Vocational Education-Basic Grants to States (84.048)
Program
84.048 Vocational Education-Basic Grants to States
Federal Agency
OFFICE OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR VOCATIONAL AND ADULT EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Authorization
Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998, Title I; Workforce Investment Act, Section 503.
Program Number
84.048
Last Known Status
Active
Objectives
To develop more fully the academic, vocational, and technical skills of secondary and postsecondary students who elect to enroll in vocational and technical programs.
Types of Assistance
Formula Grants.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Each State must allocate its basic grant in the following manner: Up to 5 percent of the allotment or $250,000, whichever is greater, for State Administration, including at least $60,000 for sex equity leadership; and the remaining balance as follows: (1) An amount equal to at least 75 percent of the allotment to be distributed to eligible recipients; (2) an amount equal to 10.5 percent for the program for single parents, displaced homemakers, and single pregnant women, and for individuals participating in programs to eliminate sex bias and stereotyping; (3) an amount not more than 8.5 percent for State programs and State leadership; and (4) an amount equal to one percent for programs for criminal offenders in correctional institutions. 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
The Department of Education makes formula grants to States. Eligible recipients for subgrants are local educational agencies and postsecondary institutions.
Beneficiary Eligibility
A wide range of individuals pursuing vocational education and training will benefit.
Credentials/Documentation
The establishment of a State Board for Vocational Education, a State Council on Vocational Education, a committee of practitioners, and a State Occupational Information Coordinating Committee is required. Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
A 5-year State plan for Vocational Education must be prepared with the active participation of the State Council. State plans are subject to public hearings. 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 the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.
Application Procedure
States submit 5-year State plans for vocational education to the Secretary of Education. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-110.
Award Procedure
The Secretary of Education approves the 5-year State plan and makes allocations to the States.
Deadlines
States should contact the Program Office for deadlines.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Appeals
A State board which is dissatisfied with the final action of the Assistant Secretary in disapproving a State Plan is afforded reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing.
Renewals
None.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Formula. Section 101 (a) (2) of the Perkins Act sets forth allotment procedures. Funds for basic grants are allotted to States according to a formula based on States' populations in three age groups, and their per capita income (averaged for the three most recent consecutive fiscal years). The age groups are 15-19, 20-24, and 25-65. They are weighted 50 percent, 20 percent and 15 percent respectively. A fourth distribution, weighted 15 percent, is based on the sums of the amounts resulting from the three age group distributions. Generally, each State receives an allotment consisting of four parts: 1) An amount which bears the same ratio to 50 percent of the sums being allotted as the product of the State's population aged 15-19 bears to the sum of the corresponding products for all the States; 2) an amount which bears the same ratio to 20 percent of the sums being allotted as the product of the State's population aged 20-24 bears the sum of the corresponding products for all the States; 3) an amount which bears the same ratio to 15 percent of the sums being allotted as the product of the State's population aged 25-65 bears to the sums of the corresponding products for all the States; and 4) an amount which bears the same ratio to 15 percent of the sums being allotted as the amounts allotted to the State in the previous three age group distributions bears to the sum of the amounts allotted to all the States under the previous three age group distributions. The Bureau of the Census supplies the population data; the Department of Labor supplies the per capita income data. Matching. Section 102 of the Perkins Act requires 50/50 matching for State administration. No match is required for American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau. Section 502 of the Perkins Act describes maintenance of effort requirements.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Funds must be expended within 27 months after their first date of availability. States draw funds as needed under the Electronic Funds Transfer System.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Annual financial report, performance report, and Office for Civil Rights Annual Compliance Report must be submitted.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $300,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.
Records
In accordance with section 443 of the General Education Provisions Act, as amended by the Improving America's Schools Act, grantees must maintain records for 3 years.
Program Accomplishments
Grants are made to the States and Outlying Areas to support vocational education programs at the secondary, postsecondary, and adult levels.
Financial Information
Account Identification
91-0400-0-1-501.
Obligations
(Grants and Contracts) FY 02 $1,153,568,000; FY 03 est $1,165,495,000; and FY 04 est $0.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Fiscal year 2002 awards ranged from $4,215,000 to 129,790,000.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
Rules and Regulations, Title 34 CFR 400 and 403; EDGAR 74, 76 (except 76.103), 77, 79, 80, 81, 82, and 85; OCR Guidelines for Vocational Education.
Related Programs
17.201, Registered Apprenticeship and Other Training; 17.246, Employment and Training Assistance_Dislocated Workers; 17.249, Employment Services and Job Training Pilots_Demonstrations and Research; 17.250, Job Training Partnership Act; 23.002, Appalachian Area Development; 84.002, Adult Education_State Grant Program; 84.051, Vocational Education_National Centers for Career and Technical Education; 84.101, Vocational Education_Indians Set-aside; 84.243, Tech- Prep Education; 84.245, Tribally Controlled Postsecondary Vocational and Technical Institutions.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
Not applicable.
Headquarters Office
U.S. Department of Education, OVAE Division of High School, Postsecondary and Career Education 400 Maryland Ave., S.W., Rm. 4318, MES Washington, DC 20202-7241. Contact: Maurice James. Telephone: (202) 205-9441. E-Mail: Maurice.James@ed.gov.
Web Site Address
http://www.ed.gov/offices/OVAE/CTE/index.html
Examples of Funded Projects
Not applicable.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Not applicable.
