), the Tribal College or University shall provide matching funds, in an amount equal to the Federal funds used in accordance with subparagraph (A), for the establishment or increase of the endowment fund.

(C) COMPARABILITY. -- The provisions of part C regarding the establishment or increase of an endowment fund, that the Secretary determines are not inconsistent with this paragraph, shall apply to funds used under subparagraph (A).

(d) APPLICATION PROCESS--

(1) INSTITUTIONAL ELIGIBILITY.--To be eligible to receive assistance under this section, a Tribal College or University shall be an eligible institution under section 312(b).

(2) APPLICATION.-- Any Tribal College or University desiring to receive assistance under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, and in such manner, as the Secretary may by regulation reasonably require. Each such application shall include—

(A) a 5-year plan for improving the assistance provided by the Tribal College or University to Indian students, increasing the rates at which Indian secondary school students enroll in higher education, and increasing overall postsecondary retention rates for Indian students; and

(B) such enrollment data and other information and assurances as the Secretary may require to demonstrate compliance with paragraph (1).

(3) SPECIAL RULE.-- For the purposes of this part, no Tribal College or University that is eligible for and receives funds under this section may concurrently receive other funds under this part or part B.

INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW OF FEDERAL PROGRAMS

EXECUTIVE ORDER 12372

Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs was issued to foster an intergovernmental partnership and strengthen federalism by relying on state and local processes for the coordination and review of proposed Federal financial assistance.

Applicants must contact the appropriate State Single Point of Contact to find out about, and to comply with, the State's process under Executive Order 12372. A listing of the Single Point of Contact for each State may be viewed at: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/SPOC-4-13-20.pdf.

Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA)

What is GPRA?

The Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 (GPRA) is a straightforward statute that requires all federal agencies to manage their activities with attention to the consequences of those activities. Each agency is to clearly state what it intends to accomplish, identify the resources required, and periodically report their progress to the Congress. In so doing, it is expected that the GPRA will contribute to improvements in accountability for the expenditures of public funds, improve Congressional decision-making through more objective information on the effectiveness of federal programs, and promote a new government focus on results, service delivery, and customer satisfaction.

How has the Department of Education Responded to the GPRA Requirements?

As required by GPRA, the Department of Education has prepared a strategic plan for 2018-2022. This plan reflects the Department’s priorities and integrates them with its mission and program authorities and describes how the Department will work to improve education for all children and adults in the U.S. The Department’s goals, as listed in the plan, are:

Goal 1: Support state and local efforts to improve learning outcomes for all P-12 students in every community.

Goal 2: Expand postsecondary educational opportunities, improve outcomes to foster economic opportunity and promote an informed, thoughtful and productive citizenry.

Goal 3: Strengthen the quality, accessibility and use of education data through better management, increased privacy protections and transparency.

Goal 4: Reform the effectiveness, efficiency and accountability of the Department.

What are the performance indicators for the American Indian Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCU) Program?

The specific performance indicators for TCCU are as follows:

1. The number of full-time degree-seeking undergraduates enrolled at TCCU institutions. Note that this is a long-term measure, which will be used periodically to gauge performance, beginning in FY 2009.

2. The percentage of first-time, full-time degree-seeking undergraduate students at 4-year TCCU institutions who were in their first year of postsecondary enrollment in the previous year and are enrolled in the current year at the same TCCU institution.

3. The percentage of first-time, full-time degree-seeking undergraduate students at 2-year TCCU institutions who were in their first year of postsecondary enrollment in the previous year and are enrolled in the current year at the same TCCU institution.

4. The percentage of first-time, full-time degree-seeking undergraduate students enrolled at 4-year TCCU institutions graduating within six years of enrollment.

5. The percentage of first-time, full-time degree-seeking undergraduate students enrolled at 2-year TCCU institutions who graduate within three years of enrollment.

6. The cost per successful program outcome: federal cost per undergraduate and graduate degree at TCCU institutions.

How does the Department of Education determine whether performance goals have been met?

An applicant that receives a grant award will be required to submit annual progress reports and a final report as a condition of the award. The reports will document the extent to which project goals and objectives are met. Data submitted annually by the institution to the Department of Education’s Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) will document the extent to which program goals and objectives are met.

The most recent version of a currently approved Annual Performance Report can be viewed at https://hepis.ed.gov/assets/pdf/IS_APR_2020_blank_form.pdf.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING AND TRANSMITTING THE APPLICATION

1. Project Abstract

Applicants are required to submit a one page single-spaced Project Abstract.

Please include in the Project Abstract the name of the institution, city, and purpose. Do not use abbreviations or signs (e.g., %)—spell out.

2. Required Information on TCCU – attached

3. Profile Data Collection Form (Profile Form) – attached

Applicants are required to answer questions 1-5 paying special attention to question 5. a-f. This page is used to profile each applicant. It also addresses endowment funding, dual submission certification, and cooperative arrangements. The Profile Form also records the certifying data on each institution.

4. Budget Narrative

Prepare a separate, detailed budget narrative for each proposed activity. Demonstrate and justify that all costs are reasonable in today’s market and necessary to accomplish your activity objectives. Please pay particular attention in your justification to those (per item) costs exceeding $25,000, excluding salaries and fringe benefits. For each activity, provide itemized costs (in dollars), and a narrative justification to support your request for:

• Personnel

• Fringe Benefits

• Travel

• Equipment

• Supplies

• Contractual

• Construction

• Other

• Total

Do not include a budget narrative (as a separate activity) for endowment investing.

You must provide details so we can determine if the costs are allowable, necessary and reasonable.

*NOTE: The Title III, Part F, TCCU Program, ALN 84.031D does not reimburse grantees for indirect costs they incur in carrying out a project funded under this program. Therefore, applicants should not show any dollar amounts for indirect costs on either line 10 of the application budget form (ED 524) or in their budget narrative. Applicants should also be aware that un-reimbursed indirect costs under grants of this program may not be charged as direct cost items in the same award, used to satisfy matching or cost-sharing requirements, or charged to another Federal award.

