App for Grants under the CE for Charter School Facilitie

Application for Grants under the Credit Enhancement for Charter School Facilities Program (1894-0001)

2017 CE Application Package ICR -- 12-21-16 accepted(2)

Application for Grants under the Credit Enhancement for Charter School Facilities Program (1894-0001)

OMB: 1855-0007

⚠️ Notice: This form may be outdated. More recent filings and information on OMB 1855-0007 can be found here:

2020-01-30 - Extension without change of a currently approved collection

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Office of Innovation and Improvement

Washington, DC 20202

APPLICATION FOR GRANTS UNDER THE

CREDIT ENHANCEMENT FOR CHARTER SCHOOL FACILITIES GRANTS PROGRAM

(CFDA NUMBER: 84.354A)

FORM APPROVED

OMB No. 1855-0007, EXP. DATE TBD

DATED MATERIAL – OPEN IMMEDIATELY

Closing Date: TBD

U NITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Office of Innovation and Improvement

Dear Applicant:

Thank you for your interest in the Credit Enhancement for Charter School Facilities Program. Included in this application package are the instructions and forms needed to submit an application to the U.S. Department of Education. A copy of the Notice Inviting Applications for New Awards for Fiscal Year (FY) 2017, the authorizing statute, and program regulations are provided in the application package. Please take the time to review these documents thoroughly.

Please read the document within this application package titled Grants.gov Submission Procedures and Tips for Applicants which describes the submission procedures to ensure your application is received in a timely and acceptable manner. The applications for the Credit Enhancement for Charter School Facilities Program (CFDA 84.354A) for FY 2017 must be submitted electronically using the governmentwide Grants.gov Apply site at www.Grants.gov on or before the deadline date. The electronic submission of applications is required; therefore, you must submit an electronic application unless you follow the procedures in the Federal Register Notice and qualify for one of the exceptions to the electronic submission requirement. If you think you may need an exception, you are urged to review the requirements promptly.

Please note that U.S. Department of Education grant application deadlines are 4:30:00 P.M. Washington, D.C. time. Applications submitted late will not be accepted. The Department is required to enforce the established deadline to ensure fairness to all applicants. We suggest that you submit your application several days before the deadline, and we strongly recommend that you do not wait until the last day to submit your application.

An OII Program Officer is available to provide technical assistance to applicants. If you have any questions about the program after reviewing the application package, please call or e-mail Clifton Jones at (202) 205-2204 orclifton.jones@ed.gov. For questions or problems in navigating the Grants.gov system, please call Grants.gov helpdesk at 1-800-518-4726.

We look forward to receiving your application and appreciate your efforts in assisting and expanding the number of high quality charter schools across the Nation.

Sincerely,

Stefan Huh

Charter Schools Program Director

Office of Innovation and Improvement

Table of Contents

A. Application Notice, Program Statute, and Program Regulations

Application Notice
Program Statute
Program Regulations

B. General Application Instructions and Information

Instructions for ED Abstract Narrative

Instructions for Project Narrative

Instructions for Budget Form and Related Information

Instructions for Other Attachments Form

Responding to the Invitational Priority, Competitive Priority, and Project Selection Criteria

Application Content Requirements
Grantee Reporting and Performance Measures

Table 1- Non-Grant Funds Projected to be Generated

Table 2- Applicant Activity Table for the Most Recently Completed Fiscal Year

Table 3- Budget Form: Grant Funds Expenditures
Instructions for Table 3 - Budget Form: Grant Funds Expenditures
Table 4 – Risk Level of Charter Schools Served

Application Checklist

C. Instructions to Standard Forms and Grant Application Requirements

Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424)
Instructions for the SF-424
Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL)
Instructions for the Completion of SF-LLL, Disclosure of
Lobbying Activities
Certification Regarding Lobbying (Grants.gov Lobbying Form - formerly ED 80-0013 form)

Supplemental Information, Instructions, and Definitions for the U.S. Department of Education Supplemental Information for the SF-424

Budget ED 524 and Instructions for ED 524
GEPA Statement
Assurances--Non-Construction Programs (SF-424B)

D. Other Important Information and Notices

Executive Order 12372

Estimated Public Reporting Burden

Grants.gov Submission Procedures and Tips for Applicants

Application Transmittal Instructions

Instructions for D-U-N-S Number

INTRODUCTORY MATERIALS

APPLICATION NOTICE, PROGRAM STATUTE, AND PROGRAM REGULATIONS

Program Statute

GRANTS TO ELIGIBLE ENTITIES.—
1. IN GENERAL.—From the amount reserved under section 4302(b)(1), the Secretary shall use not less than 50 percent to award, on a competitive basis, not less than 3 grants to eligible entities that have the highest-quality applications approved under subsection (d), after considering the diversity of such applications, to demonstrate innovative methods of helping charter schools to address the cost of acquiring, constructing, and renovating facilities by enhancing the availability of loans or bond financing.
2. ELIGIBLE ENTITY DEFINED.—For the purposes of this section, the term ‘‘eligible entity’’ means—
  1. a public entity, such as a State or local governmental entity;
  2. a private nonprofit entity; or
  3. a consortium of entities described in subparagraphs (A) and (B).
GRANTEE SELECTION.—The Secretary shall evaluate each application submitted under subsection (d), and shall determine whether the application is sufficient to merit approval.
GRANT CHARACTERISTICS.—Grants under subsection (a) shall be of sufficient size, scope, and quality so as to ensure an effective demonstration of an innovative means of enhancing credit for the financing of charter school acquisition, construction, or renovation.
APPLICATIONS.—
1. IN GENERAL.—An eligible entity desiring to receive a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary in such form as the Secretary may reasonably require.
2. CONTENTS.—An application submitted under paragraph

shall contain—
1. a statement identifying the activities that the eligible entity proposes to carry out with funds received under subsection (a), including how the eligible entity will determine which charter schools will receive assistance, and how much and what types of assistance charter schools will receive;
2. a description of the involvement of charter schools in the application’s development and the design of the proposed activities;
3. a description of the eligible entity’s expertise in capital market financing;
4. a description of how the proposed activities will leverage the maximum amount of private-sector financing capital relative to the amount of government funding used and otherwise enhance credit available to charter schools, including how the eligible entity will offer a combination of rates and terms more favorable than the rates and terms that a charter school could receive without assistance from the eligible entity under this section;
5. a description of how the eligible entity possesses sufficient expertise in education to evaluate the likelihood of success of a charter school program for which facilities financing is sought; and
6. in the case of an application submitted by a State governmental entity, a description of the actions that the eligible entity has taken, or will take, to ensure that charter schools within the State receive the funding that charter schools need to have adequate facilities.

CHARTER SCHOOL OBJECTIVES.—An eligible entity receiving a grant under subsection (a) shall use the funds deposited in the reserve account established under subsection (f) to assist one or more charter schools to access private-sector capital to accomplish one or more of the following objectives:
1. The acquisition (by purchase, lease, donation, or otherwise) of an interest (including an interest held by a third party for the benefit of a charter school) in improved or unimproved real property that is necessary to commence or continue the operation of a charter school.
2. The construction of new facilities, or the renovation, repair, or alteration of existing facilities, necessary to commence or continue the operation of a charter school.
3. The predevelopment costs required to assess sites for purposes of paragraph (1) or (2) and that are necessary to commence or continue the operation of a charter school.
RESERVE ACCOUNT.—
1. USE OF FUNDS.—To assist charter schools in accomplishing the objectives described in subsection (e), an eligible entity receiving a grant under subsection (a) shall, in accordance with State and local law, directly or indirectly, alone or in collaboration with others, deposit the funds received under subsection (a) (other than funds used for administrative costs in accordance with subsection (g)) in a reserve account established and maintained by the eligible entity for this purpose.

Amounts deposited in such account shall be used by the eligible entity for one or more of the following purposes:

Guaranteeing, insuring, and reinsuring bonds, notes, evidences of debt, loans, and interests therein, the proceeds of which are used for an objective described in subsection (e).
Guaranteeing and insuring leases of personal and real property for an objective described in subsection (e).
Facilitating financing by identifying potential lending sources, encouraging private lending, and other similar activities that directly promote lending to, or for the benefit of, charter schools.
Facilitating the issuance of bonds by charter schools, or by other public entities for the benefit of charter schools, by providing technical, administrative, and other appropriate assistance (including the recruitment of bond counsel, underwriters, and potential investors and the consolidation of multiple charter school projects within a single bond issue).

INVESTMENT.—Funds received under subsection (a) and deposited in the reserve account established under paragraph

(1) shall be invested in obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States or a State, or in other similarly low-risk securities.

(3) REINVESTMENT OF EARNINGS.—Any earnings on funds received under subsection (a) shall be deposited in the reserve account established under paragraph (1) and used in accordance with this subsection.

LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.—An eligible entity may use not more than 2.5 percent of the funds received under subsection (a) for the administrative costs of carrying out its responsibilities under this section (excluding subsection (k)).
AUDITS AND REPORTS.—
1. FINANCIAL RECORD MAINTENANCE AND AUDIT.—The financial records of each eligible entity receiving a grant under subsection (a) shall be maintained in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and shall be subject to an annual audit by an independent public accountant.
2. REPORTS.—
  1. GRANTEE ANNUAL REPORTS.—Each eligible entity receiving a grant under subsection (a) shall submit to the Secretary an annual report of the entity’s operations and activities under this section (excluding subsection (k)).
  2. CONTENTS.—Each annual report submitted under subparagraph (A) shall include—
    1. a copy of the most recent financial statements, and any accompanying opinion on such statements, prepared by the independent public accountant reviewing the financial records of the eligible entity;
    2. a copy of any report made on an audit of the financial records of the eligible entity that was conducted under paragraph (1) during the reporting period;
    3. an evaluation by the eligible entity of the effectiveness of its use of the Federal funds provided under subsection (a) in leveraging private funds;
    4. a listing and description of the charter schools served during the reporting period, including the amount of funds used by each school, the type of project facilitated by the grant, and the type of assistance provided to the charter schools;
    5. a description of the activities carried out by the eligible entity to assist charter schools in meeting the objectives set forth in subsection (e); and
    6. a description of the characteristics of lenders and other financial institutions participating in the activities carried out by the eligible entity under this section (excluding subsection (k)) during the reporting period.
  3. SECRETARIAL REPORT.—The Secretary shall review the reports submitted under subparagraph (A) and shall provide a comprehensive annual report to Congress on the activities conducted under this section (excluding subsection (k)).
NO FULL FAITH AND CREDIT FOR GRANTEE OBLIGATION.—No financial obligation of an eligible entity entered into pursuant to this section (such as an obligation under a guarantee, bond, note, evidence of debt, or loan) shall be an obligation of, or guaranteed in any respect by, the United States. The full faith and credit of the United States is not pledged to the payment of funds that may be required to be paid under any obligation made by an eligible entity pursuant to any provision of this section.
RECOVERY OF FUNDS.—
1. IN GENERAL.—The Secretary, in accordance with chapter 37 of title 31, United States Code, shall collect—
  1. all of the funds in a reserve account established by an eligible entity under subsection (f)(1) if the Secretary determines, not earlier than 2 years after the date on which the eligible entity first received funds under subsection (a), that the eligible entity has failed to make substantial progress in carrying out the purposes described in subsection (f)(1); or
  2. all or a portion of the funds in a reserve account established by an eligible entity under subsection (f)(1) if the Secretary determines that the eligible entity has permanently ceased to use all or a portion of the funds in such account to accomplish any purpose described in subsection (f)(1).
2. EXERCISE OF AUTHORITY.—The Secretary shall not exercise the authority provided in paragraph (1) to collect from any eligible entity any funds that are being properly used to achieve one or more of the purposes described in subsection (f)(1).
3. PROCEDURES.—The provisions of sections 451, 452, and 458 of the General Education Provisions Act shall apply to the recovery of funds under paragraph (1).
4. CONSTRUCTION.—This subsection shall not be construed to impair or affect the authority of the Secretary to recover funds under part D of the General Education Provisions Act (20 U.S.C. 1234 et seq.).

Note: For the convenience of the applicant, the Department is highlighting the technical changes in the regulations based on the statutory revisions made to the program by the ESEA, as amended by the ESSA. This is not in lieu of an official, final technical regulations package that will be published at a later date.

Credit Enhancement for Charter School Facilities Program Regulations

Subpart A—General Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended and Code of Federal Regulations, Title 34.

Sec.

