[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 11 (Tuesday, January 19, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 2958-2982]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-1062]



[[Page 2957]]

_______________________________________________________________________

Part III





Department of Education





_______________________________________________________________________



Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Rehabilitation 
Services Administration: New Awards Applications Under Certain Programs 
for Fiscal Year 1999; Notice

  Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 11 / Tuesday, January 19, 1999 / 
Notices  

[[Page 2958]]


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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

[CFDA Nos.: 84.132B, 84.177A, 84.235E, 84.235F, and 84.235G]


Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, 
Rehabilitation Services Administration; Notice Inviting Applications 
for New Awards Under Certain Programs for Fiscal Year (FY) 1999

    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 all of the information, application forms, and 
instructions needed to apply for a grant under these competitions.

    These programs support 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.
    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 FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT paragraph under each program.
    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) in 34 CFR Parts 74, 75, 77, 79, 80, 
81, 82, 85, and 86; and the following program regulations:
    Training and Technical Assistance for the Centers for Independent 
Living Program--34 CFR Part 366.
    Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind--34 
CFR Part 367.
    Statutory Requirements:
    Training and Technical Assistance for the Centers for Independent 
Living Program--Section 721(b)(1), (2) and (3) of the Rehabilitation 
Act of 1973, as amended.
    Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind--
Chapter 2, Sections 751 and 752 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as 
amended.
    Braille Training Program--Section 303(d) of the Rehabilitation Act 
of 1973, as amended.
    Parent Information and Training--Section 303(c)(1), (2), (3), (4), 
(5), and (7) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
    Parent Information and Training Program--Technical Assistance--
Section 303(c)(6) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
    Program Title: Centers for Independent Living--Training and 
Technical Assistance (CFDA Number: 84.132B).
    Purpose of Program: This program provides training and technical 
assistance to eligible agencies, centers for independent living, and 
Statewide Independent Living Councils with respect to planning, 
developing, conducting, administering, and evaluating centers for 
independent living.
    Eligible Applicants: To be eligible to apply for funds under this 
program, an entity must demonstrate in its application that it has 
experience in the operation of centers for independent living. 
Experience of an applicant in the operation of a center for independent 
living is determined by the extent to which the applicant's management 
and staff have engaged in planning, developing, conducting, 
administering, and evaluating centers for independent living. A center 
for independent living is defined in section 702(1) of the 
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, as a consumer-controlled, 
community-based, cross-disability, nonresidential private nonprofit 
agency that is designed and operated within a local community by 
individuals with disabilities and provides an array of independent 
living services.
    Selection Criteria: The Secretary uses the following criteria to 
evaluate applications for new awards for training and technical 
assistance under the Centers for Independent Living program:
    (a) Meeting the purposes of the program (30 points). The Secretary 
reviews each application to determine how well the project will be able 
to meet the purpose of the program of providing training and technical 
assistance to eligible agencies, centers, and Statewide Independent 
Living Councils (SILCs) with respect to planning, developing, 
conducting, administering, and evaluating centers, including 
consideration of--
    (1) The objectives of the project; and
    (2) How the objectives further training and technical assistance 
with respect to planning, developing, conducting, administering, and 
evaluating centers.
    (b) Extent of need for the project (20 points). The Secretary 
reviews each application to determine the extent to which the project 
meets specific needs recognized in title VII of the Rehabilitation Act 
of 1973, as amended (Act), including consideration of--
    (1) The needs addressed by the project;
    (2) How the applicant identified those needs;
    (3) How those needs will be met by the project; and
    (4) The benefits to be gained by meeting those needs.
    (c) Plan of operation (15 points). The Secretary reviews each 
application for information that shows the quality of the plan of 
operation for the project, including--
    (1) The quality of the design of the project;
    (2) The extent to which the plan of management ensures proper and 
efficient administration of the project;
    (3) How well the objectives of the project relate to the purpose of 
the program;
    (4) The quality of the applicant's plan to use its resources and 
personnel to achieve each objective; and
    (5) How the applicant will ensure that project participants who are 
otherwise eligible to participate are selected without regard to race, 
color, national origin, gender, age, or disability.
    (d) Quality of key personnel (7 points).
    (1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that 
shows the qualifications of the key personnel the applicant plans to 
use on the project, including--
    (i) The qualifications of the project director, if one is to be 
used;
    (ii) The qualifications of each of the other management and 
decision-making personnel to be used in the project;
    (iii) The time that each person referred to in paragraphs (d)(1)(i) 
and (ii) of this section will commit to the project;
    (iv) How the applicant, 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 
disability; and
    (v) The extent to which the applicant, as part of its 
nondiscriminatory employment practices, encourages applications for 
employment from persons who are members of groups that have been 
traditionally under-represented, including members of racial or ethnic 
minority groups, women, persons with disabilities, and elderly 
individuals.
    (2) To determine personnel qualifications under paragraphs 
(d)(1)(i) and (ii) of this section, the Secretary considers--
    (i) Experience and training in fields related to the objectives of 
the project; and
    (ii) Any other qualifications that pertain to the objectives of the 
project.

