U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

OFFICE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20202-2575

**FY 2008 APPLICATION PACKAGE FOR NEW GRANTS**

UNDER THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION RESEARCH

**REHABILITATION ENGINEERING RESEARCH CENTERS (RERC)**

**RERC FOR HEARING ENHANCEMENT (CFDA NUMBER - 84.133E-1)**

**RERC FOR ACCESSIBLE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION (CFDA NUMBER 84.133E-3)**

**RERC FOR PROSTHETICS AND ORTHOTICS (CFDA NUMBER 84.133E-4)**

**RERC FOR COMMUNICATION ENHANCEMENT (CFDA NUMBER 84.133E-5)**

**RERC FOR UNIVERSAL INTERFACE AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ACCESS (CFDA
NUMBER 84.133E-6)**

**RERC FOR WHEELED MOBILITY (CFDA NUMBER 84.133E-7)**

![](media/image1.wmf){width="1.7486111111111111in"
height="1.6236111111111111in"}

FORM APPROVED

OMB No. 1820-0027, EXP. DATE 04/30/2010

SF FORM 424, 10/31/2009

# DATED MATERIAL - OPEN IMMEDIATELY

**CLOSING DATE: APRIL 1, 2008**

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

**Section A** Dear Applicant Letter

**Section B** Federal Register Notice Inviting Applications for New
Awards --

> Page 9: Program Requirements
>
> Page 11: Instructions for Applications
>
> Page 13: Instructions for Grants.gov
>
> Page 17: Instructions for Transmitting Paper Copies of the Application

**Section C** Federal Register Notice Final Priority \-- CFDA NUMBERs:
84.133E-1, 84.133E-3, 84.133E-4, 84.133E-5, 84.133E-6, and 84.133E-7

**Section D** Background Statement for 84.133E-1, 84.133E-3, 84.133E-4,
84.133E-5, 84.133E-6, and 84.133E-7

**Section E** General Requirements for each FY 2008 RERC Competition.

**Section F** Selection Criteria

### **Section G** Protection of Human Subjects 

**Section H** Application Format---Instructions for Application

-   Federal Assistance Face Page (SF 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 I** Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

> Application Transmittal Instructions

**Section K** Required Forms and Form Instructions

**Section L** Application Checklist

**SECTION**

**A**

**DEAR APPLICANT LETTER**

January 30, 2008

Dear Applicant:

The Secretary invites applications for a new award for fiscal year (FY)
2008 under the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERC)
program for:

1\. Hearing Enhancement (CFDA Number - 84.133E-1).

2\. Accessible Public Transportation (CFDA Number 84.133E-3)

3\. Prosthetics and Orthotics (CFDA Number 84.133E-4)

4\. Communication Enhancement (CFDA Number 84.133E-5)

5\. Universal Interface and Information Technology Access (CFDA Number
84.133E-6)

6\. Wheeled Mobility (CFDA Number 84.133E-7)

The purpose of the RERC program is to improve the effectiveness of
services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended*,*
by conducting advanced engineering research and development on
innovative technologies that are designed to solve particular
rehabilitation problems, or remove environmental barriers. RERCs also
demonstrate and evaluate such technologies, facilitate service delivery
system changes, stimulate the production and distribution of new
technologies and equipment in the private sector, and provide training
opportunities.

**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.

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.

[APPLICATION PROCEDURES]{.underline}

This application package contains information and the required forms for
potential applicants to apply and be considered for a FY 2008 grant
award under this competition, including the published Federal Register
notice dated Friday, February 1, 2008. The background statement from the
Notice of Proposed Priorities is in Section D.

Page 2 -- Dear Applicant

Potential applicants are advised to read the materials carefully,
particularly the information on [CFDA number and title of
your]{.underline} application, 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
selection criteria. Applications should be written in the order of the
selection criteria in Section F and the general requirements for the
RERC program (CFR 350.30) Section E of this application package. The
selection criteria will be used by the reviewers to evaluate each
application.

##### Award Amounts

Please note that all of the RERC competitions are listed in the same
NIA. We will reject any application that proposes a budget exceeding
\$950,000 for a single budget period of 12 months. There is no
restricted indirect cost rate for this program. There is no required
cost share/matching for this program, but, if a voluntary match is
offered, then it must be listed on the "B" side of the ED 524 form and
in the budget narrative for each year. **[Please note the relevant CFDA
number and title on your application.]{.underline}**

[Application Submission]{.underline}:

The instructions indicate that you can either submit your application
electronically through the grants.gov system or by mail, 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 (NIA) and repeated in
Section J - Application Transmittal Instructions.

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

Applications must be [postmarked]{.underline} by the closing date of
**[*Tuesday,* April 1*, 2008*]{.underline},** if submitting by [mail,
hand-delivery, or carrier service]{.underline}. Follow the Application
Transmittal Instructions for submitting in paper found in the NIA
(Section B) or repeated in Section J if submitting by mail,
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.

### Page 3 - Dear Applicant

[If you are submitting electronically]{.underline}

We encourage you to submit your application electronically. Electronic
copies must be fully [uploaded]{.underline} on Grants.gov and then
processed by Grants.gov to the Department of Education 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 J). 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. **Please be sure to post your application to the correct FY 2008
competition that has the CFDA number for your particular competition.**

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

[TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE]{.underline}

[Pre-Application Meeting]{.underline}: Interested parties are invited to
participate in a pre-application meeting to discuss the funding priority
and to receive information and technical assistance. Pre-application
meetings will be held between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. by teleconference
on:

[Tuesday, February 19, 2008]{.underline} for: Communication Enhancement
(CFDA Number 133E-5), Universal Interface and Information Technology
Access (CFDA Number 84.133E-6) and Wheeled Mobility (CFDA Number
133E-7). You [must]{.underline} contact Donna Nangle at either
202-245-7462 or Donna.Nangle@ed.gov by [Friday, February 15,
2008]{.underline} in order to participate in this meeting.

[Thursday, February 21, 2008]{.underline} for: Hearing Enhancement (CFDA
Number 133E-1), Accessible Public Transportation (CFDA Number 84.133E-3)
and Prosthetics and Orthotics (CFDA Number 133E-4). You
[must]{.underline} contact Donna Nangle at either 202-245-7462 or
Donna.Nangle@ed.gov by [Tuesday, February 19, 2008]{.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 1:30 p.m. to 3:30
p.m. on either February 19^th^ or February 21st, 2008. Requests for
individual consultations during this two hour window must be made in
advance to Donna Nangle.

Page 4 -- Dear Applicant

If you have any questions about the information in this application
package, 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.

[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.

##### OTHER INFORMATION

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.

We have included an abbreviated version of the February 1, 2008 Notice
of Final Priorities. To see the complete version of the Notice of Final
Priorities, please see <http://www.ed.gov/news/fedregister/index.html>
then click on Final Priority.

Thank you for your interest in these programs.

> Sincerely,
>
> Jennifer Sheehy,
>
> Delegated the Authority to Carry Out the
>
> Functions of the Director of NIDRR,

**SECTION**

**B**

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

**FOR THE REHABILITATION ENGINEERING RESEARCH CENTERS (RERC)**

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)

Notice inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 2008.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Numbers:

84.133E-1, 84.133E-3, 84.133E-4, 84.133E-5, 84.133E-6, and 84.133E-7.

[Note]{.underline}: This notice invites applications for six separate
competitions. For key dates, contact person information, and funding
information regarding each of the six competitions, see the chart in the
[Award Information]{.underline} section of this notice.

[Dates]{.underline}:

Applications Available: See chart.

Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: See chart.

Date of Pre-Application Meeting: See chart.

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Purpose of Program: The purpose of the RERC program is to improve the
effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of
1973, as amended*,* by conducting advanced engineering research and
development on innovative technologies that are designed to solve
particular rehabilitation problems, or remove environmental barriers.
RERCs also demonstrate and evaluate such technologies, facilitate
service delivery system changes, stimulate the production and
distribution of new technologies and equipment in the private sector,
and provide training opportunities.

Additional information on the RERC program can be found at:

http://www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/res-program.html#RERC

[Priorities]{.underline}: These priorities are 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}. Each of the priorities announced in this notice
corresponds to a separate competition as follows:

  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
  **Absolute Priority**               **Competition CFDA Number**

  RERC for Hearing Enhancement        84.133E-1

  RERC for Accessible Public          84.133E-3
  Transportation                      

  RERC for Prosthetics and Orthotics  84.133E-4

  RERC for Communication Enhancement  84.133E-5

  RERC for Universal Interface and    84.133E-6
  Information Technology Access       

  RERC for Wheeled Mobility           84.133E-7
  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------

[Absolute Priorities]{.underline}: For FY 2008, these priorities are
absolute priorities. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(3), for each competition, we
consider only applications that meet the absolute priority designated
for that competition.

[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
institutions of higher education (IHEs) only.

II\. Award Information

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

[Estimated Available Funds]{.underline}: \$6,650,000

[Estimated Range of Awards]{.underline}: See chart.

[Maximum Award]{.underline}: See chart.

[Estimated Number of Awards]{.underline}: See chart.

[Project Period]{.underline}: See chart.

**REHABILITATION ENGINEERING RESEARCH CENTER**

**APPLICATION NOTICE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008**

<table>
<colgroup>
<col style="width: 22%" />
<col style="width: 9%" />
<col style="width: 9%" />
<col style="width: 8%" />
<col style="width: 8%" />
<col style="width: 8%" />
<col style="width: 10%" />
<col style="width: 7%" />
<col style="width: 5%" />
<col style="width: 9%" />
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr class="odd">
<td><strong>CFDA Number and Name</strong></td>
<td><strong>Applications Available</strong></td>
<td><strong>Deadline for Transmittal of Applications</strong></td>
<td><strong>Date of Pre-Application Meeting</strong></td>
<td><strong>Estimated Range of Awards</strong></td>
<td><strong>Estimated Average Size of Awards</strong></td>
<td><strong>Maximum Award*</strong></td>
<td><strong>Estimated Number of Awards</strong></td>
<td><p><strong>Project</strong></p>
<p><strong>Period</strong></p></td>
<td><strong>Contact Person</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td><p>84.133E-1 RERC for Hearing Enhancement.</p>
<p>84.133E-3 RERC for Accessible Public Transportation.</p>
<p>84.133E-4 RERC for Prosthetics and Orthotics.</p>
<p>84.133E-5 RERC for Communication Enhancement.</p>
<p>84.133E-6 RERC for Universal Interface and Information Technology
Access.</p>
<p>84.133E-7 RERC for Wheeled Mobility.</p></td>
<td>February 1, 2008</td>
<td>Tuesday, April 1, 2008</td>
<td><p>02/21/08</p>
<p>02/21/08</p>
<p>02/21/08</p>
<p>02/19/08</p>
<p>02/19/08</p>
<p>02/19/08</p></td>
<td><p>$947,999 – $950,000</p>
<p>$947,999 – $950,000</p>
<p>$947,999 – $950,000</p>
<p>$947,999 – $950,000</p>
<p>$947,999 – $950,000</p>
<p>$947,999 – $950,000</p></td>
<td><p>$948,999</p>
<p>$948,999</p>
<p>$948,999</p>
<p>$948,999</p>
<p>$948,999</p>
<p>$948,999</p></td>
<td><p>$950,000<sup>*</sup></p>
<p>$950,000<sup>*</sup></p>
<p>$950,000<sup>*</sup></p>
<p>$950,000<sup>*</sup></p>
<p>$950,000<sup>*</sup></p>
<p>$950,000<sup>*</sup></p></td>
<td><p>1</p>
<p>1</p>
<p>1</p>
<p>1</p>
<p>1</p>
<p>1</p></td>
<td><p>Up to 60 mos.</p>
<p>Up to 60 mos.</p>
<p>Up to 60 mos.</p>
<p>Up to 60 mos.</p>
<p>Up to 60 mos.</p>
<p>Up to 60 mos.</p></td>
<td><p>Donna Nangle</p>
<p>(202) 245-7462</p>
<p>Rm 6029</p></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

\*We will reject any application that proposes a budget exceeding the
maximum award 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 Department is not bound by any estimates in this
notice.

