[Federal Register: May 19, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 96)] [Notices] [Page 27409-27433] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr19my99-117] [[Page 27409]] _______________________________________________________________________ Part V Department of Education _______________________________________________________________________ Office of Vocational and Adult Education, National Research Centers; Inviting Applications for New Awards for Fiscal Year 1999; Notice [[Page 27410]] DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION [CFDA No: 84.051] Office of Vocational and Adult Education, National Research Centers (National Centers and Centers); Notice Inviting Applications for New Awards for Fiscal Year (FY) 1999 Notice to Applicants: This notice is a complete application package. Together with the statute authorizing the program and the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), the notice contains all of the information, application forms, and instructions needed to apply for a cooperative agreement under these competitions. SUMMARY: The Secretary invites applications for two new awards for FY 1999 under the National Research Centers authority of sections 114(c)(5) and (6) of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998 (Act) and announces deadline dates for the transmittal of applications for funding under that program authority. The Secretary plans to hold two separate competitions for the National Centers, with the same closing date. Applicants may apply under one or both competitions. PURPOSE OF PROGRAM: Sections 114(c)(5) and (6) of the Act authorize the Secretary to establish one or more National Centers for the purpose of conducting research, development, evaluation, dissemination, and professional development activities, designed to improve the quality and effectiveness of academic, vocational, and technical education in secondary and postsecondary institutions. Given this flexibility, the Secretary has endeavored to design Centers that would best address the statutory requirements while meeting the most important needs of the vocational and technical education community. For assistance in accomplishing this goal, the Secretary sought the views of interested parties. First, the Secretary invited public comments and suggestions on how to configure the National Center or Centers through a notice published in the Federal Register (March 1, 1999 (64 FR 10076)). Second, the Secretary actively solicited the views of prospective customers of the Centers, especially those of States, in accordance with section 114(c)(5)(A) of the Act. The Secretary held individual and group consultation sessions with representatives of community colleges and State vocational and technical education programs, practitioners, researchers, policy makers, and disseminators. The interest and enthusiasm of persons expressing views provided for a very rich exchange of very thoughtful ideas that the Secretary found invaluable when making decisions about the scope and structure of the National Centers. A summary of the comments and suggestions received by the Secretary are on the Internet at: http://www.ed.gov/offices/OVAE/ncrperk111.html. One of the most substantive decisions facing the Secretary in implementing sections 114(c)(5) and (6) of the Act was to determine the most effective structure for the National Center or Centers. The Secretary considered the clear meaning of the Act; congressional intent; the suggestions of stakeholders; and possible activities, focuses, and audiences to be served by the National Center or Centers and weighed the advantages and opportunities of a variety of possible options for configuring a National Center or Centers. The Act clearly highlights (1) research and (2) dissemination and professional development as two of the most important functions of the National Center or Centers. Moreover, the Act challenges the Secretary to support high quality research, development, evaluation, dissemination, and professional development activities while, at the same time, minimizing duplication of effort among these required activities. Section 114(c)(5) of the Act requires a Center to perform specifically identified research activities. Section 114(c)(5)(A)(iii)(II) of the Act authorizes a Center to carry out dissemination and professional development activities and section 114(c)(5)(C) of the Act requires all Centers established under section 114(c)(5) of the Act to conduct dissemination and professional development activities based upon the research described in section 114(c)(5)(A) of the Act. Further, sections 114(c)(6)(A) and (B)(ii) of the Act authorize the Secretary to provide for technical assistance upon request of a State and for the dissemination of best practices information through a National Center or Centers. The emphasis Congress placed on (1) research and (2) dissemination and professional development activities lends support to the establishment of two Centers. The Secretary believes that Congress intended, through the use of numerous references in the Act (sections 114(c)(5)(A)(iii)(I), 114(c)(5)(A)(iii)(II), and (C), and 114(c)(6)(A) and (B)(ii)), to emphasize the critical importance of dissemination and professional development activities, especially those involving the research of the National Centers. Most significantly, in view of section 114(c)(5)(C) of the Act, the Secretary believes Congress intended that research conducted by the Centers contribute to the efforts of State and local agencies to improve the quality and effectiveness of vocational and technical education. Through their correspondence and during consultation sessions with the Secretary, stakeholders overwhelmingly identified needs that would be best met through National Centers that focus on dissemination and research activities. While agreeing that basic and applied research are needed, many stakeholders expressed the view that dissemination of information for practitioners is the most important function a National Center should perform. Stakeholders thought that researchers typically used presentations at conferences and articles in research journals as the primary vehicles for sharing research findings. These stakeholders thought that the National Centers should be responsive to the needs of the field and use a variety of proactive dissemination strategies to reach target audiences. Further, a majority of stakeholders thought the National Centers should use a variety of innovative approaches for carrying out all of the Centers' functions; be responsive to the needs of constituencies, especially by focusing on activities that have practical applications; involve the field when establishing research and dissemination agendas; and leverage available resources, including partnering and