[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 90 (Monday, May 11, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 25873-25880]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-12422]


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NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR LITERACY

(CFDA No. 84.257F)


NIFL Regional Technology HUB Project; Notice Inviting 
Applications for New Awards for Fiscal Year 1998

AGENCY: The National Institute for Literacy (NIFL).

ACTION: Notice.

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PURPOSE: The purpose of these grants is to establish a second 
generation of regional hubs to extend the Literacy Information and 
Communication System (LINCS) infrastructure throughout the literacy 
community in each region. Each hub will form a consortium with all 
states in the region--``member states''--and, in cooperation with 
member states, a network of targeted local literacy programs. Each 
regional hub will be expected to build on the achievements of the 
region's previous hub and to build strong partnerships with other 
technology efforts in the region. In the process of enhancing the 
technological capacity of states and local programs, regional hubs 
will--

    <bullet> Increase the literacy field's electronic knowledge base by 
collecting and exchanging new literacy information resources, 
especially locally developed materials, and creating in-depth 
collections on important literacy topics.
    <bullet> Encourage the widespread use of the NIFL's systematic 
procedures and uniform standards for information collection and 
exchange.
    <bullet> Provide innovative delivery of high quality, easy-to-
access information resources to the adult education and literacy 
community through the use of variety of tools, including multi-media.
    <bullet> Enable member states and local programs to be self-
sufficient in their efforts to enhance the LINCS database and 
communication tools.
    <bullet> Enhance communication and community-building by connecting 
increasingly larger numbers of literacy stakeholders of all kinds--
researchers, practitioners, administrators, students, and 
policymakers--and closing the gap between information ``haves'' and 
``have nots.''
    <bullet> Integrate the use of technology into every aspect of 
learning and teaching in the adult education and literacy field.
    Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: June 26, 1998.
    Eligible Applicants: State, regional, and national organizations, 
or consortia of such organizations, in OVAE Region I.
    Available Funds: This announcement envisions a two-year cooperative

[[Page 25874]]

agreement. In the first year a total of $150,000 is available for the 
grant. Year 2 fundi ng is subject to program authorization and 
availability of appropriations, and contingent upon satisfactory 
completion of the first year play of action.
    Estimated Number of Awards: One award in the OVAE Region I.
    Estimated Award Amount: $150,000.
    Project Period: Two years.
    Applicable Regulations: The National Institute for Literacy has 
adopted the following regulations included in the Education Department 
Grants Administrative Regulations (EDGAR): 34 CFR Part 74; 34 CFR Part 
75, Secs. 75.50, 75.51, 75.102, 75.117, 75.109-75.192, 75.200, 75.201, 
75.215; 34 CFR Parts 77, 80, 82, 85.

    Note: The selection criteria used for this competition are set 
out in this Notice. While the criteria are patterned on those used 
generally by the U.S. Department of Education, they have been 
adapted by the NIFL to meet the needs of this program. While the 
NIFL is associated with the Departments of Education, Labor, and 
Health and Human Services, the policies and procedures regarding 
rulemaking and administration of grants are not adopted by the NIFL 
except as expressly stated in this Notice.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jaleh Behroozi Soroui, National 
Institute for Literacy, 800 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 200, 
Washington, DC 20006. Telephone: 202-632-1506. FAX: 202-632-1512. E-
mail: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f69c979a939eb69a9f82938497958fd8989f909ad8919980"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="375d565b525f775b5e43524556544e19595e515b19505841">[email protected]</span></a>
    Information about NIFL's funding opportunities, including the 
Application Notices, Newsletters, Policy Updates, etc., can be viewed 
on the LINCS WWW server (under Current Events, under grants). LINCS 
URL: http://novel.nifl.gov

