[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 219 (Thursday, November 13, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 60942-60960]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-29795]
[[Page 60941]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Part II
Department of Education
_______________________________________________________________________
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services National
Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research; Notice
Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 219 / Thursday, November 13, 1997 /
Notices
[[Page 60942]]
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
[CFDA Nos.: 84.133A and 84.133B]
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services National
Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research
Subject: Notice Reinviting Applications for New Awards Under the
Disability and Rehabilitation Research Project and Centers Program for
Fiscal Year (FY) 1998.
Purpose: On May 9, 1997 a notice was published in the Federal
Register inviting applications for new awards under the Rehabilitation
Research and Training Center (RRTC) program and Knowledge Dissemination
and Utilization Program (D&U) for fiscal year 1997 (62 FR 25770). The
same Federal Register included a notice of final funding priorities
establishing the required activities for the RRTCs and D&U projects (62
FR 25760). There were no satisfactory applications received for an RRTC
on effective interventions for children and youth who exhibit severe
problem behaviors (62 FR 25767) and a D&U project on improving the
utilization of existing and emerging rehabilitation technology in State
vocational rehabilitation programs (62 FR 25769).
On July 1, 1997 a notice was published in the Federal Register
inviting applications for a new award under the D&U program (62 FR
35644). The same Federal Register included a notice of final funding
priority establishing the required activities for a D&U project on
Parenting with a Disability Technical Assistance Center (62 FR 35643).
There were no satisfactory applications received for this project.
On July 14, 1997 a notice was published in the Federal Register
inviting applications for a new award under the RRTC program (62 FR
37650). The same Federal Register included a notice of final funding
priority establishing the required activities for an RRTC on Medical
Rehabilitation Services and Outcomes (62 FR 37646). There were no
satisfactory applications received for this RRTC.
There is a continuing need for these RRTCs and D&U projects. The
purpose of this notice is to reinvite applications for these projects
for FY 1998.
On February 6, 1997 NIDRR published in the Federal Register
regulations consolidating a number of regulations governing NIDRR's
existing programs, including, but not limited to, Parts 350 (General
Provisions), 352 (Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers), and
355 (Knowledge Dissemination and Utilization Programs) (62 FR 5712).
These new regulations took effect on October 1, 1997 and apply to this
competition. The new regulations include a new menu of selection
criteria (34 CFR 350.54) for use in evaluating all applications. NIDRR
has drawn from this menu of selection criteria to establish the
specific selection criteria that will be used to evaluate applications
for the four priorities included in this notice reinviting
applications. In addition, because Part 355 was consolidated into Part
350, the final priorities established for D&U projects in FY 1997 will
be used for equivalent training, dissemination, and technical
assistance projects in FY 1998.
Note To Applicants: This notice is a complete application
package. Together with the statute authorizing the programs and
applicable regulations governing the programs, including the
Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR),
this notice contains information, application forms, and
instructions needed to apply for a grant under these competitions.
These programs support the National Education Goal that calls for
all Americans to possess the knowledge and skills necessary to compete
in a global economy and exercise the rights and responsibilities of
citizenship.
The estimated funding levels in this notice do not bind the
Department of Education to make awards in any of these categories, or
to any specific number of awards or funding levels, unless otherwise
specified in statute.
Applicable Regulations: The Education Department General
Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), 34 CFR Parts 74, 75, 77, 80, 81,
82, 85, 86, and 350.
Program Title: Disability and Rehabilitation Research Project and
Centers Program.
CFDA Numbers: 84.133A and 84.133B.
Purpose Of Program: The purpose of the Disability and
Rehabilitation Research Project and Centers Program is to plan and
conduct research, demonstration projects, training, and related
activities, including international activities, develop methods,
procedures, and rehabilitation technology, that maximize the full
inclusion and integration into society, employment, independent living,
family support, and economic and social self-sufficiency of individuals
with disabilities, especially individuals with the most severe
disabilities. In addition, the purpose of the Disability and
Rehabilitation Research Project and Centers Program is to improve the
effectiveness of services authorized under the Act.
