83 FR 12720 - Application for New Awards; Native American and Alaska Native Children in School Program
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 57 (March 23, 2018)
Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 57 (March 23, 2018)
| Page Range | 12720-12725 | |
| FR Document | 2018-05961 |
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 57 (Friday, March 23, 2018)] [Notices] [Pages 12720-12725] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2018-05961] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Application for New Awards; Native American and Alaska Native Children in School Program AGENCY: Office of English Language Acquisition, Department of Education. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Department of Education (Department) is issuing a notice inviting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2018 for the Native American and Native Alaska Children in School Program, Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number 84.365C. DATES: Applications Available: March 23, 2018. Deadline for Notice of Intent To Apply: April 12, 2018. Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: May 7, 2018. Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: July 6, 2018. ADDRESSES: For the addresses for obtaining and submitting an application, please refer to our Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal Register on February 12, 2018 (83 FR 6003). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Patrice Swann, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 5C122, Washington, DC 20202. Telephone: (202) 401-4300. Email at [email protected]. If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) or a text telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay Service, toll free, at 1-800- 877-8339. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Full Text of Announcement I. Funding Opportunity Description Purpose of Program The purpose of the Native American and Alaska Native Children in School (NAM) program is to award grants to eligible entities to develop and enhance capacity to provide effective instruction and support to Native American students, including Native Hawaiian and Native American Pacific Islander students, who are identified as English learners (ELs). The goal of this program is to support the teaching, learning, and [[Page 12721]] studying of Native American languages while also increasing the English language proficiency and academic achievement of students served. Background Through previous competitions, the NAM program has funded a range of grantees that are currently implementing 22 projects across the country. As we are focused on closing longstanding achievement and attainment gaps that have continued to grow, there is also a need to increase the knowledge of what practices work to effectively improve learning outcomes for Native American and Alaska Native ELs. Congress, in the Native American Languages Act of 1990, recognized the fundamental importance of preserving Native American languages. This legislation provides that it is the policy of the United States to: Preserve, protect, and promote the rights and freedom of Native Americans to use, practice, and develop Native American languages. 25 U.S.C. 2903(1) In addition, the legislation states that it is the policy of the United States to encourage and support the use of Native American languages as a medium of instruction in order to encourage and support-- (A) Native American language survival, (B) Educational opportunity, (C) Increased student success and performance, (D) Increased student awareness and knowledge of their culture and history, and (E) Increased student and community pride. 25 U.S.C. 2903(3) This Federal policy is supported by growing recognition of the importance of native language preservation in facilitating educational success for Native students. In a 2007 study by Teachers of English to Students of Other Languages (TESOL), the majority of Native youth surveyed stated that they value their native language, view it as integral to their sense of self, want to learn it, and view it as a means of facilitating their success in school and life.\1\ Collaborative efforts between educators, families, and communities, the study suggests, may be especially promising ways to ensure that all Native students have the critical opportunity to learn their native languages. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ Romero-Little, M.E., McCarty, T.L., Warhol, L., and Zepeda, O. (2007). Language policies in practice: Preliminary findings from a large-scale study of Native American language shift. TESOL Quarterly 41:3, 607-618. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Not only is native language instruction critical for student engagement and fostering a rich sense of self, but research has shown that students who are bilingual have certain cognitive and social benefits that their monolingual peers may lack.\2\ Additionally, for students who are classified as ELs, well-implemented language instruction educational programs (as defined in this notice), including dual language approaches, may result in ELs performing equal to or better than their peers in English-only language instruction programs. These approaches have shown promise in increasing language acquisition in English and native languages, and may also promote greater achievement in the academic content areas, including English language arts and mathematics.\3\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \2\ Valentino, R.A., and Reardon, S.F. (2015). Effectiveness of four instructional programs designed to serve English language learners: Variation by ethnicity and initial English proficiency. Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, doi: 10.3102/ 0162373715573310. \3\ Lindholm-Leary, K.J. (2001). Dual-language education (Vol. 28). Multilingual Matters. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Therefore, to facilitate high-quality language instruction and academic success for Native American students who are classified as ELs, this competition includes an absolute priority for projects that will support the preservation and revitalization of Native American languages while also increasing the English language proficiency of the children served under the project. In addition, the Department is interested in projects designed to promote literacy. Families play a critical role in preparing their children to enter kindergarten ready to succeed in school and in life. Research suggests that when families and schools work together and support each other in their respective roles, children have a more positive attitude toward school and experience more school success. Specifically, research has found that having parents reinforce specific literacy skills is effective in improving children's literacy.