[Federal Register: November 13, 1997 (Volume 62, Number 219)] [Notices] [Page 60941-60960] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr13no97-128] [[Page 60941]] _______________________________________________________________________ Part II Department of Education _______________________________________________________________________ Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research; Notice [[Page 60942]] DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION [CFDA Nos.: 84.133A and 84.133B] Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research Subject: Notice Reinviting Applications for New Awards Under the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Project and Centers Program for Fiscal Year (FY) 1998. Purpose: On May 9, 1997 a notice was published in the Federal Register inviting applications for new awards under the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) program and Knowledge Dissemination and Utilization Program (D&U) for fiscal year 1997 (62 FR 25770). The same Federal Register included a notice of final funding priorities establishing the required activities for the RRTCs and D&U projects (62 FR 25760). There were no satisfactory applications received for an RRTC on effective interventions for children and youth who exhibit severe problem behaviors (62 FR 25767) and a D&U project on improving the utilization of existing and emerging rehabilitation technology in State vocational rehabilitation programs (62 FR 25769). On July 1, 1997 a notice was published in the Federal Register inviting applications for a new award under the D&U program (62 FR 35644). The same Federal Register included a notice of final funding priority establishing the required activities for a D&U project on Parenting with a Disability Technical Assistance Center (62 FR 35643). There were no satisfactory applications received for this project. On July 14, 1997 a notice was published in the Federal Register inviting applications for a new award under the RRTC program (62 FR 37650). The same Federal Register included a notice of final funding priority establishing the required activities for an RRTC on Medical Rehabilitation Services and Outcomes (62 FR 37646). There were no satisfactory applications received for this RRTC. There is a continuing need for these RRTCs and D&U projects. The purpose of this notice is to reinvite applications for these projects for FY 1998. On February 6, 1997 NIDRR published in the Federal Register regulations consolidating a number of regulations governing NIDRR's existing programs, including, but not limited to, Parts 350 (General Provisions), 352 (Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers), and 355 (Knowledge Dissemination and Utilization Programs) (62 FR 5712). These new regulations took effect on October 1, 1997 and apply to this competition. The new regulations include a new menu of selection criteria (34 CFR 350.54) for use in evaluating all applications. NIDRR has drawn from this menu of selection criteria to establish the specific selection criteria that will be used to evaluate applications for the four priorities included in this notice reinviting applications. In addition, because Part 355 was consolidated into Part 350, the final priorities established for D&U projects in FY 1997 will be used for equivalent training, dissemination, and technical assistance projects in FY 1998. Note To Applicants: This notice is a complete application package. Together with the statute authorizing the programs and applicable regulations governing the programs, including the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), this notice contains information, application forms, and instructions needed to apply for a grant under these competitions. These programs support the National Education Goal that calls for all Americans to possess the knowledge and skills necessary to compete in a global economy and exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. The estimated funding levels in this notice do not bind the Department of Education to make awards in any of these categories, or to any specific number of awards or funding levels, unless otherwise specified in statute. Applicable Regulations: The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), 34 CFR Parts 74, 75, 77, 80, 81, 82, 85, 86, and 350. Program Title: Disability and Rehabilitation Research Project and Centers Program. CFDA Numbers: 84.133A and 84.133B. Purpose Of Program: The purpose of the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Project and Centers Program is to plan and conduct research, demonstration projects, training, and related activities, including international activities, 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. In addition, the purpose of the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Project and Centers Program is to improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the Act. 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. 762 (a) and (b)(6). Application Notice for Fiscal Year 1998 Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects, CFDA No. 84-133A ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Deadline for Estimated Maximum award Funding priority transmittal of number of amount (per Project period applications awards year)* (months) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1). Improving the Utilization of Emerging and Existing Rehabilitation Technology in State VR Programs....................................... 