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• <br /> Frequently Asked Questions 1/17/01 <br /> Fund for the Improvement of Education — Earmarks <br /> Application: <br /> Q. Our organization received funds in the appropriation bill. How soon can we expect the check? <br /> A. First, the Department of Education must receive an official application for the grant funds. <br /> Guidance for developing the application and the required forms and certifications are <br /> contained in this package. Once the application is received, it will be reviewed internally for <br /> consistency with the appropriation bill language and completeness. You will receive <br /> notification in the mail of the grant award along with instructions on setting up an electronic <br /> account with the Department so that you may draw down funds. When you set up the account <br /> you will be able to access the "Payees Guide" which provides guidelines on how and when <br /> you may draw funds down from your grant. The general guidance, which is in accordance <br /> with cash management regulations, is that funds drawn down from the Department of <br /> Education must be expended within three business days after receipt. <br /> Q. The appropriation language is different from what we intend to use the funds. May we write <br /> the application for what is really intended? <br /> A. No. The application must address the intent of the language in the appropriation bill. The <br /> Department cannot award the funds for any other purpose. <br /> Q. "XYZ" organization identified in the appropriation legislation does not want to handle the <br /> funds for the specified activity. Since "XYZ" will be working with "UVW" to carry out the <br /> scope of work and "UVW" is willing to administer the grant funds, may that organization <br /> apply for the grant funds? <br /> A. No. The earmarked funds must go to the organization specified in the appropriation bill <br /> language. No change can be made unless the law is amended (approved by the House and <br /> Senate, and signed by the President). This process usually takes several months, if it happens <br /> at all. <br /> Q. Once the application is received, how soon will the grant award document be processed? <br /> A. In general, it takes approximately six weeks to complete the review and award process. <br /> However, due to the substantial number of earmarks in the FIE budget, the award process may <br /> take slightly longer. Every effort will be made to deploy sufficient staff to help with the <br /> review process in order to issue all grant awards in a timely manner. <br /> Q. Is there a particular area in which applicants generally have difficulty? <br /> A. Yes. Many applicants mistake the requirements under GEPA 427 as a civil rights issue. <br /> The purpose of GEPA 427 is to ensure that applicants for grants have taken steps to identify at <br /> least one barrier and state what they will do to overcome the barrier that would prevent <br /> students, teachers, and other program beneficiaries from participating in the project. Please <br />