Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR); Notice Inviting Applications for New Awards for Fiscal Year (FY) 2004; CFDA Nos.: 84.133G and 84.133P [OSERS]

[Federal Register: September 25, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 186)]
[Notices]
[Page 55377-55380]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr25se03-32]

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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

[CFDA Nos.: 84.133G and 84.133P]

Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, National
Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR); Notice
Inviting Applications for New Awards for Fiscal Year (FY) 2004

SUMMARY: We invite applications for new FY 2004 grant awards under the
Field-Initiated (FI) Projects (84.133G) and Advanced Rehabilitation
Research Training (ARRT) Projects (84.133P) of NIDRR's Disability and
Rehabilitation Research Project and Centers Program. We take this
action to focus attention on an area of national need in the
rehabilitation field.
Applicable Regulations: The Education Department General
Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), 34 CFR parts 74, 75, 77, 80, 81,
82, 85, 86 and 97; and 34 CFR part 350.

Note:
The regulations in 34 CFR part 86 apply to institutions of
higher education only.

[[Page 55378]]

National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research Application Notice for FY 2004
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Estimated Maximum award Estimated
CFDA No. Program Name Applications available Deadline for transmittal of applications available amount (per number of Project period
funds year) * awards (months)
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84.133G Field Initiated Projects........ September 25, 2003........................ December 9, 2003.......................... $4,500,000 $150,000 30 36
84.133P Advanced Rehabilitation Research September 25, 2003........................ November 24, 2003......................... $750,000 $150,000 3-5 60
Training Projects.
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* We will reject without consideration any application that proposes a budget exceeding the stated maximum award amount in any year (See 34 CFR 75.104(b)).
Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Note: NIDRR supports the goals of President Bush's New Freedom
Initiative (NFI). The NFI can be accessed on the Internet at the
following site: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/freedominitiative/freedominitiative.html.

The FI and ARRT projects are in concert with NIDRR's Long-Range
Plan (Plan). The Plan is comprehensive and integrates many issues
relating to disability and rehabilitation research and development
topics. The Plan can be accessed on the Internet at the following site:
http://www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/index.html.
Through the implementation of 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.
The Secretary is interested in hypothesis-driven research and
development projects. To address this interest it is expected that
applicants will articulate goals, objectives, and expected outcomes for
the proposed research and development activities. It is critical that
proposals describe expected public benefits, especially benefits for
individuals with disabilities, and propose projects that are optimally
designed to demonstrate outcomes that are consistent with the proposed
goals. Applicants are encouraged to include information describing how
they will measure outcomes, including the indicators that will
represent the end-result, the mechanisms that will be used to evaluate
outcomes associated with specific problems or issues, and how the
proposed activities will support new intervention approaches and
strategies, including a discussion of measures of effectiveness.
Submission of this information is voluntary except where required by
the selection criteria listed in the application package.

Selection Criteria

The selection criteria for the FI Projects and the ARRT Projects
will be provided in the application package.

Field-Initiated Projects (CFDA Number 84.133G)

Purpose of Program: FI Projects must further one or both of the
following purposes: (a) 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; or (b)
improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Act), as amended. FI projects carry out
either research activities or development activities.
In carrying out a research activity, a grantee must identify one or
more hypotheses and, based on the hypotheses identified, perform an
intensive, systematic study directed toward new scientific knowledge or
better understanding of the subject, problem studied, or body of
knowledge.
In carrying out a development activity, a grantee must use
knowledge and understanding gained from research to create materials,
devices, systems, or methods beneficial to the target population,
including design and development of prototypes and processes. Target
population means the group of individuals, organizations, or other
entities expected to be affected by the project. More than one group
may be involved since a project may affect those who receive services,
provide services, or administer services.
There are two different sets of selection criteria for FI projects:
One set to evaluate applications proposing to carry out research
activities, and a second set to evaluate applications proposing to
carry out development activities. The set of FI selection criteria that
will be used to evaluate an application will be based on the
applicant's designation of the type of activity that the application
proposes to carry out.
The applicant should: (a) Clearly identify on the cover page of the
application, block 4, whether the proposal is for a research or a
development project; (b) identify if the application is a resubmittal
from a previous competition conducted within the past two years, by
writing the word resubmittal on the cover page of the application in
block 13 along with the descriptive title; (c) if the application is a
resubmittal from a previous competition conducted within the past two
years, write the word resubmittal and the assigned application number
(i.e., H133G02, H133G03) in the right hand corner at the bottom of the
page on the abstract, the introduction, and cover letter; and (d) if
applicable, indicate qualification as a minority entity or Indian tribe
in the abstract and cover letter.
The term minority entity means an entity that is a historically
Black college or university, a Hispanic-serving institution of higher
education, an American Indian tribal college or university, or another
institution of higher education whose minority student enrollment is at
least 50 percent. Information on qualifying entities is located at:
http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/edlite-minorityinst.html.