5. Project Narrative

Provide description of activities to be funded. (limited to ten pages)

Review the program regulations (34 CFR 607.10 and 607.30) for guidance on which activities and costs are allowable. For example, you may not use your grant funds to:

- Recruit students;

- Carry out activities that are operational rather than developmental;

- Carry out student activities such as entertainment, cultural or social enrichment programs, student publications, social clubs or associations;

- Pay for organized fund raising;

- Cover indirect costs.

6. Required Standard Forms and Certifications

• Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424)

• Department of Education Supplemental Information Form for SF 424

• Form and Instructions - Budget Information, Non-Construction Programs (ED 524)

• Certification Regarding Lobbying (Grants.gov)

• Disclosure of Lobbying Activity (SF LLL)

• General Education Provision Act (GEPA) – Section 427

The application information required for the TCCU Program data collection must be

e-mailed to the following address: Steve.Sniegoski@ed.gov.

REQUIRED INFORMATION ON TCCU

Award Number P031D___________________________________________________

Project Director’s Name_________________________________________________

Project Director’s Telephone_____________________________________________

Project Director’s E-mail_________________________________________________

Level of Effort (at least 25%)______________________________________________

(How much time will project director devote to this grant?)

President’s Name_______________________________________________________

President’s Telephone____________________________________________________

President’s E-mail______________________________________________________

84.031D Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities Program Profile Data Collection Form (Profile Form)

DO NOT MODIFY OR AMEND THESE PAGES.

INSTRUCTIONS: ALL applicants must complete these pages.

TCCU OPE ID #_____________

1. INSTITUTION (Legal Name):

_____________________________________________________________________

2. Are you applying as a Branch Campus? _____YES _____NO

3. ADDRESS (Applicants must indicate the address where the project will be located):

Project Address: ________________________________________________________

City: _____________________________________State: ______Zip: _____________

4. ENDOWMENT FUND ASSURANCE:

� By checking this box (or placing an “X” beside it), an applicant certifies that the institution of higher education proposes to use up to twenty percent (20%) of the TCCU grant award, made under the authority of Title III, Part F of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, to establish or increase the institution’s endowment fund. The institution agrees to abide by the Department of Education’s regulations governing the Endowment Challenge Grant Program, 34 CFR Part 628, the program statute, and the program regulations, 34 CFR Part 607. The institution further agrees to raise the required matching funds.

5. DATA FORM FOR DETERMINING INSTITUTIONAL INDIAN STUDENT COUNT

(as defined in Section 2(a) of the Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities Assistance Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 1801(a)))

1. total number of credit hours for Indian students* enrolled in your institution at the conclusion of the 3^rd week of the 2020 Fall Term =_____________

2. total credit hours for all Indian students enrolled in your institution at the conclusion of the 3^rd week of the 2021 Spring Term =_________________

3. total credit hours for Indian students enrolled in your institution in the 2020 Summer Term preceding the 2020 Fall Term = ________________

4. in the case of an institution on a quarter system, total credit hours for all Indian students enrolled in your institution at the conclusion of the 3^rd week of the 2021 Winter Term (fill in “N/A” if your institution is on a semester system) =_________________

5. total credits earned by any Indian student during the 2020 Summer Term, 2020 Fall Term, 2021 Winter Term, or 2021 Spring Term at your institution who has not obtained a high school degree or its equivalent, if your institution has established criteria for the admission of that student on the basis of the student’s ability to benefit from the education or training offered. The admission procedures at your institution for such studies must include counseling or testing that measures the student’s aptitude to successfully complete the course in which the student has enrolled. No credits earned by the student for purposes of obtaining a high school degree or its equivalent may be counted in this total = _______________

6. total credit hours for Indian students enrolled in your institution who participated in an organized Continuing Education program under responsible sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified instruction (as described in the criteria established by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training) during the 2020, Summer Term, 2020 Fall Term, 2021 Winter Term, or 2021 Spring Term calculated in the following manner:

• in the case of an institution on a quarter system: 1 credit hour for every 10 contact hours = __________________________

OR

• in the case of an institution on a semester system: 1 credit hour for every 15 contact hours = __________________________

SUM of CREDIT HOURS (Items a through f) = ________________________

*20 U.S.C. 1801 (a)(1) defines the term “Indian” as “a person who is a member of an Indian tribe.”

Note: Applicant should retain data used to provide information to the Department for the funding period of the grant.

Application Checklist

Use This Checklist While Preparing Your Application Package: All items listed on this checklist are required.

• Project Abstract

• Required Information on TCCU

• Profile Data Collection Form (Profile Form)

• Budget Narrative

• Project Narrative

• Standard Forms and Certifications – Available at: http://www2.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html

• Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424)

• Department of Education Supplemental Form for SF 424

• Form and Instructions - Budget Information, Non – Construction Programs (ED 524)

• Certification Regarding Lobbying (Grants.Gov)

• Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF LLL)

• General Education Provision Act (GEPA)-- Section 427

INSTRUCTIONS FOR STANDARD FORMS

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE SF-424

This is a standard form required for use as a cover sheet for submission of pre-applications and applications and related information under discretionary programs. Some of the items are required and some are optional at the discretion of the applicant or the federal agency (agency). Required fields on the form are identified with an asterisk (*) and are also specified as “Required” in the instructions below. In addition to these instructions, applicants must consult agency instructions to determine other specific requirements.

