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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Office of Postsecondary Education
Washington, DC 20006-8510
Fiscal Year 2018
APPLICATION FOR GRANTS
UNDER THE
UNDERGRADUATE INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
AND FOREIGN LANGUAGE PROGRAM
(CFDA NUMBER: 84.016A)
OPPORTUNITY NUMBER:- ED-GRANTS-060618-001
Form Approved OMB No. 1840-0796, Exp. Date: 05/31/2021
DATED MATERIAL – OPEN IMMEDIATELY
CLOSING DATE: July 26, 2018
Table of Contents
Page Program-Specific Instructions and Forms
Dear Applicant Letter
Competition Highlights
Introduction to Program
Program Supplemental Information
Notice Inviting Applicants (official notice in the Federal Register)
Authorizing Legislation
Code of Federal Regulations
Program Profile Form
Supplemental Information to Meet Statutory Requirements
Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA)
Performance Indicators for UISFL
Instructions for Completing the UISFL Application Package
Instructions for Project Narrative
Guidance on Developing an Evaluation Plan
Instructions for Budget Summary Form & Itemized Line Item Budget
UISFL Program FY 2018 Application Checklist
Paperwork Burden Statement
Grants.gov Submission Tips
STANDARD INSTRUCTIONS AND FORMS (http://www.grants.gov)
Grants.gov Submission Tips Application Transmittal Instructions Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424) Supplemental Information Required for Department of Education Assurances – Non-Construction Programs (SF 424B) U.S. Department of Education Budget Information Non-Construction Programs Section A – Budget Summary (ED 524) Section B – Budget Summary Non-Federal Funds (ED 524) Grants.gov Lobbying Form (formerly ED 80-0013) Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF LLL) http://www.grants.gov/
Dear Applicant:
Thank you for your interest in applying for a Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 grant under the Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language (UISFL) program. The program provides grants to institutions of higher education, consortia of institutions of higher education, partnerships between nonprofit educational organizations and institutions of higher education, and public and private nonprofit agencies and organizations, including professional and scholarly associations, to strengthen and improve undergraduate instruction in international studies and foreign languages.
We have announced two competitive preference priorities and two invitational priorities for this program.
The U.S. Department of Education (Department) strongly encourages all applicants to give consideration to these priorities. For additional information about the competitive preference priorities and the invitational priorities, refer to the Federal Register (FR) notice inviting applications for new awards for FY 2018.
This letter highlights a few items in the FY 2018 application package that will be important to you in applying for grants under this program; however, you should review the entire application package carefully before preparing and submitting your application.
Applicants should pay particular attention to the section entitled “Competition Highlights” that describes the invitational and competitive preference priorities as well as other program and competition details. Also, please pay close attention to the “Application Selection and Program Review” information. This section gives an overview of how each application will be reviewed and scored. Another important section is the application checklist. Please use this checklist to ensure that you have completed all the necessary steps prior to electronic submission Applications for grants under the UISFL program must be submitted electronically using the grants.gov system. A detailed description of how to apply using this system is included in the FR notice. You are urged to acquaint yourself with the requirements of this system early. You may access the grants.gov system through its portal page at:
http://www.grants.gov
After you have submitted your application electronically, you will receive an e-mail with your assigned PR award number confirming that your application was received.
You are reminded that the FR notice is the official document for the FY 2018 UISFL competition, and that you should not rely upon any information that is inconsistent with the guidance contained within the official document. For information (including dates and times) about how to submit your application electronically, please refer to the FR document.
An overview of the UISFL program is accessible at the Department Web site at:
http://www.ed.gov/programs/iegpsugisf/index.html
If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact Tanyelle Richardson at Tanyelle.richardson@ed.gov or by phone at (202)453-6391 or Carla White at Carla.white@ed.gov, (202)453- 6304.
We look forward to receiving your application and appreciate your efforts to promote excellence in international education.
Cheryl E. Gibbs Senior Director International and Foreign Language Education http://www.ed.gov/programs/iegpsugisf/index.html mailto:Tanyelle.richardson@ed.gov mailto:Carla.white@ed.gov
COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS
1. Grants.gov and Electronic Submission: UISFL applications submitted for FY 2018 must be submitted electronically using Grants.gov. You are urged to acquaint yourself with the requirements of Grants.gov early as the registration procedures may require 5 or more days to complete. For more detailed information please see “Submission Procedures and Tips for Applicants” found in this document.
Grants.gov is accessible through its portal page at: http://www.grants.gov It is important to know that the Grants.gov site works differently than the Department’s e- Application system used in past competitions. Grants.gov does not allow applicants to “un-submit” applications. Therefore, if you discover that changes or additions are needed once your application has been accepted and validated by the Department, you must “re-submit” the application. You should know that if the Department receives duplicate applications, we will accept and process the application with the latest “date/time received” validation.