Eligible Applicants: Parties eligible to apply for grants under
this program are States; public or private agencies, including for-
profit agencies; public or private organizations, including for-profit
organizations; institutions of higher education; and Indian tribes and
tribal organizations.
Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 762 (a) and (b)(6).
Application Notice for Fiscal Year 1998 Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects, CFDA No. 84-133A
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deadline for Estimated Maximum award
Funding priority transmittal of number of amount (per Project period
applications awards year)* (months)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1). Improving the Utilization of Emerging and
Existing Rehabilitation Technology in State VR
Programs....................................... 1/12/98 1 $500,000 60
(2). Parenting with a Disability Technical
Assistance Center.............................. 1/12/98 1 500,000 60
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Note: The Secretary will reject without consideration or evaluation any application that proposes a project
funding level that exceeds the stated maximum award amount per year (See 34 CFR 75.104(b)).
Priority 1: The final priority on improving the utilization of
existing and emerging rehabilitation technology in State vocational
rehabilitation programs published in the Federal Register on May 9,
1997 applies to this competition (62 FR 25769).
Priority 2: The final priority on parenting with a disability
technical assistance center published in the
[[Page 60943]]
Federal Register on July 1, 1997 applies to this competition (62 FR
35643).
Selection Criteria: The Secretary uses the following selection
criteria to evaluate applications for a Training, Dissemination, and
Technical Assistance Project on improving the utilization of existing
and emerging rehabilitation technology in State vocational
rehabilitation programs and a Technical Assistance Center on parenting
with a disability under the Disability and Rehabilitation Research
Project and Centers Program.
(a) Importance of the problem (9 points total).
(i) The extent to which the applicant clearly describes the need
and target population (3 points).
(ii) The extent to which the proposed activities address a
significant need of those who provide services to individuals with
disabilities (3 points).
(iii) The extent to which the proposed project will have beneficial
impact on the target population (3 points).
(b) Responsiveness to an absolute or competitive priority (4 points
total).
(i) The extent to which the applicant addresses all requirements of
the absolute or competitive priority (2 points).
(ii) The extent to which the applicant's proposed activities are
likely to achieve the purposes of the absolute or competitive priority
(2 points).
(c) Design of training activities (13 points total).
(i) The extent to which the proposed training materials are likely
to be effective, including consideration of their quality, clarity, and
variety (4 points).
(ii) The extent to which the proposed training methods are of
sufficient quality, intensity, and duration (3 points).
(iii) The extent to which the proposed training materials, methods,
and content are appropriate to the trainees, including consideration of
the skill level of the trainees and the subject matter of the materials
(4 points).
(iv) The extent to which the proposed training materials and
methods are accessible to individuals with disabilities (2 points).
(d) Design of dissemination activities (24 points total).
(i) The extent to which the materials to be disseminated are likely
to be effective and usable, including consideration of their quality,
clarity, variety, and format (7 points).
(ii) The extent to which the methods for dissemination are of
sufficient quality, intensity, and duration (7 points).
(iii) The extent to which the materials and information to be
disseminated and the methods for dissemination are appropriate to the
target population, including consideration of the familiarity of the
target population with the subject matter, format of the information,
and subject matter (7 points).
(iv) The extent to which the information to be disseminated will be
accessible to individuals with disabilities (3 points).
(e) Design of utilization activities (8 points total).
(i) The extent to which the utilization strategies are likely to be
effective (8 points).
(f) Design of technical assistance activities (10 points total).
(i) The extent to which the methods for providing technical
assistance are of sufficient quality, intensity, and duration (3
points).
(ii) The extent to which the information to be provided through
technical assistance covers all of the relevant aspects of the subject
matter (2 points).
(iii) The extent to which the technical assistance is appropriate
to the target population, including consideration of the knowledge
level of the target population, needs of the target population, and
format for providing information (3 points).
(iv) The extent to which the technical assistance is accessible to
individuals with disabilities (2 points).
(g) Plan of operation (6 points total).
(i) The adequacy of the plan of operation to achieve the objectives
of the proposed project on time and within budget, including clearly
defined responsibilities, and timelines for accomplishing project tasks
(3 points).
