NOFO Instructions April192026.pdf

HE125426R5001- Military-Connected Schools Construction, Modernization and Facilities Maintenance Program Grant

Notice of Funding Opportunity and Application Guidelines

CFDA: 12.556

Department of War Education Activity (DoWEA)

Deadline for Receipt of Applications:

Friday, May 22, 2026, by 11:59PM ET

Discretionary Grant Program, Notice Inviting Applications for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026

Table of Contents

Section 1: BASIC INFORMATION Section 2: ELIGIBILITY

Eligible Applicants

Funding Details

Cost Sharing Section 3: PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Funding Priorities

Program Authorization

Compliance

Supplement, Not Supplant

Build America, Buy America Act

Davis‑Bacon Act Requirements:

Section 4: APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION

Award Notification

Address to Request Application Package

Application Restrictions

Content and Form of Application Submission

Required Federal Forms Section 5: SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINE

Grants.gov Application Submission and Receipt Procedures

How to Register to Apply through Grants.gov

How to Submit an Application via Grants.gov

Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission

Certifications and Assurance Section 6: APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

Background

Review Criteria

Review Process

Merit Review Section 7: AWARD ADMINSTRATION INFORMATION

Monitoring and Support

Award Notification Section 8: POST-AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Reporting Requirements

• Quarterly Invoice (SF 270)

• Annual Financial Report (SF 425)

• Final (Closeout) Performance Report & Final (Closeout) Financial Report Section 9: OTHER INFORMATION

Pre-Award Technical Assistance

Relevant Details

Certification regarding Restrictions on Lobbying

Code of Conduct

Executive Order 14332 Compliance Addendum

Certification of Compliance with EO 14332

Applicability Appendix A: Cover Page Sample and Application Template for Narrative Appendix B: Definitions of Eligible Construction Activities

Section 1: BASIC INFORMATION

Federal Agency Name: Department of War Education Activity (DoWEA)

Funding Opportunity Title: Military-Connected Schools Construction, Modernization and

Facilities Maintenance Program Grant for Fiscal Year 2026.

Announcement Type: Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Funding Opportunity Number: HE125426R5001

Assistance Listing Number: 12.556

Funding Details: Program funding of $100 million is available. Individual grants shall not exceed

$25 million and shall not be less than $250,000; applications requesting amounts outside this range will not be scored and will be removed from consideration. DoWEA anticipates making multiple grants and final grant amounts will depend on applicants meeting all eligibility requirements outlined in this announcement. All applicants selected for funding will be notified of their selection no later than September 30, 2026.

Key Dates: DoWEA will hold a pre-recorded technical assistance webinar. It will be available at 1pm

EDT on May 22, 2026. Details regarding the webinar can be found at https://dodeagrants.org/.

Complete proposals must be submitted to the funding opportunity number on Grants.gov by

11:59pm on May 1, 2026, the Proposal Deadline. Proposals will be screened to ensure eligibility and completeness prior to being scored. Complete and eligible proposals will be evaluated against the criteria found in this announcement. A final proposal ranking will be provided to the Assistant

Secretary of War for Manpower and Reserve Affairs (ASW(M&RA)) or the designee for approval.

Once approved, the listing will be provided to the DoWEA Director for award. All grant awards will be issued no later than September 29, 2026, to ensure the appropriated funds are obligated no later than September 30, 2026.

Executive Summary: The opportunity is authorized under 10 U.S.C. § 2008, which permits the

Department of War (DoW) to use appropriated funds to support the construction, renovation, repair, or expansion of school facilities serving federally connected students. DoWEA anticipates awarding multiple grants with performance periods of up to five years. Through this announcement, DoWEA invites applications from eligible Local Education Agencies (LEAs) for school construction projects that impact the learning environment for military‑connected students.

The target population for this grant opportunity is military‑connected students in elementary and secondary schools. Eligible applicants are LEAs that receive U.S. Department of Education Impact

Aid Basic Support Payments under Section 7003(b) and have at least 15 percent military‑connected student enrollment at the target school facility. Schools with construction or renovation/modernization projects for a facility listed in the April 2019 “Secretary of Defense 2018

Public Schools on Military Installations Prioritized List” that have already been funded are not https://dodeagrants.org/ eligible to be target schools. The LEA of any of those projects may still apply, but for a different target school.

The goal of this opportunity is to strengthen learning conditions for military‑connected students by addressing critical infrastructure needs. Funded projects should support one or more of the following objectives:

• Modernizing or renovating school facilities to improve health, safety, accessibility, environmental quality, and emergency preparedness. Projects may include upgrades to building systems, structural improvements, or the creation of safe and secure learning spaces that contribute to student success.

• Enhancing academic learning conditions through facility‑based improvements, such as upgraded classrooms, modernized instructional areas, specialized learning spaces, and technology‑ready environments.

