Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 163 / Friday, August 21, 2020 / Notices 51685

collection listed in this notice, please response to this notice will be and Economic Security Act (CARES Act use http://www.regulations.gov by considered public records. or Act), Catalog of Federal Domestic searching the Docket ID number ED– Title of Collection: Formula Grant Assistance (CFDA) number 84.425P. 2020–SCC–0136. Comments submitted EASIE Electronic Application System This notice relates to the approved in response to this notice should be for Indian Education. information collection under OMB submitted electronically through the OMB Control Number: 1810–0021. control number 1840–0848. Federal eRulemaking Portal at http:// Type of Review: A revision of an DATES: www.regulations.gov by selecting the existing information collection. Applications Available: August 21, Docket ID number or via postal mail, Respondents/Affected Public: State, 2020. commercial delivery, or hand delivery. Local and Tribal Organizations. Deadline for Notice of Intent to Apply: If the regulations.gov site is not Total Estimated Number of Annual September 10, 2020. available to the public for any reason, Responses: 11,300. Deadline for Transmittal of ED will temporarily accept comments at Total Estimated Number of Annual Applications: October 20, 2020. [email protected]. Please include the Burden Hours: 7,050. Pre-Application Information: The docket ID number and the title of the Abstract: The Indian Education Department will post additional information collection request when Formula Grant (CFDA 84.060A) requires information for prospective applicants requesting documents or submitting the annual submission of the on the IREPO program website: https:// comments. Please note that comments application from the local educational www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/ submitted by fax or email and those agency and/or tribe. The amount of each heerfirepo.html. applicant’s award is determined by submitted after the comment period will ADDRESSES: For the addresses for not be accepted. Written requests for formula, based upon the reported number of American Indian/Alaska obtaining and submitting an information or comments submitted by application, please refer to our Common postal mail or delivery should be Native students identified in the application, the state per pupil Instructions for Applicants to addressed to the Director of the Strategic Department of Education Discretionary Collections and Clearance Governance expenditure, and the total appropriation available. Applicants provide the data Grant Programs, published in the and Strategy Division, U.S. Department Federal Register on February 13, 2019 of Education, 400 Maryland Ave. SW, required for funding electronically, and the Office of Indian Education (OIE) is (84 FR 3768) and available at LBJ, Room 6W208D, Washington, DC www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2019- 20202–4537. able to apply electronic tools to facilitate the review and analysis 02-13/pdf/2019-02206.pdf. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For leading to grant awards. This change FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: specific questions related to collection request will result in a reduction in Karen Epps, U.S. Department of activities, please contact Crystal Moore, burden of 1,950 hours and $39,000 for Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, 202–453–5593. the public. The change in burden is due 250–64, Washington, DC 20202. Telephone: (202) 453–6337. Email: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The to technical changes in the forms that made them electronically fillable and a [email protected]. Department of Education (ED), in If you use a telecommunications accordance with the Paperwork reduction in the number of questions in the collection. device for the deaf (TDD) or a text Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay 3506(c)(2)(A)), provides the general Dated: August 18, 2020. Service (FRS), toll free, at 1–800–877– public and Federal agencies with an Kate Mullan, 8339. opportunity to comment on proposed, PRA Coordinator, Strategic Collections and revised, and continuing collections of Clearance, Governance and Strategy Division, SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: information. This helps the Department Office of Chief Data Officer, Office of Full Text of Announcement assess the impact of its information Planning, Evaluation and Policy collection requirements and minimize Development. I. Funding Opportunity Description the public’s reporting burden. It also [FR Doc. 2020–18421 Filed 8–20–20; 8:45 am] Purpose of Program: The purpose of helps the public understand the BILLING CODE 4000–01–P the IREPO Grants, offered under section Department’s information collection 18004(a)(3) of the CARES Act and the requirements and provide the requested Fund for the Improvement of data in the desired format. ED is DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Postsecondary Education (FIPSE), is to soliciting comments on the proposed provide financial support to institutions Applications for New Awards; information collection request (ICR) that of higher education (IHEs) with the Institutional Resilience and Expanded is described below. The Department of greatest unmet needs related to Postsecondary Opportunity Grants Education is especially interested in coronavirus to enable them to resume Program public comment addressing the operations, serve the needs of students, following issues: (1) Is this collection AGENCY: Office of Postsecondary reduce disease transmission, and necessary to the proper functions of the Education, Department of Education. develop more resilient instructional Department; (2) will this information be ACTION: Notice. delivery models, such as distance processed and used in a timely manner; learning, to continue educating students (3) is the estimate of burden accurate; SUMMARY: The Department of Education who cannot or choose not to attend (4) how might the Department enhance (Department) is issuing a notice inviting classroom-based instruction due to the quality, utility, and clarity of the applications (NIA) from eligible coronavirus. information to be collected; and (5) how applicants for fiscal year (FY) 2020 for This program contains one absolute might the Department minimize the Institutional Resilience and Expanded priority. In addition, there are three burden of this collection on the Postsecondary Opportunity (IREPO) competitive preference priorities that respondents, including through the use Grants under section 18004(a)(3) of the allow for up to three points to be of information technology. Please note Higher Education Emergency Relief awarded for each of two competitive that written comments received in Fund of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, priorities and up to ten points for one

