U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

OFFICE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20202-2575

**FY 2007 APPLICATION PACKAGE FOR NEW GRANTS**

**UNDER**

**THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION RESEARCH**

**REHABILITATION ENGINEERING RESEARCH CENTERS PROGRAM (RERC) ON**

Rehabilitation Robotics and Telemanipulation Systems

**CFDA NUMBER: 84.133E-8**

![](media/image1.png){width="4.0in" height="3.4270833333333335in"}

FORM APPROVED

OMB No. 1820-0027, EXP. DATE *02/28/2007*

ED FORM 424, 02/28/2008

**DATED MATERIAL - OPEN IMMEDIATELY**

**CLOSING DATE: APRIL 16, 2007**

**[TABLE OF CONTENTS]{.underline}**

**Section A** Dear Applicant Letter

**Section B** Federal Register Notice Inviting Applications for New
Awards -- Rehabilitation Robotics and Telemanipulation Systems CFDA
Number: 84.133E-8

Page 9: Program Requirements

Page 11: Instructions for Applications

Page 13: Instructions for Grants.gov

Page 16: Instructions for Transmitting Paper Copies of the Application

**Section C** Federal Register Notice Final Priority \-- CFDA NUMBER:
84.133E-8

**Section D** Background Statement

**Section E** Selection Criteria

### **Section F** Protection of Human Subjects 

**Section G** Application Format---Instructions for Application

-   Federal Assistance Face Page (424)

-   Table of Contents

-   Project Abstract

-   Budget Information

-   Budget Narrative

-   Application Narrative

-   Vitae/Bibliography/Letters of Support

-   Assurances, Certifications, Disclosures

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-   Assurances - Non-Construction Programs;

> Certifications Regarding Lobbying;

-   Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility

> and Voluntary Exclusion - Lower Tier Covered Transaction;
>
> Disclosure of Lobbying Activities;

**Section H** Frequently Asked Questions

> Points to Remember in Application Preparation
>
> DUNS Number Instructions

**Section I** Grants.gov Submission Procedures and Tips for Applicants

> Application Transmittal Instructions

**Section J** Required Forms and Form Instructions

**Section K** Application Checklist

**SECTION**

**A**

**DEAR APPLICANT LETTER**

February 12, 2007

Dear Applicant:

The Secretary invites applications for the competition of a
Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) on Rehabilitation
Robotics and Telemanipulation Systems (CFDA NUMBER: 84.133E-8). The RERC
program is authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
The purpose of this program is to award grants to eligible applicants to
focus research, development, and training activities in order to enhance
opportunities for meeting the needs of, and addressing the barriers
confronted by, individuals with disabilities in all aspects of their
lives through innovative technological solutions, new knowledge, and
concepts that promote the health, safety, independence, employment,
active engagement in daily activities, and quality of life.

It is critical that proposals describe expected public benefits,
especially benefits for individuals with disabilities and propose
projects that are designed to demonstrate outcomes that are consistent
with the proposed goals.

Each RERC must be operated by or in collaboration with one or more
institutes of higher education or one or more nonprofit organizations.
Each RERC must provide training opportunities, in conjunction with
institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations, to assist
individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to become
rehabilitation technology researchers and practitioners.

**Include a one page abstract**. The abstract is a critical component of
the proposal, and it should describe the purpose, target population to
be served during the project period, planned goals and objectives,
proposed methodological approach, and anticipated project outcomes.

[APPLICATION PROCEDURES]{.underline}

This application package contains information and the required forms for
potential applicants to apply and be considered for a FY 2007 grant
award under this competition, including the abbreviated notice of final
priorities and the notice inviting applications published Federal
Register on Wednesday, February 14, 2007.

Potential applicants are advised to read the materials carefully,
particularly the information on the types of organizations that are
eligible to apply for these grants, how to prepare an application, the
dollar amount for any year, the protection of human subjects, and the
appropriate selection criteria (Section E) used by the reviewers to
evaluate each application.

Page 2 -- Dear Applicant

These instructions indicate that you can either submit your application
electronically through the grants.gov system or by post, hand-delivery
or carrier service. You must submit one original and two copies of your
application on or before the application deadline date, to the address
listed in Section B, Notice Inviting Applications (and repeated in
Section I - Application Transmittal Instructions). The closing date
(application deadline) is ***Monday,* April *16, 2007***.

[If you are submitting by post, hand-delivery or carrier
service]{.underline}

Applications must be [postmarked]{.underline} by the closing date of
**[*Monday,* April *16, 2007*]{.underline},** if submitting by post.
Follow the Application Transmittal Instructions for submitting in paper
found in Section IJ if submitting by post, hand-delivery or carrier
service. Please include an electronic copy (disk) with your application.
NIDRR would appreciate your including 9 additional copies of your
application to facilitate the peer review process (12 copies in all).
Also, we would like to suggest that the original copy of the application
be secured with a binder clip to facilitate any additional copying that
might be required.

[If you are submitting electronically]{.underline}

We encourage you to submit your application electronically. Electronic
copies must be [uploaded]{.underline} on Grants.gov and then processed
by Grants.gov successfully by 4:30 pm, Washington DC time on the closing
date. It may take up to several hours for this process. Please allow
several hours or a full day because, if there is a submission error,
time will be needed to correct the error and resubmit either
electronically or by paper to meet the deadline time and date. For
additional information on electronic submission procedures, see the
Grants.gov Submission Procedures and Tips for Applicants (Section I). Do
not e-mail a copy of your application directly to the Department;
electronic submissions can only be made to Grants.gov. We strongly
suggest that you carefully check your submission to ensure that you have
attached the correct files in the appropriate fields.

**We encourage you to read Section I \-- Grants.gov Submission
Procedures and Tips for Applicants **

[PROGRAM REGULATIONS]{.underline}

These grants are subject to the requirements of the Education Department
General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), in 34 CFR Parts 74, 75, 77,
80, 81, 82, 84, 85, 86, and 97, which set forth general rules affecting
the submittal, review, grant award, and post-award administration for
Department of Education grant programs.

### Page 3 -- Dear Applicant

[TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE]{.underline}

[Pre-Application Meeting]{.underline}: A pre-application meeting will be
held between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 8, 2007 by
teleconference. Interested parties are invited to participate in a
pre-application meeting to discuss the funding priority and to receive
information and technical assistance. You [must]{.underline} contact
Donna Nangle at either 202-245-7462 or Donna.Nangle@ed.gov by [Tuesday,
March 6, 2007]{.underline} in order to participate in this meeting.
NIDRR staff also will be available to provide information and technical
assistance via individual phone consultations from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30
p.m. on March 8, 2007 Requests for individual consultations during this
one hour window must be made in advance to Donna Nangle.

If you have any questions about the information in this application
packet, please contact Donna Nangle at Donna.Nangle@ed.gov or by
telephone at (202) 245-7462. Individuals who use a telecommunications
device (TDD) may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339
between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., EST, Monday through Friday.

If you need help with Grants.gov before the closing date, please contact
Grants.gov Customer Support at 1-800-518-4726 or use the customer
support available on the Web site:
http://www.grants.gov/CustomerSupport.

**[NOTE]{.underline}**: Please forward this entire application package
to the individual or office responsible for preparing an application, as
they will need the entire package to complete the grant application.
Also note that we have included an abbreviated version of the February
14, 2007 Notice of Final Priorities. To see the complete version of the
see <http://www.ed.gov/news/fedregister/index.html> then click on Final
Priority.

Thank you for your interest in these programs.

> Sincerely,

//signed//

> Steven James Tingus, M.S., C.Phil.
>
> Director,
>
> National Institute on Disability
>
> and Rehabilitation Research

**SECTION**

**B**

**FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR NEW AWARDS**

**RERC ON** Rehabilitation Robotics and Telemanipulation Systems

4000-01-U

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services

Overview Information

National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research
(NIDRR)\--Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers
Program\--Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers
(RERCs)\--Rehabilitation Robotics and Telemanipulation Systems

Notice inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 2007.

[Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number]{.underline}:
84.133E-8

[Dates]{.underline}:

Applications Available: February 14, 2007.

Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: April 16, 2007.

Date of Pre-Application Meeting: March 8, 2007.

[Eligible Applicants]{.underline}: States; public or private agencies,
including for-profit agencies; public or private organizations,
including for-profit organizations; institutions of higher education
(IHEs); and Indian tribes and tribal organizations.

[Estimated Available Funds]{.underline}: \$950,000. The Administration
has requested \$106,705,000 for the NIDRR program, of which we intend to
use an estimated \$4,750,000 for the RERC program, of which we intend to
use an estimated \$950,000 for the RERC for Rehabilitation Robotics and
Telemanipulation Systems. The actual level of funding, if any, depends
on final congressional action. However, we are inviting applications to
allow enough time to complete the grant process if Congress appropriates
funds for this program.

[Maximum Award]{.underline}: We will reject any application that
proposes a budget exceeding \$950,000 for a single budget period of 12
months. The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services may change the maximum amount through a notice published in the
[Federal Register]{.underline}.

[Note]{.underline}: The maximum amount includes direct and indirect
costs.

This competition is one of seven RERC competitions announced for FY
2007. NIDRR intends to make awards in only five of these competitions.

[Estimated Number of Awards]{.underline}: 1.

[Note]{.underline}: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this
notice.

# Project Period: Up to 60 months.

#### Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

[Purpose of Program]{.underline}: The purpose of the RERC program is to
improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. For FY 2007, the competition for
a new award focuses on projects designed to meet the priority we
describe in the [Priority]{.underline} section of this notice. We intend
this priority to improve rehabilitation services and outcomes for
individuals with disabilities.

[Priority]{.underline}: This priority is from the notice of final
priorities for the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and
Centers program, published elsewhere in this issue of the [Federal
Register]{.underline}.

[Absolute Priority]{.underline}: For FY 2007, this priority is an
absolute priority. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(3) we consider only
applications that meet this priority.

This priority is:

[RERC for Rehabilitation Robotics and Telemanipulation
Systems]{.underline}.

[Program Authority]{.underline}: 29 U.S.C. 762(g) and 764(b)(3).

[Applicable Regulations]{.underline}: (a) The Education Department
General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR parts 74, 75, 77,
80, 81, 82, 84, 85, 86, and 97. (b) The regulations for this program in
34 CFR part 350. (c) The notice of final priorities for the Disability
and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers program, published
elsewhere in this issue of the [Federal Register]{.underline}.

[Note]{.underline}: The regulations in 34 CFR part 86 apply to IHEs
only.

II\. Award Information

[Type of Award]{.underline}: Discretionary grants.

[Estimated Available Funds]{.underline}: \$950,000. The Administration
has requested \$106,705,000 for the NIDRR program, of which we intend to
use an estimated \$4,750,000 for the RERC program, of which we intend to
use an estimated \$950,000 for the RERC for Rehabilitation Robotics and
Telemanipulation Systems competition. The actual level of funding, if
any, depends on final congressional action. However, we are inviting
applications to allow enough time to complete the grant process if
Congress appropriates funds for this program.

[Maximum Award]{.underline}: We will reject any application that
proposes a budget exceeding \$950,000 for a single budget period of 12
months. The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services may change the maximum amount through a notice published in the
[Federal Register]{.underline}.

[Note]{.underline}: The maximum amount includes direct and indirect
costs.

[Estimated Number of Awards]{.underline}: 1.

[Note]{.underline}: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this
notice.

This competition is one of seven RERC competitions announced for FY
2007. NIDRR intends to make awards in only five of these competitions.

# Project Period: Up to 60 months.

## III. Eligibility Information

1\. [Eligible Applicants]{.underline}: States; public or private
agencies, including for-profit agencies; public or private
organizations, including for-profit organizations; IHEs; and Indian
tribes and tribal organizations.

2\. [Cost Sharing or Matching]{.underline}: Cost sharing is not required
for this program.

[IV. Application and Submission Information]{.underline}

1\. [Address to Request Application Package]{.underline}: You may obtain
an application package via Internet or from the Education Publications
Center (ED Pubs). To obtain a copy via Internet use the following
address: http://www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/grantapps/index.html

To obtain a copy from ED Pubs, write or call the following: Education
Publications Center, P.O. Box 1398, Jessup, MD 20794-1398. Telephone
(toll free): 1-877-433-7827. FAX: (301) 470-1244. If you use a
telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), you may call (toll free):
1-877-576-7734.

You may also contact ED Pubs at its Web site:
www.ed.gov/pubs/edpubs.html or you may contact ED Pubs at its e-mail
address: edpubs@inet.ed.gov

If you request an application from ED Pubs, be sure to identify this
competition as follows: CFDA Number 84.133E-8.

Individuals with disabilities may obtain a copy of the application
package in an alternative format (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape,
or computer diskette) by contacting the program contact person listed
under [For Further Information Contact]{.underline} in section VII of
this notice.

2\. [Content and Form of Application Submission]{.underline}:
Requirements concerning the content of an application, together with the
forms you must submit, are in the application package for this
competition.

Page Limit: The application narrative (Part III of the application) is
where you, the applicant, address the selection criteria that reviewers
use to evaluate your application. We recommend that you limit Part III
to the equivalent of no more than 125 pages, using the following
standards:

-   A "page" is 8.5\" x 11\", on one side only, with 1\" margins at the
    top, bottom, and both sides.

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-   Double space (no more than three lines per vertical inch) all text
    in the application narrative. Single spacing may be used for titles,
    headings, footnotes, quotations, references, and captions, as well
    as all text in charts, tables, figures, and graphs.

-   Use a font that is either 12 point or larger or no smaller than 10
    pitch (characters per inch).

The suggested page limit does not apply to Part I, the cover sheet; Part
II, the budget section; Part IV, the assurances and certifications; or
the one-page abstract, the resumes, the bibliography, or the letters of
support. However, you must include all of the application narrative in
Part III.

The application package will provide instructions for completing all
components to be included in the application. Each application must
include a cover sheet (Standard Form 424); budget requirements (ED Form
524) and a budget narrative justification; other required forms; an
abstract, Human Subjects narrative, Part III narrative; resumes of
staff; and other related materials, if applicable.

3\. [Submission Dates and Times]{.underline}:

Applications Available: February 14, 2007.

Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: April 16, 2007.

[Pre-Application Meeting]{.underline}: Interested parties are invited to
participate in a pre-application meeting to discuss the priorities and
to receive information and technical assistance through individual
consultation. The pre-application meeting will be held on March 8, 2007.
Interested parties may participate in this meeting by conference call
with NIDRR staff from the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., Washington, DC time. On the
same day, NIDRR staff also will be available from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30
p.m., by telephone, to provide information and technical assistance
through individual consultation. For further information or to make
arrangements to participate on the conference call or for an individual
consultation, contact Donna Nangle, U.S. Department of Education,
Potomac Center Plaza, room 6030, 550 12th Street, SW., Washington, DC
20202. Telephone: (202) 245-7462 or by e-mail:

Donna.Nangle@ed.gov

Applications for grants under this competition may be submitted
electronically using the Grants.gov Apply site (Grants.gov), or in paper
format by mail or hand delivery. For information (including dates and
times) about how to submit your application electronically, or by mail
or hand delivery, please refer to section IV. 6. [Other Submission
Requirements]{.underline} in this notice.

We do not consider an application that does not comply with the deadline
requirements.

Individuals with disabilities who need an accommodation or auxiliary aid
in connection with the application process should contact the person
listed under [For Further Information Contact]{.underline}.

4\. [Intergovernmental Review]{.underline}: This program is not subject
to Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79.

5\. [Funding Restrictions]{.underline}: We reference regulations
outlining funding restrictions in the [Applicable
Regulations]{.underline} section of this notice.

6\. [Other Submission Requirements]{.underline}: Applications for grants
under this competition may be submitted electronically or in paper
format by mail or hand delivery.

a\. [Electronic Submission of Applications]{.underline}.

To comply with the President's Management Agenda, we are participating
as a partner in the Governmentwide Grants.gov Apply site in FY 2007.
Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (84.133E-8) is included in
this project. We request your participation in Grants.gov.

If you choose to submit your application electronically, you must use
the Governmentwide Grants.gov Apply site at http://www.Grants.gov
Through this site, you will be able to download a copy of the
application package, complete it offline, and then upload and submit
your application. You may not e-mail an electronic copy of a grant
application to us.

You may access the electronic grant application for Rehabilitation
Engineering Research Centers at http://www.Grants.gov You must search
for the downloadable application package for this program or competition
by the CFDA number. Do not include the CFDA number's alpha suffix in
your search (e.g., search for 84.133, not 84.133E).

Please note the following:

• Your participation in Grants.gov is voluntary.

• When you enter the Grants.gov site, you will find information about
submitting an application electronically through the site, as well as
the hours of operation.

• Applications received by Grants.gov are date and time stamped. Your
application must be fully uploaded and submitted and must be date and
time stamped by the Grants.gov system no later than 4:30 p.m.,
Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date. Except as
otherwise noted in this section, we will not consider your application
if it is date and time stamped by the Grants.gov system later than 4:30
p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date. When we
retrieve your application from Grants.gov, we will notify you if we are
rejecting your application because it was date and time stamped by the
Grants.gov system after 4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the
application deadline date.

• The amount of time it can take to upload an application will vary
depending on a variety of factors, including the size of the application
and the speed of your Internet connection. Therefore, we strongly
recommend that you do not wait until the application deadline date to
begin the submission process through Grants.gov.

• You should review and follow the Education Submission Procedures for
submitting an application through Grants.gov that are included in the
application package for this competition to ensure that you submit your
application in a timely manner to the Grants.gov system. You can also
find the Education Submission Procedures pertaining to Grants.gov at
http://e-Grants.ed.gov/help/GrantsgovSubmissionProcedures.pdf

• To submit your application via Grants.gov, you must complete all steps
in the Grants.gov registration process (see
http://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp). These steps
include (1) registering your organization, a multi-part process that
includes registration with the Central Contractor Registry (CCR); (2)
registering yourself as an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR);
and (3) getting authorized as an AOR by your organization. Details on
these steps are outlined in the Grants.gov 3-Step Registration Guide
(see
http://www.grants.gov/section910/Grants.govRegistrationBrochure.pdf).
You also must provide on your application the same D-U-N-S Number used
with this registration. Please note that the registration process may
take five or more business days to complete, and you must have completed
all registration steps to allow you to submit successfully an
application via Grants.gov. In addition you will need to update your CCR
registration on an annual basis. This may take three or more business
days to complete.

