60942 Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 219 / Thursday, November 13, 1997 / Notices

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

[CFDA Nos.: 84.133A and 84.133B]

Office of Special Education and

Rehabilitative Services National

Institute on Disability and

Rehabilitation Research

Subject: Notice Reinviting

Applications for New Awards Under the

Disability and Rehabilitation Research

Project and Centers Program for Fiscal

Year (FY) 1998.

Purpose: On May 9, 1997 a notice was

published in the Federal Register

inviting applications for new awards

under the Rehabilitation Research and

Training Center (RRTC) program and

Knowledge Dissemination and

Utilization Program (D&U) for fiscal year

1997 (62 FR 25770). The same Federal

Register included a notice of final

funding priorities establishing the

required activities for the RRTCs and

D&U projects (62 FR 25760). There were

no satisfactory applications received for

an RRTC on effective interventions for

children and youth who exhibit severe

problem behaviors (62 FR 25767) and a

D&U project on improving the

utilization of existing and emerging

rehabilitation technology in State

vocational rehabilitation programs (62

FR 25769).

On July 1, 1997 a notice was

published in the Federal Register

inviting applications for a new award

under the D&U program (62 FR 35644).

The same Federal Register included a

notice of final funding priority

establishing the required activities for a

D&U project on Parenting with a

Disability Technical Assistance Center

(62 FR 35643). There were no

satisfactory applications received for

this project.

On July 14, 1997 a notice was

published in the Federal Register

inviting applications for a new award

under the RRTC program (62 FR 37650).

The same Federal Register included a

notice of final funding priority

establishing the required activities for

an RRTC on Medical Rehabilitation

Services and Outcomes (62 FR 37646).

There were no satisfactory applications

received for this RRTC.

There is a continuing need for these

RRTCs and D&U projects. The purpose

of this notice is to reinvite applications

for these projects for FY 1998.

On February 6, 1997 NIDRR

published in the Federal Register

regulations consolidating a number of

regulations governing NIDRR’s existing

programs, including, but not limited to,

Parts 350 (General Provisions), 352

(Rehabilitation Research and Training

Centers), and 355 (Knowledge

Dissemination and Utilization

Programs) (62 FR 5712). These new

regulations took effect on October 1,

1997 and apply to this competition. The

new regulations include a new menu of

selection criteria (34 CFR 350.54) for use

in evaluating all applications. NIDRR

has drawn from this menu of selection

criteria to establish the specific

selection criteria that will be used to

evaluate applications for the four

priorities included in this notice

reinviting applications. In addition,

because Part 355 was consolidated into

Part 350, the final priorities established

for D&U projects in FY 1997 will be

used for equivalent training,

dissemination, and technical assistance

projects in FY 1998.

Note To Applicants: This notice is a

complete application package. Together with

the statute authorizing the programs and

applicable regulations governing the

programs, including the Education

Department General Administrative

Regulations (EDGAR), this notice contains

information, application forms, and

instructions needed to apply for a grant

under these competitions.

These programs support the National

Education Goal that calls for all

Americans to possess the knowledge

and skills necessary to compete in a

global economy and exercise the rights

and responsibilities of citizenship.

The estimated funding levels in this

notice do not bind the Department of

Education to make awards in any of

these categories, or to any specific

number of awards or funding levels,

unless otherwise specified in statute.

Applicable Regulations: The

Education Department General

Administrative Regulations (EDGAR),

34 CFR Parts 74, 75, 77, 80, 81, 82, 85,

86, and 350.

Program Title: Disability and

Rehabilitation Research Project and

Centers Program.

CFDA Numbers: 84.133A and

84.133B.

Purpose Of Program: The purpose of

the Disability and Rehabilitation

Research Project and Centers Program is

to plan and conduct research,

demonstration projects, training, and

related activities, including

international activities, develop

methods, procedures, and rehabilitation

technology, that maximize the full

inclusion and integration into society,

employment, independent living, family

support, and economic and social selfsufficiency of individuals with

disabilities, especially individuals with

the most severe disabilities. In addition,

the purpose of the Disability and

Rehabilitation Research Project and

Centers Program is to improve the

effectiveness of services authorized

under the Act.