Agency contact information: Please access Opportunity link on the DoWEA Grant Program homepage (https://dodeagrants.org/) for general information about this opportunity. Requests for further information or for help with problems related to this program should be directed to:

DoWEA Grant Program Office: Jennifer Dailey-Perkins, Grant Program Manager

DoDEA.Grants@dodea.edu or DoWEA Procurement Division: ShaHannah Brown, Grants Officer, ShaHannah.Brown@dodea.edu.

Section 2: ELIGIBILITY

Eligible Applicants: Local Education Agencies (LEAs), including charter schools recognized as

LEAs by state law who are eligible for U.S. Department of Education Impact Aid, can apply for this funding opportunity. Current DoWEA grant recipients can apply. Eligible schools must meet these criteria:

All Applicants: The LEA applies for this funding opportunity on behalf of the target schools. The following eligibility requirements apply:

• LEA must be eligible to receive U.S. Department of Education Impact Aid Basic

Support Payments under Section 7003(b). Under this eligibility, an LEA must educate at least 400 federally connected children in average daily attendance, or the federally connected children must make up at least 3 percent of the LEA’s total average daily attendance; and,

• Target schools for this opportunity must have 15 percent or more military connected student enrollment at the time of application. Under this announcement, military-connected students are defined as the children of members of the uniformed services and children whose parents work on Federal property. This https://dodeagrants.org/ mailto:DoDEA.Grants@dodea.edu mailto:ShaHannah.Brown@dodea.edu enrollment must be verifiable through school records and/or military student identifier sources.

Funding Details: The amount available through this announcement is $100M. Publication of this notice does not oblige DoWEA to award a grant to any specific project or to obligate any available funding. Applications submitted under this announcement may be considered for funding in subsequent fiscal years subject to the availability of funds. If any LEA incurs any costs prior to receiving a grant award agreement from the authorized DoWEA Grants Officer, the LEA does so solely at the its own risk that such costs may not be included in the grant if an award is made.

Funds must be used for educational facilities only. Any LEA that receives funds under this subsection shall use such funds for construction, as defined in section 7013(3) of the

Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (codified at 20 U.S.C. § 7713(3)). The term

‘‘construction’’ means the following:

• The preparation of drawings and specifications for school facilities;

• Erecting, building, acquiring, altering, remodeling, repairing, or extending school facilities;

• Inspecting and supervising the construction of school facilities; and

• Debt service for such activities.

Cost Sharing: Cost sharing, or non-federal share is not required. If voluntarily committed, the contributions must meet all of the criteria established in 2 CFR 200.306(b)(1)-(7). Any proposed cost sharing becomes a binding term of the grant award.

Section 3: PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

10 U.S.C. § 2008 provides, “[f]unds appropriated to the Department of Defense may be used to carry out construction, as defined in section 7013(3) of the Elementary and Secondary Education

Act of 1965, or to carry out section 7008 of such Act, relating to the provision of assistance to certain school facilities under the impact aid program.” Under this statutory framework, the

DoWEA will administer this program to ensure military‑connected students have access to safe, modern and supportive school environments. This federal investment in local infrastructure improvements will address structural deficiencies, outdated building systems, and/or conditions that negatively affect learning for students in communities connected to military installation.

Funding Priorities: There are two funding priorities. Those priorities are as follows:

• Priority 1 will be given to applicants whose projects demonstrate an emergency need.

Emergency needs may include addressing facility conditions that pose immediate health or safety risks, such as structural failure, significant roof leaks that threaten building integrity, inoperable HVAC systems that create unsafe temperatures, or environmental https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200#p-200.306(b) hazards such as mold, water intrusion, or failing electrical systems that jeopardize student safety. The following conditions may pose an immediate threat to life safety and would be considered emergency need(s):

a. Compromise structural integrity;

b. Violate applicable building or fire codes in a manner that risks occupancy; or

c. Render the facility unusable for instructional purposes.

• Priority 2 will be given to applicants whose project shows clear alignment between physical modernization and academic needs, including construction or renovation activities that directly support instructional delivery.

Prior to award, all proposed project costs will be evaluated by the Government for allowability, allocability, and reasonableness in accordance with 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart E (Cost Principles), applicable federal statues, and terms and conditions of this NOFO. The Government reserves the right to:

• Disallow any cost that does not meet federal cost principles;

• Reduce or remove proposed line items;

• Request revised budgets or supporting documentation;

• Condition an award on cost revisions; or

• Decline to fund a project if cost concerns cannot be resolved to the Government’s satisfaction.

In evaluating construction cost, the Government may consider Independent Government Cost

Estimates (IGCE), industry benchmarks, prior comparable projects, or other cost analysis tools to assess cost realism and price reasonableness. Regardless of whether an applicant identifies their project under Priority 1 or Priority 2, the proposed activities must still clearly align with and support at least one of the opportunity objectives listed in Section I of this announcement.

