U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

OFFICE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20202-2575

FY (enter year) APPLICATION PACKAGE FOR NEW GRANTS

UNDER

THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DISABILITY AND 

REHABILITATION RESEARCH 

ADVANCED REHABILITATION RESEARCH 

TRAINING PROJECT

CFDA NUMBER: 84.133P-(ENTER SCHEDULE)

FORM APPROVED

OMB NO. 1820-0027, EXP. DATE xx/xx/xxxx

SF FORM 424, xx/xx/xxxx

DATED MATERIAL—OPEN IMMEDIATELY

CLOSING DATE: (enter date)
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Table of Contents

Section A Dear Applicant Letter

Section B Notice Inviting Applications for New Awards 

Section C Selection Criteria 

Section D Protection of Human Subjects 

Section E Application Format and Instructions

 Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424)

 Table of Contents

 Abstract

 ED Budget Information Non-Construction Programs (ED-524)

 Budget Narrative

 Project Narrative

 General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) Requirements – Section 427

 GG Lobbying Form (90-0013)

 Faith Based Survey on EEO

 ED Supplemental Form for SF 424

 SF LLL Disclosure of Lobbying 

 Vitae/Bibliography/Letters of Support

Section F Frequently Asked Questions 

DUNS Number Instructions

Section G Grants.gov Submission Procedures and Tips for Applicants

Application Transmittal Instructions

Section H Required Forms and Form Instructions

Section I Application Checklist

Paperwork Burden Statement
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SECTION A

DEAR APPLICANT LETTER
4

DEAR APPLICANT:

The Secretary invites applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) (enter year) for the 

Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training program (CFDA 84.133P-1), to provide research 

training and experience at an advanced level to individuals with doctorates or similar advanced 

degrees, who have clinical or other relevant experience.

Only Institutions of Higher Education are eligible to apply.

Through this funding mechanism, NIDRR is interested in attracting applications that provide 

advanced research training to enhance the capacity to conduct high-quality, multidisciplinary

rehabilitation research across the full breadth of NIDRR’s research agenda, involving 

Employment, Health and Function, Community Living and Participation, Technology for Access 

and Function, and Disability Statistics.

For FY (enter year), NIDRR has also included an Invitational Priority to encourage applications 

provide advanced research training to eligible individuals to enhance the capacity to conduct 

high-quality multidisciplinary disability policy research, aimed at improving the data sources, 

analytic strategies, and evidence base used to inform policy and program development affecting 

individuals with disabilities in the major life domains of employment, health and function and 

community living and participation (See Section B, Notice Inviting Applications).

The ARRT program does not require cost sharing or matching. However, any applicant may

voluntarily promise to share in the cost of the ARRT project by supplementing the amount of the 

stipend paid to trainees with additional funds beyond the maximum awarded under this program. 

Applications submitted under this program with voluntary cost-sharing to supplement trainee 

stipends must use funds from non-Federal sources. For details on the required policies 

governing grantee voluntary cost-sharing or matching, we encourage you to read Section B –

Notice Inviting Applications, under “III. Eligibility Information”

It is critical that proposals describe expected public benefits, especially benefits for individuals 

with disabilities and propose projects that are designed to demonstrate outcomes consistent with 

the proposed goals of the project.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

This application kit contains information and the required forms for potential applicants to apply 

and be considered for a FY (enter year) grant award under this competition published in the 

Notice Inviting Applications in the Federal Register dated.

Potential applicants are advised to read the materials carefully, particularly the information on 

the types of organizations that are eligible to apply for these grants, how to prepare an 

application, the dollar amount for any year, the protection of human subjects, the format and 
5

addresses for submitting, and the selection criteria (Section C) used by the reviewers to evaluate 

each application.

The program narrative must address the selection criteria included in this application packet 

(Section C). To facilitate the peer review process, you should address the criteria in the order 

presented. Additionally, each proposal should include a one-page abstract. The abstract is a 

critical component of the proposal, and it should highlight the purpose, target population to be 

served during the project period, planned goals and objectives, innovative strategies utilized, 

project outcomes, and dissemination.

You must submit your application electronically through Grants.gov (www.grants.gov) See 

Section B, Notice Inviting Applications and Section E, Application Transmittal Instructions.

NOTE: You will be uploading sections of your application by heading. There is a heading for: 

(1) abstract; 

(2) table of contents; 

(3) project narrative; 

(4) other—resumes; 

(5) other—letters of commitment/support; 

(6) other and 

(7) budget narrative/justification.

There is a file-size limitation to each section and you may only upload one document under each 

heading which means that multiple resumes and letters of commitment/support must be 

combined into one document before being uploaded.