coordinating with exiting networks, professional organizations, and research and dissemination efforts at the Federal, State, and local levels. After much deliberation, and following the consultations discussed earlier, the Secretary has determined that two Centers are needed for the most effective implementation of the Act and to meet the distinct needs of the vocational and technical education community. Therefore, the Secretary plans to establish: (1) the National Research Center for Career and Technical Education (Research Center) and (2) the National Dissemination Center for Career and Technical Education (Dissemination Center). The Secretary believes this configuration will result in the most effective services being offered by the Centers and will ensure that the work of the Centers will be of high quality, relevant, timely, and accessible to the vocational and technical education community. In addition, the research and dissemination activities provided for in [[Page 27411]] sections 114(c)(5) and (6)(A) of the Act are more likely to be appropriately addressed by two Centers since each activity will be the focus of a separate Center. While there was no clear preference expressed by stakeholders on the number of Centers the Secretary should establish, the types of activities stakeholders viewed as being most beneficial to them strongly suggests that it is preferable to establish two Centers. In addition, the Secretary believes the complexity and magnitude of the research and dissemination activities required by the Act provide strong support for the establishment of two Centers. The Secretary also believes that significant benefits would be derived from having one of these Centers focus on dissemination and professional development activities, which were identified by stakeholders as their most critical need. In sum, a few advantages of two Centers are: (a) Providing a nationally recognized and centralized mechanism for a broad and comprehensive dissemination and professional development effort; (b) Providing access, via technology, networking, and brokering, to research best practices developed by entities other than the National Centers supported under section 114(c) of the Act; and (c) Allowing the National Research Center for Career and Technical Education to focus on the important work of research, and at the same time minimize the amount of resources it would use to support dissemination and professional development activities. The establishment of a Center to focus on dissemination and professional development will certainly reduce the amount of resources the Secretary expects a Research Center to devote to carrying out dissemination and professional development activities. However, in light of the requirement in section 114(c)(5)(C) of the Act, the Secretary expects the Research Center to play a key role in dissemination and professional development efforts. The Secretary believes that a researcher's knowledge of his or her research activities is invaluable when translating that research into practice-- it enhances the product being disseminated. For this reason, the Secretary believes that researchers of the Research Center shall be involved in dissemination and professional development activities. The nature and extent of that role would depend on the activities proposed by successful applicants under this competition. However, the Secretary expects, at a minimum, that an entity entering into a cooperative agreement with the Department for the Research Center will (1) make its research and researchers available for the translation of research into practice that is carried out by the Dissemination Center and (2) disseminate information on its work through a wide variety of means, including research and practitioner journals, conference presentations, newspapers and magazines, newsletters, and technology, as appropriate. Further, the Secretary expects, as a part of the overall coordination of all activities of the Centers, that both Centers will coordinate their dissemination and professional development activities to ensure that any duplication of effort is reduced or eliminated. A more detailed discussion of coordination to be carried out by the Centers is in paragraph (b) of the ``Program Requirements'' section of this notice. The Secretary plans to make awards for the Research Center and Dissemination Center using cooperative agreements. The Secretary expects the Department's interaction with the recipients of awards to be characterized by continuing and regular participation in the project, unusually close collaboration with the recipient, and intervention or direct operational involvement in the review and approval of project activities. Eligible Applicants: The following entities are eligible for an award under this program: (a) An institution of higher education. (b) A public or private nonprofit organization or agency. (See 34 CFR 75.51, How to prove nonprofit status.) (c) A consortium of institutions, organizations, or agencies in paragraphs (a) or (b) of this section of this notice. Eligible applicants seeking to apply for funds as a consortium should read the regulations in 34 CFR 75.127-75.129, which discuss group applications. Transmittal of Applications ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Project Title and CFDA No. Deadline for transmittal of Available funds per year Number of period in applications awards months ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- National Research Center for August 2, 1999................ $2,250,000 (est.). 1 60 Career and Technical Education. Funding for the second through fifth 12-month period of the 60-month project period is subject to the availability of funds and to the grantee meeting the requirements of 34 CFR 75.253. National Dissemination Center August 2, 1999................ $2,250,000 (est.). 1 60 for Career and Technical Funding for the second Education. through fifth 12-month period of the 60-month project period is subject to the availability of funds and to the grantee meeting the requirements of 34 CFR 75.253. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Secretary believes National Centers have a unique role that enables them to serve as effective catalysts for program improvement. In this regard, the Secretary believes that in carrying out section 114(c)(5) and (6) of the Act, both National Centers should-- (a) Build a knowledge base that is critical to increasing the quality and improving the effectiveness of vocational and technical education programs; (b) Help to redefine vocational education and spearhead conversations on reform; (c) Conduct activities that show a balanced agenda that addresses secondary and postsecondary vocational and technical education issues; (d) Contribute significantly to both theory and practice, especially in areas that are relevant to practitioners and in emerging areas of practice that are not well defined; and (e) Translate research into practice for teachers, counselors, administrators, and policy makers through dissemination, professional development, and technical assistance. Center Activites Under section 114(c) of the Act, the Secretary will award cooperative agreements to establish (1) a National Research Center for Career and [[Page 27412]] Technical Education and (2) a National Dissemination Center for Career and Technical Education. National Research Center for Career and Technical Education The purpose of the National Research Center is to design and conduct, using a variety of approaches, research, development, and evaluation activities that are consistent with the purposes of the Act. The National Research Center shall design and conduct-- (a) Research for the purpose of developing, improving, and identifying the most successful methods for addressing the education, employment, and professional development needs of participants in vocational and technical education programs, including research and evaluation in such activities as-- (1) The integration of vocational and technical instruction, and academic, secondary and postsecondary instruction; (2) Education technology and distance learning approaches and strategies that are effective in the delivery of vocational and technical education; (3) ``State-adjusted levels of performance'' and ``State levels of performance'' that serve to improve vocational and technical education programs and student achievement; and (4) Academic knowledge and vocational and technical skills required for employment or participation in postsecondary education. (b) Research to increase the effectiveness and improve the implementation of vocational and technical education programs, including-- (1) Conducting research and development; and (2) Carrying out studies that provide longitudinal information or formative evaluation with respect to vocational and technical education programs and student achievement. (c) Research that can be used to improve pre-service and in-service professional development and enhance learning in the vocational and technical education classroom. (d) Research the Secretary determines appropriate to assist State and local recipients of funds under the Act and research in such a manner and with methods that are responsive to the changing and unanticipated needs of the vocational and technical education community. (e) Dissemination and professional development activities based upon the research described in paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section of this notice, including coordination with the Dissemination Center and information sharing through a wide variety of approaches, including research and practitioner journals, conference presentations, newspapers and magazines, newsletters, and technology, as appropriate. National Dissemination Center for Career and Technical Education The purpose of the National Dissemination Center is to design and conduct, using a variety of approaches, national level dissemination and professional development activities that are consistent with the purposes of the Act. The National Dissemination Center shall design and conduct-- (a) Comprehensive dissemination and professional development activities that are-- (1) Related to the applied research and demonstration activities described in section 114(c) of the Act, which may also include serving as a repository for information on vocational and technical skills, State academic standards, and related materials; and (2) Based upon the research carried out by the National Research Center. (b) Effective in-service and pre-service professional development to assist vocational and technical education systems. (c) The dissemination of best practices information and the provision of technical assistance, for the purposes of developing, improving, and identifying the most successful methods and techniques for providing vocational and technical education programs assisted under the Act. Priorities: Using as a basis the suggestions that were provided by stakeholders on the scope and structure of the Centers, the Secretary has identified a number of issues that are important as initial foci for the National Research and Dissemination Centers. The issues have been separated into two types of priorities: competitive and invitational. Although extra points will be awarded to applicants addressing competitive priorities, the Secretary encourages applicants to incorporate as many as possible of both types of priorities into their applications. Competitive Priorities Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(ii), the Secretary gives preference to applications that meet the following competitive priorities. The Secretary awards up to five points to an application that meets the competitive priority in a particularly effective way. These points are in addition to any points an application earns under the selection criteria for the program. Research Center Competitive Priority 1--Program Improvement (up to 5 Points) Activities that promote reform and improvement in instructional practices; that promote learning that effectively transfers from the classroom to the workplace; and that result in measurable student achievement of academic and technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers (e.g., integrated academic and technical learning, skills competencies, career pathways and school-wide restructuring). Competitive Priority 2--Professional Development (up to 5 Points) Activities that investigate, validate, and promote professional development, such as effective models of pedagogy and models of applied learning. Competitive Priority 3--Effective Links Between Employment Knowledge and Skills and Academic Competencies (up to 5 Points) Activities that investigate and validate the most successful methods and techniques for improving student achievement through effective links between employment knowledge and skills and academic competencies that support transitions to employment, post secondary education, and life-long learning. Dissemination Center Competitive Priority 1--Translating Research to Practice (up to 5 Points) Activities that translate research into promising or best practices, including synthesizing research and technical reports into applied tools and practitioner-oriented documents and materials. Competitive Priority 2--Most Successful Practices (up to 5 Points) Activities that identify and share the most successful products, programs, and practices for enhancing student achievement and performance, including participation in non-traditional training, and that address the immediate needs of practitioners. Competitive Priority 3--Professional Development (up to 5 Points) Professional development activities that lead to high-quality and effective professionals providing services and programs under the Act. Invitational Priorities Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(1), the Secretary is particularly interested in applications that meet the following [[Page 27413]] invitational priorities. However, an application that meets an invitational priority does not receive competitive or absolute preference over other applications. Research Center Invitational Priority 1--Technology Activities that investigate and validate the appropriate use of technology to facilitate the learning process and provide a basis for adoption/adaptation by others. Invitational Priority 2--Evaluation Activities that develop and validate appropriate evaluation methods and tools that assess student achievement and educational effectiveness at the State and local levels. Dissemination Center Invitational Priority--Technical Assistance Activities to deliver technical assistance to States and ``eligible recipients'' for the purposes of developing, improving, and identifying the most successful methods and techniques for providing programs and activities under the Act. Selection Criteria: Except as noted, the Secretary uses the following selection criteria to evaluate applications for new awards under both the competition for the National Research Center for Career and Technical Education and the competition for the National Dissemination Center for Career and Technical Education. Note: Under the criterion ``Quality of project design'', the elements in paragraph (a)(1) will be used to evaluate only applications for the National Research Center. Under the criterion ``Quality of project design'', the elements in paragraph (a)(2) will be used to evaluate only applications for the National Dissemination Center. (a)(1) (For use in evaluating only applications for the National Research Center.) Quality of project design (40 points). (i) The Secretary considers the quality of the project design. (ii) In determining the quality of the design of the proposed project, the Secretary considers the following factors: (A) The extent to which the proposed project represents an approach that is exceptional for each of the required research, development, dissemination, and professional development activities provided for in section 114(c)(5)(A)(i), (ii), (iii)(I), and (iv); (B); and (C) of the Act, and under the heading National Research Center for Career and Technical Education in this notice. (B) The importance or magnitude of the research proposed by the project, especially as it relates to improvement in teaching and student achievement. (C) The extent to which the proposed activities constitute a coherent, sustained program of research and development in the field of vocational and technical education, including, as appropriate, a substantial addition to an ongoing line of inquiry. (D) The extent to which the proposed research design includes a thorough, high-quality review of the relevant literature, a high- quality plan for research activities, and the use of appropriate theoretical models and methodological tools, including those of a variety of approaches. (E) The extent to which the 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. (F) The potential contribution of the proposed project to increased knowledge and understanding of educational issues, or effective strategies to improve vocational and technical programs. (G) The extent to which the project proposes models of dissemination that incorporate approaches that meet the needs of different communities of users. (H) The extent to which the proposed project will be coordinated with similar or related efforts, and with other appropriate community, State, and Federal resources. (I) 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 underrepresented based on race, color, national origin, gender, age, or ability. (a)(2) (For use in evaluating only applications for the National Dissemination Center.) Quality of project design (40 points). (i) The Secretary considers the quality of the project design. (ii) In determining the quality of the design of the proposed project, the Secretary considers the following factors: (A) The extent to which the proposed project represents an approach that is exceptional for each of the required dissemination and professional development activities described in section 114(c)(5)(A)(iii)(II); (B); (C); and (6)(A) of the Act and under the heading National Dissemination Center for Career and Technical Education in this notice. (B) The extent to which the proposed dissemination design includes a thorough, high-quality review of the relevant literature, a high- quality plan for dissemination activities, and the use of appropriate models that include a variety of approaches. (C) The extent to which the technical assistance services to be provided by the proposed project involves the use of efficient strategies, including the use of technology. (D) The extent to which the 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. (E) The potential contribution of the proposed project to increased knowledge and understanding of educational issues, or effective strategies to improve vocational and technical programs. (F) The extent to which the project proposes models of dissemination that incorporate approaches that meet the needs of different communities of users. (G) The extent to which the proposed project will be coordinated with similar or related efforts, and with other appropriate community, State, and Federal resources. (H) 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 underrepresented based on race, color, national origin, gender, age, or ability. (b) Institutional capability (5 points). (1) The Secretary considers the institutional capability of the proposed applicant and consortium members, if any. (2) In determining the quality of the institutional capability, the Secretary reviews each application to determine the extent to which the applicant understands the state of knowledge and practice related to vocational and technical education, as evidenced by its experience in and capacity for conducting-- (i) Research, development, evaluation, dissemination, and professional development activities described in section 114(c)(5)(A)(i), (ii), (iii)(I), and (iv); (B); and (C) of the Act and under the heading National Research Center for Career and Technical Education in this notice; or (ii) Dissemination and professional development activities described in section 114(c)(5)(A)(iii)(II); (B); (C); and (6)(A) of the Act and under the heading [[Page 27414]] National Dissemination Center for Career and Technical Education in this notice. (c) Management plan (20 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 