For Publication 84.116H FY 2026 FIPSE RDI Application Notice and Instructions_final.pdf

U.S. Department of Labor on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCU)

Research and Development Infrastructure Grants Program

Fiscal Year 2026 Grant Competition Posted May 21, 2026

Contents Program Information

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

Costs

Submission Requirements and Deadlines

Program Description

Overview

Priorities

Selection Criteria

Performance Measures

Application Submission Information

Application Review Information

Definitions

Award Requirements

Application Checklist

Program Information The Employment and Training Administration at the U.S. Department of Labor (Labor) is soliciting applications in support of the administration of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) Research and Development Infrastructure Grants Program (RDI) on behalf of the Department of Education (ED) and the Secretary of Education (Secretary). The purpose of the RDI Program is to provide HBCUs and TCCUs, or consortia led by an eligible institution of higher education (institution), with funds to implement transformational investments in research infrastructure, including research productivity, faculty expertise, graduate programs, physical infrastructure, human capital development, and partnerships leading to increases in external funding.

For HBCUs, the RDI grant program will support institutions in increasing their level of research activity in alignment with the Carnegie Classification designations.

Grant funds can be utilized by HBCU institutions with a Doctoral and Professional Universities (D/PU) classification to move toward the Doctoral Universities with High Research Activity (R2) classification, and by Doctoral Universities with High Research

Activity (R2) to move toward a classification of Doctoral Universities with Very High Research Activity (R1). For TCCUs, this program seeks to support an increase in research activities, undergraduate research opportunities, faculty development, research development, and infrastructure, including physical infrastructure and human capital development.

Assistance Listing Number: 84.116H.

OMB Control Number: 1894-0006.

Program authority: 20 U.S.C. 1138-1138d;

the Explanatory Statement accompanying Division B of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (Pub. L. 119-75).

For further information contact: Shakir Davy, Telephone: (202) 453-7792. Email:

Shakir.Davy@ed.gov.

Type of Award: Discretionary grants.

Estimated Available Funds: $15,000,000.

Estimated Range of Awards: $2,000,000- $5,000,000 for the 48-month project period.

Average Award: $3,000,000 for the 48-month project period.

Maximum Annual Award: $5,000,000 for the 48-month project period.

Estimated number of awards: 5.

Project Period: 48 months.

Application Deadline: June 23, 2026.

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

https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/20/1138 mailto:Shakir.Davy@ed.gov

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants HBCUs (as defined in this notice) and TCCUs (as defined in this notice).

Costs Cost Sharing

In accordance with Requirement 3 established in the Notice of Final Priorities, Requirements, and Definitions, published in the Federal Register on July 18, 2024, for the RDI program (89 FR 58287) (“Program NFP”), grantees must provide a 1:1 match, which can include in-kind donations.

Indirect Cost Rate Information

In accordance with Requirement 2 established in the Program NFP, a grantee's indirect cost reimbursement is limited to 8 percent of a modified total direct cost base. For more information regarding indirect costs, or to obtain a negotiated indirect cost rate, please see https://www.ed.gov/about/ed-offices/ofo#Indirect-Cost-Division

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.

Subgrantees

A grantee under this competition may not award subgrants to entities to directly carry out project activities described in its application.

Other

Build America Buy America Act: This program is subject to the Build America, Buy America Act (Pub. L. 117-58) domestic sourcing requirements. Accordingly, under this program, grantees and contractors may not use their grant funds for infrastructure projects or activities (e.g., construction, remodeling, and broadband infrastructure) unless—

(a) All iron and steel used in the infrastructure project or activity are produced in the United States;

https://www.ed.gov/about/ed-offices/ofo#Indirect-Cost-Division https://www.govinfo.gov/link/plaw/117/public/58

(b) All manufactured products used in the infrastructure project or activity are produced in the United States; and

(c) All construction materials are manufactured in the United States.

Grantees may request waivers to these requirements by submitting a Build America, Buy America Act Waiver Request Form. For more information, including a link to the Waiver Request Form, see the Department's Build America Buy America Waiver website at:

https://www2.ed.gov/policy/fund/guid/buy-america/index.html.

Use of Funds

In accordance with Requirement 1 of the Program NFP, grantees must conduct one or more of the following activities:

(1) Providing for the improvement of infrastructure existing on the date of the grant award, including deferred maintenance, or the establishment of new physical infrastructure, including instructional program spaces, laboratories, and research facilities relating to the fields of science, technology, engineering, the arts, mathematics, health, agriculture, education, medicine, law, and other disciplines.

