[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 135 (Thursday, July 15, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 38248-38270]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-17975]
[[Page 38247]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Part III
Department of Education
_______________________________________________________________________
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services National
Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research; Inviting
Applications for New Awards Under Certain Programs for Fiscal Year
2000; Notice
Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 135 / Thursday, July 15, 1999 /
Notices
[[Page 38248]]
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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
[CFDA Nos.: 84.133F, 84.133G, and 84.133P]
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 2000
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:
Research Fellowships--34 CFR part 356.
Field-Initiated Projects--34 CFR part 350.
Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training Projects--34 CFR part 350.
Note: Research activities involving human subjects supported by
awards under these programs are subject to Department of Education
Regulations for the protection of human subjects. Applicants
answering ``Yes'' to item 11 on form ED 424 whose research
activities are nonexempt must complete the six-point narrative on
protection of human subjects described in the Attachment to form ED
424. Copies of the Department of Education regulations for the
protection of human subjects are available from the Grants Policy
and Oversight Staff (GPOS), Office of the Chief Financial Officer,
Washington, DC, telephone: (202) 708-8263 and on the protection of
human subjects in research Web Site at: http://ocfo.ed.gov/
humansub.htm
Program Title: Research Fellowships.
CFDA Number: 84.133F.
Purpose: The purpose of the Research Fellowship program is to build
research capacity by providing support to highly qualified individuals,
including those who are individuals with disabilities, to perform
research on the rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities.
Fellows may conduct original research in any area authorized by section
204 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. Fellows may address
problems encountered by persons with disabilities in their daily lives
that are due to the presence of a disabling condition, problems
associated with the provision of rehabilitation services to individuals
with disabilities, and problems connected with the conduct of
disability research.
The program provides two categories of Fellowships: Merit
Fellowships and Distinguished Fellowships. To be eligible for a
Distinguished Fellowship, an individual must have seven or more years
of research experience in subject areas, methods, or techniques
relevant to rehabilitation research and must have a doctorate, other
terminal degree, or comparable academic qualifications. To be eligible
for a Merit Fellowship, an individual must have either advanced
professional training or experience in independent study in an area
which is directly pertinent to disability and rehabilitation.
The Fellowship awards are for twelve months and include a fixed
stipend and a flat rate allowance for research and research-related
expenses including travel expenses. Applicants are not required to
submit budget proposals.
Selection Criteria: The Secretary evaluates applications for
Fellowships according to the following criteria in 34 CFR 356.30.
(a) Quality and level of formal education, previous work
experience, and recommendations of present or former supervisors or
colleagues that include an indication of the applicant's ability to
work creatively in scientific research; and
(b) The quality of a research proposal of no more than 12 pages
containing the following information:
(1) The importance of the problem to be investigated to the purpose
of the Act and the mission of the Institute.
(2) The research hypotheses or related objectives and the
methodology and design to be followed.
(3) Assurance of the availability of any necessary data resources,
equipment, or institutional support, including technical consultation
and support where appropriate, required to carry out the proposed
activity.
Eligible Applicants: Only individuals are eligible to be recipients
of Fellowships. Institutions are not eligible to be recipients of
Fellowships.
Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 762(e).
Application Notice for Fiscal Year 2000 Research Fellowships, CFDA No. 84.133F
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deadline for Estimated
Funding priority transmittal of number of Maximum award amount Project period
applications awards (per year)* (months)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Research Fellowships.............. September 30, 1999... 10 Merit: $45,000; 12
Distinguished:
$55,000.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Program Title: Field-Initiated Projects.
CFDA Number: 84.133G.
Purpose: Field-Initiated (FI) projects must further one or both of
the following purposes: (1) 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;
or (2) improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the Act.
Field-Initiated projects carry out either research activities or
development activities.
In carrying out a research activity, a grantee must identify one or
more hypotheses, and based on the hypotheses identified, perform an
intensive systematic study directed toward new or full scientific
knowledge or understanding of the subject or problem studied.
In carrying out a development activity, a grantee must use
knowledge and understanding gained from research to create materials,
devices, systems, or methods beneficial to the target population,
including design and development of prototypes and processes.
Target population means the group of individuals, organizations, or
other
[[Page 38249]]
entities expected to be affected by the project. More than one group
may be involved since a project may affect those who receive services,
provide services, or administer services.
There are two different sets of selection criteria for FI projects:
one set to evaluate applications proposing to carry out research
activities, and a second set to evaluate applications proposing to
carry out development activities. The set of FI selection criteria that
will be used to evaluate an application will be based on the
applicant's designation of the type of activity that the application
proposes to carry out.
Note: An applicant for a field-initiated project should clearly
identify on the cover page of the application whether the proposal
is for a research project or for a development project.
