Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 108 / Tuesday, June 4, 1996 / Notices 28443

In addition to activities proposed by

the applicant to carry out these

purposes, the RERC shall:

• Develop and implement an

information dissemination initiative to

address utilization problems, including

targeting disability and elderly

organizations as well as assistive

technology service providers;

• Coordinate and share information

with NIDRR-funded RRTCs on

Rehabilitation and Aging, and with

programs funded under the TechnologyRelated Assistance for Individuals with

Disabilities Act of 1988; and

• Establish a collaborative

relationship with the RERC on

Technology Evaluation and Transfer

and the RERC on Accessible Housing

and Universal Design.

Applicable Program Regulations: 34 CFR

Parts 350 and 353.

Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 760–762.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

Numbers: 84.133A, Research and

Demonstration Projects, 84.133B,

Rehabilitation Research and Training Center

Program, 84.133E, Rehabilitation Engineering

and Research Center Program)

Dated: May 29, 1996.

Andrew Pepin,

Acting Assistant Secretary for Special

Education and Rehabilitative Services.

[FR Doc. 96–13910 Filed 6–3–96; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4000–01–P

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

[CFDA Nos.: 84.133A, 84.133B and 84.133E]

Office of Special Education and

Rehabilitative Services; National

Institute on Disability and

Rehabilitation Research; Notice

Inviting Applications for New Awards

Under Certain Programs for Fiscal

Year 1996

Note to Applicants

This notice is a complete application

package. Together with the statute

authorizing the programs and applicable

regulations governing the programs,

including the Education Department

General Administrative Regulations

(EDGAR), this notice contains

information, application forms, and

instructions needed to apply for a grant

under these competitions.

These programs support the National

Education Goal that calls for all

Americans to possess the knowledge

and skills necessary to compete in a

global economy and exercise the rights

and responsibilities of citizenship.

The estimated funding levels in this

notice do not bind the Department of

Education to make awards in any of

these categories, or to any specific

number of awards or funding levels,

unless otherwise specified in statute.

Applicable Regulations

The Education Department General

Administrative Regulations (EDGAR),

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

and 86; and the following program

regulations:

Research and Demonstration Projects

(R&D)—34 CFR parts 350 and 351.

Rehabilitation Research and Training

Centers (RRTCs)—34 CFR parts 350 and

352.

Rehabilitation Engineering Research

Centers (RERCs)—34 CFR Parts 350 and

353.

Program Title: Research and

Demonstration Projects.

CFDA Number: 84.133A.

Purpose of Program: The Research

and Demonstration Projects program is

designed to support discrete research,

demonstration, training, and related

projects to develop methods,

procedures, and technology that

maximize the full inclusion and

integration into society, independent

living, employment, family support, and

economic and social self-sufficiency of

individuals with disabilities, especially

those with the most severe disabilities.

In addition, the R&D program supports

discrete research, demonstration, and

training projects that specifically

address the implementation of Titles I,

III, VI, VII, and VIII of the Rehabilitation

Act, with emphasis on projects to

improve the effectiveness of these

programs and to meet the needs

described in State Plans submitted to

the Rehabilitation Services

Administration by State vocational

rehabilitation agencies.

APPLICATION NOTICE FOR FISCAL YEAR 1996, REHABILITATION ENGINEERING RESEARCH CENTER PROGRAM, CFDA NO.

84.133E

Funding priority Deadline for transmittal of applications

Estimated

number of

awards

Maximum

award

amount (per

year)*

Project

period

(months)

Assistive Technology for Older Persons with Disabilities July 19, 1996 ............................................. 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 (See 34 CFR 75.104(b)).

Selection Criteria

The Secretary uses the following

selection criteria to evaluate

applications under this program.

(a) Potential Impact of Outcomes:

Importance of Program (Weight 3.0).