(2) Hiring and retaining faculty, students, research-related staff, or other personnel, including research personnel skilled in operating, using, or applying technology, equipment, or devices to conduct or support research.

(3) Supporting research internships and fellowships for students, including undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral positions, which may include providing direct student financial assistance and other supports to such students.

(4) Creating new, or expanding existing, academic positions, including internships, fellowships, and post-doctoral positions, in fields of research for which research and development infrastructure funds have been awarded to the grantee under this program.

(5) Creating and supporting inter- and intra-institutional research centers (including formal and informal communities of practice) in fields of research for which research and development infrastructure funds have been awarded to the grantee under this program, including hiring staff, purchasing supplies and equipment, and funding travel to relevant conferences and seminars to support the work of such centers.

(6) Building new institutional support structures and departments that help faculty learn about, and increase faculty and student access to, Federal research and development grant funds and non-Federal academic research grants.

https://www2.ed.gov/policy/fund/guid/buy-america/index.html

(7) Building data and collaboration infrastructure so that early findings and research can be securely shared to facilitate peer review and other appropriate collaboration.

(8) Providing programs of study and courses in fields of research for which research and development infrastructure funds have been awarded to the grantee under this program.

(9) Paying operating and administrative expenses for, and coordinating project partnerships with members of, the consortium on behalf of which the eligible institution has received a grant under this program, provided that grantees may not pay for the expenses of any R1 institutions that are members of the consortia.

(10) Installing or extending the life and usability of basic systems and components of campus facilities related to research, including high-speed broadband internet infrastructure sufficient to support digital and technology-based learning.

(11) Expanding, remodeling, renovating, or altering biomedical and behavioral research facilities existing on the date of the grant award that received support under section 404I of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 283k).

(12) Acquiring and installing furniture, fixtures, and instructional research-related equipment and technology for academic instruction in campus facilities in fields of research for which research and development infrastructure funds have been awarded to the grantee under this program.

(13) Providing increased funding to programs that support research and development at the eligible institution that are funded by the National Institutes of Health, including through their Path to Excellence and Innovation program.

(14) Faculty professional development.

(15) Planning purposes.

Submission Requirements and Deadlines

Applications Available May 21, 2026 Application Deadline June 23, 2026 Deadline for Intergovernmental Review August 24, 2026

Applicants are required to follow the 2025 Common Instructions and Information for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal Register on August 29, 2025 (90 FR 42234) and available at ED 2025 Common Instructions.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025-16571/common-instructions-and-information-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025-16571/common-instructions-and-information-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant

Program Description

Overview Eligible applicants are encouraged to propose projects that directly support this administration’s workforce agenda, as outlined in America’s Talent Strategy. Applicants should propose projects that advance research and talent capacity needed to power America’s reindustrialization, technological leadership in Artificial Intelligence and energy, and resurgence in advanced manufacturing. Through targeted investments in human capital and industry aligned research and development, these projects should accelerate the creation of practical, employer-driven innovation and skilled talent pipelines, including pathways that connect research to Registered Apprenticeships (as described in 29 CFR part 29 and 5 CFR 362.102) and high-value credentials in critical sectors.

Priorities This notice includes two absolute priorities and one invitational priority. The absolute priorities are from the Program NFP.

Absolute Priority: For Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 and any subsequent year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this competition, the priority is an absolute priority. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(3), we consider only applications that meet the absolute priority. Each application must clearly identify which absolute priority (i.e., either absolute priority #1 or absolute priority #2) for which a grant is requested.

Invitational Priority: For FY 2026 and any subsequent year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this competition, these priorities are invitational priorities. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(1), we do not give an application that meets these invitational priorities a competitive or absolute preference over other applications.

Priorities Title Required Points Priority Language Absolute Priority 1— Funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities' Research and Development Infrastructure.

HBCU

applicants must address

AP 1.

N/A Projects proposed by HBCUs to implement high-quality transformative research capacity initiatives and designed to move the institution from R2 to R1, or from Research Colleges and Universities (RCU) to R2, research activity status.

Absolute Priority 2— Funding for Tribal Controlled Colleges

TCCU

applicants must

N/A Projects proposed by TCCUs to improve their research and development activities, including https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/OPA/newsreleases/2025/08/Americas-Talent-Strategy-Building-the-Workforce-for-the-Golden-Age.pdf https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-34/section-75.105#p-75.105(c)(1) and Universities' Research and Development Infrastructure.

address

AP 2.

infrastructure, faculty development, and academic programs.

