[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 57 (Thursday, March 24, 1994)] [Unknown Section] [Page 0] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 94-6875] [[Page Unknown]] [Federal Register: March 24, 1994] _______________________________________________________________________ Part II Department of Commerce _______________________________________________________________________ National Telecommunications and Information Administration _______________________________________________________________________ National Endowment for Children's Educational Television; Notice of Availability of Funds DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) [Docket No. 940375-4075] [RIN 0660-AA06] National Endowment for Children's Educational Television (NECET) AGENCY: National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Commerce. ACTION: Notice of availability of funds. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The National Endowment for Children's Educational Television (NECET) hereby gives notice of the availability of funds for the purpose of enhancing the education of children through the creation and production of television programming specifically directed toward the development of fundamental intellectual skills. DATES: The closing date for submission of all NECET Preliminary Applications (Pre-Applications) for the fiscal year (FY) 1994 grant cycle is Wednesday, May 4, 1994. Pre-Applications must be received at the NECET office no later than 5 p.m., May 4, 1994, whether mailed or hand-delivered. Facsimile copies will not be accepted. Successful Pre-Applicants will be invited to submit Full Applications to NECET. Full Applications must be received at the NECET office no later than 5 p.m., Wednesday, July 13, 1994. NTIA intends to award FY 1994 NECET grants by September 30, 1994. ADDRESSES: Office of Telecommunications and Information Applications (OTIA); National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA); U.S. Department of Commerce; 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW., room H-4889; Washington, DC 20230. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Charles M. Rush; Acting Associate Administrator, Office of Telecommunications and Information Applications (OTIA); Telephone: (202) 482-5802; Facsimile: (202) 482- 2156; E-Mail: [email protected]. Information on the NECET program may also be downloaded from the NTIA Bulletin Board by contacting (202) 482-1199 via modern or ntiabbs.ntia.doc.gov via Internet. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Authority The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), Department of Commerce, serves as the President's principal adviser on telecommunications and information policy. NTIA's functions were codified as part of the Telecommunications Authorization Act of 1992, Public Law No. 102-538, 106 Stat. 3533, 47 U.S.C. 901-04 (1993). The National Endowment for Children's Educational Television was established by The Children's Television Act of 1990, Public Law No. 101-437, 104 Stat. 996 (1990) (codified at 47 U.S.C. 394 (1991)). Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) 11.551; The National Endowment for Children's Educational Television. Program Description NECET Background NECET funds are intended to support the creation and production of children's television programming that is specifically directed toward the development of fundamental intellectual skills. In so doing, NECET's efforts are intended to supplement children's educational programming that is funded by other governmental entities. Congress directed that NECET be administered by the Secretary of Commerce. The Secretary, in turn, has delegated this responsibility to the Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information, who serves as the Administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The Children's Television Act of 1990 stipulates that, during the first two years following project completion, NECET-funded programming may be offered for distribution only to noncommercial public television stations. After the initial two-year period, NECET-funded programming may be made available to commercial media as well, including broadcast television networks and stations, and cable television networks and systems. The 1990 Act authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, under certain circumstances, to modify some aspects of these distribution requirements. Through the 1990 Act, Congress sought to ensure that commercial television entities would have at their disposal a growing pool of high-quality programming appropriate for a children's audience that would be available at an affordable cost. Accordingly, the 1990 Act authorizes the Secretary to offer NECET-funded programs to commercial television stations and cable television systems at a rate designed to encourage these entities to air such programming. NECET Objectives For the FY 1994 grant round, NECET has three major objectives that applicants should consider when preparing their submissions.To Improve the Fundamental Intellectual Skills of Children Through the Vehicle of Television Programming. The term ``fundamental intellectual skills'' may be defined in a number of ways. In general, NECET interprets the term broadly, to include those competencies and abilities that enable children to effectively understand and cope with problems posed by the contemporary world. Such skills might include proficiency in traditional academic disciplines, such as mathematics, science, history or reading, or they might consist of more abstract abilities, concerns or