(ii) The adequacy of the plan of operation to provide for using
resources, equipment, and personnel to achieve each objective (3
points).
(h) Collaboration (2 points total).
(i) The extent to which the applicant's proposed collaboration with
one or more agencies, organizations, or institutions is likely to be
effective in achieving the relevant proposed activities of the project
(1 point).
(ii) The extent to which agencies, organizations, or institutions
demonstrate a commitment to collaborate with the applicant (1 point).
(i) Adequacy and reasonableness of the budget (4 points total).
(i) The extent to which the costs are reasonable in relation to the
proposed project activities (2 point).
(ii) The extent to which the budget for the project, including any
subcontracts, is adequately justified to support the proposed project
activities (2 point).
(j) Plan of evaluation (7 points total).
(i) The extent to which the plan of evaluation provides for
periodic assessment of progress toward--
(A) Implementing the plan of operation (1 point); and
(B) Achieving the project's intended outcomes and expected impacts
(1 point).
(ii) The extent to which the plan of evaluation will be used to
improve the performance of the project through the feedback generated
by its periodic assessments (1 point).
(iii) The extent to which the plan of evaluation provides for
periodic assessment of a project's progress that is based on identified
performance measures that--
(A) Are clearly related to the intended outcomes of the project and
expected impacts on the target population (2 points); and
(B) Are objective, and quantifiable or qualitative, as appropriate
(2 points).
(k) Project staff (9 points total).
(i) The extent to which the applicant encourages applications for
employment from persons who are members of groups that have
traditionally been underrepresented based on race, color, national
origin, gender, age, or disability (2 points).
(ii) The extent to which the key personnel and other key staff have
appropriate training and experience in disciplines required to conduct
all proposed activities (2 points).
(iii) The extent to which the commitment of staff time is adequate
to accomplish all the proposed activities of the project (2 points).
(iv) The extent to which the key personnel are knowledgeable about
the methodology and literature of pertinent subject areas (2 points).
(v) The extent to which key personnel have up-to-date knowledge
from research or effective practice in the subject area covered in the
priority (1 point).
(l) Adequacy and accessibility of resources (4 points total).
(i) The extent to which the applicant is committed to provide
adequate facilities, equipment, other resources, including
administrative support, and laboratories, if appropriate (2 points).
(ii) The extent to which the facilities, equipment, and other
resources are appropriately accessible to individuals with disabilities
who may use the facilities, equipment, and other resources of the
project (2 points).
[[Page 60944]]
Application Notice for Fiscal Year 1998 Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers, CFDA No. 84-133B
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deadline for Estimated Maximum award
Funding priority transmittal of number of amount (per Project period
applications awards year) * (months)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.) Effective Interventions for Children and
Youth who Exhibit Severe Problem Behaviors..... 1/12/98 1 $600,000 60
4.) Medical Rehabilitation Services and Outcomes 1/12/98 1 950,000 60
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Note: The Secretary will reject without consideration or evaluation any application that proposes a project
funding level that exceeds the stated maximum award amount per year (See 34 CFR 75.104(b)).
Priority 3: The RRTC final priority on effective interventions for
children and youth who exhibit severe problem behaviors published in
the Federal Register on May 9, 1997 applies to this competition (62 FR
25767).
Priority 4: The RRTC final priority on medical rehabilitation
services and outcomes published in the Federal Register on July 14,
1997 applies to this competition (62 FR 37646).
Selection Criteria: The Secretary uses the following selection
criteria to evaluate applications for an RRTC on effective
interventions for children and youth who exhibit severe problem
behaviors and an RRTC on medical rehabilitation services and outcomes
under the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Project and Centers
Program.
(a) Importance of the problem (9 points total).
(i) The extent to which the applicant clearly describes the need
and target population (3 points).
(ii) The extent to which the proposed activities address a
significant need of those who provide services to individuals with
disabilities (3 points).
(iii) The extent to which the proposed project will have beneficial
impact on the target population (3 points).
(b) Responsiveness to an absolute or competitive priority (4 points
total).
(i) The extent to which the applicant addresses all requirements of
the absolute or competitive priority (2 points).
