[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 48 (Friday, March 11, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13987-13993]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-05154]


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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION


Applications for New Awards; Undergraduate International Studies 
and Foreign Language Program

AGENCY: Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of Education.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Education is issuing a notice inviting 
applications for fiscal year (FY) 2022 for the Undergraduate 
International Studies and Foreign Language (UISFL) program, Assistance 
Listing Number 84.016A. This notice relates to the approved information 
collection under OMB control number 1840-0796.

DATES: 
    Applications Available: March 11, 2022.

[[Page 13988]]

    Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: May 31, 2022.
    Preapplication Webinar Information: The Department will hold a 
preapplication meeting via webinar for prospective applicants. Detailed 
information regarding this webinar will be provided on the website for 
the UISFL program at https://www2.ed.gov/programs/iegpsugisf/index.html.
    New potential grantees who are unfamiliar with grantmaking at the 
Department may read additional information about the discretionary 
grant process and funding basics resources at https://www2.ed.gov/documents/funding-101/funding-101-basics.pdf (Funding 101 Basics).

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 December 27, 2021 (86 FR 73264), and available at 
www.federalregister.gov/d/2021-27979. Please note that these Common 
Instructions supersede the version published on February 13, 2019, and, 
in part, describe the transition from the requirement to register a 
Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number to the implementation of 
the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) in SAM.gov. More information on the 
phaseout of DUNS numbers is available at https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ofo/docs/unique-entity-identifier-transition-fact-sheet.pdf.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tanyelle H. Richardson, U.S. 
Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 258-14, 
Washington, DC 20222. Telephone: (202) 453-6391. Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#bce9f5effaf0fcd9d892dbd3ca"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a5f0ecf6e3e9e5c0c18bc2cad3">[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 UISFL program provides grants for planning, 
developing, and carrying out projects to strengthen and improve 
undergraduate instruction in international studies and foreign 
languages in the United States.
    Priorities: This notice contains two competitive preference 
priorities and one invitational priority. Competitive Preference 
Priority 1 is from the notice of final priority (NFP) published in the 
Federal Register on June 11, 2014 (79 FR 33432). Competitive Preference 
Priority 2 is from 34 CFR 658.35(a).
    Note: Applicants must indicate in the recommended one-page abstract 
and on the FY 2022 UISFL program Profile Form in the application 
package whether they intend to address one or both of the competitive 
preference priorities and/or the invitational priority.
    Competitive Preference Priorities: For FY 2022 and any subsequent 
year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications 
from this competition, these priorities are competitive preference 
priorities. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i), we award an additional two or 
three points to an application that meets Competitive Preference 
Priority 1, depending on how well the application meets the priority, 
and an additional two points to an application that meets Competitive 
Preference Priority 2, for a maximum of five additional points.
    These priorities are:
    Competitive Preference Priority 1 (0, 2, or 3 points).
    Applications from Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) (as defined 
in this notice) or community colleges (as defined in this notice), 
whether as individual applicants or as part of a consortium of 
institutions of higher education (IHEs) (consortium) or a partnership 
between nonprofit educational organizations and IHEs (partnership).
    An application from a consortium or partnership that has an MSI or 
a community college as the lead applicant will receive more points 
under this priority than applications in which the MSI or community 
college is a member of a consortium or partnership but not the lead 
applicant.
    A consortium or partnership must undertake activities designed to 
incorporate foreign languages into the curriculum of the MSI or 
community college and to improve foreign language and international or 
area studies instruction on the MSI or community college campus.
    Note: We will award either two or three points to an application 
that meets this priority. If an MSI or a community college is a single 
applicant, or the lead applicant in a consortium or partnership, the 
application will receive three additional points. If an MSI or 
community college is a member of a consortium or partnership, but not 
the lead applicant, the application will receive two additional points. 
No application will receive more than three additional points for this 
priority.
    Competitive Preference Priority 2 (0 or 2 points).
    Applications from IHEs or consortia of these institutions that 
require entering students to have successfully completed at least two 
years of secondary school foreign language instruction or that require 
each graduating student to earn two years of postsecondary credit in a 
foreign language (or have demonstrated equivalent proficiency in the 
foreign language); or, in the case of a two-year degree granting 
institution, offer two years of postsecondary credit in a foreign 
language.
    Invitational Priority: For FY 2022 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.
    This priority is:
    Training in Less Commonly Taught Languages or Thematic Focus on 
Area Studies or International Studies Programs.
    Applications that propose programs or activities focused on 
language training or the development of area or international studies 
programs focused on contemporary topics or themes in conjunction with 
training in any modern foreign languages, except French, German, or 
Spanish.
    Definitions: The following definitions are from the NFP.
    Community college means an institution that meets the definition in 
section 312(f) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA) 
(20 U.S.C. 1058(f)); or an IHE (as defined in section 101 of the HEA) 
that awards degrees and certificates, more than 50 percent of which are 
not bachelor's degrees (or an equivalent) or master's, professional, or 
other advanced degrees.
    Minority-Serving Institution means an institution that is eligible 
to receive assistance under sections 316 through 320 of part A of title 
III, under part B of title III, or under title V of the HEA.
    Note: The list of institutions currently designated as eligible 
under title III and title V is available at: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/idues/eligibility.
    Application Requirements: In addition to any other requirements 
outlined in the application package for this program, section 604(a)(7) 
of the HEA, 20 U.S.C. 1124(a)(7), requires that each application from 
an IHE, consortia, or partnership include--
    (1) Evidence that the applicant has conducted extensive planning 
prior to submitting the application;

