Application for the Language Resource Centers (LRC) Program

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 1840-0808. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 75 hours per response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. The obligation to respond to this collection is required to obtain or retain benefit (20 U.S.C.§ 1123). If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate, suggestions for improving this individual collection, or if you have comments or concerns regarding the status of your individual form, application or survey, please contact Carolyn Collins, Language Resource Centers Program, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Mailstop OPE-258-40, Washington, D.C. 20202 directly.

Privacy Notice

Authorities: The following authorities authorize the collection of this information: 2 CFR § 200.207, under which the Federal awarding agency may only use application information collections approved by OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and OMB's implementing regulations in 5 CFR part 1320 and in alignment with OMB-approved, governmentwide data elements available from the OMB-designated standards lead; 34 CFR § 655.30, which details the basis on which the U.S. Department of Education (Department) may evaluate applications for international education programs; and the Education Department General Administrative Requirements (EDGAR) and Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) of 1993, which outline performance reporting requirements that are contingent on the collection of data from centers selected to receive funding under the Language Resource Centers (LRC) grant program.

Purpose: The purpose of collecting this information is to execute a merit review process for applications, with the objective of selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the LRC program objectives. Collected information will also be used in monitoring grant implementation and performance.

Disclosures: Information about LRC applicant institutions and associated staff will be shared with individuals selected to serve as peer reviewers during the LRC panel review process. Readers who serve on the peer review panels are selected based on their expertise in the specialized area studies, international studies, and modern foreign language(s) necessary to effectively review, score, and rank the applications assigned to them. Project abstracts as well as Project Director names and email addresses for institutions selected to receive funding will be shared on the Department’s website. While other individual information will not be disclosed outside of the International and Foreign Language Education (IFLE) office, there may be circumstances where information may be shared with a third party, such as a Freedom of Information Act request, court orders or subpoena, or if a breach or security incident occurs that affects grant record systems, etc.

Consequences of Failure to Provide Information: Individuals representing the LRC are required to provide the information identified above to obtain an account on the Department’s G5 grant management system and IFLE’s International Resource Information System (IRIS) project monitoring website. Failure to do so may result in not receiving an account.

Dear Applicant Letter

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

OFFICE OF POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

Dear Applicant:

Thank you for your interest in applying for a fiscal year (FY) XXXX grant under the Language Resource Centers (LRC) program (Assistance Listing Number 84.229A). This application booklet includes information about the program, instructions, and the forms required to submit a complete application package to the U.S. Department of Education (Department). We strongly recommend that you read the entirety of the application booklet before you begin preparing your proposal.

The LRC program provides grants to institutions of higher education to establish, strengthen and operate centers that serve as resources for improving the nation’s capacity for teaching and learning world languages. LRCs develop language learning materials, provide professional development opportunities for teachers, and conduct research to strengthen foreign language teaching and learning. Centers help prepare U.S. students, teachers, faculty, and school administrators to succeed in global business and in fields like intelligence and national security.

This program is among several programs that the International and Foreign Language Education office administers to respond to the ongoing national need for individuals with expertise and competence in world languages and area or international studies and contribute to developing a globally competent workforce able to engage with a multilingual/multicultural clientele at home and abroad.

You may view more information about the LRC program at: www.ed.gov/programs/iegpslrc/index.html.

For the FY 2026 competition, there is one absolute priority and one competitive preference priority. Please refer to the Notice Inviting Applications (NIA) published in the Federal Register and included in this application package for further information about the competition priorities.

We appreciate your interest in this program and look forward to receiving your application.

Sincerely,

Sarah Beaton
Director, Advanced Training and Research Division
International and Foreign Language Education (IFLE)

Competition Highlights

COMPETITION PRIORITIES
There is one absolute priority and one competitive preference priority for the FY 20XX LRC program competition. We will consider only applications that meet the absolute priority. We will award up to an additional 5 points to an application, depending on how well the application meets the competitive preference priority.

Absolute Priority – Specific Foreign Languages for Study or Materials Development.

Applications that propose activities with a significant focus on the teaching and learning of any modern foreign languages except French, German, and Spanish.

We will consider ONLY applications that meet this priority.

Competitive Preference Priority 2 – Promoting Equity in Student Access to Educational Resources and Opportunities (up to 5 points).

Projects that will be implemented by or in partnership with one or more of the following entities:

Community colleges (as defined in the Notice Inviting Applications (NIA)).
Historically Black colleges and universities (as defined in the NIA).
Tribal Colleges and Universities (as defined in the NIA).
Minority-serving institutions (as defined in the NIA).

We will award up to five additional points to an application that meets this priority.

Please note that these priorities are explained in detail in the Federal Register Notice contained in this application package (pages 24-50). We advise you to fully review the notice carefully before preparing your application.

The Notice Inviting Applications (NIA) published in the Federal Register constitutes the official competition guidelines. An applicant should not rely upon external information that is inconsistent with the application preparation guidelines and submission instructions presented in the NIA.

SUBMISSION PROCEDURES

Grants.gov and Electronic Submission

LRC applications for FY 20XX must be submitted electronically using e-Application, accessible through the Department’s e-Grants website at www.grants.gov. We advise that you acquaint yourself with the requirements of Grants.gov early. A more thorough discussion about Grants.gov is included under “Grants.gov Submission Procedure & Tips for Applicants” on pages 17-22 in this application package.

Once you download the LRC application package from Grants.gov, you will be working offline and saving data on your computer. Please be sure to note where you are saving the application file(s) on your computer, because you will need to log on to Grants.gov to upload and submit the application.

Grants.gov is accessible through its portal page at:
www.grants.gov

For help with Grants.gov, contact the Support Desk:
Call (toll-free): 1-800-516-4726
Email: Support@grants.gov

The Support Desk is available 24 hours, 7 days a week, except Federal holidays.

Deadline Information
Your application must be received on or before the deadline date and time: 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time, [INSERT DATE Month XX, 20XX]. Late applications will not be accepted. We suggest that you submit your application several days before the deadline. The Department is required to enforce the established deadline to ensure fairness to all applicants. No changes or additions to an application will be accepted after the deadline date and time.

Technical Notes

Grants.gov does not allow applicants to “un-submit” applications. If you discover that changes or additions are needed once your application has been accepted and validated by the Department, you must “re-submit” the application on or before the application deadline. If the Department receives duplicate applications, it will accept and process the application with the latest “date/time received” validation.
You must submit an electronic application before 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time, unless you follow the procedures in the Federal Register notice and qualify for one of the exceptions to the electronic submission requirement. If you think you might need an exception, you should review the exception requirements early in the application preparation process.

The requirements for obtaining an exception to the electronic submission are included in the Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal Register on February 13, 2019 (84 FR 3768) and available at www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2019-02-13/pdf/2019-02206.pdf.

The Department must receive your written statement that you qualify for one of the exceptions described in the Common Instructions and that you intend to submit a paper application no later than two weeks (14 calendar days) before the application deadline date. If you mail your written statement to the Department, it must be postmarked no later than [INSERT DATE Month XX, 20XX]. Please send this statement to: Carolyn Collins, U.S. Department of Education, International and Foreign Language Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20202.

APPLICATION NOTES

Suggested Page Limit: The suggested maximum length for the Application (Project) Narrative (Part III) is 50 pages. The Application (Project) Narrative is where you address the selection criteria that the peer reviewers will use to evaluate your application. The NIA contains the standards for preparing the Application (Project) Narrative.
Project Abstract: Applicants are required to submit a Project Abstract. The suggested length and format for the abstract is one page, single-spaced. The abstract should include the name of the applicant institution, title of the project, name and contact information for the Project Director, and a brief overview of the proposed project. Upload your project abstract into the “ED Abstract Narrative Form” area in the e-Application.

FY 20XX ESTIMATED FUNDING & DATES

The following amounts are estimates only. The Department is not bound by the estimates provided below.

Estimated total available funds for new FY 20XX awards: $2,746,768
Estimated average size of awards: $171,000 per year
Estimated range of awards: $130,000 - $197,000 per year

The Department is often unable to award the full amount of funds requested.

Estimated number of awards: 16

Applicants are limited to 8% indirect costs.

The project period for an LRC grant is up to 48 months.

Language Resource Centers Program Overview

Authorization

Title VI, Part A, sections 601 and 603 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 as amended.

Program Regulations

Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) 34 CFR parts 75, 77, 79, 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 2 CFR part 3474; 34 CFR parts 655 and 669.

Purpose

The Language Resource Centers Program makes awards for the purpose of establishing, strengthening, and operating centers that serve as resources for improving the nation’s capacity for teaching and learning foreign languages effectively.

Eligible Applicants

Institutions of higher education or a combination of institutions of higher education are eligible to receive an award.

Activities Funded Under This Program

Centers must carry out activities to improve the teaching and learning of foreign languages. These efforts must include effective dissemination efforts, whenever appropriate, and may include—

The conduct and dissemination of research on new and improved methods for teaching foreign languages, including the use of advanced educational technology;
The development and dissemination of new materials for teaching foreign languages, to reflect the results of research on effective teaching strategies;
The development, application and dissemination of performance testing that is appropriate for use in an educational setting to be used as a standard and comparable measurement of skill levels in foreign languages;
The training of teachers in the administration and interpretation of foreign language performance tests, the use of effective teaching strategies and the use of new technologies;
A significant focus on the teaching and learning needs of the less commonly taught languages, including an assessment of the strategic needs of the United States, the determination of ways to meet those needs nationally and the publication and dissemination of instructional materials in the less commonly taught languages;
The development and dissemination of materials designed to serve as a resource for foreign language teachers at the elementary and secondary school levels; and
The operation of intensive summer language institutes to train advanced foreign language students, to provide professional development and to improve language instruction through pre-service and in-service language training for teachers.

Supplemental Information

The following information supplements the information provided in the “Dear Applicant” letter and the Federal Register notice.