(ii) The extent to which the applicant's proposed activities are
likely to achieve the purposes of the absolute or competitive priority
(2 points).
(c) Design of research activities (35 points total).
(i) The extent to which the research activities constitute a
coherent, sustained approach to research in the field, including a
substantial addition to the state-of-the-art (5 points).
(ii) The extent to which the methodology of each proposed research
activity is meritorious, including consideration of the extent to
which--
(A) The proposed design includes a comprehensive and informed
review of the current literature, demonstrating knowledge of the state-
of-the-art (5 points);
(B) Each research hypothesis is theoretically sound and based on
current knowledge (5 points);
(C) Each sample population is appropriate and of sufficient size (5
points);
(D) The data collection and measurement techniques are appropriate
and likely to be effective (5 points); and
(E) The data analysis methods are appropriate (5 points).
(iii) The extent to which anticipated research results are likely
to satisfy the original hypotheses and could be used for planning
additional research, including generation of new hypotheses where
applicable (5 points).
(d) Design of training activities (11 points total).
(i) The extent to which the proposed training materials are likely
to be effective, including consideration of their quality, clarity, and
variety (2 points).
(ii) The extent to which the proposed training methods are of
sufficient quality, intensity, and duration (2 points).
(iii) The extent to which the proposed training content--
(A) Covers all of the relevant aspects of the subject matter (1
point); and
(B) If relevant, is based on new knowledge derived from research
activities of the proposed project (1 point).
(iv) The extent to which the proposed training materials, methods,
and content are appropriate to the trainees, including consideration of
the skill level of the trainees and the subject matter of the materials
(2 points).
(v) The extent to which the proposed training materials and methods
are accessible to individuals with disabilities (1 point).
(vi) The extent to which the applicant is able to carry out the
training activities, either directly or through another entity (2
points).
(e) Design of dissemination activities (8 points total).
(i) The extent to which the content of the information to be
disseminated--
(A) Covers all of the relevant aspects of the subject matter (1
point); and
(B) If appropriate, is based on new knowledge derived from research
activities of the project (1 point).
(ii) The extent to which the materials to be disseminated are
likely to be effective and usable, including consideration of their
quality, clarity, variety, and format (2 points).
(iii) The extent to which the methods for dissemination are of
sufficient quality, intensity, and duration (2 points).
(iv) The extent to which the materials and information to be
disseminated and the methods for dissemination are appropriate to the
target population, including consideration of the familiarity of the
target population with the subject matter, format of the information,
and subject matter (1 point).
(v) The extent to which the information to be disseminated will be
accessible to individuals with disabilities (1 point).
(f) Design of technical assistance activities (4 points total).
(i) The extent to which the methods for providing technical
assistance are of sufficient quality, intensity, and duration (1
point).
(ii) The extent to which the information to be provided through
technical assistance covers all of the relevant aspects of the subject
matter (1 point).
(iii) The extent to which the technical assistance is appropriate
to the target population, including consideration of the knowledge
level of the target population, needs of the target population, and
format for providing information (1 point).
(iv) The extent to which the technical assistance is accessible to
individuals with disabilities (1 point).
(g) Plan of operation (4 points total).
(i) The adequacy of the plan of operation to achieve the objectives
of the proposed project on time and within budget, including clearly
defined responsibilities, and timelines for accomplishing project tasks
(2 points).
(ii) The adequacy of the plan of operation to provide for using
resources,
[[Page 60945]]
equipment, and personnel to achieve each objective (2 points).
(h) Collaboration (2 points total).
(i) The extent to which the applicant's proposed collaboration with
one or more agencies, organizations, or institutions is likely to be
effective in achieving the relevant proposed activities of the project
(1 point).
(ii) The extent to which agencies, organizations, or institutions
demonstrate a commitment to collaborate with the applicant (1 point).
(i) Adequacy and reasonableness of the budget (3 points total).
(i) The extent to which the costs are reasonable in relation to the
proposed project activities (1 point).
(ii) The extent to which the budget for the project, including any
subcontracts, is adequately justified to support the proposed project
activities (2 points).