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Definitions: For purposes of this announcement the following 
definitions apply:
    Literacy  An individual's ability to read, write, and speak in 
English, and compute and solve problems at levels of proficiency 
necessary to function on the job and in society, to achieve one's goals 
and develop one's knowledge and potential (as stated in the National 
Literacy Act of 1991).
    Adult Education and Literacy Community  The aggregate of 
individuals and groups at all levels nationwide that are actively 
involved with adult education and literacy instruction, including 
individuals such as researchers, practitioners, policymakers, adult 
learners, and administrators, and groups such as state and local 
departments of education, human services, and labor; libraries; 
community-based organizations; businesses and labor unions; and 
volunteer and civic groups.
    State Literacy Resource Centers (SLRCs)   State or regional 
organizations supported through federal, state, or private funds for 
the purpose of coordinating the delivery and improvement of literacy 
services across agencies and organizations in the state or region, 
enhancing the capability of state and local organizations to provide 
literacy services, building a database of literacy-related information, 
and working closely with the NIFL and other national literacy 
organizations to enhance the national literacy infrastructure.
    NIFL Standards  NIFL's guidelines and standards for organizing 
materials in a uniform format for posting on the Internet. These 
standards are found in NIFL's ``Starting Point'' manual and Adult 
Literacy Thesaurus (ALT).
    OVAE Regions  The four regions of the United States designated by 
the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Vocational and Adult 
Education (OVAE):
    Region I: Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, 
Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, 
Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virgin Islands.
    Region II: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, 
Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, 
Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia.
    Region III: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, 
Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin.
    Region IV: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, 
Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Federal 
States of Micronesia, Guam, Marshall Islands, No. Mariana Islands.
    Regional Hub or Regional Technology Hub  An Internet-based 
electronic information retrieval and communication site that serves 
states in a particular OVAE region by acting as the focal point for 
LINCS activity, including training and technical assistance.

Background

    The National Institute For Literacy (NIFL), as authorized by the 
National Literacy Act of 1991, has the legislative mandate to develop a 
national literacy database. The intent of this mandate is to assure the 
consolidation and accessibility of scattered and hard-to-access 
information resources for literacy.
    As a first step in carrying out this charge, the NIFL conducted a 
study in 1992 of the literacy community's information needs by type of 
users and quality and format of existing literacy databases. In 1993, 
following up on the results of this survey, the NIFL formed eight work 
groups of representatives from the literacy community to develop a 
vision and work plan for establishing an information and communication 
system, which is called LINCS. The work groups used a consensus-
building process to produce a framework, standards, and guidelines for 
LINCS, which are presented in the NIFL's ``Starting Point'' manual.
    In order to implement the work groups' vision and plans, NIFL 
developed a LINCS on-line prototype to examine and demonstrate the 
potential and capabilities of an Internet-based national literacy 
information and communication network. The LINCS prototype was 
developed as a World Wide Web system on the Internet, accessible by 
multi-media tools (such as Mosaic or Netscape) and text-based tools 
(such as Lynx). LINCS was designed to access literacy data available in 
multiple locations and to feature searchable literacy holdings and 
other literacy resources.
    In 1995, the NIFL initiated the funding of regional hubs in all 
OVAE regions in order to build a nationwide infrastructure for 
extending LINCS services throughout the adult education and literacy 
community. Grants were made to state agencies in all four regions, and 
grantees--called lead states--had the task of creating regional 
networks for LINCS by helping all states and territories in their 
regions acquire the technological capability and expertise to establish 
their own LINCS home pages, populate their site with locally produced 
materials, and extend LINCS services to local programs and users. To 
date, 38 states have established LINCS home pages on the Internet, and 
130 local programs have received training and technical assistance in 
accessing LINCS.
    LINCS currently permits simultaneous search across the home pages 
of all existing regional hubs and member states, as well as many major 
national and international organizations and databases. In addition, 
LINCS provides the literacy community with important up-to-the-minute 
information on adult education and literacy policies, an event 
calendar, funding announcements, and information on other literacy 
initiatives. LINCS also provides members of the literacy

[[Page 25875]]

community with opportunities for sharing expertise and resources on 
major literacy-related issues through several moderated forums/
listservs.

Plans for the Future

    Over the past five years, the NIFL has provided the leadership and 
tools to prepare the adult literacy community for the 21st century 
through major system-building initiatives, including the creation of 
LINCS and its regional hubs. The NIFL intends to sustain the momentum 
of building systems that help professionalize the adult literacy 
community by continuing its initiatives in technology. During the next 
three years, the NIFL plans to expand LINCS use as widely as possible 
throughout the literacy community, to enhance LINCS resources and 
features, and to offer a range of services through LINCS that will 
increase the qualitative and quantitative technological capabilities of 
the field. The success of these plans will depend on--
    <bullet> Increased collaboration among the NIFL, regional hubs, 
member states, and all other major technology initiatives nationwide.
    <bullet> Maintaining compatibility and consistency of LINCS efforts 
among the NIFL and regional hubs.
    <bullet> Continuous enhancement of LINCS based on the state-of-the 
art technology.