The Secretary reviews each application

to determine to what degree—

(1) The proposed activity relates to

the announced priority;

(2) The research is likely to produce

new and useful information (research

activities only);

(3) The need and target population are

adequately defined;

(4) The outcomes are likely to benefit

the defined target population;

(5) The training needs are clearly

defined (training activities only);

(6) The training methods and

developed subject matter are likely to

meet the defined need (training

activities only); and

(7) The need for information exists

(utilization activities only).

(b) Potential Impact of Outcomes:

Dissemination/Utilization (Weight 3.0).

The Secretary reviews each application

to determine to what degree—

(1) The research results are likely to

become available to others working in

the field (research activities only);

(2) The means to disseminate and

promote utilization by others are

defined;

(3) The training methods and content

are to be packaged for dissemination

and use by others (training activities

only); and

(4) The utilization approach is likely

to address the defined need (utilization

activities only).

(c) Probability of Achieving Proposed

Outcomes: Program/Project Design

(Weight 5.0). The Secretary reviews

each application to determine to what

degree—

(1) The objectives of the project(s) are

clearly stated;
28444 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 108 / Tuesday, June 4, 1996 / Notices

(2) The hypothesis is sound and based

on evidence (research activities only);

(3) The project design/methodology is

likely to achieve the objectives;

(4) The measurement methodology

and analysis is sound;

(5) The conceptual model (if used) is

sound (development/demonstration

activities only);

(6) The sample populations are

correct and significant (research and

development/demonstration activities

only);

(7) The human subjects are

sufficiently protected (research and

development/demonstration activities

only);

(8) The device(s) or model system is

to be developed in an appropriate

environment;

(9) The training content is

comprehensive and at an appropriate

level (training activities only);

(10) The training methods are likely to

be effective (training activities only);

(11) The new materials (if developed)

are likely to be of high quality and

uniqueness (training activities only);

(12) The target populations are linked

to the project (utilization activities

only); and

(13) The format of the dissemination

medium is the best to achieve the

desired result (utilization activities

only).

(d) Probability of Achieving Proposed

Outcomes: Key Personnel (Weight 4.0).

The Secretary reviews each application

to determine to what degree—

(1) The principal investigator and

other key staff have adequate training

and/or experience and demonstrate

appropriate potential to conduct the

proposed research, demonstration,

training, development, or dissemination

activity;

(2) The principal investigator and

other key staff are familiar with

pertinent literature and/or methods;

(3) All required disciplines are

effectively covered;

(4) Commitments of staff time are

adequate for the project; and

(5) The applicant is likely, as part of

its non-discriminatory employment

practices, to encourage applications for

employment from persons who are

members of groups that traditionally

have been underrepresented, such as—

(i) Members of racial or ethnic

minority groups;

(ii) Women;

(iii) Handicapped persons; and

(iv) The elderly.

(e) Probability of Achieving Proposed

Outcomes: Evaluation Plan (Weight 1.0).

The Secretary reviews each application

to determine to what degree—

(1) There is a mechanism to evaluate

plans, progress and results;

(2) The evaluation methods and

objectives are likely to produce data that

are quantifiable; and

(3) The evaluation results, where

relevant, are likely to be assessed in a

service setting.

(f) Program/Project Management: Plan

of Operation (Weight 2.0). The Secretary

reviews each application to determine

to what degree—

(1) There is an effective plan of

operation that insures proper and

efficient administration of the project(s);

(2) The applicant’s planned use of its

resources and personnel is likely to

achieve each objective;

(3) Collaboration between institutions,

if proposed, is likely to be effective; and

(4) There is a clear description of how

the applicant will include eligible

project participants who have been

traditionally underrepresented, such

as—

(i) Members of racial or ethnic

minority groups;

(ii) Women;

(iii) Handicapped persons; and

(iv) The elderly.

(g) Program/Project Management:

Adequacy of Resources (Weight 1.0).

