Guidance for Grantees

• Procurement Practices for REMS Grants
  
• ED 524B Form Downloads
  
• ED 524B Guidance for FY 2004-2006 ERCM Grantees
  
• ED 524B Guidance for FY 2007-2008 REMS Grantees
  
• Questions on Submitting Reports?
  
• Search for Grantees by State
  

Procurement Practices for REMS Grants

REMS grantees that intend to use procurement transactions in implementing their grant projects need to be aware of requirements in the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) that establish minimum standards for procurement activities. This fact sheet provides basic information about requirements concerning procurement activities, including requirements concerning competition.

Procurement Practices for REMS Grants  [PDF, 63 KB]

ED 524B Form Downloads

Cover sheet for ED 524B form  [MS Word, 213 KB]
Instructions for ED 524B form  [MS Word, 95 KB]
Project Status Chart for ED 524B form  [MS Word, 266 KB]

Please read below for instructions specific to your application year.
(2004-2006) (2007-2008)

ED 524B Guidance for FY 2004-2006 ERCM Grantees

The Department of Education's Grantee Performance Report form (ED 524B form) is designed to improve the quality of financial and performance data received from U.S. Department of Education discretionary grantees. The form also makes it easier for grantees to submit data and for Federal Project Officers to review and analyze the data provided. The report form has several pages of instructions that grantees should read and carefully follow when preparing the report.

Grantees are required to submit two types of performance information. First, grantees must report on progress toward meeting the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) measures established for this program. The GPRA performance measures for Emergency Response and Crisis Management (ERCM) grants awarded in FY 04, 05, and 06 are as follows:

1. Demonstration of increased number of hazards addressed by the improved school emergency response plan as compared to the baseline plan
2. Demonstration of improved response time and quality of response to practice drills and simulated crises
3. A plan for, and commitment to, the sustainability and continuous improvement of school emergency response plans by the district and community partners beyond the period of Federal financial assistance

Please note that GPRA measures cannot be changed or otherwise modified.

Second, grantees must provide information about the objectives established for their specific grant project. Because the REMS grant competitions do not have program performance measures, grantees should answer the questions on the Cover Sheet and the Project Status Chart using the performance measure(s) established for each project objective listed in the original application. These objectives, specific to individual grantees, are known as "Project" objectives and should be labeled as such when completing the ED 524B Project Status Charts.

Grantees are also required to submit a two to three page Executive Summary. This summary should relate to the original REMS application and summarize the goals and objectives that were achieved, what was learned, and any evaluation results. Grantees should describe any unanticipated outcomes or benefits from the project and any barriers that may have been encountered. Did the original ideas change as a result of conducting the project? If applicable, include any recommendations or advice to other educators who may be interested in replicating the project.

The interim and final report forms and instructions are included below. They are also available on line at: http://www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html.

The REMS grant programs participate in e-Reports, ED's electronic performance reporting initiative. Although participation in e-Reports is voluntary, grantees are strongly encouraged to complete and submit the Form 524B via this electronic system. A fact sheet about e-Reports that includes information about obtaining access to the system and other details is also included on this page.

ED 524B Guidance for FY 2007-2008 REMS Grantees

The Department of Education's Grantee Performance Report form (ED 524B form) is designed to improve the quality of financial and performance data received from U.S. Department of Education discretionary grantees. The form also makes it easier for grantees to submit data and for Federal Project Officers to review and analyze the data provided. The report form has several pages of instructions that grantees should read and carefully follow when preparing the report.

Grantees are required to submit two types of performance information. First, grantees must report on progress toward meeting the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) measures established for this program. The GPRA measures for Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools grants awarded in FY 07 are as follows:

1. The percentage of Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) grant sites that demonstrate they have increased the number of hazards addressed by the improved school emergency management plan as compared to the baseline plan
2. The percentage of REMS grant sites that demonstrate improved knowledge of school and/or district emergency management policies and procedures by school staff with responsibility for emergency management functions
3. The percentage of REMS grant sites that have a plan for, and commitment to, the sustainability and continuous improvement of the school emergency management plan by the district and community partners beyond the period of Federal financial assistance

Please note that GPRA measures cannot be changed or otherwise modified.

Second, grantees must provide information about the objectives established for their specific grant project. Because the REMS grant competitions do not have program performance measures, grantees should answer the questions on the Cover Sheet and the Project Status Chart using the performance measure(s) established for each project objective listed in the original application. These objectives, specific to individual grantees, are known as "Project" objectives and should be labeled as such when completing the ED 524B Project Status Charts.

Grantees are also required to submit a two to three page Executive Summary. This summary should relate to the original REMS application and summarize the goals and objectives that were achieved, what was learned, and any evaluation results. Grantees should describe any unanticipated outcomes or benefits from the project and any barriers that may have been encountered. Did the original ideas change as a result of conducting the project? If applicable, include any recommendations or advice to other educators who may be interested in replicating the project.

The interim and final report forms and instructions are included below. They are also available on line at: http://www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html.

The REMS grant programs participate in e-Reports, ED's electronic performance reporting initiative. Although participation in e-Reports is voluntary, grantees are strongly encouraged to complete and submit the Form 524B via this electronic system. A fact sheet about e-Reports that includes information about obtaining access to the system and other details is also included on this page.

Questions about submitting reports should be directed to the grant's assigned Federal Project Officer:
Tara Hill (tara.hill@ed.gov or 202-708-9431)
Sara Strizzi (sara.strizzi@ed.gov or 303-346-0924)
Jade Anthony (jade.anthony@ed.gov or 202-245-6264)
Amy Banks (amy.banks@ed.gov or 202-245-7862)

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