[Federal Register: August 5, 1997 (Volume 62, Number 150)] [Notices] [Page 42108-42112] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr05au97-36] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Postsecondary Education: Direct Grant Programs and Fellowship Programs AGENCY: Department of Education. ACTION: Notice inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year 1998. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education invites applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 1998 under a number of the Department's direct grant and fellowship programs and announces deadline dates for the transmittal of applications under these programs. This combined notice also lists other programs and competitions of the Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) under which application notices for new awards for FY 1998 will be published at a later date. DATES: For each program and competition announced in this notice, the chart includes the following dates: the date on which applications will be available, the deadline for submission of applications, and--for programs subject to Executive Order (EO) 12372 (Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs)--the deadline date for transmittal of State Process Recommendations by State Single Points of Contact (SPOCs) and comments by other interested parties. ADDRESSES: For Applications or Further Information: The address and telephone number for obtaining applications for, or further information about, an individual program are in the application notice for that program. For Users of TDD or FIRS: Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the TDD number, if any, listed in the individual application notices. If a TDD number is not listed for a given program, individuals who use a TDD may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday. For Intergovernmental Review: The address for transmitting recommendations and comments under Executive Order 12372 is in the appendix to this notice. For Electronic Access to Information: Information about the Department's funding opportunities, including copies of application notices for discretionary grant competitions, can be viewed on the Department's electronic bulletin board (ED Board), telephone (202) 260- 9950; or on the World Wide Web (at http://gcs.ed.gov/). However, the official application notice for a discretionary grant competition is the notice published in the Federal Register. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This combined application notice contains those application announcements that the Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education is able to publish at this time. The Assistant Secretary has announced, or intends to announce, separately the following additional program competitions for the Office of Postsecondary Education under which the Department plans to make new awards for FY 1998: * CFDA No. 84.031A. Strengthening Institutions Program. * CFDA No. 84.031H. Designation as an Eligible Institution for the Strengthening Institutions and Endowment Challenge Grant Programs. * CFDA No. 84.200. Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need Program. * CFDA No. 84.262. Programs to Encourage Minority Students to Become Teachers. * CFDA No. 84.103. Training Program for Federal TRIO Programs * CFDA No. 84.066. Educational Opportunity Centers Program * CFDA No. 84.031G. Endowment Challenge Grant Program * CFDA No. 84.044. Talent Search Program * CFDA No. 84.116A&B. Comprehensive Program. * CFDA No. 84.116J. European Community/United States of America Joint Consortia for Cooperation in Higher Education and Vocational Education. * CFDA No. 84.116N. Program for North American Mobility in Higher Education. * CFDA No. 84.116P. Disseminating Proven Reforms. * CFDA No. 84.116R. Institutional Restructuring in Higher Education. Available Funds The Congress has not yet enacted a FY 1998 appropriation for the Department of Education. The Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education is publishing this notice in order to give potential applicants adequate time to prepare applications. The estimates of the amounts of funds that will be available for these programs are based on the President's FY 1998 budget request. Potential applicants should note, however, that the Congress may increase, eliminate, or reduce funding in FY 1998 for some of the discretionary grant programs administered by the Department. Final action on the FY 1998 appropriation may require the Department to cancel some of the competitions announced in this notice, as well as some of those the notice indicates will be announced at a later date. The Department of Education is not bound by any of the Estimates in this notice. National Education Goals In developing this combined application notice the Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education has sought to ensure that programs awarding grants during FY 1998 will further achieve the National Education Goals, as found in Pub. L. 103-227 (the Goals 2000: Educate America Act, enacted March 31, 1994). The Secretary encourages applicants under these programs to consider the National [[Page 42109]] Education Goals in developing their applications. The National Education Goals for the year 2000 are as follows: * All children in America will start school ready to learn. * The high school graduation rate will increase to at least 90 percent. * All students will leave grades 4, 8, and 12 having demonstrated competency in challenging subject matter, including English, mathematics, science, foreign languages, civics and government, economics, arts, history, and geography; and every