[Federal Register: December 30, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 250)] [Notices] [Page 73861-73879] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr30de99-166] [[Page 73861]] _______________________________________________________________________ Part VII Department of Education _______________________________________________________________________ Bilingual Education: Teachers and Personnel Grants; Notice [[Page 73862]] DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION [CFDA No.: 84.195A] Bilingual Education: Teachers and Personnel Grants AGENCY: Department of Education. ACTION: Notice inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 2000. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Note to Applicants: This notice is a complete application package. Together with the statute authorizing the program and the applicable regulations governing this program, including the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), this notice contains all of the information, application forms, and instructions needed to apply for an award under this program. The statutory authorization for this program, and the application requirements that apply to this competition, are set out in sections 7143 and 7146-7149 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by the Improving America's Schools Act of 1994 (Pub. L. 103-382, enacted October 20, 1994 (the Act)(20 U.S.C. 7473 and 7476-7479)). Purpose of Program: This program provides grants for preservice and inservice professional development for bilingual education teachers, administrators, pupil services personnel, and other educational personnel who are either involved in, or preparing to be involved in, the provision of educational services for children and youth of limited English proficiency. Eligible Applicants: (1) One or more institutions of higher education (IHEs) which have entered into consortia arrangements with local educational agencies (LEAs) or State educational agencies (SEAs), to achieve the purposes of this section. (2) SEAs and LEAs for inservice professional development programs. Applications Available: December 30, 1999. Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: February 18, 2000. Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: April 18, 2000. Available Funds: $8 million. Estimated Range of Awards: $150,000-$250,000. Estimated Average Size of Awards: $200,000. Estimated Number of Awards: 40. Note: The Department of Education is not bound by any estimates in this notice. Project Period: 60 months. Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR parts 74, 75, 77, 79, 80, 81, 82, 85, and 86. (b) 34 CFR part 299. Description of Program Funds under this program are to provide for preservice and inservice professional development for bilingual/ESL teachers and other educational personnel. Activities shall assist educational personnel in meeting State and local certification requirements for bilingual education and, wherever possible, shall lead to the awarding of college or university credit. Priorities Competitive Priority 1 The Secretary, under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i) and 34 CFR 299.3(b) gives preference to applications that meet the following competitive priority. The Secretary awards up to 3 points for an application that meets this competitive priority. These points are in addition to any points the application earns under the selection criteria for the program: Projects that will contribute to a systemic educational reform in an Empowerment Zone, including a Supplemental Empowerment Zone, or an Enterprise Community designated by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development or the United States Department of Agriculture, and are made an integral part of the Zone's or Community's comprehensive community revitalization strategies. Note: For a list of areas that have been designated as Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities go to: http://www.ezec.gov/ezec/mainmap.html and http://www.hud.gov/pressrel/ezec/urban.html Competitive Priority 2 Under 34 CFR 75.105 (c)(2)(ii) and section 7143(b) of the Act, the Secretary gives a competitive preference to applications that meet the following priority: Institutions of higher education, in consortia with local or State educational agencies, that offer degree programs that prepare new bilingual education teachers in order to increase the availability of educators to provide high-quality education to limited English proficient students. The Secretary selects applications that meet this priority over applications of comparable merit which do not meet the priority. Invitational Priorities The Secretary is particularly interested in applications that meet one of the following invitational priorities in the next paragraphs. However, an application that meets these invitational priorities receives no competitive or absolute preference over other applications. (Authority: 34 CFR.105(c)(1)(1)). Applications which propose to utilize school-based professional development approaches by linking beginning teachers of LEP students, pre-service teachers, and expert bilingual teachers in professional practice schools, teacher learning communities, or mentorship programs. Applications proposing partnerships that link institutions of higher education experienced in preparing bilingual teachers with institutions of higher education proposing to develop new bilingual/ESL education teacher training preparation programs. Selection Criteria The Secretary uses the following selection criteria in 34 CFR 75.210 to evaluate applications for new grants under this competition. The maximum score for all of these criteria is 100 points. The maximum score for each criterion is indicated in parentheses. (a) Need for project. (10 points) (1) The Secretary considers the need for the proposed project. (2) In determining the need for the proposed project the Secretary considers the following factors: (i) The magnitude or severity of the problem to be addressed by the proposed project. (ii) The extent to which specific gaps or weaknesses in services, infrastructure, or opportunities have been identified and will be addressed by the proposed project, including the nature and the magnitude of those gaps or weaknesses. (Authority: 34 CFR 75.210(a)(2)(i) and (v)) (b) Quality of the project design. (55 points) (1) The Secretary considers the quality of the design of the proposed project. (2) In determining the quality of the design of the proposed project, the Secretary considers the following factors: (i) The extent to which the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be achieved by the proposed project are clearly specified and measurable. (ii) The extent to which the design of the proposed project is appropriate to, and will successfully address, the needs of the target population or other identified needs. [[Page 73863]] (iii) The extent to which the proposed project is designed to build capacity and yield results that will extend beyond the period of Federal financial assistance. (iv) The extent to which the design of the proposed project reflects up-to-date knowledge from research and effective practice. (v) The extent to which the proposed activities constitute a coherent, sustained program of training in the field. (vi) The extent to which the proposed project will be coordinated with similar or related efforts, and with other appropriate community, State, and Federal resources. (vii) The extent to which the proposed project is part of a comprehensive effort to improve teaching and learning and support rigorous academic standards for students. (viii) The extent to which fellowship recipients or other project participants are to be selected on the basis of academic excellence. (Authority: 34 CFR 75.210(c)(2)(i)-(ii), (v), (xii)-(xiii), (xvi), (xviii), and (xxiii)) (c) Quality of project services. (10 points) (1) The Secretary considers the quality of the services to be provided by the proposed project. (2) In determining the quality of the services to be provided by the proposed project, the Secretary considers the quality and sufficiency of strategies for ensuring equal access and treatment for eligible project participants who are members of groups that have traditionally been under represented based on