• You will not receive additional point value because you submit your
application in electronic format, nor will we penalize you if you submit
your application in paper format.

• If you submit your application electronically, you must submit all
documents electronically, including all information you typically
provide on the following forms: Application for Federal Assistance (SF
424), the Department of Education Supplemental Information for SF 424,
Budget Information\--Non-Construction Programs (ED 524), and all
necessary assurances and certifications. Please note that two of these
forms\--the SF 424 and the Department of Education Supplemental
Information for SF 424\--have replaced the ED 424 (Application for
Federal Education Assistance).

• If you submit your application electronically, you must attach any
narrative sections of your application as files in a .DOC (document),
.RTF (rich text), or .PDF (Portable Document) format. If you upload a
file type other than the three file types specified in this paragraph or
submit a password-protected file, we will not review that material.

• Your electronic application must comply with any page-limit
requirements described in this notice.

• After you electronically submit your application, you will receive
from Grants.gov an automatic notification of receipt that contains a
Grants.gov tracking number. (This notification indicates receipt by
Grants.gov only, not receipt by the Department.) The Department then
will retrieve your application from Grants.gov and send a second
notification to you by e-mail. This second notification indicates that
the Department has received your application and has assigned your
application a PR/Award number (an ED-specified identifying number unique
to your application).

• We may request that you provide us original signatures on forms at a
later date.

[Application Deadline Date Extension in Case of Technical Issues with
the Grants.gov System]{.underline}: If you are experiencing problems
submitting your application through Grants.gov, please contact the
Grants.gov Support Desk at 1-800-518-4726. You must obtain a Grants.gov
Support Desk Case Number and must keep a record of it.

If you are prevented from electronically submitting your application on
the application deadline date because of technical problems with the
Grants.gov system, we will grant you an extension until 4:30 p.m.,
Washington, DC time, the following business day to enable you to
transmit your application electronically or by hand delivery. You also
may mail your application by following the mailing instructions
described elsewhere in this notice.

If you submit an application after 4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, on
the application deadline date, please contact the person listed
elsewhere in this notice under [For Further Information
Contact]{.underline} and provide an explanation of the technical problem
you experienced with Grants.gov, along with the Grants.gov Support Desk
Case Number. We will accept your application if we can confirm that a
technical problem occurred with the Grants.gov system and that that
problem affected your ability to submit your application by 4:30 p.m.,
Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date. The Department
will contact you after a determination is made on whether your
application will be accepted.

[Note]{.underline}: The extensions to which we refer in this section
apply only to the unavailability of, or technical problems with, the
Grants.gov system. We will not grant you an extension if you failed to
fully register to submit your application to Grants.gov before the
application deadline date and time or if the technical problem you
experienced is unrelated to the Grants.gov system.

b\. [Submission of Paper Applications by Mail]{.underline}.

If you submit your application in paper format by mail (through the U.S.
Postal Service or a commercial carrier), you must mail the original and
two copies of your application, on or before the application deadline
date, to the Department at the applicable following address:

[By mail through the U.S. Postal Service]{.underline}:

> U.S. Department of Education
>
> Application Control Center

# Attention: (CFDA Number 84.133E-8)

# 400 Maryland Avenue, SW.

Washington, DC 20202-4260

or

[By mail through a commercial carrier]{.underline}:

> U.S. Department of Education
>
> Application Control Center, Stop 4260
>
> Attention: (CFDA Number 84.133E-8)
>
> 7100 Old Landover Road
>
> Landover, MD 20785-1506

Regardless of which address you use, you must show proof of mailing
consisting of one of the following:

\(1\) 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 of the U.S.
Department of Education.

If you mail your application through the U.S. Postal Service, we do 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.

If your application is postmarked after the application deadline date,
we will not consider your application.

[Note]{.underline}: The U.S. Postal Service does not uniformly provide a
dated postmark. Before relying on this method, you should check with
your local post office.

c\. [Submission of Paper Applications by Hand Delivery]{.underline}.

If you submit your application in paper format by hand delivery, you (or
a courier service) must deliver the original and two copies of your
application by hand, on or before the application deadline date, to the
Department at the following address:

> U.S. Department of Education
>
> Application Control Center
>
> Attention: (CFDA Number 84.133E-8)
>
> 550 12th Street, SW.
>
> Room 7041, Potomac Center Plaza
>
> Washington, DC 20202-4260

The Application Control Center accepts hand deliveries daily between
8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, except Saturdays, Sundays,
and Federal holidays.

[Note for Mail or Hand Delivery of Paper Applications]{.underline}: If
you mail or hand deliver your application to the Department\--

\(1\) You must indicate on the envelope and\--if not provided by the
Department\--in Item 11 of the SF 424 the CFDA number, including suffix
letter, if any, of the competition under which you are submitting your
application; and

\(2\) The Application Control Center will mail to you a notification of
receipt of your grant application. If you do not receive this
notification within 15 business days from the application deadline date,
you should call the U.S. Department of Education Application Control
Center at (202) 245-6288.

#### V. Application Review Information

[Selection Criteria]{.underline}: The selection criteria for this
competition are from 34 CFR 75.210 of EDGAR and 34 CFR 350.54 and are
listed in the application package.

The Secretary is interested in hypothesis-driven research and
development projects. To address this interest it is expected that
applicants will articulate goals, objectives, and expected outcomes for
the proposed research and development activities. It is critical that
proposals describe expected public benefits, especially benefits for
individuals with disabilities, and propose projects that are optimally
designed to demonstrate outcomes that are consistent with the proposed
goals. Applicants are encouraged to include information describing how
they will measure outcomes, including the indicators that will represent
the end-result, the mechanisms that will be used to evaluate outcomes
associated with specific problems or issues, and how the proposed
activities will support new intervention approaches and strategies,
including a discussion of measures of effectiveness. Submission of this
information is voluntary except where required by the selection criteria
listed in the application package.

[VI. Award Administration Information]{.underline}

1\. [Award Notices]{.underline}: If your application is successful, we
notify your U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators and send you a Grant
Award Notification (GAN). We may also notify you informally.

If your application is not evaluated or not selected for funding, we
notify you.

2\. [Administrative and National Policy Requirements]{.underline}: We
identify administrative and national policy requirements in the
application package and reference these and other requirements in the
[Applicable Regulations]{.underline} section of this notice.

We reference the regulations outlining the terms and conditions of an
award in the [Applicable Regulations]{.underline} section of this notice
and include these and other specific conditions in the GAN. The GAN also
incorporates your approved application as part of your binding
commitments under the grant.

3\. [Reporting]{.underline}: At the end of your project period, you must
submit a final performance report, including financial information, as
directed by the Secretary. If you receive a multi-year award, you must
submit an annual performance report that provides the most current
performance and financial expenditure information as specified by the
Secretary in 34 CFR 75.118.

[Note]{.underline}: NIDRR will provide information by letter to grantees
on how and when to submit the report.

4\. [Performance Measures]{.underline}: To evaluate the overall success
of its research program, NIDRR assesses the quality of its funded
projects through review of grantee performance and products. Each year,
NIDRR examines, through expert review, a portion of its grantees to
determine:

-   The percentage of newly awarded NIDRR projects that are multi-site,
    collaborative, controlled studies of interventions and programs.

-   The number of accomplishments (e.g., new or improved tools, methods,
    discoveries, standards, interventions, programs, or devices)
    developed or tested with NIDRR funding that have been judged by
    expert panels to be of high quality and to advance the field.

-   The percentage of grantee research and development that has
    appropriate study design, meets rigorous standards of scientific
    and/or engineering methods, and builds on and contributes to
    knowledge in the field.

-   The average number of publications per award based on NIDRR-funded
    research and development activities in refereed journals.

-   The percentage of new grants that include studies funded by NIDRR
    that assess the effectiveness of interventions, programs, and
    devices using rigorous and appropriate methods.

NIDRR uses information submitted by grantees as part of their Annual
Performance Reports (APRs) for these reviews. NIDRR also determines,
using information submitted as part of the APR, the number of
publications in refereed journals that are based on NIDRR-funded
research and development activities.

Department of Education program performance reports, which include
information on NIDRR programs, are available on the Department's Web
site:

http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/opepd/sas/index.html

Updates on the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 (GPRA)
indicators, revisions, and methods appear on the NIDRR Program Review
Web site:

http://www.neweditions.net/pr/commonfiles/pmconcepts.htm

Grantees should consult these sites, on a regular basis, to obtain
details and explanations on how NIDRR programs contribute to the
advancement of the Department's long-term and annual performance goals.

#### VII. Agency Contact 

[For Further Information Contact]{.underline}: Donna Nangle, U.S.
Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 6030, Potomac
Center Plaza, Washington, DC 20202. Telephone: (202) 245-7462 or by
e-mail:

donna.nangle@ed.gov

If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), you may call
the TDD number at (202) 245-7317 or the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at
1-800-877-8339.

Individuals with disabilities may obtain this document in an alternative
format (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer diskette) on
request to the program contact person listed in this section.

#### VIII. Other Information

[Electronic Access to This Document]{.underline}: You may view this
document, as well as all other documents of this Department published in
the [Federal Register]{.underline}, in text or Adobe Portable Document
Format (PDF) on the Internet at the following site:
www.ed.gov/news/fedregister

To use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free
at this site. If you have questions about using 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]{.underline}: The official version of this document is the
document published in the [Federal Register]{.underline}. Free Internet
access to the official edition of the [Federal Register]{.underline} and
the Code of Federal Regulations is available on GPO Access at:
www.gpoaccess.gov/nara/index.html

Dated: February 14, 2007

> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

John H. Hager,

##### Assistant Secretary for 

##### Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.

**SECTION**

**C**

**FEDERAL REGISTER**

**FINAL PRIORITY NOTICE**

**Including the priority for the RERC on Rehabilitation Robotics and
Telemanipulation Systems**

**This is an abbreviated version of the NFP. To see the complete version
with the Disability Rehabilitation Research Projects (133A) included --
Please go to <http://www.ed.gov/news/fedregister/index.html> then click
on Final Priority**

4000-01-U

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation
Research\--Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers
Program\--Disability Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRPs) and
Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERCs)

AGENCY: Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services,
Department of Education.

ACTION: Notice of final priorities for DRRPs and RERCs.

SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services announces certain funding priorities for the
Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program
administered by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation
Research (NIDRR). Specifically, this notice announces four final
priorities for DRRPs and seven priorities for RERCs. The Assistant
Secretary may use these priorities for competitions in fiscal year (FY)
2007 and later years. We take this action to focus research attention on
areas of national need. We intend these priorities to improve
rehabilitation services and outcomes for individuals with disabilities.

EFFECTIVE DATE: These priorities are effective March 15, 2007.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donna Nangle, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 6030, Potomac Center Plaza,
Washington, DC 20202-2700. Telephone: (202) 245-7462 or via Internet:

donna.nangle@ed.gov

If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), you may call
the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339.

Individuals with disabilities may obtain this document in an alternative
format (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer diskette) on
request to the contact person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

We published a notice of proposed priorities (NPP) for NIDRR's
Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program in
the [Federal Register]{.underline} on September 19, 2006 (71 FR 54870).
The NPP included a background statement that described our rationale for
each priority proposed in that notice.

In this notice, we are announcing the following priorities for DRRPs and
RERCs.

For DRRPs, the priorities are:

-   Priority 1\--National Data and Statistical Center for the Burn Model
    Systems.

Priority 2\--Burn Model Systems (BMS) Centers.

Priority 3\--Emergency Evacuation and Individuals with Disabilities.

Priority 4\--Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems (TBIMS) Centers.

For RERCs, the priorities are:

Priority 5\--RERC for Spinal Cord Injury.

Priority 6\--RERC for Recreational Technologies and Exercise Physiology
Benefiting Individuals with Disabilities.

Priority 7\--RERC for Relating Physiological Data and Functional
Performance.

Priority 8\--RERC for Accessible Medical Instrumentation.

> Priority 9\--RERC for Workplace Accommodations.

-   Priority 10\--RERC for Rehabilitation Robotics and Telemanipulation
    Systems.

-   Priority 11\--RERC for Emergency Management Technologies.

There are differences between the NPP and this notice of final
priorities (NFP). Specifically, we have made changes to Priority
3\--Inclusive Emergency Evacuation of Individuals with Disabilities,
including changing the title to "Emergency Evacuation and Individuals
with Disabilities," and Priority 4\--Traumatic Brain Injury Model
Systems (TBIMS) Centers. We also have changed the title of Priority 7
from \"RERC for Translating Physiological Data into Predictions for
Functional Performance\" to \"RERC for Relating Physiological Data and
Functional Performance.\"

# [Analysis of Comments and Changes]{.underline}

In response to our invitation in the NPP, 22 parties submitted comments
on the proposed priorities addressed in this NFP. An analysis of the
comments and the changes in the priorities since the publication of the
NPP follows. We discuss major issues according to general topic
questions and priorities.

Generally, we do not address technical and other minor changes, or
suggested changes the law does not authorize us to make under the
applicable statutory authority. In addition, we do not address general
comments that raised concerns not directly related to the proposed
priorities.

[Priorities 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11\--Rehabilitation Engineering
Research Centers (RERCs)]{.underline}

[Comment]{.underline}: One commenter stated that the RERC for
Recreational Technologies and Exercise Physiology Benefiting Individuals
with Disabilities priority should specifically address the needs of
people with sensory disabilities.

[Discussion]{.underline}: NIDRR agrees that the recreational and fitness
needs of individuals with sensory disabilities are important. Nothing in
this priority prohibits an applicant from proposing to address the needs
of individuals with sensory disabilities through its proposed project;
the peer review process will evaluate the merits of the proposal.
However, NIDRR does not believe that it would be appropriate to require
that all applicants address sensory disabilities through their proposed
projects.

[Changes]{.underline}: None.

[Comment]{.underline}: One commenter stated that the RERC for
Recreational Technologies and Exercise Physiology Benefiting Individuals
with Disabilities priority should specifically address exercise programs
for people with disabilities.

[Discussion]{.underline}: NIDRR agrees that the development of exercise
programs for individuals with disabilities may lead to better health
outcomes and increased access to and participation in physical fitness
activities. An applicant could propose to address exercise programs for
individuals with disabilities; the peer review process will evaluate the
merits of individual proposals. However, NIDRR does not believe that it
would be appropriate to require all applicants under this priority to
propose to address exercise programs for individuals with disabilities.

[Changes]{.underline}: None.

[Comment]{.underline}: One commenter stated that the RERC for
Translating Physiological Data into Predictions for Functional
Performance priority should address mobility aids (e.g., canes and guide
dogs) used by adults with low vision and blindness.

[Discussion]{.underline}: NIDRR agrees that research and demonstration
activities on mobility aids may help to improve ambulation and access by
people with low vision and blindness. An applicant could propose to
address mobility aids used by adults with low vision and blindness
through its proposed project and the peer review process will evaluate
the merits of the proposal. However, NIDRR does not believe that it
would be appropriate to require that all applicants address mobility
aids used by adults with low vision and blindness in their proposed
projects.

[Changes]{.underline}: None.

[Comment]{.underline}: One commenter stated that the RERC for
Translating Physiological Data into Predictions for Functional
Performance priority is too restrictive because it limits the
relationship between physiological measures and functional performance
to prediction only. This commenter expressed concern that the title of
the proposed priority contributes to this narrow focus.

[Discussion]{.underline}: NIDRR agrees with the commenter. Models and
methods for understanding the various relationships between
physiological data and functional performance are in need of
development. An applicant could propose to address other components of
the relationship between physiological measures and functional
performance; the peer review process will evaluate the merits of the
individual proposals. For the sake of clarity, NIDRR will change the
title of this priority.

[Changes]{.underline}: The title of this priority area has been changed
from \"RERC for Translating Physiological Data into Predictions for
Functional Performance\" to \"RERC for Relating Physiological Data and
Functional Performance.\"

[Comment]{.underline}: One commenter believes that the RERC for
Accessible Medical Instrumentation priority should focus on monitoring
devices used for self-care by people with disabilities and that the RERC
should be responsible for standards development for monitoring devices
used for self-care by people with disabilities.

[Discussion]{.underline}: NIDRR agrees that research and development in
the area of monitoring devices used for self-care by individuals with
disabilities is needed. An applicant could propose to address monitoring
devices used for self-care by individuals with disabilities; the peer
review process will evaluate the merits of the proposal. However, NIDRR
does not believe that it would be appropriate to require that all
applicants address monitoring devices used for self-care by individuals
with disabilities through their proposed projects. If an applicant
proposes to address monitoring devices used for self-care by individuals
with disabilities, it must remember that it will be required to provide
technical assistance to public and private organizations responsible for
developing policies, guidelines, and standards that affect this area of
research.

[Changes]{.underline}: None.

[Comment]{.underline}: One commenter stated that the RERC for Workplace
Accommodations priority should specifically recognize that the workplace
is a dynamic, ever-changing environment where effective accommodations
may change over time.

[Discussion]{.underline}: NIDRR agrees that the workplace is a dynamic
environment where accommodations at the individual level may not be
sufficient for the human-work environment system. As employee job
functions and responsibilities change, the employee and accommodations
must be able to adapt effectively. An applicant under this priority
could propose to address this aspect of workplace accommodations through
its proposed project; the peer review process will evaluate the merits
of individual proposals. However, NIDRR does not believe that it would
be appropriate to require all applicants to address this aspect of
workplace accommodations in their proposals.

[Changes]{.underline}: None.

[Comment]{.underline}: One commenter stated that the RERC for Workplace
Accommodations priority should specifically address individuals with
environmental illness and that it should require the study of the impact
of personal assistance services on employment barriers.

