[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 115 (Wednesday, June 16, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32364-32366]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-15324]
[[Page 32363]]
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Part V
Department of Education
_______________________________________________________________________
Office of Elementary and Secondary Education; Safe and Drug-Free
Schools and Communities National Programs, Federal Activities, State
and Regional Coalition Grant Competition To Prevent High-Risk Drinking
Among College Students; Notices
Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 115 / Wednesday, June 16, 1999 /
Notices
[[Page 32364]]
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Office of Elementary and Secondary Education--Safe and Drug-Free
Schools and Communities National Programs--Federal Activities--State
and Regional Coalition Grant Competition To Prevent High-Risk Drinking
Among College Students
AGENCY: Department of Education.
ACTION: Notice of final priority, eligible applicants, and selection
criteria for fiscal year 1999 and subsequent years.
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SUMMARY: The Secretary announces a final priority, eligible applicants,
and selection criteria for fiscal year (FY) 1999 and, at the discretion
of the Secretary, for subsequent years under the Safe and Drug-Free
Schools and Communities National Programs--Federal Activities--State
and Regional Coalition Grant Competition to Prevent High-Risk Drinking
Among College Students. The Secretary takes this action to focus
Federal financial assistance on an identified national need. This
competition seeks to reduce and prevent high-risk drinking among
college students by funding State or regional coalitions for a two-year
period to bring together institutions of higher education (IHEs) to
share ideas and develop, implement, and evaluate collaborative
strategies.
EFFECTIVE DATE: These priorities take effect July 16, 1999.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kimberly Light, Safe and Drug-Free
Schools Program, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW,
Washington, DC 20202-6123. Telephone: (202) 260-3954. FAX (202) 260-
7767. Internet: http://www.ed.gov/OESE/SDFS.
Individuals who use a telecommunication device for the deaf (TDD)
may call the Federal Information Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339.
Individuals with disabilities may obtain this document in an alternate
format (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer diskette) on
request to the contact person listed above.
Note: This notice of final priority does not solicit
applications. A notice inviting applications under this competition
is published elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: High-risk drinking, including ``binge''
drinking, continues to affect the health, learning, and safety of
college students. Excessive use of alcohol has resulted in deaths,
serious injuries, vandalism, and sexual assault on college campuses.
There is strong evidence that environmental factors, including alcohol
availability, high-risk alcohol use norms, and the restrictiveness of
State drunk driving laws, play a major role in student alcohol use.
Different IHEs may have high-risk drinking problems that are affected
by similar environmental concerns; therefore, developing partnerships
with other IHEs can provide a forum to develop common solutions as well
as a mechanism to create the ``critical mass'' of concerned
stakeholders needed to influence broader environmental changes. The
recent development of a number of IHE coalitions across the country
suggests that such partnerships may be an effective method for IHEs
with common environmental concerns to build local capacity to address
high-risk drinking within their campus-communities. In addition, these
efforts can have an impact within a larger community context, such as
geographic regions within States (e.g., a large metropolitan area),
similar institutions within States (e.g., all public universities), or
institutions in States that share common borders. This competition
seeks to encourage these collaborative efforts and evaluate their
effectiveness so that other IHEs may adopt effective strategies.
This notice contains a final priority, eligible applicants, and
related selection criteria for fiscal year 1999 and subsequent years.
Under this absolute priority, the Secretary may make awards for up to
24 months.
On April 20, 1999, the Secretary published the proposed priorities
for this competition in a Notice of Proposed Priority in the Federal
Register (64 FR 19347-19349). In response to the comments received, the
Secretary made no modifications, as noted in the following section--
Analysis of Comments and Changes--of this notice of final priorities.
Analysis of Comments and Changes
In response to the Secretary's invitation to comment on the
proposed priorities, the Department received two responses from
institutions of higher education. Most of the comments were related to
the proposed selection criteria, which were selected from the
established selection criteria published in the Education Department
General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR). An analysis of the
comments, organized by topic, follows:
Focus of Priority
Comment: One commenter suggested that the priority include not only
binge drinking, but also other patterns of abusive drinking that have
negative consequences for student life. The commenter indicated that
other patterns of abusive drinking are seen at historically Black IHEs.
Discussion: The existing language in the priority is specifically
designed to include a range of high-risk drinking problems. Although
``binge'' drinking is a significant type of high-risk drinking, the
priority would not preclude a focus on other types of abusive drinking.
Changes: None.
Selection Criteria--Need for Project
Comment: One commenter proposed points be reassigned under this
criterion to place more emphasis on identifying and addressing gaps and
weaknesses in services, rather than on the magnitude and severity of
the problem to be addressed, in order to reflect the amount of
additional work required by applicants to identify gaps and weaknesses.