225.1 What is the Credit Enhancement for Charter School Facilities Program?

225.2 Who is eligible to receive a grant?

225.3 What regulations apply to the Credit Enhancement for Charter School Facilities Program?

225.4 What definitions apply to the Credit Enhancement for Charter School Facilities Program?

Subpart B--How Does the Secretary Award a Grant?

225.10 How does the Secretary evaluate an application?

225.11 What selection criteria does the Secretary use in evaluating an application for a Credit Enhancement for Charter Schools Facilities grant?

225.12 What funding priority may the Secretary use in making a grant award?

Subpart C--What Conditions Must Be Met by a Grantee?

225.20 When may a grantee draw down funds?

225.21 What are some examples of impermissible uses of reserve account funds?

AUTHORITY: 20 U.S.C. 7221c, unless otherwise noted.

Subpart A - General

§225.1 What is the Credit Enhancement for Charter School Facilities Program?

(a) The Credit Enhancement for Charter School Facilities Program provides grants to eligible entities to assist charter schools in obtaining facilities.

(b) Grantees use these grants to do the following:

(1) The acquisition (by purchase, lease, donation, or otherwise) of an interest (including an interest held by a third party for the benefit of a charter school) in improved or unimproved real property that is necessary to commence or continue the operation of a charter school.

(2) The construction of new facilities, or the renovation, repair, or alteration of existing facilities, necessary to commence or continue the operation of a charter school.

(3) The predevelopment costs required to assess sites for purposes of paragraph (1) or (2) and that are necessary to commence or continue the operation of a charter school.

(c) Grantees may demonstrate innovative credit enhancement initiatives while meeting the program purposes under paragraph (b) of this section.

(d) For the purposes of these regulations, the Credit Enhancement for Charter School Facilities Program includes grants made under the Charter School Facilities Financing Demonstration Grant Program.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 7221c)

§225.2 Who is eligible to receive a grant?

The following are eligible to receive a grant under this part:

(a) A public entity, such as a State or local governmental entity;

(b) A private nonprofit entity; or

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 7221(c)(a))

§225.3 What regulations apply to the Credit Enhancement for Charter School Facilities Program?

The following regulations apply to the Credit Enhancement for Charter School Facilities Program:

(a) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) as follows:

(1) [Reserved]

(2) 34 CFR part 75 (Direct Grant Programs).

(3) 34 CFR part 77 (Definitions that Apply to Department Regulations).

(4) 34 CFR part 79 (Intergovernmental Review of Department of Education Programs and Activities).

(5) [Reserved]

(6) 34 CFR part 81 (General Educational Provisions Act--Enforcement).

(7) 34 CFR part 82 (New Restrictions on Lobbying).

(8) 34 CFR part 84 (Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants)).

(9) [Reserved]

(10) 34 CFR part 97 (Protection of Human Subjects).

(11) 34 CFR part 98 (Student Rights in Research, Experimental Programs, and Testing).

(12) 34 CFR part 99 (Family Educational Rights and Privacy).

(b) The regulations in this part 225.

(c) The Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards in 2 CFR part 200, as adopted in 2 CFR part 3474 and OMB Guidelines to Agencies on Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) in 2 CFR part 180, as adopted in 2 CFR part 3485.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3; 1232)

§225.4 What definitions apply to the Credit Enhancement for Charter School Facilities Program?

(a) Definitions in the Act. The following term used in this part is defined in section 4310 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015:

Charter school

(b) Definitions in EDGAR. The following terms used in this part are defined in 34 CFR 77.1:

Acquisition

Applicant

Application

Award

Department

EDGAR

Facilities

Grant

Grantee

Nonprofit

Private

Project

Public

Secretary

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 7221(i)(1); 7221(c)(a))

Subpart B -- How Does the Secretary Award a Grant?

§225.10 How does the Secretary evaluate an application?

(a) The Secretary evaluates an application on the basis of the criteria in §225.11.

(b) The Secretary awards up to 100 points for these criteria.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 7221c; 1232)

§225.11 What selection criteria does the Secretary use in evaluating an application for a Credit Enhancement for Charter School Facilities grant?

The Secretary uses the following criteria to evaluate an application for a Credit Enhancement for Charter School Facilities grant:

(a) Quality of project design and significance. (35 points) In determining the quality of project design and significance, the Secretary considers--

(1) The extent to which the grant proposal would provide financing to charter schools at better rates and terms than they can receive absent assistance through the program;

(2) The extent to which the project goals, objectives, and timeline are clearly specified, measurable, and appropriate for the purpose of the program;

(3) The extent to which the project implementation plan and activities, including the partnerships established, are likely to achieve measurable objectives that further the purposes of the program;

(4) The extent to which the project is likely to produce results that are replicable;

(5) The extent to which the project will use appropriate criteria for selecting charter schools for assistance and for determining the type and amount of assistance to be given;

(6) The extent to which the proposed activities will leverage private or public-sector funding and increase the number and variety of charter schools assisted in meeting their facilities needs more than would be accomplished absent the program;

(7) The extent to which the project will serve charter schools in States with strong charter laws, consistent with the criteria for such laws in section 4304(g)(2) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015; and

(8) The extent to which the requested grant amount and the project costs are reasonable in relation to the objectives, design, and potential significance of the project.

(b) Quality of project services. (15 points) In determining the quality of the project services, the Secretary considers--

(1) The extent to which the services to be provided by the project reflect the identified needs of the charter schools to be served;

(2) The extent to which charter schools and chartering agencies were involved in the design of, and demonstrate support for, the project;

(3) The extent to which the technical assistance and other services to be provided by the proposed grant project involve the use of cost-effective strategies for increasing charter schools’ access to facilities financing, including the reasonableness of fees and lending terms; and

(4) The extent to which the services to be provided by the proposed grant project are focused on assisting charter schools with a likelihood of success and the greatest demonstrated need for assistance under the program.

(c) Capacity. (35 points) In determining an applicant’s business and organizational capacity to carry out the project, the Secretary considers--

(1) The amount and quality of experience of the applicant in carrying out the activities it proposes to undertake in its application, such as enhancing the credit on debt issuances, guaranteeing leases, and facilitating financing;

(2) The applicant’s financial stability;

(3) The ability of the applicant to protect against unwarranted risk in its loan underwriting, portfolio monitoring, and financial management;

(4) The applicant’s expertise in education to evaluate the likelihood of success of a charter school;

(5) The ability of the applicant to prevent conflicts of interest, including conflicts of interest by employees and members of the board of directors in a decision-making role;

(6) If the applicant has co-applicants (consortium members), partners, or other grant project participants, the specific resources to be contributed by each co-applicant (consortium member), partner, or other grant project participant to the implementation and success of the grant project;

(7) For State governmental entities, the extent to which steps have been or will be taken to ensure that charter schools within the State receive the funding needed to obtain adequate facilities; and

(8) For previous grantees under the charter school facilities programs, their performance in implementing these grants.

(d) Quality of project personnel. (15 points) In determining the quality of project personnel, the Secretary considers--

(1) The qualifications of project personnel, including relevant training and experience, of the project manager and other members of the project team, including consultants or subcontractors; and

(2) The staffing plan for the grant project.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 7221c; 1232)

§225.12 What funding priority may the Secretary use in making a grant award?

(a) The Secretary may award up to 15 additional points under a competitive priority related to the capacity of charter schools to offer public school choice in those communities with the greatest need for this choice based on--

(1) The extent to which the applicant would target services to geographic areas in which a large proportion or number of public schools have been identified for improvement, corrective action, or restructuring under Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015;

(2) The extent to which the applicant would target services to geographic areas in which a large proportion of students perform below proficient on State academic assessments; and

(3) The extent to which the applicant would target services to communities with large proportions of students from low-income families.

(b) The Secretary may elect to--

(1) Use this competitive priority only in certain years; and

(2) Consider the points awarded under this priority only for proposals that exhibit sufficient quality to warrant funding under the selection criteria in §225.11.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 7221c; 1232)

Subpart C--What Conditions Must Be Met by a Grantee?

§225.20 When may a grantee draw down funds?

(a) A grantee may draw down funds after it has signed a performance agreement acceptable to the Department of Education and the grantee.

(b) A grantee may draw down and spend a limited amount of funds prior to reaching an acceptable performance agreement provided that the grantee requests to draw down and spend a specific amount of funds and the Department of Education approves the request in writing.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 7221(c)(a))

§225.21 What are some examples of impermissible uses of reserve account funds?

(a) Grantees must not use reserve account funds to--

(1) Directly pay for a charter school’s construction, renovation, repair, or acquisition; or

(2) Provide a down payment on facilities in order to secure loans for charter schools. A grantee may, however, use funds to guarantee a loan for the portion of the loan that would otherwise have to be funded with a down payment.

(b) In the event of a default of payment to lenders or contractors by a charter school whose loan or lease is guaranteed by reserve account funds, a grantee may use these funds to cover defaulted payments that are referenced under paragraph (a)(1) of this section.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 7221(c)(a))

GENERAL APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION

Instructions for ED Abstract Narrative

The abstract is to be attached to the “ED Abstract Attachment Form” in the application package in Grants.gov.

The abstract narrative must include the name and address of your organization and the name, phone number, and e-mail address of the contact person for the project.

The abstract narrative must not exceed one page and should use language that will be understood by a range of audiences. For all projects, include the project title (if applicable), goals, expected outcomes and contributions for research, policy, practice, etc. In addition, address how your application meets the purpose of the Credit Enhancement for Charter School Facilities program as stated in the Notice Inviting Applications for New Awards.

Instructions for Project Narrative

Before preparing the project narrative, applicants should review the Federal Register Notice, the Dear Applicant Letter, and the program statute for specific guidance and requirements. Note that applications will be evaluated according to the specific selection criteria specified in the Federal Register Notice.

Please limit the project narrative to 40 pages, double-spaced, and number the pages consecutively. Refer to the Federal Register Notice for additional application submission requirements.

This part of your application contains information responsive to the Project Selection Criteria and the Application Content Requirements. Make sure your narrative addresses all of the elements. We strongly recommend that the information be organized around and appear in the same sequence as the Project Selection Criteria. Please upload the program narrative as one document.

Instructions for Budget Form and Related Information

This part of the application contains information about the Federal funding you are requesting. You must fill in the ED-524 budget form. For the ED-524, applicants only need to fill out Row 8 (titled "Other") in Project Year 1. The amount listed in row 12. Total Costs should reflect the total amount of grant funds requested.

Applicants are also required to fill out Table 3 and provide explanations and comments necessary to interpret the information you provide on this form.

Both of these forms (the ED-524 and Table 3) will be uploaded in the Budget Form Section.

Instructions for Other Attachments Form

Applicants should attach additional documents to the “Other Attachments Form” in the application package in Grants.gov. These documents would be supplementary statements and other requested information.

In addition to the program narrative, applications should include resumes for key personnel. Before preparing additional documentation, applicants should review the Federal Register Notice, the Dear Applicant Letter, and the program statute for specific guidance and requirements. Note that applications will be evaluated according to the specific selection criteria specified in the Federal Register Notice.

To facilitate the review of the application, please organize your attachments in the following order:

Table 1 - Non-Grant Funds Projected to be Generated
Table 2 - Applicant Activity Table for the Most Recently Completed Fiscal Year
Table 4 - Risk Level of Charter Schools Served (required of past grantees only)
Consortium agreements
Resumes/Curriculum Vitae
Appendices (including the logic model)

Consortium Agreements:

Consortium applicants must also submit consortium agreements as part of their application package. These applicants must either designate one member of the group to apply for the grant or establish a separate legal entity to apply for the grant. All members of the consortium must then enter into an agreement that details the activities that each member of the group plans to perform and that binds each member to the application statements and assurances. This consortium agreement must be submitted as part of the consortium’s application. The Department's administrative regulations at 34 CFR sections 75.127--129 provide more details about the requirements that govern group/consortium applications.

Resumes/Curriculum Vitae:

Provide resumes/curriculum vitae for the project director as well as any key personnel identified in the application.

Responding to the Invitational Priority, Competitive Priority, and Project Selection Criteria

The Secretary will select for funding under the Credit Enhancement for Charter School Facilities Program those applications that are deemed of highest overall quality. Experts in finance, including school facilities finance and credit enhancement, will review the applications and assign to each application up to 115 points using the Project Selection Criteria and the Competitive Priority. Each criterion includes factors the reviewers will consider in determining how well an application meets the criterion.

Reviewers will use their own professional judgment to assess the quality of each application against these criteria. To be competitive, applicants must address each of the selection criteria fully and clearly. The kind of information needed to accomplish this for each criterion is discussed below. We recommend that applicants organize their application narrative around the Competitive Priority and the Project Selection Criteria. While the application reviewers will score the Competitive Priority, they will not score the Invitational Priority.