Invitational Priority— Aligning Research and Development (R&D) activities with workforce development.

No N/A Projects that are designed to integrate their research and development infrastructure initiatives with efforts to promote innovation and enhancement in human capital development.

Selection Criteria Selection criteria outline how the application will be scored. The maximum possible total score an application can receive for addressing the criteria is 100 points. The maximum possible score for addressing each criterion is indicated in parentheses following the criterion. The selection criteria for this competition are from 34 CFR 75.210.

(a) Significance. (Up to 20 points)

(1) The Secretary considers the significance of the proposed project.

(2) In determining the significance of the proposed project, the Secretary considers one or more of the following factors:

(i) The extent to which the proposed project is relevant at the national level. (Up to 5 points)

(ii) The extent to which findings from the project's implementation will contribute new knowledge to the field by increasing knowledge or understanding of educational challenges, including the underlying or related challenges, and effective strategies for addressing educational challenges and their effective implementation. (Up to 5 points)

(iii) The likelihood that the proposed project will result in systemic change that supports continuous, sustainable, and measurable improvement. (Up to 5 points)

(iv) The importance or magnitude of the results or outcomes likely to be attained by the proposed project, especially improvements in employment, independent living services, or both, as appropriate. (Up to 5 points)

(b) Quality of the project design. (Up to 35 points)

(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the design of the proposed project.

(2) In determining the quality of the design of the proposed project, the Secretary considers one or more of the following factors:

(i) The extent to which the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be achieved by the proposed project are clearly specified, measurable, and ambitious yet achievable within the project period, and aligned with the purposes of the grant program. (Up to 5 points)

(ii) The extent to which the design of the proposed project demonstrates meaningful community engagement and input to ensure that the project is appropriate to successfully address the needs of the target population or other identified needs and will be used to inform continuous improvement strategies. (Up to 5 points)

(iii) The quality of the logic model or other conceptual framework underlying the proposed project, including how inputs are related to outcomes. (Up to 5 points)

(iv) The extent to which the design for implementing and evaluating the proposed project will result in information to guide possible replication of project activities or strategies, including valid and reliable information about the effectiveness of the approach or strategies employed by the project. (Up to 5 points)

(v) The likelihood that the services to be provided by the proposed project will lead to meaningful improvements in the skills and competencies necessary to gain employment in high-quality jobs, careers, and industries or build capacity for independent living. (Up to 5 points)

(vi) The extent to which the proposed project will integrate or build on ideas, strategies, and efforts from similar external projects to improve relevant outcomes, using existing funding streams from other programs or policies supported by community, State, and Federal resources. (Up to 5 points)

(vii) The extent to which the proposed project will include coordination with other Federal investments, as well as appropriate agencies and organizations providing similar services to the target population. (Up to 5 points)

(c) Adequacy of resources. (Up to 20 points)

(1) The Secretary considers the adequacy of resources for the proposed project.

(2) In determining the adequacy of resources for the proposed project, the Secretary considers one or more of the following factors:

(i) The adequacy of support for the project, including facilities, equipment, supplies, and other resources, from the applicant or the lead applicant organization. (Up to 5 points)

(ii) The relevance and demonstrated commitment of each partner in the proposed project to the implementation and success of the project. (Up to 5 points)

(iii) The extent to which the budget is adequate to support the proposed project and the costs are reasonable in relation to the objectives, design, and potential significance of the proposed project. (Up to 5 points)

(iv) The extent to which the costs are reasonable in relation to the number of persons to be served, the depth and intensity of services, and the anticipated results and benefits. (Up to 5 points)

(d) Quality of the management plan. (Up to 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 one or more of the following factors:

(i) The feasibility of the management plan to achieve project objectives and goals on time and within budget, including clearly defined responsibilities, timelines, and milestones for accomplishing project tasks. (Up to 5 points)

(ii) The adequacy of plans for ensuring the use of quantitative and qualitative data, including meaningful community member and partner input, to inform continuous improvement in the operation of the proposed project. (Up to 5 points)

(iii) The extent to which the time commitments of the project director and principal investigator and other key project personnel are appropriate and adequate to meet the objectives of the proposed project. (Up to 5 points)

(e) Quality of the project evaluation or other evidence-building. (Up to 10 points)

(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the evaluation or other evidence-building of the proposed project.