Item	Entry:	Item:	Entry:
1.	Type of Submission: (Required) Select one type of submission in accordance with agency instructions. Pre-application Application Changed/Corrected Application – Check if this submission is to change or correct a previously submitted application. Unless requested by the agency, applicants may not use this form to submit changes after the closing date.	10.	Name of Federal Agency: (Required) Enter the name of the federal agency from which assistance is being requested with this application.
		11.	Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number/Title: Enter the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number and title of the program under which assistance is requested, as found in the program announcement, if applicable.
2.	Type of Application: (Required) Select one type of application in accordance with agency instructions. New – An application that is being submitted to an agency for the first time. Continuation - An extension for an additional funding/budget period for a project with a projected completion date. This can include renewals. Revision - Any change in the federal government’s financial obligation or contingent liability from an existing obligation. If a revision, enter the appropriate letter(s). More than one may be selected. If "Other" is selected, please specify in text box provided. Increase Award D. Decrease Duration Decrease Award E. Other (specify) Increase Duration	12.	Funding Opportunity Number/Title: (Required) Enter the Funding Opportunity Number (FON) and title of the opportunity under which assistance is requested, as found in the program announcement.
		13.	Competition Identification Number/Title: Enter the competition identification number and title of the competition under which assistance is requested, if applicable.
		14.	Areas Affected by Project: This data element is intended for use only by programs for which the area(s) affected are likely to be different than the place(s) of performance reported on the SF-424 Project/Performance Site Location(s) Form. Add attachment to enter additional areas, if needed.
3.	Date Received: Leave this field blank. This date will be assigned by the Federal agency.	15.	Descriptive Title of Applicant’s Project: (Required) Enter a brief descriptive title of the project. If appropriate, attach a map showing project location (e.g., construction or real property projects). For pre-applications, attach a summary description of the project.
4.	Applicant Identifier: Enter the entity identifier assigned by the Federal agency, if any, or the applicant’s control number if applicable.
5a.	Federal Entity Identifier: Enter the number assigned to your organization by the federal agency, if any.	16.	Congressional Districts Of: 16a. (Required) Enter the applicant’s congressional district. 16b. Enter all district(s) affected by the program or project. Enter in the format: 2 characters state abbreviation – 3 characters district number, e.g., CA-005 for California 5th district, CA-012 for California 12 district, NC-103 for North Carolina’s 103 district. If all congressional districts in a state are affected, enter “all” for the district number, e.g., MD-all for all congressional districts in Maryland. If nationwide, i.e. all districts within all states are affected, enter US-all. If the program/project is outside the US, enter 00-000. This optional data element is intended for use only by programs for which the area(s) affected are likely to be different than place(s) of performance reported on the SF-424 Project/Performance Site Location(s) Form. Attach an additional list of program/project congressional districts, if needed.
5b.	Federal Award Identifier: For new applications, enter NA. For a continuation or revision to an existing award, enter the previously assigned federal award identifier number. If a changed/corrected application, enter the federal identifier in accordance with agency instructions.
6.	Date Received by State: Leave this field blank. This date will be assigned by the state, if applicable.
7.	State Application Identifier: Leave this field blank. This identifier will be assigned by the state, if applicable.
8.	Applicant Information: Enter the following in accordance with agency instructions:
	a. Legal Name: (Required) Enter the legal name of applicant that will undertake the assistance activity. This is the organization that has registered with the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). Information on registering with CCR may be obtained by visiting www.Grants.gov.	17.	Proposed Project Start and End Dates: (Required) Enter the proposed start date and end date of the project.
	b. Employer/Taxpayer Number (EIN/TIN): (Required) Enter the employer or taxpayer identification number (EIN or TIN) as assigned by the Internal Revenue Service. If your organization is not in the US, enter 44-4444444.	18.	Estimated Funding: (Required) Enter the amount requested, or to be contributed during the first funding/budget period by each contributor. Value of in-kind contributions should be included on appropriate lines, as applicable. If the action will result in a dollar change to an existing award, indicate only the amount of the change. For decreases, enclose the amounts in parentheses.

	c. Organizational DUNS: (Required) Enter the organization’s DUNS or DUNS+4 number received from Dun and Bradstreet. Information on obtaining a DUNS number may be obtained by visiting www.Grants.gov.		19.	Is Application Subject to Review by State Under Executive Order 12372 Process? (Required) Applicants should contact the State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for Federal Executive Order 12372 to determine whether the application is subject to the State intergovernmental review process. Select the appropriate box. If “a.” is selected, enter the date the application was submitted to the State.
	d. Address: Enter address: Street 1 (Required); city (Required); County/Parish, State (Required if country is US), Province, Country (Required), 9-digit zip/postal code (Required if country US).		20.	Is the Applicant Delinquent on any Federal Debt? (Required) Select the appropriate box. This question applies to the applicant organization, not the person who signs as the authorized representative. Categories of federal debt include; but, may not be limited to: delinquent audit disallowances, loans and taxes. If yes, include an explanation in an attachment.
	e. Organizational Unit: Enter the name of the primary organizational unit, department or division that will undertake the assistance activity.		21.	Authorized Representative: To be signed and dated by the authorized representative of the applicant organization. Enter the first and last name (Required); prefix, middle name, suffix. Enter title, telephone number, email (Required); and fax number. A copy of the governing body’s authorization for you to sign this application as the official representative must be on file in the applicant’s office. (Certain federal agencies may require that this authorization be submitted as part of the application.)
	f. Name and contact information of person to be contacted on matters involving this application: Enter the first and last name (Required); prefix, middle name, suffix, title. Enter organizational affiliation if affiliated with an organization other than that in 7.a. Telephone number and email (Required); fax number.
9.	Type of Applicant: (Required) Select up to three applicant type(s) in accordance with agency instructions.
	State Government County Government City or Township Government Special District Government Regional Organization U.S. Territory or Possession Independent School District Public/State Controlled Institution of Higher Education Indian/Native American Tribal Government (Federally Recognized) Indian/Native American Tribal Government (Other than Federally Recognized) Indian/Native American Tribally Designated Organization Public/Indian Housing Authority	Nonprofit Private Institution of Higher Education Individual For-Profit Organization (Other than Small Business) Small Business Hispanic-serving Institution Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions Non-US Entity Other (specify)

U.S Department of Education note: As of spring, 2010, the FON discussed in Block 12 of the instructions can be found via the following URL: http://www.grants.gov/applicants/find_grant_opportunities.jsp.]

Instructions for U.S. Department of Education

Supplemental Information for the SF-424

1. Project Director. Name, address, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail address of the person to be contacted on matters involving this application. Items marked with an asterisk (*) are mandatory.

2. Novice Applicant. Check “Yes” if you meet the definition for novice applicants specified in the regulations in 34 CFR 75.225 and included on the attached page entitled “Definitions for U.S. Department of Education Supplemental Information for the SF-424”). By checking “Yes” the applicant certifies that it meets these novice applicant requirements. Check “No” if you do not meet the definition for novice applicants.