\4\ Accordingly, this notice includes one invitational priority related to promoting literacy. Addressing this priority may include activities to build greater and more effective family engagement in the education of their children. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \4\ Henderson, A.T. & Mapp, K.L. (2002). A new wave of evidence: The impact of school, family and community connections on student achievement. Austin: SEDL. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- In addition, in order to grow the evidence available on effective ways to support Native American and Alaska Native ELs, we include a selection criterion to evaluate the extent to which an applicant's proposed project design is supported by a logic model that connects key project components to outcomes relevant to the program's purpose. We encourage NAM program grantees to use a portion of their budgets to conduct high-quality evaluations of their projects. Such evaluations help ensure that projects contribute to expanding the knowledge base on effective language instruction educational programs, including dual language practices, that prepare Native American and Alaska Native ELs to achieve college, career, and life success. Priorities: This notice includes one absolute priority and one invitational priority. The absolute priority is from section 3127 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (20 U.S.C. 6848). Absolute Priority: For FY 2018 and any subsequent year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this competition, this priority is an absolute priority. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(3) we consider only applications that meet this priority. This priority is: Projects that support the teaching, learning, and studying of Native American languages while also increasing the English language proficiency of the children served. Invitational Priority: For FY 2018 and any subsequent years in which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this competition, this priority is an invitational priority. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(1) we do not give an application that meets an invitational priority a competitive or absolute preference over other applications. This priority is: Promoting Literacy Projects that are designed to address the following priority area: Providing families with evidence-based (as defined in 34 CFR 77.1) strategies for promoting literacy. This may include providing families with access to books or other physical or digital materials or content about how to support their child's reading development, or providing family literacy activities (as defined in section 203(9) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act). Definitions: The following definitions are from 34 CFR 77.1, and sections 3201 and 8101 of the ESEA (20 U.S.C. 7011 and 7801), and apply to the priorities, selection criteria, and performance measures in this notice. The source of [[Page 12722]] each definition is noted in parentheses following the text of the definition. Ambitious means promoting continued, meaningful improvement for program participants or for other individuals or entities affected by the grant, or representing a significant advancement in the field of education research, practices, or methodologies. When used to describe a performance target, whether a performance target is ambitious depends upon the context of the relevant performance measure and the baseline for that measure. (34 CFR 77.1) Baseline means the starting point from which performance is measured and targets are set. (34 CFR 77.1) English learner, when used with respect to an individual, means an individual-- (A) Who is aged 3 through 21; (B) Who is enrolled or preparing to enroll in an elementary school or secondary school; (C)(i) Who was not born in the United States or whose native language is a language other than English; (ii)(I) Who is a Native American or Alaska Native, or a Native resident of the outlying areas; and (II) Who comes from an environment where a language other than English has had a significant impact on the individual's level of English language proficiency; or (iii) Who is migratory, whose native language is a language other than English, and who comes from an environment where a language other than English is dominant; and (D) Whose difficulties in speaking, reading, writing, or understanding the English language may be sufficient to deny the individual-- (i) The ability to meet the State's challenging State academic standards; (ii) The ability to successfully achieve in classrooms where the language of instruction is English; or (iii) The opportunity to participate fully in society. (Section 8101 of the ESEA) Language instruction educational program means an instruction course-- (A) In which an English learner is placed for the purpose of developing and attaining English proficiency, while meeting challenging State academic achievement standards; and (B) That may make instructional use of both English and a child's native language to enable the child to develop and attain English proficiency, and may include the participation of English proficient children if such course is designed to enable all participating children to become proficient in English and a second language. (Section 3201 of the ESEA) Logic model (also referred to as a theory of action) means a framework that identifies key project components of the proposed project (i.e., the active ``ingredients'' that are hypothesized to be critical to achieving the relevant outcomes) and describes the theoretical and operational relationships among the key project components and relevant outcomes. (34 CFR 77.1) Note: Applicants may use resources such as the Pacific Education Laboratory's Education Logic Model Application (http://relpacific.mcrel.org/resources/elm-app) to help design their logic models. Native Hawaiian or Native American Pacific Islander native language educational organization means a nonprofit organization with-- (A) A majority of its governing board and employees consisting of fluent speakers of the traditional Native American languages used in the organization's educational programs; and (B) Not less than five years successful experience in providing educational services in traditional Native American languages. (Section 3201 of the ESEA) Performance target means a level of performance that an applicant would seek to meet during the course of a project or as a result of a project. (34 CFR 77.1) Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 6822 Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR parts 75, 77, 79, 81, 82, 84, 86, 97, 98, and 99. (b) The Office of Management and Budget Guidelines to Agencies on Government-wide 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 in 2 CFR part 3474. Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 79 apply to all applicants except federally recognized Indian Tribes. Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 86 apply to institutions of higher education (IHEs) only. II. Award Information Type of Award: Discretionary grants. Estimated Available Funds: $2,300,000. The actual level of funding, if any, depends on final congressional action. However, we are inviting applications to allow enough time to complete the grant process before the end of the current fiscal year, if Congress appropriates funds for this program. Estimated Range of Awards: $275,000-325,000 per year. Estimated Average Size of Awards: $287,500. Estimated Number of Awards: 8. Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice. Project Period: 60 months. III. Eligibility Information 1. Eligible Applicants: The following entities, when they operate elementary, secondary, or postsecondary schools primarily for Native American children (including Alaska Native children), are eligible applicants under this program: (a) Indian Tribes. (b) Tribally sanctioned educational authorities. (c) Native Hawaiian or Native American Pacific Islander native language educational organizations. (d) Elementary schools or secondary schools that are operated or funded by the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Education, or a consortium of these schools. (e) Elementary schools or secondary schools operated under a contract with or grant from the Bureau of Indian Education in consortium with another such school or a Tribal or community organization. (f) Elementary schools or secondary schools operated by the Bureau of Indian Education and an IHE, in consortium with an elementary school or secondary school operated under a contract with or a grant from the Bureau of Indian Education or a Tribal or community organization. Note: Eligible applicants applying as a consortium should read and follow the regulations in 34 CFR 75.127 through 75.129. Under section 3112(c) of the ESEA, EL students served under NAM grants must not be included in the child count submitted by a school district under section 3114(a) for purposes of receiving funding under the English Language Acquisition State Grants program. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching: This program does not require cost sharing or matching. 3. Subgrantees: A grantee under this competition may not award subgrants to entities to directly carry out project activities described in its application. 4. Equitable Participation by Public and Private School Students and Educational Personnel in an ESEA Title III Program: An entity that receives a grant under the NAM program must provide for the equitable participation of private school children and their teachers or other educational personnel. [[Page 12723]] To ensure that grant program activities address the needs of private school children, the applicant must engage in timely and meaningful consultation with appropriate private school officials during the design and development of the program. This consultation must take place before the applicant makes any decision that affects the opportunities for participation by eligible private school children, teachers, and other educational personnel. Administrative direction and control over grant funds must remain with the grantee. (See section 8501 of the ESEA, Participation by Private School Children and Teachers.) IV. Application and Submission Information 1. Application Submission Instructions: For information on how to submit an application please refer to our Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal Register on February 12, 2018 (83 FR 6003) and available at www.thefederalregister.org/fdsys/pkg/FR-2018-02-12/pdf/2018-02558.pdf. 2. Submission of Proprietary Information: Given the types of projects that may be proposed in applications for the NAM competition, your application may include business information that you consider proprietary. In 34 CFR 5.11 we define ``business information'' and describe the process we use in determining whether any of that information is proprietary and, thus, protected from disclosure under Exemption 4 of the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552, as amended). Because (consistent with the process followed in the FY 2016 NAM competition) we plan to post on our website the full application narrative sections of all applications, you may wish to request confidentiality of business information. Consistent with Executive Order 12600, please designate in your application any information that you believe is exempt from disclosure under Exemption 4. In the appropriate Appendix section of your application, under ``Other Attachments Form,'' please list the page number or numbers on which we can find this information. For additional information please see 34 CFR 5.11(c). 3. Intergovernmental Review: This competition is subject to Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79. Information about Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs under Executive Order 12372 is in the application package for this competition. 4. Funding Restrictions: We reference regulations outlining funding restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice. 5. Recommended Page Limit: The application narrative is where you, the applicant, address the selection criteria that reviewers use to evaluate your application. We recommend that you (1) limit the application narrative [Part III] to no more than 35 pages and (2) use the following standards:A ``page'' is 8.5'' x 11'', on one side only, with 1'' margins at the top, bottom, and both sides. Double space (no more than three lines per vertical inch) all text in the application narrative, including titles, headings, footnotes, quotations, references, and captions, as well as all text in charts, tables, figures, and graphs. Use a font that is either 12 point or larger or no smaller than 10 pitch (characters per inch). Use one of the following fonts: Times New Roman, Courier, Courier New, or Arial. V. Application Review Information 1. Selection Criteria: The selection criteria for this competition are from 34 CFR 75.210. The maximum score for all of these criteria is 100 points. The maximum score for each criterion is indicated in parentheses. (a) Quality of the project design. (up to 40 points) The Secretary