2. Page Limitation: We recommend that you limit the application narrative to no more than
40-pages for the Program Narrative portion of the application. The FR notice contains the specific standards for preparing the Program Narrative.
3. Project Abstract: Applicants are required to submit a project abstract. It is limited to a one page, single-spaced document and should include the name of the applicant institution, title of the project, name and contact information of the Project Director, and a brief overview of the proposed project. The abstract must be uploaded into the “Abstract Narrative” section of the application..
4. Deadline Information: Please note that you must submit your application by 4:30:00 p.m.
(Washington, D.C. time) on or before the application deadline date. Late applications will not be accepted. We suggest that you submit your application several days before the deadline. The Department is required to enforce the established deadline to ensure fairness to all applicants. No changes or additions to an application will be accepted after the deadline date and time.
5. Project Start and End Dates: Proposed start and end dates for the first twelve months of the FY 2018 grant period should be October 1, 2018 – September 30, 2019. Please be mindful of these dates as you develop a two- or three-year plan of operation and create an itemized budget for each budget year.
6. Program Priorities: Please note the following program priorities for FY 2018
Competitive Preference Priorities
Competitive Preference Priority #1: (2 or 3 points)
Applications from Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) (as defined in this notice) or community colleges (as defined in this notice), whether as individual applicants or as part of a consortium of institutions of higher education (IHEs) (consortium) or a partnership between nonprofit educational organizations and IHEs (partnership).
An application from a consortium or partnership that has an MSI or community college as the lead applicant will receive more points under this priority than applications in which the MSI or community college is a member of a consortium or partnership but not the lead applicant.
A consortium or partnership must undertake activities designed to incorporate foreign languages into the curriculum of the MSI or community college and to improve foreign language and international or area studies instruction on the MSI or community college campus.
Note: We will award either 2 or 3 points to an application that meets this priority. If an MSI or community college is a single applicant, or the lead applicant in a consortium or partnership, the application will receive 3 additional points. If an MSI or community college is a member of a consortium or partnership, but not the lead applicant, the application will receive 2 additional points. No application will receive more than 3 additional points for this priority.
Competitive Preference Priority# 2 (0 or 2 points).
Applications from IHEs or consortia of these institutions that require entering students to have successfully completed at least 2 years of secondary school foreign language instruction or that require each graduating student to earn two years of postsecondary credit in a foreign language (or have demonstrated equivalent competence in the foreign language) or, in the case of a 2-year degree granting institution, offer two years of postsecondary credit in a foreign language.
Invitational Priorities: For FY 2018, 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.
These priorities are:
Invitational Priority 1--Substantive Training and Thematic Focus on Less Commonly Taught Languages.
Applications that propose programs or activities focused on language instruction or development of area or international studies programs to include substantive training and thematic focus on any modern foreign languages, except French, German, or Spanish.
Invitational Priority 2--Developing Interdisciplinary Curriculum.
Applications that propose to create innovative curricula that combine the teaching of international studies with one of the following academic fields of study: science, technology, engineering, mathematics, business, economics, public health, international and comparative education and computer science. Programs can be located within the applicant’s home IHE or within an IHE that is part of the consortium/partnership applying for the grant.
Definitions:
Selection Criterion
All grant applications will be evaluated based on the general selection criteria as follows:
(a) Plan of operation;
(b) Quality of key personnel;
(c) Budget and cost effectiveness;
(d) Evaluation Plan
(e) Adequacy of resources;
(f) Commitment to international studies;
(g) Elements of the proposed international studies program;
(h) Need for and prospective results of the proposed program;
as applicable, as well as;
(i) Need for and potential impact of the proposed project in improving international studies and the study of modern foreign languages at the undergraduate level, if the applicant is from a public or private nonprofit agency or organization.
Please Note:
You are reminded that the document published in the Federal Register is the official document, and that you should not rely upon any information that is inconsistent with the guidance contained within the official document.
INTRODUCTION
UNDERGRADUATE INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
AND FOREIGN LANGUAGE PROGRAM
AUTHORIZATION
Title VI, Part A, Section 604 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended.
Program regulations are in 34 CFR Parts 655 and 658.
PURPOSE
To assist institutions of higher education, consortia of such institutions, partnerships between nonprofit educational organizations and institutions of higher education, and public and private nonprofit agencies and organizations, including professional and scholarly associations, to plan, develop, and carry out programs to strengthen and improve undergraduate instruction in international studies and foreign languages.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS
Institutions of higher education, consortia of institutions of higher education, partnerships between nonprofit educational organizations and institutions of higher education, and nonprofit agencies and organizations, including professional and scholarly associations.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION / ACTIVITIES FUNDED UNDER THIS PROGRAM
Applicants should use Federal funds to primarily revise and update curricula and to develop additional faculty expertise.
AUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES. Eligible activities to be conducted under this section may include:
(1) development of a global studies/international studies program which is interdisciplinary in design;
(2) development of a program which focuses on issues or topics, such as international business or international health;
(3) development of an area studies program and its languages;
(4) creation of innovative curricula which combines the teaching of international studies with professional or pre-professional studies, such as engineering;
(5) research for and development of specialized teaching materials, including language materials; i.e. Spanish for Healthcare Professionals;
(6) establishment of internship/study abroad opportunities for faculty and students in domestic and overseas settings;
(7) development of study abroad programs.
EXPECTED FUNDING LEVELS
Amounts are anticipated only; the U. S. Department of Education is not bound by the estimates given below.
•Estimated Range of Awards:
For single applicant grants: $70,000–$95,000 each 12- month budget period.
For consortia or partnership grants: $90,000-$150,000 each 12-month budget period.
Estimated Average Size of Awards:
For single applicant grants: $87,726.
For consortia or partnership grants: $120,000.
Maximum Award: We will reject any application from a single applicant that proposes a budget exceeding $95,000 for a single budget period of 12 months, or from an applicant that is a consortium or partnership that proposes a budget exceeding $150,000 for a single budget period of 12 months.
Estimated Number of Awards: 24.
Program Supplemental Information
The following information supplements the information provided in the “Dear Applicant” letter and the Federal Register notice.
I. BUDGET INFORMATION
Applicants should budget $1,800 - $2,000 (per person) of Federal funds to attend the annual meeting of Title VI project directors each budget year. We recommend two key staff to attend our annual project directors’ meeting. Funds can be reallocated if there is no meeting.
Single institutions may receive up to two (2) years of support, while consortia and nonprofit organizations/associations and partnerships between institutions of higher education and organizations and associations can receive up to three (3) years of support.
Applicants may request for up to 10% of funds to be used for educational programs abroad that are closely linked to the project’s goals and promote foreign language fluency and knowledge of world regions.
Applicants are limited to 8% indirect costs under this grant. Institutions with a higher negotiated indirect cost rate cannot use the un-recovered indirect costs as a part of their matching.
NON-FEDERAL SHARE (or Matching Requirements) – the applicant’s required matching funds may be obtained in either of the following ways:
(a) private sector cash equal to 1/3 of the total project budget; or
(b) a combination of institutional and non-institutional cash or in-kind amounts equal to ½
(50%) of the total project budget.
*SPECIAL RULE – The Secretary may waive or reduce the required non-Federal share for institutions that-
(A) Are eligible to receive assistance under Part A or Part B of Title III or under Title V of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended; and
(B) Have submitted a grant application under the Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language program that demonstrates a need for a waiver or reduction.
** An applicant that meets the Special Rule must include a letter in its application appendices signed by the institution’s authorizing representative certifying that the institution meets the Special Rule.
II. APPENDICES TO APPLICATION
Please limit supporting documents to the following:
1. Letters of support;
2. Curriculum vitae of key personnel, i.e. project director(s), faculty participants, consultants, and evaluators (recommended two pages per each individual).
3. Sample evaluation and assessment tools
4. Project timeline chart
5. Letter to request Special Rule Waiver (if applicable)
6. Project-Specific Performance Measure Forms (2 measures minimum; 1 measure per form)
7. Program Profile Form
8. Supplemental Program Information Form
Ill. APPLICANT FUNDING
The Department is often unable to award the full amount of funds requested. Applicants should pay close attention to the “Maximum Award” section of the FR notice. The Department will not fund any application at an amount exceeding the applicable maximum funding level.
IV. EVALUATION OF APPLICATIONS FOR AWARDS
A two-member panel of non-federal evaluators reviews each application. Each reviewer will prepare a written evaluation of the application and assign points for each selection criterion.
V. SELECTION OF GRANTEES
Under 34 CFR 658.34, in addition to the selection criteria for this program, the Secretary, to the extent practicable and consistent with the criterion of excellence, may encourage diversity by ensuring that a variety of types of projects and institutions receive funding. In the FY 2018 competition, the Secretary may seek to achieve greater diversity in the types of institutions assisted under this program by selecting applicants that represent a variety of types of institutions, including minority-serving institutions eligible for assistance under Part A or B of Title III or under Title V of the HEA, community colleges, or institutions that have not received grants under the UISFL program previously.
