FR 2021-00766

The Department of Education has released a notice inviting applications for the Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (GAANN) Program for fiscal year 2021. This program offers grants to academic departments at higher education institutions. The aim is to support graduate fellowships for academically outstanding students who demonstrate financial need, especially in fields recognized as high demand, such as computer sciences and engineering.

Summary

The GAANN Program provides an opportunity for institutions to apply for funding to assist students pursuing advanced degrees in specific areas of national need. For fiscal year 2021, the application window opened on January 15 and closes on March 1, with the deadline for intergovernmental reviews set for April 30. Key aspects of the program such as eligibility requirements, funding specifics, and application processes are detailed in the document.

Significant Issues and Concerns

One concern is the complexity and technical nature of the information presented, which might be challenging for individuals unfamiliar with grant application processes. The requirements for applications, including adherence to multiple regulations and submission criteria, might pose a barrier to entry, particularly for smaller or less experienced institutions. Additionally, the priority point system for competitive preference may seem arbitrary unless explicitly defined and consistently applied.

Another issue is the requirement for institutions to provide a 25% matching contribution, which could disadvantage less-wealthy institutions. This requirement may limit access and equity, as less affluent institutions could struggle to participate due to funding constraints.

The indirect cost restrictions and definitions for unallowable costs outlined in the document could confuse applicants, potentially affecting their application success if not comprehended accurately.

Impact on the Public

Broadly, the GAANN Program has the potential to benefit the educational landscape by enabling students to pursue advanced degrees in fields that align with national priorities. However, the intricacies of the application process and the necessary resource allocation for successful application might discourage participation, especially from institutions lacking extensive administrative capabilities.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For students, particularly those from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds or with financial need, the program offers an essential gateway to advanced education opportunities. However, the eligibility requirements and the demand for matching funds from institutions could limit the availability of these benefits.

For higher education institutions, especially those with well-established departments in high-demand fields, the program presents a significant opportunity to foster academic growth and research capabilities. These institutions stand to benefit greatly from the additional funding and the prestige associated with receiving federal grants.

Conversely, smaller institutions and those with fewer resources might find the program's comprehensive requirements challenging to meet, potentially exacerbating existing inequalities within the education system.

Conclusion

Overall, while the GAANN Program aims to provide crucial support for students and institutions in advancing education and research in priority fields, the detailed and demanding nature of the application process, coupled with financial constraints, raises significant issues of accessibility and equity that need to be considered for broad and inclusive participation.

The Federal Register document outlines the specifics of financial allocations for the Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (GAANN) Program, administered by the Department of Education. This commentary evaluates these financial details and highlights their implications for prospective applicants.

Summary of Financial Allocations

The GAANN program has estimated available funds totaling $20,425,000 for Fiscal Year 2021. The awards granted under this program vary, with an estimated range of $101,460 to $405,840 per award, and the estimated average size of an award is anticipated to be $275,000. Additionally, for the 2021-2022 academic year, institutions are expected to provide a stipend that aligns with the level of support from the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program. However, this stipend must not exceed the fellow's demonstrated level of financial need.

For institutions, an institutional payment of $16,730 per fellow is estimated, adjusted by the U.S. Department of Labor's Consumer Price Index. This ensures that the funding reflects current economic conditions and cost changes over time.

Financial Implications and Issues

The monetary structure of the GAANN program manifests in several ways pertinent to the identified issues:

1. Complex Eligibility and Financial Requirements: The financial requirement that institutions must provide an institutional matching contribution equal to at least 25% of the grant amount creates a potential barrier. Smaller or less financially robust institutions might find it challenging to secure such matching funds, potentially discouraging their application.

2. Administrative Burden: The mention of costs related to administrative processes and indirect costs, although noted in the document, lacks clarity within the text. This ambiguity may complicate applicants' budgeting and financial planning processes.

3. Competitive Preference Priority: The document offers additional funding preferences to new potential grantees. Organizations without existing grants under this program can gain an extra point, which could slightly alleviate the pressure of financial competitiveness. This preference, however, does little to counterbalance the primary financial hurdles.

4. Integrity and Performance Measures: The GAANN awards are subject to rigorous financial oversight. If any single project period award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold of $250,000, additional reports on integrity and performance must be submitted. Additionally, recipients with federal grants exceeding $10,000,000 are required to report integrity information regularly. This requirement ensures transparency and accountability but may increase administrative burdens.

Overall, while the GAANN program signifies a substantial financial opportunity for eligible institutions, the stringent financial requirements and limitations could deter participation from less well-funded entities, raising concerns about equity and access. Therefore, potential applicants must carefully assess their financial capacity and administrative capabilities to ensure compliance with the program’s financial stipulations.