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competitive priority, for a cumulative range of uses for IREPO grants, by (b) The institution serves large total of up to sixteen competitive stating that they may be used ‘‘to defray numbers of part-time students and, as preference points. expenses (including lost revenue, such, received a reduced per-student Background: Section 18004(a)(3) of reimbursement for expenses already allocation under section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act directs the Secretary to incurred, technology costs associated the CARES Act relative to institutions of allocate 2.5 percent of the $14.2 billion with a transition to distance education, the same or similar total enrollment that Higher Education Emergency Relief faculty and staff trainings, payroll) serve mostly full-time students; and Fund (HEERF) funds appropriated by incurred by IHEs and for grants to (c) Had other unmet needs due to the the Act to provide grants to institutions students for any component of the novel coronavirus, as described by the under part B of title VII of the Higher student’s cost of attendance (as defined institution in its application. Education Act of 1965, as amended under section 472 of the Higher The Department will provide grants to (HEA), for institutions that the Education Act), including food, individual eligible institutions or Department has determined have the housing, course materials, technology, consortia of two or more eligible greatest unmet needs related to health care, and child care.’’ institutions. coronavirus. Part B of title VII of the To disburse the remainder of the Starting in March 2020, the novel HEA establishes the FIPSE. FIPSE $348.8 million set aside for section coronavirus forced nearly all the grants, including grants under this 18004(a)(3) awards, the Department Nation’s secondary and postsecondary program, are limited to institutions of believes it should run a grant institutions to expand their use of, or higher education, as defined in section competition that complies with the transition fully to, remote learning. 101 of the HEA. requirements of the FIPSE grant While some IHEs already had a FIPSE grants are required, by statute, program, in that the use of these funds significant online presence prior to the to support improvements in higher will result in improvements in COVID–19 national emergency, others education through reforms, postsecondary education and had little experience in delivering improvements, or innovations in opportunity, and that complies with the distance learning. For those institutions, postsecondary education programs, requirements of the CARES Act in the move to distance learning opportunities, and delivery models. giving priority to institutions with the represented an abrupt and costly shift to Section 18004(a)(3) of the CARES Act greatest unmet needs related to a new instructional model that may provides funding specifically for the coronavirus. Section 18004(a)(3) does have required the institution to FIPSE program, and section 18004(d) of not define the term ‘‘greatest unmet purchase or lease equipment; develop or the Act directs the Secretary to give needs related to coronavirus.’’ While procure a learning management system; priority to IHEs that received less than section 18004(a)(3) allows funds to be develop or procure distance learning $500,000 combined under the IHE used to ‘‘defray expenses’’ and for content; train faculty and staff to engage formula grants authorized by section ‘‘grants to students,’’ given that in instruction and student support using 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act and the Congress chose FIPSE as the program technology; provide equipment; and pay grants authorized by section 18004(a)(2) through which these grants would be internet access fees on behalf of of the Act and that demonstrate the issued, expenditures under this program students. greatest unmet needs related to may be used to defray expenses In addition, the shift to distance expenses associated with coronavirus. associated with coronavirus, but must learning left many campuses with Read together, section 18004(a)(3) and also result in improvements in empty campus facilities, required them (d) of the CARES Act gives the postsecondary education. As a result, to refund portions of student tuition and Department discretion to determine the Department believes it is reasonable fees, and reduced their revenue streams which public and not-for-profit IHEs to establish priorities, selection criteria, from ancillary programs and services. that are eligible for FIPSE grants should definitions, and other requirements for The Department is generally aware that receive section 18004(a)(3) IREPO the IREPO Grant Program competition there is a concern that student grants. Given the statutory directive to that would serve the IHEs with the enrollments will continue to decline as the Department to provide priority to greatest unmet coronavirus-related a result of COVID–19 related institutions that received less than needs and support the purpose of disruptions among IHEs.12 Therefore, $500,000 from the other HEERF grants, improving postsecondary education in new efforts are required to help the Department’s general understanding response to coronavirus-related institutions become more resilient in the that all IHEs have been significantly challenges. face of continuing COVID–19 or other impacted by the coronavirus national For the purpose of this program, we similar interruptions and to develop emergency, and to facilitate the define institutions with the greatest more cost-effective models of operation expedient delivery of emergency funds unmet needs related to coronavirus as to make higher education more to IHEs, the Department, in its those that— affordable. This program seeks to discretion, decided to provide section (1) Had a student population enrolled support those efforts for institutions that 18004(a)(3) grant awards to all eligible at the beginning of the term that have the highest unmet needs related to IHEs (public and not-for-profit included March 13, 2020, or, if that date coronavirus. institutions) that had received less than occurred during a break between terms, In the case of secondary schools, few $500,000 collectively from the other at the beginning of the term had experience in providing instruction HEERF grants, in amounts that would immediately prior to the break which through distance learning, and many mean that each such IHE would receive included March 13, 2020, in which schools either ceased providing $500,000 total from all its HEERF grants. more than 30 percent of full-time instruction to students for several The Department has already announced students received a Pell Grant; and/or weeks, ended the school year early, or a first round of allocations under section (2) Were underserved by other CARES 18004(a)(3) specifically for institutions Act programs either because— 1 https://www.forbes.com/sites/richardvedder/ that received less than $500,000 (a) The institution did not receive a 2020/04/07/500-1000-colleges-to-disappear- survival-of-the-fittest/#a0d019411a1. combined under the grants authorized loan under the Paycheck Protection 2 https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/social- by section 18004(a)(1) and (a)(2). Program established by the CARES Act; sector/our-insights/covid-19-and-us-higher- Section 18004(a)(3) allows for a broad and/or education-enrollment-preparing-leaders-for-fall#.