Invitational Priorities

The Secretary is particularly interested in applications that
address one of the following invitational priorities. However, under 34
CFR 75.105(c)(1), an application that meets

[[Page 55379]]

an invitational priority does not receive competitive or absolute
preference over other applications. The invitational priorities are:
(a) Projects that improve the exit of individuals with disabilities
from buildings, vehicles, and other settings in emergencies; (b)
projects that study use of the new ``International Classification of
Functioning, Disability and Health'' (ICFDH-2) systems in promoting the
independence and quality of life of persons with disabilities; (c)
projects that collaborate with international assistive technology and
rehabilitation engineering projects including, but not limited to,
those that could be carried out under Science and Technology Agreements
between the U.S. and other countries; (d) projects that enhance the
functioning of people with chronic fatigue (CF); (e) projects that
study chronic pain and pain management strategies to enhance the
functioning of individuals with disabilities; and (f) projects that
study mental health interventions related to traumatic stress of
individuals with disabilities.
Eligible Applicants: States; public or private agencies, including
for-profit agencies; public or private organizations, including for-
profit organizations; institutions of higher education; and Indian
tribes and tribal organizations.
Indirect Cost Rate: Applicants should limit indirect charges to the
organization's federally approved indirect cost rate. If the
organization does not have an approved indirect cost rate, the
application should include an estimated actual rate.

Letters of Intent

Due to the open nature of the FI Projects competition, and to
assist with the selection of reviewers for this competition, NIDRR is
requiring all potential applicants to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI).
This LOI will not be used to screen out potential applicants.
Therefore, LOIs are neither approved nor disapproved. You will not be
contacted about the status of your LOI.
Each LOI must be limited to a maximum of four pages and must
include the following information: (1) The title of the proposed
project, if it is research or development, the name of the host
institution, the name of the Principal Investigator (PI), and the names
of partner institutions and entities; (2) a brief statement of the
vision, goals, and objectives of the proposed project and a description
of its research and development activities at a sufficient level of
detail to allow NIDRR to select potential peer reviewers; (3) a list of
proposed project staff including the Director and key personnel; (4) a
list of individuals whose selection as a peer reviewer might constitute
a conflict of interest due to involvement in proposal development,
selection as an advisory board member, co-PI relationships, etc.; and
(5) contact information for the PI. Submission of a LOI is a
prerequisite for eligibility to submit an application.
NIDRR will accept a LOI via surface mail, e-mail, or facsimile by
November 10, 2003. If a LOI is submitted via e-mail or facsimile, the
applicant must also provide NIDRR with the original signed LOI within
seven days after the date the e-mail or facsimile is submitted. The LOI
must be sent to: Surface mail: David Keer, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 3431, Switzer Building,
Washington, DC 20202-2645; or fax (202) 205-8515; or e-mail: david.keer@ed.gov.
For further information regarding the LOI requirement contact David
Keer at (202) 205-5633.
Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 764.

Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training Projects (CFDA Number
84.133P)

Purpose of Program: ARRT projects must provide research training
and experience at an advanced level to individuals with doctorates or
similar advanced degrees who have clinical or other relevant
experience. ARRT projects train rehabilitation researchers, including
individuals with disabilities, with particular attention to research
areas that support the implementation and objectives of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (Act), and that improve the
effectiveness of services authorized under the Act.
ARRT projects must carry out all of the following activities: (1)
Recruit and select candidates for advanced research training; (2)
provide a training program that includes didactic and classroom
instruction, is multidisciplinary, and emphasizes scientific
methodology, and may involve collaboration among institutions; (3)
provide research experience, laboratory experience, or its equivalent
in a community-based research setting, and a practicum that involves
each individual in clinical research and in practical activities with
organizations representing individuals with disabilities; (4) provide
academic mentorship or guidance, and opportunities for scientific
collaboration with qualified researchers at the host university and
other appropriate institutions; and (5) provide opportunities for
participation in the development of professional presentations and
publications, and for attendance at professional conferences and
meetings as appropriate for the individual's field of study and level
of experience.
Eligible Applicants: Institutions of higher education.
Indirect Cost Rate: Indirect cost reimbursement on a training grant
is limited to eight percent of a modified total direct cost base,
defined as total direct less stipends, tuition, and related fees.
Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 762(k).

Application Procedures

Note: Some of the procedures in these instructions for
transmitting applications differ from those in the Education
Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) (34 CFR
75.102). Under the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553) the
Department generally offers interested parties the opportunity to
comment on proposed regulations. However, these amendments make
procedural changes only and do not establish new substantive policy.
Therefore, under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(A), the Secretary has determined
that proposed rulemaking is not required.

