Fund for the Improvement of Education (84.215)

 

Program

84.215 Fund for the Improvement of Education

 

Federal Agency

OFFICE OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH AND IMPROVEMENT, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

 

Authorization

Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965; Title V, Part D, as amended.

 

Program Number

84.215

 

Last Known Status

Active

 

Objectives

To conduct nationally significant programs to improve the quality of education, assist all students to meet challenging State content standards, and contribute to the achievement of elementary and secondary students.

 

Types of Assistance

Project Grants.

 

Uses and Use Restrictions

Funds may be used to support a wide range of projects under the FIE general authority for programs, and additional specific program authorities. Each year competitions are announced in the Federal Register. Specific limitations and restrictions for each competition are provided in the Federal Register notice. This program is subject to non-supplanting requirements and must use a restricted indirect cost rate which is referenced under 34 CFR 76.564-76.569. For assistance call the Office of the Chief Financial Officer/Indirect Cost Group on (202) 708-7770.

 

Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

State educational agencies, local educational agencies, institutions of higher education, public and private organizations and institutions may apply.

Beneficiary Eligibility

State educational agencies, local educational agencies, institutions of higher education, public and private organizations and institutions will benefit.

Credentials/Documentation

None.

 

Application and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

Preapplications are not required for this program. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process that State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

Application Procedure

Described in application notices published annually in the Federal Register. Contact the headquarters office listed below for application packages containing the announcement, application, and assurance forms and for further information about the Fund for the Improvement of Education programs.

Award Procedure

Awards are competitively selected following review by nonfederal experts and by program staff in accordance with 34 CFR 700, Evaluation of Applications for Grants and Cooperative Agreements. The Assistant Secretary of the Office of Educational Research and Improvement approves the selection.

Deadlines

Announced in notices published in the Federal Register. Contact the headquarters office for further information about the Fund for the Improvement of Education programs.

 

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

Appeals

None.

Renewals

As required by the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) for direct grant program (see 34 CFR 75.253). Generally, for multiple-year awards, continuation awards after the first budget period are made if: sufficient funds have been appropriated; the recipient has either made substantial progress in the meeting of the goals of the project or obtained approval for changes in the project; the recipient has submitted all required reports; and continuation is in the best interest of the government.

 

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

None.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

Awards are made annually. Following an initial, competitively selected award, additional non- competing continuation awards may be made. The possible length of the project is announced in the application notice in the Federal Register. Renewals are subject to the availability of appropriations.

 

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

As required by the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) for direct grant programs (34 CFR 75). Generally, annual performance and financial reports are required.

Audits

See 34 CFR 74.26. Institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations are subject to the audit requirements of OMB Circular No. A-133. State and local governments are subject to the requirements in the Single Audit Act and the ED regulations implementing OMB Circular No. A-133.

Records

As required by EDGAR for direct grant programs (34 CFR part 75). Generally, records related to grant funds, compliance, and performance must be maintained for a period of 5 years after completion.

 

Program Accomplishments

In fiscal year 2001, awards were made to State education agencies for Character Education Projects. Other awards were made to continue projects funded in previous years.

 

Financial Information

Account Identification

91-1000-0-1-501.

Obligations

(Grants) FY 02 $660,049,000; FY 03 est $832,889,000; and FY 04 est $84,000,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

Not applicable.

 

Regulations, Guidelines and Literature

Education Department General Administrative Regulations, 34 CFR 74, 75, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 85, and 86.

 

Related Programs

None.

 

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

Not applicable.

Headquarters Office

Office of Educational Research and Improvement, Department of Education, 555 New Jersey Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20208-5645. Contact: Beverly Farrar. Telephone: (202) 219-1301.

Web Site Address

http://www.ed.gov/offices/OERI

 

Examples of Funded Projects

Contact the Program Office for information on funded projects.

 

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

The criteria for selecting proposals under this program are contained in 34 CFR 700, Evaluation of Applications for Grants Cooperative Agreements. The specific criteria to be used for particular grant competition are selected from among those in 34 CFR 700, and announced in the application package or application notice in the Federal Register.