Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program--Disability Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRPs); Funding Priorities; Notice of final priorities [OSERS]

FR Doc 06-5229
[Federal Register: June 9, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 111)]
[Notices]
[Page 33561-33569]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr09jn06-117]

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Part III

Department of Education

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Grants and Cooperative Agreements--Notice of Final Priorities and
Notices of Funding Availability; Notices

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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research--
Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program--
Disability Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRPs); Funding Priorities

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

ACTION: Notice of final priorities.

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SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services announces certain final priorities for the
Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program
administered by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation
Research (NIDRR). Specifically, this notice announces two priorities--a
priority for the Disability Business Technical Assistance Centers
(DBTACs) and a priority for the Disability Business Technical
Assistance Center Coordination, Outreach, and Research Center (DBTAC
CORC). The Assistant Secretary may use these priorities for
competitions in fiscal year (FY) 2006 and later years. We take this
action to focus research attention on areas of national need. We intend
these priorities to improve rehabilitation services and outcomes for
individuals with disabilities.

DATES: Effective Date: These priorities are effective July 10, 2006.

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

If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), you may
call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339.
Individuals with disabilities may obtain this document in an
alternative format (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer
diskette) on request to the contact person listed under FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program

The purpose of the DRRP program is to plan and conduct research,
demonstration projects, training, and related activities to develop
methods, procedures, and rehabilitation technology that maximize the
full inclusion and integration into society, employment, independent
living, family support, and economic and social self-sufficiency of
individuals with disabilities, especially individuals with the most
severe disabilities, and to improve the effectiveness of services
authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. DRRPs
carry out one or more of the following types of activities, as
specified and defined in 34 CFR 350.13 through 350.19: Research,
development, demonstration, training, dissemination, utilization, and
technical assistance.
An applicant for assistance under this program must demonstrate in
its application how it will address, in whole or in part, the needs of
individuals with disabilities from minority backgrounds (34 CFR
350.40(a)). The approaches an applicant may take to meet this
requirement are found in 34 CFR 350.40(b). In addition, NIDRR intends
to require all DRRP applicants to meet the requirements of the General
Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Requirements
priority that it published in a notice of final priorities in the
Federal Register on April 28, 2006 (71 FR 25472).
Additional information on the DRRP program can be found at: http://www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/res-program.html#DRRP
.

We published a notice of proposed priorities (NPP) for NIDRR's
Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program,
including the DRRP program, in the Federal Register on February 7, 2006
(71 FR 6318). The NPP included a background statement that described
our rationale for each priority proposed in that notice.
This notice of final priorities (NFP) addresses 2 of the 15
priorities proposed in the NPP. The priorities addressed in this NFP
are as follows:
Disability Business Technical Assistance Centers (DBTACs)
(a DRRP, designated as Priority 10 in the NPP).
Disability Business Technical Assistance Center
Coordination, Outreach, and Research Center (DBTAC CORC) (a DRRP,
designated as Priority 11 in the NPP).
Because of the volume of comments received in response to the NPP,
NIDRR has published two other separate notices of final priorities for
the other 12 priorities proposed in the NPP (i.e., those priorities
designated as Priorities 1 through 9 and 13 through 15 in the NPP).
More information on these other priorities and the projects and
programs that NIDRR intends to fund in FY 2006 can be found on the
Internet at the following site: http://www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/nidrr/priority-matrix.html
.

This NFP contains several changes from the NPP in both priorities.
We fully explain these changes in the Analysis of Comments and Changes
section that follows.

Analysis of Comments and Changes

In response to our invitation in the NPP, 606 parties submitted
comments on the proposed priorities addressed in this NFP.
An analysis of the comments and the changes in the priorities since
publication of the NPP follows.
In their responses to the NPP, many commenters failed to specify
whether their comments addressed one or both of the proposed
priorities. In addition, many comments concerned the relationship
between the DBTACs and the DBTAC CORC and, therefore, relate to both
priorities. In reviewing the comments received, we determined that the
comments could be organized into the following general categories: (1)
DBTACs and Core Functions, (2) Research and Research Requirements, and
(3) Other. Therefore, we have organized the Analysis and Comments and
Changes section using these three categories.
Of the 606 comments received, the majority of comments (597)
expressed concerns about the structure of the DBTACs and the proposed
changes to the DBTAC's activities; these concerns included questions
related to the core functions of the currently funded DBTACs and
NIDRR's proposal to require DBTACs to conduct research. We address
these comments under the categories DBTACs and Core Functions and
Research and Research Requirements. In addition, several commenters
raised issues relating to technology, resource allocation, underserved
populations, use of the name DBTAC, interagency coordination and
collaboration and other concerns. We address these comments under the
heading Other.
Generally, we do not address technical and other minor changes, or
suggested changes the law does not authorize us to make under the
applicable statutory authority. In addition, we do not address general
comments that raised concerns not directly related to the proposed
priorities.

General

The final priorities announced in this NFP are designed to align
the DBTAC and DBTAC CORC activities with NIDRR's mission by requiring
grantees to conduct scientifically based research and to use evidence-
based practices. Consistent with NIDRR's Final Long-

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Range Plan for FY 2005-2009 (Plan), NIDRR is establishing these
priorities to restructure and strengthen the DBTAC program, and to
further enable program grantees to make significant impacts on
disability and rehabilitation outcomes through scientifically based
research.