considers the quality of the design of the proposed project. In determining the quality of the design of the proposed project, the Secretary considers the following factors: (1) The extent to which the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be achieved by the proposed project are clearly specified and measurable. (2) The extent to which the design for implementing and evaluating the proposed project will result in information to guide possible replications of project activities or strategies including information about the effectiveness of the approach or strategies employed by the project. (3) The extent to which the proposed project demonstrates a rationale (as defined in 34 CFR 77.1(c)). (b) Quality of project personnel. (up to 10 points) The Secretary considers the quality of the personnel who will carry out the proposed project. In determining the quality of project personnel, the Secretary considers the following factors: (1) The extent to which the applicant encourages applications for employment from persons who are members of groups that have traditionally been underrepresented based on race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability. (2) The qualifications, including relevant training and experience, of key project personnel. (c) Quality of the management plan. (up to 30 points) The Secretary considers the quality of the management plan for the proposed project. In determining the quality of the management plan for the proposed project, the Secretary considers the following factors: (1) The adequacy of the management plan to achieve the objectives of the proposed project on time and within budget, including clearly defined responsibilities, timelines, and milestones for accomplishing project tasks. (2) The extent to which the time commitments of the project director and the principal investigator and other key project personnel are appropriate and adequate to meet the objectives of the proposed project. (d) Quality of the project evaluation. (up to 20 points) The Secretary considers the quality of the evaluation to be conducted of the proposed project. In determining the quality of the evaluation, the Secretary considers the following factors: (1) The extent to which the methods of evaluation are thorough, feasible, and appropriate to the goals, objectives, and outcomes of the proposed project. (2) The extent to which the methods of evaluation will provide performance feedback and permit periodic assessment of progress toward achieving intended outcomes. 2. Review and Selection Process: The Department will screen applications that are submitted for NAM grants in accordance with the requirements in this notice and determine which applications meet the eligibility and other requirements. Peer reviewers will review all eligible applications for NAM grants that are submitted by the established deadline on the four selection criteria. Applicants should note, however, that we may screen for eligibility at multiple points during the competition process, including before and after peer review; applicants that are determined to be ineligible will not receive a grant award regardless of peer reviewer scores or comments. If we determine that a NAM grant application does not meet a NAM eligibility requirement, the application will not be considered for funding. We remind potential applicants that in reviewing applications in any [[Page 12724]] 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 competitive grant award, the Secretary also 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). 3. 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. 4. Integrity and Performance System: If you are selected under this competition to receive an award that over the course of the project period may exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $150,000), under 2 CFR 200.205(a)(2) we must make a judgment about your integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards--that is, the risk posed by you as an applicant--before we make an award. In doing so, we must consider any information about you that is in the integrity and performance system (currently referred to as the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS)), accessible through the System for Award Management. You may review and comment on any information about yourself that a Federal agency previously entered and that is currently in FAPIIS. Please note that, if the total value of your currently active grants, cooperative agreements, and procurement contracts from the Federal Government exceeds $10,000,000, the reporting requirements in 2 CFR part 200, Appendix XII, require you to report certain integrity information to FAPIIS semiannually. Please review the requirements in 2 CFR part 200, Appendix XII, if this grant plus all the other Federal funds you receive exceed $10,000,000. 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). 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. Open Licensing Requirements: Unless an exception applies, if you are awarded a grant under this competition, you will be required to openly license to the public grant deliverables created in whole, or in part, with Department grant funds. When the deliverable consists of modifications to pre-existing works, the license extends only to those modifications that can be separately identified and only to the extent that open licensing is permitted under the terms of any licenses or other legal restrictions on the use of pre-existing works. For additional information on the open licensing requirements please refer to 2 CFR 3474.20(c). 4. 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 http://www2.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html. (c) 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. 5. Performance Measures: Under the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA), Federal departments and agencies must clearly describe the goals and objectives of programs, identify resources and actions needed to accomplish goals and objectives, develop a means of measuring progress made, and regularly report on achievement. One important source of program information on successes and lessons learned is the project evaluation conducted under individual grants. (a) Measures. The Department has developed the following GPRA performance measures for evaluating the overall effectiveness of the NAM program: Measure 1: The number and percentage of English learners (ELs) served by the project who score proficient or above on the State reading assessment. Measure 2: The number and percentage of ELs served by the project who have attained proficiency in English as measured by the State-approved English language proficiency assessment. Measure 3: The number and percentage of students participating in the Native language program who are making progress in learning a Native language, as determined by each grantee, including through measures such as performance tasks, portfolios, and pre- and post-tests. (b) Baseline data. Applicants must provide baseline data for each of the GPRA performance measures listed in paragraph (a) and include why each proposed baseline is valid; or, if the applicant has determined that there are no established baseline data for a particular performance measure, explain why there is no established baseline and explain how and when, during the project period, the applicant will establish a valid baseline for the performance measure. 