Pilot Project for Electronic Submission of Applications

In FY 2004, the Department is continuing to expand its pilot
project for electronic submission of applications to include additional
formula grant programs and additional discretionary grant competitions.
The Field-Initiated Projects program--CFDA 84.133G and the Advanced
Rehabilitation Research Training Projects program--CFDA 84.133P are two
of the programs included in the pilot project. If you are an applicant
under the Field-Initiated Projects program--CFDA 84.133G or the
Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training Projects program--CFDA
84.133P, you may submit your application to us in either electronic or
paper format.
The pilot project involves the use of the Electronic Grant
Application System (e-Application). Users of e-Application will be
entering data on-line while completing their applications. You may not
e-mail a soft copy of a grant application to us. If you participate in
this voluntary pilot project by submitting an application
electronically, the data you enter on-line will be saved into a
database. We request your participation in e-Application. We shall
continue to evaluate its success and solicit suggestions for its
improvement.
If you participate in e-Application, please note the following:
[sbull] Your participation is voluntary.
[sbull] When you enter the e-Application system, you will find
information about its hours of operation. We strongly

[[Page 55380]]

recommend that you do not wait until the application deadline date to
initiate an e-Application package.
[sbull] You will not receive additional point value because you
submit a grant application in electronic format, nor will we penalize
you if you submit an application in paper format.
[sbull] You may submit all documents electronically, including the
Application for Federal Education Assistance (ED 424), Budget
Information--Non-Construction Programs (ED 524), and all necessary
assurances and certifications.
[sbull] Your e-Application must comply with any page limit
requirements described in this notice.
[sbull] After you electronically submit your application, you will
receive an automatic acknowledgment, which will include a PR/Award
number (an identifying number unique to your application).
[sbull] Within three working days after submitting your electronic
application, fax a signed copy of the Application for Federal Education
Assistance (ED 424) to the Application Control Center after following
these steps:
1. Print ED 424 from e-Application.
2. The institution's Authorizing Representative must sign this
form.
3. Place the PR/Award number in the upper right hand corner of the
hard copy signature page of the ED 424.
4. Fax the signed ED 424 to the Application Control Center at (202)
260-1349.
[sbull] We may request that you give us original signatures on
other forms at a later date.
[sbull] Application Deadline Date Extension in Case of System
Unavailability: If you elect to participate in the e-Application pilot
for the Field-Initiated Projects program--CFDA 84.133G or the Advanced
Rehabilitation Research Training Projects program--CFDA 84.133P and you
are prevented from submitting your application on the application
deadline date because the e-Application system is unavailable, we will
grant you an extension of one business day in order to transmit your
application electronically, by mail, or by hand delivery. For us to
grant this extension--
1. You must be a registered user of e-Application, and have
initiated an e-Application for this competition; and
2. (a) The e-Application system must be unavailable for 60 minutes
or more between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Washington, DC
time, on the application deadline date; or
(b) The e-Application system must be unavailable for any period of
time during the last hour of operation (that is, for any period of time
between 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time) on the
application deadline date.
The Department must acknowledge and confirm these periods of
unavailability before granting you an extension. To request this
extension or to confirm the Department's acknowledgement of any system
unavailability, you may contact either (1) the person listed elsewhere
in this notice under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT or (2) the e-
GRANTS help desk at 1-888-336-8930.
You may access the electronic grant application for the Field-
Initiated Projects program--CFDA 84.133G or the Advanced Rehabilitation
Research Training Projects program--CFDA 84.133P at: http://e-grants.ed.gov.
For Applications Contact: Education Publications Center (ED Pubs),
P.O. Box 1398, Jessup, MD 20794-1398. Telephone (toll free): 1-877-433-
7827. FAX: (301) 470-1244. If you use a telecommunications device for
the deaf (TDD), you may call (toll free): 1-877-576-7734.
You may also contact ED Pubs at its Web site: http://www.edpubs.org/webstore/Content/search.asp.
Or you may contact ED Pubs at its e-mail address: edpubs@inet.ed.gov.
If you request an application from ED Pubs, be sure to identify the
competition for which you are applying as follows: CFDA number 84.133G
or 84.133P.
Individuals with disabilities may obtain a copy of the application
package in an alternative format by contacting the Grants and Contracts
Services Team, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW.,
room 3317, Switzer Building, Washington, DC 20202-2550. Telephone:
(202) 205-8351. If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf
(TDD), you may call the Federal Information Relay Services (FIRS) at 1-
800-877-8339. However, the Department is not able to reproduce in an
alternative format the standard forms included in the application
package.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donna Nangle, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 3412, Switzer Building,
Washington, DC 20202-2645. Telephone: (202) 205-5880 or via the Internet: donna.nangle@ed.gov.
If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), you may
call the TDD number at (202) 205-4475. 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.

Electronic Access to This Document

You may review 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.

Dated: September 22, 2003.
Robert H. Pasternack,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
[FR Doc. 03-24299 Filed 9-24-03; 8:45 am]

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