Electronic copies must be fully uploaded on the Grants.gov site by 4:30:00 pm, Washington DC 

time on the closing date, (enter date). It may take up to several hours for this process. Please 

allow several hours or a full day to submit your application. If there is a submission error, time 

will be needed to correct the error and resubmit in paper or electronic format. We encourage 

you to read Section E –Grants.gov Submission Procedures and Tips for Applicants 

PROGRAM RULES

These grants are subject to the requirements of Education Department General Administrative 

Regulations (EDGAR), 34 CFR Part 77, 82, 84, and 85, which set forth general rules affecting 

the submittal, review, grant award, and post-award administration for Department of Education 

grant programs.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

If you have any questions about the information in this application packet, please contact (enter 

name) at (enter email address) or by telephone at (enter phone number). Applicants are 

encouraged to closely review all the requirements and documents related to applying for an 
6

Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training project early in the preparation process, so that any

questions can be addressed in sufficient time prior to the due date.

Individuals who use a telecommunications device (TDD) may call the Federal Relay Service 

(FRS) at 1-800-877-8339 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., EST, Monday through Friday. If you 

need help with Grants.gov before the closing date, please contact Grants.gov Customer Support 

at 1-800-518-4726 or use the customer support available on the Web site: 

http://www.grants.gov/CustomerSupport.

NOTE: Please forward this entire application packet to the individual or office responsible for 

preparing an application, as they will need the entire packet to complete the grant application. 

Thank you for your interest in these programs.

Sincerely,

(Enter Name),

Director

National Institute on Disability and 

Rehabilitation Research
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SECTION B

NOTICE INVITING APPLICATIONS
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INSERT PUBLISHED NOTICE INVITING APPLICATIONS
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SECTION C

SELECTION CRITERIA

ADVANCED REHABILITATION RESEARCH

TRAINING PROJECTS

*****

The selection criteria that are listed in this section are taken directly from the Federal 

regulations for this NIDRR-administered program (C.F.R 350.54). They are a subset of 

all of the selection criteria that are available for NIDRR’s use, and we provide them here 

as an example. For every grant competition that NIDRR administers under this 

program, NIDRR will choose the criteria that match the requirements of the specific 

priority that is being competed.

*****
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SELECTION CRITERIA

The selection criteria to be used for the Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training 

Project will be provided in the application package. The Secretary uses the following 

criteria to evaluate an application.

(A) IMPORTANCE OF THE PROBLEM (10 POINTS TOTAL)

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

(2) In determining the importance of the problem, the Secretary 

considers the extent to which the applicant proposes to provide 

training in a rehabilitation discipline or area of study in which 

there is a shortage of qualified researchers, or to a trainee 

population in which there is a need for more qualified 

researchers ..................................................................................... (10 points)

(B) DESIGN OF TRAINING ACTIVITIES (45 POINTS TOTAL)

(1) The Secretary considers the extent to which the design of 

training activities is likely to be effective in accomplishing the 

objectives of the project.

(2) In determining the extent to which the design is likely to be 

effective in accomplishing the objectives of the project, the 

Secretary considers the following factors:

(i) The extent to which the proposed training methods are of 

sufficient quality, intensity, and duration .................................... (6 points)

(ii) The extent to which the proposed training materials (and 

methods are accessible to individuals with disabilities .............. (6 points)

(iii) The extent to which the applicant's proposed recruitment 

program is likely to be effective in recruiting highly qualified 

trainees, including those who are individuals with

disabilities ................................................................................. (9 points)

(iv) The extent to which the proposed didactic and classroom 

training programs emphasize scientific methodology and 

are likely to develop highly qualified researchers ...................... (8 points)

(v) The extent to which the quality and extent of the academic 

mentorship, guidance, and supervision to be provided to 

each individual trainee are of a high level and are likely to 

develop highly qualified researchers ......................................... (6 points)

(vi) The extent to which the type, extent, and quality of the 

proposed clinical and laboratory research experience, 

including the opportunity to participate in advanced-level 

research, are likely to develop highly qualified researchers ...... (5 points)
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(3) The extent to which the opportunities for collegial and 

collaborative activities, exposure to outstanding scientists 

in the field, and opportunities to participate in the 

preparation of scholarly or scientific publications and 

presentations are extensive and appropriate ............................ (5 points)

(C) PLAN OF OPERATION (10 POINTS TOTAL)

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

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

considers the following factors:

(i) The adequacy of the plan of operation to achieve the 

objectives of the proposed project on time and within 

budget, including clearly defined responsibilities, and 

timelines for accomplishing project tasks ................................... (5 points)

(ii) The adequacy of the plan of operation to provide for using 

resources, equipment, and personnel to achieve each 

objective..................................................................................... (5 points)

(D) COLLABORATION (5 POINTS TOTAL)

(1) The Secretary considers the quality of collaboration.