[Discussion]{.underline}: Nothing in the RERC for Workplace
Accommodations priority prohibits an applicant from proposing to address
environmental illness in the workplace or to study the impact of
personal assistance services on employment barriers; the peer review
process will evaluate the merits of individual proposals received under
this priority. NIDRR does not believe that it would be appropriate to
require that all applicants propose to address environmental illness or
to study the impact of personal assistance services on employment
barriers.

[Changes]{.underline}: None.

[Comment]{.underline}: One commenter stated that the RERC for
Rehabilitation Robotics and Telemanipulation Systems priority should be
expanded to include robotic aids for mobility, education, and
manipulation.

[Discussion]{.underline}: Nothing in this priority prohibits an
applicant from proposing to investigate intelligent mobility aids. NIDRR
does not believe, however, that it would be appropriate to require all
applicants to investigate intelligent mobility aids under this priority.
The peer review process will evaluate the merits of individual
proposals.

[Changes]{.underline}: None.

[Comment]{.underline}: One commenter stated that the RERC for Emergency
Management Technologies priority should address specifically the
inter-operability of communications platforms, and digital emergency
alert systems, and that it should involve the Federal, State, and local
emergency management communities.

[Discussion]{.underline}: NIDRR recognizes that compatible
communications, digital emergency alert systems, and the involvement of
the Federal, State, and local emergency management communities are
critical to effective emergency management communications. That said,
NIDRR does not believe that it would be appropriate to require all
applicants under this priority to address inter-operability issues or
digital alert systems, or to involve Federal, State, and local emergency
management communities through their proposed projects. Nothing
prohibits an applicant from proposing to address compatible
communications, or digital emergency alert systems, or to involve the
Federal, State, and local emergency management communities; the peer
review process will evaluate the merits of individual proposals.

[Changes]{.underline}: None.

[Note]{.underline}: This notice does [not]{.underline} solicit
applications. In any year in which we choose to use one or more of these
priorities, we invite applications through a notice in the [Federal
Register]{.underline}. When inviting applications we designate each
priority as absolute, competitive preference, or invitational. The
effect of each type of priority follows:

[Absolute priority]{.underline}: Under an absolute priority, we consider
only applications that meet the priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(3)).

[Competitive preference priority]{.underline}: Under a competitive
preference priority, we give competitive preference to an application by
either (1) awarding additional points, depending on how well or the
extent to which the application meets the competitive preference
priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i)); or (2) selecting an application that
meets the competitive preference priority over an application of
comparable merit that does not meet the priority (34 CFR
75.105(c)(2)(ii)).

[Invitational priority]{.underline}: Under an invitational priority, we
are particularly interested in applications that meet the invitational
priority. However, we do not give an application that meets the
invitational priority a competitive or absolute preference over other
applications (34 CFR 75.105(c)(1)).

[Note]{.underline}: This NFP is in concert with President George W.
Bush's New Freedom Initiative (NFI) and NIDRR's Final Long-Range Plan
for FY 2005-2009 (Plan). The NFI can be accessed on the Internet at the
following site:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/newfreedom

The Plan, which was published in the [Federal Register]{.underline} on
February 15, 2006 (71 FR 8165), can be accessed on the Internet at the
following site:
http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/nidrr/policy.html.

Through the implementation of the NFI and the Plan, NIDRR seeks to: (1)
improve the quality and utility of disability and rehabilitation
research; (2) foster an exchange of expertise, information, and training
to facilitate the advancement of knowledge and understanding of the
unique needs of traditionally underserved populations; (3) determine
best strategies and programs to improve rehabilitation outcomes for
underserved populations; (4) identify research gaps; (5) identify
mechanisms of integrating research and practice; and (6) disseminate
findings.

[PRIORITIES]{.underline}:

Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers Program

[General Requirements of Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers
(RERCs)]{.underline}

RERCs carry out research or demonstration activities in support of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, by\--

-   Developing and disseminating innovative methods of applying advanced
    technology, scientific achievement, and psychological and social
    knowledge to: (a) solve rehabilitation problems and remove
    environmental barriers; and (b) study and evaluate new or emerging
    technologies, products, or environments and their effectiveness and
    benefits; or

-   Demonstrating and disseminating: (a) innovative models for the
    delivery of cost-effective rehabilitation technology services to
    rural and urban areas; and (b) other scientific research to assist
    in meeting the employment and independent living needs of
    individuals with severe disabilities; and

-   Facilitating service delivery systems change through: (a) the
    development, evaluation, and dissemination of consumer-responsive
    and individual and family-centered innovative models for the
    delivery to both rural and urban areas of innovative cost-effective
    rehabilitation technology services; and (b) other scientific
    research to assist in meeting the employment and independence needs
    of individuals with severe disabilities.

Each RERC must be operated by or in collaboration with one or more
institutions of higher education or one or more nonprofit organizations.

Each RERC must provide training opportunities, in conjunction with
institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations, to assist
individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to become
rehabilitation technology researchers and practitioners.

Additional information on the RERC program can be found at:

<http://www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/index.html>

[Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERCs) for Spinal Cord
Injury, Recreational Technologies and Exercise Physiology Benefiting
Individuals with Disabilities, Relating Physiological Data and
Functional Performance, Accessible Medical Instrumentation, Workplace
Accommodations, Rehabilitation Robotics and Telemanipulation Systems,
and Emergency Management Technologies]{.underline}

Priorities:

The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services establishes seven priorities for the establishment of (a) an
RERC for Spinal Cord Injury, (b) an RERC for Recreational Technologies
and Exercise Physiology Benefiting Individuals with Disabilities, (c) an
RERC for Relating Physiological Data and Functional Performance, (d) an
RERC for Accessible Medical Instrumentation, (e) an RERC for Workplace
Accommodations, (f) an RERC for Rehabilitation Robotics and
Telemanipulation Systems, and (g) an RERC for Emergency Management
Technologies. Within its designated priority research area, each RERC
will focus on innovative technological solutions, new knowledge, and
concepts that will improve the lives of persons with disabilities.

\(a\) [RERC for Spinal Cord Injury]{.underline}.

Under this priority, the RERC must research, develop and evaluate
innovative technologies and approaches that will improve the treatment,
rehabilitation, employment, and reintegration into society of persons
with spinal cord injury. This RERC must work collaboratively with the
NIDRR-funded Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems Centers program;

\(b\) [RERC for Recreational Technologies and Exercise Physiology
Benefiting Individuals with Disabilities]{.underline}.

Under this priority, the RERC must research, develop, and evaluate
innovative technologies and strategies that will enhance recreational
opportunities for individuals with disabilities and develop methods to
enhance the physical performance of individuals with disabilities.

\(c\) [RERC for Relating Physiological Data and Functional
Performance]{.underline}.

Under this priority, the RERC must determine the physiological
measurement tools that are available in a specific sub-specialty of
rehabilitation. A sub-specialty may be based on underlying disabling
condition (e.g., spinal cord injury, and Parkinson's disease), or on
specific sequelae that may be common to a wide variety of disabling
conditions (e.g., pain, spasticity). The RERC must then develop and
evaluate models and methods for determining the relationships between
basic physiological measurements and functional performance. These
models and methods must take the characteristics of individuals and
their environments into consideration when attempting to delineate these
relationships, so that the results of this research are relevant to
clinical practice and the real-world experiences of individuals with
disabilities.

\(d\) [RERC for Accessible Medical Instrumentation]{.underline}.

Under this priority, the RERC must research, develop, and evaluate
innovative methods and technologies to increase the usability and
accessibility of diagnostic, therapeutic, and procedural healthcare
equipment (e.g., equipment used during medical examinations, and
treatment) for individuals with disabilities. This includes developing
methods and technologies that are useable and accessible for patients
and health care providers with disabilities.

\(e\) [RERC for Workplace Accommodations]{.underline}.

Under this priority, the RERC must research, develop, and evaluate
innovative technologies and implementation plans, devices, and systems
to enhance the productivity of individuals with disabilities in the
workplace. This RERC must emphasize the application of universal design
concepts to improve the accessibility of the workplace and workplace
tools for all workers.

\(f\) [RERC for Rehabilitation Robotics and Telemanipulation
Systems]{.underline}.

Under this priority, the RERC must research, develop, and evaluate
human-scale robots and telemanipulation systems that will provide or
perform rehabilitation therapies and address the unique needs of
individuals with disabilities.

\(g\) [RERC for Emergency Management Technologies]{.underline}.

Under this priority, the RERC must research, develop, and evaluate
existing and innovative emergency management technologies to enhance
emergency outcomes for individuals with disabilities. Areas of focus
within this priority research area may include but are not limited to
communications, transportation, evacuation, and other areas related to
emergency preparedness, response, and recovery. In addition, this RERC
must provide input and expertise into the development of standards to
improve emergency management for individuals with disabilities. This
RERC must work collaboratively with the NIDRR-funded Disability and
Rehabilitation Research Project: Emergency Evacuation and Individuals
with Disabilities.

Under each priority, the RERC must be designed to contribute to the
following programmatic outcomes:

(1) Increased technical and scientific knowledge-base relevant to its
    designated priority research area. The RERC must contribute to this
    outcome by conducting high-quality, rigorous research and
    development projects.

(2) Innovative technologies, products, environments, performance
    guidelines, and monitoring and assessment tools as applicable to its
    designated priority research area. The RERC must contribute to this
    outcome by developing and testing these innovations.

(3) Improved research capacity in its designated priority research area.
    The RERC must contribute to this outcome by collaborating with the
    relevant industry, professional associations, and institutions of
    higher education.

(4) Improved focus on cutting edge developments in technologies within
    its designated priority research area. The RERC must contribute to
    this outcome by identifying and communicating with NIDRR and the
    field regarding trends and evolving product concepts related to its
    designated priority research area.

(5) Increased impact of research in the designated priority research
    area. The RERC must contribute to this outcome by providing
    technical assistance to public and private organizations,
    individuals with disabilities, and employers on policies,
    guidelines, and standards related to its designated priority
    research area.

In addition, under each priority, the RERC must\--

-   Have the capability to design, build, and test prototype devices and
    assist in the transfer of successful solutions to relevant
    production and service delivery settings;

-   Evaluate the efficacy and safety of its new products,
    instrumentation, or assistive devices;

-   Provide as part of its proposal and then implement a plan that
    describes how it will include, as appropriate, individuals with
    disabilities or their representatives in all phases of its
    activities, including research, development, training,
    dissemination, and evaluation;

-   Provide as part of its proposal and then implement, in consultation
    with the NIDRR-funded National Center for the Dissemination of
    Disability Research (NCDDR), a plan to disseminate its research
    results to individuals with disabilities, their representatives,
    disability organizations, service providers, professional journals,
    manufacturers, and other interested parties;

-   Develop and implement in the first year of the project period, in
    consultation with the NIDRR-funded RERC on Technology Transfer, a
    plan for ensuring that all new and improved technologies developed
    by the RERC are successfully transferred to the marketplace;

-   Conduct a state-of-the-science conference on its designated priority
    research area in the fourth year of the project period and publish a
    comprehensive report on the final outcomes of the conference in the
    fifth year of the project period; and

-   Coordinate research projects of mutual interest with relevant
    NIDRR-funded projects, as identified through consultation with the
    NIDRR project officer.

# [Executive Order 12866]{.underline}

This NFP has been reviewed in accordance with Executive Order 12866.
Under the terms of the order, we have assessed the potential costs and
benefits of this regulatory action.

The potential costs associated with this NFP are those resulting from
statutory requirements and those we have determined as necessary for
administering this program effectively and efficiently.

In assessing the potential costs and benefits \-- both quantitative and
qualitative \-- of this NFP, we have determined that the benefits of the
final priorities justify the costs.

[Summary of potential costs and benefits]{.underline}:

The benefits of the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and
Centers Programs have been well established over the years in that
similar projects have been completed successfully. These final
priorities will generate new knowledge and technologies through
research, development, dissemination, utilization, and technical
assistance projects.

Another benefit of these final priorities is that the establishment of
new DRRPs and new RERCs will support the President's NFI and will
improve the lives of persons with disabilities. The new DRRPs and RERCs
will generate, disseminate, and promote the use of new information that
will improve the options for individuals with disabilities to perform
regular activities in the community.

[Applicable Program Regulations]{.underline}: 34 CFR part 350.

[Electronic Access to This Document]{.underline}

You may view this document, as well as all other Department of Education
documents published in the [Federal]{.underline}

[Register]{.underline}, in text or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF)
on the Internet at the following site:

www.ed.gov/news/fedregister

To use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free
at this site. If you have questions about using 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]{.underline}: The official version of this document is the
document published in the [Federal Register]{.underline}. Free Internet
access to the official edition of the [Federal Register]{.underline} and
the Code of Federal Regulations is available on GPO Access at:

www.gpoaccess.gov/nara/index.html

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers 84.133A Disability
Rehabilitation Research Projects and 84.133E Rehabilitation Engineering
Research Centers Program)

[PROGRAM AUTHORITY]{.underline}: 29 U.S.C. 762(g), 764(a), 764(b)(2),
and 764(b)(3).

Dated: February 14, 2007

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

John H. Hager,

[Assistant Secretary for]{.underline}

> [Special Education and]{.underline}
>
> [Rehabilitative Services]{.underline}.

-   

**SECTION**

**D**

**BACKGROUND STATEMENT**

#  [133E-8 --- Rehabilitation Robotics and Telemanipulation Systems]{.underline}

# 

# Priority Background Statement

Individuals with disabilities regularly use products developed through
rehabilitation and biomedical research to achieve and maintain maximum
physical function, live independently, study and learn, and attain
gainful employment. The range of engineering research encompasses not
only assistive technology but also technology at the systems level
(e.g., the built environment, information and communication
technologies, and transportation) and technology that interfaces between
individuals and systems and is basic to community integration.

The NIDRR RERC program has been a major force in the development of
technology to enhance independent function for individuals with
disabilities. The RERCs are recognized as national centers of excellence
in their respective areas and collectively represent the largest
federally supported program responsible for advancing rehabilitation
engineering research. For example, the RERC program was an early pioneer
in the development of augmentative communication and has been at the
forefront of prosthetics and orthotics research for both children and
adults. RERCs have played a major role in the development of voluntary
standards that the medical equipment and technology industries use when
developing wheelchairs, wheelchair restraint systems, information
technologies, and the World Wide Web. RERCs also have been a driving
force in the development of universal design principles that can be
applied to the built environment, information technology, and consumer
products.

Advancements in basic biomedical science and technology have resulted in
new opportunities to further enhance the lives of individuals with
disabilities. Specifically, recent advances in biomaterials research,
composite technologies, information and telecommunication technologies,
nanotechnologies, micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS), sensor
technologies, and the neurosciences provide a wealth of opportunities
for individuals with disabilities and could be incorporated into
research focused on disability and rehabilitation.

Through the following proposed priorities, NIDRR intends to fund RERCs
that advance rehabilitation engineering in the following research areas:
Spinal Cord Injury, Recreational Technologies and Exercise Physiology
Benefiting People with Disabilities, Translating Physiological Data into
Predictions for Functional Performance, Accessible Medical
Instrumentation, Workplace Accommodations, Rehabilitation Robotics and
Telemanipulation Systems, and Emergency Management Technologies.

[Priority 10\--RERC for Rehabilitation Robotics and Telemanipulation
Systems]{.underline}

Rehabilitation of physical impairment is labor intensive, often relying
on one-on-one interactions and hands-on manipulations by physicians and
therapists. Technologies are now available to help replicate these
therapeutic manipulations so that individuals can practice therapy on
their own in a clinic or possibly at home. Several studies suggest that
appropriately designed robotic rehabilitation therapy may be used for
the assessment and treatment of motor impairments (Lum, Burgar, Shor,
Majmundar, & Van der Loos, 2002; Reinkensmeyer, Hogan, Krebs, Lehman, &
Lum, 2000; Riener, Lunenburger, Jezernik, Anderschitz, Colombo, & Dietz,
2005).

By replicating therapy techniques that normally require one-on-one
contact with clinicians, robotic manipulators could increase access to
therapy, increase time spent in therapy, potentially reduce the cost of
therapy, and possibly achieve better outcomes than traditional
rehabilitation therapies. Accordingly, NIDRR seeks to fund an RERC that
evaluates the efficacy of rehabilitation robotic therapies and
researches and develops innovative technologies and techniques to
improve the current state of the science and usability of rehabilitation
robotic therapies for individuals with disabilities.

[References]{.underline}:

Lum, P.S., Burgar, C.G., Shor, P.C., Majmundar, M., and Van der Loos,
H.F.M. (2002). Robot-Assisted Movement Training Compared with
Conventional Therapy Techniques for the Rehabilitation of Upper Limb
Motor Function Following Stroke. Archives of Physical Medicine and
Rehabilitation, Jul.; 83(7): 952-9.

Reinkensmeyer, D., Hogan, N., Krebs, H., Lehman, S., and Lum, P. (2000).
Rehabilitators, Robots, and Guides: New Tools for Neurological
Rehabilitation: In Biomechanics and Neural Control of Posture and
Movement, J. Winters and P. Crago, Eds., 2 ed: Springer-Verlag, 2000,
516-533.

Riener, R., Lunenburger, L., Jezernik, S., Anderschitz, M., Colombo, G.,
Dietz, V. (2005). Patient-Cooperative Strategies for Robot-Aided
Treadmill Training: First Experimental Results. IEEE Transactions on
Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering, Sep.; 13(3): 380-94.

**SECTION**

**E**

**SECTION CRITERIA**

**[SELECTION CRITERIA]{.underline}**

We use the following selection criteria to evaluate applications under
this program. The maximum score for all of these criteria is 100 points.
The maximum score for each criterion is indicated in parentheses.

**(a) [Importance of the problem]{.underline} (6 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]{.underline} (25 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 quality of research activities, the Secretary
considers 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;

\(B\) Each research hypothesis is theoretically sound and based on
current knowledge;

\(C\) Each sample population is appropriate and of sufficient size;

\(D\) The data collection and measurement techniques are appropriate and
likely to be effective; and

\(E\) The data analysis methods are appropriate.