VI. NOTICE TO SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS
The Department’s Office of Legislation and Congressional Affairs will inform the Congress regarding applicants approved for UISFL Program new grant awards. Successful applicants will receive award notices by mail shortly after the Congress is notified. No funding information will be released before the Congress is notified. Notification of successful applicants will take place be no later than September 30, 2018.
VII. NOTICE TO UNSUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS
Unsuccessful applicants will be notified in writing from the IFLE office following the notice to successful applicants.
**Please note that all applicants (successful and unsuccessful) will receive copies of evaluators’ scores and comments for reference purposes.
VIII. PERFORMANCE REPORTS
If you receive a FY 2018 new grant award, you will be required to submit annual and final performance reports during the two-to-three-year funding cycle using the International Resource
Information System (IRIS). This online system collects narratives and data about funded projects, to enable program officers to determine if a grantee is making substantial progress toward meeting approved project objectives. When determining whether a grantee has made substantial progress, program officers will consider factors such as whether the grant activities were conducted in accordance with the approved scope of the project and budget, whether the project has faced any major problems or delays that might impede the achievement of one or more of the project objectives, and whether evaluations of the grant demonstrate effectiveness or useful recommendations. More information can be found here:
http://www.ed.gov/programs/iegpsugisf/performance.html. Please be advised that the report is for informational purposes only and does not reflect the actual reporting instrument that you will use if you receive a FY 2018 grant award. The performance report will assist our program staff in determining whether or not the UISFL project is making substantial progress toward meeting the approved project objectives and whether or not a continuation award (if applicable) is in the best interest of the Federal government. Project Directors will be responsible for overall project reports as well as entering project participant information into the system.
The IRIS reporting instrument includes sections for grantees to input data that responds to the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) to assess overall program performance.
IX. RESOURCES FOR PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT
National Resource Centers (NRCs) are funded by the U.S. Department of Education and serve the general purpose of training specialists in modern foreign languages and area or international studies. Most NRC institutions have outreach coordinators whose general purpose is to disseminate information and assist other institutions with accessing needed information and resources. Institutions interested in submitting proposals to the UISFL program are encouraged to contact NRCs and their outreach coordinators for assistance in accessing suitable resources for proposal and program development. Additional information can be found at the NRC program website at: http://www.ed.gov/programs/iegpsnrc/index.html.
http://www.ed.gov/programs/iegpsugisf/performance.html http://www.ed.gov/programs/iegpsnrc/index.html
X. CONTACT INFORMATION
For program-related questions and assistance, please contact:
Senior Program Officer: Tanyelle H. Richardson Address: International and Foreign Language Education (IFLE) U.S. Department of Education
Telephone: (202) 453-6391 Fax: 202.453.6742 E-mail: tanyelle.richardson@ed.gov
Program Officer: Carla White International and Foreign Language Education (IFLE) Address: U.S. Department of Education
Telephone: (202) 453-6304 Fax: 202.453.6742 E-mail: Carla.white@ed.gov
For technical and Grants.gov-related questions and assistance, please contact:
Grants.gov Support Desk Telephone: (800) 518-4726 Email: support@grants.gov Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (closed federal holidays) mailto:tanyelle.richardson@ed.gov mailto:Carla.white@ed.gov mailto:support@grants.gov
Notice Inviting Applicants (NIA)
4000-01-U
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Applications for New Awards; Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language Program
AGENCY: Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of
Education.
ACTION: Notice.
SUMMARY: The Department of Education is issuing a notice inviting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2018 for the
Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language (UISFL) program, Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number
84.016A.
DATES:
Applications Available: June 6, 2018.
Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: July 26, 2018.
ADDRESSES: For the addresses for obtaining and submitting an application, please refer to our Common Instructions for
Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant
Programs, published in the Federal Register on February 12, 2018
(83 FR 6003) and available at www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2018-02-
12/pdf/2018-02558.pdf.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tanyelle H. Richardson, U.S.
Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 258-14, Washington, DC 20202. Telephone: (202) 453-6391. Email:
tanyelle.richardson@ed.gov.
If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf
(TDD) or a text telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay Service
(FRS), toll free, at 1-800-877-8339.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Full Text of Announcement
I. Funding Opportunity Description
Purpose of Program: The UISFL program provides grants for planning, developing, and carrying out programs to strengthen and improve undergraduate instruction in international studies and foreign languages in the United States.
Priorities: This notice contains two competitive preference priorities and two invitational priorities. Competitive
Preference Priority 1 is from the notice of final priority (NFP) published in the Federal Register on June 11, 2014 (79 FR
33432). Competitive Preference Priority 2 is from 34 CFR
658.35(a).