The Secretary reviews each application

to determine to what degree—

(1) The facilities planned for use are

adequate;

(2) The equipment and supplies

planned for use are adequate; and

(3) The commitment of the applicant

to provide administrative support and

adequate facilities is evident.

(h) Program/Project Management:

Budget and Cost Effectiveness (Weight

1.0). The Secretary reviews each

application to determine to what

degree—

(1)The budget for the project(s) is

adequate to support the activities;

(2) The costs are reasonable in

relation to the objectives of the

project(s); and

(3) The budget for subcontracts (if

required) is detailed and appropriate.

Eligible Applicants: Parties eligible to

apply for grants under this program are

public and private nonprofit and forprofit agencies and organizations,

including institutions of higher

education and Indian tribes and tribal

organizations.

Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 761a

and 762.

PROGRAM TITLE: Rehabilitation

Research and Training Centers

CFDA Number: 84.133B

PURPOSE OF PROGRAM: RRTCs

conduct coordinated and advanced

programs of research on disability and

rehabilitation that will produce new

knowledge that will improve

rehabilitation methods and service

delivery systems, alleviate or stabilize

disabling conditions, and promote

maximum social and economic

independence for individuals with

disabilities. RRTCs provide training to

service providers at the pre-service, inservice training, undergraduate, and

graduate levels to improve the quality

and effectiveness of rehabilitation

services. They also provide advanced

research training to individuals with

disabilities and those from minority

backgrounds, engaged in research on

disability and rehabilitation. RRTCs

serve as national and regional technical

assistance resources, and provide

training for service providers,

individuals with disabilities and

families and representatives, and

rehabilitation researchers.

The Rehabilitation Services

Administration is collaborating with

NIDRR to provide financial support for

the RRTCs included in this notice.

APPLICATION NOTICE FOR FISCAL YEAR 1996, 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)

Vocational Rehabilitation Services for Individuals Who

Are Blind or Visually Impaired.

July 19, 1996 ............................................. 1 $650,000 60

Vocational Rehabilitation Services for Individuals Who

Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.

July 19, 1996 ............................................. 1 $650,000 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 (See 34 CFR 75.104(b)).
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 108 / Tuesday, June 4, 1996 / Notices 28445

Selection Criteria

The Secretary uses the following

selection criteria to evaluate

applications under this program.

(a) Relevance and importance of the

research program (20 points). The

Secretary reviews each application to

determine to what degree—

(1) The proposed activities are

responsive to a priority established by

the Secretary and address a significant

need of a disabled target population and

rehabilitation service providers;

(2) The overall research program of

the Center includes appropriate

interdisciplinary and collaborative

research activities, is likely to lead to

new and useful knowledge in the

priority area, and is likely to become a

nationally recognized source of

scientific knowledge; and

(3) The applicant demonstrates that

all component activities of the Center

are related to the overall objective of the

Center, and will build upon and

complement each other to enhance the

likelihood of solving significant

rehabilitation problems.

(b) Quality of the research design (35

points). The Secretary reviews each

application to determine to what

degree—

(1) The applicant proposes a

comprehensive research program for the

entire project period, including at least

three interrelated research projects;

(2) The research design and

methodology of each proposed activity

are meritorious in that—

(i) The literature review is appropriate

and indicates familiarity with current

research in the field;

(ii) The research hypotheses are

important and scientifically relevant;

(iii) The sample populations are

appropriate and significant;

(iv) The data collection and

measurement techniques are

appropriate and likely to be effective;

(v) The data analysis methods are

appropriate; and

(vi) The applicant assures that human

subjects, animals, and the environment

are adequately protected; and

(3) The application discusses the

anticipated research results and

demonstrates how those results would

satisfy the original hypotheses and

could be used for planning future

research, including generation of new

hypotheses where applicable.