Additional Attachments to Applications

Please limit additional attachments to the following:

Curricula vitae of key personnel and professional staff directly involved in the applicant’s program;
Position descriptions for proposed personnel for the project;
Letters of support; and
List of acronyms

NOTE: These appendices must be attached to the “Other Attachments Form” in the Grants.gov application package.

Performance Period
The estimated grant performance period for the FY 20XX grant cycle is from August 15, 20XX to August 14, 20XX.
Evaluation of Applications for Awards
A three-member panel of independent reviewers evaluates each application. Each reviewer assigns points for each selection criterion and prepares evaluation comments.
Selection Criteria
The selection criteria in 34 CFR sections 655.31 and 669.21 are used to evaluate applications. The selection criteria and maximum possible points are included in this booklet on pages 68-72.

The Secretary will select an application for funding in rank order, based on the application’s total score for the selection criteria. If there are insufficient funds to fund all applications with the same total score, the Secretary will choose among the tied applications using Criterion 1: Need for the Project as a tiebreaker.

Notifying Successful Applicants
If your application is successful, we will 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 in G5, the Department’s Grant Management System. 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. The Department’s electronic signature and issuance of the GAN makes it crucial that your application include correct email addresses for both the project director and the certifying representative.
Notifying ineligible or unsuccessful applicants
If your application is not evaluated or not selected for funding, we notify you in writing.
Technical Review Forms
All applicants will receive copies of the peer reviewers’ evaluations.
Reporting Requirements
If you receive a FY 20XX new grant award, you will be required to submit annual and final performance reports during the entire funding cycle using the International Resource Information System (IRIS). This online system collects narrative, data, and budget information about funded projects to enable program officers to determine if a grantee is making substantial progress toward meeting the approved project objectives. At the end of the project period, grantees are required to submit both a final performance report and a federal financial report (SF-425).

If you wish to view the performance report currently required, visit the IRIS website at:

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

Please be advised that the report is for informational purposes only, and does not reflect the actual reporting instrument that you will use, should you receive a FY 20XX grant award.

Contact Information
For LRC program-related questions and assistance, please contact:

Program Officer: Carolyn Collins
Address: International and Foreign Language Education
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20202
Telephone: (202) 453-7854
Fax: (202) 453-5780
E-mail Address: carolyn.collins@ed.gov

For Grants.gov-related questions and assistance, please contact:

Support Desk: Grants.gov Support Desk
Telephone: (800) 518-4726
Email: support@grants.gov
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except Federal holidays

Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs

Address to Request Application Package

You can obtain an application package from the Department’s website or Grants.gov. To obtain a copy via the Department’s website, use the following address: www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/grantapps/index.html.

Content and Form of Application Submission

Requirements concerning the content and form of an application, together with the forms you must submit, are in the application package for the program.

Submission Dates and Times

Submit applications for grants under the program electronically using Grants.gov. For information (including dates and times) about how to submit your application electronically, please refer to Other Submission Requirements in section 5 of these instructions.

We do not consider an application that does not comply with the deadline requirements.

Individuals with disabilities who need an accommodation or auxiliary aid in connection with the application process should contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section in the competition NIA. If the Department provides an accommodation or auxiliary aid to an individual with a disability in connection with the application process, the individual’s application remains subject to all other requirements and limitations in the competition NIA.

Assistance Listing 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 Assistance Listing Number (ALN) and a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN);
Register both your ALN and TIN with the System for Award Management (SAM.gov), the Government’s primary registrant database;
Provide your ALN and TIN on your application; and
d. 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 recommend that you register early.

If you are unable to submit an application on Grants.gov by the application deadline because you do not have an active SAM registration, you will not be considered for funding.

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. Note: You must update your SAM 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: www2.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/samfaqs.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: www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html.

Other Submission Requirements

Electronic Submission of Applications

We are participating as a partner in the Government-wide Grants.gov site. Submit applications electronically using Grants.gov and do not email them unless explicitly allowed in a competition NIA.

A Grants.gov applicant must apply online using Workspace, a shared environment where members of a grant team may simultaneously access and edit different web forms within an application. An applicant can create an individual Workspace for each application and establish for that application a collaborative application package that allows more than one person in the applicant’s organization to work concurrently on an application. The Grants.gov system also enables the applicant to reuse forms from previous submissions, check them in and out to complete them, and submit the application package. For access to further instructions on how to apply using Grants.gov, refer to: www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html.

You may access the electronic grant applications at www.Grants.gov. You must search for the downloadable application package for this competition by the CFDA number. Do not include the CFDA number’s alpha suffix in your search (e.g., search for 84.229, not 84.229A).

Please note the following:

Applicants needing assistance with Grants.gov may contact the Grants.gov Support Center either by calling 1–800–518–4726 or by sending an email to support@grants.gov. The Grants.gov Support Center is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except for Federal holidays.

Applicants needing assistance from Principal Office staff with their applications should contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section in the competition NIA during normal business hours and no later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the application deadline date.

The amount of time it can take to upload an application will vary depending on a variety of factors, including the size of the application and the speed of your internet connection. Therefore, we recommend that you leave yourself plenty of time to complete your submission.
Applications received by Grants.gov are date- and time-stamped upon submission. Your application must be fully uploaded and submitted and must be date- and time-stamped by the Grants.gov system no later than 11:59:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on the application deadline date. Except as otherwise noted in this section, we will not accept your application if it is received—that is, date- and timestamped by the Grants.gov system—after 11:59:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on the application deadline date. We do not consider an application that does not comply with the deadline requirements. When we retrieve your application from Grants.gov, we will notify you if we are rejecting your application because it was late. Receipt of a date- and timestamp does not mean that your application meets program eligibility requirements described in the application package.
You should review and follow the Education Submission Procedures for submitting an application through Grants.gov that are included in the application package for the program to ensure that you submit your application on time. You can also find the Education Submission Procedures pertaining to Grants.gov under News and Events on the Department’s G5 system home page at www.G5.gov. In addition, for specific guidance and procedures for submitting an application through Grants.gov, please refer to the Grants.gov website at: www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html.
When you submit your application electronically, all documents must be submitted in this manner, including all information you typically provide on the following forms: The Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424), the Department of Education Supplemental Information for SF 424, Budget Information—Non-Construction Programs (ED 524), and all necessary assurances and certifications.
When you submit your application electronically, you must upload any narrative sections and all other attachments to your application as files in either Portable Document Format (PDF) or Microsoft Word. Although applicants have the option of uploading any narrative sections and all other attachments to their application in either PDF or Microsoft Word, we recommend applicants submit all documents as read-only flattened PDFs, meaning any fillable PDF files must be saved and submitted as non-fillable PDF files and not as interactive or fillable PDF files, to better ensure applications are processed in a more timely, accurate, and efficient manner. If you choose to submit your application in Microsoft Word, you may do so using any version of Microsoft Word (i.e., a document ending in a .doc or .docx extension). If you upload a file type other than PDF or Microsoft Word or if you submit a password-protected file, we will be unable to review that material. Please note that this will likely result in your application not being considered for funding. The Department will not convert material from other formats to PDF or Microsoft Word.
After you electronically submit your application, you will receive from Grants.gov an automatic notification of receipt that contains a Grants.gov tracking number. Grants.gov also will notify you automatically by email if your application met all of the Grants.gov validation requirements or if there were any errors (such as submission of your application by someone other than a registered AOR, issues with your DUNS number, or inclusion of an attachment with a file name that contains special characters). You will be given an opportunity to correct any errors and resubmit, but you must still meet the deadline for submission of your application.

Once your application is successfully validated by Grants.gov, the Department will retrieve your application from Grants.gov and send you an email with a unique PR/Award number for your application.

Email confirmations and receipts from Grants.gov do not indicate receipt by the Department, nor do they mean that your application is complete or has met all application requirements. While your application may have been successfully validated by Grants.gov, it also must be reviewed in accordance with the Department’s application requirements as specified in the competition NIA and in these application instructions. It is your responsibility to ensure that your submitted application has met all of the Department’s requirements.

Additionally, we may request that you provide us original signatures on forms at a later date.

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 Support Desk Case Number documenting your communication. You must retain your Support Desk Case Number for future reference as proof of your communication with the Support Center. Please subsequently contact the 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 11:59:59 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

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 14th 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)
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 notify you of the Department’s receipt of your grant application. If you do not receive this notification within 15 business days from the application deadline date, you should call the Application Control Center at (202) 245–6288.

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 person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

Grants.gov Submission Procedure and Tips

IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ FIRST

U.S. Department of Education

Grants.gov Submission Procedures and Tips for Applicants

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

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: www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs.html#browser

ATTENTION – Workspace, Adobe Forms and PDF Files Required

Create a Workspace: Creating a workspace allows you to complete it online and route it through your organization for review before submitting.
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.
1. 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: www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html
2. 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.
3. 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 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: 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: 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 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern 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 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern 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 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern 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: 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: 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: mailto: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 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern 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 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: www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs.html as well as additional information on Workspace at 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:

When you submit your application electronically, you must upload any narrative sections and all other attachments to your application as files in either Portable Document Format (PDF) or Microsoft Word. Although applicants have the option of uploading any narrative sections and all other attachments to their application in either PDF or Microsoft Word, we recommend applicants submit all documents as read-only flattened PDFs, meaning any fillable PDF files must be saved and submitted as non-fillable PDF files and not as interactive or fillable PDF files, to better ensure applications are processed in a more timely, accurate, and efficient manner.
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.

Grants.gov Registration Instructions

Register With Grants.gov

Go to www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html

Click the Register link in the top-right corner of the Grants.gov banner.
Click the Get Registered Now button on the Register page.
Complete the Contact Information and Account Details sections. All fields with a red asterisk (*) are required.