DBTACs and Core Functions

Comment: Many commenters stated opposition to what they believed
amounted to a discontinuance of the DBTAC program, and urged NIDRR to
retain the program.
Discussion: NIDRR has not proposed to eliminate the DBTAC program.
The proposed DBTACs priority is designed to expand the existing DBTAC
program by aligning the mission of the program with NIDRR's mission of
improving the lives of people with disabilities through research.
Changes: None.
Comment: Some commenters urged NIDRR to maintain the core functions
of the DBTACs; these core functions are defined as information and
referral, technical assistance, training, and dissemination of
information on all titles of the Americans with Disabilities Act of
1990, as amended (ADA).
Discussion: The proposed DBTACs priority requires grantees to
perform the core activities carried out under the existing DBTAC
program. NIDRR believes that these activities are critical for DBTACs
to help ensure full implementation of the ADA. NIDRR expects all
grantees funded under the DBTACs priority to use their grant award to
support activities that are consistent with the goals and purposes of
all titles of the ADA.
Changes: None.

Research and Research Requirements

Comment: Several commenters expressed concern that the research
component of the proposed DBTACs priority is being restricted
exclusively to employment-related research.
Discussion: While NIDRR believes that, given their relationships
with both the business and disability communities, the DBTACs are
uniquely positioned to conduct research on critical disability
employment questions, NIDRR does not expect that DBTAC studies will be
restricted to employment-related research. Consistent with the Plan,
NIDRR establishes research priorities under specific research domains.
The DBTAC activities support research in the employment domain and in
the community living/participation domain (for more information on
these domains, see the Plan). The proposed DBTACs priority provides for
studies related to all titles of the ADA, and a range of other research
topics, including technology and postsecondary education, technology
and school-to-work transition, employment, and participation/community
living.
Changes: None.
Comment: Some commenters were particularly concerned that the
proposed DBTACs priority would shift too much of the DBTACs' focus to
employment outcomes and to research. Other commenters suggested that by
requiring DBTACs to conduct research, DBTACs would be forced to use
limited funds and staff to conduct research activities, which would
result in a dilution of resources for other activities that are core
functions of the currently funded DBTACs. Many of these commenters
recommended that NIDRR specify the percentage of DBTAC funding that
DBTACs should devote to research activities.
Discussion: NIDRR does not agree that the proposed DBTACs priority
would shift too much of the focus to employment outcomes and to
research. As stated elsewhere in this NFP, NIDRR has included research
in the DBTACs priority in order to align the DBTAC program with NIDRR's
overall mission. When addressing the research requirements of the
DBTACs priority, NIDRR expects that grantees will consult with and
receive expert technical assistance from the DBTAC CORC. Coordination
with the DBTAC CORC will help ensure that DBTAC funds and resources
devoted to research activities are used efficiently. In addition, the
DBTAC CORC will help ensure that DBTACs conduct scientifically based
studies by providing them with significant support in research planning
and development, and on-going technical assistance.
NIDRR does not prescribe specific funding amounts or allocations of
project budgets in the proposed DBTACs and DBTAC CORC priorities. While
we believe that the required DBTACs research activities would require
grantees to devote at least fifteen percent of their project funds to
research activities, NIDRR will determine whether the proposed amount
is appropriate based on the nature and scope of the research activities
to be performed.
Changes: None.
Comment: Commenters questioned the new focus of the DBTACs on
research. A large number of these commenters recommended that the DBTAC
CORC be primarily responsible for research.
Discussion: NIDRR does not agree that the DBTAC CORC should have
primary responsibility for research. The proposed DBTACs priority
requires that research activities involve a collaborative partnership
between the DBTAC CORC and the regional DBTACs. The proposed DBTAC CORC
priority requires the DBTAC CORC to collaborate and consult with each
regional DBTAC to achieve this goal. NIDRR expects that regional DBTACs
will each have a focused program of research that is supported by the
DBTAC CORC. Consistent with the proposed DBTAC CORC priority, the DBTAC
CORC would have primary responsibility for systematic reviews and
analyses of data and products submitted by the regional DBTACs. In
addition, the DBTAC CORC would be responsible for reviewing regional
DBTAC research proposals. As explained in the Background statement for
the proposed DBTAC CORC priority in the NPP, the details regarding the
administration of the required DBTAC CORC activities will be specified
in the Department's cooperative agreement with the grantee that
receives an award under this priority.
Changes: None.
Comment: Commenters requested clarification on how NIDRR envisions
the respective roles of the DBTACs and the DBTAC CORC in research
activities.
Discussion: Under the proposed DBTAC CORC priority, the DBTAC CORC
is expected to take the lead role in facilitating the development of a
coordinated national research agenda for the DBTACs. Under the DBTACs
priority, each DBTAC grantee must participate in and conduct research;
at a minimum, DBTAC grantees are expected to conduct small research
projects.
NIDRR envisions a two-stage process for regional DBTAC research
activities. The first stage will involve regional DBTAC preparation and
submission of a preliminary research proposal that includes a brief
description of a proposed research plan identifying topic(s),
methodology, and expected outcomes to the DBTAC CORC. NIDRR expects
that these preliminary research proposals will be further informed by
systematic reviews and analyses by the DBTAC CORC. In the second stage,
the DBTAC CORC will assess the merits of each research proposal and
provide ongoing, expert technical assistance to each regional DBTAC.
The DBTAC CORC Review Board, which will be composed of expert
advisor(s), a methodology consultant, a research consortium
coordinator, and research analysts, will support these activities. The
DBTAC CORC Review Board will review research proposals submitted by