Eligible Applicants: Parties eligible to

apply for grants under this program are

States; public or private agencies,

including for-profit agencies; public or

private organizations, including forprofit organizations; institutions of

higher education; and Indian tribes and

tribal organizations.

Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 762 (a) and

(b)(6).

APPLICATION NOTICE FOR FISCAL YEAR 1998 DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION RESEARCH PROJECTS, CFDA NO. 84–

133A

Funding priority

Deadline for

transmittal of

applications

Estimated

number of

awards

Maximum

award amount

(per year)*

Project period

(months)

(1). Improving the Utilization of Emerging and Existing Rehabilitation Technology in State VR Programs ....................................................................... 1/12/98 1 $500,000 60

(2). Parenting with a Disability Technical Assistance Center .......................... 1/12/98 1 500,000 60

*NOTE: The Secretary will reject without consideration or evaluation any application that proposes a project funding level that exceeds the stated maximum award amount per year (See 34 CFR 75.104(b)).

Priority 1: The final priority on

improving the utilization of existing and

emerging rehabilitation technology in

State vocational rehabilitation programs

published in the Federal Register on

May 9, 1997 applies to this competition

(62 FR 25769).

Priority 2: The final priority on

parenting with a disability technical

assistance center published in the
Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 219 / Thursday, November 13, 1997 / Notices 60943

Federal Register on July 1, 1997 applies

to this competition (62 FR 35643).

Selection Criteria: The Secretary uses

the following selection criteria to

evaluate applications for a Training,

Dissemination, and Technical

Assistance Project on improving the

utilization of existing and emerging

rehabilitation technology in State

vocational rehabilitation programs and a

Technical Assistance Center on

parenting with a disability under the

Disability and Rehabilitation Research

Project and Centers Program.

(a) Importance of the problem (9

points total).

(i) The extent to which the applicant

clearly describes the need and target

population (3 points).

(ii) The extent to which the proposed

activities address a significant need of

those who provide services to

individuals with disabilities (3 points).

(iii) The extent to which the proposed

project will have beneficial impact on

the target population (3 points).

(b) Responsiveness to an absolute or

competitive priority (4 points total).

(i) The extent to which the applicant

addresses all requirements of the

absolute or competitive priority (2

points).

(ii) The extent to which the

applicant’s proposed activities are likely

to achieve the purposes of the absolute

or competitive priority (2 points).

(c) Design of training activities (13

points total).

(i) The extent to which the proposed

training materials are likely to be

effective, including consideration of

their quality, clarity, and variety (4

points).

(ii) The extent to which the proposed

training methods are of sufficient

quality, intensity, and duration (3

points).

(iii) The extent to which the proposed

training materials, methods, and content

are appropriate to the trainees,

including consideration of the skill level

of the trainees and the subject matter of

the materials (4 points).

(iv) The extent to which the proposed

training materials and methods are

accessible to individuals with

disabilities (2 points).

(d) Design of dissemination activities

(24 points total).

(i) 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 (7 points).

(ii) The extent to which the methods

for dissemination are of sufficient

quality, intensity, and duration (7

points).

(iii) The extent to which the materials

and information to be disseminated and

the methods for dissemination are

appropriate to the target population,

including consideration of the

familiarity of the target population with

the subject matter, format of the

information, and subject matter (7

points).

(iv) The extent to which the

information to be disseminated will be

accessible to individuals with

disabilities (3 points).

(e) Design of utilization activities (8

points total).

(i) The extent to which the utilization

strategies are likely to be effective (8

points).

(f) Design of technical assistance

activities (10 points total).

(i) The extent to which the methods

for providing technical assistance are of

sufficient quality, intensity, and

duration (3 points).

(ii) The extent to which the

information to be provided through

technical assistance covers all of the

relevant aspects of the subject matter (2

points).

(iii) The extent to which the technical

assistance is appropriate to the target

population, including consideration of

the knowledge level of the target

population, needs of the target

population, and format for providing

information (3 points).

(iv) The extent to which the technical

assistance is accessible to individuals

with disabilities (2 points).

(g) Plan of operation (6 points total).

(i) The adequacy of the plan of

operation to achieve the objectives of

the proposed project on time and within

budget, including clearly defined

responsibilities, and timelines for

accomplishing project tasks (3 points).