appreciations, such as problem-solving, ethics, multiculturalism or diversity. Regardless of approach, applicants are also encouraged to incorporate basic human development skills, such as self-esteem and pro-social behavior development, into their proposals. Finally, since most effective educational television programming for children has an entertainment element woven throughout it, NECET applicants are encouraged to incorporate this element into the design of their proposals. To the Extent Feasible, To Support the Development of Programming for Children Aged 6 to 8. Although there is a need for high-quality educational television programming for children of all ages, NECET has concluded that the six-to-eight-year-old child is currently the most underserved by educational television programming and is therefore deserving of special consideration for the FY 1994 grant round. According to the 1990 U.S. Census, there are a total of 10,732,061 children in this age group. Consistent with this emphasis, projects that meet the needs of this particular age group are more likely to be competitive and to receive funding consideration than projects focused on other age groups. NECET, however, will not automatically reject projects designed for other age groups. In future grant rounds, NECET may emphasize projects designed for different age levels. To Encompass a Broad Range of Subject Areas Within the Overall Context of the Grant Program. NECET is imposing no limits on the scope of the proposals that may be submitted for funding consideration. In selecting the goals for their projects, applicants may choose to encompass a broad array of targeted skills. Alternatively applicants may choose to center on a single learning need. Funding Availability The Departments of Commerce, Justice and State, the Judiciary and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 1993, Public Law 103-121, 107 Stat. 1153 (1993), provides the Department of Commerce $1 million in assistance for the National Endowment for Children's Educational Television under 47 U.S.C. 394 (1991), to be used for the creation and production of television programming specifically directed toward the development of fundamental intellectual skills. Congress has appropriated a total of $1 million for NECET for Fiscal Year 1994. NTIA anticipates that in FY 1994 NECET will fund up to six grant awards, depending on the nature of the projects and the need of the recipients, and that NECET awards will range from $50,000 to $300,000. Matching Requirements The Children's Television Act of 1990 provides that the Department of Commerce may award funds up to 75 percent of a project's eligible costs. Due to the limitation of available funding, however, applicants are encouraged to provide as much outside funding as possible. Type of Funding Instrument The funding instrument for awards made under this program will be a grant. Eligibility Criteria Any individual, partnership, association, joint stock company, trust, corporation (not-for-profit or for-profit), or state or local governmental entity is eligible to submit an application for NECET funding. Award Period Successful applicants will have up to twenty-four months to complete their project, although the grant award period will vary as a function of the complexity and scope of the project. Indirect Costs The total dollar amount of the indirect costs proposed in an application under this program must not exceed the indirect cost rate negotiated and approved by a cognizant Federal agency prior to the proposed effective date of the award or 100 percent of the total proposed direct costs dollar amount in the application, whichever is less. Application Forms and Kit; Selection Procedures Preliminary Applications A Preliminary Application (Pre-Application) is required for each proposal submitted by an applicant. The Pre-Application consists of two parts; (1) A Standard Form 424 (SF-424) (Rev. 4-92) Application for Federal Assistance; and (2) a narrative summary of the general nature of the proposed project, not to exceed five single-spaced pages. An original and two copies of each complete Pre-Application is required for each project submission. No organization or individual is permitted to submit Pre-Applications for more than three separate projects. Videotapes, audio cassettes and other related materials are not permitted with Pre-Applications. A copy of the SF-424 and an outline of points to be included in the Pre-Application narrative summary is contained in the National Endowment for Children's Educational Television Guidelines for Preparing Applications: 1994 Grant Cycle. This booklet may be secured by contacting the NTIA Office listed earlier. Upon receipt, NECET Pre-Applications will be reviewed and evaluated by outside reviewers with expertise in the area of children's television programming and by NECET staff. Criteria to be used in the evaluation of each proposal are listed in the ``Evaluation Criteria'' section of this Notice. Written comments made by reviewers on each proposal will not be made available to the applicant, and Pre- Application submissions will not be returned. Recommendations regarding successful Pre-Applications will be submitted to the NTIA Administrator, who shall make a final determination regarding successful and unsuccessful Pre-Applications. Successful and unsuccessful Pre-Applicants will be notified by letter about their proposals in late May, 1994. Those determined to be unsuccessful Pre- Applicants will be dropped from further consideration for the FY 1994 NECET grant cycle. Those determined to be successful Pre-Applicants will