(c) Quality of the training and

dissemination program (25 points). The

Secretary reviews each application to

determine the degree to which—

(1) The proposed plan for training and

dissemination provides evidence that

research results will be effectively

disseminated and utilized based on the

identification of appropriate and

accessible target groups; the proposed

training materials and methods are

appropriate; the proposed activities are

relevant to the regional and national

needs of the rehabilitation field; and the

training materials and dissemination

packages will be developed in alternate

media that are usable by people with

various types of disabilities.

(2) The proposed plan for training and

dissemination provides for—

(i) Advanced training in rehabilitation

research;

(ii) Training rehabilitation service

personnel and other appropriate

individuals to improve practitioner

skills based on new knowledge derived

from research;

(iii) Training packages that make

research results available to service

providers, researchers, educators,

individuals with disabilities, parents,

and others;

(iv) Technical assistance or

consultation that is responsive to the

concerns of service providers and

consumers; and

(v) Dissemination of research findings

through publication in professional

journals, textbooks, and consumer and

other publications, and through other

appropriate media such as audiovisual

materials and telecommunications.

(vi) Dissemination of research

findings and other materials in

appropriate formats and accessible

media for use by individuals with

various disabilities.

(d) Quality of the organization and

management (20 points). The Secretary

reviews each application to determine

the degree to which—

(1) The staffing plan for the Center

provides evidence that the project

director, research director, training

director, principal investigators, and

other personnel have appropriate

training and experience in disciplines

required to conduct the proposed

activities; the commitment of staff time

is adequate to conduct all proposed

activities; and the Center, as part of its

nondiscriminatory employment

practices, will ensure that its personnel

are selected for employment without

regard to race, color, national origin,

gender, age, or handicapping

conditions;

(2) The budgets for the Center and for

each component project are reasonable,

adequate, and cost-effective for the

proposed activities;

(3) The facilities, equipment, and

other resources are adequate and are

appropriately accessible to persons with

disabilities;

(4) The plan of operations is adequate

to accomplish the Center’s objectives

and to ensure proper and efficient

management of the Center;

(5) The proposed relationships with

Federal, State, and local rehabilitation

service providers and consumer

organizations are likely to ensure that

the Center program is relevant and

applicable to the needs of consumers

and service providers;

(6) The past performance and

accomplishments of the applicant

indicate an ability to complete

successfully the proposed scope of

work;

(7) The application demonstrates

appropriate commitment and support by

the host institution and opportunities

for interdisciplinary activities and

collaboration with other institutions;

and

(8) The plan for evaluation of the

Center provides for an annual

assessment of the outcomes of the

research, the impact of the training and

dissemination activities on the target

populations, and the extent to which the

overall objectives have been

accomplished.

Eligible Applicants

Institutions of higher education and

public or private agencies and

organizations collaborating with

institutions of higher education,

including Indian tribes and tribal

organizations, are eligible to apply for

awards under this program.

Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 762.

PROGRAM TITLE: Rehabilitation

Engineering Research Centers

CFDA Number: 84.133E

Purpose of Program

Rehabilitation Engineering Research

Centers conduct research,

demonstration, and training activities

regarding rehabilitation technology—

including rehabilitation engineering,

assistive technology devices, and

assistive technology services, in order to

enhance the opportunities to better meet

the needs of, and address the barriers

confronted by, individuals with

disabilities in all aspects of their lives.
28446 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 108 / Tuesday, June 4, 1996 / Notices

APPLICATION NOTICE FOR FISCAL YEAR 1996, RESEARCH AND DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS 84.133YA

Funding priority Deadline for transmittal of applications

Estimated

number of

awards

Maximum

award

amount (per

year)*

Project period

(months)

Emerging Disability Populations ....................................... July 19, 1996 ............................................. 1 $350,000 36

Note: The Secretary will reject without consideration or evaluation any application that proposes a project funding level that exceeds the stated

maximum award amount (See 34 CFR 75.104(b)).

Selection Criteria

The Secretary uses the following

selection criteria to evaluate

applications under this program.

