ARCHIVED INFORMATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION OFFICE OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20202-6200 FISCAL YEAR 2006 APPLICATION FOR NEW GRANTS ADVANCED PLACEMENT INCENTIVE PROGRAM CFDA Number: 84.330C FORM APPROVED OMB NO. 1890.0009 EXP: DATE: 6/30/2008 DATED MATERIAL -OPEN IMMEDIATELY CLOSING DATE: APRIL 18, 2006 . PAPERWORK BURDEN STATEMENT According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 1890- 0009. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 10 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, D.C. 20202-4651. If you have comments or concerns regarding the status of your individual submission of this form, write directly to: Advanced Placement Incentive Program, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Room 3C153, Washington D. C. 20202-6200. . Application Contents I Technical Assistance Providers II Important Information DUNS Number Instructions Grants.gov Submission Tip Sheet Transmittal Instructions III Legal and Regulatory Documents • Application Notice • Authorizing Statute IV Project Abstract and Narrative Instructions V Application Checklist VI Other Important Information • Grants.gov Procedures and Tips • Duns Number Instructions • Notice to All Applicants – GEPA 427 • Notice to All Applicants – GPRA • Instructions for Forms • Intergovernmental Review • Important Notice to Prospective Participants • Federal Form 80-0016 . IMPORTANT INFORMATION -PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING. (1) D-U-N-S Number Instructions D-U-N-S Number must be provided on the application cover page (ED 424 form, item #2). D-U-N-S numbers may be obtained at no charge by calling 1-800-333- 0505 or by completing a D-U-N-S Number Request Form. The form can be obtained through the Internet at the following URL: http://www.dnb.com/ The D-U-N-S Number is a unique nine-digit number that does not convey any information about the recipient. A built-in check digit helps assure the accuracy of the D-U-N-S Number. The ninth digit of each number is the check digit, which is mathematically related to the other digits. It lets computer systems determine if a D-U-N-S Number has been entered correctly. . Dun & Bradstreet, a global information services provider, has assigned D-U-N-S Numbers to over 43 million companies worldwide. NOTE: For Grants.gov applications, you must enter the DUNS number on your application that your organization used when it registered with the Central Contractor Registry. (2) U.S. Department of Education Grants.gov Submission Procedures and Tips for Applicants Please note that the Grants.gov site works differently than the U.S. Department of Education’s (Department) e-Application system. To facilitate your use of Grants.gov, this document includes important submission procedures you need to be aware of to ensure your application is received in a timely manner and accepted by the Department of Education. 1) REGISTER EARLY – Grants.gov registration is a one-time process that may take five or more days to complete. You may begin working on your application while completing the registration process, but you cannot submit an application until all of the Get Started steps are . complete. For detailed information on the Get Started Steps, please go to: http://www.grants.gov/GetStarted. 2) SUBMIT EARLY – We strongly recommend that you do not wait until the last day to submit your application. Grants.gov will put a date/time stamp on your application and then process it after it is fully uploaded. The time it takes to upload an application will vary depending on a number of factors including the size of the application and the speed of your Internet connection, and the time it takes Grants.gov to process the application will vary as well. If Grants.gov rejects your application (see step three below), you will need to resubmit successfully before 4:30 pm on the deadline date. Note: To submit successfully, you must provide the DUNS number on your application that was used when your organization registered with the CCR (Central Contractor Registry). 3) VERIFY SUBMISSION IS OK – You will want to verify that Grants.gov and the Department receive your Grants.gov submission timely and that it was validated successfully. To see the date/time your application was received, login . to Grants.gov and click on the Check Application Status link. For a successful submission, the date/time received should be earlier than 4:30 p.m. on the deadline date, AND the application status should be: Validated, Received by Agency, or Agency Tracking Number Assigned. If the date/time received is later than 4:30 p.m. Washington, D.C. time, on the closing date, your application is late. If your application has a status of “Received” it is still awaiting validation by Grants.gov. Once validation is complete, the status will either change to “Validated” or “Rejected with Errors.” If the status is “Rejected with Errors,” your application has not been received successfully. Some of the reasons Grants.gov may reject an application can be found on the Grants.gov site: http://www.grants.gov/help/submit_application_faqs.jsp. If you discover your application is late or has been rejected, please see the instructions below. Note: You will receive a series of confirmations both online and via e-mail about the status of your application. Please do not rely solely on e-mail to confirm whether your application has been received timely and validated successfully. . Submission Problems – What should you do? If you have problems submitting to Grants.gov before the closing date, please contact Grants.gov Customer Support at 1- 800-518-4726 or use the customer support available on the Web site: http://www.grants.gov/help/help.jsp. If electronic submission is optional and you have problems that you are unable to resolve before the deadline date and time for electronic applications, please follow the transmittal instructions for hard copy applications in the Federal Register notice and get a hard copy application postmarked by midnight on the deadline date. If electronic submission is required, you must submit an electronic application before 4:30 p.m., unless you follow the procedures in the Federal Register notice and qualify for one of the exceptions to the electronic submission requirement and submit, no later than two weeks before the application deadline date, a written statement to the Department that you qualify for one of these exceptions. (See the Federal Register notice for detailed instructions.) . Helpful Hints When Working with Grants.gov Please note, once you download an application from Grants.gov, you will be working offline and saving data on your computer. Please be sure to note where you are saving the Grants.gov file on your computer. You will need to logon to Grants.gov to upload and submit the application. (This is different from e-Application, where you are working online and saving data to the Department’s database.) You must provide on your application the DUNS number that was used when your organization registered with the CCR. Please go to http://www.grants.gov/ForApplicants for help with Grants.gov and click on the links in the lower right corner of the screen under Applicant Tips and Tools. For additional tips related to submitting grant applications, please refer to the Grants.gov Submit Application Tips found on the Grants.gov homepage http://www.grants.gov. Dial-Up Internet Connections When using a dial up connection to upload and submit your application, it can take significantly longer than when you are connected to the Internet with a high-speed connection, e.g. cable modem/DSL/T1. While times will vary depending upon . the size of your application, it can take a few minutes to a few hours to complete your grant submission using a dial up connection. If you do not have access to a high-speed connection and electronic submission is required, you may want to consider following the instructions in the Federal Register notice to obtain an exception to the electronic submission requirement no later than two weeks before the application deadline date. (See the Federal Register notice for detailed instructions.) MAC Users If you do not have a Windows operating System, you will need to use a Windows Emulation program to submit an application using Grants.gov. For additional information, review the PureEdge Support for Macintosh white paper published by Pure Edge: http://www.grants.gov/resources/download_software.jsp#non_window, and/or contact Grants.gov Customer Support (http://www.grants.gov/help/help.jsp) for more information. If you do not have a Windows emulation program and electronic submission is required, please follow instructions in the Federal Register notice to obtain an exception to the electronic submission requirement no later . than two weeks before the application deadline date. (See the Federal Register notice for detailed instructions.) . INSTRUCTIONS FOR TRANSMITTING APPLICATIONS ATTENTION ELECTRONIC APPLICANTS: Please note that you must follow the Application Procedures as described in the Federal Register notice announcing the grant competition. This program requires the electronic submission of applications--specific requirements and instructions can be found in the Federal Register notice. If you want to apply for a grant and be considered for funding, you must meet the following deadline requirements: Applications Submitted Electronically You must submit your grant application through the Internet using the software provided on the Grants.gov Web site (http://www.grants.gov) by 4:30 p.m. (Washington, D.C. time) on the application deadline date. If you submit your application through the Internet via the Grants.gov Web site, you will receive an automatic acknowledgment when we receive your application. For more information on using Grants.gov, please refer to the Notice Inviting Applications that was published in the Federal Register, the Grants.gov Submission Procedures and Tips document found in the application package instructions, and visit http://www.grants.gov. According to the instructions found in the Federal Register notice, those requesting and qualifying for an Exception to the electronic submission requirement may submit an application via mail, commercial carrier or by hand delivery. Applications Sent by Mail: You must mail the original and two copies of the application on or before the deadline date to. To help expedite our review of your application, we would appreciate your voluntarily including one additional copy of your application. 12 . Please mail applications to: U.S. Department of Education Application Control Center Attention: CFDA# (84.330C) 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W. Washington, DC 20202 -4260 You 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. If you mail an application through the U.S. Postal Service, we do 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 Services. An applicant should note that 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. Applications Delivered by Commercial Carrier: . Special Note: Due to recent disruptions to normal mail delivery, the Department encourages you to consider using an alternative delivery method (for example, a commercial carrier, such as Federal Express or United Parcel Service; or U. S. Postal Service Express Mail) to transmit your application for this competition to the Department. If you use an alternative delivery method, please obtain the appropriate proof of mailing under “Applications Sent by Mail,” then follow the mailing instructions under the appropriate delivery method. Applications that are delivered by commercial carrier, such as Federal Express, United Parcel Service, etc. should be mailed to the: U.S. Department of Education Application Control Center – Stop 4260 Attention: CFDA# (84.330C) 7100 Old Landover Road Landover, MD 20785 -1506 Applications Delivered by Hand: You or your courier must 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 help expedite our review of your application, we would appreciate your voluntarily including one additional copy of your application. Please hand deliver applications to: U.S. Department of Education Application Control Center Attention: CFDA# (84.330C) 550 12th Street, S.W. PCP -Room 7041 Washington, DC 20202 – 4260 The Application Control Center accepts application deliveries daily between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (Washington, D.C. time), except Saturdays, Sundays and federal holidays. . TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROVIDERS . For technical assistance on the development of applications for the Advanced Placement Incentive Program, contact: Madeline Baggett Madeline.Baggett@ed.gov (202) 260-2502 Lynyetta Johnson Lynyetta.Johnson@ed.gov 202-260-1990 . Legal and Regulatory Documents . Application Notice . 