(2) In determining the quality of the evaluation or other evidence-building, the Secretary considers one or more of the following factors:

(i) The extent to which the methods of evaluation or other evidence-building are thorough, feasible, relevant, and appropriate to the goals, objectives, and outcomes of the proposed project. (Up to 5 points)

(ii) The extent to which the methods of evaluation or other evidence-building are appropriate to the context within which the project operates and the target population of the proposed project. (Up to 5 points)

Performance Measures ED has developed the following performance measures for the purposes of the reporting to ED under 34 CFR 75.110.

Program Performance Measures. The Department developed the following program performance indicators to evaluate the overall effectiveness of this program:

Absolute Priority 1 Program Performance Measure 1 The annual number of doctoral students enrolled at the lead applicant university.

Program Performance Measure 2 The annual number of doctoral conferrals, disaggregated by low-income students.

Program Performance Measure 3 Annual faculty development expenditures.

Program Performance Measure 4 The annual research and development expenditures in:

(i) Science and engineering.

(ii) Non-science and engineering.

Absolute Priority 2 Performance Measure 1 The annual research and development expenditures in:

(i) Science and engineering.

(ii) Non-science and engineering.

Performance Measure 2 Annual faculty development expenditures.

Application Submission Information Application Submission Instructions: Applicants are required to follow the Common Instructions and Information for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal Register on August 29, 2025 (90 FR 42234), which contain requirements and information on how to submit an application.

Registration

To apply, you must first be registered in two systems: SAM.gov and Grants.gov. If you are already registered, make sure your registration is active and up to date.

Grants.gov registration involves several steps including registration on SAM.gov. You may begin working on your application while completing the registration process, but you cannot apply until all registration steps are complete. Once your SAM registration is active, it will take 24-48 hours for the information to be available in Grants.gov, and before you can apply through Grants.gov. For detailed information on the registration steps, please go to:

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-34/section-75.110 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025-16571/common-instructions-and-information-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025-16571/common-instructions-and-information-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025-16571/common-instructions-and-information-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant https://www.federalregister.gov/citation/90-FR-42234 http://www.sam.gov/

Grants.gov Applicant Registration. Please note that your organization will need to update its SAM registration annually.

ED strongly recommends that you do not wait until the last day to submit your application.

Grants.gov will put a date/time stamp on your application and then process it after it is fully uploaded. If Grants.gov rejects your application, you will need to resubmit successfully to Grants.gov before 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the deadline date.

You must provide the UEI on your application that was used when you registered as an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) on Grants.gov. This UEI is assigned to your organization in SAM at the time your organization registers in SAM. If you do not enter the UEI assigned by SAM on your application, Grants.gov will reject your application.

A Grants.gov applicant must apply online using Workspace, a shared environment in Grants.gov where members of a grant team may simultaneously access and edit different web forms within an application. You begin by creating an individual Workspace for each application and establish, for that application, a collaborative application package that allows more than one person in your organization to work concurrently on an application.

You will then complete the application forms in Workspace and submit the application when completed. For further instructions on how to apply using Grants.gov, refer to:

https://grants.gov/applicants/grant-applications/how-to-apply-for-grants.

SAM.gov

You must have an active account with SAM.gov. This includes having a Unique Entity Identifier. SAM.gov registration can take several weeks. Begin that process early.

To register, go to SAM.gov and click on "Get Started."

Click on the Entity Registration Checklist for the information you will need to register in SAM.gov.

If you need help, you can call 866-606-8220 or live chat with the Federal Service Desk.

Grants.gov

You must also have an active account with Grants.gov.

To register, go to Grants.gov and click “Register.” When ready click on “Get Registered Now” and complete required fields.

For more information or assistance, click on “Applicant Registration Page.”

https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration https://grants.gov/applicants/grant-applications/how-to-apply-for-grants

Intergovernmental Review

This is subject to Executive Order 12372 (Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs) and the regulations in 34 CFR Part 79. One of the objectives of Executive Order 12372 is to strengthen federalism – or the distribution of responsibility between localities, states, and the Federal government – by fostering intergovernmental partnerships. This idea includes supporting processes that state or local governments have developed to coordinate and review proposed Federal financial grant applications. Grant applicants need to contact State Single Points of Contact (SPOC) for information on their state’s procedures. Multi-state applicants should follow procedures specific to each state. Further information about the SPOC and the official list of entities can be found at:

https://www.ojp.gov/IntergovernmentalReviewSPOCList.pdf.

Absent specific State review programs, applicants may submit comments directly to the point of contact listed in this notice.

Verify Submission

Verify that Grants.gov received your application submission on time and that it was validated successfully. To see the date/time your application was received, login to Grants.gov and click on the Track My Application link. For a successful submission, the date/time received should be earlier than 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time, on the deadline date, AND the application status should be: Validated, Received by Agency, or Agency Tracking Number Assigned.