1/12/98 1 $500,000 60 (2). Parenting with a Disability Technical Assistance Center.............................. 1/12/98 1 500,000 60 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Note: The Secretary will reject without consideration or evaluation any application that proposes a project funding level that exceeds the stated maximum award amount per year (See 34 CFR 75.104(b)). Priority 1: The final priority on improving the utilization of existing and emerging rehabilitation technology in State vocational rehabilitation programs published in the Federal Register on May 9, 1997 applies to this competition (62 FR 25769). Priority 2: The final priority on parenting with a disability technical assistance center published in the [[Page 60943]] Federal Register on July 1, 1997 applies to this competition (62 FR 35643). Selection Criteria: The Secretary uses the following selection criteria to evaluate applications for a Training, Dissemination, and Technical Assistance Project on improving the utilization of existing and emerging rehabilitation technology in State vocational rehabilitation programs and a Technical Assistance Center on parenting with a disability under the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Project and Centers Program. (a) Importance of the problem (9 points total). (i) The extent to which the applicant clearly describes the need and target population (3 points). (ii) The extent to which the proposed activities address a significant need of those who provide services to individuals with disabilities (3 points). (iii) 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 (4 points total). (i) The extent to which the applicant addresses all requirements of the absolute or competitive priority (2 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 training activities (13 points total). (i) The extent to which the proposed training materials are likely to be effective, including consideration of their quality, clarity, and variety (4 points). (ii) The extent to which the proposed training methods are of sufficient quality, intensity, and duration (3 points). (iii) The extent to which the proposed training materials, methods, and content are appropriate to the trainees, including consideration of the skill level of the trainees and the subject matter of the materials (4 points). (iv) The extent to which the proposed training materials and methods are accessible to individuals with disabilities (2 points). (d) Design of dissemination activities (24 points total). (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 (7 points). (ii) The extent to which the methods for dissemination are of sufficient quality, intensity, and duration (7 points). (iii) The extent to which the materials and information to be disseminated and the methods for dissemination are appropriate to the target population, including consideration of the familiarity of the target population with the subject matter, format of the information, and subject matter (7 points). (iv) The extent to which the information to be disseminated will be accessible to individuals with disabilities (3 points). (e) Design of utilization activities (8 points total). (i) The extent to which the utilization strategies are likely to be effective (8 points). (f) Design of technical assistance activities (10 points total). (i) The extent to which the methods for providing technical assistance are of sufficient quality, intensity, and duration (3 points). (ii) The extent to which the information to be provided through technical assistance covers all of the relevant aspects of the subject matter (2 points). (iii) The extent to which the technical assistance is appropriate to the target population, including consideration of the knowledge level of the target population, needs of the target population, and format for providing information (3 points). (iv) The extent to which the technical assistance is accessible to individuals with disabilities (2 points). (g) Plan of operation (6 points total). (i) 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 (3 points). (ii) The adequacy of the plan of operation to provide for using resources, equipment, and personnel to achieve each objective (3 points). (h) Collaboration (2 points total). (i) 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 (1 point). (ii) The extent to which agencies, organizations, or institutions demonstrate a commitment to collaborate with the applicant (1 point). (i) Adequacy and reasonableness of the budget (4 points total). (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 point). (j) Plan of evaluation (7 points total). (i) The extent to which the plan of evaluation provides for periodic assessment of progress toward-- (A) Implementing the plan of operation (1 point); and (B) Achieving the project's intended outcomes and expected impacts (1 point). (ii) The extent to which the plan of evaluation will be used to improve the performance of the project through the feedback generated by its periodic assessments (1 point). (iii) The extent to which the plan of evaluation provides for periodic assessment of a project's progress that is based on identified performance measures that-- (A) Are clearly related to the intended outcomes of the project and expected impacts on the target population (2 points); and (B) Are objective, and quantifiable or