(2) In determining the quality of collaboration, the Secretary 

considers one or more of the following factors:

(i) The extent to which the applicant’s proposed collaboration 

with one or more agencies, organizations, or institutions is 

likely to be effective in achieving the relevant proposed 

activities of the project................................................................ (3 points)

(ii) The extent to which agencies, organizations, or institutions 

demonstrate a commitment to collaborate with the 

applicant..................................................................................... (2 points)

(E) ADEQUACY AND REASONABLENESS OF THE BUDGET (5 POINTS)

(1) The Secretary considers the adequacy and the reasonableness 

of the proposed budget.

(2) In determining the adequacy and the reasonableness of the 

proposed budget, the Secretary considers the extent to which 

the costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed project 

activities ............................................................................................. (5 points)
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(F) PLAN OF EVALUATION (10 POINTS)

(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the plan of evaluation.

(2) In determining the quality of the plan of evaluation, the 

Secretary considers the following factors:

(i) The extent to which the plan of evaluation provides for 

periodic assessment of progress toward achieving the 

project’s intended outcomes and expected impacts .................. (3 points)

(ii) The extent to which the plan of evaluation will be used to 

improve the performance of the project through the 

feedback generated by its periodic assessments ...................... (2 points)

(iii) The extent to which the plan of evaluation provides for 

periodic assessment of a project’s progress that is based 

on identified performance measures ......................................... (5 points)

(G) PROJECT STAFF (10 POINTS TOTAL)

(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the project staff.

(2) In determining the quality of the project staff, the Secretary 

considers the extent to which the applicant encourages 

applications for employment from persons who are members of 

groups that have traditionally been underrepresented based on 

race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability ........................ (2 points)

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

(i) The extent to which the key personnel and other key staff 

have appropriate training and experience in disciplines 

required to conduct all proposed activities ................................ (2 points)

(ii) The extent to which the commitment of staff time is 

adequate to accomplish all the proposed activities of the 

project ....................................................................................... (2 points)

(iii) The extent to which key personnel have up-to-date 

knowledge from research or effective practice in the 

subject area covered in the priority ........................................... (4 points)
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(H) ADEQUACY AND ACCESSIBILITY OF RESOURCES (5 POINTS)

(1) The Secretary considers the adequacy and accessibility of the 

applicant’s resources to implement the proposed project.

(2) In determining the adequacy and accessibility of resources, the 

Secretary considers the following factors:

(i) The extent to which the applicant is committed to provide 

adequate facilities, equipment, other resources, including 

administrative support, and laboratories, if appropriate ............. (2 points)

(ii) (ii) The quality of an applicant’s past performance in 

carrying out a grant ..................................................................... (1 point)

(iii) (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 .................................................... (2 points)
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SECTION D

PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECTS
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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) 245-6154, and 

On the Protection of Human Subjects in research Web site at:

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

APPLICATION FORMAT AND INSTRUCTIONS
17

APPLICATION FORMAT AND INSTRUCTIONS

Applications for grants under this program must be submitted electronically using the Grants.gov 

Apply site (grants.gov) by the closing date unless you qualify for an exception to this 

requirement. 

It is recommended that your electronic application (or paper application if you have requested and 

been approved for a waiver), be organized in the following manner and include the following:

NOTE: You will be uploading sections of your application by heading. There is a heading 

for:(1) Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424); (2) Table of Contents; (3) Abstract; (4) 

ED Budget Information Non-Construction Programs (ED-524); (5) Budget Narrative; (6) 

Project Narrative; (7) General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) Requirements – Section 427; 

(8) GG Lobbying Form (90-0013); (9) Faith Based Survey on EEO; (10) ED Supplemental 

Form for SF 424; (11) SF LLL Disclosure of Lobbying; and (12) Vitae/Bibliography/Letters of 

Support . There is a file size limitation to each section and you may only upload one document 

under each heading. Therefore, in order to make sure that all of your materials are uploaded 

successfully, you will need to combine multiple original documents for a heading (e.g., letters, 

resumes) into a single document before uploading.

1. Application for Federal Assistance (Form SF 424) 

This from requires basic identifying information about the applicant and the application. 

Applicants should note that if there are multiple RRTCs open to use the RELEVANT

CFDA and 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.