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transitioned to distance learning but dual enrollment students. The proposed Projects that propose to use grant reduced learning expectations and rigor project design should be supported by funds to expand the institution’s in an effort to accommodate their lack evidence that meets the standard of capacity to develop or expand of experience in providing distance demonstrates a rationale (as defined in instructional delivery models, such as education. Unfortunately, this means this notice). Applications may provide a remote learning opportunities, to that even more students are likely to framework that identifies key students who cannot or choose not to graduate from high school components on how the proposed attend classroom-based instruction both underprepared for the demands of strategy, program, or activity is during and after the COVID–19 national postsecondary education, thereby informed by research or by the positive emergency. Under section 741(a)(3) of reducing the rates at which they enter, outcomes of earlier efforts that are the HEA, the Secretary is authorized to persist through, and complete similar to or serve as the foundation for make grants to improve postsecondary postsecondary education, including the proposed project.4 These positive education through the establishment career and technical education. outcomes must suggest that the and continuation of institutions, Research shows that students who proposed activity is likely to improve programs, consortia, collaborations, and enter college having participated in relevant outcomes (as defined in this other joint efforts that utilize distance concurrent enrollment programs are notice). We encourage evidence that education and technological more likely to complete high school, demonstrates a rationale for the advancements to educate and train enroll directly in four-year institutions, proposed activity to ensure that some postsecondary students (including persist in postsecondary education, and preliminary work has been done to health professionals serving medically accumulate more college credit, and demonstrate the merit of the proposal, underserved populations). Under these students are less likely to need while at the same time inviting the section 741(a)(5) of the HEA, the developmental education as broadest possible range of innovative Secretary is authorized to make grants to matriculated undergraduate students.3 solutions that may not yet have been improve postsecondary education Therefore, the Department sees an tested at scale or evaluated through through the design and introduction of opportunity to address this unmet need experimental or quasi-experimental cost-effective methods of instruction by encouraging IHEs to expand dual design. and operation. Consistent with these enrollment opportunities, thus Priorities: This notice contains one statutory goals, this competitive compensating for deficiencies of the absolute priority and three competitive preference priority addresses both an Nation’s K–12 system in serving preference priorities. We are institution’s need to respond to students through distance learning establishing these priorities for the FY disruptions in instruction related to during the national emergency, and 2020 grant competition and any coronavirus, and the FIPSE goals of increasing student readiness for, and subsequent year in which we make introducing or expanding the use of success in pursuing, postsecondary awards from the list of unfunded technology, and potentially reducing the education. Such efforts will also help applications from this competition, in cost of instructional delivery using such stabilize enrollments at participating accordance with section 437(d)(1) of the mechanisms. Competitive Preference Priority 2-– IHEs. For this reason, one of the General Education Provisions Act Providing Dual Enrollment competitive preference priorities for this (GEPA), 20 U.S.C. 1232(d)(1). Opportunities to Students Who Live or program is the development or Absolute Priority: This priority is an expansion of high-quality concurrent or Attend School in a Rural Community or absolute priority. Under 34 CFR Opportunity Zone. (0–10 points) dual enrollment programs, including 75.105(c)(3), we consider only career and technical education Projects that provide high-quality applications that meet this absolute postsecondary dual enrollment programs, for high school students who priority. can earn college credits while earning opportunities, which may include Expanding Opportunity and Building career and technical education their high school diploma. Institutional Resilience. In addition, the Department programs, to high school students who Projects that will provide financial recognizes the stabilizing force the live in or attend high school (including support to IHEs with the greatest unmet Historically Black Colleges and students who are homeschooled) in needs related to coronavirus to enable Universities (HBCUs), minority serving rural communities or Opportunity them to resume operations, serve the institutions (MSIs), and other Zones. For purposes of this competition, needs of students, reduce disease institutions that are eligible to a community is ‘‘rural’’ if the transmission, and/or implement safe participate in title III or title V programs community meets the qualifications for and effective instructional delivery have in their communities. As such, rural applicants established in section models, that will enable safe in-person institutions that are eligible to 114(e)(5)(A) of the Carl D. Perkins learning and expand remote learning participate in title III or title V Career and Technical Education Act of opportunities when necessary. programs, and that are either located in 2006, as amended by the Strengthening Competitive Preference Priorities: a rural community or Opportunity Zone, Career and Technical Education for the These priorities are competitive or serve high school students through 21st Century Act, and the applicant preference priorities. Under 34 CFR dual enrollment who live in or attend certifies that it meets those 75.105(c)(2)(i), we award up to an high school in a rural community or qualifications in its application. To additional sixteen points to an receive points for proposing to serve Opportunity Zone, including home application, depending on how well the students who live in or attend high schooled students, are given a application meets these priorities. school in an Opportunity Zone, competitive preference. Applicants are encouraged to develop These priorities are: applicants must provide the census tract innovative solutions that expand remote Competitive Preference Priority 1— number(s) of the relevant Qualified learning opportunities, including for Developing Resilient Instructional Opportunity Zone, as designated by the Delivery Models. (0–3 points) Secretary of the Treasury under section 3 https://ccrc.tc.columbia.edu/media/k2/ 1400Z–1 of the Internal Revenue Code. attachments/broadening-benefits-dual-enrollment- 4 This type of action can also be described as a This competitive preference priority rp.pdf. logic model, as defined by 34 CFR 77.1. aligns with section 741(a)(6) of the HEA,