qualitative, as appropriate (2 points). (k) Project staff (9 points total). (i) 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 points). (ii) The extent to which the key personnel and other key staff have appropriate training and experience in disciplines required to conduct all proposed activities (2 points). (iii) The extent to which the commitment of staff time is adequate to accomplish all the proposed activities of the project (2 points). (iv) The extent to which the key personnel are knowledgeable about the methodology and literature of pertinent subject areas (2 points). (v) The extent to which key personnel have up-to-date knowledge from research or effective practice in the subject area covered in the priority (1 point). (l) Adequacy and accessibility of resources (4 points total). (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 facilities, equipment, and other resources are appropriately accessible to individuals with disabilities who may use the facilities, equipment, and other resources of the project (2 points). [[Page 60944]] Application Notice for Fiscal Year 1998 Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers, CFDA No. 84-133B ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Deadline for Estimated Maximum award Funding priority transmittal of number of amount (per Project period applications awards year) * (months) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3.) Effective Interventions for Children and Youth who Exhibit Severe Problem Behaviors..... 1/12/98 1 $600,000 60 4.) Medical Rehabilitation Services and Outcomes 1/12/98 1 950,000 60 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Note: The Secretary will reject without consideration or evaluation any application that proposes a project funding level that exceeds the stated maximum award amount per year (See 34 CFR 75.104(b)). Priority 3: The RRTC final priority on effective interventions for children and youth who exhibit severe problem behaviors published in the Federal Register on May 9, 1997 applies to this competition (62 FR 25767). Priority 4: The RRTC final priority on medical rehabilitation services and outcomes published in the Federal Register on July 14, 1997 applies to this competition (62 FR 37646). Selection Criteria: The Secretary uses the following selection criteria to evaluate applications for an RRTC on effective interventions for children and youth who exhibit severe problem behaviors and an RRTC on medical rehabilitation services and outcomes under the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Project and Centers Program. (a) Importance of the problem (9 points total). (i) The extent to which the applicant clearly describes the need and target population (3 points). (ii) The extent to which the proposed activities address a significant need of those who provide services to individuals with disabilities (3 points). (iii) 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 (4 points total). (i) The extent to which the applicant addresses all requirements of the absolute or competitive priority (2 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 (35 points total). (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 (5 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 (5 points); (B) Each research hypothesis is theoretically sound and based on current knowledge (5 points); (C) Each sample population is appropriate and of sufficient size (5 points); (D) The data collection and measurement techniques are appropriate and likely to be effective (5 points); and (E) The data analysis methods are appropriate (5 points). (iii) The extent to which anticipated research results are likely to satisfy the original hypotheses and could be used for planning additional research, including generation of new hypotheses where applicable (5 points). (d) Design of training activities (11 points total). (i) The extent to which the proposed training materials are likely to be effective, including consideration of their quality, clarity, and variety (2 points). (ii) The extent to which the proposed training methods are of sufficient quality, intensity, and duration (2 points). (iii) The extent to which the proposed training content-- (A) Covers all of the relevant aspects of the subject matter (1 point); and (B) If relevant, is based on new knowledge derived from research activities of the proposed project (1 point). (iv) The extent to which the proposed training materials, methods, and content are appropriate to the trainees, including consideration of the skill level of the trainees and the subject matter of the materials (2 points). (v) The extent to which the proposed training materials and methods are accessible to individuals with disabilities (1 point). (vi) The extent to which the applicant is able to carry out the training activities, either directly or through another entity (2 points). (e) Design of dissemination activities (8 points total). (i) The extent to which the content of the information to be disseminated-- (A) Covers all of the relevant aspects of the subject matter (1 point); and (B) If appropriate, is based on new knowledge derived from research activities of the project (1 point). (ii) 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 (2 points). (iii) The extent to which the methods for dissemination are of sufficient quality, intensity, and duration (2 points). (iv) The extent to which the materials and