Overview of Regional Technology Hubs

    The NIFL will award one grant to public and private organizations, 
or consortia of organizations, for the support of a regional technology 
hub in OVAE Region I. No more than one grant will be made in Region I.
    Selection Criteria: (a)(1) In evaluating applications for a grant 
under this competition, the Director uses the following selection 
criteria.
    (2) The maximum score for all the criteria in this section is 100 
points.
    (3) The maximum score for each criterion is indicated in 
parentheses with the criterion.
    (b) The Criteria--(1) Mission and Strategy (5 points). The Director 
reviews each application to determine the appropriateness of the 
applicant's stated mission and strategy for the proposed regional hub, 
including consideration of:
    (i) The degree to which the stated mission and strategy for 
operating a regional hubreflect an understanding of the NIFL's goals 
and purposes for LINCS;
    (ii) The degree to which the application demonstrates an 
understanding of the previous regional hub's strengths and weaknesses; 
and
    (iii) The quality and coherence of proposed strategies for 
providing leadership to member states and targeted local programs.
    (2) Institutional Capability (20 points). The Director reviews each 
application to determine the capabilities of the organization to 
sustain a long-term, high quality, and coherent program, including 
consideration of:
    (i) The applicant's experience in establishing and carrying out 
collaborative working relationships with other states, other state 
agencies, local programs, and other public and private groups;
    (ii) The applicant's experience in the use of technology to enhance 
accessibility of information and ease of communication;
    (iii) The capabilities of staff who will oversee project 
implementation;
    (iv) The applicant's capacity to provide resources--including 
hardware, software, and training--to member states and local programs; 
and
    (v) The applicant's willingness and ability to continue the project 
at the end of the two-year grant period.
    (3) Plan of Operation (30 points). The Director reviews each 
application to determine the quality of the plan of operation, 
including consideration of:
    (i) The quality of the design of the project;
    (ii) How well the objectives of the project relate to the intended 
purposes of the regional technology hubs, as outlined in this request 
for applications;
    (iii) The quality of the applicant's plan to use its resources and 
personnel to achieve each project objective;
    (iv) The extent to which the plan of management is effective and 
ensures proper and efficient administration of the project;
    (v) The quality of the plan to establish effective working 
relationships with other organizations in the region as required for 
effective development of the project;
    (vi) The quality of the plan for leveraging additional resources 
for the project at the regional level and in each member state; and
    (vii) The extent to which the applicant's plan includes sound 
methods for achieving measurable goals.
    (4) Technical Soundness (15 points). The Director reviews each 
application to determine the technical soundness of the proposed 
project, including consideration of:
    (i) The extent to which the applicant demonstrates knowledge of 
current Internet technologies, databases, telecommunications practices, 
equipment configurations, and maintenance;
    (ii) The extent to which the applicant demonstrates a thorough 
knowledge of literacy data collections, dissemination, and NIFL 
standards;
    (iii) The extent to which the applicant demonstrates a commitment 
to provide technical support, training, and equipment to member states;
    (iv) The extent to which the applicant will consider the 
perspectives of a variety of service providers in carrying out the work 
of the regional hub;
    (v) The extent to which the proposed training content is 
comprehensive and at appropriate levels; and
    (vi) The extent to which training methods, mechanisms, and 
structure are likely to be effective.
    (5) Budget and Cost Effectiveness (10 points). The Director reviews 
each application to determined the extent to which:
    (i) The budget is adequate to support project activities;
    (ii) Costs are reasonable in relation to the objectives of the 
project;
    (iii) The budgets for any subcontracts are detailed and 
appropriate; and
    (iv) The budget details resources, cash and in-kind, that the 
applicant and others, especially member states, will provide to the 
project in addition to grant funds.
    (6) Evaluation Plan (10 points). The Director reviews each 
application to determine the quality of the evaluation plan for the 
project, including consideration of:
    (i) The quality of methods and mechanisms to be used to document 
and evaluate progress in relation to the project's mission and goals;
    (ii) The strength of the applicant's statement of measurable 
outcomes for all project goals; and
    (iii) The quality of methods that will be used to document and 
evaluate the impact of the project's program on target audiences.
    (7) Quality of Key Personnel (10 points). The Director reviews each 
application to determine the quality of key personnel for all project 
activities, including consideration of:
    ((i) The qualifications of the project director;
    (ii) The qualifications of other key personnel;
    (iii) The experience and training of key personnel in leading a 
consortium of states and working in fields related to project 
objectives; and
    (iv) the applicant's policy, as part of its nondiscriminatory 
employment practices, to ensure that its personnel are selected for 
employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, 
gender, age, or disability.