(ii) The adequacy of the plan of

operation to provide for using resources,

equipment, and personnel to achieve

each objective (3 points).

(h) Collaboration (2 points total).

(i) The extent to which the applicant’s

proposed collaboration with one or

more agencies, organizations, or

institutions is likely to be effective in

achieving the relevant proposed

activities of the project (1 point).

(ii) The extent to which agencies,

organizations, or institutions

demonstrate a commitment to

collaborate with the applicant (1 point).

(i) Adequacy and reasonableness of

the budget (4 points total).

(i) The extent to which the costs are

reasonable in relation to the proposed

project activities (2 point).

(ii) The extent to which the budget for

the project, including any subcontracts,

is adequately justified to support the

proposed project activities (2 point).

(j) Plan of evaluation (7 points total).

(i) The extent to which the plan of

evaluation provides for periodic

assessment of progress toward—

(A) Implementing the plan of

operation (1 point); and

(B) Achieving the project’s intended

outcomes and expected impacts (1

point).

(ii) The extent to which the plan of

evaluation will be used to improve the

performance of the project through the

feedback generated by its periodic

assessments (1 point).

(iii) The extent to which the plan of

evaluation provides for periodic

assessment of a project’s progress that is

based on identified performance

measures that—

(A) Are clearly related to the intended

outcomes of the project and expected

impacts on the target population (2

points); and

(B) Are objective, and quantifiable or

qualitative, as appropriate (2 points).

(k) Project staff (9 points total).

(i) The extent to which the applicant

encourages applications for employment

from persons who are members of

groups that have traditionally been

underrepresented based on race, color,

national origin, gender, age, or disability

(2 points).

(ii) The extent to which the key

personnel and other key staff have

appropriate training and experience in

disciplines required to conduct all

proposed activities (2 points).

(iii) The extent to which the

commitment of staff time is adequate to

accomplish all the proposed activities of

the project (2 points).

(iv) The extent to which the key

personnel are knowledgeable about the

methodology and literature of pertinent

subject areas (2 points).

(v) The extent to which key personnel

have up-to-date knowledge from

research or effective practice in the

subject area covered in the priority (1

point).

(l) Adequacy and accessibility of

resources (4 points total).

(i) The extent to which the applicant

is committed to provide adequate

facilities, equipment, other resources,

including administrative support, and

laboratories, if appropriate (2 points).

(ii) The 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 (2 points).
60944 Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 219 / Thursday, November 13, 1997 / Notices

APPLICATION NOTICE FOR FISCAL YEAR 1998 REHABILITATION RESEARCH AND TRAINING CENTERS, CFDA NO. 84–133B

Funding priority

Deadline for

transmittal of

applications

Estimated

number of

awards

Maximum

award amount

(per year)*

Project period

(months)

3.) Effective Interventions for Children and Youth who Exhibit Severe Problem Behaviors ............................................................................................... 1/12/98 1 $600,000 60

4.) Medical Rehabilitation Services and Outcomes ......................................... 1/12/98 1 950,000 60

*NOTE: The Secretary will reject without consideration or evaluation any application that proposes a project funding level that exceeds the stated maximum award amount per year (See 34 CFR 75.104(b)).

Priority 3: The RRTC final priority on

effective interventions for children and

youth who exhibit severe problem

behaviors published in the Federal

Register on May 9, 1997 applies to this

competition (62 FR 25767).

Priority 4: The RRTC final priority on

medical rehabilitation services and

outcomes published in the Federal

Register on July 14, 1997 applies to this

competition (62 FR 37646).

Selection Criteria: The Secretary uses

the following selection criteria to

evaluate applications for an RRTC on

effective interventions for children and

youth who exhibit severe problem

behaviors and an RRTC on medical

rehabilitation services and outcomes

under the Disability and Rehabilitation

Research Project and Centers Program.

(a) Importance of the problem (9

points total).

(i) The extent to which the applicant

clearly describes the need and target

population (3 points).

(ii) The extent to which the proposed

activities address a significant need of

those who provide services to

individuals with disabilities (3 points).

(iii) The extent to which the proposed

project will have beneficial impact on

the target population (3 points).

(b) Responsiveness to an absolute or

competitive priority (4 points total).