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the DBTACs, as well as DBTAC plans for new research activities,
products, and publications. NIDRR envisions that the DBTAC CORC will
support the regional DBTACs' research by using its expertise as well as
the data provided by the regional DBTACs to generate research questions
and hypotheses for DBTAC research.
Similar to the regional DBTACs, the DBTAC CORC must also conduct
research. NIDRR expects that the research conducted by the DBTAC CORC
will complement research activities being implemented as part of the
national DBTAC research agenda.
We believe that the proposed priorities require some additional
information to clarify the responsibilities of and the relationship
between the DBTAC CORC and the regional DBTACs.
Changes: NIDRR has revised the DBTACs and the DBTAC CORC priorities
to provide more information on how NIDRR envisions the implementation
and coordination of DBTAC and DBTAC CORC research-related activities,
particularly the responsibilities and processes for collaboration and
research capacity building. In an effort to clarify the research
component of the DBTACs' priority, we have changed the order of the
requirements and have included, in paragraphs (e), (f), and (g),
additional information about the research-related responsibilities of
the DBTACs and the DBTAC CORC, including the responsibility of all
centers to collaborate. In addition, we have revised paragraphs (c),
(d), and (e) of the DBTAC CORC priority to provide more information
about DBTAC CORC research requirements and the requirements relating to
DBTACs' research and collaboration. A more detailed description of the
changes follows:
We have revised paragraph (e) of the DBTACs' priority and paragraph
(e) of the DBTAC CORC priority to clarify the two-stage process for the
submission of preliminary research proposals by the DBTACs, the DBTAC
CORC's review of DBTAC research proposals, and the provision of
technical assistance and support by the DBTAC CORC to assist DBTACs
with achievement of expected outcomes and to identify areas of
potential collaborative research. These paragraphs also have been
revised to clarify the responsibility of the DBTACs to conduct rigorous
research beginning in the second year of the project and the
requirement that the DBTAC CORC provide on-going technical assistance
and support to the DBTACs to help ensure that the DBTACs' research is
scientifically based and of high quality.
We have moved and revised paragraph (h) of the proposed DBTACs
priority. The paragraph, now designated as paragraph (f), has been
revised to clarify that DBTACs are responsible for providing their
program data and findings to the DBTAC CORC so that the DBTAC CORC can
produce evidence reports, identify gaps in the research agenda where
new or additional research is warranted, conduct relevant research,
assist with an enhanced understanding of ADA compliance and
implementation issues on a national level, and generate topics for a
national DBTAC research agenda. We also have revised this paragraph to
clarify that the specific research to be conducted by the individual
DBTACs will be determined through coordination between the DBTAC and
the DBTAC CORC.
We have revised paragraph (f) of the proposed DBTACs priority (now
designated as paragraph (g)) to clarify that DBTACs will collaborate
with, and receive support from, the DBTAC CORC Review Board as they
evaluate and disseminate their research-based information.
We have revised paragraphs (c) and (d) of the DBTAC CORC priority
to clarify the research requirement for the DBTAC CORC and to provide
more information about the DBTAC CORC Review Board. We clarified who
will serve on the DBTAC CORC Review Board and what functions the board
will perform. The board must be composed of expert advisor(s), a
methodology consultant, a research consortium coordinator, and research
analysts. The board will review DBTAC research proposal plans for new
research activities, products, and publications; assist to identify and
recommend research activities that are best conducted via collaborative
research; and conduct systematic reviews of the DBTAC research.
Comment: One commenter asked NIDRR to clarify the roles and
responsibilities between the DBTACs and the DBTAC CORC in collecting
and analyzing research. For example, the commenter specifically asked
if NIDRR intends that the DBTAC CORC will be responsible for analyzing
data that DBTACs collect, or if DBTACs will be required to complete the
entire research process for their studies.
Discussion: For each research study conducted by a DBTAC using
DBTAC funding, NIDRR intends that the regional DBTAC responsible for
the study will collect and analyze the research study data, consistent
with scientifically based research standards and procedures. All DBTACs
are required to conduct research. Nothing in the DBTACs priority,
however, prohibits DBTACs from proposing joint studies that they can
conduct with other DBTACs. If DBTACs are engaging in joint studies, at
least one of the DBTACs must be responsible for collecting and
analyzing research study data.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter suggested that other NIDRR-funded entities
specializing in disability research, such as the Rehabilitation
Research and Training Centers (RRTCs), should be required to conduct
the research that NIDRR proposes to include as part of the DBTACs
priority. This commenter also stated that NIDRR should not change the
service structure of the DBTACs to include a research component.
Discussion: NIDRR does not agree with this comment and believes
that it is critical to align the DBTACs with NIDRR's overall research
mission. Both the DRRP and RRTC program mechanisms have unique, valued
features. In general, the DRRP mechanism offers a more flexible vehicle
to support certain research and training objectives than the RRTC
mechanism. DRRPs may include research, demonstration projects,
training, and related activities that help maximize the full inclusion
and integration of individuals with disabilities into society and
improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. Consistent with NIDRR's
mission, NIDRR-funded entities specializing in disability research are
required to conduct research. Accordingly, NIDRR expects that grantees
funded under the DBTACs and DBTAC CORC priorities, both of which are
priorities funded under the DRRP program, will conduct research.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter stated that each of the 10 geographically
dispersed DBTACs have unique strengths, and expressed a concern that
requiring them all to conduct research would make it difficult to
maintain consistency and ensure high quality services and products.
Further, the commenter recommended that NIDRR support a national
research center to be responsible for the information technology
assistance and support previously provided to DBTACs so that the
services would be integrated into a central location.
Discussion: NIDRR agrees that consideration must be given to the
fact that the skills of the researchers at each DBTAC may differ, and
that