race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability. (3) In addition, the Secretary considers the following factor: The extent to which the training or professional development services to be provided by the proposed project are of sufficient quality, intensity, and duration to lead to improvements in practice among the recipients of those services. (Authority: 34 CFR 75.210(d)(2) and (3) (v)) (d) Quality of project personnel. (5 points) (1) The Secretary considers the quality of the personnel who will carry out the proposed project. (2) In determining the quality of project personnel, the Secretary considers 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. (3) In addition, the Secretary considers the following factor: The qualifications, including relevant training and experience, of key project personnel. (Authority: 34 CFR 75.210(e)(2) and (3)(ii)) (e) Quality of the management plan. (5 points) (1) The Secretary considers the quality of the management plan for the proposed project. (2) In determining the quality of the management plan for the proposed project, the Secretary considers the following factor: 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. (34 CFR 75.210(g)(2)(i)) (f) Quality of the project evaluation. (15 points) (1) The Secretary considers the quality of the evaluation to be conducted of the proposed project. (2) In determining the quality of the evaluation, the Secretary considers the following factors: (i) The extent to which the methods of evaluation provide for examining the effectiveness of project implementation strategies. (ii) The extent to which the methods of evaluation include the use of objective performance measures that are clearly related to the intended outcomes of the project and will produce quantitative and qualitative data to the extent possible. (iii) The extent to which the methods of evaluation will provide performance feedback and permit periodic assessment of progress toward achieving intended outcomes. (Authority: 34 CFR 75.210(h)(2)(iii), (iv), and (vi)) Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs This program is subject to the requirements of Executive Order 12372 (Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs) and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79. The objective of the Executive order is to foster an intergovernmental partnership and to strengthen federalism by relying on State and local processes for State and local government coordination and review of proposed Federal financial assistance. Applicants must contact the appropriate State Single Point of Contact to find out about, and to comply with, the State's process under Executive Order 12372. Applicants proposing to perform activities in more than one State should immediately contact the Single Point of Contact for each of those States and follow the procedure established in each State under the Executive order. If you want to know the name and address of any State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) see the list published in the Federal Register on April 28, 1999 (64 FR 22963) or; you may view the latest SPOC list on the OMB website at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants In States that have not established a process or chosen a program for review, State, areawide, regional, and local entities may submit comments directly to the Department. Any State Process Recommendation and other comments submitted by a State Single Point of Contact and any comments from State, areawide, regional, and local entities must be mailed or hand-delivered by the date indicated in this notice to the following address: The Secretary, E.O. 12372--CFDA# 84.195A, U.S. Department of Education, Room 7E200, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20202-0125. Proof of mailing will be determined on the same basis as applications (see 34 CFR 75.102). Recommendations or comments may be hand-delivered until 4:30 p.m. (Washington, DC time) on the date indicated in this notice. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ABOVE ADDRESS IS NOT THE SAME ADDRESS AS THE ONE TO WHICH THE APPLICANT SUBMITS ITS COMPLETED APPLICATION. DO NOT SEND APPLICATIONS TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS. Instructions for Transmittal of Applications (a) If an applicant wants to apply for a grant, the applicant must-- (1) Mail the original and two copies of the application on or before the deadline date to: U.S. Department of Education, Application Control Center, Attention: (CFDA# 84.195A), Washington, DC 20202-4725; or (2) Hand-deliver the original and two copies of the application by 4:30 p.m. (Washington, DC time) on or before the deadline date to: U.S. Department of Education, Application Control Center, Attention: (CFDA# 84.195A), Room #3633, Regional Office Building #3, 7th and D Streets, SW., Washington, DC. (b) An applicant must show one of the following as proof of mailing: (1) A legibly dated U.S. Postal Service postmark. (2) A legible mail receipt with the date of mailing stamped by the U.S. Postal Service. [[Page 73864]] (3) A dated shipping label, invoice, or receipt from a commercial carrier. (4) Any other proof of mailing acceptable to the Secretary. (c) If an application is mailed through the U.S. Postal Service, the Secretary does not accept either of the following as proof of mailing: (1) A private metered postmark. (2) A mail receipt that is not dated by the U.S. Postal Service. Notes: (1) The U.S. Postal Service does not uniformly provide a dated postmark. Before relying on this method, an applicant should check with its local post office. (2) The Application Control Center will mail a Grant Application Receipt Acknowledgment to each applicant. If an applicant fails to receive the notification of application receipt within 15 days from the date of mailing the application, the applicant should call the U.S. Department of Education Application Control Center at (202) 708-9495. (3) The applicant must indicate on the envelope and--if not provided by the Department--in Item 10 of the Application for Federal Assistance (Standard Form 424) the CFDA number and suffix letter, if any, of the competition under which the application is being submitted. Application Instructions and Forms The appendix to this application is divided into three parts, plus a statement regarding estimated public reporting burden, a notice to applicants regarding compliance with Section 427 of the General Education Provisions Act, questions and answers, and various assurances, certifications, and required documentation. These parts and additional materials are organized in the same manner that the submitted application should be organized. The parts and additional materials are as follows: Part I: Application for Federal Assistance (Standard Form 424 (Rev. 4-88)) and instructions. Part II: Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs (ED Form No. 524) and instructions. Part III: Application Narrative. Additional Materials a. Estimated Public Reporting Burden b. Group Application Certification c. Participant Data d. Project Documentation e. Program Assurances f. Assurances--Non-Construction Programs (Standard Form 424B) and instructions. g. Certifications Regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters; and Drug-Free Workplace Requirements (ED 80-0013) and instructions. h. Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion--Lower Tier Covered Transactions (ED 80-0014, 9/90) and instructions. (Note: This form is intended for the use of grantees and should not be transmitted to the Department.) i. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (Standard Form LLL) (if applicable) and instructions. The document has been marked to reflect statutory changes. An applicant may submit information on a photostatic copy of the application and budget forms, the assurances, and the certifications. However, the application form, the assurances, and the certifications must each have an original signature. All applicants must submit one original signed application and two copies of the application. Please mark each application as original or copy. No grant may be awarded unless a completed application has been received. