[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 35 (Friday, February 21, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8137-8154]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-4318]
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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
[CFDA Nos.: 84.133A and 84.133B]
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services; National
Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research; Notice Inviting
Applications for New Awards Under Certain Programs for Fiscal Year 1997
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, and 86; and the following program regulations:
(a) Research and Demonstration Projects (R&D)--34 CFR Parts 350 and
351;
(b) Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers (RRTCs)--34 CFR
Parts 350 and 352; and
(c) The Notice of Final Funding Priorities published elsewhere in
this issue of the Federal Register.
Program Title: Research and Demonstration Projects.
CFDA Number: 84.133A.
Purpose of Program: The Research and Demonstration Projects program
is designed to support discrete research, demonstration, training, and
related projects to develop methods, procedures, and technology that
maximize the full inclusion and integration into society, independent
living, employment, family support, and economic and social self-
sufficiency of individuals with disabilities, especially those with the
most severe disabilities. In addition, the R&D program supports
discrete research, demonstration, and training projects that
specifically address the implementation of Titles I, III, VI, VII, and
VIII of the Rehabilitation Act, with emphasis on projects to improve
the effectiveness of these programs and to meet the needs described in
State Plans submitted to the Rehabilitation Services Administration by
State vocational rehabilitation agencies.
Selection Criteria: The Secretary uses the following selection
criteria to evaluate applications under this program.
(a) Potential Impact of Outcomes: Importance of Program (Weight
3.0). The Secretary reviews each application to determine to what
degree--
(1) The proposed activity relates to the announced priority;
(2) The research is likely to produce new and useful information
(research activities only);
(3) The need and target population are adequately defined;
(4) The outcomes are likely to benefit the defined target
population;
(5) The training needs are clearly defined (training activities
only);
(6) The training methods and developed subject matter are likely to
meet the defined need (training activities only); and
(7) The need for information exists (utilization activities only).
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(b) Potential Impact of Outcomes: Dissemination/Utilization (Weight
3.0). The Secretary reviews each application to determine to what
degree--
(1) The research results are likely to become available to others
working in the field (research activities only);
(2) The means to disseminate and promote utilization by others are
defined;
(3) The training methods and content are to be packaged for
dissemination and use by others (training activities only);
(4) The utilization approach is likely to address the defined need
(utilization activities only); and
(5) There is likely to be widespread dissemination of the results,
in a usable and effective manner, to all appropriate target
populations, including individuals with disabilities and their family
members.
(c) Probability of Achieving Proposed Outcomes; Program/Project
Design (Weight 5.0). The Secretary reviews each application to
determine to what degree--
(1) The objectives of the project(s) are clearly stated;
(2) The hypothesis is sound and based on evidence (research
activities only);
(3) The project design/methodology is likely to achieve the
objectives;
(4) The measurement methodology and analysis is sound (research and
development/demonstration activities only);
(5) The conceptual model (if used) is sound (development/
demonstration activities only);
(6) The sample populations are correct and significant (research
and development/demonstration activities only);
(7) The human subjects are sufficiently protected (research and
development/demonstration activities only);
(8) The device(s) or model system is to be developed in an
appropriate environment;
(9) The training content is comprehensive and at an appropriate
level (training activities only);
(10) The training methods are likely to be effective (training
activities only);
(11) The new materials (if developed) are likely to be of high
quality and uniqueness (training activities only);
(12) The target populations are linked to the project (utilization
activities only);
(13) The format of the dissemination medium is the best to achieve
the desired result (utilization activities only); and
(14) The materials to be used in the project and the materials to
be disseminated are likely to be in formats that are accessible to the
appropriate populations.
(d) Probability of Achieving Proposed Outcomes: Key Personnel
(Weight 4.0). The Secretary reviews each application to determine to
what degree--
(1) The principal investigator and other key staff have adequate
training and/or experience and demonstrate appropriate potential to
conduct the proposed research, demonstration, training, development, or
dissemination activity;
(2) The principal investigator and other key staff are familiar
with pertinent literature and/or methods;
(3) All required disciplines are effectively covered;
(4) Commitments of staff time are adequate for the project; and
(5) The applicant is likely, as part of its non-discriminatory
employment practices, to encourage applications for employment from
persons who are members of groups that traditionally have been
underrepresented, such as--
(i) Members of racial or ethnic minority groups;
(ii) Women;
(iii) Handicapped persons; and
(iv) The elderly.