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coordination among regional DBTACs is needed. NIDRR expects that the
DBTAC CORC will provide a wide range of support and technical
assistance, including significant support to the regional DBTACs in
research planning and development activities. The DBTAC CORC is
expected to provide support and ongoing technical assistance to the
regional DBTACs for the duration of their project periods. NIDRR
believes that the DBTAC CORC activities and the expertise of the DBTAC
CORC Review Board will help to build research capacity across regional
DBTAC projects and help ensure that the DBTACs conduct scientifically
based research that meets the highest possible standards of quality.
NIDRR also agrees that coordination of research activities for the
10 regional DBTACs is critical. Therefore, NIDRR expects that the DBTAC
CORC will centralize some aspects of DBTAC operations as well as
facilitate coordination among the DBTACs by establishing a coordinated
national DBTAC research agenda.
Changes: None.
Comment: Several commenters suggested that adding a research
component to the DBTAC program would duplicate NIDRR's other research
efforts. Some commenters also stated that the proposed DBTAC CORC would
duplicate the efforts of NIDRR's current National Center on the
Dissemination of Disability Research (NCDDR).
Discussion: It is true that NIDRR supports research on many aspects
of employment, participation and community living. Nonetheless, NIDRR
believes that a more focused ADA research agenda that is directly
associated with the DBTAC program will strengthen research capacity and
further improve our understanding about disability and rehabilitation
outcomes for individuals with disabilities, particularly how those
outcomes can be enhanced through identification of impediments to
compliance with the ADA. That said, NIDRR does not intend to fund
research that is truly duplicative of current or recent NIDRR-funded
studies and projects. Accordingly, NIDRR encourages applicants to
become familiar with NIDRR's current and recent research portfolio to
avoid proposing redundant studies.
NIDRR also does not believe that the DBTAC CORC will duplicate the
efforts of the NCDDR. NCDDR supports the translation and dissemination
of much of the research supported by NIDRR, but it has a specific work
scope defined in its grant. (For more information about NCDDR go to
http://www.ncddr.org.) The NCDDR is not positioned to take on new

research or products from an innovative and targeted program such as
the DBTAC program.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter asked NIDRR to clarify whether ``rigorous
research activities'' include the assessment of technical assistance,
training, and information dissemination outcomes in addition to more
traditional intervention research.
Discussion: It is not entirely clear what the commenter means by
traditional intervention research. NIDRR intends that all DBTAC
research activities, including components that address the assessment
of technical assistance, training, and information dissemination
outcomes, will adhere to research standards and use scientifically
based approaches consistent with defensible methodological standards.
Paragraph (g) of the DBTACs priority requires that DBTACs adhere to
standards and guidelines that are consistent with evidence-based
practices for research dissemination and evaluation (see http://www.cebm.net, http://www.cochrane.org, www.campbellcollaboration.org/

guide.flow.pdf, http://www.ngc.gov, http://www.science.gov).
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter recommended that the priorities include
indicators, such as process measures, in addition to outcome measures.
Discussion: NIDRR has organized the DBTACs and DBTAC CORC priority
requirements around programmatic outcomes. We believe that this
approach supports the assessment of programmatic outcomes and is
consistent with the logic model framework, as outlined in the Plan, as
well as the Department of Education's desire to enhance accountability
and demonstrate results. While NIDRR recognizes the value of indicators
such as process measures, it does not believe that it is necessary to
require all applicants to establish indicators.
Changes: None.

