[Federal Register: June 15, 2001 (Volume 66, Number 116)]
[Notices]
[Page 32686-32706]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
[CFDA No.: 84.133E]
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services; National
Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research
ACTION: Notice Inviting Applications and pre-application meeting for
New Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers for Fiscal Year 2001-
2003.
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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.
This notice of final funding priorities for Technology for
Successful Aging, Wheelchair Transportation Safety, and Mobile Wireless
Technologies for Persons with Disabilities are published elsewhere in
this issue of the Federal Register.
National Education Goals
The eight National Education Goals focus the Nation's education
reform efforts and provide a framework for improving teaching and
learning. This notice would address the National Education Goals that
promote new partnerships to strengthen schools and expand the
Department's capacities for helping communities to exchange ideas and
obtain information needed to achieve the goals.
This notice addresses the National Education Goal that every adult
American will be literate and will possess the knowledge and skills
necessary to compete in a global economy and exercise the rights and
responsibilities of citizenship.
Eligible Applicants: Parties eligible to apply for grants under
this program are 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.
Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 764(b)(3).
Applicable Regulations: The Education Department General
Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), 34 CFR parts 74, 75, 77, 80, 81,
82, 85, 86 and 97, and the program regulations 34 CFR part 350.
Pre-Application Meeting: Interested parties are invited to
participate in a pre-application meeting to discuss the funding
priorities and to receive technical assistance through individual
consultation and information about the funding priorities. The meeting
will be held on July 12, 2001 you may attend either in person or by
conference call at the Department of Education, Office of Special
Education and Rehabilitative Services, Switzer Building, Room 3065, 330
C St. SW., Washington, DC between 10 a.m. and 12 noon. NIDRR staff will
also be available from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. on that same day to provide
technical assistance through individual consultation and information
about the funding priority. For further information or to make
arrangements to attend contact William Peterson, Switzer Building, Room
3425, 330 C St., SW, Washington, DC 20202. William.Peterson@ed.gov on
the Internet or Telephone (202) 205-9192. If you use a
telecommunication device for the deaf (TDD), you may call (202) 205-
4475.
Assistance to Individuals With Disabilities at the Public Meetings
The meeting site is accessible to individuals with disabilities,
and a sign language interpreter will be available. If you need an
auxiliary aid or service other than a sign language interpreter in
order to participate in the meeting (e.g. other interpreting service
such as oral, cued speech, or tactile interpreter; assistive listening
device; or materials in alternative format), notify the contact person
listed in this notice at least two weeks before the scheduled meeting
date. Although we will attempt to meet a request we receive after this
date, we may not be able to make available the requested auxiliary aid
or service because of insufficient time to arrange it.
Application Notice for Fiscal Year 2001 Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers, CFDA No. 84-133E
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Maximum award
Funding priority Deadline for transmittal of applications Estimated number amount (per year) Project period
of awards \1\ (months)
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84.133E-1 Technology for Successful Aging. August 13, 2001................................. 1 $900,000 60
84.133E-3 Wheelchair Transportation Safety August 13, 2001................................. 1 900,000 60
84.133E-8 Mobile Wireless Technologies for August 13, 2001................................. 1 1,000,000 60
Persons with Disabilities.
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Available Date: June 15, 2001.
\1\ The Secretary will reject without consideration or evaluation any application that proposes a project funding level that exceeds the stated maximum
award amount in any year (See 34 CFR 75.104(b)).
Note.--The estimate of funding level and awards in this notice do not bind the Department of Education to a specific level of funding or number of
grants.
For Applications Contact: The Grants and Contracts Service Team
(GCST), Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW., Switzer
Building, 3317, Washington, DC 20202, or call (202) 205-8207.
Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may
call the TDD number at (202) 205-9860. The preferred method for
requesting information is to FAX your request to (202) 205-8717.