Program Authorization: Authority for this funding opportunity is provided by 10 U.S.C. § 2008.

This publication also constitutes a NOFO as outlined in the Department of Defense Grants and

Agreements Regulations (DoDGARS) 32 CFR 22.315 – Merit-based, competitive procedures.

DoWEA will not issue paper copies of this announcement. The Department reserves the right to select for award all, some, or none of the applications in response to this announcement.

Application packages submitted in response to this NOFO will not be returned. DoWEA will treat all applications as sensitive competitive information and will disclose their contents only for the purposes of evaluation of the grant applications. Applications submitted under this NOFO may be considered for future funding under this authority, without resubmission of application.

Funding will take the form of individual grants, not cooperative agreements. Any grant awarded under this announcement will be governed by the grant award terms and conditions that conform to DoW’s implementation of OMB circulars applicable to financial assistance. Terms and https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-32/section-22.315 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-32/section-22.315 conditions will include revisions to reflect DoW implementation of new OMB guidance in 2 CFR

Part 200, “Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for

Federal Awards.”

The applicant must meet the minimum standards for receiving federal funds, as defined in 32

CFR 22.415, which states that to be qualified, a potential recipient must do the following:

1) Have the management capability and adequate financial and technical resources, given those that would be made available through the grant or cooperative agreement, to execute the program of activities envisioned under the grant or cooperative agreement.

2) Have a satisfactory record of executing such programs or activities (if a prior recipient of an award).

3) Have a satisfactory record of integrity and business ethics.

4) Be otherwise qualified and eligible to receive a grant under applicable laws and regulations.

The applicant must agree to abide by all federal rules and regulations regarding performance and financial management, including, but not limited to 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative

Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. Any inconsistencies in the requirements of award will be resolved in the following order of precedence:

1) Federal statutes.

2) Federal regulations.

3) 2 CFR part 200, “Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and

Audit Requirements for Federal Awards”

4) 2 CFR part 1104, “Implementation of Governmentwide Guidance for Grants and

Cooperative Agreements”

5) Grant award-specific terms and conditions.

6) DoW General Terms and Conditions.

Compliance: Allowable program activities and costs under this announcement are governed by the Uniform Guidance at 2 CFR part 200, Subpart E (Cost Principles) and the DoW’s implementing regulations issued under 32 CFR Part 22, Subpart E, and recipients must comply with all applicable annual appropriations act provisions described in 32 CFR 22.515. Any activities or costs inconsistent with these authorities or prohibitions are unallowable under this program. Recipients must ensure that all procurement contracts funded under this award comply with the procurement standards in 2 CFR §§ 200.317-200.327 and the applicable contract provisions identified in Appendix II to Part 200, Title 2.

Supplement, Not Supplant: Federal funds provided under this program must be used to https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200?toc=1 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-32/section-22.515 supplement, not supplant, any other federal, state, or local funds available for the same purpose.

Applicants must demonstrate that no other federal programs are already funding or obligated to fund the same activity at the same scope or level. Where other federal funds are available but insufficient to fully address project needs, program funds may be used to enhance, expand, or complete the project but may not replace funds obligated under another federal grant award.

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:

• All iron and steel used in the infrastructure project or activity are produced in the United

States;

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

• All construction materials are manufactured in the United States.

Davis‑Bacon Act Requirements: Pursuant to 20 U.S.C. 1232b, a Related Act under the

Davis‑Bacon and Related Acts, any project funded under this NOFO that involves construction, repair, or alteration of facilities (including painting and decorating) with contracts exceeding

$2,000 must comply with the Davis‑Bacon prevailing wage requirements.

All grantees awarded under this announcement may request waivers to these requirements if domestic sourcing will not allow for projects to be completed before the end of the period of performance. All waiver requests must be submitted to the DoWEA Grant Officer, Ms.

ShaHannah Brown at ShaHannah.Brown@dodea.edu and the Grant Program Office at dodea.grants@dodea.edu.

Section 4: APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION

Submission Instruction: Applications will only be received electronically. Required project narrative (described below) must be in an editable Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) or

Microsoft Word. Required forms along with project narrative and certifying official documentation must be submitted through https://www.grants.gov/ no later than 11:59 PM

Eastern Time on May 22, 2026. Any application emailed or hardcopy mailed will not be accepted. Further submission instructions may be found at:

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

Award Notification: It is anticipated that final selections for award will be made no later than

September 30, 2026.

Address to Request Application Package: All relevant materials are available with this announcement on Grants.gov.

Application Restrictions: If an LEA submits more than one application, the Department will https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200#p-200.1(Contractor) mailto:ShaHannah.Brown@dodea.edu mailto:dodea.grants@dodea.edu http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ https://grants.gov/applicants/grant-applications/how-to-apply-for-grants consider only the last submission, as determined by the Grants.gov system, unless the LEA contacts the Department prior to the closing date to indicate a different submission should be the single submission considered for that entity.