Invitational Priorities: The Secretary is particularly interested
in applications that address one of the following invitational
priorities. However, under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(1) an application that
meets an invitational priority does not receive competitive or absolute
preference over other applications. The invitational priorities are:
(1) Collaborative international assistive technology and rehabilitation
engineering projects including, but not limited to, projects that could
be carried out under Science and Technology Agreements between the U.S.
and other countries; (2) projects that address the impact of managing
medication therapies on work transition issues for persons with HIV-
AIDS; (3) projects to develop rehabilitation techniques for children
and youth with receptive language disorders using objective measures of
functional and neurological outcomes; (4) projects that address the
problems of interface to information technology systems for persons
with cognitive disabilities, such as mental retardation, brain injury,
and dementia; and (5) projects to identify and develop methodologies
appropriate for use in community-based research on various aspects of
disability, rehabilitation, and living independently in the community.
Selection Criteria: Research Project
The Secretary uses the following criteria to evaluate a Field-
Initiated Project application that proposes to carry out research
activities.
(a) Importance of the problem (15 points total).
(1) The Secretary considers the importance of the problem.
(2) In determining the importance of the problem, the Secretary
considers the extent to which the applicant clearly describes the need
and target population.
(b) Design of research activities (50 points total).
(1) The Secretary considers the extent to which the design of
research activities is likely to be effective in accomplishing the
objectives of the project.
(2) In determining the extent to which the design is likely to be
effective in accomplishing the objectives of the project, the Secretary
considers the following factors:
(i) 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 (10 points);
(B) Each research hypothesis is theoretically sound and based on
current knowledge (10 points);
(C) Each sample population is appropriate and of sufficient size
(10 points);
(D) The data collection and measurement techniques are appropriate
and likely to be effective (10 points); and
(E) The data analysis methods are appropriate (10 points).
(c) Plan of evaluation (10 points total).
(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the plan of evaluation.
(2) In determining the quality of the plan of evaluation, the
Secretary considers 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.
(d) Project staff (15 total points).
(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the project staff.
(2) In determining the quality of the project staff, the Secretary
considers 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).
(3) In addition, the Secretary considers the extent to which the
key personnel and other key staff have appropriate training and
experience in disciplines required to conduct all proposed activities
(13 points).
(e) Adequacy and accessibility of resources (10 points total).
(1) The Secretary considers the adequacy and accessibility of the
applicant's resources to implement the proposed project.
(2) In determining the adequacy and accessibility of resources, the
Secretary considers the following factors:
(i) The extent to which the applicant is committed to provide
adequate facilities, equipment, other resources, including
administrative support, and laboratories, if appropriate (5 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 (5 points).
Selection Criteria: Development Project
The Secretary uses the following criteria to evaluate a Field-
Initiated Project application that proposes to carry out development
activities.
(a) Importance of the problem (15 points total).
(1) The Secretary considers the importance of the problem.
(2) In determining the importance of the problem, the Secretary
considers the following factors:
(i) The extent to which the applicant clearly describes the need
and target population (5 points).
(ii) The extent to which the proposed activities further the
purposes of the Act (4 points).
(iii) The extent to which the proposed project will have beneficial
impact on the target population (6 points).
(b) Design of development activities (50 points total).
(1) The Secretary considers the extent to which the design of
development activities is likely to be effective in accomplishing the
objectives of the project.
(2)(i) In determining the extent to which the design is likely to
be effective in accomplishing the objectives of the project, the
Secretary considers the following factors:
(ii) The extent to which the plan for development, clinical
testing, and evaluation of new devices and technology is likely to
yield significant products or techniques, including consideration of
the extent to which--
(A) the proposed project will use the most effective and
appropriate technology available in developing the new device or
technique (10 points);
(B) The proposed development is based on a sound conceptual model
that demonstrates an awareness of the state-of-the-art in technology
(10 points);
(C) The new device or technique will be developed and tested in an
appropriate environment (5 points);
(D) The new device or technique is likely to be cost-effective and
useful (10 points);
(E) The new device or technique has the potential for commercial or
private
[[Page 38250]]
manufacture, marketing, and distribution of the product (5 points); and
(F) The proposed development efforts include adequate quality
controls and, as appropriate, repeated testing of products (10 points).
(c) Plan of evaluation (10 points total).
(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the plan of evaluation.
(2) In determining the quality of the plan of evaluation, the
Secretary considers 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.
(d) Project staff (15 total points).
(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the project staff.
(2) In determining the quality of the project staff, the Secretary
considers 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).
(3) In addition, the Secretary considers the extent to which the
key personnel and other key staff have appropriate training and
experience in disciplines required to conduct all proposed activities
(13 points).
(e) Adequacy and accessibility of resources (10 points total).
(1) The Secretary considers the adequacy and accessibility of the
applicant's resources to implement the proposed project.