Individuals with disabilities may obtain a copy of the application
package in an alternative format by contacting the GCST. 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 3414, Switzer Building,
Washington, DC 20202-2645. Telephone: (202) 205-5880. Individuals who
use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the TDD
number at (202) 205-4475. Internet: Donna.Nangle@ed.gov.
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 in the preceding
paragraph.
Selection Criteria: The Secretary uses the following selection
criteria to evaluate applications under the RERC program.
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(a) Importance of the problem (6 points total).
(1) The Secretary considers the importance of the problem.
(2) In determining the importance of the problem, the Secretary
considers the following factors:
(i) The extent to which the applicant clearly describes the need
and target population (3 points).
(ii) The extent to which the proposed project will have beneficial
impact on the target population (3 points).
(b) Responsiveness to an absolute or competitive priority (5 points
total).
(1) The Secretary considers the responsiveness of an application to
the absolute or competitive priority published in the Federal Register.
(2) In determining the application's responsiveness to the absolute
or competitive priority, the Secretary considers the following factors:
(i) The extent to which the applicant addresses all requirements of
the absolute or competitive priority (3 points).
(ii) The extent to which the applicant's proposed activities are
likely to achieve the purposes of the absolute or competitive priority
(2 points).
(c) Design of research activities (22 points total).
(1) The Secretary considers the extent to which the design of
research activities is likely to be effective in accomplishing the
objectives of the project.
(2) In determining the extent to which the design is likely to be
effective in accomplishing the objectives of the project, the Secretary
considers the following factors:
(i) The extent to which the research activities constitute a
coherent, sustained approach to research in the field, including a
substantial addition to the state-of-the-art (7 points).
(ii) The extent to which the methodology of each proposed research
activity is meritorious, including consideration of the extent to
which--
(A) The proposed design includes a comprehensive and informed
review of the current literature, demonstrating knowledge of the state-
of-the-art (3 points);
(B) Each research hypothesis is theoretically sound and based on
current knowledge (3 points);
(C) Each sample population is appropriate and of sufficient size (3
points);
(D) The data collection and measurement techniques are appropriate
and likely to be effective (3 points); and
(E) The data analysis methods are appropriate (3 points).
(d) Design of development activities (20 points total).
(1) The Secretary considers the extent to which the design of
development activities is likely to be effective in accomplishing the
objectives of the project.
(2) In determining the extent to which the design is likely to be
effective in accomplishing the objectives of the project, the Secretary
considers the extent to which the plan for development, clinical
testing, and evaluation of new devices and technology is likely to
yield significant products or techniques, including consideration of
the extent to which:
(i) The proposed project will use the most effective and
appropriate technology available in developing the new device or
technique (3 points);
(ii) The proposed development is based on a sound conceptual model
that demonstrates an awareness of the state-of-the-art in technology (4
points);
(iii) The new device or technique will be developed and tested in
an appropriate environment (3 points);
(iv) The new device or technique is likely to be cost-effective and
useful (3 points);
(v) The new device or technique has the potential for commercial or
private manufacture, marketing, and distribution of the product (4
points); and
(vi) The proposed development efforts include adequate quality
controls and, as appropriate, repeated testing of products (3 points).
(e) Design of training activities (4 points total).
(1) The Secretary considers the extent to which the design of
training activities is likely to be effective in accomplishing the
objectives of the project.
(2) In determining the extent to which the design is likely to be
effective in accomplishing the objectives of the project, the Secretary
considers the extent to which the type, extent, and quality of the
proposed clinical and laboratory research experience, including the
opportunity to participate in advanced-level research, are likely to
develop highly qualified researchers (4 points).
(f) Design of dissemination activities (7 points total).
(1) The Secretary considers the extent to which the design of
dissemination activities is likely to be effective in accomplishing the
objectives of the project.
(2) In determining the extent to which the design is likely to be
effective in accomplishing the objectives of the project, the Secretary
considers the following factors:
(i) The extent to which the materials to be disseminated are likely
to be effective and usable, including consideration of their quality,
clarity, variety, and format (5 points).
