Application Forms and Instructions for the National Resource Centers (84.015A) and the Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships (84.015B) Programs

Thank you for your interest in applying for a fiscal year XXXX (FY XXXX) grant under the National Resource Centers (NRC) Program (CFDA 84.015A), the Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowships Program (CFDA 84.015B), or both. This application booklet includes information about the programs and the instructions and forms required to submit a complete application package to the U.S. Department of Education (the Department).

Grants awarded under the NRC Program enable institutions of higher education (IHEs) or consortia of IHEs to establish, strengthen, or operate comprehensive or undergraduate centers that will be national resources for modern foreign language training in combination with research and training in area studies, international studies, or the international aspects of professional studies. FLAS grants provide allocations of fellowships to IHEs to assist meritorious students enrolled in performance-based language training and area studies, international studies, or the international aspects of professional studies.

While we strongly recommend that you read the entire application package before you begin preparing your proposal, this cover letter calls your attention to the following:

REGARDLESS OF THE TYPE OF APPLICATION YOU ARE SUBMITTING (NRC, FLAS, or BOTH), you will find the application package (and will submit your application) under Federal Funding Opportunity Number (OPE) National Resource Centers Program CFDA 84.015A. Once we receive the applications, they will be assigned PR Award Numbers, according to the application request(s).
For the FY XXXX competition, there are two Absolute Priorities for the NRC Program.

Absolute Priority 1.

Applications that provide (1) an explanation of how the activities funded by the grant will reflect diverse perspectives and a wide range of views and generate debate on world regions and international affairs; and (2) a description of how the applicant will encourage government service in areas of national need, as identified by the Secretary, as well as in areas of need in the education, business, and non-profit sectors.

Absolute Priority 2.

Applications that provide for teacher training activities on the language, languages, area studies, or thematic focus of the Center.

There are two Competitive Preference Priorities for the NRC Program.

Competitive Preference Priority 1--Collaboration with Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) or Community Colleges (up to 5 points).

Applications that propose significant and sustained collaborative activities with one or more Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) (as defined in this notice) and/or with one or more community colleges (as defined in this notice). These activities must be designed to incorporate international, intercultural, or global dimensions into the curriculum of the MSI(s) or community college(s), and to improve foreign language, area, and intercultural studies or international business instruction at the MSI(s) or community college(s). If an applicant institution is an MSI or a community college, that institution may propose intra-campus collaborative activities instead of, or in addition to, collaborative activities with other MSIs or community colleges.

Competitive Preference Priority 2--Collaborative Activities with Teacher Education Programs (up to 5 points).

Applications that propose collaborative activities with units such as schools or colleges of education, schools of liberal arts and sciences, post-baccalaureate teacher education programs, teacher education programs, and teacher preparation programs on or off the NRC campus. These collaborative activities are designed to support the integration of an international, intercultural, or global dimension and world languages into teacher education, and/or to promote the preparation and credentialing of more foreign language teachers in less commonly taught languages (LCTLs) for which there is a demand for additional teachers to meet existing and expected future kindergarten through grade 12 language program needs.

For the FY XXXX competition, there are two Competitive Preference Priorities for the FLAS Program.

Competitive Preference Priority 1--FLAS Fellowships for Students who Demonstrate Financial Need (up to 5 points).

Applications that propose to give preference when awarding fellowships to undergraduate students, graduate students, or both, who demonstrate financial need as indicated by the students’ expected family contribution, as determined under part F of title IV of the HEA. This need determination will be based on the students’ financial circumstances and not on other aid.

Competitive Preference Priority 2--Academic Year FLAS Fellowships Awarded in the Less Commonly Taught Languages (up to 5 points).

Applications that propose to award at least 25 percent of academic year FLAS fellowships in modern foreign languages other than French, German, and Spanish.

The FY XXXX Notice Inviting Applications (NIA) published in the Federal Register is the official guidance for the competition. Applicants should not rely upon any information that is inconsistent with the official NIA.

Please be advised that your acknowledgement receipt from the Grants.gov system will reference only the NRC application with a PR Award Number that includes 015A. After the applications are transferred from Grants.gov to the Department’s G5 system, applications will be assigned distinct NRC (015A) and FLAS (015B) PR Award Numbers. Please be assured that if your proposal includes NRC and FLAS, both will be evaluated by the peer review panels.

Establish a timeline that allows you to submit your application at least 2-3 days prior to the closing date and time. We recommend that you give yourself sufficient lead time because the time it takes to upload an application varies, depending on the size of your application and the speed of your Internet connection.

A hallmark of the NRC and FLAS Programs is breadth and depth of training that contributes to the national need for individuals with expertise and global competence in world languages and area or international studies. This expertise is required not only to meet the demands for careers in education, defense, intelligence, and diplomacy, but a wide range of 21^st-century workforce needs, including health sciences, STEM, economics, and information technology.

You may view more information about the NRC and FLAS Programs at:

http://www.ed.gov/programs/iegpsnrc/index.html

https://www2.ed.gov/programs/iegpsflasf/index.html

We appreciate your efforts to promote excellence in international education and look forward to receiving your application.

Sincerely,

/signed/

Cheryl E. Gibbs

Director, Advanced Training and Research Division

Acting Senior Director, IFLE

Competition Highlights

You may read more about the priorities listed in the cover letter in the Notice Inviting Applications (NIA) on pages pp. 24 - 62. You are urged to read the NIA carefully before preparing your application.
The Application (Project) Narrative

The Application (Project) Narrative is where you, the applicant address the selection criteria that peer reviewers will use to evaluate your application. The NIA contains the recommended standards for preparing the Application (Project) Narrative.

The recommended maximum number of pages for the Application (Project) Narrative is 50 pages for an application submitted by a single institution. The recommended maximum number of pages for the Application (Project) Narrative for an application submitted by a consortium is 60 pages.

Abstract

The recommended maximum number of pages for the project abstract is two pages. The abstract should include an overview of the project, its goals, and the intended outcomes. Also, for application screening purposes, indicate which competitive preference priority/ies you will address in the Application (Project) Narrative. Do not, however, include your response to the priority/ies in the abstract. While it is useful to cite progress and accomplishments made under previous NRC and/or FLAS grants, be advised that the abstract primarily should focus on the activities and project goals proposed for the next four years.

Estimated Funding Amounts

These are estimated amounts for FY XXXX. The Department is not bound by these amounts.

National Resource Centers Program
Estimated available funds: $22,743,107
Estimated range of awards: $188,000 - $270,000 per year.
Estimated average size of awards: $215,000 per year.
Estimated number of awards: 100

Project period: up to 48 months
(XX/XX/XXXX – XX/XX/XXXX)

Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships Program
Estimated available funds: $30,343,000
Estimated range of awards: $154,500 - $351,000 per year.
Estimated average size of awards: $202,500 per year.
Estimated number of institutional awards: 105

Project period: up to 48 months
(XX/XX/XXXX – XX/XX/XXXX)

FLAS Institutional Payments and Subsistence Allowances

Note: An institution may award a fellowship for the duration of one academic year or one summer session, provided the student meets the FLAS eligibility requirements.

Academic Year Fellowships

Academic Year Undergraduate	Academic Year Graduate
Institutional Payment: $10,000	Institutional Payment: $18,000
Subsistence Allowance: $5,000	Subsistence Allowance: $15,000
Total AY/UG: $15,000	Total AY/G: $33,000

Summer Fellowships (Undergraduate and Graduate)

Institutional Payment: $5,000

Subsistence Allowance: $2,500

Total Summer/ UG and G: $7,500

Overview: National Resource Centers Program (NRC)

AUTHORIZATION

Title VI, Part A, sections 601 and 602 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended.

APPLICABLE REGULATIONS

Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR parts 75, 76, 77, 79, 81, 82, 84, 86, 97, 98, and 99.
The Office of Management and Budget Guidelines to Agencies on Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) in 2 CFR part 180, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department in 2 CFR part 3485.
The Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements

for Federal Awards in 2 CFR part 200, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department in 3474.

34 CFR parts 655 and 656.
The notice of final priorities for these programs published in the Federal Register on May 30, 2014 (79 FR 31028).

PURPOSE

The NRC Program provides grants to institutions of higher education and consortia of such institutions to establish, strengthen, and operate comprehensive and undergraduate foreign language and area or international studies centers to serve as national resources for (a) teaching of any modern foreign language; (b) instruction in fields needed to provide full understanding of areas, regions, or countries in which the modern foreign language is commonly used; (c) research and training in international studies and international and foreign language aspects of professional and other fields of study; and (d) instruction and research on issues in world affairs that concern one or more countries.

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

An institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education is eligible to receive a grant.

ALLOWABLE ACTIVITIES

A grant may be used to pay all or part of the cost of establishing or operating a center or program, including the cost of--

(A) teaching and research materials;

(B) curriculum planning and development;

(C) establishing and maintaining linkages with overseas institutions of higher education and other organizations that may contribute to the teaching and research of the center or program;

(D) bringing visiting scholars and faculty to the center to teach or to conduct research;

(E) professional development of the center's faculty and staff;

(F) projects conducted in cooperation with other centers addressing themes of world regional, cross-regional, international, or global importance;

(G) summer institutes in the United States or abroad designed to provide language and area studies training in the center's field or topic; and

(H) support for faculty, staff, and student travel in foreign areas, regions, or countries, and for the development and support of educational programs abroad for students.

THE EXPECTATIONS OF AN NRC, PER THE PROGRAM REGULATIONS

A comprehensive or an undergraduate National Resource Center—

(a) Teaches at least one modern foreign language;

(b) Provides—

(1) Instruction in fields necessary to provide a full understanding of the areas, regions, or countries in which the modern foreign language taught is commonly used;

(2) Resources for research and training in international studies, and the international and foreign language aspects of professional and other fields of study; or

(3) Instruction and research on issues in world affairs that concern one or more countries;

(d) Maintains linkages with overseas institutions of higher education and other organizations that may contribute to the teaching and research of the Center;

(e) Maintains important library collections;

(f) Employs faculty engaged in training and research that relates to the subject area of the Center;

(g) Conducts projects in cooperation with other centers addressing themes of world, regional, cross-regional, international, or global importance;

(h) Conducts summer institutes in the United States or abroad designed to provide language and area training in the Center's field or topic;

(i) Supports instructors of the less commonly taught languages; and

(j) Encourages projects that support students in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields to achieve foreign language proficiency.

