GrantExec

OSERS-OSEP: Technical Assistance on State Data Collection: National Technical Assistance Center to Improve State Capacity to Collect, Report, Analyze, and Use Accurate IDEA Part B and Part C Fiscal Data (Fiscal Data Center); ALN 84.373F

This grant provides funding to improve state capabilities in collecting and managing financial data related to special education services for children and youth with disabilities.

$4,200,000
Active
Nationwide
Grant Description

The U.S. Department of Education, through its Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), has issued a notice inviting applications for fiscal year 2025 for a cooperative agreement to operate the National Technical Assistance Center to Improve State Capacity to Collect, Report, Analyze, and Use Accurate IDEA Part B and Part C Fiscal Data. This initiative falls under the Technical Assistance on State Data Collection program and is authorized under several sections of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as well as the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024. The program is designed to build state capacity in managing and utilizing fiscal data related to the IDEA. Specifically, the Center will assist states in collecting, analyzing, and reporting high-quality financial data as required under IDEA Sections 616, 618, and 642. The Centerโ€™s scope includes helping states ensure that IDEA funds are spent in compliance with federal law while strengthening local and state systems to improve outcomes for children and youth with disabilities. The award will fund a wide range of activities, including development of tools, virtual and on-site technical assistance, training systems, and dissemination strategies that increase statesโ€™ knowledge and abilities in data accuracy, fiscal compliance, and inter-agency collaboration. Up to $3.9 million is available in year one, and $4.2 million in each subsequent year for up to five years, depending on appropriations and quality of applications. One cooperative agreement is anticipated. A minimum of 50% of the annual grant funds must be dedicated to targeted and intensive technical assistance. An additional 5% must be set aside for emerging needs identified in consultation with the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). Grantees must also budget for mandatory events such as a kick-off meeting, annual planning meetings, and project directors' conferences. Eligible applicants include SEAs, state lead agencies under Part C of IDEA, LEAs, institutions of higher education, other public agencies, private nonprofits, Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations, and for-profit organizations. Applications must include specific narratives, logic models, evaluation frameworks, and assurances to assist OSEP in maintaining continuity of services. Evaluation will be carried out by an independent third-party evaluator, and projects must align with federal civil rights and open licensing policies. Applications open on June 25, 2025, and the final deadline for submission is July 25, 2025. An intergovernmental review deadline is set for August 25, 2025. The competition includes one absolute priority: to improve state capacity in IDEA fiscal data management. Applications will be evaluated on significance, project design, evaluation quality, resource adequacy, and management plan effectiveness, as outlined in the selection criteria. The primary contact for this opportunity is Charles D. Kniseley, who can be reached at Charles.Kniseley@ed.gov or by phone at (202) 245โ€“6313.

Funding Details

Award Range

$3,900,000 - $4,200,000

Total Program Funding

Not specified

Number of Awards

1

Matching Requirement

No

Additional Details

Estimated available funds are $3,900,000 for year one and $4,200,000 for each subsequent year for up to five years. 50% of funds must be dedicated to targeted and intensive TA. 5% annual set-aside required for emerging needs approved by OSEP. Funds are subject to federal regulations in 2 CFR part 200.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

State governments
Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
Private institutions of higher education
Nonprofits
For profit organizations other than small businesses

Additional Requirements

Eligible applicants include SEAs, state lead agencies under IDEA Part C, LEAs (including public charter schools), institutions of higher education, public agencies, private nonprofits, freely associated states and outlying areas, Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations, and for-profit organizations. No cost sharing is required.

Geographic Eligibility

All

Expert Tips

Maintain strict adherence to formatting guidelines, evaluation plan must use third-party evaluators, and digital products must meet Section 508 accessibility standards.

Key Dates

Application Opens

June 25, 2025

Application Closes

Not specified

Contact Information

Grantor

Charles D. Kniseley

Subscribe to view contact details

Newsletter Required
Categories
Education
Information and Statistics
Capacity Building

Subscribe to access grant documents