[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 10 (Tuesday, January 17, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 3499-3517]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-1018]



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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

[CFDA No.: 84.133A]


Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, National 
Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research; Notice Inviting 
Applications for New Awards Under the Research and Demonstration 
Program 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 Research and Demonstration program 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.

          Application Notice for Fiscal Year 1995 Research and Demonstration Program, CFDA No. 84.133A          
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                                                             Deadline for                Estimated              
                                                              transmittal   Estimated     size of      Project  
                          Priority                                of        number of   awards (per     period  
                                                             applications     awards       year)       (months) 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accommodations for Individuals with Disabilities in Adult                                                       
 Education Programs........................................  ............            1     $175,000           36
HIV/AIDS and Disability....................................  ............            1      175,000           36
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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. Before your application 
can be reviewed, it must include this description. Applications for 
which this information is not received will not be reviewed.

    All grantees that provide services to individuals with disabilities 
will be required to advise these individuals, who are applicants for, 
or recipients of services, 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, one of which 
states that every American will be literate and will possess the 
knowledge and skills necessary to compete in a global economy and 
exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
    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) 205-8801.
    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 351; and (c) the notice of final priorities as published 
elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register.
    Purpose of Program: In part, this program is designed to assist in 
the provision of vocational and other rehabilitation services to 
persons with disabilities, especially those individuals with severe 
disabilities, through planning and conducting of research and 
demonstration projects, and specialized research activities. In 
addition, this program is designed to assist in the development of 
solutions to the problems encountered by individuals with handicaps in 
their daily activities, especially problems related to employment (see 
34 CFR 351.1).
    Selection Criteria: The Secretary uses the following selection 
criteria to evaluate applications under this program.
    (a) Potential Impact of Outcomes: Importance of Program (Weight 
3.0). [[Page 3500]] The Secretary reviews each application to determine 
to what degree--
    (1) The proposed activity relates to the announced priority;
    (2) The research is likely to produce new and useful information 
(research activities only);
    (3) The need and target population are adequately defined;
    (4) The outcomes are likely to benefit the defined target 
populations;
    (5) The training needs are clearly defined (training activities 
only);
    (6) The training methods and developed subject matter are likely to 
meet the defined need (training activities only); and
    (7) The need for information exists (utilization activities only).
    (b) Potential Impact of Outcomes: Dissemination/Utilization (Weight 
3.0). The Secretary reviews each application to determine to what 
degree--
    (1) The research results are likely to become available to others 
working in the field (research activities only);
    (2) The means to disseminate and promote utilization by others are 
defined;
    (3) The training methods and content are to be packaged for 
dissemination and use by others (training activities only); and
    (4) The utilization approach is likely to address the defined need 
(utilization activities only).
    (c) Probability of Achieving Proposed Outcomes: Program/Project 
Design (Weight 5.0). The Secretary reviews each application to 
determine to what degree--
    (1) The objectives of the project(s) are clearly stated;
    (2) The hypothesis is sound and based on evidence (research 
activities only);
    (3) The project design/methodology is likely to achieve the 
objectives;
    (4) The measurement methodology and analysis is sound (research and 
development/demonstration activities only);
    (5) The conceptual model (if used) is sound (development/
demonstration activities only);
    (6) The sample populations are correct and significant (research 
and development/demonstration activities only);
    (7) The human subjects are sufficiently protected (research and 
development/demonstration activities only);
    (8) The device(s) or model system is to be developed in an 
appropriate environment;
    (9) The training content is comprehensive and at an appropriate 
level (training activities only);
    (10) The training methods are likely to be effective (training 
activities only);
    (11) The new materials (if developed) are likely to be of high 
quality and uniqueness (training activities only);
    (12) The target populations are linked to the project (utilization 
activities only); and
    (13) The format of the dissemination medium is the best to achieve 
the desired result (utilization activities only).
    (d) Probability of Achieving Proposed Outcomes: Key Personnel 
(Weight 4.0). The Secretary reviews each application to determine to 
what degree--
    (1) The principal investigator and other key staff have adequate 
training and/or experience and demonstrate appropriate potential to 
conduct the proposed research, demonstration, training, development, or 
dissemination activity;
    (2) The principal investigator and other key staff are familiar 
with pertinent literature and/or methods;
    (3) All required disciplines are effectively covered;
    (4) Commitments of staff time are adequate for the project; and
    (5) The applicant is likely, as part of its non-discriminatory 
employment practices, to encourage applications for employment from 
persons who are members of groups that traditionally have been 
underrepresented, such as--
    (i) Members of racial or ethnic minority groups;
    (ii) Women;
    (iii) Handicapped persons; and
    (iv) The elderly.
    (e) Probability of Achieving Proposed Outcomes: Evaluation Plan 
(Weight 1.0). The Secretary reviews each application to determine to 
what degree--
    (1) There is a mechanism to evaluate plans, progress and results;
    (2) The evaluation methods and objectives are likely to produce 
data that are quantifiable; and
    (3) The evaluation results, where relevant, are likely to be 
assessed in a service setting.
    (f) Program/Project Management: Plan of Operation (Weight 2.0). The 
Secretary reviews each application to determine to what degree--
    (1) There is an effective plan of operation that insures proper and 
efficient administration of the project(s);
    (2) The applicant's planned use of its resources and personnel is 
likely to achieve each objective;
    (3) Collaboration between institutions, if proposed, is likely to 
be effective; and
    (4) There is a clear description of how the applicant will include 
eligible project participants who have been traditionally 
underrepresented, such as--
    (i) Members of racial or ethnic minority groups;
    (ii) Women;
    (iii) Handicapped persons; and
    (iv) The elderly.
    (g) Program/Project Management: Adequacy of Resources (Weight 1.0). 
The Secretary reviews each application to determine to what degree--
    (1) The facilities planned for use are adequate;
    (2) The equipment and supplies planned for use are adequate; and
    (3) The commitment of the applicant to provide administrative 
support and adequate facilities is evident.
    (h) Program/Project Management: Budget and Cost Effectiveness 
(Weight 1.0). The Secretary reviews each application to determine to 
what degree--
    (1) The budget for the project(s) is adequate to support the 
activities;
    (2) The costs are reasonable in relation to the objectives of the 
projects(s); and
    (3) The budget for subcontracts (if required) is detailed and 
appropriate.
    Eligible Applicants: Parties eligible to apply for grants under 
this program are public and private nonprofit and for-profit agencies 
and organizations, including institutions of higher education and 
Indian tribes and tribal organizations.
    Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 761a and 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 [[Page 3501]] 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, Room 3417 Switzer Building, 600 Independence Avenue SW., 
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) 205-9141.
    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: January 10, 1995.
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, with a single exception. For all NIDRR programs except one, 
only organizations are eligible to apply for grants. The one exception 
is the Fellowship program, CFDA No.: 84.133F.Individuals are the only 
eligible applicants for the Fellowship program. Organizations are not 
eligible applicants for the Fellowship program.
    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 [[Page 3502]] 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, DC 20202-4651; and to 
the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project 1820-
0027, Washington, DC 20503.
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[FR Doc. 95-1018 Filed 1-13-95; 8:45 am]
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