SCOPE OF TRAINING AND INSTRUCTION

Grants may be awarded to Centers that

(a) Focus on—

(1) A single country or on a world area (such as East Asia, Africa, or the Middle East) and offer instruction in the principal language or languages of that country or area and those disciplinary fields necessary to provide a full understanding of the country or area; or

(2) International studies or the international aspects of contemporary issues or topics (such as international business or energy) while providing instruction in modern foreign languages; and

(b) Provide training at the—

(1) Graduate, professional, and undergraduate levels, as a comprehensive Center; or

(2) Undergraduate level only, as an undergraduate Center.

TYPES OF CENTERS

Comprehensive Center means a Center that—

(1) Contributes significantly to the national interest in advanced research and scholarship;

(2) Offers *intensive language instruction;

(3) Maintains important library collections related to the area of its specialization;

(4) Makes training available to a graduate, professional, and undergraduate clientele; and

(5) Engages in curriculum development and community outreach

*Intensive language instruction means instruction of at least five contact hours per week during the academic year or the equivalent of a full academic year of language instruction during the summer (§656.7(e)).

Undergraduate Center means a center that

(1) Contributes significantly to the national interest through the education of students who matriculate into advanced language and area studies programs or professional school programs;

(2) Incorporates substantial international and foreign language content into baccalaureate degree program;

(3) Makes training available predominantly to undergraduate students; and

(4) Engages in research, curriculum development, and community outreach.

Overview: Foreign Language and Area Studies
Fellowships Program (FLAS)

AUTHORIZATION

Title VI, Part A, sections 601 and 602 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended.

APPLICABLE REGULATIONS

Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR parts 75, 76, 77, 79, 81, 82, 84, 86, 97, 98, and 99.
The Office of Management and Budget Guidelines to Agencies on Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) in 2 CFR part 180, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department in 2 CFR part 3485.
The Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements

for Federal Awards in 2 CFR part 200, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department in 3474.

34 CFR parts 655 and 657.
The notice of final priorities for this program published in the Federal Register on May 30, 2014 (79 FR 31031).

PURPOSE

The FLAS Fellowship Program awards allocations of fellowships, through institutions of higher education, to meritorious students enrolled in programs that offer performance-based instruction in less commonly taught languages in combination with area studies, international studies, or the international aspects of professional studies.

TYPE/DURATION OF FELLOWSHIPS

An institution may award a fellowship to an eligible student for one academic year or one summer session, if the summer session provides the fellow with the equivalent of one academic year of modern foreign language study.

FLAS INSTITUTIONAL ELIGIBILITY

(a) The Secretary awards an allocation of fellowships to an institution of higher education or to a consortium of institutions of higher education that—

(1) Operates a Center or program approved by the Secretary under this part;

(2) Teaches modern foreign languages under a program described in paragraph (b) of this section; and

(3) In combination with the teaching described in paragraph (a) (2) of this section—

(i) Provides instruction in the disciplines needed for a full understanding of the area, regions, or countries in which the foreign languages are commonly used; or

(ii) Conducts training and research in international studies, the international aspects of professional and other fields of study, or issues in world affairs that concern one or more countries.

(b) In teaching those modern foreign languages for which an allocation of fellowships is made available, the institution must be either using a program of performance-based training or developing a performance-based training program.

(c) The Secretary uses the criteria in §657.21 both to approve Centers and programs for the purpose of receiving an allocation of fellowships and to evaluate applications for an allocation of fellowships.

(d) An institution does not need to receive a grant under the NRC Program (34 CFR part 656) to receive an allocation of fellowships.

BIENNIAL SURVEY REQUIREMENT

All institutions receiving FY 18 FLAS grant awards must conduct a survey of FLAS alumni once every two years over a period of eight (8) years. The survey is mandated by sec. 601 (d) of the HEA to determine postgraduate employment, education, or training of FLAS fellows.

Supplemental Information

The Application (Project) Narrative is where you, the applicant, respond to the program selection criteria. The full text of the selection criteria used to evaluate NRC and/or FLAS applications are included in the FY 18 NIA published in Federal Register. The selection criteria are from 34 CFR sections 656.21 (comprehensive centers), 656.22 (undergraduate centers), and 657.21 (FLAS applicants) and may be found on pp 57-69. The list of selection criteria (by headings) and the maximum possible points may be found on pp 96 - 97. When responding to the selection criteria in the Application (Project) Narrative, please use the selection criteria order as they are presented in the program regulations. Please be advised that the selection criteria in the technical review form (TRF) follows the order presented in the program regulations.
In addition to the Application (Project) Narrative, an NRC and/or FLAS application also includes the following:

ED Form 524 (Section A Budget Summary).
Budget detail (Section C Budget Narrative).
Description to demonstrate compliance with General Education Provisions Act Section 427.
Application Profile Sheet: Applicant type (Comprehensive Center, Undergraduate NRC, FLAS fellowships), single institution or consortium; world region or thematic focus; FLAS allocation request, and FLAS-eligible languages.
Abstract.
Diverse perspectives and areas of need descriptions.

Course list that include courses with 25% - 100% area-related content.

Timeframe	Courses
XXXX-XXXX	Courses and enrollments
XXXX-XXXX	Courses being offered
XXXX-XXXX	Courses to be offered

Curriculum vitae for faculty and instructors.
Position descriptions for positions to be filled and paid from the grant.
Performance Measure Form.
Letters of support (recommended maximum: 5).
Federal forms, assurances, and certifications.

Recommended Start Date

The Department recommends a start date of XX/XX/XXXX.

Peer Review Process

A three-member panel of independent reviewers with area studies and world language expertise evaluates each application. Each reviewer provides his/her scores and comments to indicate the extent to which the applicant has responded to the NRC and/or FLAS selection criteria.

Notifying Successful Applicants

If your application is successful, we notify your U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators and send you a Grant Award Notification (GAN); or we may send you an email containing a link to access an electronic version of your GAN. The email will be sent to both the project director and certifying representative in order for them to view and print the Adobe Acrobat version of the electronically- signed GAN. If neither the project director nor certifying representative is registered in G5, they will immediately be prompted to register once the link is accessed. Because the Department issues signed GANs electronically, it is important that the email addresses provided for the project director and the certifying representative are correct.

Notifying Ineligible or Unsuccessful Applicants

If your application is not evaluated or not selected for funding, we notify you in writing.

Peer Reviewers’ Technical Review Forms (TRFs)

All applicants will receive copies of the peer reviewers’ TRFs (evaluations).

8. Reporting Requirements

If you receive a FY XX new grant award, you will be required to submit performance reports in the fall and spring, and a final performance and financial status report at the end of the project period. All performance reports for the NRC program and the FLAS program must be submitted electronically into the IFLE web-based reporting system, International Resource Information System (IRIS). This online system collects narrative, data, and budget information about funded projects to enable IFLE program officers to determine whether grantees are making substantial progress toward approved project objectives. For more information about IRIS and to view the reporting instructions, please go to

https://www2.ed.gov/programs/iegpsnrc/performance.html

https://www2.ed.gov/programs/iegpsflas/performance.html

In addition to the FLAS institutional and student performance reports, pre-and post- evaluations of FLAS recipients’ speaking skills are also required. The evaluation that the language instructor is required to administer is also accessible in IRIS.

Diverse Perspectives and Areas of National Need

The Title VI International Education Programs legislation ((20 U.S.C §1122(e)) requires that each institution of higher education or consortium of such institutions desiring a grant under the NRC and/or FLAS programs shall include the following descriptions in their grant applications:

An explanation of how the activities funded by the grant will reflect diverse perspectives and a wide range of views and generate debate on world regions and international affairs; and
A description of how the applicant will encourage government service in areas of national need, as identified by the Secretary, as well as areas of need in education, business, and non-profit sectors.

Note: If an application is submitted on behalf of a consortium, the application must include diverse perspectives and areas of national need descriptions for all institutions in the consortium.

Consultation with Federal Agencies

Section 601(c)(1) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) requires that the Secretary consult with Federal agency heads to receive their recommendations regarding areas of national need for expertise in foreign languages and world regions. These agencies’ recommendations may be viewed on this web page:

http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/iegps/index.html

Contact Information

Cheryl E. Gibbs (Asia, Pacific Islands)

Director, Advanced Training and Research Division

Acting Senior Director, IFLE

International and Foreign Language Education

U.S. Department of Education

400 Maryland Avenue, SW/ Room 257-15

Washington, D.C. 20202

Telephone: (202) 453-5690

cheryl.gibbs@ed.gov

Carolyn Collins (Canada, Latin America, Western Europe)

Telephone: (202) 453-7854

carolyn.collins@ed.gov

Tim Duvall (Africa, International, Middle East, Russia and Eastern Europe)

Telephone: (202) 453-7521

timothy.duvall@ed.gov

Address to Request Application Package

For the addresses for obtaining and submitting an application, please refer to our Common Instructions for Applications to the Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal Register on XX/XX/XXXX. (XX FR XXXX) and available at

www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2018-02-12/pdf/2018-02558.pdf.

FY XXXX Profile Form

NATIONAL RESOURCE CENTERS │CFDA 84.015A

FOREIGN LANGUAGE AND AREA STUDIES FELLOWSHIPS│CFDA 84.015B

(www.Grants.gov Part III/Other Attachments Form)

Type of Application (check all that apply)

 Comprehensive National Resource Center

 Undergraduate National Resource Center

 Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships

Federal Funds Requested

NRC Request

Year 1: ___________Year 2: _____________Year 3: ____________Year 4: ____________

FLAS Request

Year 1: ___________Year 2: _____________Year 3: _____________Year 4:____________

Type of Applicant

 Single institution __________________________________________________________

 Consortium of institutions

Lead ________________________________________________________________
Partner 1 _____________________________________________________________
Partner 2 _____________________________________________________________
Partner 3 _____________________________________________________________

NRC (Center, Institute, Program) Focus

An application may focus on a single country or on a world area or on international studies or the international aspects of contemporary issues or topics (see 34 CFR Part 656, §656.4)

 AFRICA  MIDDLE EAST

 CANADA  PACIFIC ISLANDS

 EAST ASIA/PAN ASIA  RUSSIA, EASTERN EUROPE, EURASIA

 EUROPE  SOUTH ASIA

 INTERNATIONAL  SOUTHEAST ASIA

 LATIN AMERICA and the CARIBBEAN  WESTERN EUROPE

FLAS-eligible Languages: These are the languages for which students may apply for FLAS fellowships (now), because the institution is either using a program of performance-based training or developing a performance-based training program.