school in America will ensure that all students learn to use their minds well, so they may be prepared for responsible citizenship, further learning, and productive employment in our Nation's modern economy. * United States students will be first in the world in mathematics and science achievement. * Every adult American will be literate and will possess the knowledge and skills necessary to compete in a global economy and exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. * Every school in the United States will be free of drugs, violence, and the unauthorized presence of firearms and alcohol and will offer a disciplined environment conducive to learning. * The Nation's teaching force will have access to programs for the continued improvement of their professional skills and the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to instruct and prepare all American students for the next century. * Every school will promote partnerships that will increase parental involvement and participation in promoting the social, emotional, and academic growth of children. Applicability of Section 5301 of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 A number of programs listed in this announcement provide that a grant, fellowship, traineeship, or other monetary benefit may be awarded to an individual. This award may be made to the individual either directly by the Department or by a grantee that receives Federal funds for the purpose of providing, for example, fellowships, traineeships, or other awards to individuals. Section 5301 of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 (Pub. L. 100-690; 21 U.S.C. 862) provides that a sentencing court may deny eligibility for certain Federal benefits to an individual convicted of drug trafficking or possession. Thus, an individual who applies for a grant, fellowship, or other monetary benefit under a program covered by this notice should understand that, if convicted of drug trafficking or possession, he or she is subject to denial of eligibility for that benefit if the sentencing court imposes such a sanction. This denial applies whether the Federal benefit is provided to the individual directly by the Department or is provided through a grant, fellowship, traineeship, or other award made available with Federal funds by a grantee. Any persons determined to be ineligible for Federal benefits under the provisions of section 5301 are listed in the General Services Administration's ``Lists of Parties Excluded from Federal Procurement or Nonprocurement Programs.'' Applicability of the Federal Debt Collection Procedures Act of 1990 The programs listed in the chart make discretionary awards subject to the eligibility requirements of the Federal Debt Collection Procedures Act of 1990 (Pub. L. 101-647; 28 U.S.C. 3201). The Act provides that if there is a judgment lien against a debtor's property for a debt to the United States, the debtor is not eligible to receive a Federal grant or loan, except direct payments to which the debtor is entitled as beneficiary, until the judgment is paid in full or otherwise satisfied. Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs Certain programs in this notice are subject to the requirements of EO 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79. These programs are identified in the chart by a date in the column headed ``Deadline for intergovernmental review.'' For further information, an applicant under a program subject to the Executive order--and other parties interested in that program--are directed to the appendix to this notice. Chart 5.--Office of Postsecondary Education -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Estimated Applications Application Deadline for average Estimated CFDA No. and Name available deadline intergovernmental Estimated range of awards size of number of date review awards awards -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 84.016A--Undergraduate International 8/29/97 11/3/97 1/2/98 Single institutions: $40,000-90,000......... $64,000 22 Studies and Foreign Language Program. Consortia and associations:................. 90,000 4 75,000-100,000 84.017A--International Research and 8/29/97 10/31/97 N/A 40,000-150,000.............................. 83,000 10 Studies Program. 84.019A--Fulbright-Hays Faculty 8/29/97 10/27/97 N/A 18,000-70,000............................... \1\ 41,000 \2\ 31 Research Abroad Program. 84.021A--Fulbright-Hays Group 8/22/97 10/20/97 N/A 35,000-65,000............................... 58,000 24 Projects Abroad Program. 84.022A--Fulbright-Hays Doctoral 8/29/97 10/27/97 N/A 12,000-60,000............................... \1\ 24,000 \2\ 75 Dissertation Research Abroad Program. 84.153A--Business and International 8/29/97 11/7/97 1/6/98 50,000-90,000............................... 75,000 27 Education Program. 84.220A--Centers for International 8/29/97 11/10/97 1/9/98 200,000-310,000............................. 276,000 13 Business Education Program. 84.316A--Native Hawaiian Higher 10/31/97 01/30/98 04/01/98 500,000-1,000,000........................... 500,000 2 Education Program. 84.120A--Minority Science 10/15/97 12/22/97 02/13/97 Institutional Projects:..................... 120,000 15 Improvement Program--Institutional, 100,000-200,000............................. Design, Special, and Cooperative Projects. Design Projects:............................ 18,000 2 15,000-20,000 [[Page 42110]] Special Projects:........................... 25,000 12 20,000-150,000 Cooperative Projects:....................... 280,000 3 20,000-500,000 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ Per fellow. \2\ Indiv. fellowships. 