81_FR_5129 81 FR 5109 - Applications for New Awards; Predominantly Black Institutions Formula Grant Program

81 FR 5109 - Applications for New Awards; Predominantly Black Institutions Formula Grant Program

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 20 (February 1, 2016)

Page Range5109-5113
FR Document2016-01746

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 20 (Monday, February 1, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 20 (Monday, February 1, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 5109-5113]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-01746]


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

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION


Applications for New Awards; Predominantly Black Institutions 
Formula Grant Program

AGENCY: Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of Education.

ACTION: Notice.

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

Overview Information

    Predominantly Black Institutions (PBI) Formula Grant Program
    Notice inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 
2016.

    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 84.031P.

DATES: Applications Available: February 1, 2016.
    Deadline for Transmittal of Phase I of Applications: March 2, 2016.
    Deadline for Transmittal of Phase II of Applications: April 1, 
2016.

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Purpose of Program: The Predominantly Black Institutions (PBI) 
Formula Grant Program provides grants to eligible institutions to plan, 
develop, undertake, and implement programs that enhance their capacity 
to serve more low- and middle-income Black American students; to expand 
higher education opportunities for eligible students by encouraging 
college preparation and student persistence in secondary school and 
postsecondary education; and to strengthen the financial ability of the 
institutions to serve the academic needs of these students.

    Program Authority: Title III, part A, section 318 of the Higher 
Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA) (20 U.S.C. 1059e).

    Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General 
Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR parts 75, 77, 82, 84, 86, 
97, 98, and 99. (b) The OMB Guidelines to Agencies on Governmentwide 
Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) in 2 CFR part 180, as adopted 
and amended as regulations of the Department in 2 CFR part 3485. (c) 
The Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit 
Requirements for Federal Awards in 2 CFR part 200, as adopted and 
amended as regulations of the Department in 2 CFR part 3474.

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Formula grant.
    Estimated Available Funds: $9,942,000.
    Estimated Average Size of Awards: Grants awarded under the PBI 
Formula Grant Program are allotted to eligible institutions based on 
the formula included in section 318(e) of the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1059e(e)), 
with no grantee allotted less than $250,000.
    If the amount appropriated for this program for a fiscal year is 
not sufficient to pay the minimum allotment to eligible institutions, 
then the amount of the minimum allotment must be ratably reduced, in 
accordance with section 318(e) of the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1059e(e)(4)).
    Funding Formula:
    Grant amounts to PBIs are awarded according to the following 
formula:
    (1) Federal Pell Grant basis--From the amount appropriated for this 
program for any fiscal year, the Secretary allots to each PBI with an 
approved application a sum that bears the same ratio to one-half of 
that amount as the number of Federal Pell Grant recipients in 
attendance at such institution at the end of the academic year 
preceding the beginning of that fiscal year, bears to the total number 
of Federal Pell Grant recipients at all such institutions at the end of 
such academic year.
    (2) Graduates basis--From the amount appropriated for this program 
for any fiscal year, the Secretary allots to each PBI with an approved 
application a sum that bears the same ratio to one-fourth of that 
amount as the number of graduates for such academic year at such 
institution, bears to the total number of graduates for such academic 
year at all such institutions.
    (3) Graduates seeking a higher degree basis--From the amount 
appropriated for this program for any fiscal year, the Secretary allots 
to each PBI with an approved application a sum that bears the same 
ratio to one-fourth of that amount as the percentage of graduates from 
such institution who are admitted to and in attendance at, not later 
than two years after graduation with an associate's degree or a 
baccalaureate degree, a baccalaureate degree-granting institution or a 
graduate or professional school in a degree program in disciplines in 
which Black American students are underrepresented, bears to the 
percentage of such graduates for all such institutions.
    Estimated Number of Awards: All applicant institutions that meet 
the eligibility requirements will receive a portion of the total 
appropriations for the PBI Formula Grant Program.

    Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this 
notice.

    Project Period: 60 months.

III. Eligibility Information

    1. Eligible Applicants: An applicant must--
    (a) Have an enrollment of needy undergraduate students as defined 
in section 318(b)(2) of the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1059e(b)(2));
    (b) Have an average educational and general expenditure that is 
low, per full-time equivalent undergraduate student, in comparison with 
the average educational and general expenditure per full-time 
equivalent undergraduate student of institutions that offer similar 
instruction, except that the Secretary may apply the waiver 
requirements described in section 392(b) of the HEA (20 U.S.C. 
1068a(b)) to this subparagraph in the same manner as the Secretary 
applies the waiver requirements to section 312(b)(1)(B) of the HEA (20 
U.S.C. 1058(b)(1)(B));
    (c) Have an enrollment of undergraduate students that is not less 
than 40 percent Black American students (section 318(b)(1)(C) of the 
HEA; 20 U.S.C. 1059e (b)(1)(C));
    (d) Be legally authorized to provide, and provide, within the 
State, an educational program for which the institution of higher 
education awards a baccalaureate degree or, in the case of a junior or 
community college, an associate's degree (section 318(b)(1)(D) of the 
HEA; 20 U.S.C. 1059e(b)(1)(D));
    (e) Be accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or 
association determined by the Secretary to be a reliable authority as 
to the quality of training offered or is, according to such an agency 
or

[[Page 5110]]

association, making reasonable progress toward accreditation (section 
318(b)(1)(E) of the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1059e(b)(1)(E))); and
    (f) Not be receiving funds under any other provision of part A or 
part B of title III of the HEA or part A of title V of the HEA 
(sections 318(b)(1)(F) and 318(i) of the HEA; 20 U.S.C. 1059e(b)(1)(F) 
and 1059e(i)).
    To be eligible for a grant under the PBI Formula Grant Program, an 
applicant must also meet the definition of a Predominantly Black 
Institution in section 318(b)(6) of the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1059e(b)(6)). 
The term Predominantly Black Institution means an institution of higher 
education, as defined in section 101(a) of the HEA (20 U.S.C. 
1001(a))--
    (i) That is an eligible institution with not less than 1,000 
undergraduate students;
    (ii) At which not less than 50 percent of the undergraduate 
students enrolled at the eligible institution are low-income 
individuals or first-generation college students; and
    (iii) At which not less than 50 percent of the undergraduate 
students are enrolled in an educational program leading to a bachelor's 
or associate's degree that the eligible institution is licensed to 
award by the State (defined as each of the 50 States and the District 
of Columbia) in which the eligible institution is located.

    Note: The notice announcing the FY 2016 process for designation 
of eligible institutions, and inviting applications for waiver of 
eligibility requirements, was published in the Federal Register on 
November 19, 2015 (80 FR 72422). Only institutions that the 
Department determines are eligible, or are granted a waiver, may 
apply for a grant under this program.

    2. Cost Sharing or Matching: This program does not require cost 
sharing or matching unless the grantee uses a portion of its grant for 
establishing or improving an endowment fund. If a grantee uses a 
portion of its grant for endowment fund purposes, it must match those 
grant funds with non-Federal funds in an amount equal to or greater 
than the Federal funds used for the establishment or increase of the 
endowment fund (section 318(d)(3) of the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1059e(d)(3)).