Content and Form of Application Submission: Application submissions will be protected from unauthorized disclosure in accordance with applicable laws and DoW regulations. All eligible applications will be merit reviewed and rank ordered for potential award, inclusive of risk assessment. Failure to follow the below directions will result in the submitted application not being considered for funding. To be considered for funding, an application must include the following:

Required Federal Forms: Prospective applicants must complete the mandatory forms in accordance with the instructions provided on the forms and the additional instructions below.

Files that are attached to the forms must be submitted as a PDF file unless otherwise specified in this announcement. At the time of application submission, applicants must complete and submit the following federal forms with signatures of the Authorized Representative of the submitting

LEA:

• Standard Form (SF)-424 (Application for Federal Assistance): Completion of a SF-424 is required to submit a proposal through Grants.gov. Please refer to the instructions provided with the Grants.gov Notice of Funding Opportunity on how to complete the SF-

424.

• SF-424C (Budget Information for Construction Programs): An SF-424C must be submitted for the total project cost (cumulative) as well as for each year of the project through Grants.gov. Attach each year’s budget as a separate attachment labeled “Year 1 Budget,” “Year 2 Budget,” and so forth. Please refer to the instructions provided with the Grants.gov Notice of Funding Opportunity on how to complete the SF-424C.

• Certifying Official Memorandum (Statement): If the district is asking for Priority 1, a dated and signed statement by an appropriate local official that the deficiency threatens the health and safety of occupants of the facility or prevents the use of the facility. An appropriate local official may include a local building inspector, a licensed architect, or a licensed structural engineer. An appropriate local official must not be a member of the applicant LEA’s staff. This must be included in the appendix of the submission. The statement must include the following:

o The official’s name and contact information;

o The official’s professional and independent assessment of whether the facility (target school) needs emergency construction, replacement, renovation, and/or repair;

o A description of how the condition adversely affects the health, safety and well-being of students at the school facility;

o A description of the urgency of the need to address the condition; and o Any additional comments the official believes are relevant.

• Project Narrative (no more than 20 pages not including cover page or appendix) is required. To be considered for review applications must strictly adhere to all formatting, page limitations, and submission requirements set forth in this NOFO. Failure to include any required sections, exceed page limitations, or provide insufficient supporting documentation may result in the application being deemed incomplete and removed from further consideration. The Government will not seek clarification of missing required sections prior to scoring. The project narrative must consist of the following components:

1. Cover Page / Applicant Information (see Appendix A for template): not included towards page limit

• Project title

• Applicant name (LEA name) and address

• Project Director (person who is the key personnel responsible for overseeing the proposed project) and the Alternate Point of Contact information (name, email address, and phone number)

• Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), provided by SAM

• Funding amount requested

• Priority Identification (Priority 1 or Priority 2)

• Military installation(s) or federal property served

• Target school(s) including grade span, number of military connected students and non-military connected students per school, percentage of military connected students per school

• Signature and date of Authorized LEA Representative

2. Abstract (no more than 500 words): not included towards page limit

A concise overview that includes:

• The problem being addressed (e.g., facility condition, safety, overcrowding)

• The proposed solution (e.g., construction, modernization, renovation, major maintenance activities)

• Total project cost and federal request

• Expected benefits to military connected students

• Alignment with grant program priorities

3. Statement of Need / Problem Definition – must include the following elements:

maximum length is 3 pages

a) Facility Condition: Include the current condition assessment (e.g., structural issues, systems failure, age of facility). If available, include any results from facility condition indices (FCI), engineering studies, assessments, or building audits.

Include any code compliance issues (ADA, fire/life safety, accessibility), as appropriate.

b) Detail how the completed project will address educational adequacy (e.g., misalignment with 21st-century learning requirements, space deficiencies, overcrowding, class size pressures, lack of specialized spaces (STEM labs, CTE, arts, early childhood)) and/or Health, Safety, and Security.

4. Project Description: maximum length is 4 pages

Proposals must provide details on the status of design and planning required to proceed with ground-disturbing construction. The project description must include the following pieces of information:

• A general description of the project

• Major scope elements (e.g., site work, utility upgrades, mechanical systems installation)

• Engineering information that demonstrates the technical feasibility of the construction project and confirms that the final project will be complete and usable

• The parties participating in successfully achieving the goals of the project, to include contemplated grant sub-recipients as defined by 2 CFR 200.1

• Provide rationale and evidence that the proposed project can commence (i.e., break ground) quickly enough to ensure that the project can be completed and will result in a fully operational, code-compliant, and independently usable facility improvement within five (5) years of a grant award date