4000-01-U DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) Overview Information Advanced Placement Incentive (API) Program Notice inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 2006. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 84.330C Dates: Applications Available: February 17, 2006. Deadline for Notice of Intent to Apply: March 17, 2006. Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: April 18, 2006. Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: June 19, 2006. Eligible Applicants: (a) State educational agencies (SEAs); (b) Local educational agencies (LEAs), including charter schools that are considered LEAs under State law; or (c) National nonprofit educational entities with expertise in advanced placement services. Note: In the case of an eligible entity that is an SEA, the SEA may use API grant funds to award subgrants to LEAs to enable those LEAs to carry out authorized . activities that meet the absolute priority for this competition. Estimated Available Funds: $15.3 million. Contingent upon the availability of funds and quality of applications, the Secretary may make additional awards for FY 2007 from the list of unfunded applicants from this competition. Estimated Range of Awards: $500,000 -$1,000,000. Estimated Average Size of Awards: $611,000. Estimated Number of Awards: 25. Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice. Note: In accordance with section 1703 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (ESEA) these estimates are based on the amount of funds the Secretary estimates will be available after the Department has awarded grants under the Advanced Placement Test Fee program, which is being announced separately under CFDA number 84.330B. Project Period: Up to 36 months. Full Text of Announcement I. Funding Opportunity Description Purpose of Program: The API program, authorized under section 1705 of Title I, Part G of the ESEA, awards competitive grants designed to increase the successful participation of low-income students in advanced . placement courses and tests. By supporting increased access to and participation in advanced placement courses and tests, the program provides greater opportunities for low-income students to achieve to high standards in English, mathematics, science, and other core subjects. Priorities: This competition includes one absolute priority, five competitive preference priorities, and two invitational priorities. In accordance with 34 CFR 75.105(b)(2)(iv) and (b)(2)(v), these priorities are from the priorities and allowable activities specified in section 1705(c) and (d) of the ESEA (20 U.S.C. 6535- 6537). Absolute Priority: For FY 2006 and any subsequent year in which we make awards based on the list of unfunded applicants from this competition, this priority is an absolute priority. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(3) we consider only applications that meet this priority. This priority is: Implementation of Advanced Placement Programs in High-Poverty Schools. The Secretary establishes an absolute priority for applications that: Propose to develop, enhance, or expand advanced placement programs in high schools with a high concentration of low-income students and a pervasive need for access to advanced placement programs. Effective advanced placement programs, including, but not limited . to, advanced placement programs administered by the College Board and the International Baccalaureate Organization, should be designed to increase the number of low-income students who enroll and succeed in advanced placement courses and tests. Note: For definitions of advanced placement test, low- income individual (including a list of the types of data that may be used to verify low-income status), and high concentration of low-income students, see the definitions in Section III. 3. Other of this notice. Allowable Activities: Activities supported under this competition must be designed to expand access for low- income individuals to advanced placement programs and must involve one or more of the following: • Teacher training. • Pre-advanced placement course development. • Coordination and articulation between grade levels to prepare students to enroll and succeed in advanced placement courses. • Books and supplies. • Activities to increase the availability of, and participation in, on-line advanced placement courses. • Any other activity directly related to expanding access to and participation in advanced placement . incentive programs, particularly for low-income individuals. Competitive Preference Priorities: For FY 2006 and any subsequent year in which we make awards based on the list of unfunded applicants from this competition, these priorities are competitive preference priorities. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2), we give preference to and will award up to an additional nineteen (19) points to an application that meets one or more of these priorities over an application of comparable merit that does not meet one or more of these priorities. These priorities are: Competitive Preference Priority 1: Up to eight (8) points for demonstrating a focus on developing or expanding advanced placement programs and participation in the core academic areas of English, mathematics, and science. Competitive Preference Priority 2: Up to five (5) points for developing or expanding pre-advanced placement courses or programs, aligned with advanced placement courses or programs, intended to provide middle or high school students with the critical thinking skills, content knowledge, and study habits necessary for successful participation in advanced placement courses and exams. Applicants should explain why the courses . supported by the proposed project qualify as pre-advanced placement or advanced placement. Competitive Preference Priority 3: Up to two (2) points for demonstrating the involvement of business and community organizations in the activities assisted. Competitive Preference Priority 4: Up to two (2) points for demonstrating the availability of matching funds from State, local, or other sources to pay for a portion of the cost of activities to be assisted. Competitive Preference Priority 5: Up to two (2) points for demonstrating the intent to carry out activities to increase the availability of, and participation in, on-line advanced placement courses. Note: These priority points are in addition to any points the applicant earns under the selection criteria described elsewhere in this notice (See V. Application Review Information). In order to receive additional points under a competitive preference priority, an application must provide documentation supporting its claim that it meets each priority addressed. Invitational Priorities: For FY 2006 and any subsequent year in which we make awards based on the list of unfunded applicants from this competition, these priorities are invitational priorities. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(1), we do not give an application that meets . these invitational priorities a competitive or absolute preference over other applications. These priorities are: Invitational Priority 1: Development of Advanced Placement Courses in Critical Foreign Languages. The Secretary encourages applicants to develop, enhance, or expand advanced placement courses in the critical foreign languages of Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Russian, and languages in the Indic, Iranian, and Turkic language families. Invitational Priority 2: Development of Advanced Placement Programs in Public Schools Identified for Improvement, Corrective Action, or Restructuring Under Title I, Part A of the ESEA. The Secretary encourages applicants to develop, enhance, or expand advanced placement programs in English, mathematics, science, foreign languages, or other core academic areas in schools with a high concentration of low-income students that have been identified for improvement, corrective action, or restructuring under Title I, Part A of the ESEA. Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 6535-6537. Applicable Regulations: The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR parts 74, 75, 77, 79, 80, 81, 82, 84, 85, 86, 97, 98, and 99. . Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 86 apply to institutions of higher education only. II. Award Information Type of Award: Discretionary grants. Estimated Available Funds: $15.3 million. Contingent upon the availability of funds and quality of applications, the Secretary may make additional awards for FY 2007 from the list of unfunded applicants from this competition. Estimated Range of Awards: $500,000 -$1,000,000. Estimated Average Size of Awards: $611,000. Estimated Number of Awards: 25. Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice. Note: In accordance with section 1703 of the ESEA, these estimates are based on the amount of funds the Secretary estimates will be available after the Department has awarded grants under the Advanced Placement Test Fee program, which is being announced separately under CFDA number 84.330B. Project Period: Up to 36 months. III. Eligibility Information 1. Eligible Applicants: (a) SEAs; (b) LEAs, including charter schools that are considered LEAs under State law; or . (c) National nonprofit educational entities with expertise in advanced placement services. Note: In the case of an eligible entity that is an SEA, the SEA may use API grant funds to award subgrants to LEAs to enable those LEAs to carry out authorized activities that support the absolute priority for this competition. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching: This competition does not involve cost sharing or matching but does involve supplement-not-supplant funding provisions. Supplement-not-Supplant: Funds provided under this program must be used only to supplement, and not supplant, other non-Federal funds that are available to assist low-income individuals in paying advanced placement test fees or to expand access to advanced placement or pre-advanced placement courses (20 U.S.C. 6536). 3. Other: Definitions. The following definitions are taken from the API program authorizing statute in Title I, Part G of the ESEA (20 U.S.C. 6537). They are repeated in this application notice for the convenience of the applicant. (a) The term advanced placement test means an advanced placement test administered by the College Board or approved by the Secretary. . Note: The Department approves advanced placement tests administered by the International Baccalaureate Organization. As part of the grant application process, applicants may request approval of tests from other educational entities that provide comparable programs of rigorous academic courses and testing through which students may earn college credit. (b) The term high concentration of low-income students, used with respect to a school, means a school that serves a student population 40 percent or more of whom are low-income individuals. (c) The term low-income individual means an individual who is determined by an SEA or LEA to be a child, ages 5 through 19, from a low-income family on the basis of data used by the Secretary to determine allocations under section 1124 of the ESEA, data on children eligible for free or reduced-price lunches under the National School Lunch Act, data on children in families receiving assistance under Part A of Title IV of the Social Security Act, or data on children eligible to receive medical assistance under the Medicaid program under Title XIX of the Social Security Act, or through an alternate method that combines or extrapolates from those data. IV. Application and Submission Information . 1. Address to Request Application Package: You may obtain an application package via Internet or from the Education Publications Center. To obtain a copy via Internet use the following address: www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/grantapps/index To obtain a copy from ED Pubs, write or call the following: Education Publications Center, P.O. Box 1398, Jessup, MD 20794-1398. Telephone (toll free): 1-877- 433-7827. FAX: (301) 470-1244. If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), you may call (toll free): 1-877-576-7734. You may also contact ED Pubs at its Web site: www.ed.gov/pubs/edpubs.html or you may contact ED Pubs at its e-mail address: edpubs@inet.ed.gov If you request an application from ED Pubs, be sure to identify this competition as follows: CFDA number 84.330C. Individuals with disabilities may obtain a copy of the application package in an alternative format (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer diskette) by contacting the program contact person listed elsewhere in this notice under For Further Information Contact (see VII. Agency Contact). 