(a) Relevance and Importance of the

Research Program (25 points). The

Secretary reviews each application to

determine to what degree—

(1) The proposed activities are

responsive to a priority established by

the Secretary and address a significant

need of a disabled target population and

rehabilitation service providers;

(2) The overall research program of

the Center includes appropriate

interdisciplinary and collaborative

research activities, is likely to lead to

new and useful knowledge in the

priority area and to the development of

new technology or new applications of

existing technology, and is likely to

become a nationally recognized source

of information on technology in the

priority area; and

(3) The applicant demonstrates that

all component activity of the Center are

related to the overall objectives of the

Center, and will build upon and

complement each other to enhance the

likelihood of finding solutions to

significant rehabilitation problems.

(b) Quality of the Research Design (25

points). The Secretary reviews each

application to determine to what

degree—

(1) The applicant proposes a

comprehensive program of research for

the total project period, including at

least three interrelated research projects;

(2) The research design and

methodology of each proposed activity

are meritorious in that—

(i) The literature review is appropriate

and indicates familiarity with the stateof-the-art and current research in

rehabilitation technology;

(ii) The research hypotheses are

important and scientifically relevant;

(iii) The sample populations are

appropriate and significant;

(iv) The data collection and

measurement techniques are

appropriate and likely to be effective;

(v) The data analysis methods are

appropriate; and

(vi) The applicant assures that human

subjects, animals, and the environment

are adequately protected;

(3) The plan for development, clinical

testing, and evaluation of new devices

and technology is likely to yield

significant products; and

(4) The application discusses the

anticipated research results and

demonstrates how those results would

satisfy the original hypotheses; and

could be used for planning additional

research, including the generation of

new hypotheses where applicable.

(c) Quality of the Dissemination and

Utilization Program (25 points). The

Secretary reviews each application to

determine to what degree—

(1) The proposed plan for

dissemination provides evidence

utilized based on the identification of

appropriate and accessible target

groups; the proposed activities are

relevant to regional and national needs

of the rehabilitation field; and

dissemination packages will be

prepared in a form usable by

individuals with all types of disabilities;

(2) The proposed plan for

dissemination and utilization of the

research and development provides

for—

(i) Orientation programs for

rehabilitation service personnel to

improve the application of

rehabilitation technology;

(ii) Programs which specifically

demonstrate means for utilizing

rehabilitation technology;

(iii) Technical assistance and

consultation that are responsive to

concerns of service providers and

consumers; and

(iv) Dissemination of research

findings through publication in

professional journals, textbooks, and

consumer and other publications, and

through other appropriate media such as

audiovisual materials and

telecommunications, in an effort to

make research results accessible to

manufacturers, rehabilitation service

providers, researchers, educators,

disabled individuals and their families,

and others; and

(3) There is an appropriate plan to

ensure the distribution and utilization

of new devices and technology.

(d) Quality of the Organization and

Management (25 points). The Secretary

reviews each application to determine

to what degree—

(1) The staffing plan for the Center

provides evidence that the principal

investigator and other personnel have

appropriate training and experience in

disciplines required to conduct the

proposed activities; the commitment of

time for all staff is adequate to conduct

all proposed activities; and the Center,

as part of its nondiscriminatory

employment practices, will ensure that

its personnel are selected for

employment without regard to race,

color, national origin, gender, age, or

handicapping condition;

(2) The budgets for the Center and

each of the proposed activities are

reasonable, adequate, and cost-effective

for the proposed activities;

(3) The facilities, equipment, and

other resources are adequate and are

appropriately accessible to persons with

disabilities;

(4) The plan of operations is adequate

to accomplish the Center’s objectives

and to ensure proper and efficient

management of the Center;

(5) The proposed relationships with

Federal, State, and local rehabilitation

service providers and consumer

organizations are likely to ensure that

the Center program is relevant and

applicable to the needs of consumers

and service providers;