IV. Application and Submission Information

    1. Address to Request Application Package: Bernadette D. Miles, 
OPE, Institutional Service, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland 
Avenue SW., Room 7E311, Washington, DC 20202. Telephone: (202) 502-
7616, or by email: [email protected].
    If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) or a text 
telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay Service (FRS), toll free, at 1-
800-877-8339.
    Individuals with disabilities can obtain a copy of the application 
package in an accessible format (e.g., braille, large print, audiotape, 
or compact disc) by contacting the program contact person listed in 
this section.
    2. Content and Form of Application Submission:
    Requirements concerning the content of an application, together 
with the forms you must submit, are in the application package for this 
program. The application process for this program has two phases: Phase 
I will require submitting 2014-2015 data used to run the funding 
formula; Phase II will require submission of the narrative project plan 
and standard forms. The deadline dates for submitting Phases I and II 
of the application are listed in this notice. Other requirements 
concerning the content of an application, together with the forms you 
must submit, are in the application package for this program.
    3. Submission Dates and Times:
    Applications Available: February 1, 2016.
    Deadline for Transmittal of Phase I of Applications: March 2, 2016.
    Deadline for Transmittal of Phase II of Applications: April 1, 
2016.
    Applications for grants under this program must be submitted 
electronically as an email attachment to [email protected] by 4:30:00 
p.m., Washington, DC time, on the deadline date.
    We do not consider an application that does not comply with the 
deadline requirements.
    Individuals with disabilities who need an accommodation or 
auxiliary aid in connection with the application process should contact 
the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT in section VII 
of this notice. If the Department provides an accommodation or 
auxiliary aid to an individual with a disability in connection with the 
application process, the individual's application remains subject to 
all other requirements and limitations in this notice.
    4. Intergovernmental Review: This program is not subject to 
Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79.
    5. Funding Restrictions: We reference regulations outlining funding 
restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice.
    6. Data Universal Numbering System Number, Taxpayer Identification 
Number, and System for Award Management: To do business with the 
Department of Education, you must--
    a. Have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and a 
Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN);
    b. Register both your DUNS number and TIN with the System for Award 
Management (SAM) (formerly the Central Contractor Registry), the 
Government's primary registrant database;
    c. Provide your DUNS number and TIN on your application; and
    d. Maintain an active SAM registration with current information 
while your application is under review by the Department and, if you 
are awarded a grant, during the project period.
    You can obtain a DUNS number from Dun and Bradstreet at the 
following Web site: http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform.
    A DUNS number can be created within one to two business days.
    If you are a corporate entity, agency, institution, or 
organization, you can obtain a TIN from the Internal Revenue Service. 
If you are an individual, you can obtain a TIN from the Internal 
Revenue Service or the Social Security Administration. If you need a 
new TIN, please allow two to five weeks for your TIN to become active.
    The SAM registration process can take approximately seven business 
days, but may take upwards of several weeks, depending on the 
completeness and accuracy of the data you enter into the SAM database. 
Thus, if you think you might want to apply for Federal financial 
assistance under a program administered by the Department, please allow 
sufficient time to obtain and register your DUNS number and TIN. We 
strongly recommend that you register early.
    If you are currently registered with SAM, you may not need to make 
any changes. However, please make certain that the TIN associated with 
your DUNS number is correct. Also note that you will need to update 
your registration annually. This may take three or more business days.
    Information about SAM is available at www.SAM.gov. To further 
assist you with obtaining and registering your DUNS number and TIN in 
SAM or updating your existing SAM account, we have prepared a SAM.gov 
Tip Sheet, which you can find at: www2.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/sam-faqs.html.
    7. Other Submission Requirements: Applications for grants under 
this program must be submitted

[[Page 5111]]

electronically unless you qualify for an exception to this requirement 
in accordance with the instructions in this section.
    a. Electronic Submission of Applications.
    Applications for grants under the Predominantly Black Institutions 
Formula Grant Program, CFDA number 84.031P, must be submitted 
electronically via email to [email protected].
    We will reject your application if you submit it in paper format 
unless, as described elsewhere in this section, you qualify for one of 
the exceptions to the electronic submission requirement and submit, no 
later than two weeks before the application deadline date, a written 
statement to the Department that you qualify for one of these 
exceptions. Further information regarding calculation of the date that 
is two weeks before the application deadline date is provided later in 
this section under Exception to Electronic Submission Requirement.
    You may access the electronic grant application for the PBI Program 
at www2.ed.gov/programs/pbihea/index.html.
    Please note the following:
     You must complete the electronic submission of your grant 
application by 4:30:00 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application 
deadline date. We will not accept an application for this program after 
4:30:00 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date. 
Therefore, we strongly recommend that you do not wait until the 
application deadline date to begin the application process.
     You will not receive additional point value because you 
submit your application in electronic format, nor will we penalize you 
if you qualify for an exception to the electronic submission 
requirement, as described elsewhere in this section, and submit your 
application in paper format.
     You must submit all documents electronically, including 
all information you typically provide on the following forms: The 
Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424), the Department of 
Education Supplemental Information for SF 424, Budget Information--Non-
Construction Programs (ED 524), and all necessary assurances and 
certifications.
     You must attach any narrative sections of your application 
as files in a .DOC (document), .RTF (rich text), or .PDF (Portable 
Document) format. If you upload a file type other than the three file 
types specified in this paragraph or submit a password protected file, 
we will not review that material.
     Your electronic application must comply with any page 
limit requirements described in this notice.
     Prior to submitting your electronic application, you may 
wish to print a copy of it for your records.
     Within three working days after submitting Phase II of 
your electronic application, fax a signed copy of the SF 424 to the 
Application Control Center after following these steps:
    (1) Print SF 424 from e-Application.
    (2) The applicant's Authorizing Representative must sign this form.
    (3) Place the PR/Award number in the upper right hand corner of the 
hard-copy signature page of the SF 424.
    (4) Fax the signed SF 424 to the Application Control Center at 
(202) 245-6272.
     We may request that you provide us original signatures on 
other forms at a later date.
    Exception to Electronic Submission Requirement: You qualify for an 
exception to the electronic submission requirement, and may submit your 
application in paper format, if you are unable to submit an application 
via email because--
     You do not have access to the Internet; and
     No later than two weeks before the application deadline 
date (14 calendar days or, if the fourteenth calendar day before the 
application deadline date falls on a Federal holiday, the next business 
day following the Federal holiday), you mail or fax a written statement 
to the Department, explaining that you do not have access to the 
Internet.
    If you mail your written statement to the Department, it must be 
postmarked no later than two weeks before the application deadline 
date. If you fax your written statement to the Department, we must 
receive the faxed statement no later than two weeks before the 
application deadline date.
    Address and mail or fax your statement to: Bernadette D. Miles, 
OPE, Institutional Service, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland 
Avenue SW., Room 7E311, Washington, DC 20202. FAX: (202) 205-0063.
    Your paper application must be submitted in accordance with the 
mail or hand delivery instructions described in this notice.
    b. Submission of Paper Applications by Mail.
    If you qualify for an exception to the electronic submission 
requirement, you may mail (through the U.S. Postal Service or a 
commercial carrier) your application to the Department. You must mail 
the original and two copies of your application, on or before the 
application deadline date, to the Department at the following address:

U.S. Department of Education, Application Control Center, Attention: 
(CFDA Number 84.031P), LBJ Basement Level 1, 400 Maryland Avenue 
SW., Washington, DC 20202-4260

    You must show proof of mailing consisting of one of the following:
    (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 of the 
U.S. Department of Education.
    If you mail your application through the U.S. Postal Service, we do 
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.