Bengali, Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu

Grants.gov Submission Procedures and Tips for Applicants

All applicants are required to submit applications electronically using Grants.gov.

IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ FIRST

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.

Browser Support

The latest versions of Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE), Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Apple Safari are supported for use with Grants.gov. However, these web browsers undergo frequent changes and updates, so we recommend you have the latest version when using Grants.gov. Legacy versions of these web browsers may be functional, but you may experience issues.

For additional information or updates, please see the Grants.gov Browser information in the Applicant FAQs: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs.html#browser

ATTENTION – Workspace, Adobe Forms and PDF Files Required

Grants.gov applicants can apply online using Workspace. Workspace is a shared, online environment where members of a grant team may simultaneously access and edit different web forms within an application. For each funding opportunity announcement (FOA), you can create individual instances of a workspace.

Below is an overview of applying on Grants.gov. For access to complete instructions on how to apply for opportunities, refer to: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html

Create a Workspace: Creating a workspace allows you to complete it online and route it through your organization for review before submitting.

2) Complete a Workspace: Add participants to the workspace to work on the application together, complete all the required forms online or by downloading PDF versions, and check for errors before submission. The Workspace progress bar will display the state of your application process as you apply. As you apply using Workspace, you may click the blue question mark icon near the upper-right corner of each page to access context-sensitive help.

a. Adobe Reader: If you decide not to apply by filling out web forms you can download individual PDF forms in Workspace. The individual PDF forms can be downloaded and saved to your local device storage, network drive(s), or external drives, then accessed through Adobe Reader.

NOTE: Visit the Adobe Software Compatibility page on Grants.gov to download the appropriate version of the software at: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html

b. Mandatory Fields in Forms: In the forms, you will note fields marked with an asterisk and a different background color. These fields are mandatory fields that must be completed to successfully submit your application.

c. Complete SF-424 Fields First: The forms are designed to fill in common required fields across other forms, such as the applicant name, address, and DUNS Number. Once it is completed, the information will transfer to the other forms.

Submit a Workspace: An application may be submitted through workspace by clicking the Sign and Submit button on the Manage Workspace page, under the Forms tab. Grants.gov recommends submitting your application package at least 24-48 hours prior to the close date to provide you with time to correct any potential technical issues that may disrupt the application submission.
Track a Workspace Submission: After successfully submitting a workspace application, a Grants.gov Tracking Number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) is automatically assigned to the application. The number will be listed on the Confirmation page that is generated after submission. Using the tracking number, access the Track My Application page under the Applicants tab or the Details tab in the submitted workspace.

For additional training resources, including video tutorials, refer to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-training.html

Helpful Reminders

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.]

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. 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/encountering-error-messages.html. For more detailed information on troubleshooting Adobe errors, you can review the Adobe Reader Software Tip Sheet at: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.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 email at: support@grants.gov or access the Grants.gov Self-Service Knowledge Base web portal at: https://grants-portal.psc.gov/Welcome.aspx?pt=Grants

If electronic submission is required, you must submit an electronic application before 4:30:00 p.m. Washington, DC time, 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. 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. (See the Federal Register notice for detailed instructions.)

Helpful Hints When Working with Grants.gov

Please go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html for help with Grants.gov. For additional tips related to submitting grant applications, please refer to the Grants.gov Applicant FAQs found at this Grants.gov link: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs.html as well as additional information on Workspace at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs.html#workspace.

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.)

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, flattened .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, flattened 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.
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 file names must be fewer than 50 characters, and, in general, applicants should not use any special characters. However, Grants.gov does allow for the following UTF-8 characters when naming your attachments: A-Z, a-z, 0-9, underscore, hyphen, space, period, parenthesis, curly braces, square brackets, ampersand, tilde, exclamation point, comma, semi colon, apostrophe, at sign, number sign, dollar sign, percent sign, plus sign, and equal sign. 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 with all attachments is less than 5 MB. Therefore, you may want to check the total size of your package before submission.

DUNS Number and SAM

Data Universal Numbering System Number, Taxpayer Identification Number, and System for Award Management

To do business with the Department, and to submit your application electronically using Grants.gov, you must—

Have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN);
Register both your DUNS number and TIN with the System for Award Management (SAM.gov), the Government’s primary registrant database;
Provide your DUNS number and TIN on your application; and
Maintain an active SAM registration with current information while your application is under review by the Department and, if you are awarded a grant, during the project period.

You can obtain a DUNS number from Dun and Bradstreet at the following website: http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. A DUNS number can be created within one to two business days.

If you are a corporate entity, agency, institution, or organization, you can obtain a TIN from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). If you are an individual, you can obtain a TIN from the IRS or the Social Security Administration. If you need a new TIN, please allow two to five weeks for your TIN to become active.

The SAM registration process can take approximately seven business days, but may take upwards of several weeks, depending on the completeness and accuracy of the data you enter into the SAM.gov database. Thus, if you think you might want to apply for Federal financial assistance under a program administered by the Department, please allow sufficient time to obtain and register your DUNS number and TIN. We strongly recommend that you register early.

Note: Once your SAM.gov registration is active, it may be 24 to 48 hours before you can access the information in, and submit an application through, Grants.gov.

If you are currently registered with SAM.gov, you may not need to make any changes. However, please make certain that the TIN associated with your DUNS number is correct. Also note that you will need to update your registration annually. This may take three or more business days.

Information about SAM is available at www.SAM.gov. To further assist you with obtaining and registering your DUNS number and TIN in SAM.gov or updating your existing SAM account, we have prepared a SAM.gov Tip Sheet, which you can find at: http://www2.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/sam-faqs.html.

In addition, in order to submit your application via Grants.gov, you must (1) register as an applicant using your DUNS number; and (2) be designated by your organization’s E-Biz Point of Contact as an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR).

Details on these steps are outlined at the following Grants.gov web page: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html.

Application Deadline Date Extension in Case of Technical Issues with the Grants.gov System

If you experience problems submitting your application through Grants.gov, please contact the Grants.gov Support Desk immediately, toll-free, at 1-800-518-4726. The Grants.gov Support Center will provide you with a ticket number documenting your communication. You must retain your ticket number for future reference as proof of your communication with the Support Center. Please subsequently contact a person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section in the competition NIA and provide an explanation of the technical problem you experienced with Grants.gov, along with the Grants.gov Support Desk Case Number.

If you are prevented from electronically submitting your application on the application deadline date because of technical problems within the Grants.gov system, we will grant you an extension until 4:30:00 p.m., Eastern Time, the following business day to enable you to transmit your application electronically, provided we can verify the technical issues affected your ability to submit your application on time via your Grants.gov Support Desk Case Number.

Note: The extensions to which we refer in this section apply only to technical problems with the Grants.gov system. We will not grant you an extension if you failed to fully register in order to submit your application to Grants.gov (including with the required DUNS number and TIN currently registered in SAM) before the application deadline date and time or if the technical problem you experienced is unrelated to the Grants.gov system.

Submission of Paper Applications if Electronic Submission is Not Possible

We discourage paper applications, but if electronic submission is not possible (e.g., you do not have access to the internet), you must provide a written statement that you intend to submit a paper application. Send this written statement 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).

If you mail your written statement to the Department, it must be postmarked no later than two weeks before the application deadline date. Please send this statement to the person listed in the For Further Information Contact section of the competition NIA.

If you submit a paper application, you must mail the original and two copies of your application, on or before the application deadline date, to the Department at the following address:

U.S. Department of Education
Application Control Center
Attention: (CFDA Number 84.015A; 84.015B; 84.015A and 84.015B)
LBJ Basement Level 1
400 Maryland Avenue, SW.
Washington, DC 20202-4260

You must show proof of mailing consisting of one of the following:

A legibly dated U.S. Postal Service postmark.
A legible mail receipt with the date of mailing stamped by the U.S. Postal Service.
A dated shipping label, invoice, or receipt from a commercial carrier.
Any other proof of mailing acceptable to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education.

If you mail your application through the U.S. Postal Service, we do not accept either of the following as proof of mailing:

A private metered postmark.
A mail receipt that is not dated by the U.S. Postal Service.

Note: The U.S. Postal Service does not uniformly provide a dated postmark. Before relying on this method, you should check with your local post office.

We will not consider applications postmarked after the application deadline date.

Note for Mail Delivery of Paper Applications: If you mail your application to the Department—

You must indicate on the envelope and in Item 11 of the SF 424 the CFDA number, including suffix letter, if any, of the competition under which you are submitting your application; and
The Application Control Center will mail to you a notification of receipt of your grant application. If you do not receive this grant notification within 15 business days from the application deadline, you should call the Application Control Center at (202) 245-6288.

Federal Register Notice

4000-01-U

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Applications for New Awards; National Resource Centers Program for Foreign Language and Area Studies or Foreign Language and International Studies and Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships Program

AGENCY: Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of Education.

ACTION: Notice.

SUMMARY: The Department of Education is issuing a notice inviting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2018 for the National Resource Centers (NRC) Program, Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number 84.015A, and the Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships (FLAS) Program, Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number 84.015B.

DATES:

Applications Available: May 25, 2018.

Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: June 25, 2018.

Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: August 23, 2018.

ADDRESSES: For the addresses for obtaining and submitting an application, please refer to our Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal Register on February 12, 2018 (83 FR 6003) and available at www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2018-02-12/pdf/2018-02558.pdf.

For Further Information Contact: Timothy Duvall (Africa, International, Middle East, and Russia and Eastern Europe) U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, room 258-54, Washington, DC 20202-4260. Telephone: (202) 453-7521. Email: timothy.duvall@ed.gov; Carolyn Collins (Canada, Latin America, and Western Europe), room 258-30, Telephone: (202) 453-7854. Email: carolyn.collins@ed.gov; Cheryl Gibbs (Asia), room 257-15, Telephone: (202) 453-5690. Email: cheryl.gibbs@ed.gov.

