[Federal Register: March 9, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 45)] [Notices] [Page 11562-11579] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr09mr98-126] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION [CFDA No.: 84.133E] Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services; National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research; Notice Inviting Applications for New Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers for Fiscal Year 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. This program supports 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, and 86; and Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers--34 CFR Part 350, particularly Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers in Subpart D. Application Notice for Fiscal Year 1998, Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers, CFDA No. 84.133E ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Estimated Maximum award Project Funding priority Deadline for transmittal of number of amount (per period applications awards year)* (months) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Information Technology Access............ May 11, 1998............... 1 $1,350,000 60 Communication Enhancement................ May 11, 1998............... 1 900,000 60 Ergonomic Solutions for Employment....... May 11, 1998............... 1 800,000 60 Hearing Enhancement...................... May 11, 1998............... 1 900,000 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)). Program Title: Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers. CFDA Number: 84.133E. Purpose of Program: Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERCs) conduct research, demonstration, and training activities regarding rehabilitation technology--including rehabilitation engineering, assistive technology devices, and assistive technology services, in order to enhance the opportunities to better meet the needs of, and address the barriers confronted by, individuals with disabilities in all aspects of their lives. 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. Selection Criteria The Secretary uses the following selection criteria to evaluate applications under the RERC program. (See Sec. 350.54) (a) Importance of the problem (8 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 activities address a significant need of rehabilitation service providers (2 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). (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 (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 (20 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 (3 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 [[Page 11563]] 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). (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 (2 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)(i) 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: (ii) 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-- (A) The proposed project will use the most effective and appropriate technology available in developing the new device or technique (3 points); (B) The proposed development is based on a sound conceptual model that demonstrates an awareness of the state-of-the-art in technology (4 points); (C) The new device or technique will be developed and tested in an appropriate environment (3 points); (D) The new device or technique is likely to be cost-effective and useful (3 points); (E) The new device or technique has the potential for commercial or private manufacture, marketing, and distribution of the product (4 points); and (F) 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 following factor: 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 content of the information to be disseminated-- (A) Covers all of the relevant aspects of the subject matter (2 points); and (B) If appropriate, is based on new knowledge derived from research activities of the project (2 points). (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 information to be disseminated will be accessible to individuals with disabilities (1 point). (g) Design of utilization activities (2 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 following factor: 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 (2 points). (h) Design of technical assistance activities (2 points total). (1) The Secretary considers the extent to which the design of technical assistance 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 factor: The extent to which the methods for providing technical assistance are of sufficient quality, intensity, and duration (2 points). (i) 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 following factors: (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, equipment, and personnel to achieve each objective (2 points). (j) Collaboration (4 points total). (1) The Secretary considers the quality of collaboration. (2) In determining the quality of collaboration, the Secretary considers the following factors: (i) The extent to which agencies, organizations, or institutions demonstrate a commitment to collaborate with the applicant (2 points). (ii) The extent to which agencies, organizations, or institutions that commit to collaborate with the applicant have the capacity to carry out collaborative activities (2 points). (k) Adequacy and reasonableness of the budget (3 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 (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). (l) Plan of evaluation (9 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 considers the following factors: 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-- (i) Are clearly related to the intended outcomes of the project and expected impacts on the target population (5 points); and (ii) Are objective, and quantifiable or qualitative, as appropriate (4 points). (m) Project staff (9 points total). (1) The Secretary considers the quality of the project staff. [[Page 11564]] (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 (1 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 (2 points). (ii) The extent to which the commitment of staff time is adequate to accomplish all the proposed activities of the project (2 points). (iii) The extent to which the key personnel are knowledgeable about the methodology and literature of pertinent subject areas (2 points). (iv) The extent to which the project staff includes outstanding scientists in the field (2 points). (n) Adequacy and accessibility of resources (4 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 (1 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). Instructions For Application Narrative The Secretary strongly recommends the following: (a) A one-page abstract; (b) 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 than 125 pages double-spaced (no more than 3 lines per vertical inch) 8\1/2\ 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 (c) 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 (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 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. 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, 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 [[Page 11565]] 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 http://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: March 3, 1998. 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. 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 RERC is limited 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 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. [[Page 11566]] 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 11567]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN09MR98.000 [[Page 11568]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN09MR98.001 [[Page 11569]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN09MR98.002 [[Page 11570]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN09MR98.003 [[Page 11571]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN09MR98.004 BILLING CODE 4000-01-C [[Page 11572]] 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. Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (CFDA No. 84.133E) 34 CFR part 350. Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (CFDA No. 84.133E) 34 CFR part 350. 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 Provisions Act (GEPA) that applies to applicants for new grant awards under Department programs. This provisions 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 funds (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 to certain potential beneficiaries to fully participate in the project and to achieve 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 intends 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 provisions. 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 20202-4561. BILLING 4000-01-P [[Page 11573]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN09MR98.005 [[Page 11574]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN09MR98.006 [[Page 11575]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN09MR98.007 [[Page 11576]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN09MR98.008 [[Page 11577]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN09MR98.009 [[Page 11578]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN09MR98.010 [[Page 11579]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN09MR98.011 [FR Doc. 98-5893 Filed 3-6-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000-01-C