PKG00264286-instructions.pdf

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE)

Washington, DC

FISCAL YEAR 2021

APPLICATION PACKAGE

FOR THE NATIVE AMERICAN CAREER AND

TECHNICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM (NACTEP)

CFDA Number: 84.101A

OMB Control Number 1830-0542

APPLICATION CLOSING DATE: JANUARY 29, 2021

Dear Applicant:

Thank you for your interest in the Native American Career and Technical Education Program (NACTEP). The NACTEP is authorized under section 116 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006, as amended by the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (the Act). With this new authority, the Act authorizes the Secretary to award grants to, or enter into cooperative agreements or contracts with, Indian Tribes, Tribal Organizations, and Alaska Native entities to operate Career and Technical Education (CTE) projects that improve CTE for Native American and Alaska Natives students.

Please take time to review the Notice Inviting Applications (NIA) (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/30/2020-26112/applications-for-new-awards-native-american-career-and-technical-education-program-nactep) published in the Federal Register on November 30, 2020, and this application package thoroughly. You will need a clear understanding of the program background, competitive preference priority, program and application requirements, definitions, selection criteria, and all of the application instructions. An application will not be evaluated for funding if the applicant does not comply with all of the procedural rules that govern the submission of the application or if the application does not contain the information required under the program (EDGAR §75.216 (b)-(c)).

For this competition, it is mandatory for applicants to use the government-wide website, Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov) to apply. Be sure to read the Grants.gov Submission Procedures and Tips for Applicants in this application package for more information. We strongly urge you to familiarize yourself with Grants.gov and recommend that you register and submit your application early.

The Department expects to award 35 new grants under this competition for up to 60 months, subject to the availability of funds and a grantee’s demonstrated progress in achieving its project objectives. We invite you to attend a pre-application webinar on Tuesday, December 9, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. ET. You will find registration information in this application package. Please email NACTEP@ed.gov if you have other questions. Again, thank you for your interest in this grant program and your commitment to improving the quality of CTE programming and student learning.

Sincerely, Sharon Lee Miller Director, Division of Academic and Technical Education Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education U. S. Department of Education https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/30/2020-26112/applications-for-new-awards-native-american-career-and-technical-education-program-nactep https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/30/2020-26112/applications-for-new-awards-native-american-career-and-technical-education-program-nactep http://www.grants.gov/ mailto:NACTEP@ed.gov

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Relevant Dates Getting Started Pre-Application Webinar Deadline for Notice of Intent to Apply Completing and Submitting Your Application Tips for Submitting Your Application Deadline for Transmittal of Applications Addressing Your Questions

II. THE NACTEP GRANT COMPETITION

Notice Inviting Applications Award Information Program Authority Program Purpose Competitive Preference Priority Application Requirements Program Requirements Eligibility Information Application and Submission Information Application Review Information Award Administration Information

III. THE APPLICATION

Required Forms Abstract and Project Narratives Budget Summary and Narrative Other Attachments Form

IV. APPLICATION SUBMISSION PROCEDURES

To-Do Before Submission Important Tips and Reminders Attaching Files Register, Submit, and Verify

V. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

I . A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE APPLICATION PROCESS

The following is a brief overview of the application process for the FY 2021 NACTEP Grant Competition.

RELEVANT DATES

• NACTEP (84.101A) Application available: November 30, 2020

• Pre-Application Information Webinar for potential applicants: December 9, 2020

• Intent to Apply: December 30, 2020

• Deadline for transmitting applications: January 29, 2021

• Estimated Award Announcement: August 30, 2021

GETTING STARTED

All interested applicants should first thoroughly review the Notice Inviting Applications (NIA) for the FY 2021 Native American Career and Technical Program (NACTEP) published in the Federal Register on November 30, 2020 and posted on the Department’s website at https://cte.ed.gov/grants/funding-opportunities.

This Application Package does not contain the full text of the NIA, and it should only be used as a guide when completing and submitting your NACTEP grant application. The NIA is the authoritative source for the rules, priorities, and selection criteria for this competition, and in any place where the Application Package and NIA conflict, the NIA takes precedence. Therefore, the NIA will orient applicants by providing full details associated with the following categories:

I. Funding Opportunity Description Purpose of Program Background Statutory Changes Affecting NACTEP Tribal Consultation Requirements and Selection Criteria Priority Competitive Preference Priority Requirements Definitions Waiver of Proposed Rulemaking Program Authority Application Regulations

II. Award Information Type of Award Estimated Available Funds Estimated Range of Awards Estimates Average Size of Awards Estimated Number of Awards Project Period https://cte.ed.gov/grants/funding-opportunities