2. Content and Form of Application Submission: Requirements concerning the content of an application, . together with the forms you must submit, are in the application package for this program. Notice of Intent to Apply: Applicants that plan to apply for funding under this program notice are encouraged to indicate an intent to apply via e-mail notification sent to the API program at advancedplacementprogram@ed.gov no later than March 17, 2006. Applicants that fail to supply this e-mail notification may still apply for funding under this notice. Page Limit for Project Narrative: The project narrative is where you, the applicant, address the selection criteria (i.e., within the context of the absolute priority) as well as the competitive preference priorities that reviewers use to evaluate your application. Applicants are strongly encouraged to limit the project narrative (text plus all figures, charts, tables, and diagrams) to the equivalent of no more than 25 pages, using the following standards: • A “page” is 8.5” x 11”, on one side only, with 1” margins at the top, bottom, and both sides. • Double space (no more than three lines per vertical inch) all text in the project narrative, including titles, headings, footnotes, quotations, references, and captions, as well as all text in charts, tables, figures, and graphs. . • Use a font that is either 12-point or larger or no smaller than 10 pitch (characters per inch). • The recommended page limit does not apply to the cover sheet; the budget section, including the budget narrative justification; the assurances and certifications; the project abstract; the resumes; and the appendices. 3. Submission Dates and Times: Applications Available: February 17, 2006. Deadline for Notice of Intent to Apply: March 17, 2006. Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: April 18, 2006. Applications for grants under the API program must be submitted electronically using the Grants.gov Apply site (Grants.gov). For information (including dates and times) about how to submit your application electronically or by mail or hand delivery if you qualify for an exception to the electronic submission requirement, please refer to section IV. 6. Other Submission Requirements in this notice. We do not consider an application that does not comply with the application requirements. Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: June 19, 2006. 4. Intergovernmental Review: This competition is subject to Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79. Information about Intergovernmental . Review of Federal Programs under Executive Order 12372 is in the application package for this competition. 5. Funding Restrictions: We reference regulations outlining funding restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice. 6. Other Submission Requirements: Applications for grants under this program must be submitted electronically unless you qualify for an exception to this requirement in accordance with the instructions in this section. a. Electronic Submission of Applications. Applications for grants under the API program-CFDA Number 84.330C must be submitted electronically using the Grants.gov Apply site at: http://www.grants.gov. Through this site, you will be able to download a copy of the application package, complete it offline, and then upload and submit your application. You may not e-mail an electronic copy of a grant application to us. We will reject your application if you submit it in paper format unless, as described elsewhere in this section, you qualify for one of the exceptions to the electronic submission requirement and submit, no later than two weeks before the application deadline date, a written statement to the Department that you qualify for one of these exceptions. Further information regarding . calculation of the date that is two weeks before the application deadline date is provided later in this section under Exception to Electronic Submission Requirement. You may access the electronic grant application for the API program at: http://www.grants.gov. You must search for the downloadable application package for this program by the CFDA number. Do not include the CFDA number’s alpha suffix in your search. Please note the following: • When you enter the Grants.gov site, you will find information about submitting an application electronically through the site, as well as the hours of operation. • Applications received by Grants.gov are time and date stamped. Your application must be fully uploaded and submitted, and must be date/time stamped by the Grants.gov system no later than 4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date. Except as otherwise noted in this section, we will not consider your application if it is date/time stamped by the Grants.gov system later than 4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date. When we retrieve your application from Grants.gov, we will notify you if we are rejecting your application because it was date/time stamped by the Grants.gov system after 4:30 . p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date. • The amount of time it can take to upload an application will vary depending on a variety of factors including the size of the application and the speed of your Internet connection. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the submission process through Grants.gov. • You should review and follow the Education Submission Procedures for submitting an application through Grants.gov that are included in the application package for this competition to ensure that you submit your application in a timely manner to the Grants.gov system. You can also find the Education Submission Procedures pertaining to Grants.gov at http://e- Grants.ed.gov/help/GrantsgovSubmissionProcedures.pdf • To submit your application via Grants.gov, you must complete all of the steps in the Grants.gov registration process (see http://www.Grants.gov/GetStarted). These steps include (1) registering your organization, (2) registering yourself as an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR), and (3) getting authorized as an AOR by your organization. Details on these steps are outlined in the Grants.gov 3-Step Registration Guide (see . http://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp). You also must provide on your application the same D-U-N-S Number used with this registration. Please note that the registration process may take five or more business days to complete, and you must have completed all registration steps to allow you to successfully submit an application via Grants.gov. • You will not receive additional point value because you submit your application in electronic format, nor will we penalize you if you qualify for an exception to the electronic submission requirement, as described elsewhere in this section, and submit your application in paper format. • You must submit all documents electronically, including all information typically included on the Application for Federal Education Assistance (ED 424), Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs (ED 524), and all necessary assurances and certifications. You must attach any narrative sections of your application as files in a .DOC (document), .RTF (rich text), or .PDF (Portable Document) format. If you upload a file type other than the three file types specified above or submit a password protected file, we will not review that material. . • Your electronic application must comply with any page limit requirements described in this notice. • After you electronically submit your application, you will receive an automatic acknowledgment from Grants.gov that contains a Grants.gov tracking number. The Department will retrieve your application from Grants.gov and send you a second confirmation by e-mail that will include a PR/Award number (an ED-specified identifying number unique to your application). • We may request that you provide us original signatures on forms at a later date. Application Deadline Date Extension in Case of Technical Issues with the Grants.gov System: If you are prevented from electronically submitting your application on the application deadline date because of technical problems with the Grants.gov system, we will grant you an extension until 4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, the following business day to enable you to transmit your application electronically, or by hand delivery. You also may mail your application by following the mailing instructions as described elsewhere in this notice. If you submit an application after 4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the deadline date, please contact the person listed elsewhere in this notice under For Further Information Contact, and provide an explanation of the technical problem you experienced with Grants.gov, along . with the Grants.gov Support Desk Case Number (if available). We will accept your application if we can confirm that a technical problem occurred with the Grants.gov system and that that problem affected your ability to submit your application by 4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date. The Department will contact you after a determination is made on whether your application will be accepted. Note: Extensions referred to in this section apply only to the unavailability of or technical problems with the Grants.gov system. We will not grant you an extension if you failed to fully register to submit your application to Grants.gov before the deadline date and time or if the technical problem you experienced is unrelated to the Grants.gov system. Exception to Electronic Submission Requirement: You qualify for an exception to the electronic submission requirement, and may submit your application in paper format, if you are unable to submit an application through the Grants.gov system because–– • You do not have access to the Internet; or • You do not have the capacity to upload large documents to the Grants.gov system; and • No later than two weeks before the application deadline date (14 calendar days or, if the fourteenth . calendar day before the application deadline date falls on a Federal holiday, the next business day following the Federal holiday), you mail or fax a written statement to the Department, explaining which of the two grounds for an exception prevent you from using the Internet to submit your application. If you mail your written statement to the Department, it must be postmarked no later than two weeks before the application deadline date. If you fax your written statement to the Department, we must receive the faxed statement no later than two weeks before the application deadline date. Address and mail or fax your statement to: Madeline Baggett, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 3C153, Washington, DC 20202-6200. FAX: (202) 205-4921. Your paper application must be submitted in accordance with the mail or hand delivery instructions described in this notice. b. Submission of Paper Applications by Mail. If you qualify for an exception to the electronic submission requirement, you may mail (through the U.S. Postal Service or a commercial carrier), your application to the Department. You must mail the original and two copies of your application, on or before the application deadline date, to the Department at the applicable following address: . By mail through the U.S. Postal Service: U.S. Department of Education Application Control Center Attention: (CFDA Number 84.330C) 400 Maryland Avenue, SW. Washington, DC 20202-4260 or By mail through a commercial carrier: U.S. Department of Education Application Control Center – Stop 4260 Attention: (CFDA Number 84.330C) 7100 Old Landover Road Landover, MD 20785-1506 Regardless of which address you use, you must show proof of mailing consisting of one of the following: (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, or (4) Any other proof of mailing acceptable to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education. If you mail your application through the U.S. Postal Service, we do not accept either of the following as proof of mailing: (1) A private metered postmark, or (2) A mail receipt that is not dated by the U.S. Postal Service. . If your application is postmarked after the application deadline date, we will not consider your application. Note: The U.S. Postal Service does not uniformly provide a dated postmark. Before relying on this method, you should check with your local post office. c. Submission of Paper Applications by Hand Delivery. If you qualify for an exception to the electronic submission requirement, you (or a courier service) may deliver your paper application to the Department by hand. You must deliver the original and two copies of your application by hand, on or before the application deadline date, to the Department at the following address: U.S. Department of Education Application Control Center Attention: (CFDA Number 84.330C) 550 12th Street, SW. Room 7041, Potomac Center Plaza Washington, DC 20202-4260 The Application Control Center accepts hand deliveries daily between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, except Saturdays, Sundays and Federal holidays. Note for Mail or Hand Delivery of Paper Applications: If you mail or hand deliver your application to the Department: . (1) You must indicate on the envelope and — if not provided by the Department — in Item 4 of the Application for Federal Education Assistance (ED 424) the CFDA number – and suffix letter, if any – of the competition under which you are submitting your application. (2) The Application Control Center will mail a grant application receipt acknowledgment to you. If you do not receive the grant application receipt acknowledgment within 15 business days from the application deadline date, you should call the U.S. Department of Education Application Control Center at (202) 245-6288. V. Application Review Information Selection Criteria: The selection criteria for this competition are from 34 CFR 75.210 and section 1705(f) of the ESEA. These selection criteria apply to the absolute priority and allowable activities only. The maximum score for all of the selection criteria is 100 points. The maximum score for each criterion is indicated in parentheses with the criterion. The maximum number of points an application may earn based on the competitive preference priorities and the selection criteria is 119 points. The criteria are as follows: (a) Quality of the Project Design (30 points). The Secretary considers the quality of the design of the proposed project. In determining the quality of the . design of the proposed project, the Secretary considers the extent to which the proposed project represents an exceptional approach for meeting the absolute priority established for this competition. (b) Quality of Project Services (20 points). The Secretary considers the quality of the services to be provided by the proposed project. 