FY 2023 RURAL POSTSECONDARY & ECONOMIC 

DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

PRE- APPLICATION WEBINAR

Kurrinn Abrams, Program Lead & Competition Manager 

Dr. Stacey Slijepcevic, HSI Division Director

Beatriz Ceja – Williams, Senior Director, Institutional Service (IS)
DISCLAIMER

NOTE: THE FEDERAL REGISTER IS THE OFFICIAL

APPLICATION SUBMISSION GUIDE. THIS WEBINAR

PROVIDES TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ONLY
AGENDA

 General Information/FY 2023 Competition at a Glance

 Purpose

 Eligibility Information

 Requirements

 Priorities

 Selection Criteria

 Understanding Indirect Costs

 Budget Tips

 Performance Measures

 Planning Your Grant Application

 Application Review and Selection Process

 Submission Information

 Call for Peer Reviewers

 Questions from the Field

 Resources and Program Contacts
GENERAL INFORMATION

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

• Notice Inviting Applications (NIA) published in the Federal Register on April 18, 

2023, with a deadline of June 20th, 2023.

• Download application package in Grants.gov by searching for the ALN 84.116W or

Funding Opportunity Number ED-GRANTS-041823-003.

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) will be posted on the RPED website following 

this webinar.
FY 2023 COMPETITION AT A GLANCE

• APPLICATIONAVAILABLE: April 18, 2023

• APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 20, 2023, at 11:59pm ET

• ESTIMATED AVAILABLE FUNDS: $44,550,000

• ESTIMATED RANGE OF AWARDS: $1,782,000 to $2,227,500 (FOR 4

YEARS)*

• MAXIMUM AWARD: We will not make an award exceeding 

$2,227,500 for the entire project period of 48 months.

• PROJECT PERIOD: 48 MONTHS

• ESTIMATED NUMBER OF AWARDS: 23

* ALL AWARDEE FUNDS WILL BE FRONTLOADED.

• PRIORITIES

• 2 Absolute Priorities

• 1 Competitive Preference Priority

• 3 Invitational Priorities

• This program uses an unrestricted indirect cost rate. For 

more information regarding indirect costs, or to obtain a 

negotiated indirect cost rate, please see 

https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocfo/intro.html

• Budgets may not exceed range cap but may be below the 

estimated range.

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.
PROGRAM PURPOSE

The purpose ofthe RPED grant program isto improve rates of 

postsecondary enrollment, persistence, and completion among 

rural studentsthrough development of career pathways 

aligned to high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand industry sectors 

and occupations in the region.
ELIGIBILITY

Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) (as 

defined in section 101 of the HEA (20 U.S.C. 

1001)) that are public or private nonprofit 

IHEs, and public and private nonprofit 

organizations and agencies that partner with 

IHEs.
COMPETITION PRIORITIES

Two (2) Absolute Priorities (Required)

1. Absolute Priority 1 -- Rural Applicants.

2. Absolute Priority 2 -- Increasing Postsecondary Education Access, Affordability, Completion, and Post-Enrollment Success.

One (1) Competitive Preference Priority (Optional for up to 10 additional points)

1. Competitive Preference Priority -- Strengthening Cross-Agency Coordination and Community Engagement To Advance Systemic 

Change 

Three (3) Invitational Priorities (Optional – no points awarded for addressing these priorities) 

1. Invitational Priority 1 -- Supporting Secondary Students To Access Postsecondary Education

2. Invitational Priority 2 -- Supporting the Development of Academic Programs With Career Pathways

3. Invitational Priority 3 -- Supporting Transition From Community College to a 4-Year Institution of Higher Education

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.
ABSOLUTE PRIORITY #1 (REQUIRED)

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

ABSOLUTE PRIORITY 1: Rural Applicants

Under this priority, an applicant must demonstrate one or more of the following:

a) The applicant proposes to serve a community that is served by one or more LEAs with a locale code of 32, 33, 41, 42, or 43;

b) The applicant proposes a project in which a majority of the schools served have a locale code of 32, 33, 41, 42, or 43;

c) The applicant is an institution of higher education (IHE) with a rural campus setting, or the applicant proposes to serve a 

campus with a rural setting. Rural settings include any of the following: Town-Fringe, Town-Distant, Town-Remote, Rural Fringe, 

Rural-Distant, Rural-Remote, as defined by the NCES College Navigator search tool.