This novice applicant information will be used by ED to: 1) determine the amount and type of technical assistance that a novice might need, if funded, and 2) determine novice applicant eligibility in discretionary grant competitions that give special consideration to novice applications. Certain ED discretionary grant programs give special consideration to novice applications, either by establishing a special competition for novice applicants or by giving competitive preference to novice applicants under the procedures in 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2). If special consideration is being given to novice applications under a particular discretionary grant competition, the application notice for the competition published in the Federal Register will specify this information.

3. Human Subjects Research. (See I. A. “Definitions” in attached page entitled “Definitions for U.S. Department of Education Supplemental Information for the SF-424.”)

1. If Not Human Subjects Research. Check “No” if research activities involving human subjects are not planned at any time during the proposed project period. The remaining parts of Item 3 are then not applicable.

1. If Human Subjects Research. Check “Yes” if research activities involving human subjects are planned at any time during the proposed project period, either at the applicant organization or at any other performance site or collaborating institution. Check “Yes” even if the research is exempt from the regulations for the protection of human subjects. (See I. B. “Exemptions” in attached page entitled “Definitions for U.S. Department of Education Supplemental Information for SF-424.”)

2. If Human Subjects Research is Exempt from the Human Subjects Regulations. Check “Yes” if all the research activities proposed are designated to be exempt from the regulations. Check the exemption number(s) corresponding to one or more of the eight exemption categories listed in I. B. “Exemptions.” In addition, follow the instructions in II. A. “Exempt Research Narrative” in the attached page entitled “Definitions for U.S. Department of Education Supplemental Information for the SF-424.”

2. If Human Subjects Research is Not Exempt from Human Subjects Regulations. Check “No” if some or all of the planned research activities are covered (not exempt). In addition, follow the instructions in II. B. “Nonexempt Research Narrative” in the attached page entitled “Definitions for U.S. Department of Education Supplemental Information for the SF-424.”

2. Human Subjects Assurance Number. If the applicant has an approved Federal Wide Assurance (FWA) on file with the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, that covers the specific activity, insert the number in the space provided. (A list of current FWAs is available at:  http://ohrp.cit.nih.gov/search/search.aspx?styp=bsc) If the applicant does not have an approved assurance on file with OHRP, enter “None.” In this case, the applicant, by signature on the SF-424, is declaring that it will comply with 34 CFR 97 and proceed to obtain the human subjects assurance upon request by the designated ED official. If the application is recommended/selected for funding, the designated ED official will request that the applicant obtain the assurance within 30 days after the specific formal request.

2. If applicable, please attach your “Exempt Research” or “Nonexempt Research” narrative to your submission of the U.S Department of Education Supplemental Information for the SF-424 form as instructed in item II, “Instructions for Exempt and Nonexempt Human Subjects Research Narratives” in the attached page entitled “Definitions for U.S. Department of Education Supplemental Information for the SF-424.”

Note about Institutional Review Board Approval. ED does not require certification of Institutional Review Board approval with the application. However, if an application that involves non-exempt human subjects research is recommended/selected for funding, the designated ED official will request that the applicant obtain and send the certification to ED within 30 days after the formal request.

No covered human subjects research can be conducted until the study has ED clearance for protection of human subjects in research.

Public Burden Statement:

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 20 minutes per response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. The obligation to respond to this collection is required to obtain or retain benefit (20 USC 3474 General Education Provisions Act). Send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20210-4537 or email ICDocketMgr@ed.gov and reference the OMB Control Number 1894-0007. Note: Please do not return the completed ED SF 424 Supplemental Form to this address.

Definitions for U.S. Department of Education

Supplemental Information for the SF-424

Definitions:

Novice Applicant (See 34 CFR 75.225)

For discretionary grant programs, novice applicant means any applicant for a grant from ED that—

• Has never received a grant or subgrant under the program from which it seeks funding;

• Has never been a member of a group application, submitted in accordance with 34 CFR 75.127-75.129, that received a grant under the program from which it seeks funding; and

• Has not had an active discretionary grant from the Federal government in the five years before the deadline date for applications under the program. For the purposes of this requirement, a grant is active until the end of the grant’s project or funding period, including any extensions of those periods that extend the grantee’s authority to obligate funds.

In the case of a group application submitted in accordance with 34 CFR 75.127-75.129, a group includes only parties that meet the requirements listed above.

PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECTS IN RESEARCH

I. Definitions and Exemptions

A. Definitions.

A research activity involves human subjects if the activity is research, as defined in the Department’s regulations, and the research activity will involve use of human subjects, as defined in the regulations.—Research

The ED Regulations for the Protection of Human Subjects, Title 34, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 97, define research as “a systematic investigation, including research development, testing and evaluation, designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge. Activities which meet this definition constitute research whether or not they are conducted or supported under a program that is considered research for other purposes. For example, some demonstration and service programs may include research activities.”—Human Subject

The regulations define human subject as “a living individual about whom an investigator (whether professional or student) conducting research obtains (i) information or biospecimens through intervention or interaction with the individual and uses through intervention or interaction with the individual and uses, studies, or analyzes the information or biospecimens, or (ii ) obtains, uses, studies, analyzes, or generate identifiable private information or identifiable biospecimens. ”

If an activity involves obtaining information about a living person by manipulating that person or that person’s environment, as might occur when a new instructional technique is tested, or by communicating or interacting with the individual, as occurs with surveys and interviews, the definition of human subject is met. If an activity involves obtaining private information about a living person in such a way that the information can be directly or indirectly linked to that individual), the definition of human subject is met.

Private information includes information about behavior that occurs in a context in which an individual can reasonably expect that no observation or recording is taking place, and information which has been provided for specific purposes by an individual and which the individual can reasonably expect will not be made public (for example, a school health record).

B. Exemptions.

Research activities in which the only involvement of human subjects will be in one or more of the following eight categories of exemptions are not covered by the regulations:

1. Research conducted in established or commonly accepted educational settings, that specifically involves normal educational practices that are not likely to adversely impact students’ opportunity to learn required educational content or the assessment of educators who provide instruction. This includes most research on regular and special education instructional strategies, and research on the effectiveness of or the comparison among instructional techniques, curricula, or classroom management methods. If an educational practice is being introduced to the site and is not widely used for similar populations, it is not covered by this exemption.