[[Page 2959]]

    (e) Budget and cost effectiveness (5 points). The Secretary reviews 
each application for information that shows the extent to which--
    (1) The budget is adequate to support the project; and
    (2) Costs are reasonable in relation to the objectives of the 
project.
    (f) Evaluation plan (5 points). The Secretary reviews each 
application to determine the quality of the evaluation plan for the 
project, including the extent to which the applicant's methods of 
evaluation--
    (1) Are appropriate to the project;
    (2) Will determine how successful the project is in meeting its 
goals and objectives; and
    (3) Are objective and produce data that are quantifiable.
    (4) Cross-reference: See 34 CFR 75.590.
    (g) Adequacy of resources (3 points). The Secretary reviews each 
application to determine the adequacy of the resources that the 
applicant plans to devote to the project, including facilities, 
equipment, and supplies.
    (h) Extent of prior experience (15 points). The Secretary reviews 
each application to determine the extent of experience the applicant 
has in the operation of centers and with providing training and 
technical assistance to centers, including--
    (1) Training and technical assistance with planning, developing, 
and administering centers;
    (2) The scope of training and technical assistance provided, 
including methods used to conduct training and technical assistance for 
centers;
    (3) Knowledge of techniques and approaches for evaluating centers; 
and
    (4) The capacity for providing training and technical assistance as 
demonstrated by previous experience in these areas.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Secretary has determined that this grant 
requires substantial Federal involvement during the grant award period. 
Therefore, the award will be made as a cooperative agreement.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Merri Pearson, U.S. Department of 
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Room 3316, Switzer Building, 
Washington, D.C. 20202-2741. Telephone: (202) 205-8484 (voice) and 
(202) 205-8243 (TDD).

    Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 721(b)(2).

        Application Notice for Fiscal Year 1999 Training and Technical Assistance for the Centers for Independent Living Program CFDA No. 84.132B
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                                 Estimated
                                            Deadline for transmittal of   Deadline for intergovern-    Estimated    Available     average      Project
              Program title                        applications                 mental review          number of      funds       size of       period
                                                                                                         awards                    award       (months)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Centers for Independent Living--Training   March 15, 1999..............  May 14, 1999...............          1-2     $912,958     $456,000          36
 and Technical Assistance.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice.

    Program Title: Independent Living Services for Older Individuals 
Who Are Blind (CFDA Number: 84.177A)
    Purpose of Program: This program supports projects that--(a) 
provide independent living (IL) services to older individuals who are 
blind; (b) conduct activities that will improve or expand services for 
these individuals; and (c) conduct activities to help improve public 
understanding of the problems of these individuals.
    Eligible Applicants: Any designated State Agency (DSA) that does 
not currently have a project funded under this program and is 
authorized to provide rehabilitation services to individuals who are 
blind is eligible to apply for an award under this notice.
    Selection Criteria: The Secretary uses the following criteria to 
evaluate applications for new awards under the Independent Living 
Services for Older Individuals Who are Blind program:
    (a) Extent of need for the project (20 points).
    (1) The Secretary reviews each application to determine the extent 
to which the project meets the specific needs of the program, including 
consideration of--
    (i) The needs addressed by the project;
    (ii) How the applicant identified those needs;
    (iii) How those needs will be met by the project; and
    (iv) The benefits to be gained by meeting those needs.
    (2) The Secretary reviews each application to determine--
    (i) The extent that the need for IL services for older individuals 
who are blind is justified, in terms of complementing or expanding 
existing IL and aging programs and facilities; and
    (ii) The potential of the project to support the overall mission of 
the IL program, as stated in section 701 of the Act.
    (b) Plan of operation (25 points). The Secretary reviews each 
application to determine the quality of the plan of operation for the 
project, including--
    (1) The quality of the design of the project;
    (2) The extent to which the plan of management ensures proper and 
efficient administration of the project;
    (3) How well the objectives of the project relate to the purpose of 
the program;
    (4) The quality and adequacy of the applicant's plan to use its 
resources (including funding, facilities, equipment, and supplies) and 
personnel to achieve each objective;
    (5) How the applicant will ensure that project participants who are 
otherwise eligible to participate are selected without regard to race, 
color, national origin, gender, age, or disability;
    (6) A clear description of how the applicant will provide equal 
access to services for eligible project participants who are members of 
groups that have been traditionally under-represented, including 
members of racial or ethnic minority groups; and
    (7) The extent to which the plan of operation and management 
includes involvement by older individuals who are blind in planning and 
conducting program activities.
    (c) Quality of key personnel (10 points).
    (1) The Secretary reviews each application to determine the 
qualifications of the key personnel the applicant plans to use on the 
project, including--
    (i) The qualifications of the project director;
    (ii) The qualifications of each of the other management and 
decision-making personnel to be used in the project;
    (iii) The time that each person referred to in paragraphs (c)(1)(i) 
and (ii)

