[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 222 (Friday, November 18, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
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From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-28480]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: November 18, 1994]


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[CFDA No.: 84.133E]

 

Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services; National 
Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research; Notice Inviting 
Applications for New Award Under the Rehabilitation Engineering 
Research Centers (RERC) for Fiscal Year (FY) 1995

    NOTE TO APPLICANTS: This notice is a complete application package. 
The notice contains information, application forms, and instructions 
needed to apply for a grant under this competition. The final 
priorities for the RERCs are published in this issue of the Federal 
Register. This consolidated application package includes the closing 
date, estimated funding, and application forms necessary to apply for 
an award under this program's competition. Potential applicants should 
consult the statement of the final priorities published in this issue 
to ascertain the substantive requirements for their applications.
    The estimated funding level in this notice does not bind the 
Department of Education to make awards or to any specific number of 
awards or funding levels.

    Note: The Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1992 require that 
each applicant for a project under this competition must demonstrate 
in its application how it will address the needs of individuals from 
minority backgrounds who have disabilities.

    APPLICATION AVAILABLE: November 18, 1995.

   Application Notice for Fiscal Year 1995 Rehabilitation Engineering   
               Research Center Program, PCFDA No. 84.133E               
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Estimated            
                         Deadline for  Estimated    size of     Project 
    Funding priority      transmittal  number of  awards (per    period 
                         applications    awards      year)      (months)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Technology for Children                                                 
 with Orthopedic                                                        
 Disabilities..........       1/20/95          1     $500,000         60
Technology for Low                                                      
 Vision and Blindness..       1/20/95          1      600,000         60
Universal                                                               
 Telecommunications                                                     
 Access................       1/20/95          1      500,000         48
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Before your application can be reviewed, it must include this 
description. Applications for which this information is not received 
will not be reviewed.
    Successful applicants that provide services to individuals with 
disabilities will be required to advise these individuals, or as 
appropriate, the parents, family guardians, advocates, or authorized 
representatives of these individuals, of the availability and purposes 
of the State Client Assistance Program (CAP), including information on 
means of seeking assistance under such programs. A list of State CAPs 
will be provided to successful applicants when they are notified of 
their award.
    This notice supports the National Education Goals that call for all 
children in America to start school ready to learn and for every adult 
American to possess the skills necessary to compete in a global 
economy.
    If you need further information about these requirements, please 
contact David Esquith at (202) 205-8801. Individuals who use a 
telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the TDD number at 
(202) 205-5516.
    APPLICABLE REGULATIONS: (a) The Education Department General 
Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), 34 CFR Parts 74, 75, 77, 78, 80, 
81, 82, 85, 86; (b) the regulations for this program in 34 CFR Parts 
350 and 353; and (c) the notice of final priorities as published 
elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register.
    PURPOSE OF PROGRAM: Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers 
develop and disseminate innovative methods of applying advanced 
technology, scientific achievement, and psychological and social 
knowledge to solve rehabilitation problems and remove environmental 
barriers; study new or emerging technologies, products, or 
environments; demonstrate and disseminate innovative models for the 
delivery of cost-effective rehabilitation technology services; and 
conduct other scientific research to assist in meeting the employment 
and independent living needs of individuals with severe disabilities. 
RERCs facilitate service delivery systems change through the 
development of consumer-responsive models for the delivery of 
rehabilitation technology services.
    SELECTION CRITERIA: The Secretary uses the following selection 
criteria to evaluate applications under this program.
    (a) Relevance and importance of the research program (25 points). 
The Secretary reviews each application to determine to what degree--
    (1) The proposed activities are responsive to a priority 
established by the Secretary and address a significant need of a 
disabled target population and rehabilitation service providers;
    (2) The overall research program of the Center includes appropriate 
interdisciplinary and collaborative research activities, is likely to 
lead to new and useful knowledge in the priority area and to the 
development of new technology or new applications of existing 
technology, and is likely to become a nationally recognized source of 
information on technology in the priority area; and
    (3) The applicant demonstrates that all component activities of the 
Center are related to the overall objectives of the Center, and will 
build upon and complement each other to enhance the likelihood of 
finding solutions to significant rehabilitation problems.
    (b) Quality of the research design (25 points). The Secretary 
reviews each application to determine to what degree--
    (1) The applicant proposes a comprehensive program of research for 
the total project period, including at least three interrelated 
research projects;
    (2) The research design and methodology of each proposed activity 
are meritorious in that--
    (i) The literature review is appropriate and indicates familiarity 
with the state-of-the-art and current research in rehabilitation 
technology;
    (ii) The research hypotheses are important and scientifically 
relevant;
    (iii) The sample populations are appropriate and significant;
    (iv) The data collection and measurement techniques are appropriate 
and likely to be effective;
    (v) The data analysis methods are appropriate; and
    (vi) The applicant assures that human subjects, animals, and the 
environment are adequately protected;
    (3) The plan for development, clinical testing, and evaluation of 
new devices and technology is likely to yield significant products; and
    (4) The application discusses the anticipated research results and 
demonstrates how those results would satisfy the original hypotheses; 
and could be used for planning additional research, including the 
generation of new hypotheses where applicable.
    (c) Quality of the dissemination and utilization Program (25 
points). The Secretary reviews each application to determine the degree 
to which--
    (1) The proposed plan for dissemination provides evidence that 
research results will be effectively disseminated and utilized based on 
the identification of appropriate and accessible target groups; the 
proposed activities are relevant to regional and national needs of the 
rehabilitation field; and dissemination packages will be prepared in a 
form usable by individuals with all types of disabilities;
    (2) The proposed plan for dissemination and utilization of the 
research and development provides for--
    (i) Orientation programs for rehabilitation service personnel to 
improve the application of rehabilitation technology;
    (ii) Programs which specifically demonstrate means for utilizing 
rehabilitation technology;
    (iii) Technical assistance and consultation that are responsive to 
concerns of service providers and consumers; and
    (iv) Dissemination of research finding through publication in 
professional journals, textbooks, and consumer and other publications, 
and through other appropriate media such as audiovisual materials and 
telecommunications, in an effort to make research results accessible to 
manufacturers, rehabilitation service providers, researchers, 
educators, disabled individuals and their families, and others; and
    (3) There is an appropriate plan to ensure the distribution and 
utilization of new devices and technology.
    (d) Quality of the organization and management (25 points). The 
Secretary reviews each application to determine the degree to which--
    (1) The staffing plan for the Center provides evidence that the 
principal investigator and other personnel have appropriate training 
and experience in disciplines required to conduct the proposed 
activities; the commitment of time for all staff is adequate to conduct 
all proposed activities; and the Center, as part of its 
nondiscriminatory employment practices, will ensure that its personnel 
are selected for employment without regard to race, color, national 
origin, gender, age, or handicapping condition;
    (2) The budgets for the Center and each of the proposed activities 
are reasonable, adequate, and cost-effective for the proposed 
activities;
    (3) The facilities, equipment, and other resources are adequate and 
are appropriately accessible to persons with disabilities;
    (4) The plan of operations is adequate to accomplish the Center's 
objectives and to ensure proper and efficient management of the Center;
    (5) The proposed relationships with Federal, State, and local 
rehabilitation service providers and consumer organizations are likely 
to ensure that the Center program is relevant and applicable to the 
needs of consumers and service providers;
    (6) The past performance and accomplishments of the applicant 
indicate an ability to complete successfully the proposed scope of 
work;
    (7) The application demonstrates appropriate commitment and support 
by the host institution and opportunities for interdisciplinary 
activities and collaboration with other institutions; and
    (8) The plan for evaluation of the Center will assess annually the 
outcomes of the discrete and interrelated research projects, the impact 
of the training and dissemination activities on the target populations, 
and the extent to which the overall objectives have been accomplished.
    ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS: Public or private entities, including Indian 
tribes and tribal organizations, are eligible to receive awards under 
this program provided they ensure that the Center is operated in 
collaboration with an organization of higher education or a nonprofit 
organization.

    Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 762.
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 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 524) 
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 WorkPlace Requirements (ED Form 
80-0013).
    Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and 
Voluntary Exclusion: Lower Tier Covered Transactions (ED Form ED 80-
0014) and instructions. (Note: ED Form ED-80-0014 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: Dianne Villines, U.S. Department of 
Education, 600 Independence Avenue, S.W., Switzer Building, Room 3417, 
Washington, D.C. 20202-2704. Telephone: (202) 205-9141. Individuals who 
use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the TDD 
number at (202) 205-8887.
    Information about the Department's funding opportunities, including 
copies of application notices for discretionary grant competitions, can 
be viewed on the Department's electronic bulletin board (ED Board), 
telephone (202) 260-9950; or on the Internet Gopher Server at 
GOPHER.ED.GOV (under Announcements, Bulletins, and Press Releases). 
However, the official application notice for a discretionary grant 
competition is the notice published in the Federal Register.

    Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 760-762.

    Dated: November 10, 1994.
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 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.
    Applicants in the FIR, AND Innovation grants programs should 
limit indirect charges to the organization's approved rate. If the 
organization does not have an approved 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.
    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 the title of the priority to which they are 
responding.
    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. Those budget projections are necessary and helpful for 
planning purposes. However, a complete budget and budget 
justification must be submitted for each year of the project and 
there will be negotiations on the budget each year.
    13. Will All Approved Applications Be Funded?
    No. It often happens that the peer review panels approve for 
funding more applications than NIDRR can fund within available 
resources. Applicants who are approved but not funded are encouraged 
to consider submitting similar applications in future competitions.

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    Public reporting burden for these collections of information is 
estimated to average 30 hours per response, including the time for 
reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and 
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the 
collection of information.
    Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of 
these collections of information, including suggestions for reducing 
this burden, to: the U.S. Department of Education, Information 
Management and Compliance Division, Washington, D.C. 20202-4651; and to 
the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project 1820-
0027, Washington, D.C. 20503.

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[FR Doc. 94-28480 Filed 11-17-94; 8:45 am]
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