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

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}: This competition does not
require cost sharing or matching.

IV\. Application and Submission Information

1\. [Address to Request Application Package]{.underline}: You can obtain
an application package via the Internet or from the Education
Publications Center (ED Pubs). To obtain a copy via the Internet, use
the following address:

http://www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/grantapps/index.html

To obtain a copy from ED Pubs, write, fax, 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), call, toll free:
1-877-576-7734.

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

If you request an application from ED Pubs, be sure to identify the
competition to which you want to apply, as follows: CFDA number
84.133E-1, 84.13E-3, 84.133E-4, 84.133E-5, 84.133E-6, or 84.133E-7.

Individuals with disabilities can obtain a copy of the application
package in an alternative format (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape,
or computer diskette) by contacting the person or team listed under
[Alternative Format]{.underline} in section VIII 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 each
competition announced in this notice.

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 for each competition, 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 recommended page limit does not apply to Part I, the cover sheet;
Part II, the budget section, including the narrative budget
justification; Part IV, the assurances and certifications; or the
one-page abstract, the resumes, the bibliography, or the letters of
support. However, the recommended page limit does apply to all of the
application narrative section (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 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: See chart.

Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: See chart.

Pre-Application Meeting: Interested parties are invited to participate
in any of the pre-application meetings held for the competitions
announced in this notice and to receive information and technical
assistance through individual consultation with NIDRR staff. The dates
for each of the competitions' pre-application meetings are listed in the
chart in the [Award Information]{.underline} section in this notice.
Interested parties may participate in these meetings on the dates listed
in the chart 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. For each meeting, NIDRR staff also will be
available from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the same day, by telephone, to
provide information and technical assistance through individual
consultation. For further information or to make arrangements to
participate in any of these meetings via conference call or for an
individual consultation, contact Donna Nangle, U.S. Department of
Education, Potomac Center Plaza (PCP), room 6029, 550 12th Street, SW.,
Washington, DC 20202. Telephone: (202) 245-7462 or by e-mail:
Donna.Nangle@ed.gov

Applications for grants under this program 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 in paper
format 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} in section
VII in this notice. If the Department provides an accommodation or
auxiliary aid to an individual with a disability in connection with the
application process, the individual's application remains subject to all
other requirements and limitations in this notice.

4\. [Intergovernmental Review]{.underline}: This competition 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]{.underline}
[Regulations]{.underline} section in this notice.

6\. [Other Submission Requirements]{.underline}: Applications for grants
under this program 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. The
Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers competitions, CFDA number
84.133E-1, 84.133E-3, 84.133E-4, 84.133E-5, 84.133E-6, or 84.133E-7,
announced in this notice are 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 the Rehabilitation
Research and Training Centers competitions\--CFDA number 84.133E-1,
84.133E-3, 84.133E-4, 84.133E-5, 84.133E-6, or 84.133E-7 at
http://www.Grants.gov You must search for the downloadable application
package for this program 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 the competition to which you are applying 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: If you are experiencing problems submitting your
application through Grants.gov, please contact the Grants.gov Support
Desk, toll free, 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 under
[For Further Information Contact]{.underline} in section VII in this
notice 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-1, 84.133E-3, 84.133E-4, 84.133E-5,
> 84.133E-6, or 84.133E-7)
>
> 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-1, 84.133E-3, 84.133E-4, 84.133E-5,
> 84.133E-6, or 84.133E-7)
>
> 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-1, 84.133E-3, 84.133E-4, 84.133E-5,
> 84.133E-6, or 84.133E-7)
>
> 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

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

2\. [Review and Selection Process]{.underline}: Additional factors we
consider in determining the merits of an application are as follows\--

The Secretary is interested in outcomes-oriented research or development
projects that use rigorous scientific methodologies. To address this
interest, applicants are encouraged to articulate goals, objectives, and
expected outcomes for the proposed research or development activities.
Proposals should describe how results and planned outputs are expected
to contribute to advances in knowledge, improvements in policy and
practice, and public benefits for individuals with disabilities.
Applicants should propose projects that are designed to be consistent
with these goals. We encourage applicants to include in their
application a description of how results will measure progress towards
achievement of anticipated outcomes (including a discussion of measures
of effectiveness), 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.
Submission of the information identified in this section V.

2\. [Review and Selection Process]{.underline} is voluntary, except
where required by the selection criteria listed in the application
package.

VI\. Award Administration Information

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 Notice (GAN). We may notify you informally, also.

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 in this notice.

We reference the regulations outlining the terms and conditions of an
award in the [Applicable Regulations]{.underline} section in 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 directed by the
Secretary under 34 CFR 75.118. The Secretary may also require more
frequent performance reports under 34 CFR 75.720(c). For specific
requirements on reporting, please go to
http://www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html

[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 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 number of new or improved NIDRR-funded assistive and universally
    designed technologies, products, and devices transferred to industry
    for potential commercialization.

-   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 methods.

NIDRR uses information submitted by grantees as part of their Annual
Performance Reports (APRs) in support of these performance measures.

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 6029, PCP,
Washington, DC 20202. Telephone: (202) 245-7462 or by e-mail:
Donnna.Nangle@ed.gov

If you use a TDD, call the FRS, toll free, at 1-800-877-8339.

VIII\. Other Information

[Alternative Format]{.underline}: Individuals with disabilities can
obtain this document and a copy of the application package in an
alternative format (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer
diskette) by contacting the Grants and Contracts Services Team, U.S.
Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 5075, PCP,
Washington, DC 20202-2550. Telephone: (202) 245-7363. If you use a TDD,
call the FRS, toll-free, at 1-800-877-8339.

[Electronic Access to This Document]{.underline}: You can 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 1, 2008

> Tracy R. Justesen,
>
> [Assistant Secretary for]{.underline}
>
> [Special Education and Rehabilitative Services]{.underline}.

**SECTION**

**C**

**FEDERAL REGISTER**

**FINAL PRIORITY NOTICE**

**Including the priorities for the:**

-   **RERC FOR HEARING ENHANCEMENT\
    (CFDA NUMBER - 84.133E-1)**

-   **RERC FOR ACCESSIBLE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION\
    (CFDA NUMBER 84.133E-3)**

-   **RERC FOR PROSTHETICS AND ORTHOTICS\
    (CFDA NUMBER 84.133E-4)**

-   **RERC FOR COMMUNICATION ENHANCEMENT\
    (CFDA NUMBER 84.133E-5)**

-   **RERC FOR UNIVERSAL INTERFACE AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ACCESS\
    (CFDA NUMBER 84.133E-6)**

-   **RERC FOR WHEELED MOBILITY\
    (CFDA NUMBER 84.133E-7)**

    **[NOTE]{.underline}:** For your information the DRRP - Priority
    6\--Center on Knowledge Translation for Technology Transfer and
    Priority 8\--Technology Access in Resource-Limited Environments are
    included in the RERC abbreviated NFP version.

    This is an abbreviated version of the NFP. To see the complete
    version with all of the other priorities, including DRRPs (133A) ,
    RRTCs (133B), and RERCs (133E) -- Please go to
    <http://www.ed.gov/news/fedregister/index.html> then click on Final
    Priority under February 1, 2008

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-   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),
Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers (RRTCs), and Rehabilitation
Engineering Research Centers (RERCs)

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

ACTION: Notice of final priorities for DRRPs, RRTCs, 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 nine priorities
for DRRPs, five priorities for RRTCs, and six priorities for RERCs. The
Assistant Secretary may use these priorities for competitions in fiscal
year (FY) 2008 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 1, 2008.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donna Nangle, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 6029, 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 August 31, 2007 (72 FR 50516). The
NPP included a background statement that described our rationale for
each priority proposed in that notice.

In this notice, we are announcing nine priorities for DRRPs, five
priorities for RRTCs, and six priorities for RERCs.

For DRRPs, the final priorities are:

-   Priority 1\--Health Care Coordination for Individuals With Physical
    Disabilities.

Priority 2\--Health and Health Care Disparities Among Individuals With
Disabilities.

Priority 3\--Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems (TBIMS) Centers
Collaborative Research Projects.

-   Priority 4\--Classification and Measurement of Medical
    Rehabilitation Interventions.

-   Priority 5\--Vocational Rehabilitation Service Models for
    Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders.

-   Priority 6\--Center on Knowledge Translation for Technology
    Transfer.

-   Priority 7\--Asset Accumulation and Economic Self-Sufficiency for
    Individuals With Disabilities.

-   Priority 8\--Technology Access in Resource-Limited Environments.

-   Priority 9\--Research and Knowledge Translation Center for
    Individuals With Disabilities and Their Families.

For RRTCs, the final priorities are:

-   Priority 10\--General Rehabilitation Research and Training Center
    (RRTC) Requirements.

-   Priority 11\--Personal Assistance Services (PAS) in the 21st
    Century.

-   Priority 12\--Disability Statistics and Demographics.

-   Priority 13\--Health and Function Across the Lifespan of Individuals
    With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

-   Priority 14\--Community Living and Employment for Individuals With
    Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

For RERCs, the final priorities are:

Priority 15\--RERC for Hearing Enhancement.

Priority 16\--RERC for Accessible Public Transportation.

Priority 17\--RERC for Prosthetics and Orthotics.

Priority 18\--RERC for Communication Enhancement.

Priority 19\--RERC for Universal Interface and Information Technology
Access.

Priority 20\--RERC for Wheeled Mobility.

The Department is not finalizing certain priorities that were proposed
in the NPP; we identify those priorities in the [Analysis of Comments
and Changes]{.underline} section of this notice of final priorities
(NFP). The Department intends to revisit some of the priorities not
being finalized in this NFP and to publish revised versions of those
priorities in one or more separate notices of proposed priorities.

There are also other differences between the NPP and this NFP.
Specifically, we have made changes to the following priorities: Priority
3\--Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems (TBIMS) Centers Collaborative
Research Projects (Proposed Priority 4 in the NPP); Priority 6\--Center
on Knowledge Translation for Technology Transfer (Proposed Priority
7\--Center on Knowledge Translation for Assistive Technology Transfer in
the NPP); Priority 8\--Technology Access in Resource-Limited
Environments (Proposed Priority 9\--Technology Transfer in
Resource-Limited Environments in the NPP); Priority 9\--Research and
Knowledge Translation Center for Individuals With Disabilities and Their
Families (Proposed Priority 10 in the NPP); Priority 10\--General
Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) Requirements
(Proposed Priority 11 in the NPP); Priority 11\--Personal Assistance
Services (PAS) in the 21st Century (Proposed Priority 15 in the NPP);
Priority 14\--Community Living and Employment for Individuals With
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (Proposed Priority
21\--Participation and Community Living for Individuals With
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in the NPP); and Priority
15\--RERC for Hearing Enhancement (Proposed Priority 22 in the NPP).

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

In response to our invitation in the NPP, 90 parties submitted comments
on the proposed priorities that are announced in this NFP.

An analysis of the comments and the changes in the priorities since the
publication of the NPP follows. We discuss substantive issues under the
priorities to which they pertain.

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.

Proposed Priority 2\--Assistive Technology Reuse; Proposed Priority
12\--Enhancing the Health and Wellness of Individuals With Neuromuscular
Diseases; and Proposed Priority 13\--Enhancing the Health and Wellness
of Individuals With Arthritis

[Comments]{.underline}: None.

[Discussion]{.underline}: In order to make NIDRR's resources available
for work that builds strategically on new initiatives and priorities in
OSERS and the Department, NIDRR has decided not to finalize Proposed
Priority 2\--Assistive Technology Reuse; Proposed Priority
12\--Enhancing the Health and Wellness of Individuals With Neuromuscular
Diseases; and Proposed Priority 13\--Enhancing the Health and Wellness
of Individuals With Arthritis.