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

2. Cost Sharing or Matching and Supplement-Not-Supplant

3. Subgrantees

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Application Submission Instructions

2. Submission of Proprietary Information

3. Intergovernmental Review

4. Funding Restrictions

5. Recommended Page Limit

6. Notice of Intent to Apply

V. Application Review Information

1. Selection Criteria

2. Additional Selection Factor

3. Review and Selection Process

4. Risk Assessment and Special Conditions

5. Integrity and Performance System

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Appeal Process

2. Indian Self-Determination Contracts

3. Award Notices

4. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

5. Open Licensing Requirement

6. Reporting

7. Performance Measures

8. Continuation Awards

VII. Other Information Accessible Format Electronic Access to This Document

PRE-APPLICATION WEBINAR

The Department will host an informational session online, designed to help interested applicants with the application process on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at 2 p.m. ET. We encourage interested applicants to attend this pre-application webinar, but participation is voluntary. The Pre-application Webinar link will be posted on the Perkins Collaborative Resource Network (PCRN) Funding Opportunities webpage https://cte.ed.gov/grants/funding-opportunities no later than 48 hours before the event. For those who are not able to attend, the training will be available via a link posted on the PCRN website at https://cte.ed.gov/.

DEADLINE FOR NOTICE OF INTENT TO APPLY

The Department can develop a more efficient process for reviewing grant applications if it has a better understanding of the number of entities that intend to apply for funding under this competition. As such, you are strongly encouraged to notify the Department of your intent to https://cte.ed.gov/grants/funding-opportunities https://cte.ed.gov/ apply by sending a short email message with your organization’s name and a contact person’s name and email address to NACTEP@ed.gov. Title the Subject Line with “Intent to Apply” and do so by December 30, 2020. Applicants who do not provide this email notification may still apply for funding.

COMPLETING AND SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION

A complete application consists of the following elements:

• Project Abstract, in which applicants provide a brief overview of the proposed project including primary goal(s), key objectives, and activities;

• Project Narrative, in which applicants address any priorities, application requirements, program requirements, and selection criteria;

• Budget Narrative, in which applicants provide an itemized breakdown and narratives for project costs; and

• Required Forms, Standard Forms as well as Assurances and Certifications

Appendices may include the following:

• Resumes of Project Director and Key Personnel;

• Negotiated Restricted Indirect Cost Rate Agreement;

• List of proprietary information found in the application, if applicable; and

• Letters of support from key partners, if applicable.

Once the application is complete, it must be submitted electronically using the https://www.grants.gov/ system.

TIPS FOR SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION

• Thoroughly review the section IV. Application Submission Procedures of this Application Package.

• Before you are ready to submit your application, and as early as possible, familiarize yourself with https://www.grants.gov/.

• Please ensure proper browser support. The latest versions of Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE), Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Apple Safari are supported for use with https://www.grants.gov/. However, since these web browsers undergo frequent changes and updates, we recommend you use the latest version when submitting your application. Legacy versions of these web browsers may be functional, but you may experience issues. For additional information or updates, review the information located in the Applicant FAQs at http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs.html#browser.

DEADLINE FOR TRANSMITTAL OF APPLICATIONS

Do not wait until the last day to submit your application. The time it takes to upload the narratives for your application will vary depending on several factors, including the size of your files and the speed of mailto:NACTEP@ed.gov https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs.html#browser your internet connection. If you try to submit your application after 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the deadline date, the https://www.grants.gov/ system will not accept it.

Your application must be fully uploaded, submitted, and date/time stamped by the https://www.grants.gov/ system no later than Monday, January 29, 2021 at 11:59:59 p.m.

(Eastern Time), which is the application deadline.

Late applications will not be accepted. No changes or additions to an application will be accepted after the deadline. The Department is required to enforce the established deadline to ensure fairness to all applicants.

ADDRESSING YOUR QUESTIONS

The Department provides an avenue for you to ask questions to clarify your understanding of the NACTEP grant competition and process. Do keep in mind the Department cannot provide guidance or recommendations about proposed approaches, plans, responses to priorities, program requirements, and/or selection criteria. Feel free to send all other questions to NACTEP@ed.gov.

mailto:NACTEP@ed.gov

II. THE NACTEP GRANT COMPETITION

NOTICE INVITING APPLICATIONS

Monday, November 30, 2020 NIA link https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/30/2020-26112/applications-for-new-awards-native-american-career-and-technical-education-program-nactep

AWARD INFORMATION

Estimated Available Funds: $15,932,000.

Estimated Range of Awards: $451,000 - $551,000.

Estimated Average Size of Awards: $458,000.

Estimated Number of Awards: 35 Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates.