(e) Probability of Achieving Proposed Outcomes: Evaluation Plan
(Weight 1.0). The Secretary reviews each application to determine to
what degree--
(1) There is a mechanism to evaluate plans, progress and results;
(2) The evaluation methods and objectives are likely to produce
data that are quantifiable; and
(3) The evaluation results, where relevant, are likely to be
assessed in a service setting.
(f) Program/Project Management: Plan of Operation (Weight 2.0). The
Secretary reviews each application to determine to what degree--
(1) There is an effective plan of operation that insures proper and
efficient administration of the project(s);
(2) The applicant's planned use of its resources and personnel is
likely to achieve each objective;
(3) Collaboration between institutions, if proposed, is likely to
be effective; and
(4) There is a clear description of how the applicant will include
eligible project participants who have been traditionally
underrepresented, such as--
(i) Members of racial or ethnic minority groups;
(ii) Women;
(iii) Handicapped persons; and
(iv) The elderly.
(g) Program/Project Management: Adequacy of Resources (Weight 1.0).
The Secretary reviews each application to determine to what degree--
(1) The facilities planned for use are adequate;
(2) The equipment and supplies planned for use are adequate; and
(3) The commitment of the applicant to provide administrative
support and adequate facilities is evident.
(h) Program/Project Management: (Budget and Cost Effectiveness
(Weight 1.0). The Secretary reviews each application to determine to
what degree--
(1) The budget for the project(s) is adequate to support the
activities;
(2) The costs are reasonable in relation to the objectives of the
projects(s); and
(3) The budget for subcontracts (if required) is detailed and
appropriate.
Eligible Applicants: Parties eligible to apply for grants under
this program are public and private nonprofit and for-profit agencies
and organizations, including institutions of higher education and
Indian tribes and tribal organizations.
Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 761a and 762.
Application Notice for Fiscal Year 1997 Research and Demonstration Projects 84.133A
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum
Estimated award Project
Funding priority Deadline for transmittal of number of amount period
applications awards (per year) (months)
*
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Improving Employment Practices Covered April 8, 1997..................... 1 $250,000 48
by Title I of the ADA.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: The Secretary will reject without consideration or evaluation any application that proposes a project
funding level that exceeds the stated maximum award amount (See 34 CFR 75.104(b)).
[[Page 8139]]
Program Title: Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers.
CFDA Number: 84.133B.
Purpose of Program: RRTCs conduct coordinated and advanced programs
of research on disability and rehabilitation that will produce new
knowledge that will improve rehabilitation methods and service delivery
systems, alleviate or stabilize disabling conditions, and promote
maximum social and economic independence for individuals with
disabilities. RRTCs provide training to service providers at the pre-
service, in-service training, undergraduate, and graduate levels, to
improve the quality and effectiveness of rehabilitation services. They
also provide advanced research training to individuals with
disabilities and those from minority backgrounds, engaged in research
on disability and rehabilitation. RRTCs serve as national and regional
technical assistance resources, and provide training for service
providers, individuals with disabilities and families and
representatives, and rehabilitation researchers.
Selection Criteria: The Secretary uses the following selection
criteria to evaluate applications under this program.
(a) Relevance and importance of the research program (20 points).
The Secretary reviews each application to determine to what degree--
(l) The proposed activities are responsive to a priority
established by the Secretary and address a significant need of a
disabled target population and rehabilitation service providers;
(2) The overall research program of the Center includes appropriate
interdisciplinary and collaborative research activities, is likely to
lead to new and useful knowledge in the priority area, and is likely to
become a nationally recognized source of scientific knowledge; and
(3) The applicant demonstrates that all component activities of the
Center are related to the overall objective of the Center, and will
build upon and complement each other to enhance the likelihood of
solving significant rehabilitation problems.
(b) Quality of the research design (35 points). The Secretary
reviews each application to determine to what degree--
(1) The applicant proposes a comprehensive research program for the
entire project period, including at least three interrelated research
projects;
(2) The research design and methodology of each proposed activity
are meritorious in that--
(i) The literature review is appropriate and indicates familiarity
with current research in the field;
(ii) The research hypotheses are important and scientifically
relevant;
(iii) The sample populations are appropriate and significant;
(iv) The data collection and measurement techniques are appropriate
and likely to be effective;
(v) The data analysis methods are appropriate; and
(vi) The applicant assures that human subjects, animals, and the
environment are adequately protected; and
(3) The application discusses the anticipated research results and
demonstrates how those results would satisfy the original hypotheses
and could be used for planning future research, including generation of
new hypotheses where applicable.
