[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 37 (Friday, February 26, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 11738-11744]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-03972]


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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION


Applications for New Awards; Educational Technology, Media, and 
Materials for Individuals With Disabilities Program--Television Access 
Projects

AGENCY: Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, 
Department of Education.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Education (Department) is issuing a notice 
inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 2021 for 
Educational Technology, Media, and Materials for Individuals with 
Disabilities--Television Access Projects, Assistance Listing Number 
84.327C. This notice relates to the approved information collection 
under OMB control number 1820-0028.

DATES: 
    Applications Available: February 26, 2021.
    Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: April 27, 2021.
    Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: June 28, 2021.

ADDRESSES: For the addresses for obtaining and submitting an 
application, please refer to our Common Instructions for Applicants to 
Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the 
Federal Register on February 13, 2019 (84 FR 3768), and available at 
www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2019-02-13/pdf/2019-02206.pdf.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rebecca Sheffield, U.S. Department of 
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 5040E, Potomac Center Plaza, 
Washington, DC 20202-5076. Telephone: (202) 245-6725. Email: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#194b7c7b7c7a7a78374a717c7f7f707c757d597c7d377e766f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f8aa9d9a9d9b9b99d6ab909d9e9e919d949cb89d9cd69f978e">[email protected]</span></a>.
    If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) or a text 
telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay Service (FRS), toll free, at 1-
800-877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Purpose of Program: The purpose of the Educational Technology, 
Media, and Materials for Individuals with Disabilities Program is to 
improve results for students with disabilities by: (1) Promoting the 
development, demonstration, and use of technology; (2) supporting 
educational media activities designed to be of educational value in the 
classroom for students with disabilities; (3) providing support for 
captioning and video description that is appropriate for use in the 
classroom; and (4) providing accessible educational materials to 
students with disabilities in a timely manner.
    Priority: This competition includes one absolute priority. In 
accordance with 34 CFR 75.105(b)(2)(v), this priority is from allowable 
activities specified in the statute (see sections 674(c)(1)(D) and 
681(d) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA); 20 
U.S.C. 1474(c)(1)(D) and 1481(d)).
    Absolute Priority: For FY 2021 and any subsequent year in which we 
make awards from the list of unfunded applications 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:

Television Access Projects

    Background: Section 674(c) of the IDEA requires, in part, that the 
Secretary of Education support audio description,\1\ open captioning, 
and closed captioning \2\ that is appropriate for use in the classroom 
setting of (a) television programs; (b) videos; and (c) other 
materials, including programs and materials associated with new and 
emerging technologies.\3\ Twenty-first century K-12 classrooms and 
early childhood learning environments provide enriching, differentiated 
learning opportunities. For children and youth with disabilities to 
fully engage in in-person, hybrid, and online learning environments, 
they must have access to all instructional activities and materials. 
Learners with sensory disabilities (e.g., blindness, including visual 
impairment; deafness; hearing impairment; and deaf-blindness) often 
require alternate means of accessing educational materials, video 
programming, and online resources. Learners with other disabilities and 
English learners can also benefit from accessibility features embedded 
in educational media and materials (Kent et al., 2017; Teng, 2019). 
When educational materials are inaccessible, students with sensory 
disabilities miss out on opportunities to

[[Page 11739]]