information to be disseminated and the methods for dissemination are appropriate to the target population, including consideration of the familiarity of the target population with the subject matter, format of the information, and subject matter (1 point). (v) The extent to which the information to be disseminated will be accessible to individuals with disabilities (1 point). (f) Design of technical assistance activities (4 points total). (i) The extent to which the methods for providing technical assistance are of sufficient quality, intensity, and duration (1 point). (ii) The extent to which the information to be provided through technical assistance covers all of the relevant aspects of the subject matter (1 point). (iii) The extent to which the technical assistance is appropriate to the target population, including consideration of the knowledge level of the target population, needs of the target population, and format for providing information (1 point). (iv) The extent to which the technical assistance is accessible to individuals with disabilities (1 point). (g) Plan of operation (4 points total). (i) 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 (2 points). (ii) The adequacy of the plan of operation to provide for using resources, [[Page 60945]] equipment, and personnel to achieve each objective (2 points). (h) Collaboration (2 points total). (i) 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 (1 point). (ii) The extent to which agencies, organizations, or institutions demonstrate a commitment to collaborate with the applicant (1 point). (i) Adequacy and reasonableness of the budget (3 points total). (i) The extent to which the costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed project activities (1 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). (j) Plan of evaluation (7 points total). (i) The extent to which the plan of evaluation provides for periodic assessment of progress toward-- (A) Implementing the plan of operation (1 point); and (B) Achieving the project's intended outcomes and expected impacts (1 point). (ii) The extent to which the plan of evaluation will be used to improve the performance of the project through the feedback generated by its periodic assessments (1 point). (iii) The extent to which the plan of evaluation provides for periodic assessment of a project's progress that is based on identified performance measures that-- (A) Are clearly related to the intended outcomes of the project and expected impacts on the target population (2 points); and (B) Are objective, and quantifiable or qualitative, as appropriate (2 points). (k) Project staff (9 points total). (i) 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 (1 points). (ii) The extent to which the key personnel and other key staff have appropriate training and experience in disciplines required to conduct all proposed activities (2 points). (iii) The extent to which the commitment of staff time is adequate to accomplish all the proposed activities of the project (2 points). (iv) The extent to which the key personnel are knowledgeable about the methodology and literature of pertinent subject areas (2 points). (v) The extent to which the project staff includes outstanding scientists in the field (2 points). (l) Adequacy and accessibility of resources (4 points). (i) The extent to which the applicant is committed to provide adequate facilities, equipment, other resources, including administrative support, and laboratories, if appropriate (1 point). (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 points). (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). Instructions For Application Narrative The Secretary strongly recommends that applicants include a one- page abstract in their application. Strict Page Limits Part III of the application, the Application Narrative, requires applicants to address the selection criteria that will be used by reviewers in evaluating individual proposals. The applicant for an RRTC must limit Part III--Application Narrative to no more than 125 double- spaced 8\1/2\ x 11'' pages (on one side only) with one inch margins (top, bottom, and sides). The applicant for a Training, Dissemination and Technical Assistance Project on improving the utilization of existing and emerging rehabilitation technology in State vocational rehabilitation programs, or a Technical Assistance Center on parenting with a disability must limit Part III--Application Narrative to no more than 75 double-spaced 8\1/2\ x 11'' pages (on one side only) with one inch margins (top, bottom, and sides). These page limitations applies to all materials presented in the application narrative--including, for example, any charts, tables, figures, and graphs. The application narrative page limit 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. All sections of text in the application narrative must be double- spaced (no more than 3 lines per vertical inch). The double-spacing requirement applies to EVERY line on a page, including every line in the title, headings, footnotes, quotations, references, figure captions, and all parts of tables. If using a proportional computer font, an applicant must use a font no smaller than a 12-point font and an average character density no greater than 14 characters per inch. If using a nonproportional font or typewriter, an applicant must use more no than 12 characters per inch. The one-page abstract, resume(s), bibliography, or