If the date/time received is later than 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time, on the deadline date, your application is late. If your application has a status of “Received” it is still awaiting validation by Grants.gov. Once validation is complete, the status will either change to “Validated” or “Rejected with Errors.” If the status is “Rejected with Errors,” your application has not been received successfully. Some of the reasons Grants.gov may reject an application can be found at https://www.grants.gov/applicants/encountering-error-messages. For more detailed information on troubleshooting Adobe errors, you can review the Adobe Reader Software Tip Sheet at: https://www.grants.gov/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility. If you discover your application is late or has been rejected, please see the instructions below. Note: You will receive a series of confirmations both online and via e-mail about the status of your application. Please do not rely solely on e-mail to confirm whether your application has been received timely and validated successfully.

Submission Problems – What should you do?

https://www.ojp.gov/IntergovernmentalReviewSPOCList.pdf https://www.grants.gov/applicants/encountering-error-messages https://www.grants.gov/applicants/encountering-error-messages https://www.grants.gov/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility https://www.grants.gov/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility

If you have problems submitting to Grants.gov before the closing date, please contact Grants.gov Customer Support at 1-800-518-4726 or email at: support@grants.gov or access the Grants.gov Self- Service Knowledge Base web portal.

Application Review Information 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, information outside the rank order of applications, including: the information in each application; and any other information—

(1) Relevant to a criterion, priority, or other requirement that applies to the selection of applications for new grants;

(2) Concerning the applicant's performance and use of funds under a previous award under any Department program; and

(3) Concerning the applicant's failure under any Department program to submit a performance report or its submission of a performance report of unacceptable quality.

Before making awards, Department staff will screen applications submitted in accordance with the requirements in this notice to determine whether applications have met eligibility and other requirements, including whether an application may fail to meet the “General Terms and Conditions” applicable to awarded funds referenced elsewhere within this notice. This screening process may occur at various stages of the review and selection process. Applicants that are determined to be ineligible will not receive a grant, regardless of whether the application was included in the peer review process. Applications not selected for funding will be informed of the Secretary's decision in accordance with 34 CFR 75.218.

Peer reviewers will read, prepare a written evaluation of, and score the assigned applications, using the selection criteria provided in this notice.

For this competition, a panel of non-Federal reviewers will review each application in accordance with the selection criteria. The individual scores assigned by the reviewers will be added and the sum divided by the number of reviewers to determine the peer reviewer score received in the review process.

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 ED (34 CFR 100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).

mailto:support@grants.gov https://grants-portal.psc.gov/Welcome.aspx?pt=Grants.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-34/section-75.217#p-75.217(d)(3) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-34/section-75.217#p-75.217(d)(3) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-34/section-100.4 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-34/section-100.4 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-34/section-104.5 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-34/section-106.4 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-34/section-108.8 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-34/section-110.23

Tiebreaker

If there are insufficient funds to award multiple applications with the same score, the Secretary will select the applicant with the highest percentage of Pell Grant students enrolled at the lead applicant institution based on the most recent IPEDS data available.

Definitions The following definitions are from 34 CFR 77.1 and the Program NFP.

Historically Black College or University means an institution that meets the eligibility requirements under section 322(2) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA).

Performance measure means any quantitative indicator, statistic, or metric used to gauge program or project performance. (34 CFR 77.1)

Performance target means a level of performance that an applicant would seek to meet during the course of a project or as a result of a project. (34 CFR 77.1)

Research 1: Very High Research Spending and Doctorate Production (R1) means that an institution has spent at least $50 million in total research and development (R&D) in a year, as reported to the National Science Foundation (NSF) Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) Survey, and awarded at least 70 research/scholarship doctorates in a year, as reported to IPEDS.

Research 2: High Research Spending and Doctorate Production (R2) means that an institution has spent at least $5 million in total R&D in a year, as reported to the NSF HERD Survey, and awarded at least 20 research/scholarship doctorates in a year, as reported to IPEDS. It does not include institutions designated R1.

Research Colleges and Universities (RCU) means that an institution has spent at least $2.5 million in total R&D in a year, as reported to the NSF HERD Survey. It does not include institutions designated R1 or R2.

Tribal Controlled Colleges or Universities has the meaning ascribed it in section 316(b)(3) of the HEA.