84.016A Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language Program Purpose of Program: To provide grants to strengthen and improve undergraduate instruction in international studies and foreign languages in the United States. Eligible Applicants: Institutions of higher education; combinations of institutions of higher education; and public and nonprofit private agencies and organizations, including professional and scholarly associations. Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR parts 74, 75, 77, 79, 82, 85, and 86; and (b) The regulations for this program in 34 CFR parts 655 and 658. Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 86 apply to institutions of higher education only. Priority: Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i), 34 CFR 658.35, and section 604(a)(4) of title VI of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended by the Higher Education Amendments of 1992, the Secretary gives preference to applications that meet the following competitive priority. The Secretary awards five points to an application depending upon how well the application meets the priority. These points are in addition to any points the application earns under the selection criteria for the program: Applications from institutions of higher education or combinations of institutions that-- (a) Require entering students to have successfully completed at least two years of secondary school foreign language instruction; (b) Require each graduating student to earn two years of postsecondary credit in a foreign language or have demonstrated equivalent competence in the foreign language; (c) In the case of a two-year degree granting institution, offer two years of postsecondary credit in a foreign language. Supplementary Information: An institutional grantee shall pay a minimum of 50 percent of the cost of the project for each fiscal year. Project Period: 24 months for single institutions; and 36 months for consortia and associations. For Applications or Information Contact: Christine Corey, U.S. Department of Education, 600 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20202-5332. Telephone: (202) 401-9798. Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1124. 84.017A International Research and Studies Program Purpose of Program: To provide grants to conduct research and studies to improve and strengthen instruction in modern foreign languages, area studies, and other international fields to provide full understanding of the places in which the foreign languages are commonly used. Eligible applicants: Public and private agencies, organizations, and institutions; and individuals. Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR parts 74, 75, 77, 80, 82, 85, and 86; and (b) The regulations for this program in 34 CFR parts 655 and 660. Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 86 apply to institutions of higher education only. Priorities: Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i) and 34 CFR 660.34 and 660.10, the Secretary gives preference to applications that meet the following competitive priority. The Secretary awards five points to an application depending upon how well the application meets the priority. These points are in addition to any points the application earns under the selection criteria for the program: Studies and surveys to assess the use of graduates of programs supported under title VI of the Higher Education Act, as amended, by governmental, educational, and private sector organizations; and other studies assessing the outcomes and effectiveness of programs supported under title VI. Project Period: Up to 36 months; and up to 60 months for projects addressing the priority. For Applications or Information Contact: Jose L. Martinez, U.S. Department of Education, 600 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20202-5331. Telephone: (202) 401-9784. Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1125. 84.019A Fulbright-Hays Faculty Research Abroad Program 84.022A Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad Program Purpose of Programs: (a) The Faculty Research Abroad Program offers opportunities to faculty members of higher education for research and study in modern foreign languages and area studies. (b) The Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad Fellowship Program provides opportunities for graduate students to engage in full-time dissertation research abroad in modern foreign languages and area studies. Eligible Applicants: Institutions of higher education. Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR parts 74, 75, 77, 81, 82, 85, and 86; and (b) The regulations for these programs in 34 CFR parts 662 and 663. Priorities: Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(3), 34 CFR 663.32(c) (Higher Education Programs in Modern Foreign Language Training and Area Studies--Faculty Research Abroad Fellowship Program), and 34 CFR 662.32(c) (Higher Education Programs in Modern Foreign Language Training and Area Studies--Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad Fellowship Program) the Secretary gives an absolute preference to applications that meet the following priority. The Secretary funds only applications that meet this absolute priority: Research projects that focus on one or more of the following: Africa, East Asia, [[Page 42111]] Southeast Asia and the Pacific, South Asia, the Near East, East Central Europe and Eurasia, and the Western Hemisphere (Central and South America and the Caribbean). Note: Applications that propose projects focused on Western Europe will not be funded. Project Period: Three to 12 months for Faculty Research Abroad; and 6 to 12 months for Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad. For Applications or Information Contact: For Faculty Research Abroad Program: Eliza Washington, U.S. Department of Education, 600 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20202-5331. Telephone: (202) 401-9777. For Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad Program: Karla Ver Bryck Block, U.S. Department of Education, 600 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20202-5331. Telephone: (202) 401-9774. Program Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6). 