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Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

Program Descriptions

84.303:  Technology Innovation Challenge Grants

Objectives:  The grants under this program support the development, interconnection, implementation, improvement, and maintenance of an effective educational technology infrastructure, including activities to provide equipment, training for teachers, school library and media personnel, and technical support. The primary goals of the program are to promote the use of technology to support school reform, support network and telecommunication connections to improve student learning, and support professional development in the integration of high-quality technology into the school curriculum.

PROGRAM AND AWARD	FINANCIAL AND INFORMATION CONTACTS
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS	FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFO.
APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS	INFORMATION CONTACTS
RELATED PROGRAMS	ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS
PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS	POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS

84.303 ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicant Eligibility:  Consortia may apply. Consortia must include at least one local educational agency (LEA) with a high percentage or number of children living below the poverty line and may include other LEA's, State educational agencies, institutions of higher education, businesses, academic content experts, software designers, museums, libraries, or other entities.

Beneficiary Eligibility:  Elementary and secondary education students and teachers benefit.

Credentials/Documentation:  None.

84.303 APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS:

Preapplication Coordination:  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:  Application forms and instructions are available from the program office. Application deadlines and other information for applicants are published in the Federal Register. Contact the program office for information.

Award Procedure:  Awards are competitively selected following review by nonfederal experts and by program staff. The Assistant Secretary for the Office of Educational Research and Improvement approves the selection. Information on the award process is available from the program office.

Deadlines:  Applicant deadlines and other information for applicants are published as a notice in the Federal Register. The deadline notice is included in the application package.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:  The estimated time is 120 days.

Appeals:  Not applicable.

Renewals:  As required by the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) for direct grant programs (see 34 CFR 75.253). Generally, for multiple-year awards, continuation awards after the first budget period are made if: sufficient funds have been appropriated; the recipient has either made substantial progress in meeting the goals of the project or obtained approval for changes in the project; the recipient has submitted all required reports; and continuation is in the best interest of the government.

Criteria for Selecting Proposals:  Applications are reviewed on the basis of their significance and feasibility. Detailed selection criteria are included in the application package.

Examples of Funded Projects:  A project in Towanda, PA uses interactive video-conferencing to provides services to 23 small rural school districts serving 45,000 students in PA, NY, and NJ. A project in Waukegan is promoting improved learning in math and science for 7,000 students in grades 4 through 12 by the use of multimedia computers in classrooms and Internet connections. In addition, the project is establishing technology learning community centers for students and adults to access job opportunities.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:  $500,000 to $2,000,000 per year (average $1,000,000 per year) for 5 years.

84.303 RELATED PROGRAMS:

84.303 PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

84.303 FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFO:

Federal Agency:  ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION RESEARCH, STATISTICS, AND IMPROVEMENT, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Type of Assistance:  Project Grants (Discretionary).

Obligations:  (Grants) FY 99 $115,100,000; FY 00 est $146,255,000; and FY 01 est $78,233,000.

Budget Account Number:  18-0500-2-1-503.

Authorization:  Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, Title III, Part A, Section 3136, as amended, 20 U.S.C. 6846.

Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature:  Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), 34 CFR 74, 75, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 85, and 86. Information on regulations are included in the application package and are available from the program office.

84.303 INFO CONTACTS:

Regional or Local Office:  Not applicable.

Headquarters Office:  Challenge Grants for Technology in Education, Office of Educational Research and Improvement, 400 Maryland Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20208-5544. Contact: Jenelle Leanard, Team Leader, Technology Innovation Challenge Grant Program, Phone: (202) 208-3882.

(See Appendix IV for more contact info.)

84.303 ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:

Formula and Matching Requirements:  None.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:  After an initial 12-month competitively selected award, four additional years may be awarded. The maximum length of time an award may last is five years. Awards are subject to the availability of funds.

Uses and Use Restrictions:  Priority is given to applications that (1) Serve areas with a high percentage of disadvantaged students or with the greatest need for educational technology and directly benefit students; (2) ensure ongoing, sustained, professional development to further the use of technology in schools; (3) ensure effective and sustainable use of the technologies acquired; (4) and contribute substantial financial and other resources to achieve the goals of the project.

84.303 POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Reports:  As required by the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) for direct programs (34 CFR 75). Generally, annual performance and financial reports are required. Reporting will be included in the grant award document.

Audits:  See 34 CFR 74.26. Institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations are subject to the audit requirements of OMB Circular No. A-133. State and local governments are subject to the requirements in the Single Audit Act and the Department of Education regulations implementing OMB Circular No. A-133.

Records:  As required by EDGAR, for direct grant programs (34 CFR 75). Generally, records related to grant funds, compliance, and performance must be maintained for a period of five years after completion. As required by EDGAR, to maintain appropriate records and related grant funds.