[[Page 25876]]

Application Requirements

Project Narrative

    The project narrative is critical and must thoroughly reflect the 
capacity of the applicant to lead the regional technology effort and 
build on the achievements of the previous regional hub. The narrative 
must clearly describe the applicant's plan for attaining measurable 
goals as identified in each of the sections listed below.
    The narrative should not exceed twenty (20) single-spaced pages, or 
forty (40) double-spaced pages. The narrative may be amplified by 
material in attachments and appendices, (not exceeding 20 pages), but 
the body should stand alone to give a complete picture of the project. 
Proposals that exceed 20 single-spaced pages or 40 double-spaced pages 
will not be reviewed.
    The narrative must encompass the full two years of project 
activities, with detailed plans for Year 1 and milestones for Year 2. 
The applicant must address the following areas, which correspond to the 
funding criteria:
1. Mission and Strategy
    The applicant must state goals, objectives, and overall expected 
project achievements for the two-year grant period, including:
    a. How the applicant's goals and objectives relate to NIFL's 
purposes for LINCS and the regional hubs, as outlined under Plans for 
the Future and Overview of the Regional Technology Hubs in this notice.
    b. How the project will build on the work of the previous regional 
hub in enhancing the technological capacity of the region's adult 
education and literacy community.
    c. What services will be provided to all member states and targeted 
local programs in the region.
    d. How the project will serve the entire adult education and 
literacy community, including the full range of public and private 
program (including libraries, local education agencies, community 
colleges, volunteer and community-based organizations, etc.).
2. Institutional Capabilities
    The applicant must describe its qualifications to act as the lead 
site of a regional consortium of all member states in carrying out the 
proposed project, including evidence of the following:
    a. The organizational capacity to lead member states in achieving 
project goals and objectives.
    b. A successful leadership track record for working closely with 
other agencies in the region in implementing a coordinated regional 
plan.
    c. The ability to secure the support and involvement of member 
states, including their involvement in the development of the 
application.
    d. The capacity to maintain and continuously enhance a sizable 
literacy collection on the Internet.
    e. The availability of sufficient hardware, software, and technical 
expertise to maintain a home page and provide the necessary support to 
member states.
    f. A secure funding basis for the duration of the project.
    g. The ability to leverage other funding and resources to sustain 
the project beyond the grant.
3. Plan of Operation
    The applicant must develop a two-year plan of operation that is 
both ambitious and realistic. While aiming high, the applicant must 
demonstrate an awareness of the constraints inherent in each particular 
situation. In addition to being reasonable and achievable, the plan 
must address both the immediate needs and the future vision and 
direction of the project. The plan must clearly identify the measurable 
outcomes that will result from project implementation. The description 
of the plan must address the following:
    a. Creating the regional hub: How the applicant will establish and 
maintain a regional hub on the Internet that--
    (1) Reflects knowledge of the previous hub's strengths and 
weaknesses, and builds on its achievements.
    (2) Provides a seamless and uninterrupted transition of services 
and resources from the previous hub.
    (3) Mirrors the LINCS information structure and the system 
architecture, and is consistent with the NIFL vision for building a 
technology infrastructure, including hardware, software, and networking 
system compatibilities.
    b. Supporting member states: How the applicant will help member 
states become technologically self-sufficient and develop the 
management capabilities to use and contribute to LINCS, including 
states' ability to:
    (1) Maintain a strong home page with a seamless interface with the 
applicant's and LINCS home pages.
    (2) Provide technical assistance, training, and high quality, 
updated resources to local adult education and literacy programs.
    c. Enhancing the knowledge base: How the applicant will work with 
member states to gather information that broadens and deepens the 
literacy field's knowledge base and enhances LINCS content, including--
    (1) A measurable plan for the region and all member states that 
describes how the applicant will:
    (a) Assess the information available in each member state and how 
it can be collected for use on LINCS.
    (b) Provide for the collection of information that responds to end 
users' educational and training needs.
    (c) Focus on the collection of high quality resources, 
instructional materials, and tools, including information on exemplary 
projects.
    (d) make provisions for including print and non-print materials, 
such as audio and video materials, in their entirety.
    (e) Be organized according to the NIFL standards.
    (2) A plan for developing a special in-depth collection of 
information that represents the region's particular strengths in terms 
of resources and expertise.
    (3) The resources to be made available to help member states 
achieve their measurable goals for information collection.
    (4) How the applicant and member states will collect and update 
local program data according to NIFL standards.
    (5) How the applicant will exercise quality control of the hub's 
home page.
    d. Extending LINCS use to local programs: How the applicant will 
work with member states to extend LINCS use to target local programs, 
including:
    (1) Determining how to enhance the technical capacity of local 
programs and end users.
    (2) Selecting a specified number of local programs to target.
    (3) The support to be provided to each member state for serving 
local programs, including--
    (a) The kind of resources to be provided.
    (b) The kind of hardware and software to be used.
    (c) The training and technical assistance to be provided.
    (4) Leveraging other resources for working with local programs.
    (5) Evaluating the success of the project at the local level.
    (6) The specific outcomes expected in year 1.
    e. Delivering resources: How innovative technologies will be used 
to provide easy and efficient methods of delivering resources to the 
adult education and literacy community, including--
    (1) What tools will be used.
    (2) What hardware, software, and technical assistance will be 
provided for using these tools.
    (3) How multi-media resources will be incorporated into project 
activities.

