The Education Department (ED) is proposing a sweeping update to its grant administration regulations that would change how colleges find federal funding opportunities, document eligibility and develop grant applications. The proposal would amend the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), which govern most federal education grants.
Similar to the Office of Management and Budget’s proposal to overhaul the federal government’s procedures for awarding grant funds, the changes to EDGAR would allow ED to terminate grants for convenience, meaning the department could terminate a grant if it determines the award no longer aligns with agency priorities or program goals, including executive orders. These changes would essentially codify ED’s approach to terminating grants it deems misaligned with agency priorities.
The current requirement that grantees abide by certain non-discrimination laws and the U.S. Constitution would include a new requirement that grantees “ensure that hiring, promotions, and compensation practices under the grant are based on merit and high standards…” It’s not clear what additional responsibilities this new language imposes on institutions beyond the existing requirement that they comply with non-discrimination laws.
Grantees must also not compel statements of belief in certain political views as a condition of employment, and must have policies protecting freedom of speech, inquiry and press.
Other changes
The proposal also reflects the administration’s goal of favoring applicants with lower indirect cost rates and directing more funding toward program activities rather than facilities and administrative expenses.
ED says the changes are intended to better align EDGAR with federal grant practices used across government and to improve efficiency in administering competitive grant programs.
In addition, ED aims to end the longstanding requirement that grant competitions be announced through the Federal Register. Instead, the department would rely on grants.gov and other electronic platforms to notify potential applicants about funding opportunities. According to the department, the change would reduce administrative costs and provide a more efficient way to communicate grant information to prospective applicants.
The proposal also would require applicants claiming nonprofit status to provide documentation verifying that status. Current regulations allow applicants to provide such documentation. ED says the change would simplify eligibility verification and reduce the need for additional follow-up by federal staff.
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Matthew Dembicki is associate vice president of communications at the American Association of Community Colleges, and edits CC Daily. Jim Hermes is AACC’s associate vice president of government relations.