AUTHORIZATION:

Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended., Title VI, Part B, Section 612.

OBJECTIVES:

To provide a comprehensive university approach to improve the teaching of international business by bringing together faculty from numerous disciplines and to engage in research to promote the international competitiveness of U.S. business.

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE:

Project Grants Place Cursor Here for Definition

USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS:

The centers funded will: be national resources for the teaching of improved business techniques, strategies, and methodologies that emphasize the international context in which business is transacted; provide instruction in critical foreign languages and international fields needed to provide an understanding of the cultures and customs of U.S. trading partners; provide research and training in the international aspects of trade, commerce, and other fields of study; provide training to students enrolled in the institution or institutions in which a center is located; serve as regional resources to local businesses by offering programs and providing research designed to meet the international training needs of such businesses; and serve other faculty, students, and institutions of higher education located within their respective regions. This program is subject to non-supplanting requirements and must use a restricted indirect cost rate which is referenced under 34 CFR 75.563. For assistance call the Office of the Chief Financial Officer/Indirect Cost Group on 202-377-3838.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicant Eligibility:   Accredited public and nonprofit private institutions of higher education, or combinations of such institutions, that establish a center advisory council before the date Federal assistance is received may apply. This council will conduct extensive planning concerning the scope of the center's activities and the design of its program prior to establishing the center.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   Students and faculty of accredited institutions of higher education will benefit.

Credentials/Documentation:   No Credentials or documentation are required. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87.

Pre-application Coordination:   Preapplication coordination is required. Environmental impact information is not required for this program. 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:   This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-102. OMB Circular No. A-110 applies to this program. Eligible institutions may submit proposals for funding of projects when the announcement of a new competition appears in the Federal Register. Application forms and guidelines are available from the International Education Programs Service.

Award Procedure:   Final recommendations are made to the Secretary of Education following advice from a panel of consultants developed according to procedures defined by the Education Department General Administrative Regulations.

Deadlines:   Contact the headquarters or regional office, as appropriate, for application deadlines.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   

Approximately 150 days.

Appeals:   

Not Applicable.

Renewals:   

Project period may last up to 48 months. Applicants submit performance reports for continuation funding according to instructions published by the Department. Renewals are subject to the availability of funds.

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ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:

Formula and Matching Requirements:   

This program has no statutory formula. Matching Requirements: The Federal share of the cost of centers is: (a) Not more than 90 percent for the first year in which Federal funds are furnished; (b) not more than 70 percent for the second year; and (c) not more than 50 percent for the third year and succeeding years. The nonfederal share for planning, establishing and operating the center may be provided by in-cash or in-kind assistance. This program does not have MOE requirements.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   

Grants are awarded for a up to 48 month period, subject to the availability of funds. See the following for information on how assistance is awarded/released: Electronic transfer.

POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Reports:   Institutions must provide final reports upon completion of the program. Financial reports are also required. Cash reports are not applicable. Progress reports are not applicable. Expenditure reports are not applicable. Performance monitoring is not applicable.

Audits:   This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-133. Audit requirement will be included in the grant award documents.

Records:   All records supporting claims under grants or relating to accountability for awarded funds must be available upon request for three years after close of the fiscal year in which the grant was closed out or until the grantee is notified of the completion of a Federal financial audit, whichever is later.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

Account Identification:  

91-0201-0-1-502.

Obligations:   (Project Grants) FY 08 $10,960,000; FY 09 est $11,115,000; FY 10 est $11,115,000

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:  

To be determined.

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