[[Page 13989]]

    (2) An assurance that the faculty and administrators of all 
relevant departments and programs served by the applicant are involved 
in ongoing collaboration with regard to achieving the stated objectives 
of the application;
    (3) An assurance that students at the applicant institutions, as 
appropriate, will have equal access to, and derive benefits from, the 
UISFL program;
    (4) An assurance that each applicant, consortium, or partnership 
will use the Federal assistance provided under the UISFL program to 
supplement and not supplant non-Federal funds the institution expends 
for programs to improve undergraduate instruction in international 
studies and foreign languages;
    (5) A description of how the applicant will provide information to 
students regarding federally funded scholarship programs in related 
areas;
    (6) An explanation of how the activities funded by the grant will 
reflect diverse perspectives and a wide range of views, and generate 
debate on world regions and international affairs, where applicable; 
and
    (7) A description of how the applicant will encourage service in 
areas of national need, as identified by the Secretary.
    Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1124.
    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, 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 34 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 34 CFR 
part 3474. (d) The regulations in 34 CFR parts 655 and 658. (e) The 
NFP.
    Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 86 apply to IHEs only.

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Discretionary grants.
    The Administration has requested $2,185,593 for new awards for this 
program for FY 2022. The actual level of funding, if any, depends on 
final congressional action. However, we are inviting applications to 
allow enough time to complete the grant process before the end of the 
current fiscal year if Congress appropriates funds for this program.
    Contingent upon the availability of funds and the quality of 
applications, we may make additional awards in FY 2023 from the list of 
unfunded applications from this competition.
    Estimated Range of Awards:
    For single applicant grants: $70,000-$100,000 for each 12-month 
budget period.
    For consortia or partnership grants: $90,000-$120,000 for each 12-
month budget period.
    Estimated Average Size of Awards:
    For single applicant grants: $83,603.
    For consortia or partnership grants: $101,000.
    Maximum Award: We will not make an award exceeding $100,000 for a 
single applicant for a single budget period of 12 months, or an award 
exceeding $120,000 for a consortium or partnership applicant for a 
single budget period of 12 months.
    Estimated Number of Awards: 27.
    Note: For applications from public and private nonprofit agencies 
and organizations, including professional and scholarly associations, 
the maximum award for a single budget period of 12 months is $100,000 
if the entity applies alone and $120,000 if the entity applies with 
partner organizations.
    Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice.
    Project Period:
    For single applicant grants: Up to 24 months.
    For consortia or partnership grants: Up to 36 months.