(i) The extent to which the applicant

addresses all requirements of the

absolute or competitive priority (2

points).

(ii) The extent to which the

applicant’s proposed activities are likely

to achieve the purposes of the absolute

or competitive priority (2 points).

(c) Design of research activities (35

points total).

(i) The extent to which the research

activities constitute a coherent,

sustained approach to research in the

field, including a substantial addition to

the state-of-the-art (5 points).

(ii) 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 (5

points);

(B) Each research hypothesis is

theoretically sound and based on

current knowledge (5 points);

(C) Each sample population is

appropriate and of sufficient size (5

points);

(D) The data collection and

measurement techniques are

appropriate and likely to be effective (5

points); and

(E) The data analysis methods are

appropriate (5 points).

(iii) The extent to which anticipated

research results are likely to satisfy the

original hypotheses and could be used

for planning additional research,

including generation of new hypotheses

where applicable (5 points).

(d) Design of training activities (11

points total).

(i) The extent to which the proposed

training materials are likely to be

effective, including consideration of

their quality, clarity, and variety (2

points).

(ii) The extent to which the proposed

training methods are of sufficient

quality, intensity, and duration (2

points).

(iii) The extent to which the proposed

training content—

(A) Covers all of the relevant aspects

of the subject matter (1 point); and

(B) If relevant, is based on new

knowledge derived from research

activities of the proposed project (1

point).

(iv) The extent to which the proposed

training materials, methods, and content

are appropriate to the trainees,

including consideration of the skill level

of the trainees and the subject matter of

the materials (2 points).

(v) The extent to which the proposed

training materials and methods are

accessible to individuals with

disabilities (1 point).

(vi) The extent to which the applicant

is able to carry out the training

activities, either directly or through

another entity (2 points).

(e) Design of dissemination activities

(8 points total).

(i) The extent to which the content of

the information to be disseminated—

(A) Covers all of the relevant aspects

of the subject matter (1 point); and

(B) If appropriate, is based on new

knowledge derived from research

activities of the project (1 point).

(ii) 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 (2 points).

(iii) The extent to which the methods

for dissemination are of sufficient

quality, intensity, and duration (2

points).

(iv) The extent to which the materials

and information to be disseminated and

the methods for dissemination are

appropriate to the target population,

including consideration of the

familiarity of the target population with

the subject matter, format of the

information, and subject matter (1

point).

(v) The extent to which the

information to be disseminated will be

accessible to individuals with

disabilities (1 point).

(f) Design of technical assistance

activities (4 points total).

(i) The extent to which the methods

for providing technical assistance are of

sufficient quality, intensity, and

duration (1 point).

(ii) The extent to which the

information to be provided through

technical assistance covers all of the

relevant aspects of the subject matter (1

point).

(iii) The extent to which the technical

assistance is appropriate to the target

population, including consideration of

the knowledge level of the target

population, needs of the target

population, and format for providing

information (1 point).

(iv) The extent to which the technical

assistance is accessible to individuals

with disabilities (1 point).

(g) Plan of operation (4 points total).

(i) The adequacy of the plan of

operation to achieve the objectives of

the proposed project on time and within

budget, including clearly defined

responsibilities, and timelines for

accomplishing project tasks (2 points).

(ii) The adequacy of the plan of

operation to provide for using resources,
Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 219 / Thursday, November 13, 1997 / Notices 60945

equipment, and personnel to achieve

each objective (2 points).

(h) Collaboration (2 points total).

(i) The extent to which the applicant’s

proposed collaboration with one or

more agencies, organizations, or

institutions is likely to be effective in

achieving the relevant proposed

activities of the project (1 point).

(ii) The extent to which agencies,

organizations, or institutions

demonstrate a commitment to

collaborate with the applicant (1 point).

(i) Adequacy and reasonableness of

the budget (3 points total).

(i) The extent to which the costs are

reasonable in relation to the proposed

project activities (1 point).

(ii) The extent to which the budget for

the project, including any subcontracts,

is adequately justified to support the

proposed project activities (2 points).

(j) Plan of evaluation (7 points total).

(i) The extent to which the plan of

evaluation provides for periodic

assessment of progress toward—

(A) Implementing the plan of

operation (1 point); and

(B) Achieving the project’s intended

outcomes and expected impacts (1

point).

