94-26660. Bilingual Vocational Instructor Training Program; Notice Inviting Applications for New Grant Awards for Fiscal Year (FY) 1995  

  • [Federal Register Volume 59, Number 207 (Thursday, October 27, 1994)]
    [Unknown Section]
    [Page 0]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 94-26660]
    
    
    [[Page Unknown]]
    
    [Federal Register: October 27, 1994]
    
    
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    Part VI
    
    
    
    
    
    Department of Education
    
    
    
    
    
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    
    
    Bilingual Vocational Instructor Training Program; Inviting Applications 
    for New Grant Awards for Fiscal Year 1995; Notice
    DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
    
    [CFDA No.: 84.099]
    
     
    
    Bilingual Vocational Instructor Training Program; Notice Inviting 
    Applications for New Grant Awards for Fiscal Year (FY) 1995
    
        Note to Applicants: This notice is a complete application package. 
    Together with the statute authorizing the program and applicable 
    regulations governing the program, including the Education Department 
    General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), this notice contains all of 
    the information, application forms, and instructions needed to apply 
    for a grant under this competition.
        Purpose of Program: The Bilingual Vocational Instructor Training 
    Program provides financial assistance for preservice and inservice 
    training for personnel participating in or preparing to participate in 
    bilingual vocational education and training programs for limited 
    English proficient individuals.
        The Bilingual Vocational Instructor Training Program supports the 
    National Education Goal that, by the year 2000, every adult American 
    will be literate and will possess the knowledge and skills necessary to 
    compete in a global economy and exercise the rights and 
    responsibilities of citizenship. The program helps further this goal by 
    helping to improve vocational education and training for limited 
    English proficient adults.
        Eligible Applicants: State agencies or public and private non-
    profit educational institutions.
        Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: December 12, 1994.
        Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: February 2, 1995.
        Available Funds: $441,900.
        Estimated Range of Awards: $150,000-$250,000.
        Estimated Average Size of Awards: $221,000.
        Estimated Number of Awards: 2.
    
        Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this 
    notice.
    
        Project Period: Up to 18 months.
        Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General 
    Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) as follows:
        (1) 34 CFR part 74 (Administration of Grants to Institutions of 
    Higher Education, Hospitals and Nonprofit Organizations).
        (2) 34 CFR part 75 (Direct Grant Programs).
        (3) 34 CFR part 77 (Definitions that Apply to Department 
    Regulations).
        (4) 34 CFR part 79 (Intergovernmental Review of Department of 
    Education Programs and Activities).
        (5) 34 CFR part 80 (Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants 
    and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments).
        (6) 34 CFR part 81 (General Education Provisions Act--Enforcement).
        (7) 34 CFR part 82 (New Restrictions on Lobbying).
        (8) 34 CFR part 85 (Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension 
    (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free 
    Workplace (Grants)).
        (9) 34 CFR part 86 (Drug-Free Schools and Campuses).
        (b) The regulations for this program in 34 CFR parts 400 and 428.
    
    Content of the Application
    
        An application must--(a) Provide an assurance that the activities 
    and services for which assistance is sought will be administered by or 
    under the supervision of the applicant;
        (b) Propose a project of a size, scope and design that will make a 
    substantial contribution toward carrying out the purpose of the 
    Bilingual Vocational Instructor Training Program;
        (c) Describe the capabilities of the applicant, including 
    vocational training or education courses offered by the applicant, 
    accreditation, and any certification of courses by appropriate State 
    agencies;
        (d) Describe the qualifications of principal staff to be used in 
    the bilingual vocational instructor training project;
        (e) Describe the number of participants to be served, the minimum 
    qualifications for project participants, and the selection process for 
    project participants;
        (f) Include the projected amount of the fellowships or 
    traineeships, if any;
        (g) Contain sufficient information for the Secretary to determine 
    that the applicant has an ongoing vocational education program in the 
    field in which participants will be trained, and can provide 
    instructors with adequate language capabilities in the language other 
    than English to be used in the bilingual vocational training project; 
    and
        (h) Provide an assurance that preservice training will be provided 
    to individuals who have indicated their intent to engage as personnel 
    in a vocational education program that serves limited English 
    proficient individuals.
    