Project Period: Up to 60 months

PROGRAM AUTHORITY

20 U.S.C. 2301, et seq., particularly 2326(a)-(g) Link https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/20/2301?type=usc&year=mostrecent&link-type=html

PROGRAM PURPOSE

NACTEP provides grants to improve Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs that are consistent with the purposes of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006, as amended by the enactment of the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (the Act or Perkins V) and that benefit Native Americans and Alaska Natives.

COMPETITIVE PREFERENCE PRIORITY

There is not an absolute priority for this competition; it only has one competitive preference priority. This priority is from the Secretary's Notice of Final Supplemental Priorities and Definitions, published in the Federal Register on March 2, 2018 (83 FR 9096) (Supplemental Priorities).

This competitive preference priority is: Promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) Education, With a Particular Focus on Computer Science. Projects that are designed to improve student achievement or other educational outcomes in one or more of the following areas: Science, technology, engineering, math, or computer science (as defined in the NIA). These projects must address increasing access to STEM coursework, including computer science, and hands-on learning opportunities, such as through expanded course offerings, dual-enrollment, high-quality online coursework, or other innovative delivery mechanisms.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/30/2020-26112/applications-for-new-awards-native-american-career-and-technical-education-program-nactep https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/30/2020-26112/applications-for-new-awards-native-american-career-and-technical-education-program-nactep https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/20/2301?type=usc&year=mostrecent&link-type=html

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

This competition includes three application requirements which eligible applicants must meet to be considered for funding. The application requirements are:

1. An eligible applicant (as determined by the Act) must include documentation in its application showing that it and, if appropriate, its consortium members, are eligible to apply.

(See NIA for further details.)

2. An applicant that is not proposing to provide CTE directly to its students and proposes instead to use NACTEP funds to pay one or more qualified education provider to provide CTE to its students must include with its application a signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the applicant and that entity. (See NIA for further details.)

3. An applicant must indicate whether it intends to consolidate FY 2021 NACTEP funds into a current or future 477 plan as described in Program Requirement 5 (see below and the NIA for further details). Any request to consolidate NACTEP funds into a 477 plan must be made separately to the U.S. Department of Interior.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

This competition has six program requirements.

1. Requirement 1 – Authorized Programs

a. Section 116(e) of the Act requires the Secretary to ensure that activities funded under NACTEP “will improve career and technical education programs” (20 U.S.C.

2326(e)). (See NIA for further details.)

b. Special rule. Funds made available under NACTEP for CTE may be used to provide preparatory, refresher, and remedial education services that are designed to enable students to achieve success in CTE programs or Programs of Study (section 116(c)(2) of the Act). (See NIA for further details.)

c. Assistance to Bureau-funded secondary schools. An Indian Tribe, a Tribal organization, or an Alaska Native entity that receives funds through a NACTEP grant or contract may use the funds to provide assistance to a secondary school operated or supported by the U.S. Department of the Interior to enable such school to carry out CTE programs. (Section 116(b)(3) of the Act). (See NIA for further details.)

2. Requirement 2 – Evaluation A grantee must budget for and conduct an evaluation of its NACTEP project. An independent evaluator must conduct the evaluation. The evaluation must be appropriate for the project and be both formative and summative in nature. (See NIA for further details.)

3. Requirement 3 – Student Stipends A portion of an award under this program may be used to provide stipends to students who are enrolled in CTE programs and who have acute economic needs which cannot be met through work-study programs. (See NIA for further details.)

4. Requirement 4 – Direct Assistance to Students A grantee may provide direct assistance to students if certain conditions are met. (See NIA for further details.)

5. Requirement 5 – Integration of Services

A Tribe, Tribal organization, or Alaska Native entity receiving financial assistance under NACTEP may integrate those funds with assistance received from related programs in accordance with the provisions of Public Law 115-93, the Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Consolidation Act of 2017 (25 U.S.C. 3401 et seq.). An entity wishing to integrate funds must have a plan that meets the requirements of the Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Consolidation Act of 2017 and is acceptable to the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Education.

Note: Current NACTEP grantees that integrate NACTEP funds with other grant funds pursuant to an approved plan under section 477 of the Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Consolidation Act of 2017 (a 477 plan) must apply for a new NACTEP grant under this competition by submitting an application that meets all of the requirements included in this notice.

Note: Any applicant who either currently has an approved 477 plan, or intends to submit a 477 application, that seeks to include FY 2021 NACTEP funds (if awarded) must indicate the intent to consolidate FY 2021 NACTEP funds into a current or future 477 plan in the NACTEP application as detailed in Application Requirement 3. Any request to consolidate NACTEP funds into a 477 plan must be made separately to the U.S. Department of Interior.