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sue Kenworthy by email: sue__kenworthy@ed.gov or (202) 205-5539 or Franklin Reid by email: franklin__reid@ed.gov or (202) 205-9803 U.S. Department of Education, Switzer Bldg. Room 5090, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington, D.C. 20202-6510. Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1- 800-877-8339. Individuals with disabilities may obtain this notice in an alternate format (e.g., braille, large print, audiotape, or computer diskette) on request to the contact person listed in the preceding paragraph. Please note, however, that the Department is not able to reproduce in an alternate format the standard forms included in the notice. Electronic Access to this Document Anyone may view this document, as well as all other Department of Education documents published in the Federal Register, in text or portable document format (PDF) on the World Wide Web at either of the following sites: http://ocfo.ed.gov/fedreg.htm http://www.ed.gov/news.html To use the PDF you must have the Adobe Acrobat Reader Program with Search, which is available free at either of the preceding sites. If you have questions about using the PDF, call the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO), toll free at 1-888-293-6498 or in the Washington, DC area at (202) 512-1530. Note: 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 on GPO Access at: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/index.html Program Authority 20 USC 7473. Dated: December 21, 1999. Art Love, Acting Director, Office of Bilingual Education and Minority Languages Affairs. Instructions for Estimated Public Reporting Burden According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is OMB No. 1885-0536, Exp. Date: 12/31/00. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 120 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data resources, gather the data needed, and complete and review the information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate or suggestions for improving this form, please write to: U.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C. 20202-4651. If you have any comments or concerns regarding the status of your individual submission of this form, write directly to: Office of Bilingual Education and Minority Languages Affairs, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington, D.C. 20202-6510. The following forms and other items must be included in the application: 1. Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424) 2. Group Application Certification (Use this form to document participation of consortia members) 3. Budget Information (ED Form No. 524) 4. Itemized Budget for each year (Attached to Form No. 524) 5. Participant Data-approximate number of participants to be served each year. 6. Project Documentation Transmittal Letter to SEA Documentation of Empowerment Zone or Enterprise Community (if applicable) 7. Program Assurances 8. Non-Construction Programs (SF 424B) 9. Certifications Regarding Lobbying; Debarment Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters; and Drug- [[Page 73865]] Free Workplace Requirements (ED 80-0013) 10. Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion-Lower Tier Covered Transactions (ED 80-0014) 11. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) 12. Notice to All Applicants (See form provided below) 13. Table of Contents 14. One-page abstract (single-spaced) 15. Application Narrative (double-spaced not to exceed 30 pages, see instructions below) 16. One original and two copies of the application for transmittal to the Department's Application Control Center. Mandatory Page Limits for the Application Narrative The narrative is the section of the application where you address the selection criteria used by reviewers in evaluating the application. You must limit the narrative to the equivalent of no more than 30 pages, using the following standards: 1. A page is 8.5'' x 11'', on one side only with 1'' margins at the top, bottom, and both sides. 2. You must 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. If you use a proportional computer font, you may not use a font smaller than a 12-point font. If you use a non-proportional font or a typewriter, you may not use more than 12 characters per inch. The page limit does not apply the Application for Federal Education Assistance Form (ED 424); the Budget Information Form (ED 524) and attached itemization of costs; the other application forms and attachments to those forms; the assurances and certifications; or the one-page abstract and table of contents. The page limit applies only to item 15 in the checklist for Applicants provided above. IF, IN ORDER TO MEET THE PAGE LIMIT, YOU USE PRINT SIZE, SPACING, OR MARGINS SMALLER THAN THE STANDARDS SPECIFICED IN THIS NOTICE, YOUR APPLICATION WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR FUNDING. Application Narrative and Abstract The narrative should address fully all aspects of the selection criteria in the order listed and should give detailed information regarding each criterion. Do not simply paraphrase the criteria. Provide position descriptions for key personnel. This package includes questions and answers to assist you in preparing the narrative portion of the application. Prepare a one-page single-spaced abstract that summarizes the proposed project activities, the expected outcomes, and how the application addresses the announced invitational priorities, if applicable. Budget Budget line items must support the goals and objectives of the proposed project and be directly applicable to the program design and all other project components. Prepare an itemized budget for each year of requested funding. Indirect costs for institutions of higher education which are the fiscal agents for Teachers and Personnel Grants are limited to the lower of either 8% of the modified total direct cost base or the institution's indirect cost agreement. A modified direct cost is defined as total direct costs less stipends, tuition and related fees and capital expenditures of $5,000 or more. In describing student support costs distinguish costs for tuition and fees from costs for stipends. Final Application Preparation Use the above checklist to verify that all items are addressed. Prepare one original with an original signature, and include three additional copies. Do not use elaborate bindings or covers. The application package must be mailed to the Application Control Center (ACC) and postmarked by the deadline date of February 23, l999. Submission of Application to State Educational Agency Section 7146(a)(4) of the Act (Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by the Improving America's Schools Act of 1994, Pub. L. 103-382) requires all applicants except schools funded by the Bureau of Indian Affairs to submit a copy of their application to their State educational agency (SEA) for review and comment (20 U.S.C. 7476(a) (4)). Section 75.156 of the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) requires these applicants to submit their application to the SEA on or before the deadline date for submitting their application to the Department of Education. This section of EDGAR also requires applicants to attach to their application a copy of their letter that requests the SEA to comment on the application (34 CFR 75.156). Applicants that do not submit a copy of their application to their SEA will not be considered for funding. Questions and Answers Does the Teachers and Personnel Grants Program have specific evaluation requirements? Yes, the evaluation requirements are described in section 7149 of Title VII of ESEA, 20 U.S.C. 7479 What requirements must grantees meet related to teacher certification? The Title VII statute requires grantees to assist educational personnel in meeting State and local certification requirements. However, because certification requirements vary among States, applicants are given flexibility in designing activities that lead to meeting State and local certification requirements. What activities are authorized under Teachers and Personnel Grants? Authorized activities are those which support professional development of teachers and other educational personnel who are either involved with, or preparing to be involved with, serving students with limited English proficient proficiency. Such activities may include, but are not limited to, the development of program curricula; collaboration