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 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 and a plan for continuous improvement. (iii) The adequacy of procedures for coordination and communication among staff, subcontractors, members of the consortium, if any, the U.S. Department of Education, and any other National Center funded under the Act. (iv) The adequacy of mechanisms for ensuring high-quality products and services from the proposed project. (v) How the applicant will ensure that a diversity of perspectives are brought to bear in the operation of the proposed project. (d) Quality of personnel (10 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 following: (i) The extent to which the proposed director of the National Center has appropriate qualifications, including relevant project management experience and administrative skills, a commitment to work full-time as director of the National Center, and sufficient authority to effectively manage the activities of the National Center. (ii) The qualifications, including relevant training and experience, of key project personnel, and the extent to which their time commitments are appropriate and adequate to meet proposed project objectives. (iii) The qualifications, including relevant training and experience, of project consultants or subcontractors. (iv) 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. (e) Adequacy of resources (10 points). (1) The Secretary considers the adequacy of resources for the proposed project. (2) In determining the adequacy of resources for the proposed project, the Secretary considers the following factors: (i) The adequacy of support, including facilities, equipment, supplies, and other resources, from the applicant and consortium members, if any. (ii) The extent to which the costs are reasonable in relation to the objectives, design, and potential significance of the proposed project. (iii) The relevance and demonstrated commitment of each partner in the proposed project to the implementation and success of the project. (f) 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 are thorough, feasible, and appropriate to the goals, objectives, and outcomes of the proposed project. (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. Program Requirements: To ensure the high quality of the Centers and achievement of the goals and purposes of sections 114(c)(5) and (6) of the Act, the Secretary establishes the following program requirements: (a) Project Director. Each Center shall have a full-time director who is appointed by the institution serving as the grantee. (b) Coordination. (1) Each Center funded under section 114(c) of the Act shall coordinate its activities with the other Center funded under the Act. (2) To the extent practicable, each Center shall coordinate its professional development activities with the professional development activities carried out-- (i) By ``eligible agencies'' and ``eligible recipients'' under the Act; and (ii) Under title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and title II of the Higher Education Act of 1965. (3) To the extent practicable, each Center shall coordinate its activities with similar or related activities of the Department's Office of Educational Research and Improvement, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Postsecondary Education, Office of Special Educational and Rehabilitative Services, and National Library of Education; the National Science Foundation; national professional associations or organizations; and activities funded under the Work Force Investment Act, the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act, the School-to-Work Opportunities Act, the Improving Americas Schools Act, the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunities Act of 1995; and other similar or related agencies, organizations, and activities in order to exchange information, avoid duplication of effort, pool resources, and improve the effectiveness of the Center's activities. (c) Needs Assessment and Customer Satisfaction. Each Center shall establish effective procedures to be implemented annually to help to ensure that the work of the Center is relevant to the needs of vocational and technical education practitioners and continues to be effective. The Centers might involve researchers, practitioners, including persons knowledgeable about providing preparation for non- traditional training and employment, policymakers, employers, unions, parents, and other concerned vocational and technical educators in their efforts. Note: The Secretary plans to hold regularly scheduled activities to obtain the views of practitioners on the research and dissemination needs of the field. Each Center should be prepared to employ the information obtained by the Secretary in the course of these consultations to shape its agenda. (d) Evaluation. Each Center shall conduct an ongoing evaluation of the Center's effectiveness. As required in paragraph (f)(1)(v) of the ``Program Requirements'' section of this notice, the results of this evaluation must be submitted to the Secretary in an interim evaluation report in the third year of the award and a final evaluation report in the fifth year of the award. (e) Contingency Plan. During the final year of the award cycle, each National Center shall develop and remain prepared to implement a contingency plan for completing all substantive work by the end of the eleventh month of that year and transferring all projects, services and activities to a successor during the twelfth month of that year. (f) Reporting. (1) Each Center shall submit to the Secretary the following reports-- [[Page 27415]] (i) Monthly exception reports that describe-- (A) Any problems, delays, or adverse conditions that materially impair the ability of the National Center to accomplish its purposes, along with an explanation of any action taken or contemplated to resolve the difficulties; and (B) Any favorable developments that will permit the National Center to accomplish its purposes sooner, at less cost, or more effectively than projected. (ii) Semi-annual performance reports. (iii) Quarterly financial status reports within 30 days of the end of each quarter. (iv) Ten printed copies and one electronic copy (pdf) of all substantive reports and products. (v) An interim evaluation report in the third year of the award and a final evaluation report in the fifth year of the award. (2) Each Center shall annually prepare and submit a report of key research findings of the Center to the Secretary, the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, the Library of Congress, and each ``eligible agency'' as defined in section 3(9) of the Act. Waiver of Relemaking While it is generally the practice of the Secretary to offer interested parties the opportunity to comment on a regulation