Email Address - When entering an email address, please keep in mind that all correspondence with Grants.gov will be sent to that email address.
Username - Enter a username to log in to Grants.gov. It may only contain alphanumeric characters, question marks, periods, dashes, underscores, and the @ symbol. Your username cannot contain a space, nor can it only include numbers. Select a username you will remember.
Password - The password you choose must meet the following password requirements:
- Must contain at least eight (8) characters
- Must contain at least one (1) uppercase letter (A-Z)
- Must contain at least one (1) lower case letter (a-z)
- Must contain at least one (1) number (0-9)
- Must contain at least one (1) special character (e.g. ! @ # $ % ^ & *)
- Cannot be the same as the previous six (6) passwords
- Cannot contain dictionary words, names, or your Username

Select whether to subscribe or unsubscribe from Grants.gov Communications. The Alerts are important messages about time-sensitive or major system changes. The Newsletter features training, system enhancement updates, and other resources to help the federal grants community.
Click the Continue button.
Click the Send Temporary Code button, then access your email account to access the temporary code.
Enter the temporary code you received in the email from Grants.gov into the Temporary Code field and click the Continue button.
Decide if you would like to add a profile to your Grants.gov account or click the Continue button to log in. You need to add a profile to submit an application. After registering, review the Workspace Overview page to learn how to apply for a grant.

Submission of Paper Applications

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 14th calendar day before the application deadline date falls on a Federal holiday, the next business day following the Federal holiday).

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)
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 notify you of the Department’s receipt of your grant application. If you do not receive this notification within 15 business days from the application deadline date, you should call the Application Control Center at (202) 245–6288.

Federal Register Notice

TBA

Authorizing Legislation and Regulations

PUBLIC LAW 89-329—HIGHER EDUCATION ACT OF 1965, AS AMENDED (HEA)

Title VI – International Education Programs

SEC. 601. INTERNATIONAL AND FOREIGN LANGUAGE STUDIES.

Part A of title VI (20 U.S.C. 1121) is amended to read as follows:

PART A--INTERNATIONAL AND FOREIGN LANGUAGE STUDIES

SEC. 601. FINDINGS; PURPOSES; CONSULTATION; SURVEY.

FINDINGS- Congress finds as follows:
PURPOSES- The purposes of this part are—

(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;

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

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.

CONSULTATION -

IN GENERAL. – The Secretary shall, prior to requesting applications for funding under this title during each grant cycle, consult with and receive recommendations regarding national need for expertise in foreign languages and world regions from the head officials of a wide range of Federal agencies.
CONSIDERING RECOMMENDATIONS; PROVIDING INFORMATION. The Secretary –

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

(B) shall-

(i) provide information collected under paragraph (1) when requesting applications for funding under this title; and

(ii) make available to applicants a list of areas identified as areas of national need.

SURVEY. – The Secretary shall assist grantees in developing a survey to administer to students who have completed programs under this title 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. 603. LANGUAGE RESOURCE CENTERS.

LANGUAGE RESOURCE CENTERS AUTHORIZED- The Secretary is authorized to make grants to and enter into contracts with institutions of higher education, or combinations of such institutions, for the purpose of establishing, strengthening, and operating a small number of national language resource and training centers, which shall serve as resources to improve the capacity to teach and learn foreign languages effectively.
AUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES- The activities carried out by the centers described in subsection (a)--

shall include effective dissemination efforts, whenever appropriate; and
may include--

(A) the conduct and dissemination of research on new and improved teaching methods, including the use of advanced educational technology;

(B) the development and dissemination of new teaching materials reflecting the use of such research in effective teaching strategies;

(C) the development, application, and dissemination of performance testing appropriate to an educational setting for use as a standard and comparable measurement of skill levels in all languages;

(D) the training of teachers in the administration and interpretation of performance tests, the use of effective teaching strategies, and the use of new technologies;

(E) a significant focus on the teaching and learning needs of the less commonly taught languages, including an assessment of the strategic needs of the United States, the determination of ways to meet those needs nationally, and the publication and dissemination of instructional materials in the less commonly taught languages;

(F) the development and dissemination of materials designed to serve as a resource for foreign language teachers at the elementary and secondary school levels; and

(G) the operation of intensive summer language institutes to train advanced foreign language students, to provide professional development, and to improve language instruction through preservice and inservice language training for teachers.

CONDITIONS FOR GRANTS- Grants under this section shall reflect the purposes of this part and be made on such conditions as the Secretary determines to be necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.

TITLE 34: EDUCATION
Revised as of September 25, 2009

34 CFR 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:

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);
The Language Resource Centers Program (section 603);
The Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language Program (section 604);
The International Research and Studies Program (section 605); and
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:

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

[Reserved by 79 FR 76104]
34 CFR part 75 (Direct Grant Programs).
34 CFR part 77 (Definitions that Apply to Department Regulations).
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.
34 CFR part 82 (New Restrictions on Lobbying).
[Reserved by 79 FR 76104]
34 CFR part 86 (Drug-Free Schools and Campuses).

The regulations in this part 655; and
As appropriate, the regulations in—

34 CFR part 656 (National Resource Centers Program for Foreign Language and Area Studies or Foreign Language and International Studies);
34 CFR part 657 (Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships Program);
34 CFR part 658 (Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language Program);
34 CFR part 660 (International Research and Studies Program);
34 CFR part 661 (Business and International Education Program); and
34 CFR part 669 (Language Resource Centers Program).

(d) (1) 2 CFR part 180 (OMB Guidelines to Agencies on Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement)), as adopted at 2 CFR part 3485; and
(2) 2 CFR part 200 (Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards), as adopted at 2 CFR part 3474.

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

[58 FR 32575, June 10, 1993; 59 FR 32656, June 24, 1994; 64 FR 7739, Feb. 16, 1999; 79 FR 76104, Dec. 19, 2014]

§ 655.4 What definitions apply to the International Education Programs?

General definitions. The following terms used in this part and 34 CFR parts 656, 657, 658, 660, 661, and 669 are defined in 2 CFR part 200, subpart A, or 34 CFR 77.1:

Acquisition

Applicant

Application

Award

Budget

Contract

EDGAR

Equipment

Facilities

Fiscal year

Grant

Grantee

Grant period

Local educational agency

Nonprofit

Project

Project period

Private

Public

Secretary

State educational agency

Supplies

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1121–1127)

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)

[58 FR 32575, June 10, 1993; 59 FR 32656, June 24, 1994; 64 FR 7739, Feb. 16, 1999; 74 FR 35072, July 17, 2009; 79 FR 76104, Dec. 19, 2014]

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]

Subpart C [Reserved]

Subpart D—How Does the Secretary Make a Grant?

§ 655.30 How does the Secretary evaluate an application?

The Secretary evaluates an application for International Education Programs on the basis of—

The general criteria in §655.31; and
The specific criteria in, as applicable, subpart D of 34 CFR parts 658, 660, 661, and 669.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1121–1127)
[64 FR 7739, Feb. 16, 1999]

§ 655.31 What general selection criteria does the Secretary use?

Plan of operation.

The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the quality of the plan of operation for the project.
The Secretary looks for information that shows—
1. High quality in the design of the project;
2. An effective plan of management that ensures proper and efficient administration of the project;
3. A clear description of how the objectives of the project relate to the purpose of the program;
4. The way the applicant plans to use its resources and personnel to achieve each objective; and
5. A clear description of how the applicant will provide equal access and treatment for eligible project participants who are members of groups that have been traditionally underrepresented, such as—

Members of racial or ethnic minority groups;
Women; and
Handicapped persons.

Quality of key personnel.
1. The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the quality of the key personnel the applicant plans to use on the project.
2. The Secretary looks for information that shows—

The qualifications of the project director (if one is to be used);
The qualifications of each of the other key personnel to be used in the project. In the case of faculty, the qualifications of the faculty and the degree to which that faculty is directly involved in the actual teaching and supervision of students; and
The time that each person referred to in paragraphs (b)(2) (i) and (ii) of this section plans to commit to the project; and
The extent to which the applicant, as part of its nondiscriminatory employment practices, encourages applications for employment from persons who are members of groups that have been traditionally underrepresented, such as members of racial or ethnic minority groups, women, handicapped persons, and the elderly.

To determine the qualifications of a person, the Secretary considers evidence of past experience and training, in fields related to the objectives of the project, as well as other information that the applicant provides.

Budget and cost effectiveness.

The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that the project has an adequate budget and is cost effective.
The Secretary looks for information that shows—

The budget for the project is adequate to support the project activities; and
Costs are reasonable in relation to the objectives of the project.

Evaluation plan.

The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the quality of the evaluation plan for the project.

The Secretary looks for information that shows methods of evaluation that are appropriate for the project and, to the extent possible, are objective and produce data that are quantifiable.

Adequacy of resources.

The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that the applicant plans to devote adequate resources to the project.
The Secretary looks for information that shows—

Other than library, facilities that the applicant plans to use are adequate (language laboratory, museums, etc.); and
The equipment and supplies that the applicant plans to use are adequate.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1121–1127)

§ 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; 59 FR 32656, June 24, 1994]

[CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS]

[TITLE 34, VOLUME 3]

[Revised as of July 1, 2008]

[CITE: 34CFR669]

TITLE 34--EDUCATION

CHAPTER VI--OFFICE OF POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

34 CFR Part 669—Language Resource Centers Program

Subpart A—General

§ 669.1 What is the Language Resource Centers Program?

§ 669.2 Who is eligible to receive assistance under this program?

§ 669.3 What activities may the Secretary fund?

§ 669.4 What regulations apply?

§ 669.5 What definitions apply?

Subpart B [Reserved]

Subpart C—How Does the Secretary Make a Grant?

§ 669.20 How does the Secretary evaluate an application?

§ 669.21 What selection criteria does the Secretary use?

§ 669.22 What priorities may the Secretary establish?

Subpart D—What Conditions Must Be Met by a Grantee?

§ 669.30 What are allowable equipment costs?

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1123, unless otherwise noted.)

[Source: 55 FR 2773, Jan. 26, 1990, unless otherwise noted.]

Subpart A—General

§ 669.1 What is the Language Resource Centers Program?

The Language Resource Centers Program makes awards, through grants or contracts, for the purpose of establishing, strengthening, and operating centers that serve as resources for improving the nation's capacity for teaching and learning foreign languages effectively.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1123)

§ 669.2 Who is eligible to receive assistance under this program?