letters of support, while considered part of the application, are not subject to the page limitation, double spacing, and font requirements. Applicants should note that reviewers are not required to review any information provided in addition to the application information listed above. Note: The Secretary will reject without consideration or evaluation any application that does not adhere to these page limit, double-spacing, and font requirements. Instructions for Transmittal of Applications (a) If an applicant wants to apply for a grant, the applicant shall-- (1) Mail the original and two copies of the application on or before the deadline date to: U.S. Department of Education, Application Control Center, Attention: (CFDA # [Applicant must insert number and letter]), Washington, D.C. 20202-4725, or (2) Hand deliver the original and two copies of the application by 4:30 p.m. [Washington, D.C. time] on or before the deadline date to: U.S. Department of Education, Application Control Center, Attention: (CFDA # [Applicant must insert number and letter]), Room #3633, Regional Office Building #3, 7th and D Streets, S.W., Washington, D.C. (b) An applicant must show one of the following as proof of mailing: (1) A legibly dated U.S. Postal Service postmark. (2) A legible mail receipt with the date of mailing stamped by the U.S. Postal Service. (3) A dated shipping label, invoice, or receipt from a commercial carrier. (4) Any other proof of mailing acceptable to the Secretary. (c) If an application is mailed through the U.S. Postal Service, the Secretary does not accept either of the following as proof of mailing: (1) A private metered postmark. (2) A mail receipt that is not dated by the U.S. Postal Service. Notes: (1) The U.S. Postal Service does not uniformly provide a dated postmark. Before relying on this method, an applicant should check with its local post office. (2) An applicant wishing to know that its application has been received by the Department must include with the application a stamped self-addressed [[Page 60946]] postcard containing the CFDA number and title of this program. (3) The applicant must indicate on the envelope and--if not provided by the Department--in Item 10 of the Application for Federal Assistance (Standard Form 424) the CFDA number--and letter, if any--of the competition under which the application is being submitted. Application Forms and Instructions The appendix to this application is divided into four parts. These parts are organized in the same manner that the submitted application should be organized. These parts are as follows: PART I: Application for Federal Assistance (Standard Form 424 (Rev. 4-88)) and instructions. PART II: Budget Form--Non-Construction Programs (Standard Form 524A) and instructions. PART III: Application Narrative. Additional Materials Estimated Public Reporting Burden. Note to Applicants Assurances--Non-Construction Programs (Standard Form 424B). Certification Regarding Lobbying, Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters: and Drug-Free Work-Place Requirements (ED Form 80-0013). Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion: Lower Tier Covered Transactions (ED Form 80-0014) and instructions. Note: ED Form GCS-014 is intended for the use of primary participants and should not be transmitted to the Department. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (Standard Form LLL (if applicable) and instructions; and Disclosure Lobbying Activities Continuation Sheet (Standard Form LLL-A). An applicant may submit information on a photostatic copy of the application and budget forms, the assurances, and the certifications. However, the application form, the assurances, and the certifications must each have an original signature. No grant may be awarded unless a completed application form has been received. For Applications Contact: The Grants and Contracts Service Team (GCST), Department of Education, 600 Independence Avenue S.W., Switzer Building, 3317, Washington, D.C. 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 alternate format by contacting the GCST. However, the Department is not able to reproduce in an alternate format the standard forms included in the application package. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donna Nangle, U.S. Department of Education, 600 Maryland Avenue, S.W., room 3418, Switzer Building, Washington, D.C. 20202-2645. Telephone: (202) 205-5880. Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the TDD number at (202) 205-2742. Internet: Donna--Nangle@ed.gov Individuals with disabilities may obtain this document in an alternate format(e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer diskette) on request to the contact person listed in the preceding paragraph. Electronic Access to This Document Anyone may view this document, as well as all other Department of Education documents published in the Federal Register, in text or portable document format (pdf) on the World Wide Web at either of the following sites: http://ocfo.ed.gov/fedreg.htm 5http://www.ed.gov/news.html To use the pdf you must have the Adobe Acrobat Reader Program with Search, which is available free at either of the preceding sites. If you have questions about using the pdf, call the U.S. Government Printing Office toll free at 1-888-293-6498. Anyone may also view these documents in text copy only on an electronic bulletin board of the Department. Telephone: (202) 219-1511 or, toll free, 1-800-222-4922. The documents are located under Option G--Files/Announcements, Bulletins and Press Releases. Note: The official version of this document is the document published in the Federal Register. Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 760-762. Dated: November 6, 1997. Judith E. Heumann, Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. Appendix--Application Forms and Instructions Applicants are advised to reproduce and complete the application forms in this Section. Applicants are required to submit an original and two copies of each application as provided in this Section. Frequent Questions 1. Can I Get an Extension of the Due Date? No! On rare occasions the Department of Education may extend a closing date for all applicants. If that occurs, a notice of the revised due date is published in the Federal Register. However, there are no extensions or exceptions to the due date made for individual applicants. 2. What Should be Included in the Application? The application should include a project narrative, vitae of key personnel, and a budget, as well as the Assurances forms included in this package. Vitae of staff or consultants should include the individual's title and role in the proposed project, and other information that is specifically pertinent to this proposed project. The budgets for both the first year and all subsequent project years should be included. If collaboration with another organization is involved in the proposed activity, the application should include assurances of participation by the other parties, including written agreements or assurances of cooperation. It is not useful to include general letters of support or endorsement in the application. If the applicant proposes to use unique tests or other measurement instruments that are not widely known in the field, it would be helpful to include the instrument in the application. Many applications contain voluminous appendices that are not helpful and in many cases cannot even be mailed to the reviewers. It is generally not helpful to include such things as brochures, general capability statements of collaborating organizations, maps, copies of publications, or descriptions of other projects completed by the applicant. 3. What Format Should be Used for the Application? NIDRR generally advises applicants that they may organize the application 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 [[Page 60947]] 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 a Training, Dissemination, and Technical Assistance project or a Technical Assistance Center 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. An applicant for an RRTC is limited to an indirect cost rate of 15 percent. 6. Can Profitmaking Businesses Apply for Grants? Yes. However, for-profit organizations will not be able to collect a fee or profit on the grant, and in some programs will be required to share in the costs of the project. 7. Can Individuals Apply for Grants? No. Only organizations are eligible to apply for grants under NIDRR programs. However, individuals are the only entities eligible to apply for fellowships. 8. Can NIDRR Staff Advise Me Whether My Project Is of Interest to NIDRR or Likely To Be Funded? No. NIDRR staff can advise you of the requirements of the program in which you propose to submit your application. However, staff cannot advise you of whether your subject area or proposed approach is likely to receive approval. 9. How Do I Assure That My Application Will Be Referred to the Most Appropriate Panel for Review? Applicants should be sure that their applications are referred to the correct competition by clearly including the competition title and CFDA number, including alphabetical code, on the Standard Form 424, and including a project title that describes the project. 10. How Soon After Submitting My Application Can I Find Out If It Will Be Funded? The time from closing date to grant award date varies from program to program. Generally speaking, NIDRR endeavors to have awards made within five to six months of the closing date. Unsuccessful applicants generally will be notified within that time frame as well. For the purpose of estimating a project start date, the applicant should estimate approximately six months from the closing date, but no later than the following September 30. 11. Can I Call NIDRR To Find Out If My Application Is Being Funded? No. When NIDRR is able to release information on the status of grant applications, it will notify applicants by letter. The results of the peer review cannot be released except through this formal notification. 12. If My Application Is Successful, Can I Assume I Will Get the Requested Budget Amount in Subsequent Years? No. Funding in subsequent years is subject to availability of funds and project performance. 13. Will All Approved Applications be funded No. It often happens that the peer review panels approve for funding more applications than NIDRR can fund within available resources. Applicants who are approved but not funded are encouraged to consider submitting similar applications in future competitions. BILLING CODE 4000-01-P [[Page 60948]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN13NO97.000 [[Page 60949]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN13NO97.001 [[Page 60950]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN13NO97.002 [[Page 60951]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN13NO97.003 [[Page 60952]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN13NO97.004 BILLING CODE 4000-01-C [[Page 60953]] Public reporting burden for these collections of information is estimated to average 30 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of these collections of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to: the U.S. Department of Education, Information Management and Compliance Division, Washington, D.C. 20202-4651; and to the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project 1820- 0027, Washington, D.C. 20503. Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (CFDA No. 84.133A) 34 CFR Part 350 Subpart B. Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (CFDA No. 84.133B) 34 CFR Part 350 Subpart C. Notice To All Applicants Thank you for your interest in this program. The purpose of this enclosure is to inform you about a new provision in the Department of Education's General Education Provision Act (GEPA) that applies to applicants for new grant awards under Department programs. This provision is section 427 of GEPA, enacted as part of the Improving America's Schools Act of 1994 (Pub. L. 103-382). To Whom Does This Provision Apply? Section 427 of GEPA affects applicants for new discretionary grant awards under this program. All applicants for new awards must include information in their applications to address this new provision in order to receive funding under this program. What Does This Provision Require? Section 427 requires each applicant for fund (other than an individual person) to include in its application a description of the steps the applicant proposes to take to ensure equitable access to, and participation in, its federally assisted program for students, teachers, and other program beneficiaries with special needs. This section allows applicants discretion in developing the required description. The statute highlights six types of barriers that can impede equitable access or participation that you may address: gender, race, national origin, color, disability, or age. Based on local circumstances, you can determine whether these or other barriers may prevent your students, teachers, etc. from equitable access or participation. Your description need not be lengthy; you may provide a clear and succinct description of how you plan to address those barriers that are applicable to your circumstances. In addition, the information may be provided in a single narrative, or, if appropriate, may be discussed in connection with related topics in the application. Section 427 is not intended to duplicate the requirements of civil rights statutes, but rather to ensure that, in designing their projects, applicants for Federal funds address equity concerns that may affect the ability of certain potential beneficiaries to fully participate in the project and to achieve to high standards. Consistent with program requirements and its approved application, an applicant may use the Federal funds awarded to it to eliminate barriers it identifies. What are Examples of How an Applicant Might Satisfy the Requirement of This Provision? The following examples may help illustrate how an applicant may comply with section 427. (1) An applicant that proposes to carry out an adult literacy project serving, among others, adults with limited English proficiency, might describe in its application how it intends to distribute a brochure about the proposed project to such potential participants in their native language. (2) An applicant that proposes to develop instructional materials for classroom use might describe how it will make the materials available on audio tape or in braille for students who are blind. (3) An applicant that proposes to carry out a model science program for secondary students and is concerned that girls may be less likely than boys to enroll in the course, might indicate how it tends to conduct ``outreach'' efforts to girls, to encourage their enrollment. We recognize that many applicants may already be implementing effective steps to ensure equity of access and participation in their grant programs, and we appreciate your cooperation in responding to the requirements of this provision. Estimated Burden Statement According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 1801-0004 (Exp. 8/31/98). The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to vary from 1 to 3 hours per response, with an average of 1.5 hours, including the time to review instructions, search existing data resources, gather and maintain the data needed, and complete and review the information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate(s) or suggestions for improving this form, please write to: U.S. Department of Education, Washington, DC 20202-4651. BILLING CODE 4000-01-P [[Page 60954]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN13NO97.005 [[Page 60955]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN13NO97.006 [[Page 60956]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN13NO97.007 [[Page 60957]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN13NO97.008 [[Page 60958]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN13NO97.009 [[Page 60959]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN13NO97.010 [[Page 60960]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN13NO97.011 [FR Doc. 97-29795 Filed 11-12-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000-01-C