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 been traditionally underrepresented based on race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability. In addition, the Secretary considers the following factors: (1) The likelihood that the services to be provided by the proposed project will lead to improvements in the achievement of students as measured against rigorous academic standards. (2) 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. (c) Quality of the Management Plan (20 points). The Secretary considers the quality of the management plan . for the proposed project. In determining the quality of the management plan for the proposed project, the Secretary considers the following factors: (1) The adequacy of the management plan to achieve the objectives of the proposed project on time and within budget, including clearly defined responsibilities, timelines, and milestones for accomplishing project tasks. (2) The extent to which the time commitments of the project director and other key project personnel are appropriate and adequate to meet the objectives of the proposed project. (d) Quality of the Project Evaluation (30 points). The Secretary considers the quality of the evaluation to be conducted of the proposed project. In determining the quality of the evaluation, the Secretary considers the following factors: (1) The extent to which the methods of evaluation 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. (2) The extent to which the evaluation meets the reporting requirements of section 1705(f)(1) of the ESEA. Note: A strong evaluation plan should be included in the project narrative and should be used, as appropriate, to . shape the development of the project from the beginning of the grant period. The plan should include benchmarks to monitor progress toward specific project objectives and also outcome measures to assess the impact on teaching and learning or other important outcomes for project participants. More specifically, the plan should identify the individual or organization that has agreed to serve as evaluator for the project and describe the qualifications of that evaluator. The plan should describe the evaluation design, indicating: (1) what types of data will be collected; (2) when various types of data will be collected; (3) what methods will be used; (4) what instruments will be developed and when; (5) how the data will be analyzed; (6) when reports of results and outcomes will be available; and (7) how the applicant will use the information collected through the evaluation to monitor progress of the funded project and to provide accountability information both about success at the initial site and about effective strategies for replication in other settings. Applicants are encouraged to devote an appropriate level of resources to project evaluation. VI. Award Administration Information 1. Award Notices: If your application is successful, we notify your U.S. Representative and U.S. . Senators and send you a Grant Award Notification (GAN). We may also notify you informally. If your application is not evaluated or not selected for funding, we notify you. 2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: We identify administrative and national policy requirements in the application package and reference these and other requirements in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice. We reference the regulations outlining the terms and conditions of an award in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice and include these and other specific conditions in the GAN. The GAN also incorporates your approved application as part of your binding commitments under the grant. Grant Administration: Applicants approved for funding under this competition may be required to attend an annual Grants Administration meeting. The cost of attending this one-to three-day meeting may be paid from API program grant funds or State or local resources. 3. Reporting: At the end of your project period, you must submit a final performance report, including financial information, as directed by the Secretary. If you receive a multi-year award, you must submit an annual performance report that meets the reporting requirements in section 1705(f)(1) of the ESEA and provides the most . current performance and financial expenditure information as specified by the Secretary in 34 CFR 75.118. For specific requirements on grantee reporting, please go to http://www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html . 4. Performance Measures: The Secretary has developed five performance measures for assessing the effectiveness of the two Advanced Placement programs authorized under Title I, Part G of the ESEA. These measures are: (1) The number of advanced placement tests taken by low-income public school students nationally. (2) The number of advanced placement tests taken by Hispanic, Black, and Native American public school students nationally. (3) The number and percent of advanced placement tests passed by low-income public school students nationally. (4) The number of College Board and International Baccalaureate advanced placement tests taken in public high schools served by API grants, divided by the total number of juniors and seniors enrolled at such schools. (5) The cost per passage of an advanced placement test by a low-income public school student (i.e., amount provided for AP test fees divided by the total number of tests passed by low-income students). . Note: Measure number 4 is applicable to the API program and should be addressed within the project objectives and outcomes for the grant. VII. Agency Contact For Further Information Contact: Madeline E. Baggett, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 3C153, Washington, DC 20202-6200. Telephone number: (202) 260-2502 or by e-mail: madeline.baggett@ed.gov If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), you may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1- 800-877-8339. Individuals with disabilities may obtain this document in an alternative format (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer diskette) on request to the program contact person listed in this section. VIII. Other Information Electronic Access to This Document: You may view this document, as well as all other documents of this Department published in the Federal Register, in text or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) on the Internet at the following site: www.ed.gov/news/fedregister To use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at this site. If you have questions about using 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: www.gpoaccess.gov/nara/index.html Dated: Henry L. Johnson, Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education. . Authorizing Statute . SEC. 1701. SHORT TITLE. This part may be cited as the 'Access to High Standards Act'. SEC. 1702. PURPOSES. The purposes of this part are — (1) to support State and local efforts to raise academic standards through advanced placement programs, and thus further increase the number of students who participate and succeed in advanced placement programs; (2) to encourage more of the 600,000 students who take advanced placement courses each year but do not take advanced placement exams each year, to demonstrate their achievements through taking the exams; (3) to build on the many benefits of advanced placement programs for students, which benefits may include the acquisition of skills that are important to many employers, Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores that are 100 points above the national averages, and the achievement of better grades in secondary school and in college than the grades of students who have not participated in the programs; (4) to increase the availability and broaden the range of schools, including middle schools, that have advanced placement and pre-advanced placement programs; (5) to demonstrate that larger and more diverse groups of students can participate and succeed in advanced placement programs; (6) to provide greater access to advanced placement and pre- advanced placement courses and highly trained teachers for low-income and other disadvantaged students; (7) to provide access to advanced placement courses for secondary school students at schools that do not offer advanced placement programs, increase the rate at which secondary school students participate in advanced placement courses, and increase the numbers of students who receive advanced placement test scores for which college academic credit is awarded; (8) to increase the participation of low-income individuals in taking advanced placement tests through the payment or partial payment of the costs of the advanced placement test fees; and . (9) to increase the number of individuals that achieve a baccalaureate or advanced degree, and to decrease the amount of time such individuals require to attain such degrees. SEC. 1703. FUNDING DISTRIBUTION RULE. From amounts appropriated under section 1002(g) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall give priority to funding activities under section 1704 and shall distribute any remaining funds under section 1705. SEC. 1704. ADVANCED PLACEMENT TEST FEE PROGRAM. (a) GRANTS AUTHORIZED-From amounts made available under section 1703 for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall award grants to State educational agencies having applications approved under this section to enable the State educational agencies to reimburse low- income individuals to cover part or all of the costs of advanced placement test fees, if the low-income individuals — (1) are enrolled in an advanced placement course; and (2) plan to take an advanced placement test. (b) AWARD BASIS-In determining the amount of the grant awarded to a State educational agency under this section for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall consider the number of children eligible to be counted under section 1124(c) in the State in relation to the number of such children so counted in all the States. (c) INFORMATION DISSEMINATION-A State educational agency awarded a grant under this section shall disseminate information regarding the availability of advanced placement test fee payments under this section to eligible individuals through secondary school teachers and guidance counselors. (d) APPLICATIONS-Each State educational agency desiring to receive a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Secretary may require. At a minimum, each State educational agency application shall — (1) describe the advanced placement test fees the State educational agency will pay on behalf of low-income individuals in the State from grant funds awarded under this section; (2) provide an assurance that any grant funds awarded under this section shall be used only to pay for advanced placement test fees; and . (3) contain such information as the Secretary may require to demonstrate that the State educational agency will