(j) Plan of evaluation (7 points total).
(i) The extent to which the plan of evaluation provides for
periodic assessment of progress toward--
(A) Implementing the plan of operation (1 point); and
(B) Achieving the project's intended outcomes and expected impacts
(1 point).
(ii) The extent to which the plan of evaluation will be used to
improve the performance of the project through the feedback generated
by its periodic assessments (1 point).
(iii) The extent to which the plan of evaluation provides for
periodic assessment of a project's progress that is based on identified
performance measures that--
(A) Are clearly related to the intended outcomes of the project and
expected impacts on the target population (2 points); and
(B) Are objective, and quantifiable or qualitative, as appropriate
(2 points).
(k) Project staff (9 points total).
(i) The extent to which the applicant encourages applications for
employment from persons who are members of groups that have
traditionally been underrepresented based on race, color, national
origin, gender, age, or disability (1 points).
(ii) The extent to which the key personnel and other key staff have
appropriate training and experience in disciplines required to conduct
all proposed activities (2 points).
(iii) The extent to which the commitment of staff time is adequate
to accomplish all the proposed activities of the project (2 points).
(iv) The extent to which the key personnel are knowledgeable about
the methodology and literature of pertinent subject areas (2 points).
(v) The extent to which the project staff includes outstanding
scientists in the field (2 points).
(l) Adequacy and accessibility of resources (4 points).
(i) The extent to which the applicant is committed to provide
adequate facilities, equipment, other resources, including
administrative support, and laboratories, if appropriate (1 point).
(ii) The extent to which the applicant has appropriate access to
clinical populations and organizations representing individuals with
disabilities to support advanced clinical rehabilitation research (2
points).
(iii) The extent to which the facilities, equipment, and other
resources are appropriately accessible to individuals with disabilities
who may use the facilities, equipment, and other resources of the
project (1 point).
Instructions For Application Narrative
The Secretary strongly recommends that applicants include a one-
page abstract in their application.
Strict Page Limits
Part III of the application, the Application Narrative, requires
applicants to address the selection criteria that will be used by
reviewers in evaluating individual proposals. The applicant for an RRTC
must limit Part III--Application Narrative to no more than 125 double-
spaced 8\1/2\ x 11'' pages (on one side only) with one inch margins
(top, bottom, and sides). The applicant for a Training, Dissemination
and Technical Assistance Project on improving the utilization of
existing and emerging rehabilitation technology in State vocational
rehabilitation programs, or a Technical Assistance Center on parenting
with a disability must limit Part III--Application Narrative to no more
than 75 double-spaced 8\1/2\ x 11'' pages (on one side only) with one
inch margins (top, bottom, and sides).
These page limitations applies to all materials presented in the
application narrative--including, for example, any charts, tables,
figures, and graphs. The application narrative page limit does not
apply to: Part I--the electronically scannable form; Part II--the
budget section (including the narrative budget justification); and Part
IV--the assurances and certifications.
All sections of text in the application narrative must be double-
spaced (no more than 3 lines per vertical inch). The double-spacing
requirement applies to EVERY line on a page, including every line in
the title, headings, footnotes, quotations, references, figure
captions, and all parts of tables.
If using a proportional computer font, an applicant must use a font
no smaller than a 12-point font and an average character density no
greater than 14 characters per inch. If using a nonproportional font or
typewriter, an applicant must use more no than 12 characters per inch.
The one-page abstract, resume(s), bibliography, or letters of
support, while considered part of the application, are not subject to
the page limitation, double spacing, and font requirements. Applicants
should note that reviewers are not required to review any information
provided in addition to the application information listed above.
Note: The Secretary will reject without consideration or
evaluation any application that does not adhere to these page limit,
double-spacing, and font requirements.