[[Page 25877]]

    (4) How these tools will enable literacy practitioners to access 
LINCS' variety of resources in all available formats.
    (5) How these tools will help learners with low skill levels and 
learners with special needs use LINCS resources.
    f. Enhancing communication and community-building: How the 
applicant will enhance communication throughout the adult education and 
literacy community across and within member states through the use of 
telecommunication tools (such as listservs, forums, audio/video 
conferencing and networking, and virtual workspace programs), 
including--
    (1) The kind of tools to be used.
    (2) The specific content to be offered.
    (3) How these tools will be used to link up literacy researchers, 
practitioners, administrators, students, and policymakers.
    (4) How these tools will provide a medium for professional 
development within and among the member states and targeted local 
programs.
    g. Integrating technology into teaching learning: How the 
applicant, in partnership with member states and local programs, will 
develop a two-year implementation plan for integrating technology into 
the daily teaching and learning routine of the adult education and 
literacy system, including--
    (1) How the applicant will assess the existing level of integration 
in every member state.
    (2) How the applicant will identify and use information about other 
national, state, and local efforts to integrate technology into 
teaching and learning.
    (3) What resources will be recruited for the development of the 
two-year plan.
    (4) How the applicant will support member states in developing and 
implementing plans for technology integration, including the selection 
of local programs as pilot sites.
    (5) What kind of partnership will be developed with other regional 
and state agencies involved in similar efforts.
    (6) How the applicant will evaluate progress in integrating 
technology.
    (7) The minimum outcomes expected in Year 1.
    h. Organization and management: How the applicant will ensure 
appropriate project organization and management that will--
    1. Empower member states to become technologically independent in 
implementing project's activities.
    2. Use and build on the strength and expertise of member states.
    3. Ensure close collaboration and coordination of technology 
efforts among member states.
    4. Ensure close collaboration with NIFL and other regional hubs, 
including cooperation in implementing new requirements or standards 
developed by NIFL in concert with regional hubs to assure uniformity 
across the LINCS network.
    The description of plans for organization and management should 
include--
    (1) How the applicant involved member states in developing the 
application.
    (2) How the applicant will involve member states and local programs 
in overseeing project implementation and evaluating progress.
    (3) How the applicant will provide for expanding the roles of 
member states in carrying out project activities (i.e., by providing 
states with resources and funds appropriate to their level of need and 
expertise).
    (4) How the applicant will provide for developing a formal 
agreement with all member states that clearly identifies the rights, 
roles, and responsibilities of each state with regard to all project 
activities.
    (5) What tools will be used to maintain communication among the 
applicant and member states.
    (6) How the applicant will provide for the management of any other 
partnership, consultant, or subcontract arrangement.
    (7) How the applicant will help member states to--
    (a) explore and leverage other sources of financial support and 
market their achievements.
    (b) develop active state-level partnerships, especially with state 
education agencies.
    (8) How the applicant will identify agencies within each state 
(including at a minimum the state literacy resource center and state 
office of adult education) to be involved in regional hub activities.
    I. Broad-based collaboration: How the applicant will work with 
member states to develop collaborative relationships with other 
agencies, organizations, and projects that will--
    1. Widen LINCS usage in the field.
    2. Provide global access to all literacy-related resources.
    3. Further project objectives.
    4. Be a potential source for future project support.
    The description should include--
    (1) How the applicant will work with member states to secure the 
active cooperation and partnership of appropriate state agencies, 
especially those dealing with education, labor, and human services.
    (2) How the applicant will identify and develop partnerships with 
technology-based educational projects, especially those in the areas of 
telecommunications, on-line services, networking, and multi-media.
    (3) How the applicant will pursue partnerships with private 
entities, including telecommunication and high tech business and 
industry.
4. Technical Soundness
    Describe how the applicant will provide for the provision of 
hardware, software, and networking system that will--
    (1) Address issues of interpretability and scalability,
    (2) Support using audit-video, multi-media, and interactive 
Internet tools, and
    (3) Keep pace with high-end technology.
    The description should include assurances that the following will 
be in place--
    (1) An electronic system for the regional HUB that mirrors the 
LINCS structure, which consist of a UNIX-based server capable of 
providing the following services for the regional HUB and its member 
states:
    (a) World Wide Web (WWW) HTTP services;
    (b) Wide Area Information Server (WAIS) database services;
    (c) Character-based web browser (LYNX) services,
    (d) Internet Electronic Mail (SMTP) services;
    (e) File Transfer Protocol (FTP) services;
    (f) List (listproc, majordomo) services;
    (g) Connectivity to the Internet via a dedicated Internet 
connection of sufficient capacity that will allow a sustained usage 
that must not exceed 30% of the total circuit capacity, and the 
combined circuit and web server must be able to transfer an average web 
page at a rate of 20 kilobytes in three seconds to a client web browser 
at NIFL, during peak usage times, and must also be able to deliver 
quality audio and video products at usable rates to multiple concurrent 
users;
    (h) Maintain information in both HTML documents and WAIS databases;
    (i) Serve as the HUB's WWW, WAIS, Audio and Video server; and
    (j) Provide dial-in and Internet access to users via a command line 
Web browser (e.g., Lynx), for those that do not have the ability to run 
graphical browsers such as Netscape, Internet Explorer, Mosaic, etc. 
Provide user accounts on the local server for these users, dial-in 
model access, etc. (Note that all the software developed for the