ensure that a student is eligible for payments authorized under this section, including documentation required under chapter 1 of subpart 2 of part A of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. (e) REGULATIONS-The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations as are necessary to carry out this section. (f) REPORT- (1) IN GENERAL-Each State educational agency awarded a grant under this section shall, with respect to each advanced placement subject, annually report to the Secretary on — (A) the number of students in the State who are taking an advanced placement course in that subject; (B) the number of advanced placement tests taken by students in the State who have taken an advanced placement course in that subject; (C) the number of students in the State scoring at different levels on advanced placement tests in that subject; and (D) demographic information regarding individuals in the State taking advanced placement courses and tests in that subject disaggregated by race, ethnicity, sex, English proficiency status, and socioeconomic status. (2) REPORT TO CONGRESS-The Secretary shall annually compile the information received from each State educational agency under paragraph (1) and report to the appropriate committees of Congress regarding the information. (g) BIA AS SEA-For purposes of this section the Bureau of Indian Affairs shall be treated as a State educational agency. SEC. 1705. ADVANCED PLACEMENT INCENTIVE PROGRAM GRANTS. (a) GRANTS AUTHORIZED- (1) IN GENERAL-From amounts made available under section 1703 for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible entities to enable those entities to carry out the authorized activities described in subsection (d). (2) DURATION AND PAYMENTS- (A) DURATION-The Secretary shall award a grant under this section for a period of not more than 3 years. . (B) PAYMENTS-The Secretary shall make grant payments under this section on an annual basis. (3) DEFINITION OF ELIGIBLE ENTITY-In this section, the term eligible entity' means a State educational agency, local educational agency, or national nonprofit educational entity with expertise in advanced placement services. (b) APPLICATION-Each eligible entity desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Secretary may require. (c) PRIORITY-In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to an eligible entity that submits an application under subsection (b) that — (1) demonstrates a pervasive need for access to advanced placement incentive programs; (2) provides for the involvement of business and community organizations in the activities to be assisted; (3) assures the availability of matching funds from State, local, or other sources to pay for the cost of activities to be assisted; (4) demonstrates a focus on developing or expanding advanced placement programs and participation in the core academic areas of English, mathematics, and science; (5) demonstrates an intent to carry out activities that target — (A) local educational agencies serving schools with a high concentration of low-income students; or (B) schools with a high concentration of low-income students; and (6) in the case of a local educational agency, assures that the local educational agency serves schools with a high concentration of low-income students; or (7) demonstrates an intent to carry out activities to increase the availability of, and participation in, on-line advanced placement courses. (d) AUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES- (1) IN GENERAL-Subject to paragraph (2), an eligible entity shall use grant funds made available under this section to expand access for low-income individuals to advanced placement incentive programs that involve — (A) teacher training; (B) pre-advanced placement course development; . (C) coordination and articulation between grade levels to prepare students for academic achievement in advanced placement courses; (D) books and supplies; or (E) activities to increase the availability of, and participation in, on-line advanced placement courses; or (F) any other activity directly related to expanding access to and participation in advanced placement incentive programs, particularly for low-income individuals. (2) STATE EDUCATIONAL AGENCY-In the case of an eligible entity that is a State educational agency, the entity may use grant funds made available under this section to award subgrants to local educational agencies to enable the local educational agencies to carry out the activities under paragraph (1). (e) CONTRACTS-An eligible entity awarded a grant to provide online advanced placement courses under this part may enter into a contract with a nonprofit or for profit organization to provide the online advanced placement courses, including contracting for necessary support services. (f) DATA COLLECTION AND REPORTING- (1) DATA COLLECTION-Each eligible entity awarded a grant under this section shall, with respect to each advanced placement subject, annually report to the Secretary on — (A) the number of students served by the eligible entity who are taking an advanced placement course in that subject; (B) the number of advanced placement tests taken by students served by the eligible entity in that subject; (C) the number of students served by the eligible entity scoring at different levels on advanced placement tests in that subject; and (D) demographic information regarding individuals served by such agency who taking advanced placement courses and tests in that subject disaggregated by race, ethnicity, sex, English proficiency status, and socioeconomic status. (2) REPORT-The Secretary shall annually compile the information received from each eligible entity under paragraph (1) and report to the appropriate committees of Congress regarding the information. . SEC. 1706. SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUPPLANT. Grant funds provided under this part shall supplement, and not supplant, other non-Federal funds that are available to assist low- income individuals to pay for the cost of advanced placement test fees or to expand access to advanced placement and pre-advanced placement courses. SEC. 1707. DEFINITIONS. In this part: (1) ADVANCED PLACEMENT TEST-The term advanced placement test' means an advanced placement test administered by the College Board or approved by the Secretary. (2) HIGH CONCENTRATION OF LOW-INCOME STUDENTS-The term high concentration of low-income students', used with respect to a school, means a school that serves a student population 40 percent or more of whom are low-income individuals. (3) LOW-INCOME INDIVIDUAL-The term low-income individual' means an individual who is determined by a State educational agency or local educational agency to be a child, ages 5 through 17, from a low-income family, on the basis of data used by the Secretary to determine allocations under section 1124 of this Act, data on children eligible for free or reduced-price lunches under the National School Lunch Act, data on children in families receiving assistance under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act, or data on children eligible to receive medical assistance under the medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act, or through an alternate method that combines or extrapolates from those data. . PROJECT ABSTRACT AND NARRATIVE INSTRUCTIONS . PROJECT ABSTRACT AND NARRATIVE INSTRUCTIONS An electronic application under the API Program should include: (1) a project abstract; (2) a project narrative addressing the selection criteria, competitive preference priorities addressed (if any), and school data; (3) the GEPA requirement description; and (4) a budget narrative and detail for costs requested for each year of the project. The electronic application includes Parts I -V described below as well as all instructions regarding required forms and assurances. Part I: Project Abstract For electronic applications submissions via Grants.gov, please attach the Project Abstract to the ED Abstract Form. A 1-2 page abstract should include the following information: • Project Contact Information -name, phone number, e-mail address, and fax number of the contact person as well as the address of the applicant organization; • Number of middle and high schools served by the project annually; number of students and teachers served by the project annually for each year of funding requested; and • Overview of the objectives and outcomes relative to the development, enhancement, or expansion of AP programs in high- poverty high schools or high poverty high schools and middle schools. Part II: Project Narrative For electronic submissions via Grants.gov, please attach the Project Narrative to the Project Narrative Attachment Form. The project narrative should be concise, clear, and developed in accordance with the suggested guidance in the Page Limit section of the . Application Notice. The project narrative should be written as a single document in this order: (1) the selection criteria for the competition as described in the application notice; (2) each competitive preference priority addressed; and (3) the low-income data for each school served. Important Notes: SEA applicants that plan to make sub-grants must describe the procedures for making awards to LEAs and for ensuring that the sub- grants will meet the absolute and statutory requirements specified within the Application Notice. LEA applications serving multiple LEAs within a single application may not sub-grant. Data used by the Secretary to determine allocations under section 1124 of the ESEA, Title I Free and Reduced Lunch data (i.e., the National School Lunch Act), data on children in families receiving assistance under Part A of Title IV of the Social Security Act, or data on children eligible to receive medical assistance under the Medicaid program under Title XIX of the Social Security Act may be utilized as documentation. Also, data combined or extrapolated from these sources may be submitted to verify the low-income status of participating schools. Title I Free and Reduced Lunch data is preferred. Data for each participating school is required. Part III: GEPA Requirement For electronic submissions via Grants.gov, please attach the narrative explanation for the GEPA Requirement to the GEPA 427 form found in the application package downloaded from Grants.gov. Complete instructions for meeting this requirement are provided under the Other Important Information and Notices section of this application. Part IV: Budget Detail and Narrative for Each Year of Requested Funding For electronic submissions via Grants.gov, please attach the Budget Detail . and Narrative to the Budget Narrative Attachment Form. This part of your application contains information about the Federal funding requested. A detailed budget and budget narrative are required for each year of funding requested. These sections should be aligned with the budget categories and instructions described within the ED 524 Budget Form. . APPLICATION CHECKLIST This checklist will help ensure that your application is complete. If submitting an application electronically, your application should include: • A project abstract attached to the ED Abstract Form; • A project narrative addressing the selection criteria, competitive Priorities addressed, and low-income data for participating schools (attached to the Project Narrative Attachment Form); • GEPA 427 narrative (attached to the GEPA 427 Form); • Budget detail and narrative for ED 524 for each year of funding requested (attached to the Budget Narrative Attachment Form); • Submit a copy of the application to the State Single Point of Contact (if applicable); • Respond to all required forms, assurances/certifications within the Grants.gov application; The forms listed below are part of the Grants.gov application for the API Program: SF 424 ED Supplement to the SF 424 form ED 524 Grants.gov Lobbying Form (formerly the ED 80-0013) ED 80-0014 ED 80-0016 (Included in Package Instructions Document) SF 424B SF LLL Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants ED GEPA 427 form ED Abstract Form ED Project Narrative Attachment form ED Budget Narrative Attachment form . Other Important Information and Notices . NOTICE TO ALL APPLICANTS GEPA Requirement For electronic submissions via Grants.gov, please attach the narrative explanation to the GEPA 427 form found in the application package downloaded from Grants.gov. 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 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 audiotape 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 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. 