    Invitational Priority
    
        Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(1) the Secretary is particularly interested 
    in applications that meet the following invitational priority. However, 
    an application that meets this invitational priority does not receive 
    competitive or absolute preference over other applications:
        Applications that include strategies to developing the applicant's 
    capacity to continue, expand, or build upon its bilingual vocational 
    preservice and inservice training when Federal funding under this 
    competition ends, as evidenced by such actions as--
        (a) Extending training to additional sites that are not funded 
    under this program;
        (b) Integrating the project into the long-term planning of the 
    applicant;
        (c) Committing funding and staffing for continued implementation of 
    the project;
        (d) Incorporating the project into the applicant's organizational 
    and program structure; or
        (e) Establishing and strengthening relationships within the 
    community, region, or State that will support continuation of the 
    project.
    
    Selection Criteria
    
        The Secretary uses the following selection criteria to evaluate 
    applications for new grants under this competition. The maximum score 
    for all of these criteria is 100 points. The maximum score for each 
    criterion is indicated in parentheses.
        For this competition, the Secretary assigns the 15 points, reserved 
    in 34 CFR 428.20(b), as follows:
        Program design (34 CFR 428.21(b)). Five points are added to this 
    criterion for a possible total of 25 points.
        Dissemination plan (34 CFR 428.21(g)). Ten points are added to this 
    criterion for a possible total of 20 points.
        (a) Need. (15 points)
        (1) The Secretary reviews each application to determine the need 
    for the proposed bilingual vocational instructor training project, 
    including--
        (i) The need for the project in the specific geographic area or 
    areas to be served by the proposed project;
        (ii) The training needs of program participants to be served by the 
    proposed project;
        (iii) How these needs will be met through the proposed project; and
        (iv) The relationship of the proposed project to other ongoing 
    personnel development programs in the geographic area or areas to be 
    served by the proposed project.
        (2) The Secretary reviews each application to determine the extent 
    to which, upon completion of their training, program participants will 
    work with programs that provide vocational education to limited English 
    proficient individuals.
        (b) Program design. (25 points) The Secretary reviews each 
    application to determine the quality of the program design and the 
    potential of the project to have a lasting impact on the geographic 
    area or areas to be served by the proposed project, including--
        (1) Potential to increase the skill level of program participants, 
    with particular regard to the following areas:
        (i) Knowledge of the needs of limited English proficient 
    individuals enrolled in vocational education programs, and how those 
    needs should influence teaching strategies and program design.
        (ii) Understanding of bilingual vocational training methodologies.
        (iii) Techniques for preparing limited English proficient 
    individuals for employment; and
        (2) Potential to increase access to vocational education for 
    limited English proficient individuals.
        (c) Plan of operation. (15 points) The Secretary reviews each 
    application for an effective plan of management that ensures proper and 
    efficient administration of the project, including--
        (1) Clearly defined project objectives that relate to the purpose 
    of the Bilingual Vocational Instructor Training Program;
        (2) For each objective, the specific tasks to be performed in order 
    to achieve the specified project objective; and
        (3) How the applicant plans to use its resources and personnel to 
    achieve each objective.
        (d) Key personnel. (10 points)
        (1) The Secretary reviews each application to determine the quality 
    of key personnel the applicant plans to use on the project, including--
        (i) The qualifications of the director and other key personnel to 
    be used in the project;
        (ii) The appropriateness of the time that each person referred to 
    in paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section will commit to the project; and
        (iii) How the applicant, as part of its nondiscriminatory 
    employment practices, will ensure that personnel will be selected 
    without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, or 
    disability.
        (2) To determine personnel qualifications under paragraph (d)(1)(i) 
    of this section, the Secretary considers--
        (i) Experience and training in fields related to the objectives of 
    the project;
        (ii) Experience and training in project management; and
        (iii) Any other qualifications that pertain to the quality of the 
    project.
        (e) Budget and cost effectiveness. (5 points) The Secretary reviews 
    each application to determine the extent to which--
        (1) The budget is sufficient to support the proposed project, and 
    that it represents a cost effective use of Bilingual Vocational 
    Instructor Training Program funds;
        (2) Costs are necessary and reasonable in relation to the 
    objectives of the proposed project; and
        (3) The facilities that the applicant plans to use are adequate for 
    the proposed project.
        (f) Evaluation plan. (10 points) The Secretary reviews each 
    application to determine the quality of the project's evaluation plan, 
    including the extent to which the plan--
        (1) Is clearly explained and appropriate for the bilingual 
    vocational instructor training project;
        (2) To the extent possible, is objective and will produce data that 
    are quantifiable;
        (3) Identifies outcomes of the project in terms of enrollment, 
    completion and after-training work commitments of participants by sex, 
    racial or ethnic group, and by level and kinds of language proficiency;
        (4) Identifies expected learning and skills outcomes for 
    participants and how those outcomes will be measured; and
        (5) Includes activities during the formative stages of the project 
    to help guide and improve the project, as well as a summative 
    evaluation that includes recommendations for replicating project 
    activities and results.
        (g) Dissemination plan. (20 points) The Secretary reviews each 
    application to determine the effectiveness and efficiency of the plan 
    to disseminate information about the project and demonstrate project 
    activities and results, including--
        (1) High quality in its design and procedures for evaluating the 
    effectiveness of the dissemination plan; and
        (2) A description of the types of materials the applicant plans to 
    develop and make available to help others replicate project activities, 
    and the methods to be used to make the materials available.
    