If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) or a text telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay Service (FRS), toll free, at 1-800-877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Purpose of Programs:

National Resource Centers Program

The NRC Program provides grants to institutions of higher education (IHEs) or consortia of IHEs to establish, strengthen, and operate comprehensive and undergraduate centers that will be national resources for: (a) teaching of modern foreign languages; (b) instruction in fields needed to provide a full understanding of world regions where the modern foreign languages are used; (c) research and training in international studies and international and foreign language aspects of professional and other fields of study; and (d) instruction and research on issues in world affairs.

Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships Program

The FLAS Program allocates academic year and summer fellowships to IHEs and consortia of IHEs to assist meritorious undergraduate and graduate students receiving modern foreign language training in combination with area studies, international studies, or the international aspects of professional studies. FLAS fellowships may also assist graduate students engaged in predissertation level study, preparation for dissertation research, dissertation research abroad, or dissertation writing.

Priorities: This notice contains two absolute priorities and two competitive preference priorities for the NRC Program. Absolute Priority 1 is from section 602(e) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA) (20 U.S.C. 1122(e)). Absolute Priority 2 is from the program regulations (34 CFR 656.23). The competitive preference priorities are from the notice of final priorities for the NRC Program published in the Federal Register on May 30, 2014 (79 FR 31028). This notice also contains two competitive preference priorities for the FLAS Program. Competitive Preference Priority 1 is from the program regulations (34 CFR 657.22) and Competitive Preference Priority 2 is from the notice of final priorities for the FLAS Program published in the Federal Register on May 30, 2014 (79 FR 31031).

NRC Program

Absolute Priorities: For FY 2018, these priorities are absolute priorities for the NRC Program. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(3), we consider only applications that meet these priorities.

These priorities are:

Absolute Priority 1.

Absolute Priority 2.

Applications that provide for teacher training activities on the language, languages, area studies, or thematic focus of the Center.

Competitive Preference Priorities: For FY 2018, these priorities are competitive preference priorities. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i), we award up to an additional five points depending on how well the application meets Competitive Preference Priority 1, and up to an additional five points depending on how well the application meets Competitive Preference Priority 2. An application may receive a total of up to 10 additional points under the competitive preference priorities.

These priorities are:

Competitive Preference Priority 1--Collaboration with Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) or Community Colleges (up to 5 points).

For the purpose of this priority:

Community college means an institution that meets the definition in section 312(f) of the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1058(f)); or an institution of higher education as defined in section 101 of the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1001)) that awards degrees and certificates, more than 50 percent of which are not bachelor’s degrees (or an equivalent) or master’s, professional, or other advanced degrees.

Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) means an institution that is eligible to receive assistance under sections 316 through 320 of part A of title III, under part B of title III, or under title V of the HEA.

The institutions designated eligible under title III and title V may be viewed at the following link:

www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/idues/eligibility.html.

Competitive Preference Priority 2--Collaborative Activities with Teacher Education Programs (up to 5 points).

FLAS Program

Competitive Preference Priority 1--FLAS Fellowships for Students who Demonstrate Financial Need (up to 5 points).

The applicant must describe how it will ensure that all fellows who receive such preference show potential for high academic achievement based on such indices as grade point average, class ranking, or similar measures that the institution may determine.

Competitive Preference Priority 2--Academic Year FLAS Fellowships Awarded in the Less Commonly Taught Languages (up to 5 points).

Applications that propose to award at least 25 percent of academic year FLAS fellowships in modern foreign languages other than French, German, and Spanish.

Note: Under 34 CFR 657.22(a), the Secretary may designate specific languages as a priority for the allocation of fellowships. For FLAS Competitive Preference Priority 2, we took into consideration the findings in the recent Modern Language Association of America (MLA) survey¹ of fall 2016 undergraduate and graduate enrollments in language courses at 2,547 postsecondary institutions in the United States. Of 1,417,921 total enrollments, the three most-studied modern foreign languages included Spanish with 712,240 enrollments or 50 percent; French with 175,667 enrollments or 12 percent; and German with 80,594 enrollments or 6 percent. Together, these three languages represented 968,501 or 68 percent of enrollments. Other languages, with 34,830 enrollments, constituted 25 percent of enrollments for the same period.

The findings in the MLA survey are consistent with the definition of LCTLs used by the Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition (CARLA).² CARLA defines LCTLs as “all of the world’s languages except English, French, German, and Spanish.”

Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1122.

Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations in 34 CFR parts 75, 76, 77, 79, 81, 82, 84, 86, 97, 98, and 99. (b) The Office of Management and Budget Guidelines to Agencies on Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) in 2 CFR part 180, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department in 2 CFR part 3485. (c) The Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards in 2 CFR part 200, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department in 2 CFR part 3474. (d) The regulations in 34 CFR parts 655, 656, and 657. (e) The notices of final priorities for these programs published in the Federal Register on May 30, 2014 (79 FR 31028, 79 FR 31031).

Areas of National Need: In accordance with section 601(c) of the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1121(c)), the Secretary consulted with a wide range of Federal agencies and received recommendations regarding national need for expertise in foreign language and world regions. These agencies’ recommendations may be viewed on this web page: www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/iegps/index.html.

Diverse Perspectives and Areas of National Need: Section 602(e) of the HEA requires that each IHE or consortium of IHEs include the following information in NRC grant applications:

(1) An explanation of how the activities funded by the grant will reflect diverse perspectives and a wide range of views and generate debate on world regions and international affairs; and

(2) A description of how the applicant will encourage government service in areas of national need, as identified by the Secretary, as well as in areas of need in the education, business, and non-profit sectors.

II. Award Information

Type of Award: Discretionary grants.

Estimated NRC Available Funds: $22,743,107.

Africa ($2,370,700); Canada ($425,000); East Asia ($3,467,200); International ($1,655,000); Latin America ($3,482,017); Middle East ($3,375,000); Russia and Eastern Europe ($2,605,000); South Asia ($1,906,340); Southeast Asia ($1,898,850); and Western Europe ($1,558,000).

Estimated Range of Awards: $188,000-$270,000 per year.

Estimated Average Size of Awards: $215,000 per year.

Estimated Number of Awards: 100.

Estimated FLAS Available Funds: $30,343,000.

Africa ($3,357,000); Canada ($349,500); East Asia ($5,419,000); International ($2,454,000); Latin America ($4,456,500); Middle East ($3,526,500); Russia and Eastern Europe ($3,583,500); South Asia ($2,713,500); Southeast Asia ($2,449,500); and Western Europe ($2,034,000).

Estimated Range of Awards: $154,500-$351,000 per year.

Estimated Average Size of Awards: $202,500 per year.

Estimated Number of Awards: 105.

FLAS Fellowship Subsistence Allowances: The subsistence allowance for a graduate student academic year fellowship is $15,000; the subsistence allowance for an undergraduate student academic year fellowship is $5,000. The subsistence allowance for a summer fellowship is $2,500 for graduate and undergraduate students.

FLAS Fellowship Institutional Payments: The institutional payment for a graduate student academic year fellowship is $18,000; the institutional payment for an undergraduate student academic year fellowship is $10,000. The institutional payment for a summer fellowship is $5,000 for graduate and undergraduate students.

Contingent upon the availability of funds and the quality of applications, we may make additional awards in FY 2019 from the list of unfunded applications from these competitions.

Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice. The estimated range and average size of awards are based on a single 12-month budget period. We may use FY 2018 funds to support multiple 12-month budget periods for one or more grantees.

Project Period: Up to 48 months.

III. Eligibility Information

Eligible Applicants: IHEs or consortia of IHEs.
a. Cost Sharing or Matching: These programs do not

require cost sharing or matching.

b. Supplement-Not-Supplant: The NRC Program involves supplement-not-supplant funding requirements. Under 34 CFR 656.33(b)(3), grant funds may not be used to supplant funds normally used by applicants for purposes of this program.

3. Subgrantees: Under 34 CFR 75.708(b) and (c), a grantee under the NRC Program may award subgrants--to directly carry out project activities described in its application--to the following types of entities: IHEs, non-profit organizations, professional organizations, or businesses. The grantee may award subgrants to entities it has identified in an approved application or that it selects through competition under procedures established by the grantee. However, a grantee under the FLAS Program may not award subgrants to entities to directly carry out project activities described in its application.

4. Other: (a) Reasonable and Necessary Costs: Applicants must ensure that all costs included in the proposed budget are necessary and reasonable to meet the goals and objectives of the proposed project. Any costs determined by the Secretary to be unreasonable or unnecessary will be removed from the final approved budget.

(b) Audits: (i) A non-Federal entity that expends $750,000 or more during the non-Federal entity’s fiscal year in Federal awards must have a single or program-specific audit conducted for that year in accordance with the provisions of 2 CFR part 200. (2 CFR 200.501(a))

(ii) A non-Federal entity that expends less than $750,000 during the non-Federal entity’s fiscal year in Federal awards is exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in 2 CFR 200.503 (Relation to Other Audit Requirements), but records must be available for review or audit by appropriate officials of the Federal agency, pass-through entity, and Government Accountability Office (GAO). (2 CFR 200.501(d).)

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Application Submission Instructions: For information on how to submit an application, please refer to our Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal Register on February 12, 2018 (83 FR 6003) and available at www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2018-02-12/pdf/2018-02558.pdf.

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

3. Funding Restrictions: We specify unallowable costs in 34 CFR 656.30(b) and 657.33. We reference additional regulations outlining funding restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice.

4. Recommended Page Limit: The application narrative (Part III of the application) is where you, the applicant, address the priorities, selection criteria, and application requirements that reviewers use to evaluate your application. We recommend that you (1) limit the application narrative to no more than 50 pages for single institution applications, and to no more than 60 pages for consortia applications and (2) use the following standards:

● A “page” is 8.5" x 11", on one side only, with 1" margins at the top, bottom, and both sides.

● Double space (no more than three lines per vertical inch) all text in the application narrative, except titles, headings, footnotes, quotations, references, and captions. Charts, tables, figures, and graphs in the application narrative may be single spaced and will count toward the recommended page limit.