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which authorizes the Secretary to make students in teaching, learning, and is satisfactory assurance that the grants to support the introduction of assessment, consistent with the content institution will meet the accreditation institutional reforms designed to expand under discussion, and also includes at standards of such an agency or individual opportunities for entering least two of the following— association within a reasonable time. and reentering postsecondary (i) Providing direct instruction; (b) The term also includes: institutions and pursuing programs of (ii) Assessing or providing feedback (1) Any school that provides not less postsecondary study tailored to on a student’s coursework; than a 1-year program of training to individual needs. (iii) Providing information or prepare students for gainful Competitive Preference Priority 3–– responding to questions about the employment in a recognized occupation Title III and Title V Participating content of a course or competency; and that meets the provisions of Institutions. (0–3 points) (iv) Facilitating a group discussion paragraphs (1), (2), (4), and (5) of Projects that— regarding the content of a course or paragraph (a) of this definition; and (a) Are led by an institution that is competency; or (2) A public or nonprofit private eligible to receive assistance under title (v) Other instructional activities educational institution in any State that, III or under title V of the HEA (3 points); approved by the institution’s or in lieu of the requirement in paragraph (b) Include as a consortium partner program’s accrediting agency. (a)(1) of this definition, admits as more than one such institution (2 (5) An institution ensures regular regular students individuals— points); or interaction between a student and an (A) Who are beyond the age of (c) Include as a consortium partner instructor or instructors by, prior to the compulsory school attendance in the one such institution (1 point). student’s completion of a course or State in which the institution is located; Definitions: The definitions of competency— or ‘‘baseline,’’ ‘‘demonstrates a rationale,’’ (i) Providing the opportunity for (B) Who will be dually or ‘‘performance measure,’’ ‘‘performance substantive interactions with the concurrently enrolled in the institution target,’’ ‘‘project component,’’ and student on a predictable and regular and a secondary school. ‘‘relevant outcome’’ are from 34 CFR basis commensurate with the length of Performance measure means any 77.1. The definition of ‘‘institution of time and the amount of content in the quantitative indicator, statistic, or higher education’’ is from section 101 of course or competency; and metric used to gauge program or project the HEA. We are establishing the (ii) Monitoring the student’s academic performance. definition of ‘‘distance education,’’ for engagement and success and ensuring Performance target means a level of the FY 2020 grant competition and any that an instructor is responsible for performance that an applicant would subsequent year in which we make promptly and proactively engaging in seek to meet during the course of a awards from the list of unfunded substantive interaction with the student project or as a result of a project. applications from this competition, in when needed on the basis of such Project component means an activity, accordance with section 437(d)(1) of monitoring, or upon request by the strategy, intervention, process, product, GEPA, 20 U.S.C. 1232(d)(1). student. practice, or policy included in a project. Baseline means the starting point Institution of higher education (IHE) Evidence may pertain to an individual from which performance is measured means— project component or to a combination and targets are set. (a) An educational institution in any of project components (e.g., training Distance education means— State that— teachers on instructional practices for (1) Education that uses one or more of (1) Admits as regular students only English learners and follow-on coaching the technologies listed in paragraphs persons having a certificate of for these teachers). (2)(i) through (iv) of this definition to graduation from a school providing Relevant outcome means the student deliver instruction to students who are secondary education, or the recognized outcome(s) or other outcome(s) the key separated from the instructor or equivalent of such a certificate, or project component is designed to instructors and to support regular and persons who meet the requirements of improve, consistent with the specific substantive interaction between the section 484(d) of the HEA; goals of the program. students and the instructor or (2) Is legally authorized within such Application Requirements: The instructors, either synchronously or State to provide a program of education following application requirements are asynchronously. beyond secondary education; (2) The technologies that may be used established for the FY 2020 grant (3) Provides an educational program to offer distance education include— competition and any subsequent year in (i) The internet; for which the institution awards a which we make awards from the list of (ii) One-way and two-way bachelor’s degree or provides not less unfunded applications from this transmissions through open broadcast, than a 2-year program that is acceptable competition, in accordance with section closed circuit, cable, microwave, for full credit toward such a degree, or 437(d)(1) of GEPA, 20 U.S.C. 1232(d)(1). broadband lines, fiber optics, satellite, awards a degree that is acceptable for Applicants must— or wireless communications devices; admission to a graduate or professional (1) Provide information about the (iii) Audio conference; or degree program, subject to review and number and percentage of the (iv) Other media used in a course in approval by the Secretary; institution’s students (or the number conjunction with any of the (4) Is a public or other nonprofit and percentage of students at each technologies listed in paragraph (2)(i) institution; and institution in a consortium) who were through (iii) of this definition. (5) Is accredited by a nationally enrolled in title IV eligible programs (3) For purposes of this definition, an recognized accrediting agency or during the term immediately prior to the instructor is an individual responsible association or, if not so accredited, is an term or scheduled break between terms for delivering course content and who institution that has been granted in which March 13, 2020 occurred and meets the qualifications for instruction preaccreditation status by such an were eligible to receive a Pell grant; established by an institution’s agency or association that has been (2) Were underserved by other CARES accrediting agency. recognized by the Secretary for the Act programs either because— (4) For purposes of this definition, granting of pre-accreditation status, and (a) The institution did not receive a substantive interaction is engaging the Secretary has determined that there loan under the Paycheck Protection