Note: In order for the Department to ensure that FY 2021 NACTEP funds are efficiently transferred to the Department of Interior for 477 plan purposes (as per 25 U.S.C. 3412(a)), the Department must receive a 477 plan application that seeks to include FY 2021 NACTEP funds no later than May 15, 2021.

6. Requirement 6 – ISDEAA Statutory Hiring Preference Awards that are primarily for the benefit of Indians are subject to the provisions of section 7(b) of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (Pub. L. 93-638). That section requires that, to the greatest extent feasible, a grantee— (i) Give to Indians preferences and opportunities for training and employment in connection with the administration of the grant; and (ii) Give to Indian organizations and to Indian-owned economic enterprises, as defined in section 3 of the Indian Financing Act of 1974 (25 U.S.C.

1452(e)), preference in the award of contracts in connection with the administration of the grant. For purposes of Requirement 6, an Indian is a member of any federally recognized Indian Tribe. (See NIA for further details.)

ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

a. The following entities are eligible to apply under this competition:

1. A federally recognized Indian Tribe.

2. A Tribal organization.

3. An Alaska Native entity.

4. A Bureau-funded school, except for a Bureau-funded school proposing to use its award to support general education secondary school programs.

b. Any Tribe, Tribal organization, or Alaska Native entity, or eligible Bureau-Funded

School may apply individually or as part of a consortium with one or more eligible Tribes, Tribal organizations, Alaska Native entities, or eligible Bureau-Funded

Schools. (Eligible applicants seeking to apply for funds as a consortium must meet the requirements in 34 CFR 75.127-75.129, which apply to group applications.) (See NIA for further details.)

2. Cost and Funds

a. Cost Sharing or Matching: This program does not require cost sharing or matching.

b. Supplement-Not-Supplant: This competition involves supplement-not-supplant funding requirements. In accordance with section 211(a) of the Act, funds under this program may not be used to supplant non-Federal funds used to carry out CTE activities. (See NIA for further details.)

c. Indirect Cost Rate Information: This program uses a restricted indirect cost rate. For more information regarding indirect costs, or to obtain a negotiated indirect cost rate, please see www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocfo/intro.html.

d. Administrative Cost Limitation: This program does not include any program-specific limitation on administrative expenses. All administrative expenses must be reasonable and necessary and conform to Cost Principles described in 2 CFR part 200 subpart E of the Uniform Guidance.

e. Limitation on Services: Section 215 of the Act forbids the use of Perkins funds for the education of students prior to the middle grades. The term middle grades refer to grades 5 through 8, as defined in Section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESEA).

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: institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, Tribal organizations, Bureau-Funded Schools operating a CTE secondary school program, or Alaska Native entities. 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.

APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Application Submission Instructions: Applicants are required to follow the Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal Register on February 13, 2019 (84 FR 3768) and available at www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2019-02-13/pdf/2019-02206.pdf, which contain requirements and information on how to submit an application.

2. Submission of Proprietary Information: Given the types of projects that may be proposed in applications for the NACTEP program, your application may include business information that you consider proprietary. In 34 CFR 5.11 we define “business information” and describe the process we use in determining whether any of that information is proprietary and, thus, protected from disclosure under Exemption 4 of the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C.

552, as amended). Because we plan to make successful applications available to the public on the Department's website, you may wish to request confidentiality of business information.

(See NIA for further details.)

3. Intergovernmental Review: This competition is subject to Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79. Information about Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs under Executive Order 12372 is in the application package for this competition.

4. Funding Restrictions: We reference regulations outlining funding restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this NIA.

5. Recommended Page Limit: The application narrative is where you, the applicant, address the selection criteria that reviewers use to evaluate your application. We recommend that you

(1) limit the application narrative to 35 pages. (See NIA for further details.)

6. Notice of Intent to Apply: The Department will be able to review grant applications more efficiently if we know the approximate number of applicants that intend to apply for funding under this competition. Therefore, we strongly encourage each potential applicant to notify us of their intent to submit an application. (See NIA for further details.)

Note: Current NACTEP grantees that integrate NACTEP funds with other grant funds pursuant to an approved plan under section 477 of the Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Consolidation Act of 2017 (a 477 plan) must apply for a new NACTEP grant under this competition by submitting an application that meets all of the requirements included in this notice.

Note: Any applicant who either currently has an approved 477 plan, or intends to submit a 477 application, that seeks to include FY 2021 NACTEP funds (if awarded) must indicate the intent to consolidate FY 2021 NACTEP funds into a current or future 477 plan in the NACTEP application as detailed in Application Requirement 3. Any request to consolidate NACTEP funds into a 477 plan must be made separately to the U.S. Department of Interior.