Upload the Table of Contents to Optional Forms: Other Attachments.

1. 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. 

Upload the Abstract to ED Abstract.
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4. ED Budget Information Non-Construction Programs (ED-524)

Remember that you must provide complete budget information for each year of the 

proposed project. Use the Budget Narrative heading to upload.

Please report Federal Funds in Section A – Budget Summary and Non-Federal Funds 

Section B – Budget Summary.

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

package. 

Name: Enter the Name of the applicant organization(s) or institution(s) in the 

space provided.

Personnel (Line 1): Enter project personnel salaries and wages only. Include fees 

and expenses for consultants on line 6.

Fringe Benefits (Line 2): 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): Indicate the travel costs of employees and participants only. 

Include travel of persons such as consultants and trainees on line 6.

Equipment (Line 4): Indicate the cost of tangible, non-expendable personal 

property that has 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): Show all tangible personal property except that on line 4.

Contractual (line 6): 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): Not applicable. 

Other (line 8): 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): The sum of lines 1-8.
19

Indirect Costs (line 10): There is no restricted indirect cost rate for this program. 

Use your institution’s federally negotiated rate.

Training Stipends (line 11): There are three types of projects that might include 

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: If you are providing voluntary cost share. Please include this information on 

the ED Form 524, Section B – Budget Summary, Non-Federal Funds – Tab 2 and in your 

budget narrative.

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 in a separate section of the budget narrative labeled “Cost Share”. 

Please provide an itemized budget breakdown for each project year.

Upload the Budget Narrative to the Budget Narrative Section.

6. Project Narrative 

The application narrative responds to the General Requirements of RRTC’s found in

Section E and the Selection Criteria found in Section F of this application package. The 

reviewers will use this section to evaluate your application.

Upload the Project Narrative to the Project Narrative Section.

Each applicant is encouraged to limit the project 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. 
20

Double-space (no more than three lines per vertical inch) all text in the 

application narrative, including 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).

Use one of the following fonts: Times New Roman, Courier, Courier New or 

Arial.

Include all critical information in the program narrative, minimizing the need for 

additional appendices. Ensure that you attach .PDF files only for any attachments 

to your application. PDF files are the only Education approved file type accepted 

as detailed in the Federal Register application notice. Applicants must submit 

individual .PDF files only when attaching files to their application. Specifically, 

the Department will not accept any attachments that contain files within a file, 

such as PDF Portfolio files. Any attachments uploaded that are not .PDF files or 

are password protected files will not be read. If you need assistance converting 

your files to a .pdf format, please refer to this Grants.gov webpage with links to 

conversion programs: 

http://www.grants.gov/help/download_software.jsp#pdf_conversion_programs

NOTE: The recommended page limit does not apply to the Application for Federal 

Assistance (SF 424); the budget narrative, the forms; the one page abstract, the resumes; 

the bibliography; or the letters of support. However, the recommended page limit does 

apply to all of the project narrative section.

7. General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) Requirements – Section 427

Section 427 requires each applicant for funds (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. 

8. GG Lobbying Form (90-0013)

Instructions for completing this form are included on the Grants.gov website. 

9. Faith Based Survey on EEO

Instructions for completing this form are included on the Grants.gov website.

 10. ED Supplemental Form for SF 424

Instructions for completing this form are included on the Grants.gov website.
21

 11. SF LLL Disclosure of Lobbying

Instructions for completing this form are included on the Grants.gov website.

 12. 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. 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. 

Upload the Vitae/Bibliography/Letters of Support to the Other Attachments- Optional 

Section.
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SECTION F

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

AND

DUNS NUMBER INSTRUCTIONS
23

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, 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 TOPICAL AREAS SHOULD APPLICANTS ADDRESS? 

NIDRR is interested in attracting applications that provide advanced research training to 

enhance the capacity to conduct high-quality, multidisciplinary rehabilitation research 

across the full breadth of NIDRR’s research agenda, involving Employment, Health and 

Function, Community Living and Participation, Technology for Access and Function and 

Disability Statistics.

3. 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. 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.

4. IS COST-SHARING OR MATCHING REQUIRED?

The ARRT program does not require cost sharing or matching. However, any applicant 

may voluntarily promise to share in the cost of the ARRT project by supplementing the 

amount of the stipend paid to trainees with additional funds beyond the maximum 

awarded under this program. The required policies governing grantee cost-sharing or 

matching are detailed in the Notice Inviting Applications, under “III. Eligibility

Information.” 
24

5. 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.

6. ARE THERE PAGE LIMITS TO MY APPLICATION?

We 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.