with local school districts in designing new teacher training activities; and reforming and improving teacher training programs to reflect high standards of professionalism. Only institutions of higher education, applying in consortia arrangements with one or more local educational agencies or State educational agencies, are eligible to apply for preservice programs. This means the institution of higher education would be the lead agency and the fiscal agent for the grant. State educational agencies and local educational agencies may, however apply for inservice training programs. May program budgets include costs for items other than student tuition and fees? Project budgets should reflect the proposed program activities. In addition to student support costs, budget items may include costs for personnel, supplies or equipment, and other costs to support proposed professional developmental activities. What information may be helpful in preparing a narrative for the Teachers and Personnel Grant? In responding to the selection criteria, applicants may wish to consider the following questions as a guide for preparing application narrative.What are the specific responsibilities of districts, schools, institutions of higher education, and other partnership organizations in [[Page 73866]] planning, implementing, and evaluating the proposed program? What resources and support will be provided by each of the contributing partners? * How does the training curricula reflect high standards for pedagogy, content, and proficiency in English and a second language to ensure that participants are effectively prepared to provide instruction and support to LEP students? * How will the program assist in systemically reforming policies and practices in the target schools and in the IHE related to the preparation of new teachers, the induction of new bilingual/ESL teachers, clinical experiences for new bilingual/ESL teachers and other educational personnel, or professional development opportunities for all teachers? * What selection criteria will the applicant adopt to ensure that individuals selected to participate in the program hold promise for successfully completing program requirements? * What support will be provided to new bilingual/ESL teachers by experienced bilingual/ESL teachers, higher education faculty, and school administrators to guide them during their period of induction? * How will the instructional responsibilities of new teachers be balanced with appropriate professional development, support and planning time? * How will clinical experiences for preservice participants be structured to ensure that they are well-supervised, of sufficient duration and in a setting which provides opportunities for participants to experience a variety of effective bilingual education instructional methods and approaches? * How is the training curriculum based on current research related to effective teaching and learning? What evidence of effectiveness supports the training model? * What are the expected outcomes for participant learning, effectiveness in the instructional setting, reform and improvement in the school or the university? What measures will the proposed program use to collect data on the effectiveness of the program in meeting its objectives, such as: field practice assessments, National or State benchmark tests, surveys of graduates, mentor teachers, school administrators, rates of transfer from 2-year to 4-year institutions, graduation rates, placement rates? How are needs, objectives, activities and measures linked? * How will the program evaluation incorporate strategies for assessing progress and performance of participants; communicating meaningful, regular and timely feedback to participants; improving the quality of the training program; identifying exemplary program features; and reporting on specific data related to the number of participants completing the program and the number of graduates placed in the instructional setting? * How will the proposed program improve teacher preparation curricula, clinical experiences and the skills and knowledge of higher education faculty to better prepare ALL teachers in content and pedagogy related to the needs of LEP students. In addition, applicants may wish to consider the Department of Education Professional Development Principles in planning a Teachers and Personnel Grant. The following are the professional development principles: * Focuses on teachers as central to student learning, yet includes all other members of the school community; * Focuses on individual, collegial and organizational improvement; Respects and nurtures the intellectual and leadership capacity of teachers, principals, and others in the school community; * Reflects best available research and practice in teaching, learning, and leadership; * Enables teachers to develop further expertise in subject content, teaching strategies, uses of technologies, and other essential elements in teaching to high standards; * Promotes continuous inquiry and improvement embedded in the daily life of schools; * Is planned collaboratively by those who will participate in and facilitate that development; * Requires substantial time and other resources; is driven by a coherent long-term plan; is evaluated ultimately on the basis of its impact on teacher effectiveness and student learning; and * Uses this assessment to guide subsequent professional development efforts. What other information may be helpful in applying for a Teachers and Personnel grant? Applicants are reminded that they must submit a copy of their application to the SEA for review and comment. In addition, applicants must submit a copy of their application to the State Single Point of Contact to satisfy the requirements of Executive Order 12372. The SEA review requirement and the requirements for Executive Order 12372 is two distinct requirements. BILLING CODE 4000-01-U [[Page 73867]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN30DE99.044 [[Page 73868]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN30DE99.045 [[Page 73869]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN30DE99.046 BILLING CODE 4000-01-C [[Page 73870]] Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to vary from 13 to 22 hours per response, with an average of 17.5 hours per response, including the time reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Education, Information Management and Compliance Division, Washington, DC 20202-4651; and the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project 1875-0102, Washington DC 20503. Instructions for ED Form 524 General Instructions This form is used to apply to individual U.S. Department of Education discretionary grant programs. Unless directed otherwise, provide the same budget information for each year of the multi-year funding request. Pay attention to applicable program specific instructions, if attached. Section A--Budget Summary U.S. Department of Education Funds All applicants must complete Section A and provide a breakdown by the applicable budget categories shown in lines 1-11. Lines 1-11, columns (a)-(e): For each project year for which funding is requested, show the total amount requested for each applicable budget category. Lines 1-11, column (f): Show the multi-year total for each budget category. If funding is requested for only one project year, leave this column blank. Line 12, columns (a)-(e): Show the total budget request for each project year for which funding is requested. Line 12, column (f): Show the total amount requested for all project years. If funding is requested for only one year, leave this space blank. Section B--Budget Summary Non-Federal Funds If you are required to provide or volunteer to provide matching funds or other non-Federal resources to the project, these should be shown for each applicable budget category on lines 1-11 of Section B. Lines 1-11, columns (a)-(e): For each project year for which matching funds or other contributions are provided, show the total contribution for each applicable budget category. Lines 1-11, column (f): Show the multi-year total for each budget category. If non-Federal contributions are provided for only one year, leave this column blank. Line 12, columns (a)-(e): Show the total matching or other contribution for each project year. Line 12, column (f): Show the total amount to be contributed for all years of the multi-year project. If non-Federal contributions are provided for only one year, leave this space blank. Section C--Other Budget Information Pay Attention to Applicable Program Specific Instructions, if Attached 1. Provide an itemized budget breakdown, by project year, for each budget category listed in Sections A and B. 2. If applicable to this program, enter the type of indirect rate (provisional, predetermined, final or fixed) that will be in effect during the funding period. In addition, enter the estimated amount of the base to which the rate is applied, and the total indirect expense. 