Note: Applicants are encouraged to retrieve locale codes from the NCES School District search tool 

(https://nces.ed.gov/

ccd/districtsearch/), where LEAs can be looked up individually to retrieve locale codes, and the Public School 

search tool (https://nces.ed.gov/

ccd/schoolsearch/), where individual schools can be looked up to retrieve locale codes. Applicants 

are encouraged to retrieve campus settings from the NCES College Navigator search tool (https://nces.ed.gov/

collegenavigator/) 

where IHEs can be looked up individually to determine the campus setting.
ABSOLUTE PRIORITY #1 (REQUIRED)

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

What do these locale codes mean?

• 32 - Town Distant

• 33 – Town Remote

• 41 – Rural Fringe

• 42 – Rural Distant

• 43 – Rural Remote
ABSOLUTE PRIORITY #1 (REQUIRED)

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

Local Education Agencies (I.e., school 

districts)

• Where LEAs can be looked up 

individually to retrieve locale codes, 

and the 

a) The applicant proposes to serve a community that is 

served by one or more LEAs with a locale code of 32, 33, 

41, 42, or 43;
ABSOLUTE PRIORITY #1 (REQUIRED)

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

Public School search tool 

• Where individual schools can be 

looked up to retrieve locale codes. 

b) The applicant proposes a project in which a majority of 

the schools served have a locale code of 32, 33, 41, 42, or 

43;
ABSOLUTE PRIORITY #1 (REQUIRED)

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

NCES College Navigator search tool

• Where IHEs can be looked up individually to 

determine the campus setting.

c) The applicant is an institution of higher 

education (IHE) with a rural campus setting, or 

the applicant proposes to serve a campus with 

a rural setting. Rural settings include any of 

the following: Town-Fringe, Town-Distant, 

Town-Remote, Rural Fringe, Rural-Distant, 

Rural-Remote, as defined by the NCES College 

Navigator search tool.
ABSOLUTE PRIORITY #1 (REQUIRED)

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

General Locale Lookup by address
ABSOLUTE PRIORITY #2 (REQUIRED)

ABSOLUTE PRIORITY 2: Increasing Postsecondary Education Access, Affordability, Completion, and Post-Enrollment Success.

Projects that are designed to increase postsecondary access, affordability, completion, and success for underserved students by addressing 

one or more of the following priority areas:

a) Increasing postsecondary education access and reducing the cost of college by creating clearer pathways for students between 

institutions and making transfer of course credits more seamless and transparent.

b) Increasing the number and proportion of underserved students who enroll in and complete postsecondary education programs, which 

may include strategies related to college preparation, awareness, application, selection, advising, counseling, and enrollment.

c) Supporting the development and implementation of student success programs that integrate multiple comprehensive and evidencebased services or initiatives, such as academic advising, structured/guided pathways, career services, credit-bearing academic 

undergraduate courses focused on career, and programs to meet basic needs, such as housing, child care and transportation, student 

financial aid, and access to technological devices.

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.
ABSOLUTE PRIORITY #2 (REQUIRED)

ABSOLUTE PRIORITY 2: Increasing Postsecondary Education Access, Affordability, Completion, and Post-Enrollment Success.

Projects that are designed to increase postsecondary access, affordability, completion, and success for underserved students by addressing 

one or more of the following priority areas:

d) Supporting the development and implementation of high-quality and accessible learning opportunities, including learning opportunities 

that are accelerated or hybrid online; credit-bearing; work-based; and flexible for working students.

e) Supporting the development and implementation of evidence-based strategies to promote students' development of knowledge and 

skills necessary for success in the workforce and civic life.

f) Providing secondary school students with access to career exploration and advising opportunities to help students make informed 

decisions about their postsecondary enrollment decisions and to place them on a career path.