    Additional Factors
    
        (a) After evaluating the applications according to the selection 
    criteria and consulting with the appropriate State board established 
    under section 111 of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied 
    Technology Education Act, the Secretary determines whether the most 
    highly rated applications are equitably distributed among populations 
    of individuals with limited English proficiency within the affected 
    State.
        (b) The Secretary may select other applications for funding if 
    doing so would improve the--
        (1) Equitable distribution of assistance among populations of 
    individuals with limited English proficiency within the affected State; 
    or
        (2) Geographical distribution of projects funded under this 
    program.
    
    Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs
    
        This program is subject to the requirements of Executive Order 
    12372 (Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs) and the 
    regulations in 34 CFR part 79.
        The objective of the Executive order is to foster an 
    intergovernmental partnership and to strengthen federalism by relying 
    on State and local processes for State and local government 
    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. Applicants proposing to perform activities 
    in more than one State should immediately contact the Single Point of 
    Contact for each of those States and follow the procedure established 
    in each State under the Executive order. If you want to know the name 
    and address of any State Single Point of Contact, see the list 
    published in the Federal Register on June 10, 1994 (59 FR 30214-30215).
        In States that have not established a process or chosen a program 
    for review, State, areawide, regional, and local entities may submit 
    comments directly to the Department.
        Any State Process Recommendation and other comments submitted by a 
    State Single Point of Contact and any comments from State, areawide, 
    regional, and local entities must be mailed or hand-delivered by the 
    date indicated in this notice to the following address: The Secretary, 
    E.O. 12372--CFDA# 84.099, U.S. Department of Education, Room 6213, 600 
    Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20202-0125.
        Proof of mailing will be determined on the same basis as 
    applications (see 34 CFR 75.102). Recommendations or comments may be 
    hand-delivered until 4:30 p.m. (Washington, D.C. time) on the date 
    indicated in this notice.
        Please note that the above address is not the same address as the 
    one to which the applicant submits its completed application. Do not 
    send applications to the above address.
    
    Instructions for Transmittal of Applications
    
        (a) If an applicant wants to apply for a grant, the applicant 
    shall--
        (1) Mail the original and six copies of the application on or 
    before the deadline date to: U.S. Department of Education, Application 
    Control Center, Attention: (CFDA# 84.099), Washington, D.C. 20202-4725; 
    or
        (2) Hand deliver the original and six copies of the application by 
    4:30 p.m. (Washington, D.C. time) on or before the deadline date to: 
    U.S. Department of Education, Application Control Center, Attention: 
    (CFDA# 84.099), Room #3633, Regional Office Building #3, 7th and D 
    Streets, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20202-4725.
        (b) An applicant must show one of the following as proof of 
    mailing:
        (1) A legibly dated U.S. Postal Service postmark.
        (2) A legible mail receipt with the date of mailing stamped by the 
    U.S. Postal Service.
        (3) A dated shipping label, invoice, or receipt from a commercial 
    carrier.
        (4) Any other proof of mailing acceptable to the Secretary.
        (c) If an application is mailed through the U.S. Postal Service, 
    the Secretary does not accept either of the following as proof of 
    mailing:
        (1) A private metered postmark.
        (2) A mail receipt that is not dated by the U.S. Postal Service.
    
        Notes: (1) The U.S. Postal Service does not uniformly provide a 
    dated postmark. Before relying on this method, an applicant should 
    check with its local post office.
        (2) The Application Control Center will mail a Grant Application 
    Receipt Acknowledgement to each applicant. If an applicant fails to 
    receive the notification of application receipt within 15 days from 
    the date of mailing the application, the applicant should call the 
    U.S. Department of Education Application Control Center at (202) 
    708-8493.
        (3) The applicant must indicate on the envelope and--if not 
    provided by the Department--in Item 10 of the Application for 
    Federal Assistance (Standard Form 424) the CFDA number of the 
    competition under which the application is being submitted.
    