[Changes]{.underline}: We are not including the following proposed
priorities in this notice: Proposed Priority 2\--Assistive Technology
Reuse, Proposed Priority 12\--Enhancing the Health and Wellness of
Individuals With Neuromuscular Diseases, and Proposed Priority
13\--Enhancing the Health and Wellness of Individuals With Arthritis.

**[Proposed Priority 14\--Stroke Rehabilitation; Proposed Priority
16\--Participation and Community Living for Individuals With Psychiatric
Disabilities; Proposed Priority 17\--Multiple Sclerosis: Interventions
to Maximize Health, Well Being, and Participation; and Proposed Priority
18\--Aging With Physical Disability: Reducing Secondary Conditions and
Enhancing Health and Participation]{.underline}**

[Comment]{.underline}: We received seven comments seeking clarification
on terms used in proposed priorities 14, 16, 17, and 18.

[Discussion]{.underline}: NIDRR appreciates the feedback provided by
commenters regarding these priorities; however, we have decided not to
finalize these priorities at this time. Instead, we intend to revisit
these five priorities and to publish one or more new notices proposing
revised versions of them. The Department takes this action to better
align the priorities with other work being done by OSERS. Specifically,
we intend to revise these priorities to focus on outcomes related to
employment and vocational rehabilitation services. A focus on employment
and vocational rehabilitation services outcomes is consistent with the
work being done by other programs within OSERS.

[Changes]{.underline}: We are not including the following proposed
priorities in this notice: Proposed Priority 14\--Stroke Rehabilitation;
Proposed Priority 16\--Participation and Community Living for
Individuals With Psychiatric Disabilities; Proposed Priority
17\--Multiple Sclerosis: Interventions to Maximize Health, Well Being,
and Participation; and Proposed Priority 18\--Aging With Physical
Disability: Reducing Secondary Conditions and Enhancing Health and
Participation.

## **DRRPs**

### **[Priority 6\--Center on Knowledge Translation for Technology Transfer (Proposed Priority 7)]{.underline}**

[Comment]{.underline}: None.

[Discussion]{.underline}: NIDRR decided, upon review of the proposed
priority, that limiting the activities of this priority to assistive
technology was too restrictive because it would not allow applicants to
focus on the range of technology developed by NIDRR funding.

[Changes]{.underline}: The priority title has been changed to "Center on
Knowledge Translation for Technology Transfer."

[Comment]{.underline}: None.

[Discussion]{.underline}: Upon further review of this priority, NIDRR
has determined that the list of technology areas specified in the second
paragraph is not fully inclusive of all technology areas covered by
NIDRR's research portfolio, and that it, therefore, should not be a
basis for limiting the scope of original research carried out by the
Center.

[Changes]{.underline}: We have revised the second paragraph of the
priority by deleting the brief list of technology areas. We have
clarified the language to indicate that the Center's original research
and development must concentrate on no more than three technology areas
that are the focus of current NIDRR technology grantees. Information on
technology research funded by NIDRR can be found at
http://www.naric.com/research/pd/priority.cfm. Each applicant must
define and justify its focus. The peer review panel will evaluate the
merits of each proposal under this priority.

[Comment]{.underline}: One commenter noted that requiring a grantee
under this priority to focus on no more than three technology areas
limits the usefulness of the Center. With this restriction, the
commenter argued, the grantee would not be able to provide training and
technical assistance to RERCs and other technology-related NIDRR
grantees whose research and development activities fall outside of the
selected technology areas.

#  Two other commenters expressed a concern that, by focusing only on technology produced with NIDRR resources, this priority lacked a broad approach to transferring technology for use by people with disabilities.

[Discussion]{.underline}: NIDRR believes that limiting the Center's
original research and development activities under this priority to
specific technology areas that are the focus of current NIDRR-technology
grantees is appropriate and that this limitation does not diminish the
usefulness of the Center. Information on technology research funded by
NIDRR can be found at http://www.naric.com/research/pd/priority.cfm.

The purpose of this priority is three-fold: (1) identifying and
compiling existing information on how the results of
scientifically-based research can be used to develop and improve
technology for persons with disabilities (pursuant to paragraphs (a)(1)
and (b)(1) of the priority), (2) conducting research and development in
a limited number of specific technology areas (pursuant to paragraphs
(a)(2), (b)(2), and (b)(3) of the priority), and (3) providing training
and technical assistance to NIDRR-funded technology grantees to help
them enhance their technology transfer activities.

The limitation on how many technology areas on which a Center may focus
only applies to its original research and development. We believe this
limitation helps ensure the feasibility and quality of the proposed
projects and increases the likelihood of achieving planned outcomes by
ensuring that funding is not spread across too many projects. NIDRR
understands that the findings from the Center's original research may
not be applicable to the work of all NIDRR-funded technology grantees.
However, we believe that the Center's compilation of existing research
on the knowledge translation for technology transfer will enable it to
provide all of NIDRR's research grantees with technical assistance on
knowledge translation for technology transfer more generally.

#  In response to the two commenters' concerns about the priority's limited approach to transferring technology for individuals with disabilities, we acknowledge that the training and technical assistance components of this priority are designed to assist current NIDRR technology grantees with their technology transfer activities. NIDRR believes that it is critical to ensure that the results of its investment in technology are transferred to practitioners and ultimately to the individuals with disabilities who can benefit from these technological developments.

[Changes]{.underline}: NIDRR has revised the second paragraph of the
priority to clarify that the limit on technology areas only applies to
the original research and development conducted by the Center. In
addition, we have revised this paragraph to clarify that NIDRR intends
that the information identified and collected by the Center in
accordance with paragraphs (a)(1) and (b)(1) of the priority will serve
as a knowledge base for the training and technical assistance to be
provided to NIDRR technology grantees.

[Comment]{.underline}: Two commenters suggested that paragraph (c) of
the priority should be clarified to articulate the role of NIDRR-funded
technology grantees who are to receive the training and technical
assistance provided by the Center, including RERCs that will be funded
in FY 2008. These commenters expressed concern that the Center would not
be able to ensure the outcome of increased utilization of validated best
practices pursuant to paragraph (c) of the priority if NIDRR-funded
technology grantees are not required to receive and implement the
training and technical assistance offered by the Center.

[Discussion]{.underline}: According to the priority, the Center must
contribute to\--not ensure\--the outcome of increased utilization of
validated best practices for knowledge translation for technology
transfer. Toward that end, this priority describes the training and
technical assistance that must be provided by the Center. The priority
cannot specify the role or requirements of previously-funded NIDRR
technology grantees. To promote the training and technical assistance
provided by the Center, NIDRR will facilitate and coordinate effective
collaborative relationships between the Center and NIDRR-funded
technology grantees through its project monitoring efforts.

[Changes]{.underline}: None.

### **[Priority 8\--Technology Access in Resource-Limited Environments (Proposed Priority 9)]{.underline}**

[Comment]{.underline}: One commenter expressed concern that the term
"technology transfer," as used in this priority, is not consistent with
the standard usage of that term. The commenter explained that
"technology transfer" typically refers to the process of translating
research into products and devices, or to the process of moving products
from the prototype stage to commercialization.

[Discussion]{.underline}: As described in the [Background]{.underline}
statement of this priority in the NPP, the purpose of this priority is
to focus on the need for research to determine effective methods of
designing, developing, and manufacturing low-cost, high-quality products
and distributing them and providing information regarding them to
individuals in resource-limited environments. In the proposed priority,
the term "technology transfer" appeared only in the title of the
priority. In order to avoid confusion among potential applicants and
more accurately convey the purpose of this priority, NIDRR is changing
the title of the priority.

[Changes]{.underline}: NIDRR has changed the title of this priority to
"Technology Access in Resource-Limited Environments."

[Comment]{.underline}: One commenter asked whether the term
"resource-limited environments" includes urban, inner city areas in the
United States (U.S.) or in developing countries.

[Discussion]{.underline}: As used in this priority, NIDRR intends the
term "resource-limited environments" to include resource-limited
environments in rural areas as well as urban, inner city areas in the
U.S. and in developing countries. While NIDRR is particularly interested
in research to promote the effective provision of technology to
individuals with disabilities engaged in agricultural occupations,
nothing in this priority precludes a grantee from focusing its research
on increasing access to and awareness of technology products in
resource-limited urban areas in the U.S., developing countries, or both.

[Changes]{.underline}: None.

[Comment]{.underline}: One commenter requested clarification on whether
the focus of the priority is to improve conditions for people with
disabilities in the U.S. or in developing countries.

[Discussion]{.underline}: Our intent is to permit grantees under this
priority to focus on resource-limited environments in the U.S., in
developing countries, or both. Paragraph (b) of the priority states that
applicants can focus their proposals on improving the availability of
technology for individuals with disabilities in resource-limited
environments in the U.S., in developing countries, or both. We recognize
that in the proposed priority, paragraph (a) stated that applicants must
focus their work either in the United States or abroad. We will change
this paragraph to clarify that an applicant's work may be focused on the
United States, developing countries, or both.

[Changes]{.underline}: We have revised paragraph (a) of the priority to
clarify that the DRRP can focus on resource-limited environments in the
U.S., in developing countries, or both.

**[RERCs]{.underline}**

General

Comment: Two commenters asked whether the Department has a mechanism for
ensuring that RERCs comply with the NIDRR requirement that all RERCs
collaborate with the Center on Knowledge Translation for Technology
Transfer to develop a technology transfer plan (paragraph (6) of the
RERC priorities).

Discussion: All RERCs must propose methods for collaborating with the
Center on Knowledge Translation for Technology Transfer, as specified in
paragraph (6) of the RERC priorities. The peer review panel will
evaluate the merits of the proposals received under the RERC priorities.
Once RERC awards are made, NIDRR staff will facilitate and promote
collaborative relationships between the RERCs and the Center on
Knowledge Translation for Technology Transfer to help ensure that this
collaboration occurs.

Changes: None.

**Priority 15\--RERC for Hearing Enhancement (Proposed Priority 22)**

[Comment]{.underline}: One commenter stated that research is needed to
improve and evaluate hearing enhancement technologies, particularly in
the areas of sound suppression, compatibility standards, standards for
measuring fidelity and distortion, user customization, built-in wireless
receivers, hearing in noise, high frequencies in hearing aids, and
designing for usability.

[Discussion]{.underline}: NIDRR agrees that research on hearing
enhancement technologies is necessary to improve outcomes for
individuals with hearing loss.

[Changes]{.underline}: NIDRR has revised the priority to include a
research focus on improving the performance, usability, and
accessibility of hearing enhancement technologies.

[Comment]{.underline}: One commenter stated that research into aural
rehabilitation and consumer education, including areas such as training
for professionals, developing aural rehabilitation tools, and
disseminating information to consumers, should be an important component
of this priority.

[Discussion]{.underline}: Nothing in the priority precludes applicants
from proposing research on aural rehabilitation and consumer education.
The priority specifically calls for the development and testing of
innovative technologies, products, and tools, which could include aural
rehabilitation tools. Likewise, nothing in the priority precludes
applicants from proposing consumer education strategies, such as
training, technical assistance, and dissemination methods, to address
these areas. Under the priority, each RERC must target technical
assistance and dissemination to a wide variety of relevant stakeholder
groups, including consumers. The peer review panel will evaluate the
merits of each proposal under this priority.

[Changes]{.underline}: None.

[Comment]{.underline}: None.

[Discussion]{.underline}: NIDRR has determined that the term "assistive
technology," as used in the deaf and hard of hearing community,
typically refers to assistive listening and alerting devices such as FM
systems and flashing lights. In this priority, NIDRR intended to be more
inclusive of all hearing enhancement technologies, including possible
focus areas that include, but are not limited to, hearing aids and
implants, as well as assistive listening and alerting devices.

[Changes]{.underline}: NIDRR has deleted the word "assistive" from the
priority, so that the phrase now reads "hearing enhancement
technologies."

Priority 17\--RERC for Prosthetics and Orthotics (Proposed Priority 24)

[Comment]{.underline}: One commenter suggested that the Prosthetics and
Orthotics priority be revised to require grantees to conduct an
independent evaluation of commercially available prosthetic and orthotic
components.