participate fully and independently in learning (Rodriguez & Diaz, 
2017).
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    \1\ In October 2020, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) 
adopted rule changes, including a switch from the term ``video 
description'' to ``audio description'' that can be found at https://ecfsapi.fcc.gov/file/102760142335/FCC-20-155A1.pdf. Audio 
description (also known as video description or description) refers 
to providing auditory access to significant visual content in a 
video through spoken narration accompanying the video's soundtrack.
    \2\ Closed captioning (also known as captioning) refers to 
providing visual access to audio content from a video through text 
displayed along with the video.
    \3\ Applicants should note that other laws, including the 
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.; 28 
CFR part 35) and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as 
amended (29 U.S.C. 794; 34 CFR part 104), may require that State 
educational agencies (SEAs) and local educational agencies (LEAs) 
provide captioning, audio description, and other accessible 
educational materials to students with disabilities when these 
materials are necessary to provide equally integrated and equally 
effective access to the benefits of the educational program or 
activity, or as part of a ``free appropriate public education'' as 
defined in 34 CFR 104.33.
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    Closed captioning and audio description technologies enhance 
learning experiences for children and youth with disabilities and 
English learners (Rodriguez & Diaz, 2017). Captioning increases the 
accessibility of video programming, particularly for audience members 
(children, parents, and teachers) who are deaf or have hearing loss and 
for those who are temporarily unable to hear a program or who benefit 
when auditory information is supported by text. Audio description 
increases access to visual content, especially for people with visual 
impairments or visual processing difficulties and for anyone 
temporarily unable to follow a program visually.
    Children and youth with deaf-blindness have a spectrum of video 
access needs; therefore, captioning and audio description are most 
beneficial when provided in customizable formats. For example, students 
may need to change the size of captions or slow down descriptions; 
others may need separate transcription documents. Different 
descriptions may be required for the same video depending on individual 
needs and instructional purposes.
    The Telecommunications Act of 1996 requires most television 
programs to be captioned. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) 
also requires networks to broadcast a comparatively limited amount of 
audio described programming. The FCC's requirements for captioning and 
description do not apply to online media, and when previously broadcast 
video is shared online, online versions may not be accessible.
    The Department has made awards since 1995 to provide audio 
description and captioning under the Educational Technology, Media, and 
Materials for Individuals with Disabilities program. Despite these 
efforts and IDEA requirements for students to be provided with 
accessible instructional materials, not all video and multimedia 
content used in school settings is described or captioned. Content 
creators continue to produce media resources that must be remediated, 
rather than ``born accessible,'' i.e., released with embedded captions 
and audio description. More captioned and described content is needed, 
especially to assist those who are English learners and in settings 
with limited internet access, where older educational media may still 
be in use.
    Priority: The purpose of this priority is to fund three cooperative 
agreements that will improve the learning opportunities for children 
and youth with disabilities by providing access to video programming 
\4\ through accessible high-quality audio description and captioning. 
This access will be accomplished by making available television 
programs that are appropriate for use in classroom settings and online 
learning environments that are not otherwise required to be captioned 
or described by the FCC. As part of the work of each project, in 
consultation with the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) 
project officer, selective media must be captioned and described in 
Spanish for eligible users who are learning English and live in 
households where Spanish is the dominant language.
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    \4\ For the purposes of this notice, video programming is 
defined consistent with 47 CFR 79.4, meaning ``programming by, or 
generally considered comparable to programming provided by, a 
television broadcast station, but not including consumer-generated 
media.''
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    The projects must achieve, at a minimum, the following expected 
outcomes:
    (a) Increased access to captioned and described video programming 
by children with sensory disabilities and other disabilities;
    (b) Increased number of described and captioned educational video 
programs, both in English and in Spanish, available for use by children 
with disabilities;
    (c) Increased cost effectiveness and efficiency in the production 
and dissemination of accessible video programming;
    (d) Increased quality and usability of described and captioned 
products;
    (e) Increased use of technology in the projects' production and 
dissemination workflows and related processes; and
    (f) Increased alignment and coordination across the three 84.327C 
projects and the Captioned and Described Educational Media Center 
(84.327N).
    In addition to these programmatic requirements, to be considered 
for funding under this absolute priority, applicants must meet the 
application and administrative requirements in this priority, which 
are:
    (a) Demonstrate, in the narrative section of the application under 
``Significance'' how the proposed project will--
    (1) Address the need for access to educational television 
programming to support equitable opportunities in early learning 
programs, schools, and workplaces for transition-aged youth. To meet 
this requirement, the applicant must--
    (i) Present applicable national, State, regional, or local data 
demonstrating the need for accessible educational television 
programming in schools, online settings, and workplaces for transition-
aged youth and children and youth with disabilities, including children 
with disabilities who may be underserved; and
    (ii) Demonstrate knowledge of the benefits, services, or 
opportunities that are available through the use of educational 
television programming in schools, online settings, and workplaces that 
are fully accessible to children and youth with disabilities, including 
children with disabilities who may be underserved.
    (b) Demonstrate, in the narrative section of the application under 
``Quality of project services,'' how the project will--
    (1) Apply knowledge of the populations served by the project to 
determine the preferences and unmet needs of educators, children and 
youth with disabilities, and the parents of these students in selecting 
the programming to be audio described, captioned, or both;
    (2) Use criteria to select, produce, and add high-quality 
descriptions and captioning to widely available Spanish and English 
language video programming of high educational value for children and 
youth with disabilities and their families, teachers, and other 
professionals to use in K-12 classroom settings or online learning 
environments;
    (3) Identify and use new and emerging technologies and processes 
that will improve the quality, availability, cost effectiveness, and 
usability of accessible educational media, materials, and products for 
children and youth with disabilities in the production of accessible 
educational video programming;
    (4) Acquire, from producers, networks, program creators, and 
others, video programming to describe and caption to make the 
programming accessible to children and youth with disabilities; and
    (5) Develop and implement, in collaboration with the Captioned and 
Described Educational Media Center (84.327N), documented routines and 
processes to improve access to, and increase the collection of, 
accessible educational video programming, online materials, and other 
related media that make it possible for children and youth with 
disabilities to participate in early learning environments, K-12 
settings, and remote online environments to succeed in 21st-century 
educational environments.