An institution of higher education or a combination of institutions of higher education is eligible to receive an award under this part.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1123)

§ 669.3 What activities may the Secretary fund?

Centers funded under this part must carry out activities to improve the teaching and learning of foreign languages. These activities must include effective dissemination efforts, whenever appropriate, and may include—

The conduct and dissemination of research on new and improved methods for teaching foreign languages, including the use of advanced educational technology;
The development and dissemination of new materials for teaching foreign languages, to reflect the results of research on effective teaching strategies;
The development, application, and dissemination of performance testing that is appropriate for use in an educational setting to be used as a standard and comparable measurement of skill levels in foreign languages;
The training of teachers in the administration and interpretation of foreign language performance tests, the use of effective teaching strategies, and the use of new technologies;
A significant focus on the teaching and learning needs of the less commonly taught languages, including an assessment of the strategic needs of the United States, the determination of ways to meet those needs nationally, and the publication and dissemination of instructional materials in the less commonly taught languages;
The development and dissemination of materials designed to serve as a resource for foreign language teachers at the elementary and secondary school levels; and
The operation of intensive summer language institutes to train advanced foreign language students, to provide professional development, and to improve language instruction through pre-service and in-service language training for teachers.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1123)

[64 FR 7741, Feb. 16, 1999]

§ 669.4 What regulations apply?

The following regulations apply to this program:

The regulations in 34 CFR part 655.
The regulations in this part 669.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1123)

[58 FR 32577, June 10, 1993]

§ 669.5 What definitions apply?

The following definitions apply to this part:

The definitions in 34 CFR 655.4.
“Language Resource Center” means a coordinated concentration of educational research and training resources for improving the nation's capacity to teach and learn foreign languages.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1123)

Subpart B [Reserved]

Subpart C—How Does the Secretary Make a Grant?

§ 669.20 How does the Secretary evaluate an application?

The Secretary evaluates an application for an award on the basis of the criteria contained in §§669.21 and 669.22. 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. 1123)

[70 FR 13377, Mar. 21, 2005]

§ 669.21 What selection criteria does the Secretary use?

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

Plan of operation. (See 34 CFR 655.31(a))
Quality of key personnel. (See 34 CFR 655.31(b))
Budget and cost-effectiveness. (See 34 CFR 655.31(c))
Evaluation plan. (See 34 CFR 655.31 (d))
Adequacy of resources. (See 34 CFR 655.31(e))
Need and potential impact. The Secretary reviews each application to determine—

The extent to which the proposed materials or activities are needed in the foreign languages on which the project focuses;
The extent to which the proposed materials may be used throughout the United States; and
The extent to which the proposed work or activity may contribute significantly to strengthening, expanding, or improving programs of foreign language study in the United States.

Likelihood of achieving results. The Secretary reviews each application to determine—

The quality of the outlined methods and procedures for preparing the materials; and
The extent to which plans for carrying out activities are practicable and can be expected to produce the anticipated results.

Description of final form of results. The Secretary reviews each application to determine the degree of specificity and the appropriateness of the description of the expected results from the project.
Priorities. If, under the provisions of §669.22, the application notice specifies priorities for this program, the Secretary determines the degrees to which the priorities are served.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1840–0608)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1123)

[55 FR 2773, Jan. 26, 1990, as amended at 58 FR 32577, June 10, 1993; 70 FR 13377, Mar. 21, 2005]

§ 669.22 What priorities may the Secretary establish?

The Secretary may each year select funding priorities from among the following:

Categories of allowable activities described in §669.3.
Specific foreign languages for study or materials development.
Levels of education, for example, elementary, secondary, postsecondary, or teacher education.

The Secretary announces any priorities in the application notice published in the Federal Register.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1123)

Subpart D—What Conditions Must Be Met by a Grantee?

§ 669.30 What are allowable equipment costs?

Equipment costs may not exceed fifteen percent of the grant amount.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1123)

OMB Control Number 1894-0005

Expiration 2/28/2026

General Education Provisions Act (GEPA)

NOTICE TO ALL APPLICANTS: EQUITY FOR STUDENTS, EDUCATORS, AND OTHER PROGRAM BENEFICIARIES

Section 427 of the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) (20 U.S.C. 1228a) applies to applicants for grant awards under this program.

ALL APPLICANTS FOR NEW GRANT AWARDS MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IN THEIR APPLICATIONS TO ADDRESS THIS PROVISION IN ORDER TO RECEIVE FUNDING UNDER THIS PROGRAM.

Please respond to the following requests for information:

Describe how your entity’s existing mission, policies, or commitments ensure equitable access to, and equitable participation in, the proposed project or activity.

Based on your proposed project or activity, what barriers may impede equitable access and participation of students, educators, or other beneficiaries?

Based on the barriers identified, what steps will you take to address such barriers to equitable access and participation in the proposed project or activity?

What is your timeline, including targeted milestones, for addressing these identified barriers?

Notes:

Applicants are not required to have mission statements or policies that align with equity in order to submit an application.

Applicants may identify any barriers that may impede equitable access and participation in the proposed project or activity, including, but not limited to, barriers based on economic disadvantage, gender, race, ethnicity, color, national origin, disability, age, language, migrant status, rural status, homeless status or housing insecurity, pregnancy, parenting, or caregiving status, and sexual orientation.

Applicants may have already included some or all of this required information in the narrative sections of their applications or their State Plans. In responding to this requirement, for each question, applicants may provide a cross-reference to the section(s) and page number(s) in their applications or State Plans that includes the information responsive to that question on this form or may restate that information on this form.

Shape1

Paperwork Burden Statement

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 1894-0005. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 3 hours per response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering, and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. The obligation to respond to this collection is required to obtain or retain a benefit. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate or suggestions for improving this individual collection, send your comments to ICDocketMgr@ed.gov and reference OMB Control Number 1894-0005. All other comments or concerns regarding the status of your individual form may be addressed to either (a) the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section in the competition Notice Inviting Applications, or (b) your assigned program officer

Performance Indicators for the LRC Program

The Department of Education has prepared a strategic plan for 2022-2026. This plan reflects the Department’s priorities and integrates them with its mission and program authorities and describes how the Department will work to improve education for all children and adults in the U.S. The 2022-2026 plan includes the following five goals:

Goal 1: Promote equity in student access to educational resources, opportunities, and inclusive environments.

Goal 2: Support a diverse and talented educator workforce and professional growth to strengthen student learning.

Goal 3: Meet students’ social, emotional, and academic needs.

Goal 4: Increase postsecondary value by focusing on equity-conscious strategies to address access to high quality institutions, affordability, completion, post-enrollment success, and support for inclusive institutions.

Goal 5: Enhance the Department’s internal capacity to optimize the delivery of its mission.

What are the Performance Indicators for the Language Resource Centers (LRCs)?

The LRC program provides grants for establishing, strengthening and operating centers that serve as resources for improving the nation's capacity for teaching and learning foreign languages through teacher training, research, materials development and dissemination projects. The following performance measures have been established to assess the effectiveness of the LRC program.

Percentage of LRC products or activities judged to be successful by LRC customers with respect to quality, usefulness and relevance.
Percentage of LRC products judged to be successful by an independent expert review panel with respect to quality, usefulness and relevance.
Efficiency: Cost per LRC project that increased the number of training programs for K-16 instructors of LCTLs.*

* The U.S. Department of Education International and Foreign Language Education office will be able to calculate this measure based on future LRC performance reports submitted to the IRIS reporting system. Applicants must define how they will collect and report data for the measure when they develop their proposed projects. Successful LRC applicants (later grantees) will be required to collect data on LRC performance measures, and report those data to the U.S. Department of Education in the IRIS reporting system.

Guidance to LRC Program Applicants

The Title VI international education programs’ overarching goal is to maintain a U.S. higher education system with the capacity to produce experts in less commonly taught languages and area studies who are capable of contributing to the needs of U.S. government, academic and business institutions. Each IFLE grant program addresses a specific objective related to this overarching goal. The objective of the LRC program is to strengthen and improve K-12 and undergraduate instruction in foreign languages. The overriding goal of all LRC projects is to develop prototypes for teaching and measuring performance that can be applied broadly and used as resources to improve foreign language education nationally. The LRC program provides grants to establish, strengthen and operate centers that provide teacher training, research, materials development and dissemination projects to improve teachers’ abilities to teach and students’ capacities to learn foreign languages.

Instructions: LRC Application Package

The Grants.gov LRC application includes Parts I, II, III, and IV. Applicants should organize their applications in accordance with the following:

Part I:	424 Forms Application for Federal Assistance – (SF-424) Item 12. Funding Opportunity Number: TBA Department of Education Supplemental Information Form for SF-424 NOTE: Section C – Budget Narrative should be included in the Budget Narrative Attachment, located in Part III.
Part II:	524 Forms Department of Education Budget Summary Form – (ED-524) – Non-Construction Programs Section A
Part III:	Abstract, Narrative, Budget, and Appendices ED Abstract (limited to 1 page) Project (Application) Narrative Attachment (suggested maximum length of 50 pages) Form Budget Narrative Attachment Form (detailed line-item budget and descriptions for requested line items) Other Attachments Form: Curricula Vitae (CVs) Position Descriptions Letters of Support List of Acronyms The Department of Education Abstract (ED Abstract) Form is where you attach your one-page, single-spaced project abstract. The abstract should include information about the proposed project, including activities you plan to conduct over the four-year grant period. The Project Narrative Attachment Form includes the narrative section addressing the program selection criteria that the peer reviewers will use to evaluate your application. The suggested maximum length for this section is 50 pages. The Budget Narrative Attachment Form is where you attach a detailed line-item budget and any supplemental budget information. The Department requests both a detailed line-item budget and descriptions of the line items to support the funds being requested. You may attach separate sheets to ED Form 524 in Section C ED Form 524. The budget narrative should clearly explain how the requested costs are relevant, reasonable and necessary for achieving the proposed project goals. The Other Attachment Form is where you attach the specified appendices, which include the CVs of key personnel, Position Descriptions for proposed personnel for the project, Letters of Support, and List of Acronyms. NOTE: Please do not attach any narratives, supporting files, or application components to the Standard Form (SF-424). Although the SF-424 accepts attachments, the Department of Education will only review materials/files attached to the attachment forms listed above. *All attachments must be in .PDF format. Other types of files will not be accepted.
Part IV:	Assurances, Certifications, and Survey Forms GEPA Section 427 Requirement Grants.gov Lobbying Form (formerly ED Form 80-0013) Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) (optional)

Instructions: Project Narrative –
Suggested Formatting, Selection Criteria, Priorities

Applicants will attach the application narrative under Project Narrative Attachment.

