[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 57 (Friday, March 24, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 15636-15639]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-7109]
[[Page 15635]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Part III
Department of Commerce
_______________________________________________________________________
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
_______________________________________________________________________
National Endowment for Children's Educational Television; Notice
Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 57 / Friday, March 24, 1995 /
Notices
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[[Page 15636]]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)
[Docket No. 950313071-5071-01]
RIN 0660-ZA00
National Endowment for Children's Educational Television (NECET)
AGENCY: National Telecommunications and Information Administration,
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice of availability of funds.
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SUMMARY: The National Endowment for Children's Educational Television
(NECET) hereby gives notice of the availability of funds for the
purpose of enhancing the education of children through the creation and
production of television programming specifically directed toward the
development of fundamental intellectual skills.
DATES: The closing date for submission of all NECET Preliminary
Applications (Pre-Applications) for the fiscal year (FY) 1995 grant
cycle is Tuesday, May 2, 1995. Pre-Applications must be received at the
NECET office no later than 5:00 p.m. EDT, May 2, 1995, whether mailed
or hand-delivered. Fax copies will not be accepted.
Successful Pre-Applicants will be invited to submit Full
Applications to NECET. Full Applications must be received at the NECET
office no later than 5:00 p.m. EDT, Wednesday, July 26, 1995. Fax
copies will not be accepted. NTIA intends to award FY 1995 NECET grants
by September 29, 1995.
ADDRESSES: National Endowment for Children's Educational Television
(NECET); Office of Telecommunications and Information Applications
(OTIA); National Telecommunications and Information Administration
(NTIA); U.S. Department of Commerce; 14th Street and Constitution
Avenue, N.W., Room H-4096; Washington, DC 20230.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Heather Birnie; Acting Director,
National Endowment for Children's Educational Television (NECET);
Telephone: (202) 482-5802; Fax: (202) 501-8009; E-Mail:
necet@ntia.doc.gov. Information on the NECET program may also be
downloaded from the NTIA Bulletin Board by contacting (202) 482-1199
via modem or ntiabbs.ntia.doc.gov via Internet.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Authority
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration
(NTIA), Department of Commerce, serves as the President's principal
adviser on telecommunications and information policy. NTIA's functions
were codified as part of the Telecommunications Authorization Act of
1992, Pub. L. No. 102-538, 106 Stat. 3533 (1992)(codified at 47 U.S.C.
901-904 (1993)).
The National Endowment for Children's Educational Television was
established by The Children's Television Act of 1990, Pub. L. No. 101-
437, 104 Stat. 996, 997 (1990) (codified at 47 U.S.C. 394 (1991)).
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA)
11.551; The National Endowment for Children's Educational
Television.
Program Description
NECET Background: NECET funds are intended to support the creation
and production of children's television programming that is
specifically directed toward the development of fundamental
intellectual skills. In so doing, NECET's efforts are intended to
supplement children's educational programming that is funded by other
governmental entities.
Congress directed that NECET be administered by the Secretary of
Commerce. The Secretary, in turn, has delegated this responsibility to
the Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information, who serves
as the Administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information
Administration (NTIA).
The Children's Television Act of 1990 stipulates that, during the
first two years following project completion, NECET-funded programming
may be offered for distribution only to noncommercial public television
stations. After the initial two-year period, NECET-funded programming
may be made available to commercial media as well, including broadcast
television networks and stations, and cable television networks and
systems, as long as the programming is not interrupted by commercial
advertisements.
NECET Objectives: For the FY 1995 grant round, NECET has three
major objectives that applicants should consider when preparing their
submissions.
To Improve the Fundamental Intellectual Skills of Children
Through the Vehicle of Television Programming. The term ``fundamental
intellectual skills'' may be defined in a number of ways. In general,
NECET interprets the term broadly, to include those competencies and
abilities that enable children to effectively understand and cope with
problems posed by the contemporary world. Such skills might include
proficiency in traditional academic disciplines, such as mathematics,
science, history or reading, or they might consist of more abstract
abilities, concerns or appreciations, such as problem-solving, ethics,
multiculturalism or diversity. Regardless of approach, applicants are
also encouraged to incorporate basic human development skills, such as
self-esteem and pro-social behavior development, into their proposals.
Finally, since most effective educational television programming for
children has an entertainment element woven throughout it, NECET
applicants are encouraged to incorporate this element into the design
of their proposals.