The Competitive Priority is for applicants that propose a grant project that increases the capacity of charter schools to offer public school choice in those communities with the greatest need for school choice. The Invitational Priority is for applicants that propose a grant project that demonstrates its ability to partner with new actors and/or leverage new sources of capital and untapped non-Federal programs in order to finance charter school facilities. We will not score applicants based on the Invitational Priority.

The Competitive Priority related to the applicant increasing the capacity of charter schools to offer public school choice in those communities with the greatest need for school choice (15 points):

Factors used to assess the capacity of charter schools to provide public school choice in those communities with the greatest need for such choice include:

The extent to which the applicant would target services to geographic areas in which a large proportion or number of public schools have been identified for improvement, corrective action, or restructuring under Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended;

Note: Consistent with the transition authority in Section 5(e)(2) of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), through the 2017-2018 school year, the Department will allow applicants to target services to geographic areas in which a large proportion of public schools are, at the time of submission of an application under this competition: (i) elementary and secondary schools identified as in need of corrective action or restructuring under the ESEA, as amended by NCLB; or (ii) elementary and secondary schools identified as a priority or focus school by the State prior to August 1, 2016 under ESEA flexibility.

After school year 2017-2018, the Department will require an applicant that receives points under the priority and receives a grant under this competition to amend its approved application, as needed, to describe how it will target services to geographic areas in which a large proportion of public schools are elementary and secondary schools identified for comprehensive or targeted support and improvement under the ESEA, as amended by the ESSA.

The extent to which the applicant would target services to geographic areas in which a large proportion of students perform below proficient on State academic assessments; and

The extent to which the applicant would target services to communities with large proportions of students from low-income families.

Application reviewers will use two important questions to address the Project Selection Criteria.

A. Has the applicant proposed a grant project that will make a significant contribution toward meeting the purpose of the Credit Enhancement for Charter School Facilities Program and thereby increase charter schools’ access to facilities financing?

B. Does the applicant have the ability to carry out the proposed grant project?

A. The selection criteria related to the potential contribution of the proposed grant project to achieving the purpose of the Credit Enhancement for Charter School Facilities Program include:

The quality of the design and potential significance of the proposed grant project (35 points).

This criterion addresses the goals, objectives, and activities of the grant project, how the applicant will determine the viability of an individual school as an educational enterprise and therefore as a target for investment, the number and type of charter schools that the applicant anticipates will obtain facilities as a result of the grant project, the amount and type of assistance they will receive, and the degree to which projects would serve charter schools in States with strong charter school laws. This criterion also addresses the grant project’s potential impact on the national need for charter school facilities and, in that regard; it’s potential as a model for others.

The most successful applicants are likely to provide services to a number of charter schools, including start-ups. They will accomplish this, in part, by leveraging a significant amount of capital for investment in charter school facilities. They will clearly document their activities and the resulting outcomes for the different types of schools served, and will demonstrate that their grant projects are likely to help other charter schools acquire appropriate facilities in the future.

In addition, successful applicants will provide comprehensive plans with clear goals, objectives, and activities that have specific timelines and that are aligned with the four statutory purposes for which reserve account funds may be used. They will describe the partnerships they plan to develop to help further the purposes of the program and how they will leverage private-sector and other non-Federal capital for financing charter school facilities. They will give their projections for the amounts to be leveraged relative to the amount of government funding used. They also will discuss how they will invest funds from the reserve account, and provide an estimate of the earnings they expect from these investments, and from fees, interest, or other sources.

The materials reviewers will take into account when rating against this selection criterion include:

The budget form and other budget information (including the consistency of numbers, the accuracy of any mathematical functions, and the clarity of any explanations);
Information on fees and lending terms, including how they might vary with interest rate fluctuations;
The cash flow pro forma; and
The logic model.

Factors used to assess the project’s quality of design and significance include:

The extent to which the grant proposal would provide financing to charter schools at better rates and terms than they can receive absent assistance through the program;

The extent to which the grant project goals, objectives, and timeline are clearly specified, measurable, and appropriate for the purpose of the program;

The extent to which the grant project implementation plan and activities, including the partnerships established, are likely to achieve measurable objectives that further the purposes of the program;

The extent to which the proposed grant project is likely to produce results that are replicable;

The extent to which the grant project will use appropriate criteria for selecting charter schools for assistance and for determining the type and amount of assistance to be given;

The extent to which the proposed activities will leverage the private or public sector funding and increase the number and variety of charter schools assisted in meeting their facilities needs absent the program;

The extent to which the project will serve charter schools in States with strong charter laws, consistent with the criteria for such laws in Section 4303(g)(2) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended;

The extent to which the requested grant amount and project costs are reasonable in relation to the objectives, design, and potential significance of the project; and

The extent to which the proposed project is supported by strong theory (as defined in 34 CFR 77.1(c)).

Note: The applicant should review the Performance Measures section of the notice for information on the requirements for developing project-specific performance measures and targets consistent with the objectives of the program.

The quality of the services (15 points).

This criterion is concerned with the immediate benefits to be provided to charter schools as a result of the grant project. In this regard, this criterion addresses questions about the fit between the assistance to be provided and the needs of the recipients of the services. This criterion also considers the cost-effectiveness of the services to be provided.

Successful applicants will demonstrate that charter schools participated in the development of the grant project and in the identification of the specific needs to be addressed by the grant project. These applicants may have letters of endorsement from charter schools or otherwise document charter school support. In addition, these applicants will focus on quality charter schools with the greatest need for facilities and an inability to access private-sector capital. They are likely to succeed in meeting the needs of charter schools that are just starting up as well as more established charter schools. Applicants should describe how their services would affect the charter schools in terms of burdens (such as fees and paperwork) and benefits -- financial and otherwise.

The materials reviewers will take into account when rating against this selection criterion include:

Support letters from charter schools; and
Information on fees and lending terms, including how they might vary with interest rate fluctuations.

Factors used to assess the quality of the services include:

The extent to which the services to be provided by the project reflect the identified needs of the charter schools to be served;

The extent to which charter schools and chartering agencies were involved in the design of, and demonstrate support for, the grant project;

The extent to which the technical assistance and other services to be provided by the proposed grant project involve the use of cost-effective strategies for increasing charter schools’ access to facilities financing, including the reasonableness of fees and lending terms; and

The extent to which the services to be provided by the proposed grant project are focused on assisting charter schools that have the greatest needs for assistance under the program.

B. The selection criteria related to the applicant’s capacity to carry out the proposed grant project include:

The business and organizational capacity of the applicant to carry out the grant project (35 points).

This criterion focuses on the applicant’s expertise in capital market financing and its organizational capacity to implement the proposed project. The applicant will need to document its financial track record and strength, ability to protect against unwarranted financial risk, expertise in assessing credit and evaluating the success of charter schools, and ability to prevent conflicts of interest. The Application Content Requirements section of this package describes some of the specific data and documents the applicant needs to provide regarding business and organizational capacity.

The materials that reviewers will take into account when rating against this selection criterion include:

Table 1 – Non-Grant Funds Projected to be Generated
Table 2 – Applicant Activity Table for the Most Recently Completed Fiscal Year
Table 4 – Risk Level of Charter Schools Served
Audited Financial Statements
Credit Rating Reports
Standards of Conduct
Non-profits: Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws
Non-profits: IRS Form 990
Public entities: Enabling Statutes and Other Relevant Legislation
Letters of commitment from financial partners
Previous grantees (both Credit Enhancement for Charter School Facilities Program and Charter School Facility Financing Demonstration Grant Program Grantees): the most recent annual performance report (if the grant has not been in place long enough to have an annual performance report, the most recent half-year report)
Applicable experience financing charter schools (if any), including the number of schools served, the total amount of financing provided, the total amount of financing credit enhanced
A description of how the applicant intends to meet any administrative costs in excess of one-quarter of one percent

Factors that will be considered in assessing the applicant’s business and organizational capacity include:

The amount and quality of experience of the applicant in carrying out the activities it proposes to undertake in its application, such as enhancing the credit on debt issuances, guaranteeing leases, and facilitating financing;

The applicant’s financial stability;

The ability of the applicant to protect against unwarranted risk in its loan underwriting, portfolio monitoring, and financial management;

The applicant’s expertise in education to evaluate the likelihood of success of a charter school;

The ability of the applicant to prevent conflicts of interest, including conflicts of interest by employees and members of the board of directors in a decision-making role;

If the applicant has co-applicants (consortium members), partners or other grant project participants, the specific resources to be contributed by each co-applicant (consortium member), partner, or other grant project participant to the implementation and success of the grant project;

For State governmental entities, the extent to which steps have been or will be taken to ensure charter schools within the State receive the funding needed to obtain adequate facilities; and

For previous grantees under the charter school facilities programs, their performance in implementing these grants.

The grant project team (15 points).

This criterion focuses on the relevant training and experience of key grant project personnel, consultants, subcontractors, and, for nonprofits, members of the board of directors holding key positions.

Successful applicants will plan to use the services of individuals with substantial experience and expertise in facilities financing, charter schools, and other appropriate areas. They will provide the information requested in the Application Content Requirements section of this package. This information will include, among other things, a description of current job responsibilities, the educational background, and the experience and skills of each member of the grant project team as described in current resumes or detailed biographical statements. The applicant should describe its staffing plan for the project, including a description of the assignments by activity or service and the match between the proposed staff and the skills necessary to execute the specific proposal.

Factors used to assess the grant project team include:

The qualifications, including relevant training and experience, of the project manager and other members of the grant project team, including consultants or subcontractors; and

- The staffing plan for the grant project.

Application Content Requirements

Each Credit Enhancement for Charter School Facilities Program application must include the following specific program elements:

A statement identifying the activities proposed to be undertaken with grant funds (the “grant project”) and the timeline for the activities, including how the applicant will determine which charter schools will receive assistance, how much and what types of assistance these schools will receive, the type of schools to be served, and what procedures the applicant will use for documenting grant project procedures and results.

A description of the involvement of charter schools in the application's development and design of the proposed grant project.

A description of the applicant’s expertise in capital markets financing and organizational capacity to implement the proposed grant project successfully. (Consortium applicants must list information for each of the participating organizations.)

This description must include the applicant’s:

Operational Capacity and Risk Mitigation Strategies as evidenced by:

Age of Organization

Identify how long the organization has been in existence. (Consortiums should identify the ages of each of the participating organizations.)

Policies and Procedures

Provide a brief summary of the following applicant policies and procedures, indicating whether they are approved by the applicant’s governing board and when they were implemented. If they are not currently in place, describe what steps the organization will take to develop and implement such policies and procedures. If the practices differ from the policies and procedures, explain.

Underwriting Standards for Participants: Process for evaluating the creditworthiness of charter school participants, including criteria for providing guarantees or other credit enhancement.

Portfolio Monitoring: Monitoring process, risk rating methodologies, and debt restructuring, collections, and write-off policies.

Financial Management/Risk Mitigation: Internal controls and operating policies for safeguarding assets, including cash management; maintaining liquidity and operating reserves; likely reserve account investments; and risk mitigation strategies (e.g. portfolio diversification, adopting internal lending limits, establishing and adjusting debt loss reserves, and seeking third-party insurance against default by the applicant).

Standards of Conduct

Provide a copy of the standards of conduct for your organization, if they exist. The standards of conduct must, at a minimum, require disclosure of direct and indirect financial or other interests, mandate disinterested decision-making, and indicate corrective actions to be taken in the event of violation.

Financial Track Record and Strength as evidenced by:

Credit Rating

Submit the most recent credit rating and report prepared for the organization by a major bond rating agency, such as Standard and Poor’s, Moody’s Investors Service, or Fitch IBCA. If the organization does not have a credit rating, please indicate.

Financial Statements

Submit audited financial statements for the applicant’s three most recently completed fiscal years. If audited statements are not available, please provide financial statements for the applicant’s three most recently completed fiscal years that have been reviewed by an independent Certified Public Accountant (C.P.A.).

Such documents must include:

Balance sheets or statements of financial position;

Income statements or statements of activities;

Statements of cash flows; and

Notes to the financial statements and, if applicable, the auditor’s opinion letter and any reports of findings.

If neither audited nor C.P.A.-reviewed financial statements are available, submit internal financial statements and explain why audited or C.P.A.-reviewed financial statements are not available. If the audited financial statements of the applicant are consolidated with those of its affiliates and do not include separate schedules on the applicant’s financial position and separate income statements for the applicant, also submit a separate set of internal financial statements that clearly distinguish the applicant’s financial information from that of the affiliates.