Please note that the suggested maximum length for the project narrative is 50 pages. This section includes the applicant’s responses to the selection criteria specified in this package.

Before preparing the Application Narrative, applicants should review the Dear Applicant Letter, Competition Highlights, the Federal Register Notice Inviting Applications, and program statute for specific guidance and requirements.

Suggested Formatting

A “page” is 8.5” x 11”, on one side only, with 1” margins at the top, bottom, and both sides. Page numbers and an identifier may be within the 1” margin. Double spacing (no more than three lines per vertical inch) is suggested for all text in the application narrative, including titles, headings, footnotes, quotations, references, captions, as well as all text in figures and graphs. Text in charts and tables may be single-spaced. Suggested fonts include: Times New Roman, Courier, Courier New or Arial. Suggested font size is 12 point or larger, or no smaller than 10 pitch (characters per inch).

The suggested length for the abstract is one page, single spaced. The abstract should include information about the proposed project, including activities you plan to conduct over the four-year grant period.

The application narrative has a suggested maximum length of 50 pages. This suggested maximum length does not apply to the cover sheet, budget section (including the narrative budget justification), assurances and certifications, one-page abstract, CVs, letters of support, list of acronyms, or appendices. The suggested maximum does apply to all of the application narrative section.

Addressing the Selection Criteria and Priorities

The selection criteria for this program are from 34 CFR 655.31 and 669.21 and are listed in this application package. Applications will be evaluated according to the specific selection criteria specified in the Notice and this package.

Absolute Priority

Note: The FY 2026 LRC program competition has one absolute priority. Only applications that meet this priority will be considered for funding.

Absolute Priority: Specific Foreign Languages for Study or Materials Development.

Background: Under 34 CFR 669.22(a)(2), the Department may establish a priority for specific foreign languages for study or materials development. For the absolute priority, we took into consideration the findings in the Modern Language Association (MLA) survey 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 “Less Commonly Taught Languages” (LCTLs) used by the Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition (CARLA). CARLA defines LCTLs as “all of the world’s languages except English, French, German, and Spanish.”

Absolute Priority: Applications that propose activities with a significant focus on the teaching and learning of any modern foreign languages except French, German, and Spanish.

Scored Selection Criteria and Competitive Preference Priority

To facilitate the review of the application, provide responses to the selection criteria and competitive preference priority in the following order in your narrative:

SELECTION CRITERIA	POINTS
Plan of Operation	15
Quality of Key Personnel	10
Budget and Cost Effectiveness	10
Evaluation Plan	20
Adequacy of Resources	5
Need and Potential Impact	20
Likelihood of Achieving Results	10
Description of Final Form of Results	10
TOTAL BASE SCORE	100
Competitive Preference Priority	5
TOTAL MAXIMUM SCORE	105

Plan of Operation (15 points)

Does the application demonstrate:

A high quality in the project design?
An effective plan of management that ensures proper and efficient administration of the project?
A clear description of how the objectives of the project relate to the purpose of the program?
The way the applicant plans to use its resources and personnel to achieve each objective?
A clear description of how the applicant will provide equal access and treatment for eligible project participants who are members of groups that have been traditionally underrepresented, such as:
1. Members of racial or ethnic minority groups
2. Women
3. Handicapped persons

Quality of Key Personnel (10 points)

Does the application demonstrate the quality of the key personnel the applicant plans to use on the project?

What are the qualifications of the project director?
What are the qualifications of each of the other key personnel to be used in the project?
1. In the case of faculty – what are the qualifications of the faculty and the degree to which that faculty is directly involved in the actual teaching and supervision of students?
How much time does each of the mentioned key personnel plan to commit to the project?
To what extent does the applicant, as part of its nondiscriminatory employment practices, encourage applications for employment from persons who are members of groups that have been traditionally underrepresented, such as members of racial or ethnic minority groups, women, handicapped persons, and the elderly?
Do the qualifications of the proposed key personnel include evidence of past experience and training in fields related to the objectives of the project, as well as other information that the applicant provides?

Budget and Cost Effectiveness (10 points)
Evaluation Plan (20 points)

What is the quality of the evaluation plan for the project?
Does the plan have methods of evaluation that are appropriate for the project and, to the extent possible, are objective and produce data that are quantifiable?

Adequacy of Resources (5 points)

Does the application demonstrate that the applicant plans to devote adequate resources to the project?

Other than libraries, are the facilities that the applicant plans to use adequate (language laboratories, museums, etc.)?
Are the equipment and supplies that the applicant plans to use adequate?

Need and Potential Impact (20 points)*

* In cases where two or more applications have the same final score in the rank order listing, but there are insufficient funds to support all of the equally ranked applications, the “Need and Potential Impact” criterion will be used to break the tie.

Likelihood of Achieving Results (10 points)
Description of Final Form of Results (10 points)

What is the degree of specificity and the appropriateness of the description of the expected results from the project?

Competitive Preference Priority: Promoting Equity in Student Access to Educational Resources and Opportunities (up to 5 points)

Projects that will be implemented by or in partnership with one or more of the following entities:

Community colleges (as defined in the Notice Inviting Applications (NIA)).
Historically Black colleges and universities (as defined in the NIA).
Tribal Colleges and Universities (as defined in the NIA).
Minority-serving institutions (as defined in the NIA).

Definitions: The definitions below are from the Supplemental Priorities.

Community college means “junior or community college” as defined in section 312(f) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA).

Historically Black Colleges and Universities means colleges and universities that meet the criteria set out in 34 CFR 608.2.

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

Tribal College or University has the meaning ascribed it in section 316(b)(3) of the HEA.

Note: 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.

Instructions: Standard Forms

Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424)
Department of Education Supplemental Form for the SF-424
Department of Education Budget Summary Form (ED-524)
Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) (optional)
Appendices
Application Contents Checklist
Paperwork Burden Statement

Instructions: SF-424

This is a standard form required for use as a cover sheet for submission of pre-applications and applications and related information under discretionary programs. Some of the items are required and some are optional at the discretion of the applicant or the federal agency (agency). Required fields on the form are identified with an asterisk (*) and are also specified as “Required” in the instructions below. In addition to these instructions, applicants must consult agency instructions to determine other specific requirements.

Type of Submission: (Required) Select one type of submission in accordance with agency instructions.

Pre-application
Application
Changed/Corrected Application – Check if this submission is to change or correct a previously submitted application. Unless requested by the agency, applicants may not use this form to submit changes after the closing date.

Type of Application: (Required) Select one type of application in accordance with agency instructions.

New – An application that is being submitted to an agency for the first time.
Continuation - An extension for an additional funding/budget period for a project with a projected completion date. This can include renewals.
Revision - Any change in the federal government’s financial obligation or contingent liability from an existing obligation. If a revision, enter the appropriate letter(s). More than one may be selected. If "Other" is selected, please specify in text box provided.

Increase Award
Decrease Award
Increase Duration
Decrease Duration
Other (specify)

Date Received: Leave this field blank. This date will be assigned by the Federal agency.
Applicant Identifier: Enter the entity identifier assigned by the Federal agency, if any, or the applicant’s control number if applicable.

5a. Federal Entity Identifier: Enter the number assigned to your organization by the federal agency, if any.

5b. Federal Award Identifier: For new applications leave blank. For a continuation or revision to an existing award, enter the previously assigned federal award identifier number. If a changed/corrected application, enter the federal identifier in accordance with agency instructions.

Date Received by State: Leave this field blank. This date will be assigned by the state, if applicable.
State Application Identifier: Leave this field blank. This identifier will be assigned by the state, if applicable.
Applicant Information: Enter the following in accordance with agency instructions:

Legal Name: (Required) Enter the legal name of applicant that will undertake the assistance activity. This is the organization that has registered with the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). Information on registering with CCR may be obtained by visiting www.Grants.gov.
Employer/Taxpayer Number (EIN/TIN): (Required) Enter the employer or taxpayer identification number (EIN or TIN) as assigned by the Internal Revenue Service. If your organization is not in the US, enter 44-4444444.
Organizational DUNS: (Required) Enter the organization’s DUNS or DUNS+4 number received from Dun and Bradstreet. Information on obtaining a DUNS number may be obtained by visiting www.Grants.gov.
Address: Enter address: Street 1 (Required); city (Required); County/Parish, State (Required if country is US), Province, Country (Required), 9-digit zip/postal code (Required if country US).
Organizational Unit: Enter the name of the primary organizational unit, department or division that will undertake the assistance activity.
Name and contact information of person to be contacted on matters involving this application: Enter the first and last name (Required); prefix, middle name, suffix, title. Enter organizational affiliation if affiliated with an organization other than that in 7.a. Telephone number and email (Required); fax number.

Type of Applicant: (Required) Select up to three applicant type(s) in accordance with agency instructions.