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Program authorized by the CARES Act; adopted and amended as regulations of assistance in the form of grants or and/or the Department in 2 CFR part 3474. scholarships to students who do not (b) The institution serves large meet the requirements of section 484(a) II. Award Information numbers of part-time students and, as of the HEA. However, nothing in that such, received a reduced per-student Type of Award: Discretionary grants. section prevents a student who does not allocation under section 18004(a)(1) of Estimated Available Funds: meet the requirements of section 484(a) the CARES Act relative to institutions of $28,000,000. These estimated available from participating in programs funded the same or similar size (meaning total funds are the amount available for under this part. enrollments) that serve mostly full-time approximately 19 grants under the FY 4. Recommended Page Limit: The students; and 2020 CARES Act. The Department will application narrative (Part III of the (c) Had other unmet needs relative to determine the number of awards to be application) is where you, the applicant, the novel coronavirus, as described by made under the absolute priority based address the selection criteria that the institution in its application. on the quality of applications received, reviewers use to evaluate your (3) Include a description of the and consistent with the selection application. We recommend that you (1) institution’s (or consortium of criteria and competitive preference limit the application narrative to no institutions’) unmet needs related to the priorities. It will also determine the size more than 25 pages and (2) use the coronavirus not captured under (2); of an award made to an eligible following standards: • (4) Include a timeline for applicant based on a review of the A ‘‘page’’ is 8.5’’ x 11’’, on one side implementing key elements of the eligible applicant’s budget. only, with 1’’ margins at the top, Estimated Range of Awards: bottom, and both sides. applicant’s proposed project under the • absolute priority, as well as metrics by $1,000,000–$3,000,000. Double space (no more than three which the institution will measure its Estimated Average Size of Awards: lines per vertical inch) all text in the success in implementing the project and $1,500,000. application narrative, including titles, improving student outcomes; and Estimated Number of Awards: 19. headings, footnotes, quotations, references, and captions. (5) Assure that the applicant will Note: The Department is not bound by any • Use a font that is either 12 point or provide information to the Secretary, as estimates in this notice. larger or no smaller than 10 pitch requested, for evaluations that the Project Period: Up to 24 months. (characters per inch). Secretary may carry out. • III. Eligibility Information Use one of the following fonts: Waiver of Proposed Rulemaking: Times New Roman, Courier, Courier Under the Administrative Procedure Act 1. Eligible Applicants: The eligible New, or Arial. (5 U.S.C. 553), the Department generally applicant is an IHE as defined in section The recommended page limit does not offers interested parties the opportunity 101 of the HEA, or a consortium of such apply to Part I, the cover sheet; Part II, to comment on proposed priorities, IHEs. the budget section, including the selection criteria, definitions, and other 2. Cost Sharing or Matching: This narrative budget justification; Part IV, requirements. Section 437(d)(1) of program does not require cost sharing or the assurances and certifications; or the GEPA, however, allows the Secretary to matching. one-page abstract, the resumes, the exempt from rulemaking requirements 3. Subgrantees: A grantee under this letters of support, or the appendices. regulations governing the first grant competition may not award subgrants to However, the recommended page limit competition under a new or entities to directly carry out project does apply to all of the application substantially revised program authority. activities described in its application. narrative. This is the first grant competition for 5. Notice of Intent to Apply: We will this program under section 18004(a)(3) IV. Application and Submission Information be able to develop a more efficient of the CARES Act, and therefore process for reviewing grant applications qualifies for this exemption. In order to 1. Application Submission if we know the approximate number of ensure timely grant awards, the Instructions: Applicants are required to applicants that intend to apply for Secretary has decided to forgo public follow the Common Instructions for funding under this competition. comment on the priorities, Applicants to Department of Education Therefore, the Secretary strongly requirements, definitions, and selection Discretionary Grant Programs, encourages each potential applicant to criteria under section 437(d)(1) of published in the Federal Register on notify us of the applicant’s intent to GEPA. February 13, 2019 (84 FR 3768) and submit an application by sending an Program Authority: Section available at www.govinfo.gov/content/ email to [email protected] with Intent 18004(a)(3) of Division B of the CARES pkg/FR-2019-02-13/pdf/2019-02206.pdf, to Apply in the subject line. Applicants Act, Public Law 116–36 (enacted March which contain requirements and that do not send a notice of intent to 27, 2020). information on how to submit an apply may still apply for funding. Applicable Regulations: (a) The application. Education Department General 2. Intergovernmental Review: This V. Application Review Information Administrative Regulations in 34 CFR program is subject to Executive Order 1. Selection Criteria: The selection parts 75, 77, 79, 81, 82, 84, 86, 97, 98, 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR criteria for this competition are from 34 and 99. (b) The Office of Management part 79. However, under 34 CFR 79.8(a), CFR 75.210 or are established for the FY and Budget Guidelines to Agencies on we waive intergovernmental review in 2020 grant competition and any Governmentwide Debarment and order to make timely awards. subsequent year in which we make Suspension (Nonprocurement) in 2 CFR 3. Funding Restrictions: We reference awards from the list of unfunded part 180, as adopted and amended as regulations outlining funding applications from this competition, in regulations of the Department in 2 CFR restrictions in the Applicable accordance with section 437(d)(1) of part 3485. (c) The Uniform Regulations section of this notice. GEPA, 20 U.S.C. 1232(d)(1). The points Administrative Requirements, Cost Under section 741(d) of the HEA, no assigned to each criterion are indicated Principles, and Audit Requirements for funds made available under this part in the parentheses next to the criterion. Federal Awards in 2 CFR part 200, as may be used to provide direct financial An applicant may earn up to a total of