Instructions for Transmittal of Applications
(a) If an applicant wants to apply for a grant, the applicant
shall--
(1) Mail the original and two copies of the application on or
before the deadline date to: U.S. Department of Education, Application
Control Center, Attention: (CFDA # [Applicant must insert number and
letter]), Washington, D.C. 20202-4725, or
(2) Hand deliver the original and two copies of the application by
4:30 p.m. [Washington, D.C. time] on or before the deadline date to:
U.S. Department of Education, Application Control Center, Attention:
(CFDA # [Applicant must insert number and letter]), Room #3633,
Regional Office Building #3, 7th and D Streets, S.W., Washington, D.C.
(b) An applicant must show one of the following as proof of
mailing:
(1) A legibly dated U.S. Postal Service postmark.
(2) A legible mail receipt with the date of mailing stamped by the
U.S. Postal Service.
(3) A dated shipping label, invoice, or receipt from a commercial
carrier.
(4) Any other proof of mailing acceptable to the Secretary.
(c) If an application is mailed through the U.S. Postal Service,
the Secretary does not accept either of the following as proof of
mailing:
(1) A private metered postmark.
(2) A mail receipt that is not dated by the U.S. Postal Service.
Notes: (1) The U.S. Postal Service does not uniformly provide a
dated postmark. Before relying on this method, an applicant should
check with its local post office.
(2) An applicant wishing to know that its application has been
received by the Department must include with the application a stamped
self-addressed
[[Page 60946]]
postcard containing the CFDA number and title of this program.
(3) The applicant must indicate on the envelope and--if not
provided by the Department--in Item 10 of the Application for Federal
Assistance (Standard Form 424) the CFDA number--and letter, if any--of
the competition under which the application is being submitted.
Application Forms and Instructions
The appendix to this application is divided into four parts. These
parts are organized in the same manner that the submitted application
should be organized. These parts are as follows:
PART I: Application for Federal Assistance (Standard Form 424
(Rev. 4-88)) and instructions.
PART II: Budget Form--Non-Construction Programs (Standard Form
524A) and instructions.
PART III: Application Narrative.
Additional Materials
Estimated Public Reporting Burden.
Note to Applicants
Assurances--Non-Construction Programs (Standard Form 424B).
Certification Regarding Lobbying, Debarment, Suspension, and Other
Responsibility Matters: and Drug-Free Work-Place Requirements (ED Form
80-0013).
Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and
Voluntary Exclusion: Lower Tier Covered Transactions (ED Form 80-0014)
and instructions.
Note: ED Form GCS-014 is intended for the use of primary
participants and should not be transmitted to the Department.
Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (Standard Form LLL (if
applicable) and instructions; and Disclosure Lobbying Activities
Continuation Sheet (Standard Form LLL-A).
An applicant may submit information on a photostatic copy of the
application and budget forms, the assurances, and the certifications.
However, the application form, the assurances, and the certifications
must each have an original signature. No grant may be awarded unless a
completed application form has been received.
For Applications Contact: The Grants and Contracts Service Team
(GCST), Department of Education, 600 Independence Avenue S.W., Switzer
Building, 3317, Washington, D.C. 20202, or call (202) 205-8207.
Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may
call the TDD number at (202) 205-9860. The preferred method for
requesting information is to FAX your request to (202) 205-8717.
Individuals with disabilities may obtain a copy of the application
package in an alternate format by contacting the GCST. However, the
Department is not able to reproduce in an alternate format the standard
forms included in the application package.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donna Nangle, U.S. Department of
Education, 600 Maryland Avenue, S.W., room 3418, Switzer Building,
Washington, D.C. 20202-2645. Telephone: (202) 205-5880. Individuals who
use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the TDD
number at (202) 205-2742.
Internet: Donna--Nangle@ed.gov
Individuals with disabilities may obtain this document in an
alternate format(e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer
diskette) on request to the contact person listed in the preceding
paragraph.
Electronic Access to This Document
Anyone may view this document, as well as all other Department of
Education documents published in the Federal Register, in text or
portable document format (pdf) on the World Wide Web at either of the
following sites:
http://ocfo.ed.gov/fedreg.htm
5http://www.ed.gov/news.html
To use the pdf you must have the Adobe Acrobat Reader Program with
Search, which is available free at either of the preceding sites. If
you have questions about using the pdf, call the U.S. Government
Printing Office toll free at 1-888-293-6498.