State Government
County Government
City or Township Government
Special District Government
Regional Organization
U.S. Territory or Possession
Independent School District
Public/State Controlled Institution of Higher Education
Indian/Native American Tribal Government (Federally Recognized)
Indian/Native American Tribal Government (Other than Federally Recognized)
Indian/Native American Tribally Designated Organization
Public/Indian Housing Authority
Nonprofit
Private Institution of Higher Education
Individual
For-Profit Organization (Other than Small Business)
Small Business
Hispanic-serving Institution
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs)
Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions
Non-US Entity
Other (specify)

Name Of Federal Agency: (Required) Enter the name of the federal agency from which assistance is being requested with this application.
Catalog Of Federal Domestic Assistance Number/Title: Enter the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number and title of the program under which assistance is requested, as found in the program announcement, if applicable.
Funding Opportunity Number/Title: (Required) Enter the Funding Opportunity Number and title of the opportunity under which assistance is requested, as found in the program announcement.
Competition Identification Number/Title: Enter the competition identification number and title of the competition under which assistance is requested, if applicable.
Areas Affected By Project: This data element is intended for use only by programs for which the area(s) affected are likely to be different than the place(s) of performance reported on the SF-424 Project/Performance Site Location(s) Form. Add attachment to enter additional areas, if needed.
Descriptive Title of Applicant’s Project: (Required) Enter a brief descriptive title of the project. If appropriate, attach a map showing project location (e.g., construction or real property projects). For pre-applications, attach a summary description of the project.
Congressional Districts Of: 16a. (Required) Enter the applicant’s congressional district. 16b. Enter all district(s) affected by the program or project. Enter in the format: 2 characters state abbreviation – 3 characters district number, e.g., CA-005 for California 5th district, CA-012 for California 12 district, NC-103 for North Carolina’s 103 district. If all congressional districts in a state are affected, enter “all” for the district number, e.g., MD-all for all congressional districts in Maryland. If nationwide, i.e. all districts within all states are affected, enter US-all. If the program/project is outside the US, enter 00-000. This optional data element is intended for use only by programs for which the area(s) affected are likely to be different than place(s) of performance reported on the SF-424 Project/Performance Site Location(s) Form. Attach an additional list of program/project congressional districts, if needed.
Proposed Project Start and End Dates: (Required) Enter the proposed start date and end date of the project.
Estimated Funding: (Required) Enter the amount requested, or to be contributed during the first funding/budget period by each contributor. Value of in-kind contributions should be included on appropriate lines, as applicable. If the action will result in a dollar change to an existing award, indicate only the amount of the change. For decreases, enclose the amounts in parentheses.
Is Application Subject to Review by State Under Executive Order 12372 Process? (Required) Applicants should contact the State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for Federal Executive Order 12372 to determine whether the application is subject to the State intergovernmental review process. Select the appropriate box. If “a.” is selected, enter the date the application was submitted to the State.
Is the Applicant Delinquent on any Federal Debt? (Required) Select the appropriate box. This question applies to the applicant organization, not the person who signs as the authorized representative. Categories of federal debt include; but, may not be limited to: delinquent audit disallowances, loans and taxes. If yes, include an explanation in an attachment.
Authorized Representative: To be signed and dated by the authorized representative of the applicant organization. Enter the first and last name (Required); prefix, middle name, suffix. Enter title, telephone number, email (Required); and fax number. A copy of the governing body’s authorization for you to sign this application as the official representative must be on file in the applicant’s office. (Certain federal agencies may require that this authorization be submitted as part of the application.)

[U.S Department of Education note: As of spring, 2010, the FON discussed in Block 12 of the instructions can be found via the following URL: www.grants.gov/applicants/find_grant_opportunities.jsp.]

Instructions: ED Supplemental Information Form for SF-424

Project Director. Name, address, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail address of the person to be contacted on matters involving this application.

Novice Applicant. Check “Yes” or “No” only if assistance is being requested under a program that gives special consideration to novice applicants. Otherwise, leave blank.

Check “Yes” if you meet the requirements for novice applicants specified in the regulations in 34 CFR 75.225 and included on the attached page entitled “Definitions for Department of Education Supplemental Information for SF-424.” By checking “Yes” the applicant certifies that it meets these novice applicant requirements. Check “No” if you do not meet the requirements for novice applicants.

Human Subjects Research. (See I. A. “Definitions” in attached page entitled “Definitions for Department of Education Supplemental Information for SF-424.”)

If Not Human Subjects Research. Check “No” if research activities involving human subjects are not planned at any time during the proposed project period. The remaining parts of Item 3 are then not applicable.

If Human Subjects Research. Check “Yes” if research activities involving human subjects are planned at any time during the proposed project period, either at the applicant organization or at any other performance site or collaborating institution. Check “Yes” even if the research is exempt from the regulations for the protection of human subjects. (See I. B. “Exemptions” in attached page entitled “Definitions for Department of Education Supplemental Information For SF-424.”)

3a. If Human Subjects Research is Exempt from the Human Subjects Regulations. Check “Yes” if all the research activities proposed are designated to be exempt from the regulations. Insert the exemption number(s) corresponding to one or more of the six exemption categories listed in I. B. “Exemptions.” In addition, follow the instructions in II. A. “Exempt Research Narrative” in the attached page entitled “Definitions for Department of Education Supplemental Information For SF-424.”

3a. If Human Subjects Research is Not Exempt from Human Subjects Regulations. Check “No” if some or all of the planned research activities are covered (not exempt). In addition, follow the instructions in II. B. “Nonexempt Research Narrative” in the page entitled “Definitions for Department of Education Supplemental Information For SF-424

3a. Human Subjects Assurance Number. If the applicant has an approved Federal Wide (FWA) on file with the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, that covers the specific activity, insert the number in the space provided. If the applicant does not have an approved assurance on file with OHRP, enter “None.” In this case, the applicant, by signature on the SF-424, is declaring that it will comply with 34 CFR 97 and proceed to obtain the human subjects assurance upon request by the designated ED official. If the application is recommended/selected for funding, the designated ED official will request that the applicant obtain the assurance within 30 days after the specific formal request.

Note about Institutional Review Board Approval. ED does not require certification of Institutional Review Board approval with the application. However, if an application that involves non-exempt human subjects research is recommended/selected for funding, the designated ED official will request that the applicant obtain and send the certification to ED within 30 days after the formal request.

Paperwork Burden Statement. According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 1894-0007. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average between 15 and 45 minutes per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data resources, gather the data needed, and complete and review the information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the estimate(s) or suggestions for improving this form, please write to: U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20202-4537. If you have comments or concerns regarding the status of your individual submission of this form write directly to: Application Control Center, U.S. Department of Education, Potomac Center Plaza, 550 12th Street, S.W. Room 7076, Washington, D.C. 20202-4260.

Definitions: ED Supplemental Information Form for SF-424

(Attachment to Instructions for Supplemental Information for SF-424

Definitions:

Novice Applicant (See 34 CFR 75.225). For discretionary grant programs under which the Secretary gives special consideration to novice applications, a novice applicant means any applicant for a grant from ED that—

Has never received a grant or subgrant under the program from which it seeks funding;
Has never been a member of a group application, submitted in accordance with 34 CFR 75.127-75.129, that received a grant under the program from which it seeks funding; and
Has not had an active discretionary grant from the Federal government in the five years before the deadline date for applications under the program. For the purposes of this requirement, a grant is active until the end of the grant’s project or funding period, including any extensions of those periods that extend the grantee’s authority to obligate funds.

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

PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECTS IN RESEARCH

Definitions and Exemptions
1. Definitions.

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

—Research

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

Human Subject

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

Exemptions.

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

Research conducted in established or commonly accepted educational settings, involving normal educational practices, such as (a) research on regular and special education instructional strategies, or (b) research on the effectiveness of or the comparison among instructional techniques, curricula, or classroom management methods.
Research involving the use of educational tests (cognitive, diagnostic, aptitude, achievement), survey procedures, interview procedures or observation of public behavior, unless: (a) information obtained is recorded in such a manner that human subjects can be identified, directly or through identifiers linked to the subjects; and (b) any disclosure of the human subjects’ responses outside the research could reasonably place the subjects at risk of criminal or civil liability or be damaging to the subjects’ financial standing, employability, or reputation.
If the subjects are children, exemption 2 applies only to research involving educational tests and observations of public behavior when the investigator(s) do not participate in the activities being observed. Exemption 2 does not apply if children are surveyed or interviewed or if the research involves observation of public behavior and the investigator(s) participate in the activities being observed. [Children are defined as persons who have not attained the legal age for consent to treatments or procedures involved in the research, under the applicable law or jurisdiction in which the research will be conducted.]
Research involving the use of educational tests (cognitive, diagnostic, aptitude, achievement), survey procedures, interview procedures or observation of public behavior that is not exempt under section (2) above, if the human subjects are elected or appointed public officials or candidates for public office; or federal statute(s) require(s) without exception that the confidentiality of the personally identifiable information will be maintained throughout the research and thereafter.
Research involving the collection or study of existing data, documents, records, pathological specimens, or diagnostic specimens, if these sources are publicly available or if the information is recorded by the investigator in a manner that subjects cannot be identified, directly or through identifiers linked to the subjects.
Research and demonstration projects which are conducted by or subject to the approval of department or agency heads, and which are designed to study, evaluate, or otherwise examine: (a) public benefit or service programs; (b) procedures for obtaining benefits or services under those programs; (c) possible changes in or alternatives to those programs or procedures; or (d) possible changes in methods or levels of payment for benefits or services under those programs.
Taste and food quality evaluation and consumer acceptance studies, (a) if wholesome foods without additives are consumed or (b) if a food is consumed that contains a food ingredient at or below the level and for a use found to be safe, or agricultural chemical or environmental contaminant at or below the level found to be safe, by the Food and Drug Administration or approved by the Environmental Protection Agency or the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Instructions for Exempt and Nonexempt Human Subjects Research Narratives