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95 points based on the selection criteria In addition, the Secretary considers— 75.217(d)(3), the past performance of the for the application. (1) The extent to which the proposed applicant in carrying out a previous A. Greatest Unmet Needs. (up to 30 project is an exceptional approach to the award, such as the applicant’s use of points) absolute priority and includes a detailed funds, achievement of project In determining the institutions that project plan for addressing the absolute objectives, and compliance with grant have the greatest unmet needs related to priority. (up to 10 points) (GEPA conditions. The Secretary may also the coronavirus, the Secretary considers Waiver) consider whether the applicant failed to the extent to which the institution: (2) The extent to which specific gaps submit a timely performance report or (1) Serves a population of students in or weaknesses in services, submitted a report of unacceptable which more than 30 percent of its infrastructure, or opportunities have quality. undergraduate students received a Pell been identified and will be addressed by In addition, in making a competitive Grant. the proposed project, including the grant award, the Secretary requires (a) 30 percent to 40 percent (7 points). nature and magnitude of those gaps or various assurances, including those (b) 41 percent to 50 percent (8 points). weaknesses. (up to 10 points) (34 CFR applicable to Federal civil rights laws (c) 51 percent to 60 percent (9 points). 75.210) that prohibit discrimination in programs (d) Greater than 60 percent (10 (3) The likelihood that the proposed or activities receiving Federal financial points). activities will enable the institution to assistance from the Department (34 CFR (2) Did not receive a loan under the become more resilient to ongoing 100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23). Paycheck Protection Program loan coronavirus impacts and future Before making awards, we will screen authorized by the CARES Act. (5 points) challenges and to reduce the cost of applications submitted in accordance (3) Serves a student population that higher education for students and with the requirements in this notice to includes large percentages of part-time families served. (up to 10 points) (GEPA determine whether applications have students, thus resulting in a smaller Waiver) met eligibility and other requirements. allocation for the institution under (4) The extent to which the services This screening process may occur at section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act. to be provided by the proposed project various stages of the process; applicants The impact of the percentage of part- reflect up-to-date knowledge from that are determined to be ineligible will time student enrollment will be research and effective practice. (up to 5 not receive a grant, regardless of peer evaluated as follows: points) (34 CFR 75.210) reviewer scores or comments. (a) 20 to 30 percent of students in the C. Quality of the Management Plan Peer reviewers will read, prepare a institution’s most recent IPEDS report and Adequacy of Resources. (up to 25 written evaluation of, and score the were enrolled part-time or less (6 points) assigned applications, using the points). The Secretary considers the quality of selection criteria and competitive (b) 31 to 40 percent of students in the the management plan and adequacy of preference priorities provided in this institution’s most recent IPEDS report resources for the proposed project. notice. were enrolled part-time or less (7 In determining the quality of the 4. Risk Assessment and Specific points). management plan and adequacy of Conditions: Consistent with 2 CFR (c) 41 to 50 percent of students in the resources for the proposed project, the 200.205, before awarding grants under institution’s most recent IPEDS report Secretary considers— this competition the Department were enrolled part-time or less (8 (1) The adequacy of the management conducts a review of the risks posed by points). plan to achieve the objectives of the applicants. Under 2 CFR 3474.10, the (d) 51 to 60 percent of students in the proposed project on time and within Secretary may impose specific institution’s most recent IPEDS report budget, including clearly defined conditions and, in appropriate were enrolled part-time or less (9 responsibilities, timelines, and circumstances, high-risk conditions on a points). milestones for accomplishing project grant if the applicant or grantee is not (e) 60 percent or more of students in tasks. (up to 5 points) (34 CFR 75.210) financially stable; has a history of the institution’s most recent IPEDS (2) The extent to which the budget is unsatisfactory performance; has a report were enrolled part-time or less adequate to support the proposed financial or other management system (10 points). project. (up to 5 points) (34 CFR 75.210) that does not meet the standards in 2 (4) Provides additional information to (3) The extent to which the costs are CFR part 200, subpart D; has not demonstrate that the institution has reasonable in relation to the objectives, fulfilled the conditions of a prior grant; significant unmet needs related to the design, and potential significance of the or is otherwise not responsible. coronavirus for reasons other than those proposed project. (up to 5 points) (34 5. Integrity and Performance System: outlined in factors (A)(1) to (3) above CFR 75.210) If you are selected under this (up to 5 points). (4) The extent to which the costs are competition to receive an award that (GEPA Waiver) reasonable in relation to the number of over the course of the project period B. Quality of the Project Services and persons to be served and to the may exceed the simplified acquisition Project Design. (up to 40 points) anticipated results and benefits. (up to threshold (currently $250,000), under 2 In determining the quality of the 10 points) (34 CFR 75.210) CFR 200.205(a)(2), we must make a project services and the quality of the 2. Proposed Use of Funds: Applicants judgment about your integrity, business design of the proposed project, the must describe the activities that will be ethics, and record of performance under Secretary considers the quality and supported with grant funds, consistent Federal awards—that is, the risk posed sufficiency of strategies for ensuring with allowable uses of funds under this by you as an applicant—before we make equal access and treatment for eligible program and the goals of the absolute an award. In doing so, we must consider project participants who are members of priority. any information about you that is in the groups that have traditionally been 3. Review and Selection Process: We integrity and performance system underrepresented based on race, color, remind potential applicants that in (currently referred to as the Federal national origin, gender, age, or reviewing applications in any Awardee Performance and Integrity disability. (up to 5 points) (34 CFR discretionary grant competition, the Information System (FAPIIS)), 75.210) Secretary may consider, under 34 CFR accessible through the System for