5. Project Timeline: maximum length is 3 pages

Applicants must include details on required federal and state/local permits including status and timeline to obtain such permits. If applicable, applicants must identify whether the proposed project is subject to inclusion in state, regional, metropolitan, or local approval regimes, or a certification from another agency of the inclusion of the project in any such planning document. The applicant must demonstrate that conformance with applicable state, regional, and/or local planning requirements is attainable within a reasonable timeline of grant award, list all necessary permitting, and the schedule for obtaining such permits. Detailed information demonstrating construction readiness should be included in this section. Typical components of this section include the following:

• Planning and design phase

• Permitting

• Environmental and historic preservation reviews

• Procurement standards (2 CFR §§ 200.317-200.327)

• Construction start and completion dates

• Commissioning and occupancy

6. Budget and Budget Narrative: maximum length is 3 pages

Proposals must provide a reasonable, allowable, and allocable project budget in accordance with the Federal Cost Principles in 2 CFR 200, Subpart E. Costs identified in this project budget must be detailed by major cost elements for project administration, inspection, construction, utilities, and contingency costs. This project budget must also identify the total cost for the proposed project. If the application is for a multi-year award, a cost analysis must be conducted for each year. Please include in https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.1 the appendix at least two independent quotes/documentation that detail cost estimate(s) based on industry standards, comparable recent construction bids, and/or market comparisons. All submissions must include a project budget section that identifies the information below, appropriately categorized under the cost classifications in SF-424C:

• Construction

• Architecture/engineering

• Furniture/fixtures/equipment

• Contingency

• Environmental compliance

• Project management

• Technology

• Contractual cost

• Maintenance and life-cycle cost estimates

7. Sustainability Plan: maximum length is 2 pages

Detail how the project incorporates the following:

• Energy-efficient systems

• Climate or hazard-resilient design

• Reduced maintenance costs

• Compliance with applicable building standards

8. Project Management Plan: maximum length is 2 pages

Describe:

• Governance structure

• Project management team roles (the Project Director for this effort should be identified)

• Oversight and reporting processes

• Quality assurance/quality control

• Risk management plan

• Compliance with federal procurement rules

9. Expected Outcomes and Impact: maximum length is 2 pages

Clearly articulate:

• Educational improvements (e.g., achievement, access to programs)

• Improved safety and health outcomes

• Long-term operational savings

• Use measurable indicators when possible

10. Evaluation Plan: maximum length is 1 page

Describe how you will:

• Measure project progress

• Track outcomes post-completion

• Report on compliance and performance metrics

• Conduct financial tracking and audits

11. Appendices: not subject to page limits but must be limited to supporting documentation; reviewers are not required to search appendices for required narrative content. Typical appendices include the following to support the elements 2-10 above:

• Certifying Official Statement (for Priority 1 applicants)

• Facility condition assessments

• Enrollment projections

• Architectural drawings

• Environmental documentation

• Cost Estimates (as stated in the budget narrative)

Section 5: SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINE

Grants.gov Application Submission and Receipt Procedures:

Applicants can only respond to this NOFO via Grants.gov. The deadline to submit completed required forms, written project narrative and detailed budget is Friday, May 22, 2026, by

11:59PM Eastern Time.

How to Register to Apply through Grants.gov:

Instructions: Applicants should read the registration instructions carefully and prepare the information requested before beginning the registration process. Reviewing and assembling the required information before beginning the registration process will alleviate last-minute searches for required information. The registration process can take up to four weeks to complete. Therefore, registration should be done in sufficient time to ensure it does not impact your ability to meet required application submission deadlines.

1) Register with the System for Award Management (SAM) and obtain a Unique Entity ID

(UEI): This is one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal

Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all federal awards. The federal government's primary database for complying with FFATA reporting requirements is www.sam.gov. OMB designated SAM.gov.as the central repository to facilitate applicant and recipient use of a single public website that consolidates data on all federal financial assistance. Under the law, it is mandatory to obtain a UEI number and register in SAM.gov before submitting an application. Applicants must enter the UEI number in the data entry field labeled "UEI" on the SF-424 form.

2) Register with SAM: In addition to having the UEI number, organizations applying online through Grants.gov must register with SAM. Failure to register with SAM will prevent your organization from applying through Grants.gov. For more detailed instructions for registering with SAM, refer to: https://sam.gov/content/home.

3) Create a Grants.gov Account: The next step is to create an account with Grants.gov.

Applicants must know their organization's UEI number to complete this process.

Completing this process automatically triggers an email request for applicant roles to the organization's E-Business Point of Contact (EBiz POC) for review. The EBiz POC http://www.sam.gov/ https://sam.gov/content/home is a representative from your organization who is the contact listed for SAM. To apply for grants on behalf of your organization, you will need the Authorized Organizational

Representative (AOR) role. More detailed instructions may be found at the following

URL: https://www.grants.gov/register.

4) Authorize Grants.gov Roles: After creating an account on Grants.gov, the EBiz POC receives an email notifying them of your registration and request for roles. The EBiz

POC will then log in to Grants.gov and authorize the appropriate roles, which may include the AOR role, thereby giving you permission to complete and submit applications on behalf of the organization. You will be able to submit your application online any time after you have been approved as an AOR.