2. Research that only includes interactions involving educational tests (cognitive, diagnostic, aptitude, achievement), survey procedures, interview procedures or observation of public behavior (including visual or auditory recordings) if at least one of the following criteria is met: (i) the information obtained is recorded by the investigator in such a manner that the identity of the human subjects cannot readily be ascertained, directly or through identifiers linked to the subjects; (ii) Any disclosure of the human subjects’ responses outside the research would not reasonably place the subjects at risk of criminal or civil liability or be damaging to the subjects’ financial standing, employability, educational advancement or reputation; or (iii) the information obtained is recorded by the investigator in such a manner that the identity of the human subjects can readily be ascertained, directly or through identifiers linked to the subjects, and an IRB conducts a “limited IRB review” to make the determinations required by 34 CFR 97.111(a)(7).

If the subjects are children, exemption 2 applies only to research involving educational tests and observations of public behavior when the investigator(s) do not participate in the activities being observed.

Exemption 2 does not apply if children are surveyed or interviewed or if the research involves observation of public behavior and the investigator(s) participate in the activities being observed. Children are defined as persons who have not attained the legal age for consent to treatments or procedures involved in the research, under the applicable law or jurisdiction in which the research will be conducted.

3. Research involving benign behavioral interventions in conjunction with the collection of information from an adult subject through verbal or written responses (including data entry) or audiovisual recording if the subject prospectively agrees to the intervention and information collection and at least one of the following criteria is met: (A) The information obtained is recorded by the investigator in such a manner that the identity of the human subjects cannot readily be ascertained directly or through identifiers linked to the subjects; (B) Any disclosure of the human subjects’ responses outside the research would not reasonably place the subjects at risk of criminal or civil liability or be damaging to the subject’ financial standing, employability, educational advancement or reputation; or (C) The information obtained is recorded by the investigator in such a manner that the identity of the human subjects can readily be ascertained, directly or through identifiers linked to the subjects, and an IRB conducts a limited IRB review to make the determination required by 34 CFR 97.111(a)(7).

For the purpose of this provision, benign behavioral interventions are brief in duration, harmless, painless, not physically invasive, not likely to have a significant adverse lasting impact on the subjects, and the investigator has no reason to think the subjects will find the interventions offensive or embarrassing. Provided all such criteria are met, examples of such benign behavioral interventions would include having the subject play an online game, having them solve puzzles under various noise conditions, or having them decide how to allocate a nominal amount of received cash between themselves and someone else.

If the research involves deceiving the subjects regarding the nature or purposes of the research, this exemption is not applicable unless the subject authorizes the deception through a prospective agreement to participate in research in circumstances in which the subject is informed that he or she will be unaware of or misled regarding the nature or purposes of the research.

4. Secondary Research for which Consent is not required. Secondary research uses of identifiable private information or identifiable biospecimens, if at least one of the following criteria is men: (i) The identifiable private information or identifiable biospecimens are publicly available; (ii) Information, which may include information about biospecimens, is recorded by the investigator in such a manner that the identity of the human subjects cannot readily be ascertained directly or through identifiers linked to the subjects, the investigator does not contact the subjects, and the investigator will not re-identify subjects; (iii) the research involves only information collection and analysis involving the investigators’ use of identifiable health information when that use is regulated under 45 CFR parts 160 and 164, subparts A and E, for the purposes of “health care operations” or “research” as those terms are defined at 45 CFR 164.501 or for “public health activities and purposes” as described under 45 CFR 164.512 (b); or (iv) The research is conducted by, or on behalf of, a Federal department or agency using government-generated or government-collected information obtained for nonresearch activities, if the research generates identifiable private information that is or will be maintained on information technology that is subject to and in compliance with section 208(b) of the E-Government Act of 2002, 44 USC 3501 note, if all of the identifiable private information collected, used or generated as part of the activity will be maintained in systems of records subject to the Privacy Act of 1974, 5 USC 552a, and, if applicable, the information used in the research was collected subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 USC 3501 et seq.

5. Research and demonstration projects that are conducted or supported by a Federal department or agency, or otherwise subject to the approval of department or agency heads (or otherwise subject to the approval of department or agency heads (or the approval of the heads of bureaus or other subordinate agencies that have been delegated authority to conduct the research and demonstration projects), and that are designed to study, evaluate, improve, or otherwise examine public benefit or service programs, including procedures for obtaining benefits or services under those programs, possible changes in or alternative to those programs or procedures, or possible changes in methods or levels of payment for benefits or services under those programs. Such projects include, but are not limited to, internal studies by Federal employees, and studies under contracts or consulting arrangements, cooperative agreements, or grants. Exempt projects also include waivers of otherwise mandatory requirements using authorities such as sections 1115 and 1115A of the Social Security Act as amended.

Each Federal department or agency conducting or supporting the research and demonstration projects must establish, on a publicly accessible Federal website or in such other manner as the department or agency head may determine, a list of the research and demonstration projects that the Federal department or agency conducts or supports under this provision. The research or demonstration project must be published on this list prior to commencing the research involving human subjects.

6. Taste and food quality evaluation and consumer acceptance studies, (a) if wholesome foods without additives are consumed or (b) if a food is consumed that contains a food ingredient at or below the level and for a use found to be safe, or agricultural chemical or environmental contaminant at or below the level found to be safe, by the Food and Drug Administration or approved by the Environmental Protection Agency or the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

7. Storage or Maintenance for Secondary Research for which Broad Consent is required. Storage or maintenance of identifiable private information or identifiable biospecimens for potential secondary research use if an IRB conducts a limited IRB review and makes the determinations requires by 34 CFR 97.111(a)(8).

8. Secondary Research for which Broad Consent is Required. Research involving the use of identifiable private information or identifiable biospecimens for secondary research use if the following criteria are met: (i) Broad Consent for the storage, maintenance and secondary research use of the identifiable private information or identifiable biospecimens was obtained in accordance with 34 CFR 97.116(a) (1)-(4), (a) (6) and (d); (ii) Documentation of informed consent or waiver of documentation of consent was obtained in accordance with 34 CFR 97.117. (iii) an IRB conducts a limited IRB review and makes the determination that the research to be conducted is within the scope of the broad consent referenced in paragraph (d)(8)(i) of this section; and (iv) The investigator does not prevent an investigator from abiding by any legal requirements to return individual research results.

