§ 57.1106 - How will applications be evaluated?

(a) As required by section 798(a) of the Act, each application for a grant under this subpart shall be submitted to a peer review group, composed principally of non-Federal experts, for an evaluation of the merits of the proposal as contained in the application. The Secretary may not approve such an application unless a peer review group has recommended the application for approval. The Secretary will award grants to applicants whose projects will best promote the purposes of section 749 of the Act. The Secretary will approve or disapprove applications filed in accordance with §7thnsp;57.1104, taking into consideration, among other factors, the degree to which:

(1) The proposal addresses the legislative intent of the program and has a well-documented rationale;

(2) The objectives of the proposed project are consistent with the program's rationale, and are measurable and achievable within the project period;

(3) The proposed project's methodology is consistent with the objectives and explained in appropriate detail;

(4) The evaluation is linked to the objectives and addresses the project outcomes;

(5) The applicant demonstrates the administrative and managerial capability to carry out the proposed project;

(6) The proposed budget is complete, appropriate, cost-effective, and clearly justified;

(7) The plan for institutionalizing the project outcomes is specific and realistic; and

(8) The proposal plans to attract, maintain, and graduate minority and disadvantaged students.

(b) In determining the funding of applications approved under paragraph 9a) of this section, the Secretary will consider any special factors relating to national needs as the Secretary may from time to time announce in the Federal Register.