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.
COMPETITIVE PREFERENCE PRIORITY (OPTIONAL)

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

COMPETITIVE PREFERENCE PRIORITY -- Strengthening Cross-Agency Coordination and Community 

Engagement To Advance Systemic Change (Up to 10 Points)

For FY 2023, and any subsequent year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from 

this competition, this priority is a competitive preference priority. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i), we award up 

to an additional 10 points to an application, depending on how well the application meets this priority, which 

encompasses up to 5 points per subcomponent described below.

Projects that are designed to take a systemic evidence-based approach to improving outcomes for 

underserved students in coordinating efforts with Federal, State, or local agencies, or community-based 

organizations, that support students, to address college readiness (Up to 5 points), workforce development 

(Up to 5 points), or both.
INVITATIONAL PRIORITY (OPTIONAL)

INVITATIONAL PRIORITY 1 -- Supporting Secondary Students To Access Postsecondary Education

Projects that are designed to provide long-term academic and career advising relationships, and 

exposure to postsecondary opportunities to students as early as 8th grade to support them through 

their transition to postsecondary education, including potential transitions from 2- to 4-year 

programs.

*For FY 2023, and any subsequent year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this 

competition, this priority is an invitational priority. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(1), we do not give an application that meets this 

invitational priority a competitive or absolute preference over other applications.

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.
INVITATIONAL PRIORITY (OPTIONAL)

*For FY 2023, and any subsequent year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this 

competition, this priority is an invitational priority. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(1), we do not give an application that meets this 

invitational priority a competitive or absolute preference over other applications.

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

INVITATIONAL PRIORITY 2 -- Supporting the Development of Academic Programs With Career 

Pathways

Projects that include partnerships with regional economic development or workforce agencies, 

regional employers, or other relevant nonprofit organizations and support alignment of academic 

programs with, and development of, high-quality career pathways aligned to high-skill, high-wage, 

and in-demand industry sectors and occupations in the region.
INVITATIONAL PRIORITY (OPTIONAL)

*For FY 2023, and any subsequent year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this 

competition, this priority is an invitational priority. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(1), we do not give an application that meets this 

invitational priority a competitive or absolute preference over other applications.

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

INVITATIONAL PRIORITY 3 -- Supporting Transition From Community College to a 4-Year Institution 

of Higher Education

Projects that are designed to provide strategies for developing and maintaining long-term academic 

and career advising relationships with community college students to support them through their 

transition to a 4-year IHE.
SELECTION 

CRITERIA

 The selection criteria are the criteria against which the peer reviewers

evaluate and score each application.

 The Department selects grantees based on peer reviewer scores,

so clearly addressing the selection criteria is critical.

 Respond to the selection criteria and each factor in the appropriate

section.

 The project narrative should be organized in 4 labeled sections that

correspond to and follow the order of the seven selection criteria.

a. Quality of the Project Design

b. Quality of the Management Plan

c. Adequacy of Resources

d. Quality of the Project Evaluation

 The maximum total score that any applicant may receive on the 4

selection criteria is 100 points.

 Now remember you can also respond to the CPP in your application 

for up to a total of 10 additional points (although not required).

 This would give your application a total of up to 110 points. The Federal Register is the official application submission

guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.
SELECTION 

CRITERIA

Selection Criteria Maximum Points

Selection Criteria Maximum Points

Quality of Project Design 35

Quality of Management Plan 35

Adequacy of Resources 10

Quality of Project Evaluation 20

Total Maximum Score for Selection 

Criteria

100

Competitive Preference Priority 10

Total PossibleScore PerApplication 110

The Federal Register is the official

application submission guide. This

webinar only provides technical

assistance.
SELECTION 

CRITERIA

Quality of Project Design

(maximum 35 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 following factors:

1) The extent to which the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be

achieved by the proposed project are clearly specified and

measurable. (Up to 10 points)

2) The extent to which the design of the proposed project is

appropriate to, and will successfully address, the needs of the

target population or other identified needs. (Up to 10 points)