be invited to submit Full Applications to NECET. Full Applications The Full Application is a comprehensive document that consists of required Federal forms, five sections of additional information, and three exhibits. Detailed instructions for completing the Full Application are contained in the Guidelines for Preparing Applications: 1994 Grant Cycle cited earlier. In addition, those applicants requesting funds for production of a series, individual program(s), or special program(s) are also strongly recommended to submit a half-inch VHS videocassette that represents the quality of work of which the applicant is capable. This type may take the form of a pilot or other sample tape of the proposed project, or may be a tape of an unrelated nature that demonstrates the creative and technical capability of the applicant. Applicants requesting NECET funds for reproduction activities only (e.g., planning, research, development, scripting, etc.) and/or for production of a pilot program do not need to submit a videocassette with their Full Applications. Videocassettes will not be returned. Project Funding Priorities In general, NECET funds are available to support all of the varied tasks associated with the production of children's television, and project eligibility is not limited to any particular stage of production or type of activity as long as it is germane to the production of children's television programming that furthers the objectives of the 1990 Act. Programming funded by NECET is primarily intended for general viewing by children, although it may also have value and be used within an instructional context. In general, NECET expects to award funds for four categories of projects: Series To initiate new series productions, or to complete a series project already underway. Individual Programs or Specials To support production of new individual program(s) or special(s). Pilot Programs To support various pre-production activities (e.g., planning, research development, scripting, etc.) up through and including the production of pilot program(s). Pre-Production Projects To support preliminary pre-production activities, such as planning, research, development and/or scripting, that will eventually lead to production. Evaluation Criteria Five Evaluation Criteria will be used to evaluate all NECET Pre- Application and NECET Full Application submissions received during the FY 1994 grant cycle. These criteria, and the weight accorded each criterion, are as follows: Creativity (30 points) The proposed project must display a high degree of creativity, originality and artistic imagination and, ideally, be unique and innovative in its approach. Clarity of Educational Objectives; Plan for Evaluating Educational Effectiveness; Indication of Developmental Appropriateness (30 points) Applicants must provide: (1) A clear statement of the educational objectives of their proposal; (2) a plan for evaluating the educational effectiveness of the proposed project; and (3) an indication that the proposed project is developmentally appropriate for the target audience specified in the proposal. Conformance With NECET Objectives (15 points) Applicants must satisfy NECET that their project will further the three NECET objectives discussed earlier in this Notice: (1) To Improve the Fundamental Intellectual Skills of Children through the Vehicle of Television Programming; (2) To the Extent Feasible, to Support the Development of Programming for Children Aged 6 to 8; and (3) To Encompass a Broad Range of Subject Areas within the Overall Context of the Grant Program. Applicant Capability (15 points) Applicants must indicate why NECET may be confident that they will be able to complete the proposed project in a satisfactory manner. Applicants may demonstrate this capability in various ways, including documentation of previous experience, presentation of a well-developed plan, and related information. Thoroughness of Project Plan (10 points) Applicants must provide evidence of a well-developed and sound plan for execution of their project, including a detailed and realistic timetable and budget that accurately reflect the needs of the project. Program Standards Programs produced with NECET grant funding must meet broadcast- quality production and technical standards consistent with those of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). All programs must be closed- captioned. Programming funded by NECET may not be interrupted with commercial advertising messages for the life of the program. All NECET- funded programming must be aired with a funding (underwriting) credit for the National Endowment for Children's Educational Television (NECET), and any ancillary materials produced with this grant shall contain a similar credit. Such funding credit shall be consistent with common practice for funding announcements on public broadcasting stations. Rights, Clearances, and Distribution NECET grant recipients are entitled to retain continuing rights to the programming that they create with NECET funding assistance. Recipients of NECET grant funding must comply with all requirements of United States Copyright Law, including requirements to obtain permission from owners of copyright in works of authorship and to pay any required license fees. Accordingly, NECET requires that all completed creative works supported by NECET funding have appropriate clearances, releases, and/or other documentation demonstrating that the organization or individual producing the programming either has obtained rights for the use of all elements in the programs, or has itself originally created the