3. If applicable to this program, provide the rate and base on which fringe benefits are calculated. 4. Provide other explanations or comments you deem necessary. BILLING CODE 4000-01-U [[Page 73871]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN30DE99.047 [[Page 73872]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN30DE99.048 BILLING CODE 4000-01-C [[Page 73873]] PARTICIPANT DATA Note: This form must be completed by applicants under the following programs: * Teachers and Personnel Grants * Career Ladder Program * Training for all Teachers Number of proposed participants in each of the following categories to be served each year of the grant. Preservice Teachers (who are not paraprofessionals) ______ Preservice Teachers (who are currently paraprofessionals) ______ Inservice Teachers ______ Other Educational Personnel (Specify type of personnel below) ______ Degree level(s) to be attained (if applicable) ______ Certification Type(s) to be attained ______ Language(s) of Participants (other than English) ______ PROJECT DOCUMENTATION Note: Submit the appropriate documents and information as specified below for the following programs. * Teachers and Personnel Grants * Career Ladder Program * Training for All Teachers Section A A copy of the applicant's transmittal letter requesting the appropriate State educational agency to comment on the application. Section B If applicable, identify on the line below the Empowerment Zone, Supplemental Empowerment Zone, or Enterprise Community that the proposed project will serve. (See the competitive priority and the list of designated Empowerment Zones in previous sections of this application package.) PROGRAM ASSURANCES Note: The authorizing statute requires applicants under certain programs to provide assurances. These assurances are specified below under the relevant programs. If your application pertains to any of these programs, this form must be completed. As the duly authorized representative of the applicant, I certify that the applicant, in regard to the program relevant to this application: * Teachers and Personnel Grants * Career Ladder Program * Training for All Teachers Will include, if applicable, as part of the project implementing a master's or doctoral-level program, a training practicum in a local school program serving children and youth of limited English proficiency. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 7426(g)(3)) Authorized Representative Name:------------------------------------------------------------------ Signature:------------------------------------------------------------- Typed Name:------------------------------------------------------------ Date:------------------------------------------------------------------ Applicant Organization:------------------------------------------------ ASSURANCES--NON-CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMS Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 15 minutes per response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project (0348-0040), Washington, DC 20503. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET. SEND IT TO THE ADDRESS PROVIDED BY THE SPONSORING AGENCY. Note: Certain of these assurances may not be applicable to your project or program. If you have questions, please contact the awarding agency. Further, certain Federal awarding agencies may require applicants to certify to additional assurances. If such is the case, you will be notified. As the duly authorized representative of the applicant, I certify that the applicant: 1. Has the legal authority to apply for Federal assistance and the institutional, managerial and financial capability (including funds sufficient to pay the non-Federal share of project cost) to ensure proper planning, management and completion of the project described in this application. 2. Will give the awarding agency, the Comptroller General of the United States and, if appropriate, the State, through any authorized representative, access to and the right to examine all records, books, papers, or documents related to the award; and will establish a proper accounting system in accordance with generally accepted accounting standards or agency directives. 3. Will establish safeguards to prohibit employees from using their positions for a purpose that constitutes or presents the appearance of personal or organizational conflict of interest, or personal gain. 4. Will initiate and complete the work within the applicable time frame after receipt of approval of the awarding agency. 5. Will comply with the Intergovernmental Personnel Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. Secs. 4728-4763) relating to prescribed standards for merit systems for programs funded under one of the 19 statutes or regulations specified in Appendix A of OPM's Standards for a Merit System of Personnel Administration (5 CFR 900, Subpart F). 6. Will comply with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. These include but are not limited to: (a) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (P.L. 88-352) which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin; (b) Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended (20 U.S.C. Secs. 1681-1683, and 1685-1686), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex; (c) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. Sec. 794), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of handicaps; (d) the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended (42 U.S.C. Secs. 6101-6107), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of age; (e) the Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act of 1972 (P.L. 92-255), as amended, relating to nondiscrimination on the basis of drug abuse; (f) the Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation Act of 1970 (P.L. 91-616), as amended, relating to nondiscrimination on the basis of alcohol abuse or alcoholism; (g) Secs. 523 and 527 of the Public Health Service Act of 1912 (42 U.S.C. Secs. 290 dd-3 and 290 ee-3), as amended, relating to confidentiality of alcohol and drug abuse patient records; (h) Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. Secs. 3601 et seq.), as amended, relating to nondiscrimination in the sale, rental or financing of housing; (i) any other nondiscrimination provisions in the specific statute(s) under which application for Federal assistance is being made; and, (j) the requirements of any other nondiscrimination statute(s) which may apply to the application. 7. Will comply, or has already complied, with the requirements of Titles II and III of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (P.L. 91-646) which provide for fair and equitable treatment of persons displaced or whose property is acquired as a result of Federal or federally-assisted programs. These requirements apply to [[Page 73874]] all interests in real property acquired for project purposes regardless of Federal participation in purchases. 8. Will comply, as applicable, with provisions of the Hatch Act (5 U.S.C. Secs. 1501-1508 and 7324-7328) which limit the political activities of employees whose principal employment activities are funded in whole or in part with Federal funds. 9. Will comply, as applicable, with the provisions of the Davis- Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. Secs. 276a to 276a-7), the Copeland Act (40 U.S.C. Sec. 276c and 18 U.S.C. Sec. 874), and the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (40 U.S.C. Secs. 327-333), regarding labor standards for federally-assisted construction subagreements. 