Justification for Nonsubstantive Change FY26

Justification for Change

FY2026 IMLS National Leadership Grants for Libraries and Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program Notices of Funding Opportunity (3137-0091)

IMLS is requesting approval for non-substantive changes in the FY2026 IMLS National Leadership Grants for Libraries and Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs) to update key calendar dates and to update, clarify, and simplify instructions. The current OMB approval expiration date is 7/31/2027.

Request abstract:

In this clearance submission (3137-0091) and justification, IMLS is requesting approval of non-substantive changes to a previously approved clearance for the FY2026 NOFOs for National Leadership Grants for Libraries and the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program, two discretionary grant programs that support the Nation’s libraries.

The changes consist of:

• Updating the application due date, date of notification of award decisions, and beginning date of the period of performance.

• Updating the award amount range and average amount of funding (Section 1 - Basic Information).

• Making copyedits to further simplify descriptions and streamline instructions.

• Updating the Executive Summary to further comply with 2 C.F.R. 200 updates.

• Clarifying eligibility to incorporate archives (Section 2 – Eligibility)

• Removing preliminary proposals from the application process.

• Updating the program goals and objectives to comply with Administration policies and priorities.

• Updating instructions on how to complete and submit the IMLS Library - Discretionary Program Information Form.

• Removing the requirement to select Keywords on the IMLS Library - Discretionary Program Information Form.

• Updating the simplified acquisition threshold to $350,000 (Section 6 - Risk Assessment).

• Updating the requirement for reporting matters related to recipient integrity and performance detailed in 2 CFR 200, Appendix XII (Section 8 - Reporting)

• For National Leadership Grants for Libraries: combining Guidance for Research Applications with the Data Sharing and Public Access Plan instructions to streamline guidance.

Burden Estimate:

The respondent burden remains the same.