Competitive Preference Priorities: For FY 2018, these priorities are competitive preference priorities. Under 34 CFR
75.105(c)(2)(i), an applicant is eligible to receive an additional two or three points depending on how well the application meets Competitive Preference Priority 1 and up to an mailto:tanyelle.richardson@ed.gov additional two points depending on how well the application meets Competitive Preference Priority 2. An applicant may receive a total of up to 5 additional points under the competitive preference priorities.
These priorities are:
Competitive Preference Priority 1 (2 or 3 points).
Applications from Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) (as defined in this notice) or community colleges (as defined in this notice), whether as individual applicants or as part of a consortium of institutions of higher education (IHEs)
(consortium) or a partnership between nonprofit educational organizations and IHEs (partnership).
An application from a consortium or partnership that has an
MSI or community college as the lead applicant will receive more points under this priority than applications in which the MSI or community college is a member of a consortium or partnership but not the lead applicant.
A consortium or partnership must undertake activities designed to incorporate foreign languages into the curriculum of the MSI or community college and to improve foreign language and international or area studies instruction on the MSI or community college campus.
Note: We will award either 2 or 3 points to an application that meets this priority. If an MSI or community college is a single applicant, or the lead applicant in a consortium or partnership, the application will receive 3 additional points.
If an MSI or community college is a member of a consortium or partnership, but not the lead applicant, the application will receive 2 additional points. No application will receive more than 3 additional points for this priority.
Competitive Preference Priority 2 (0 or 2 points).
Applications from IHEs or consortia of these institutions that require entering students to have successfully completed at least 2 years of secondary school foreign language instruction or that require each graduating student to earn two years of postsecondary credit in a foreign language (or have demonstrated equivalent competence in the foreign language) or, in the case of a 2-year degree granting institution, offer two years of postsecondary credit in a foreign language.
Invitational Priorities: For FY 2018, 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.
These priorities are:
Invitational Priority 1--Substantive Training and Thematic
Focus on Less Commonly Taught Languages.
Applications that propose programs or activities focused on language instruction or development of area or international studies programs to include substantive training and thematic focus on any modern foreign languages, except French, German, or
Spanish.
Invitational Priority 2--Developing Interdisciplinary
Curriculum.
Applications that propose to create innovative curricula that combine the teaching of international studies with one of the following academic fields of study: science, technology, engineering, mathematics, business, economics, public health, international and comparative education and computer science.
Programs can be located within the applicant’s home IHE or within an IHE that is part of the consortium/partnership applying for the grant.
Definitions:
The following definitions are from the NFP published in the
Federal Register on June 11, 2014 (79 FR 33432).
Community college means an institution that meets the definition in section 312(f) of the Higher Education Act of
1965, as amended (HEA) (20 U.S.C. 1058(f)); or an institution of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the HEA) that awards degrees and certificates, more than 50 percent of which are not bachelor’s degrees (or an equivalent) or master’s, professional, or other advanced degrees.
Minority-Serving Institution means an institution that is eligible to receive assistance under sections 316 through 320 of part A of title III, under part B of title III, or under title V of the HEA.
Note: The list of institutions currently designated as eligible under Title III and Title V is available at:
https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/idues/eligibility.htm l.
Application Requirements:
In addition to any other requirements outlined in the application package for this program, section 604(a)(7) of the
HEA, 20 U.S.C. 1124(a)(7), requires that each application from an IHE, consortia, or partnership include-- (1) Evidence that the applicant has conducted extensive planning prior to submitting the application;
(2) An assurance that the faculty and administrators of all relevant departments and programs served by the applicant are involved in ongoing collaboration with regard to achieving the stated objectives of the application;
(3) An assurance that students at the applicant institutions, as appropriate, will have equal access to, and derive benefits from, the UISFL Program;
(4) An assurance that each applicant, consortium, or partnership will use the Federal assistance provided under the
UISFL Program to supplement and not supplant non-Federal funds the institution expends for programs to improve undergraduate instruction in international studies and foreign languages;
(5) A description of how the applicant will provide information to students regarding federally funded scholarship programs in related areas;
(6) An explanation of how the activities funded by the grant will reflect diverse perspectives and a wide range of views, and generate debate on world regions and international affairs, where applicable; and
(7) A description of how the applicant will encourage service in areas of national need, as identified by the
Secretary.
Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General
Administrative Regulations in 34 CFR parts 75, 77, 79, 82, 84, 86, 97, 98, and 99. (b) The Office of Management and Budget
Guidelines to Agencies on Governmentwide Debarment and
Suspension (Nonprocurement) in 2 CFR part 180, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department in 34 CFR part 3485.
(c) The Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards in 2 CFR part 200, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department in 34 CFR part 3474. (d) The regulations in 34 CFR parts 655 and 658.