    Note: The U.S. Postal Service does not uniformly provide a dated 
postmark. Before relying on this method, you should check with your 
local post office.

    We will not consider applications postmarked after the application 
deadline date.
    c. Submission of Paper Applications by Hand Delivery.
    If you qualify for an exception to the electronic submission 
requirement, you (or a courier service) may deliver your paper 
application to the Department by hand. You must deliver the original 
and two copies of your application by hand, on or before the 
application deadline date, to the Department at the following address:

U.S. Department of Education, Application Control Center, Attention: 
(CFDA Number 84.031P), 550 12th Street SW., Room 7039, Potomac 
Center Plaza, Washington, DC 20202-4260

    The Application Control Center accepts hand deliveries daily 
between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30:00 p.m., Washington, DC time, except 
Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal holidays.

    Note for Mail or Hand Delivery of Paper Applications: If you 
mail or hand deliver your application to the Department--
    (1) You must indicate on the envelope and--if not provided by 
the Department--in Item 11 of the SF 424 the CFDA number, including 
suffix letter, if any, of the competition under which you are 
submitting your application; and
    (2) The Application Control Center will mail to you a 
notification of receipt of your grant application. If you do not 
receive this notification within 15 business days from the 
application deadline date, you should call the U.S. Department of 
Education

[[Page 5112]]

Application Control Center at (202) 245-6288.

V. Application Review Information

    1. Review and Selection Process: After eligibility is determined, 
Department staff will begin a two stage process to--
    (1) Determine grant awards based on the formula in section 318(e) 
of the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1059e(e)); and
    (2) Ensure that all activities proposed in the application are 
allowable under section 318(d) of the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1059e(d)).
    We remind potential applicants that in reviewing applications in 
any discretionary grant competition, the Secretary may consider, under 
34 CFR 75.217(d)(3), the past performance of the applicant in carrying 
out a previous award, such as the applicant's use of funds, achievement 
of project objectives, and compliance with grant conditions. The 
Secretary may also consider whether the applicant failed to submit a 
timely performance report or submitted a report of unacceptable 
quality.
    In addition, in making a grant award, the Secretary requires 
various assurances including those applicable to Federal civil rights 
laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities receiving 
Federal financial assistance from the Department of Education (34 CFR 
100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).
    2. Risk Assessment and Special Conditions:
    Consistent with 2 CFR 200.205, before awarding grants under this 
program, the Department conducts a review of the risks posed by 
applicants. Under 2 CFR 3474.10, the Secretary may impose special 
conditions and, in appropriate circumstances, high-risk conditions on a 
grant if the applicant or grantee is not financially stable; has a 
history of unsatisfactory performance; has a financial or other 
management system that does not meet the standards in 2 CFR part 200, 
subpart D; has not fulfilled the conditions of a prior grant; or is 
otherwise not responsible.

VI. Award Administration Information

    1. Award Notices: If your application is successful, we notify your 
U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators and send you a Grant Award 
Notification (GAN); or we may send you an email containing a link to 
access an electronic version of your GAN. We may notify you informally, 
also.
    If your application is not evaluated or not selected for funding, 
we notify you.
    2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: We identify 
administrative and national policy requirements in the application 
package and reference these and other requirements in the Applicable 
Regulations section of this notice.
    We reference the regulations outlining the terms and conditions of 
an award in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice and 
include these and other specific conditions in the GAN. The GAN also 
incorporates your approved application as part of your binding 
commitments under the grant.
    3. Reporting: (a) If you apply for a grant under this competition, 
you must ensure that you have in place the necessary processes and 
systems to comply with the reporting requirements in 2 CFR part 170 
should you receive funding under the competition. This does not apply 
if you have an exception under 2 CFR 170.110(b).
    (b) At the end of your project period, you must submit a final 
performance report, including financial information, as directed by the 
Secretary. If you receive a multiyear award, you must submit an annual 
performance report that provides the most current performance and 
financial expenditure information as directed by the Secretary under 34 
CFR 75.118. The Secretary may also require more frequent performance 
reports under 34 CFR 75.720(c). For specific requirements on reporting, 
please go to www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html.
    (C) Under 34 CFR 75.250(b), the Secretary may provide a grantee 
with additional funding for data collection analysis and reporting. In 
this case the Secretary establishes a data collection period.
    4. Performance Measures: The Department has established the 
following Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 (GRPRA) 
performance measures for the PBI Formula Grant Program:
    (a) Enrollment Rate: The percentage change of the number of full-
time degree-seeking undergraduate students enrolled at PBIs. Note that 
this is a long-term measure, which will be used to periodically gauge 
performance.
    (b) Persistence Rate--four-year institutions: The percentage of 
first-time, full-time degree-seeking undergraduate students at four-
year PBIs who were in their first year of postsecondary enrollment in 
the previous year and are enrolled in the current year at the same 
four-year PBI.
    (c) Persistence Rate--two-year institutions: The percentage of 
first-time, full-time degree-seeking undergraduate students at two-year 
PBIs who were in their first year of postsecondary enrollment in the 
previous year and are enrolled in the current year at the same two-year 
PBI.
    (d) Completion Rate--four-year institutions: The percentage of 
first-time, full-time degree-seeking undergraduate students enrolled at 
four-year PBIs who graduate within six years of enrollment.
    (e) Completion Rate--two-year institutions: The percentage of 
first-time, full-time degree-seeking undergraduate students enrolled at 
two-year PBIs who graduate within three years of enrollment.
    (f) Efficiency Measure: Cost per successful program outcome: 
Federal cost per undergraduate degree at PBIs.
    5. Continuation Awards: In making a continuation award under 34 CFR 
75.253, the Secretary considers, among other things: Whether a grantee 
has made substantial progress in achieving the goals and objectives of 
the project; Whether the grantee has expended funds in a manner that is 
consistent with its approved application and budget; and, if the 
Secretary has established performance measurement requirements, the 
performance targets in the grantee's approved application.
    In making a continuation award, the Secretary also considers 
whether the grantee is operating in compliance with the assurances in 
its approved application, including those applicable to Federal civil 
rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities 
receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department (34 CFR 
100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).

VII. Agency Contact

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Bernadette D. Miles, OPE, 
Institutional Service, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland 
Avenue SW., Room 7E311, Washington, DC 20202. Telephone: (202) 502-
7616, or by email: [email protected].
    If you use a TDD or a TTY, call the FRS, toll free, at 1-800-877-
8339.

VIII. Other Information

    Accessible Format: Individuals with disabilities can obtain this 
document and a copy of the application package in an accessible format 
(e.g., braille, large print, audiotape, or compact disc) on request to 
the program contact person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT 
in section VII of this notice.
    Electronic Access to This Document: The official version of this 
document is the document published in the Federal Register. Free 
Internet access to the official edition of the Federal Register and the 
Code of Federal Regulations is available via the Federal Digital System 
at: www.thefederalregister.org/fdsys. At this site you

[[Page 5113]]

can view this document, as well as all other documents of this 
Department published in the Federal Register, in text or Adobe Portable 
Document Format (PDF). To use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, 
which is available free at the site.
    You may also access documents of the Department published in the 
Federal Register by using the article search feature at: 
www.federalregister.gov. Specifically, through the advanced search 
feature at this site, you can limit your search to documents published 
by the Department.