[Discussion]{.underline}: Nothing in the priority precludes applicants
from proposing to conduct an independent evaluation of commercially
available prosthetic and orthotic components. However, NIDRR does not
have a sufficient basis for requiring that all applicants propose such
evaluations. The peer review panel will evaluate the merits of each
proposal under this priority.

[Changes]{.underline}: None.

[Comment]{.underline}: One commenter noted that orthotic research and
development have historically received less attention than that of
prosthetics. This commenter suggested that the Prosthetics and Orthotics
priority be revised to require an appropriate focus on both prosthetics
and orthotics.

[Discussion]{.underline}: The Prosthetics and Orthotics priority
requires research and development in both disciplines. NIDRR has not
prescribed a particular amount of resources that this RERC must devote
to either discipline. The relative amount of focus on prosthetics and
orthotics will be determined by the applicants. The peer review process
will evaluate the merits of the proposals received under this priority.

[Changes]{.underline}: None.

**[Priority 19\--RERC for Universal Interface and Information Technology
Access (Proposed Priority 26)]{.underline}**

[Comment]{.underline}: None.

[Discussion]{.underline}: Upon further internal review of this priority,
NIDRR noticed that we mistakenly referred to a NIDRR-funded Information
Technology Technical Assistance Center. We intend for the RERC for
Universal Interface and Information Technology Access to work
collaboratively with the RERC on Telecommunication Access and the RERC
on Mobile Wireless Technologies.

[Changes]{.underline}: We deleted the reference to the NIDRR-funded
Information Technology Technical Assistance Center from this priority.

[Note]{.underline}: This notice does [not]{.underline} solicit
applications. In any year in which we choose to use one or more of these
final 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)).

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) identify 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}:**

Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program

The purpose of the DRRP program is to improve the effectiveness of
services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, by
developing methods, procedures, and rehabilitation technologies that
advance a wide range of independent living and employment outcomes for
individuals with disabilities, especially individuals with the most
severe disabilities. DRRPs carry out one or more of the following types
of activities, as specified and defined in 34 CFR 350.13 through 350.19:
research, development, demonstration, training, dissemination,
utilization, and technical assistance. An applicant for assistance under
this program must demonstrate in its application how it will address, in
whole or in part, the needs of individuals with disabilities from
minority backgrounds (34 CFR 350.40(a)). The approaches an applicant may
take to meet this requirement are found in 34 CFR 350.40(b). In
addition, NIDRR intends to require all DRRP applicants to meet the
[General Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP)
Requirements]{.underline} priority that it published in a notice of
final priorities in the [Federal Register]{.underline} on April 28, 2006
(71 FR 25472).

Additional information on the DRRP program can be found at:

<http://www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/res-program.html#DRRP>

[Priority 6\--Center on Knowledge Translation for Technology
Transfer]{.underline}

## Priority:

The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services establishes a priority for a Disability and Rehabilitation
Research Project to serve as the Center on Knowledge Translation for
Technology Transfer (Center). The Center must conduct rigorous research,
development, technical assistance, dissemination, and utilization
activities to increase successful knowledge translation (KT) for the
transfer of assistive technology products developed by NIDRR-funded
technology grantees.

The Center must partner with key stakeholders such as trade and
professional associations, and relevant industry representatives and
focus its original research and development activities (i.e., those
activities conducted pursuant to paragraphs (a)(2), (b)(2), and (b)(3)
of the priority) on no more than three technology areas that are the
focus of current NIDRR technology grantees. Information on technology
research funded by NIDRR can be found at
http://www.naric.com/research/pd/priority.cfm. Each applicant must
define and justify its focus. The Center's identification and
compilation of existing research on technology transfer pursuant to
paragraphs (a)(1) and (b)(1) of the priority must be designed to serve
as a knowledge base for the training and technical assistance the Center
must provide to NIDRR technology grantees.

Under this priority, the Center must be designed to contribute to the
following outcomes:

\(a\) Improved understanding of barriers to, and facilitators of,
successful KT for technology transfer in different industries related to
NIDRR's technology portfolio. The Center must contribute to this outcome
by\--

\(1\) Identifying and compiling existing research-based knowledge about
barriers to, and facilitators of, successful KT for technology transfer;
and

\(2\) Conducting research on barriers to, and facilitators of,
successful KT for technology transfer related to the technology areas on
which the Center focuses.

\(b\) Advanced knowledge of best practices in KT for technology
transfer. The Center must contribute to this outcome by\--

\(1\) Identifying existing models, methods, or measures of KT for
technology transfer in different industries related to NIDRR's
technology portfolio;

\(2\) Further developing and testing models, methods, or measures in the
technology areas on which the Center focuses; and

\(3\) Establishing best technology transfer practices that can be used
to effectively implement and evaluate the success of technology transfer
activities in the technology areas on which the Center focuses.

\(c\) Increased utilization of the validated best practices for KT for
technology transfer. The Center must contribute to this outcome by
providing training and technical assistance to NIDRR-funded technology
grantees to implement and evaluate the success of such practices.

**[Priority 8\--Technology Access in Resource-Limited
Environments]{.underline}**

# Priority:

The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services establishes a priority for a Disability and Rehabilitation
Research Project (DRRP) on Technology Access in Resource-Limited
Environments. Under this priority, the DRRP must be designed to
contribute to the following outcomes:

(a) Increased access to, and acquisition of, high-quality, low-cost
    technology products by individuals with disabilities who need them.
    The DRRP must contribute to this outcome by conducting research to
    evaluate the application of various models of transferring
    technology products to individuals with disabilities in
    resource-limited environments in the United States (U.S.),
    developing countries, or both. The DRRP's research must examine the
    relationship of factors such as type of technology, delivery system
    options, socioeconomic conditions, and disability type, on the
    successful transfer of needed technologies to individuals with
    disabilities. NIDRR is particularly concerned about providing
    technology to support individuals engaged in agricultural
    occupations because of the significant need for assistive
    technologies by this population.

(b) Increased awareness by individuals with disabilities of
    high-quality, low-cost technology products, already developed or in
    development, for use in resource-limited environments. The DRRP must
    contribute to this outcome by conducting research on methods of
    providing information on available products to individuals with
    disabilities and their caregivers in resource-limited environments
    in the U.S., developing countries, or both. The DRRP's research must
    examine the effect of factors, such as literacy rates and the
    availability of print, Internet, or other communication resources,
    as well as socioeconomic factors and disability type, on strategies
    to increase awareness among individuals with disabilities in these
    areas.

    [Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers Program
    (RERCs)]{.underline}

Purpose of Program: The purpose of the RERC program is to improve the
effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of
1973, as amended*,* by conducting advanced engineering research and
development on innovative technologies that are designed to solve
particular rehabilitation problems, or remove environmental barriers.
RERCs also demonstrate and evaluate such technologies, facilitate
service delivery system changes, stimulate the production and
distribution of new technologies and equipment in the private sector,
and provide training opportunities.

[General Requirements of 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 innovative
    consumer-responsive and individual- and family-centered 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 or 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>

**[Priorities 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20\--Rehabilitation Engineering
Research Centers (RERCs) for Hearing Enhancement (Priority 15),
Accessible Public Transportation (Priority 16), Prosthetics and
Orthotics (Priority 17), Communication Enhancement (Priority 18),
Universal Interface and Information Technology Access (Priority 19), and
Wheeled Mobility (Priority 20)]{.underline}**

[Priorities]{.underline}:

The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services establishes the following priorities for (a) an RERC for
Hearing Enhancement (priority 15); (b) an RERC for Accessible Public
Transportation (priority 16); (c) an RERC for Prosthetics and Orthotics
(priority 17); (d) an RERC for Communication Enhancement (priority 18);
(e) an RERC for Universal Interface and Information Technology Access
(priority 19); and (f) an RERC for Wheeled Mobility (priority 20).
Within its designated priority research area, each RERC will focus on
innovative technologies, new knowledge, and concepts that will improve
the lives of individuals with disabilities.

\(a\) [RERC for Hearing Enhancement (Priority 15)]{.underline}. Under
this priority, the RERC must research and develop methods, systems, and
technologies that will: (1) improve the performance, usability, and
accessibility of hearing enhancement technologies (e.g., hearing aids,
ear molds, assistive devices, implants); and (2) assist hearing
professionals with the process of matching hearing enhancement
technologies to individuals with hearing loss and associated conditions
such as tinnitus. This includes improving the compatibility of hearing
enhancement technologies with various environments such as school, work,
recreation, and social settings.

\(b\) [RERC for Accessible Public Transportation (Priority
16)]{.underline}. Under this priority, the RERC must research and
develop methods, systems, and devices that will promote and enhance the
ability of individuals with disabilities to safely, comfortably, and
efficiently identify destination information, board and disembark, and
use services and facilities on various types of public transportation
systems such as buses, passenger trains, and airplanes. This RERC must
emphasize the principles of universal design in its product research and
development.

\(c\) [RERC for Prosthetics and Orthotics (Priority 17)]{.underline}.
Under this priority, the RERC must increase the understanding of the
scientific and engineering principles pertaining to human locomotion,
reaching, grasping, and manipulation, and incorporate those principles
into the design and fitting of prosthetic and orthotic devices.

\(d\) [RERC for Communication Enhancement (Priority 18)]{.underline}.
Under this priority, the RERC must research and develop augmentative and
alternative communication technologies and strategies that will enhance
the communicative capacity of individuals of all ages with significant
communication disorders across environments (i.e., education,
employment, recreation, social environments).

\(e\) [RERC for Universal Interface and Information Technology Access
(Priority 19)]{.underline}. Under this priority, the RERC must research
and develop innovative technological solutions for, and promote
universal access to, current and emerging information technologies and
technology interfaces that promote a seamless integration of the
multiple technologies used by individuals with disabilities in the home,
community, and workplace. This RERC must work collaboratively with the
RERC on Telecommunication Access, and the RERC on Mobile Wireless
Technologies.

\(f\) [RERC for Wheeled Mobility (Priority 20)]{.underline}. Under this
priority, the RERC must research and develop innovative technologies and
strategies that will improve the current state of the science, design
standards, and usability of wheeled mobility devices and wheelchair
seating systems.

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

(1) Increased technical and scientific knowledge 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 through the development and testing of 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 and 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.

(6) Increased transfer of RERC-developed technologies to the
    marketplace. The RERC must contribute to this outcome by developing
    and implementing a plan for ensuring that all technologies developed
    by the RERC are made available to the public. The technology
    transfer plan must be developed in the first year of the project
    period in consultation with the NIDRR-funded Disability
    Rehabilitation Research Project, Center on Knowledge Translation for
    Technology Transfer.

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

-   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) (www.ncddr.org), a plan to disseminate
    its research results to individuals with disabilities, their
    representatives, disability organizations, employers, service
    providers, professional journals, manufacturers, and other
    interested parties;

-   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, new RRTCs, and new RERCs will support the President's NFI and
will improve the lives of individuals with disabilities. The new DRRPs,
RRTCs, 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, 84.133B Rehabilitation Research and
Training Centers 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 1, 2008

> Tracy R. Justesen,

##### Assistant Secretary for

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

**SECTION**

**D**

**BACKGROUND STATEMENTS**

# Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers

# 

**[Priorities 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, and 27\--Rehabilitation Engineering
Research Centers (RERCs) for Hearing Enhancement (Priority 22),
Accessible Public Transportation (Priority 23), Prosthetics and
Orthotics (Priority 24), Communication Enhancement (Priority 25),
Universal Interface and Information Technology Access (Priority 26), and
Wheeled Mobility (Priority 27)]{.underline}**

**[Background]{.underline}:**

Individuals with disabilities regularly use products that have been
developed as the result of rehabilitation and biomedical research in
order to achieve and maintain maximum physical function, live
independently, study and learn, and attain gainful employment.
Rehabilitation engineering research encompasses research on assistive
technology, technology at the systems level (e.g., the built
environment, transportation), and technology that allows individuals to
interface with technology at the systems or environmental levels.