Discussion: The points assigned for this selection criterion are
intended to place greater emphasis on the magnitude and severity of the
high-risk drinking problem to be addressed by the coalition. Because of
the limited funds available for this initiative, emphasis is placed on
directing funds to areas with the greatest need.
Changes: None.
Selection Criteria--Significance and Quality of the Project Design
Comment: One commenter proposed that the subcriterion under Quality
of the Project Design addressing capacity building be combined with the
subcriterion under Significance addressing system change and
improvement. The commenter suggested that system change, by definition,
will build capacity and yield results beyond the period of Federal
financial assistance.
Discussion: These subcriteria were selected to address two
different, but related, aspects of project impact. Capacity building
may not necessarily lead to system change and improvement, and system
change and improvement may not necessarily include capacity building.
Therefore, both of these selection criteria help select projects that
have the greatest potential to continue the work of the project after
the Federal project period ends.
Changes: None.
Selection Criteria--Quality of Project Design
Comment: One commenter suggested that the number of points be
increased under the subcriterion addressing clearly specified and
measurable goals, objectives and outcomes, because the
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organization's goals, objectives and outcomes have a major impact on
the functioning of the project. In addition, this commenter proposed
that this subcriterion be expanded to include proposed activities for
achieving the stated goals, objectives and outcomes.
Discussion: Clearly specified and measurable goals, objectives and
outcomes are an important part of the design of a project; however, the
quality of the content of the goals, objectives and outcomes is most
important to the design of projects under this program, and is
therefore more heavily weighted. The subcriterion on the extent to
which the design of the project reflects up-to-date knowledge from
research and effective practice will allow reviewers to assess the
quality of the project goals, objectives and outcomes, including the
proposed project activities.
Changes: None.
Selection Criteria--Quality of the Project Personnel and Quality of
the Management Plan
Comment: One commenter suggested that the Quality of the Project
Personnel criterion and the Quality of the Management Plan criterion be
combined and renamed ``management and organizational capability.''
Discussion: The selection criteria Quality of Project Personnel and
Quality of the Management Plan need to be handled separately because
they address different aspects of an application. For example, an
applicant could have well qualified personnel but the management plan
may be poorly designed or written. Both the plan and personnel are
critical to the success of the grant.
Changes: None.
Selection Criteria--Quality of the Management Plan
Comment: One commenter proposed that the subcriterion on bringing a
diversity of perspectives to bear on the operation of the proposed
project be expanded to specify which faculty/student leaders should be
included. This commenter also suggested that this subcriterion include
both receiving input from and providing information to key
stakeholders.
Discussion: Applicants are encouraged to bring a wide variety of
perspectives to the operation of their proposed projects. The specific
individuals who are included may vary depending on the project goals
and design. This subcriterion does not preclude applicants from both
receiving input from and providing information to key stakeholders.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter suggested a subcriterion be included to
require a one-page organization chart to graphically portray the
management structure of the project.
Discussion: Illustrating the management structure with an
organization chart is deemed to be the prerogative of the applicant.
Changes: None.
Selection Criteria--Adequacy of Resources
Comment: One commenter proposed that a criterion be added that
addresses the level of networking between the applicant and members of
national, statewide and regional college consortiums and related
collaborations.
Discussion: The level of networking by applicants will vary
depending on the design and scope of their projects.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter suggested the expansion of the subcriterion
on reasonable costs by adding that the proposed budget be complete,
detailed, and allowable. This commenter also suggested that this
criterion require a description of how non-Federal resources will be
utilized.
Discussion: Administration of Federal grants is governed by Federal
cost principles that will be referenced in the application package
information. These cost principles provide information on allowable
costs. In addition, applicants will be required to submit a budget form
and narrative detailing their plans for the use of funds.
Changes: None.
Absolute Priority
Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(3) and the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and
Communities Act of 1994, the Secretary gives an absolute preference to
applications that meet the following priority. The Secretary funds
under this competition only applications that meet the following
absolute priority:
Implement and Evaluate the Impact of a State or Regional Coalition to
Develop Strategies for Reducing and Preventing High-Risk Drinking Among
College Students
Applicants proposing a project under this priority must:
(1) Propose to expand an existing or establish a new State or
regional coalition of IHEs and other relevant organizations that
includes key stakeholders who will have an impact on the development
and implementation of State, local, and campus policies and programs to
reduce and prevent high-risk drinking;
(2) Explain how coalition members will work together on a regular
basis, including meeting to discuss common problems and share effective
strategies;
(3) Use community collaboration prevention approaches, including
involvement of students, that research or evaluation has shown to be
effective in preventing or reducing high-risk drinking;
(4) Use a qualified evaluator to design and implement an evaluation
of the project using outcomes-based (summative) performance indicators
in addition to process (formative) measures that documents strategies
used and measures the effectiveness of the coalition;
(5) Demonstrate the ability to start the project within 60 days
after receiving Federal funding in order to maximize the time available
to show impact within the grant period; and
(6) Share information about their projects with the Department of
Education or its agents.
Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants under this competition are IHEs, consortia of
IHEs, and other public and private nonprofit organizations.
Selection Criteria
The following selection criteria will be used to evaluate
applications for new grants under this competition. The maximum score
for all of these criteria is 100 points. The maximum score for each
criterion or factor under that criterion is indicated in parentheses.
(1) Need for project (15 points)
In determining the need for the proposed project, the following
factors are considered:
(a) The magnitude or severity of the problem to be addressed by the
proposed project. (10 points)
(b) The extent to which specific gaps or weaknesses in services,
infrastructure, or opportunities have been identified and will be
addressed by the proposed project, including the nature and magnitude
of those gaps or weaknesses. (5 points)
(2) Significance (14 points)
In determining the significance of the proposed project, the
following factors are considered:
(a) The likelihood that the proposed project will result in system
change or improvement. (10 points)
(b) The potential replicability of the proposed project or
strategies, including, as appropriate, the potential for implementation
in a variety of settings. (4 points)
(3) Quality of the project design (15 Points)
In determining the quality of the design of the proposed project,
the following factors are considered:
(a) The extent to which the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be
achieved
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by the proposed project are clearly specified and measurable. (4
points)
(b) The extent to which the design of the proposed project reflects
up-to-date knowledge from research and effective practice. (6 points)
(c) The extent to which the proposed project is designed to build
capacity and yield results that will extend beyond the period of
Federal financial assistance. (5 points)
(4) Quality of the project personnel (15 points)
In determining the quality of project personnel, the following
factors are considered:
(a) The extent to which the applicant encourages applications for
employment from persons who are members of groups that have
traditionally been underrepresented based on race, color, national
origin, gender, age, or disability. (3 points)
(b) The qualifications, including relevant training and experience,
of key project personnel. (12 points)
(5) Adequacy of resources (16 points)
In determining the adequacy of resources for the proposed project,
the following factors are considered:
(a) The relevance and demonstrated commitment of each partner in
the proposed project to the implementation and success of the project.
(8 points)
(b) The extent to which the costs are reasonable in relation to the
number of persons to be served and to the anticipated results and
benefits. (4 points)
(c) The potential for continued support of the project after
Federal funding ends, including, as appropriate, the demonstrated
commitment of appropriate entities to such support. (4 points)
(6) Quality of the management plan (14 points)
In determining the quality of the management plan for the proposed
project, the following factors are considered:
(a) How the applicant will ensure that a diversity of perspectives
are brought to bear in the operation of the proposed project, including
those of students, faculty, parents, the business community, a variety
of disciplinary and professional fields, recipients or beneficiaries of
services, or others, as appropriate. (10 points)
(b) The adequacy of the management plan to achieve the objectives
of the proposed project on time and within budget, including clearly
defined responsibilities, timelines, and milestones for accomplishing
project tasks. (4 points)
(7) Quality of the project evaluation (11 points)
In determining the quality of the evaluation, the following factors
are considered:
(a) The extent to which the methods of evaluation are thorough,
feasible, and appropriate to the goals, objectives and outcomes of the
proposed project. (4 points)
(b) The extent to which the methods of evaluation will provide
performance feedback and permit periodic assessment of progress toward
achieving intended outcomes. (3 points)
(c) The extent to which the methods of evaluation include the use
of objective performance measures that are clearly related to the
intended outcomes of the project and will produce quantitative and
qualitative data to the extent possible. (4 points)
Intergovernmental Review
This program is subject to the requirements of Executive Order
12372 and the regulations of 34 CFR part 79. The objective of the
Executive Order is to foster an intergovernmental partnership and a
strengthened federalism by relying on processes developed by State and
local governments for coordination and review of proposed Federal
financial assistance.
In accordance with this order, this document is intended to provide
early notification of the Department's specific plans and actions for
this program.
Electronic Access to This Document
Anyone may view this document, as well as all other Department of
Education documents published in the Federal Register, in text or
portable document format (pdf) on the World Wide Web at either of the
following sites:
http://ocfo.ed.gov/fedreg.htm
http://www.ed.gov/news.html
To use the pdf you must have the Adobe Acrobat Reader Program with
Search, which is available free at either of the preceding sites. If
you have questions about using the pdf, call the U.S. Government
Printing Office toll free at 1-888-293-6498.
Note: The official version of this document is the document
published in the Federal Register.
(Catalog of Federal Domestic assistance Number 84.184H, Safe and
Drug-Free Schools and Communities National Programs--Federal
Activities--State and Regional Coalition Grant Competition to
Prevent High-Risk Drinking Among College Students)
Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 7131.
Judith Johnson,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education.
[FR Doc. 99-15324 Filed 6-15-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P