######### E-1 

**(c) [Design of development activities]{.underline} (25 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.

\(2\) In determining the quality of development activities, the
Secretary considers 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;

\(B\) The proposed development is based on a sound conceptual model that
demonstrates an awareness of the state-of-the-art in technology;

\(C\) The new device or technique will be developed and tested in an
appropriate environment;

\(D\) The new device or technique is likely to be cost-effective and
useful;

\(E\) The new device or technique has the potential for commercial or
private manufacture, marketing, and distribution of the product; and

\(F\) The proposed development efforts include adequate quality controls
and, as appropriate, repeated testing of products.

**(d) [Design of training activities]{.underline} (6 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 quality of training activities, the Secretary
considers 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, are likely to
develop highly qualified researchers. E-2

**(e) [Design of dissemination activities]{.underline} (6 points
total).**

\(1\) The Secretary considers the extent to which the design of
dissemination activities is likely to be effective in accomplishing the
objectives of the project.

\(2\) In determining the quality of dissemination activities, the
Secretary considers 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.

**(f) [Plan of operation (6 points total)]{.underline}.**

\(1\) The Secretary considers the quality of the plan of operation.

\(2\) In determining the quality of the plan of operation, the Secretary
considers the 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.

**(g) [Adequacy and reasonableness of the budget]{.underline} (5 points
total).**

\(1\) 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 extent to which the budget for the
project, including any subcontracts, is adequately justified to support
the proposed project activities.

**(h) [Plan of evaluation]{.underline} (8 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.

######### E-3 

**(i) [Project staff]{.underline} (8 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.

\(3\) In addition, the Secretary considers the following factors:

\(i\) The extent to which the key personnel and other key staff have
appropriate training and experience in disciplines required to conduct
all proposed activities;

\(ii\) The extent to which the commitment of staff time is adequate to
accomplish all the proposed activities of the project.

**(j) [Adequacy and accessibility of resources]{.underline} (5 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;

\(ii\) 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.

**SECTION**

**F**

**PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECTS**

**[Protection of Human Subjects]{.underline}**

Research activities involving human subjects supported by awards under
these programs are subject to Department of Education Regulations for
the Protection of Human Subjects.

If you are applying on Grants.gov there is a separate place to include
exempt and non-exempt narratives.

Applicants answering \"Yes\" to item 3 on form ED Supplemental to the SF
424 on Grants.gov or item 13 on form ED 424 whose research activities
are nonexempt must complete the seven-point narrative on protection of
human subjects. Additionally, seven point narratives are required for
each participating partner if research is being conducted at other
sites.

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, D.C.,
telephone: (202) 245-6154 and on the Protection of Human Subjects in
research Web Site at:

http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocfo/humansub.html

**SECTION**

**G**

**APPLICATION FORMAT**

**[APPLICATION FORMAT]{.underline}**

[Applications for an award must be postmarked or hand delivered by the
closing date of ***Monday, April 16, 2007.***]{.underline}

It is recommended that your electronic (Grants.gov) or paper application
be organized in the following manner and include the following:

Note: In Grants.gov the forms will appear in the order that they are
built in the template- so they won't be the exact order below and the
applicant won't be able to change the order.

#### 1. Application for Federal Education Assistance (Form ED 424-paper submission or SF 424 -electronic submission) 

-   This application cover sheet requires basic identifying information
    about the applicant and the application.

-   Applicants should clearly indicate, in block #4 (ED 424) of this
    form, the CFDA number of the program (84.133E-8). If this
    information is not provided, your application may be assigned and
    reviewed under a different program. Grants.gov will pre-populate
    block 11 of the SF 424.

#### 2. Table of Contents

-   The Table of Contents shows where and how the important sections of
    your proposal are organized.

-   While the application will be submitted electronically, the
    reviewers will use printed copies during the review process. The
    Table of Contents will assist them in more efficiently and
    effectively evaluating your application.

-   If applying through Grants.gov use the Project Narrative Attachments
    form to attach your Table of Contents.

#### Project Abstract 

-   The ONE-PAGE abstract should be a comprehensive description of what
    the whole (all years) project is, not a description of the
    competency of the institution or project director. It is not an
    executive summary. It can be single or double-spaced.

-   If applying through Grants.gov use the ED Abstract form to attach
    your abstract.

> [Cost Share or Matching:]{.underline} You are not required to provide
> third party cost share or matching for this program. However, you may
> include more than 1% but "up to 1%" represents the requirement. Please
> include this information on the ED Form 524, Section B -- Budget
> Summary, Non-Federal Funds.

#### 

#### 4. Budget Narrative

-   This part requires an itemized budget breakdown for the project year
    and the basis for estimating the costs of personnel salaries,
    benefits, project staff travel, materials and supplies, consultants
    and subcontracts, indirect costs and any other projected
    expenditures.

-   Address Cost Share or Matching in a separate budget narrative
    labeled "Cost Share or Matching". Please provide an itemized budget
    breakdown for each project year.

-   Descriptions of purchases may be included but is not required.

#### If applying through Grants.gov use the Budget Narrative Attachment form to attach your detailed budget narrative/justification.

#### 

> [Name]{.underline}: Enter the Name of the applicant organization(s) or
> institution(s) in the space provided.
>
> [Personnel (Line 1):]{.underline} Enter project personnel salaries and
> wages only. Include fees and expenses for consultants on line 6.
>
> [Fringe Benefits (Line 2):]{.underline} The institution's normal
> fringe benefits contribution may be charged to the program. Leave this
> line blank if fringe benefits applicable to direct salaries and wages
> are treated as part of the indirect cost.
>
> [Travel (Line 3):]{.underline} Indicate the travel costs of employees
> and participants only. Include travel of persons such as consultants
> and trainees on line 6.
>
> [Equipment (Line 4):]{.underline} Indicate the cost of tangible,
> non-expendable personal property that has a usefulness greater than
> one year and acquisition costs that are the lesser of the
> capitalization level established by the applicant entity for financial
> statement purposes or \$5,000 per article. Lower limits may be
> established to maintain consistency with the applicant's policy.
>
> [Supplies (line 5):]{.underline} Show all tangible personal property
> except that on line 4.
>
> [Contractual (line 6):]{.underline} The contractual category should
> include all costs specifically incurred with actions that the
> applicant takes in conjunction with an established internal
> procurement system. Include consultant fees, expenses, and travel
> costs in this category if the consultant's services are obtained
> through a written binding agreement or contract.
>
> [Construction (line 7):]{.underline} Not applicable.
>
> [Other (line 8):]{.underline} Indicate all direct costs not covered on
> lines 1-6. For example, include costs such as space rental, required
> fees, honoraria and travel (where a contract in not in place for
> services), stipends, training, and communication and printing costs.
>
> [Total Direct Costs (line 9):]{.underline} The sum of lines 1-8.
>
> [Indirect Costs (line 10):]{.underline} There is no restricted
> indirect cost rate for this program. You should use your federal
> negotiated indirect cost rate.
>
> [Training Stipends (line 11):]{.underline} There are three types of
> projects that might included budget requests for stipends, tuition
> allowance, or other types of similar charges to support the objectives
> of the project:

-   Fellowship or Scholarship Programs

-   Educational Training Projects

-   Projects where students receive tuition remission or other forms of
    compensation, as, or in lieu of wages.

#### Total Cost (line 12): This should equal to sum of lines 9-11 (total direct costs + indirect + stipends). The sum for column one, labeled *Project Year 1* (a), should also be equal to item 13a on the application cover sheet (ED Form 424).

#### 

#### 5. Budget Narrative

-   This part requires an itemized budget breakdown for the project year
    and the basis for estimating the costs of personnel salaries,
    benefits, project staff travel, materials and supplies, consultants
    and subcontracts, indirect costs and any other projected
    expenditures.

-   Address Cost Share or Matching in a separate budget narrative
    labeled "Cost Share or Matching". Please provide an itemized budget
    breakdown for each project year.

-   Descriptions of purchases may be included but is not required.

#### If applying through Grants.gov use the Budget Narrative Attachment form to attach your detailed budget narrative/justification.

#### 

#### 6. Application Narrative 

-   The application narrative responds to the selection criteria found
    in Section F of this application package. The reviewers will use
    this section to evaluate your application.

-   If applying through Grants.gov use the Project Narrative Attachment
    form to attach your narrative.

Each applicant is encouraged to limit the application narrative to the
equivalent of no more than 125 pages and adhere to the following
guidelines:

-   A "page" is 8.5\" x 11\", on one side only, with 1\" margins at the
    top, bottom, and both sides. Double-space (no more than three lines
    per vertical inch) all text in the application narrative. Single
    space may be used for Titles, headings, footnotes, quotations,
    references, and captions, as well as all text in charts, tables,
    figures, and graphs.

-   Use a font that is either 12-point or larger or no smaller than
    10-pitch (characters per inch).

The recommended page limit does not apply to the cover sheet; the budget
section, including the narrative budget justification; the assurances
and certifications; or the one page abstract, the resumes, the
bibliography, or the letters of support.

#### 7. Vitae/Bibliography/Letters of Support

-   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 all
    years should be included.

-   If applying through Grants.gov use the Other Narrative Attachment
    form to attach your vitaes.

-   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.

> **[8 Assurances, Certifications, Disclosures]{.underline}**

-   Assurances - Non-Construction Programs; Certifications Regarding
    Lobbying; or Grants.gov Lobbying form

**SECTION**

**H**

**FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS**

**POINTS TO REMEMBER IN APPLICATION PREPARATION**

**DUNS NUMBER INSTRUCTIONS**

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1.  CAN I GET AN EXTENSION OF THE DUE DATE?

In the case of most competitions the answer is 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]{.underline}, this extension applies to all
applications for a given competition. There are no extensions or
exceptions to the due date made for individual applicants. Additionally,
there are provisions for extension for Grants.gov, per the guidance
included in the application package.

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 all other forms identified in this
package. Vitae of staff or consultants should include the individual\'s
title and role in the proposed projects, and other information that is
specifically pertinent to this proposed project. The budgets for all
years, including a detailed budget narrative, should be included. The
133F (Research Fellowship) is the exemption to the required budget. If
collaboration with another organization or individual is involved in any
proposed activity, the application should include assurances of
participation by the other parties, including written agreements or
letters 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 to organize the application to follow
the selection criteria that will be used. The project narrative should
address the specific selection criteria for the competition. The
specific review criteria vary according to the specific programs and are
contained in this application package. Additionally, applicants should
provide clearly stated hypotheses, goals, objectives, expected outcomes,
and public benefit of the research or development project. The
application should be organized to provide a thorough description of the
methods and target population(s) and supported by evidence of need for
the project, as identified in the relevant literature; citations are
useful and may strengthen the proposal. Specific information on the
format can be found in the application format section of this
application package.

4\. ARE THERE PAGE LIMITS TO MY APPLICATION?

NIDRR has two competitions with mandatory page limitations, Research
Fellowships (133F) and Small Business Innovative Research (133S). All
other competitions will suggest page limitations for the narrative
sections of the proposal. The application narrative is where you, the
applicant, address the selection criteria that reviewers use to evaluate
your application. The Notice Inviting Applications will describe the
mandatory or suggested limitations, such as page size, spacing, and font
size. The suggested page limit does not apply to the cover sheet; the
human subjects narrative; the budget narrative; the assurances and
certifications; or the one-page abstract, the resumes, the bibliography,
or the letters of support. However, you must include all pertinent
information in the application narrative.

5\. MAY I SUBMIT APPLICATIONS TO MORE THAN ONE OPEN NIDRR PROGRAM
COMPETITIONS AT A TIME OR MORE THAN ONE APPLICATION TO A PARTICULAR
PROGRAM COMPETITION?

Yes. You may submit more than one application in any given competition.
You may submit to as many open competitions, which an application is
responsive to the program requirements. However, each competition is
unique and the selection criteria will vary from one competition to
another. It is import that each separate application include the
required materials for that particular competition.

6\. DO I NEED AN ABSTRACT AND WHAT SHOULD IT INCLUDE?

Yes. The abstract is used by both the peer reviewers and the program
staff in the review and processing of the application. The ONE-PAGE
abstract should be a comprehensive description of the project (all
years), not a description of the competency of the institution or
project director. It is not an executive summary. It can be single or
double-spaced. If applying through Grants.gov, use the ED Abstract form
to attach your abstract.

7\. WHAT IS THE ALLOWABLE INDIRECT COST RATE?

The limits on indirect costs vary according to the program. NIDRR
currently has two programs with a restricted indirect cost rate. An
applicant for a Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (133B)
program may not collect more than 15% of the total grant award as
indirect cost charges. An applicant for Advanced Rehabilitation Research
Training project (133P) is limited to a training grant indirect rate of
8%, less tuition, stipend, and fees. For all other programs, Disability
Rehabilitation Research Projects (133A), Rehabilitation Engineering
Research Centers (133E), Field Initiated projects (133G) and Small
Business Innovative Research (133S), applicants must have a current
indirect cost rate agreement to charge indirect costs. The maximum
amount of the award includes both direct and indirect costs. The
Department's Indirect Cost office has more information on indirect cost
rates.

8\. CAN PROFIT MAKING BUSINESSES APPLY FOR GRANTS?

Yes; however, for-profit organizations will not be able to collect a fee
or profit on the grant. It varies by program.

9\. CAN INDIVIDUALS APPLY FOR GRANTS?

Individuals are not eligible to apply for most grant competitions under
NIDRR programs (133A, B, E, G, P, or S). The one exception is the
Research Fellowship program (84.133F), which is available only to
individuals.

10\. CAN NIDRR STAFF ADVISE ME WHETHER MY PROJECT IS OF INTEREST TO
NIDRR OR LIKELY TO BE FUNDED?

No. NIDRR staff can only 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.

11\. HOW DO I ENSURE THAT MY APPLICATION WILL BE REVIEWED UNDER THE
CORRECT COMPETITION?

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
include a project title that describes the project, based on the
competition. If reapplying for the Field Initiated (133G), you should
identify if the application is a resubmittal from a previous fiscal
year.

12\. 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
six to seven months of the closing date. Unsuccessful applicants
generally will be notified within that time frame as well. 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. This information is
**not** posted on the NIDRR homepage or the Grants.gov website.

13\. WHAT START DATE SHOULD I USE ON MY APPLICATION?

For the purpose of estimating a project start date, the applicant should
estimate approximately six to seven months from the closing date,
preferably October 1, but no later than December 1. You must have a
start date that allows you to complete an Annual Performance Report
(APR) by May 31^st^ with six month of activities to report on.

14\. 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.

15\. WILL ALL APPROVED APPLICATIONS BE FUNDED?

No. Peer review panels can result in more applications being determined
to be worthy of consideration for funding than available resources
allow.. Unsuccessful applicants are encouraged to consider resubmitting
applications in future competitions. Funded applications will be
notified in the manner described in #12.

16. HOW DOES THE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS IN SUBSEQUENT YEARS IMPACT ON MY
    APPLICATION?

Successful applicants with multi-year grants must submit an Annual
Performance Report (APR) demonstrating and documenting their progress in
meeting approved project objectives and their success in addressing the
performance measures outlined in the Notice Inviting Applications.
Grantees must also provide the most current financial and performance
measure data for each year of the project. Grantees will also be
required to submit a final performance report, 90 days after the end of
the project period. For NIDRR, the APR is submitted electronically via a
web-based system. This system is maintained by a contractor and grantees
are notified after receiving an award with the appropriate URL and
personal password to access the system. The contractor will also send a
letter to the grantee informing them when and how to submit their APR.
The Department will use the applicant's performance data for program
management and administration, in such areas as determining new and
continuation funding and planning technical assistance. Grantees will
participate fully in any evaluation of the NIDRR program carried out by
the Department of Education.

17. DO I HAVE TO INCLUDE COST SHARE/MATCHING IN MY APPLICATION?

NIDRR has cost share/matching requirements on two of its programs, the
Disability Rehabilitation Research Projects (133A) and the Field
Initiated program (133G). This information should be reflected on the ED
524 form in the Section B -- Budget Summary Non-Federal Funds and in the
budget narrative for each year. An amount of up to 1% of the total
yearly budget amount is requested; however, you may include more than
1%. If the cost share amount is changed for a competition, it will be
announced in the Notice Inviting Applications. For more information, see
EDGAR 74.23 and 84.24.

18. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO ABOUT HUMAN SUBJECTS PROTECTION IN MY RESEARCH?

If you are planning research involving human subjects at any time during
the project period, you check "Yes" in the Human Subjects section of the
424 form. If you checked "Yes," you need to indicate whether the
research is exempt or not exempt from the protection of human subjects
requirements of EDGAR part 97 and if you have an IRB number. You will
need to fill out the human subjects narrative for each site where the
research is being conducted. The program and the Department's human
subjects staff review the applicant's response against the application
itself to determine its accuracy. They contact you for additional
information or clarification, if needed. More information can be found
in the instructions for the SF 424 form and in this application package
in the Human Subjects section.

19. SHOULD I SUBMIT MY APPLICATION VIA GRANTS.GOV?

The Federal Government is moving towards mandatory electronic submission
for it's grant applications. The Notice Inviting Applications (NIA)
provides information on how to submit via Grants.gov and the application
package includes helpful tips. The NIA will also identify if paper
submission is allowed. If you do submit by paper, include a disk copy of
your application. **We strongly suggest**: (1) Read the Grants.gov
instructions carefully; (2) Check with your organization or institution
if they are already registered in Grants.gov; if not, **do not wait** to
set up your account because it can take five or more days to register;
(3) Review the form sections before sending the application to ensure
that all information has been uploaded correctly and completely; and (4)
Submit early; electronic applications must be uploaded on Grants.gov by
4:30 pm, Washington, D.C. time on the closing date and processed by
Grants.gov successfully. Please allow several hours or a full day for
this process; if there is a submission error, time will be needed to
correct the error and resubmit to meet the deadline. Applications
received/logged in after 4:30 pm (Washington, DC time) will not be
reviewed.