34 CFR 75.110. (c) Performance measure targets. In addition, the applicant must propose in its application annual targets for the measures listed in paragraph (a). Applications must also include the following information as directed under 34 CFR 75.110(b) and (c): (1) Why each proposed performance target (as defined in this notice) is ambitious (as defined in this notice) yet achievable compared to the baseline for the performance measure. [[Page 12725]] (2) The data collection and reporting methods the applicant would use and why those methods are likely to yield reliable, valid, and meaningful performance data. (3) The applicant's capacity to collect and report reliable, valid, and meaningful performance data, as evidenced by high-quality data collection, analysis, and reporting in other projects or research. Note: If the applicant does not have experience with collection and reporting of performance data through other projects or research, the applicant should provide other evidence of capacity to successfully carry out data collection and reporting for its proposed project. (d) Performance Reports. All grantees must submit an annual performance report and final performance report with information that is responsive to these performance measures. The Department will consider these data in making annual continuation awards. (1) The performance reports for all NAM 2018 grantees must include the following project performance data (34 CFR 75.253, 75.590, 75.591, and 75.720): The number of students who are eligible to participate in the program; The number of participants in the program; and The number of participants who met the performance target. (2) The performance reports for the NAM 2018 grantees that addressed the promoting literacy priority must also include: The number of family literacy activities including the number of or access to books or other physical or digital materials or content that they provided. (e) Department Evaluations. Consistent with 34 CFR 75.591, grantees funded under this program must comply with the requirements of any evaluation of the program conducted by the Department or an evaluator selected by the Department. 6. 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. 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. 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 can view this document, as well as all other documents of this Department published in the Federal Register, in text or 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: March 20, 2018. Jose Viana, Assistant Deputy Secretary and Director, Office of English Language Acquisition. [FR Doc. 2018-05961 Filed 3-22-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000-01-P
![12720 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 57 / Friday, March 23, 2018 / Notices
Products After consideration of the material Agency Troop Support.
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7510–00–NIB–0240—Business Cards qualified nonprofit agencies to furnish
Director, Business Operations.
7510–00–NIB–0265—Business Cards the products and impact of the
[FR Doc. 2018–05927 Filed 3–22–18; 8:45 am]
7510–00–NIB–0266—Business Cards additions on the current or most recent
contractors, the Committee has BILLING CODE 6353–01–P
Mandatory Source of Supply: Envision,
Inc., Wichita, KS. determined that the products listed
Contracting Activity: General Services below are suitable for procurement by
Administration, New York, NY. the Federal Government under 41 U.S.C. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
NSN(s)—Product Name(s): 8501–8506 and 41 CFR 51–2.4.
Application for New Awards; Native
6260–00–NIB–0005—Lighted Baton— Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification American and Alaska Native Children
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in School Program
6260–00–NIB–0006—Lighted Baton— I certify that the following action will
InfraRed not have a significant impact on a AGENCY: Office of English Language
6260–00–NIB–0008—Lighted Baton— substantial number of small entities. Acquisition, Department of Education.
Red The major factors considered for this ACTION: Notice.
6260–00–NIB–0009—Lighted Baton— certification were:
Green SUMMARY: The Department of Education
6260–00–NIB–0010—Lighted Baton— 1. The action will not result in any (Department) is issuing a notice inviting
Blue additional reporting, recordkeeping or applications for fiscal year (FY) 2018 for
6260–00–NIB–0011—Lighted Baton— other compliance requirements for small the Native American and Native Alaska
Amber/Red entities other than the small Children in School Program, Catalog of
Mandatory Source of Supply: LC organizations that will furnish the Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA)
Industries, Inc., Durham, NC. products to the Government. number 84.365C.
Contracting Activity: General Services 2. The action will result in DATES:
Administration, New York, NY. authorizing small entities to furnish the Applications Available: March 23,
Amy B. Jensen,
products to the Government. 2018.
Director, Business Operations. 3. There are no known regulatory Deadline for Notice of Intent To
[FR Doc. 2018–05926 Filed 3–22–18; 8:45 am] alternatives which would accomplish Apply: April 12, 2018.
the objectives of the Javits-Wagner- Deadline for Transmittal of
BILLING CODE 6353–01–P
O’Day Act (41 U.S.C. 8501–8506) in Applications: May 7, 2018.
connection with the products proposed Deadline for Intergovernmental
COMMITTEE FOR PURCHASE FROM for addition to the Procurement List. Review: July 6, 2018.
PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND OR ADDRESSES: For the addresses for
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SEVERELY DISABLED
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Products
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Disabled. NSN(s)—Product Name(s):
MR 13100—Baking Value Pack (83 FR 6003).