before it is implemented, section 437(d)(1) of the General Education Provisions Act exempts from formal rulemaking requirements, regulations governing the first grant competition under a new or substantially revised program authority (20 U.S.C. 1232(d)(1)). The program authority for the National Centers was substantially revised on October 31, 1998 by Pub. L. 105-332. In order to make awards on a timely basis, the Secretary has decided to publish this notice in final form under the authority of section 437(d)(1). Applicable Statute and Regulations (a) Relevant provisions of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998, 20 U.S.C. 2301 et seq., in particular, sections 114(c)(5) and (6)(A), 20 U.S.C. 2324(c)(5) and (6)(A). (b) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) as follows: (1) 34 CFR part 74 (Administration of Grants and Agreements to Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals and Nonprofit Organizations). (2) 34 CFR part 75 (Direct Grant Programs). (3) 34 CFR part 77 (Definitions that Apply to Department Regulations). (4) 34 CFR part 80 (Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments). (5) 34 CFR part 81 (General Education Provisions Act -- Enforcement). (6) 34 CFR part 82 (New Restrictions on Lobbying). (7) 34 CFR part 85 (Government-wide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Government-wide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants)). (8) 34 CFR part 86 (Drug-Free Schools and Campuses). Definitions Applicants are encouraged to take particular note of the following statutory definition: ``Institution of Higher Education'' means-- (a) An educational institution in any State that-- (1) Admits as regular students only persons having a certificate of graduation from a school providing secondary education, or the recognized equivalent of such a certificate; (2) Is legally authorized within such State to provide a program of education beyond secondary education; (3) Provides an educational program for which the institution awards a bachelor's degree or provides not less than a 2-year program that is acceptable for full credit toward such a degree; (4) Is a public or other nonprofit institution; and (5) Is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association, or if not so accredited, is an institution that has been granted preaccreditation status by such an agency or association that has been recognized by the Secretary for the granting of preaccreditation status, and the Secretary has determined that there is satisfactory assurance that the institution will meet the accreditation standards of such an agency or association within a reasonable time. (b) The term also includes-- (1) Any school that provides not less than a 1-year program of training to prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation and that meets the provisions of paragraphs (a)(1), (2), (4), and (5) of this definition. (2) A public or nonprofit private educational institution in any State that, in lieu of the requirement in paragraph (a)(1) of this definition, admits as regular students persons who are beyond the age of compulsory school attendance in the State in which the institution is located. (See 20 U.S.C. 1141(a).) Definitions of the terms ``nonprofit'', ``private'', and ``public'' are contained in 34 CFR 77.1. Applicants are encouraged to review all applicable definitions in section 3 of the Act. Instructions for Transmittal of Applications Applicants are required to submit one original signed application and two copies of the application. All forms and assurances must have ink signatures. Please mark applications as ``original'' or ``copy''. To aid with the review of applications, the Department encourages applicants to submit four additional paper copies and one electronic copy (in Department of Education standard program format) of the application. The Department will not penalize applicants who do not provide additional copies. (a) If an applicant wants to apply for a cooperative agreement under this competition, the applicant must either-- (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 #84.051), Washington, DC 20202-4725, or (2) Hand deliver the original and two copies of the application by 4:30 p.m. (Washington, D.C. time) on or before the deadline date to: U.S. Department of Education, Application Control Center, Attention: (CFDA #84.051), 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. (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 [[Page 27416]] 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) 708-9494. (3) The applicant must indicate on the envelope and--if not provided by the Department--in Item 3 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: All forms and instructions are included as Appendix A of this notice. Questions and answers pertaining to this program are included, as Appendix B, to assist potential applicants. To apply for an award under this program competition, your application must be organized in the following order and include the following five parts. The parts and additional materials are as follows: Part I: Application for Federal Education Assistance (ED Form 424 (Rev. 1-12-99)) and instructions. Part II: Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs (ED Form No. 524) and instructions. Part III: Budget Narrative. Part IV: Program Narrative. Estimated Public Reporting Burden. Part V: Additional Assurances and Certifications: a. Assurances--Non-Construction Programs (Standard Form 424B). b. Certification regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters; and Drug-Free Workplace Requirements (ED 80- 0013) and instructions. c. Certification regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion: Lower Tier Covered Transactions (ED Form 80-0014, 9/90) and instructions. (Note: ED Form 80-0014 is intended for the use of grantees and should not be transmitted to the Department.) d. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (Standard Form LLL), if applicable, and instructions. This document has been marked to reflect statutory changes. See the notice published by the Office of Management and Budget at 61 FR 1413 (January 19, 1996). e. Notice to All Applicants. No cooperative agreement may be awarded unless a completed application form has been received. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ricardo Hernandez, Program Improvement Branch, Division of National Programs, Office of Vocational and Adult Education, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW (Room 4512, Mary E. Switzer Building), Washington, DC 20202-7242. Telephone (202) 205-5977. Internet address: ricardo__hernandez@ed.gov. 