**POINTS TO REMEMBER IN APPLICATION PREPARATION**

## **RELEVANT TO PROGRAM**

> 1\. [CFDA Number]{.underline}: In the title block on the 424 form,
> please note the appropriate CFDA 84.133E. For electronic submissions,
> you must download the correct application package from Grants.gov,
> Funding Opportunity number **ED-GRANTS- 021407-010 (RERC on
> Robotics).**
>
> 2\. [Indirect Cost]{.underline}: There is no restricted indirect cost
> rate for the 133E program. You should use your federal negotiated
> indirect cost rate. Indirect cost office:
> <http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocfo/fipao/icgindex.html>
>
> 3\. [Application Narrative]{.underline} - Organize your narrative in
> accordance with the selection criteria in Section F of this package.
> Address all criteria. Include a table of contents in your application
> in order to highlight where the application narrative can be found in
> the application. If applying through Grants.gov use the Project
> Narrative form to attach your narrative. We recommend that you limit
> the application narrative to the equivalent of no more than 125 pages,
> using the following standards: A "page" is 8.5\" x 11\", on one side
> only, with 1\" margins at the top, bottom, and both sides.
> Double-space (no more than three lines per vertical inch) all text in
> the application narrative. Single space may be used for Titles,
> headings, footnotes, quotations, references, and captions, as well as
> all text in charts, tables, figures, and graphs. Use a font that is
> either 12-point or larger or no smaller than 10-pitch (characters per
> inch).

# Closing Date/Transmittal of Application

> 4\. Applications must be [postmarked]{.underline} by the closing date
> of ***Monday, April 16, 2007*, if submitting in paper**. Follow the
> transmittal instructions for submitting in paper or electronically
> found in Section J. Please include an electronic copy (disk) with your
> application.
>
> 5\. Electronic copies must be uploaded on Grants.gov by 4:30 pm,
> Washington DC time on the closing date and then processed by
> Grants.gov successfully. Please allow several hours or a full day for
> this process, if there is a submission error time will be needed to
> correct the error and resubmit to meet the deadline. For additional
> information on electronic submission procedures, see the section J. A
> copy of your application should not be emailed directly to the
> Department. Must submit it electronically via Grants.gov

**Forms**

[ED 424 **(If applying by paper)**]{.underline}

> 6\. [CFDA Number]{.underline}: In the title block of #4 on the 424
> form, please note the appropriate CFDA.
>
> 7\. [DUNS number]{.underline}: It is important to verify with your
> fiscal office the DUNS number, which goes in Block #2 on the ED 424
> form. If you do not have one, call 1-800-333-0505 to set one up. This
> number is required.
>
> 8\. [Novice applicant]{.underline}. Please leave Block #6 blank. Does
> not apply to NIDRR programs.
>
> 9\. [EO 12372]{.underline}: Mark Block #11, the EO 12372 as no and not
> covered. This program is not covered.
>
> 10\. [Human Subjects]{.underline}: Remember to include a seven-point
> narrative on the protection of Human Subjects as it pertains to your
> grant if you check "yes" on ED 424 block number 13. You must include a
> separate narrative for each site where the research is being
> conducted. If you check "no" please include a paragraph of why it is
> not required.
>
> 11\. [Block \# 15a]{.underline} : The total amount requested includes
> both direct and indirect costs for the first year only. The totals on
> the ED 524 form must include direct and indirect costs and no year can
> be over the maximum amount.

[SF 424 and ED Supplemental **(If applying through
Grants.gov)**]{.underline}

12. [DUNS \#]{.underline}: You must enter the DUNS number for your
    organization used when it registered with the Central Contractor
    Registry.

> 13\. [Legal Name]{.underline}: Block #8a is for the name of
> institution or entity. **Please note** the CFDA. 84.133, will
> automatically populate on Block #11 of the SF 424.
>
> 14\. [Project Director]{.underline}: Project director information is
> on the ED supplemental form in Block #1. You are the person to
> contact, the project director and the authorized representative.
>
> 15\. [Novice applicant]{.underline}. Block #2 on the ED Supplemental -
> Please leave this one blank. Does not apply to NIDRR programs.
>
> 16\. [Block #15a]{.underline}: The total amount requested includes
> both direct and indirect costs for the first year only. The totals on
> the ED 524 form must include direct and indirect costs and no year can
> be over the maximum amount.
>
> 17\. [EO 12372]{.underline}: Mark Block #19, the EO 12372 as b. no and
> not covered.
>
> 18\. [Human Subjects]{.underline}: Block #3 on the ED Supplemental.
> You must include a separate narrative for each site where the research
> is being conducted. If you check "no", please include a paragraph of
> why it is not required.

[SF or ED 424 and ED 524]{.underline}

> 19\. Budget Information: **BE SURE TO CHECK THE MATH** - the
> application will not be reviewed if the request for funds on block 15a
> of either the ED 424 or SF 424 form, the ED 524 form or the budget
> justifications goes over the maximum amount for any year (direct and
> indirect costs). A detailed budget narrative is needed for the total
> grant period years requested. By requesting detailed budget
> information in the initial application for the total project period,
> the need for formal non-competing continuation applications in the
> remaining years will be eliminated. A performance report that will be
> required annually will be used in place of the continuation
> application to determine progress.
>
> 20.[Only the primary institution fills out the required
> forms]{.underline}. Any partner or collaborating groups will be a
> subcontractor to the primary. The only paperwork subcontractor needs
> to fill out is what is required by the primary institution. You should
> include a letter of intent in the application from any collaborating
> group saying that if awarded what they will be doing for your project
> and for what amount.
>
> **Abstract/Narrative/Appendices**
>
> 21\. [Abstract]{.underline}: The ONE-PAGE abstract should be a
> comprehensive description of what the whole (all years) project is,
> not a description of the competency of the institution or project
> director. It is not an executive summary. It can be single or
> double-spaced. If applying through Grants.gov use the ED Abstract form
> to attach your abstract.
>
> 22\. [Number all pages]{.underline} to make it easier for the reader
> to refer to a page number if comments are given (including the
> appendices).
>
> 23\. [Vitae]{.underline}: Remember to include pertinent information in
> your narrative of the qualifications of the key personnel. A more
> extensive 2-4 page vitae can be included in the appendices. If
> applying through Grants.gov use the Other Narrative form to attach
> your vitaes.
>
> 24\. [Advisory Board]{.underline}: We suggest that you limit your list
> of advisory board members in the application. You can give a
> description of the type/qualification of the person. Remember that an
> extensive listing of proposed names effects our peer reviewer
> selection. If applying through Grants.gov use the Other Narrative form
> to attach your letters of commitment and vitaes.
>
> 25 [Letters of Commitment/Support]{.underline}: If you have identified
> a partner, sub-contractor or consultant you should include a letter of
> commitment from them stating what they'll be doing on your project. We
> suggest that you only include key letters of support. Remember that
> letters of support diminish our peer reviewer pool. If applying
> through Grants.gov use the Other Narrative form to attach your
> letters.
>
> 26\. [Use Of Person Loading Charts]{.underline}. It is important for
> applicants to include proposed time commitments for all project
> personnel. Also, program officials and applicants often find person
> loading charts useful formats for showing project personnel and their
> time commitments to individual activities. A personal loading chart is
> a tabular representation of major evaluation activities by number of
> days spent by each key person involved in each activity.

# GRANTS.GOV

> 27\. **We strongly suggest**: (1) Read the instructions carefully; (2)
> Don't wait until close to the due date to set up your account - It can
> take five or more days to register; (3) Review the application before
> sending final version to ensure that all information has been uploaded
> correctly and completely; and (4) Submit early.

28\. Electronic applications must be uploaded on Grants.gov by 4:30 pm,
Washington, D.C. time on the closing date and processed by Grants.gov
successfully. Please allow several hours or a full day for this process,
if there is a submission error time will be needed to correct the error
and resubmit to meet the deadline. For additional information on
electronic submission procedures, see the transmittal section of the
Notice Inviting Applications.

> 29\. The application information will be uploaded in four areas: ED
> Abstract Form; Budget Narrative Attachment Form; Program Narrative
> Attachment Form; and Other Narrative Attachment Form. The ED Abstract
> Form is for the abstract. The Budget Narrative Attachment Form is for
> the budget justification. The Program Narrative Attachment Form is for
> the application narrative based on the selection criteria along with a
> table of contents - this section has the recommended 125-page limit
> recommendation. The Other Narrative Attachment Form will include
> vitas; letters, and any other appendices. You must attach any
> narrative sections of your application as files in a .DOC (document),
> .RTF (rich text), or .PDF (Portable Document) format, if you upload a
> file type other than these three file types, such as Excel, or submit
> a password protected file, we will not review that material.

30\. UNSUBMIT: Please note that Grants.gov does not allow you to
unsubmit your application if you find an error before the due date and
time. You will have to submit another "new" application and notify NIDRR
that you have submitted two applications and which one is the "correct"
one to review.

# Miscellaneous Information and Reminders

> 31\. [Rehabilitation Act]{.underline}: To find information on the
> Rehab Act of 1973, as amended, as well as other NIDRR policy &
> legislation, go to:
> <http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/nidrr/policy.html> and
> http://www.ed.gov/policy/speced/reg/narrative.html?exp=0
>
> 32\. [Help in Preparing Applications]{.underline}. We are happy to
> provide general program information. Clearly it would
> [not]{.underline} be appropriate for staff to participate in the
> actual writing of an application, but we can respond to specific
> questions about our application requirements and evaluation criteria,
> or about the announced priorities. Applicants should understand that
> such previous contact is not required, nor does it guarantee the
> success of an application.
>
> 33\. [Possibility Of Learning The Outcome Of Review Panels Prior To
> Official Notification]{.underline}. Every year we are called by a
> number of applicants who have legitimate reasons for needing to know
> the outcome of the review prior to official notification. Some
> applicants need to make job decisions, some need to notify a partner,
> etc. Regardless of the reason, we cannot share information about the
> review with [anyone]{.underline} until the Assistant Secretary has
> approved a slate of projects recommended for funding. You will be
> notified as quickly as possible either by telephone (if your
> application is recommended for funding), or through a letter (if your
> application is not successful).
>
> 34\. [Return of Non-Funded Applications]{.underline}. We do not return
> original copies of applications. Thus, applicants should retain at
> least one copy of the application. Copies of reviewer comments will be
> mailed to all applicants.
>
> 35\. [Successful Applications And Estimated/Projected Budget Amounts
> In Subsequent Years]{.underline}. There is a maximum award amount
> specified for the priority/competitions included in this package. The
> Department rejects and does not consider an application that proposes
> a budget exceeding the maximum amount for any single budget period of
> 12 months for the priorities included in this package. Since the
> yearly budgets for multi-year projects will be negotiated at the time
> of the initial award, applicants must include detailed budgets for
> each year of their proposed project. Generally, out-year funding
> levels most likely will not exceed 1st year budgets. However, budget
> modifications during the negotiation process, the findings from the
> previous year, or needed changes in the study design can affect your
> budget requirements in subsequent years, but in no case will out-year
> budgets exceed the maximum award amount.
>
> 36\. To see what NIDRR has funded or are currently funding on
> Rehabilitation Robotics and Telemanipulation Systems, we have an
> on-line program directory at www.naric.com
>
>  
>
> Once there - click on NIDRR. Under grantee resources click on search
> for other research projects. This will connect you to the program
> directory. Click on search all fields then type in Rehabilitation
> Robotics and Telemanipulation Systems. By clicking on a grant number
> you can see information on who has the grant, how to contact them and
> a brief description of their project. Instead of search all field you
> can select searching by project type --Rehabilitation Engineering
> Research Centers.

**DUNS NUMBER INSTRUCTIONS**

NOTE: Check with your fiscal office to see if your institution has an
assigned DUNS before contacting Dun & Bradstreet

> D‑U‑N‑S No.: Please provide the applicant\'s D‑U‑N‑S Number. You can
> obtain your D‑U‑N‑S Number at no charge by calling **1‑800‑333‑0505**
> or by completing a D‑U‑N‑S Number Request Form. The form can be
> obtained via the Internet at the following URL:
>
> http://www.dnb.com/US/duns_update/index.html
>
> The D‑U‑N‑S Number is a unique nine‑digit number that does not convey
> any information about the recipient. A built in check digit helps
> assure the accuracy of the D‑U‑N‑S Number. The ninth digit of each
> number is the check digit, which is mathematically related to the
> other digits. It lets computer systems determine if a D‑U‑N‑S Number
> has been entered correctly.
>
> Dun & Bradstreet, a global information services provider, has assigned
> D‑U‑N‑S numbers to over 43 million companies worldwide. **Live help
> Monday-Friday 8am-6pm (EST) Dial 1.888.814.1435**

Note: Electronic submission via Grants.gov must use DUNS number your
organization used when it registered in the Central Contractor Registry.

**SECTION**

**I**

**GRANTS.GOV SUBMISSION PROCEDURES AND TIPS FOR APPLICANTS**

**APPLICATION TRANSMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS**

# IMPORTANT -- PLEASE READ FIRST

**U.S. Department of Education**

***[Grants.gov Submission Procedures and Tips for
Applicants]{.underline}***

Please note that the Grants.gov site works differently than the U.S.
Department of Education's (Department) e-Application system. To
facilitate your use of Grants.gov, this document includes important
submission procedures you need to be aware of to ensure your application
is received in a timely manner and accepted by the Department of
Education.

1)  **REGISTER EARLY** -- Grants.gov registration is a one-time process
    that may take five or more days to complete. You may begin working
    on your application while completing the registration process, but
    you cannot submit an application until all of the Get Started steps
    are complete. For detailed information on the Get Started Steps,
    please go to: <http://www.grants.gov/GetStarted>.

2)  **SUBMIT EARLY** -- **We strongly recommend that you do not wait
    until the last day to submit your application. Grants.gov will put a
    date/time stamp on your application and then process it after it is
    fully uploaded.** The time it takes to upload an application will
    vary depending on a number of factors including the size of the
    application and the speed of your Internet connection, and the time
    it takes Grants.gov to process the application will vary as well. If
    Grants.gov rejects your application (see step three below), you will
    need to resubmit successfully before 4:30 pm on the deadline date.

> **Note: To submit successfully, you must provide the DUNS number on
> your application that was used when your organization registered with
> the CCR (Central Contractor Registry).**

3)  **VERIFY SUBMISSION IS OK** -- You will want to verify that
    Grants.gov and the Department receive your Grants.gov submission
    timely and that it was validated successfully. To see the date/time
    your application was received, login to Grants.gov and click on the
    Check Application Status link. For a successful submission, the
    date/time received should be earlier than 4:30 p.m. on the deadline
    date, AND the application status should be: Validated, Received by
    Agency, or Agency Tracking Number Assigned.

> If the date/time received is later than 4:30 p.m. Washington, D.C.
> time, on the closing date, your application is late. If your
> application has a status of "Received" it is still awaiting validation
> by Grants.gov. Once validation is complete, the status will either
> change to "Validated" or "Rejected with Errors." If the status is
> "Rejected with Errors," your application has not been received
> successfully. Some of the reasons Grants.gov may reject an application
> can be found on the Grants.gov site:
> <http://www.grants.gov/assets/ApplicationErrorTips.doc>. If you
> discover your application is late or has been rejected, please see the
> instructions below. Note: You will receive a
>
> series of confirmations both online and via e-mail about the status of
> your application. Please do not rely solely on e-mail to confirm
> whether your application has been received timely and validated
> successfully.

# Submission Problems -- What should you do?

If you have problems submitting to Grants.gov before the closing date,
please contact Grants.gov Customer Support at 1-800-518-4726 or use the
customer support available on the Web site:
<http://www.grants.gov/CustomerSupport>.

If electronic submission is [optional]{.underline} and you have problems
that you are unable to resolve before the deadline date and time for
electronic applications, please follow the transmittal instructions for
hard copy applications in the Federal Register notice and get a hard
copy application postmarked by midnight on the deadline date.

If electronic submission is [required]{.underline}, you must submit an
electronic application before 4:30 p.m., unless you follow the
procedures in the Federal Register notice and qualify for one of the
exceptions to the electronic submission requirement [and]{.underline}
submit, no later than two weeks before the application deadline date, a
written statement to the Department that you qualify for one of these
exceptions. (See the Federal Register notice for detailed instructions.)

# 

# Helpful Hints When Working with Grants.gov

Please note, once you download an application from Grants.gov, you will
be working offline and saving data on your computer. Please be sure to
note where you are saving the Grants.gov file on your computer. You will
need to logon to Grants.gov to upload and submit the application. (This
is different from e-Application, where you are working online and saving
data to the Department's database.) **You must provide on your
application the DUNS number that was used when your organization
registered with the CCR.**

Please go to <http://www.grants.gov/ForApplicants> for help with
Grants.gov and click on the links in the lower right corner of the
screen under Applicant Tips and Tools. For additional tips related to
submitting grant applications, please refer to the Grants.gov Submit
Application Tips found on the Grants.gov homepage
[http://www.grants.gov](http://www.grants.gov/).

# 

# Dial-Up Internet Connections

When using a dial up connection to upload and submit your application,
it can take significantly longer than when you are connected to the
Internet with a high-speed connection, e.g. cable modem/DSL/T1. While
times will vary depending upon the size of your application, it can take
a few minutes to a few hours to complete your grant submission using a
dial up connection. If you do not have access to a high-speed

connection and electronic submission is required, you may want to
consider following the instructions in the Federal Register notice to
obtain an exception to the electronic submission requirement no later
than two weeks before the application deadline date. (See the Federal
Register notice for detailed instructions.)

# 

# MAC Users

If you do not have a Windows operating System, you will need to use a
Windows Emulation program to submit an application using Grants.gov. For
additional information, review the [PureEdge Support for
Macintosh](http://www.grants.gov/GrantsGov_UST_Grantee/!SSL!/WebHelp/MacSupportforPureEdge.pdf)
white paper published by Pure Edge:
<http://www.grants.gov/GrantsGov_UST_Grantee/!SSL!/WebHelp/MacSupportforPureEdge.pdf>,
and/or contact Grants.gov Customer Support
(<http://www.grants.gov/CustomerSupport>) for more information. **If you
do not have a Windows emulation program and electronic submission is
required, please follow instructions in the Federal Register notice to
obtain an exception to the electronic submission requirement no later
than two weeks before the application deadline date.** (See the Federal
Register notice for detailed instructions.)