Note: In order for the Department to ensure that FY 2021 NACTEP funds are efficiently transferred to the Department of Interior for 477 plan purposes (as per 25 U.S.C. 3412(a)), the Department must receive a 477 plan application that seeks to include FY 2021 NACTEP funds no later than May 15, 2021.

APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

The selection criteria for this competition are from the Notice of Final Requirements, the Act, 34 CFR 75.210, or are being established for the FY 2021 grant competition in accordance with section 437(d)(1) of GEPA, 20 U.S.C. 1232(d)(1). The maximum score for all the selection criteria and the maximum possible score for addressing each selection criterion (indicated in parentheses) is detailed in the NIA for this grant competition. Each criterion also includes the factors that reviewers will consider in determining the extent to which an applicant meets the criterion.

1. In evaluating an application, the Secretary considers the following criteria:

a. Need for project (Up to 10 points)

1. The extent to which the proposed project involves, coordinates with, or encourages Tribal economic development plans. (Section 116(e)(1) of the Act). (Up to 5 points).

2. The extent of the need for the activities to be carried out by the proposed project, as evidenced by local labor market demand or occupational trends data, Tribal economic development plans, or recommendations from accrediting agencies. (Section 437(d)(1) of GEPA). (Up to 5 points).

b. Quality of the project design (Up to 40 points)

1. The extent to which the proposed project activities will create opportunities for students to receive a recognized postsecondary credential; become employed in high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand industry sectors or occupations; or both. (Section 437(d)(1) of GEPA). (Up to 20 points).

2. The extent to which the proposed project will successfully address the needs of the target population or other identified needs, as evidenced by the applicant's description of programs and activities that align with the target population's needs. (Section 437(d)(1) of GEPA). (Up to 10 points).

3. The extent to which the proposed project will be coordinated with similar or related efforts, and with community, State, or Federal resources, where such opportunities and resources exist. (Section 437(d)(1) of GEPA). (Up to 5 points).

4. The extent to which the training or professional development services to be provided by the proposed project are of sufficient quality, intensity, and duration to lead to improvements in practice among the recipients of those services. (34 CFR 75.210). (Up to 5 points).

c. Adequacy of resources (Up to 15 points)

1. The adequacy of support, including facilities, equipment, supplies, and other resources, from the applicant organization(s) and the Tribal entity or entities to be served. (Notice of Final Requirements). (Up to 2 points).

2. The extent to which the budget is adequate and costs are reasonable in relation to the objectives of the proposed project. (Notice of Final Requirements). (Up to 5 points).

3. The relevance and demonstrated commitment of the applicant, education providers, members of the consortium, local employers, or Tribal entities to be served by the project (e.g., through signed MOUs, letters of support and commitment, or commitments to employ project participants, as appropriate).

(Section 437(d)(1) of GEPA). (Up to 3 points).

4. The extent to which the project will use instructors who are licensed or certified to teach in the field in which they will provide instruction. (Section 437(d)(1) of GEPA). (Up to 5 points).

d. Quality of the management plan (Up to 25 points)

1. The adequacy of the management plan to achieve the objectives of the proposed project on time and within budget, including clearly defined project objectives, staff responsibilities, timelines, and the milestones. (Section 437(d)(1) of GEPA). (Up to 10 points).

2. The extent to which the applicant encourages applications for employment from persons who are members of groups that have traditionally been underrepresented based on race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability. (Notice of Final Requirements). (Up to 5 points).

3. The extent to which the time commitments of the project director and other key project personnel are appropriate and adequate to meet the objectives of the proposed project. (Notice of Final Requirements). (Up to 5 points).

4. The qualifications, including relevant training, expertise, and experience, of the project director, key personnel, and project consultants. (Notice of Final Requirements). (Up to 5 points).

e. Quality of the project evaluation (Up to 10 points)

1. The extent to which the proposed methods of evaluation are thorough, feasible, and include the use of objective performance measures that are clearly related to the intended outcomes of the project and the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 (GPRA) performance measures.

(Section 437(d)(1) of GEPA). (Up to 5 points).

2. The extent to which the methods of evaluation will provide performance feedback and continuous improvement toward achieving intended outcomes.

(Notice of Final Requirements). (Up to 5 points).

2. Additional Selection Factor: We will award five additional points to applications from Tribally controlled colleges or universities that (a) are accredited or are candidates for accreditation by a nationally recognized accreditation organization as an institution of postsecondary CTE; or (b) operate CTE programs that are accredited or are candidates for accreditation by a nationally recognized accreditation organization and issue certificates for completion of CTE programs (20 U.S.C. 2326(e)). (See NIA for further details.)