Anyone may also view these documents in text copy only on an
electronic bulletin board of the Department. Telephone: (202) 219-1511
or, toll free, 1-800-222-4922. The documents are located under Option
G--Files/Announcements, Bulletins and Press Releases.
Note: The official version of this document is the document
published in the Federal Register.
Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 760-762.
Dated: November 6, 1997.
Judith E. Heumann,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
Appendix--Application Forms and Instructions
Applicants are advised to reproduce and complete the application
forms in this Section. Applicants are required to submit an original
and two copies of each application as provided in this Section.
Frequent Questions
1. Can I Get an Extension of the Due Date?
No! On rare occasions the Department of Education may extend a
closing date for all applicants. If that occurs, a notice of the
revised due date is published in the Federal Register. However, there
are no extensions or exceptions to the due date made for individual
applicants.
2. What Should be Included in the Application?
The application should include a project narrative, vitae of key
personnel, and a budget, as well as the Assurances forms included in
this package. Vitae of staff or consultants should include the
individual's title and role in the proposed project, and other
information that is specifically pertinent to this proposed project.
The budgets for both the first year and all subsequent project years
should be included.
If collaboration with another organization is involved in the
proposed activity, the application should include assurances of
participation by the other parties, including written agreements or
assurances of cooperation. It is not useful to include general letters
of support or endorsement in the application.
If the applicant proposes to use unique tests or other measurement
instruments that are not widely known in the field, it would be helpful
to include the instrument in the application.
Many applications contain voluminous appendices that are not
helpful and in many cases cannot even be mailed to the reviewers. It is
generally not helpful to include such things as brochures, general
capability statements of collaborating organizations, maps, copies of
publications, or descriptions of other projects completed by the
applicant.
3. What Format Should be Used for the Application?
NIDRR generally advises applicants that they may organize the
application to follow the selection criteria that will be used. The
specific review criteria vary according to the specific program, and
are contained in this Consolidated Application Package.
4. May I Submit Applications to More Than One NIDRR Program Competition
or More Than One Application to a Program?
Yes, you may submit applications to any program for which they are
responsive to the program requirements. You may submit the same
application to
[[Page 60947]]
as many competitions as you believe appropriate. You may also submit
more than one application in any given competition.
5. What is the Allowable Indirect Cost Rate?
The limits on indirect costs vary according to the program and the
type of application.
An applicant for a Training, Dissemination, and Technical
Assistance project or a Technical Assistance Center should limit
indirect charges to the organization's approved indirect cost rate. If
the organization does not have an approved indirect cost rate, the
application should include an estimated actual rate.
An applicant for an RRTC is limited to an indirect cost rate of 15
percent.
6. Can Profitmaking Businesses Apply for Grants?
Yes. However, for-profit organizations will not be able to collect
a fee or profit on the grant, and in some programs will be required to
share in the costs of the project.
7. Can Individuals Apply for Grants?
No. Only organizations are eligible to apply for grants under NIDRR
programs. However, individuals are the only entities eligible to apply
for fellowships.
8. Can NIDRR Staff Advise Me Whether My Project Is of Interest to NIDRR
or Likely To Be Funded?
No. NIDRR staff can advise you of the requirements of the program
in which you propose to submit your application. However, staff cannot
advise you of whether your subject area or proposed approach is likely
to receive approval.
9. How Do I Assure That My Application Will Be Referred to the Most
Appropriate Panel for Review?
Applicants should be sure that their applications are referred to
the correct competition by clearly including the competition title and
CFDA number, including alphabetical code, on the Standard Form 424, and
including a project title that describes the project.
10. How Soon After Submitting My Application Can I Find Out If It Will
Be Funded?
The time from closing date to grant award date varies from program
to program. Generally speaking, NIDRR endeavors to have awards made
within five to six months of the closing date. Unsuccessful applicants
generally will be notified within that time frame as well. For the
purpose of estimating a project start date, the applicant should
estimate approximately six months from the closing date, but no later
than the following September 30.
11. Can I Call NIDRR To Find Out If My Application Is Being Funded?
No. When NIDRR is able to release information on the status of
grant applications, it will notify applicants by letter. The results of
the peer review cannot be released except through this formal
notification.