Non-profits: IRS Form 990

Provide a copy of the most recently filed IRS Form 990.

Portfolio Quality

Provide a narrative explanation of portfolio performance, particularly explaining the circumstances of any unusually high levels of delinquencies and losses, or loss reserves that appear inconsistent with actual losses. Such explanations should include any steps the organization is taking to remedy identified problems.

Also include an explanation of any debt-loss experience with high-risk borrowers.

Financial Track Record

Complete the Applicant Activity Table for the Most Recently Completed Fiscal Year.

Financial Projections

Applicants must submit a cash flow pro forma for the grant project. The pro forma should include both a statement of sources and uses of funds and a projection of annual cash flows during the Project Period. All amounts should be expressed on a cash (year-of-expenditure) basis and should include a narrative describing key assumptions in the business model used to arrive at such estimates. The pro forma should include:

Projected cash flows (receipts and disbursements) through the Project Period, including separate line items for each category of allowable uses of reserve account funds (such as facilitating financing or guaranteeing leases). The cash flow must indicate the projected reserve account balance at the end of each year;

Administrative cost charges covered by the Federal funds (a maximum of 2.5%) and non-grant sources such as donations;

An explanation of the amount and nature of all fees and expenses (including interest on loans) payable by the charter school participants associated with the grant project; and

Anticipated interest and other earnings expected to be gained on grant funds.

If applicable, the applicant also should calculate the estimated effective financing rate (true interest cost) for charter schools participating in the grant project, and compare such percentage rate to other available financing sources.

In the event that the applicant proposes to charge fees (including interest on loans) to charter schools, the applicant must:

Indicate whether the fees and interest are in excess of the direct cost to the applicant,

Identify the size of this excess amount, and

Describe how this excess amount will be used.

Furthermore, the applicant must explain how these fees and interest rates are reasonable.

Financial Stability

Discuss the applicant’s strategy for sustaining its projected operations through earned income, grants, contributions, or other resources. Discuss the applicant’s strategy for capitalizing its loan, guarantee, or investment fund through debt, equity, secondary markets, or other resources. Discuss the extent to which funding sources are diversified and any plans to maintain or increase the diversification of funding sources.

Complete the Non-Grant Funds Projected to be Generated Table.

Legal Background

Non-profit entities: Submit a copy of articles of incorporation and by-laws.

Public entities: Submit a copy of enabling statute and other relevant legislation.

Previous grantees (both Credit Enhancement for Charter School Facilities Program and Charter School Facility Financing Demonstration Grant Program Grantees): the most recent annual performance report (if the grant has not been in place long enough to have an annual performance report, the most recent half-year report).

Applicable experience financing charter schools (if any), including the number of schools served, the total amount of financing provided, the total amount of financing credit enhanced.

Skills and Experience of the Grant Project Management Team as evidenced by:

Management and Staff Experience

For each member of the management team and other key staff, submit:

A description of current and past job responsibilities, and education, experience, and skills, with particular attention to experiences in the fields of finance and education. The description of the individuals’ experience in education must include a discussion of their expertise in assessing the programs of charter schools. This information may be provided in the form of current resumes or detailed biographical statements. Position qualification statements should be included for staff the applicant plans to hire for the project.

A description of the duties of the management team and key staff working on the project. Include any staff the applicant anticipates hiring, including through contracts, to work on the project.

Board of Directors:

Non-profit applicants only: Submit a current list of the governing board members that indicates their tenure and organizational affiliations. Discuss the role(s) of the board of directors with respect to the grant project and their qualifications in that regard. Disclose any business and personal relationships between board members and personnel working for the applicant’s organization.

A description of how the proposed grant project will leverage the maximum amount of private-sector and other non-Federal capital relative to the amount of Credit Enhancement for Charter School Facilities Program funding used, the definition of “leverage” the applicant has used in developing that description, the type of assistance to be provided, how the assistance would sufficiently reduce the costs that charter schools face so that it would enable them to obtain or improve school facilities that they would not be able to obtain or improve absent the assistance, and how the proposed activities will otherwise enhance credit available to charter schools. Also:

Provide a ratio of Federal funds to the anticipated amount of capital leveraged. For instance, if the size of the reserve account is $1 million and $5 million in bonds would be guaranteed using funds in the reserve account, the ratio is 5:1. Describe how the leveraging ratio is calculated and how the assistance provided to charters schools will be sufficient to assist them in meeting their school facility needs that could not have been met absent this assistance.

Provide an explanation of the number and characteristics of charter schools to be served by the Project (e.g. size, demographics, and age of school -- start-up or experienced, etc.) Include an explanation of the types of services they will receive.

A description of how the applicant possesses sufficient expertise in education to evaluate the likelihood of success of a charter school for which facilities financing is sought.

In the case of an application submitted by a State governmental entity, a description of current and planned State funding policy and other forms of financial assistance that will help charter schools meet their facility needs.

Grantee Reporting and Performance Measures

Reporting:

At the end of your project period, you must submit a final performance report, including financial information, as directed by the Secretary.

Also, each year, a grantee must submit an annual performance report that provides the most current performance and financial expenditure information as specified by the Secretary in 34 CFR 75.118.

Program Performance Measures:

The performance measures for this program are: (1) The amount of funding grantees leverage for charter schools to acquire, construct, and renovate school facilities and (2) the number of charter schools served. Grantees must provide this information as part of their annual performance reports.

Project-Specific Performance Measures:

Applicants must propose project-specific performance measures and performance targets consistent with the objectives of the project and program. Applications must provide the following information as directed under 34 CFR 75.110(b):

Project Performance Measures: How each proposed project-specific performance measure would accurately measure the performance of the project and how the proposed project-specific performance measure would be consistent with the performance measures established for the program funding the competition.

Project Performance Targets: Why each proposed performance target is ambitious yet achievable compared to the baseline for the performance measure and when, during the project period, the applicant would meet the performance target(s).

Note: The Secretary encourages the applicant to consider measures and targets tied to their grant activities (for instance, if applicants are using eligibility for free and reduced price lunch to measure the number of low-income families served by the project, the applicant could provide a percentage for students qualifying for free and reduce lunch), during the grant period. The measures should be sufficient to gauge the progress throughout the grant period, and show results by the end of the grant period.

The applicant must also describe in the application:

The data collection and reporting methods the applicant would use and why those methods are likely to yield reliable, valid, and meaningful performance data, and
The applicant’s capacity to collect and report reliable, valid, and meaningful performance data, as evidenced by high-quality data collection, analysis, and reporting in other projects or research.

Note: If the applicant does not have experience with collection and reporting of performance data through other projects or research, they should provide other evidence of their capacity to successfully carry out data collection and reporting for their proposed project.

Table 1 – Non-Grant Funds Projected to be Generated

Source	Project year 1	Project year 2	Project year 3	Project year 4	Project year 5	Remaining years	Total
1. Donations
2. Fees not associated with grant
3. Interest not associated with grant
4. Borrowed funds (including lines of credit to be used)
5. Appropriated funds
6. Other
Total

The purpose of this table is to determine amount and expected source of revenues for the applicant.

Table 2 – Applicant Activity Table for the Most Recently Completed Fiscal Year

Outstanding credit–enhanced debt

Total activity

Number of debt issues with credit enhancement

Dollar amount of debt issues with credit enhancement (includes debt structured using a senior/subordinate debt structure)

Outstanding leases guaranteed

Number of leases guaranteed or insured

Dollar amount of leases guaranteed or insured

Other means of facilitating financing (including both lending and the issuance of bonds) for the most recently completed fiscal year

Number of clients assisted by facilitating financing ¹

Amount of funds spent on facilitating financing (including both lending and the issuance of bonds)

Please provide a narrative associated with this table that briefly describes the types of assistance provided and the types of clients served, paying particular attention to any clients related to education, including charter schools. Each member of a consortium should complete this table separately.

¹ Includes activities in Section 4304(f)(1)(C) and (D).

Table 3 -Budget Form: Grant Funds Expenditures

Budget categories	Project year 1	Project year 2	Project year 3	Project year 4	Project year 5	Remaining years	Total
A. Administrative funds (2.5%)
A.1. Indirect costs
A.2. Administrative costs other than indirect costs
A. Total administrative costs
B. Reserve account earnings
C. Reserve account (97.5%)
C.1. Grant funds spent on guaranteeing and insuring debt and leases ¹
C.1.a. Personnel and fringe benefits
C.1.b. Payments to third parties to guarantee or insure debt
C.1.c. Other payments associated with guaranteeing and insuring debt and leases
C.1. Total Guaranteeing and insuring debt and leases payments
C.2. Grant funds spent on facilitating financing (including facilitating lending and the issuance of bonds) ²
C.2.a. Personnel and fringe benefits
C.2.b. Contractual
C.2.c. Other payments associated with facilitating financing
C.2. Total grant funds spent on facilitating financing (including facilitating lending and the issuance of bonds)
C.3. Total reserve account costs (lines C.1. and C.2.)

The purpose of this table is to determine the amount of Federal grant funds that the applicant intends to spend on activities to cover costs associated with the Credit Enhancement for Charter School Facilities Grant. The table should include funds from the reserve account only in the year they are spent. The table should not include funds that remain in the reserve account and are used to directly guarantee or insure debt or leases.

¹ Includes activities in Section 4304(f)(1)(C) and (B).

² Includes activities in Section 4304(f)(1)(C) and (D).

Instructions for Table 3 -- Budget Form: Grant Funds Expenditures

A. Administrative funds:

A.1. Indirect costs: Many organizations have indirect cost rates established with the U.S. Department of Education which allow those organizations to spend a portion of their grant funds on a share of the total organization costs such as rent and utilities. For this grant you may choose to claim indirect costs, but the total amount may not exceed the 2.5% allowed by statute. Also, if you choose to claim indirect costs, the sum of your indirect costs and your other administrative costs (line A.2.) combined may not exceed the allowable 2.5%.

A.2. Administrative costs other than indirect costs: Administrative costs include such items as preparing reports. Administrative cost funds are capped by the program’s authorizing statute at 2.5% of the award amount. Administrative costs may be spread out over the project period, but the total amount may not exceed 2.5% in total. Also, if you choose to claim indirect costs, the sum of your indirect costs and your other administrative costs (line A.2.) combined may not exceed the allowable 2.5%.

A. Total administrative costs: The total for this line should include the sum of lines A, A.1. and A.2. This line cannot exceed 2.5% of the award amount for the entire project period.

B. Reserve account earnings: Earnings include the total interest earned per year on reserve account funds as well as all fees charged in association with the project, because fees must also be added to the reserve account and used for the four allowable purposes of the grant.

C. Reserve account expenditures

C.1. Grant funds spent on guaranteeing and insuring debt and leases

C.1.a. Personnel and fringe benefits: All costs associated with paying personnel who will receive reserve account funds for their direct involvement with guaranteeing and insuring debt and leases. (We expect that this will not be a significant portion of the total request.)

C.1.b. Payments to third parties to guarantee or insure debt: All payments made with reserve account funds to third parties such as fees for guaranteeing or insuring debt.

C.1.c. Other payments associated with guaranteeing and insuring debt and leases: Any other costs paid for with reserve account funds that are not covered in C.1. a-b that can be directly attributed to guaranteeing and insuring debt and leases.

C.1. Total Guaranteeing and insuring debt and leases payments: The sum of lines C.1.a., C.1.b., and C.1.c.

C.2. Grant funds spent on facilitating financing (including facilitating lending and the issuance of bonds)

C.2.a. Personnel and fringe benefits: All costs associated with paying personnel who will receive reserve account funds for their direct involvement with facilitating financing. (We expect that this will not be a significant portion of the total request.)

C.2.b. Contractual: All costs associated with paying contractors that will receive reserve account funds for their work facilitating financing.

C.2.c. Other payments associated with facilitating financing: Any other costs paid for with reserve account funds that are not covered in lines C.2. a-b that can be directly attributed to facilitating financing.

C.2. Total grant funds spent on facilitating financing (including facilitating lending and the issuance of bonds): The sum of lines C.2.a., C.2.b., and C.2.c.

C.3. Total reserve account costs (lines C.1. and C.2.): The sum of lines C.1. and C.2. The amount in the total column for this row cannot exceed the sum of the request on Form ED 424 (the Application for Federal Education Assistance) plus reserve account earnings, and would likely be less.