3) The extent to which the design of the proposed project

includes a thorough, high-quality review of the relevant

literature, a high-quality plan for project implementation, and

the use of appropriate methodological tools to ensure

successful achievement of project objectives. (Up to 5 points)

The Federal Register is the official application submission

guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.
SELECTION 

CRITERIA

Quality of Project Design

(maximum 35 points)

4) The extent to which the proposed project demonstrates a

rationale (as defined in this notice). (Up to 5 points)

5) The extent to which the proposed project is designed to build

capacity and yield results that will extend beyond the period of

Federal financial assistance. (Up to 3 points)

6) The extent to which the services to be provided by the

proposed project involve the collaboration of appropriate

partners for maximizing the effectiveness of project services.

(Up to 2 points)

The Federal Register is the official application submission

guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.
QUESTIONS TO 

CONSIDER –

Project Design

• Have you identified the target population? Their challenges? 

Needs?

• How does the proposed project expand or strengthen the 

institution’s capacity and ability to address the needs of the 

target population?

• Is there evidence that supports your approach to the design 

of the project? Does the application provide a thorough, 

high- quality review of literature that is relevant and 

connects to the project?

• Does the application identify clear goals, objectives, and 

outcomes to be achieved by the project? How do the 

objectives relate to the project goals and what are the 

anticipated outcomes? Are they measurable?

• How would the project be presented using a logic model?

• How will the project continue after the grant period?

• If the project is successful, what improvements or systemic 

changes are expected? The Federal Register is the official application submission

guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.
SELECTION 

CRITERIA

Quality of Management Plan

(maximum 35 points)

The Federal Register is the official application submission

guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

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. (Up to 10 points)

(2) The extent to which the costs are reasonable in relation to the number

of persons to be served and to the anticipated results and benefits. (Up

to 5 points)

(3) The adequacy of mechanisms for ensuring high-quality products and

services from the proposed project. (Up to 5 points)

(4) The adequacy of procedures for ensuring feedback and continuous

improvement in the operation of the proposed project. (Up to 5 points)

(5) The extent to which the time commitments of the project director and

principal investigator and other key project personnel are appropriate

and adequate to meet the objectives of the proposed project. (Up to 10

points)
QUESTIONS TO 

CONSIDER –

Management 

Plan

• Does the management plan include clearly defined 

responsibilities, timelines, and milestones for accomplishing 

the project? What is the plan to ensure proper and efficient 

management of the project, including methods of 

coordination across organizational units, partners, 

stakeholders, etc.? Who is responsible for what?

• How will you ensure that the project is on schedule and 

within budget to meet the identified goals and objectives of 

the project?

• Have sufficient staff and time been committed to ensure that 

the identified goals and objectives are met?

• How will you determine that the costs were reasonable in 

relation to the number of students to be served and the 

anticipated results and benefits?

• How will you ensure that the project produces high- quality 

products and services?

• How will you ensure feedback and continuous improvement 

The Federal Register is the official application submission in the operation of the project?

guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.
SELECTION 

CRITERIA

Adequacy of Resources

(maximum 10 points)

The Federal Register is the official application submission

guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

The Secretary considers the adequacy of resources for the proposed

project. In determining the adequacy of resources for the proposed

project, the Secretary considers the following factors:

(1) The adequacy of support, including facilities, equipment, supplies,

and other resources, from the applicant organization or the lead

applicant organization. (Up to 5 points)

(2) The relevance and demonstrated commitment of each partner in

the proposed project to the implementation and success of the

project. (Up to 5 points)
QUESTIONS TO 

CONSIDER –

Adequacy of 

Resources

• How are the resources related to the successful 

implementation of the project?

• How will you leverage support from other campus resources 

to enhance the project?

• Describe if these resources are available at your institution 

(or in partner institutions); or if you plan to acquire them.

• How does your application speak to how the project 

partners will support the project beyond the life of the 

grant?

• Are letters of commitment and support included to 

demonstrate level of commitment to the project.

• Are the requested funds reasonable in relation to the 

complexity and scale of The project?

• How does your application articulate buy- in and support 

from stakeholders and all others involved in the project?