● Use a font that is either 12 point or larger, or no smaller than 10 pitch (characters per inch). However, you may use a 10-point font in charts, tables, figures, and graphs.

● Use one of the following fonts: Times New Roman, Courier, Courier New, or Arial.

The recommended page limit does not apply to Part I, the Application for Federal Assistance face sheet (SF 424); the supplemental SF 424 form; Part II, Budget Information—Non-Construction Programs (ED 524); the detailed line item budget; Part IV, the assurances and certifications, and the response to section 427 of the General Education Provisions Act; the project abstract, the table of contents, the list of acronyms, the response to the diverse perspectives/areas of need requirements, the NRC/FLAS project profile form, and the appendices (curriculum vitae, course list, performance measure form; letters of support). However, the recommended page limit does apply to all of the application narrative.

5. Award Basis: In determining whether to approve a grant award and the amount of such award, the Department will consider, among other things, the applicant’s performance and use of funds under a previous or existing award under any Department program (34 CFR 75.217(d)(3)(ii) and 75.233. In assessing the applicant’s performance and use of funds under a previous or existing award, the Secretary will consider, among other things, the outcomes the applicant has achieved and the results of any Departmental grant monitoring, including the applicant’s progress in remedying any deficiencies identified in such monitoring.

V. Application Review Information

1. General: For the FY 2018 NRC and FLAS competitions, all applications will be assigned to peer review panels based on the country, thematic focus, international studies, or world region such as Africa, Asia, or the Middle East. All applicant institutions specify their respective categories in their NRC and FLAS applications. The readers who serve on the peer review panels are selected for the specialized area studies, international studies, and modern foreign language expertise needed to review, score, and rank the assigned applications in each distinct category. For the NRC and FLAS competitions, the Department will select applications for funding consideration from each distinct peer review panel based on the ranking of the applications within that panel.

2. Selection Criteria: The maximum score for all of the NRC selection criteria, taken together with the maximum number of points awarded to applicants that address the competitive preference priorities, is 175 points. The maximum score for all of the FLAS selection criteria, taken together with the maximum number of points awarded to applicants that address the competitive preference priorities, is 145 points.

NRC Program

The Secretary uses the following selection criteria from 34 CFR 656.21 to evaluate an NRC application for a comprehensive Center:

(a) Program planning and budget (up to 25 points). The Secretary reviews each application to determine--

(1) The extent to which the activities for which the applicant seeks funding are of high quality and directly related to the purpose of the National Resource Centers Program;

(2) The extent to which the applicant provides a development plan or timeline demonstrating how the proposed activities will contribute to a strengthened program and whether the applicant uses its resources and personnel effectively to achieve the proposed objectives;

(3) The extent to which the costs of the proposed activities are reasonable in relation to the objectives of the program; and

(4) The long-term impact of the proposed activities on the institution's undergraduate, graduate, and professional training programs.

(b) Quality of staff resources (up to 15 points). The Secretary reviews each application to determine--

(1) The extent to which teaching faculty and other staff are qualified for the current and proposed Center activities and training programs, are provided professional development opportunities (including overseas experience), and participate in teaching, supervising, and advising students;

(2) The adequacy of Center staffing and oversight arrangements, including outreach and administration and the extent to which faculty from a variety of departments, professional schools, and the library are involved; and

(3) The extent to which the applicant, as part of its nondiscriminatory employment practices, encourages applications for employment from persons who are members of groups that have been traditionally underrepresented, such as members of racial or ethnic minority groups, women, persons with disabilities, and the elderly.

(1) The extent to which the Center's activities and training programs have a significant impact on the university, community, region, and the Nation as shown through indices such as enrollments, graduate placement data, participation rates for events, and usage of Center resources; and the extent to which the applicant supplies a clear description of how the applicant will provide equal access and treatment of eligible project participants who are members of groups that have been traditionally underrepresented, such as members of racial or ethnic minority groups, women, persons with disabilities, and the elderly;

(2) The extent to which the applicant provides an evaluation plan that is comprehensive and objective and that will produce quantifiable, outcome-measure-oriented data; and the extent to which recent evaluations have been used to improve the applicant's program;

(3) The degree to which activities of the Center address national needs, and generate information for and disseminate information to the public; and

(4) The applicant's record of placing students into post-graduate employment, education, or training in areas of national need and the applicant's stated efforts to increase the number of such students that go into such placements.

(d) Commitment to the subject area on which the Center focuses (up to 10 points). The Secretary reviews each application to determine the extent to which the institution provides financial and other support to the operation of the Center, teaching staff for the Center's subject area, library resources, linkages with institutions abroad, outreach activities, and qualified students in fields related to the Center.

(e) Strength of library (up to 10 points). The Secretary reviews each application to determine--

(1) The strength of the institution's library holdings (both print and non-print, English and foreign language) in the subject area and at the educational levels (graduate, professional, undergraduate) on which the Center focuses; and the extent to which the institution provides financial support for the acquisition of library materials and for library staff in the subject area of the Center; and

(2) The extent to which research materials at other institutions are available to students through cooperative arrangements with other libraries or on-line databases and the extent to which teachers, students, and faculty from other institutions are able to access the library's holdings.

(f) Quality of the Center’s non-language instructional program (up to 20 points). The Secretary reviews each application to determine--

(1) The quality and extent of the Center's course offerings in a variety of disciplines, including the extent to which courses in the Center's subject matter are available in the institution's professional schools;

(2) The extent to which the Center offers depth of specialized course coverage in one or more disciplines of the Center's subject area;

(3) The extent to which the institution employs a sufficient number of teaching faculty to enable the Center to carry out its purposes and the extent to which instructional assistants are provided with pedagogy training; and

(4) The extent to which interdisciplinary courses are offered for undergraduate and graduate students.

(g) Quality of the Center’s language instructional program (up to 20 points). The Secretary reviews each application to determine--

(1) The extent to which the Center provides instruction in the languages of the Center's subject area and the extent to which students enroll in the study of the languages of the subject area through programs or instruction offered by the Center or other providers;

(2) The extent to which the Center provides three or more levels of language training and the extent to which courses in disciplines other than language, linguistics, and literature are offered in appropriate foreign languages;

(3) Whether sufficient numbers of language faculty are available to teach the languages and levels of instruction described in the application and the extent to which language teaching staff (including faculty and instructional assistants) have been exposed to current language pedagogy training appropriate for performance-based teaching; and

(4) The quality of the language program as measured by the performance-based instruction being used or developed, the adequacy of resources for language teaching and practice, and language proficiency requirements.

(h) Quality of curriculum design (up to 15 points). The Secretary reviews each application to determine--

(1) The extent to which the Center's curriculum has incorporated undergraduate instruction in the applicant's area or topic of specialization into baccalaureate degree programs (for example, major, minor, or certificate programs) and the extent to which these programs and their requirements (including language requirements) are appropriate for a Center in this subject area and will result in an undergraduate training program of high quality;

(2) The extent to which the Center's curriculum provides training options for graduate students from a variety of disciplines and professional fields and the extent to which these programs and their requirements (including language requirements) are appropriate for a Center in this subject area and result in graduate training programs of high quality; and

(3) The extent to which the Center provides academic and career advising services for students; the extent to which the Center has established formal arrangements for students to conduct research or study abroad and the extent to which these arrangements are used; and the extent to which the institution facilitates student access to other institutions' study abroad and summer language programs.

(i) Outreach activities (up to 20 points). The Secretary reviews each application to determine the extent to which the Center demonstrates a significant and measurable regional and national impact of, and faculty and professional school involvement in, domestic outreach activities that involve--

(1) Elementary and secondary schools;

(2) Postsecondary institutions; and

(3) Business, media, and the general public.

(j) Degree to which priorities are served (up to 10 points). If, under the provisions of § 656.23, the Secretary establishes competitive priorities for Centers, the Secretary considers the degree to which those priorities are being served.

The Secretary uses the following selection criteria from 34 CFR 656.22 to evaluate an NRC application for an undergraduate Center:

(a) Program planning and budget (up to 25 points). The Secretary reviews each application to determine--

(1) The extent to which the activities for which the applicant seeks funding are of high quality and directly related to the purpose of the National Resource Centers Program;

(3) The extent to which the costs of the proposed activities are reasonable in relation to the objectives of the program; and

(4) The long-term impact of the proposed activities on the institution's undergraduate training program.

(b) Quality of staff resources (up to 15 points). The Secretary reviews each application to determine--

(1) The extent to which the Center's activities and training programs have a significant impact on the university, community, region, and the Nation as shown through indices such as enrollments, graduate placement data, participation rates for events, and usage of Center resources; the extent to which students matriculate into advanced language and area or international studies programs or related professional programs; and the extent to which the applicant supplies a clear description of how the applicant will provide equal access and treatment of eligible project participants who are members of groups that have been traditionally underrepresented, such as members of racial or ethnic minority groups, women, persons with disabilities, and the elderly;

(3) The degree to which activities of the Center address national needs, and generate information for and disseminate information to the public; and

(e) Strength of library (up to 10 points). The Secretary reviews each application to determine--

(f) Quality of the Center's non-language instructional program (up to 20 points). The Secretary reviews each application to determine--

(1) The quality and extent of the Center's course offerings in a variety of disciplines;

(2) The extent to which the Center offers depth of specialized course coverage in one or more disciplines of the Center's subject area;

(4) The extent to which interdisciplinary courses are offered for undergraduate students.

(g) Quality of the Center's language instructional program (up to 20 points). The Secretary reviews each application to determine--

(h) Quality of curriculum design (up to 15 points). The Secretary reviews each application to determine—

(2) The extent to which the Center provides academic and career advising services for students; the extent to which the Center has established formal arrangements for students to conduct research or study abroad and the extent to which these arrangements are used; and the extent to which the institution facilitates student access to other institutions' study abroad and summer language programs.

(1) Elementary and secondary schools;

(2) Postsecondary institutions; and

(3) Business, media and the general public.