####### APPLICATION TRANSMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR MAIL OR HAND DELIVERY 

[Submission of Paper Applications by Mail]{.underline}.

If you submit your application in paper format by mail (through the U.S.
Postal Service or a commercial carrier), you must mail the original and
two copies of your application, on or before the application deadline
date, to the Department at the applicable following address:

[By mail through the U.S. Postal Service]{.underline}:

> U.S. Department of Education
>
> Application Control Center

# Attention: (CFDA Number 84.133E-8)

# 400 Maryland Avenue, SW.

Washington, DC 20202-4260

or

**[By mail through a commercial carrier]{.underline}**:

> U.S. Department of Education
>
> Application Control Center, Stop 4260
>
> Attention: (CFDA Number 84.133E-8)
>
> 7100 Old Landover Road
>
> Landover, MD 20785-1506

Regardless of which address you use, you must show proof of mailing
consisting of one of the following:

\(1\) 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 of the U.S.
Department of Education.

If you mail your application through the U.S. Postal Service, we do 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.

If your application is postmarked after the application deadline date,
we will not consider your application.

[Note]{.underline}: The U.S. Postal Service does not uniformly provide a
dated postmark. Before relying on this method, you should check with
your local post office.

**c. [Submission of Paper Applications by Hand Delivery]{.underline}**.

If you submit your application in paper format by hand delivery, you (or
a courier service) must deliver the original and two copies of your
application by hand, on or before the application deadline date, to the
Department at the following address:

> U.S. Department of Education
>
> Application Control Center
>
> Attention: (CFDA Number 84.133E-8)
>
> 550 12th Street, SW.
>
> Room 7041, Potomac Center Plaza
>
> Washington, DC 20202-4260

The Application Control Center accepts hand deliveries daily between
8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, except Saturdays, Sundays,
and Federal holidays.

**[Note for Mail or Hand Delivery of Paper Applications]{.underline}**:
If you mail or hand deliver your application to the Department\--

\(1\) You must indicate on the envelope and\--if not provided by the
Department\--in Item 11 of the SF 424 the CFDA number, including suffix
letter, if any, of the competition under which you are submitting your
application; and

\(2\) The Application Control Center will mail to you a notification of
receipt of your grant application. If you do not receive this
notification within 15 business days from the application deadline date,
you should call the U.S. Department of Education Application Control
Center at (202) 245-6288.

**SECTION**

**J**

**REQUIRED FORMS**

**and**

**FORM INSTRUCTIONS**

**APPLICATION FORMS**

The enclosed forms shall be used by all applicants for Federal
Assistance under all NIDRR programs. A separate application must be
submitted for each grant sought. No grant may be awarded unless the
completed application forms have been received. If an item does not
appear to be relevant to the assistance requested, write \"NA\" for not
applicable.

For paper submission this application consists of four parts. These
parts are organized in the same manner that the submitted application
should be organized. These parts are as follows:

Part I - Federal Assistance Application Face Page (ED 424)

Part II - Budget Information

Part III - Application Narrative

Part IV - Assurances, Certifications and Disclosures

Each submitted application should include an index or table of contents
and a one-page project abstract. Pages should be consecutively numbered.

For electronic submission through Grants.gov the application format is
set in that system.

Part I Federal Assistance Application Face Page (SF 424)

ED Supplemental

Part II ED Abstract form

Budget Narrative Attachment form

> Project Narrative Attachment form
>
> Other Narrative Attachment form

Part III - Assurances, Certifications and Disclosures

PAPERWORK BURDEN STATEMENT

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are
required to respond to collection of information unless it displays a
valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this
information collection is 1820-0027. The time required to complete this
information collection is estimated to average 200 hours per response,
including the time to review instructions, search existing data
resources, gather 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, D.C. 20202-4651. If you have comments or
concerns regarding the status of your individual submission of this
form, write directly to: 84.133 Grant Program, Office of the Assistant
Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitation Services, National
Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20202-2700.

########  

**REQUIRED FORMS:**

**For paper submission go to the website below to access the required
forms.**

[**http://www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html**](http://www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html)

**If applying on Grants.gov the forms are set up in the system for you
to fill out. The instructions to these forms are in the subsequent
pages.**

Federal Assistance Face Page (ED 424)

**Application for Federal Assistance SF-424 (grants.gov)**

**Instruction for the SF-424 (grants.gov)**

Budget Information (ED 524)

**Assurances - Non-Construction Programs (SF 424b)**

Certifications Regarding Lobbying; or Grants.gov Lobbying form

**Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF LLL)**

**Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants**

## INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE SF-424

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated
to average 60 minutes per response, including 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 the burden estimate or any other
aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for
reducing this burden, to the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork
Reduction Project (0348-0043), Washington, DC 20503.

**PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT
AND BUDGET. SEND IT TO THE ADDRESS PROVIDED BY THE SPONSORING AGENCY.**

> This is a standard form (including the continuation sheet) required
> for use as a cover sheet for submission of preapplications and
> applications and related information under discretionary programs.
> Some of the items are required and some are optional at the discretion
> of the applicant or the Federal agency (agency). Required items are
> identified with an asterisk on the form and are specified in the
> instructions below. In addition to the instructions provided below,
> applicants must consult agency instructions to determine specific
> requirements.