The Federal Register is the official application submission

guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.
SELECTION 

CRITERIA

Quality of Project Evaluation

(maximum 20 points)

The Federal Register is the official application submission

guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

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 are

thorough, feasible, and appropriate to the goals,

objectives, and outcomes of the proposed project (up

to 10 points).

(2) The extent to which the methods of evaluation provide 

for examining the effectiveness of project 

implementation strategies. (Up to 10 points)
QUESTIONS TO 

CONSIDER –

Evaluation Plan

• Does the application include methods of 

evaluation for examining the effectiveness of 

the project?

• Are the metrics that will be used to measure 

progress identified?

• How will you determine that the methods of 

evaluation are thorough, feasible, and 

appropriate to the goals, objectives, and 

outcomes of the project?

• Are long- and short-term objectives clear and 

measurable?

• Are the proposed activities/strategies 

appropriate to yielding the intended data?

• How will the evaluation be used to inform 

continuous improvement?

The Federal Register is the official application submission

guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.
APPLICATION 

TIEBREAKERS

1. First Tiebreaker: The first tiebreaker will be the highest average 

score for the selection criterion “Quality of the Project Design”. If 

a tie remains, the second tiebreaker will be utilized.

2. Second Tiebreaker: The second tiebreaker will be the highest 

average score for the selection criterion “Quality of the 

Management Plan.” If a tie remains, the third tiebreaker will be 

utilized.

3. Third Tiebreaker: The third tiebreaker will be the highest average 

score for the selection criterion “Quality of the Project 

Evaluation.” If a tie remains, the fourth tiebreaker will be utilized.

4. Fourth Tiebreaker: The fourth tiebreaker will be the applicant that 

serves the highest number of LEAs, schools, and/or institutions 

located in a rural area as identified by the rural locale codes 

outlined in Absolute Priority 1. 

Please refer to the NCES locale lookup resources provided in the slides 

under Absolute Priority 1.

The Federal Register is the official application submission

guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.
UNDERSTANDING 

INDIRECT COST
INDIRECT COST

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APPLICABLE INDIRECT COST RATE TYPE

• This program uses an unrestricted 

indirect cost rate.

• For more information regarding

indirect costs, please see 

https://www2.ed.gov/about/office

s/list/ocfo/intro.html or contact 

indirectcostdivision@ed.gov

REGULATIONS & GUIDANCE

UNIFORM GUIDANCE

• 2 CFR 200 SUBPART E

• FAQS: https://www.cfo.gov/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/2014-

11-26-Frequently-Asked-Questions.pdf

DEPARTMENTAL REGULATIONS

• EDUCATION DEPARTMENT GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE

REGULATIONS

• 34CFR 75.560 - 75.580

• 34 CFR 76.560 - 76.580
Budget Tips

a. Budgets should reflect the scale and scope of the project.

b. Budgets may not exceed the estimated range of $1,782,000 to $2,227,500 

but they may be below the estimated range.

c. Complete the ED standard form 524 and prepare a detailed budget narrative 

that includes the costs and justification of costs.

d. No cost share or matching requirements.

e. Scholarships and student financial assistance are only an allowable cost in 

certain circumstances. Please see the Uniform Guidance for all allowable 

costs/activities.

f. Unrestricted indirect cost rate.

g. Budgets will be evaluated by peer reviewers for relevance and 

appropriateness. Program staff will also review budgets to ensure that 

proposed costs are justifiable, reasonable and allowable. 25

The Federal Register is the official application

submission guide. This webinar only provides

technical assistance.
Program 

Performance 

Measures
PERFORMANCE 

MEASURES

The performance indicatorsforthe Rural Postsecondary & 

Economic Development Program are:

The number of rural students served by direct student services 

supported by the grant.

The change in the annual enrollment rate at grantee and partner 

institutions of rural students who are served by direct student 

services supported by the grant from one year to the next.

The number of rural students served by direct student services 

supported by the grant that transfer to a four-year institution or 

obtain a degree or certificate of completion.

