2017–2018 IDEA-B Formula and IDEA-B Preschool Grants: Extension of Project End Date
March 21, 2018
TO THE ADMINISTRATOR ADDRESSED:
SUBJECT: 2017–2018 IDEA-B Formula and IDEA-B Preschool Grants: Extension of Project End Date
TEA is implementing a fiscal pilot project designed to lessen the administrative burden on both the agency and local educational agencies (LEAs). The pilot involves the 2017–2018 IDEA-B Formula and IDEA-B Preschool grants, both of which are included in the 2017–2018 Special Education Consolidated Grant Application.
Currently, the project end date for these two grants is September 30, 2018. TEA is extending the project period to end on September 30, 2019. NOGAs with the new project end dates are in the process of being issued for both grants.
No action from LEAs is required to implement this pilot. However, business offices should be made aware of the extension and increased period of overlap between the current and subsequent awards that will be made for the 2018-2019 grants. Instead of the three-month overlap that occurs when IDEA-B Formula and IDEA-B Preschool funds are issued, the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 NOGAs will overlap by 15 months. Because of the extended grant period, LEAs should be aware that the carryover process from the 2017–2018 IDEA-B Formula and IDEA-B Preschool grants into 2018–2019 will not be necessary. As a result of the extension, LEAs will already have access to the 2017-2018 grant funds for the full 27 months period of availability.
Background
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) includes the Tydings amendment, which permits any grant funds that remain unobligated during the initial 15-month project period to be made available for an additional 12 months, i.e., 27 months period of availability.
Traditionally, TEA has closed the IDEA-B Formula and IDEA-B Preschool grants after the initial 15-month grant period, awarded the subsequent year’s grant, then adjusted award amounts to make carryover funds available for the additional 12 months.
By extending the grant period to include the additional 12 months permitted under the Tydings amendment, TEA aims to streamline the grant administration process by eliminating the effort involved in closing these grants and adjusting for carryover in 2018-2019.
For Further Information
Please email grants@tea.texas.gov with any questions.
Sincerely,
Cory Green, Associate Commissioner
Department of Contracts, Grants and Financial Administration