ACTION: Additions to the Procurement FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
MR 13101—Muffin Pan, 6-Cup
List. MR 13102—Cake Pan, Square, 8″ x 8″ Patrice Swann, U.S. Department of
MR 13103—Cake Pan, Round, 9″ Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW,
SUMMARY: This action adds products to
MR 13104—Muffin Pan, 12-Cup Room 5C122, Washington, DC 20202.
the Procurement List that will be
MR 13105—Muffin Pan, Mini, 24-Cup Telephone: (202) 401–4300. Email at
furnished by nonprofit agencies MR 13106—Cookie Sheet, Large, 11″ x 17″
employing persons who are blind or NAM2018@ed.gov.
MR 13107—Loaf Pan, 9.3″ x 5.3″ If you use a telecommunications
have other severe disabilities. MR 13108—Cookie Sheet, Medium, 10″ x device for the deaf (TDD) or a text
DATES: Date added to the Procurement 15″
MR 13109—Cookie Tool, Scoop N’ Cut
telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay
List: April 22, 2018.
MR 13110—Cake Cutter, Slice N’ Easy Service, toll free, at 1–800–877–8339.
ADDRESSES: Committee for Purchase
MR 13111—Cookie Spatula, Slip N’ Serve SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
From People Who Are Blind or Severely
MR 13112—Cookie Sheet, Small, 9″ x 13″
Disabled, 1401 S. Clark Street, Suite Full Text of Announcement
Mandatory for: The requirements of military
715, Arlington, Virginia, 22202–4149. commissaries and exchanges in I. Funding Opportunity Description
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: accordance with the Code of Federal
Amy B. Jensen, Telephone: (703) 603– Regulations 41 CFR 51–6.4. Purpose of Program
7740, Fax: (703) 603–0655, or email Mandatory Source of Supply: Winston-Salem The purpose of the Native American
CMTEFedReg@AbilityOne.gov. Industries for the Blind, Inc., Winston- and Alaska Native Children in School
Salem, NC. (NAM) program is to award grants to
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Contracting Activity: Defense Commissary eligible entities to develop and enhance
Additions Agency.
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with NOTICES
capacity to provide effective instruction
NSN—Product Name: 6510–00–786–3736—
On 12/15/2017 (82 FR 240) and 12/ Isopropyl Alcohol Impregnated Pad.
and support to Native American
22/2017 (82 FR 245), the Committee for Mandatory Source of Supply: Lighthouse students, including Native Hawaiian
Purchase From People Who Are Blind Works, Orlando, FL. and Native American Pacific Islander
or Severely Disabled published notices Mandatory for: Broad Government students, who are identified as English
of proposed additions to the Requirement. learners (ELs). The goal of this program
Procurement List. Contracting Activity: Defense Logistics is to support the teaching, learning, and
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![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 57 / Friday, March 23, 2018 / Notices 12723
To ensure that grant program activities is in the application package for this from persons who are members of
address the needs of private school competition. groups that have traditionally been
children, the applicant must engage in 4. Funding Restrictions: We reference underrepresented based on race, color,
timely and meaningful consultation regulations outlining funding national origin, gender, age, or
with appropriate private school officials restrictions in the Applicable disability.
during the design and development of Regulations section of this notice. (2) The qualifications, including
the program. This consultation must 5. Recommended Page Limit: The relevant training and experience, of key
take place before the applicant makes application narrative is where you, the project personnel.
any decision that affects the applicant, address the selection criteria (c) Quality of the management plan.
opportunities for participation by that reviewers use to evaluate your (up to 30 points)
eligible private school children, application. We recommend that you (1) The Secretary considers the quality of
teachers, and other educational limit the application narrative [Part III] the management plan for the proposed
personnel. Administrative direction and to no more than 35 pages and (2) use the project. In determining the quality of the
control over grant funds must remain following standards: management plan for the proposed
with the grantee. (See section 8501 of • A ‘‘page’’ is 8.5″ x 11″, on one side project, the Secretary considers the
the ESEA, Participation by Private only, with 1″ margins at the top, bottom, following factors:
School Children and Teachers.) and both sides. (1) The adequacy of the management
• Double space (no more than three plan to achieve the objectives of the
IV. Application and Submission lines per vertical inch) all text in the proposed project on time and within
Information application narrative, including titles, budget, including clearly defined
1. Application Submission headings, footnotes, quotations, responsibilities, timelines, and
references, and captions, as well as all milestones for accomplishing project
Instructions: For information on how to
text in charts, tables, figures, and tasks.
submit an application please refer to our
graphs. (2) The extent to which the time
Common Instructions for Applicants to • Use a font that is either 12 point or
Department of Education Discretionary commitments of the project director and
larger or no smaller than 10 pitch the principal investigator and other key
Grant Programs, published in the (characters per inch).