84.021A Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad Program Purpose of Program: To provide grants to support overseas projects in training, research, and curriculum development in modern foreign languages and area studies by teachers, students, and faculty engaged in a common endeavor. Projects may include short-term seminars, curriculum development, group research or study, or advanced intensive language projects. Note: Applications for advanced intensive language projects will not be accepted under this competition. Eligible Applicants: Institutions of higher education; State departments of education; nonprofit private educational organizations; and consortia of these types of institutions, departments, and organizations. Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR parts 74, 75, 77, 80, 81, 82, 85, and 86; and (b) The regulations for this program in 34 CFR part 664. Priorities: Absolute Priority: Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(3) and 34 CFR 664.32 the Secretary gives an absolute preference to applications that meet the following priority. The Secretary funds only applications that meet this absolute priority: Group projects that focus on one or more of the following: Africa, East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific, the Western Hemisphere (Central and South America and the Caribbean), East Central Europe and Eurasia, and the Near East. Note: Applications that propose projects focused on Western Europe will not be funded. Competitive Priority: Within the absolute priority specified in this notice, the Secretary, under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i) and 34 CFR 664.32, gives preference to applications that meet the following competitive priority. The Secretary awards up to five points to an application depending upon how well the application meets the priority. These points are in addition to any points the application earns under the selection criteria for the program: Short-term seminars that develop and improve foreign language and area studies at elementary and secondary schools. Project Period: For short-term seminars and curriculum development projects: four to six weeks. For group research or study projects: two to twelve months. For Applications or Information Contact: Dr. Lungching Chiao, U.S. Department of Education, 600 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202-5332. Telephone: (202) 401-9772. Program Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6). 84.120A Minority Science Improvement Program--Institutional, Design, Special, and Cooperative Projects Purpose of Program: To effect long-range improvement in science education at predominantly minority institutions and to increase the flow of under represented ethnic minorities, particularly minority women, into scientific careers. Eligible Applicants: (a) For institutional, design, and special projects described in 34 CFR 637.14 (a), (b) and (c): Public and nonprofit private minority institutions. Note: A minority institution is defined in 34 CFR 637.4(b) as an accredited college or university whose enrollment of a single minority group or combination of minority groups, as defined in 34 CFR 637.4(b), exceeds 50 percent of the total enrollment. (b) For special projects described in 34 CFR 637.14(b) and (c): Non-profit science-oriented organizations; professional scientific societies; and nonprofit accredited colleges and universities that render a needed service to a group of eligible minority institutions, as defined in 34 CFR 637.4(b), or that provide in service training of project directors, scientists, and engineers from eligible minority institutions. (c) For cooperative projects: Groups of nonprofit accredited colleges and universities whose primary fiscal agent is an eligible minority institution, as defined in 34 CFR 637.4(b). Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR parts 74, 75, 77, 79, 82, 85, and 86; and (b) The regulations for this program in 34 CFR part 637. Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 86 apply to institutions of higher education only. Project Period: Up to 36 months. For Applications or Information Contact: Dr. Argelia Velez- Rodriguez, U.S. Department of Education, 600 Independence Avenue, SW, Courtyard Suite C-80, Portals Building, Washington, DC 20202-5329. Telephone: (202) 260-3261 or by internet to argelia__velez__rodriguez@ED.GOV. The Department encourages applicants to FAX requests for applications to: (202) 260-7615. Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1135b-1135b-3, 1135d-1135d-6. 84.153A Business and International Education Program Purpose of Program: To provide grants both to enhance international business education programs and expand the capacity of the business community to engage in international economic activities. Eligible Applicants: Institutions of higher education that have entered into agreements with business enterprises, trade organizations, or associations engaged in international economic activity. Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR parts 74, 75, 77, 79, 82, 85, and 86; and (b) The regulations for this program in 34 CFR parts 655 and 661. Supplementary Information: A grantee shall pay a minimum of 50 percent of the cost of the project for each fiscal year. Project Period: 24 months. For Applications or Information Contact: Sarah T. Beaton, U.S. Department of Education, 600 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20202-5332. Telephone: (202) 401-9798. Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1130-1130b. [[Page 42112]] 84.220A Centers for International Business Education Program Purpose of Program: To provide grants to eligible applicants to pay the Federal share of the cost of planning, establishing, and operating centers for international business. Eligible Applicants: Institutions of higher education; and combinations of institutions of higher education. Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR parts 74, 75, 77, 79, 82, 85, and 86; and (b) Because there are no program-specific regulations for this program, applicants are encouraged to read the authorizing statute for the Centers for International Business Education Program, under section 612 of part B, title VI, of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended. Selection Criteria: In evaluating applications for grants under this program, the Secretary uses new EDGAR selection criteria in 34 CFR 75.209 and 75.210. Applicants may obtain a copy of these criteria from the individual listed as the information contact for this program. The criteria also will be listed in the application. Project Period: 48 months. For Applications or Information Contact: Susanna C. Easton, U.S. Department of Education, 600 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202-5332. Telephone: (202) 708-4804. Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1130-1. 84.316 Native Hawaiian Higher Education Program Purpose of Program: To provide direct grants for a program of baccalaureate and postbaccalaureate fellowship assistance to Native Hawaiian students. Program activities may include--(a) Full or partial fellowship support for Native Hawaiian students enrolled at two-or four-year degree-granting institutions of higher education with awards to be based on academic potential and financial need; (b) full or partial fellowship support for Native Hawaiian students enrolled at postbaccalaureate degree-granting institutions of higher education with priority given to providing fellowship support for professions in which Native Hawaiians are under represented and with fellowship awards to be based on academic potential and financial need; (c) counseling and support services for students receiving fellowship assistance under this program; (d) college preparation and guidance counseling at secondary school level for students who may be eligible for fellowship support under this program; (e) appropriate research and evaluation of the activities authorized under this program; and (f) implementation of faculty development programs for the improvement and matriculation of Native Hawaiian students. Eligible Applicants: Native Hawaiian private nonprofit educational organizations or educational entities with experience in developing or operating Native Hawaiian programs or programs of instruction conducted in the Native Hawaiian language are eligible, as defined in Section 9212 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR parts 74, 75, 77, 79, 80, 81, 82, 85, and 86; and (b) Because there are no program-specific regulations for this program, applicants are encouraged to read the authorizing statute for the Native Hawaiian Higher Education Program under sections 9206 and 9212 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Selection Criteria: In evaluating applications for grants under this program, the Secretary uses new EDGAR selection criteria in 34 CFR 75.209 and 75.210. Applicants may obtain a copy of these criteria from the individual listed as the information contact for this program. The criteria also will be listed in the application. Project Period: Up to 36 months. For Applications or Information Contact: Collie Pollock, U.S. Department of Education, 600 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20202. Telephone: (202) 708-4804 Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 7905 Sec. 9206. Dated: August 1, 1997. Maureen A. McLaughlin, Acting Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education. Appendix Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs This appendix applies to each program that 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 of those States under the Executive Order. In States that have not established a process or chosen a program for review, State, area-wide, 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, area- wide, regional, and local entities must be mailed or hand-delivered by the date indicated in this notice to the following address: The Secretary, EO 12372--CFDA# (commenter must insert number--including suffix letter, if any), U.S. Department of Education, Room 6213, 600 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202-0124. 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. State Single Points of Contact Note: In accordance with Executive Order 12372, this listing represents the designated State Single Points of Contact. Because participation is voluntary some States no longer participate in the process. These include: Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington. The list of designated State Single Points of Contact was published in the Federal Register on August 20, 1996 at 61 FR 43133. [FR Doc. 97-20716 Filed 8-4-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000-01-P