(e) The NFP published in the Federal Register on June 11, 2014
(79 FR 33432).
Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 86 apply to IHEs only.
II. Award Information
Type of Award: Discretionary grants.
Estimated Available Funds: $2,257,434
Contingent upon the availability of funds and the quality of applications, we may make additional awards in FY 2018 from the list of unfunded applications from this competition.
Estimated Range of Awards:
For single applicant grants: $70,000–$95,000 for each 12-month budget period. For consortia or partnership grants: $90,000-
$150,000 for each 12-month budget period.
Estimated Average Size of Awards:
For single applicant grants: $86,824.
For consortia or partnership grants: $120,000.
Maximum Award: We will not make an award exceeding $95,000 for a single applicant for a single budget period of 12 months, or for an applicant that is a consortium or partnership that exceeds
$150,000 for a single budget period of 12 months.
Estimated Number of Awards: 24.
Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice. The estimated range of and average size of awards are based on a single 12-month budget period. We may use FY 2018 funds to support multiple 12-month budget periods for one or more grantees.
Project Period:
For single applicant grants: Up to 24 months.
For consortia or partnership grants: Up to 36 months.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants: (1) IHEs; (2) consortia of IHEs;
(3) partnerships between nonprofit educational organizations and
IHEs; and (4) public and private nonprofit agencies and organizations, including professional and scholarly associations.
2. a. Cost Sharing or Matching: This program has a matching requirement under section 604(a)(3) of the HEA, 20
U.S.C. 1124(a)(3), and the regulations for this program in 34
CFR 658.41. UISFL program grantees must provide matching funds in either of the following ways: (i) cash contributions from private sector corporations or foundations equal to one-third of the total project costs; or (ii) a combination of institutional and non-institutional cash or in-kind contributions including
State and private sector corporation or foundation contributions, equal to one-half of the total project costs.
The Secretary may waive or reduce the required matching share for institutions that are eligible to receive assistance under part A or part B of title III or under title V of the HEA that have submitted an application that demonstrates a need for a waiver or reduction.
b. Supplement-Not-Supplant: This program involves supplement-not-supplant funding requirements, which are described in section 604(a)(7)(D) of the HEA, 20 U.S.C.
1124(a)(7)(D).
3. Subgrantees: Under 34 CFR 75.708(b) and (c), a grantee under this competition may award subgrants--to directly carry out project activities described in its application--to the following types of entities: IHEs, non-profit organizations, professional organizations, or businesses. The grantee may award subgrants to entities it has identified in an approved application or that it selects through a competition under procedures established by the grantee.
IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Application Submission Instructions: For information on how to submit an application please refer to our Common
Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education
Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal Register on February 12, 2018 (83 FR 6003) and available at www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2018-02-12/PDF/2018-02558.pdf.
2. Intergovernmental Review: This program is not subject to Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79.
https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2018-02-12/pdf/2018-02558.pdf
3. Funding Restrictions: We specify unallowable costs in
34 CFR 658.40. We reference additional regulations outlining funding restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice.
4. Recommended Page Limit: The application narrative
(Part III) is where you, the applicant, address the selection criteria that reviewers use to evaluate your application. We recommend that you (1) limit the application narrative [Part
III] to no more than 40 pages and (2) use the following standards:
● A “page” is 8.5" x 11", on one side only, with 1" margins at the top, bottom, and both sides.
● Double space (no more than three lines per vertical inch) all text in the application narrative, except titles, headings, footnotes, quotations, references, and captions, as well as all text in charts, tables, figures, and graphs.
● Use a font that is either 12 point or larger or no smaller than 10 pitch (characters per inch).
● Use one of the following fonts: Times New Roman, Courier, Courier New, or Arial.
The recommended page limit does not apply to Part I, the cover sheet; Part II, budget section, including the narrative budget justification ; Part IV, the assurance and certifications; or the one-page abstract, the resumes, the biography, or letters of support. However, the recommended page limit does apply to all the application narrative [Part III].
V. Application Review Information
1. Selection Criteria: The selection criteria for this program are from 34 CFR 658.31, 658.32, 658.33, and 655.32. The maximum score for all of the selection criteria, taken together with the maximum number of points awarded to applicants that address the competitive preference priorities, is 105 points.
The maximum score for each criterion is indicated in parentheses.
All Applications. All applications will be evaluated based on the general selection criteria as follows:
(a) Plan of operation (up to 15 points). (1) The
Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the quality of the plan of operation for the project.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows—
(i) High quality in the design of the project;
(ii) An effective plan of management that ensures proper and efficient administration of the project;
(iii) A clear description of how the objectives of the project relate to the purpose of the program;
(iv) The way the applicant plans to use its resources and personnel to achieve each objective; and
(v) A clear description of how the applicant will provide equal access and treatment for eligible project participants who are members of groups that have been traditionally underrepresented, such as—
(A) Members of racial or ethnic minority groups;
(B) Women; and
(C) Handicapped persons.