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

Exempt Research Narrative.
If you marked “Yes” for item 3 a. and designated exemption numbers(s), provide the “exempt research” narrative. The narrative must contain sufficient information about the involvement of human subjects in the proposed research to allow a determination by ED that the designated exemption(s) are appropriate. The narrative must be succinct.
Nonexempt Research Narrative.
If you marked “No” for item 3 a. you must provide the “nonexempt research” narrative. The narrative must address the following seven points. Although no specific page limitation applies to this section of the application, be succinct.
1. Human Subjects Involvement and Characteristics: Provide a detailed description of the proposed involvement of human subjects. Describe the characteristics of the subject population, including their anticipated number, age range, and health status. Identify the criteria for inclusion or exclusion of any subpopulation. Explain the rationale for the involvement of special classes of subjects, such as children, children with disabilities, adults with disabilities, persons with mental disabilities, pregnant women, prisoners, institutionalized individuals, or others who are likely to be vulnerable
2. Sources of Materials: Identify the sources of research material obtained from individually identifiable living human subjects in the form of specimens, records, or data. Indicate whether the material or data will be obtained specifically for research purposes or whether use will be made of existing specimens, records, or data.
3. Recruitment and Informed Consent: Describe plans for the recruitment of subjects and the consent procedures to be followed. Include the circumstances under which consent will be sought and obtained, who will seek it, the nature of the information to be provided to prospective subjects, and the method of documenting consent. State if the Institutional Review Board (IRB) has authorized a modification or waiver of the elements of consent or the requirement for documentation of consent.
4. Potential Risks: Describe potential risks (physical, psychological, social, legal, or other) and assess their likelihood and seriousness. Where appropriate, describe alternative treatments and procedures that might be advantageous to the subjects.
5. Protection Against Risk: Describe the procedures for protecting against or minimizing potential risks, including risks to confidentiality, and assess their likely effectiveness. Where appropriate, discuss provisions for ensuring necessary medical or professional intervention in the event of adverse effects to the subjects. Also, where appropriate, describe the provisions for monitoring the data collected to ensure the safety of the subjects.
6. Importance of the Knowledge to be Gained: Discuss the importance of the knowledge gained or to be gained as a result of the proposed research. Discuss why the risks to subjects are reasonable in relation to the anticipated benefits to subjects and in relation to the importance of the knowledge that may reasonably be expected to result.
7. Collaborating Site(s): If research involving human subjects will take place at collaborating site(s) or other performance site(s), name the sites and briefly describe their involvement or role in the research.

Copies of the Department of Education’s Regulations for the Protection of Human Subjects, 34 CFR Part 97 and other pertinent materials on the protection of human subjects in research are available from the U.S. Department of Education, Protection of Human Subjects Coordinator, Office of the Chief Financial Officer, LBJ Building, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-4250, telephone: (202) 260-3353, and on the U.S. Department of Education’s Protection of Human Subjects in Research Web Site: www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocfo/humansub.html

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

Instructions: ED-524

General Instructions

This form is used to apply to individual U.S. Department of Education (ED) discretionary grant programs. Unless directed otherwise, provide the same budget information for each year of the multi-year funding request. Pay attention to applicable program specific instructions, if attached. You may access the Education Department General Administrative Regulations, parts 75-77, 79, 81- 82, 84, 86, and 97- 99 on ED’s website at: www.ed.gov/policy/fund/reg/edgarReg/edgar.html

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

Section A – Budget Summary

U.S. Department of Education Funds

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

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

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

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

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

Indirect Cost Information: If you are requesting reimbursement for indirect costs on line 10, this information is to be completed by your Business Office. (1): Indicate whether or not your organization has an Indirect Cost Rate Agreement that was approved by the Federal government. (2): If you checked “yes” in (1), indicate in (2) the beginning and ending dates covered by the Indirect Cost Rate Agreement. In addition, indicate whether ED or another Federal agency (Other) issued the approved agreement. If you check “Other,” specify the name of the Federal agency that issued the approved agreement. (3): If you are applying for a grant under a Restricted Rate Program (34 CFR 75.563 or 76.563), indicate whether you are using a restricted indirect cost rate that is included on your approved Indirect Cost Rate Agreement or whether you are using a restricted indirect cost rate that complies with 34 CFR 76.564(c)(2). Note: State or Local government agencies may not use the provision for a restricted indirect cost rate specified in 34 CFR 76.564(c)(2). Check only one response. Leave blank, if this item is not applicable.

Section B – Budget Summary

Non-Federal Funds

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

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

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

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

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

Section C - Budget Narrative [Attach Separate Sheet(s)]

Pay attention to applicable program specific instructions, if attached

Provide an itemized budget breakdown, and justification by project year, for each budget category listed in Sections A and B. For grant projects that will be divided into two or more separately budgeted major activities or sub-projects, show for each budget category of a project year the breakdown of the specific expenses attributable to each sub-project or activity.
For non-Federal funds or resources listed in Section B that are used to meet a cost-sharing or matching requirement or provided as a voluntary cost-sharing or matching commitment, you must include:
1. The specific costs or contributions by budget category;
2. The source of the costs or contributions; and
3. In the case of third-party in-kind contributions, a description of how the value was determined for the donated or contributed goods or services.

[Please review the requirements for cost sharing and matching regulations, which include specific limitations, in 2 C.F.R. §200.306, applicable to non-Federal entities]

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

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

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

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

Provide other explanations or comments you deem necessary.

Paperwork Burden Statement

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 1894-0008. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to be 100 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather the data needed, and complete and review the information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate(s) or suggestions for improving this form, please write to: U.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C. 20202-4537. If you have comments or concerns regarding the status of your individual submission of this form, write directly to the International and Foreign Language Education Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20202.

Instructions: Budget Summary Form &
Itemized Line Item Budget

NOTE: Applicants to the LRC program must submit:

The ED Form 524 summary budget form that categorizes the requested federal funds for the project period (up to 48 months) (ED Form 524, Section A);

AND

A detailed line item budget with narrative justification.

The budget summary is to be presented on the “Budget Section A- Non-Construction Program” form (ED Form 524).” You are not required to include Budget Section B because the LRC program does not require cost sharing or matching.

The detailed line item budget with notes that describe the funding being requested for each budget period should be included in the “Budget Narrative Attachment,” which requests information on the applicant’s financial plan for carrying out the project. You should also put an asterisk next to items on the detailed budget related to the absolute priority and the competitive preference priority for the FY 2026 competition.

Applicants should describe how all costs support project activities. For each line item, provide detailed costs and narrative justification to support your request. Please check all figures and combined totals and compare line item budget figures to those on the ED Form 524.

The line items that may be supported with grant funds include the following:

Personnel: Enter only the project personnel salaries and wages. [Fees and expenses for consultants should be included on line 8.] The budget should include the total commitment of time and the total salary to be charged to the project for each key staff person. A breakdown of project personnel should include: position titles, percent of time and number of months committed to the project for each key staff member, salary for each key staff member and total salary costs to be charged to the grant.
Fringe Benefits: On line 2 (ED Form 524), enter the amount of fringe benefits. The institution’s normal fringe benefit contribution may be charged to the program. Leave this blank if fringe benefits applicable to direct salaries and wages are treated as part of the indirect costs. In the budget, include an explanation and appropriate justification if the institution’s normal fringe benefit contribution exceeds 20 percent of salaries.
Travel: On line 3 (ED Form 524), provide the travel costs for project personnel. [Consultants’ travel should be included on line 8.] In the budget, you should detail the proposed travel costs: for each trip, explain the purpose and objective of the travel and provide the number of persons traveling. Travel costs should not exceed economy class fares. For automobile mileage, the established institution rate should be used. Reimbursement is allowed for taxi, bus, train or van transportation. Per diem at the established institution rate is permitted when an individual is away from home overnight on official project business (see 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards). Foreign travel can be authorized under the grant.
Equipment: On line 4 (ED Form 524), indicate the cost of equipment -- non-expendable personal property, which has a usefulness of greater than one year and an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit. [Consistent with an applicant’s policy, a lower dollar amount may be used to define equipment.] In the budget, explain why the requested equipment is necessary to carry out project activities and include a list of all equipment in the following format: item, quantity, cost per unit and total cost.
Note: no more than 15% of your total budget can be used in this category.
Supplies: On line 5 (ED Form 524), include the costs of all tangible personal property that was not included as “equipment” on line 4. In the budget, provide an itemized list of the supplies.
Contractual: Not applicable. Leave blank.
Construction: Not applicable. Leave blank.
Other: On line 8 (ED Form 524), indicate all direct costs not covered on lines 1 through 5. The costs/fees for consultants and consultants’ travel should be included here. Examples of “other” costs are: equipment rental, required fees, communications costs, rental of space, utilities, custodial services and printing costs. In the budget, provide a breakdown of all direct costs not clearly covered by other budget categories.

Evaluators and Consultants: If the project proposes to use external/outside evaluators and consultants, identify the consultants who will work on the project, the scope of work to be performed by each consultant and justify why project personnel cannot perform this work. Also, provide a detailed breakdown of the costs (daily fees to be paid, estimated number of days of services and all travel expenses, including per diem). Cost allowances for consultant fees, honoraria, per diem and travel should not exceed amounts permitted by comparable institutional policies.

Total Direct Costs: On line 9 (ED Form 524), provide the total direct costs requested – the sum of lines 1 through 8.
Indirect Costs: On line 10 (ED Form 524), provide the amount of indirect costs that you propose to charge against the grant.

NOTE: Indirect costs are limited to 8 percent of a modified total direct cost base. {See EDGAR, 34 CFR 75.562 (c)}

Training Stipends: Not applicable. Leave blank.
Total Cost: On line 12 (ED Form 524), provide total amount that you are requesting – the sum of lines 9 and 10. Note: This amount should be the same as that shown as 14a on the SF-424.

Instructions: SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (optional form)

This optional disclosure form shall be completed by the reporting entity, whether subawardee or prime Federal recipient, at the initiation or receipt of a covered Federal action, or a material change to a previous filing, pursuant to title 31 U.S.C. section 1352. The filing of a form is required for each payment or agreement to make payment to any lobbying entity for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with a covered Federal action. Complete all items that apply for both the initial filing and material change report. Refer to the implementing guidance published by the Office of Management and Budget for additional information.