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. NOTICE TO APPLICANTS THE GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE AND RESULTS ACT (GPRA) What is GPRA? The Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 (GPRA) is a straightforward statute that requires all federal agencies to manage their activities with attention to the consequences of those activities. Each agency is to clearly state what it intends to accomplish, identify the resources required, and periodically report their progress will contribute to improvements accountability for the expenditures of public funds, improve Congressional decision-making through more objective information on the effectiveness of federal programs, and promote a new government focus on results, service delivery, and customer satisfaction. How has the Department of Education Responded to the GPRA Requirements? As required by GPRA, the Department of Education has prepared a strategic plan for 1998-2002. This plan . reflects the Department's priorities and integrates them with its mission and program authorities and describes how the Department will work to improve education for all children and adults in the U.S. The Department's goals, as listed in the plan, are: Goal 1: Help all students reach challenging academic standards so that they are prepared for responsible citizenship, further learning, and productive employment. Goal 2: Build a solid foundation for learning for all children. Goal 3: Ensure access to postsecondary education and lifelong learning. Goal 4: Make the Department of Education a high performance organization by focusing on results, service quality, and customer satisfaction. The program performance indicators for the AP Test Fee program for FY 2006 are: (1) The number of advanced placement tests taken by low-income public school students nationally. (2) The number of advanced placement tests taken by Hispanic, Black, and Native American public school students nationally. (3) The number and percent of advanced placement tests passed (tests receiving scores of 3-5) by low- income public school students nationally. (4) The number of College Board Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate tests taken in public high schools served by API grants, divided by the total number of juniors and seniors enrolled at each school. (5) The cost per passage of an advanced placement test by a low-income public school student (amount provided for AP test fees divided by the total number of tests passed by low-income students). . Instructions for Forms . INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE SF-424 Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 60 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 (0348-0043), 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. This is a standard form (including the continuation sheet) required for use as a cover sheet for submission of preapplications and applications and related information under discretionary programs. Some of the items are required and some are optional at the discretion of the applicant or the Federal agency (agency). Required items are identified with an asterisk on the form and are specified in the instructions below. In addition to the instructions provided below, applicants must consult agency instructions to determine specific requirements. Item Entry: Item Entry: 1. Type of Submission: (Required): Select one type of submission in accordance with agency instructions. • Preapplication • Application 10. Name Of Federal Agency: (Required) Enter the name of the Federal agency from which assistance is being requested with this application. • Changed/Corrected Application – If requested by the agency, check if this submission is to change or correct a previously submitted application. Unless requested by the agency, applicants may not use this to submit changes after the closing date. 11. Catalog Of Federal Domestic Assistance Number/Title: Enter the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number and title of the program under which assistance is requested, as found in the program announcement, if applicable. 2. Type of Application: (Required) Select one type of application in accordance with agency instructions. • New – An application that is being submitted to an agency for the first time. 12. Funding Opportunity Number/Title: (Required) Enter the Funding Opportunity Number and title of the opportunity under which assistance is requested, as found in the program announcement. • Continuation -An extension for an additional funding/budget period for a project with a projected completion date. This can include renewals. • Revision -Any change in the Federal Government’s financial obligation or contingent liability from an existing obligation. If a revision, enter the appropriate letter(s). More than one may be 13. Competition Identification Number/Title: Enter the Competition Identification Number and title of the competition under which assistance is requested, if applicable. selected. If "Other" is selected, please specify in text box provided. A. Increase Award B. Decrease Award C. Increase Duration D. Decrease Duration E. Other (specify) 14. Areas Affected By Project: List the areas or entities using the categories (e.g., cities, counties, states, etc.) specified in agency instructions. Use the continuation sheet to enter additional areas, if needed. 3. Date Received: Leave this field blank. This date will be assigned by the Federal agency. 15. Descriptive Title of Applicant’s Project: (Required) Enter a brief descriptive title of the project. If appropriate, attach a map showing project location (e.g., construction or real property projects). For preapplications, attach a summary description of the project. 4. Applicant Identifier: Enter the entity identifier assigned by the Federal agency, if any, or applicant’s control number, if applicable. 5a Federal Entity Identifier: Enter the number assigned to your organization by the Federal Agency, if any. 16. Congressional Districts Of: (Required) 16a. Enter the applicant’s Congressional District, and 16b. Enter all District(s) affected by the program or project. Enter in the format: 2 characters State Abbreviation – 3 characters District Number, e.g., CA-005 for California 5thth district, CA-012 for California 12th district, NC-103 for North Carolina’s 103rd district. • If all congressional districts in a state are affected, enter “all” for the district number, e.g., MD-all for all congressional districts in Maryland. • If nationwide, i.e. all districts within all states are affected, enter US-all. • If the program/project is outside the US, enter 00- 000. 5b. Federal Award Identifier: For new applications leave blank. For a continuation or revision to an existing award, enter the previously assigned Federal award identifier number. If a changed/corrected application, enter the Federal Identifier in accordance with agency instructions. 6. Date Received by State: Leave this field blank. This date will be assigned by the State, if applicable. 7. State Application Identifier: Leave this field blank. This identifier will be assigned by the State, if applicable. 8. Applicant Information: Enter the following in accordance with agency instructions: a. Legal Name: (Required): Enter the legal name of applicant that will undertake the assistance activity. This is the name that the organization has registered with the Central Contractor Registry. Information on registering with CCR may be obtained by visiting the Grants.gov website. 17. Proposed Project Start and End Dates: (Required) Enter the proposed start date and end date of the project. b. Employer/Taxpayer Number (EIN/TIN): (Required): Enter the 68 . Employer or Taxpayer Identification Number (EIN or TIN) as assigned by the Internal Revenue Service. If your organization is not in the US, enter 44-4444444. 18. Estimated Funding: (Required) Enter the amount requested or to be contributed during the first funding/budget period by each contributor. Value of in- kind contributions should be included on appropriate lines, as applicable. If the action will result in a dollar change to an existing award, indicate only the amount of the change. For decreases, enclose the amounts in parentheses. c. Organizational DUNS: (Required) Enter the organization’s DUNS or DUNS+4 number received from Dun and Bradstreet. Information on obtaining a DUNS number may be obtained by visiting the Grants.gov website. d. Address: Enter the complete address as follows: Street address (Line 1 required), City (Required), County, State (Required, if country is US), Province, Country (Required), Zip/Postal Code (Required, if country is US). 19. Is Application Subject to Review by State Under Executive Order 12372 Process? Applicants should contact the State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for Federal Executive Order 12372 to determine whether the application is subject to the State intergovernmental review process. Select the appropriate box. If “a.” is selected, enter the date the application was submitted to the State e. Organizational Unit: Enter the name of the primary organizational unit (and department or division, if applicable) that will undertake the assistance activity, if applicable. f. Name and contact information of person to be contacted on matters involving this application: Enter the name (First and last name required), organizational affiliation (if affiliated with an organization other than the applicant organization), telephone number (Required), fax number, and email address (Required) of the person to contact on matters related to this application. 20. Is the Applicant Delinquent on any Federal Debt? (Required) Select the appropriate box. This question applies to the applicant organization, not the person who signs as the authorized representative. Categories of debt include delinquent audit disallowances, loans and taxes. If yes, include an explanation on the continuation sheet. 9. Type of Applicant: (Required) Select up to three applicant type(s) in accordance with agency instructions. 21. Authorized Representative: (Required) To be signed and dated by the authorized representative of the applicant organization. Enter the name (First and last name required) title (Required), telephone number (Required), fax number, and email address (Required) of the person authorized to sign for the applicant. A copy of the governing body’s authorization for you to sign this application as the official representative must be on file in the applicant’s office. (Certain Federal agencies may require that this authorization be submitted as part of the application.) A. State Government B. County Government C. City or Township Government D. Special District Government E. Regional Organization F. U.S. Territory or Possession G. Independent School District H. Public/State Controlled Institution of Higher Education I. Indian/Native American Tribal Government (Federally Recognized) J. Indian/Native American Tribal Government (Other than Federally Recognized) K. Indian/Native American Tribally Designated Organization L. Public/Indian Housing Authority M. Nonprofit with 501C3 IRS Status (Other than Institution of Higher Education) N. Nonprofit without 501C3 IRS Status (Other than Institution of Higher Education) O. Private Institution of Higher Education P. Individual Q. For-Profit Organization (Other than Small Business) R. Small Business S. Hispanic-serving Institution T. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) U. Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) V. Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions W. Non-domestic (non-US) Entity X. Other (specify) 69 . DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FOR SF 424 1. Project Director. Name, address, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail address of the person to be contacted on matters involving this application. 2. Novice Applicant. Check “Yes” or “No” only if assistance is being requested under a program that gives special consideration to novice applicants. Otherwise, leave blank. Check “Yes” if you meet the requirements for novice applicants specified in the regulations in 34 CFR 75.225 and included on the attached page entitled “Definitions for Department of Education Supplemental Information for SF 424.” By checking “Yes” the applicant certifies that it meets these novice applicant requirements. Check “No” if you do not meet the requirements for novice applicants. 3. Human Subjects Research. (See I. A. “Definitions” in attached page entitled “Definitions for Department of Education Supplemental Information For SF 424.”) If Not Human Subjects Research. Check “No” if research activities involving human subjects are not planned at any time during the proposed project period. The remaining parts of Item 3 are then not applicable. If Human Subjects Research. Check “Yes” if research activities involving human subjects are planned at any time during the proposed project period, either at the applicant organization or at any other performance site or collaborating institution. Check “Yes” even if the research is exempt from the regulations for the protection of human subjects. (See I. B. “Exemptions” in attached page entitled “Definitions for Department of Education Supplemental Information For SF 424.”) 