Other

Comment: Several commenters asked what is meant by the term
``technology'', as it is used in the priorities, and wanted to know
whether we intend for the term to refer to assistive technology (AT),
information technology, or both.
Discussion: As used in the DBTACs and DBTAC CORC priorities, NIDRR
intends for the term ``technology'' to refer to AT, as defined in the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. The term refers to AT devices
or AT services, and may include IT. According to section 7(3) of the
Rehabilitation Act, the term AT device has the meaning given to the
term in section 3 of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998; that is,
``any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired
commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase,
maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with
disabilities.''
The term AT service, as, as defined in section 7(4) of the
Rehabilitation Act means ``any service that directly assists an
individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of
an assistive device'' (see Section 3(5) of the Assistive Technology Act
of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 3002) for more information on services that are
considered AT services). As used in these priorities, therefore, the
term technology could refer to information technology as long as the
information technology would be considered AT, as defined in the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter expressed difficulty understanding the
relationship between employment outcomes and the ADA. Another commenter
recommended that the priority be revised to state: ``NIDRR recognizes
that many elements of ADA implementation impact employment outcomes * *
*''.
Discussion: NIDRR believes that many elements of ADA implementation
affect employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities. Grantees
under the DBTACs priority are required to develop research proposals
with research questions or hypotheses that are consistent with standard
research practices. Accordingly, grantees can propose research
questions or hypotheses that are designed to examine the relationship
between the ADA and employment outcomes for individuals with
disabilities.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter recommended that the DBTACs priority require
DBTACs to partner with other federally funded programs, such as the
Ticket to Work Program.
Discussion: The DBTACs priority requires each DBTAC to collaborate
with the DBTAC CORC and other DBTACs. The priority also requires DBTACs
to develop and apply effective coordination strategies within the
network of relevant NIDRR RRTCs, Rehabilitation Engineering Research
Centers, DRRPs, NIDRR-funded knowledge translation and dissemination
centers, employers, industries, community entities, and federally
funded programs, such as the Rehabilitation Services Administration

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AT State grants. NIDRR does not believe that it is appropriate to
require grantees to participate in the type of partnership activities
recommended by the commenter. That said, nothing in the priority
prohibits an applicant from proposing these partnership activities.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter stated that paragraph (b) of the proposed
DBTACs priority is shortsighted in that it does not recognize other
important aspects of full implementation of the ADA, including facility
accessibility, accessible transportation, and effective communication.
According to the commenter, because all aspects of ADA implementation
are addressed in the outcome described in paragraph (a) of the proposed
priority, paragraph (b) should be removed.
Discussion: NIDRR believes that the outcome described in paragraph
(b) of the DBTACs priority is qualitatively different from the outcome
described in paragraph (a) of the priority. The outcome described in
paragraph (a) is broadly identified as an improved understanding about
the rights and responsibilities under the ADA, as well as developments
in case law, policy, and implementation. In paragraph (b), NIDRR
intends to emphasize improved employment outcomes for individuals with
disabilities in high growth industries. NIDRR believes it is necessary
to emphasize this outcome to ensure that the DBTAC activities
adequately address those industries that are potentially best situated
to increase employment options and opportunities for individuals with
disabilities.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter recommended that existing DBTAC databases
and document portals be consolidated under the control of the DBTAC
CORC and that paragraph (a) of the proposed DBTAC CORC priority be
revised to reflect this recommendation.
Discussion: NIDRR agrees with this commenter, and intends for the
DBTAC CORC to serve as a national repository for DBTAC information and
products, including data products and the content of previously funded
ADA document portals and Web sites, and project and national DBTAC
databases. For example, NIDRR intends for the DBTAC CORC to maintain
the contents and functions of the ADA Document Portal and National
DBTAC databases that currently exist, such as the ADA Impact
Measurement System (AIMS) project databases and the national DBTAC
Outcomes Databases, and other regional and national project databases.
Changes: We have revised paragraph (a) of the DBTAC CORC priority
to require the DBTAC CORC to serve as the central repository for DBTAC
information and products, and to be responsible for the maintenance of
data products and the content of previously funded ADA document portals
and Web sites, and project and national DBTAC databases.
Comment: One commenter recommended that NIDRR revise the outcome in
paragraph (i) of the DBTAC CORC priority to focus on the ADA instead of
``the state of the science.'' The commenter also recommended that NIDRR
revise the priority to require a ``state of the ADA conference,'' and
to encourage broad attendance at the conference by NIDRR grantees
involved in applicable research as well as practitioners from the
field, Federal agencies, and consumers.
Discussion: NIDRR believes that the annual conference hosted by the
DBTAC CORC should focus on an enhanced understanding of the ``state of
the science,'' because a focus on the ``state of the science'' is more
comprehensive than a narrow focus on the state of the ADA. As used in
the DBTAC CORC priority, NIDRR intends for the term ``state of the
science'' to refer to the current state of scientific evidence
available on particular topics, such as those identified in the
priority or those topics relating to all titles of the ADA, and the
evaluation of the latest research findings in these topic areas. With
regard to the commenter's second point, nothing in the priority
precludes the DBTAC CORC from inviting the groups identified by the
commenter to the annual conference it will host in accordance with
paragraph (i) of the priority.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter recommended that NIDRR require all centers
funded under the DBTACs priority to identify themselves with names that
include the term ``DBTAC'' as the primary identifier. The commenter
noted that it is difficult to locate DBTAC resources without the use of
a common name. Another commenter requested that NIDRR change the name
of the centers to be supported under the DBTACs priority, because
adding a research focus to the priority is not consistent with the
DBTAC history of service and is misleading to the public.
Discussion: NIDRR agrees that a common name for DBTAC grantees
would be beneficial. NIDRR also agrees that the DBTAC program has a
long and distinguished history of services and wishes to maintain this
tradition, as well as the DBTAC program name. Accordingly, NIDRR
expects all entities funded under the DBTACs priority to support name
recognition for the DBTAC program by identifying themselves as DBTAC
projects with the term DBTAC prominently displayed in their project
names. NIDRR expects grantees to adopt project names that use the
following format: DBTAC--[Insert entity title or project name, region
or other identifying information].
NIDRR does not agree that the DBTAC name should be changed. The
DBTACs priority requires that the core functions of the DBTAC program
be maintained. Adding the research component to the priority neither
detracts from nor diminishes the quality of service to be provided by
the DBTACs. Instead, NIDRR believes that requiring research-related
activities will help to ensure that services and interventions
delivered by DBTACs are the most effective and relevant to meet the
needs of the individuals and communities they serve.
Changes: NIDRR has revised the DBTACs priority by adding paragraph
(j) to clarify that a desired outcome of the project is to improve
awareness, outreach, and access to DBTAC services by enhancing the name
recognition of the DBTAC program. Specifically, the newly added
paragraph requires grantees to use the term DBTAC as a primary
identifier in project titles and specifies the naming convention format
that must be used by all DBTACs.
Comment: One commenter asked if the DBTAC CORC will be the only
entity producing evidence reports. The commenter also asked what DBTAC
data the DBTAC CORC will analyze.
Discussion: The DBTAC CORC priority requires the DBTAC CORC to
produce evidence reports. There is nothing in either the DBTACs or
DBTAC CORC priorities to preclude regional DBTACs from generating or
producing their own evidence reports provided that those reports are
consistent with their project activities.
With regard to the commenter's second point, the DBTAC CORC is
responsible for conducting rigorous analyses of regional DBTAC data to
accomplish the programmatic outcomes identified in the DBTAC CORC
priority. The regional DBTACs and DBTAC CORC are required to
collaborate on identification of data analysis needs.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter suggested that it would be a conflict of
interest for a single entity to be awarded both a regional DBTAC grant
and the DBTAC CORC grant, and encouraged NIDRR to fund separate
entities under these priorities.
Discussion: NIDRR intends to conduct an open competition for the
DBTAC