(ii) The extent to which the plan of

evaluation will be used to improve the

performance of the project through the

feedback generated by its periodic

assessments (1 point).

(iii) The extent to which the plan of

evaluation provides for periodic

assessment of a project’s progress that is

based on identified performance

measures that—

(A) Are clearly related to the intended

outcomes of the project and expected

impacts on the target population (2

points); and

(B) Are objective, and quantifiable or

qualitative, as appropriate (2 points).

(k) Project staff (9 points total).

(i) 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

(1 points).

(ii) The extent to which the key

personnel and other key staff have

appropriate training and experience in

disciplines required to conduct all

proposed activities (2 points).

(iii) The extent to which the

commitment of staff time is adequate to

accomplish all the proposed activities of

the project (2 points).

(iv) The extent to which the key

personnel are knowledgeable about the

methodology and literature of pertinent

subject areas (2 points).

(v) The extent to which the project

staff includes outstanding scientists in

the field (2 points).

(l) Adequacy and accessibility of

resources (4 points).

(i) The extent to which the applicant

is committed to provide adequate

facilities, equipment, other resources,

including administrative support, and

laboratories, if appropriate (1 point).

(ii) The extent to which the applicant

has appropriate access to clinical

populations and organizations

representing individuals with

disabilities to support advanced clinical

rehabilitation research (2 points).

(iii) The extent to which the facilities,

equipment, and other resources are

appropriately accessible to individuals

with disabilities who may use the

facilities, equipment, and other

resources of the project (1 point).

Instructions For Application Narrative

The Secretary strongly recommends

that applicants include a one-page

abstract in their application.

Strict Page Limits

Part III of the application, the

Application Narrative, requires

applicants to address the selection

criteria that will be used by reviewers in

evaluating individual proposals. The

applicant for an RRTC must limit Part

III—Application Narrative to no more

than 125 double-spaced 81⁄2×11′′ pages

(on one side only) with one inch

margins (top, bottom, and sides). The

applicant for a Training, Dissemination

and Technical Assistance Project on

improving the utilization of existing and

emerging rehabilitation technology in

State vocational rehabilitation programs,

or a Technical Assistance Center on

parenting with a disability must limit

Part III—Application Narrative to no

more than 75 double-spaced 81⁄2×11′′

pages (on one side only) with one inch

margins (top, bottom, and sides).

These page limitations applies to all

materials presented in the application

narrative—including, for example, any

charts, tables, figures, and graphs. The

application narrative page limit does not

apply to: Part I—the electronically

scannable form; Part II—the budget

section (including the narrative budget

justification); and Part IV—the

assurances and certifications.

All sections of text in the application

narrative must be double-spaced (no

more than 3 lines per vertical inch). The

double-spacing requirement applies to

EVERY line on a page, including every

line in the title, headings, footnotes,

quotations, references, figure captions,

and all parts of tables.

If using a proportional computer font,

an applicant must use a font no smaller

than a 12-point font and an average

character density no greater than 14

characters per inch. If using a

nonproportional font or typewriter, an

applicant must use more no than 12

characters per inch.

The one-page abstract, resume(s),

bibliography, or letters of support, while

considered part of the application, are

not subject to the page limitation,

double spacing, and font requirements.

Applicants should note that reviewers

are not required to review any

information provided in addition to the

application information listed above.

Note: The Secretary will reject without

consideration or evaluation any application

that does not adhere to these page limit,

double-spacing, and font requirements.

Instructions for Transmittal of

Applications

(a) If an applicant wants to apply for

a grant, the applicant shall—

(1) Mail the original and two copies

of the application on or before the

deadline date to: U.S. Department of

Education, Application Control Center,

Attention: (CFDA # [Applicant must

insert number and letter]), Washington,

D.C. 20202–4725, or

(2) Hand deliver the original and two

copies of the application by 4:30 p.m.

[Washington, D.C. time] on or before the

deadline date to: U.S. Department of

Education, Application Control Center,

Attention: (CFDA # [Applicant must

insert number and letter]), Room #3633,

Regional Office Building #3, 7th and D

Streets, S.W., Washington, D.C.