    Dated: January 26, 2016.
Lynn B. Mahaffie,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy, Planning, and Innovation 
Delegated the Duties of the Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary 
Education.
[FR Doc. 2016-01746 Filed 1-29-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4000-01-P



                                                                             Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 20 / Monday, February 1, 2016 / Notices                                             5109

                                                  Total Estimated Number of Annual                     financial ability of the institutions to                 (3) Graduates seeking a higher degree
                                               Burden Hours: 2,491.                                    serve the academic needs of these                     basis—From the amount appropriated
                                                  Abstract: eZ-Audit is a web-based                    students.                                             for this program for any fiscal year, the
                                               process designed to facilitate the                        Program Authority: Title III, part A,               Secretary allots to each PBI with an
                                               submission of compliance and financial                  section 318 of the Higher Education Act of            approved application a sum that bears
                                               statement audits, expedite the review of                1965, as amended (HEA) (20 U.S.C. 1059e).             the same ratio to one-fourth of that
                                               those audits by the Department, and                                                                           amount as the percentage of graduates
                                               provide more timely and useful                            Applicable Regulations: (a) The
                                                                                                                                                             from such institution who are admitted
                                               information to public, non-profit and                   Education Department General
                                                                                                                                                             to and in attendance at, not later than
                                               proprietary institutions regarding the                  Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in
                                                                                                                                                             two years after graduation with an
                                               Department’s review. eZ-Audit                           34 CFR parts 75, 77, 82, 84, 86, 97, 98,
                                                                                                                                                             associate’s degree or a baccalaureate
                                               establishes a uniform process under                     and 99. (b) The OMB Guidelines to
                                                                                                                                                             degree, a baccalaureate degree-granting
                                               which all institutions submit directly to               Agencies on Governmentwide
                                                                                                                                                             institution or a graduate or professional
                                               the Department any audit required                       Debarment and Suspension
                                                                                                                                                             school in a degree program in
                                               under the Title IV, HEA program                         (Nonprocurement) in 2 CFR part 180, as
                                                                                                                                                             disciplines in which Black American
                                               regulations. eZ-Audit continues to have                 adopted and amended as regulations of
                                                                                                                                                             students are underrepresented, bears to
                                               minimal number of financial template                    the Department in 2 CFR part 3485. (c)
                                                                                                                                                             the percentage of such graduates for all
                                               line items and general information                      The Uniform Administrative
                                                                                                                                                             such institutions.
                                               questions. No additional burden hours                   Requirements, Cost Principles, and
                                                                                                                                                                Estimated Number of Awards: All
                                               have been added.                                        Audit Requirements for Federal Awards
                                                                                                                                                             applicant institutions that meet the
                                                                                                       in 2 CFR part 200, as adopted and
                                                 Dated: January 27, 2016.                                                                                    eligibility requirements will receive a
                                                                                                       amended as regulations of the
                                               Kate Mullan,                                                                                                  portion of the total appropriations for
                                                                                                       Department in 2 CFR part 3474.
                                               Acting Director, Information Collection
                                                                                                                                                             the PBI Formula Grant Program.
                                               Clearance Division, Office of the Chief Privacy         II. Award Information                                   Note: The Department is not bound by any
                                               Officer, Office of Management.                             Type of Award: Formula grant.                      estimates in this notice.
                                               [FR Doc. 2016–01724 Filed 1–29–16; 8:45 am]                Estimated Available Funds:                            Project Period: 60 months.
                                               BILLING CODE 4000–01–P                                  $9,942,000.
                                                                                                          Estimated Average Size of Awards:                  III. Eligibility Information
                                                                                                       Grants awarded under the PBI Formula                    1. Eligible Applicants: An applicant
                                               DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION                                 Grant Program are allotted to eligible                must—
                                                                                                       institutions based on the formula                       (a) Have an enrollment of needy
                                               Applications for New Awards;                            included in section 318(e) of the HEA                 undergraduate students as defined in
                                               Predominantly Black Institutions                        (20 U.S.C. 1059e(e)), with no grantee                 section 318(b)(2) of the HEA (20 U.S.C.
                                               Formula Grant Program                                   allotted less than $250,000.                          1059e(b)(2));
                                               AGENCY: Office of Postsecondary                            If the amount appropriated for this                  (b) Have an average educational and
                                               Education, Department of Education.                     program for a fiscal year is not sufficient           general expenditure that is low, per full-
                                               ACTION: Notice.                                         to pay the minimum allotment to                       time equivalent undergraduate student,
                                                                                                       eligible institutions, then the amount of             in comparison with the average
                                               Overview Information                                    the minimum allotment must be ratably                 educational and general expenditure per
                                                                                                       reduced, in accordance with section                   full-time equivalent undergraduate
                                                 Predominantly Black Institutions                      318(e) of the HEA (20 U.S.C.                          student of institutions that offer similar
                                               (PBI) Formula Grant Program                             1059e(e)(4)).                                         instruction, except that the Secretary
                                                 Notice inviting applications for new                     Funding Formula:                                   may apply the waiver requirements
                                               awards for fiscal year (FY) 2016.                          Grant amounts to PBIs are awarded                  described in section 392(b) of the HEA
                                                 Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance                according to the following formula:                   (20 U.S.C. 1068a(b)) to this
                                               (CFDA) Number: 84.031P.                                    (1) Federal Pell Grant basis—From the              subparagraph in the same manner as the
                                               DATES: Applications Available: February                 amount appropriated for this program                  Secretary applies the waiver
                                               1, 2016.                                                for any fiscal year, the Secretary allots             requirements to section 312(b)(1)(B) of
                                                  Deadline for Transmittal of Phase I of               to each PBI with an approved                          the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1058(b)(1)(B));
                                               Applications: March 2, 2016.                            application a sum that bears the same                   (c) Have an enrollment of
                                                  Deadline for Transmittal of Phase II of              ratio to one-half of that amount as the               undergraduate students that is not less
                                               Applications: April 1, 2016.                            number of Federal Pell Grant recipients               than 40 percent Black American
                                               Full Text of Announcement                               in attendance at such institution at the              students (section 318(b)(1)(C) of the
                                                                                                       end of the academic year preceding the                HEA; 20 U.S.C. 1059e (b)(1)(C));
                                               I. Funding Opportunity Description                      beginning of that fiscal year, bears to the             (d) Be legally authorized to provide,
                                                  Purpose of Program: The                              total number of Federal Pell Grant                    and provide, within the State, an
                                               Predominantly Black Institutions (PBI)                  recipients at all such institutions at the            educational program for which the
                                               Formula Grant Program provides grants                   end of such academic year.                            institution of higher education awards a
                                               to eligible institutions to plan, develop,                 (2) Graduates basis—From the amount                baccalaureate degree or, in the case of a
                                               undertake, and implement programs                       appropriated for this program for any                 junior or community college, an
                                               that enhance their capacity to serve                    fiscal year, the Secretary allots to each             associate’s degree (section 318(b)(1)(D)
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                               more low- and middle-income Black                       PBI with an approved application a sum                of the HEA; 20 U.S.C. 1059e(b)(1)(D));
                                               American students; to expand higher                     that bears the same ratio to one-fourth                 (e) Be accredited by a nationally
                                               education opportunities for eligible                    of that amount as the number of                       recognized accrediting agency or
                                               students by encouraging college                         graduates for such academic year at                   association determined by the Secretary
                                               preparation and student persistence in                  such institution, bears to the total                  to be a reliable authority as to the
                                               secondary school and postsecondary                      number of graduates for such academic                 quality of training offered or is,
                                               education; and to strengthen the                        year at all such institutions.                        according to such an agency or


