OMB Control No. 1894-0005 (Exp. 01/31/2011)

**NOTICE TO ALL APPLICANTS**

The purpose of this enclosure is to inform you about a new provision in
the Department of Education\'s General Education Provisions Act (GEPA)
that applies to applicants for new grant awards under Department
programs. This provision is Section 427 of GEPA, enacted as part of the
Improving America\'s Schools Act of 1994 (Public Law (P.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 audio tape or in braille for students who are blind.
>
> \(3\) An applicant that proposes to carry out a model science program
> for secondary students and is concerned that girls may be less likely
> than boys to enroll in the course, might indicate how it intends to
> conduct \"outreach\" efforts to girls, to encourage their 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**

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 **1894-0005.** The time
required to complete this information collection is estimated to average
1.5 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, 400 Maryland
Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20202-4537.