Award Requirements Terms and Conditions

If you are awarded a grant under this competition, you must ensure and may be required to demonstrate that federal funds will not be used under this project in any manner that https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-34/section-77.1 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-34/section-77.1 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-34/section-77.1 violates the United States Constitution, Title VI or Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq. or 42 U.S.C. 2000e et seq.), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.), section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 794), the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (42 U.S.C. 6101 et seq.), Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12131 et seq.), the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act of 2001 (20 U.S.C. 7905), section 117 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (20 U.S.C. 1011f), or other applicable federal law. To the extent that a grantee uses grant funds for such unallowable activities, ED may pursue termination under 2 CFR 200.340.

The Grant Award Notification document accompanying your award may contain further terms and conditions, as necessary to ensure grantee compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and administrative priorities.

Please note the provisions of Executive Orders 14151, 14168, 14173, and 14190 as well as the U.S. Department of Justice’s July 29, 2025, non-regulatory “Guidance for Recipients of Federal Funding Regarding Unlawful Discrimination,” which clarifies the application of federal antidiscrimination laws to programs or initiatives that may involve discriminatory practices, including those labeled as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (“DEI”) programs.

Such activities may risk violating federal civil rights laws and may jeopardize federal funding. This includes any discriminatory equity ideology in violation of a Federal anti-discrimination law. A definition of “discriminatory equity ideology” is contained in Section 2(b) of Executive Order 14190. To the extent that an ED grantee uses grant funds for unallowable activities, ED reserves the right to take appropriate enforcement action, including recovery of grant funds.

Additionally, grantees must comply with all “Financial Assistance General Certifications and Representations” annual registration requirements made in SAM.gov, including any provisions in the annual registration that address civil rights, DEI programs or activities, and support of illegal aliens. To the extent that any entity receiving grant funds under this grant uses those grant funds for such unallowable activities, ED reserves the right to take appropriate enforcement actions, including the recovery of grant funds or may pursue termination or non-continuation.

Applicable Regulations

(a) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) 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 2 CFR part 3485. (c) The Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/42/2000d https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/42/2000d https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/42/2000e https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/20/1681 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/29/794 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/42/6101 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/42/12131 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/20/7905 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/20/1011f https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.340

Federal Awards in 2 CFR part 200, as adopted and amended in 2 CFR part 3474. (d) The Program NFP.

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 only.

Application Checklist The application will require you to fill out several forms, which are listed and linked in grants.gov. See below for a description of forms and sections:

1. Standard Documents

Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424)

Department of Education Supplemental Information for SF 424

2. Budget Information

Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs (SF 424A)

3. Abstract Form

Abstract –– Attach this document to the Abstract Form in the Grants.gov application.

4. Project Narrative

Application Narrative (Project Narrative Attachment Form)

5. Budget Narrative

Budget Narrative Attachment Form

6. Other Attachment Forms

Absolute Priority Narrative

Invitational Priority Narrative

7. Assurances and Certifications

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (Standard Form LLL)

Grants.gov Lobbying Form

Assurances – Non-Construction Programs (SF 424B)

Part 1: Standard Documents

Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424)

ED Supplemental Information for SF 424 (Instructions)

This form requires basic identifying information about the applicant and the application. Please provide all requested applicant information (including name, address, e-mail address and Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)). When applying electronically via Grants.gov, you will need to ensure that the UEI on your application is the same as the UEI your organization used when it registered with the System for Award Management.

https://www.ed.gov/media/document/2025-ed-sf424-supplemental-form-110031.pdf

Applicants are advised to complete the Application for Federal Assistance (Form SF

424) first. Grants.gov will automatically insert the correct Assistance Listing Number and program name automatically wherever needed on other forms.

Please do not attach any narratives, supporting files, or application components to the Standard Form (SF 424). Although this form accepts attachments, ED will only review materials/files attached in accordance with the instructions provided within this application.

Part 2: Budget Information

Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs (Standard Form 424A)

The SF-424A Budget Information Form is required. This part of your application contains information about the Federal funding you are requesting. The form requires total funding requests for each year of the project, but only requires detailed information for Year 1 of the project. You will provide information on all years of the project, including an itemized budget breakdown for each year of the proposed project, in your Budget Narrative. Specific instructions for completing the Budget Narrative are provided within this application notice and instructions under Budget Narrative. Budget Narrative attachments are not included in the page count.

Instructions for completing SF-424A:

The SF-424A has six sections (A-F). While the form includes several sections and boxes, please use the information below to complete only the necessary sections.

Section A – Budget Summary

• Section A-Budget Summary: Enter the name of the grant program for which you are requesting funds in 1(a).