(b) Quality of key personnel (up to 10 points). (1) The
Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the quality of the key personnel the applicant plans to use on the project.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows—
(i) The qualifications of the project director (if one is to be used);
(ii) The qualifications of each of the other key personnel to be used in the project. In the case of faculty, the qualifications of the faculty and the degree to which that faculty is directly involved in the actual teaching and supervision of students; and
(iii) The time that each person referred to in paragraphs
(b)(2)(i) and (ii) of this section plans to commit to the project; and
(iv) The extent to which the applicant, as part of its nondiscriminatory employment practices, encourages applications for employment from persons who are members of groups that have been traditionally underrepresented, such as members of racial or ethnic minority groups, women, handicapped persons, and the elderly.
(3) To determine the qualifications of a person, the
Secretary considers evidence of past experience and training, in fields related to the objectives of the project, as well as other information that the applicant provides.
(c) Budget and cost effectiveness (up to 10 points). (1)
The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that the project has an adequate budget and is cost effective.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows—
(i) The budget for the project is adequate to support the project activities; and
(ii) Costs are reasonable in relation to the objectives of the project.
(d) Evaluation plan (up to 20 points). (1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the quality of the evaluation plan for the project.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows methods of evaluation that are appropriate for the project and, to the extent possible, are objective and produce data that are quantifiable.
(e) Adequacy of resources (up to 5 points). (1) The
Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that the applicant plans to devote adequate resources to the project.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows—
(i) Other than library, facilities that the applicant plans to use are adequate (language laboratory, museums, etc.); and
(ii) The equipment and supplies that the applicant plans to use are adequate.
Applications from IHEs, Consortia, or Partnerships.
Applications submitted by IHEs or a consortia or partnerships will also be evaluated based on the following criteria:
(f) Commitment to international studies (up to 15 points).
(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the applicant's commitment to the international studies program.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows--
(i) The institution's current strength as measured by the number of international studies courses offered;
(ii) The extent to which planning for the implementation of the proposed program has involved the applicant's faculty, as well as administrators;
(iii) The institutional commitment to the establishment, operation, and continuation of the program as demonstrated by optimal use of available personnel and other resources; and
(iv) The institutional commitment to the program as demonstrated by the use of institutional funds in support of the program's objectives.
(g) Elements of the proposed international studies program
(up to 10 points). (1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the nature of the applicant's proposed international studies program.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows--
(i) The extent to which the proposed activities will contribute to the implementation of a program in international studies and foreign languages at the applicant institution;
(ii) The interdisciplinary aspects of the program;
(iii) The number of new and revised courses with an international perspective that will be added to the institution's programs; and
(iv) The applicant's plans to improve or expand language instruction.
(h) Need for and prospective results of the proposed program
(up to 15 points). (1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the need for and the prospective results of the applicant's proposed program.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows--
(i) The extent to which the proposed activities are needed at the applicant institution;
(ii) The extent to which the proposed use of Federal funds will result in the implementation of a program in international studies and foreign languages at the applicant institution;
(iii) The likelihood that the activities initiated with
Federal funds will be continued after Federal assistance is terminated; and
(iv) The adequacy of the provisions for sharing the materials and results of the program with other institutions of higher education.
Applications from Public and Private Nonprofit Agencies and
Organizations, Including Professional and Scholarly
Associations. All applications from public and private nonprofit agencies and organizations, including professional and scholarly associations, will also be evaluated based on the following criterion:
(i) Need for and potential impact of the proposed project in improving international studies and the study of modern foreign language at the undergraduate level (up to 40 points).
(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the need for and potential impact of the applicant’s proposed projects in improving international studies and the study of modern foreign language at the undergraduate level.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows--
(i) The extent to which the applicant's proposed apportionment of Federal funds among the various budget categories for the proposed project will contribute to achieving results;
(ii) The international nature and contemporary relevance of the proposed project;
(iii) The extent to which the proposed project will make an especially significant contribution to the improvement of the teaching of international studies or modern foreign languages at the undergraduate level; and
(iv) The adequacy of the applicant's provisions for sharing the materials and results of the proposed project with the higher education community.