(6) The past performance and

accomplishments of the applicant

indicate an ability to complete

successfully the proposed scope of

work;

(7) The application demonstrates

appropriate commitment and support by

the host institution and opportunities

for interdisciplinary activities and

collaboration with other institutions;

and

(8) The plan for evaluation of the

Center will assess annually the

outcomes of the discrete and

interrelated research projects, the

impact of the training and

dissemination activities on the target

populations, and the extent to which the

overall objectives have been

accomplished.
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 108 / Tuesday, June 4, 1996 / Notices 28447

Eligible Applicants

Public or private entities, including

Indian tribes and tribal organizations,

are eligible to receive awards under this

program provided they ensure that the

Center is operated in collaboration with

an organization of higher education or a

nonprofit organization.

Program Authority: 29 U.S.C.

763(b)(3)(A)).

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,

DC 20202–4725, or

(2) Hand deliver the original and two

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

(Washington, DC time) on the deadline

date to: U.S. Department of Education,

Application Control Center, Attention:

(CFDA # (Applicant must insert number

and letter)), Room #3633, Regional

Office Building #3, 7th and D Streets,

SW., Washington, DC.

(b) An applicant must show one of the

following as proof of mailing:

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

postmark.

(2) A legible mail receipt with the

date of mailing stamped by the U.S.

Postal Service.

(3) A dated shipping label, invoice, or

receipt from a commercial carrier.

(4) Any other proof of mailing

acceptable to the Secretary.

(c) If an application is mailed through

the U.S. Postal Service, the Secretary

does not accept either of the following

as proof of mailing:

(1) A private metered postmark.

(2) A mail receipt that is not dated by

the U.S. Postal Service.

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

uniformly provide a dated postmark. Before

relying on this method, an applicant should

check with its local post office.

(2) An applicant wishing to know that its

application has been received by the

Department must include with the

application a stamped self-addressed

postcard containing the CFDA number and

title of this program.

(3) The applicant must indicate on the

envelope and—if not provided by the

Department—in Item 10 of the Application

for Federal Assistance (Standard Form 424)

the CFDA number—and letter, if any—of the

competition under which the application is

being submitted.

Application Forms and Instructions

The appendix to this application is

divided into four parts. These parts are

organized in the same manner that the

submitted application should be

organized. These parts are as follows:

Part I: Application for Federal

Assistance (Standard Form 424 (Rev. 4–

88)) and instructions.

Part II: Budget Form—NonConstruction Programs (Standard Form

524A) and instructions.

Part III: Application Narrative.

Additional Materials

Estimated Public Reporting Burden.

Assurances—Non-Construction

Programs (Standard Form 424B).

Certification Regarding Lobbying,

Debarment, Suspension, and Other

Responsibility Matters: and Drug-Free

Work-Place Requirements (ED Form 80–

0013).

Certification Regarding Debarment,

Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary

Exclusion: Lower Tier Covered

Transactions (ED Form 80–0014) and

instructions. (NOTE: ED Form GCS–014

is intended for the use of primary

Participants and should not be

transmitted to the Department.)

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: In order to

obtain an application package, contact

William H. Whalen, U.S. Department of

Education, 600 Independence Avenue

SW, Switzer Building, Room 3411,

Washington, DC. 20202. Telephone:

(202) 205–9141. Individuals who use a

telecommunications device for the deaf

(TDD) may call the TDD number at (202)

205–8887.

Information about the Department’s

funding opportunities, including copies

of application notices for discretionary

grant competitions, can be viewed on

the Department’s electronic bulletin

board (ED Board), telephone (202) 260–

9950; on the Internet Gopher Server at

GOPHER.ED.GOV (under

Announcements, Bulletins, and Press

Releases); or on the World Wide Web at

http://www.ed.gov/money.html

However, the official application notice

for a discretionary grant competition is

the notice published in the Federal

Register.

Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 760–762.

Dated: May 29, 1996.

Andrew Pepin,

Acting 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
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to follow the selection criteria that will

be used. The specific review criteria

vary according to the specific program,

and are contained in this Consolidated

Application Package.

4. May I Submit Applications to More

Than One NIDRR Program Competition

or More Than One Application to a

Program?

Yes, you may submit applications to

any program for which they are

responsive to the program requirements.

You may submit the same application to

as many competitions as you believe

appropriate. You may also submit more

than one application in any given

competition.

5. What Is the Allowable Indirect Cost

Rate?

The limits on indirect costs vary

according to the program and the type

of application.

Applicants in the R&D and RERC

grants programs should limit indirect

charges to the organization’s approved

rate. If the organization does not have an

approved rate, the application should

include an estimated actual rate.

Applicants for projects in the RRTC

program are limited to an indirect 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.

Research and Demonstration Projects (CFDA No. 84.133A) 34 CFR Parts 350 and 351.

Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (CFDA No. 84.133B) 34 CFR Parts 350 and 352.

Rehabilitation Engineering and Research Center (CFDA No. 84.133E) 34 CFR Parts 350 and 353.

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BILLING CODE 4000–01–C
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Assurances—Non-Construction Programs

Note: Certain of these assurances may not

be applicable to your project or program. If

you have questions, please contact the

awarding agency. Further, certain Federal

awarding agencies may require applicants to

certify to additional assurances. If such is the

case, you will be notified.

As the duly authorized representative of

the applicant I certify that the applicant:

1. Has the legal authority to apply for

Federal assistance, and the institutional,

managerial and financial capability

(including funds sufficient to pay the nonFederal share of project costs) to ensure

proper planning, management and

completion of the project described in this

application.

2. Will give the awarding agency, the

Comptroller General of the United States, and

if appropriate, the State, through any

authorized representative, access to and the

right to examine all records, books, papers,

or documents related to the award; and will

establish a proper accounting system in

accordance with generally accepted

accounting standards or agency directives.

3. Will establish safeguards to prohibit

employees from using their positions for a

purpose that constitutes or presents the

appearance of personal or organizational

conflict of interest, or personal gain.

4. Will initiate and complete the work

within the applicable time frame after receipt

of approval of the awarding agency.

5. Will comply with the Intergovernmental

Personnel Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. §§ 4728–

4763) relating to prescribed standards for

merit systems for programs funded under one

of the nineteen statutes or regulations

specified in Appendix A of OPM’s Standards

for a Merit System of Personnel

Administration (5 C.F.R. 900, Subpart F).

6. Will comply with all Federal statutes

relating to nondiscrimination. These include

but are not limited to: (a) Title VI of the Civil

Rights Act of 1964 (P.L. 88–352) which

prohibits discrimination on the basis of race,

color or national origin; (b) Title IX of the

Education Amendments of 1972, as amended

(20 U.S.C. §§ 1681–1683, and 1685–1686),

which prohibits discrimination on the basis

of sex; (c) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation

Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. § 794),

which prohibits discrimination on the basis

of handicaps; (d) the Age Discrimination Act

of 1975, as amended (42 U.S.C. §§ 6101–

6107), which prohibits discrimination on the

basis of age; (e) the Drug Abuse Office and

Treatment Act of 1972 (P.L. 92–255), as

amended, relating to nondiscrimination on

the basis of drug abuse; (f) the

Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and

Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment and

Rehabilitation Act of 1970 (P.L. 91–616), as

amended, relating to nondiscrimination on

the basis of alcohol abuse or alcoholism; (g)

§§ 523 and 527 of the Public Health Service

Act of 1912 (42 U.S.C. 290 dd–3 and 290 ee–

3), as amended, relating to confidentiality of

alcohol and drug abuse patient records; (h)

Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (42

U.S.C. § 3601 et seq.), as amended, relating to

nondiscrimination in the sale, rental or

financing of housing; (i) any other

nondiscrimination provisions in the specific

statute(s) under which application for

Federal assistance is being made; and (j) the

requirements of any other nondiscrimination

statute(s) which may apply to the

application.