• Section A-Budget Summary: 1(b): Enter the Assistance Listing Number (Example 84.044A).

• Section A-Budget Summary: 1(e) “Federal”: Include the total amount requested for the entire performance period. The amount you enter here will auto populate in 5 (e).

• Section A-Budget Summary: 1(f) “Non-Federal”: Only include an amount in this section if you propose to include non-Federal financial resources as part of this project, including any non-Federal funds to meet any program cost sharing requirements. If not including non-Federal financial resources, leave this blank or include 0.

• Section A-Budget Summary: 1(g): If using Grants.gov form, the total amount included here will be auto-calculated based on what is included in 1(e ) and 1(f).

Section B – Budget Categories

• Section B-Budget Categories:

o Line 6. Object Class Categories: The categories listed here (a-k) are the categories you will need to further describe in the Budget Narrative. For this section, only include the total amount by category for Year 1 of the project. You will provide a breakdown by category for each year of the project in the Budget Narrative. If using Grants.gov, line 6 column (1) will be auto-populated with the name of the program for which you are requesting funding.

• Personnel (line 6a.): Enter project personnel salaries and wages only. Include fees and expenses for consultants on line 6f or 6h.

• Fringe Benefits (line 6b): The organization’s normal fringe benefits contribution may be charged to the program. Leave this line blank if fringe benefits applicable to direct salaries and wages are treated as part of the indirect cost.

• Travel (line 6c): Indicate the travel costs of employees and participants only.

Include travel of persons such as consultants on line 6f or 6h.

• Equipment (line 6d): Indicate the cost of tangible, non-expendable personal property that has a usefulness greater than one year and acquisition costs that are the lesser of the capitalization level established by the applicant entity for financial statement purposes or $10,000 per article. Lower limits may be established to maintain consistency with the applicant’s policy.

• Supplies (line 6e): Show all tangible, expendable personal property. Direct supplies and materials differ from equipment in that they are consumable, expendable, and of a relatively low unit cost. Supplies purchased with grant funds should directly benefit the grant project and be necessary for achieving the goals of the project.

• Contractual (line 6f): The contractual category should include all costs specifically incurred with actions that the applicant takes in conjunction with an established internal procurement system. Include consultant fees, expenses, and travel costs in this category if the consultant’s services are obtained through a written binding agreement or contract.

• Construction (line 6g): Include the amount requested for construction costs.

• Other (line 6h): Indicate all direct costs not covered on lines 1-6. For example, include costs such as space rental, required fees, honoraria and travel (where a contract is not in place for services), training, and communication and printing costs. If applicable, include stipends under other. If stipends are included under other, do not include stipends when calculating the indirect cost. Do not include costs that are included in the indirect cost rate.

• Total Direct Costs (line 6i): The sum of lines 6a-6h. If using Grants.gov, this number is auto-calculated.

• Indirect Costs (line 6j): 8 percent of a modified total direct cost base.

• Total Cost (line 6i and 6j): This number should be equal to sum of lines 6i-6j (total of direct costs + indirect costs). If using Grants.gov, this number is auto-calculated. The sum for column one, labeled Project Year 6 (1), should also be equal to item 15a on the application cover sheet (SF Form 424).

• Line 7. Program Income: You may leave this field blank.

Section C – Non-Federal Resources

This section should only be completed if you are proposing a cost share or if the program for which you are applying requires a Non-Federal cost share. If you include a cost share, provide a breakdown by including the dollars that will come from the applicant, State, and other sources, as applicable.

Section D – Forecasted Cash Needs

• Line 13. Federal: The total for 1st Year column will automatically calculate based on the funding amounts included in Quarters 1-4. These quarters apply to Year One ONLY. Enter the forecasted cash needs from Federal sources for each quarter of the first program year. The amount entered for each quarter will be used to auto-calculate the amount in line 15 and is your forecasted needs. You will have an opportunity to provide updates to these quarterly amounts in post-award.

• Line 14. Non-Federal: The total for 1st year column will automatically calculate based on the funding amounts included in Quarters 1-4. These quarters apply to Year One ONLY. Leave this blank for each quarter if you are not including any Non-Federal Funds. If including non-Federal funds, enter the forecasted cash needs from non-Federal sources for the first quarter of the first program year. If not applicable, leave blank.

• Line 15. (sum of lines 13 and 14): If using Grants.gov, the total is auto-calculated.