[[Page 11740]]

    (c) Demonstrate, in the narrative section of the application under 
``Adequacy of project resources,'' how--
    (1) The proposed key personnel, consultants, and contractors have 
the qualifications, experience, and commitment to carry out the 
proposed activities and achieve the project's intended outcomes;
    (2) The proposed project will encourage applications for employment 
from persons who are members of groups that have traditionally been 
underrepresented based on race, color, national origin, gender, age, or 
disability, as appropriate;
    (3) The applicant and key partners have adequate resources to carry 
out proposed project activities. To address this requirement, the 
applicant must describe--
    (i) The willingness of the potential television program providers 
or program owners, as appropriate, to permit and facilitate the audio 
description or the audio description and captioning of their programs;
    (ii) Requirements and assurances that the programming that is made 
accessible under this project will continue to contain those audio 
descriptions and captions after the programming is aired; and
    (iii) How programming audio described or captioned under this 
project would not otherwise be audio described or captioned to meet the 
FCC's requirements, or how this programming is specifically exempt from 
the FCC's requirements; and
    (4) The proposed costs are reasonable in relation to the 
anticipated results and benefits. To address this requirement, the 
applicant must describe--
    (i) The total number of program hours proposed to be made 
accessible through audio description, or audio description and 
captioning, under this project;
    (ii) The cost per hour for audio description and, if the applicant 
is proposing both audio description and captioning, the cost per hour 
for audio description and for captioning; and
    (iii) A plan, if any, to increase the anticipated shelf-life and 
distribution of educational programming described, or captioned and 
described, under this project.
    (d) Demonstrate, in the narrative section of the application under 
``Quality of the management plan,'' how--
    (1) The proposed management plan will ensure that the project's 
intended outcomes will be achieved on time and within budget. To 
address this requirement, the applicant must describe--
    (i) Clearly defined responsibilities for key project personnel, 
consultants, and subcontractors, as applicable; and
    (ii) Timelines and milestones for accomplishing the project tasks;
    (2) Key personnel, consultants, and contractors will be 
sufficiently allocated to the project and how these allocations are 
appropriate and adequate to achieve the project's intended outcomes;
    (3) The proposed management plan will ensure that the products and 
services provided are of high quality, relevant, and useful to 
recipients; and
    (4) The proposed project will benefit from a diversity of 
perspectives, including, but not limited to, students and families, 
early intervention service providers, educators, researchers, and other 
OSEP funded projects.
    (e) In the narrative section of the application under ``Quality of 
the project evaluation,'' include an evaluation plan, as described in 
the following paragraphs. The evaluation plan must describe measures of 
progress in implementation, including the extent to which the project's 
products and services have reached its target population and measures 
of intended outcomes or results of the project's activities to assess 
the effectiveness of those activities.
    In designing the evaluation plan, the applicant must--
    (1) Provide a logic model \5\ or conceptual framework that depicts, 
at a minimum, the goals, activities, project evaluation, methods, 
performance measures, outputs, and outcomes of the proposed project;
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    \5\ Logic model (also referred to as a theory of action) means a 
framework that identifies key project components of the proposed 
project (i.e., the active ``ingredients'' that are hypothesized to 
be critical to achieving the relevant outcomes) and describes the 
theoretical and operational relationships among the key project 
components and relevant outcomes. See 34 CFR 77.1.
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    (2) Provide a plan to implement the activities described in this 
priority; and
    (3) Provide a plan, linked to the proposed project's logic model or 
conceptual framework, for a formative evaluation of the proposed 
project's activities. The plan must describe how the formative 
evaluation will use clear performance objectives to ensure continuous 
improvement in the operation of the proposed project, including 
objective measures of progress in implementing the project and ensuring 
the quality of products and resources.