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Award Management. You may review requirements please refer to 2 CFR institution at the beginning of the term and comment on any information about 3474.20(c). prior to the break during which the yourself that a Federal agency 4. Reporting: (a) If you apply for a national emergency was declared; and previously entered and that is currently grant under this competition, you must total enrollment during each term in FAPIIS. ensure that you have in place the during the project period. Please note that, if the total value of necessary processes and systems to (6) For projects that include dual your currently active grants, cooperative comply with the reporting requirements enrollment opportunities for students: agreements, and procurement contracts in 2 CFR part 170 should you receive (a) The number of dual enrollment from the Federal Government exceeds funding under the competition. This students served by the institution or $10,000,000, the reporting requirements does not apply if you have an exception consortium of institutions during the in 2 CFR part 200, Appendix XII, under 2 CFR 170.110(b). 2019–2020 award year, and the number require you to report certain integrity (b) In addition to annual performance of dual enrollment students served by information to FAPIIS semiannually. reporting, a grantee must comply with the institution or consortium during the Please review the requirements in 2 CFR the monthly reporting requirements of project period (disaggregated by gender, part 200, Appendix XII, if this grant the Federal Funding Accountability and race, and whether or not they lived in plus all the other Federal funds you Transparency Act of 2006 (FFATA), or were educated in a rural community receive exceed $10,000,000. which will serve to discharge a grantee’s or Opportunity Zone); quarterly reporting requirements under (b) The total number of dual VI. Award Administration Information section 15011 of the CARES Act. enrollment classes completed by 1. Award Notices: If your application (c) At the end of your project period, students served by the project; the is successful, we notify your U.S. you must submit a final performance average number of classes completed by Representative and U.S. Senators and report, including financial information, students served by the project; and the send you a Grant Award Notification as directed by the Secretary. If you average number of college credits (GAN); or we may send you an email receive a multiyear award, you must earned by those students as a result of containing a link to access an electronic submit an annual performance report this project; and version of your GAN. We may notify that provides the most current (c) The cost per student of each you informally, also. performance and financial expenditure successfully completed dual enrollment If your application is not evaluated or information as directed by the Secretary class supported by these grant funds, not selected for funding, we will notify under 34 CFR 75.118. The Secretary including costs of instruction and costs you. may also require more frequent of ancillary or support services (and any 2. Administrative and National Policy performance reports under 34 CFR differences in cost between dual Requirements: We identify 75.720(c). For specific requirements on enrollment classes provided to students administrative and national policy reporting, please go to www.ed.gov/ at their high school versus those requirements in the application package fund/grant/apply/appforms/ provided to students by the grantee and reference these and other appforms.html. IHE). In addition, applicants must propose requirements in the Applicable (d) Under 34 CFR 75.250(b), the project-specific performance measures Regulations section of this notice. Secretary may provide a grantee with additional funding for data collection and performance targets consistent with We reference the regulations outlining analysis and reporting. In this case the the objectives of the proposed project. the terms and conditions of an award in Secretary establishes a data collection Applicants must provide the the Applicable Regulations section of period. following information as directed under this notice and include these and other 5. Performance Measures: We have 34 CFR 75.110(b) and (c): specific conditions in the GAN. The established the following performance (a) Performance Measures. How each GAN also incorporates your approved measures for the IREPO Grants program: proposed performance measure would application as part of your binding (1) The number of online classes accurately measure the performance of commitments under the grant. offered by the institution prior to the the project and how the proposed 3. Open Licensing Requirements: novel coronavirus, and the number performance measures would be Unless an exception applies, if you are offered during the project period; consistent with the performance awarded a grant under this competition, (2) The number of students enrolled measures established for the program you will be required to openly license in online classes prior to the novel funding the competition. to the public grant deliverables created coronavirus, and the number enrolled in (b) Baseline Data. in whole, or in part, with Department online classes during the project period; (i) Why each proposed baseline is grant funds. When the deliverable (3) Average annual cost of tuition and valid; or consists of modifications to pre-existing fees paid by all students during the (ii) If the applicant has determined works, the license extends only to those 2019–2020 financial aid award year, and that there are no established baseline modifications that can be separately the average annual cost of tuition and data for a particular performance identified and only to the extent that fees paid by all students during the measure, an explanation of why there is open licensing is permitted under the project period. no established baseline and of how and terms of any licenses or other legal (4) Average annual Federal student when, during the project period, the restrictions on the use of pre-existing loan size among students and parents applicant would establish a valid works. Additionally, a grantee or who took title IV loans during the 2019– baseline for the performance measure. subgrantee that is awarded competitive 2020 financial aid award year and (c) Performance Targets. Why each grant funds must have a plan to during the project period. proposed performance target is disseminate these public grant (5) Total enrollment at the institution ambitious yet achievable compared to deliverables. This dissemination plan at the beginning of the term in which the baseline for the performance can be developed and submitted after the novel coronavirus national measure and when, during the project your application has been reviewed and emergency was declared, or if that period, the applicant would meet the selected for funding. For additional declaration took place during a break performance target(s). information on the open licensing between terms, the enrollment at the (d) Data Collection and Reporting.