10. Will comply, if applicable, with flood insurance purchase requirements of Section 102(a) of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-234) which requires recipients in a special flood hazard area to participate in the program and to purchase flood insurance if the total cost of insurable construction and acquisition is $10,000 or more. 11. Will comply with environmental standards which may be prescribed pursuant to the following: (a) institution of environmental quality control measures under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (P.L. 91-190) and Executive Order (EO) 11514; (b) notification of violating facilities pursuant to EO 11738; (c) protection of wetlands pursuant to EO 11990; (d) evaluation of flood hazards in floodplains in accordance with EO 11988; (e) assurance of project consistency with the approved State management program developed under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. Secs. 1451 et seq.); (f) conformity of Federal actions to State (Clean Air) Implementation Plans under Section 176(c) of the Clean Air Act of 1955, as amended (42 U.S.C. Secs. 7401 et seq.); (g) protection of underground sources of drinking water under the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974, as amended (P.L. 93- 523); and (h) protection of endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (P.L. 93-205). 12. Will comply with the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 (16 U.S.C. Secs. 1271 et seq.) related to protecting components or potential components of the national wild and scenic rivers system. 13. Will assist the awarding agency in assuring compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. Sec. 470), EO 11593 (identification and protection of historic properties), and the Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. Secs. 469a-1 et seq.). 14. Will comply with P.L. 93-348 regarding the protection of human subjects involved in research, development, and related activities supported by this award of assistance. 15. Will comply with the Laboratory Animal Welfare Act of 1966 (P.L. 89-544, as amended, 7 U.S.C. Secs. 2131 et seq.) pertaining to the care, handling, and treatment of warm blooded animals held for research, teaching or other activities supported by this award of assistance. 16. Will comply with the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act (42 U.S.C. Secs. 4801 et seq.) which prohibits the use of land-based paint in construction or rehabilitation of residence structures. 17. Will cause to be performed the required financial and compliance audits in accordance with the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1966 and OMB Circular No. A-133, ``Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations.'' 18. Will comply with all applicable requirements of all other Federal laws, executive orders, regulations, and policies governing this program. .---------------------------------------------------------------------- Signature of Authorized Certifying Official .---------------------------------------------------------------------- Title .---------------------------------------------------------------------- Applicant Organization .---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date Submitted CERTIFICATIONS REGARDING LOBBYING; DEBARMENT, SUSPENSION AND OTHER RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS; AND DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE REQUIREMENTS Applicants should refer to the regulations cited below to determine the certification to which they are required to attest. Applicants should also review the instructions for certification included in the regulations before completing this form. Signature of this form provides for compliance with certification requirements under 34 CFR part 82, ``New Restrictions on Lobbying,'' and 34 CFR Part 85, ``Government-wide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Government-wide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants).'' The certifications shall be treated as a material representation of fact upon which reliance will be placed when the Department of Education determines to award the covered transaction, grant, or cooperative agreement. 1. LOBBYING As required by Section 1352, Title 31 of the U.S. Code, and implemented at 34 CFR Part 82, for persons entering into a grant or cooperative agreement over $100,000, as defined at 34 CFR Part 82, Sections 82.105 and 82.110, the applicant certifies that: (a) No Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid, by or on behalf of the undersigned, to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with the marking of any Federal grant, the entering into of any cooperative agreement, and the extension, continuation, renewal, amendment, or modification of any Federal grant or cooperative agreement; (b) If any funds other than Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this Federal grant or cooperative agreement, the undersigned shall complete and submit Standard Form-- LLL, ``Disclosure form to Report Lobbying,'' in accordance with its instructions; (c) The undersigned shall require that the language of this certification be included in the award documents for all subawards at all tiers (including subgrants, contracts under grants and cooperative agreements, and subcontracts) and that all subrecipients shall certify and disclose accordingly. 2. DEBARMENT, SUSPENSION, AND OTHER RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS As required by Executive Order 12549, Debarment and Suspension, and implemented at 34 CFR Part 85, for prospective participants in primary covered transactions, as defined at 34 CFR Part 85, Sections 85.105 and 85.110-- A. The applicant certifies that it and its principals: (a) Are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from covered transactions by any Federal department or agency; (b) Have not within a three-year period proceeding this application been convicted of or had a civil judgement rendered against them for commission of fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a public [[Page 73875]] (Federal, State, or local) transaction or contract under a public transaction; violation of Federal or State antitrust statutes or commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making false statements, or receiving stolen property; (c) Are not presently indicted for or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a governmental entity (Federal, State, or local) with commission of any of the offenses enumerated in paragraph (2)(b) of this certification; and (d) Have not within a three-year period preceding this application had one or more public transaction (Federal, State, or local) terminated for cause or default; and B. Where the applicant is unable to certify to any of the statements in this certification, he or she shall attach an explanation to this application. 3. DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE (GRANTEES OTHER THAN INDIVIDUALS) As required by the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, and implemented at 34 CFR Part 85, Subpart F, for grantees, as defined at CFR Part 85, Sections 85.605 and 85.610-- A. The applicant certifies that it will or will continue to provide a drug-free workplace by: (a) Publishing a statement notifying employees that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the grantee's workplace and specifying the actions that will be taken against employees for violation of such prohibition; (b) Establishing an on-going drug-free awareness program to inform employees about: (1) The dangers of drug abuse in the workplace; (2) The grantee's policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace; (3) Any available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs; and (4) The penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug abuse violations occurring in the workplace; (c) Making it a requirement that each employee to be engaged in the performance of the grant be given a copy of the statement required by paragraph (a); (d) Notifying the employee in the statement required by paragraph (a) that, as a condition of employment under the grant, the employee will: (1) Abide by the terms of the statement; and (2) Notify the employer in writing of his or her conviction for a violation of a criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace no later than five calendar days after such conviction; (e) Notifying