12. If My Application Is Successful, Can I Assume I Will Get the
Requested Budget Amount in Subsequent Years?
No. Funding in subsequent years is subject to availability of funds
and project performance.
13. Will All Approved Applications be funded
No. It often happens that the peer review panels approve for
funding more applications than NIDRR can fund within available
resources. Applicants who are approved but not funded are encouraged to
consider submitting similar applications in future competitions.
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Public reporting burden for these collections of information is
estimated to average 30 hours per response, including the time for
reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the
collection of information.
Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of
these collections of information, including suggestions for reducing
this burden, to: the U.S. Department of Education, Information
Management and Compliance Division, Washington, D.C. 20202-4651; and to
the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project 1820-
0027, Washington, D.C. 20503.
Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (CFDA No. 84.133A)
34 CFR Part 350 Subpart B.
Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (CFDA No. 84.133B) 34
CFR Part 350 Subpart C.
Notice To All Applicants
Thank you for your interest in this program. The purpose of this
enclosure is to inform you about a new provision in the Department of
Education's General Education Provision Act (GEPA) that applies to
applicants for new grant awards under Department programs. This
provision is section 427 of GEPA, enacted as part of the Improving
America's Schools Act of 1994 (Pub. L. 103-382).
To Whom Does This Provision Apply?
Section 427 of GEPA affects applicants for new discretionary grant
awards under this program. All applicants for new awards must include
information in their applications to address this new provision in
order to receive funding under this program.
What Does This Provision Require?
Section 427 requires each applicant for fund (other than an
individual person) to include in its application a description of the
steps the applicant proposes to take to ensure equitable access to, and
participation in, its federally assisted program for students,
teachers, and other program beneficiaries with special needs.
This section allows applicants discretion in developing the
required description. The statute highlights six types of barriers that
can impede equitable access or participation that you may address:
gender, race, national origin, color, disability, or age. Based on
local circumstances, you can determine whether these or other barriers
may prevent your students, teachers, etc. from equitable access or
participation. Your description need not be lengthy; you may provide a
clear and succinct description of how you plan to address those
barriers that are applicable to your circumstances. In addition, the
information may be provided in a single narrative, or, if appropriate,
may be discussed in connection with related topics in the application.
Section 427 is not intended to duplicate the requirements of civil
rights statutes, but rather to ensure that, in designing their
projects, applicants for Federal funds address equity concerns that may
affect the ability of certain potential beneficiaries to fully
participate in the project and to achieve to high standards. Consistent
with program requirements and its approved application, an applicant
may use the Federal funds awarded to it to eliminate barriers it
identifies.
What are Examples of How an Applicant Might Satisfy the Requirement of
This Provision?
The following examples may help illustrate how an applicant may
comply with section 427.
(1) An applicant that proposes to carry out an adult literacy
project serving, among others, adults with limited English proficiency,
might describe in its application how it intends to distribute a
brochure about the proposed project to such potential participants in
their native language.
(2) An applicant that proposes to develop instructional materials
for classroom use might describe how it will make the materials
available on audio tape or in braille for students who are blind.
(3) An applicant that proposes to carry out a model science program
for secondary students and is concerned that girls may be less likely
than boys to enroll in the course, might indicate how it tends to
conduct ``outreach'' efforts to girls, to encourage their enrollment.
We recognize that many applicants may already be implementing
effective steps to ensure equity of access and participation in their
grant programs, and we appreciate your cooperation in responding to the
requirements of this provision.
Estimated Burden Statement
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are
required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a
valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this
information collection is 1801-0004 (Exp. 8/31/98). The time required
to complete this information collection is estimated to vary from 1 to
3 hours per response, with an average of 1.5 hours, including the time
to review instructions, search existing data resources, gather and
maintain the data needed, and complete and review the information
collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the
time estimate(s) or suggestions for improving this form, please write
to: U.S. Department of Education, Washington, DC 20202-4651.
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[FR Doc. 97-29795 Filed 11-12-97; 8:45 am]
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