(c) Quality of the training and dissemination program (25 points).
The Secretary reviews each application to determine the degree to
which--
(1) The proposed plan for training and dissemination provides
evidence that research results will be effectively disseminated and
utilized based on the identification of appropriate and accessible
target groups; the proposed training materials and methods are
appropriate; the proposed activities are relevant to the regional and
national needs of the rehabilitation field; and the training materials
and dissemination packages will be developed in alternate media that
are usable by people with various types of disabilities.
(2) The proposed plan for training and dissemination provides for--
(i) Advanced training in rehabilitation research;
(ii) Training rehabilitation service personnel and other
appropriate individuals to improve practitioner skills based on new
knowledge derived from research;
(iii) Training packages that make research results available to
service providers, researchers, educators, individuals with
disabilities, parents, and others;
(iv) Technical assistance or consultation that is responsive to the
concerns of service providers and consumers;
(v) Dissemination of research findings through publication in
professional journals, textbooks, and consumer and other publications,
and through other appropriate media such as audiovisual materials and
telecommunications.
(vi) Widespread dissemination of findings and other appropriate
materials to providers of rehabilitation and other relevant services to
individuals with disabilities, family members of individuals with
disabilities, and other authorized representatives, advocates, and
organizations that provide information and support to individuals with
disabilities and their families; and
(vii) Dissemination of research findings and other materials in
appropriate formats and accessible media for use by individuals with
various disabilities.
(d) Quality of the organization and management (20 points). The
Secretary reviews each application to determine the degree to which--
(1) The staffing plan for the Center provides evidence that the
project director, research director, training director, principal
investigators, and other personnel have appropriate training and
experience in disciplines required to conduct the proposed activities;
the commitment of staff time is adequate to conduct all proposed
activities; and the Center, as part of its nondiscriminatory employment
practices, will ensure that its personnel are selected for employment
without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, or
handicapping conditions;
(2) The budgets for the Center and for each component project are
reasonable, adequate, and cost-effective for the proposed activities;
(3) The facilities, equipment, and other resources are adequate and
are appropriately accessible to persons with disabilities;
(4) The plan of operations is adequate to accomplish the Center's
objectives and to ensure proper and efficient management of the Center;
(5) The proposed relationships with Federal, State, and local
rehabilitation service providers and consumer organizations are likely
to ensure that the Center program is relevant and applicable to the
needs of consumers and service providers;
(6) The past performance and accomplishments of the applicant
indicate an ability to complete successfully the proposed scope of
work;
(7) The application demonstrates appropriate commitment and support
by the host institution and opportunities for interdisciplinary
activities and collaboration with other institutions and organizations;
and
(8) The plan for evaluation of the Center provides for an annual
assessment of the outcomes of the research, the impact of the training
and dissemination activities on the target populations, and the extent
to which the overall objectives have been accomplished.
[[Page 8140]]
Eligible Applicants: Institutions of higher education and public or
private agencies and organizations collaborating with institutions of
higher education, including Indian tribes and tribal organizations, are
eligible to apply for awards under this program.
Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 762.
Application Notice for Fiscal Year 1997 Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers CFDA No. 84.133B
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum
Estimated award Project
Funding priority Deadline for transmittal of number of amount period
applications awards (per (months)
year)*
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Personal Assistance Services............ April 8, 1997..................... 1 $500,000 60
Vocational Rehabilitation Services for April 8, 1997..................... 1 500,000 60
Persons with Long-term Mental Illness.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: The Secretary will reject without consideration or evaluation any application that proposes a project
funding level that exceeds the stated maximum award amount (See 34 CFR 75.104(b)).
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 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.
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: In request an application package, write the
Grants and Contracts Service Team, U.S. Department of Education, 600
Independence Avenue S.W., Switzer Building, 3317, Washington, D.C.
20202, or call (202) 260-9182. Individuals who use a telecommunications
device for the deaf (TDD) may call the TDD number at (202) 205-8133.
Information about the Department's funding opportunities, including
copies of application notices for discretionary grant competitions, can
be viewed on the Department's electronic bulletin board (ED Board),
telephone (202) 260-9950; on the Internet Gopher Server (at gopher://
gcs.ed.gov); or on the World Wide Web (at http://gcs.ed.gov). However,
the official application notice for a discretionary grant competition
is the notice published in the Federal Register.
Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 760-762.
Dated: February 18, 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
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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 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 project in the R&D grant program is limited 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 a project in the RRTC program 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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[FR Doc. 97-4318 Filed 2-20-97; 8:45 am]
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