International Research and Studies (84.017)

 

Program

84.017 International Research and Studies

 

Federal Agency

ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

 

Authorization

Higher Education Act of 1965, Title VI, Section 605, as amended, 20 U.S.C. 1125.

 

Program Number

84.017

 

Last Known Status

Active

 

Objectives

To improve foreign language, area, and other international studies training through support of research, studies, experimentation, development of specialized instructional materials, and the publication of specialized materials developed as a result of research conducted under this program.

 

Types of Assistance

Project Grants.

 

Uses and Use Restrictions

The program supports research and studies that may include but are not limited to: 1) Studies and surveys to determine needs for increased or improved instruction in foreign language, area studies, or other international fields including the demand for foreign language, area, and other international specialists in government, education, and the private sector; 2) studies and surveys to assess the utilization of graduates of programs supported under this title by governmental, educational, and private sector organizations and other studies assessing the outcomes and effectiveness of programs so supported; 3) comparative studies of the effectiveness of strategies to provide international capabilities at institutions of higher education; 4) research on more effective methods of providing instruction and achieving competency in foreign languages; 5) the development and publication of specialized materials for use in foreign language, area studies, and other international fields, or for training foreign language, area and other international specialists; 6) the application of performance tests and standards across all areas of foreign language instruction and classroom use, and 7) other research or materials development projects that further the purposes of the International Education Programs authorized by Part A of Title VI of the HEA. Funds awarded under this program may not be used for the training of students and teachers.

 

Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

Public and private agencies, organizations, institutions, and individuals may apply.

Beneficiary Eligibility

Public and private agencies, organizations, institutions, and individuals will benefit.

Credentials/Documentation

Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments.

 

Application and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

The standard application forms as furnished by the Federal agency and required by OMB Circular No. A-102 must be used for this program. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure

Formal applications should be prepared in response to announcements of mandatory program requirements and closing dates in the Federal Register. This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110.

Award Procedure

Applications are reviewed by Department of Education specialists and review panels of scholars.

Deadlines

Will be announced in the Federal Register and are normally in October/November of the year preceding the grant period. Contact the program office for more information.

 

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

Appeals

Not applicable.

Renewals

Projects conducted under a grant may be phased, with the phases following the first phase subject to renewal on a non-competitive basis. Renewals of grants, which were not included in the original negotiations, will be considered in competition with all other new applications and are dependent on the submission of reports that demonstrate that substantial progress has been made.

 

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

None.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

Depends on project, but is generally from 12 to 36 months. Phasing of projects is determined during the negotiation process.

 

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

A final report or subject data as established through negotiation. Interim progress reports and a financial report are required.

Audits

All fiscal records will be subject to audit by the Department at any time within 3 years after expiration of the contract or grant.

Records

All records supporting claims under grants or relating to accountability for awarded funds must be available on request: (1) For 3 years after close of the fiscal year of grant expiration or (2) until the grantee is notified of completion of the Federal audit, whichever is later.

 

Program Accomplishments

In fiscal year 2002, 42 grants were awarded. Funds were also allocated to one Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project.

 

Financial Information

Account Identification

91-0201-0-1-502.

Obligations

(Grants) FY 02 $5,349,000; FY 03 est $5,452,000; and FY 04 est $5,200,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

In fiscal year 2002, the average new award was $121,000. Average continuation award was $127,000.

 

Regulations, Guidelines and Literature

Program regulations are available at 34 CFR 655, 660. Contact the program office for information.

 

Related Programs

84.015, National Resource Centers and Fellowships Program for Language and Area or Language and International Studies; 84.016, Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language Programs; 84.018, Overseas Seminars Abroad_Bilateral Projects; 84.019, Overseas_Faculty Research Abroad; 84.021, Overseas_Group Projects Abroad; 84.022, Overseas_Doctoral Dissertation; 84.229, Language Resource Centers.

 

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

Not applicable.

Headquarters Office

Advanced Training and Research Team, International and Graduate Program Service, Office of Postsecondary Education, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20202-5331. Contact: Jose L. Martinez. Telephone: (202) 502-7635.

Web Site Address

http://www.ed.gov/offices/OPE/HEP/iegps/irs.html

 

Examples of Funded Projects

"HEA Title VI, Part A, Section 606: An Assessment Study"; "National Proficiency Tests in Ukrainian and Croatian"; "Teaching about the Americas: An Electronic Curriculum"; "Instructional Materials on China and Japan"; "Proficiency-based Business Arabic"; "A CD-ROM-based Video in Japanese Language and Culture"; "Middle East Curriculum and Dissemination Project"; "Teaching Materials for Russian Language Instruction at the Secondary Schools Level"; "Africa: Media and Education Project"; "Survey of Foreign Language Entrance and Degree Requirements in U.S. Colleges and Universities." International Law - Video Course and Learner's Guide, Hausa Language and Culture Video Project, The Muslim Middle East: Curriculum Development and Dissemination Project.

 

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

The criteria for selecting proposals is stated in 34 CFR 655.31, 660.31, 660.32, and 660.33. The Secretary will evaluate applications in accordance with the published criteria. An applicant may receive as many as five or ten points or as few as zero points under each criterion. (20 U.S.C. 1121-1127, 3063- 3065.)