3. Review and Selection Process: 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. (See NIA for further details.)

4. Risk Assessment and Special Conditions: The Department conducts a review of the risks posed by applicants. (See NIA for further details.)

5. Integrity and Performance System: If you are selected under this competition to receive an award that over the course of the project period may exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $250,000), under 2 CFR 200.205(a)(2) we must make a judgment about your integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards. (See NIA for further details.)

AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

1. Appeal process: Any applicant denied funding under this NACTEP competition may request a hearing to review the Secretary's decision not to make the award. The Secretary will implement the appeal process in accordance with the procedures in 34 CFR 401.1. In accordance with those procedures, any applicant denied funding will have 30 calendar days to make a written request to the Secretary for a hearing to review the Secretary's decision.

(25 U.S.C. 5321(b); 34 CFR 401.1).

2. Indian Self-Determination Contracts: Section 116(b)(2) of the Act provides that grants or contracts awarded under section 116 of the Act are subject to the terms and conditions of section 102 of the ISDEAA (25 U.S.C. 5321) and must be conducted in accordance with the provisions of sections 4, 5, and 6 of the Act of April 16, 1934 (25 U.S.C. 5345-5347) (Johnson-O’Malley Act), that are relevant to the programs administered under section 116(b) of the Act. The Act of April 16, 1934 authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to enter into contracts for the education of Indians and other purposes. Section 102 of the ISDEAA authorizes Indian Tribes to request self-determination contracts from the Department of Interior. Accordingly, an Indian Tribe or Tribal organization that has applied to the Secretary for funding under NACTEP and has been notified of its selection to be a funding recipient may submit a request to both the Secretary of Education (via the contact person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT) and the relevant Department of Interior contact person to operate its NACTEP project through a section 102 Indian self-determination contract. (See NIA for further details.)

3. 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.

4. 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. (See NIA for further details.)

5. Open Licensing Requirement: 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. (See NIA for further details.)

6. 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.

c. Under 34 CFR 75.250(b), the Secretary may provide a grantee with additional funding for data collection analysis and reporting. In this case the Secretary establishes a data collection period.

7. Performance Measures: Pursuant to GPRA, the Department has established the following performance measures that it will use to evaluate the overall effectiveness of the grantee’s project, as well as NACTEP as a whole:

a. At the secondary level: An increase in—

1. The percentage of CTE concentrators who graduate high school, as measured by— A. The four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate (defined in section 8101 of ESEA); and B. At the grantee's discretion, the extended-year adjusted cohort graduation rate (defined in section 8101 of ESEA);

2. The percentage of CTE concentrators graduating from high school having attained postsecondary credits in the relevant CTE program earned through a dual or concurrent enrollment program or another credit transfer agreement;

http://www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html

3. The percentage of CTE concentrators graduating from high school having participated in work-based learning;

4. The percentage of CTE concentrators graduating from high school having attained a recognized postsecondary credential; and

5. The percentage of CTE concentrators who, after exiting from secondary education, are in postsecondary education or advanced training, military service, or a service program, or are employed

b. At the postsecondary level: An increase in—

1. The percentage of CTE concentrators who remain enrolled in postsecondary education, are in advanced training, military service, or a service program, or are employed; and

2. The percentage of CTE concentrators who receive a recognized postsecondary credential.

8. Continuation Awards: In making a continuation award under 34 CFR 75.253, the Secretary considers, among other things: whether a grantee has made substantial progress in achieving the goals and objectives of the project; whether the grantee has expended funds in a manner that is consistent with its approved application and budget; and, if the Secretary has established performance measurement requirements, the performance targets in the grantee’s approved application. (See NIA for further details.)

III. THE APPLICATION

REQUIRED FORMS

Applicants must submit the required standard forms, assurances, and certifications included in the list below.

• Application for Federal Assistance (Form SF 424)

Do not attach any narratives, supporting files, or application components to the Standard Form (SF 424). Although this form accepts attachments, the Department of Education will review only materials/files attached to the section labeled “Other Attachments Form.”

• Department of Education Supplemental Information form for SF 424

• Standard Budget Sheet (ED Form 524)

• Assurances Non-Construction Programs (SF 424B), which is completed in SAM.

• Disclosure Of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL)

• ED GEPA 427 Form

• Grants.gov Lobbying Form

• ED Abstract Narrative Form

• Project Narrative Form

• Budget Narrative Form

• Grant Application Form for Project Objectives and Performance Measures Information

• Other Attachments Form

Electronic copies and instructions for the required forms can be downloaded at the following address: https://www2.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html.

ABSTRACT AND PROJECT NARRATIVES

The NACTEP grant application uses https://www.grants.gov/ Narrative Forms. Each form is identified below along with application instructions.