the agency, in writing, within 10 calendar days after receiving notice under subparagraph (d)(2) from an employee or otherwise receiving actual notice of such conviction. Employers of convicted employees must provide notice, including position title, to: Director, Grants Policy and Oversight Staff, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W. (Room 3652, GSA Regional Office Building No. 3), Washington, DC 20202-4248. Notice shall include the identification number(s) of each affected grant; (f) Taking one of the following actions, within 30 calendar days of receiving notice under subparagraph (d)(2), with respect to any employee who is so convicted: (1) Taking appropriate personnel action against such an employee, up to and including termination, consistent with the requirements of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; or (2) Requiring such employee to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program, approved for such purposes by a Federal, State, or local health, law enforcement, or other appropriate agency; (g) Making a good faith effort to continue to maintain a drug-free workplace through implementation of paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), and (f). B. The grantee may insert in the space provided below the site(s) for the performance of work done in connection with the specific grant: Place of Performance (Street address, city, county, state, zip code) .---------------------------------------------------------------------- .---------------------------------------------------------------------- .---------------------------------------------------------------------- Check [ ] if there are workplaces on file that are not identified here. DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE (GRANTEES WHO ARE INDIVIDUALS) As required by the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, and implemented at 34 CFR Part 85, Subpart F, for grantees, as defined at 34 CFR Part 85, Sections 85.605 and 85.610-- A. As a condition of the grant, I certify that I will not engage in the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance in conducting any activity with the grant; and B. If convicted of a criminal drug offense resulting from a violation occurring during the conduct of any grant activity, I will report the conviction, in writing, within 10 calendar days of the conviction, to: Director, Grants Policy and Oversight Staff, Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W. (Room 3652, GSA Regional Office Building No. 3), Washington, DC 20202-4248. Notice shall include the identification number(s) of each affected grant. As the duly authorized representative of the applicant, I hereby certify that the applicant will comply with the above certifications. Name Of Applicant .---------------------------------------------------------------------- PR/Award Number and/or Project Name .---------------------------------------------------------------------- Printed Name and Title of Authorized Representative .---------------------------------------------------------------------- Signature .---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date .---------------------------------------------------------------------- Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion--Lower Tier Covered Transactions This certification is required by the Department of Education regulations implementing Executive Order 12549, Debarment and Suspension, 34 CFR Part 85, for all lower tier transactions meeting the threshold and tier requirements stated at Section 85.110. Instructions for Certification 1. By signing and submitting this proposal, the prospective lower tier participant is providing the certification set out below. 2. The certification in this clause is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when this transaction was entered into. If it is later determined that the prospective lower tier participant knowingly rendered an erroneous certification, in addition to other remedies available to the Federal Government, the department or agency with which this transaction originated may pursue available remedies, including suspension and/or debarment. 3. The prospective lower tier participant shall provide immediate written notice to the person to which this proposal is submitted if at any time the prospective lower tier participant learns that its certification was erroneous when submitted or has become erroneous by reason of changed circumstances. 4. The terms ``covered transaction,'' ``debarred,'' ``suspended,'' ``ineligible,'' ``lower tier covered transaction,'' ``participant,'' ``person,'' ``primary covered transaction,'' ``principal,'' ``proposed,'' and ``voluntarily excluded,'' as used in this clause, have [[Page 73876]] the meanings set out in the Definitions and Coverage sections of rules implementing Executive Order 12549. You may contact the person to which this proposal is submitted for assistance in obtaining a copy of those regulations. 5. The prospective lower tier participant agrees by submitting this proposal that, should the proposed covered transaction be entered into, it shall not knowingly enter into any lower tier covered transaction with a person who is debarred, suspended, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this covered transaction, unless authorized by the department or agency with which this transaction originated. 6. The prospective lower tier participant further agrees by submitting this proposal that it will include the clause titled ``Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility, and Voluntary Exclusion-Lower Tier Covered Transactions,'' without modification, in all lower tier covered transactions and in all solicitations for lower tier covered transactions. 7. A participant in a covered transaction may rely upon a certification of a prospective participant in a lower tier covered transaction that it is not debarred, suspended, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from the covered transaction, unless it knows that the certification is erroneous. A participant may decide the method and frequency by which it determines the eligibility of its principals. Each participant may but is not required to, check the Nonprocurement List. 8. Nothing contained in the foregoing shall be construed to require establishment of a system of records in order to render in good faith the certification required by this clause. The knowledge and information of a participant is not required to exceed that which is normally possessed by a prudent person in the ordinary course of business dealings. 9. Except for transactions authorized under paragraph 5 of these instructions, if a participant in a covered transaction knowingly enters into a lower tier covered transaction with a person who is suspended, debarred, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction, in addition to other remedies available to the Federal Government, the department or agency with which this transaction originated may pursue available remedies, including suspension and/or debarment. Certification (1) The prospective lower tier participant certifies, by submission of this proposal, that neither it nor its principals are presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction by any Federal department or agency. (2) Where the prospective lower tier participant is unable to certify to any of the statements in this certification, such prospective participant shall attach an explanation to this proposal. .---------------------------------------------------------------------- Name of Applicant .---------------------------------------------------------------------- PR/Award Number and/or Project Name .---------------------------------------------------------------------- Printed Name and Title of Authorized Representative .---------------------------------------------------------------------- Signature .