3a. If Human Subjects Research is Exempt from the Human Subjects Regulations. Check “Yes” if all the research activities proposed are designated to be exempt from the regulations. Insert the exemption number(s) corresponding to one or more of the six exemption categories listed in I. B. “Exemptions.” In addition, follow the instructions in II. A. “Exempt Research Narrative” in the attached page entitled “Definitions for Department of Education Supplemental Information For SF 424.” 3a. If Human Subjects Research is Not Exempt from Human Subjects Regulations. Check “No” if some or all of the planned research activities are covered (not exempt). In addition, follow the instructions in II. B. “Nonexempt Research Narrative” in the page entitled “Definitions for Department of Education Supplemental Information For SF 424 3a. Human Subjects Assurance Number. If the applicant has an approved Federal Wide (FWA) on file with the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, that covers the specific activity, insert the number in the space provided. If the applicant does not have an approved assurance on file with OHRP, enter “None.” In this case, the applicant, by signature on the SF-424, is declaring that it will comply with 34 CFR 97 and proceed to obtain the human subjects assurance upon request by the designated ED official. If the application is recommended/selected for funding, the designated ED official will request that the applicant obtain the assurance within 30 days after the specific formal request. Note about Institutional Review Board Approval. ED does not require certification of Institutional Review Board approval with the application. However, if an application that involves non-exempt human subjects research is recommended/selected for funding, the designated ED official will request that the applicant obtain and send the certification to ED within 30 days after the formal request. Paperwork Burden Statement. According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 1890-0017. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average between 15 and 45 minutes 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 estimate(s) or suggestions for improving this form, please write to: U.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C. 20202-4700. If you have comments or concerns regarding the status of your individual submission of this form write directly to: Joyce I. Mays, Application Control Center, U.S. Department of Education, Potomac Center Plaza, 550 12th Street, S.W. Room 7076, Washington, D.C. 20202-4260. . DEFINITIONS FOR DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FOR SF 424 (Attachment to Instructions for Supplemental Information for SF 424) Definitions: Novice Applicant (See 34 CFR 75.225). For discretionary grant programs under which the Secretary gives special consideration to novice applications, a novice applicant means any applicant for a grant from ED that— • Has never received a grant or subgrant under the program from which it seeks funding; • Has never been a member of a group application, submitted in accordance with 34 CFR 75.127-75.129, that received a grant under the program from which it seeks funding; and • Has not had an active discretionary grant from the Federal government in the five years before the deadline date for applications under the program. For the purposes of this requirement, a grant is active until the end of the grant’s project or funding period, including any extensions of those periods that extend the grantee’s authority to obligate funds. In the case of a group application submitted in accordance with 34 CFR 75.127-75.129, a group includes only parties that meet the requirements listed above. PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECTS IN RESEARCH I. Definitions and Exemptions A. Definitions. A research activity involves human subjects if the activity is research, as defined in the Department’s regulations, and the research activity will involve use of human subjects, as defined in the regulations. —Research The ED Regulations for the Protection of Human Subjects, Title 34, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 97, define research as “a systematic investigation, including research development, testing and evaluation, designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge.” If an activity follows a deliberate plan whose purpose is to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge it is research. Activities which meet this definition constitute research whether or not they are conducted or supported under a program that is considered research for other purposes. For example, some demonstration and service programs may include research activities. —Human Subject The regulations define human subject as “a living individual about whom an investigator (whether professional or student) conducting research obtains (1) data through intervention or interaction with the individual, or (2) identifiable private information.” (1) If an activity involves obtaining information about a living person by manipulating that person or that person’s environment, as might occur when a new instructional technique is tested, or by communicating or interacting with the individual, as occurs with surveys and interviews, the definition of human subject is met. (2) If an activity involves obtaining private information about a living person in such a way that the information can be linked to that individual (the identity of the subject is or may be readily determined by the investigator or associated with the information), the definition of human subject is met. [Private information includes information about behavior that occurs in a context in which an individual can reasonably expect that no observation or recording is taking place, and information which has been provided for specific purposes by an individual and which the individual can reasonably expect will not be made public (for example, a school health record).] . B. Exemptions. Research activities in which the only involvement of human subjects will be in one or more of the following six categories of exemptions are not covered by the regulations: (1) Research conducted in established or commonly accepted educational settings, involving normal educational practices, such as (a) research on regular and special education instructional strategies, or (b) research on the effectiveness of or the comparison among instructional techniques, curricula, or classroom management methods. (2) Research involving the use of educational tests (cognitive, diagnostic, aptitude, achievement), survey procedures, interview procedures or observation of public behavior, unless: (a) information obtained is recorded in such a manner that human subjects can be identified, directly or through identifiers linked to the subjects; and (b) any disclosure of the human subjects’ responses outside the research could reasonably place the subjects at risk of criminal or civil liability or be damaging to the subjects’ financial standing, employability, or reputation. If the subjects are children, exemption 2 applies only to research involving educational tests and observations of public behavior when the investigator(s) do not participate in the activities being observed. Exemption 2 does not apply if children are surveyed or interviewed or if the research involves observation of public behavior and the investigator(s) participate in the activities being observed. [Children are defined as persons who have not attained the legal age for consent to treatments or procedures involved in the research, under the applicable law or jurisdiction in which the research will be conducted.] (3) Research involving the use of educational tests (cognitive, diagnostic, aptitude, achievement), survey procedures, interview procedures or observation of public behavior that is not exempt under section (2) above, if the human subjects are elected or appointed public officials or candidates for public office; or federal statute(s) require(s) without exception that the confidentiality of the personally identifiable information will be maintained throughout the research and thereafter. (4) Research involving the collection or study of existing data, documents, records, pathological specimens, or diagnostic specimens, if these sources are publicly available or if the information is recorded by the investigator in a manner that subjects cannot be identified, directly or through identifiers linked to the subjects. (5) Research and demonstration projects which are conducted by or subject to the approval of department or agency heads, and which are designed to study, evaluate, or otherwise examine: (a) public benefit or service programs; (b) procedures for obtaining benefits or services under those programs; (c) possible changes in or alternatives to those programs or procedures; or (d) possible changes in methods or levels of payment for benefits or services under those programs. (6) Taste and food quality evaluation and consumer acceptance studies, (a) if wholesome foods without additives are consumed or (b) if a food is consumed that contains a food ingredient at or below the level and for a use found to be safe, or agricultural chemical or environmental contaminant at or below the level found to be safe, by the Food and Drug Administration or approved by the Environmental Protection Agency or the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. II. Instructions for Exempt and Nonexempt Human Subjects Research Narratives If the applicant marked “Yes” for Item 3 of Department of Education Supplemental Information for SF 424, the applicant must provide a human subjects “exempt research” or “nonexempt research” narrative. Insert the narrative(s) in the space provided. If you have multiple projects and need to provide more than one narrative, be sure to label each set of responses as to the project they address. A. Exempt Research Narrative. If you marked “Yes” for item 3 a. and designated exemption numbers(s), provide the “exempt research” narrative. The narrative must contain sufficient information about the involvement of human subjects in the proposed research to allow a determination by ED that the designated exemption(s) are appropriate. The narrative must be succinct. B. Nonexempt Research Narrative. If you marked “No” for item 3 a. you must provide the “nonexempt research” narrative. The narrative must address the following seven points. Although no specific page limitation applies to this section of the application, be succinct. (1) Human Subjects Involvement and Characteristics: Provide a detailed description of the proposed involvement of human subjects. Describe the characteristics of the subject population, including their anticipated number, age range, and health status. Identify the criteria for inclusion or exclusion of any subpopulation. Explain the rationale for the involvement of special classes of subjects, such as children, children with disabilities, adults with disabilities, persons with mental disabilities, pregnant women, prisoners, institutionalized individuals, or others who are likely to be vulnerable . (2) Sources of Materials: Identify the sources of research material obtained from individually identifiable living human subjects in the form of specimens, records, or data. Indicate whether the material or data will be obtained specifically for research purposes or whether use will be made of existing specimens, records, or data. (3) Recruitment and Informed Consent: Describe plans for the recruitment of subjects and the consent procedures to be followed. Include the circumstances under which consent will be sought and obtained, who will seek it, the nature of the information to be provided to prospective subjects, and the method of documenting consent. State if the Institutional Review Board (IRB) has authorized a modification or waiver of the elements of consent or the requirement for documentation of consent. (4) Potential Risks: Describe potential risks (physical, psychological, social, legal, or other) and assess their likelihood and seriousness. Where appropriate, describe alternative treatments and procedures that might be advantageous to the subjects. (5) Protection Against Risk: Describe the procedures for protecting against or minimizing potential risks, including risks to confidentiality, and assess their likely effectiveness. Where appropriate, discuss provisions for ensuring necessary medical or professional intervention in the event of adverse effects to the subjects. Also, where appropriate, describe the provisions for monitoring the data collected to ensure the safety of the subjects. (6) Importance of the Knowledge to be Gained: Discuss the importance of the knowledge gained or to be gained as a result of the proposed research. Discuss why the risks to subjects are reasonable in relation to the anticipated benefits to subjects and in relation to the importance of the knowledge that may reasonably be expected to result. (7) Collaborating Site(s): If research involving human subjects will take place at collaborating site(s) or other performance site(s), name the sites and briefly describe their involvement or role in the research. Copies of the Department of Education’s Regulations for the Protection of Human Subjects, 34 CFR Part 97 and other pertinent materials on the protection of human subjects in research are available from the Grants Policy and Oversight Staff, Office of the Chief Financial Officer, U.