5) When applications are submitted through Grants.gov, the name of the organization's

AOR that submitted the application is inserted into the signature line of the application, serving as the electronic signature. The EBiz POC must authorize individuals who are able to make legally binding commitments on behalf of the organization as an AOR;

this step is often missed, and it is crucial for valid and timely submissions.

How to Submit an Application via Grants.gov

Grants.gov applicants can apply online using Workspace. For an overview of Workspace, refer to the following URL: https://www.grants.gov/applicants/workspace-overview.

Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission

Online Submission. All applications must be received by 11:59 pm Eastern time on May 22, 2026.

Proof of timely submission is automatically recorded by Grants.gov. An electronic date/time stamp is generated within the system when the application is successfully received by

Grants.gov. The applicant AOR will receive an acknowledgement of receipt and a tracking number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) from Grants.gov with the successful transmission of their application. Applicant AORs will also receive the official date/time stamp and Grants.gov

Tracking number in an email serving as proof of their timely submission.

When DoWEA successfully retrieves the application from Grants.gov and acknowledges the download of submissions, Grants.gov will provide an electronic acknowledgment of receipt of the application to the email address of the applicant with the AOR role. Applications received by

Grants.gov after the established due date for the program will be considered late and will not be considered for funding by DoWEA.

Certifications and Assurance

1) SAM registration and annual renewal require attestment to general certification and assurances. Please ensure your district’s SAM registration is active at time of application.

Applicants may be requested to submit additional certifications and assurances even if they have submitted the annual renewal. DoWEA will inform applicants if additional certifications are needed.

https://www.grants.gov/register https://www.grants.gov/applicants/workspace-overview

2) All potential conflicts of interest, including financial, that could cause bias or lack of fairness in determining the application, evaluation, selection, or administration of a notice of funding must be included.

Section 6: APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

Background: If awarded, in case of disagreement with any requirements of award, the recipient shall contact the DoWEA Grants Officer who issued the grant to resolve the issue. The recipient shall not assess any costs to the award or accept any payments until the issue is resolved.

Applicants should be aware of the following:

• Information regarding the application packages can be found at the following URL:

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

• Grant applications will be reviewed only if they (1) meet the criteria specified by this

NOFO and (2) are submitted through Grants.gov.

• DoWEA may make grant award(s) based on initial applications received, without discussions or technical assistance. Therefore, each initial application should contain the applicant's best terms from a cost and technical standpoint. DoWEA reserves the right

(though it is under no obligation to do so), however, to enter discussions and/or technical assistance with one or more applicants to obtain clarifications, additional detail, or to suggest refinements in the project description, budget, or other aspects of an application prior to making an award determination.

Review Criteria: DoWEA will conduct a merit review of applications. The primary basis for selecting applications for award will be project narrative, relevance to the subject of this announcement, proposed cost realism and reasonableness, and the availability of funds to support the effort. Applicants must provide evidence in their narrative that the proposed project can commence

(i.e., break ground) quickly enough to ensure that the project can be completed within five (5) years of the grant award date. Cost sharing is not required; however, if the LEA chooses to include cost sharing in their budget, any proposed cost sharing becomes a binding term for any award. DoWEA reserves the right to request and require additional supporting information and documentation prior to and after it makes the selection determination. DoWEA reserves the right to remove applicants from award consideration if the parties fail to reach agreement on award terms, conditions, or cost/price within a reasonable time; or if the applicants fail to provide additional information within requested DoWEA deadline.

Review Process: Applications will be evaluated in accordance with evaluation criteria stated above and an internal risk assessment. Approval of this announcement was provided by the

Assistant Secretary of War for Manpower and Reserve Affairs (ASW(M&RA)). The ultimate approval for award of applications under this announcement will be made by the ASW (M&RA) or designee. Applicants’ proposals are awarded based a merit-reviewed score based on the criteria listed below, inclusive of risk assessment. The final ranked list is sent to ASW (M&RA) or the political designee for proposed funding approval.

Merit Review: All complete, eligible proposals will be scored against the following criteria.

The total points possible for each proposal is one hundred (100) points.

Criterion 1: Program Priority Alignment and Enhancement (50 Points)

What reviewers evaluate: How clearly the applicant provides clear, specific and well documented evidence demonstrating alignment with the selected funding priority and measurable benefits to military connected students.

1A. Priority Alignment Narrative (0–30 points)

Evaluation is based on specificity documentation, and direct connection between the proposed scope and the stated Priority 1 or Priority 2 criteria.

• 30 pts: Clear priority selected; explanation is specific, well-supported, and directly tied to the installation/schools served.

• 24 pts: Priority alignment is evident but could be more specific or better supported.

• 14 pts: Priority alignment is vague, generic, or weakly supported.

• 0 pts: No substantive alignment provided.