+---+----------+------------------+---+--------------------------------+
| I | Entry:   |                  | I | Entry:                         |
| t |          |                  | t |                                |
| e |          |                  | e |                                |
| m |          |                  | m |                                |
+---+----------+------------------+---+--------------------------------+
| 1 | **Type   |                  | 1 | **Name Of Federal Agency**:    |
| \ | of       |                  | 0 | (Required) Enter the name of   |
| . | Submi    |                  | \ | the Federal agency from which  |
|   | ssion:** |                  | . | assistance is being requested  |
|   | (Re      |                  |   | with this application.         |
|   | quired): |                  |   |                                |
|   | Select   |                  |   |                                |
|   | one type |                  |   |                                |
|   | of       |                  |   |                                |
|   | su       |                  |   |                                |
|   | bmission |                  |   |                                |
|   | in       |                  |   |                                |
|   | ac       |                  |   |                                |
|   | cordance |                  |   |                                |
|   | with     |                  |   |                                |
|   | agency   |                  |   |                                |
|   | instr    |                  |   |                                |
|   | uctions. |                  |   |                                |
|   |          |                  |   |                                |
|   | -        |                  |   |                                |
|   |   Preapp |                  |   |                                |
|   | lication |                  |   |                                |
|   |          |                  |   |                                |
|   | -   App  |                  |   |                                |
|   | lication |                  |   |                                |
|   |          |                  |   |                                |
|   | -   C    |                  |   |                                |
|   | hanged/C |                  |   |                                |
|   | orrected |                  |   |                                |
|   |     App  |                  |   |                                |
|   | lication |                  |   |                                |
|   |     --   |                  |   |                                |
|   |     If   |                  |   |                                |
|   |     r    |                  |   |                                |
|   | equested |                  |   |                                |
|   |     by   |                  |   |                                |
|   |     the  |                  |   |                                |
|   |          |                  |   |                                |
|   |  agency, |                  |   |                                |
|   |          |                  |   |                                |
|   |    check |                  |   |                                |
|   |     if   |                  |   |                                |
|   |     this |                  |   |                                |
|   |     su   |                  |   |                                |
|   | bmission |                  |   |                                |
|   |     is   |                  |   |                                |
|   |     to   |                  |   |                                |
|   |          |                  |   |                                |
|   |   change |                  |   |                                |
|   |     or   |                  |   |                                |
|   |          |                  |   |                                |
|   |  correct |                  |   |                                |
|   |     a    |                  |   |                                |
|   |     pr   |                  |   |                                |
|   | eviously |                  |   |                                |
|   |     s    |                  |   |                                |
|   | ubmitted |                  |   |                                |
|   |     appl |                  |   |                                |
|   | ication. |                  |   |                                |
|   |          |                  |   |                                |
|   |   Unless |                  |   |                                |
|   |     r    |                  |   |                                |
|   | equested |                  |   |                                |
|   |     by   |                  |   |                                |
|   |     the  |                  |   |                                |
|   |          |                  |   |                                |
|   |  agency, |                  |   |                                |
|   |     ap   |                  |   |                                |
|   | plicants |                  |   |                                |
|   |     may  |                  |   |                                |
|   |     not  |                  |   |                                |
|   |     use  |                  |   |                                |
|   |     this |                  |   |                                |
|   |     to   |                  |   |                                |
|   |          |                  |   |                                |
|   |   submit |                  |   |                                |
|   |          |                  |   |                                |
|   |  changes |                  |   |                                |
|   |          |                  |   |                                |
|   |    after |                  |   |                                |
|   |     the  |                  |   |                                |
|   |          |                  |   |                                |
|   |  closing |                  |   |                                |
|   |          |                  |   |                                |
|   |    date. |                  |   |                                |
+---+----------+------------------+---+--------------------------------+
|   |          |                  | 1 | **Catalog Of Federal Domestic  |
|   |          |                  | 1 | Assistance Number/Title:**     |
|   |          |                  | \ | Enter the Catalog of Federal   |
|   |          |                  | . | Domestic Assistance number and |
|   |          |                  |   | title of the program under     |
|   |          |                  |   | which assistance is requested, |
|   |          |                  |   | as found in the program        |
|   |          |                  |   | announcement, if applicable.   |
+---+----------+------------------+---+--------------------------------+
|   |          |                  |   |                                |
+---+----------+------------------+---+--------------------------------+
| 2 | **Type   |                  | 1 | **Funding Opportunity          |
| \ | of       |                  | 2 | Number/Title:** (Required)     |
| . | Applic   |                  | \ | Enter the Funding Opportunity  |
|   | ation**: |                  | . | Number and title of the        |
|   | (R       |                  |   | opportunity under which        |
|   | equired) |                  |   | assistance is requested, as    |
|   | Select   |                  |   | found in the program           |
|   | one type |                  |   | announcement.                  |
|   | of       |                  |   |                                |
|   | app      |                  |   |                                |
|   | lication |                  |   |                                |
|   | in       |                  |   |                                |
|   | ac       |                  |   |                                |
|   | cordance |                  |   |                                |
|   | with     |                  |   |                                |
|   | agency   |                  |   |                                |
|   | instr    |                  |   |                                |
|   | uctions. |                  |   |                                |
|   |          |                  |   |                                |
|   | -   New  |                  |   |                                |
|   |     --   |                  |   |                                |
|   |     An   |                  |   |                                |
|   |     app  |                  |   |                                |
|   | lication |                  |   |                                |
|   |     that |                  |   |                                |
|   |     is   |                  |   |                                |
|   |          |                  |   |                                |
|   |    being |                  |   |                                |
|   |     s    |                  |   |                                |
|   | ubmitted |                  |   |                                |
|   |     to   |                  |   |                                |
|   |     an   |                  |   |                                |
|   |          |                  |   |                                |
|   |   agency |                  |   |                                |
|   |     for  |                  |   |                                |
|   |     the  |                  |   |                                |
|   |          |                  |   |                                |
|   |    first |                  |   |                                |
|   |          |                  |   |                                |
|   |    time. |                  |   |                                |
|   |          |                  |   |                                |
|   | -        |                  |   |                                |
|   |   Contin |                  |   |                                |
|   | uation - |                  |   |                                |
|   |     An   |                  |   |                                |
|   |     e    |                  |   |                                |
|   | xtension |                  |   |                                |
|   |     for  |                  |   |                                |
|   |     an   |                  |   |                                |
|   |     ad   |                  |   |                                |
|   | ditional |                  |   |                                |
|   |          |                  |   |                                |
|   |   fundin |                  |   |                                |
|   | g/budget |                  |   |                                |
|   |          |                  |   |                                |
|   |   period |                  |   |                                |
|   |     for  |                  |   |                                |
|   |     a    |                  |   |                                |
|   |          |                  |   |                                |
|   |  project |                  |   |                                |
|   |     with |                  |   |                                |
|   |     a    |                  |   |                                |
|   |     p    |                  |   |                                |
|   | rojected |                  |   |                                |
|   |     co   |                  |   |                                |
|   | mpletion |                  |   |                                |
|   |          |                  |   |                                |
|   |    date. |                  |   |                                |
|   |     This |                  |   |                                |
|   |     can  |                  |   |                                |
|   |          |                  |   |                                |
|   |  include |                  |   |                                |
|   |     r    |                  |   |                                |
|   | enewals. |                  |   |                                |
|   |          |                  |   |                                |
|   | ``       |                  |   |                                |
|   | `{=html} |                  |   |                                |
|   | <!-- --> |                  |   |                                |
|   | ```      |                  |   |                                |
|   | -   Re   |                  |   |                                |
|   | vision - |                  |   |                                |
|   |     Any  |                  |   |                                |
|   |          |                  |   |                                |
|   |   change |                  |   |                                |
|   |     in   |                  |   |                                |
|   |     the  |                  |   |                                |
|   |          |                  |   |                                |
|   |  Federal |                  |   |                                |
|   |     Gove |                  |   |                                |
|   | rnment's |                  |   |                                |
|   |     f    |                  |   |                                |
|   | inancial |                  |   |                                |
|   |     ob   |                  |   |                                |
|   | ligation |                  |   |                                |
|   |     or   |                  |   |                                |
|   |     co   |                  |   |                                |
|   | ntingent |                  |   |                                |
|   |     l    |                  |   |                                |
|   | iability |                  |   |                                |
|   |     from |                  |   |                                |
|   |     an   |                  |   |                                |
|   |          |                  |   |                                |
|   | existing |                  |   |                                |
|   |     obl  |                  |   |                                |
|   | igation. |                  |   |                                |
|   |     If a |                  |   |                                |
|   |     r    |                  |   |                                |
|   | evision, |                  |   |                                |
|   |          |                  |   |                                |
|   |    enter |                  |   |                                |
|   |     the  |                  |   |                                |
|   |     app  |                  |   |                                |
|   | ropriate |                  |   |                                |
|   |     le   |                  |   |                                |
|   | tter(s). |                  |   |                                |
|   |     More |                  |   |                                |
|   |     than |                  |   |                                |
|   |     one  |                  |   |                                |
|   |     may  |                  |   |                                |
|   |     be   |                  |   |                                |
|   |     s    |                  |   |                                |
|   | elected. |                  |   |                                |
|   |     If   |                  |   |                                |
|   |     \    |                  |   |                                |
|   | "Other\" |                  |   |                                |
|   |     is   |                  |   |                                |
|   |     s    |                  |   |                                |
|   | elected, |                  |   |                                |
|   |          |                  |   |                                |
|   |   please |                  |   |                                |
|   |          |                  |   |                                |
|   |  specify |                  |   |                                |
|   |     in   |                  |   |                                |
|   |     text |                  |   |                                |
|   |     box  |                  |   |                                |
|   |     p    |                  |   |                                |
|   | rovided. |                  |   |                                |
|   |          |                  |   |                                |
|   | A.       |                  |   |                                |
|   | Increase |                  |   |                                |
|   | Award B. |                  |   |                                |
|   | Decrease |                  |   |                                |
|   | Award    |                  |   |                                |
|   |          |                  |   |                                |
|   | C.       |                  |   |                                |
|   | Increase |                  |   |                                |
|   | Duration |                  |   |                                |
|   | D.       |                  |   |                                |
|   | Decrease |                  |   |                                |
|   | Duration |                  |   |                                |
|   |          |                  |   |                                |
|   | E. Other |                  |   |                                |
|   | (        |                  |   |                                |
|   | specify) |                  |   |                                |
+---+----------+------------------+---+--------------------------------+
|   |          |                  | 1 | **Competition Identification   |
|   |          |                  | 3 | Number/Title:** Enter the      |
|   |          |                  | \ | Competition Identification     |
|   |          |                  | . | Number and title of the        |
|   |          |                  |   | competition under which        |
|   |          |                  |   | assistance is requested, if    |
|   |          |                  |   | applicable.                    |
+---+----------+------------------+---+--------------------------------+
|   |          |                  | 1 | **Areas Affected By Project:** |
|   |          |                  | 4 | List the areas or entities     |
|   |          |                  | \ | using the categories (e.g.,    |
|   |          |                  | . | cities, counties, states,      |
|   |          |                  |   | etc.) specified in agency      |
|   |          |                  |   | instructions. Use the          |
|   |          |                  |   | continuation sheet to enter    |
|   |          |                  |   | additional areas, if needed.   |
+---+----------+------------------+---+--------------------------------+
| 3 | **Date   |                  | 1 | **Descriptive Title of         |
| \ | Rec      |                  | 5 | Applicant's Project:**         |
| . | eived:** |                  | \ | (Required) Enter a brief       |
|   | Leave    |                  | . | descriptive title of the       |
|   | this     |                  |   | project. If appropriate,       |
|   | field    |                  |   | attach a map showing project   |
|   | blank.   |                  |   | location (e.g., construction   |
|   | This     |                  |   | or real property projects).    |
|   | date     |                  |   | For preapplications, attach a  |
|   | will be  |                  |   | summary description of the     |
|   | assigned |                  |   | project.                       |
|   | by the   |                  |   |                                |
|   | Federal  |                  |   |                                |
|   | agency.  |                  |   |                                |
+---+----------+------------------+---+--------------------------------+
| 4 | **A      |                  |   |                                |
| \ | pplicant |                  |   |                                |
| . | Ident    |                  |   |                                |
|   | ifier**: |                  |   |                                |
|   | Enter    |                  |   |                                |
|   | the      |                  |   |                                |
|   | entity   |                  |   |                                |
|   | id       |                  |   |                                |
|   | entifier |                  |   |                                |
|   | assigned |                  |   |                                |
|   | by the   |                  |   |                                |
|   | Federal  |                  |   |                                |
|   | agency,  |                  |   |                                |
|   | if any,  |                  |   |                                |
|   | or       |                  |   |                                |
|   | app      |                  |   |                                |
|   | licant's |                  |   |                                |
|   | control  |                  |   |                                |
|   | number,  |                  |   |                                |
|   | if       |                  |   |                                |
|   | app      |                  |   |                                |
|   | licable. |                  |   |                                |
+---+----------+------------------+---+--------------------------------+
| 5 | *        |                  | 1 | **Congressional Districts      |
| a | *Federal |                  | 6 | Of**: (Required) 16a. Enter    |
|   | Entity   |                  | \ | the applicant's Congressional  |
|   | Ident    |                  | . | District, and 16b. Enter all   |
|   | ifier**: |                  |   | District(s) affected by the    |
|   | Enter    |                  |   | program or project. Enter in   |
|   | the      |                  |   | the format: 2 characters State |
|   | number   |                  |   | Abbreviation -- 2-3 characters |
|   | assigned |                  |   | District Number, e.g., CA-12   |
|   | to your  |                  |   | for California 12^th^          |
|   | orga     |                  |   | district, NC-103 for North     |
|   | nization |                  |   | Carolina's 103^rd^ district.   |
|   | by the   |                  |   |                                |
|   | Federal  |                  |   | -   If all congressional       |
|   | Agency,  |                  |   |     districts in a state are   |
|   | if any.  |                  |   |     affected, enter "all" for  |
|   |          |                  |   |     the district number, e.g., |
|   |          |                  |   |     MD-all for all             |
|   |          |                  |   |     congressional districts in |
|   |          |                  |   |     Maryland.                  |
|   |          |                  |   |                                |
|   |          |                  |   | -   If nationwide, i.e. all    |
|   |          |                  |   |     districts within all       |
|   |          |                  |   |     states are affected, enter |
|   |          |                  |   |     US-all.                    |
|   |          |                  |   |                                |
|   |          |                  |   | -   If the program/project is  |
|   |          |                  |   |     outside the US, enter      |
|   |          |                  |   |     00-000.                    |
+---+----------+------------------+---+--------------------------------+
| 5 | *        |                  |   |                                |
| b | *Federal |                  |   |                                |
| . | Award    |                  |   |                                |
|   | Ident    |                  |   |                                |
|   | ifier**: |                  |   |                                |
|   | For new  |                  |   |                                |
|   | appl     |                  |   |                                |
|   | ications |                  |   |                                |
|   | leave    |                  |   |                                |
|   | blank.   |                  |   |                                |
|   | For a    |                  |   |                                |
|   | cont     |                  |   |                                |
|   | inuation |                  |   |                                |
|   | or       |                  |   |                                |
|   | revision |                  |   |                                |
|   | to an    |                  |   |                                |
|   | existing |                  |   |                                |
|   | award,   |                  |   |                                |
|   | enter    |                  |   |                                |
|   | the      |                  |   |                                |
|   | pr       |                  |   |                                |
|   | eviously |                  |   |                                |
|   | assigned |                  |   |                                |
|   | Federal  |                  |   |                                |
|   | award    |                  |   |                                |
|   | id       |                  |   |                                |
|   | entifier |                  |   |                                |
|   | number.  |                  |   |                                |
|   | If a     |                  |   |                                |
|   | c        |                  |   |                                |
|   | hanged/c |                  |   |                                |
|   | orrected |                  |   |                                |
|   | appl     |                  |   |                                |
|   | ication, |                  |   |                                |
|   | enter    |                  |   |                                |
|   | the      |                  |   |                                |
|   | Federal  |                  |   |                                |
|   | Id       |                  |   |                                |
|   | entifier |                  |   |                                |
|   | in       |                  |   |                                |
|   | ac       |                  |   |                                |
|   | cordance |                  |   |                                |
|   | with     |                  |   |                                |
|   | agency   |                  |   |                                |
|   | instr    |                  |   |                                |
|   | uctions. |                  |   |                                |
+---+----------+------------------+---+--------------------------------+
| 6 | **Date   |                  |   |                                |
| \ | Received |                  |   |                                |
| . | by       |                  |   |                                |
|   | State:** |                  |   |                                |
|   | Leave    |                  |   |                                |
|   | this     |                  |   |                                |
|   | field    |                  |   |                                |
|   | blank.   |                  |   |                                |
|   | This     |                  |   |                                |
|   | date     |                  |   |                                |
|   | will be  |                  |   |                                |
|   | assigned |                  |   |                                |
|   | by the   |                  |   |                                |
|   | State,   |                  |   |                                |
|   | if       |                  |   |                                |
|   | app      |                  |   |                                |
|   | licable. |                  |   |                                |
+---+----------+------------------+---+--------------------------------+
| 7 | **State  |                  |   |                                |
| \ | App      |                  |   |                                |
| . | lication |                  |   |                                |
|   | Ident    |                  |   |                                |
|   | ifier:** |                  |   |                                |
|   | Leave    |                  |   |                                |
|   | this     |                  |   |                                |
|   | field    |                  |   |                                |
|   | blank.   |                  |   |                                |
|   | This     |                  |   |                                |
|   | id       |                  |   |                                |
|   | entifier |                  |   |                                |
|   | will be  |                  |   |                                |
|   | assigned |                  |   |                                |
|   | by the   |                  |   |                                |
|   | State,   |                  |   |                                |
|   | if       |                  |   |                                |
|   | app      |                  |   |                                |
|   | licable. |                  |   |                                |
+---+----------+------------------+---+--------------------------------+
| 8 | **A      |                  |   |                                |
| \ | pplicant |                  |   |                                |
| . | Inform   |                  |   |                                |
|   | ation**: |                  |   |                                |
|   | Enter    |                  |   |                                |
|   | the      |                  |   |                                |
|   | f        |                  |   |                                |
|   | ollowing |                  |   |                                |
|   | in       |                  |   |                                |
|   | ac       |                  |   |                                |
|   | cordance |                  |   |                                |
|   | with     |                  |   |                                |
|   | agency   |                  |   |                                |
|   | instr    |                  |   |                                |
|   | uctions: |                  |   |                                |
|   |          |                  |   |                                |
|   | **a.     |                  |   |                                |
|   | Legal    |                  |   |                                |
|   | Name**:  |                  |   |                                |
|   | (Re      |                  |   |                                |
|   | quired): |                  |   |                                |
|   | Enter    |                  |   |                                |
|   | the      |                  |   |                                |
|   | legal    |                  |   |                                |
|   | name of  |                  |   |                                |
|   | a        |                  |   |                                |
|   | pplicant |                  |   |                                |
|   | that     |                  |   |                                |
|   | will     |                  |   |                                |
|   | u        |                  |   |                                |
|   | ndertake |                  |   |                                |
|   | the      |                  |   |                                |
|   | as       |                  |   |                                |
|   | sistance |                  |   |                                |
|   | a        |                  |   |                                |
|   | ctivity. |                  |   |                                |
|   | This is  |                  |   |                                |
|   | the name |                  |   |                                |
|   | that the |                  |   |                                |
|   | orga     |                  |   |                                |
|   | nization |                  |   |                                |
|   | has      |                  |   |                                |
|   | re       |                  |   |                                |
|   | gistered |                  |   |                                |
|   | with the |                  |   |                                |
|   | Central  |                  |   |                                |
|   | Co       |                  |   |                                |
|   | ntractor |                  |   |                                |
|   | R        |                  |   |                                |
|   | egistry. |                  |   |                                |
|   | Inf      |                  |   |                                |
|   | ormation |                  |   |                                |
|   | on       |                  |   |                                |
|   | reg      |                  |   |                                |
|   | istering |                  |   |                                |
|   | with CCR |                  |   |                                |
|   | may be   |                  |   |                                |
|   | obtained |                  |   |                                |
|   | by       |                  |   |                                |
|   | visiting |                  |   |                                |
|   | the      |                  |   |                                |
|   | Gr       |                  |   |                                |
|   | ants.gov |                  |   |                                |
|   | website. |                  |   |                                |
+---+----------+------------------+---+--------------------------------+
|   |          |                  |   |                                |
+---+----------+------------------+---+--------------------------------+
|   |          |                  | 1 | **Proposed Project Start and   |
|   |          |                  | 7 | End Dates**: (Required) Enter  |
|   |          |                  | \ | the proposed start date and    |
|   |          |                  | . | end date of the project.       |
+---+----------+------------------+---+--------------------------------+
|   | **b.     |                  |   |                                |
|   | E        |                  |   |                                |
|   | mployer/ |                  |   |                                |
|   | Taxpayer |                  |   |                                |
|   | Number   |                  |   |                                |
|   | (EIN     |                  |   |                                |
|   | /TIN):** |                  |   |                                |
|   | (Re      |                  |   |                                |
|   | quired): |                  |   |                                |
|   | Enter    |                  |   |                                |
|   | the      |                  |   |                                |
|   | Employer |                  |   |                                |
|   | or       |                  |   |                                |
|   | Taxpayer |                  |   |                                |
|   | Identi   |                  |   |                                |
|   | fication |                  |   |                                |
|   | Number   |                  |   |                                |
|   | (EIN or  |                  |   |                                |
|   | TIN) as  |                  |   |                                |
|   | assigned |                  |   |                                |
|   | by the   |                  |   |                                |
|   | Internal |                  |   |                                |
|   | Revenue  |                  |   |                                |
|   | Service. |                  |   |                                |
|   | If your  |                  |   |                                |
|   | orga     |                  |   |                                |
|   | nization |                  |   |                                |
|   | is not   |                  |   |                                |
|   | in the   |                  |   |                                |
|   | US,      |                  |   |                                |
|   | enter    |                  |   |                                |
|   | 44-      |                  |   |                                |
|   | 4444444. |                  |   |                                |
+---+----------+------------------+---+--------------------------------+
|   |          |                  | 1 | **Estimated Funding:**         |
|   |          |                  | 8 | (Required) Enter the amount    |
|   |          |                  | \ | requested or to be contributed |
|   |          |                  | . | during the first               |
|   |          |                  |   | funding/budget period by each  |
|   |          |                  |   | contributor. Value of in-kind  |
|   |          |                  |   | contributions should be        |
|   |          |                  |   | included on appropriate lines, |
|   |          |                  |   | as applicable. If the action   |
|   |          |                  |   | will result in a dollar change |
|   |          |                  |   | to an existing award, indicate |
|   |          |                  |   | only the amount of the change. |
|   |          |                  |   | For decreases, enclose the     |
|   |          |                  |   | amounts in parentheses.        |
+---+----------+------------------+---+--------------------------------+
|   | **c.     |                  |   |                                |
|   | Organi   |                  |   |                                |
|   | zational |                  |   |                                |
|   | DUNS**:  |                  |   |                                |
|   | (R       |                  |   |                                |
|   | equired) |                  |   |                                |
|   | Enter    |                  |   |                                |
|   | the      |                  |   |                                |
|   | organi   |                  |   |                                |
|   | zation's |                  |   |                                |
|   | DUNS or  |                  |   |                                |
|   | DUNS+4   |                  |   |                                |
|   | number   |                  |   |                                |
|   | received |                  |   |                                |
|   | from Dun |                  |   |                                |
|   | and      |                  |   |                                |
|   | Bra      |                  |   |                                |
|   | dstreet. |                  |   |                                |
|   | Inf      |                  |   |                                |
|   | ormation |                  |   |                                |
|   | on       |                  |   |                                |
|   | o        |                  |   |                                |
|   | btaining |                  |   |                                |
|   | a DUNS   |                  |   |                                |
|   | number   |                  |   |                                |
|   | may be   |                  |   |                                |
|   | obtained |                  |   |                                |
|   | by       |                  |   |                                |
|   | visiting |                  |   |                                |
|   | the      |                  |   |                                |
|   | Gr       |                  |   |                                |
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+---+----------+------------------+---+--------------------------------+
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+---+----------+------------------+---+--------------------------------+
|   |          |                  | 1 | **Is Application Subject to    |
|   |          |                  | 9 | Review by State Under          |
|   |          |                  | \ | Executive Order 12372          |
|   |          |                  | . | Process?** Applicants should   |
|   |          |                  |   | contact the State Single Point |
|   |          |                  |   | of Contact (SPOC) for Federal  |
|   |          |                  |   | Executive Order 12372 to       |
|   |          |                  |   | determine whether the          |
|   |          |                  |   | application is subject to the  |
|   |          |                  |   | State intergovernmental review |
|   |          |                  |   | process. Select the            |
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|   |          |                  |   | selected, enter the date the   |
|   |          |                  |   | application was submitted to   |
|   |          |                  |   | the State                      |
+---+----------+------------------+---+--------------------------------+
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|   | ication. |                  |   |                                |
+---+----------+------------------+---+--------------------------------+
|   |          |                  | 2 | **Is the Applicant Delinquent  |
|   |          |                  | 0 | on any Federal Debt?**         |
|   |          |                  | \ | (Required) Select the          |
|   |          |                  | . | appropriate box. This question |
|   |          |                  |   | applies to the applicant       |
|   |          |                  |   | organization, not the person   |
|   |          |                  |   | who signs as the authorized    |
|   |          |                  |   | representative. Categories of  |
|   |          |                  |   | debt include delinquent audit  |
|   |          |                  |   | disallowances, loans and       |
|   |          |                  |   | taxes.                         |
|   |          |                  |   |                                |
|   |          |                  |   | If yes, include an explanation |
|   |          |                  |   | on the continuation sheet.     |
+---+----------+------------------+---+--------------------------------+
|   |          |                  |   |                                |
+---+----------+------------------+---+--------------------------------+
| 9 | Type of  |                  | 2 | **Authorized Representative**: |
| \ | Ap       |                  | 1 | (Required) To be signed and    |
| . | plicant: |                  | \ | dated by the authorized        |
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|   |          |                  |   | the name (First and last name  |
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|   | up to    |                  |   | telephone number (Required),   |
|   | three    |                  |   | fax number, and email address  |
|   | a        |                  |   | (Required) of the person       |
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|   | type(s)  |                  |   | applicant.                     |
|   | in       |                  |   |                                |
|   | ac       |                  |   | A copy of the governing body's |
|   | cordance |                  |   | authorization for you to sign  |
|   | with     |                  |   | this application as the        |
|   | agency   |                  |   | official representative must   |
|   | instr    |                  |   | be on file in the applicant's  |
|   | uctions. |                  |   | office. (Certain Federal       |
|   |          |                  |   | agencies may require that this |
|   |          |                  |   | authorization be submitted as  |
|   |          |                  |   | part of the application.)      |
+---+----------+------------------+---+--------------------------------+
|   | A        | L.  Nonprofit    |   |                                |
|   | .  State |     with 501C3   |   |                                |
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|   | .  Publi |                  |   |                                |
|   | c/Indian |                  |   |                                |
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|   |     A    |                  |   |                                |
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+---+----------+------------------+---+--------------------------------+
|   |          |                  |   |                                |
+---+----------+------------------+---+--------------------------------+
|   |          |                  |   |                                |
+---+----------+------------------+---+--------------------------------+
|   |          |                  |   |                                |
+---+----------+------------------+---+--------------------------------+

# INSTRUCTIONS FOR

**DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FOR SF 424**

**1. Project Director.** Name, address, telephone and fax numbers, and
e-mail address of the person to be contacted on matters involving this
application.

**2. Novice Applicant.** Check **"Yes"** or "**No**" only if assistance
is being requested under a program that gives special consideration to
novice applicants. Otherwise, **leave blank.**

Check "**Yes"** if you meet the requirements for novice applicants
specified in the regulations in 34 CFR 75.225 and included on the
attached page entitled "Definitions for Department of Education
Supplemental Information for SF 424." By checking "Yes" the applicant
certifies that it meets these novice applicant requirements. Check
"**No**" if you do not meet the requirements for novice applicants**.**

**3. Human Subjects Research.** (See I. A. "Definitions" in attached
page entitled "Definitions for Department of Education Supplemental
Information For SF 424.")

**If Not Human Subjects Research.** Check "**No**" if research
activities involving human subjects are not planned at any time during
the proposed project period. The remaining parts of Item 3 are then not
applicable.

**If Human Subjects Research.** Check "**Yes**" if research activities
involving human subjects are planned at any time during the proposed
project period, either at the applicant organization or at any other
performance site or collaborating institution. Check "**Yes**" even if
the research is exempt from the regulations for the protection of human
subjects. (See I. B. "Exemptions" in attached page entitled "Definitions
for Department of Education Supplemental Information For SF 424.")

**3a. If Human Subjects Research is Exempt from the Human Subjects
Regulations.** Check "**Yes**" if all the research activities proposed
are designated to be exempt from the regulations. Insert the exemption
number(s) corresponding to one or more of the six exemption categories
listed in I. B. "Exemptions." In addition, follow the instructions in
II. A. "Exempt Research Narrative" in the attached page entitled
"Definitions for Department of Education Supplemental Information For SF
424."

**3a. If Human Subjects Research is Not Exempt from Human Subjects
Regulations.** Check "**No**" if some or all of the planned research
activities are covered (not exempt). In addition, follow the
instructions in II. B. "Nonexempt Research Narrative" in the page
entitled "Definitions for Department of Education Supplemental
Information For SF 424

**3a. Human Subjects Assurance Number.** If the applicant has an
approved Federal Wide (FWA) on file with the Office for Human Research
Protections (OHRP), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, that
covers the specific activity, insert the number in the space provided.
If the applicant does not have an approved assurance on file with OHRP,
enter "None." In this case, the applicant, by signature on the SF-424,
is declaring that it will comply with 34 CFR 97 and proceed to obtain
the human subjects assurance upon request by the designated ED official.
If the application is recommended/selected for funding, the designated
ED official will request that the applicant obtain the assurance within
30 days after the specific formal request.

**Note about Institutional Review Board Approval.** ED does not require
certification of Institutional Review Board approval with the
application. However, if an application that involves non-exempt human
subjects research is recommended/selected for funding, the designated ED
official will request that the applicant obtain and send the
certification to ED within 30 days after the formal request.

## Paperwork Burden Statement. According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 1890-0017. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average between 15 and 45 minutes per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data resources, gather the data needed, and complete and review the information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the estimate(s) or suggestions for improving this form, please write to: U.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C. 20202-4700. If you have comments or concerns regarding the status of your individual submission of this form write directly to: Joyce I. Mays, Application Control Center, U.S. Department of Education, Potomac Center Plaza, 550 12^th^ Street, S.W. Room 7076, Washington, D.C. 20202-4260. 