(b) An applicant must show one of the

following as proof of mailing:

(1) A legibly dated U.S. Postal Service

postmark.

(2) A legible mail receipt with the

date of mailing stamped by the U.S.

Postal Service.

(3) A dated shipping label, invoice, or

receipt from a commercial carrier.

(4) Any other proof of mailing

acceptable to the Secretary.

(c) If an application is mailed through

the U.S. Postal Service, the Secretary

does not accept either of the following

as proof of mailing:

(1) A private metered postmark.

(2) A mail receipt that is not dated by

the U.S. Postal Service.

Notes: (1) The U.S. Postal Service does not

uniformly provide a dated postmark. Before

relying on this method, an applicant should

check with its local post office.

(2) An applicant wishing to know that

its application has been received by the

Department must include with the

application a stamped self-addressed
60946 Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 219 / Thursday, November 13, 1997 / Notices

postcard containing the CFDA number

and title of this program.

(3) The applicant must indicate on the

envelope and—if not provided by the

Department—in Item 10 of the

Application for Federal Assistance

(Standard Form 424) the CFDA

number—and letter, if any—of the

competition under which the

application is being submitted.

Application Forms and Instructions

The appendix to this application is

divided into four parts. These parts are

organized in the same manner that the

submitted application should be

organized. These parts are as follows:

PART I: Application for Federal Assistance

(Standard Form 424 (Rev. 4–88)) and

instructions.

PART II: Budget Form—Non-Construction

Programs (Standard Form 524A) and

instructions.

PART III: Application Narrative.

Additional Materials

Estimated Public Reporting Burden.

Note to Applicants

Assurances—Non-Construction

Programs (Standard Form 424B).

Certification Regarding Lobbying,

Debarment, Suspension, and Other

Responsibility Matters: and Drug-Free

Work-Place Requirements (ED Form 80–

0013).

Certification Regarding Debarment,

Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary

Exclusion: Lower Tier Covered

Transactions (ED Form 80–0014) and

instructions.

Note: ED Form GCS–014 is intended for the

use of primary participants and should not be

transmitted to the Department.

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

(Standard Form LLL (if applicable) and

instructions; and Disclosure Lobbying

Activities Continuation Sheet (Standard

Form LLL-A).

An applicant may submit information

on a photostatic copy of the application

and budget forms, the assurances, and

the certifications. However, the

application form, the assurances, and

the certifications must each have an

original signature. No grant may be

awarded unless a completed application

form has been received.

For Applications Contact: The Grants

and Contracts Service Team (GCST),

Department of Education, 600

Independence Avenue S.W., Switzer

Building, 3317, Washington, D.C. 20202,

or call (202) 205–8207. Individuals who

use a telecommunications device for the

deaf (TDD) may call the TDD number at

(202) 205–9860. The preferred method

for requesting information is to FAX

your request to (202) 205–8717.

Individuals with disabilities may

obtain a copy of the application package

in an alternate format by contacting the

GCST. However, the Department is not

able to reproduce in an alternate format

the standard forms included in the

application package.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Donna Nangle, U.S. Department of

Education, 600 Maryland Avenue, S.W.,

room 3418, Switzer Building,

Washington, D.C. 20202–2645.

Telephone: (202) 205-5880. Individuals

who use a telecommunications device

for the deaf (TDD) may call the TDD

number at (202) 205–2742.

Internet: Donna—Nangle@ed.gov

Individuals with disabilities may

obtain this document in an alternate

format(e.g., Braille, large print,

audiotape, or computer diskette) on

request to the contact person listed in

the preceding paragraph.

Electronic Access to This Document

Anyone may view this document, as

well as all other Department of

Education documents published in the

Federal Register, in text or portable

document format (pdf) on the World

Wide Web at either of the following

sites:

http://ocfo.ed.gov/fedreg.htm

5http://www.ed.gov/news.html

To use the pdf you must have the Adobe

Acrobat Reader Program with Search,

which is available free at either of the

preceding sites. If you have questions

about using the pdf, call the U.S.

Government Printing Office toll free at

1–888–293–6498.

Anyone may also view these

documents in text copy only on an

electronic bulletin board of the

Department. Telephone: (202) 219–1511

or, toll free, 1–800–222–4922. The

documents are located under Option

G—Files/Announcements, Bulletins and

Press Releases.

