The OSERS-OSEP National Assessment Center (Assistance Listing Number 84.326G) supports the establishment of a National Assessment Center to improve children with disabilities’ participation in and performance on State and districtwide assessments. This award is funded under the Technical Assistance and Dissemination to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities program and aligns with requirements in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The goal of the program is to promote academic achievement and improve results for children with disabilities by providing technical assistance, supporting model demonstration projects, disseminating useful information, and implementing activities supported by scientifically based research.

Overview

The National Assessment Center will focus on improving inclusion of children with disabilities in general State and districtwide assessments, including alternate assessments, with appropriate accommodations as indicated in individualized education programs. Many States have also adopted kindergarten entry assessments to assess multiple developmental domains and support early learning. This grant competition is administered by the Department of Education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 612(a)(16) and Section 663(b)(2). The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement. No cost sharing or matching is required. The opportunity category is discretionary, and the category of funding activity is Education. The funding opportunity number is ED-GRANTS-052026-001.

Funding and Benefits

The total program funding available is $1,000,000. One award is expected. The award maximum is $1,000,000. The award minimum is not specified. The funding instrument type is a cooperative agreement, and cost sharing or matching is not required.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include:

• State educational agencies (SEAs)
• State lead agencies under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
• Local educational agencies (LEAs), including public charter schools that are considered LEAs under State law
• Institutions of higher education (IHEs), inclusive of community colleges and any college or university receiving funding from the Secretary of the Interior under the Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities Assistance Act of 1978
• Other public agencies
• Private nonprofit organizations
• Freely associated States and outlying areas
• Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations
• For-profit organizations

Nonprofit organizations must demonstrate nonprofit status in accordance with 34 CFR 75.51. Proof may include IRS recognition of tax-deductible status under section 501(c)(3), a statement from a State taxing body or attorney general, a certified copy of the certificate of incorporation, or similar documentation from a State or national parent organization.

Application Process

Applicants are required to follow the 2025 Common Instructions and Information for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal Register on August 29, 2025 (90 FR 42234) and available at the ED 2025 Common Instructions link. New potential grantees may consult the “Getting Started with Discretionary Grant Applications” webpage. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov. The application notice and instructions are available in the downloadable PDF document titled “FY26_84.326G_National_Assessment_Center_Application_Notice_and_Instructions.pdf.” For further information, contact the program contact listed below.

Deadline and Timeline

• Applications Available: May 20, 2026
• Application Deadline: July 20, 2026
• Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: September 18, 2026
• Archive Date: August 19, 2026

Contact Information

Kristen Rhoads
Telephone: (202) 987-0153
Email: Kristen.Rhoads@ed.gov