1B. Benefits to Military-Connected Students and School Operations (0–20 points)

Based on the Abstract and Outcomes sections, reviewers score the expected benefits such as improved learning environment, reduced disruptions, improved safety, capacity relief, or increased access to specialized spaces.

• 20 pts: Benefits are specific, measurable where possible, and clearly linked to the target schools’ military-connected student population.

• 13 pts: Benefits are plausible but not well quantified or weakly linked to military-connected students.

• 6 pts: Benefits are stated but unclear or not credible.

• 0 pts: Not addressed.

Criterion 2: Demonstrated School-Based Need (20 Points)

What reviewers evaluate: Strength and quality of evidence demonstrating facility deficiencies and their impact on safety, code compliance, or educational adequacy.

2. Facility Condition and Compliance Need (0–20 points)

Reviewers score the quality of evidence describing current conditions (for example, FCI, engineering studies, building audits, code issues such as ADA/fire-life safety/accessibility).

• 20 pts: Strong documentation and clear linkage between deficiencies and scope.

• 13 pts: Some documentation; need is reasonable, but gaps exist.

• 6 pts: Largely narrative with minimal support.

• 0 pts: Not addressed.

Criterion 3: Construction Readiness (30 Points)

What reviewers evaluate: Likelihood that the project can begin promptly and be completed within five years, supported by a feasible plan, required permits, and an appropriate procurement approach. Applicants who meet the criterion described below and provide supporting evidence will receive full points for each subsection. Applicants who do not provide evidence for a subsection will receive 0 points for that subsection.

3A. Design and Engineering Maturity (5 pts)

Evidence of completed or underway design/planning, technical feasibility, and that the final project will be complete and usable.

3B. Readiness (5 pts)

Local coordination, constructability constraints identified, and mitigation approach provided.

3C. Permitting Plan (5 pts)

If required per the project plan: clear list of required state/local/federal permits, current status, and realistic timeline (including regional planning regimes if applicable). If permits are not required, provide a rationale for documentation.

3D. Environmental (NEPA) and Historic Preservation (NHPA Section 106)

Readiness (5 pts)

Applicants must demonstrate readiness to complete all required environmental and historic preservation reviews. Because DoDEA’s discretionary construction grants constitute a federal undertaking under 36 CFR 800.16(y), projects are generally subject to both:

• National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) environmental review, and

• National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Section 106 review, which requires consultation if historic properties may be affected (36 CFR 800.1(a)).

Applicants must provide the status and timeline for completing all applicable NEPA and

Section 106 steps, along with evidence that the project schedule fully accounts for these reviews. If an applicant believes that either review is not required, the applicant must provide a clear, well-supported rationale and any documentation demonstrating why the activity does not trigger NEPA or Section 106 requirements.

3E. Schedule, Risk, and Delivery Capacity (10 pts)

A credible critical path schedule (design → permits → procurement → construction → commissioning/occupancy) demonstrating completion within 3 years and addressing key risks.

Risk Assessment: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.206 DoWEA will conduct a risk assessment of all potential recipients. In addition to the elements listed in 2 CFR 200.206, DoWEA may include other criteria to determine various types of risk (e.g., key personnel, past performance, Personally Identifiable Information (PII), etc.).

If any award under this NOFO will be more than the simplified acquisition threshold during its period of performance, following applies:

(i) DoWEA must review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the responsibility/qualification records available in SAM.gov (see 41 U.S.C.

2313).

(ii) The applicant can review and comment on any information in the responsibility/qualification records available at SAM.gov.

(iii) Before DoWEA makes an award decision in the risk review required by 2

CFR 200.206, DoWEA will consider any comments by the applicant, certifying official statement (if Priority 1 is selected), along with information available in the responsibility/qualification records in SAM.gov.

Section 7: AWARD ADMINSTRATION INFORMATION

Monitoring and Support: During the first year of award, all grantees will be required to meet with

DoWEA to establish a monitoring review plan that will be applied through the grant closeout.

This can include but is not limited to regular construction progress reports (e.g., milestones, percent complete, inspections, certifications), targeted academic alignment checkpoints (e.g., final design approval, substantial completion, pre-occupancy/acceptance), site visits, and desk reviews, as appropriate. Monitoring will focus on the timely and compliant completion of the facility, with additional verification that the constructed asset supports the approved instructional purpose.

Award Notification: DoWEA award/modification documents will be emailed to the identified project director and are available via the DoW Electronic Document Access System (EDA) within the Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE). EDA is a Web-based system that provides secure online access, storage and retrieval of grants and modifications to DoD employees and vendors. Allow five business days for your registration to be processed. EDA will notify you by email when your account is approved. To access grants after your registration has been approved, log into https://piee.eb.mil/, select "EDA," select either EDA location, select

"Contracts,” select your search preference, enter the Contract Number (or, if applicable, enter the

Grant Number in the Contract Number field), and select "View.” Registration questions may be directed to the EDA help desk toll free at 866-618-5988, or via email at disa.global.servicedesk.mbx.eb-ticket-requests@mail.mil (Subject: EDA Assistance).