The number of rural students served by the program who obtain a 

paid internship, apprenticeship, or employment

25
THE LOGIC MODEL
COMPONENTS OFA PROGRAM LOGIC MODEL

 RESOURCES: MATERIALSTO IMPLEMENTTHE PROGRAM

 ACTIVITIES: STEPS FOR PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION

 OUTPUTS: PRODUCTSOFTHE PROGRAM

 IMPACTSONOUTCOMES: CHANGES IN PROGRAM 

PARTICIPANTS’ KNOWLEDGE, BELIEFS, OR BEHAVIOR
SAMPLE LOGIC MODEL
Planning Your Grant 

Application
PLANNING 

YOUR GRANT 

APPLICATION

• Identify goals for your proposed project, especially

how they will focus on student academic and career

success.

• Analyze every proposed activity to ensure that it is

attainable, meaningful, and measurable.

• Choose metrics and evaluation methodsthat will produce 

evidence aboutthe project’s effectiveness.

• Use the identified performance measuresto build your

project assessments.
PLANNING 

YOUR GRANT 

APPLICATION

• Use analysis and evaluation to identify 

institutional challenges or issues.

• Focus on the most well analyzed challenges or issues

that confront your institution.

• Consider addressing challenges or issues that your

institution will have to resolve regardless of funding.

• Dedicate adequate resources and time to develop

your funding application and to the project, 

including clearly outlining the roles and 

responsibilities of your partners.
PLANNING 

YOUR GRANT 

APPLICATION

• Be realistic and straightforward about every aspect of your

project design.

• Design activities and servicesthat are manageable and

directly addressyour identified challenges and issues.

• Knowyour budget and ensure that all costs are allowable,

allocable, and reasonable.

• Forecast and create an implementation and management

plan that is realistic.

• Work towards sustainability of your project. 
PLANNING 

YOUR GRANT 

APPLICATION

• We recommend a limit to no more than 50 pages. This only 

applies to the application narrative and does not apply to 

the cover sheet, budget section and budget justification, 

assurances and certifications, one-page abstract, 

resumes/CVs, bibliography, or letters of support. 

• We recommend that if you are addressing the optional 

priorities, include no more than 3 additional pages.

• Double space all text in the narrative, including titles, 

headings, footnotes, quotations, references, and captions.

• Use a readable 12-point font (e.g., Time New Roman, 

Courier, or Arial).

The Federal Register is the official application

submission guide. This webinar only provides

technical assistance.
STRUCTURING 

YOUR GRANT 

APPLICATION

• We strongly recommend organizing your application 

according to the selection criteria, so that the 

information is easily found by the reviewers.

• Remember reviewers will determine the extent to 

which the applicant meets the criterion, so it is 

important to be clear and concise in your responses, 

and that reviewers don’t have to search through your 

application to find the information.

• Ensure reviewers know exactly which criteria you are 

responding to.

The Federal Register is the official application

submission guide. This webinar only provides

technical assistance.
Review and 

Selection Process

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.
Review and Selection Process

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

• Applications are screened to ensure that they meet all the requirements of the program.

• Peer reviewers have expertise in areas pertinent to the grant program.

• All reviewers are screened for conflicts of interest to ensure a fair and competitive review 

process.

• Reviewers will read and score applications for each selection criterion, the competitive 

preference priority, and invitational priority, if applicable.

• A rank order of all applications is developed based on the peer review score.
Submission 

Information

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.
Logistical Advice

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

• Register early: Grants.gov registration involves many steps including registration on SAM 

(www.sam.gov).

• Write clearly: Peer reviewers have only your writing to evaluate.

• Ensure that your IHE’s UEI number is up-to-date and active in SAM https://www.Sam.Gov/sam/.

• Submit Early: We strongly recommend that you do not wait until the last day to submit your 

application.

READ THE NIA. UNDERSTAND THE REQUIREMENTS. PLAN AHEAD.
SUBMITTING 

YOUR 

APPLICATION 

IN 

GRANTS.GOV

The Federal Register is the official application

submission guide. This webinar only provides

technical assistance.