## 

# DEFINITIONS FOR

# DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FOR SF 424

# (Attachment to Instructions for Supplemental Information for SF 424)

**Definitions:**

**Novice Applicant (See 34 CFR 75.225**). For discretionary grant
programs under which the Secretary gives special consideration to novice
applications, a novice applicant means any applicant for a grant from ED
that---

-   Has never received a grant or subgrant under the program from which
    it seeks funding;

-   Has never been a member of a group application, submitted in
    accordance with 34 CFR 75.127-75.129, that received a grant under
    the program from which it seeks funding; and

-   Has not had an active discretionary grant from the Federal
    government in the five years before the deadline date for
    applications under the program. For the purposes of this
    requirement, a grant is active until the end of the grant's project
    or funding period, including any extensions of those periods that
    extend the grantee's authority to obligate funds.

In the case of a group application submitted in accordance with 34 CFR
75.127-75.129, a group includes only parties that meet the requirements
listed above.

#### PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECTS IN RESEARCH

**I. Definitions and Exemptions**

**A. Definitions.**

A research activity involves human subjects if the activity is research,
as defined in the Department's regulations, and the research activity
will involve use of human subjects, as defined in the regulations.

---**Research**

The ED Regulations for the Protection of Human Subjects, Title 34, Code
of Federal Regulations, Part 97, define research as "a systematic
investigation, including research development, testing and evaluation,
designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge." *If an
activity follows a deliberate plan whose purpose is to develop or
contribute to generalizable knowledge it is research.* Activities which
meet this definition constitute research whether or not they are
conducted or supported under a program that is considered research for
other purposes. For example, some demonstration and service programs may
include research activities.

**---Human Subject**

The regulations define human subject as "a living individual about whom
an investigator (whether professional or student) conducting research
obtains (1) data through intervention or interaction with the
individual, or (2) identifiable private information." *(1) If an
activity involves obtaining information about a living person by
manipulating that person or that person's environment, as might occur
when a new instructional technique is tested, or by communicating or
interacting with the individual, as occurs with surveys and interviews,
the definition of human subject is met. (2) If an activity involves
obtaining private information about a living person in such a way that
the information can be linked to that individual (the identity of the
subject is or may be readily determined by the investigator or
associated with the information), the definition of human subject is
met.* \[Private information includes information about behavior that
occurs in a context in which an individual can reasonably expect that no
observation or recording is taking place, and information which has been
provided for specific purposes by an individual and which the individual
can reasonably expect will not be made public (for example, a school
health record).\]

**B. Exemptions.**

Research activities in which the **[only]{.underline}** involvement of
human subjects will be in one or more of the following six categories of
***exemptions*** are not covered by the regulations:

\(1\) Research conducted in established or commonly accepted educational
settings, involving normal educational practices, such as (a) research
on regular and special education instructional strategies, or (b)
research on the effectiveness of or the comparison among instructional
techniques, curricula, or classroom management methods.

\(2\) Research involving the use of educational tests (cognitive,
diagnostic, aptitude, achievement), survey procedures, interview
procedures or observation of public behavior, unless: (a) information
obtained is recorded in such a manner that human subjects can be
identified, directly or through identifiers linked to the subjects; and
(b) any disclosure of the human subjects' responses outside the research
could reasonably place the subjects at risk of criminal or civil
liability or be damaging to the subjects' financial standing,
employability, or reputation. ***If the subjects are children, exemption
2 applies only to research involving educational tests and observations
of public behavior when the investigator(s) do not participate in the
activities being observed. Exemption 2 does not apply if children are
surveyed or interviewed or if the research involves observation of
public behavior and the investigator(s) participate in the activities
being observed.*** \[Children are defined as persons who have not
attained the legal age for consent to treatments or procedures involved
in the research, under the applicable law or jurisdiction in which the
research will be conducted.\]

\(3\) Research involving the use of educational tests (cognitive,
diagnostic, aptitude, achievement), survey procedures, interview
procedures or observation of public behavior that is not exempt under
section (2) above, if the human subjects are elected or appointed public
officials or candidates for public office; or federal statute(s)
require(s) without exception that the confidentiality of the personally
identifiable information will be maintained throughout the research and
thereafter.

\(4\) Research involving the collection or study of existing data,
documents, records, pathological specimens, or diagnostic specimens, if
these sources are publicly available or if the information is recorded
by the investigator in a manner that subjects cannot be identified,
directly or through identifiers linked to the subjects.

\(5\) Research and demonstration projects which are conducted by or
subject to the approval of department or agency heads, and which are
designed to study, evaluate, or otherwise examine: (a) public benefit or
service programs; (b) procedures for obtaining benefits or services
under those programs; (c) possible changes in or alternatives to those
programs or procedures; or (d) possible changes in methods or levels of
payment for benefits or services under those programs.

\(6\) Taste and food quality evaluation and consumer acceptance studies,
(a) if wholesome foods without additives are consumed or (b) if a food
is consumed that contains a food ingredient at or below the level and
for a use found to be safe, or agricultural chemical or environmental
contaminant at or below the level found to be safe, by the Food and Drug
Administration or approved by the Environmental Protection Agency or the
Food Safety and Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of
Agriculture.

**II. Instructions for Exempt and Nonexempt Human Subjects Research
Narratives**

If the applicant marked "Yes" for Item 3 of Department of Education
Supplemental Information for SF 424, the applicant must provide a human
subjects "exempt research" or "nonexempt research" narrative. Insert the
narrative(s) in the space provided. If you have multiple projects and
need to provide more than one narrative, be sure to label each set of
responses as to the project they address.

**A. Exempt Research Narrative.**

If you marked "Yes" for item 3 a. and designated exemption numbers(s),
provide the "exempt research" narrative. The narrative must contain
sufficient information about the involvement of human subjects in the
proposed research to allow a determination by ED that the designated
exemption(s) are appropriate. The narrative must be succinct.

**B. Nonexempt Research Narrative.**

If you marked "No" for item 3 a. you must provide the "nonexempt
research" narrative. The narrative must address the following seven
points. Although no specific page limitation applies to this section of
the application, be succinct.

\(1\) **Human Subjects Involvement and Characteristics**: Provide a
detailed description of the proposed involvement of human subjects.
Describe the characteristics of the subject population, including their
anticipated number, age range, and health status. Identify the criteria
for inclusion or exclusion of any subpopulation. Explain the rationale
for the involvement of special classes of subjects, such as children,
children with disabilities, adults with disabilities, persons with
mental disabilities, pregnant women, prisoners, institutionalized
individuals, or others who are likely to be vulnerable

\(2\) **Sources of Materials**: Identify the sources of research
material obtained from individually identifiable living human subjects
in the form of specimens, records, or data. Indicate whether the
material or data will be obtained specifically for research purposes or
whether use will be made of existing specimens, records, or data.

\(3\) **Recruitment and Informed Consent**: Describe plans for the
recruitment of subjects and the consent procedures to be followed.
Include the circumstances under which consent will be sought and
obtained, who will seek it, the nature of the information to be provided
to prospective subjects, and the method of documenting consent. State if
the Institutional Review Board (IRB) has authorized a modification or
waiver of the elements of consent or the requirement for documentation
of consent.

\(4\) **Potential Risks**: Describe potential risks (physical,
psychological, social, legal, or other) and assess their likelihood and
seriousness. Where appropriate, describe alternative treatments and
procedures that might be advantageous to the subjects.

\(5\) **Protection Against Risk**: Describe the procedures for
protecting against or minimizing potential risks, including risks to
confidentiality, and assess their likely effectiveness. Where
appropriate, discuss provisions for ensuring necessary medical or
professional intervention in the event of adverse effects to the
subjects. Also, where appropriate, describe the provisions for
monitoring the data collected to ensure the safety of the subjects.

\(6\) **Importance of the Knowledge to be Gained**: Discuss the
importance of the knowledge gained or to be gained as a result of the
proposed research. Discuss why the risks to subjects are reasonable in
relation to the anticipated benefits to subjects and in relation to the
importance of the knowledge that may reasonably be expected to result.

\(7\) **Collaborating Site(s)**: If research involving human subjects
will take place at collaborating site(s) or other performance site(s),
name the sites and briefly describe their involvement or role in the
research.

***Copies of the Department of Education's Regulations for the
Protection of Human Subjects, 34 CFR Part 97 and other pertinent
materials on the protection of human subjects in research are available
from the Grants Policy and Oversight Staff, Office of the Chief
Financial Officer, U.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C.
20202-4250, telephone: (202) 245-6120, and on the U.S. Department of
Education's Protection of Human Subjects in Research Web Site:
www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/OCFO/humansub.html***

NOTE: The **State Applicant Identifier** on the SF 424 is for State Use
only. Please complete it on the OMB Standard 424 in the upper right
corner of the form (if applicable).

**Instructions for ED 524**

[General Instructions]{.underline}

This form is used to apply to individual U.S. Department of Education
(ED) discretionary grant programs. Unless directed otherwise, provide
the same budget information for each year of the multi-year funding
request. Pay attention to applicable program specific instructions, if
attached. Please consult with your Business Office prior to submitting
this form.

Section A - Budget Summary

U.S. Department of Education Funds

All applicants must complete Section A and provide a breakdown by the
applicable budget categories shown in lines 1-11.

Lines 1-11, columns (a)-(e): For each project year for which funding is
requested, show the total amount requested for each applicable budget
category.

Lines 1-11, column (f): Show the multi-year total for each budget
category. If funding is requested for only one project year, leave this
column blank.

Line 12, columns (a)-(e): Show the total budget request for each project
year for which funding is requested.

Line 12, column (f): Show the total amount requested for all project
years. If funding is requested for only one year, leave this space
blank.

Indirect Cost Information:\
If you are requesting reimbursement for indirect costs on line 10, this
information is to be completed by your Business Office. (1): Indicate
whether or not your organization has an Indirect Cost Rate Agreement
that was approved by the Federal government. (2): If you checked "yes"
in (1), indicate in (2) the beginning and ending dates covered by the
Indirect Cost Rate Agreement. In addition, indicate whether ED or
another Federal agency (Other) issued the approved agreement. If you
check "Other," specify the name of the Federal agency that issued the
approved agreement. (3): If you are applying for a grant under a
Restricted Rate Program (34 CFR 75.563 or 76.563), indicate whether you
are using a restricted indirect cost rate that is included on your
approved Indirect Cost Rate Agreement or whether you are using a
restricted indirect cost rate that complies with 34 CFR 76.564(c)(2).
Note: State or Local government agencies may not use the provision for a
restricted indirect cost rate specified in 34 CFR 76.564(c)(2). Check
only one response. Leave blank, if this item is not applicable.

Section B - Budget Summary

Non-Federal Funds

If you are required to provide or volunteer to provide matching funds or
other non-Federal resources to the project, these should be shown for
each applicable budget category on lines 1‑11 of Section B.

Lines 1-11, columns (a)-(e): For each project year, for which matching
funds or other contributions are provided, show the total contribution
for each applicable budget category.

Lines 1-11, column (f): Show the multi-year total for each budget
category. If non-Federal contributions are provided for only one year,
leave this column blank.

Line 12, columns (a)-(e): Show the total matching or other contribution
for each project year.

Line 12, column (f): Show the total amount to be contributed for all
years of the multi-year project. If non-Federal contributions are
provided for only one year, leave this space blank.

Section C - Budget Narrative \[Attach separate sheet(s)\]

Pay attention to applicable program specific instructions,\
if attached.

1.  Provide an itemized budget breakdown, and justification by project
    year, for each budget category listed in Sections A and B. For grant
    projects that will be divided into two or more separately budgeted
    major activities or sub-projects, show for each budget category of a
    project year the breakdown of the specific expenses attributable to
    each sub-project or activity.

2.  If applicable to this program, provide the rate and base on which
    fringe benefits are calculated.

3.  If you are requesting reimbursement for indirect costs on line 10,
    this information is to be completed by your Business Office. Specify
    the estimated amount of the base to which the indirect cost rate is
    applied and the total indirect expense. Depending on the grant
    program to which you are applying and/or your approved Indirect Cost
    Rate Agreement, some direct cost budget categories in your grant
    application budget may not be included in the base and multiplied by
    your indirect cost rate. For example, you must multiply the indirect
    cost rates of "Training grants\" (34 CFR 75.562) and grants under
    programs with "Supplement not Supplant" requirements (\"Restricted
    Rate\" programs) by a "modified total direct cost" (MTDC) base (34
    CFR 75.563 or 76.563). Please indicate which costs are included and
    which costs are excluded from the base to which the indirect cost
    rate is applied.

> When calculating indirect costs (line 10) for \"Training grants\" or
> grants under \"Restricted Rate\" programs, you must refer to the
> information and examples on ED's website at:
> http://www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html.
>
> You may also contact (202) 377-3838 for additional information
> regarding calculating indirect cost rates or general indirect cost
> rate information.

4.  Provide other explanations or comments you deem necessary.

Paperwork Burden Statement

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are
required to respond to a collection of information unless such
collection displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control
number for this information collection is 1890-0004. The time required
to complete this information collection is estimated to vary from 13 to
22 hours per response, with an average of 17.5 hours per response,
including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources,
gather 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, D.C. 20202-4651. If you have
comments or concerns regarding the status of your individual submission
of this form, write directly to (insert program office), U.S. Department
of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20202.

> **INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETION OF SF-LLL, DISCLOSURE OF LOBBYING
> ACTIVITIES**

This disclosure form shall be completed by the reporting entity, whether
sub-awardee or prime Federal recipient, at the initiation or receipt of
a covered Federal action, or a material change to a previous filing,
pursuant to title 31 U.S.C. section 1352. The filing of a form is
required for each payment or agreement to make payment to any lobbying
entity for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee
of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress,
or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with a covered
Federal action. Complete all items that apply for both the initial
filing and material change report. Refer to the implementing guidance
published by the Office of Management and Budget for additional
information.

1\. Identify the type of covered Federal action for which lobbying
activity is and/or has been secured to influence the outcome of a
covered Federal action.

2\. Identify the status of the covered Federal action.

3\. Identify the appropriate classification of this report. If this is a
follow-up report caused by a material change to the information
previously reported, enter the year and quarter in which the change
occurred. Enter the date of the last previously submitted report by this
reporting entity for this covered Federal action.

4\. Enter the full name, address, city, State and zip code of the
reporting entity. Include Congressional District, if known. Check the
appropriate classification of the reporting entity that designates if it
is, or expects to be, a prime or sub-award recipient. Identify the tier
of the sub-awardee, e.g., the first sub-awardee of the prime is the 1st
tier. Sub-awards include but are not limited to subcontracts, subgrants
and contract awards under grants.

5\. If the organization filing the report in item 4 checks
"Sub-awardee," then enter the full name, address, city, State and zip
code of the prime Federal recipient. Include Congressional District, if
known.

6\. Enter the name of the federal agency making the award or loan
commitment. Include at least one organizational level below agency name,
if known. For example, Department of Transportation, United States Coast
Guard.

7\. Enter the Federal program name or description for the covered
Federal action (item 1). If known, enter the full Catalog of Federal
Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number for grants, cooperative agreements,
loans, and loan commitments.

8\. Enter the most appropriate Federal identifying number available for
the Federal action identified in item 1 (e.g., Request for Proposal
(RFP) number; Invitations for Bid (IFB) number; grant announcement
number; the contract, grant, or loan award number; the
application/proposal control number assigned by the Federal agency).
Included prefixes, e.g., "RFP-DE-90-001."

9\. For a covered Federal action where there has been an award or loan
commitment by the Federal agency, enter the Federal amount of the
award/loan commitment for the prime entity identified in item 4 or 5.

10\. (a) Enter the full name, address, city, State and zip code of the
lobbying registrant under the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 engaged by
the reporting entity identified in item 4 to influence the covered
Federal action.

> \(b\) Enter the full names of the individual(s) performing services,
> and include full address if different from 10(a). Enter Last Name,
> First Name, and Middle Initial (MI).

11\. The certifying official shall sign and date the form, print his/her
name, title, and telephone number.

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act, as amended, 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 OMB No. 0348-0046. Public reporting burden for
this collection of information is estimated to average 10 minutes per
response, including 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 the
burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information,
including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the Office of
Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project (0348-0046),
Washington, DC 20503

**SECTION**

**K**

**APPLICATION CHECKLIST**

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**APPLICATION CHECKLIST**

Does your application include each of the following?

\[ \] Cover page (ED 424) marked appropriately with **84.133E-8**, if
applying by post, hand-delivery or carrier service or download of
correct package for **84.133E-8** if applying electronically?

\[ \] Priority Topic identified in the Descriptive Title block#14 of the
ED 424 or in Block 11 of the SF 424?

\[ \] Budget form (ED form 524) with dollar amounts not exceeding the
maximum in any year

\[ \] Budget narrative for each year with arithmetic checked for
accuracy

\[ \] Program narrative, including abstract and responses to the
selection criteria

\[ \] Assurances and Certifications (from the forms list in section J)

\[ \] Correctly uploaded files if submitting electronically

\[ \] All required forms with original signatures and dates if
submitting by post, hand-delivery or carrier service

\[ \] Narrative on the Protection of Human Subjects?

Did You do each of the following?

\[ \] Mail or submit application on or before **[Monday, April 16,
2007]{.underline}**?

\[ \] Provide 1 original and 2 copies of the application if submitting
by post, hand-delivery or carrier service (Although not required, 1
original and 10 copies are requested)?

\[ \] Fully complete the upload of your application and receive
successful validation of the submission [before 4:30 pm]{.underline},
Washington, D.C. time on the closing date if submitting electronically

\[ \] Use the correct mailing address from Section B or I if submitting
by post, hand-delivery or carrier service?

**GRANT APPLICATION RECEIPT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT**

**If you fail to receive the notification of application within fifteen
(15) days from the closing date, call:**

> **U.S. Department of Education**

**Application Control Center**

**(202) 245-6288**

**GRANT AND CONTRACT FUNDING INFORMATION**

**The Department of Education provides information about grant and
contract opportunities electronically in several ways:**

**ED Internet Home Page <http://www.ed.gov/> (WWW address)**

########