                                          VerDate Sep<11>2014   15:33 Jan 29, 2016   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00017   Fmt 4703   Sfmt 4703   E:\FR\FM\01FEN1.SGM   01FEN1


                                               5110                          Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 20 / Monday, February 1, 2016 / Notices

                                               association, making reasonable progress                    If you use a telecommunications                       6. Data Universal Numbering System
                                               toward accreditation (section                           device for the deaf (TDD) or a text                   Number, Taxpayer Identification
                                               318(b)(1)(E) of the HEA (20 U.S.C.                      telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay               Number, and System for Award
                                               1059e(b)(1)(E))); and                                   Service (FRS), toll free, at 1–800–877–               Management: To do business with the
                                                  (f) Not be receiving funds under any                 8339.                                                 Department of Education, you must—
                                               other provision of part A or part B of                     Individuals with disabilities can                     a. Have a Data Universal Numbering
                                               title III of the HEA or part A of title V               obtain a copy of the application package              System (DUNS) number and a Taxpayer
                                               of the HEA (sections 318(b)(1)(F) and                   in an accessible format (e.g., braille,               Identification Number (TIN);
                                               318(i) of the HEA; 20 U.S.C.                            large print, audiotape, or compact disc)                 b. Register both your DUNS number
                                               1059e(b)(1)(F) and 1059e(i)).                           by contacting the program contact                     and TIN with the System for Award
                                                  To be eligible for a grant under the                 person listed in this section.                        Management (SAM) (formerly the
                                               PBI Formula Grant Program, an                              2. Content and Form of Application                 Central Contractor Registry), the
                                               applicant must also meet the definition                 Submission:                                           Government’s primary registrant
                                               of a Predominantly Black Institution in                    Requirements concerning the content                database;
                                               section 318(b)(6) of the HEA (20 U.S.C.                 of an application, together with the                     c. Provide your DUNS number and
                                               1059e(b)(6)). The term Predominantly                    forms you must submit, are in the                     TIN on your application; and
                                               Black Institution means an institution of               application package for this program.                    d. Maintain an active SAM
                                               higher education, as defined in section                 The application process for this program              registration with current information
                                               101(a) of the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1001(a))—                  has two phases: Phase I will require                  while your application is under review
                                                                                                       submitting 2014–2015 data used to run                 by the Department and, if you are
                                                  (i) That is an eligible institution with
                                                                                                       the funding formula; Phase II will                    awarded a grant, during the project
                                               not less than 1,000 undergraduate
                                                                                                       require submission of the narrative                   period.
                                               students;                                                                                                        You can obtain a DUNS number from
                                                  (ii) At which not less than 50 percent               project plan and standard forms. The
                                                                                                       deadline dates for submitting Phases I                Dun and Bradstreet at the following
                                               of the undergraduate students enrolled                                                                        Web site: http://fedgov.dnb.com/
                                               at the eligible institution are low-                    and II of the application are listed in
                                                                                                       this notice. Other requirements                       webform.
                                               income individuals or first-generation                                                                           A DUNS number can be created
                                               college students; and                                   concerning the content of an
                                                                                                                                                             within one to two business days.
                                                  (iii) At which not less than 50 percent              application, together with the forms you                 If you are a corporate entity, agency,
                                               of the undergraduate students are                       must submit, are in the application                   institution, or organization, you can
                                               enrolled in an educational program                      package for this program.                             obtain a TIN from the Internal Revenue
                                               leading to a bachelor’s or associate’s                     3. Submission Dates and Times:                     Service. If you are an individual, you
                                               degree that the eligible institution is                    Applications Available: February 1,                can obtain a TIN from the Internal
                                               licensed to award by the State (defined                 2016.                                                 Revenue Service or the Social Security
                                               as each of the 50 States and the District                  Deadline for Transmittal of Phase I of             Administration. If you need a new TIN,
                                               of Columbia) in which the eligible                      Applications: March 2, 2016.                          please allow two to five weeks for your
                                               institution is located.                                    Deadline for Transmittal of Phase II of            TIN to become active.
                                                                                                       Applications: April 1, 2016.                             The SAM registration process can take
                                                 Note: The notice announcing the FY 2016
                                               process for designation of eligible                        Applications for grants under this                 approximately seven business days, but
                                               institutions, and inviting applications for             program must be submitted                             may take upwards of several weeks,
                                               waiver of eligibility requirements, was                 electronically as an email attachment to              depending on the completeness and
                                               published in the Federal Register on                    pbiprogram@ed.gov by 4:30:00 p.m.,                    accuracy of the data you enter into the
                                               November 19, 2015 (80 FR 72422). Only                   Washington, DC time, on the deadline                  SAM database. Thus, if you think you
                                               institutions that the Department determines             date.                                                 might want to apply for Federal
                                               are eligible, or are granted a waiver, may                 We do not consider an application
                                               apply for a grant under this program.                                                                         financial assistance under a program
                                                                                                       that does not comply with the deadline                administered by the Department, please
                                                 2. Cost Sharing or Matching: This                     requirements.                                         allow sufficient time to obtain and
                                               program does not require cost sharing or                   Individuals with disabilities who                  register your DUNS number and TIN.
                                               matching unless the grantee uses a                      need an accommodation or auxiliary aid                We strongly recommend that you
                                               portion of its grant for establishing or                in connection with the application                    register early.
                                               improving an endowment fund. If a                       process should contact the person listed                 If you are currently registered with
                                               grantee uses a portion of its grant for                 under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION                         SAM, you may not need to make any
                                               endowment fund purposes, it must                        CONTACT in section VII of this notice. If             changes. However, please make certain
                                               match those grant funds with non-                       the Department provides an                            that the TIN associated with your DUNS
                                               Federal funds in an amount equal to or                  accommodation or auxiliary aid to an                  number is correct. Also note that you
                                               greater than the Federal funds used for                 individual with a disability in                       will need to update your registration
                                               the establishment or increase of the                    connection with the application                       annually. This may take three or more
                                               endowment fund (section 318(d)(3) of                    process, the individual’s application                 business days.
                                               the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1059e(d)(3)).                        remains subject to all other                             Information about SAM is available at
                                                                                                       requirements and limitations in this                  www.SAM.gov. To further assist you
                                               IV. Application and Submission                          notice.                                               with obtaining and registering your
                                               Information                                               4. Intergovernmental Review: This                   DUNS number and TIN in SAM or
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                 1. Address to Request Application                     program is not subject to Executive                   updating your existing SAM account,
                                               Package: Bernadette D. Miles, OPE,                      Order 12372 and the regulations in 34                 we have prepared a SAM.gov Tip Sheet,
                                               Institutional Service, U.S. Department of               CFR part 79.                                          which you can find at: www2.ed.gov/
                                               Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW.,                       5. Funding Restrictions: We reference               fund/grant/apply/sam-faqs.html.
                                               Room 7E311, Washington, DC 20202.                       regulations outlining funding                            7. Other Submission Requirements:
                                               Telephone: (202) 502–7616, or by email:                 restrictions in the Applicable                        Applications for grants under this
                                               bernadette.miles@ed.gov.                                Regulations section of this notice.                   program must be submitted


                                          VerDate Sep<11>2014   15:33 Jan 29, 2016   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00018   Fmt 4703   Sfmt 4703   E:\FR\FM\01FEN1.SGM   01FEN1