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(i) The data collection and reporting Canada pursuant to the Federal Power transmission facilities under the FPA methods the applicant would use and Act (FPA). because it ‘‘has no electric power supply why those methods are likely to yield DATES: Comments, protests, or motions system on which the proposed exports reliable, valid, and meaningful to intervene must be submitted on or could have a reliability, fuel use system performance data; and before September 21, 2020. or stability impact.’’ See id. at 3. (ii) The applicant’s capacity to collect ADDRESSES: Comments, protests, The existing international and report reliable, valid, and motions to intervene, or requests for meaningful performance data, as transmission facilities to be utilized by more information should be addressed the Applicant have previously been evidenced by high-quality data by electronic mail to collection, analysis, and reporting in authorized by Presidential permits [email protected], or by issued pursuant to Executive Order other projects or research. facsimile to (202) 586–8008. All grantees must submit an annual 10485, as amended, and are appropriate SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The performance report with information for open access transmission by third Department of Energy (DOE) regulates that is responsive to these performance parties. exports of electricity from the United measures. States to a foreign country, pursuant to Procedural Matters: Any person VII. Other Information sections 301(b) and 402(f) of the desiring to be heard in this proceeding Department of Energy Organization Act should file a comment or protest to the Accessible Format: Individuals with Application at the address provided disabilities can obtain this document (42 U.S.C. 7151(b) and 42 U.S.C. above. Protests should be filed in and a copy of the application package in 7172(f)). Such exports require accordance with Rule 211 of the Federal an accessible format (e.g., braille, large authorization under section 202(e) of Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) print, audiotape, or compact disc) on the FPA (16 U.S.C. 824a(e)). request to the program contact person On September 29, 2015, DOE issued Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR Order EA–414, which authorized listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 385.211). Any person desiring to Roctop to transmit electric energy from CONTACT. become a party to this proceeding Electronic Access to This Document: the United States to Canada for a five- should file a motion to intervene at the The official version of this document is year term using existing international above address in accordance with FERC the document published in the Federal transmission facilities appropriate for Rule 214 (18 CFR 385.214). open access. This authorization expires Register. You may access the official Comments and other filings edition of the Federal Register and the on September 29, 2020. On July 29, 2020, Roctop filed an application with concerning Roctop’s application to Code of Federal Regulations at export electric energy to Canada should www.govinfo.gov. At this site you can DOE (Application or App.) for renewal of the export authorization contained in be clearly marked with OE Docket No. view this document, as well as all other EA–414–A. Additional copies are to be documents of this Department Order No. EA–414. Roctop states that it ‘‘is a Canadian provided directly to Ruta Kalvaitis published in the Federal Register, in company, created under a Canadian Skucˇas, 1875 K St. NW, Suite 700, text or Portable Document Format Federal Charter, with its principal place Washington, DC 20006; rskucas@ (PDF). To use PDF you must have of business in Lefaivre, Ontario.’’ App. pierceatwood.com and Vincent Thellen, Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is at 2. Roctop adds that it ‘‘does not have 139 Du Domaine Road, Lefaivre, (ON) available free at the site. You may also access documents of the any affiliates or upstream owners that Canada K0B 1J0; [email protected]. Department published in the Federal possess any ownership interest or have A final decision will be made on the Register by using the article search involvement in any other company that Application after the environmental feature at www.federalregister.gov. is a traditional utility or that owns, impacts have been evaluated pursuant Specifically, through the advanced operates, or controls any electric to DOE’s National Environmental Policy generation, transmission, or distribution search feature at this site, you can limit Act Implementing Procedures (10 CFR your search to documents published by facilities.’’ Id. Roctop further states that it ‘‘will part 1021) and after DOE determines the Department. purchase power to be exported from a that the proposed action will not have Robert L. King, variety of sources such as power an adverse impact on the sufficiency of Assistant Secretary for the Office of marketers, independent power supply or reliability of the U.S. electric Postsecondary Education. producers, or U.S. electric utilities and power supply system. [FR Doc. 2020–18531 Filed 8–20–20; 8:45 am] federal power marketing entities as Copies of the Application will be BILLING CODE 4000–01–P those terms are defined in Sections made available, upon request, by 3(22) and 3(19) of the FPA.’’ App. at 3. accessing the program website at http:// Roctop contends that ‘‘such power is energy.gov/node/11845, or by emailing DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY surplus to the system of the generator Matthew Aronoff at matthew.aronoff@ and, therefore, the electric power that hq.doe.gov. [OE Docket No. EA–414–A] Roctop will export on either a firm or interruptible basis will not impair the Signed in Washington, DC, on August 17, Application To Export Electric Energy; sufficiency of the electric power supply 2020. Roctop Investments Inc. within the U.S.’’ Id. at 3–4. Christopher Lawrence, AGENCY: Office of Electricity, Roctop states that its exports ‘‘will not Management and Program Analyst, Department of Energy. exceed the export limits for the Transmission Permitting and Technical Assistance, Office of Electricity. ACTION: Notice of application. [permitted] facilities, or otherwise cause a violation of the terms and conditions’’ [FR Doc. 2020–18377 Filed 8–20–20; 8:45 am] SUMMARY: Roctop Investments Inc. that apply to the use of those facilities.’’ BILLING CODE 6450–01–P (Applicant or Roctop) has applied for App. at 5. Roctop also contends that its renewal of its authorization to transmit export activity will not impede or tend electric energy from the United States to to impede the coordinated use of

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