    Application Instructions and Forms
    
        The appendix to this application is divided into six parts, plus a 
    statement regarding estimated public reporting burden and various 
    assurances and certifications. These parts and additional materials are 
    organized in the same manner that the submitted application should be 
    organized. The parts and additional materials are as follows:
        Part I: Application for Federal Assistance (Standard Form 424 (Rev. 
    4-88)) and instructions.
        Part II: Instructions for ED Form No. 524.
        Part III: Budget Information Non-construction Programs (ED Form No. 
    524).
        Part IV: Budget Narrative.
        Part V: Program Narrative.
        Part VI: Additional Assurances and Certifications:
        a. Assurances--Non-Construction Programs (Standard Form 424B).
        b. Certifications Regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension, and 
    Other Responsibility Matters; and Drug-Free Workplace Requirements (ED 
    80-0013) and Instructions.
        c. Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and 
    Voluntary Exclusion: Lower Tier Covered Transactions (ED 80-0014, 9/90) 
    and Instructions. (NOTE: The grantee should keep this form on file. It 
    should not be transmitted to the Department.)
        d. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (Standard Form LLL) (if 
    applicable) and Instructions; and Disclosure of Lobbying Activities 
    Continuation Sheet (Standard Form LLL-A.)
        All forms and instructions are included as Appendix A of this 
    notice. Questions and answers pertaining to this program are included, 
    as Appendix B, to assist potential applicants.
        All applicants must submit ONE original signed application, 
    including ink signatures on all forms and assurances and SIX copies of 
    the application. Please mark each application as original or copy. 
    Local or State agencies may choose to submit two copies with the 
    original. No grant may be awarded unless a complete application form 
    has been received.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cindy Towsner, Special Programs 
    Branch, Division of National Programs, Office of Vocational and Adult 
    Education, U.S. Department of Education, 600 Independence Avenue, S.W. 
    (Room 4512, Mary E. Switzer Building), Washington, D.C. 20202-7242. 
    Telephone (202) 205-5864. Individuals who use a telecommunications 
    device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay 
    Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern 
    time, Monday through Friday.
    
        Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 2441(b).
    
        Dated: October 21, 1994.
    Augusta Souza Kappner,
    Assistant Secretary, Office of Vocational and Adult Education.
    
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    Appendix A
    
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        Public reporting burden for this collection of information is 
    estimated to vary from 13 to 22 hours per response, with an average 
    of 17.5 hours, including the 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 this burden estimate or any other aspect of 
    this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing 
    this burden, to the U.S. Department of Education, Information 
    Management and Compliance Division, Washington, D.C. 20202-4651; and 
    the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project 
    1875-0102, Washington, D.C. 20503.
    
    Instructions for ED Form No. 524
    
    General Instructions
    
        This form is used to apply to individual U.S. Department of 
    Education 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.
    
    Section A--Budget Summary, U.S. Department of Education Funds
    
        All applicants must complete Section A and provide a breakdown 
    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 12, columns (a)-(e):
        Show the total budget request for each project year for which 
    funding is requested.
    Line 12, column (f):
        Show the total amount requested for all project years. If 
    funding is requested for only one year, leave this space blank.
    
    Section B--Budget Summary, Non-Federal Funds
    
        If you are required to provide or volunteer to provide 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--Other Budget Information, Pay attention to Applicable 
    Program Specific Instructions, If Attached
    
        1. Provide an itemized budget breakdown, by project year, for 
    each budget category listed in Sections A and B.
        2. If applicable to this program, enter the type of indirect 
    rate (provisional, predetermined, final or fixed) that will be in 
    effect during the funding period. In addition, enter the estimated 
    amount of the base to which the rate is applied, and the total 
    indirect expense.
        3. If applicable to this program, provide the rate and base on 
    which fringe benefits are calculated.
        4. Provide other explanations or comments you deem necessary.
    
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    Instructions for Part IV--Budget Narrative
    
        The budget narrative should explain, justify, and, if needed, 
    clarify your budget summary. For each line item (personnel, fringe 
    benefits, travel, etc.) in your budget, explain why it is there and 
    how you computed the costs.
        Please limit this section to no more than five pages. Be sure 
    that each page of your application is numbered consecutively.
    
