[Federal Register: July 29, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 145)]
[Notices]
[Page 49196-49213]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr29jy02-90]
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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
[CFDA No.: 84.133B]
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services; National
Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research--Rehabilitation
Research and Training Centers (RRTC) Program; Notice Inviting
Applications for Fiscal Year (FY) 2002
Note to Applicants: This notice is a complete application
package. Together with the statute authorizing the program and the
Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR),
this notice contains all of the information, application forms, and
instructions you need to apply for a grant under this competition.
Purpose of the Program: The purpose of the RRTC Program is to
improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (the Act), as amended.
For FY 2002 the competition for new awards focuses on projects
designed to meet the priorities we describe in the Priorities section
of this application notice. The priorities are intended to improve
rehabilitation services and outcomes for individuals with disabilities.
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.
Application Available: July 29, 2002.
Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: September 12, 2002.
Maximum Award Amount: $600,000.
Note: We will reject any application that proposes a budget
exceeding $600,000 for a single budget period of 60 months.
Estimated Number of Awards: 1.
Project Period: Up to 60 months.
Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this
notice.
Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General
Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), 34 CFR Parts 74, 75, 77, 80, 81,
82, 85, 86, and 97, and (b) The program regulations 34 CFR part 350.
Priority
This competition focuses on a project designed to meet the priority
in the notice of final priority for this program, published elsewhere
in this issue of the Federal Register.
For FY 2002, this priority is an absolute priority. Under 34 CFR
75.105(c)(3) we consider only applications that meet this priority.
Selection Criteria
We use the following selection criteria to evaluate applications
under this program.
The maximum score for all of these criteria is 100 points.
The maximum score for each criterion is indicated in parentheses.
An additional 10 points may be earned by an applicant depending on
how well the additional selection criterion elsewhere in this notice is
met.
(a) Responsiveness to an Absolute or Competitive Priority (4 Points)
(1) The Secretary considers the responsiveness of the application
to an 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 extent to which
the applicant's proposed activities are likely to achieve the purposes
of the absolute or competitive priority.
(b) Importance of the Problem (9 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 one or more disabled populations (3 points).
(iii) The extent to which the proposed activities address a
significant need of rehabilitation service providers (3 points).
(c) Design of Research Activities (35 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 (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).
(i) 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)
(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 factors:
(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
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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)
(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 (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)
(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 factors:
(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)
(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).
(h) Collaboration (2 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 the applicants 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)
(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 points).
(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)
(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:
(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 (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 points).
(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).
(l) Adequacy and Accessibility of Resources (4 points)
(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 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 facilities, equipment, and other
resources are
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appropriately accessible to individuals with disabilities who may use
the facilities, equipment, and other resources of the project (2
points).
Additional Selection Criterion (10 points)
We use the following additional criterion to evaluate applications
under each priority.
Up to 10 points 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.
Application Procedures
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)).
The Secretary strongly recommends 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, numbered, 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 Transmitting 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 help expedite our review of your
application, we would appreciate your voluntarily including an
additional seven copies of your application. Mail your application to:
U. S. Department of Education, Application Control Center, Attention:
(CFDA # 84.133B), 7th & D Streets, SW., Room 3671, Regional Office
Building 3, 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 help expedite our review of your application, we
would appreciate your voluntarily including an additional seven copies
of your application. Deliver your application to: U.S. Department of
Education, Application Control Center, Attention: (CFDA # 84.133B), 7th
& D Streets, SW., Room 3671, Regional Office Building 3, Washington, DC
20202-4725.
The Application Control Center accepts application deliveries daily
between 8:00 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, you should check with your
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 within 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) If your application is late, we will notify you that we will
not consider the application.
(4) You must indicate on the envelope and--if not provided by
the Department--in Item 4 of the Application for Federal Education
Assistance (ED 424 (exp. 11/30/2004)) the CFDA number--and suffix
letter, if any--of the competition under which you are submitting
your application.
Application Forms and Instructions
The Appendix to this notice contains forms and instructions, a
statement regarding estimated public reporting burden, and various
assurances and certifications. Please organize the parts and additional
materials in the following order:
Part I: Application for Federal Assistance (ED 424 (Rev.
11/30/2004)) and instructions.
Part II: Budget Form--Non-Construction Programs (ED 524)
and instructions and definitions.
Part III: Application Narrative.
Part IV: 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 Further Information Contact: Donna Nangle, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 3412, Switzer Building,
Washington, DC 20202-2645. Telephone: (202) 205-5880 or via Internet:
Donna.Nangle@ed.gov.
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If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), may call
the TDD number at (202) 205-4475.
Individuals with disabilities may obtain this document in an
alternative format (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer
diskette) on request to the contact person listed under For Further
Information Contact.
Electronic Access to This Document
You may review this document, as well as all other Department of
Education documents published in the Federal Register, in text or Adobe
Portable Document Format (PDF) on the Internet at the following site:
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister.
To use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available
free at this site. If you have questions about using PDF, call the U.S.
Government Printing Office (GPO), toll free, at 1-888-293-6498; or in
the Washington, DC area at (202) 512-1530.
Note: The official version of this document is the document
published in the Federal Register. Free Internet access to the
official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of Federal
Regulations is available on GPO Access at: http://
www.access.gpo.gov/nara/index.html.
Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 762(g) and 764(b)(3).
Dated: July 24, 2002.
Robert H. Pasternack,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
Appendix
Instructions for Estimated Public Reporting Burden
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, you are not
required to respond to a collection of information unless it
displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number
for this collection of information is 1820-0027. Expiration date: 2/
28/2003. We estimate the time required to complete this collection
of information to average 30 hours per response, including the time
to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather the
data needed, and complete and review the collection of information.
If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time
estimate or suggestions for improving this form, please write to:
U.S. Department of Education, Washington, DC 20202-4651. If you have
comments or concerns regarding the status of your submission of this
form, write directly to: Donna Nangle, U.S. Department of Education,
400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 3412, Switzer Building, Washington,
DC 20202-2645.
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 RRTC is limited to an
indirect rate of 15%. An applicant for a DRRP 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 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
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submitting similar applications in future competitions.
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[FR Doc. 02-19120 Filed 7-26-02; 8:45 am]
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