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, audio tape, or computer diskette) on request to the contact persons 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 Department 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 at (202)512-1530 or toll free at 1-888-293-6498. Additionally, this notice, as well as other documents concerning the implementation of the national Centers, is available on the World Wide Web at the following site: http://www.ed.gov/offices/OVAE/ ncrperk111.html. Note: The official version of this document is the document published in the Federal Register. Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 2324(c)(5) and (6)(A). Patricia W. McNeil, Assistant Secretary, Office of Vocational and Adult Education. Appendix A--Part II--Budget Information Instructions for Part II--Budget Information Sections A and B--Budget Summary by Categories 1. Personnel: Show salaries to be paid to personnel for each budget year. 2. Fringe Benefits: Indicate the rate and amount of fringe benefits for each budget year. 3. Travel: Indicate the amount requested for both local and out of State travel of project staff for each budget year. 4. Equipment: Indicate the cost of non-expendable personal property that has a cost of $5,000 or more per unit for each budget year. 5. Supplies: Include the cost of consumable supplies and materials to be used during the project period for each budget year. 6. Contractual: Show the amount to be used for: (1) procurement contracts (except those which belong on other lines such as supplies and equipment); and (2) sub-contracts for each budget year. 7. Construction: Not Applicable. 8. Other: Indicate all direct costs not clearly covered by lines 1 through 6 above, including consultants and capital expenditures for each budget year. 9. Total Direct Costs: Show the total for Lines 1 through 8 for each budget year. 10. Indirect Costs: Indicate the rate and amount of indirect costs for each budget year. 11. Training/stipend Cost: Indicate cost per student. 12. Total Costs: Show the total for lines 9 through 11 for each budget year. Please be sure that each page of your application is numbered consecutively. Instructions for Part IV--Program Narrative The program narrative will comprise the largest portion of your application. This part is where you spell out the who, what, when, why, and how, of your proposed project. Although you will not have a form to fill out for your narrative, there is a format. This format is based on the selection criteria. Because your application will be reviewed and rated by a review panel on the basis of the selection criteria, your narrative should follow the order and format of the criteria. Before preparing your application, you should carefully read the legislation and EDGAR rules governing the program, eligibility requirements, Center activities, priorities, selection criteria, and program requirements for this competition. Your program narrative should be clear, concise, and to the point. Begin the narrative with a one page abstract or summary of your project. Then describe the project in detail, addressing each selection criterion in order. Be sure to number consecutively ALL pages in your application. You may include supporting documentation as appendices to the program narrative. Be sure that this material is concise and pertinent to this program competition. You are advised that-- (a) The Secretary considers only information contained in the application in ranking applications for funding consideration. (b) The technical review panel evaluates each application solely on the basis of the Center activities, selection criteria, and competitive priorities contained in this notice. (c) Letters of support included as appendices to an application, that are of direct relevance to or contain commitments that pertain to the established selection criteria, such as commitment of resources, will be reviewed by the panel. Letters of support sent separately from the formal application package are not considered in the review by the technical review panels. (34 CFR 75.217) Estimated Burden Statement According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond [[Page 27417]] to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 1830-0538. (Expiration date: 4/30/02). The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 90 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(s) or suggestions for improving this form, please write to: U.S. Department of Education, Washington, DC 20202-4651. If you have comments or concerns regarding the status of your individual submission of this form, write directly to: Ricardo Hernandez, Division of National Programs, Office of Vocational and Adult Education, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW (Room 4512, Mary E. Switzer Building), Washington DC 20202-7242. Notice to All Applicants Thank you for your interest in this program. The purpose of this section 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 discretionary 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. 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 section allows applicants discretion in developing the required description. The statute highlights six types of barriers that can impede equitable access or participation that you may address: gender, race, national origin, color, disability, or age. Based on local circumstances, you can determine whether these or other barriers may prevent your students, teachers, etc. from equitable access or participation. Your description 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 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 tends to conduct ``outreach'' efforts to girls, to encourage their enrollment. 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. Appendix B--Questions and Answers Potential applicants frequently direct questions to officials of the Department regarding application notices and programmatic and administrative regulations governing various direct grant programs. To assist potential applicants, the Department has assembled the following most commonly asked questions followed by the Department's answers. Q. Can we get an extension of the deadline? A. No. A closing date may be changed only under extraordinary circumstances. Any change must be announced in the Federal Register and must apply to all applications. Waivers for individual applications cannot be granted regardless of the circumstances. Q. How many copies of the application should I submit and must they be bound? A. Applicants are required to submit one original and two copies of the application. To aid with the review of applications, the Department encourages applicants to submit four additional paper copies and one electronic copy (in Department of Education standard program format) of the application. The Department will not penalize applicants who do not provide additional copies. The binding of applications is optional. Q. We just missed the deadline