To the Extent Feasible, to Support the Development of
Programming for Children Aged 6 to 10. Although there is a need for
high-quality educational television programming for children of all
ages, NECET has identified the six-to-ten-year-old child as currently
among the most underserved by educational television programming, and
therefore deserving of special consideration for the FY 1995 grant
round. Consistent with this emphasis, projects that meet the needs of
this particular age group are more likely to be competitive and to
receive funding consideration than projects focused on other age
groups. NECET, however, will not automatically reject projects designed
for other age groups. In future grant rounds, NECET may emphasize
projects designed for different age levels.
To Encompass a Broad Range of Subject Areas within the
Overall Context of the Grant Program. NECET is imposing no limits on
the scope of the proposals that may be submitted for funding
consideration. In selecting the goals for their projects, applicants
may choose to encompass a broad array of targeted skills.
Alternatively, applicants may choose to center on a single learning
need.
Funding Availability
The Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and
Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1995, Pub.L. No. 103-317, 108
Stat. 1724, 1747 (1994), provides the Department of Commerce $2.5
million in assistance for the National Endowment for Children's
Educational Television under 47 U.S.C. Sec. 394, to be used for the
creation and production of television programming specifically directed
toward the development of fundamental intellectual skills. Congress has
appropriated a total of $2.5 million for NECET for Fiscal Year 1995.
NTIA anticipates that in FY 1995 [[Page 15637]] NECET will fund up to
twelve grant awards, depending on the nature of the projects and the
need of the recipients, and that NECET awards will range from $100,000
to $400,000.
Matching Requirements
NECET grant recipients will be required to provide matching funds
toward the total eligible costs of their project. Matching funds may be
in the form of cash or in-kind contributions (see OMB Circular A-110).
An applicant's matching share normally must be drawn entirely from non-
Federal sources. Funds from another Federal Agency may be used as the
source of an applicant's match only when those funds have been
specifically authorized by that agency's enabling legislation for use
as a non-Federal match for Federal grants.
The Department of Commerce will award funds up to 50 percent of the
total eligible costs of a project, unless extraordinary circumstances
warrant a grant of up to 75 percent. Since NECET funds are limited,
applicants are encouraged to provide as much outside funding and
matching support as possible, and to explore co-production and co-
funding opportunities for their projects. Grant funds under this
program will be released in direct proportion to non-Federal matching
funds raised and/or documented.
Type of Funding Instrument
The funding instrument for awards made under this program will be a
grant.
Eligibility Criteria
Any individual, partnership, association, joint stock company,
trust, corporation (not-for-profit or for-profit), or state or local
governmental entity is eligible to submit an application for NECET
funding.
Award Period
Successful applicants will have up to twenty-four months to
complete their project, although the grant award period will vary as a
function of the complexity and scope of the project.
Indirect Costs
The total dollar amount of the indirect costs proposed in an
application under this program must not exceed the indirect cost rate
negotiated and approved by a cognizant Federal agency prior to the
proposed effective date of the award or 100 percent of the total
proposed direct costs dollar amount in the application, whichever is
less.
Application Forms and Kit
The NECET grant program has a two-stage application process.
Preliminary Applications: All applicants are first required to
submit a Preliminary Application (Pre-Application) that provides a
brief narrative summary of the general nature of the proposed project.
The Pre-Application consists of two parts: 1) a Standard Form 424 (SF-
424) (Rev. 4-92) Application for Federal Assistance; and 2) a narrative
summary of the general nature of the proposed project, not to exceed
five single-spaced pages. An original and two copies of each complete
Pre-Application is required for each project submission. No
organization or individual is permitted to submit Pre-Applications for
more than three separate projects. Videotapes, audio cassettes and
other related materials are not permitted with Pre-Applications. A copy
of the SF-424 and an outline of points to be included in the Pre-
Application narrative summary is contained in the National Endowment
for Children's Educational Television Guidelines for Preparing
Applications: 1995 Grant Cycle. This booklet may be secured by
contacting the NECET Office by telephone, fax, or electronic mail, as
described in the ``Addresses'' section above.
Full Applications: The Full Application is a comprehensive document
that consists of required Federal forms, four sections of additional
information, and three exhibits. Detailed instructions for completing
the Full Application are contained in the Guidelines for Preparing
Applications: 1995 Grant Cycle cited earlier.