    Note: The following websites provide more information on logic 
models and conceptual frameworks: www.osepideasthatwork.org/logicModel and www.osepideasthatwork.org/resources-grantees/program-areas/ta-ta/tad-project-logic-model-and-conceptual-framework.

    (f) Address the following application requirements. The applicant 
must include--
    (1) In Appendix A, personnel-loading charts and timelines, as 
applicable, to illustrate the management plan described in the 
narrative; and
    (2) In the budget, attendance at the following:
    (i) A one and one-half day kick-off meeting in Washington, DC, or 
virtually, after receipt of the award, and an annual planning meeting 
in Washington, DC, or virtually, with the OSEP project officer and 
other relevant staff during each subsequent year of the project period.

    Note: Within 30 days of receipt of the award, a post-award 
teleconference must be held between the OSEP project officer and the 
grantee's project director or other authorized representative.

    (ii) A two and one-half day project directors' conference in 
Washington, DC, or a virtual conference, during each year of the 
project period.
    (iii) Two annual two-day trips to attend Department briefings, 
Department-sponsored conferences, and other meetings, as requested by 
OSEP; and
    (iv) A one-day intensive OSEP review meeting during the last half 
of the second year of the project period.
    (3) Information on how the project will maintain a high-quality 
website, with an easy-to-navigate design, that meets government or 
industry-recognized standards for accessibility; and
    (4) In Appendix A, an assurance to assist OSEP with the transfer of 
pertinent resources and products and to maintain the continuity of 
services to States during the transition to this new award period and 
at the end of this award period, as appropriate.
    Fourth and Fifth Years of the Project: In deciding whether to 
continue funding the project for the fourth and fifth years, the 
Secretary will consider the requirements of 34 CFR 75.253(a), 
including--
    (a) The recommendations of an OSEP review team consisting of 
experts who have experience and knowledge in providing access to video 
programming through accessible high-quality audio description and 
captioning. This review will be conducted during a one-day intensive 
meeting that will be held during the last half of the second year of 
the project period;
    (b) The timeliness with which, and how well, the requirements of 
the negotiated cooperative agreement have been or are being met by the 
project; and

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    (c) The quality, relevance, and usefulness of the project's 
products and services and the extent to which the project's products 
and services are aligned with the project's objectives and likely to 
result in the project achieving its intended outcomes.
    Under 34 CFR 75.253, the Secretary may reduce continuation awards 
or discontinue awards in any year of the project period for excessive 
carryover balances or a failure to make substantial progress. The 
Department intends to closely monitor unobligated balances and 
substantial progress under this program and may reduce or discontinue 
funding accordingly.
References
Feng, T. (2019). Incidental vocabulary learning for primary school 
students: The effects of L2 caption type and word exposure 
frequency. Australian Educational Researcher, 46(1), 113-136.
Kent, M., Ellis, K., Peaty, G., Latter, N., & Locke, K. (2017). 
Mainstreaming captions for online lectures in higher education in 
Australia. Curtin University. www.ncsehe.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/
2017/04/MainstreamingCaptions_FinalReport.pdf.
Rodriguez, J., & Diaz, M.V. (2017). Media with captions and 
description to support learning among children with sensory 
disabilities. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 5(11), 
2016-2025.

    Waiver of Proposed Rulemaking: Under the Administrative Procedure 
Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 553) the Department generally offers interested 
parties the opportunity to comment on proposed priorities. Section 
681(d) of IDEA, however, makes the public comment requirements of the 
APA inapplicable to the priority in this notice.
    Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1474 and 1481.

    Note: Projects will be awarded and must be operated in a manner 
consistent with the nondiscrimination requirements contained in 
Federal civil rights laws.

    Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General 
Administrative Regulations in 34 CFR parts 75, 77, 79, 81, 82, 84, 86, 
97, 98, and 99. (b) The Office of Management and Budget Guidelines to 
Agencies on Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) in 
2 CFR part 180, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department 
in 2 CFR part 3485. (c) The Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost 
Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards in 2 CFR part 
200, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department in 2 CFR 
part 3474.

    Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 79 apply to all applicants 
except federally recognized Indian Tribes.


    Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 86 apply to institutions of 
higher education (IHEs) only.

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Cooperative agreements.
    Estimated Number of Awards: 3.
    Estimated Range of Awards: $650,000 to $666,000 per year.
    Estimated Available Funds: $2,000,000.
    Contingent upon the availability of funds and the quality of 
applications, we may make additional awards in FY 2022 from the list of 
unfunded applications from this competition.
    Maximum Award: We will not make an award exceeding $3,335,000 for 
the 60-month project period.

    Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this 
notice.

    Project Period: Up to 60 months.

III. Eligibility Information

    1. Eligible Applicants: State educational agencies (SEAs); local 
educational agencies (LEAs), including public charter schools that 
operate as LEAs under State law; IHEs; other public agencies; private 
nonprofit organizations; freely associated States and outlying areas; 
Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations; and for-profit organizations.

    Note: If you are a nonprofit organization, under 34 CFR 75.51, 
you may demonstrate your nonprofit status by providing: (1) Proof 
that the Internal Revenue Service currently recognizes the applicant 
as an organization to which contributions are tax deductible under 
section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; (2) a statement from 
a State taxing body or the State attorney general certifying that 
the organization is a nonprofit organization operating within the 
State and that no part of its net earnings may lawfully benefit any 
private shareholder or individual; (3) a certified copy of the 
applicant's certificate of incorporation or similar document if it 
clearly establishes the nonprofit status of the applicant; or (4) 
any item described above if that item applies to a State or national 
parent organization, together with a statement by the State or 
parent organization that the applicant is a local nonprofit 
affiliate.

    2. a. Cost Sharing or Matching: This program does not require cost 
sharing or matching.
    b. Indirect Cost Rate Information: This program uses an 
unrestricted indirect cost rate. For more information regarding 
indirect costs, or to obtain a negotiated indirect cost rate, please 
see www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocfo/intro.html.
    c. Administrative Cost Limitation: This program does not include 
any program-specific limitation on administrative expenses. All 
administrative expenses must be reasonable and necessary and conform to 
Cost Principles described in 2 CFR part 200 subpart E of the Uniform 
Guidance.
    3. Subgrantees: A grantee under this competition may not award 
subgrants to entities to directly carry out project activities 
described in its application. Under 34 CFR 75.708(e), a grantee may 
contract for supplies, equipment, and other services in accordance with 
2 CFR part 200.
    4. Other General Requirements:
    a. Recipients of funding under this competition must make positive 
efforts to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with 
disabilities (see section 606 of IDEA).
    b. Each applicant for, and recipient of, funding must, with respect 
to the aspects of their proposed project relating to the absolute 
priority, involve individuals with disabilities, or parents of 
individuals with disabilities ages birth through 26, in planning, 
implementing, and evaluating the project (see section 682(a)(1)(A) of 
IDEA).

IV. Application and Submission Information

    1. Application Submission Instructions: Applicants are required to 
follow the Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of 
Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal 
Register on February 13, 2019 (84 FR 3768), and available at 
www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2019-02-13/pdf/2019-02206.pdf, which 
contain requirements and information on how to submit an application.
    2. 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.
    3. Funding Restrictions: We reference regulations outlining funding 
restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice.
    4. Recommended Page Limit: The application narrative is where you, 
the applicant, address the selection criteria that reviewers use to 
evaluate your application. We recommend that you (1) limit the 
application narrative to no more than 50 pages and (2) use the 
following standards:

[[Page 11742]]

    <bullet> A ``page'' is 8.5'' x 11'', on one side only, with 1'' 
margins at the top, bottom, and both sides.
    <bullet> Double-space (no more than three lines per vertical inch) 
all text in the application narrative, including titles, headings, 
footnotes, quotations, reference citations, and captions, as well as 
all text in charts, tables, figures, graphs, and screen shots.
    <bullet> Use a font that is 12 point or larger.
    <bullet> Use one of the following fonts: Times New Roman, Courier, 
Courier New, or Arial.
    The recommended page limit does not apply to the cover sheet; the 
budget section, including the narrative budget justification; the 
assurances and certifications; or the abstract (follow the guidance 
provided in the application package for completing the abstract), the 
table of contents, the list of priority requirements, the resumes, the 
reference list, the letters of support, or the appendices. However, the 
recommended page limit does apply to all of the application narrative, 
including all text in charts, tables, figures, graphs, and screen 
shots.