FLAS Program

The Secretary uses the following selection criteria from 34 CFR 657.21 to evaluate an institutional application for an allocation of FLAS fellowships:

(a) Quality of staff resources (up to 15 points). The Secretary reviews each application to determine--

(1) The extent to which teaching faculty and other staff are qualified for the current and proposed activities and training programs, are provided professional development opportunities (including overseas experience), and participate in teaching, supervising, and advising students;

(2) The adequacy of applicant staffing and oversight arrangements and the extent to which faculty from a variety of departments, professional schools, and the library are involved; and

(b) Impact and evaluation (up to 25 points). The Secretary reviews each application to determine--

(1) The extent to which the applicant's activities and training programs have contributed to an improved supply of specialists on the program's subject as shown through indices such as undergraduate and graduate enrollments and placement data; and the extent to which the applicant supplies a clear description of how the applicant will provide equal access and treatment of eligible project participants who are members of groups that have been traditionally underrepresented, such as members of racial or ethnic minority groups, women, persons with disabilities, and the elderly;

(3) The degree to which fellowships awarded by the applicant address national needs; and

(c) Commitment to the subject area on which the applicant or program focuses (up to 10 points). The Secretary reviews each application to determine--

(1) The extent to which the institution provides financial and other support to the operation of the applicant, teaching staff for the applicant's subject area, library resources, and linkages with institutions abroad; and

(2) The extent to which the institution provides financial support to students in fields related to the applicant's teaching program.

(d) Strength of library (up to 10 points). The Secretary reviews each application to determine--

(1) The strength of the institution's library holdings (both print and non-print, English and foreign language) for students; and the extent to which the institution provides financial support for the acquisition of library materials and for library staff in the subject area of the applicant; and

(2) The extent to which research materials at other institutions are available to students through cooperative arrangements with other libraries or on-line databases.

(e) Quality of the applicant’s non-language instructional program (up to 20 points). The Secretary reviews each application to determine--

(1) The quality and extent of the applicant's course offerings in a variety of disciplines, including the extent to which courses in the applicant's subject matter are available in the institution's professional schools;

(2) The extent to which the applicant offers depth of specialized course coverage in one or more disciplines on the applicant's subject area;

(3) The extent to which the institution employs a sufficient number of teaching faculty to enable the applicant to carry out its purposes and the extent to which instructional assistants are provided with pedagogy training; and

(4) The extent to which interdisciplinary courses are offered for students.

(f) Quality of the applicant’s language instructional program (up to 20 points). The Secretary reviews each application to determine--

(1) The extent to which the applicant provides instruction in the languages of the applicant's subject area and the extent to which students enroll in the study of the languages of the subject area through programs or instruction offered by the applicant or other providers;

(2) The extent to which the applicant provides three or more levels of language training and the extent to which courses in disciplines other than language, linguistics, and literature are offered in appropriate foreign languages;

(g) Quality of curriculum design (up to 20 points). The Secretary reviews each application to determine--

(1) The extent to which the applicant's curriculum provides training options for students from a variety of disciplines and professional fields and the extent to which these programs and their requirements (including language requirements) are appropriate for an applicant in this subject area and result in graduate training programs of high quality;

(2) The extent to which the applicant provides academic and career advising services for students; and

(3) The extent to which the applicant has established formal arrangements for students to conduct research or study abroad and the extent to which these arrangements are used; and the extent to which the institution facilitates student access to other institutions' study abroad and summer language programs.

(h) Foreign language and area studies fellowships awardee selection procedures (up to 15 points). The Secretary reviews each application to determine whether the selection plan is of high quality, showing how awards will be advertised, how students apply, what selection criteria are used, who selects the fellows, when each step will take place, and how the process will result in awards being made to correspond to any announced priorities.

(i) Priorities (up to 10 points). If one or more competitive priorities have been established under § 657.22, the Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the extent to which the Center or program meets these priorities.

Note: Applicants should address these selection criteria only in the context of the program requirements in sections 601 and 602 of the HEA, 20 U.S.C. 1121-1122.

3. Review and Selection Process: We remind potential applicants that in reviewing applications in any discretionary grant competition, the Secretary may consider, under 34 CFR 75.217(d)(3), the past performance of the applicant in carrying out a previous award, such as the applicant’s use of funds, achievement of project objectives, and compliance with grant conditions. The Secretary may also consider whether the applicant failed to submit a timely performance report or submitted a report of unacceptable quality.

In addition, in making a competitive grant award, the Secretary requires various assurances, including those applicable to Federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department (34 CFR 100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).

4. Risk Assessment and Specific Conditions: Consistent with 2 CFR 200.205, before awarding grants under these programs the Department conducts a review of the risks posed by applicants. Under 2 CFR 3474.10, the Secretary may impose specific conditions and, in appropriate circumstances, high-risk conditions on a grant if the applicant or grantee is not financially stable; has a history of unsatisfactory performance; has a financial or other management system that does not meet the standards in 2 CFR part 200, subpart D; has not fulfilled the conditions of a prior grant; or is otherwise not responsible.

5. Integrity and Performance System: If you are selected under this competition to receive an award that over the course of the project period may exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $150,000), under 2 CFR 200.205(a)(2) we must make a judgment about your integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards--that is, the risk posed by you as an applicant--before we make an award. In doing so, we must consider any information about you that is in the integrity and performance system (currently referred to as the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS)), accessible through the System for Award Management. You may review and comment on any information about yourself that a Federal agency previously entered and that is currently in FAPIIS.

Please note that if the total value of your currently active grants, cooperative agreements, and procurement contracts from the Federal Government exceeds $10,000,000, the reporting requirements in 2 CFR part 200, Appendix XII, require you to report certain integrity information to FAPIIS semiannually. Please review the requirements in 2 CFR part 200, Appendix XII, if this grant plus all the other Federal funds you receive exceed $10,000,000.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices: If your application is successful, we notify your U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators and send you a Grant Award Notification (GAN); or we may send you an email containing a link to access an electronic version of your GAN. We may notify you informally, also.

If your application is not evaluated or not selected for funding, we notify you.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: We identify administrative and national policy requirements in the application package and reference these and other requirements in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice.

We reference the regulations outlining the terms and conditions of an award in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice and include these and other specific conditions in the GAN. The GAN also incorporates your approved application as part of your binding commitments under the grant.

3. Open Licensing Requirements: Unless an exception applies, if you are awarded a grant under this competition, you will be required to openly license to the public grant deliverables created in whole, or in part, with Department grant funds. When the deliverable consists of modifications to pre-existing works, the license extends only to those modifications that can be separately identified and only to the extent that open licensing is permitted under the terms of any licenses or other legal restrictions on the use of pre-existing works. Additionally, a grantee or subgrantee that is awarded competitive grant funds must have a plan to disseminate these public grant deliverables. This dissemination plan can be developed and submitted after your application has been reviewed and selected for funding. For additional information on the open licensing requirements, please refer to 2 CFR part 3474.20.

4. Reporting: (a) If you apply for a grant under this competition, you must ensure that you have in place the necessary processes and systems to comply with the reporting requirements in 2 CFR part 170, should you receive funding under the competition. This does not apply if you have an exception under 2 CFR 170.110(b).

(b) At the end of your project period, you must submit a final performance report, including financial information, as directed by the Secretary. If you receive a multiyear award, you must submit an annual performance report that provides the most current performance and financial expenditure information as directed by the Secretary under 34 CFR 75.118. The Secretary may also require more frequent performance reports under 34 CFR 75.720(c). For specific requirements on reporting, please go to www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html.

Performance reports for the NRC Program and the FLAS Program must be submitted electronically into the Office of International and Foreign Language Education web-based reporting system, International Resource Information System (IRIS). For information about IRIS and to view the reporting instructions, please go to

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

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

5. Performance Measures: (a) Under the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993, the following measures will be used by the Department to evaluate the success of the NRC Program:

1. Percentage of priority languages defined by the Secretary of Education taught at NRCs.

2. Percentage of NRC grants teaching intermediate or advanced courses in priority languages as defined by the Secretary of Education.

3. Percentage of NRCs that increased the number of intermediate or advanced level language courses in the priority and/or LCTLs during the course of the grant period.

4. Percentage of NRCs that increased the number of certificate, minor, or major degree programs in the priority and/or LCTLs, area studies, or international studies during the course of the four-year grant period.

5. Percentage of less and least commonly taught languages as defined by the Secretary of Education taught at title VI NRCs.

6. Cost per NRC that increased the number of intermediate or advanced level language courses in the priority and/or LCTLs during the course of the grant period.

(b) The following measures will be used by the Department to evaluate the success of the FLAS Program:

1. Percentage of FLAS-graduated fellows who secured employment that utilizes their foreign language and area studies skills within eight years after graduation, based on the FLAS tracking survey.

2. Percentage of FLAS master’s and doctoral graduates who studied priority languages as defined by the Secretary of Education.

3. Percentage of FLAS fellows who increased their foreign language reading, writing, and/or listening/speaking scores by at least one proficiency level.

The information provided by grantees in their performance reports submitted via IRIS will be the source of data for these measures. Reporting screens for institutions can be viewed at:

http://iris.ed.gov/iris/pdfs/NRC.pdf

http://iris.ed.gov/iris/pdfs/FLAS.pdf

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

In making a continuation award, the Secretary also considers whether the grantee is operating in compliance with the assurances in its approved application, including those applicable to Federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department (34 CFR 100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).

VII. Other Information

Accessible Format: Individuals with disabilities can obtain this document and a copy of the application package in an accessible format (e.g., braille, large print, audiotape, or compact disc) on request to the program contact persons listed under For Further Information Contact.

Electronic Access to This Document: The official version of this document is the document published in the Federal Register. You may access the official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations via the Federal Digital System at: www.gpo.gov/fdsys. At this site you can view this document, as well as all other documents of this Department published in the Federal Register, in text or PDF. To use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at the site.

You may also access documents of the Department published in the Federal Register by using the article search feature at: www.federalregister.gov.

Specifically, through the advanced search feature at this site, you can limit your search to documents published by the Department.

Dated:

_____________________________________

Frank T. Brogan,

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and Delegated the Duties of Assistant Secretary, Office of Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development, Delegated the Duties of the Assistant Secretary, Office of Postsecondary Education.

The Higher Education Act of 1965, As Amended (HEA)

TITLE VI – INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS

20 USC §§1121-1122

PART A--INTERNATIONAL AND FOREIGN LANGUAGE STUDIES

SEC. 601. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.