ED Abstract Narrative Form Instructions Your project abstract should be attached as a single document to the Abstract Attachment Form in accordance with the instructions found at https://www.grants.gov/, and it should be no more than two paragraphs, not exceeding 2000 characters, and include the following items:

• The primary goal of the project;

• A succinct description of the key project objectives and activities;

• A brief description of the key uses of grant funds; and

• A list of participating partners in the project, if applicable.

Project Narrative Form Instructions Your project narrative should be attached as a single document to the Project Narrative Attachment Form in accordance with the instructions found at https://www.grants.gov/, and it should include the following parts in order to expedite the review process:

https://www2.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html https://www.grants.gov/

• Table of Contents;

• Description of the proposed project;

• Response to the selection criteria;

• Response to the Competitive Preference Priority (if selected); and

• Response to the Application and Program Requirements.

Your project narrative should, as a general matter, follow the order of the selection criteria. It should contain clear headings to help the Department staff and peer reviewers match the narrative with the selection criteria since the application will be evaluated and scored against these criteria. When addressing the criteria, you are encouraged to make explicit connections to the Competitive Preference Priority (if selected), the three application requirements, and the six program requirements.

We suggest that you limit the project narrative to 35 pages, double-spaced and numbered consecutively. Please provide any charts, graphs, citations, or examples within the 35 pages of the project narrative.

BUDGET SUMMARY AND NARRATIVE

The budget summaries of federal and non-federal funds, and accompanying budget narrative, should project all costs of the proposed project and reflect an annual budget for all five years of the proposed project. Your application must include three budget elements:

• ED 525 Section A – Budget Summary of US Department of Education Funds;

• ED 524 Section B – Budget Summary of Non-Federal Funds; and

• ED 524 Section C – Budget Narrative, as a separate attachment.

ED 524 Section C – Budget Narrative Form In a single document attached to the Budget Narrative Attachment Form, you must address your proposed use of federal and non-federal funds. To meet the requirements of ED 524 Section C, you should provide sufficient details to:

• Give an itemized budget breakdown for each year of the proposed project (60 months);

• Show the basis for estimating the costs of personnel salaries, benefits, project staff travel, materials and supplies, consultants and subcontracts, indirect costs and any other projected expenditures;

• Show the relationship between all budgeted funds and project activities and outcomes;

• Show the total amount that will be expended as shown in the ED 524; and

• Enable reviewers and project staff to understand how grant funds and non-federal funds/in-kind resources in ED 524 (if applicable) will be used.

Helpful Suggestions for Completing ED 524 Section C Though not required, you are encouraged to address each budget category in your narrative for each year of the project.

1. Personnel

• Provide the title and duties of each position to be compensated under this project and the importance of each position to the success of the project.

• Provide the salary for each position under this project.

• Provide the amount of time (such as hours or percentage of time) to be spent by each position on this project.

• Provide the basis for cost estimates or computations.

• Fees and expenses for consultants, if included, should be included under Contractual (line

6).

2. Fringe Benefits

• Give the fringe benefit percentages of all personnel included under Personnel.

• Provide the rate and base on which fringe benefits are calculated.

• Do not include fringe benefits for salaries and wages that are treated as part of the indirect cost.

• Leave the line blank if needed.

3. Travel

• Explain the purpose of the travel, how it aligns to the project goals and objectives, and who will travel.

• Provide an estimate for the number of trips and points of origin and destination.

• Provide an estimated cost for each trip.

• Travel for consultants or contractors should be included under Contractual (line 6).

4. Equipment

• Indicate the cost of tangible, non-expendable personal property that has a usefulness greater than one year and acquisition costs that are the lesser of the capitalization level established by the applicant entity for financial statement purposes or $5,000 per article.

Lower limits may be established to maintain consistency with the applicant’s purchasing policy.

• Indicate the type and estimated unit cost for each item to be purchased.

• Provide strong justification of the need for items of equipment to be purchased.

• Provide the basis for cost estimates or computations.

5. Supplies

• Supplies purchased with grant funds should directly benefit the project and be necessary for achieving project goals.

• Direct supplies and materials differ from equipment in that they are consumable, expendable, and of a relatively low unit cost. Provide an estimate of supplies by nature of expense or general category (e.g., instructional materials, office supplies, etc.).

• Explain the purpose of the supplies and how they relate to project success.

• Provide the basis for cost estimates or computations.

• Individual pieces of equipment that are under $5,000 per unit are generally considered supplies. However, as noted in the example under Equipment, an applicant’s organization may have a different equipment policy.

6. Contractual

• The contractual category should include all costs specifically incurred with actions that the applicant takes in conjunction with an established internal procurement system.