    Explanation of Budget Categories
    
        1. Personnel: Show salaries to be paid to project personnel.
        2. Fringe Benefits: Indicate the rate and amount of fringe 
    benefits.
        3. Travel: Indicate the amount requested for both inter- and 
    intra-State travel of project staff. Include funds for at least one 
    trip for two people to attend a project director's meeting in 
    Washington, D.C.
        4. Equipment: Indicate the cost of non-expendable personal 
    property that has a useful life of more than one year and a cost of 
    $300 or more per unit ($5,000 or more if State, Local or Tribal 
    Government).
        5. Supplies: Include the cost of consumable supplies and 
    materials to be used during the project.
        6. Contractual: Show the amount to be used for (1) Procurement 
    contracts (except those which belong on other lines such as supplies 
    and equipment; and (2) sub-contracts.
        7. Construction: NOT ALLOWABLE.
        8. Other: Indicate all direct costs not clearly covered by lines 
    1 through 7 above, including consultants.
        9. Total, Direct Cost: Show the total for lines 1 through 8.
        10. Indirect Costs: Indicate the rate and amount of indirect 
    costs. NOTE: For training grants, the indirect cost rate cannot 
    exceed 8%.
        11. Training/Stipend Cost: (if allowable)
        12. TOTAL, Federal Funds Requested: Show total for lines 9 
    through 11.
    
    Cost Sharing
    
        Indicate the actual rate and amount of cost sharing when there 
    is a cost sharing requirement. If cost sharing is required by 
    program regulations, the local share required refers to a percentage 
    of Total Project Cost, not of Federal funds.
    
    Instructions for Part V--Program Narrative
    
        The program narrative will comprise the largest portion of your 
    application. This part is where you spell out the who, what, when, 
    where, why, and how of your proposed project.
        Although you will not have a form to fill out for your 
    narrative, there is a format. This format is the selection criteria. 
    Because your application will be reviewed and rated by a review 
    panel on the basis of the selection criteria, your narrative should 
    follow the order and format of the criteria.
        Before preparing your application, you should carefully read the 
    legislation and regulations of the program, eligibility 
    requirements, information on any priority set by the Secretary, and 
    the selection criteria for this competition.
        Your program narrative should be clear, concise, and to the 
    point. Begin the narrative with a one page abstract or summary of 
    your proposed project. Then describe the project in detail, 
    addressing each selection criterion in order.
        The Secretary strongly suggests that the applicant limit the 
    program narrative to no more than 40 double-spaced, typed pages (on 
    one side only), although the Secretary will consider applications of 
    greater length. Be sure to number consecutively ALL pages in your 
    application.
        You may include supporting documentation as appendices. Be sure 
    that this material is concise and pertinent to this program 
    competition and is numbered consecutively.
        Applicants are advised that: (a) The Department considers only 
    information contained in the application in ranking applications for 
    funding consideration. Letters of support sent separately from the 
    formal application package are not considered in the review by the 
    technical review panels. (34 CFR 75.217)
        (b) The technical review panel evaluates each application solely 
    on the basis of the established technical review criteria. Letters 
    of support contained in the application will strengthen the 
    application only insofar as they contain commitments that pertain to 
    the established technical review criteria, such as commitment and 
    resources.
    
    Additional Materials
    
    Instructions for Estimated Public Reporting Burden
    
        Under terms of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980, as amended, 
    and the regulations implementing that Act, the Department of 
    Education invites comment on the public reporting burden in this 
    collection of information. Public reporting burden for this 
    collection of information is estimated to average 90 hours per 
    response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching 
    existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, 
    and completing and reviewing the collection of information. You may 
    send comments regarding this burden to the U.S. Department of 
    Education, Information Management and Compliance Division, 
    Washington, DC 20202-4651; and to the Office of Management and 
    Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project, OMB 1830-0013, Washington, DC 
    20503. (Information collection approved under OMB control number 
    1830-0013. Expiration date: 2/28/95.)
    