Additional information regarding these criteria is in the application package for this program. The total number of points available under these selection criteria combined with the competitive preference priorities, is as follows:
Selection Criteria UISFL IHEs UISFL
Consortia and
Partnerships
UISFL
Public and Private
Nonprofit Agencies and Organizations, Including
Professional and
Scholarly
Associations
(a) Plan of Operation 15 15 15
(b) Quality of Key
Personnel
10 10 10
(c) Budget and Cost
Effectiveness
10 10 10
(d) Evaluation Plan 20 20 20
(e) Adequacy of
Resources
5 5 5
(f) Commitment to
International Studies
15 15 n/a
(g) Elements of Proposed
International Studies
Program
10 10 n/a
(h) Need for and
Prospective Results of
15 15 n/a
2. Review and Selection Process: We remind potential applicants that in reviewing applications in any discretionary grant competition, the Secretary may consider, under 34 CFR
75.217(d)(3), the past performance of the applicant in carrying out a previous award, such as the applicant’s use of funds, achievement of project objectives, and compliance with grant conditions. The Secretary may also consider whether the
Proposed Program
(i) Need for and
Potential Impact of the
Proposed Project in
Improving International
Studies and the Study of
Modern Foreign Languages at the Undergraduate
Level n/a n/a
Sub-Total 100 100 100
Competitive Preference
Priority #1 (Optional)
3 3 n/a
Competitive Preference
Priority #2 (Optional)
2 2 n/a
Total Possible Points 105 105 100 applicant failed to submit a timely performance report or submitted a report of unacceptable quality.
In addition, in making a competitive grant award, the
Secretary also requires various assurances including those applicable to Federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department of Education (34 CFR
100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).
The Secretary, to the extent practicable and consistent with the criterion of excellence, seeks to encourage diversity by ensuring that a variety of types of projects and institutions receive funding.
3. Risk Assessment and Specific Conditions: Consistent with 2 CFR 200.205, before awarding grants under this competition the Department conducts a review of the risks posed by applicants. Under 2 CFR 3474.10, the Secretary may impose specific conditions and, in appropriate circumstances, high-risk conditions on a grant if the applicant or grantee is not financially stable; has a history of unsatisfactory performance;
has a financial or other management system that does not meet the standards in 2 CFR part 200, subpart D; has not fulfilled the conditions of a prior grant; or is otherwise not responsible.
4. Integrity and Performance System: If you are selected under this competition to receive an award that over the course of the project period may exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $150,000), under 2 CFR 200.205(a)(2) we must make a judgment about your integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards--that is, the risk posed by you as an applicant--before we make an award. In doing so, we must consider any information about you that is in the integrity and performance system (currently referred to as the
Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System
(FAPIIS)), accessible through the System for Award Management.
You may review and comment on any information about yourself that a Federal agency previously entered and that is currently in FAPIIS.
Please note that, if the total value of your currently active grants, cooperative agreements, and procurement contracts from the Federal Government exceeds $10,000,000, the reporting requirements in 2 CFR part 200, Appendix XII, require you to report certain integrity information to FAPIIS semiannually.
Please review the requirements in 2 CFR part 200, Appendix XII, if this grant plus all the other Federal funds you receive exceed $10,000,000.
VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices: If your application is successful, we notify your U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators and send you a
Grant Award Notification (GAN); or we may send you an email containing a link to access an electronic version of your GAN.
We may notify you informally, also.
If your application is not evaluated or not selected for funding, we notify you.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: We identify administrative and national policy requirements in the application package and reference these and other requirements in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice.
We reference the regulations outlining the terms and conditions of an award in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice and include these and other specific conditions in the GAN. The GAN also incorporates your approved application as part of your binding commitments under the grant.
3. Open Licensing Requirements: Unless an exception applies, if you are awarded a grant under this competition, you will be required to openly license to the public grant deliverables created in whole, or in part, with Department grant funds. When the deliverable consists of modifications to pre-existing works, the license extends only to those modifications that can be separately identified and only to the extent that open licensing is permitted under the terms of any licenses or other legal restrictions on the use of pre-existing works.
Additionally, a grantee or subgrantee that is awarded competitive grant funds must have a plan to disseminate these public grant deliverables. This dissemination plan can be developed and submitted after your application has been reviewed and selected for funding. For additional information on the open licensing requirements please refer to 2 CFR 3474.20.
4. Reporting: (a) If you apply for a grant under this competition, you must ensure that you have in place the necessary processes and systems to comply with the reporting requirements in 2 CFR part 170 should you receive funding under the competition. This does not apply if you have an exception under 2 CFR 170.110(b).
(b) At the end of your project period, you must submit a final performance report, including financial information, as directed by the Secretary. If you receive a multiyear award, you must submit an annual performance report that provides the most current performance and financial expenditure information as directed by the Secretary under 34 CFR 75.118. The Secretary may also require more frequent performance reports under 34 CFR
75.720(c). For specific requirements on reporting, please go to www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html.
Performance reports…
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