[[Page 25878]]

NIFL homepage by the Logistics Management Institute and UUCOM is freely 
available for re-use).
    (2) Provide assurances that the applicant will create a home page 
design that is similar to the LINCS home page, so that the same ``look 
and feel'' can be achieved throughout the network.
    (3) Provide assurances that the applicant will, at a minimum, have 
(a) appropriately scaled Internet connectivity described above 
(connectivity may vary); (b) a WAIS database server(s) on the Internet 
[configuration is based on the LINCSearch multiple database search 
program]; (c) LINCS Locally produced Materials and Organization forms 
and guidelines on the HUB's server; and (d) the WAIS database(s) with 
literacy collections and program data, using ``Starting Point'' record 
structures, standards and Adult Literacy Thesaurus.
    (4) Describe how the applicant will provide technical assistance, 
funding, and other resources to assure that all member states have 
their own directory of resources on the hub server or their own WAIS 
server, as well as the technical capacity to update their databases 
according to NIFL standards.
    (5) Provide assurances that the applicant will for each member 
state, at a minimum, have--
    (a) Assessment of the equipment needs.
    (b) Inventory of equipment provided to implement project 
activities.
    (c) Plans for purchasing or upgrading equipment, as well as 
software and networking systems.
    (6) Describe how the applicant's measurable training and technical 
assistance activities will--
    (a) Focus on raising awareness and educating practitioners on 
resources available through LINCS (broad-based training).
    (b) Build greater knowledge, and skills in using the LINCS 
technology for teaching and learning (targeted training).
    (c) Result in establishing a team of trainers at the regional level 
and for every member state.
    (d) Assist member states to become independent in implementing 
state training plans and maintaining their web site.
    (e) Adopt or develop training models (i.e., training trainers, 
workshops supplemented by peer coaching or modeling, etc.) that can be 
used to meet the needs of geographically dispersed staff at various 
levels of knowledge and skills.
    (f) Provide methods, mechanisms, structures, and materials for 
training--both on-line and off-line--that can be replicated, 
maintained, easily accessible, and updated beyond the life of this 
project.
    (g) Provide technical assistance for member states and local 
programs that help staff and end users at varying levels of technical 
sophistication, with special attention to non-technical staff.
    (h) Assist member states in selection and installation of hardware 
and software within the proposed timeline.
5. Budget and Cost-Effectiveness
    The applicant must describe plans for managing the project budget 
and ensuring cost-effectiveness, including--
    a. Provisions for ensuring the most efficient and cost-effective 
use of project funds.
    b. Provisions for identifying and securing additional funds to 
continue and expand the project beyond the end of the grant.
    c. A time line for the project, consisting of a table or diagram 
listing major tasks or milestones and including estimates of funds, 
time, training schedules, personnel, facilities, and equipment 
allocated to each program area, as well as the timing of progress and 
other reports, meetings, and other similar events.
6. Monitoring and Evaluation
    The applicant must describe a plan for monitoring and evaluation 
that is based on the measurable goals of the project. The description 
of the plan must include how the applicant will--
    a. Demonstrate the project's effectiveness in achieving its 
objectives.
    b. Assess the project's impact on member states and the broader 
literacy community.
    c. Evaluate the effectiveness of the lead site's role in working 
with member states.
    d. Use on-line methods (such as web tools) to collect and analyze 
data on the effectiveness of the resources presented.
    e. Evaluate the project's impact on targeted local programs.
    f. Confirm and report evaluation results
7. Key Personnel
    The applicant must describe how it will ensure the capacity of key 
personnel to carry out the work of the project, including--
    a. A description of the main qualifications of key personnel to 
carry out project tasks.
    b. Identification of key staff members at the regional and member 
state level, their specific roles, and the number of hours required to 
carry out their tasks.
Other Application Requirements
    The application shall include the following:
    Project Summary: The proposal must contain a 200-word summary of 
the proposed project suitable for publication. It should not be an 
abstract of the proposal, but rather a self-contained description of 
the activities that would explain the proposal. The summary should be 
free of jargon and technical terminology, and should be understandable 
by a non-specialist reader.
    Budget Proposal: ED Form 424A must be completed and submitted with 
each application. The form consists of Sections A, B, and C. On the 
back of the form are general instructions for completion of the budget. 
All applicants must complete Sections A and C. If Section B is 
completed, include the nature and source of non-federal funds. Attach 
to Section C a detailed explanation and amplification of each budget 
category. Included in the explanation should be a complete 
justification of costs in each category. Additional instructions 
include:
    <bullet> Prepare a separate itemization and brief narrative for 
each of the member states in the region in addition to submitting an 
itemized budget narrative for the project as a whole.
    <bullet> Personnel items should include names (titles or position) 
of key staff, number of hours proposed and applicable hourly rates.
    <bullet> Include the cost, purpose, and justification for travel, 
equipment, supplies, contractual and other. Training stipends are not 
authorized under this program.
    <bullet> Clearly identify in all instances contributed costs and 
support from other sources, if any.
    <bullet> Show budget detail for financial aspects of any cost-
sharing, joint or cooperative funding.
    Disclosure of Prior NIFL Support: If any consortium member state 
has received NIFL funding in the past two years, the following 
information on the prior awards is required:
    <bullet> NIFL award number, amount and period of support;
    <bullet> A summary of the results of the completed work; and
    <bullet> A brief description of available materials and other 
related research products not described elsewhere.
    If the applicant has received a prior award, the reviewers will be 
asked to comment on the quality of the prior work described in this 
section of the proposal.
    Current and Pending Support: All current project support from 
whatever