                                                                             Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 20 / Monday, February 1, 2016 / Notices                                               5111

                                               electronically unless you qualify for an                   • Your electronic application must                 application deadline date, to the
                                               exception to this requirement in                        comply with any page limit                            Department at the following address:
                                               accordance with the instructions in this                requirements described in this notice.                U.S. Department of Education, Application
                                               section.                                                   • Prior to submitting your electronic                Control Center, Attention: (CFDA Number
                                                  a. Electronic Submission of                          application, you may wish to print a                    84.031P), LBJ Basement Level 1, 400
                                               Applications.                                           copy of it for your records.                            Maryland Avenue SW., Washington, DC
                                                  Applications for grants under the                       • Within three working days after                    20202–4260
                                               Predominantly Black Institutions                        submitting Phase II of your electronic                  You must show proof of mailing
                                               Formula Grant Program, CFDA number                      application, fax a signed copy of the SF              consisting of one of the following:
                                               84.031P, must be submitted                              424 to the Application Control Center                   (1) A legibly dated U.S. Postal Service
                                               electronically via email to pbiprogram@                 after following these steps:                          postmark.
                                               ed.gov.                                                    (1) Print SF 424 from e-Application.                 (2) A legible mail receipt with the
                                                  We will reject your application if you                  (2) The applicant’s Authorizing                    date of mailing stamped by the U.S.
                                               submit it in paper format unless, as                    Representative must sign this form.                   Postal Service.
                                               described elsewhere in this section, you                   (3) Place the PR/Award number in the                 (3) A dated shipping label, invoice, or
                                               qualify for one of the exceptions to the                upper right hand corner of the hard-                  receipt from a commercial carrier.
                                               electronic submission requirement and                   copy signature page of the SF 424.                      (4) Any other proof of mailing
                                               submit, no later than two weeks before                     (4) Fax the signed SF 424 to the                   acceptable to the Secretary of the U.S.
                                               the application deadline date, a written                Application Control Center at (202)                   Department of Education.
                                               statement to the Department that you                    245–6272.                                               If you mail your application through
                                                                                                          • We may request that you provide us               the U.S. Postal Service, we do not
                                               qualify for one of these exceptions.
                                                                                                       original signatures on other forms at a               accept either of the following as proof
                                               Further information regarding
                                                                                                       later date.                                           of mailing:
                                               calculation of the date that is two weeks
                                                                                                          Exception to Electronic Submission                   (1) A private metered postmark.
                                               before the application deadline date is
                                                                                                       Requirement: You qualify for an                         (2) A mail receipt that is not dated by
                                               provided later in this section under
                                                                                                       exception to the electronic submission                the U.S. Postal Service.
                                               Exception to Electronic Submission
                                                                                                       requirement, and may submit your
                                               Requirement.                                                                                                    Note: The U.S. Postal Service does not
                                                                                                       application in paper format, if you are
                                                  You may access the electronic grant                                                                        uniformly provide a dated postmark. Before
                                                                                                       unable to submit an application via                   relying on this method, you should check
                                               application for the PBI Program at                      email because—
                                               www2.ed.gov/programs/pbihea/                                                                                  with your local post office.
                                                                                                          • You do not have access to the
                                               index.html.                                             Internet; and                                           We will not consider applications
                                                  Please note the following:                              • No later than two weeks before the               postmarked after the application
                                                  • You must complete the electronic                   application deadline date (14 calendar                deadline date.
                                               submission of your grant application by                 days or, if the fourteenth calendar day                 c. Submission of Paper Applications
                                               4:30:00 p.m., Washington, DC time, on                   before the application deadline date                  by Hand Delivery.
                                               the application deadline date. We will                  falls on a Federal holiday, the next                    If you qualify for an exception to the
                                               not accept an application for this                      business day following the Federal                    electronic submission requirement, you
                                               program after 4:30:00 p.m., Washington,                 holiday), you mail or fax a written                   (or a courier service) may deliver your
                                               DC time, on the application deadline                    statement to the Department, explaining               paper application to the Department by
                                               date. Therefore, we strongly recommend                  that you do not have access to the                    hand. You must deliver the original and
                                               that you do not wait until the                          Internet.                                             two copies of your application by hand,
                                               application deadline date to begin the                     If you mail your written statement to              on or before the application deadline
                                               application process.                                    the Department, it must be postmarked                 date, to the Department at the following
                                                  • You will not receive additional                    no later than two weeks before the                    address:
                                               point value because you submit your                     application deadline date. If you fax                 U.S. Department of Education, Application
                                               application in electronic format, nor                   your written statement to the                           Control Center, Attention: (CFDA Number
                                               will we penalize you if you qualify for                 Department, we must receive the faxed                   84.031P), 550 12th Street SW., Room 7039,
                                               an exception to the electronic                          statement no later than two weeks                       Potomac Center Plaza, Washington, DC
                                               submission requirement, as described                                                                            20202–4260
                                                                                                       before the application deadline date.
                                               elsewhere in this section, and submit                      Address and mail or fax your                         The Application Control Center
                                               your application in paper format.                       statement to: Bernadette D. Miles, OPE,               accepts hand deliveries daily between
                                                  • You must submit all documents                      Institutional Service, U.S. Department of             8:00 a.m. and 4:30:00 p.m., Washington,
                                               electronically, including all information               Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW.,                   DC time, except Saturdays, Sundays,
                                               you typically provide on the following                  Room 7E311, Washington, DC 20202.                     and Federal holidays.
                                               forms: The Application for Federal                      FAX: (202) 205–0063.                                     Note for Mail or Hand Delivery of Paper
                                               Assistance (SF 424), the Department of                     Your paper application must be                     Applications: If you mail or hand deliver
                                               Education Supplemental Information for                  submitted in accordance with the mail                 your application to the Department—
                                               SF 424, Budget Information—Non-                         or hand delivery instructions described                  (1) You must indicate on the envelope
                                               Construction Programs (ED 524), and all                 in this notice.                                       and—if not provided by the Department—in
                                               necessary assurances and certifications.                   b. Submission of Paper Applications                Item 11 of the SF 424 the CFDA number,
                                                  • You must attach any narrative                      by Mail.                                              including suffix letter, if any, of the
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                               sections of your application as files in                   If you qualify for an exception to the             competition under which you are submitting
                                               a .DOC (document), .RTF (rich text), or                 electronic submission requirement, you                your application; and
                                                                                                                                                                (2) The Application Control Center will
                                               .PDF (Portable Document) format. If you                 may mail (through the U.S. Postal                     mail to you a notification of receipt of your
                                               upload a file type other than the three                 Service or a commercial carrier) your                 grant application. If you do not receive this
                                               file types specified in this paragraph or               application to the Department. You                    notification within 15 business days from the
                                               submit a password protected file, we                    must mail the original and two copies                 application deadline date, you should call
                                               will not review that material.                          of your application, on or before the                 the U.S. Department of Education



                                          VerDate Sep<11>2014   15:33 Jan 29, 2016   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00019   Fmt 4703   Sfmt 4703   E:\FR\FM\01FEN1.SGM   01FEN1


                                               5112                          Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 20 / Monday, February 1, 2016 / Notices