V. Application Review Information

    1. Selection Criteria: The selection criteria for this competition 
are from 34 CFR 75.210 and are as follows:
    (a) Significance (15 points).
    (1) The Secretary considers the significance of the proposed 
project.
    (2) In determining the significance of the proposed project, the 
Secretary considers the following factors:
    (i) The significance of the problem or issue to be addressed by the 
proposed project; and
    (ii) The extent to which specific gaps or weaknesses in services, 
infrastructure, or opportunities have been identified and will be 
addressed by the proposed project, including the nature and magnitude 
of those gaps or weaknesses.
    (b) Quality of project services (30 points).
    (1) The Secretary considers the quality of the services to be 
provided by the proposed project.
    (2) 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 
traditionally been underrepresented based on race, color, national 
origin, gender, age, or disability.
    (3) In addition, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (i) The extent to which the services to be provided by the proposed 
project reflect up-to-date knowledge from research and effective 
practice;
    (ii) 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;
    (iii) The extent to which the services to be provided by the 
proposed project are appropriate to the needs of the intended 
recipients or beneficiaries of those services; and
    (iv) The likely impact of the services to be provided by the 
proposed project on the intended recipients of those services.
    (c) Adequacy of resources and quality of project personnel (20 
points).
    (1) The Secretary considers the adequacy of resources for the 
proposed project and the quality of the personnel who will carry out 
the proposed project.
    (2) In determining the quality of project personnel, the Secretary 
considers the extent to which the applicant encourages applications for 
employment from persons who are members of groups that have 
traditionally been underrepresented based on race, color, national 
origin, gender, age, or disability.
    (3) In addition, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (i) The qualifications, including relevant training and experience, 
of the project director or principal investigator;
    (ii) The qualifications, including relevant training and 
experience, of key project personnel;
    (iii) The qualifications, including relevant training and 
experience, of project consultants or subcontractors;
    (iv) The adequacy of support, including facilities, equipment, 
supplies, and other resources, from the applicant organization or the 
lead applicant organization; and
    (v) The extent to which the costs are reasonable in relation to the 
objectives, design, and potential significance of the proposed project.
    (d) Quality of the project evaluation (20 points).
    (1) The Secretary considers the quality of the evaluation to be 
conducted of the proposed project.
    (2) In determining the quality of the evaluation, the Secretary 
considers the following factors:
    (i) The extent to which the methods of evaluation are thorough, 
feasible, and appropriate to the goals, objectives, and outcomes of the 
proposed project;
    (ii) The extent to which the methods of evaluation include the use 
of objective performance measures that are clearly related to the 
intended outcomes of the project and will produce quantitative and 
qualitative data to the extent possible;
    (iii) The extent to which the methods of evaluation provide for 
examining the effectiveness of project implementation strategies;
    (iv) The extent to which the methods of evaluation will provide 
performance feedback and permit periodic assessment of progress toward 
achieving intended outcomes; and
    (v) The extent to which the evaluation plan clearly articulates the 
key project components, mediators, and outcomes, as well as a 
measurable threshold for acceptable implementation.
    (e) Quality of the management plan (15 points).
    (1) The Secretary considers the quality of the management plan for 
the proposed project.
    (2) In determining the quality of the management plan for the 
proposed project, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (i) The 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;
    (ii) 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;
    (iii) The adequacy of mechanisms for ensuring high-quality products 
and services from the proposed project;
    (iv) How the applicant will ensure that a diversity of perspectives 
are brought to bear in the operation of the proposed project, including 
those of parents, teachers, the business community, a variety of 
disciplinary and professional fields, recipients or beneficiaries of 
services, or others, as appropriate; and
    (v) The adequacy of procedures for ensuring feedback and continuous 
improvement in the operation of the proposed project.
    2. Review and Selection Process: We remind potential applicants 
that in reviewing applications in any discretionary grant competition, 
the Secretary may consider, under 34 CFR 75.217(d)(3), the past 
performance of the applicant in carrying out a previous award, such as 
the applicant's use of funds, achievement of project objectives, and 
compliance with grant conditions. The Secretary may also consider 
whether the applicant failed to submit a timely performance report or 
submitted a report of unacceptable quality.

