OSERS-OSEP: National Center on Academic Interventions Assistance Listing Number (ALN): 84.326Q

The Department of Education is establishing a National Center on Academic Interventions through a cooperative agreement under Assistance Listing Number 84.326Q to address persistent achievement gaps in reading and mathematics for students with disabilities, as highlighted by the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress. The center will deliver technical assistance, disseminate evidence-based practices, and support model demonstration projects focused on literacy and mathematics instruction tailored to students with disabilities and those with complex needs. Technical assistance will be provided at both universal and targeted levels, prioritizing urban school districts, Title I schools, and educators in their first three years of service. The center is expected to integrate technology, including the responsible use of AI systems, to enhance efficiency and expand reach, while ensuring all products and dissemination efforts adhere to federal accessibility standards. A social media plan is required to promote awareness and adoption of center-developed resources among educators, schools, and state agencies. Applications must follow the 2025 Common Instructions for Department of Education discretionary grants and include mandatory forms such as the SF-424, ED Form 524, and Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, along with a project narrative, budget narrative, reference list, resumes of key personnel, letters of support, and Appendix A containing personnel-loading charts, timelines, and an assurance to support seamless transition of resources to future awardees. Applicants must maintain active registrations in SAM.gov and Grants.gov, provide a Unique Entity Identifier that matches SAM records, and comply with all civil rights laws including Title VI, Title VII, the Rehabilitation Act, the Age Discrimination Act, and IDEA provisions requiring affirmative efforts to employ individuals with disabilities and involve them and their parents in all phases of project planning and evaluation. No more than $3.7 million will be awarded annually for a single recipient over a five-year project period, with a five percent annual set-aside for emerging needs. Proposals will be evaluated on project design (35 points), evaluation methodology (20 points), and significance (10 points), with eligibility and cost analysis serving as mandatory pass/fail gates. Performance reporting is required annually under section 653(d) of IDEA and 34 CFR 75.590, and all administrative expenses must align with the cost principles in 2 CFR Part 200; applicants lacking an approved indirect cost rate must apply for a temporary rate from ED. Subgrants are permitted under strict limitations, but subgrantees may not further subgrant. The award is subject