Table 4 – Risk Level of Charter Schools Served – (required of past grantees only)

Type of charter schools served through previous Credit Enhancement grants from the US Department of Education as of September 30 of the most recent year	Number of charter schools
Number of charter schools served through all Credit Enhancement grants
Number of charter schools served through Credit Enhancement grants that have educated students for three years or less
Number of charter schools served through Credit Enhancement grants receiving credit enhancements of leasehold improvement loans
Number of charter schools served through Credit Enhancement grants that are independent of Charter Management Organizations, networks, or “chains” of charter schools
Number of charter schools served through Credit Enhancement grants providing personal guarantees
Number of charter schools served through Credit Enhancement grants in connection with other grantees under the program
Number of charter schools served through Credit Enhancement grants receiving guarantees through other Federal programs

Application Checklist for Applicants

As discussed on the following pages, a complete application must include all of the documents listed below.

[ ] Cover page (SF 424 Form)

[ ] ED Abstract Narrative Attachment Form

[ ] Project Narrative Attachment Form

[ ] Including responses to the selection criteria

[ ] Budget Narrative Attachment Form

[ ] ED 524

[ ] Table 3 -Budget Form: Grant Funds Expenditures

[ ] Other budget information

[ ] Other Attachments Form

[ ] Table 1- Non-Grant Funds Projected to be Generated

[ ] Table 2 - Applicant Activity Table for the Most Recently Completed Fiscal Year

[ ] Table 4 - Risk Level of Charter Schools Served - (required of past grantees only)

[ ] Consortium Applicants must attach a copy of consortium agreement

[ ] Resumes/Curriculum Vitae

[ ] Logic Model

[ ] Standards of Conduct

[ ] Credit Rating Reports

[ ] Audited Financial Statements

[ ] Cash Flow Pro Forma

[ ] Non-profits: Articles of Incorporation and By-laws

[ ] Non-profits: IRS Form 990

[ ] Public entities: Enabling Statutes and Other Relevant Legislation

[ ] Previous grantees (both Credit Enhancement for Charter School Facilities Program and Charter School Facility Financing Demonstration Grant Program Grantees): Table 4 and the most recent annual performance report (if the grant has not been in place long enough to have an annual performance report, the most recent half-year report)

[ ] Assurances and Certifications

[ ] Assurances──Non-Construction Programs

[ ] Certifications Regarding Lobbying

[ ] SF-LLLDisclosure of Lobbying Activity

[ ] Response to Section 427 of GEPA Guidance

[ ] Did you submit a copy of the application to the State Single Point of Contact (if applicable)?

Definitions for U.S. Department of Education

Supplemental Information for the SF-424

Definitions:

Novice Applicant (See 34 CFR 75.225)

For discretionary grant programs, novice applicant means any applicant for a grant from ED that—

Has never received a grant or subgrant under the program from which it seeks funding;

Has never been a member of a group application, submitted in accordance with 34 CFR 75.127-75.129, that received a grant under the program from which it seeks funding; and

Has not had an active discretionary grant from the Federal government in the five years before the deadline date for applications under the program. For the purposes of this requirement, a grant is active until the end of the grant’s project or funding period, including any extensions of those periods that extend the grantee’s authority to obligate funds.

In the case of a group application submitted in accordance with 34 CFR 75.127-75.129, a group includes only parties that meet the requirements listed above.

PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECTS IN RESEARCH

I. Definitions and Exemptions

A. Definitions.

A research activity involves human subjects if the activity is research, as defined in the Department’s regulations, and the research activity will involve use of human subjects, as defined in the regulations.

—Research

The ED Regulations for the Protection of Human Subjects, Title 34, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 97, define research as “a systematic investigation, including research development, testing and evaluation, designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge. Activities which meet this definition constitute research whether or not they are conducted or supported under a program that is considered research for other purposes. For example, some demonstration and service programs may include research activities.

—Human Subject

The regulations define human subject as “a living individual about whom an investigator (whether professional or student) conducting research obtains (1) data through intervention or interaction with the individual, or (2) identifiable private information.” (1) If an activity involves obtaining information about a living person by manipulating that person or that person’s environment, as might occur when a new instructional technique is tested, or by communicating or interacting with the individual, as occurs with surveys and interviews, the definition of human subject is met. (2) If an activity involves obtaining private information about a living person in such a way that the information can be directly or indirectly linked to that individual, the definition of human subject is met [Private information includes information about behavior that occurs in a context in which an individual can reasonably expect that no observation or recording is taking place, and information which has been provided for specific purposes by an individual and which the individual can reasonably expect will not be made public (for example, a school health record).]

B. Exemptions.

Research activities in which the only involvement of human subjects will be in one or more of the following six categories of exemptions are not covered by the regulations:

(1) Research conducted in established or commonly accepted educational settings, involving normal educational practices, such as (a) research on regular and special education instructional strategies, or (b) research on the effectiveness of or the comparison among instructional techniques, curricula, or classroom management methods. If an educational practice is being introduced to the site and is not widely used for similar populations, it is not covered by this exemption.

(2) Research involving the use of educational tests (cognitive, diagnostic, aptitude, achievement), survey procedures, interview procedures or observation of public behavior, unless: (a) information obtained is recorded in such a manner that human subjects can be identified, directly or through identifiers linked to the subjects; and (b) any disclosure of the human subjects’ responses outside the research could reasonably place the subjects at risk of criminal or civil liability or be damaging to the subjects’ financial standing, employability, or reputation. If the subjects are children, exemption 2 applies only to research involving educational tests and observations of public behavior when the investigator(s) do not participate in the activities being observed.

Exemption 2 does not apply if children are surveyed or interviewed or if the research involves observation of public behavior and the investigator(s) participate in the activities being observed. [Children are defined as persons who have not attained the legal age for consent to treatments or procedures involved in the research, under the applicable law or jurisdiction in which the research will be conducted.]

(3) Research involving the use of educational tests (cognitive, diagnostic, aptitude, achievement), survey procedures, interview procedures or observation of public behavior that is not exempt under section (2) above, if the human subjects are elected or appointed public officials or candidates for public office; or federal statute(s) require(s) without exception that the confidentiality of the personally identifiable information will be maintained throughout the research and thereafter.

(4) Research involving the collection or study of existing data, documents, records, pathological specimens, or diagnostic specimens, if these sources are publicly available or if the information is recorded by the investigator in a manner that subjects cannot be identified, directly or through identifiers linked to the subjects. [This exemption applies only to retrospective studies using data collected before the initiation of the research.]

(5) Research and demonstration projects which are conducted by or subject to the approval of department or agency heads, and which are designed to study, evaluate, or otherwise examine: (a) public benefit or service programs; (b) procedures for obtaining benefits or services under those programs; (c) possible changes in or alternatives to those programs or procedures; or (d) possible changes in methods or levels of payment for benefits or services under those programs. [The standards of this exemption are rarely met because it was designed to apply only to specific research conducted by HHS at the time the regulations were established. We will strictly construe this exemption because it was not intended to apply to ED research.]

(6) Taste and food quality evaluation and consumer acceptance studies, (a) if wholesome foods without additives are consumed or (b) if a food is consumed that contains a food ingredient at or below the level and for a use found to be safe, or agricultural chemical or environmental contaminant at or below the level found to be safe, by the Food and Drug Administration or approved by the Environmental Protection Agency or the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

II. Instructions for Exempt and Nonexempt Human Subjects Research Narratives

If the applicant marked “Yes” for Item 3.b. of the U.S. Department of Education Supplemental Information for the SF 424, the applicant must attach a human subjects “exempt research” or “nonexempt research” narrative to the U.S. Department of Education Supplemental Information for the SF-424 form. If you have multiple projects and need to provide more than one narrative, be sure to label each set of responses as to the project they address.

A. Exempt Research Narrative.

If you marked “Yes” for item 3.b. and designated exemption numbers(s), attach the “exempt research” narrative to the U.S. Department of Education Supplemental Information for the SF-424. The narrative must contain sufficient information about the involvement of human subjects in the proposed research to allow a determination by ED that the designated exemption(s) are appropriate. The narrative must be succinct.

B. Nonexempt Research Narrative.

If you marked “No” for item 3.b. you must attach the “nonexempt research” narrative to the U.S. Department of Education Supplemental Information for the SF-424. The narrative must address the following seven points. Although no specific page limitation applies to this section of the application, be succinct.

(1) Human Subjects Involvement and Characteristics: Provide a detailed description of the proposed involvement of human subjects. Describe the characteristics of the subject population, including their anticipated number, age range, and health status. Identify the criteria for inclusion or exclusion of any subpopulation. Explain the rationale for the involvement of special classes of subjects, such as children, children with disabilities, adults with disabilities, persons with mental disabilities, pregnant women, prisoners, institutionalized individuals, or others who are likely to be vulnerable

(2) Sources of Materials: Identify the sources of research material obtained from individually identifiable living human subjects in the form of specimens, records, or data. Indicate whether the material or data will be obtained specifically for research purposes or whether use will be made of existing specimens, records, or data.

(3) Recruitment and Informed Consent: Describe plans for the recruitment of subjects and the consent procedures to be followed. Include the circumstances under which consent will be sought and obtained, who will seek it, the nature of the information to be provided to prospective subjects, and the method of documenting consent. State if the Institutional Review Board (IRB) has authorized a modification or waiver of the elements of consent or the requirement for documentation of consent.

(4) Potential Risks: Describe potential risks (physical, psychological, social, legal, or other) and assess their likelihood and seriousness. Where appropriate, describe alternative treatments and procedures that might be advantageous to the subjects.

(5) Protection Against Risk: Describe the procedures for protecting against or minimizing potential risks, including risks to confidentiality, and assess their likely effectiveness. Where appropriate, discuss provisions for ensuring necessary medical or professional intervention in the event of adverse effects to the subjects. Also, where appropriate, describe the provisions for monitoring the data collected to ensure the safety of the subjects.

(6) Importance of the Knowledge to be Gained: Discuss the importance of the knowledge gained or to be gained as a result of the proposed research. Discuss why the risks to subjects are reasonable in relation to the anticipated benefits to subjects and in relation to the importance of the knowledge that may reasonably be expected to result.

(7) Collaborating Site(s): If research involving human subjects will take place at collaborating site(s) or other performance site(s), name the sites and briefly describe their involvement or role in the research.

Copies of the Department of Education’s Regulations for the Protection of Human Subjects, 34 CFR Part 97 and other pertinent materials on the protection of human subjects in research are available from the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, U.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C. 20202-4331, telephone: (202) 245-8090, and on the U.S. Department of Education’s Protection of Human Subjects in Research Web Site: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocfo/humansub.html

NOTE: The State Applicant Identifier on the SF-424 is for State Use only. Please complete it on the SF-424 in the upper right corner of the form (if applicable).

	U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION BUDGET INFORMATION NON-CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMS						OMB Control Number: 1894-0008 Expiration Date: 04/30/2014
Name of Institution/Organization				Applicants requesting funding for only one year should complete the column under "Project Year 1." Applicants requesting funding for multi-year grants should complete all applicable columns. Please read all instructions before completing form.
SECTION A - BUDGET SUMMARY U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FUNDS
Budget Categories		Project Year 1 (a)	Project Year 2 (b)	Project Year 3 (c)	Project Year 4 (d)	Project Year 5 (e)		Total (f)
1. Personnel
2. Fringe Benefits
3. Travel
4. Equipment
5. Supplies
6. Contractual
7. Construction
8. Other
9. Total Direct Costs (lines 1-8)
10. Indirect Costs*
11. Training Stipends
12. Total Costs (lines 9-11)
Indirect Cost Information (To Be Completed by Your Business Office*): If you are requesting reimbursement for indirect costs on line 10, please answer the following questions: Do you have an Indirect Cost Rate Agreement approved by the Federal government? ____Yes ____ No If yes, please provide the following information: Period Covered by the Indirect Cost Rate Agreement: From: ___/___/______ To: ___/___/______ (mm/dd/yyyy) Approving Federal agency: ____ ED ____ Other (please specify): __________________________ The Indirect Cost Rate is _________% For Restricted Rate Programs (check one) -- Are you using a restricted indirect cost rate that: ___ Is included in your approved Indirect Cost Rate Agreement? or ___ Complies with 34 CFR 76.564(c)(2)? The Restricted Indirect Cost Rate is _________%

ED 524

Name of Institution/Organization			Applicants requesting funding for only one year should complete the column under "Project Year 1." Applicants requesting funding for multi-year grants should complete all applicable columns. Please read all instructions before completing form.
SECTION B - BUDGET SUMMARY NON-FEDERAL FUNDS
Budget Categories	Project Year 1 (a)	Project Year 2 (b)	Project Year 3 (c)	Project Year 4 (d)	Project Year 5 (e)	Total (f)

1. Personnel
2. Fringe Benefits
3. Travel
4. Equipment
5. Supplies
6. Contractual
7. Construction
8. Other
9. Total Direct Costs (Lines 1-8)
10. Indirect Costs
11. Training Stipends
12. Total Costs (Lines 9-11)
SECTION C – BUDGET NARRATIVE (see instructions)

ED 524

Instructions for ED 524

General Instructions

This form is used to apply to individual U.S. Department of Education (ED) discretionary grant programs. Unless directed otherwise, provide the same budget information for each year of the multi-year funding request. Pay attention to applicable program specific instructions, if attached. You may access the Education Department General Administrative Regulations, 34 CFR 74 – 86 and 97-99, on ED’s website at:

http://www.ed.gov/policy/fund/reg/edgarReg/edgar.html

You must consult with your Business Office prior to submitting this form.