7. Will comply, or has already complied,

with the requirements of Titles II and III of

the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real

Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970

(P.L. 91–646) which provide for fair and

equitable treatment of persons displaced or

whose property is acquired as a result of

Federal or federally assisted programs. These

requirements apply to all interests in real

property acquired for project purposes

regardless of Federal participation in

purchases.

8. Will comply with the provisions of the

Hatch Act (5 U.S.C. §§ 1501–1508 and 7324–

7328) which limit the political activities of

employees whose principal employment

activities are funded in whole or in part with

Federal funds.

9. Will comply, as applicable, with the

provisions of the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C.

§§ 276a to 276a–7), the Copeland Act (40

U.S.C. § 276c and 18 U.S.C. § 874), and the

Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards

Act (40 U.S.C. §§ 327–333), regarding labor

standards for federally assisted construction

subagreements.

10. Will comply, if applicable, with flood

insurance purchase requirements of Section

102(a) of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of

1973 (P.L. 93–234) which requires recipients

in a special flood hazard area to participate

in the program and to purchase flood

insurance if the total cost of insurable

construction and acquisition is $10,000 or

more.

11. Will comply with environmental

standards which may be prescribed pursuant

to the following: (a) institution of

environmental quality control measures

under the National Environmental Policy Act

of 1969 (P.L. 91–190) and Executive Order

(EO) 11514; (b) notification of violating

facilities pursuant to EO 11738; (c) protection

of wetlands pursuant to EO 11990; (d)

evaluation of flood hazards in floodplains in

accordance with EO 11988; (e) assurrance of

project consistency with the approved State

management program developed under the

Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (16

U.S.C. §§ 1451 et seq.); (f) conformity of

Federal actions to State (Clear Air)

Implementation Plans under Section 176(c)

of the Clear Air Act of 1955, as amended (42

U.S.C. § 7401 et seq.); (g) protection of

underground sources of drinking water under

the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974, as

amended (P.L. 93–523); and (h) protection of

endangered species under the Endangered

Species Act of 1973, as amended (P.L. 93–

205).

12. Will comply with the Wild and Scenic

Rivers Act of 1968 (16 U.S.C. §§ 1271 et seq.)

related to protecting components or potential

components of the national wide and scenic

rivers system.

13. Will assist the awarding agency in

assuring compliance with Section 106 of the

National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as

amended (16 U.S.C. 470), E.O. 11593

(identification and protection of historic

properties), and the Archaeological and

Historic Preservation Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C.

469a–1 et seq.).

14. Will comply with P.L. 93–348

regarding the protection of human subjects

involved in research, development, and

related activities supported by this award of

assistance.

15. Will comply with the Laboratory

Animal Welfare Act of 1966 (P.L. 89–544, as

amended, 7 U.S.C. 2131 et seq.) pertaining to

the care, handling, and treatment of warm

blooded animals held for research, teaching,

or other activities supported by this award of

assistance.

16. Will comply with the Lead-Based Paint

Poisoning Prevention Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 4801

et seq.) which prohibits the use of lead based

paint in costruction or rehabilitation of

residence structures.

17. Will cause to be performed the required

financial and compliance audits in

accordance with the Single Audit Act of

1984.

18. Will comply with all applicable

requirements of all other Federal laws,

executive orders, regulations and policies

governing this program.

lllllllllllllllllllll

SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED

CERTIFYING OFFICIAL

lllllllllllllllllllll

TITLE

lllllllllllllllllllll

APPLICANT ORGANIZATION

lllllllllllllllllllll

DATE SUBMITTED

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[FR Doc. 96–13908 Filed 6–3–96; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4000–01–C