Note: The official version of this document

is the document published in the Federal

Register.

Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 760–762.

Dated: November 6, 1997.

Judith E. Heumann,

Assistant Secretary for Special Education and

Rehabilitative Services.

Appendix—Application Forms and

Instructions

Applicants are advised to reproduce

and complete the application forms in

this Section. Applicants are required to

submit an original and two copies of

each application as provided in this

Section.

Frequent Questions

1. Can I Get an Extension of the Due

Date?

No! On rare occasions the Department

of Education may extend a closing date

for all applicants. If that occurs, a notice

of the revised due date is published in

the Federal Register. However, there are

no extensions or exceptions to the due

date made for individual applicants.

2. What Should be Included in the

Application?

The application should include a

project narrative, vitae of key personnel,

and a budget, as well as the Assurances

forms included in this package. Vitae of

staff or consultants should include the

individual’s title and role in the

proposed project, and other information

that is specifically pertinent to this

proposed project. The budgets for both

the first year and all subsequent project

years should be included.

If collaboration with another

organization is involved in the proposed

activity, the application should include

assurances of participation by the other

parties, including written agreements or

assurances of cooperation. It is not

useful to include general letters of

support or endorsement in the

application.

If the applicant proposes to use

unique tests or other measurement

instruments that are not widely known

in the field, it would be helpful to

include the instrument in the

application.

Many applications contain

voluminous appendices that are not

helpful and in many cases cannot even

be mailed to the reviewers. It is

generally not helpful to include such

things as brochures, general capability

statements of collaborating

organizations, maps, copies of

publications, or descriptions of other

projects completed by the applicant.

3. What Format Should be Used for the

Application?

NIDRR generally advises applicants

that they may organize the application

to follow the selection criteria that will

be used. The specific review criteria

vary according to the specific program,

and are contained in this Consolidated

Application Package.

4. May I Submit Applications to More

Than One NIDRR Program Competition

or More Than One Application to a

Program?

Yes, you may submit applications to

any program for which they are

responsive to the program requirements.

You may submit the same application to
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as many competitions as you believe

appropriate. You may also submit more

than one application in any given

competition.

5. What is the Allowable Indirect Cost

Rate?

The limits on indirect costs vary

according to the program and the type

of application.

An applicant for a Training,

Dissemination, and Technical

Assistance project or a Technical

Assistance Center should limit indirect

charges to the organization’s approved

indirect cost rate. If the organization

does not have an approved indirect cost

rate, the application should include an

estimated actual rate.

An applicant for an RRTC is limited

to an indirect cost rate of 15 percent.

6. Can Profitmaking Businesses Apply

for Grants?

Yes. However, for-profit organizations

will not be able to collect a fee or profit

on the grant, and in some programs will

be required to share in the costs of the

project.

7. Can Individuals Apply for Grants?

No. Only organizations are eligible to

apply for grants under NIDRR programs.

However, individuals are the only

entities eligible to apply for fellowships.

8. Can NIDRR Staff Advise Me Whether

My Project Is of Interest to NIDRR or

Likely To Be Funded?

No. NIDRR staff can advise you of the

requirements of the program in which

you propose to submit your application.

However, staff cannot advise you of

whether your subject area or proposed

approach is likely to receive approval.

9. How Do I Assure That My

Application Will Be Referred to the

Most Appropriate Panel for Review?

Applicants should be sure that their

applications are referred to the correct

competition by clearly including the

competition title and CFDA number,

including alphabetical code, on the

Standard Form 424, and including a

project title that describes the project.

10. How Soon After Submitting My

Application Can I Find Out If It Will Be

Funded?

The time from closing date to grant

award date varies from program to

program. Generally speaking, NIDRR

endeavors to have awards made within

five to six months of the closing date.

Unsuccessful applicants generally will

be notified within that time frame as

well. For the purpose of estimating a

project start date, the applicant should

estimate approximately six months from

the closing date, but no later than the

following September 30.

11. Can I Call NIDRR To Find Out If My

Application Is Being Funded?

No. When NIDRR is able to release

information on the status of grant

applications, it will notify applicants by

letter. The results of the peer review

cannot be released except through this

formal notification.