Section A - Budget Summary

U.S. Department of Education Funds

All applicants must complete Section A and provide a break-down by the applicable budget categories shown in lines 1-11.

Lines 1-11, columns (a)-(e): For each project year for which funding is requested, show the total amount requested for each applicable budget category.

Lines 1-11, column (f): Show the multi-year total for each budget category. If funding is requested for only one project year, leave this column blank.

Line 12, columns (a)-(e): Show the total budget request for each project year for which funding is requested.

Line 12, column (f): Show the total amount requested for all project years. If funding is requested for only one year, leave this space blank.

Indirect Cost Information: If you are requesting reimbursement for indirect costs on line 10, this information is to be completed by your Business Office. (1): Indicate whether or not your organization has an Indirect Cost Rate Agreement that was approved by the Federal government.

If you checked “no,” ED generally will authorize grantees to use a temporary rate of 10 percent of budgeted salaries and wages subject to the following limitations:

(a) The grantee must submit an indirect cost proposal to its cognizant agency within 90 days after ED issues a grant award notification; and

(b) If after the 90-day period, the grantee has not submitted an indirect cost proposal to its cognizant agency, the grantee may not charge its grant for indirect costs until it has negotiated an indirect cost rate agreement with its cognizant agency.

(2): If you checked “yes” in (1), indicate in (2) the beginning and ending dates covered by the Indirect Cost Rate Agreement. In addition, indicate whether ED, another Federal agency (Other) or State agency issued the approved agreement. If you check “Other,” specify the name of the Federal or other agency that issued the approved agreement.

(3): If you are applying for a grant under a Restricted Rate Program (34 CFR 75.563 or 76.563), indicate whether you are using a restricted indirect cost rate that is included on your approved Indirect Cost Rate Agreement or whether you are using a restricted indirect cost rate that complies with 34 CFR 76.564(c)(2). Note: State or Local government agencies may not use the provision for a restricted indirect cost rate specified in 34 CFR 76.564(c)(2). Check only one response. Leave blank, if this item is not applicable.

Section B - Budget Summary

Non-Federal Funds

If you are required to provide or volunteer to provide cost-sharing or matching funds or other non-Federal resources to the project, these should be shown for each applicable budget category on lines 1‑11 of Section B.

Lines 1-11, columns (a)-(e): For each project year, for which matching funds or other contributions are provided, show the total contribution for each applicable budget category.

Lines 1-11, column (f): Show the multi-year total for each budget category. If non-Federal contributions are provided for only one year, leave this column blank.

Line 12, columns (a)-(e): Show the total matching or other contribution for each project year.

Line 12, column (f): Show the total amount to be contributed for all years of the multi-year project. If non-Federal contributions are provided for only one year, leave this space blank.

Section C - Budget Narrative [Attach separate sheet(s)]

Pay attention to applicable program specific instructions,
if attached.

Provide an itemized budget breakdown, and justification by project year, for each budget category listed in Sections A and B. For grant projects that will be divided into two or more separately budgeted major activities or sub-projects, show for each budget category of a project year the breakdown of the specific expenses attributable to each sub-project or activity.

For non-Federal funds or resources listed in Section B that are used to meet a cost-sharing or matching requirement or provided as a voluntary cost-sharing or matching commitment, you must include:

a. The specific costs or contributions by budget category;

b. The source of the costs or contributions; and

c. In the case of third-party in-kind contributions, a description of how the value was determined for the donated or contributed goods or services.

[Please review ED’s general cost sharing and matching regulations, which include specific limitations, in 34 CFR 74.23, applicable to non-governmental entities, and 80.24, applicable to governments, and the applicable Office of Management and Budget (OMB) cost principles for your entity type regarding donations, capital assets, depreciation and use allowances. OMB cost principle circulars are available on OMB’s website at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/index.html]

If applicable to this program, provide the rate and base on which fringe benefits are calculated.

If you are requesting reimbursement for indirect costs on line 10, this information is to be completed by your Business Office. Specify the estimated amount of the base to which the indirect cost rate is applied and the total indirect expense. Depending on the grant program to which you are applying and/or your approved Indirect Cost Rate Agreement, some direct cost budget categories in your grant application budget may not be included in the base and multiplied by your indirect cost rate. For example, you must multiply the indirect cost rates of “Training grants" (34 CFR 75.562) and grants under programs with “Supplement not Supplant” requirements ("Restricted Rate" programs) by a “modified total direct cost” (MTDC) base (34 CFR 75.563 or 76.563). Please indicate which costs are included and which costs are excluded from the base to which the indirect cost rate is applied.

When calculating indirect costs (line 10) for "Training grants" or grants under "Restricted Rate" programs, you must refer to the information and examples on ED’s website at: http://www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html.

You may also contact (202) 377-3838 for additional information regarding calculating indirect cost rates or general indirect cost rate information.

Provide other explanations or comments you deem necessary.

Paperwork Burden Statement

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 1894-0008. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to vary from 13 to 22 hours per response, with an average of 17.5 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather the data needed, and complete and review the information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate(s) or suggestions for improving this form, please write to: U.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C. 20202-4537. If you have comments or concerns regarding the status of your individual submission of this form, write directly to (insert program office), U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20202.

OMB Control No. 1894-0005 (Exp. 03/31/2014)

NOTICE TO ALL APPLICANTS

The purpose of this enclosure is to inform you about a new provision in the Department of Education's General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) that applies to applicants for new grant awards under Department programs. This provision is Section 427 of GEPA, enacted as part of the Improving America's Schools Act of 1994 (Public Law (P.L.) 103-382).

To Whom Does This Provision Apply?

Section 427 of GEPA affects applicants for new grant awards under this program. ALL APPLICANTS FOR NEW AWARDS MUST INCLUDE INFORMATION IN THEIR APPLICATIONS TO ADDRESS THIS NEW PROVISION IN ORDER TO RECEIVE FUNDING UNDER THIS PROGRAM.

(If this program is a State-formula grant program, a State needs to provide this description only for projects or activities that it carries out with funds reserved for State-level uses. In addition, local school districts or other eligible applicants that apply to the State for funding need to provide this description in their applications to the State for funding. The State would be responsible for ensuring that the school district or other local entity has submitted a sufficient section 427 statement as described below.)

What Does This Provision Require?

Section 427 requires each applicant for funds (other than an individual person) to include in its application a description of the steps the applicant proposes to take to ensure equitable access to, and participation in, its Federally-assisted program for students, teachers, and other program beneficiaries with special needs. This provision allows applicants discretion in developing the required description. The statute highlights six types of barriers that can impede equitable access or participation: gender, race, national origin, color, disability, or age. Based on local circumstances, you should determine whether these or other barriers may prevent your students, teachers, etc. from such access or participation in, the Federally-funded project or activity. The description in your application of steps to be taken to overcome these barriers need not be lengthy; you may provide a clear and succinct description of how you plan to address those barriers that are applicable to your circumstances. In addition, the information may be provided in a single narrative, or, if appropriate, may be discussed in connection with related topics in the application.

Section 427 is not intended to duplicate the requirements of civil rights statutes, but rather to ensure that, in designing their projects, applicants for Federal funds address equity concerns that may affect the ability of certain potential beneficiaries to fully participate in the project and to achieve to high standards. Consistent with program requirements and its approved application, an applicant may use the Federal funds awarded to it to eliminate barriers it identifies.

What are Examples of How an Applicant Might Satisfy the Requirement of This Provision?

The following examples may help illustrate how an applicant may comply with Section 427.

(1) An applicant that proposes to carry out an adult literacy project serving, among others, adults with limited English proficiency, might describe in its application how it intends to distribute a brochure about the proposed project to such potential participants in their native language.

(2) An applicant that proposes to develop instructional materials for classroom use might describe how it will make the materials available on audio tape or in braille for students who are blind.

(3) An applicant that proposes to carry out a model science program for secondary students and is concerned that girls may be less likely than boys to enroll in the course, might indicate how it intends to conduct "outreach" efforts to girls, to encourage their enrollment.

We recognize that many applicants may already be implementing effective steps to ensure equity of access and participation in their grant programs, and we appreciate your cooperation in responding to the requirements of this provision.

Estimated Burden Statement for GEPA Requirements

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1.5 hours per response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. The obligation to respond to this collection is required to obtain or retain benefit (Public Law 103-382). Send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20210-4537 or email ICDocketMgr@ed.gov and reference the OMB Control Number 1894-0005.

OMB Approval No. 0348-0040

ASSURANCES - NON-CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMS

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Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 15 minutes per response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project (0348-0040), Washington, DC 20503

PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET. SEND IT TO THE ADDRESS PROVIDED BY THE SPONSORING AGENCY.

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Note: Certain of these assurances may not be applicable to your project or program. If you have questions, please contact the awarding agency. Further, certain Federal awarding agencies may require applicants to certify to additional assurances. If such is the case, you will be notified.

As the duly authorized representative of the applicant I certify that the applicant:

1. Has the legal authority to apply for Federal assistance, and the institutional, managerial and financial capability (including funds sufficient to pay the non-Federal share of project cost) to ensure proper planning, management, and completion of the project described in this application.

2. Will give the awarding agency, the Comptroller General of the United States, and if appropriate, the State, through any authorized representative, access to and the right to examine all records, books, papers, or documents related to the award; and will establish a proper accounting system in accordance with generally accepted accounting standards or agency directives.

3. Will establish safeguards to prohibit employees from using their positions for a purpose that constitutes or presents the appearance of personal or organizational conflict of interest, or personal gain.

4. Will initiate and complete the work within the applicable time frame after receipt of approval of the awarding agency.

5. Will comply with the Intergovernmental Personnel Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. 4728-4763) relating to prescribed standards for merit systems for programs funded under one of the 19 statutes or regulations specified in Appendix A of OPM's Standards for a Merit System of Personnel Administration (5 C.F.R. 900, Subpart F).

6. Will comply with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. These include but are not limited to: (a) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (P.L. 88-352) which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin; (b) Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended (20 U.S.C. 1681-1683, and 1685-1686), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex; (c) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. 794), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of handicaps; (d) the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended (42 U.S.C.  6101-6107), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of age; (e) the Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act of 1972 (P.L. 92-255), as amended, relating to nondiscrimination on the basis of drug abuse; (f) the Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation Act of 1970 (P.L. 91-616), as amended, relating to nondiscrimination on the basis of alcohol abuse or alcoholism; (g)  523 and 527 of the Public Health Service Act of 1912 (42 U.S.C.  290 dd-3 and 290 ee 3), as amended, relating to confidentiality of alcohol and drug abuse patient records; (h) Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C.  3601 et seq.), as amended, relating to nondiscrimination in the sale, rental or financing of housing; (i) any other nondiscrimination provisions in the specific statute(s) under which application for Federal assistance is being made; and (j) the requirements of any other nondiscrimination statute(s) which may apply to the application.

7. Will comply, or has already complied, with the requirements of Titles II and III of the uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (P.L. 91-646) which provide for fair and equitable treatment of persons displaced or whose property is acquired as a result of Federal or federally assisted programs. These requirements apply to all interests in real property acquired for project purposes regardless of Federal participation in purchases.

8. Will comply, as applicable, with the provisions of the Hatch Act (5 U.S.C. 1501-1508 and 7324-7328) which limit the political activities of employees whose principal employment activities are funded in whole or in part with Federal funds.

9. Will comply, as applicable, with the provisions of the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 276a to 276a-7), the Copeland Act (40 U.S.C. 276c and 18 U.S.C. 874) and the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (40 U.S.C.  327-333), regarding labor standards for federally assisted construction subagreements.