Federal Register on February 12, 2018 project personnel are appropriate and
• Use one of the following fonts: adequate to meet the objectives of the
(83 FR 6003) and available at Times New Roman, Courier, Courier
www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2018-02-12/ proposed project.
New, or Arial. (d) Quality of the project evaluation.
pdf/2018-02558.pdf.
V. Application Review Information (up to 20 points)
2. Submission of Proprietary
The Secretary considers the quality of
Information: Given the types of projects 1. Selection Criteria: The selection the evaluation to be conducted of the
that may be proposed in applications for criteria for this competition are from 34 proposed project. In determining the
the NAM competition, your application CFR 75.210. The maximum score for all quality of the evaluation, the Secretary
may include business information that of these criteria is 100 points. The considers the following factors:
you consider proprietary. In 34 CFR maximum score for each criterion is (1) The extent to which the methods
5.11 we define ‘‘business information’’ indicated in parentheses. of evaluation are thorough, feasible, and
and describe the process we use in (a) Quality of the project design. (up
appropriate to the goals, objectives, and
determining whether any of that to 40 points)
The Secretary considers the quality of outcomes of the proposed project.
information is proprietary and, thus, (2) The extent to which the methods
protected from disclosure under the design of the proposed project. In
of evaluation will provide performance
Exemption 4 of the Freedom of determining the quality of the design of
feedback and permit periodic
Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552, as the proposed project, the Secretary
assessment of progress toward achieving
amended). considers the following factors:
(1) The extent to which the goals, intended outcomes.
Because (consistent with the process 2. Review and Selection Process: The
followed in the FY 2016 NAM objectives, and outcomes to be achieved
by the proposed project are clearly Department will screen applications
competition) we plan to post on our that are submitted for NAM grants in
website the full application narrative specified and measurable.
(2) The extent to which the design for accordance with the requirements in
sections of all applications, you may this notice and determine which
implementing and evaluating the
wish to request confidentiality of applications meet the eligibility and
proposed project will result in
business information. other requirements. Peer reviewers will
information to guide possible
Consistent with Executive Order review all eligible applications for NAM
replications of project activities or
12600, please designate in your strategies including information about grants that are submitted by the
application any information that you the effectiveness of the approach or established deadline on the four
believe is exempt from disclosure under strategies employed by the project. selection criteria.
Exemption 4. In the appropriate (3) The extent to which the proposed Applicants should note, however, that
Appendix section of your application, project demonstrates a rationale (as we may screen for eligibility at multiple
under ‘‘Other Attachments Form,’’ defined in 34 CFR 77.1(c)). points during the competition process,
please list the page number or numbers (b) Quality of project personnel. (up to including before and after peer review;
on which we can find this information. 10 points) applicants that are determined to be
For additional information please see 34 The Secretary considers the quality of ineligible will not receive a grant award
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with NOTICES
CFR 5.11(c). the personnel who will carry out the regardless of peer reviewer scores or
3. Intergovernmental Review: This proposed project. In determining the comments. If we determine that a NAM
competition is subject to Executive quality of project personnel, the grant application does not meet a NAM
Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 Secretary considers the following eligibility requirement, the application
CFR part 79. Information about factors: will not be considered for funding.
Intergovernmental Review of Federal (1) The extent to which the applicant We remind potential applicants that
Programs under Executive Order 12372 encourages applications for employment in reviewing applications in any
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![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 57 / Friday, March 23, 2018 / Notices 12725
(2) The data collection and reporting application, including those applicable substations by enabling control of real
methods the applicant would use and to Federal civil rights laws that prohibit and reactive power flows, management
why those methods are likely to yield discrimination in programs or activities of voltage transients and harmonic
reliable, valid, and meaningful receiving Federal financial assistance content, and the ability to increase the
performance data. from the Department (34 CFR 100.4, flexibility, resiliency, and security of the
(3) The applicant’s capacity to collect 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23). electric power system.
and report reliable, valid, and DATES: Comments must be received on
VII. Other Information
meaningful performance data, as or before May 7, 2018. An informational
evidenced by high-quality data Accessible Format: Individuals with webinar will be held on Thursday,
collection, analysis, and reporting in disabilities can obtain this document March 29th, 2018 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00
other projects or research. and a copy of the application package in p.m. ET to discuss the draft SSPS
an accessible format (e.g., braille, large Roadmap in more detail and provide
Note: If the applicant does not have
experience with collection and reporting of print, audiotape, or compact disc) on information on this RFI.
performance data through other projects or request to the program contact person
ADDRESSES: Comments can be submitted
research, the applicant should provide other listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
by any of the following methods.
evidence of capacity to successfully carry out CONTACT.