for the XXX competition. May we submit under another competition? A. Yes, however, the likelihood of success is not good. A properly prepared application must meet the specifications of the competition to which it is submitted. Q. I'm not sure which competition is most appropriate for my project. What should I do? A. We are happy to discuss any such questions with you and provide clarification on the unique elements of the various competitions. Q. Will you help us prepare our application? A. We are happy to provide general program information. Clearly, it would not be appropriate for staff to participate in the actual writing of an application, but we can respond to specific questions about application requirements, evaluation criteria, and the priorities. Applicants should understand, however, that prior contact with the Department is not required, nor will it in any way influence the success of an application. Q. When will I find out if I'm going to be funded? A. You can expect to receive notification within 2 months of the application closing date, depending on the number of applications received. Q. Once the review panel has reviewed my application, can you tell me the outcome? A. No. Every year we are called by a number of applicants who have a legitimate reason for needing to know the outcome of the panel review prior to official notification. Some applicants need to make job decisions, some need to notify a local school district, etc. Regardless of the reason, because final funding decisions have not been made, even at the point where all applications have been read, we cannot share information about the results of panel review with anyone. Q. Will my application be returned if I am not funded? A. No. We no longer return unsuccessful applications. Thus, applicants should retain at least one copy of their application. Q. Can I obtain copies of reviewers' comments? A. Upon written request, reviewers' comments will be mailed to applicants. Q. Is travel allowed under these projects? A. Travel associated with carrying out the project is allowed. Because we may request the staff of funded projects to attend an initial meeting with the Department's staff and provide an annual briefing to the Department on the project's activities, you may also wish to include a trip or two to Washington, DC in the travel budget. Travel to conferences is sometimes allowed when the purpose of the conference will be of benefit and relates to the project. Q. If my application receives high scores from the reviewers, does that mean that I will receive funding? A. Not necessarily. In addition to the rank order of an application, the Secretary determines which applications will be selected for grants by considering-- (a) Information in the application, including any additional information submitted by an applicant to clarify budgetary or programmatic questions raised by the Secretary; and (b) Other information relevant to a criterion, priority, or other requirement that [[Page 27418]] applies to the selection of applications for new grants or cooperative agreements, including information concerning the applicant's use of funds under a previous award under the same Federal program. (34 CFR 75.217) Q. What happens during pre-award clarification discussions? A. During pre-award clarification discussions, technical and budget issues may be raised. These are issues that have been identified during the panel and staff reviews that require clarification. Sometimes issues are stated as ``conditions.'' These are issues that have been identified as so critical that the award cannot be made unless those conditions are met. Questions may also be raised about the proposed budget. Generally, these issues are raised because an application contains inadequate justification or explanation of a particular budget item, or because the budget item seems unimportant to the successful completion of the project. If you are asked to make changes that you feel could seriously affect the project's success, you may provide reasons for not making the changes or provide alternative suggestions. Similarly, if proposed budget reductions will, in your opinion, seriously affect the project activities, you may explain why and provide additional justification for the proposed expenses. An award cannot be made until all issues under discussion have been resolved. Q. How do I provide an assurance? A. Except for SF-424B, ``Assurances--Non-Construction Programs,'' you may provide an assurance simply by stating in writing that you are meeting a prescribed requirement. Q. Where can copies of the Federal Register, regulations, and Federal statutes be obtained? A. Copies of these materials can usually be found at your local library. Or you may obtain copies of the material referenced in this notice in the following manner: (a) A copy of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998 (Pub. L. 105-332) may be obtained (1) from the Government Printing Office by writing to Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954 or telephoning (202) 512-1800, or (2) online from the Library of Congress at: http://thomas.loc.gov. (b) A copy to the Code of Federal Regulations that contains the Education Department General Administrative Regulations, 34 CFR parts 74, 75, 77, 80, 81, 82, 85, and 86, may be obtained from the Government Printing Office by writing to Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954 or on the Internet at: http://www.access.gpo.gov/su__docs or http:// www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr. BILLING CODE 4000-01-U [[Page 27419]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN19MY99.026 [[Page 27420]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN19MY99.027 [[Page 27421]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN19MY99.028 [[Page 27422]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN19MY99.029 [[Page 27423]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN19MY99.030 [[Page 27424]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN19MY99.031 [[Page 27425]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN19MY99.032 [[Page 27426]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN19MY99.033 [[Page 27427]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN19MY99.034 [[Page 27428]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN19MY99.035 [[Page 27429]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN19MY99.036 [[Page 27430]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN19MY99.037 [[Page 27431]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN19MY99.038 [[Page 27432]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN19MY99.039 [[Page 27433]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN19MY99.040 [FR Doc. 99-12605 Filed 5-18-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000-01-C