III. Eligibility Information

    1. Eligible Applicants: (a) IHEs; (b) consortia of IHEs; (c) 
partnerships between nonprofit educational organizations and IHEs; and 
(d) public and private nonprofit agencies and organizations, including 
professional and scholarly associations.
    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 has a matching 
requirement under section 604(a)(3) of the HEA, 20 U.S.C. 1124(a)(3), 
and the regulations for this program in 34 CFR 658.41. UISFL program 
grantees must provide matching funds in either of the following ways: 
(i) Cash contributions from private sector corporations or foundations 
equal to one-third of the total project costs; or (ii) a combination of 
institutional and noninstitutional cash or in-kind contributions, 
including State and private sector corporation or foundation 
contributions, equal to one-half of the total project costs. The 
Secretary may waive or reduce the required matching share for 
institutions that are eligible to receive assistance under part A or 
part B of title III or under title V of the HEA that have submitted an 
application that demonstrates a need for a waiver or reduction.
    b. Supplement-Not-Supplant: This program involves supplement-not-
supplant funding requirements, which are described in section 
604(a)(7)(D) of the HEA, 20 U.S.C. 1124(a)(7)(D).
    c. Indirect Cost Rate Information: This program uses a training 
indirect cost rate. This limits indirect cost reimbursement to an 
entity's actual indirect costs, as determined in its negotiated 
indirect cost rate agreement, or 8 percent of a modified total direct 
cost base, whichever amount is less. For more information regarding 
training indirect cost rates, see 34 CFR 75.562. 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.
    d. 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: Under 34 CFR 75.708(b) and (c), a grantee under 
this competition may award subgrants--to directly carry out project 
activities described in its application--to the following types of 
entities: IHEs, nonprofit organizations, professional organizations, or 
businesses. The grantee may award subgrants to entities

[[Page 13990]]

it has identified in the approved application or that it selects 
through a competition under procedures established by the grantee.

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 December 27, 2021 (86 FR 73264) and available at 
www.federalregister.gov/d/2021-27979, which contain requirements and 
information on how to submit an application. Please note that these 
Common Instructions supersede the version published on February 13, 
2019, and, in part, describe the transition from the requirement to 
register a DUNS number to the implementation of the UEI in SAM.gov. 
More information on the phaseout of DUNS numbers is available at 
https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ofo/docs/unique-entity-identifier-transition-fact-sheet.pdf.
    2. Submission of Proprietary Information: Given the types of 
projects that may be proposed in applications for the UISFL grant 
competition, your application may include business information that you 
consider proprietary. In 34 CFR 5.11 we define ``business information'' 
and describe the process we use in determining whether any of that 
information is proprietary and, thus, protected from disclosure under 
Exemption 4 of the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552, as 
amended). Consistent with the process followed in the FY 2020 UISFL 
competition, we plan to post on our website a selection of funded 
abstracts and applications' narrative sections.
    Consistent with Executive Order 12600, please designate in your 
application any information that you believe is exempt from disclosure 
under Exemption 4. In the appropriate appendix section of your 
application, under ``Other Attachments Form,'' please list the page 
number or numbers on which we can find this information. For additional 
information please see 34 CFR 5.11(c).
    3. Intergovernmental Review: This program is not subject to 
Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79.
    4. Funding Restrictions: We specify unallowable costs in 34 CFR 
658.40. We reference additional regulations outlining funding 
restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice.
    5. Recommended Page Limit: The application narrative (Part III) 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 40 pages and (2) use the 
following standards:
    <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, except titles, headings, 
footnotes, quotations, references, and captions, as well as all text in 
charts, tables, figures, and graphs.
    <bullet> Use a font that is either 12 point or larger or no smaller 
than 10 pitch (characters per inch).
    <bullet> Use one of the following fonts: Times New Roman, Courier, 
Courier New, or Arial.
    The recommended page limit does not apply to Part I, the cover 
sheet; Part II, budget section, including the narrative budget 
justification; Part IV, the assurance and certifications; or the 
abstract, the resumes, the biography, or letters of support. However, 
the recommended page limit does apply to all of the application 
narrative.