Section E – Budget Estimates of Federal Funds Needed for Balance of the Project

This section collects information for future funding periods. While the columns are labeled First (b) through Fourth (e), this is the section where you will include the total amount of Federal funds requested for Years 2-4, for four-year projects. You are only including the total amount of Federal funds requested for the outyears beyond Year 1.

The total amount in Section D. line 13 plus the total amount in the outyears should match the project total requested in Section A line 5 (e).

• Line 16 Column (a) Grant Program: If using Grants.gov, this box will be auto-populated with the name of the program you included in Section A Line 1.

• Line 16 Column (b)First: Include the total amount requested for the first outyear.

Year 2 of the project. Ensure this amount matches what is in your Budget Narrative.

• Line 16 Column (c) Second: Include the total amount requested for the second outyear. Year 3 of the project. Ensure this amount matches what is in your Budget Narrative.

• Line 16 Column (d) Third: Include the total amount requested for the third outyear. Year 4 of the project. Ensure this amount matches what is in your Budget Narrative.

Section F – Other Budget Information

• Line 21. Direct Charges: You may leave this field blank.

• Line 22. Indirect Charges: Enter 8 percent of a modified total direct cost base.

• Line 23. Remarks: You may leave this field blank.

Part 3: Abstract Form

The project abstract should not exceed one double spaced page and should include a concise description of the following information:

⦁ Project objectives and activities ⦁ Absolute Priority ⦁ Proposed project outcomes ⦁ Proposed project partners, if applicable

Part 4: Project Narrative

This section should be attached as a single document to the Project Narrative Attachment Form in accordance with the instructions found on Grants.gov and should be organized in the following manner and include the following parts in order to expedite the review process.

Ensure that you only attach the ED approved file types detailed in the 2025 Common Instructions. When attaching files, applicants should limit the size of their file names.

❑ Table of Contents

The Table of Contents shows where and how the important sections of your proposal are organized and should not exceed one double-spaced page.

❑ Application Narrative

ED encourages applicants to limit this section of the application to the equivalent of no more than 65 pages. 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 one- abstract, the resumes, the bibliography, logic model, or the letters of support. However, the recommended page limit does apply to the Project Narrative.

Part 5: Budget Narrative

This section should be attached as a single document to the Budget Narrative Attachment Form in accordance with the instructions found on Grants.gov. It should be organized in the following manner and include the following parts in order to expedite the review process.

Ensure that you attach the ED approved file types detailed in the 2025 Common Instructions.

Each application must also provide a Budget Narrative for requested Federal funds. The Budget Narrative for requested Federal funds should provide a justification of how the money requested for each budget item will be spent, and the total amounts for each project year should match the total amounts in Section E – Budget Estimates of Federal Funds Needed for Balance of the Project in SF-424A.

This section requires an itemized budget breakdown for each project year and the basis for estimating the costs of personnel salaries, benefits, project staff travel, materials and supplies, consultants and subcontracts, indirect costs and any other projected expenditures. Be sure to complete an itemized budget breakdown and narrative for each year of the proposed project. Below is a breakdown of the categories to be included in the Budget Narrative for each project year:

• Personnel: List all staff positions by title including roles and responsibilities. For each position give the annual salary, the percentage of time devoted to the project, and the amount of each position’s salary funded by the grant.

• Fringe Benefits: The institution’s normal fringe benefits contribution may be charged to the program. Leave this line blank if fringe benefits applicable to direct salaries and wages are treated as part of the indirect cost.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025-16571/common-instructions-and-information-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025-16571/common-instructions-and-information-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025-16571/common-instructions-and-information-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025-16571/common-instructions-and-information-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant

• Travel: For grantee staff only, specify the purpose, number of staff traveling, mileage, per diem, estimated number of in-state and out-of-state trips, and other estimated costs for each type of travel.

• Equipment: Identify each item of equipment you expect to purchase that has an estimated acquisition cost of $10,000 or more per unit (or if your capitalization level is less than $10,000, use your capitalization level) and a useful lifetime of more than one year (see 2 CFR Part 200.1 for the definition of Equipment). List the item, quantity, and the unit cost per item.

• Supplies: Identify the cost of supplies (e.g., general office supplies, desk/chairs, laptops/printers, other specialty items) in the detailed budget per category.

Except for general office supplies, list the item, quantity, and the unit cost per item. Supplies include all tangible personal property other than “equipment” (see 2 CFR Part 200.1 for the definition of Supplies). Items with a unit cost of less than $10,000 are supplies, not “equipment.”

• Contractual: The contractual category should include all costs specifically incurred with actions that the applicant takes in conjunction…