IMPORTANT: In some cases, EDA notifications are appearing in recipients' Junk Email folder. If you are experiencing issues receiving EDA notifications, please check your junk email. If found, please mark EDA notifications as "not junk." If you do not currently have https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-C/section-200.206 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/41/2313 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/41/2313 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.206 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.206 https://piee.eb.mil/ mailto:disa.global.servicedesk.mbx.eb-ticket-requests@mail.mil access to EDA, you may complete a self-registration request as a “Vendor” via https://piee.eb.mil/ following the steps below:

1. Click "Accept"

2. Click "Register" (top right)

3. Click "Agree"

4. In the "What type of user are you?" drop down, select "Vendor"

5. Select the systems you would like to access (iRAPT at a minimum)

6. Complete the User Profile and follow the site instructions

Section 8: POST-AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

Administrative and National Policy Requirements: DoW REQUIRED ELEMENTS

Institutions of higher education that partner with eligible LEAs must certify compliance with 10 U.S.C 983, Institutions of Higher Education That Prevent ROTC Access Or Military

Recruiting On Campus: Denial Of Grants And Contracts From Department Of Defense, Department Of Education, And Certain Other Departments And Agencies, and 32 C.F.R. 216

Military Recruiting and Reserve Officer Training Corps Program Access to Institutions of

Higher Education.

Real property acquired or improved with Federal funds is subject to the requirements of 2 CFR

200.311, which establishes Federal use restrictions, disposition procedures, and the Federal interest in such property. Because the regulatory trigger under 2 CFR 200.311 is “real property acquired or improved with Federal funds,” these requirements apply to projects involving capital improvements such as upgrading HVAC systems, renovating classrooms, or other construction-related enhancements

Reporting Requirements: After receiving an award notice, Project Directors without a

DoDEAgrants.org login should email info@DoDEAgrants.org to create one. Grant recipients must submit progress reports and an annual financial report (SF 425). By accepting the award, applicants agree to submit these reports via the DoDEA Grants Online Reporting System.

• Quarterly Invoice (SF 270): This reporting requirement is fulfilled with the completion of the SF 270 which is to be accompanied by any grant advance payment or reimbursement request via an attachment to the Wide Area Workflow system. The SF

270 includes information on current expenses and invoices for the submitted period.

• Annual Financial Report (SF 425): The annual financial report requirement is completed through the submission of the SF-425 on the DoWEA grants online reporting system.

• Final (Closeout) Performance Report & Final (Closeout) Financial Report: (Last year of grant award only): The closeout performance report (not to exceed 15 pages) https://piee.eb.mil/ https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR8feb98c2e3e5ad2/section-200.311 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR8feb98c2e3e5ad2/section-200.311 mailto:DoDEAgrants.org mailto:info@DoDEAgrants.org details the full programmatic accomplishments. Contents for the Final Performance

Report must include the following:

▪ Cover page with grant number, author, and date

▪ Executive Summary

▪ Outcomes and Transformative Results

▪ Challenges Encountered

▪ Lessons Learned

▪ Sustainability Efforts

▪ Recommendations for Future Grantees and/or DoWEA

The final (closeout) financial report requirement is completed through the submission of the final SF-425 on the DoWEA Grants Online Reporting System. Further reporting guidance will be provided to grantees upon award.

Additionally, the period of performance, the post award reporting requirements, Award Terms and Conditions for Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters (Appendix XII to Part 200, Title

2) and 2 CFR 180.335 and 180.350 are applicable as follows:

Reporting of Matters Related to Recipient Integrity and Performance

1. General Reporting Requirement. If the total value of your currently active grants, cooperative agreements, and procurement contracts from all Federal awarding agencies exceeds $10,000,000 for any period of time during the period of performance of this

Federal award, then you as the recipient during that period of time must maintain the currency of information reported to the SAM that is made available in the designated integrity and performance system (currently the Federal Awardee Performance and

Integrity Information System (FAPIIS)) about civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings described in paragraph 2 of this award term and condition. This is a statutory requirement under section 872 of Public Law 110-417, as amended (41 U.S.C. 2313). As required by section 3010 of Public Law 111-212, all information posted in the designated integrity and performance system on or after April 15, 2011, except past performance reviews required for Federal procurement contracts, will be publicly available.

2. Proceedings About Which You Must Report. Submit the information required about each proceeding that:

a. Is in connection with the award or performance of a grant, cooperative agreement, or procurement contract from the Federal Government;

b. Reached its final disposition during the most recent five-year period; and

c. Is one of the following:

i. A criminal proceeding that resulted in a conviction, as defined in paragraph 5 of this award term and condition;

ii.