V. Application Review Information

    1. Selection Criteria: The selection criteria for this program are 
from 34 CFR 658.31, 658.32, 658.33, and 655.32. The maximum score for 
all the selection criteria, together with the maximum number of points 
awarded to applicants that address the competitive preference 
priorities, is 105 points for applications from IHEs, consortia, and 
partnerships; and 100 points for applications from public and private 
nonprofit agencies and organizations, including professional and 
scholarly associations. The maximum score for each criterion is 
indicated in parentheses.
    All Applications. All applications will be evaluated based on the 
general selection criteria as follows:
    (a) Plan of operation (up to 15 points). (1) The Secretary reviews 
each application for information that shows the quality of the plan of 
operation for the project.
    (2) The Secretary looks for information that shows--
    (i) High quality in the design of the project;
    (ii) An effective plan of management that ensures proper and 
efficient administration of the project;
    (iii) A clear description of how the objectives of the project 
relate to the purpose of the program;
    (iv) The way the applicant plans to use its resources and personnel 
to achieve each objective; and
    (v) A clear description of how the applicant will provide equal 
access and treatment for eligible project participants who are members 
of groups that have been traditionally underrepresented, such as--
    (A) Members of racial or ethnic minority groups;
    (B) Women; and
    (C) Handicapped persons.
    (b) Quality of key personnel (up to 10 points). (1) The Secretary 
reviews each application for information that shows the quality of the 
key personnel the applicant plans to use on the project.
    (2) The Secretary looks for information that shows--
    (i) The qualifications of the project director (if one is to be 
used);
    (ii) The qualifications of each of the other key personnel to be 
used in the project. In the case of faculty, the qualifications of the 
faculty and the degree to which that faculty is directly involved in 
the actual teaching and supervision of students;
    (iii) The time that each person referred to in paragraphs (b)(2)(i) 
and (ii) of this section plans to commit to the project; and
    (iv) The extent to which the applicant, as part of its 
nondiscriminatory employment practices, encourages applications for 
employment from persons who are members of groups that have been 
traditionally underrepresented, such as members of racial or ethnic 
minority groups, women, handicapped persons, and the elderly.
    (3) To determine the qualifications of a person, the Secretary 
considers evidence of past experience and training, in fields related 
to the objectives of the project, as well as other information that the 
applicant provides.
    (c) Budget and cost effectiveness (up to 10 points).
    (1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that 
shows that the project has an adequate budget and is cost effective.
    (2) The Secretary looks for information that shows--
    (i) The budget for the project is adequate to support the project 
activities; and
    (ii) Costs are reasonable in relation to the objectives of the 
project.
    (d) Evaluation plan (up to 20 points). (1) The Secretary reviews 
each application for information that shows the quality of the 
evaluation plan for the project.
    (2) The Secretary looks for information that shows methods of

[[Page 13991]]

evaluation that are appropriate for the project and, to the extent 
possible, are objective and produce data that are quantifiable.
    (e) Adequacy of resources (up to 5 points). (1) The Secretary 
reviews each application for information that shows that the applicant 
plans to devote adequate resources to the project.
    (2) The Secretary looks for information that shows--
    (i) Other than library, facilities that the applicant plans to use 
are adequate (language laboratory, museums, etc.); and
    (ii) The equipment and supplies that the applicant plans to use are 
adequate.
    Applications from IHEs, Consortia, or Partnerships. Applications 
submitted by IHEs, consortia, or partnerships will also be evaluated 
based on the following criteria:
    (f) Commitment to international studies (up to 15 points). (1) The 
Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the 
applicant's commitment to the international studies program.
    (2) The Secretary looks for information that shows--
    (i) The institution's current strength as measured by the number of 
international studies courses offered;
    (ii) The extent to which planning for the implementation of the 
proposed program has involved the applicant's faculty, as well as 
administrators;
    (iii) The institutional commitment to the establishment, operation, 
and continuation of the program as demonstrated by optimal use of 
available personnel and other resources; and
    (iv) The institutional commitment to the program as demonstrated by 
the use of institutional funds in support of the program's objectives.
    (g) Elements of the proposed international studies program (up to 
10 points). (1) The Secretary reviews each application for information 
that shows the nature of the applicant's proposed international studies 
program.
    (2) The Secretary looks for information that shows--
    (i) The extent to which the proposed activities will contribute to 
the implementation of a program in international studies and foreign 
languages at the applicant institution;
    (ii) The interdisciplinary aspects of the program;
    (iii) The number of new and revised courses with an international 
perspective that will be added to the institution's programs; and
    (iv) The applicant's plans to improve or expand language 
instruction.
    (h) Need for and prospective results of the proposed program (up to 
15 points). (1) The Secretary reviews each application for information 
that shows the need for and the prospective results of the applicant's 
proposed program.
    (2) The Secretary looks for information that shows--
    (i) The extent to which the proposed activities are needed at the 
applicant institution;
    (ii) The extent to which the proposed use of Federal funds will 
result in the implementation of a program in international studies and 
foreign languages at the applicant institution;
    (iii) The likelihood that the activities initiated with Federal 
funds will be continued after Federal assistance is terminated; and
    (iv) The adequacy of the provisions for sharing the materials and 
results of the program with other IHEs.
    Applications from Public and Private Nonprofit Agencies and 
Organizations, Including Professional and Scholarly Associations. 
Applications from public and private nonprofit agencies and 
organizations, including professional and scholarly associations, will 
also be evaluated based on the following criteria:
    Need for and potential impact of the proposed project in improving 
international studies and the study of modern foreign language at the 
undergraduate level (up to 40 points).
    (1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that 
shows the need for and potential impact of the applicant's proposed 
projects in improving international studies and the study of modern 
foreign language at the undergraduate level.
    (2) The Secretary looks for information that shows--
    (i) The extent to which the applicant's proposed apportionment of 
Federal funds among the various budget categories for the proposed 
project will contribute to achieving results;
    (ii) The international nature and contemporary relevance of the 
proposed project;
    (iii) The extent to which the proposed project will make an 
especially significant contribution to the improvement of the teaching 
of international studies or modern foreign languages at the 
undergraduate level; and
    (iv) The adequacy of the applicant's provisions for sharing the 
materials and results of the proposed project with the higher education 
community.
    Additional information regarding these criteria is in the 
application package for this program. The total number of points 
available under these selection criteria, combined with the competitive 
preference priorities, is as follows:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                               UISFL public and
                                                                                               private nonprofit
                                                                                                 agencies and
                                                                                   UISFL        organizations,
                     Selection criteria                         UISFL IHEs     consortia and       including
                                                                               partnerships    professional and
                                                                                                   scholarly
                                                                                                 associations
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) Plan of Operation.......................................              15              15                  15
(b) Quality of Key Personnel................................              10              10                  10
(c) Budget and Cost Effectiveness...........................              10              10                  10
(d) Evaluation Plan.........................................              20              20                  20
(e) Adequacy of Resources...................................               5               5                   5
(f) Commitment to International Studies.....................              15              15                 n/a
(g) Elements of Proposed International Studies Program......              10              10                 n/a
(h) Need for and Prospective Results of Proposed Program....              15              15                 n/a
(i) Need for and Potential Impact of the Proposed Project in             n/a             n/a                  40
 Improving International Studies and the Study of Modern
 Foreign Languages at the Undergraduate Level...............
                                                             ---------------------------------------------------
    Sub-Total...............................................             100             100                 100
Competitive Preference Priority #1 (Optional)...............               3               3                 n/a
Competitive Preference Priority #2 (Optional)...............               2               2                 n/a
                                                             ---------------------------------------------------