[[Page 33567]]

CORC, and will not prohibit applicants for a regional DBTAC from
applying under the DBTAC CORC competition. NIDRR intends to award DBTAC
CORC funds under a cooperative agreement that will outline
specifications for administration of the required DBTAC CORC
activities. NIDRR will closely examine conflict of interest issues.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter stated that many DBTACs maintain bilingual
staff in order to address the needs of individuals who do not speak
English, and suggested that a shift in focus may eliminate the DBTAC's
ability to address the needs of non-English speaking populations.
Discussion: The DBTACs priority does not prohibit projects from
addressing the needs of non-English speaking populations. In accordance
with section 350.40 of the Disability and Rehabilitation Research
Projects and Centers Program regulations, all applicants are required
to demonstrate in their application how they will meet the needs of
minority populations; this includes linguistic minorities.
Additionally, in accordance with Federal law, the application must
outline non-discrimination hiring policies. The DBTACs priority in no
way prevents or prohibits projects from maintaining bilingual staff.
Changes: None.
Comment: None.
Discussion: NIDRR believes that DBTAC and DBTAC CORC collaboration
with other relevant federally funded programs will enhance the
coordination of information dissemination and promote the use of
research findings across relevant Federal programs.
Changes: We have revised proposed paragraph (g) of the DBTACs
priority (paragraph (h) in the final priority announced in this NFP)
and paragraph (f) of the DBTACs CORC priority to include other
federally funded programs, such as the Rehabilitation Services
Administration (RSA) Assistive Technology (AT) State grants, among the
entities with which the DBTACs and the DBTAC CORC must coordinate.

Note: This notice does not solicit applications. In any year in
which we choose to use these proposed priorities, we invite
applications through a notice in the Federal Register. When inviting
applications we designate the priorities as absolute, competitive
preference, or invitational. The effect of each type of priority
follows:
Absolute priority: Under an absolute priority, we consider only
applications that meet the priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(3)).
Competitive preference priority: Under a competitive preference
priority, we give competitive preference to an application by either
(1) awarding additional points, depending on how well or the extent
to which the application meets the competitive preference priority
(34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i)); or (2) selecting an application that meets
the competitive preference priority over an application of
comparable merit that does not meet the priority (34 CFR
75.105(c)(2)(ii)).
Invitational priority: Under an invitational priority, we are
particularly interested in applications that meet the invitational
priority. However, we do not give an application that meets the
invitational priority a competitive or absolute preference over
other applications (34 CFR 75.105(c)(1)).

Note: This NFP is in concert with President George W. Bush's New
Freedom Initiative (NFI) and the Plan. The NFI can be accessed on
the Internet at the following site: http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/newfreedom
.