10. Will comply, if applicable, with flood insurance purchase requirements of Section 102(a) of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-234) which requires recipients in a special flood hazard area to participate in the program and to purchase flood insurance if the total cost of insurable construction and acquisition is $10,000 or more.

11. Will comply with environmental standards which may be prescribed pursuant to the following: (a) institution of environmental quality control measures under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (P.L. 91-190) and Executive Order (EO) 11514; (b) notification of violating facilities pursuant to EO 11738; (c) protection of wetlands pursuant to EO 11990; (d) evaluation of flood hazards in floodplains in accordance with EO 11988; (e) assurance of project consistency with the approved State management program developed under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1451 et seq.); (f) conformity of Federal actions to State (Clear Air) Implementation Plans under Section 176(c) of the Clear Air Act of 1955, as amended (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.); (g) protection of underground sources of drinking water under the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974, as amended, (P.L. 93-523); and (h) protection of endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, (P.L. 93-205).

12 Will comply with the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 (16 U.S.C. 1721 et seq.) related to protecting components or potential components of the national wild and scenic rivers system.

13. Will assist the awarding agency in assuring compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 470), EO 11593 (identification and protection of historic properties), and the Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 469a-1 et seq.).

14. Will comply with P.L. 93-348 regarding the protection of human subjects involved in research, development, and related activities supported by this award of assistance.

15. Will comply with the Laboratory Animal Welfare Act of 1966 (P.L. 89-544, as amended, 7 U.S.C. 2131 et seq.) pertaining to the care, handling, and treatment of warm blooded animals held for research, teaching, or other activities supported by this award of assistance.

16. Will comply with the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act (42 U.S.C. 4801 et seq.) which prohibits the use of lead- based paint in construction or rehabilitation of residence structures.

17. Will cause to be performed the required financial and compliance audits in accordance with the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 and OMB Circular No. A-133, Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations.

SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED CERTIFYING OFFICIAL

TITLE

APPLICANT ORGANIZATION

DATE SUBMITTED

18. Will comply with all applicable requirements of all other Federal laws, executive orders, regulations and policies governing this program.

Standard Form 424B (Rev. 7-97) Back

OTHER

IMPORTANT

INFORMATION

AND NOTICES

Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs

Executive Order 12372

This program is subject to the requirement of the Executive Order 12372 (Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs) and the regulations in 34 CFR Part 79. The objective of the Executive Order is to foster an intergovernmental partnership and to strengthen federalism by relying on State and local processes for Sate and local government coordination and review of proposed Federal financial assistance. Applicants must contact the appropriate State Single Point of Contact to find out about, and to comply with, the State’s process under Executive Order 12372.

You may locate the name and contact information of State Single Points of Contact at:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_spoc

Estimated Public Reporting Burden

Paperwork Burden Statement

If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate(s) or suggestions for improving this form, please write to: U.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C. 20202-4651.

If you have comments or concerns regarding the status of your individual submission of this form, write directly to: Credit Enhancement for Charter School Facilities Program, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Room 4W244, Washington D.C. 20202-6140.

***Updated 3/2014***

IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ FIRST

U.S. Department of Education

Grants.gov Submission Procedures and Tips for Applicants

To facilitate your use of Grants.gov, this document includes important submission procedures you need to be aware of to ensure your application is received in a timely manner and accepted by the Department of Education.

ATTENTION – Adobe Forms and PDF Files Required

Applications submitted to Grants.gov for the Department of Education will be posted using Adobe forms. Therefore, applicants will need to download the latest version of Adobe reader (at least Adobe Reader 10.1.14). (Please note that in early 2013, Grants.gov discovered an issue with the newest version of Adobe Reader XI but it was subsequently resolved.) Information on computer and operating system compatibility with Adobe and links to download the latest version is available on Grants.gov at this link: compatibility table. We strongly recommend that you review these details on www.Grants.gov before completing and submitting your application. In addition, applicants should submit their application a day or two in advance of the closing date as detailed below. Also, applicants are required to upload their attachments in .pdf format only. (See details below under “Attaching Files – Additional Tips.”) If you have any questions regarding this matter please email the Grants.gov Contact Center at support@grants.gov or call 1-800-518-4726.

REGISTER EARLY – Grants.gov registration involves many steps including registration on SAM (www.sam.gov) which may take approximately one week to complete, but could take upwards of several weeks to complete, depending upon the completeness and accuracy of the data entered into the SAM database by an applicant. You may begin working on your application while completing the registration process, but you cannot submit an application until all of the Registration steps are complete. Please note that once your SAM registration is active, it will take 24-48 hours for the information to be available in Grants.gov, and before you can submit an application through Grants.gov. For detailed information on the Registration Steps, please go to: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html [Note: Your organization will need to update its SAM registration annually (formerly Central Contractor Registry (CCR).]

Primary information about SAM is available at www.sam.gov . However, to further assist you with obtaining and registering your DUNS number and TIN in SAM or updating your existing SAM account the Department of Education has prepared a SAM.gov Tip Sheet which you can find at : http://www2.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/sam-faqs.html

SUBMIT EARLY – We strongly recommend that you do not wait until the last day to submit your application. Grants.gov will put a date/time stamp on your application and then process it after it is fully uploaded. The time it takes to upload an application will vary depending on a number of factors including the size of the application and the speed of your Internet connection, and the time it takes Grants.gov to process the application will vary as well. If Grants.gov rejects your application (see step three below), you will need to resubmit successfully to Grants.gov before 4:30:00 p.m. Washington, DC time on the deadline date.

Note: To submit successfully, you must provide the DUNS number on your application that was used when you registered as an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) on Grants.gov. This DUNS number is typically the same number used when your organization registered with the SAM (formerly CCR -Central Contractor Registry). If you do not enter the same DUNS number on your application as the DUNS you registered with, Grants.gov will reject your application.

VERIFY SUBMISSION IS OK – You will want to verify that Grants.gov received your application submission on time and that it was validated successfully. To see the date/time your application was received, login to Grants.gov and click on the Track My Application link. For a successful submission, the date/time received should be earlier than 4:30:00 p.m. Washington, DC time, on the deadline date, AND the application status should be: Validated, Received by Agency, or Agency Tracking Number Assigned. Once the Department of Education receives your application from Grants.gov, an Agency Tracking Number (PR/award number) will be assigned to your application and will be available for viewing on Grants.gov’s Track My Application link.

If the date/time received is later than 4:30:00 p.m. Washington, D.C. time, on the deadline date, your application is late. If your application has a status of “Received” it is still awaiting validation by Grants.gov. Once validation is complete, the status will either change to “Validated” or “Rejected with Errors.” If the status is “Rejected with Errors,” your application has not been received successfully. Some of the reasons Grants.gov may reject an application can be found on the Grants.gov site: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs.html. For more detailed information on troubleshooting Adobe errors, you can review the Adobe Reader Error Messages document at http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support/technical-support/troubleshooting/encountering-error-messages.html. If you discover your application is late or has been rejected, please see the instructions below. Note: You will receive a series of confirmations both online and via e-mail about the status of your application. Please do not rely solely on e-mail to confirm whether your application has been received timely and validated successfully.

Submission Problems – What should you do?

If you have problems submitting to Grants.gov before the closing date, please contact Grants.gov Customer Support at 1-800-518-4726 or http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/about/contact-us.html, or access the Grants.gov Self-Service web portal at: https://grants-portal.psc.gov/Welcome.aspx?pt=Grants

If electronic submission is optional and you have problems that you are unable to resolve before the deadline date and time for electronic applications, please follow the transmittal instructions for hard copy applications in the Federal Register notice and get a hard copy application postmarked by midnight on the deadline date.

If electronic submission is required, you must submit an electronic application before 4:30:00 p.m., unless you follow the procedures in the Federal Register notice and qualify for one of the exceptions to the electronic submission requirement and submit, no later than two weeks before the application deadline date, a written statement to the Department that you qualify for one of these exceptions. (See the Federal Register notice for detailed instructions.)

Helpful Hints When Working with Grants.gov

Please note, once you download an application from Grants.gov, you will be working offline and saving data on your computer. Please be sure to note where you are saving the Grants.gov file on your computer. You will need to logon to Grants.gov to upload and submit the application. You must provide the DUNS number on your application that was used when you registered as an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) on Grants.gov.

Please go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/about/contact-us.html for help with Grants.gov. For additional tips related to submitting grant applications, please refer to the Grants.gov Submit Application FAQs found on the Grants.gov http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support/general-support/faqs.html.

Dial-Up Internet Connections

When using a dial up connection to upload and submit your application, it can take significantly longer than when you are connected to the Internet with a high-speed connection, e.g. cable modem/DSL/T1. While times will vary depending upon the size of your application, it can take a few minutes to a few hours to complete your grant submission using a dial up connection. If you do not have access to a high-speed connection and electronic submission is required, you may want to consider following the instructions in the Federal Register notice to obtain an exception to the electronic submission requirement no later than two weeks before the application deadline date. (See the Federal Register notice for detailed instructions.)

MAC Users

For MAC compatibility information, review the Operating System Platform Compatibility Table at the following Grants.gov link: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support/technical-support/recommended-software.html. If electronic submission is required and you are concerned about your ability to submit electronically as a non-windows user, please follow instructions in the Federal Register notice to obtain an exception to the electronic submission requirement no later than two weeks before the application deadline date. (See the Federal Register notice for detailed instructions.)

Attaching Files – Additional Tips

Please note the following tips related to attaching files to your application, especially the requirement that applicants only include read-only, non-modifiable .PDF files in their application:

Ensure that you attach .PDF files only for any attachments to your application, and they must be in a read-only, non-modifiable format. PDF files are the only Education approved file type accepted as detailed in the Federal Register application notice. Applicants must submit individual .PDF files only when attaching files to their application. Specifically, the Department will not accept any attachments that contain files within a file, such as PDF Portfolio files, or an interactive or fillable .PDF file. Any attachments uploaded that are not .PDF files or are password protected files will not be read. If you need assistance converting your files to a .pdf format, please refer to the following Grants.gov webpage with links to conversion programs under the heading of additional resources: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support/technical-support/software/pdf-conversion-software.html

Grants.gov cannot process an application that includes two or more files that have the same name within a grant submission. Therefore, each file uploaded to your application package should have a unique file name.
When attaching files, applicants should follow the guidelines established by Grants.gov on the size and content of file names. Uploaded files must be less than 50 characters, contain no spaces, no special characters (example: -, &, *, %, /, #, \) including periods (.), blank spaces and accent marks. Applications submitted that do not comply with the Grants.gov guidelines will be rejected at Grants.gov and not forwarded to the Department.

Applicants should limit the size of their file attachments. Documents submitted that contain graphics and/or scanned material often greatly increase the size of the file attachments and can result in difficulties opening the files. For reference, the average discretionary grant application package totals 1 to 2 MB. Therefore, you may want to check the total size of your package before submission.

3/2014

Please Note – Electronic Submission Policy

Electronic Submission is Required – As outlined in the Federal Register notice for this grant competition, applications must be submitted electronically. You must submit your application using the electronic application system designated in the Federal Register notice. (The notice will designate whether you will use e-Application or Grants.gov). You may not e-mail an electronic copy to us. We will reject your application if you submit it in paper format unless you qualify for one of the exceptions to the electronic submission requirement described below and submit, no later than two weeks before the application deadline date, a written statement to the Department that you qualify for one of these exceptions.

Under mandatory submission, electronic applications must be received by 4:30:00 pm Washington, DC time on the application deadline date. Under this new policy, Education does not allow for any last minute waiver requests from applications, which is a change from the previous policy for mandatory electronic submission. Consequently, we strongly encourage you to review the registration and submission procedures for the designated electronic application system right away. In addition, we strongly suggest that you do not wait until the deadline date to submit your application.

Exception to Electronic Submission Requirement: You qualify for an exception to the electronic submission requirement, and may submit your application in paper format, by mail or hand delivery, if you are unable to submit an application through the electronic application system designated in the Federal Register notice because –

You do not have access to the Internet; or
You do not have the capacity to upload large documents to the system;

and

No later than two weeks before the application deadline date (14 calendar days or, if the fourteenth calendar day before the application deadline date falls on a Federal holiday, the next business day following the Federal holiday), you mail or fax a written statement to the Department, explaining which of the two grounds for an exception prevent you from using the Internet to submit your application. If you mail your written statement to the Department, it must be postmarked no later than two weeks before the application deadline date. If you fax your written statement to the Department, we must receive the faxed statement no later than two weeks before the application deadline date. (Please follow the fax instructions found in the Federal Register notice for this competition. Also, your paper application must be submitted in accordance with the mail or hand delivery instructions also described in the Federal Register notice for this grant competition.)