(a) FINDINGS- Congress finds as follows:

(1) The security, stability, and economic vitality of the United States in a complex global era depend upon American experts in and citizens knowledgeable about world regions, foreign languages, and international affairs, as well as upon a strong research base in these areas.

(2) Advances in communications technology and the growth of regional and global problems make knowledge of other countries and the ability to communicate in other languages more essential to the promotion of mutual understanding and cooperation among nations and their peoples.

(3) Dramatic changes in the world's geopolitical and economic landscapes are creating needs for American expertise and knowledge about a greater diversity of less commonly taught foreign languages and nations of the world.

(4) Systematic efforts are necessary to enhance the capacity of institutions of higher education in the United States for--

(A) producing graduates with international and foreign language expertise and knowledge; and

(B) research regarding such expertise and knowledge.

(5) Cooperative efforts among the Federal Government, institutions of higher education, and the private sector are necessary to promote the generation and dissemination of information about world regions, foreign languages, and international affairs throughout education, government, business, civic, and nonprofit sectors in the United States.

(b) PURPOSES- The purposes of this part are--

(1)(A) to support centers, programs, and fellowships in institutions of higher education in the United States for producing increased numbers of trained personnel and research in foreign languages, area studies, and other international studies;

(B) to develop a pool of international experts to meet national needs;

(C) to develop and validate specialized materials and techniques for foreign language acquisition and fluency, emphasizing (but not limited to) the less commonly taught languages;

(D) to promote access to research and training overseas, including through linkages with overseas institutions; and

(E) to advance the internationalization of a variety of disciplines throughout undergraduate and graduate education;

(2) to support cooperative efforts promoting access to and the dissemination of international and foreign language knowledge, teaching materials, and research, throughout education, government, business, civic, and nonprofit sectors in the United States, through the use of advanced technologies; and

(3) to coordinate the programs of the Federal Government in the areas of foreign language, area studies, and other international studies, including professional international affairs education and research.

(1) In general

The Secretary shall, prior to requesting applications for funding under this subchapter during each grant cycle, consult with and receive recommendations regarding national need for expertise in foreign language and world regions from the head officials of a wide range of Federal agencies.

(2) Considering recommendations; providing information

The Secretary

may take into account the recommendations described in paragraph (1); and
shall

provide information collected under paragraph (1) when requesting applications for funding under this subchapter; and
make available to applicants a list of areas identified as areas of national need.

(d) SURVEY

The Secretary shall assist grantees in developing a survey to administer to students who have completed programs under this subchapter to determine postgraduate employment, education, or training. All grantees, where applicable, shall administer such survey once every two years and report survey results to the Secretary.

SEC. 602. GRADUATE AND UNDERGRADUATE LANGUAGE AND AREA CENTERS

AND PROGRAMS

(a) NATIONAL LANGUAGE AND AREA CENTERS AND PROGRAMS AUTHORIZED -

(1) CENTERS AND PROGRAMS -

(A) IN GENERAL - The Secretary is authorized--

(i) to make grants to institutions of higher education, or combinations thereof, for the purpose of establishing, strengthening, and operating comprehensive foreign language and area or international studies centers and programs; and

(ii) to make grants to such institutions or combinations for the purpose of establishing, strengthening, and operating a diverse network of undergraduate foreign language and area or international studies centers and programs.

(B) NATIONAL RESOURCES- The centers and programs referred to in paragraph (1) shall be national resources for--

(i) teaching of any modern foreign language;

(ii) instruction in fields needed to provide full understanding of areas, regions, or countries in which such language is commonly used;

(iii) research and training in international studies, and the international and foreign language aspects of professional and other fields of study; and

(iv) instruction and research on issues in world affairs that concern one or more countries.

(2) AUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES- Any such grant may be used to pay all or part of the cost of establishing or operating a center or program, including the cost of--

(A) teaching and research materials;

(B) curriculum planning and development;

(C) establishing and maintaining linkages with overseas institutions of higher education and other organizations that may contribute to the teaching and research of the center or program;

(D) bringing visiting scholars and faculty to the center to teach or to conduct research;

(E) professional development of the center's faculty and staff;

(F) projects conducted in cooperation with other centers addressing themes of world regional, cross-regional, international, or global importance;

(G) summer institutes in the United States or abroad designed to provide language and area training in the center's field or topic; and

(H) support for faculty, staff, and student travel in foreign areas, regions, or countries, and for the development and support of educational programs abroad for students.

(3) GRANTS TO MAINTAIN LIBRARY COLLECTIONS- The Secretary may make grants to centers described in paragraph (1) having important library collections, as determined by the Secretary, for the maintenance of such collections.

(4) OUTREACH GRANTS AND SUMMER INSTITUTES- The Secretary may make additional grants to centers described in paragraph (1) for any one or more of the following purposes:

(A) Programs of linkage or outreach between foreign language, area studies, or other international fields, and professional schools and colleges.

(B) Programs of linkage or outreach with 2- and 4-year colleges and universities.

(D) Programs of linkage or outreach with the news media, business, professional, or trade associations.

(E) Summer institutes in foreign area, foreign language, and other international fields designed to carry out the programs of linkage and outreach described in subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), and (D).

(b) GRADUATE FELLOWSHIPS FOR FOREIGN LANGUAGE AND AREA OR INTERNATIONAL STUDIES-

(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary is authorized to make grants to institutions of higher education or combinations of such institutions for the purpose of paying stipends to individuals undergoing advanced training in any center or program approved by the Secretary.

(2) ELIGIBLE STUDENTS- Students receiving stipends described in paragraph (1) shall be individuals who are engaged in an instructional program with stated performance goals for functional foreign language use or in a program developing such performance goals, in combination with area studies, international studies, or the international aspects of a professional studies program, including predissertation level studies, preparation for dissertation research, dissertation research abroad, and dissertation writing.

(c) SPECIAL RULE WITH RESPECT TO TRAVEL- No funds may be expended under this part for undergraduate travel except in accordance with rules prescribed by the Secretary setting forth policies and procedures to assure that Federal funds made available for such travel are expended as part of a formal program of supervised study.

(d) ALLOWANCES- Stipends awarded to graduate level recipients may include allowances for dependents and for travel for research and study in the United States and abroad.

20 USC 1132-2. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.

SEC. 633. Nothing in this title shall be construed to authorize the Secretary to mandate, direct, or control an institution of higher education's specific instructional content, curriculum, or program of instruction.

TITLE 34: EDUCATION

Revised as of September 25, 2009

PART 655—INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS—GENERAL PROVISIONS

Subpart A—General

§ 655.1   Which programs do these regulations govern?
§ 655.3   What regulations apply to the International Education Programs?
§ 655.4   What definitions apply to the International Education Programs?

Subpart B—What Kinds of Projects Does the Secretary Assist?

§ 655.10 What kinds of projects does the Secretary assist?

Subpart C [Reserved]

Subpart D—How Does the Secretary Make a Grant?

§ 655.30   How does the Secretary evaluate an application?
§ 655.31   What general selection criteria does the Secretary use?
§ 655.32   What additional factors does the Secretary consider in making grant awards?

Authority: 20 U.S.C 1121–1130b, unless otherwise noted.

Source: 47 FR 14116, Apr. 1, 1982, unless otherwise noted.

Subpart A—General

§ 655.1 Which programs do these regulations govern?

The regulations in this part govern the administration of the following programs in international education:

(a) The National Resource Centers Program for Foreign Language and Area Studies or Foreign Language and International Studies (section 602 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended);

(b) The Language Resource Centers Program (section 603);

(d) The International Research and Studies Program (section 605); and

(e) The Business and International Education Program (section 613).

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1121–1130b)

[47 FR 14116, Apr. 1, 1982, as amended at 58 FR 32575, June 10, 1993; 64 FR 7739, Feb. 16, 1999]

§ 655.3 What regulations apply to the International Education Programs?

The following regulations apply to the International Education Programs:

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

(1) 34 CFR part 74 (Administration of Grants to Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Nonprofit Organizations).

(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), except that part 79 does not apply to 34 CFR parts 660, 669, and 671.

(5) 34 CFR part 82 (New Restrictions on Lobbying).

(6) 34 CFR part 85 (Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension

(Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants)).

(7) 34 CFR part 86 (Drug-Free Schools and Campuses).

(b) The regulations in this part 655; and

(1) 34 CFR part 656 (National Resource Centers Program for Foreign Language and Area Studies or Foreign Language and International Studies);

(2) 34 CFR part 657 (Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships Program);

(3) 34 CFR part 658 (Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language Program);

(4) 34 CFR part 660 (International Research and Studies Program);

(5) 34 CFR part 661 (Business and International Education Program); and

(6) 34 CFR part 669 (Language Resource Centers Program).

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1121–1127; 1221e–3)

[47 FR 14116, Apr. 1, 1982, as amended at 58 FR 32575, June 10, 1993; 64 FR 7739, Feb. 16, 1999]

§ 655.4 What definitions apply to the International Education Programs?

(a) Definitions in EDGAR. The following terms used in this part and 34 CFR parts 656, 657, 658, 660, 661, and 669 are defined in 34 CFR part 77:

Acquisition	EDGAR	Grant period	Private
Applicant	Equipment	Local educational agency	Public
Application	Facilities	Nonprofit	Secretary
Award	Fiscal year	Project	State educational agency
Budget	Grant	Project period	Supplies
Contract	Grantee	Grant period

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1121–1127)

(b) Definitions that apply to these programs: The following definitions apply to International Education Programs:

Consortium of institutions of higher education means a group of institutions of higher education that have entered into a cooperative arrangement for the purpose of carrying out a common objective, or a public or private nonprofit agency, organization, or institution designated or created by a group of institutions of higher education for the purpose of carrying out a common objective on their behalf.

Critical languages means each of the languages contained in the list of critical languages designated by the Secretary pursuant to section 212(d) of the Education for Economic Security Act, except that, in the implementation of this definition, the Secretary may set priorities according to the purposes of title VI of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended.

Institution of higher education means, in addition to an institution that meets the definition of section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, an institution that meets the requirements of section 101(a) except that (1) it is not located in the United States, and (2) it applies for assistance under title VI of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, in consortia with institutions that meet the definitions in section 101(a).