[[Page 13992]]

 
        Total Possible Points...............................             105             105                 100
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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.
    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).
    Separate rank order slates for applications from (1) IHEs, 
consortia, and partnerships; and (2) public and private nonprofit 
agencies and organizations will be developed and used to make funding 
recommendations. Each slate will include the peer reviewers' scores 
from the highest score to the lowest score. In cases where two or more 
applications have the same final score in the rank order listing, but 
there are insufficient funds to support all of the equally ranked 
applications, the applicant who has not received a UISFL award within 
the last five years will be recommended to receive the award.
    In cases where the scores for two or more applications remain tied 
after using the above tie breaker, program staff will use the scores 
assigned for Criterion 8, Need for and Potential Impact of the Proposed 
Project for institutional applications; or the scores assigned for 
Criterion 10, Need for and Potential Impact of the Proposed Project in 
Improving International Studies and the Study of Modern Foreign 
Languages at the Undergraduate Level for associations and organizations 
applications.
    The Secretary, to the extent practicable and consistent with the 
criterion of excellence, seeks to encourage diversity by ensuring that 
a variety of types of projects and institutions receive funding.
    3. 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.
    4. 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.
    5. 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

[[Page 13993]]

in whole, or in part, with Department grant funds. When the deliverable 
consists of modifications to preexisting 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 preexisting works. 
Additionally, a grantee or subgrantee 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.
    Performance reports for the UISFL program must be submitted 
electronically into the office of International and Foreign Language 
Education web-based reporting system, International Resource 
Information System (IRIS). For information about IRIS and to view the 
reporting instructions, please go to http://iris.ed.gov/iris/pdfs/UISFL.pdf.
    5. Performance Measures: Established for the purpose of Department 
reporting under 34 CFR 75.110, the Department will use the following 
performance measures to evaluate the success of the UISFL program: 
Percentage of UISFL projects that added or enhanced courses in 
international studies in critical world areas and priority foreign 
languages; and percentage of UISFL projects that established 
certificate and/or undergraduate degree programs in international or 
foreign language studies.
    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, whether 
the grantee has made substantial progress in achieving 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.

Michelle Asha Cooper,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Higher Education Programs, Delegated the 
Authority to Perform the Functions and Duties of the Assistant 
Secretary, Office of Postsecondary Education.
[FR Doc. 2022-05154 Filed 3-10-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P


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