For detailed information on the electronic submission requirement for this competition,

please refer to the Federal Register notice.

Instructions for D-U-N-S Number

All applicants must have a D-U-N-S number in order to apply for federal funds.

NOTE: Check with your fiscal office to see if your institution has an assigned D-U-N-S before contacting Dun & Bradstreet.

Please provide the applicant's D‑U‑N‑S Number. You can obtain your D‑U‑N‑S Number at no charge by calling 1‑800‑333‑0505 or by completing a D‑U‑N‑S Number Request Form. The form can be obtained via the Internet at the following URL:

http://www.dnb.com/US/duns_update/index.html

The D‑U‑N‑S Number is a unique nine digit number that does not convey any information about the recipient. A built-in check digit helps assure the accuracy of the D‑U‑N‑S Number. The ninth digit of each number is the check digit, which is mathematically related to the other digits. It lets computer systems determine if a D‑U‑N‑S Number has been entered correctly.

Dun & Bradstreet, a global information services provider, has assigned D‑U‑N‑S numbers to over 43 million companies worldwide. Live help Monday-Friday 8am-6pm (EST) Dial 1-888-814-1435.

Note: Electronic submission via Grants.gov must use the D-U-N-S number your organization used when it registered in the System for Award Management.

File Type	application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document
File Title	FY 2005 Application for Grants under the Credit Enhancement for Charter School Facilities Program (MS Word)
Author	Jim.Houser
File Modified	0000-00-00
File Created	2021-01-23

Application for Federal Assistance SF-424
*1. Type of Submission: Preapplication Application Changed/Corrected Application	*2. Type of Application: New Continuation Revision			* If Revision, select appropriate letter(s):
				*Other (Specify):
Completed by Grants.gov upon submission * 3. Date Received: 4. Applicant Identifier:
5a. Federal Entity Identifier:			*5b. Federal Award Identifier:
State Use Only:
6. Date Received by State:		7. State Application Identifier:
8. APPLICANT INFORMATION:
*a. Legal Name:
*b. Employer/Taxpayer Identification Number (EIN/TIN):			*c. Organizational DUNS:
d. Address:
*Street 1:
Street 2:
*City:
County/Parish:
*State:
Province:
*Country:
*Zip / Postal Code:
e. Organizational Unit:
Department Name:			Division Name:
f. Name and contact information of person to be contacted on matters involving this application:
Prefix: *First Name:
Middle Name:
*Last Name:
Suffix:
Title:
Organizational Affiliation:
*Telephone Number: Fax Number:
*Email:

Application for Federal Assistance SF-424
9. Type of Applicant 1: Select Applicant Type:
Type of Applicant 2: Select Applicant Type:
Type of Applicant 3: Select Applicant Type:
*Other (Specify)
*10 Name of Federal Agency:
11. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: CFDA Title:
12 Funding Opportunity Number: Title:
13. Competition Identification Number: Title:
14. Areas Affected by Project (Cities, Counties, States, etc.):
*15. Descriptive Title of Applicant’s Project: Attach supporting documents as specified in agency instructions.

Application for Federal Assistance SF-424
16. Congressional Districts Of: a. Applicant: b. Program/Project:
Attach an additional list of Program/Project Congressional Districts if needed.
17. Proposed Project: a. Start Date: b. End Date:
18. Estimated Funding ($):
a. Federal b. Applicant c. State d. Local e. Other f. Program Income *g. TOTAL






*19. Is Application Subject to Review By State Under Executive Order 12372 Process? a. This application was made available to the State under the Executive Order 12372 Process for review on b. Program is subject to E.O. 12372 but has not been selected by the State for review. c. Program is not covered by E.O. 12372.
*20. Is the Applicant Delinquent On Any Federal Debt? (If “Yes,” provide explanation in attachment.) Yes No If “Yes”, provide explanation and attach.
21. By signing this application, I certify (1) to the statements contained in the list of certifications* and (2) that the statements herein are true, complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I also provide the required assurances and agree to comply with any resulting terms if I accept an award. I am aware that any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or claims may subject me to criminal, civil, or administrative penalties. (U. S. Code, Title 218, Section 1001) I AGREE ** The list of certifications and assurances, or an internet site where you may obtain this list, is contained in the announcement or agency specific instructions.
Authorized Representative:
Prefix: First Name: Middle Name: Last Name: Suffix:
*Title:
*Telephone Number:					Fax Number:
* Email:
Completed by Grants.gov upon submission *Signature of Authorized Representative:						Completed by Grants.gov upon submission *Date Signed:

Item	Entry:		Item:	Entry:
1.	Type of Submission: (Required) Select one type of submission in accordance with agency instructions. • Pre-application • Application • Changed/Corrected Application – Check if this submission is to change or correct a previously submitted application. Unless requested by the agency, applicants may not use this form to submit changes after the closing date.		10.	Name Of Federal Agency: (Required) Enter the name of the federal agency from which assistance is being requested with this application.
			11.	Catalog Of Federal Domestic Assistance Number/Title: Enter the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number and title of the program under which assistance is requested, as found in the program announcement, if applicable.
2.	Type of Application: (Required) Select one type of application in accordance with agency instructions. • New – An application that is being submitted to an agency for the first time. • Continuation - An extension for an additional funding/budget period for a project with a projected completion date. This can include renewals. • Revision - Any change in the federal government’s financial obligation or contingent liability from an existing obligation. If a revision, enter the appropriate letter(s). More than one may be selected. If "Other" is selected, please specify in text box provided. A. Increase Award D. Decrease Duration B. Decrease Award E. Other (specify) C. Increase Duration		12.	Funding Opportunity Number/Title: (Required) Enter the Funding Opportunity Number (FON) and title of the opportunity under which assistance is requested, as found in the program announcement. (See footnote below.)
			13.	Competition Identification Number/Title: Enter the competition identification number and title of the competition under which assistance is requested, if applicable.
			14.	Areas Affected By Project: This data element is intended for use only by programs for which the area(s) affected are likely to be different than the place(s) of performance reported on the SF-424 Project/Performance Site Location(s) Form. Add attachment to enter additional areas, if needed.
3.	Date Received: Leave this field blank. This date will be assigned by the Federal agency.		15.	Descriptive Title of Applicant’s Project: (Required) Enter a brief descriptive title of the project. If appropriate, attach a map showing project location (e.g., construction or real property projects). For pre-applications, attach a summary description of the project.
4.	Applicant Identifier: Enter the entity identifier assigned by the Federal agency, if any, or the applicant’s control number if applicable.
5a.	Federal Entity Identifier: Enter the number assigned to your organization by the federal agency, if any.		16.	Congressional Districts Of: 16a. (Required) Enter the applicant’s congressional district. 16b. Enter all district(s) affected by the program or project. Enter in the format: 2 characters state abbreviation – 3 characters district number, e.g., CA-005 for California 5th district, CA-012 for California 12 district, NC-103 for North Carolina’s 103 district. If all congressional districts in a state are affected, enter “all” for the district number, e.g., MD-all for all congressional districts in Maryland. If nationwide, i.e. all districts within all states are affected, enter US-all. If the program/project is outside the US, enter 00-000. This optional data element is intended for use only by programs for which the area(s) affected are likely to be different than place(s) of performance reported on the SF-424 Project/Performance Site Location(s) Form. Attach an additional list of program/project congressional districts, if needed.
5b.	Federal Award Identifier: For new applications, enter NA. For a continuation or revision to an existing award, enter the previously assigned federal award identifier number. If a changed/corrected application, enter the federal identifier in accordance with agency instructions.
6.	Date Received by State: Leave this field blank. This date will be assigned by the state, if applicable.
7.	State Application Identifier: Leave this field blank. This identifier will be assigned by the state, if applicable.
8.	Applicant Information: Enter the following in accordance with agency instructions:
	a. Legal Name: (Required) Enter the legal name of applicant that will undertake the assistance activity. This is the organization that has registered with the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). Information on registering with CCR may be obtained by visiting www.Grants.gov.		17.	Proposed Project Start and End Dates: (Required) Enter the proposed start date and end date of the project.
	b. Employer/Taxpayer Number (EIN/TIN): (Required) Enter the employer or taxpayer identification number (EIN or TIN) as assigned by the Internal Revenue Service. If your organization is not in the US, enter 44-4444444.		18.	Estimated Funding: (Required) Enter the amount requested, or to be contributed during the first funding/budget period by each contributor. Value of in-kind contributions should be included on appropriate lines, as applicable. If the action will result in a dollar change to an existing award, indicate only the amount of the change. For decreases, enclose the amounts in parentheses.
	c. Organizational DUNS: (Required) Enter the organization’s DUNS or DUNS+4 number received from Dun and Bradstreet. Information on obtaining a DUNS number may be obtained by visiting www.Grants.gov.		19.	Is Application Subject to Review by State Under Executive Order 12372 Process? (Required) Applicants should contact the State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for Federal Executive Order 12372 to determine whether the application is subject to the State intergovernmental review process. Select the appropriate box. If “a.” is selected, enter the date the application was submitted to the State.
	d. Address: Enter address: Street 1 (Required); city (Required); County/Parish, State (Required if country is US), Province, Country (Required), 9-digit zip/postal code (Required if country US).		20.	Is the Applicant Delinquent on any Federal Debt? (Required) Select the appropriate box. This question applies to the applicant organization, not the person who signs as the authorized representative. Categories of federal debt include; but, may not be limited to: delinquent audit disallowances, loans and taxes. If yes, include an explanation in an attachment.
	e. Organizational Unit: Enter the name of the primary organizational unit, department or division that will undertake the assistance activity.		21.	Authorized Representative: To be signed and dated by the authorized representative of the applicant organization. Enter the first and last name (Required); prefix, middle name, suffix. Enter title, telephone number, email (Required); and fax number. A copy of the governing body’s authorization for you to sign this application as the official representative must be on file in the applicant’s office. (Certain federal agencies may require that this authorization be submitted as part of the application.)
	f. Name and contact information of person to be contacted on matters involving this application: Enter the first and last name (Required); prefix, middle name, suffix, title. Enter organizational affiliation if affiliated with an organization other than that in 7.a. Telephone number and email (Required); fax number.
9.	Type of Applicant: (Required) Select up to three applicant type(s) in accordance with agency instructions.
	A. State Government B. County Government C. City or Township Government D. Special District Government E. Regional Organization F. U.S. Territory or Possession G. Independent School District H. Public/State Controlled Institution of Higher Education I. Indian/Native American Tribal Government (Federally Recognized) J. Indian/Native American Tribal Government (Other than Federally Recognized) K. Indian/Native American Tribally Designated Organization L. Public/Indian Housing Authority	M. Nonprofit N. Private Institution of Higher Education O. Individual P. For-Profit Organization (Other than Small Business) Q. Small Business R. Hispanic-serving Institution S. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) T. Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) U. Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions V. Non-US Entity W. Other (specify)

App for Grants under the CE for Charter School Facilitie

Application for Grants under the Credit Enhancement for Charter School Facilities Program (1894-0001)

2017 CE Application Package ICR -- 12-21-16 accepted(2)

Application for Grants under the Credit Enhancement for Charter School Facilities Program (1894-0001)

OMB: 1855-0007

INTRODUCTORY MATERIALS

Program Statute

Credit Enhancement for Charter School Facilities Program Regulations

Instructions for ED Abstract Narrative

Instructions for Project Narrative

Instructions for Budget Form and Related Information

Instructions for Other Attachments Form

Responding to the Invitational Priority, Competitive Priority, and Project Selection Criteria

Application Content Requirements

Grantee Reporting and Performance Measures

Table 1 – Non-Grant Funds Projected to be Generated

Table 2 – Applicant Activity Table for the Most Recently Completed Fiscal Year

Table 3 -Budget Form: Grant Funds Expenditures

Instructions for Table 3 -- Budget Form: Grant Funds Expenditures

Table 4 – Risk Level of Charter Schools Served – (required of past grantees only)

Application Checklist for Applicants

Forms, Assurances, and Certifications

Instructions for U.S. Department of Education

Supplemental Information for the SF-424

PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECTS IN RESEARCH

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

BUDGET INFORMATION

NON-CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMS

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FUNDS

OTHER

IMPORTANT

INFORMATION

AND NOTICES

Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs

Executive Order 12372

Estimated Public Reporting Burden

Paperwork Burden Statement

Submission Problems – What should you do?

Helpful Hints When Working with Grants.gov

Dial-Up Internet Connections

MAC Users

Please Note – Electronic Submission Policy

Instructions for D-U-N-S Number