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1121–1127, and 1141)

[47 FR 14116, Apr. 1, 1982, as amended at 58 FR 32575, June 10, 1993; 64 FR 7739, Feb. 16, 1999; 74 FR 35072, July 17, 2009]

Subpart B—What Kinds of Projects Does the Secretary Assist?

§ 655.10 What kinds of projects does the Secretary assist?

Subpart A of 34 CFR parts 656, 657, and 669 and subpart B of 34 CFR parts 658, 660, 661 describe the kinds of projects that the Secretary assists under the International Education Programs.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1121–1127)

[74 FR 35072, July 17, 2009]

§ 655.32 What additional factors does the Secretary consider in making grant awards?

Except for 34 CFR parts 656, 657, and 661, to the extent practicable and consistent with the criterion of excellence, the Secretary seeks to achieve an equitable distribution of funds throughout the Nation.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1126(b)).

[58 FR 32575, June 10, 1993]

Title 34: Education

PART 656—

NATIONAL RESOURCE CENTERS PROGRAM FOR FOREIGN LANGUAGE AND AREA STUDIES OR FOREIGN LANGUAGE AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

Subpart A—General
§ 656.1   What is the National Resource Centers Program?
§ 656.2   Who is eligible to receive a grant?
§ 656.3   What activities define a comprehensive or undergraduate National Resource Center?
§ 656.4   What types of Centers receive grants?
§ 656.5   What activities may be carried out?
§ 656.6   What regulations apply?
§ 656.7   What definitions apply?

Subpart B—How Does One Apply for a Grant?

§ 656.10 What combined application may an institution submit?

Subpart C—How Does the Secretary Make a Grant?

§ 656.20   How does the Secretary evaluate an application?
§ 656.21   What selection criteria does the Secretary use to evaluate an application for a comprehensive Center?
§ 656.22   What selection criteria does the Secretary use to evaluate an application for an undergraduate Center?
§ 656.23   What priorities may the Secretary establish?

Subpart D—What Conditions Must Be Met By a Grantee?
§ 656.30 What are allowable costs and limitations on allowable costs?

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1122, unless otherwise noted.

Source: 61 FR 50193, Sept. 24, 1996, unless otherwise noted.

Subpart A—General

§ 656.1 What is the National Resource Centers Program?

Under the National Resource Centers Program for Foreign Language and Areas Studies or Foreign Language and International Studies (National Resource Centers Program), the Secretary awards grants to institutions of higher education and consortia of institutions to establish, strengthen, and operate comprehensive and undergraduate Centers that will be national resources for—

(a) Teaching of any modern foreign language;

(b) Instruction in fields needed to provide full understanding of areas, regions, or countries in which the modern foreign language is commonly used;

(c) Research and training in international studies and the international and foreign language aspects of professional and other fields of study; and

(d) Instruction and research on issues in world affairs that concern one or more countries.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1122)

[61 FR 50193, Sept. 24, 1996, as amended at 64 FR 7739, Feb. 16, 1999; 74 FR 35072, July 17, 2009]

§ 656.2 Who is eligible to receive a grant?

An institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education is eligible to receive a grant under this part.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1122)

[61 FR 50193, Sept. 24, 1996, as amended at 74 FR 35072, July 17, 2009]

§ 656.3 What activities define a comprehensive or undergraduate National Resource Center?

A comprehensive or undergraduate National Resource Center—

(a) Teaches at least one modern foreign language;

(b) Provides—

(1) Instruction in fields necessary to provide a full understanding of the areas, regions, or countries in which the modern foreign language taught is commonly used;

(2) Resources for research and training in international studies, and the international and foreign language aspects of professional and other fields of study; or

(3) Instruction and research on issues in world affairs that concern one or more countries;

(d) Maintains linkages with overseas institutions of higher education and other organizations that may contribute to the teaching and research of the Center;

(e) Maintains important library collections;

(f) Employs faculty engaged in training and research that relates to the subject area of the Center;

(g) Conducts projects in cooperation with other centers addressing themes of world, regional, cross-regional, international, or global importance;

(h) Conducts summer institutes in the United States or abroad designed to provide language and area training in the Center's field or topic;

(i) Supports instructors of the less commonly taught languages; and

(j) Encourages projects that support students in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields to achieve foreign language proficiency.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1122)

[64 FR 7739, Feb. 16, 1999, as amended at 74 FR 35072, July 17, 2009]

§ 656.4 What types of Centers receive grants?

The Secretary awards grants to Centers that—

(a) Focus on—

(2) International studies or the international aspects of contemporary issues or topics (such as international business or energy) while providing instruction in modern foreign languages; and

(b) Provide training at the—

(1) Graduate, professional, and undergraduate levels, as a comprehensive Center; or

(2) Undergraduate level only, as an undergraduate Center.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1122)

§ 656.5 What activities may be carried out?

(a) A Center may carry out any of the activities described in §656.3 under a grant received under this part.

(b) The Secretary may make an additional grant to a Center for any one or a combination of the following purposes:

(1) Linkage or outreach between foreign language, area studies, and other international fields and professional schools and colleges.

(2) Linkage or outreach with 2- and 4-year colleges and universities.

(3) Linkage or outreach between or among—

(i) Postsecondary programs or departments in foreign language, area studies, or other international fields; and

(ii) State educational agencies or local educational agencies.

(4) Partnerships or programs of linkage and outreach with departments or agencies of Federal and State governments, including Federal or State scholarship programs for students in related areas.

(5) Linkage or outreach with the news media, business, professional, or trade associations.

(6) Summer institutes in area studies, foreign Language, and other international fields designed to carry out the activities in paragraphs (b)(1) through (b)(5) of this section.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1122)

[61 FR 50193, Sept. 24, 1996, as amended at 64 FR 7739, Feb. 16, 1999; 74 FR 35072, July 17, 2009]

§ 656.6 What regulations apply?

The following regulations apply to this program:

(a) The regulations in 34 CFR part 655.

(b) The regulations in this part 656.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1122)

§ 656.7 What definitions apply?

The following definitions apply to this part:

(a) The definitions in 34 CFR part 655.

(b) Area studies means a program of comprehensive study of the aspects of a world area's society or societies, including study of history, culture, economy, politics, international relations, and languages.

(c) Center means an administrative unit of an institution of higher education that has direct access to highly qualified faculty and library resources, and coordinates a concentrated effort of educational resources, including language training and various academic disciplines, in the area and subject matters described in §656.3.

(d) Comprehensive Center means a Center that—

(1) Contributes significantly to the national interest in advanced research

and scholarship;

(2) Offers intensive language instruction;

(3) Maintains important library collections related to the area of its specialization;

(4) Makes training available to a graduate, professional, and undergraduate clientele; and

(5) Engages in curriculum development and community outreach.

(e) For purposes of this section, intensive language instruction means instruction of at least five contact hours per week during the academic year or the equivalent of a full academic year of language instruction during the summer.

(f) Undergraduate Center means an administrative unit of an institution of higher education that—

(1) Contributes significantly to the national interest through the education of students who matriculate into advanced language and area studies programs or professional school programs;

(2) Incorporates substantial international and foreign language content into baccalaureate degree program;

(3) Makes training available predominantly to undergraduate students; and

(4) Engages in research, curriculum development, and community outreach.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1122)

Subpart B—How Does One Apply for a Grant?

§ 656.10 What combined application may an institution submit?

An institution that wishes to apply for a grant under this part and for an allocation of fellowships under 34 CFR part 657 may submit one application for both.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1122)

Subpart C—How Does the Secretary Make a Grant?

§ 656.20 How does the Secretary evaluate an application?

(a) The Secretary evaluates an application for a comprehensive Center under the criteria contained in §656.21, and for an undergraduate Center under the criteria contained in §656.22.

(b) The Secretary informs applicants of the maximum possible score for each criterion in the application package or in a notice published in the Federal Register.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1122)

[61 FR 50193, Sept. 24, 1996, as amended at 70 FR 13375, Mar. 21, 2005]

§ 656.21 What selection criteria does the Secretary use to evaluate an application for a comprehensive Center?

The Secretary evaluates an application for a comprehensive Center on the basis of the criteria in this section.

(a) Program planning and budget. The Secretary reviews each application to determine—

(1) The extent to which the activities for which the applicant seeks funding are of high quality and directly related to the purpose of the National Resource Centers Program;

(3) The extent to which the costs of the proposed activities are reasonable in relation to the objectives of the program; and

(4) The long-term impact of the proposed activities on the institution's undergraduate, graduate, and professional training programs.

(b) Quality of staff resources. The Secretary reviews each application to determine—

(3) The degree to which activities of the Center address national needs, and generate information for and disseminate information to the public; and

(d) Commitment to the subject area on which the Center focuses. The Secretary reviews each application to determine the extent to which the institution provides financial and other support to the operation of the Center, teaching staff for the Center's subject area, library resources, linkages with institutions abroad, outreach activities, and qualified students in fields related to the Center.

(e) Strength of library. The Secretary reviews each application to determine—

(f) Quality of the Center's non-language instructional program. The Secretary reviews each application to determine—

(2) The extent to which the Center offers depth of specialized course coverage in one or more disciplines of the Center's subject area;

(4) The extent to which interdisciplinary courses are offered for undergraduate and graduate students.

(g) Quality of the Center's language instructional program. The Secretary reviews each application to determine—

(h) Quality of curriculum design. The Secretary reviews each application to determine—

(i) Outreach activities. The Secretary reviews each application to determine the extent to which the Center demonstrates a significant and measurable regional and national impact of, and faculty and professional school involvement in, domestic outreach activities that involve—

(1) Elementary and secondary schools;

(2) Postsecondary institutions; and

(3) Business, media, and the general public.

(j) Degree to which priorities are served. If, under the provisions of §656.23, the Secretary establishes competitive priorities for Centers, the Secretary considers the degree to which those priorities are being served.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1840–0068)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1122)

[61 FR 50193, Sept. 24, 1996, as amended at 70 FR 13375, Mar. 21, 2005; 74 FR 35073, July 17, 2009]

§ 656.22 What selection criteria does the Secretary use to evaluate an application for an undergraduate Center?

The Secretary evaluates an application for an undergraduate Center on the basis of the criteria in this section.