II. Instructions for Exempt and Nonexempt Human Subjects Research Narratives

If the applicant marked “Yes” for Item 3.b. of the U.S. Department of Education Supplemental Information for the SF 424, the applicant must attach a human subjects “exempt research” or “nonexempt research” narrative to the U.S. Department of Education Supplemental Information for the SF-424 form. If you have multiple projects, include information about each, labeling the responses as to the project they address. For applications that include multiple research projects this can be done in a single narrative or in more than one narrative as appropriate.

A. Exempt Research Narrative.

If you marked “Yes” for item 3.b. and designated exemption numbers(s), attach the “exempt research” narrative to the U.S. Department of Education Supplemental Information for the SF-424. The narrative must contain sufficient information about the involvement of human subjects in the proposed research to allow a determination by ED that the designated exemption(s) are appropriate. The narrative must be succinct.

B. Nonexempt Research Narrative.

If you marked “No” for item 3.b. you must attach the “nonexempt research” narrative to the U.S. Department of Education Supplemental Information for the SF-424. The narrative must address the following seven points. Although no specific page limitation applies to this section of the application, be succinct.

1. Human Subjects Involvement and Characteristics: Provide a detailed description of the proposed involvement of human subjects. Describe the characteristics of the subject population, including their anticipated number, age range, and health status. Identify the criteria for inclusion or exclusion of any subpopulation. Explain the rationale for the involvement of special classes of subjects, such as children, children with disabilities, adults with disabilities, persons with mental disabilities, pregnant women, prisoners, institutionalized individuals, or others who are likely to be vulnerable.

2. Sources of Materials: Identify the sources of research material obtained from individually identifiable living human subjects in the form of specimens, records, or data. Indicate whether the material or data will be obtained specifically for research purposes or whether use will be made of existing specimens, records, or data.

3. Recruitment and Informed Consent: Describe plans for the recruitment of subjects and the consent procedures to be followed. Include the circumstances under which consent will be sought and obtained, who will seek it, the nature of the information to be provided to prospective subjects, and the method of documenting consent. State if the Institutional Review Board (IRB) has authorized a modification or waiver of the elements of consent or the requirement for documentation of consent.

4. Potential Risks: Describe potential risks (physical, psychological, social, legal, or other) and assess their likelihood and seriousness. Where appropriate, describe alternative treatments and procedures that might be advantageous to the subjects.

5. Protection Against Risk: Describe the procedures for protecting against or minimizing potential risks, including risks to confidentiality, and assess their likely effectiveness. Where appropriate, discuss provisions for ensuring necessary medical or professional intervention in the event of adverse effects to the subjects. Also, where appropriate, describe the provisions for monitoring the data collected to ensure the safety of the subjects.

6. Importance of the Knowledge to be Gained: Discuss the importance of the knowledge gained or to be gained as a result of the proposed research. Discuss why the risks to subjects are reasonable in relation to the anticipated benefits to subjects and in relation to the importance of the knowledge that may reasonably be expected to result.

7. Collaborating Site(s): If research involving human subjects will take place at collaborating site(s) or other performance site(s), name the sites and briefly describe their involvement or role in the research.

Copies of the Department of Education’s Regulations for the Protection of Human Subjects, 34 CFR Part 97 and other pertinent materials on the protection of human subjects in research are available from the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, U.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C. 20202-4331, telephone: (202) 245-8090, and on the U.S. Department of Education’s Protection of Human Subjects in Research Web Site: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocfo/humansub.html

NOTE: The State Applicant Identifier on the SF-424 is for State Use only. Please complete it on the SF-424 in the upper right corner of the form (if applicable).

Instructions for ED 524

General Instructions

This form is used to apply to individual U.S. Department of Education (ED) discretionary grant programs. Unless directed otherwise, provide the same budget information for each year of the multi-year funding request. Pay attention to applicable program specific instructions, if attached. You may access the Education Department General Administrative Regulations cited within these instructions at: https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=0b63ce6f20caccbf480e5596fdf289e3&mc=true&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title34/34cfr75_main_02.tpl. You may access requirements from 2 CFR 200, “Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards” cited within these instructions at: https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=6214841a79953f26c5c230d72d6b70a1&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl. You must consult with your Business Office prior to submitting this form.
Section A - Budget Summary

U.S. Department of Education Funds

All applicants must complete Section A and provide a break-down by the applicable budget categories shown in lines 1-11.

Lines 1-11, columns (a)-(e): For each project year for which funding is requested, show the total amount requested for each applicable budget category.

Lines 1-11, column (f): Show the multi-year total for each budget category. If funding is requested for only one project year, leave this column blank.

Line 13, columns (a)-(e): Show the total budget request for each project year for which funding is requested.

Line 13, column (f): Show the total amount requested for all project years. If funding is requested for only one year, leave this space blank.

Indirect Cost Information: If you are requesting reimbursement for indirect costs on line 10 the indirect cost rate to be charged to the grant must be entered in the applicable field on line 10, and the following information is to be completed by your Business Office.

(1): Indicate whether or not your organization has an Indirect Cost Rate Agreement that was approved by the Federal government. If you checked “no,” ED generally will authorize grantees to use a temporary rate of 10 percent of budgeted salaries and wages (complete (4) of this section when using the temporary rate) subject to the following limitations:

(a) The grantee must submit an indirect cost proposal to its cognizant agency within 90 days after ED issues a grant award notification; and

(b) If after the 90-day period, the grantee has not submitted an indirect cost proposal to its cognizant agency, the grantee may not charge its grant for indirect costs until it has negotiated an indirect cost rate agreement with its cognizant agency.

(2): If you checked “yes” in (1), provide a copy of your Indirect Cost Rate Agreement and indicate in (2) the beginning and ending dates covered by the Indirect Cost Rate Agreement. In addition, indicate whether ED, another Federal agency (Other) or State agency issued the approved agreement. If you check “Other,” specify the name of the Federal or other agency that issued the approved agreement.

