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ODEP News Release: [06/07/2006]
Contact Name: Peggy Abrahamson or Peter Hong
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676 or x7909
Release Number: 06-0970-NAT

U.S. Labor Department Announces up to $5 Million in Grants for Self-Employment Pilots for People with Disabilities

Goal is to Support What Works Well, Leads to Success

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) is making available up to $5 million to fund pilot projects aimed at increasing self-employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

"People with disabilities have much to offer in the 21st century and are able to contribute more than ever thanks in part to more innovative educational opportunities and technology," said Dr. Roy Grizzard, assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy. "This funding will allow us, in partnership with others, to develop and test strategies and models for successfully increasing self-employment opportunities for people with disabilities."

A national technical assistance and research cooperative agreement award will be funded for up to $1.5 million for a 36 month period of performance. Sub-national research and technical assistance pilot cooperative agreement awards will be funded for a total of up to $3.5 million. Awards may range from $800,000 to $1,200,000.

ODEP'S unique mission is to provide national leadership by developing and influencing disability-related employment policy and practice affecting the employment of people with disabilities. Congress designated these monies to ODEP to further the development of self-employment policy for individuals with disabilities.

Applications must be received by July 3, 2006 and must be mailed or hand-delivered to: U.S. Department of Labor, Procurement Services Center, Attention: Cassandra Mitchell, Reference SGA 06-07, Room N5416, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210.

More information about the solicitation can be found by clicking [Text] or [PDF] and in the Friday, May 19th Federal Register beginning on page 29172.