[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 100 (Wednesday, May 24, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 27639-27655]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-12768]
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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
[CFDA No.: 84.133B]
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services; National
Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research; Notice Inviting
Applications for Certain New Awards Under the Rehabilitation Research
and Training Centers (RRTC) for Fiscal Year (FY) 1995
NOTE TO APPLICANTS: This notice is a complete application package. The
notice contains information, application forms, and instructions needed
to apply for a grant under this competitions. The final priorities for
the Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers (RRTC) program are
published in this issue of the Federal Register. This consolidated
application package includes the closing date, estimated funding, and
application forms necessary to apply for an award under this program's
competition. Potential applicants should consult the statement of the
final priority published in this issue to ascertain the substantive
requirements for their applications.
The estimated funding level in this notice does not bind the
Department of Education to make awards or to any specific number of
awards or funding levels.
This notice of final priorities supports 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 and citizenship.
Application Notice for Fiscal Year 1995, Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers CFDA No. 84.133B
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Estimated
Deadline for Estimated size of Project
Funding priority transmittal of number of awards period
applications awards (per (months)
year)
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Independent living and disability policy................... July 21, 1995..... 1 $400,000 60
Independent living center management and services.......... July 21, 1995..... 1 650,000 60
Peer support in rehabilitation of long-term mental illness. July 21, 1995..... 1 545,000 60
Improved outcomes for low-functioning deaf individuals..... July 21, 1995..... 1 400,000 60
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Applications available: May 25, 1995.
APPLICABLE REGULATIONS: (a) The Education Department General
Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), 34 CFR Parts 74, 75, 77, 78, 80,
81, 82, 85, 86; (b) the regulations for this program in 34 CFR Parts
350 (amended April 5, 1995, (60 FR 17426)) and 352 (amended April 5,
1995, (60 FR 17429)); and (c) the notice of final priorities published
elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register.
PURPOSE OF PROGRAM: Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers
conduct coordinated and advanced programs of rehabilitation research,
provide training--including undergraduate, graduate, and in-service
training--to research and other rehabilitation personnel, and assist
individuals to more effectively provide rehabilitation services.
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--
(1) 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 [[Page 27640]] 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; and
(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) 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
(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.
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.
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 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 [[Page 27641]] 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 ED-80-
0014) and instructions. (NOTE: ED Form ED-80-0014 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 FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: In order to obtain an application
package, contact William H. Whalen, U.S. Department of Education, 600
Independence Avenue S.W., Switzer Building, Room 3411, Washington, D.C.
20202. Telephone: (202) 205-9141. Individuals who use a
telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the TDD number at
(202) 205-8887.
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; or on the Internet Gopher Server at
GOPHER.ED.GOV (under Announcements, Bulletins, and Press Releases).
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: May 18, 1995.
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 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.
Applicants in the FIR, AND Innovation grants programs should
limit indirect charges to the organization's approved rate. If the
organization does not have an approved rate, the application should
include an estimated actual rate.
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.
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 the title of the priority to which they are
responding.
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. Those budget projections are necessary and helpful for
planning purposes. However, a complete budget and budget
justification must be submitted for each year of the project and
there will be negotiations on the budget each year.
13. Will all approved applications be funded? [[Page 27642]]
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. 95-12768 Filed 5-23-95; 8:45 am]
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