[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 45 (Monday, March 9, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 11562-11579]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-5893]


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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

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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.

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    (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__N[email protected].
    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.

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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.
    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.

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[FR Doc. 98-5893 Filed 3-6-98; 8:45 am]
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