Advancements in basic biomedical science and technology have resulted in
new opportunities to enhance further 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 research in the following
priority research areas: Hearing Enhancement, Accessible Public
Transportation, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Communication Enhancement,
Universal Interface and Information Technology Access, and Wheeled
Mobility.

**[Priority 22\--Hearing Enhancement]{.underline}**

Approximately 28.6 million Americans have an auditory disorder. In the
United States, an estimated 1 to 6 in 1,000 newborns are born profoundly
deaf, and another 2 to 3 out of 1,000 babies are born with partial
hearing loss, making hearing loss the number one birth defect in America
(Kochkin, 2001; Kemper & Downs, 2000; Cunningham & Cox, 2003).

Despite advances in hearing assistive technologies such as digital
hearing aids, cochlear implants, induction loop (IL), frequency
modulation (FM) and infrared (IR) assistive listening systems, and video
relay, many challenges and opportunities for future research and
development exist (Stika, Ross, & Cuevas, 2002; Schow et al., 1993). For
example, there is a need for new fitting methods for hearing aids and
cochlear implants that adaptively adjust signal processing parameters
such as compression threshold, compression ratio, gain, and frequency to
maximize performance goals for an individual, both in the clinic and in
the field (Stika, Ross & Cuevas, 2002; Schow, Balsara, Smedley &
Whitcomb, 1993). In addition, there is a need to explore how
rehabilitation or training can be provided so that individual users of
hearing enhancement technologies can readily adopt new technologies and
adapt to the new stimulation and information being received (Schow et
al., 1993).

Accordingly, NIDRR seeks to fund an RERC that researches and develops
innovative models of aural rehabilitation tools, services, and training,
in order to improve assessment and fitting of hearing enhancement
technologies and to increase the availability, knowledge, and use of
hearing enhancement devices and services.

[References]{.underline}:

Cunningham, M. & Cox, E.O. (2003). Hearing assessment in infants and
children: Recommendations beyond neonatal screening. Pediatrics, 111(2):
436-440.

Kemper, A.R. & Downs, S.M. (2000). A cost-effectiveness analysis of
newborn hearing screening strategies. Archives of Pediatric and
Adolescent Medicine, 154(5): 484-488.

Kochkin, S. (2001). MarkeTrak VI: The VA and direct mail sales spark
growth in hearing aid market. The Hearing Review, 8(12): 16-24, 63-65.

Schow, R., Balsara, N., Smedley, T., & Whitcomb, C. (1993). Aural
rehabilitation by ASHA audiologists: 1980-1990, American Journal of
Audiology, 2(3): 28-37.

Stika, C.J., Ross, M., & Cuevas, C. (2002). Hearing Aid Services and
Satisfaction: The Consumer Viewpoint, Hearing Loss: the Journal of Self
Help for Hard of Hearing People, 23(3): 25-31.

**[Priority 23\--Accessible Public Transportation]{.underline}**

Inaccessible transportation is a major barrier to independent living and
limits the ability of individuals with disabilities to participate fully
in their communities. One-third of individuals with disabilities report
that inadequate transportation is a significant problem, and they are
twice as likely to have inadequate transportation than individuals
without disabilities (N.O.D./Harris Survey, 2004). Addressing the
problems of accessibility of public transportation may help to provide
the same degree of convenience, connection, and safety the general
public enjoys when traveling via plane, train, or bus.

Points of entry and exit, public rights-of-way, communications, and bus
and rail stations and stops are just a few of the areas posing
transportation accessibility problems for individuals with disabilities.
The physical dimensions and space limitations of the transport vehicle
may prohibit easy entry, transfer to vehicle seats, or use of the
services and facilities available on a plane, train, or bus. In
addition, costs, physical ability, and perceptions of safety are all
considered barriers to public transportation (Peck & Hess, 2006).

Accordingly, NIDRR seeks to fund an RERC on Accessible Public
Transportation to address the need for improvements in the accessibility
of public transportation, provide safe and dignified travel for
individuals with disabilities, and increase community participation by
individuals with disabilities. The focus of this RERC is on travel via
air, rail, and bus.

[References]{.underline}:

N.O.D./Harris Survey of Americans with Disabilities (2004). Harris
Interactive, 111 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10003.

Peck, M. & Hess D. (2006). Barriers to Using Public Transit among
Diverse Older Adults: Implications for Social Work.
<http://sswr.confex.com/sswr/2007/techprogram/P7047.HTM>

**[Priority 24\--Prosthetics and Orthotics]{.underline}**

In the United States, it is estimated that there are 1.2 to 1.9 million
individuals living with limb loss (Adams, Hendershot, & Marano, 1999).
In addition, it is estimated that 75 percent of individuals with limb
loss use a prosthetic device (Nielsen, 2002). The majority of
amputations are generally the result of peripheral vascular disease.
Cancer, congenital limb loss, and trauma are the other major causes of
amputation. It is difficult to accurately estimate orthotic use in the
United States, because orthotics are used by many different pathology
populations (stroke, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, orthopedic
impairment) and orthoses are not often used on a permanent basis.

Increased knowledge and understanding about prosthetics and orthotics,
and a greater emphasis on objective measures, such as performance,
efficacy, and energy expenditures, that inform clinical practice should
lead to the development of new concepts and devices to improve the
quality, cost-effectiveness, and delivery of prosthetic and orthotic
fittings.

Accordingly, NIDRR seeks to fund an RERC that researches and develops
innovative prosthetic and orthotic technologies and designs to enhance
the ability of individuals with limb loss and impaired limb function to
perform activities of daily living, to have expanded employment options,
to participate in sports and leisure activities, and to improve their
health and participation outcomes.

[References]{.underline}:

Adams, P.F., Hendershot, G.E., & Marano, M.A. (1999). Current estimates
from the National Health Interview Survey, 1996. National Center for
Health Statistics. Vital Health Stat 10(200).

Nielsen, C. (2002). Issues Affecting The Future Demand for Orthotists
and Prosthetists: Update 2002. A study updated for the National
Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education, May 2002.

**[Priority 25\--Communication Enhancement]{.underline}**

"Approximately 1.3 percent of all individuals \[in the United States\]
(i.e., more than 3.5 million Americans) have such significant
communication disabilities that they cannot rely on their natural speech
to meet their daily communication needs.\" (Beukelman, 2005) For these
individuals, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) strategies
would facilitate participation and independence.

The number of individuals who may benefit from AAC will continue to grow
as the American population ages and the associated prevalence of
acquired communication disorders increases. Also, improvements in
medical practices and technologies have resulted in increased survival
rates among at risk infants and children, which, in turn, has led to an
increase in the number of individuals with moderate to severe
disabilities (Hack et al., 2005). In addition, the prevalence of autism
spectrum disorders (ASD) has increased and more individuals with ASD and
their caregivers are actively seeking, and expecting to find,
intervention services that include AAC (Blackstone, 2005).

Accordingly, NIDRR seeks to fund an RERC that enhances communication for
individuals with communication disabilities, promotes greater
participation of individuals with communication disabilities in
employment and education, increases independence for these individuals,
and researches and develops innovative technologies and techniques to
improve the state of the science and usability of AAC technology.

[References]{.underline}:

Beukelman, D.R. & Mirenda, P. (2005). Augmentative and Alternative
Communication: Supporting children and adults with complex communication
needs. (3rd edition). Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes Publishing, p.3.

Blackstone, S.W. (2003). Overview and Update. Augmentative Communication
News. 15:4, 2-3.

Hack, M., Taylor, H., Drotar, D., Schluchter, M., Cartar, L., Andreias,
L., Wilson-Costello, D., & Klein, N. (2005). Chronic Conditions,
Functional Limitations, and Special Health Care Needs of School-Aged
Children Born with Extra Low Birth Weight in the 1990's. Journal of the
American Medical Association (JAMA), 294 (3), 318-325.

**[Priority 26\--Universal Interface and Information Technology
Access]{.underline}**

Information technologies have the potential to provide or increase
access to professional, educational, social, and economic resources
among individuals with disabilities (Gorski & Clark, 2002).
Unfortunately, large discrepancies in the rates of use of information
technologies exist between individuals with and without disabilities.
According to data collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the
U.S. Census, 57.6 percent and 54.4 percent of individuals without
disabilities use a computer at home and access the Internet at home,
respectively. These same data suggest that only 30.2 percent and 26.4
percent of individuals with disabilities use a computer at home and
access the Internet at home, respectively. In addition, while 63.6
percent of individuals without disabilities access the Internet at some
location, only 30.8 percent of individuals with disabilities do so
(Dobransky & Hargittai, 2006).

Information technology access development efforts are utilizing V2
Information Technology Access Interface standards to build and test new
universally designed interfaces that accommodate individuals with and
without disabilities (International Committee for Information Technology
Standards, 2006). These "smart devices" would automatically offer the
user the appropriate interface and adapt to the way in which the user
interacts with it (Horn & West, 2005).

Despite the promise of a universally designed information technology
(IT) interface or device, most currently existing IT devices still need
to be retrofitted with customized input and output interfaces so
individuals with disabilities can use them. Further research on the
effectiveness of existing alternative input and output interfaces and
the design specifications necessary to construct universally designed IT
interfaces and devices of the future is needed.

Accordingly, NIDRR seeks to fund an RERC that enhances the effectiveness
of currently available input and output IT interfaces and devices used
by individuals with varying disabilities to facilitate community
participation and independent living.

[References]{.underline}:

Dobransky, K. & Hargittai, E. (2006). The disability divide in Internet
access and use. Information, Communication & Society. 9 (3), 313--334.

Gorski, P. & Clark, C. (2002). Multicultural Education and the Digital
Divide: Focus on Disability. Multicultural Perspectives. 4(4), 28-36.

Horn, P. & West, F. (2005). Introduction. IBM systems Journal. 44(3),
1-2.

International Committee for Information Technology Standards (2006).
V2 - Information Technology Access Interfaces. Gaithersburg, MD:
National Institute of Standards and Technology. See:
<http://v2.incits.org/>

**[Priority 27\--Wheeled Mobility]{.underline}**

Among the United States population of individuals aged 15 years and
older, 2.7 million individuals use a wheelchair or similar device (2002
SIPP data cited in Steinmetz, 2006). As more individuals with
disabilities advance in age and as more aging individuals acquire
disabilities, the number of wheeled-mobility device users will increase
(White House Conference on Aging, 2005). Addressing the needs of this
diverse population requires engineering and related fields to develop
new solutions to existing problems and provide innovation and
advancement in wheeled mobility.

Despite advances in knowledge in wheelchair propulsion technique,
secondary injury prevention, wheelchair-user interface, and wheelchair
skills training, many challenges and opportunities for future research
and development exist. For example, over-use injuries resulting from
long-term wheelchair use are still a major problem (Arthanat & Strobel,
2006; Van der Woude, de Groot, & Janssen, 2006; Van der Woude, Janssen,
& Vegger, 2005). In addition, there is a need for more information on
the ergonomics of wheelchair and scooter design and use within and
across different environments (e.g., work, home, school, and outdoors)
(Arthanat & Strobel, 2006; Van der Woude, de Groot, & Janssen, 2006).

Advances in wheelchair technology may provide users with greater
functional potential, including increases in participation and activity,
and decreases in secondary injuries, such as pressure sores and
repetitive strain injuries. Accordingly, NIDRR seeks to fund an RERC
that improves understanding of the ergonomics, design, development,
testing, and use of wheelchairs and scooters within and across different
environments.

[References]{.underline}:

Arthanat, S. & Strobel, W. (2006). Wheelchair ergonomics: Implications
for vocational participation. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 24,
97--109.

Steinmetz, E. (2006). Current Population Reports: Americans with
Disabilities 2002. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Commerce,
Economics and Statistics Administration, U.S. Census Bureau. See:
<http://www.census.gov/prod/2006pubs/p70-107.pdf>

Van der Woude, L.H., de Groot, S., & Janssen, T.W.J. (2006). Manual
wheelchairs: Research and innovation in rehabilitation, sports, daily
life and health. Medical Engineering & Physics, 28(9), 905-915.