[[Page 11743]]

    In addition, in making a competitive grant award, the Secretary 
requires various assurances, including those applicable to Federal 
civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or 
activities receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department 
(34 CFR 100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).
    3. Additional Review and Selection Process Factors: In the past, 
the Department has had difficulty finding peer reviewers for certain 
competitions because so many individuals who are eligible to serve as 
peer reviewers have conflicts of interest. The standing panel 
requirements under section 682(b) of IDEA also have placed additional 
constraints on the availability of reviewers. Therefore, the Department 
has determined that for some discretionary grant competitions, 
applications may be separated into two or more groups and ranked and 
selected for funding within specific groups. This procedure will make 
it easier for the Department to find peer reviewers by ensuring that 
greater numbers of individuals who are eligible to serve as reviewers 
for any particular group of applicants will not have conflicts of 
interest. It also will increase the quality, independence, and fairness 
of the review process, while permitting panel members to review 
applications under discretionary grant competitions for which they also 
have submitted applications.
    4. Risk Assessment and Specific Conditions: Consistent with 2 CFR 
200.206, before awarding grants under this competition the Department 
conducts a review of the risks posed by applicants. Under 2 CFR 
200.208, the Secretary may impose specific conditions, and under 2 CFR 
3474.10, in appropriate circumstances, high-risk conditions on a grant 
if the applicant or grantee is not financially stable; has a history of 
unsatisfactory performance; has a financial or other management system 
that does not meet the standards in 2 CFR part 200, subpart D; has not 
fulfilled the conditions of a prior grant; or is otherwise not 
responsible.
    5. Integrity and Performance System: If you are selected under this 
competition to receive an award that over the course of the project 
period may exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (currently 
$250,000), under 2 CFR 200.206(a)(2) we must make a judgment about your 
integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal 
awards--that is, the risk posed by you as an applicant--before we make 
an award. In doing so, we must consider any information about you that 
is in the integrity and performance system (currently referred to as 
the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System 
(FAPIIS)), accessible through the System for Award Management. You may 
review and comment on any information about yourself that a Federal 
agency previously entered and that is currently in FAPIIS.
    Please note that, if the total value of your currently active 
grants, cooperative agreements, and procurement contracts from the 
Federal Government exceeds $10,000,000, the reporting requirements in 2 
CFR part 200, Appendix XII, require you to report certain integrity 
information to FAPIIS semiannually. Please review the requirements in 2 
CFR part 200, Appendix XII, if this grant plus all the other Federal 
funds you receive exceed $10,000,000.
    6. In General: In accordance with the Office of Management and 
Budget's guidance located at 2 CFR part 200, all applicable Federal 
laws, and relevant Executive guidance, the Department will review and 
consider applications for funding pursuant to this notice inviting 
applications in accordance with--
    (a) Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering 
results based on the program objectives through an objective process of 
evaluating Federal award applications (2 CFR 200.205);
    (b) Prohibiting the purchase of certain telecommunication and video 
surveillance services or equipment in alignment with section 889 of the 
National Defense Authorization Act of 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) (2 CFR 
200.216);
    (c) Providing a preference, to the extent permitted by law, to 
maximize use of goods, products, and materials produced in the United 
States (2 CFR 200.322); and
    (d) Terminating agreements in whole or in part to the greatest 
extent authorized by law if an award no longer effectuates the program 
goals or agency priorities (2 CFR 200.340).