HTTPS://WWW.GRANTS.GOV/

• SEACH GRANTS FOR

• ALN 84.116W or

• LOOK FOR THE OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: EDGRANTS-041823-003

• You willthen see all ofthe application information and

instructions, including the NIA and application

booklet, which outlinesthe checklist and formsyou

need to fill out.
SUBMITTING 

YOUR 

APPLICATION 

IN 

GRANTS.GOV

The Federal Register is the official application

submission guide. This webinar only provides

technical assistance.

• Electronic submission required through grants.gov unless you have 

a waiver. The application uploading process is time consuming. 

Please submit your application early.

• Grants.gov applicants can apply online using Workspace. 

Workspace is a shared, online environment where members of a 

grant team may simultaneously access and edit different web 

forms within an application.

• Workspace, Adobe Forms and PDF Files Required

• For access to complete instructions on how to apply for 

opportunities, refer to: 

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspaceoverview.html

• If you have problems submitting to Grants.gov, please contact 

Grants.gov Customer Support at 1-800-518-4726 or email at: 

support@grants.gov or access the Grants.gov Self-Service 

Knowledge Base web portal at: https://grantsportal.psc.gov/Welcome.aspx?pt=Grants
Navigating 

Grants.gov

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.
The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.
NOTE: THE FEDERAL REGISTER IS THE OFFICIAL APPLICATION SUBMISSION

GUIDE. THIS WEBINAR PROVIDES TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ONLY
Application Checklist

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

Part I

 Application for Federal Assistance 

(SF 424)

 Department of Education Supplemental 

Information for SF 424

Part III

 ED Abstract Form

 Overview of how project meets 

priorities

 Project Narrative Form

 Optional “Table of Contents”

 Responses to selection criteria

 Other Attachments Form

 Curriculum Vitae (CV)

 Letters of commitment and support 

from all members of the consortium

 Bibliography

 GEPA Section 427 Form

Part II

 Budget Summary (ED Form 524)

 Sections A & B

 Section C “Budget Narrative 

Attachment Form”

Part IV

 Assurances/Certifications

 Disclosure of Lobbying

Activities (SF- LLL)

 Grants.gov Lobbying

Form (ED-80- 0013)
The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

Application Checklist: Part 1
The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

Application Checklist: Part 2
The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

Application Checklist: Part 2
Required Abstract - Clearly indicate:

• Applicant institution, or nonprofit organization or 

agency, and partner institutions

• Project title

• Proposed partners for the purpose of meeting the 

priorities

• Target Population (e.g., faculty, staff, students)

• Services and Proposed Activities

• Anticipated Results (e.g., learning outcomes) and 

citations

• Absolute Priorities Addressed: Yes or No; Briefly 

describe how they are addressed

• Competitive Preference Priority Addressed: Yes or 

No; Briefly describe how it is addressed and 

indicate the institution/s that the applicant is 

proposing to partner with for the purpose of 

meeting this priority.

• Invitational Priority or Priorities Addressed: Yes or 

No; Briefly describe how it is addressed

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

Application Checklist: Part 3
The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

Application Checklist: Part 3

 Curriculum Vitae (CV)

 Letters of commitment and

support from all members of the

consortium

 Bibliography
Updated GEPA Form Has Four Questions

Applicants must respond to each question on 

the standard form and submit the form with its 

grant application package or State plan.

For Grants.gov application submissions:

1. The updated form is integrated into 

Grants.gov and no longer needs to be 

uploaded as PDF. 

2. The form is electronic and each text box 

response allows 4,000 characters.

3. An error message is received if a 

response is missing and the form can not 

be saved. (see next slide)
GEPA Form Instructions 

• Applicants may identify any barriers that may impede equitable access and participation in the 

proposed project or activity, including, but not limited to, barriers based on economic disadvantage, 

gender, race, ethnicity, color, national origin, disability, age, language, migrant status, rural status, 

homeless status or housing insecurity, pregnancy, parenting, or caregiving status, and sexual 

orientation. 

• Applicants are not required to have mission statements or policies that align with equity in order to 

submit an application. 