Include consultant fees, expenses, and travel costs in this category if the consultant’s services are obtained through a written binding agreement or contract.

• Describe the products to be acquired, and/or the professional services to be provided.

• Provide the purpose of the product(s) and/or services and their relation to project success.

• Contractors are not to be named in an application since contracts will be competed following the award of a grant. If an applicant proposes in its application to use an existing contract or prior selection of any vendor for any activities to be supported with NACTEP funds (Federal or other Federal grant funds), you must be prepared to demonstrate how it is in compliance with the "Procurement Practices" described in the “Application Information” section of this Application Package. Additionally, if you intend to take advantage of the flexibility allowed in 34 C.F.R. 75.135 in order to use small purchase procurement procedures for contracts for data collection, data analysis, evaluation services or essential services, you should carefully review the requirements in 34 C.F.R. 75.135 to ensure all required information is included in the application and budget narrative.

• Provide the projected cost per contractor and basis for cost estimates.

• For professional services contracts, provide the amounts of time to be devoted to the project, including the costs to be charged to this proposed grant award.

7. Construction

• Not applicable

8. Other

• Indicate all direct costs not covered on lines 1-6. Do not include costs that are included in the indirect cost rate.

• List and identify items by major type or category (e.g., communications, printing, etc.).

• Provide the purpose for the expenditures and their relation to the proposed comprehensive strategy that will be implemented during the project period.

• Provide the cost per item (printing = $500, postage = $150) and the basis for cost estimates or computations.

9. Total Direct Costs

• The sum of all direct expenditures, per budget category, of lines 1-8.

10. Indirect Costs

• In accordance with section 211(a) of the Perkins Act, funds under this program must be used to supplement, not supplant, non-Federal funds used to carry out career and technical education activities. The prohibition against supplanting means that grantees will be required to use their negotiated restricted indirect cost rate under this program, as noted in 34 CFR 75.563.

• In the absence of a negotiated restricted indirect cost rate, indirect cost can be recovered using eight percent (8%) of MTDC in compliance with 34 CFR 75.562(c)(2).

11. Training Stipends

• The training stipend line item only pertains to costs associated with long-term training programs and college or university coursework, not workshops or short-term training or professional development offerings.

• Costs associated with professional development should be included under Other (line 8).

12. Total Costs

• Sum of direct costs, indirect costs, and stipends.

• Provide total costs for each year and for the entire project period (60 months).

Cost Analysis In accordance with 34 CFR 75.232, Department of Education staff will perform a cost analysis of each project recommended for funding to ensure that costs relate to the activities and objectives of the project are reasonable, allowable, and allocable. Therefore, the proposed budget should only include costs that are reasonable, allowable, and necessary for carrying out the objectives of your NACTEP project. Rules about allowable costs are set out in 2 C.F.R. part 200, as adopted by the Department at 2 CFR 3474. We may delete or reduce costs from your proposed budget during this review. The annual budget period for Year 1 will be October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022. For Years 2, 3, 4, and 5, the budget period should include the estimated costs from October 1 to September 30 for each year.

OTHER ATTACHMENTS FORM

Attach all other information, including required items as appendices using the Other Attachments Form. For each appendix, provide PDF documents only. Label each file with the Appendix name and upload the file to the Other Attachments Form. The Other Attachments Form can support up to ten attachments.

You are encouraged to follow the order below when uploading information to the Appendix:

• Appendix 1 – Individual Resumes for Project Director and Key Personnel

• Appendix 2 – Restricted Indirect Cost Rate Agreement

• Appendix 3 – List of proprietary information found in the application, if applicable

Tips for Submitting the Narratives and Appendices

• When attaching files, applicants should limit the size of their file names. Lengthy file names could result in difficulties with opening and processing your application. We recommend your file names be less than 50 characters. Please note that https://www.grants.gov/ cannot process an application that includes two or more files that have the same name within a grant submission.

• Please ensure that only U.S. Department of Education approved file types are attached. See the NIA for a detailed description of these files (read-only, non-modifiable .pdf files). Also, do not upload any password-protected files to your application. Lengthy file names could result in difficulties with opening and processing your application. We recommend your file names be less than 50 characters.

• If you have multiple documents to be attached to one of the above narrative sections, it is recommended that you merge them into one PDF file and upload them to the appropriate narrative.

• The recommended page limit does not apply to the cover sheet; the budget section, including the narrative budget justification; the assurances and certifications; or the one-page abstract, the resumes, the bibliography, or the letters of support. However, the recommended page limit does apply to entire the project narrative.

IV. APPLICATION SUBMISSION PROCEDURES

You are required to follow the Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published…