(ii) The extent to which the information to be disseminated will be
accessible to individuals with disabilities (2 point).
(g) Design of utilization activities (3 points total).
(1) The Secretary considers the extent to which the design of
utilization activities is likely to be effective in accomplishing the
objectives of the project.
(2) In determining the extent to which the design is likely to be
effective in accomplishing the objectives of the project, the Secretary
considers the extent to which the potential new users of the
information or technology have a practical use for the information and
are likely to adopt the practices or use the information or technology,
including new devices (3 points).
(h) Plan of operation (4 points total).
(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the plan of operation.
(2) In determining the quality of the plan of operation, the
Secretary considers the adequacy of the plan of operation to achieve
the objectives of the proposed project on time and within budget,
including clearly defined responsibilities, and timelines for
accomplishing project tasks (4 points).
(i) Collaboration (4 points Total).
(1) The Secretary considers the quality of collaboration.
(2) In determining the quality of collaboration, the Secretary
considers the extent to which the applicant's proposed collaboration
with one or more agencies, organizations, or institutions is likely to
be effective in achieving the relevant proposed activities of the
project. (4 points).
(j) Adequacy and reasonableness of the budget (4 points total).
(1) The Secretary considers the adequacy and the reasonableness of
the proposed budget.
(2) In determining the adequacy and the reasonableness of the
proposed budget, the Secretary considers the following factors:
(i) The extent to which the costs are reasonable in relation to the
proposed project activities (2 point).
(ii) The extent to which the budget for the project, including any
subcontracts, is adequately justified to support the proposed project
activities (2 points).
(k) Plan of evaluation (8 points total).
(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the plan of evaluation.
(2) In determining the quality of the plan of evaluation, the
Secretary
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considers the extent to which the plan of evaluation provides for
periodic assessment of progress toward the following factors:
(i) Implementing the plan or operation; (4 points); and
(ii) Achieving the project's intended outcomes and expected impacts
(4 points).
(l) Project staff (8 points total).
(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the project staff.
(2) In determining the quality of the project staff, the Secretary
considers the extent to which the applicant encourages applications for
employment from persons who are members of groups that have
traditionally been underrepresented based on race, color, national
origin, gender, age, or disability (2 point).
(3) In addition, the Secretary considers the following factors:
(i) The extent to which the key personnel and other key staff have
appropriate training and experience in disciplines required to conduct
all proposed activities (3 points).
(ii) The extent to which the commitment of staff time is adequate
to accomplish all the proposed activities of the project (3 points).
(m) Adequacy and accessibility of resources (5 points total).
(1) The Secretary considers the adequacy and accessibility of the
applicant's resources to implement the proposed project.
(2) In determining the adequacy and accessibility of resources, the
Secretary considers the following factors:
(i) The extent to which the applicant is committed to provide
adequate facilities, equipment, other resources, including
administrative support, and laboratories, if appropriate (2 points).
(ii) The extent to which the applicant has appropriate access to
clinical populations and organizations representing individuals with
disabilities to support advanced clinical rehabilitation research (2
point).
(iii) The extent to which the facilities, equipment, and other
resources are appropriately accessible to individuals with disabilities
who may use the facilities, equipment, and other resources of the
project (1 point).
Additional Selection Criterion
We will use the selection criteria in 34 CFR 350.54 to evaluate
applications under this program. The maximum score for all the criteria
is 100 points; however, we will also use the following criterion so
that up to an additional 10 points may be earned by an applicant for a
total possible score of 110 points.
Up to 10 points could be added based on the extent to which an
application includes effective strategies for employing and advancing
in employment qualified individuals with disabilities in projects
awarded under these absolute priorities. In determining the
effectiveness of those strategies, we will consider the applicant's
prior success, as described in the application, in employing and
advancing in employment qualified individuals with disabilities.