---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date BILLING CODE 4000-01-U [[Page 73877]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN30DE99.049 BILLING CODE 4000-01-C [[Page 73878]] INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETION OF SF-LLL, DISCLOSURE OF LOBBYING ACTIVITIES This disclosure form shall be completed by the reporting entity, whether subswardee or prime Federal recipient, at the initiation or receipt of a covered Federal action, or a material change to a previous filing, pursuant to title 31 U.S.C. section 1352. The filing of a form is required for each payment or agreement to make payment to any lobbying entity for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with a covered Federal action. Complete all items that apply for both the initial filing and material change report. Refer to the implementing guidance published by the Office of Management and Budget for additional information. 1. Identify the type of covered Federal action for which lobbying activity is and/or has been secured to influence the outcome of a covered Federal action. 2. Identify the status of the covered Federal action. 3. Identify the appropriate classification of this report. If this is a followup report caused by a material change to the information previously reported, enter the year and quarter in which the change occurred. Enter the date of the last previously submitted report by this reporting entity for this covered Federal action. 4. Enter the full name, address, city, State and zip code of the reporting entity, include Congressional District, if known. Check the appropriate classification of the reporting entity that designates if it is, or expects to be, a prime or subaward recipient. Identify the tier of the subawardee, e.g., the first subawardee of the prime is the 1st tier. Subawards include but are not limited to subcontracts, subgrants and contract awards under grants. 5. If the organization filing the report in item 4 checks ``Subawardee,'' then enter the full name, address, city, State and zip code of the prime federal recipient. Include Congressional District, if known 6. Enter the name of the Federal agency making the award or loan commitment. Include at least one organizational level below agency name, if known. For example, Department of Transportation United States Coast Guard. 7. Enter the Federal program name or description for the covered Federal action (item 1). If known enter the full Catalog of Federal Domestic assistance (CFDA) number of grants, cooperative agreements, loans and loan commitments. 8. Enter the most appropriate Federal identifying number available for the Federal action identified in item 1 (i.g., Request for Proposal (RFP) number, Invitation for Bid (IFB) number; grant announcement number; the contract, grant, or loan award number; the application/ proposal control number assigned by the Federal agency). Include prefixes, e.g., ``RFP-DE-90-001.'' 9. For covered Federal action where there has been an award or loan commitment by the Federal agency, enter the Federal amount of the award/loan commitment for the prime entity identified in item 4 or 5. 10. (a) Enter the full name, address, city, State and zip code of the lobbying registrant under the lobbying Disclosure Aid of 1995 engaged by the reporting entity identified in item 4 to influence of the covered Federal action. (b) Enter the full names of the individual(s) performing services, and include full address if different from 10 (a). Enter Last Name, First Name, and Middle Initial (MI). 11. The certifying official shall sign and date the form, print his/her name, title, and telephone number. According to the Paperwork Reduction Act, as amended, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB Control Number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is OMB No. 0348-0046. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average to minutes per response, Including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data estimated to average 10 minutes per response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project (0348-0046), Washington, DC 20503. NOTICE TO ALL APPLICANTS The purpose of this enclosure is to inform you about a new provision in the Department of Education's General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) that applies to applicants for new grant awards under Department programs. This provision is Section 427 of GEPA, enacted as part of the Improving America's Schools Act of 1994 (Pub. L. 103-382). To Whom Does This Provision Apply? Section 427 of GEPA affects applicants for new grant awards under this program. ALL APPLICANTS FOR NEW AWARDS MUST INCLUDE INFORMATION IN THEIR APPLICATIONS TO ADDRESS THIS NEW PROVISION IN ORDER TO RECEIVE FUNDING UNDER THIS PROGRAM. (If this program is a State-formula grant program, a State needs to provide this description only for projects or activities that it carries out with funds reserved for State-level uses. In addition, local school districts or other eligible applicants that apply to the State for funding need to provide this description in their applications to the State for funding. The State would be responsible for ensuring that the school district or other local entity has submitted a sufficient section 427 statement as described below.) What Does This Provision Require? Section 427 requires each applicant for funds (other than an individual person) to include in its application a description of the steps the applicant proposes to take to ensure equitable access to, and participation in, its Federally-assisted program for students, teachers, and other program beneficiaries with special needs. This provision allows applicants discretion in developing the required description. The statute highlights six types of barriers that can impede equitable access or participation: gender, race, national origin, color, disability, or age. Based on local circumstances, you should determine whether these or other barriers may prevent your students, teachers, etc. from such access or participation in, the Federally-funded project or activity. The description in your application of steps to be taken to overcome these barriers need not be lengthy; you may provide a clear and succinct description of how you plan to address those barriers that are applicable to your circumstances. In addition, the information may be provided in a single narrative, or, if appropriate, may be discussed in connection with related topics in the application. Section 427 is not intended to duplicate the requirements of civil rights statutes, but rather to ensure that, in designing their projects, applicants for Federal funds address equity concerns that may affect the ability of certain potential beneficiaries to fully [[Page 73879]] participate in the project and to achieve to high standards. Consistent with program requirements and its approved application, an applicant may use the Federal funds awarded to it to eliminate barriers it identifies. What are Examples of How an Applicant Might Satisfy the Requirement of This Provision? The following examples may help illustrate how an applicant may comply with Section 427. (1) An applicant that proposes to carry out an adult literacy project serving, among others, adults with limited English proficiency, might describe in its application how it intends to distribute a brochure about the proposed project to such potential participants in their native language. (2) An applicant that proposes to develop instructional materials for classroom use might describe how it will make the materials available on audio tape or in braille for students who are blind. (3) An applicant that proposes to carry out a model science program for secondary students and is concerned that girls may be less likely than boys to enroll in the course, might indicate how it intends to conduct ``outreach'' efforts to girls, to encourage their environment. We recognize that many applicants may already be implementing effective steps to ensure equity of access and participation in their grant programs, and we appreciate your cooperation in responding to the requirements of this provision. Estimated Burden Statement for GEPA Requirements The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to vary from 1 to 3 hours per response, with an average of 1.5 hours, including the time to review instructions, search existing data resources, gather and maintain the data needed, and complete and review the information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate(s) or suggestions for improving this form, please write to: U.S. Department of Education, Washington, DC 20202-4651. [FR Doc. 99-33637 Filed 12-29-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000-01-U