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C. 20202-4250, telephone: (202) 245-6120, and on the U.S. Department of Education’s Protection of Human Subjects in Research Web Site: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocfo/humansub.html NOTE: The State Applicant Identifier on the SF 424 is for State Use only. Please complete it on the OMB Standard 424 in the upper right corner of the form (if applicable). . Instructions for ED 524 General Instructions This form is used to apply to individual U.S. Department of Education (ED) 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. Please consult with your Business Office prior to submitting this form. 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. Indirect Cost Information: If you are requesting reimbursement for indirect costs on line 10, this information is to be completed by your Business Office. (1): Indicate whether or not your organization has an Indirect Cost Rate Agreement that was approved by the Federal government. (2): If you checked “yes” in (1), indicate in (2) the beginning and ending dates covered by the Indirect Cost Rate Agreement. In addition, indicate whether ED or another Federal agency (Other) issued the approved agreement. If you check “Other,” specify the name of the Federal agency that issued the approved agreement. (3): If you are applying for a grant under a Restricted Rate Program (34 CFR 75.563 or 76.563), indicate whether you are using a restricted indirect cost rate that is included on your approved Indirect Cost Rate Agreement or whether you are using a restricted indirect cost rate that complies with 34 CFR 76.564(c)(2). Note: State or Local government agencies may not use the provision for a restricted indirect cost rate specified in 34 CFR 76.564(c)(2). Check only one response. Leave blank, if this item is not applicable. . 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 -Budget Narrative [Attach separate sheet(s)] Pay attention to applicable program specific instructions, if attached. 1. Provide an itemized budget breakdown, and justification by project year, for each budget category listed in Sections A and B. For grant projects that will be divided into two or more separately budgeted major activities or sub-projects, show for each budget category of a project year the breakdown of the specific expenses attributable to each sub-project or activity. 2. If applicable to this program, provide the rate and base on which fringe benefits are calculated. 3. If you are requesting reimbursement for indirect costs on line 10, this information is to be completed by your Business Office. Specify the estimated amount of the base to which the indirect cost rate is applied and the total indirect expense. Depending on the grant program to which you are applying and/or your approved Indirect Cost Rate Agreement, some direct cost budget categories in your grant application budget may not be included in the base and multiplied by your indirect cost rate. For example, you must multiply the indirect cost rates of “Training grants" (34 CFR 75.562) and grants under . programs with “Supplement not Supplant” requirements ("Restricted Rate" programs) by a “modified total direct cost” (MTDC) base (34 CFR 75.563 or 76.563). Please indicate which costs are included and which costs are excluded from the base to which the indirect cost rate is applied. When calculating indirect costs (line 10) for "Training grants" or grants under "Restricted Rate" programs, you must refer to the information and examples on ED’s website at: http://www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html. You may also contact (202) 377-3838 for additional information regarding calculating indirect cost rates or general indirect cost rate information. Provide other explanations or comments you deem necessary. Paperwork Burden Statement According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 1890-0004. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to vary from 13 to 22 hours per response, with an average of 17.5 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, 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, D.C. 20202-4651. If you have comments or concerns regarding the status of your individual submission of this form, write directly to (insert program office), U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20202. INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETION OF SF-LLL, DISCLOSURE OF LOBBYING ACTIVITIES This disclosure form shall be completed by the reporting entity, whether subawardee 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 for grants, cooperative agreements, loans, and loan commitments. 8. Enter the most appropriate Federal identifying number available for the Federal action identified in item 1 (e.g., Request for Proposal (RFP) number; Invitations for Bid (IFB) number; grant announcement number; the contract, grant, or loan award number; the application/proposal control number assigned by the Federal agency). Included prefixes, e.g., “RFP-DE-90-001.” 9. For a 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 Act of 1995 engaged by the reporting entity identified in item 4 to influence 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 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 . 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. A listing containing the Single Point of Contact for each State is included in this appendix. 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 the actual application 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 7W301, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20202. 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 the actual application notice. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ABOVE ADDRESS IS NOT THE SAME ADDRESS AS THE ONE TO WHICH THE APPLICANT SUBMITS A COMPLETED PAPER APPLICATION The list below, prepared by the U.S. Department of Education is an unofficial version of the State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) List published by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The Department has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this unofficial version. It reflects those changes made by OMB as of . 08/15/01. The only official and up to date version of the State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) List is posted on the Grants Management section of the OMB web site: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html. You may review and/or download the Adobe pdf (portable document format) version of this document at the aforementioned site. Please include this statement in any reproduction of this unofficial list. You are strongly encouraged to access the Intergovernmental Review (SPOC List) link to the Grants Management Information section of the OMB web page regularly in the course of completing grant applications to be submitted to your designated State Single Point of Contact (SPOC). If you do not have access to the Internet, please use the list below to contact the office or individual listed in order to confirm the State Single Point of Contact (SPOC). This publication by the U.S. Department of Education is an unofficial version of the State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) List published by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This publication incorporates the most recent revisions made by OMB. The Department has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this unofficial version. However, the only official version of the State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) List is posted on the Grants Management section of the OMB web site http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html. You may save a text version of this document at the aforementioned site. Please note it will be necessary to put a row of space between each state listing. Changes to this list can be made only after OMB is notified by a State’s officially designated representative. E-mail messages can be sent to grants@omb.eop.gov. If you prefer, you may send correspondence to the following postal address: Attn: Grants Management Office of Management and Budget New Executive Office Building, Suite 6025 725 17th Street, NW Washington, DC 20503 Please note: Inquiries about obtaining a Federal grant should not be sent to the OMB e-mail or postal address . shown above. The best source for this information is the CFDA. Important Note: States that are not listed on this site have chosen not to participate in the intergovernmental review process, and therefore do not have a SPOC. If you are located within one of these States, you may still send application material directly to a Federal-awarding agency. . Important Note: This form has been included in the application package for the convenience of applicants. By submitting an application, all applicants are indicating that they agree to the form and are eligible to apply for a grant under the AP Test Fee program. Certification of Eligibility for Federal Assistance in Certain Programs I understand that 34 CFR 75.60, 75.61, and 75.62 require that I make specific certifications of eligibility to the U.S. Department of Education (ED) as a condition of applying for Federal funds in certain programs and that these requirements are in addition to any other eligibility requirements that ED imposes under program regulations. Under 34 CFR 75.60 – 75.62: I. I certify that: A. I do not owe a debt, or I am current in repaying a debt, or I am not in default (as that term is used at 34 CFR Part 668) on a debt: 1. To the Federal Government under a nonprocurement transaction (e.g., a previous loan, scholarship, grant, or cooperative agreement); or 2. For a fellowship, scholarship, stipend, discretionary grant, or loan in any program of ED that is subject to 34 CFR 75.60, 75.61, and 75.62, including: • Federal Pell Grant Program (20 U.S.C. 1070a, et seq.); • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) Program (20 U.S.C. 1070(b), et seq.): • State Student Incentive Grant Program (SSIG) 20 U.S.C. 1070c, et seq.); • Federal Perkins Loan Program (20 U.S.C. 1087aa, et seq.); • Income Contingent Direct Loan Demonstration Project (20 U.S.C. 1087a, note); • Federal Stafford Loan Program, Federal Supplemental Loans for Students [SLS], Federal PLUS, or Federal Consolidation Loan Program (20 U.S.C. 1071, et seq.); • William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program (20 U.S.C. 1087a, et. seq.); • Cuban Student Loan Program (20 U.S.C. 2601, et seq.); • Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program (20 U.S.C. 1070d- 31, et seq.); • Jacob K. Javits Fellows Program (20 U.S.C. 1134h-1134l); . • Patricia Roberts Harris Fellowship Program (20 U.S.C. 1134d- 1134g); • Christa McAuliffe Fellowship Program (20 U.S.C. 1105-1105i); • Bilingual Education Fellowship Program (20 U.S.C. 3221- 3262); • Rehabilitation Long-Term Training Program (29 U.S.C. 774(b)); • Paul Douglas Teacher Scholarship Program (20 U.S.C. 1104, et seq.); • Law Enforcement Education Program (42 U.S.C. 3775); • Indian Fellowship Program (29 U.S.C. 774(b)); • Teacher Quality Enhancement Grants Program (20 U.S.C. 1021, et seq.); OR B. I have made arrangements satisfactory to ED to repay a debt as described in A.1. or A.2. (above) on which I had not been current in repaying or on which I was in default (as that term is used in 34 CFR Part 668). II. I certify also that I have not been declared by a judge, as a condition of sentencing under section 5301 of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 (21 U.S.C. 862), ineligible to receive Federal assistance for the period of this requested funding. I understand that providing a false certification to any of the statements above makes me liable for repayment to ED for funds received on the basis of this certification, for civil penalties, and for criminal prosecution under 18 U.S.C. 1001. (Signature) (Date) (Typed or Printed Name) Name or number of ED program under which this certification is being made: ED 80-0016 (Revised 2/01) 82 . 83 .