Thus, for purposes of this competitive preference, applicants can
be awarded up to a total of 10 points in addition to those awarded
under the published selection criteria for these priorities. That is,
an applicant meeting this competitive preference could earn a maximum
total of 110 points.
Instructions for Application Narrative
We will reject without consideration or evaluation any application
that proposes a project funding level that exceeds the stated maximum
award amount per year (See 34 CFR 75.104(b)).
We strongly recommend the following:
(1) a one-page abstract;
(2) an Application Narrative (i.e., Part III that addresses the
selection criteria that will be used by reviewers in evaluating
individual proposals) of no more 125 pages for Project applications,
double-spaced (no more than 3 lines per vertical inch) 8" x 11" pages
(on one side only) with one inch margins (top, bottom, and sides). The
application narrative page limit recommendation does not apply to: Part
I--the electronically scannable form; Part II--the budget section
(including the narrative budget justification); and Part IV--the
assurances and certifications; and (3) a font no smaller than a 12-
point font and an average character density no greater than 14
characters per inch.
Instructions for Transmittal of Applications
If you want to apply for a grant and be considered for funding, you
must meet the following deadline requirements:
(a) If You Send Your Application by Mail.
You must 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 #84.133E (Applicant must insert
priority name), Washington, DC 20202-4725.
You 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.
If you mail an application through the U.S. Postal Service, we do
not accept either of the following as proof of mailing:
(1) A private metered postmark.
(2) A mail receipt that is not dated by the U.S.Postal Service.
(b) If You Deliver Your Application by Hand
You or your courier must hand deliver the original and two copies
of the application by 4:30 p.m. (Washington, DC time) on or before the
deadline date to: U.S. Department of Education, Application Control
Center, Attention: CFDA #84.133E (Applicant must insert priority name),
Room #3633, Regional Office Building #3, 7th and D Streets, SW,
Washington, DC.
The Application Control Center accepts application Deliveries daily
between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (Washington, DC time), except Saturdays,
Sundays, and Federal holidays. The Center accepts application
deliveries through the D Street entrance only. A person delivering an
application must show identification to enter the building.
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) If you send your application by mail or if you or your
courier deliver it by hand, the Application Control Center will mail
a Grant Application Receipt Acknowledgment to you. If you do not
receive the notification of application receipt with 15 days from
the date of mailing the application, you should call the U.S.
Department of Education Application Control Center at (202) 708-
9493.
(3) You must indicate on the envelope and--if not provided by
the Department--in Item 3 of the Application for Federal Assistance
(ED Form 424; revised November 12, 1999) the CFDA number--and
letter, if any--of the competition under which you are submitting
your application.
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 (ED 424 (Rev. 11/12/99))
and instructions.
PART II: Budget Form--Non-Construction Programs (ED 524) and
instructions.
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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 (Rev. 7-97))
if applicable) and instructions.
You may submit information on a photocopy 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. We will not award a grant unless we have
received a completed application form.
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:
www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister. To use PDF you must have Adobe
Acrobat Reader, which is available free at the previous 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.access.gpo.gov/nara/index.html
(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers: 84.133E,
Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers)
Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 762(g) and 764(b)(3).
Dated: June 12, 2001.
Francis V. Corrigan,
Deputy Director, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation
Research.
Appendix
Apllication 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.
However, applicants are encouraged to submit an original and seven
copies of each application in order to facilitate the peer review
process and minimize copying errors.
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 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. An applicant for an RRTC is limited to an
indirect rate of 15%. An applicant for a Disability and
Rehabilitation Research Project should limit indirect charges to the
organization's approved indirect cost rate. If the organization does
not have an approved indirect cost rate, the application should
include an estimated actual rate.
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 Peferred 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.
[[Page 32690]]
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, DC
20202-4651; and to the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork
Reduction Project 1820-0027, Washington, DC 20503.
Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (CFDA No. 84.133E)
34 CFR part 350 Subpart B.
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[FR Doc. 01-15155 Filed 6-14-01; 8:45 am]
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