FR 2021-03971

The document from the Department of Education invites applications for new awards to create a National Technical Assistance Center aimed at improving postsecondary education outcomes for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. With a funding pool of $4,000,000 for fiscal year 2021, the initiative seeks to foster collaboration among educational and vocational entities and provide technical assistance to meet the educational needs of these individuals.

General Summary

This notice from the Department of Education aims to establish a center that will support postsecondary education and vocational training for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. By integrating various educational and vocational agencies, the project intends to develop resources and strategies to improve educational attainment and employment opportunities for this demographic.

Significant Issues or Concerns

While the document outlines a robust plan to create this center, there are areas of concern:

• Complex Language and Structure: The document uses complex language and terminology that may be difficult for general readers to understand, particularly when discussing technical priorities and methodologies. Simplifying some sections could make the information more accessible to potential applicants and stakeholders.

• Funding Justification: There is a mention of a maximum single award of $4,000,000, but the document lacks detailed justification on how this amount should be utilized, which might lead to questions about fiscal responsibility and transparency.

• Vague Requirements: Certain sections, such as "Quality of project services," leave space for interpretation, potentially leading to inconsistent implementation of project goals.

• Limited Flexibility: The restriction on awarding subgrants could hinder collaborative resource allocation, reducing the flexibility needed to address the initiative's objectives effectively.

Broad Public Impact

The document could have several implications for the broader public:

• Increased Educational Access: If implemented effectively, the initiative could significantly enhance the educational opportunities for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, potentially improving their quality of life.

• Public Awareness: By shedding light on the educational challenges faced by individuals with hearing disabilities, the initiative may foster greater public awareness and sensitization toward inclusive education.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

The project will specifically impact various stakeholders, such as:

• Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community: The initiative promises direct benefits to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing by potentially improving their postsecondary education and job prospects.

• Educational Institutions and Service Providers: These entities may receive resources and support to better serve deaf and hard of hearing students, though the complex criteria and structured evaluation requirements might impose additional administrative burdens.

• Collaborating Agencies: While the initiative's collaborative focus is commendable, the prohibition on subgranting could limit the ability of agencies to pool resources effectively for full system integration.

Overall, while the document presents a promising opportunity to improve educational outcomes for a traditionally underserved group, careful consideration of the identified concerns could enhance the program's effectiveness. Simplifying language, providing detailed budgetary guidelines, and allowing greater flexibility could ensure the initiative meets its goals efficiently and inclusively.

The document outlines a series of financial allocations related to a federal grant opportunity for the National Technical Assistance Center for Postsecondary Education and Training for Individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. The Department of Education intends to disburse funds to improve educational outcomes for this group. Here is a closer examination of the financial aspects mentioned:

Total Funding and Distribution

The total amount allocated for this initiative is $4,000,000 for fiscal year 2021. This total is divided among three specific programs: the Technical Assistance and Dissemination (TA&D) program with $1,300,000, the Personnel Development (PD) program with $1,700,000, and the Educational Technology, Media, and Materials (ETechM2) program with $1,000,000. This allocation strategy indicates a layered approach where each program contributes to the overarching goal of supporting individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. However, issues arise in that the document does not provide substantial justification for how exactly these figures were decided, potentially leaving stakeholders questioning the rationale behind the specific amounts allocated to each program.

Award Limitations

The document specifies that the maximum award for any single project cannot exceed $4,000,000 for a budget period of 12 months. This reflects an attempt to cap spending and ensure financial discipline within the project. However, the document notes the absence of detailed justification for this budget cap apart from aligning with existing program funds. This could be seen as lacking transparency, raising concerns about the thoroughness of fiscal oversight.

Regulatory Compliance

The document includes references to financial thresholds that may affect reporting and compliance. For instance, if a recipient receives an amount that may exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is currently $250,000, certain reporting obligations apply under federal regulations. Similarly, if the total value of a recipient's federal awards exceeds $10,000,000, there are additional requirements for reporting integrity information, which could be burdensome for recipients who are not accustomed to working with such large sums.

Project Evaluation

The financial allocations also consider the costs associated with project evaluations, where specific requirements are imposed for evaluations costing $500,000 or more per year. This stipulates that projects must participate in a process designed to assess the efficacy and alignment of expenses with project goals.

Use of Non-Project Resources

The document mentions the use of "non-project resources" to achieve desired outcomes, but it does not clearly define what these resources might include. This lack of clarity can lead to inconsistent application across projects, wherein non-project contributions might range from volunteer time to donations of goods or services without a standardized measure of their value.

Meeting and Conference Expenses

There is a provision for funds to cover meetings and conferences, which must be justified as beneficial to the project's outcomes. This aspect of spending is subject to scrutiny because stakeholders might view it as potentially wasteful if the direct impact of these gatherings on project success is not clearly articulated.

The various financial references and allocations illustrate a complex framework of program funding aimed at improving educational opportunities for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. However, issues concerning transparency, justifications for funding sizes, and a clearer definition of financial terms are evident. Addressing these issues may enhance stakeholder trust and ensure the effective use of federal funds.