Van der Woude, L.H., Janssen, T.W.J., & Vegger, D.J. (2005). 3rd
International Congress "Restoration of wheeled mobility in SCI
rehabilitation: State of the art III": its background. Technology and
Disability, 17, 55-61.

White House Conference on Aging (2005). Final Report to the President
and Congress: The Booming Dynamics of Aging: From awareness to action.
See: <http://www.whcoa.gov/about/about.asp#report>

**SECTION**

**E**

**General Requirements For All RERCs**

**Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers Program**

**General Requirements of Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers
(RERCs)**

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.

**SECTION**

**F**

**SECTION CRITERIA**

**For All RERCs in this Application**

**SELECTION CRITERIA**

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} (10 points total)**

\(1\) The Secretary considers the importance of the problem.

\(2\) In determining the importance of the problem, the Secretary
considers the extent to which the applicant 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.

#########  

**(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} (5 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) [Design of dissemination activities]{.underline} (5 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]{.underline}. (5 points total)**

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

\(2\) In determining the quality of the plan of operation, the Secretary
considers the 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} (4 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.

**(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**

**G**

**PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECTS**

**Protection of Human Subjects**

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) 260-3353 and on the Protection of Human Subjects in
research Web Site at:

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

**SECTION**

**H**

**APPLICATION FORMAT**

**APPLICATION FORMAT**

Applications for an award must be postmarked or hand delivered by the
closing date of\
***Tuesday, April 1, 2008.***

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 SF 424) 

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

-   Applicants should clearly indicate the CFDA number of the program
    84.133E-1, 84.133E-3, 84.133E-4, 84.133E-5, 84.133E-6, or 84.133E-7
    in block 11. If this information is not provided, your application
    may be assigned and reviewed under a different program. For
    electronic submissions, you must download the correct application
    package from Grants.gov, that matches your competition title.

-   Applicants should use the **RELEVANT** CFDA Title from the NFP/NIA
    as the title.

#### 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.

#### 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 attach a document with the title
    "Abstract".

#### 4. Budget Form and Information (ED 524*)* 

-   Remember that you must provide complete budget information for each
    year of the proposed project.

-   Please report on any Federal and Non-Federal funds that will be
    used.

-   Specific instructions for completing the budget forms are provided
    within this application package.

> [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 18a on the application cover sheet (SF Form 424).

> [Cost Share or Matching:]{.underline} If you include a voluntary cost
> share or matching, please, include this information on the ED Form
> 524, Section B -- Budget Summary, Non-Federal Funds.

#### 

#### 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 E (General Requirements for RERCs) and 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, 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 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).

-   Begin numbering the first page in Arabic numerals ("1") and number
    the pages consecutively throughout the document.

-   Include all critical information in the program narrative,
    minimizing the need for additional appendices.

-   Include a complete bibliography listing all materials that were
    referenced in the project narrative.

**[NOTE:]{.underline}** The 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. However, the
recommended page limit does apply to all of the application narrative
section.

#### 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 vitas.

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-   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

-   Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility

> and Voluntary Exclusion - Lower Tier Covered Transaction;
>
> Disclosure of Lobbying Activities;
>
> **9 [Reporting Requirements]{.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 under
> 34. CFR 75.118. The Secretary may also require more frequent
> performance reports under 34 CFR 75.72 (c). For specific requirements
> on reporting please go to
> <http://www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/ed524b_instructions.pdf>
>
> **Note**: NIDRR will provide information by letter to grantees on how
> and when to submit the report.

**SECTION**

**I**

**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, N, 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.

16. 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.

17. 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.

If there is any doubt that your application was not successfully
submitted to Grants.gov, you can submit this application by paper
following the appropriate instructions in this application package.

**POINTS TO REMEMBER IN APPLICATION PREPARATION\
RELEVANT TO PROGRAM**

1\. [CFDA Number]{.underline}: In the title block on the SF 424 form,
please note the appropriate CFDA 84.133E-1. For electronic submissions,
you must download the correct application package from Grants.gov Please
not that NIDRR has multiple competitions available at this time.

2\. [Indirect Cost]{.underline}: There is no restricted indirect cost
rate for this 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 E (General
Requirements for RERCS) and 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 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). Begin
numbering the first page in Arabic numbers ("1") and number the pages
consecutively throughout the document. Include all critical information
in the program narrative, minimizing the need for additional appendices.
Include a complete bibliography listing all materials that were
referenced in the project narrative.

# Closing Date/Transmittal of Application

4\. Applications must be [postmarked]{.underline} by the closing date of
**[Tuesday, April 1, 200X]{.underline}, if submitting in paper**. Follow
the transmittal instructions for submitting in paper or electronically
found in the notice inviting applications. Please include an electronic
copy (disk) with your application.

5\. Electronic copies must be fully uploaded on Grants.gov by 4:30 pm,
Washington DC time on the closing date and then processed by Grants.gov
successfully. For additional information on electronic submission
procedures, see the section H. A copy of your application should not be
emailed directly to the Department. You must submit it electronically
via Grants.gov

**Forms**

6.  [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 the subcontractor
    should complete is that required by the primary institution. You
    should include a letter of intent in the application from any
    collaborating group saying that if awarded what goals/duties they
    will be responsible for and the dollar amount associated with their
    involvement.

**[Application for Federal Assistance SF 424]{.underline}**

7.  [Leave these blocks blank or enter N/A]{.underline}: **block
    4**-Applicant Identifier, **block 5**-Applicant Identifier, **block
    5a**- Federal Entity, **block 5b**- Federal Award Identifier,
    **block 6**-Date Received by State, and **block 7**,-State
    Application Number.

8.  [CFDA Number]{.underline}: In the title block of #11 on the SF 424
    form, please note the appropriate CFDA. If applying via Grants.gov
    this area will populate automatically.

9.  [Legal Name]{.underline}: Block #8a is for the name of institution
    or entity that will be responsible for this grant if funded. If
    applying via Grants.gov this will match with information in the
    Central Contractor Registry (CCR).

10. [DUNS number]{.underline}: It is important to verify with your
    fiscal office the DUNS number, which goes in Block #8c on the ED 424
    form. If you do not have one, call 1-800-333-0505 to set one up.
    This number is required. If applying via Grants.gov you must enter
    the DUNS number for your organization used when it registered with
    the CCR.

11. [Block #18a]{.underline}: The total amount of Federal funds
    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.

12. [Block #18b]{.underline}: The amount of cost share/matching that the
    applicant is providing. This amount should be on the "B" side of the
    ED 524 form and described in the budget narrative.

13. [Block #18f]{.underline}: The amount of program income that is
    estimated to be generated by this application if funded. It should
    be described in the budget narrative.

14. [EO 12372]{.underline}: Mark Block #19, the EO 12372 as no and not
    covered. This program is not covered.

**ED Supplemental**

15. [Project Director]{.underline}: Block #1, Project director
    information. The Project Director is the primary person responsible
    for meeting the goals and objectives of the grant.

16\. [Novice applicant:]{.underline} Block #2. Please leave Block #6
blank. Does not apply to NIDRR programs.

17\. [Human Subjects]{.underline}: Block #3. You must include a separate
7-point narrative for each site where the research is being conducted.
If you check "no", please include a paragraph of why it is not required.
IRB approval is not required at the time of award, but must be in place
before research begins.

> **ED 524**

18\. **Budget Information**: **[BE SURE TO CHECK THE
MATH]{.underline}** - the application will not be reviewed if the
request for funds on block 18a of the 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. A performance report that will
be required annually will be used in place of the continuation
application to determine progress.

19\. [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**

20\. [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.

21\. [Number all pages]{.underline} to make it easier for the reader to
refer to a page number if comments are given (including the appendices).

22\. [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.

23\. [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.

24 [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.

25\. [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

> The Federal Funding Opportunity numbers are:
> 84.133E-1---ED-GRANTS-020108-002; 84.133E-3---ED-GRANTS-020108-003;
> 84.133E-4---ED-GRANTS-020108-004; 84.133E-5---ED-GRANTS-020108-005;
> 133E-6---ED-GRANTS-020108-006; and 84.133E-7---ED-GRANTS-020108-007.

26\. **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.

27\. 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.

28\. 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.

29\. **Document Format**: 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 this
priority topic, 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 Emergency
> Evacuation. 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 -- Disability Rehabilitation Research Projects.

**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**

**J**

**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**

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.

**ATTENTION -- Microsoft Vista and Word 2007 Users**

Please note that Grants.gov does [not]{.underline} currently support the
new Microsoft Vista Operating system. The PureEdge software used by
Grants.gov for forms is not compatible with Vista. Grants.gov will be
reviewing this new product to determine if it can be supported in the
future.

In addition, the new version of Microsoft Word saves documents with the
extension .DOCX. The Grants.gov system does not process Microsoft Word
documents with the extension .DOCX. When submitting Microsoft Word
attachments to Grants.gov, please use the version of Microsoft Word that
ends in .DOC. If you have any questions regarding this matter please
email the Grants.gov Contact Center at <support@grants.gov> or call
1-800-518-4726.

**Attaching Files -- Additional Tips**

As described above applicants should not upload a Word 2007 (.doc**x)**
file when attaching narrative files to their application. In addition,
please ensure that you only attach the Education approved file types
detailed in the Federal Register application notice (.doc, .pdf or
.rtf). Grants.gov cannot process an application that includes two or
more files that have the same name within a grant submission. Finally,
when attaching files, applicants should limit the size of their file
names. Lengthy file names could result in difficulties with opening and
processing your application. We recommend you keep your file names be
less than 50 characters.

1)  **REGISTER EARLY** -- Grants.gov registration may take five or more
    business 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 Registration steps are complete. For
    detailed information on the Registration Steps, please go to:
    [http://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp](http://www.grants.gov/GetStarted).
    \[Note: Your organization will need to update its Central Contractor
    Registry (CCR) registration annually.\]

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 of Education 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 Track My Application 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/applicants/applicant_faqs.jsp#54>. For more
> detailed information on why an application may be rejected, you can
> review Application Error Tips
> <http://www.grants.gov/section910/ApplicationErrorTips.pdf>. 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/applicants/applicant_help.jsp>.

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. **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/applicants/applicant_help.jsp> for
help with Grants.gov. For additional tips related to submitting grant
applications, please refer to the Grants.gov Submit Application FAQs
found on the Grants.gov
<http://www.grants.gov/help/submit_application_faqs.jsp>.

**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 the
Citrix solution discussed on Grants.gov or a Windows Emulation program
to submit an application using Grants.gov. For additional information,
review the FAQs for non-windows users
[http://www.grants.gov/help/download_software.jsp -
pureedge](http://www.grants.gov/help/download_software.jsp#pureedge).
Also, to view white paper for Macintosh users published by Pure Edge go
to the following link:
<http://www.grants.gov/section678/PureEdgeSupportforMacintosh.pdf>,
and/or contact Grants.gov Customer Support
(<http://www.grants.gov/contactus/contactus.jsp>) for more information.
**If electronic submission is required and you are concerned about your
ability to submit electronically as a non-windows user, 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-1, 84.133E-3, 84.133E-4, 84.133E-5, 84.133E-6, or 84.133E-6)

# 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-1, 84.133E-3, 84.133E-4, 84.133E-5,
> 84.133E-6, or 84.133E-6)**
>
> 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-1, 84.133E-3, 84.133E-4, 84.133E-5,
> 84.133E-6, or 84.133E-6)**
>
> 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**

**K**

**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 (SF 424) and the ED
Supplemental

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.

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

-   ED Supplemental

-   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.