[[Page 25879]]

source (such as Federal, State, or local government agencies, private 
foundations, commercial organizations) must be listed. The list must 
include the proposed project and all other projects requiring a portion 
of time of the Project Director and other project personnel, even if 
they receive no salary support from the project(s). The number of 
person-months or percentage of effort to be devoted to the projects 
must be stated, regardless of source of support. Similar information 
must be provided for all proposals that are being considered by or will 
be submitted soon to other sponsors.
    If the project now being submitted has been funded previously by 
another source, the information requested in the paragraph above should 
be furnished for the immediately preceding funding period. If the 
proposal is being submitted to other possible sponsors, all of them 
must be listed. Concurrent submission of a proposal to other 
organizations will not prejudice its review by the NIFL.
    Any fee proposed to be paid to a collaborating or ``partner'' for-
profit entity should be indicated. (Fees will be negotiated by the 
Grants Officer.) Any copyright, patent or royalty agreements (proposed 
or in effect) must be described in detail, so that the rights and 
responsibilities of each part are made clear.
    If any part of the project is to be subcontracted, a budget and 
work plan prepared and duly signed by the subcontractor must be 
submitted as part of the overall proposal and addressed in the 
narrative.
    Reporting: In addition to working closely with the Institute, the 
applicant will be required to submit a final annual report of 
activities. This report will be presented to the Institute staff, the 
National Institute Advisory Board and the Interagency Group. Detailed 
specifications for the report will be provided to the consortium within 
three months after the award.
    For planning purposes, the applicant may assume that the following 
information will be provided:
    <bullet> Project(s) Title
    <bullet> Project Abstract
    A concise narrative describing in layman's language the subject 
purposes, methods, expected outcomes (including products), and 
significance of the project.
    <bullet> Significant Products: A list of significant holdings 
available for access associated with the consortium.
    <bullet> Significant Accomplishments.
    A past-tense abstract that describes the consortium's 
accomplishments, known uses of the holdings and evidence of positive 
impact.
    The grantee must also submit the following reports:
    <bullet> Quarterly Performance: A brief 4-5 page report of 
progress--Due: Within 30 days at the end of each quarter.
    Acknowledgment of Support and Disclaimer: An acknowledgment of NIFL 
support and a disclaimer must appear in publications of any material, 
whether copyrighted or not, based on or developed under NIFL supported 
projects:
    This material is based upon work supported by NIFL under Grant No. 
(grantee should enter NIFL grant number).
    Except for articles or papers published in professional journals, 
the following disclaimer should be included:
    Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations 
expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not 
necessarily reflect the views of the NIFL.