                                               Application Control Center at (202) 245–                requirements in the application package               previous year and are enrolled in the
                                               6288.                                                   and reference these and other                         current year at the same two-year PBI.
                                                                                                       requirements in the Applicable                           (d) Completion Rate—four-year
                                               V. Application Review Information                       Regulations section of this notice.                   institutions: The percentage of first-
                                                  1. Review and Selection Process: After                 We reference the regulations outlining              time, full-time degree-seeking
                                               eligibility is determined, Department                   the terms and conditions of an award in               undergraduate students enrolled at four-
                                               staff will begin a two stage process to—                the Applicable Regulations section of                 year PBIs who graduate within six years
                                                  (1) Determine grant awards based on                  this notice and include these and other               of enrollment.
                                               the formula in section 318(e) of the HEA                specific conditions in the GAN. The                      (e) Completion Rate—two-year
                                               (20 U.S.C. 1059e(e)); and                               GAN also incorporates your approved                   institutions: The percentage of first-
                                                  (2) Ensure that all activities proposed              application as part of your binding                   time, full-time degree-seeking
                                               in the application are allowable under                  commitments under the grant.                          undergraduate students enrolled at two-
                                               section 318(d) of the HEA (20 U.S.C.                      3. Reporting: (a) If you apply for a                year PBIs who graduate within three
                                               1059e(d)).                                              grant under this competition, you must                years of enrollment.
                                                  We remind potential applicants that                  ensure that you have in place the                        (f) Efficiency Measure: Cost per
                                               in reviewing applications in any                        necessary processes and systems to                    successful program outcome: Federal
                                               discretionary grant competition, the                    comply with the reporting requirements                cost per undergraduate degree at PBIs.
                                               Secretary may consider, under 34 CFR                    in 2 CFR part 170 should you receive                     5. Continuation Awards: In making a
                                               75.217(d)(3), the past performance of the               funding under the competition. This                   continuation award under 34 CFR
                                               applicant in carrying out a previous                    does not apply if you have an exception               75.253, the Secretary considers, among
                                               award, such as the applicant’s use of                   under 2 CFR 170.110(b).                               other things: Whether a grantee has
                                               funds, achievement of project                             (b) At the end of your project period,              made substantial progress in achieving
                                               objectives, and compliance with grant                   you must submit a final performance                   the goals and objectives of the project;
                                               conditions. The Secretary may also                      report, including financial information,              Whether the grantee has expended
                                               consider whether the applicant failed to                as directed by the Secretary. If you                  funds in a manner that is consistent
                                               submit a timely performance report or                   receive a multiyear award, you must                   with its approved application and
                                               submitted a report of unacceptable                      submit an annual performance report                   budget; and, if the Secretary has
                                               quality.                                                that provides the most current                        established performance measurement
                                                  In addition, in making a grant award,                performance and financial expenditure                 requirements, the performance targets in
                                               the Secretary requires various                          information as directed by the Secretary              the grantee’s approved application.
                                               assurances including those applicable to                under 34 CFR 75.118. The Secretary                       In making a continuation award, the
                                               Federal civil rights laws that prohibit                 may also require more frequent                        Secretary also considers whether the
                                               discrimination in programs or activities                performance reports under 34 CFR                      grantee is operating in compliance with
                                               receiving Federal financial assistance                  75.720(c). For specific requirements on               the assurances in its approved
                                               from the Department of Education (34                    reporting, please go to www.ed.gov/                   application, including those applicable
                                               CFR 100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and                     fund/grant/apply/appforms/                            to Federal civil rights laws that prohibit
                                               110.23).                                                appforms.html.                                        discrimination in programs or activities
                                                  2. Risk Assessment and Special                         (C) Under 34 CFR 75.250(b), the                     receiving Federal financial assistance
                                               Conditions:                                             Secretary may provide a grantee with                  from the Department (34 CFR 100.4,
                                                  Consistent with 2 CFR 200.205, before                additional funding for data collection                104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).
                                               awarding grants under this program, the                 analysis and reporting. In this case the
                                                                                                                                                             VII. Agency Contact
                                               Department conducts a review of the                     Secretary establishes a data collection
                                               risks posed by applicants. Under 2 CFR                  period.                                               FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                               3474.10, the Secretary may impose                         4. Performance Measures: The                        Bernadette D. Miles, OPE, Institutional
                                               special conditions and, in appropriate                  Department has established the                        Service, U.S. Department of Education,
                                               circumstances, high-risk conditions on a                following Government Performance and                  400 Maryland Avenue SW., Room
                                               grant if the applicant or grantee is not                Results Act of 1993 (GRPRA)                           7E311, Washington, DC 20202.
                                               financially stable; has a history of                    performance measures for the PBI                      Telephone: (202) 502–7616, or by email:
                                               unsatisfactory performance; has a                       Formula Grant Program:                                bernadette.miles@ed.gov.
                                               financial or other management system                      (a) Enrollment Rate: The percentage                   If you use a TDD or a TTY, call the
                                               that does not meet the standards in 2                   change of the number of full-time                     FRS, toll free, at 1–800–877–8339.
                                               CFR part 200, subpart D; has not                        degree-seeking undergraduate students
                                                                                                       enrolled at PBIs. Note that this is a long-           VIII. Other Information
                                               fulfilled the conditions of a prior grant;
                                               or is otherwise not responsible.                        term measure, which will be used to                      Accessible Format: Individuals with
                                                                                                       periodically gauge performance.                       disabilities can obtain this document
                                               VI. Award Administration Information                      (b) Persistence Rate—four-year                      and a copy of the application package in
                                                  1. Award Notices: If your application                institutions: The percentage of first-                an accessible format (e.g., braille, large
                                               is successful, we notify your U.S.                      time, full-time degree-seeking                        print, audiotape, or compact disc) on
                                               Representative and U.S. Senators and                    undergraduate students at four-year                   request to the program contact person
                                               send you a Grant Award Notification                     PBIs who were in their first year of                  listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
                                               (GAN); or we may send you an email                      postsecondary enrollment in the                       CONTACT in section VII of this notice.
                                               containing a link to access an electronic               previous year and are enrolled in the                    Electronic Access to This Document:
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                               version of your GAN. We may notify                      current year at the same four-year PBI.               The official version of this document is
                                               you informally, also.                                     (c) Persistence Rate—two-year                       the document published in the Federal
                                                  If your application is not evaluated or              institutions: The percentage of first-                Register. Free Internet access to the
                                               not selected for funding, we notify you.                time, full-time degree-seeking                        official edition of the Federal Register
                                                  2. Administrative and National Policy                undergraduate students at two-year PBIs               and the Code of Federal Regulations is
                                               Requirements: We identify                               who were in their first year of                       available via the Federal Digital System
                                               administrative and national policy                      postsecondary enrollment in the                       at: www.gpo.gov/fdsys. At this site you


                                          VerDate Sep<11>2014   15:33 Jan 29, 2016   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00020   Fmt 4703   Sfmt 4703   E:\FR\FM\01FEN1.SGM   01FEN1


                                                                             Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 20 / Monday, February 1, 2016 / Notices                                                     5113