work. These rights and clearances apply to all elements of such programming. NECET Applicants should note that they will need to obtain an option on any material critical to the successful completion of their projects before they apply to NECET, unless all such material has already been cleared or is entirely original with the applicant. Other Requirements Federal Policies and Procedures Recipients and sub-recipients are subject to all applicable Federal laws and Federal and Department of Commerce policies, regulations, and procedures applicable to Federal financial assistance awards. Past Performance Unsatisfactory performance under prior Federal financial assistance awards may result in an application not being considered for funding. Pre-Award Activities If applicants incur any costs prior to the awarding of funds, they do so solely at their own risk of not being reimbursed by the government. Applicants are hereby notified that, notwithstanding any verbal or written assurance that they may have received, there is no obligation on the part of the Department of Commerce or NTIA to cover pre-award costs. No Obligation for Future Funding If an application is selected for funding, the Department of Commerce has no obligation to provide any additional future funding in connection with that award. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the total discretion of the Department of Commerce. Delinquent Federal Debts No award of Federal funds shall be made to an applicant who has an outstanding delinquent Federal debt until either: 1. The delinquent account is paid in full; 2. A negotiated repayment schedule is established and at least one payment is received; or 3. Other arrangements satisfactory to the Department of Commerce are made. Name Check Review All non-profit and for-profit applicants are subject to a name check review process. Name checks are intended to reveal if any key individuals associated with the applicant have been convicted of or are presently facing criminal charges such as fraud, theft, perjury, or other matters that significantly reflect on the applicant's management honesty or financial integrity. Primary Applicant Certifications All primary applicants must submit a completed Form CD-511, ``Certifications Regarding Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters; Drug-Free Workplace Requirements and Lobbying.'' The following explanations are hereby provided: Non-procurement Debarment and Suspension. Prospective participants (as defined at 15 CFR part 26, Sec. 26.105) are subject to 15 CFR part 26, ``Non-procurement Debarment and Suspension'' and the related section of the certification form prescribed above applies; Drug-Free Workplace. Grantees (as defined at 15 CFR part 26, Sec. 26.605) are subject to 15 CFR part 26, Subpart F, ``Government-wide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants) and the related section of the certification form prescribed above applies; Anti-Lobbying. Persons (as defined at 15 CFR part 28, Sec. 28.105) are subject to the lobbying provisions of 31 U.S.C. 1352, ``Limitation on use of appropriated funds to influence certain Federal contracting and financial transactions,'' and the lobbying section of the certification form prescribed above applies to applications/bids for grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts for more than $100,000, and loans and loan guarantees for more than $150,000 or the single family maximum mortgage limit for affected programs, whichever is greater; and Anti-Lobbying Disclosure. Any applicant that has paid or will pay for lobbying using any funds must submit an SF-LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities,'' as required under 15 CFR part 28, appendix B. Lower Tier Certifications Grant recipients shall require applicants/bidders for subgrants, contracts, subcontracts, or other lower tier covered transactions at any tier under the award to submit, if applicable, a completed Form CD- 512, ``Certifications Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion-Lower Tier Covered Transactions and Lobbying'' and disclosure from SF-LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities.'' Form CD-512 is intended for the use of recipients and should not be transmitted to DOC. SF-LLL submitted by any tier recipient or sub- recipient should be submitted to DOC in accordance with the instructions contained in the award document. False Statements A false statement on an application is grounds for denial or termination of funds and grounds for possible punishment by a fine or imprisonment as provided in 18 U.S.C. 1001. Intergovernmental Review Applications under this program are subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.'' Requirement To Buy American-Made Equipment or Products Applicants are hereby notified that any equipment or products authorized to be purchased with funding provided under this program must be American-made to the maximum extent feasible in accordance with Public Law 103-121, sections 606 (a) and (b). Adequate justification will be required for any proposed purchases of equipment or products that are not American-made. Paperwork Reduction Act The standard forms have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act under OMB Approval Nos. 0348-0043, 0348-0044, 0348-0040 and 0348-0046. Executive Order 12866 This Notice was not subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Order 12866. Dated: March 18, 1994. Larry Irving, Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information. [FR Doc. 94-6875 Filed 3-23-94; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-60-M