Instructions for Transmittal of Applications

    (a) To apply for a cooperative agreement grant--
    (1) Mail the original and seven (7) copies of the application on or 
before the deadline date of June 26, 1998 to: National Institute for 
Literacy, 800 Connecticut Avenue, NW., Suite 200, Washington, DC 20006, 
Attention: Jaleh Behroozi Soroui, (CFDA #84.257F).
    (2) Hand deliver the application by 4:30 p.m. (Washington, DC time) 
on the deadline date to the address above.
    (b) An applicant must show one of the following as proof of 
mailing:
    (1) A legibly dated U.S. Postal Service postmark.
    (2) A legible mail receipt with the date of mailing stamped by the 
U.S. Postal Service.
    (3) A dated shipping label, invoice, or receipt from a commercial 
carrier.
    (c) If an application is mailed through the U.S. Postal Service, 
the Director does not accept either of the following as proof of 
mailing:
    (1) A private metered postmark.
    (2) A mail receipt that is not dated by the U.S. Postal Service.

    Notes: (1) The U.S. Postal Service does not uniformly provide a 
dated postmark. Before relying on this method, an applicant should 
check with the local post office.

    (2) The NIFL will mail a Grant Applicant Receipt Acknowledgement to 
each applicant. If an applicant fails to receive the notification of 
application receipt within 15 days from the date of mailing, the 
applicant should call the NIFL at (202) 632-1525 or (202) 632-1500.
    (3) The applicant must indicate on the envelope and in Item 10 of 
the application for Federal Assistance (Standard Form 424) the CFDA 
number of the competition under which the application is being 
submitted.
    Application Instructions and Forms: The appendix to this 
application is divided into three parts plus a statement regarding 
estimated public reporting burden and various assurances and 
certifications. These parts and additional materials are organized in 
the same manner that the submitted application should be organized. The 
parts and additional materials are as follows:
    Part I: Application for Federal Assistance (Standard Form 424 (Rev. 
4-88) and instructions.
    Part II: Budget Information-Non-Construction Programs (ED Form 
424A) and instructions.
    Part III: Application Narrative.
    Additional Materials: Estimated Public Reporting Burden.
    Assurances-Non-Construction Programs (Standard Form 424B).
    Certification Regarding Lobbing; Debarment, Suspension, and other 
responsibility Matters; and Drug-Free Workplace Requirements (ED 80-
0013).
    Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and 
Voluntary Exclusion: Lower Tier Covered Transactions (ED 80-0014, 9/90) 
and instructions.

    Note: ED 80-0014 is intended for the use of recipients and 
should not be transmitted to the NIFL.

    Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (Standard form LLL) (if 
applicable) and instructions. An applicant may submit information on a 
Photostat copy of the application and budget forms, the assurances and 
the certifications. However, the application form, the assurances, and 
certifications must each have an original signature. No award can be 
made unless a complete application has been received.
    Information about NIFL's funding opportunities, including copies of 
application notices for discretionary grant competitions, can be viewed 
on the NIFL homepage--LINCS--on the World Wide Web at: (<a href="http://
novel.nifl.gov/Grants.html">http://
novel.nifl.gov/Grants.html</a>). However, the official application notice 
for a discretionary grant competition is the notice published in the 
Federal Register.
    Instructions for Estimated Public Reporting Burden: According to 
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond 
to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control 
number.

[[Page 25880]]

The valid OMB control number for this information is under OMB control 
number 3430-0004, Expiration date: May, 2000. The time required to 
complete this information collection is 55 hours per response, 
including that time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data 
sources, gathering and disseminating the data needed, and completing 
and reviewing the collection of information. If you have any comments 
concerning the accuracy of the time estimate or suggestions for 
improving this form, please write to: the National Institute for 
Literacy, 800 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 200, Washington, D.C. 
20006-2712.

Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1213C.

    Dated: May 6, 1998.
Andrew J. Hartman,
Director, NIFL.
[FR Doc. 98-12422 Filed 5-8-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6055-01-M


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