(2) In determining the adequacy and accessibility of resources, the
Secretary considers the following factors:
(i) The extent to which the applicant is committed to provide
adequate facilities, equipment, other resources, including
administrative support, and laboratories, if appropriate (5 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 (5 points).
Eligible Applicants: Public and private organizations, including
institutions of higher education and Indian tribes and tribal
organizations, are eligible to apply for awards under this program.
Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 764.
Application Notice for Fiscal Year 2000 Field-Initiated Projects, CFDA No. 84.133G
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated Maximum award
Funding priority Deadline for transmittal number of amount (per Project period
of applications awards year)* (months)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Field-Initiated Projects.............. September 30, 1999...... 30 $150,000 36
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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)).
Program Title: Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training Projects.
CFDA Number: 84.133P.
Purpose: Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training (ARRT) Projects
must provide research training and experience at an advanced level to
individuals with doctorates or similar advanced degrees who have
clinical or other relevant experience. ARRT Projects train
rehabilitation researchers, including individuals with disabilities,
with particular attention to research areas that support the
implementation and objectives of the Rehabilitation Act and that
improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the Act.
ARRT Projects must carry out all of the following activities:
recruit and select candidates for advanced research training; provide a
training program that includes didactic and classroom instruction, is
multidisciplinary, and emphasizes scientific methodology, and may
involve collaboration among institutions; provide research experience,
laboratory experience or its equivalent in a community-based research
setting, and a practicum that involves each individual in clinical
research and in practical activities with organizations representing
individuals with disabilities; provide academic mentorship or guidance,
and opportunities for scientific collaboration with qualified
researchers at the host university and other appropriate institutions;
and provide opportunities for participation in the development of
professional presentations and publications, and for attendance at
professional conferences and meetings as appropriate for the
individual's field of study and level of experience.
Selection Criteria: Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training
Projects
The Secretary uses the following criteria to evaluate an Advanced
Rehabilitation Research Training Project application.
(a) Importance of the problem (10 points total).
(1) The Secretary considers the importance of the problem.
(2) In determining the importance of the problem, the Secretary
considers the extent to which the applicant proposes to provide
training in a rehabilitation discipline or area of study in which there
is a shortage of qualified researchers, or to a trainee population in
which there is a need for more qualified researchers (10 points).
(b) Design of training activities (40 points total).
(1) The Secretary considers the extent to which the design of
training activities is likely to be effective in accomplishing the
objectives of the project.
(2) In determining the extent to which the design is likely to be
effective in accomplishing the objectives of the project, the Secretary
considers the following factors:
(i) The extent to which the proposed training methods are of
sufficient quality, intensity, and duration (5 points).
(ii) The extent to which the proposed training materials and
methods are accessible to individuals with disabilities (6 points).
(iii) The extent to which the applicant's proposed recruitment
program is likely to be effective in recruiting highly qualified
trainees, including those who are individuals with disabilities (7
points).
(iv) The extent to which the proposed didactic and classroom
training programs emphasize scientific methodology and are likely to
develop highly qualified researchers (6 points).
(v) The extent to which the quality and extent of the academic
mentorship, guidance, and supervision to be provided to each individual
trainee are of a high level and are likely to develop highly qualified
researchers (6 points).
(vi) The extent to which the type, extent, and quality of the
proposed clinical and laboratory research experience, including the
opportunity to participate in advanced-level research,
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are likely to develop highly qualified researchers (5 points).
(vii) The extent to which the opportunities for collegial and
collaborative activities, exposure to outstanding scientists in the
field, and opportunities to participate in the preparation of scholarly
or scientific publications and presentations are extensive and
appropriate (5 points).
(c) Plan of operation (10 points total).
(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the plan of operation.
(2) In determining the quality of the plan of operation, the
Secretary considers the following factors:
(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
(5 points).
(ii) The adequacy of the plan of operation to provide for using
resources, equipment, and personnel to achieve each objective (5
points).
(d) Collaboration (5 points total).
(1) The Secretary considers the quality of collaboration.
(2) In determining the quality of collaboration, the Secretary
considers one or more of the following factors:
(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
(2 points).
(ii) The extent to which agencies, organizations, or institutions
demonstrate a commitment to collaborate with the applicant (2 points).
(iii) The extent to which agencies, organizations, or institutions
that commit to collaborate with the applicant have the capacity to
carry out collaborative activities (1 point).
(e) Adequacy and reasonableness of the budget (10 points).
(1) The Secretary considers the adequacy and the reasonableness of
the proposed budget.
(2) In determining the adequacy and the reasonableness of the
proposed budget, the Secretary considers the following factors:
(i) The extent to which the costs are reasonable in relation to the
proposed project activities (4 points).
(ii) The extent to which the budget for the project, including any
subcontracts, is adequately justified to support the proposed project
activities (3 points).
(iii) The extent to which the applicant is of sufficient size,
scope, and quality to effectively carry out the activities in an
efficient manner (3 points).
