FR 2021-00378

The document is a formal notice from the Department of Education inviting applications for the fiscal year 2021 for the Alaska Native Education (ANE) program. This program is dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities for Alaska Native students by funding various projects that address their unique educational needs. These projects can involve curriculum development, professional training, early childhood education, and improvements to remote learning infrastructure. The document outlines eligibility criteria, priorities for funding, and detailed application procedures.

General Summary

The ANE program aims to support Alaska Native students by funding projects that cater to their educational needs, which have been underscored by disparities in remote learning access, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding will be prioritized for projects that focus on providing high-speed internet and remote learning options for underserved Native American students. Therefore, organizations experienced in Alaska Native education are encouraged to apply for funding, either individually or in partnership with other entities. The document details the application process, eligibility criteria, and the competitive landscape for accessing the $15.5 million in available funds.

Significant Issues or Concerns

1. Complexity and Accessibility: The document uses technical and complex language, referencing multiple sections of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and the United States Code (U.S.C.). This could pose challenges for potential applicants who are not familiar with legal or bureaucratic jargon, making it difficult for them to fully understand the requirements and nuances of the program.

2. Detailed Eligibility Requirements: The extensive and intricate eligibility criteria may deter applications from those who have limited experience with such grant processes. These requirements, although meant to ensure funding goes to capable entities, might inadvertently create hurdles for smaller or new organizations interested in contributing to Alaska Native education.

3. Preference for Remote Learning Resources: While the focus on remote learning addresses current educational needs, it may favor organizations with existing capabilities, potentially sidelining smaller organizations that lack sufficient technology infrastructure.

4. Barrier through Required Charters or Sanctions: The stipulation for an official charter or sanction from an Alaska Native Tribe or organization as part of the eligibility criteria may limit the ability of new organizations to apply, thus, favoring established entities with existing relationships.

Impact on the Public

Broadly, the document could lead to significantly improved educational opportunities for Alaska Native students, particularly through the enhancement of remote learning infrastructures. By addressing the technology gap, it could help mitigate educational disparities exacerbated by the pandemic.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

• Positive Impacts:
• Alaska Native Students: The targeted focus on curriculum and learning infrastructure development specifically benefits Alaska Native students, potentially leading to better educational outcomes.

• Experienced Organizations: Entities with a proven track record in Alaska Native education might find new opportunities for funding and partnerships that could expand their reach and efficacy.

• Negative Impacts:

• New Entrants: New organizations aiming to enter this educational space might find it challenging due to the stringent eligibility criteria, especially the need for formal charters or sanctions.
• Smaller Entities: Smaller organizations lacking in technological resources might be disadvantaged by the competitive preference for projects with remote learning capabilities.

In summary, while the ANE program offers necessary support to Alaska Native education, careful attention to simplifying application processes and ensuring equitable access for organizations regardless of size or prior connections could enhance its overall impact and foster a more inclusive pool of applicants.

The document outlines the Department of Education's announcement for the fiscal year 2021 Alaska Native Education (ANE) program, reflecting a clear allocation of funds targeted towards addressing unique educational needs. This commentary focuses on the financial aspects of this program.

Financial Allocations and Their Implications

The Department of Education has earmarked an estimated $15,592,043 in available funds for the Alaska Native Education program. This substantial funding allocation suggests a strong commitment to supporting educational projects aimed at assisting Alaska Native students. The program intends to distribute these funds through discretionary grants, emphasizing the program's targeted and flexible approach to funding allocation.

Each awarded project is estimated to receive between $300,000 and $1,500,000 for a 12-month budget period. The variability in award size enables the Department to fund a diverse range of projects, accommodating different scopes and scales of educational interventions. The estimated average size of awards is about $500,000, highlighting a balance between supporting individual projects adequately while distributing funds across multiple initiatives.

Relation to Program Priorities

The financial allocations are closely tied to the program's absolute and competitive preference priorities. For instance, the Department gives competitive preference to projects that provide high-quality remote learning specifically for Native American students. This aspect of the funding strategy is indicative of the Department's response to the increased need for remote learning capabilities, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Financial Integrity and Oversight

The document references the need for strong financial oversight and integrity. If a recipient is awarded an amount that may exceed the simplified acquisition threshold of $250,000, there is a requirement for a judgment to be made about the recipient's integrity and record of performance under Federal awards. This reflects a safeguard to ensure that funds are utilized efficiently and ethically. Furthermore, if the total value of active grants and related agreements from the Federal Government surpasses $10,000,000, additional reporting requirements are mandated to maintain transparency and accountability.

Potential Barriers and Considerations

One issue that arises from these financial stipulations is the potential disadvantage faced by smaller, indigenous organizations that may lack the resources or existing infrastructure for compliance with such stringent financial oversight. This could potentially limit their ability to compete effectively for grants, despite the availability of funds designed to assist them.

The Department's focus on maintaining financial integrity and performance certainly underscores the importance of prudent fiscal management but may inadvertently create barriers for certain organizations. This requirement might favor organizations with prior experience and robust financial management systems, potentially excluding smaller, less-resourced entities that could greatly benefit from such funding.

In conclusion, while the financial allocations for the ANE program are significant and designed to address specific educational needs, they come with financial oversight requirements that organizations must carefully navigate. Balancing these requirements with accessibility to funds for a diverse range of applicants remains a crucial consideration for potential recipients.