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

Through the implementation of the NFI and the Plan, NIDRR seeks
to--(1) Improve the quality and utility of disability and
rehabilitation research; (2) Foster an exchange of expertise,
information, and training to facilitate the advancement of knowledge
and understanding of the unique needs of traditionally underserved
populations; (3) Determine best strategies and programs to improve
rehabilitation outcomes for underserved populations; (4) Identify
research gaps; (5) Identify mechanisms of integrating research and
practice; and (6) Disseminate findings.
Disability Business Technical Assistance Centers (DBTACs) Priority:
The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services establishes, under its Disability Rehabilitation Research
Projects program, a priority for the funding of 10 Disability and
Business Technical Assistance Centers (DBTACs), 1 within each of the 10
U.S. Department of Education regions. Each DBTAC must be designed to
contribute to the following outcomes:
(a) Improved understanding about rights and responsibilities under
the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, 42 U.S.C.
12101 et seq. (ADA), as well as developments in case law, policy, and
implementation through rigorous research and technical assistance
activities.
(b) Improved employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities
by conducting activities that help to increase accommodations, access
to technology, and supports in the workplace, especially in high growth
industries.
(c) Enhanced ADA information dissemination, awareness, and referral
activities by establishing effective, coordinated local, regional, and
national resource networks. The DBTAC will contribute to this outcome
by, among other activities, partnering with the DBTAC Coordination,
Outreach and Research Center (DBTAC CORC) and other regional DBTACs to
develop, implement and evaluate these networks.
(d) Enhanced capacity of entities at the local and State levels and
within specific industries to provide technical assistance and training
on the ADA through dissemination of information that promotes awareness
of the ADA.
(e) Identification of impediments to compliance with the ADA and
individuals' access to technology, postsecondary education, and the
workforce, and of tested solutions and innovative approaches for
eliminating these impediments by conducting targeted, rigorous research
activities in at least one of the following areas: Employment,
technology and postsecondary education, technology and school-to-work
transition, and participation and community living. Research activities
require, in the first year of the project period, submission of a
preliminary research proposal (i.e., topic, research hypotheses/
questions, research design and methodology, and expected outcomes) to
the DBTAC CORC for review; the CORC will provide technical assistance
for the regional DBTAC research activities and help to identify areas
for potential collaborative research. Beginning in the second year of
the project period, DBTAC grantees are required to conduct rigorous,
high quality research.
(f) Improved research capacity through scientifically-based data
collection and analysis leading to identification of research topics
and DBTAC CORC development of a preliminary research agenda for
consideration by the DBTACs. Grantees must submit their program data
and findings to the DBTAC CORC in order to assist the DBTAC CORC with
producing evidence reports, identifying gaps in the research agenda
where new or additional research is warranted, conducting relevant
research, assisting with enhanced understanding of ADA compliance and
implementation issues on a national level, and generating topics for a
national DBTAC research agenda. The specific research to be conducted
by the individual DBTAC will be determined through coordination between
the DBTAC and the DBTAC CORC.
(g) Enhanced quality and relevance of information, and
dissemination of research-based information by adhering to standards
and guidelines that are

[[Page 33568]]

consistent with evidence-based practices for research dissemination and
evaluation (see http://www.cebm.net, http://www.cochrane.org, www.campbellcollaboration.org/guide.flow.pdf, http://www.ngc.gov,

http://www.science.gov/), and through coordination with and support of

the DBTAC's CORC Review Board.
(h) Improved technical assistance and research capacity through
development and application of effective coordination strategies within
the network of relevant NIDRR Rehabilitation Research and Training
Centers, Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers, Disability
Rehabilitation Research Projects, NIDRR-funded knowledge translation
and dissemination centers, employers, industries, community entities,
and federally funded programs, such as the Rehabilitation Services
Administration (RSA) Assistive Technology (AT) State grants.
(i) Improved knowledge about the provision of ADA and employment-
related technical assistance, implementation of the ADA, and employment
outcomes through submission of region-specific information and data to
the DBTAC CORC for analysis and reporting.
(j) Improved awareness, outreach, and access to technical
assistance through clear identification of DBTAC projects leading to
enhanced name recognition, including use of a primary identifier (i.e.,
DBTAC) in project titles. All grantees must provide for the prominent
display of the term DBTAC in their project names using the following
format: DBTAC--[insert entity title or project name, region, or other
identifying information].
Disability Business Technical Assistance Center Coordination,
Outreach, and Research Center (DBTAC CORC) Priority: The Assistant
Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
establishes, under its Disability Rehabilitation Research Projects
program, a priority for the funding of a Disability Business Technical
Assistance Center Coordination, Outreach, and Research Center (DBTAC
CORC). The DBTAC CORC must be designed to contribute to the following
outcomes:
(a) Improved public access to information relating to the Americans
with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.
(ADA), through development and maintenance of a public Web site that
includes relevant information that is of national interest and useful
across all DBTAC regions, preparation of documents in a format that
meets a government or industry-recognized standard for accessibility,
and establishment of a DBTAC database to support regional DBTAC
activities. The DBTAC CORC also will serve as the central repository
for DBTAC information and products, and will be responsible for the
maintenance of data products and the content of previously funded ADA
document portals and Web sites, and project and national DBTAC
databases.
(b) Improved technical assistance, collaboration, information
dissemination, knowledge translation and training materials through a
national, coordinated process for developing materials to address
topics that are relevant across regions; and use of a CORC Review Board
to assist with development and review of collaborative products, and
research activities.
(c) Increased research capacity building and high quality research
through synthesis and analysis of ADA information and data provided by
the regional DBTACs, and reviews of literature and related information
from other sources, in order to produce evidence reports, generate
topics for the regional DBTAC research activities, identify areas where
additional research is warranted, conduct relevant research that is
consistent with the research activities being implemented as part of
the national DBTAC research agenda, and enhance understanding of ADA
compliance and implementation issues on a national level.
(d) Enhanced capacity of regional DBTACs to assist with improving
employment outcomes, workplace supports and accommodations, and ADA
compliance by producing evidence reports, conducting rigorous analyses
of regional DBTAC data, and evaluating products and proposed
publications. The DBTAC CORC will contribute to this outcome by (1)
establishing a DBTAC CORC Review Board composed of expert advisor(s), a
methodology consultant, a research consortium coordinator, and research
analysts to (i) review regional DBTAC research proposal plans for new
research activities, products, and publications; (ii) coordinate
potential collaborative research activities; and (iii) conduct
systematic reviews of DBTAC research using a set of evidence questions
based on scientific studies and standards (see http://www.cebm.net,