(3): If you check “no” in (1), indicate in (3) if you want to use the de minimis rate of 10 percent of MTDC (see 2CFR § 200.68). If you use the de minimis rate, you are subject to the provisions in 2 CFR § 200.414(f). Note, you may only use the 10 percent de minimis rate if you are a first-time Federal grant recipient, and you do not have an Approved Indirect Cost Rate Agreement. You may not use the de minimis rate if you are a State, Local government, or Indian Tribe, or if your grant is funded under a training rate or restricted rate program.

(5): If you are applying for a grant under a Restricted Rate Program (34 CFR 75.563 or 76.563), indicate whether you are using a restricted indirect cost rate that is included on your approved Indirect Cost Rate Agreement, or whether you are using a restricted indirect cost rate that complies with 34 CFR 76.564(c)(2). Note: State or Local government agencies may not use the provision for a restricted indirect cost rate specified in 34 CFR 76.564(c)(2). Check only one response. Leave blank, if this item is not applicable.

(6): For Training Rate Programs, ED regulations limit non-governmental entities to the recovery of indirect costs on training grants to the grantee’s actual indirect costs, as determined by its negotiated rate agreement, or 8 percent of a MTDC, whichever is lower (see EDGAR § 75.562(c)(4)). The 8 percent limit also applies to cost-type contracts under grants, if these contracts are for training as defined in EDGAR § 75.562(a). If a non-governmental entity that receives a grant under a training grant program does not have an approved indirect cost rate and wants to recover indirect costs, it may use a temporary rate of 10 percent of budgeted direct salaries and wages, but it must submit an indirect cost rate proposal to its cognizant agency for indirect costs within 90 days after ED issues the GAN. After the 90-day period, the government entity may not charge its grant for indirect costs until it has negotiated an indirect cost rate agreement.

Section B - Budget Summary

Non-Federal Funds

If you are required to provide or volunteer to provide cost-sharing or matching funds or other non-Federal resources to the project, these should be shown for each applicable budget category on lines 1‑11 of Section B.

Lines 1-11, columns (a)-(e): For each project year, for which matching funds or other contributions are provided, show the total contribution for each applicable budget category.

Lines 1-11, column (f): Show the multi-year total for each budget category. If non-Federal contributions are provided for only one year, leave this column blank.

Line 12, columns (a)-(e): Show the total matching or other contribution for each project year.

Line 12, column (f): Show the total amount to be contributed for all years of the multi-year project. If non-Federal contributions are provided for only one year, leave this space blank.

Section C - Budget Narrative [Attach separate sheet(s)]

Pay attention to applicable program specific instructions,
if attached.

1. Provide an itemized budget breakdown, and justification by project year, for each budget category listed in Sections A and B. For grant projects that will be divided into two or more separately budgeted major activities or sub-projects, show for each budget category of a project year the breakdown of the specific expenses attributable to each sub-project or activity.

2. For non-Federal funds or resources listed in Section B that are used to meet a cost-sharing or matching requirement or provided as a voluntary cost-sharing or matching commitment, you must include:

a. The specific costs or contributions by budget category;

b. The source of the costs or contributions; and

c. In the case of third-party in-kind contributions, a description of how the value was determined for the donated or contributed goods or services.

[Please review cost sharing and matching regulations found in 2 CFR 200.306.]

3. If applicable to this program, provide the rate and base on which fringe benefits are calculated.

4. If you are requesting reimbursement for indirect costs on line 10, this information is to be completed by your Business Office. Specify the estimated amount of the base to which the indirect cost rate is applied and the total indirect expense. Depending on the grant program to which you are applying and/or your approved Indirect Cost Rate Agreement, some direct cost budget categories in your grant application budget may not be included in the base and multiplied by your indirect cost rate. For example, you must multiply the indirect cost rates of “Training grants" (34 CFR 75.562) and grants under programs with “Supplement not Supplant” requirements ("Restricted Rate" programs) by a “modified total direct cost” (MTDC) base (34 CFR 75.563 or 76.563). Please indicate which costs are included and which costs are excluded from the base to which the indirect cost rate is applied.

When calculating indirect costs (line 10) for "Training grants" or grants under "Restricted Rate" programs, you must refer to the information and examples on ED’s website at: http://www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html.

You may also contact (202) 377-3838 for additional information regarding calculating indirect cost rates or general indirect cost rate information.

5. Provide other explanations or comments you deem necessary.

If Applicable Section D - Budget Summary

Limitation on Administrative Expenses.

If your program is subject to an administrative cost cap (as indicated Section III.2.C of the program’s Notice Inviting Applications (NIA)), fill out this form as follows:

1. On the top of the page, list the percentage cap on administrative costs, and indicate whether your administrative cost cap applies to both indirect and direct costs, or only direct costs (from Section III.2.C of the program’s NIA).

2. IF the cost cap applies to both indirect and direct costs:

1. Fill out the entire table noting your administrative costs, including line 8. Line 8 is taken from Section A, line 10. For lines 1-6, these are only direct administrative costs; do not include in lines 1-6 any costs included in your indirect cost rate. If your program has a matching requirement (see NIA), include in lines 1-6 the administrative portions of the applicable rows from both Section A and Section B. If there is no program matching requirement, only use Section A.

2. Ensure that the line 10 percentage DOES NOT EXCEED the percentage cap on administrative costs. If your program does not have a matching requirement, divide line 9 by Section A line 12. If your program does have a matching requirement, to calculate line 10, divide line 9 by the sum of Section A line 12 and Section B line 12.

3. IF the cost cap applies ONLY to direct costs:

1. Fill out the entire table noting your administrative costs, EXCLUDING line 8.

Ensure that the line 10 percentage DOES NOT EXCEED the percentage cap on administrative costs. If your program does not have a matching requirement, divide line 7 by Section A line 9. If your program does have a matching requirement, to calculate line 10, divide line 7 by the sum of Section A line 9 and Section B line 9).

Paperwork Burden Statement

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 1894-0008. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to vary from 13 to 22 hours per response, with an average of 17.5 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather the data needed, and complete and review the information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate(s) or suggestions for improving this form, please write to U.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C. 20202-4537. If you have comments or concerns regarding the status of your individual submission of this form, write directly to the Office of Finance and Operations, Office of Acquisitions and Grants Administration, Grants Policy and Training Division, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20202.