                                               can view this document, as well as all                  EEOC solicits public comment on the                   available hard copies of all comments,
                                               other documents of this Department                      utility and burden of collecting pay and              by advance appointment only, between
                                               published in the Federal Register, in                   hours-worked data through the EEO–1                   the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern
                                               text or Adobe Portable Document                         data collection process.                              Time. To schedule an appointment to
                                               Format (PDF). To use PDF you must                       DATES: Written comments on this notice                inspect the comments at the EEOC’s
                                               have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is                     must be submitted on or before April 1,               library, contact the library staff at (202)
                                               available free at the site.                             2016.                                                 663–4630 (voice) or (202) 663–4641
                                                 You may also access documents of the                     Pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 2000e–8(c), a                (TTY). (These are not toll-free numbers.)
                                               Department published in the Federal                     public hearing concerning the proposed                   For reference when commenting on
                                               Register by using the article search                    changes to the EEO–1 will be held at a                this notice, the current EEO–1 (and
                                               feature at: www.federalregister.gov.                    place and time to be announced. To                    proposed Component 1) can be found at
                                               Specifically, through the advanced                      request an opportunity to present your                http://www.eeoc.gov/employers/
                                               search feature at this site, you can limit              views orally at the hearing, please                   eeo1survey/upload/eeo1-2.pdf. An
                                               your search to documents published by                   submit a written request to the EEOC’s                illustration of the data to be collected by
                                               the Department.                                         Executive Secretariat (street address                 both Components 1 and 2 can be found
                                                 Dated: January 26, 2016.                              below) no later than February 22, 2016                at http://www.eeoc.gov/employers/
                                               Lynn B. Mahaffie,                                       to be assured of consideration. Please                eeo1survey/2016_new_survey.cfm.
                                               Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy,                  include your contact information.                     FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                               Planning, and Innovation Delegated the                  ADDRESSES: Comments on this notice                    Ronald Edwards, Director, Program
                                               Duties of the Assistant Secretary for                   may be submitted to the EEOC in three                 Research and Surveys Division, Equal
                                               Postsecondary Education.                                ways; please use only one.                            Employment Opportunity Commission,
                                               [FR Doc. 2016–01746 Filed 1–29–16; 8:45 am]                Comments and attachments may be                    131 M Street NE., Room 4SW30F,
                                               BILLING CODE 4000–01–P                                  submitted online at http://                           Washington, DC 20507; (202) 663–4949
                                                                                                       www.regulations.gov, which is the                     (voice) or (202) 663–7063 (TTY).
                                                                                                       Federal eRulemaking Portal. Follow the                Requests for this notice in an alternative
                                               EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY                            instructions on the Web site for                      format should be made to the Office of
                                               COMMISSION                                              submitting comments. Comments                         Communications and Legislative Affairs
                                                                                                       received here will be posted publicly on              at (202) 663–4191 (voice) or (202) 663–
                                               [3046–0007]                                             the same portal without change,                       4494 (TTY).
                                               Agency Information Collection                           including any personal information you                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                               Activities: Revision of the Employer                    provide. However, the EEOC reserves
                                                                                                                                                             The EEO–1 Survey and Its Legal
                                               Information Report (EEO–1) and                          the right to refrain from posting
                                                                                                                                                             Authority
                                               Comment Request                                         comments, including those that contain
                                                                                                       obscene, indecent, or profane language;                  Section 709(c) of Title VII of the Civil
                                               AGENCY:  Equal Employment                               that contain threats or defamatory                    Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII) requires
                                               Opportunity Commission.                                 statements; that contain hate speech                  employers to make and keep records
                                               ACTION: Proposed revision of the                        directed at race, color, sex, sexual                  relevant to the determination of whether
                                               employer information report (EEO–1)                     orientation, national origin, ethnicity,              unlawful employment practices have
                                               and comment request.                                    age, religion, or disability; or that                 been or are being committed, to preserve
                                                                                                       promote or endorse services or                        such records, and to produce reports as
                                               SUMMARY:   In accordance with the                       products.                                             the Commission prescribes by
                                               Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), the                         Hard copy comments and all requests                regulation or order.1 Pursuant to this
                                               Equal Employment Opportunity                            to participate in the hearing may be                  statutory authority, the EEOC in 1966
                                               Commission (EEOC or Commission)                         submitted to Bernadette Wilson, Acting                issued a regulation requiring certain
                                               announces that it intends to submit to                  Executive Officer, Executive Secretariat,             employers to file executed copies of the
                                               the Office of Management and Budget                     Equal Employment Opportunity                          EEO–1 survey in conformity with the
                                               (OMB) a request for a three-year PRA                    Commission, 131 M Street NE.,                         directions and instructions on the form,
                                               approval of a revised Employer                          Washington, DC 20507.                                 which called for reporting employee
                                               Information Report (EEO–1) data                            The Executive Secretariat also will                data by job category, ethnicity, race, and
                                               collection. This revised data collection                accept documents totaling six or fewer                sex.2 Pursuant to Executive Order
                                               has two components. Component 1                         pages by facsimile (‘‘fax’’) machine. This            11246,3 the Office of Federal Contract
                                               collects the same data that is gathered                 limitation is necessary to assure access              Compliance Programs (OFCCP), U.S.
                                               by the currently approved EEO–1:                        to the equipment. The telephone                       Department of Labor (DOL), in 1978
                                               Specifically, data about employees’                     number of the fax receiver is (202) 663–              issued its regulation describing the
                                               ethnicity, race, and sex, by job category.              4114. (This is not a toll-free number.)               EEO–1 as a report ‘‘promulgated jointly
                                               Component 2 collects data on                            Receipt of fax transmittals will not be               with the Equal Employment
                                               employees’ W–2 earnings and hours                       acknowledged, except that the sender                  Opportunity Commission’’ and
                                               worked, which EEO–1 filers already                      may request confirmation of receipt by                requiring certain contractors to submit
                                               maintain in the ordinary course of                      calling the Executive Secretariat staff at            ‘‘complete and accurate reports’’
                                               business. For the 2016 reporting cycle,                 (202) 663–4070 (voice) or (202) 663–                  annually.4 Through the EEO–1 Joint
                                               all EEO–1 filers would submit the data                  4074 (TTY). (These are not toll-free                  Reporting Committee housed at the
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                               under Component 1. Starting in 2017,                    telephone numbers.)
                                               filers with 100 or more employees (both                    Subject to the conditions noted above,               1 42 U.S.C. 2000e–8(c).
                                                                                                                                                               2 The EEOC’s EEO–1 regulation is at 29 part 1602
                                               private industry and Federal contractor)                the EEOC will post online at http://
                                                                                                                                                             Subpart B. The EEOC is responsible for obtaining
                                               would submit data in response to both                   www.regulations.gov all comments                      OMB’s PRA approval for the EEO–1 report.
                                               Components 1 and 2. Contractors with                    submitted in hard copy or by fax with                   3 Exec. Order No. 11,246, 30 FR 12,319 (Sept. 24,
                                               50 to 99 employees would only submit                    the Executive Secretariat. The EEOC                   1965).
                                               data for Component 1. In this notice, the               Headquarters’ library also will make                    4 41 CFR 60–1.7(a).




                                          VerDate Sep<11>2014   15:33 Jan 29, 2016   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00021   Fmt 4703   Sfmt 4703   E:\FR\FM\01FEN1.SGM    01FEN1



Document Created: 2016-01-30 01:17:25
Document Modified: 2016-01-30 01:17:25
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionNotice.
DatesApplications Available: February 1, 2016.
ContactBernadette D. Miles, OPE, Institutional Service, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW., Room 7E311, Washington, DC 20202. Telephone: (202) 502- 7616, or by email: [email protected]
FR Citation81 FR 5109 

2025 Federal Register | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
USC | CFR | eCFR