+---+--------------+--------------+---+--------------------------------+
| * | **Entry:**   |              | * | **Entry:**                     |
| * |              |              | * |                                |
| I |              |              | I |                                |
| t |              |              | t |                                |
| e |              |              | e |                                |
| m |              |              | m |                                |
| * |              |              | * |                                |
| * |              |              | * |                                |
+===+==============+==============+===+================================+
| 1 | **Type of    |              | 1 | **Name Of Federal Agency**:    |
| \ | S            |              | 0 | (Required) Enter the name of   |
| . | ubmission:** |              | \ | the Federal agency from which  |
|   | (Required):  |              | . | assistance is being requested  |
|   | Select one   |              |   | with this application.         |
|   | type of      |              |   |                                |
|   | submission   |              |   |                                |
|   | in           |              |   |                                |
|   | accordance   |              |   |                                |
|   | with agency  |              |   |                                |
|   | i            |              |   |                                |
|   | nstructions. |              |   |                                |
|   |              |              |   |                                |
|   | -   Pr       |              |   |                                |
|   | eapplication |              |   |                                |
|   |              |              |   |                                |
|   | -            |              |   |                                |
|   |  Application |              |   |                                |
|   |              |              |   |                                |
|   | -   Chang    |              |   |                                |
|   | ed/Corrected |              |   |                                |
|   |              |              |   |                                |
|   |  Application |              |   |                                |
|   |     -- If    |              |   |                                |
|   |              |              |   |                                |
|   |    requested |              |   |                                |
|   |     by the   |              |   |                                |
|   |     agency,  |              |   |                                |
|   |     check if |              |   |                                |
|   |     this     |              |   |                                |
|   |              |              |   |                                |
|   |   submission |              |   |                                |
|   |     is to    |              |   |                                |
|   |     change   |              |   |                                |
|   |     or       |              |   |                                |
|   |     correct  |              |   |                                |
|   |     a        |              |   |                                |
|   |              |              |   |                                |
|   |   previously |              |   |                                |
|   |              |              |   |                                |
|   |    submitted |              |   |                                |
|   |              |              |   |                                |
|   | application. |              |   |                                |
|   |     Unless   |              |   |                                |
|   |              |              |   |                                |
|   |    requested |              |   |                                |
|   |     by the   |              |   |                                |
|   |     agency,  |              |   |                                |
|   |              |              |   |                                |
|   |   applicants |              |   |                                |
|   |     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 of    |              | 1 | **Funding Opportunity          |
| \ | Ap           |              | 2 | Number/Title:** (Required)     |
| . | plication**: |              | \ | Enter the Funding Opportunity  |
|   | (Required)   |              | . | Number and title of the        |
|   | Select one   |              |   | opportunity under which        |
|   | type of      |              |   | assistance is requested, as    |
|   | application  |              |   | found in the program           |
|   | in           |              |   | announcement.                  |
|   | accordance   |              |   |                                |
|   | with agency  |              |   |                                |
|   | i            |              |   |                                |
|   | nstructions. |              |   |                                |
|   |              |              |   |                                |
|   | -   New --   |              |   |                                |
|   |     An       |              |   |                                |
|   |              |              |   |                                |
|   |  application |              |   |                                |
|   |     that is  |              |   |                                |
|   |     being    |              |   |                                |
|   |              |              |   |                                |
|   |    submitted |              |   |                                |
|   |     to an    |              |   |                                |
|   |     agency   |              |   |                                |
|   |     for the  |              |   |                                |
|   |     first    |              |   |                                |
|   |     time.    |              |   |                                |
|   |              |              |   |                                |
|   | -   Co       |              |   |                                |
|   | ntinuation - |              |   |                                |
|   |     An       |              |   |                                |
|   |              |              |   |                                |
|   |    extension |              |   |                                |
|   |     for an   |              |   |                                |
|   |              |              |   |                                |
|   |   additional |              |   |                                |
|   |     fu       |              |   |                                |
|   | nding/budget |              |   |                                |
|   |     period   |              |   |                                |
|   |     for a    |              |   |                                |
|   |     project  |              |   |                                |
|   |     with a   |              |   |                                |
|   |              |              |   |                                |
|   |    projected |              |   |                                |
|   |              |              |   |                                |
|   |   completion |              |   |                                |
|   |     date.    |              |   |                                |
|   |     This can |              |   |                                |
|   |     include  |              |   |                                |
|   |              |              |   |                                |
|   |    renewals. |              |   |                                |
|   |              |              |   |                                |
|   | ```{=html}   |              |   |                                |
|   | <!-- -->     |              |   |                                |
|   | ```          |              |   |                                |
|   | -            |              |   |                                |
|   |   Revision - |              |   |                                |
|   |     Any      |              |   |                                |
|   |     change   |              |   |                                |
|   |     in the   |              |   |                                |
|   |     Federal  |              |   |                                |
|   |              |              |   |                                |
|   | Government's |              |   |                                |
|   |              |              |   |                                |
|   |    financial |              |   |                                |
|   |              |              |   |                                |
|   |   obligation |              |   |                                |
|   |     or       |              |   |                                |
|   |              |              |   |                                |
|   |   contingent |              |   |                                |
|   |              |              |   |                                |
|   |    liability |              |   |                                |
|   |     from an  |              |   |                                |
|   |     existing |              |   |                                |
|   |              |              |   |                                |
|   |  obligation. |              |   |                                |
|   |     If a     |              |   |                                |
|   |              |              |   |                                |
|   |    revision, |              |   |                                |
|   |     enter    |              |   |                                |
|   |     the      |              |   |                                |
|   |              |              |   |                                |
|   |  appropriate |              |   |                                |
|   |              |              |   |                                |
|   |   letter(s). |              |   |                                |
|   |     More     |              |   |                                |
|   |     than one |              |   |                                |
|   |     may be   |              |   |                                |
|   |              |              |   |                                |
|   |    selected. |              |   |                                |
|   |     If       |              |   |                                |
|   |              |              |   |                                |
|   |    \"Other\" |              |   |                                |
|   |     is       |              |   |                                |
|   |              |              |   |                                |
|   |    selected, |              |   |                                |
|   |     please   |              |   |                                |
|   |     specify  |              |   |                                |
|   |     in text  |              |   |                                |
|   |     box      |              |   |                                |
|   |              |              |   |                                |
|   |    provided. |              |   |                                |
|   |              |              |   |                                |
|   | 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         |
| \ | Received:**  |              | 5 | Applicant's Project:**         |
| . | Leave this   |              | \ | (Required) Enter a brief       |
|   | field blank. |              | . | descriptive title of the       |
|   | This date    |              |   | project. If appropriate,       |
|   | will be      |              |   | attach a map showing project   |
|   | assigned by  |              |   | location (e.g., construction   |
|   | the Federal  |              |   | or real property projects).    |
|   | agency.      |              |   | For preapplications, attach a  |
|   |              |              |   | summary description of the     |
|   |              |              |   | project.                       |
+---+--------------+--------------+---+--------------------------------+
| 4 | **Applicant  |              |   |                                |
| \ | I            |              |   |                                |
| . | dentifier**: |              |   |                                |
|   | Enter the    |              |   |                                |
|   | entity       |              |   |                                |
|   | identifier   |              |   |                                |
|   | assigned by  |              |   |                                |
|   | the Federal  |              |   |                                |
|   | agency, if   |              |   |                                |
|   | any, or      |              |   |                                |
|   | applicant's  |              |   |                                |
|   | control      |              |   |                                |
|   | number, if   |              |   |                                |
|   | applicable.  |              |   |                                |
+---+--------------+--------------+---+--------------------------------+
| 5 | **Federal    |              | 1 | **Congressional Districts      |
| a | Entity       |              | 6 | Of**: (Required) 16a. Enter    |
|   | I            |              | \ | the applicant's Congressional  |
|   | dentifier**: |              | . | District, and 16b. Enter all   |
|   | Enter the    |              |   | District(s) affected by the    |
|   | number       |              |   | program or project. Enter in   |
|   | assigned to  |              |   | the format: 2 characters State |
|   | your         |              |   | Abbreviation -- 2-3 characters |
|   | organization |              |   | District Number, e.g., CA-12   |
|   | by the       |              |   | for California 12^th^          |
|   | Federal      |              |   | district, NC-103 for North     |
|   | Agency, if   |              |   | Carolina's 103^rd^ district.   |
|   | any.         |              |   |                                |
|   |              |              |   | -   If all congressional       |
|   |              |              |   |     districts in a state are   |
|   |              |              |   |     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 | **Federal    |              |   |                                |
| b | Award        |              |   |                                |
| . | I            |              |   |                                |
|   | dentifier**: |              |   |                                |
|   | For new      |              |   |                                |
|   | applications |              |   |                                |
|   | leave blank. |              |   |                                |
|   | For a        |              |   |                                |
|   | continuation |              |   |                                |
|   | or revision  |              |   |                                |
|   | to an        |              |   |                                |
|   | existing     |              |   |                                |
|   | award, enter |              |   |                                |
|   | the          |              |   |                                |
|   | previously   |              |   |                                |
|   | assigned     |              |   |                                |
|   | Federal      |              |   |                                |
|   | award        |              |   |                                |
|   | identifier   |              |   |                                |
|   | number. If a |              |   |                                |
|   | chang        |              |   |                                |
|   | ed/corrected |              |   |                                |
|   | application, |              |   |                                |
|   | enter the    |              |   |                                |
|   | Federal      |              |   |                                |
|   | Identifier   |              |   |                                |
|   | in           |              |   |                                |
|   | accordance   |              |   |                                |
|   | with agency  |              |   |                                |
|   | i            |              |   |                                |
|   | nstructions. |              |   |                                |
+---+--------------+--------------+---+--------------------------------+
| 6 | **Date       |              |   |                                |
| \ | Received by  |              |   |                                |
| . | State:**     |              |   |                                |
|   | Leave this   |              |   |                                |
|   | field blank. |              |   |                                |
|   | This date    |              |   |                                |
|   | will be      |              |   |                                |
|   | assigned by  |              |   |                                |
|   | the State,   |              |   |                                |
|   | if           |              |   |                                |
|   | applicable.  |              |   |                                |
+---+--------------+--------------+---+--------------------------------+
| 7 | **State      |              |   |                                |
| \ | Application  |              |   |                                |
| . | I            |              |   |                                |
|   | dentifier:** |              |   |                                |
|   | Leave this   |              |   |                                |
|   | field blank. |              |   |                                |
|   | This         |              |   |                                |
|   | identifier   |              |   |                                |
|   | will be      |              |   |                                |
|   | assigned by  |              |   |                                |
|   | the State,   |              |   |                                |
|   | if           |              |   |                                |
|   | applicable.  |              |   |                                |
+---+--------------+--------------+---+--------------------------------+
| 8 | **Applicant  |              |   |                                |
| \ | In           |              |   |                                |
| . | formation**: |              |   |                                |
|   | Enter the    |              |   |                                |
|   | following in |              |   |                                |
|   | accordance   |              |   |                                |
|   | with agency  |              |   |                                |
|   | i            |              |   |                                |
|   | nstructions: |              |   |                                |
|   |              |              |   |                                |
|   | **a. Legal   |              |   |                                |
|   | Name**:      |              |   |                                |
|   | (Required):  |              |   |                                |
|   | Enter the    |              |   |                                |
|   | legal name   |              |   |                                |
|   | of applicant |              |   |                                |
|   | that will    |              |   |                                |
|   | undertake    |              |   |                                |
|   | the          |              |   |                                |
|   | assistance   |              |   |                                |
|   | activity.    |              |   |                                |
|   | This is the  |              |   |                                |
|   | name that    |              |   |                                |
|   | the          |              |   |                                |
|   | organization |              |   |                                |
|   | has          |              |   |                                |
|   | registered   |              |   |                                |
|   | with the     |              |   |                                |
|   | Central      |              |   |                                |
|   | Contractor   |              |   |                                |
|   | Registry.    |              |   |                                |