_{NOTICE TO ALL APPLICANTS}

The purpose of this enclosure is to inform you about a new provision in the Department of Education's General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) that applies to applicants for new grant awards under Department programs. This provision is Section 427 of GEPA, enacted as part of the Improving America's Schools Act of 1994 (Public Law (P.L.) 103-382).

To Whom Does This Provision Apply?

Section 427 of GEPA affects applicants for new grant awards under this program. ALL APPLICANTS FOR NEW AWARDS MUST INCLUDE INFORMATION IN THEIR APPLICATIONS TO ADDRESS THIS NEW PROVISION IN ORDER TO RECEIVE FUNDING UNDER THIS PROGRAM.

(If this program is a State-formula grant program, a State needs to provide this description only for projects or activities that it carries out with funds reserved for State-level uses. In addition, local school districts or other eligible applicants that apply to the State for funding need to provide this description in their applications to the State for funding. The State would be responsible for ensuring that the school district or other local entity has submitted a sufficient section 427 statement as described below.)

What Does This Provision Require?

Section 427 requires each applicant for funds (other than an individual person) to include in its application a description of the steps the applicant proposes to take to ensure equitable access to, and participation in, its Federally-assisted program for students, teachers, and other program beneficiaries with special needs. This provision allows applicants discretion in developing the required description. The statute highlights six types of barriers that can impede equitable access or participation: gender, race, national origin, color, disability, or age. Based on local circumstances, you should determine whether these or other barriers may prevent your students, teachers, etc. from such access or participation in, the Federally-funded project or activity. The description in your application of steps to be taken to overcome these barriers need not be lengthy; you may provide a clear and succinct description of how you plan to address those barriers that are applicable to your circumstances. In addition, the information may be provided in a single narrative, or, if appropriate, may be discussed in connection with related topics in the application.

Section 427 is not intended to duplicate the requirements of civil rights statutes, but rather to ensure that, in designing their projects, applicants for Federal funds address equity concerns that may affect the ability of certain potential beneficiaries to fully participate in the project and to achieve to high standards. Consistent with program requirements and its approved application, an applicant may use the Federal funds awarded to it to eliminate barriers it identifies.

What are Examples of How an Applicant Might Satisfy the Requirement of This Provision?

The following examples may help illustrate how an applicant may comply with Section 427.

(1) An applicant that proposes to carry out an adult literacy project serving, among others, adults with limited English proficiency, might describe in its application how it intends to distribute a brochure about the proposed project to such potential participants in their native language.

(2) An applicant that proposes to develop instructional materials for classroom use might describe how it will make the materials available on audio tape or in braille for students who are blind.

(3) An applicant that proposes to carry out a model science program for secondary students and is concerned that girls may be less likely than boys to enroll in the course, might indicate how it intends to conduct "outreach" efforts to girls, to encourage their enrollment.

(4) An applicant that proposes a project to increase school safety might describe the special efforts it will take to address concern of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students, and efforts to reach out to and involve the families of LGBT students

We recognize that many applicants may already be implementing effective steps to ensure equity of access and participation in their grant programs, and we appreciate your cooperation in responding to the requirements of this provision.

Estimated Burden Statement for GEPA Requirements

^According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1.5 hours per response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. The obligation to respond to this collection is required to obtain or retain benefit (Public Law 103-382. Send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20210-4537 or email ICDocketMgr@ed.gov and reference the OMB Control Number ^1894-0005.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETION OF SF-LLL, DISCLOSURE OF LOBBYING ACTIVITIES

This disclosure form shall be completed by the reporting entity, whether subawardee or prime Federal recipient, at the initiation or receipt of a covered Federal action, or a material change to a previous filing, pursuant to title 31 U.S.C. section 1352. The filing of a form is required for each payment or agreement to make payment to any lobbying entity for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with a covered Federal action. Complete all items that apply for both the initial filing and material change report. Refer to the implementing guidance published by the Office of Management and Budget for additional information.

1. Identify the type of covered Federal action for which lobbying activity is and/or has been secured to influence the outcome of a covered Federal action.

2. Identify the status of the covered Federal action.

3. Identify the appropriate classification of this report. If this is a followup report caused by a material change to the information previously reported, enter the year and quarter in which the change occurred. Enter the date of the last previously submitted report by this reporting entity for this covered Federal action.

4. Enter the full name, address, city, State and zip code of the reporting entity. Include Congressional District, if known. Check the appropriate classification of the reporting entity that designates if it is, or expects to be, a prime or subaward recipient. Identify the tier of the subawardee, e.g., the first subawardee of the prime is the 1st tier. Subawards include but are not limited to subcontracts, subgrants and contract awards under grants.

5. If the organization filing the report in item 4 checks "Subawardee," then enter the full name, address, city, State and zip code of the prime Federal recipient. Include Congressional District, if known.

6. Enter the name of the Federal agency making the award or loan commitment. Include at least one organizational level below agency name, if known. For example, Department of Transportation, United States Coast Guard.

7. Enter the Federal program name or description for the covered Federal action (item 1). If known, enter the full Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number for grants, cooperative agreements, loans, and loan commitments.

8. Enter the most appropriate Federal identifying number available for the Federal action identified in item 1 (e.g., Request for Proposal (RFP) number; Invitation for Bid (IFB) number; grant announcement number; the contract, grant, or loan award number; the application/proposal control number assigned by the Federal agency). Include prefixes, e.g., "RFP-DE-90-001."

9. For a covered Federal action where there has been an award or loan commitment by the Federal agency, enter the Federal amount of the award/loan commitment for the prime entity identified in item 4 or 5.

10. (a) Enter the full name, address, city, State and zip code of the lobbying registrant under the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 engaged by the reporting entity identified in item 4 to influence the covered Federal action.

(b) Enter the full names of the individual(s) performing services, and include full address if different from 10 (a). Enter Last Name, First Name, and Middle Initial (MI).

11. The certifying official shall sign and date the form, print his/her name, title, and telephone number.

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act, as amended, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB Control Number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is OMB No. 0348-0046. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 10 minutes per response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project (0348-0046), Washington, DC 20503.