Electronic Access to This Document: Email: DOE.SSPS.Roadmap@
data collection and reporting for its proposed
project. The official version of this document is hq.doe.gov, whereas the subject line of
the document published in the Federal the message is ‘‘SSPS Roadmap
(d) Performance Reports. All grantees Comment.’’ Please provide your full
must submit an annual performance Register. Free internet access to the
official edition of the Federal Register name, title, and organization, along with
report and final performance report with your comments in the Excel spreadsheet
information that is responsive to these and the Code of Federal Regulations is
available via the Federal Digital System provided and name the file ‘‘Your first
performance measures. The Department and last name—SSPS Roadmap
will consider these data in making at: www.gpo.gov/fdsys. At this site you
can view this document, as well as all Comment.’’
annual continuation awards. Mail: Kerry Cheung, Office of
(1) The performance reports for all other documents of this Department
Electricity Delivery and Energy
NAM 2018 grantees must include the published in the Federal Register, in
Reliability, U.S. Department of Energy,
following project performance data (34 text or PDF. To use PDF you must have
Forrestal Building, Room 6E–092, 1000
CFR 75.253, 75.590, 75.591, and Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is
Independence Avenue SW, Washington,
75.720): available free at the site.
DC 20585. Note: Delivery of the U.S.
• The number of students who are You may also access documents of the
Postal Service mail to DOE may be
eligible to participate in the program; Department published in the Federal
delayed by several weeks due to
• The number of participants in the Register by using the article search
feature at: www.federalregister.gov. security screening. DOE, therefore,
program; and
encourages those wishing to comment to
• The number of participants who Specifically, through the advanced
search feature at this site, you can limit submit comments electronically by
met the performance target.
(2) The performance reports for the your search to documents published by email.
NAM 2018 grantees that addressed the Web page: The draft SSPS Roadmap,
the Department.
promoting literacy priority must also Excel spreadsheet for comments, and
Dated: March 20, 2018. information on the upcoming webinar
include: Jose Viana,
• The number of family literacy can be found on the following web page:
Assistant Deputy Secretary and Director, https://energy.gov/oe/articles/solid-
activities including the number of or
Office of English Language Acquisition. state-power-substation-roadmap-
access to books or other physical or
digital materials or content that they [FR Doc. 2018–05961 Filed 3–22–18; 8:45 am] request-information
provided. BILLING CODE 4000–01–P FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
(e) Department Evaluations. Requests for additional information
Consistent with 34 CFR 75.591, grantees should be directed to Kerry Cheung,
funded under this program must comply DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy
with the requirements of any evaluation Reliability, U.S. Department of Energy,
of the program conducted by the Solid State Power Substation 1000 Independence Avenue SW,
Department or an evaluator selected by Roadmap Washington, DC 20585 at kerry.cheung@
the Department. AGENCY: Office of Electricity Delivery hq.doe.gov, 202–586–4819.
6. Continuation Awards: In making a and Energy Reliability, Department of SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
continuation award under 34 CFR Energy.
75.253, the Secretary considers, among I. Background
ACTION: Request for information (RFI).
other things: Whether a grantee has Substations are critical points within
made substantial progress in achieving SUMMARY: The Department of Energy the vast U.S. power grid, serving a
the goals and objectives of the project; (DOE), Office of Electricity Delivery and number of functions important to the
whether the grantee has expended funds Energy Reliability (OE), is seeking safe, reliable, and cost-effective delivery
in a manner that is consistent with its comments and information from of electricity. Substations serve as the
approved application and budget; and, interested parties to inform its entry point to the grid for electric power
if the Secretary has established development of a Solid State Power generators as well as the exit point for
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with NOTICES
performance measurement Substation (SSPS) Roadmap. An SSPS is large industrial customers. Substations
requirements, the performance targets in defined as the strategic integration of also form the boundaries between the
the grantee’s approved application. high voltage power electronic converters high voltage transmission network and
In making a continuation award, the in substations to provide enhanced the distribution system, enabling the
Secretary also considers whether the capabilities and support the evolution of network to reconfigure to ensure
grantee is operating in compliance with the grid. SSPS technology can overcome stability and reliability, and to regulate
the assurances in its approved some of the current limitations within power quality for down-stream
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Document Created: 2018-11-01 08:54:20
Document Modified: 2018-11-01 08:54:20
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice. | |
| Dates | Applications Available: March 23, 2018. | |
| Contact | Patrice Swann, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 5C122, Washington, DC 20202. Telephone: (202) 401-4300. Email at [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 83 FR 12720 |
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