In addition, those applicants requesting funds for production of a
series, individual program(s), or special program(s) are also strongly
recommended to submit a half-inch VHS videocassette that represents the
quality of work of which the applicant is capable. This tape may take
the form of a pilot or other sample tape of the proposed project, or
may be a tape of an unrelated nature that demonstrates the creative and
technical capability of the applicant. Applicants requesting NECET
funds for pre-production activities only (e.g., planning, research,
development, scripting, etc.) and/or for production of a pilot program
do not need to submit a videocassette with their Full Applications.
Videocassettes will not be returned.
Because of the high level of public interest in projects supported
by NECET, the program anticipates receiving requests for copies of
applications. Applicants are hereby notified that the applications they
submit are subject to the Freedom of Information Act. Applicants may
identify sensitive information and label it ``confidential'' to assist
NTIA in making disclosure determinations.
Project Funding Priorities
In general, NECET funds are available to support all of the varied
tasks associated with the production of children's television, and
project eligibility is not limited to any particular stage of
production or type of activity as long as it is germane to the
production of children's television programming that furthers the
objectives of the 1990 Act.
In general, NECET expects to award funds for four categories of
projects:
Series: To initiate new series productions, or to complete a series
project already underway.
Individual Programs or Specials. To support production of new
individual program(s) or special(s).
Pilot Programs. To support various pre-production activities (e.g.,
planning, research, development, scripting, etc.) up through and
including the production of pilot program(s).
Pre-Production Projects. To support preliminary pre-production
activities, such as planning, research, development and/or scripting,
that will eventually lead to production.
Programming funded by NECET is primarily intended for general at-
home viewing by children, although it may also have value and be used
within a school-based instructional context.
Evaluation Criteria
Five Evaluation Criteria will be used to evaluate all NECET Pre-
Application and NECET Full Application submissions received during the
FY 1995 grant cycle. These criteria, and the weight accorded each
criterion, are as follows:
Creativity (30 points): The proposed project must display a high
degree of creativity, originality and artistic imagination and,
ideally, be unique and innovative in its approach.
Clarity of Educational Objectives; Plan for Evaluating Educational
Effectiveness; Indication of Developmental Appropriateness (30 points):
Applicants must provide: (1) A clear statement of the educational
objectives of their proposal; (2) a plan for evaluating the educational
effectiveness of the proposed project, and (3) an indication that the
proposed project is developmentally appropriate for the target audience
specified in the proposal. [[Page 15638]]
Conformance with NECET Objectives (15 points): Applicants must
satisfy NECET that their project will further the three NECET
objectives discussed earlier in this Notice: (1) To Improve the
Fundamental Intellectual Skills of Children through the Vehicle of
Television Programming; (2) To the Extent Feasible, to Support the
Development of Programming for Children Aged 6 to 10; and (3) To
Encompass a Broad Range of Subject Areas within the Overall Context of
the Grant Program.
Applicant Capability (15 points): Applicants must indicate why
NECET may be confident that they will be able to complete the proposed
project in a satisfactory manner. Applicants may demonstrate this
capability in various ways, including documentation of previous
experience, description of qualifications of key personnel associated
with the project, and presentation of a well-developed plan.
Thoroughness of Project Plan (10 points): Applicants must provide
evidence of a well-developed and sound plan for execution of their
project, including a detailed and realistic budget that accurately
reflects the needs of the project. Project timetables are also
acceptable and may be included in an attachment to the application.
Selection Procedures
NECET grants are awarded on the basis of a competitive review
process.
Pre-Applications: Upon receipt, each NECET Pre-Application will be
thoroughly reviewed and evaluated by outside reviewers with
demonstrated expertise in the area of children's television
programming. Criteria to be used in the evaluation of each proposal are
listed in the ``Evaluation Criteria'' section of this Notice. Reviewers
will provide written comments and assign numerical points to each Pre-
Application proposal, and then make a non-binding recommendation to
NECET staff regarding each project. Written comments and points
assigned by reviewers will not be made available to the applicant, and
Pre-Application submissions will not be returned. Following reviewer
evaluation, the NECET Director will prepare a proposed slate of the
highest rated Pre-Applications based solely on the comments,
recommendations and points assigned by outside reviewers. This proposed
slate is then submitted for consideration to the NTIA Administrator,
who, as the selecting official, shall make a final determination
regarding successful and unsuccessful Pre-Applications. Successful and
unsuccessful Pre-Applicants will be notified by letter about their
proposals in early June, 1995. Those determined to be unsuccessful Pre-
Applicants will be dropped from further consideration for the FY 1995
NECET grant cycle. Those determined to be successful Pre-Applicants
will be invited to submit Full Applications to NECET. However, not all
successful Pre-Applicants who are invited to submit Full Applications
will be funded.