Identify the type of covered Federal action for which lobbying activity is and/or has been secured to influence the outcome of a covered Federal action.
Identify the status of the covered Federal action.
Identify the appropriate classification of this report. If this is a follow up report caused by a material change to the information previously reported, enter the year and quarter in which the change occurred. Enter the date of the last previously submitted report by this reporting entity for this covered Federal action.
Enter the full name, address, city, State and zip code of the reporting entity. Include Congressional District, if known. Check the appropriate classification of the reporting entity that designates if it is, or expects to be, a prime or subaward recipient. Identify the tier of the subawardee, e.g., the first subawardee of the prime is the 1st tier. Subawards include but are not limited to subcontracts, subgrants and contract awards under grants.
If the organization filing the report in item 4 checks “Subawardee,” then enter the full name, address, city, State and zip code of the prime Federal recipient. Include Congressional District, if known.
Enter the name of the federal agency making the award or loan commitment. Include at least one organizational level below agency name, if known. For example, Department of Transportation, United States Coast Guard.
Enter the Federal program name or description for the covered Federal action (item 1). If known, enter the full Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number for grants, cooperative agreements, loans, and loan commitments.
Enter the most appropriate Federal identifying number available for the Federal action identified in item 1 (e.g., Request for Proposal (RFP) number; Invitations for Bid (IFB) number; grant announcement number; the contract, grant, or loan award number; the application/proposal control number assigned by the Federal agency). Included prefixes, e.g., “RFP-DE-90-001.”
For a covered Federal action where there has been an award or loan commitment by the Federal agency, enter the Federal amount of the award/loan commitment for the prime entity identified in item 4 or 5.
(a) Enter the full name, address, city, State and zip code of the lobbying registrant under the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 engaged by the reporting entity identified in item 4 to influence the covered Federal action. (b) Enter the full names of the individual(s) performing services, and include full address if different from 10(a). Enter Last Name, First Name, and Middle Initial (MI).
The certifying official shall sign and date the form, print his/her name, title, and telephone number.

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act, as amended, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control Number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is OMB No. 0348-0046. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 10 minutes per response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project (0348-0046), Washington, DC 20503.

Appendices

The curricula vitae of key personnel and professional staff directly involved in the applicant’s program.
Position descriptions for proposed personnel for the project.
Letters of support.
List of acronyms.

Application Contents Checklist

Before you submit the application package, please review the following list to ensure that your application includes all of the requested information, and that it is presented in the prescribed format.

Part I:	424 Forms Application for Federal Assistance – (SF-424) Item 12. Funding Opportunity Number: TBA Department of Education Supplemental Information Form for SF-424 NOTE: Section C – Budget Narrative should be included in the Budget Narrative Attachment, located in Part III.
Part II:	524 Forms Department of Education Budget Summary Form – (ED-524) – Non-Construction Programs Section A
Part III:	Abstract, Narrative, Budget, and Appendices ED Abstract (limited to 1 page) Project (Application) Narrative Attachment Form (suggested maximum length of 50 pages) Budget Narrative Attachment Form (detailed line-item budget and descriptions for requested line Items) Other Attachments Form: Curricula Vitae (CVs) Position Descriptions Letters of Support List of Acronyms Note: Section C ED 524 (Itemized Line-Item Budget with Budget Detailed Description) is attached here. Be sure to put an asterisk next to budget items that relate to the announced absolute priority and competitive preference priority for the FY 2026 competition.
Part IV:	Assurances, Certifications, and Survey Forms GEPA Section 427 Requirement Grants.gov Lobbying Form (formerly ED Form 80-0013) Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) (optional)
File Types:	All attachments should be in .PDF format.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our center has received an LRC grant in the past. Is it appropriate to refer to this in our application?

Yes; however, IFLE strongly suggests that you refrain from referring to your proposal as an application for "renewal" of your grant. A new competition for grant awards is held every four years. In selecting applications for funding, no preference is given to applicants who have received LRC grants in the past.

What techniques does the U.S. Department of Education (US/ED) consider helpful for presenting the application narrative and other important information?

In presenting the application narrative (your responses to the selection criteria), we encourage you to follow the order of the selection criteria as listed in the “Instructions for the Project Narrative” section in the application booklet. Additional useful techniques include using cross-references in the budget and appendices, providing an acronyms list, and using tables and graphs to present information effectively.

What criteria do the reviewers use when scoring the selection criteria?

Three peer reviewers score each application using the selection criteria in 34 CFR 655.31 and 669.21. The selection criteria are explained further in the section, “Instructions for the Project Narrative.” The review panels provide written comments and scores to support their judgments about the quality, significance and impact of the proposed project.

What criteria do the reviewers use when scoring the competitive preference priorities?

Please see the “Application (Project) Narrative Suggested Formatting & Selection Criteria)” page of this application.

What happens to my application if the U.S. Department of Education finds it to be ineligible?

It is not evaluated. Section 75.216 of EDGAR prohibits the U.S. Department of Education from evaluating an application if it does not meet the program eligibility criteria or does not otherwise comply with application requirements. If ineligible, a letter is sent to the applicant explaining why it was not evaluated.

Should references, footnotes, endnotes or the bibliography be included in the narrative? How long should they be?

References, footnotes, endnotes and the bibliography will certainly strengthen an application. However, they will be considered part of the application narrative, and subject to the page limit recommendations. Please check the Federal Register notice for more information regarding the suggested maximum length of the narrative.

Do the provisions of the “Fly America Act” apply to this program?

Yes. Travel paid for with grant funds must be in accordance with the Fly America Act (International Air Transportation Fair Competitive Practices Act of 1974, PL 93-624, PL 96-192). To be in compliance, travel must be on U.S. carriers wherever available, based on jet economy high season rates.

How will funding continuation decisions be made?

Annual performance reports will be submitted in lieu of formal continuation requests. Continuation funding will be contingent upon demonstration of substantial progress toward the completion of the project activities in the annual performance report. Instructions for completing performance reports will be forwarded to successful grantees shortly after the grant awards have been determined.

When will selections be announced?

IFLE expects to share the results of the FY XXXX LRC competition in summer XXXX. Awards will be announced no later than XX/XX/XXXX.

If an applicant has programmatic questions, whom should he or she contact?

He or she should contact the International and Foreign Language Education (IFLE) office of the U.S. Department of Education at ifle@ed.gov.

Technical Review Form (TRF)

Language Resource Centers (LRC) Program | Assistance Listing Number 84.229A

Applicant:
Application PR Number:
Reader:

SELECTION CRITERIA	Maximum Possible Points	LRC Applicant Score
Plan of Operation	15
Quality of Key Personnel	10
Budget and Cost Effectiveness	10
Evaluation Plan	20
Adequacy of Resources	5
Need and Potential Impact	20
Likelihood of Achieving Results	10
Description of Final Form of Results	10
Sub-total	100
Competitive preference priority	5
TOTAL POINTS	105

General Comments

STRENGTHS:

WEAKNESSES:

A. Plan of Operation (up to 15 points)

Does the application demonstrate –

High quality in the design of the project?
An effective plan of management that ensures proper and efficient administration of the project?
A clear description of how the objectives of the project relate to the purpose of the program?
The way the applicant plans to use its resources and personnel to achieve each objective?
A clear description of how the applicant will provide equal access and treatment for eligible project participants who are members of groups that have been traditionally underrepresented, such as—
1. Members of racial or ethnic minority groups;
2. Women;
3. Handicapped persons

STRENGTHS:

WEAKNESSES:

Points Awarded: ____ of 15

B. Quality of Key Personnel (up to 10 points)

Does the application demonstrate the quality of the key personnel the applicant plans to use on the project?
1. What are the qualifications of the project director (if one is to be used)?
2. What are the qualifications of each of the other key personnel to be used in the project?

In the case of faculty – what are the qualifications of the faculty and the degree to which that faculty is directly involved in the actual teaching and supervision of students?

How much time does each of the mentioned key personnel plan to commit to the project?
To what extent does the applicant, as part of its nondiscriminatory employment practices, encourage applications for employment from persons who are members of groups that have been traditionally underrepresented, such as members of racial or ethnic minority groups, women, handicapped persons, and the elderly?

Do the qualifications of the proposed key personnel include evidence of past experience and training in fields related to the objectives of the project, as well as other information that the applicant provides?

STRENGTHS:

WEAKNESSES:

Points Awarded: ____ of 10

C. Budget and Cost Effectiveness (up to 10 points)

Is the proposed budget adequate to support the project activities?
Are the costs reasonable in relation to the objectives of the project?

STRENGTHS:

WEAKNESSES:

Points Awarded: ____ of 10

D. Evaluation Plan (up to 20 points)

Does the application show methods of evaluation that are appropriate for the project and, to the extent possible, are objective and produce data that are quantifiable?

STRENGTHS:

WEAKNESSES:

Points Awarded: ____ of 20

E. Adequacy of Resources (up to 5 points)

Does the applicant plan to devote adequate resources to the project?

Other than library, are the facilities that the applicant plans to use adequate (language laboratory, museums, etc.)?
Are the equipment and supplies that the applicant plans to use adequate?

STRENGTHS:

WEAKNESSES:

Points Awarded: ____ of 5

F. Need and Potential Impact (up to 20 points)

To what extent are the materials or activities needed in the foreign languages on which the center focuses?
To what extent may the proposed materials be used throughout the United States?
To what extent may the proposed work or activity contribute significantly to strengthening, expanding, or improving programs of foreign language study in the United States?

STRENGTHS:

WEAKNESSES:

Points Awarded: ____ of 20

G. Likelihood of Achieving Results (up to 10 points)

To what extent is the quality of the outlined methods and procedures for preparing the materials adequate?
To what extent are the plans for carrying out activities practicable? Can the center be expected to produce the anticipated results?

STRENGTHS:

WEAKNESSES:

Points Awarded: ____ of 10

H. Description of Final Form of Results (up to 10 points)

Is the description of the expected results from the center's activities sufficiently specific and appropriate?

STRENGTHS:

WEAKNESSES:

Points Awarded: ____ of 10

I. Competitive Preference Priority (up to 5 points)

To what extent does the Center or program meet the Competitive Preference Priority?

Promoting Equity in Student Access to Educational Resources and Opportunities

STRENGTHS:

WEAKNESSES:

Points Awarded: ____ of 5

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File Modified	0000-00-00
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Application for the Language Resource Centers (LRC) Program