(f) Plan of evaluation (10 points).
(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the plan of evaluation.
(2) In determining the quality of the plan of evaluation, the
Secretary considers the following factors:
(i) The extent to which the plan of evaluation provides for
periodic assessment of progress toward--
(A) Implementing the plan of operation (2 points); and
(B) Achieving the project's intended outcomes and expected impacts
(2 points).
(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 (2 points).
(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).
(g) Project staff (10 points total).
(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the project staff.
(2) In determining the quality of the project staff, the Secretary
considers 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).
(3) In addition, the Secretary considers the following:
(i) 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).
(ii) The extent to which the commitment of staff time is adequate
to accomplish all the proposed activities of the project (2 points).
(iii) The extent to which the project staff includes outstanding
scientists in the field (1 point).
(iv) 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).
(h) Adequacy and accessibility of resources (5 points).
(1) The Secretary considers the adequacy and accessibility of the
applicant's resources to implement the proposed project.
(2) In determining the adequacy and accessibility of resources, the
Secretary considers the following factors:
(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 quality of an applicant's past performance in carrying out
a grant (1 point).
(iii) The extent to which the applicant has appropriate access to
clinical populations and organizations representing individuals with
disabilities to support advanced clinical rehabilitation research (1
point).
(iv) 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).
Eligible Applicants: Institutions of higher education are eligible
to receive awards under this program.
Program Authority: 29. U.S.C. 762(k).
Application Notice for Fiscal Year 2000 Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training Projects, CFDA No. 84.133P
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deadline for Estimated Maximum award
Funding priority transmittal of number of amount (per Project period
applications awards year)* (months)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Advanced Rehabilitation Research September 30, 1999...... 5 $150,000 60
Training Projects.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 38252]]
Instructions for Application Narrative
Recommended Page Limits: Field Initiated and Advanced Rehabilitation
Research Projects
The Secretary strongly recommends that applicants for FI or ARRT
projects:
(1) Include a one-page abstract in their application;
(2) Limit Part III--Application Narrative to no more than 50
double-spaced 8.5 x 11'' pages (on one side only) with one inch margins
(top, bottom, and sides);
(3) Double-space (no more than 3 lines per vertical inch) all
sections of text in the application narrative; and
(4) Use no smaller than a 12-point font, and an average character
density no greater than 14 characters per inch.
The recommended 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. Also, the one-page abstract, resume or
resumes, bibliography, or letters of support, while considered part of
the application, are not subject to the recommended page limitation.
Applicants should note that reviewers are not required to review any
information provided in addition to the application information listed
previously. The recommendations for double-spacing and font do not
apply within charts, tables, figures, and graphs, but the information
presented in those formats should be easily readable.
Note: An applicant for a field-initiated project should clearly
identify on the cover page of the application whether the proposal
is for a research or for a development project.
Strict Page Limits: Research Fellowships
The research proposal for a Fellowship application must be limited
to no more than 12 pages.
Note: The Secretary will reject without consideration or
evaluation any application for a Research Fellowship that does not
adhere to the 12-page limit.
Instructions for Transmittal of Applications
(a) If an applicant wants to apply for a grant, the applicant
must--
(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, SW., Washington, DC.
(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.
1/12/99)) 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.)
Certification of Eligibility for Federal Assistance in Certain
Programs (ED Form 80-0016).
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
completed application form has been received. Team, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW., room 3317, Switzer Building,
Washington, DC 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.
For Further Information Contact: Donna Nangle, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 3423, Switzer Building,
Washington, DC 20202-2645. Telephone: (202) 205-5880. Individuals who
use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the TDD
number at (202) 205-4475. Internet: Donna__Nangle@ed.gov.
Individuals with disabilities may obtain this document in an
alternative format (e.g., Braille, large print, or computer diskette)
on request to the contact person listed in the preceding paragraph.
Electronic Access to This Document
You may review this document, as well as all other Department of
Education documents published in the Federal Register, in text or Adobe
Portable Document Format (PDF) on the Internet at either of the
following sites:
http://ocfo.ed.gov/fedreg.htm
http://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 previous sites. If you
have questions about using the PDF, call the U.S. Government Printing
Office (GPO) toll free at 1-888-293-6498; or in the Washington, DC,
area at (202) 512-1530.
Note: The official version of this document is the document
published in the Federal
[[Page 38253]]
Register. Free Internet access to the official edition of the
Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations is available on
GPO access at: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/index.html
Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 760-762.
Dated: July 8, 1999.
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 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 for an Advanced Rehabilitation Research
Training project must limit indirect charges to 8 percent. Applicants
for a Field-Initiated project program 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.
Fellowship awards are made to individuals, therefore indirect cost
rates do not apply.
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. 99-17975 Filed 7-14-99; 8:45 am]
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