12. If My Application Is Successful, Can

I Assume I Will Get the Requested

Budget Amount in Subsequent Years?

No. Funding in subsequent years is

subject to availability of funds and

project performance.

13. Will All Approved Applications be

funded

No. It often happens that the peer

review panels approve for funding more

applications than NIDRR can fund

within available resources. Applicants

who are approved but not funded are

encouraged to consider submitting

similar applications in future

competitions.

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Public reporting burden for these

collections of information is estimated

to average 30 hours per response,

including the 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 this burden

estimate or any other aspect of these

collections of information, including

suggestions for reducing this burden, to:

the U.S. Department of Education,

Information Management and

Compliance Division, Washington, D.C.

20202–4651; and to the Office of

Management and Budget, Paperwork

Reduction Project 1820–0027,

Washington, D.C. 20503.

Disability and Rehabilitation

Research Projects (CFDA No. 84.133A)

34 CFR Part 350 Subpart B.

Rehabilitation Research and Training

Center (CFDA No. 84.133B) 34 CFR Part

350 Subpart C.

Notice To All Applicants

Thank you for your interest in this

program. The purpose of this enclosure

is to inform you about a new provision

in the Department of Education’s

General Education Provision Act

(GEPA) that applies to applicants for

new grant awards under Department

programs. This provision is section 427

of GEPA, enacted as part of the

Improving America’s Schools Act of

1994 (Pub. L. 103–382).

To Whom Does This Provision Apply?

Section 427 of GEPA affects

applicants for new discretionary grant

awards under this program. All

applicants for new awards must include

information in their applications to

address this new provision in order to

receive funding under this program.

What Does This Provision Require?

Section 427 requires each applicant

for fund (other than an individual

person) to include in its application a

description of the steps the applicant

proposes to take to ensure equitable

access to, and participation in, its

federally assisted program for students,

teachers, and other program

beneficiaries with special needs.

This section allows applicants

discretion in developing the required

description. The statute highlights six

types of barriers that can impede

equitable access or participation that

you may address: gender, race, national

origin, color, disability, or age. Based on

local circumstances, you can determine

whether these or other barriers may

prevent your students, teachers, etc.

from equitable access or participation.

Your description need not be lengthy;

you may provide a clear and succinct

description of how you plan to address

those barriers that are applicable to your

circumstances. In addition, the

information may be provided in a single

narrative, or, if appropriate, may be

discussed in connection with related

topics in the application.

Section 427 is not intended to

duplicate the requirements of civil

rights statutes, but rather to ensure that,

in designing their projects, applicants

for Federal funds address equity

concerns that may affect the ability of

certain potential beneficiaries to fully

participate in the project and to achieve

to high standards. Consistent with

program requirements and its approved

application, an applicant may use the

Federal funds awarded to it to eliminate

barriers it identifies.

What are Examples of How an

Applicant Might Satisfy the

Requirement of This Provision?

The following examples may help

illustrate how an applicant may comply

with section 427.

(1) An applicant that proposes to

carry out an adult literacy project

serving, among others, adults with

limited English proficiency, might

describe in its application how it

intends to distribute a brochure about

the proposed project to such potential

participants in their native language.

(2) An applicant that proposes to

develop instructional materials for

classroom use might describe how it

will make the materials available on

audio tape or in braille for students who

are blind.

(3) An applicant that proposes to

carry out a model science program for

secondary students and is concerned

that girls may be less likely than boys

to enroll in the course, might indicate

how it tends to conduct ‘‘outreach’’

efforts to girls, to encourage their

enrollment.

We recognize that many applicants

may already be implementing effective

steps to ensure equity of access and

participation in their grant programs,

and we appreciate your cooperation in

responding to the requirements of this

provision.

Estimated Burden Statement

According to the Paperwork

Reduction Act of 1995, 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 1801–0004 (Exp. 8/31/98).

The time required to complete this

information collection is estimated to

vary from 1 to 3 hours per response,

with an average of 1.5 hours, including

the time to review instructions, search

existing data resources, gather and

maintain 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, DC 20202–

4651.

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[FR Doc. 97–29795 Filed 11–12–97; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4000–01–C