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84.215 FUND FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF EDUCATION

(FIE)

FEDERAL AGENCY
OFFICE OF INNOVATION AND IMPROVEMENT; OFFICE OF SAFE AND DRUG-FREE SCHOOLS; OFFICE OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

AUTHORIZATION
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), Title V, Part D, as amended; ESEA, Title II, Part C, subpart 4; and the American History and Civics Education Act of 2004.

OBJECTIVES
To conduct nationally significant programs to improve the quality of education, assist all students to meet challenging State content standards, and contribute to the achievement of elementary and secondary students.

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE
Project Grants.

USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS
Funds may be used to support a wide range of projects under the FIE general authority for programs, and additional specific program authorities. Competitions are announced in the Federal Register. Specific limitations and restrictions for each competition are provided in the Federal Register notice.

Applicant Eligibility
State educational agencies, local educational agencies, institutions of higher education, public and private organizations and institutions may apply.

Beneficiary Eligibility
State educational agencies, local educational agencies, institutions of higher education, public and private organizations and institutions will benefit.

Credentials/Documentation
None.

Preapplication Coordination
This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process that State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

Application Procedure
Described in application notices published annually in the Federal Register. Contact the headquarters offices listed below for application packages containing the announcement, application, and assurance forms and for further information about the specific programs.

Award Procedure
Awards are competitively selected following review by nonfederal experts in accordance with Subpart D of Part 75 of the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR).

Deadlines
Announced in notices published in the Federal Register. Contact the appropriate headquarters office for further information about the programs included in CFDA 84.215.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Approximately 120 days.

Appeals
None.

Renewals
As required by the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) for direct grant program (see 34 CFR 75.253). Generally, for multiple-year awards, continuation awards after the first budget period are made if: sufficient funds have been appropriated; the recipient has either made substantial progress in the meeting of the goals of the project or obtained approval for changes in the project; the recipient has submitted all required reports; and continuation is in the best interest of the government.

Formula and Matching Requirements
None.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Awards are made annually. Following an initial, competitively selected award, additional non-competing continuation awards may be made. The possible length of the project is announced in the application notice in the Federal Register. Renewals are subject to the availability of appropriations.

Reports
As required by the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) for direct grant programs (34 CFR 75). Generally, annual performance and financial reports are required.

Audits
See 34 CFR 74.26. Institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations are subject to the audit requirements of OMB Circular No. A-133. State and local governments are subject to the requirements in the Single Audit Act and the ED regulations implementing OMB Circular No. A-133.

Records
As required by EDGAR for direct grant programs (34 CFR part 75). Generally, records related to grant funds, compliance, and performance must be maintained for a period of 5 years after completion.

Account Identification
91-0204-0-1-501; 91-0203-0-1-501; 91-0400-0-1-501.

Obligations
(Grants) FY 07 $379,199,000; FY 08 est $486,065,000; and FY 09 est $102,300,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Varies by competition.

PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Varies by program.

REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE
Education Department General Administrative Regulations, 34 CFR 74, 75, 77, 79, 80, 81, 82, 84, 85, 86, 97, 98, and 99. OMB Circulars A-21, A-87, A-110, A-112, and A-113.

Regional or Local Office
None.

Headquarters Office
Office of Innovation and Improvement (OII), 400 Maryland Avenue S.W., Washington, DC 20202. Contact: Pat Knight E-mail: margo anderson@ed.gov. Telephone: (202) 205-4746. Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools, Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20202-6123. Contact: William Modzeleski. E-mail: william.modzelesk@ed.gov. Telephone: 202-260-3954. Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, 400 Maryland Avenue S.W., Washington, DC 20202. Contact: Braden Goetz. E-mail: braden.goetz@ed.gov. Telephone: (202) 260-0982.

Web Site Address
http://www.ed.gov/programs/find/cfda/index.html?src=In

RELATED PROGRAMS
None.

EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS
The programs funded in FY 2009 were: FIE Programs of National Significance (OII, CFDA 84.215K and U), Elementary and Secondary School Counseling (OSDFS, CFDA 84.215E), Character Education (OSDFS, CFDA 84.215S and V, Smaller Learning Communities (OESE, CFDA 84.215L), Physical Education Program (OSDFS, CFDA 84.215F), Education Through Cultural and Historical Organizations (OII, CFDA 84.215Y), Excellence in Economic Education (OII, CFDA 84.215B), Foundations for Learning Grants (OSDFS, CFDA 84.215H), Mental Health Integration in Schools (OSDFS, CFDA 84.215M), Academies for American History and Civics (OII, CFDA 84.215A and D) and Teaching American History (OII, CFDA 84.215X).

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS
The selection for these programs are contained in Section 75.200 of the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR). The specific criteria to be used for particular grant competitions are announced in the application package or application notice in the Federal Register.


General Services Administration
Office of Chief Acquisition Officer
Regulatory and Federal Assistance Division (VIR)