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); or we may send you an email containing a link to 
access an electronic version of your GAN. We may notify you informally, 
also.
    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.
    3. Open Licensing Requirements: Unless an exception applies, if you 
are awarded a grant under this competition, you will be required to 
openly license to the public grant deliverables created in whole, or in 
part, with Department grant funds. When the deliverable consists of 
modifications to pre-existing works, the license extends only to those 
modifications that can be separately identified and only to the extent 
that open licensing is permitted under the terms of any licenses or 
other legal restrictions on the use of pre-existing works. 
Additionally, a grantee that is awarded competitive grant funds must 
have a plan to disseminate these public grant deliverables. This 
dissemination plan can be developed and submitted after your 
application has been reviewed and selected for funding. For additional 
information on the open licensing requirements please refer to 2 CFR 
3474.20.
    4. Reporting: (a) If you apply for a grant under this competition, 
you must ensure that you have in place the necessary processes and 
systems to comply with the reporting requirements in 2 CFR part 170 
should you receive funding under the competition. This does not apply 
if you have an exception under 2 CFR 170.110(b).
    (b) 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 multiyear award, you must submit an annual 
performance report that provides the most current performance and 
financial expenditure information as directed by the Secretary under 34 
CFR 75.118. The Secretary may also require more frequent performance 
reports under 34 CFR 75.720(c). For specific requirements on reporting, 
please go to www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html.
    (c) Under 34 CFR 75.250(b), the Secretary may provide a grantee 
with additional funding for data collection analysis and reporting. In 
this case the Secretary establishes a data collection period.
    5. Performance Measures: For the purposes of the Government 
Performance and Results Act of 1993 (GPRA) and reporting under 34 CFR 
75.110, the Department has established a set of performance measures,

[[Page 11744]]

including long-term measures, that are designed to yield information on 
various aspects of the effectiveness and quality of the Educational 
Technology, Media, and Materials (ETechM2) for Individuals with 
Disabilities Program. These measures are:
    <bullet> Program Performance Measure 1: The percentage of ETechM2 
Program products and services judged to be of high quality by an 
independent review panel of experts qualified to review the substantial 
content of the products and services.
    <bullet> Program Performance Measure 2: The percentage of ETechM2 
Program products and services judged to be of high relevance to 
improving outcomes for infants, toddlers, children, and youth with 
disabilities.
    <bullet> Program Performance Measure 3: The percentage of ETechM2 
Program products and services judged to be useful in improving results 
for infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities.
    <bullet> Program Performance Measure 4.1: The Federal cost per unit 
of accessible educational materials funded by the ETechM2 Program.
    <bullet> Program Performance Measure 4.2: The Federal cost per unit 
of accessible educational materials from the National Instructional 
Materials Accessibility Center funded by the ETechM2 Program.
    <bullet> Program Performance Measure 4.3: The Federal cost per unit 
of video description funded by the ETechM2 Program.
    These measures apply to projects funded under this competition, and 
grantees are required to submit data on these measures as directed by 
OSEP.
    Grantees will be required to report information on their project's 
performance in annual performance reports and additional performance 
data to the Department (34 CFR 75.590 and 75.591).
    6. Continuation Awards: In making a continuation award under 34 CFR 
75.253, the Secretary considers, among other things: Whether a grantee 
has made substantial progress in achieving the goals and objectives of 
the project; whether the grantee has expended funds in a manner that is 
consistent with its approved application and budget; and, if the 
Secretary has established performance measurement requirements, the 
performance targets in the grantee's approved application.
    In making a continuation award, the Secretary also considers 
whether the grantee is operating in compliance with the assurances in 
its approved application, including those applicable to Federal civil 
rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities 
receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department (34 CFR 
100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).

VII. Other Information

    Accessible Format: On request to the program contact person listed 
under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT, individuals with disabilities 
can obtain this document and a copy of the application package in an 
accessible format. The Department will provide the requestor with an 
accessible format that may include Rich Text Format (RTF) or text 
format (txt), a thumb drive, an MP3 file, braille, large print, 
audiotape, or compact disc, or other accessible format.
    Electronic Access to This Document: The official version of this 
document is the document published in the Federal Register. You may 
access the official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of 
Federal Regulations at www.govinfo.gov. At this site you can view this 
document, as well as all other documents of this Department published 
in the Federal Register, in text or Portable Document Format (PDF). To 
use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at 
the site.
    You may also access documents of the Department published in the 
Federal Register by using the article search feature at 
www.federalregister.gov. Specifically, through the advanced search 
feature at this site, you can limit your search to documents published 
by the Department.

David Cantrell,
Deputy Director, Office of Special Education Programs, Delegated the 
authority to perform the functions and duties of the Assistant 
Secretary for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative 
Services.
[FR Doc. 2021-03972 Filed 2-25-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P


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