7. 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 includes the 

required materials for that particular competition. 

8. 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 e-Application, use the ED Abstract form to attach your abstract.

9. WHAT IS THE ALLOWABLE INDIRECT COST RATE?
25

An applicant for Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training project (133P) is limited to 

a training grant indirect rate of 8%, less tuition, stipend, and fees. 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. 

10. 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. 

11. CAN INDIVIDUALS APPLY FOR THISGRANT?

No.

12. 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.

13. 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 Advanced Rehabilitation Research and Training 

(133P) you should identify if the application is a resubmittal from a previous fiscal year. 

14. 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.

15. 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. You 
26

must have a start date that allows you to complete an Annual Performance Report (APR) 

by May 31st with six month of activities to report on. 

16. 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. 

17. 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.

18. HOW DOES THE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS IN SUBSEQUENT YEARS 

IMPACT MY APPLICATION?

Successful applicants with multi-year grants must submit an Annual Performance Report 

(APR) demonstrating and documenting their substantial 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.

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

There is no cost sharing requirement for the Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training 

Program. 

20. 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 
27

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.

21. SHOULD I SUBMIT MY APPLICATION VIA Grants.gov?

The Federal Government is moving towards mandatory electronic submission for its 

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 4:30:00 

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 4:30:00 pm (Washington, DC time) will not be reviewed.
28

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://fedgov.dnb.com/webform

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.
29

SECTION G

GRANTS.GOV SUBMISSION PROCEDURES AND

TIPS FOR APPLICANTS
30

INSERT CURRENT GRANTS.GOV SUBMISSION PROCEDURES 

AND TIPS
31

APPLICATION TRANSMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR MAIL OR HAND 

DELIVERY IF A WAIVER HAS BEEN OBTAINED

Submission of Paper Applications by Mail.

 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 following address: 

By mail through the U.S. Postal Service:

U.S. Department of Education

Application Control Center

Attention: (CFDA number 84.133P-(enter number))

LBJ Basement Level 1

400 Maryland Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20202-4260

 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: 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.

Submission of Paper Applications by Hand Delivery.
32

If you submit your application in paper format if a waiver has been obtained 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 84.133P-(Enter Number))

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: 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
33

SECTION H

APPLICATION FORMS AND FORM

INSTRUCTIONS
34

REQUIRED FORMS:

All electronic and paper (if a waiver has been submitted and approved) applications submitted to 

NIDRR must include the following forms/parts: 

 Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424)

 Table of Contents

 Abstract

 ED Budget Information Non-Construction Programs (ED-524)

 Budget Narrative

 Project Narrative

 General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) Requirements – Section 427

 GG Lobbying Form (90-0013)

 Faith Based Survey on EEO

 ED Supplemental Form for SF 424

 SF LLL Disclosure of Lobbying

 Vitae/Bibliography/Letters of Support

A separate application must be submitted for each grant sought. No grant may be awarded 

unless the completed application forms have been received. All above forms are mandatory and

must be submitted with the application. If an item does not appear to be relevant, write "NA" for 

not applicable.

Instructions for each form are provided on the Grants.gov website.
35

INSERT CURRENT FORM INSTRUCTIONS
36

SECTION I

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

AND

PAPERWORK BURDENT STATEMENT
37

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

Does your application include each of the following?

[ ] Cover page or SF 424 marked 84.133P-ENTER NUMBER

[ ] Priority Topic identified in the Descriptive Title Block 11 of the SF 424?

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

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

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

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

[ ] Correctly uploaded files if submitting electronically

[ ] All required forms with original signatures and dates if submitting by mail, hand-delivery or 

carrier service.

[ ] Narrative on the Protection of Human Subjects?

Did You do each of the following?

[ ] Mail or submit application electronically on or before (ENTER DATE)

[ ] Provide 1 original and 2 copies of the application if submitting by mail, hand-delivery or 

carrier service (Although not required, 1 original and 8 copies are requested)?

[ ] Fully complete the upload of your application and receive successful validation from 

grants.gov of the submission before 4:30:00 pm, Washington, D.C. time on the closing date

if submitting electronically?

[ ] Use the correct mailing address from Section B if submitting by mail, hand-delivery or 

carrier service?
38

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. Public 

reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 200 hours 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. 

The obligation to respond to this collection is required to obtain or retain benefits (the 

Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the program regulations under 34 CFR Parts 77, 82, 

84 and 85). Send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection 

of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of 

Education, 400 Maryland Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20210-4537 or email 

ICDocketMgr@ed.gov and reference the OMB Control Number 1820-0027. Note: Please do not 

return the completed application to this address.