|   | Information  |              |   |                                |
|   | on           |              |   |                                |
|   | registering  |              |   |                                |
|   | with CCR may |              |   |                                |
|   | be obtained  |              |   |                                |
|   | by visiting  |              |   |                                |
|   | the          |              |   |                                |
|   | Grants.gov   |              |   |                                |
|   | website.     |              |   |                                |
+---+--------------+--------------+---+--------------------------------+
|   |              |              |   |                                |
+---+--------------+--------------+---+--------------------------------+
|   |              |              | 1 | **Proposed Project Start and   |
|   |              |              | 7 | End Dates**: (Required) Enter  |
|   |              |              | \ | the proposed start date and    |
|   |              |              | . | end date of the project.       |
+---+--------------+--------------+---+--------------------------------+
|   | **b.         |              |   |                                |
|   | Emplo        |              |   |                                |
|   | yer/Taxpayer |              |   |                                |
|   | Number       |              |   |                                |
|   | (EIN/TIN):** |              |   |                                |
|   | (Required):  |              |   |                                |
|   | Enter the    |              |   |                                |
|   | Employer or  |              |   |                                |
|   | Taxpayer     |              |   |                                |
|   | Id           |              |   |                                |
|   | entification |              |   |                                |
|   | Number (EIN  |              |   |                                |
|   | or TIN) as   |              |   |                                |
|   | assigned by  |              |   |                                |
|   | the Internal |              |   |                                |
|   | Revenue      |              |   |                                |
|   | Service. If  |              |   |                                |
|   | your         |              |   |                                |
|   | organization |              |   |                                |
|   | 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.         |              |   |                                |
|   | Or           |              |   |                                |
|   | ganizational |              |   |                                |
|   | DUNS**:      |              |   |                                |
|   | (Required)   |              |   |                                |
|   | Enter the    |              |   |                                |
|   | or           |              |   |                                |
|   | ganization's |              |   |                                |
|   | DUNS or      |              |   |                                |
|   | DUNS+4       |              |   |                                |
|   | number       |              |   |                                |
|   | received     |              |   |                                |
|   | from Dun and |              |   |                                |
|   | Bradstreet.  |              |   |                                |
|   | Information  |              |   |                                |
|   | on obtaining |              |   |                                |
|   | a DUNS       |              |   |                                |
|   | number may   |              |   |                                |
|   | be obtained  |              |   |                                |
|   | by visiting  |              |   |                                |
|   | the          |              |   |                                |
|   | Grants.gov   |              |   |                                |
|   | website.     |              |   |                                |
+---+--------------+--------------+---+--------------------------------+
|   | **d.         |              |   |                                |
|   | Address**:   |              |   |                                |
|   | Enter the    |              |   |                                |
|   | complete     |              |   |                                |
|   | address as   |              |   |                                |
|   | follows:     |              |   |                                |
|   | Street       |              |   |                                |
|   | address      |              |   |                                |
|   | (Line 1      |              |   |                                |
|   | required),   |              |   |                                |
|   | City         |              |   |                                |
|   | (Required),  |              |   |                                |
|   | County,      |              |   |                                |
|   | State        |              |   |                                |
|   | (Required,   |              |   |                                |
|   | if country   |              |   |                                |
|   | is US),      |              |   |                                |
|   | Province,    |              |   |                                |
|   | Country      |              |   |                                |
|   | (Required),  |              |   |                                |
|   | Zip/Postal   |              |   |                                |
|   | Code         |              |   |                                |
|   | (Required,   |              |   |                                |
|   | if country   |              |   |                                |
|   | is US).      |              |   |                                |
+---+--------------+--------------+---+--------------------------------+
|   |              |              | 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            |
|   |              |              |   | appropriate box. If "a." is    |
|   |              |              |   | selected, enter the date the   |
|   |              |              |   | application was submitted to   |
|   |              |              |   | the State                      |
+---+--------------+--------------+---+--------------------------------+
|   | **e.         |              |   |                                |
|   | Or           |              |   |                                |
|   | ganizational |              |   |                                |
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|   | primary      |              |   |                                |
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|   | ganizational |              |   |                                |
|   | unit (and    |              |   |                                |
|   | department   |              |   |                                |
|   | or division, |              |   |                                |
|   | if           |              |   |                                |
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|   | licable**)** |              |   |                                |
|   | that will    |              |   |                                |
|   | undertake    |              |   |                                |
|   | the          |              |   |                                |
|   | assistance   |              |   |                                |
|   | activity, if |              |   |                                |
|   | applicable.  |              |   |                                |
+---+--------------+--------------+---+--------------------------------+
|   |              |              |   |                                |
+---+--------------+--------------+---+--------------------------------+
|   |              |              |   |                                |
+---+--------------+--------------+---+--------------------------------+
|   | **f. Name    |              |   |                                |
|   | and contact  |              |   |                                |
|   | information  |              |   |                                |
|   | of person to |              |   |                                |
|   | be contacted |              |   |                                |
|   | on matters   |              |   |                                |
|   | involving    |              |   |                                |
|   | this         |              |   |                                |
|   | ap           |              |   |                                |
|   | plication**: |              |   |                                |
|   | Enter the    |              |   |                                |
|   | name (First  |              |   |                                |
|   | and last     |              |   |                                |
|   | name         |              |   |                                |
|   | required),   |              |   |                                |
|   | or           |              |   |                                |
|   | ganizational |              |   |                                |
|   | affiliation  |              |   |                                |
|   | (if          |              |   |                                |
|   | affiliated   |              |   |                                |
|   | with an      |              |   |                                |
|   | organization |              |   |                                |
|   | other than   |              |   |                                |
|   | the          |              |   |                                |
|   | applicant    |              |   |                                |
|   | or           |              |   |                                |
|   | ganization), |              |   |                                |
|   | telephone    |              |   |                                |
|   | number       |              |   |                                |
|   | (Required),  |              |   |                                |
|   | fax number,  |              |   |                                |
|   | and email    |              |   |                                |
|   | address      |              |   |                                |
|   | (Required)   |              |   |                                |
|   | of the       |              |   |                                |
|   | person to    |              |   |                                |
|   | contact on   |              |   |                                |
|   | matters      |              |   |                                |
|   | related to   |              |   |                                |
|   | this         |              |   |                                |
|   | application. |              |   |                                |
+---+--------------+--------------+---+--------------------------------+
|   |              |              | 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**: |
| \ | Applicant:   |              | 1 | (Required) To be signed and    |
| . | (Required)   |              | \ | dated by the authorized        |
|   |              |              | . | representative of the          |
|   | Select up to |              |   | applicant organization. Enter  |
|   | three        |              |   | the name (First and last name  |
|   | applicant    |              |   | required) title (Required),    |
|   | type(s) in   |              |   | telephone number (Required),   |
|   | accordance   |              |   | fax number, and email address  |
|   | with agency  |              |   | (Required) of the person       |
|   | i            |              |   | authorized to sign for the     |
|   | nstructions. |              |   | applicant.                     |
|   |              |              |   |                                |
|   |              |              |   | A copy of the governing body's |
|   |              |              |   | authorization for you to sign  |
|   |              |              |   | this application as the        |
|   |              |              |   | official representative must   |
|   |              |              |   | be on file in the applicant's  |
|   |              |              |   | office. (Certain Federal       |
|   |              |              |   | agencies may require that this |
|   |              |              |   | authorization be submitted as  |
|   |              |              |   | part of the application.)      |
+---+--------------+--------------+---+--------------------------------+
|   | A.  State    | L            |   |                                |
|   |              | .  Nonprofit |   |                                |
|   |   Government |     with     |   |                                |
|   |              |     501C3    |   |                                |
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|   |              |              |   |                                |
|   |   Government |  Institution |   |                                |
|   |              |     of       |   |                                |
|   | B.  City or  |     Higher   |   |                                |
|   |     Township |              |   |                                |
|   |              |   Education) |   |                                |
|   |   Government |              |   |                                |
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|   | C.  Special  | .  Nonprofit |   |                                |
|   |     District |     without  |   |                                |
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|   |   Government |     IRS      |   |                                |
|   |              |     Status   |   |                                |
|   | D.  Regional |     (Other   |   |                                |
|   |              |     than     |   |                                |
|   | Organization |              |   |                                |
|   |              |  Institution |   |                                |
|   | E.  U.S.     |     of       |   |                                |
|   |              |     Higher   |   |                                |
|   |    Territory |              |   |                                |
|   |     or       |   Education) |   |                                |
|   |              |              |   |                                |
|   |   Possession | N.  Private  |   |                                |
|   |              |              |   |                                |
|   | F.           |  Institution |   |                                |
|   |  Independent |     of       |   |                                |
|   |     School   |     Higher   |   |                                |
|   |     District |              |   |                                |
|   |              |    Education |   |                                |
|   | G.           |              |   |                                |
|   | Public/State | O.           |   |                                |
|   |              |   Individual |   |                                |
|   |   Controlled |              |   |                                |
|   |              | P.           |   |                                |
|   |  Institution |   For-Profit |   |                                |
|   |     of       |              |   |                                |
|   |     Higher   | Organization |   |                                |
|   |              |     (Other   |   |                                |
|   |    Education |     than     |   |                                |
|   |              |     Small    |   |                                |
|   | H.  I        |              |   |                                |
|   | ndian/Native |    Business) |   |                                |
|   |     American |              |   |                                |
|   |     Tribal   | Q.  Small    |   |                                |
|   |              |     Business |   |                                |
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|   |   (Federally | anic-serving |   |                                |
|   |              |              |   |                                |
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|   |              |              |   |                                |
|   | I.  I        | S.           |   |                                |
|   | ndian/Native | Historically |   |                                |
|   |     American |     Black    |   |                                |
|   |     Tribal   |     Colleges |   |                                |
|   |              |     and      |   |                                |
|   |   Government |              |   |                                |
|   |     (Other   | Universities |   |                                |
|   |     than     |     (HBCUs)  |   |                                |
|   |              |              |   |                                |
|   |    Federally | T.  Tribally |   |                                |
|   |              |              |   |                                |
|   |  Recognized) |   Controlled |   |                                |
|   |              |     Colleges |   |                                |
|   | J.  I        |     and      |   |                                |
|   | ndian/Native |              |   |                                |
|   |     American | Universities |   |                                |
|   |     Tribally |     (TCCUs)  |   |                                |
|   |              |              |   |                                |
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|   |              |     Native   |   |                                |
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|   |              |     Native   |   |                                |
|   | K.  P        |     Hawaiian |   |                                |
|   | ublic/Indian |     Serving  |   |                                |
|   |     Housing  |              |   |                                |
|   |              | Institutions |   |                                |
|   |    Authority |              |   |                                |
|   |              | V.           |   |                                |
|   |              | Non-domestic |   |                                |
|   |              |     (non-US) |   |                                |
|   |              |     Entity   |   |                                |
|   |              |              |   |                                |
|   |              | W.  Other    |   |                                |
|   |              |              |   |                                |
|   |              |    (specify) |   |                                |
+---+--------------+--------------+---+--------------------------------+
|   |              |              |   |                                |
+---+--------------+--------------+---+--------------------------------+
|   |              |              |   |                                |
+---+--------------+--------------+---+--------------------------------+
|   |              |              |   |                                |
+---+--------------+--------------+---+--------------------------------+

# 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 FORM 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**

**L**

**APPLICATION CHECKLIST**

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

Does your application include each of the following?

\[ \] Cover page (SF 424) marked appropriately with **CFDA Number
84.133E-1, 84.133E-3, 84.133E-4, 84.133E-5, 84.133E-6, or 84.133E-6**,
if applying by post, hand-delivery or carrier service or download of
correct package for **CFDA Number 84.133E-1, 84.133E-3, 84.133E-4,
84.133E-5, 84.133E-6, or 84.133E-6** if applying electronically?

\[ \] Priority Topic identified in the Descriptive Title in Block 11 of
the SF 424 match the title in the NFP/NIA?

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

\[ \] Voluntary cost share or matching included both on the "B" side of
the ED 524 and explained in the budget narrative for each 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 K)

\[ \] 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 **[Tuesday, April 1,
2008]{.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 11 copies are requested and a disk copy)?

\[ \] 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 J 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](http://www.ed.gov/) (WWW
address)**