(a) The Secretary evaluates an application for a research project, a study, or a survey on the basis of the criteria in §§ 660.31 and 660.32. The Secretary informs applicants of the maximum possible score for each criterion in the application package or in a notice published in the Federal Register.

(b) The Secretary evaluates an application for the development of specialized instructional materials on the basis of the criteria in §§ 660.31 and 660.33. The Secretary informs applicants of the maximum possible score for each criterion in the application package or in a notice published in the Federal Register.

The Secretary evaluates an application for a project under this program on the basis of the criteria in this section. The Secretary informs applicants of the maximum possible score for each criterion in the application package or in a notice published in the Federal Register.

(a) Plan of operation. (See 34 CFR 655.31(a))

(b) Quality of key personnel. (See 34 CFR 655.31(b))

(c) Budget and cost effectiveness. (See 34 CFR 655.31(c))

(d) Evaluation plan. (See 34 CFR 655.31(d))

(e) Adequacy of resources. (See 34 CFR 655.31(e))

In addition to the criteria referred to in § 660.31, the Secretary evaluates an application for a research project, study, or survey on the basis of the criteria in this section.

(a) Need for the project. The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows—

(1) A need for the proposed project in the field of study on which the project focuses; and

(2) That the proposed project will provide information about the present and future needs of the United States for study in foreign language and other international fields.

(b) Usefulness of expected results. The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the extent to which the results of the proposed project are likely to be used by other research projects or programs with similar objectives.

(c) Development of new knowledge. The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that the extent to which the proposed project is likely to develop new knowledge that will contribute to the purposes of the International Education Program authorized by part A of title VI of the HEA.

(d) Formulation of problems and knowledge of related research. The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that problems, questions, or hypotheses to be dealt with by the applicant—

(1) Are well formulated; and

(2) Reflect adequate knowledge of related research.

(e) Specificity of statement of procedures. The Secretary reviews each application for the specificity and completeness of the statement of procedures to be followed, including a discussion of such components as sampling techniques, controls, data to be gathered, and statistical and other analyses to be undertaken.

(f) Adequacy of methodology and scope of project. The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows—

(1) The adequacy of the proposed teaching, testing, and research methodology; and

(2) The size, scope, and duration of the proposed project.

In addition to the criteria referred to in § 660.31, the Secretary evaluates an application to develop specialized instructional materials on the basis of the criteria in this section.

(a) Need for the project. The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that—

(1) The proposed materials are needed in the educational field of study on which the project focuses; and

(2) The language or languages, the area, region, or country, or the issues or studies for which the materials are to be developed, are of sufficient priority and significance to the national interest to warrant financial support by the Federal Government.

(b) Potential for the use of materials in other programs. The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the extent to which the proposed materials may be used elsewhere in the United States.

(c) Account of related materials. The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that—

(1) All existing related or similar materials have been accounted for and the critical commentary on their adequacy is appropriate and accurate; and

(2) The proposed materials will not duplicate any existing adequate materials.

(d) Likelihood of achieving results. The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that the outlined methods and procedures for preparing the materials are practicable and can be expected to produce the anticipated results.

(e) Expected contribution to other programs. The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows the extent to which the proposed work may contribute significantly to strengthening, expanding, or improving programs of foreign language studies, area studies, or international studies in the United States.

(f) Description of final form of materials. The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows a high degree of specificity in the description of the contents and final form of the proposed materials.

(g) Provisions for pretesting and revision. The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows that adequate provision has been made for—

(1) Pretesting the proposed materials; and

(2) If necessary, revising the proposed materials before publication.

(a) The Secretary may each year select for funding from among the following priorities:

(1) Categories of eligible projects described in § 660.10.

(2) Specific languages or regions for study or materials development; for example, the Near or Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, Inner Asia, the Far East, Africa or Latin America, or the languages of those regions.

(3) Topics of research and studies; for example, language acquisition processes, methodology of foreign language instruction, foreign language performance testing, or assessments of resources and needs.

(4) Levels of education; for example, elementary, secondary, postsecondary or university-level education, or teacher education.

(b) The Secretary announces any priorities in the application notice published in the Federal Register.