Full Applications: NECET Full Applications and, as may be relevant,
accompanying videocassettes will be thoroughly reviewed by a panel of
outside reviewers with demonstrated expertise in the area of children's
television programming. The review panels will evaluate Full
Applications using criteria identical to those used in the evaluation
of Pre-Applications. These criteria are listed elsewhere in this
Notice. Reviewers will provide written comments and assign numerical
points to each Full Application proposal, and then make a non-binding
recommendation to NECET staff regarding each project. Written comments
and points assigned by reviewers will not be made available to the
applicant, and Full Application submissions and videocassettes will not
be returned. Following review panel evaluation, the NECET Director will
prepare a proposed slate of the highest rated projects based solely on
the comments, recommendations and points assigned by review panelists.
This proposed slate is then submitted for consideration to the NTIA
Administrator, who, as the selecting official, shall make a final
determination regarding those Full Applications to be negotiated for a
possible grant award. In making their final decisions, the NECET
Director and the NTIA Administrator will consider the following
selection criteria:
The written evaluations and points assigned by the outside
reviewers;
The degree to which the slate of applications, taken as a
whole, satisfies NECET Objectives and Project Funding Priorities;
The extent to which a proposed children's television
project is intended to be used within a general at-home viewing
context, as opposed to a school-based instructional viewing context;
The ability of an applicant to immediately proceed with
the project, as demonstrated by the availability and amount of non-
Federal matching funds, either raised or documented; and
The availability of NECET funds.
After applications have been selected in this manner, negotiations
will take place between NECET staff and the applicant. These
negotiations are intended to resolve any differences that exist between
the applicant's original funding request and what NECET proposes to
fund. Not all applicants who are contacted for negotiation will
necessarily receive a NECET grant. When the negotiations are completed,
the NECET Director will recommend final award actions to the NTIA
Administrator. Applying the same factors listed above, the
Administrator will then make the final selection of grant recipients
from the pool of negotiated applications.
Program Standards
Programs produced with NECET grant funding must meet broadcast-
quality production and technical standards consistent with those of the
Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). All programs must be closed-
captioned. Programming funded by NECET may not be interrupted with
commercial advertising messages for the life of the program. All NECET-
funded programming must be aired with a funding (underwriting) credit
for the National Endowment for Children's Educational Television
(NECET), and any ancillary materials produced with this grant shall
contain a similar credit. Such funding credit shall be consistent with
common practice for funding announcements on public broadcasting
stations.
Rights, Clearances, and Distribution
NECET grant recipients are entitled to retain continuing rights to
the programming that they create with NECET funding assistance.
Recipients of NECET grant funding must comply with all requirements of
United States copyright law, including requirements to obtain
permission from owners of copyright in works of authorship and to pay
any required license fees. Accordingly, NECET requires that all
completed creative works supported by NECET funding have appropriate
clearances, releases, and/or other documentation demonstrating that the
organization or individual producing the programming either has
obtained rights for the use of all elements in the programs, or has
itself originally created the work. These rights and clearances apply
to all elements of such programming.
NECET Applicants should note that they will need to obtain an
option on any material critical to the successful completion of their
projects before they apply to NECET, unless all such material has
already been cleared or is entirely original with the applicant.
[[Page 15639]]
Other Requirements
Federal Policies and Procedures: Recipients and sub-recipients are
subject to all applicable Federal laws and Federal and Department of
Commerce policies, regulations, and procedures applicable to Federal
financial assistance awards.
Past Performance: Unsatisfactory performance under prior Federal
financial assistance awards may result in an application not being
considered for funding.
Pre-award Activities: If applicants incur any costs prior to the
awarding of funds, they do so solely at their own risk of not being
reimbursed by the government. Applicants are hereby notified that,
notwithstanding any verbal or written assurance that they may have
received, there is no obligation on the part of the Department of
Commerce or NTIA to cover pre-award costs.
No Obligation for Future Funding: If an application is selected for
funding, the Department of Commerce has no obligation to provide any
additional future funding in connection with that award. Renewal of an
award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the
total discretion of the Department of Commerce. Receipt of a NECET
grant, however, will not eliminate the recipient from consideration for
future funding.
Delinquent Federal Debts: No award of Federal funds shall be made
to an applicant who has an outstanding delinquent Federal debt until
either:
The delinquent account is paid in full;
A negotiated repayment schedule is established and at
least one payment is received; or
Other arrangements satisfactory to the Department of
Commerce are made.