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    Appendix B
    
        Potential applicants frequently direct questions to officials of 
    the Department regarding application notices and programmatic and 
    administrative regulations governing various direct grant programs. 
    To assist potential applicants the Department has assembled the 
    following most commonly asked questions.
        Q. Can we get an extension of the deadline?
        A. No. A closing date may be changed only under extraordinary 
    circumstances. Any change must be announced in the Federal Register 
    and apply to all applications. Waivers for individual applications 
    cannot be granted regardless of the circumstances.
        Q. How many copies of the application should I submit and must 
    they be bound?
        A. Our new policy calls for an original and six copies to be 
    submitted. The binding of applications is optional.
        Q. May we use this same application to compete for funds under a 
    different grant program?
        A. Yes, however, the likelihood of success is not good. A 
    properly prepared application must meet the specifications of the 
    grant program to which it is submitted.
        Q. I'm not sure which grant program is most appropriate for my 
    project. What should I do?
        A. We are happy to provide general program information. Clearly, 
    it would not be appropriate for staff to participate in the actual 
    writing of an application, but we can respond to specific questions 
    about application requirements, evaluation criteria, and the 
    priorities. Applicants should understand that this previous contact 
    is not required, nor will it in any way influence the success of an 
    application.
        Q. When will I find out if I'm going to be funded?
        A. You can expect to receive notification within 3 to 4 months 
    of the application closing date, depending on the number of 
    applications received and the number of grant programs with closing 
    dates at about the same time.
        Q. Once my application has been reviewed by the review panel, 
    can you tell me the outcome?
        A. No. Every year we are called by a number of applicants who 
    have legitimate reasons for needing to know the outcome of the 
    review prior to official notification. Some applicants need to make 
    job decisions, some need to notify a local school district, etc. 
    Regardless of the reason, because final funding decisions have not 
    been made at that point, we cannot share information about the 
    review with anyone.
        Q. Will my application be returned if I am not funded?
        A. We no longer return unsuccessful applications. Thus 
    applicants should retain at least one copy of the application.
        Q. Can I obtain copies of reviewers' comments?
        A. Upon written request, reviewers' comments will be mailed to 
    unsuccessful applicants.
        Q. Is travel allowed under these projects?
        A. Travel associated with carrying out the project is allowed. 
    Because we may request the project director of funded projects to 
    attend an annual project directors meeting, you may also wish to 
    include a trip or two to Washington, D.C. in the travel budget. 
    Travel to conferences is sometimes allowed when it is for purposes 
    of dissemination.
        Q. If my application receives high scores from the reviewers, 
    does that mean that I will receive funding?
        A. Not necessarily. It is often the case that the number of 
    applications scored highly by the reviewers exceeds the dollars 
    available for funding projects under a particular competition. The 
    order of selection, which is based on the scores of all the 
    applications and other relevant factors, determines the applications 
    that can be funded.
        Q. What happens during negotiations?
        A. During negotiations technical and budget issues may be 
    raised. These are issues that have been identified during the panel 
    and staff reviews that require clarification. Sometimes issues are 
    stated as ``conditions.'' These are issues that have been identified 
    as so critical that the award cannot be made unless those conditions 
    are met. Questions may also be raised about the proposed budget. 
    Generally, these issues are raised because there is inadequate 
    justification or explanation of a particular budget item, or because 
    the budget item seems unimportant to the successful completion of 
    the project. If you are asked to make changes that you feel could 
    seriously affect the project's success, you may provide reasons for 
    not making the changes or provide alternative suggestions. 
    Similarly, if proposed budget reductions will, in your opinion, 
    seriously affect the project activities, you may explain why and 
    provide additional justification for the proposed expenses. An award 
    cannot be made until all negotiation issues have been resolved.
        Q. How do I provide an assurance?
        A. Except for SF-424B, ``Assurances--Non-Construction 
    Programs,'' which must be completed, simply state in writing that 
    you are meeting a prescribed requirement.
        Q. Where can copies of the Federal Register, a program's 
    regulations, and Federal statutes be obtained?
        A. Copies of these materials can usually be found at your local 
    library. If not, most can be obtained from the Government Printing 
    Office by writing to: Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government 
    Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, Telephone: (202) 783-3238. 
    When requesting copies of regulations or statutes, it is helpful to 
    use the specific name, public law number, or part number. The 
    material referenced in this notice would be referred to as follows:
        (1) Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education 
    Act (Public Law 101-392) 104 Stat. 753 (1990).
        (2) State Vocational and Applied Technology Education Programs 
    and National Discretionary Programs of Vocational Education Final 
    Regulations, 34 CFR parts 400 and 428.
        (3) Education Department General Administrative Regulations, 34 
    CFR parts 74, 75, 77, 79, 80, 81, 82, 85 and 86.
    [FR Doc. 94-26660 Filed 10-26-94; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4000-01-P
    
    
    

Document Information

Published:
10/27/1994
Department:
Education Department
Entry Type:
Uncategorized Document
Document Number:
94-26660
Dates:
2/28/95.)
Pages:
0-0 (1 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Federal Register: October 27, 1994, CFDA No.: 84.099