• Applicants may have already included some or all this required information in the narrative sections of 

their applications or their State Plans. In responding to this requirement, for each question, applicants 

may provide a cross-reference to the section(s) and page number(s) in their applications or State Plans 

that includes the information responsive to that question on this form or may restate that information 

on this form.
GEPA Form Instructions continued

• Applicants must respond to each question using the associated text box. Each text box allows 

approximately 4000 characters; therefore, if copying and pasting into the text box from another 

document be sure to check that everything copied. 

• Applicants should use the “check for errors” button before they save the form. Applicants will 

receive an error message if any response is missing and will not be able to submit the application 

due to the missing information. 

• Applicants that have already undertaken steps to address barriers must still provide an explanation 

and/or description of the steps already taken in each text box, as appropriate, to satisfy the GEPA 

Section 427 requirement. 

• Applicants that believe no barriers exist must still provide an explanation and/or description to each 

question to validate that perception, as appropriate, to satisfy the GEPA Section 427 requirement. 
GEPA Section 427 Resources

• Computer-based training, Ensuring Equitable Opportunities Under the GEPA 

Section 427

• The Department of Education Equity Action Plan at ED.gov/equity
Question One – Response Example

1. Describe how your entity’s existing mission, policies, or commitments ensure 

equitable access to, and equitable participation in, the proposed project or activity. 

Our organization has a contract with the city to operate a non-traditional high 

school in the local YMCA. As non-traditional, we will open earlier and remain open 

longer than a regular high and be open seven days a week to work with students 

living on their own, students that are homeless, and students expelled from a 

regular high school. One of the goals of our organization is to ensure homeless and 

other non-traditional students are able to obtain high school diplomas.
Question 2 – Response Example 

2. Based on your proposed project or activity, what barriers may impede equitable 

access and participation of students, educators, or other beneficiaries? 

Based on the population that is currently served our organization has identified 

homeless status or housing insecurity, pregnancy, and language as potential 

barriers.
Question 3 – Response Example 

3. Based on the barriers identified, what steps will you take to address such barriers 

to equitable access and participation in the proposed project or activity? 

We intend to offer core subjects of varying levels of math, reading, and science, 

several times throughout the day and evening in small group settings so that 

registered students are able to attend classes needed to graduate. Daily 

attendance will be required although not at any set time. Multi-lingual counselors 

will be on sight at various times to regularly engage with each student. A mobile 

health truck will be onsite bi-weekly to address health and safety issues.
Question 4 – Response Example 

4. What is your timeline, including targeted milestones, for addressing these identified barriers?

Extensive outreach through posters and flyers posted at local community organizations and shops, 

support from the YMCA patrons, mobile health van team, and our counseling staff conducting daily 

foot patrols within a specific perimeter and in the hangout areas of targeted youth in order to share 

information and recruit targeted population.

The target population assigned through the system such as juvenile courts will also assist in the 

identification and recruitment of the target population.

Register five percent (50 students) of the target population (as documented by local standard statistical 

references), for core classes within 180 days of the opening of the school year. 
Application Checklist: Part 4

 Assurances/Certifications

 Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF- LLL)

 Grants.gov Lobbying Form (ED-80- 0013)
CALL FOR PEER REVIEWERS

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

• Those interested in reading forthis program must register or (if already registered) update their

information in G5 at www.G5.Gov

• Please contact RPED@ed.gov to sign up and for more information.
Questions?

Please refer to the FAQ Document for additional questions/information

The Federal Register is the official application

submission guide. This webinar only provides

technical assistance.

43
Resources

The Federal Register is the official application

submission guide. This webinar only provides

technical assistance.

• NIA

• Rural Postsecondary & Economic Development (RPED) Website

• Open Licensing Requirement for Competitive Grant Programs

2 C.F.R. §3474.20

Final Regulations

• Technical Assistance for ED Grantees

• https://grants.gov/

• www.sam.gov

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Contact Information

The Federal Register is the official application

submission guide. This webinar only provides

technical assistance.

Main Email for Questions: RPED@ed.gov

Competition Manager: Kurrinn Abrams, Kurrinn.abrams2@ed.gov

44