No Funding for Sectarian Purposes: The Department of Commerce has a
long-standing policy of not funding projects for purposes the essential
thrust of which is sectarian. Consistent with this policy, NECET will
not fund projects the essential thrust of which is sectarian. Sectarian
organizations, however, are eligible applicants and may request funds
for non-sectarian purposes. [Compare with NTIA Public
Telecommunications Facilities Program (PTFP) regulations at 15 C.F.R.
Secs. 2301.1, 2301.22(d); Fordham University v. Brown, No. 93-2120
(CRR)(D.D.C. June 29, 1994), appeal docketed, No.94-5229 (D.C.Cir. Aug.
22, 1994)]
Name Check Review: All non-profit and for-profit applicants are
subject to a name check review process. Officials of state and local
governments and officials of accredited colleges and universities who
are acting on behalf of their respective entities in applying for
assistance are exempt from the name check review process. In addition,
all elected officials of state and local governments who are serving in
capacities other than their elected capacities when applying for
assistance are also exempt. Name checks are intended to reveal if any
key individuals associated with the applicant have been convicted of or
are presently facing criminal charges such as fraud, theft, perjury, or
other matters that significantly reflect on the applicant's management
honesty or financial integrity.
Primary Applicant Certifications: All primary applicants must
submit a completed Form CD-511, ``Certifications Regarding Debarment,
Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters; Drug-Free Workplace
Requirements and Lobbying.'' The following explanations are hereby
provided:
Non-procurement Debarment and Suspension. Prospective
participants (as defined at 15 C.F.R. Part 26, Section 105) are subject
to 15 C.F.R. Part 26, ``Non-procurement Debarment and Suspension'' and
the related section of the certification form prescribed above applies;
Drug-Free Workplace. Grantees (as defined at 15 CFR part
26, Section 605) are subject to 15 CFR part 26, Subpart F,
``Government-wide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants) and the
related section of the certification form prescribed above applies;
Anti-Lobbying. Persons (as defined at 15 CFR part 28,
Section 105) are subject to the lobbying provisions of 31 U.S.C. 1352,
``Limitation on use of appropriated funds to influence certain Federal
contracting and financial transactions,'' and the lobbying section of
the certification form prescribed above applies to applications/bids
for grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts for more than
$100,000, and loans and loan guarantees for more than $150,000 or the
single family maximum mortgage limit for affected programs, whichever
is greater; and
Anti-Lobbying Disclosure. Any applicant that has paid or
will pay for lobbying in connection with a covered Federal action, such
as the awarding of any Federal contract, the making of any Federal
grant, the making of any Federal loan, the entering into of any
cooperative agreement, or the extension, continuation, renewal,
amendment, or modification of any Federal contract, grant loan, or
cooperative agreement using any funds must submit an SF-LLL,
``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities,'' as required under 15 CFR part
28, Appendix B.
Lower Tier Certifications: Grant recipients shall require
applicants/bidders for sub-grants, contracts, subcontracts, or other
lower tier covered transactions at any tier under the award to submit,
if applicable, a completed Form CD-512, ``Certifications Regarding
Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion-Lower Tier
Covered Transactions and Lobbying'' and disclosure from SF-LLL,
``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities.'' Form CD-512 is intended for the
use of recipients and should not be transmitted to DOC. SF-LLL
submitted by any tier recipient or sub-recipient should be submitted to
DOC in accordance with the instructions contained in the award
document.
False Statements: A false statement on an application is grounds
for denial or termination of funds and grounds for possible punishment
by a fine or imprisonment as provided in 18 U.S.C. 1001.
Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs.''
Requirement to Buy American-Made Equipment or Products: Applicants
are hereby notified that they will be encouraged, to the greatest
extent practicable, to purchase American-made equipment and products
with funding provided under this program in accordance with
Congressional intent as set forth in the resolution contained in Public
Law 103-317, Sections 607 (a) and (b).
Paperwork Reduction Act: The standard forms have been approved by
the Office of Management and Budget pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction
Act under OMB Approval Nos. 0348-0043, 0348-0044, 0348-0040 and 0348-
0046.
Executive Order 12866: This Notice has been determined to be not
significant for purposes of Executive Order 12866.
Dated: March 17, 1995.
Larry Irving,
Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information.
[FR Doc. 95-7109 Filed 3-23-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-60-P