http://www.cochrane.org, www.campbellcollaboration.org/guide.flow.pdf,

http://www.ngc.gov, http://www.science.gov/); (2) establishing
guidelines for submission of information to the DBTAC CORC by the
regional DBTACs; and (3) providing technical assistance to regional
DBTACs.
(e) Improved knowledge of and contribution to the state of the
science within the subject areas covered by the regional DBTACs by
serving as a consultant to regional DBTACs to support research capacity
building, facilitating development of a coordinated national research
agenda, assisting to identify proposed research activities that are
duplicative; identifying potential collaborative research activities;
and working cooperatively with regional DBTAC grantees to assist with
the development of research topics and activities. The DBTAC CORC will
review research proposal plans submitted by regional DBTACs beginning
in the first year of the project period for the purpose of providing
technical assistance and to assist with development of scientifically
based research activities. The specific research to be conducted by the
individual DBTAC will be determined through collaboration between the
DBTAC and the DBTAC CORC. The DBTAC CORC will provide on-going
technical assistance and support to the regional DBTACs to further
ensure high quality, rigorous research activities for the duration of
the funded activities.
(f) Enhanced coordination of information dissemination on DBTAC
activities, research findings, publications, products, and tools
through coordination of the network of appropriate NIDRR research
projects, including Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers,
Disability Rehabilitation Research Projects, Field-Initiated Projects,
Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers, and NIDRR dissemination
centers, including the National Rehabilitation Information Center
(http://www.naric.com) and the National Center for the Dissemination of

Disability Research (http://www.ncddr.org); and other relevant federally

supported programs, such as the Rehabilitation Services Administration
(RSA) Assistive Technology (AT) State grants.
(g) Increased use of DBTAC-generated products and information by
developing strategies to promote the use of developed products and
improved relevance and quality of the products through assessment of
their effectiveness and impact on practice and policy.
(h) Increased application of research findings and products through
translation of DBTAC evidence reports into practice guidelines, quality
improvement products, and technical assistance tools.

[[Page 33569]]

(i) Enhanced understanding about the state of the science and
improved program planning, development, and evaluation by hosting a
DBTAC biannual program development and planning meeting beginning in
year one of the project period; and an annual conference leading to a
report of proceedings in years three through five of the project
period.

Executive Order 12866

This NFP has been reviewed in accordance with Executive Order
12866. Under the terms of the order, we have assessed the potential
costs and benefits of this regulatory action.
The potential costs associated with this NFP are those resulting
from statutory requirements and those we have determined as necessary
for administering this program effectively and efficiently.
In assessing the potential costs and benefits--both quantitative
and qualitative--of this NFP, we have determined that the benefits of
the final priorities justify the costs.
Summary of potential costs and benefits: The potential costs
associated with these final priorities are minimal while the benefits
are significant. Grantees may incur some costs associated with
completing the application process in terms of staff time, copying, and
mailing or delivery. The use of e-Application technology reduces
mailing and copying costs significantly.
The benefits of the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects
and Centers Programs have been well established over the years in that
similar projects have been completed successfully. These final
priorities will generate new knowledge and technologies through
research, development, dissemination, utilization, and technical
assistance projects.
Another benefit of these final priorities is that the establishment
of new DRRPs will support the President's NFI and will improve the
lives of persons with disabilities. The new DRRPs will generate,
disseminate, and promote the use of new information that will improve
the options for individuals with disabilities.
Applicable Program Regulations: 34 CFR part 350.

Electronic Access to This Document

You may view this document, as well as all other Department of
Education documents published in the Federal Register, in text or Adobe
Portable Document Format (PDF) on the Internet at the following site:
http://www.ed.gov/news/fedregister.

To use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available
free at this site. If you have questions about using PDF, call the U.S.
Government Printing Office (GPO), toll free, at 1-888-293-6498; or in
the Washington, DC, area at (202) 512-1530.

Note: The official version of this document is the document
published in the Federal Register. Free Internet access to the
official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of Federal
Regulations is available on GPO Access at:
http://www.gpoaccess.gov/nara/index.html.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers 84.133A, Disability
Rehabilitation Research Projects)

Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 762(g) and 764(a).

Dated: June 5, 2006.
John H. Hager,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
[FR Doc. 06-5229 Filed 6-8-06; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4000-01-P