[[Page 2960]]

of this section will commit to the project;
    (iv) How the applicant, 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 
disability; and
    (v) The extent to which the applicant, as part of its 
nondiscriminatory employment practices, encourages applications for 
employment from persons who are members of groups that have been 
traditionally under-represented, including--
    (A) Members of racial or ethnic minority groups;
    (B) Women;
    (C) Persons with disabilities; and
    (D) Elderly individuals.
    (2) To determine personnel qualifications under paragraphs 
(c)(1)(i) and (ii) of this section, the Secretary considers--
    (i) Experience and training in fields related to the scope of the 
project; and
    (ii) Any other qualifications that pertain to the objectives of the 
project.
    (d) Budget and cost effectiveness (5 points). The Secretary reviews 
each application to determine the extent to which--
    (1) The budget is adequate to support the project;
    (2) Costs are reasonable in relation to the objectives of the 
project; and
    (3) The applicant demonstrates the cost-effectiveness of project 
services in comparison with alternative services and programs available 
to older individuals who are blind.
    (e) Evaluation plan (5 points). The Secretary reviews each 
application to determine the quality of the evaluation plan for the 
project, including the extent to which the applicant's methods of 
evaluation--
    (1) Accurately evaluate the success and cost-effectiveness of the 
project;
    (2) Are objective and produce data that are quantifiable; and
    (3) Will determine how successful the project is in meeting its 
goals and objectives.
    (4) Cross-reference: See 34 CFR 75.590.
    (f) Adequacy of resources (5 points). The Secretary reviews each 
application to determine the adequacy of the resources that the 
applicant plans to devote to the project, including accessibility of 
facilities, equipment, and supplies.
    (g) Service comprehensiveness (20 points).
    (1) The Secretary reviews each application to determine the extent 
to which the proposed outreach activities promote maximum participation 
of the target population within the geographic area served by the 
project.
    (2) The Secretary reviews each application to determine the extent 
to which the DSA addresses the unmet IL needs in the State of older 
individuals with varying degrees of significant visual impairment. In 
making this determination, the Secretary reviews the extent to which 
the DSA makes available appropriate services listed in Sec. 367.3(b), 
which may include any or all of the following services:
    (i) Orientation and mobility skills training that will enable older 
individuals who are blind to travel independently, safely, and 
confidently in familiar and unfamiliar environments.
    (ii) Skills training in Braille, handwriting, typewriting, or other 
means of communication.
    (iii) Communication aids, such as large print, cassette tape 
recorders, and readers.
    (iv) Training to perform daily living activities, such as meal 
preparation, identifying coins and currency, selection of clothing, 
telling time, and maintaining a household.
    (v) Provision of low-vision service and aids, such as magnifiers to 
perform reading and mobility tasks.
    (vi) Family and peer counseling services to assist older 
individuals who are blind adjust emotionally to the loss of vision as 
well as to assist in their integration into the community and its 
resources.
    (h) Likelihood of sustaining the program (10 points). The Secretary 
reviews each application to determine--
    (1) The likelihood that the service program will be sustained after 
the completion of Federal project grant assistance;
    (2) The extent to which the applicant intends to continue to 
operate the service program through cooperative agreements and other 
formal arrangements; and
    (3) The extent to which the applicant will identify and, to the 
extent possible, use comparable services and benefits that are 
available under other programs for which project participants may be 
eligible.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Charlene M. Anderson, U.S. Department 
of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Room 3328, Switzer Building, 
Washington, DC 20202-2741. Telephone: (202) 205-9954. Individuals who 
use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal 
Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 
p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday.

    Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 796k.

               Application Notice for Fiscal Year 1999--Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind, CFDA No. 84.177A
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                                 Estimated
                                          Deadline for transmittal of   Deadline for intergovern-   Estimated      Available      average      Project
              Program title                       applications                mental review         number of        funds        size of       period
                                                                                                      awards                       award       (months)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Independent Living Services for Older     March 15, 1999.............  May 14, 1999..............           52     $10,571,500     $203,000          60
 Individuals Who Are Blind.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice.

    Program Title: Braille Training Program (CFDA Number: 84.235E).
    Purpose of Program: To pay all or part of the cost of training in 
the use of braille for personnel providing vocational rehabilitation 
services or educational services to youths and adults who are blind. 
Grants must be used for the establishment or continuation of projects 
that may provide (1) development of braille training materials; (2) in-
service or pre-service training in the use of braille, the importance 
of braille literacy, and methods of teaching braille to youths and 
adults who are blind; and (3) activities to promote knowledge and use 
of braille and nonvisual access technology for blind youths and adults 
through a program of training, demonstration, and evaluation conducted 
with leadership of

[[Page 2961]]

experienced blind individuals, including the use of comprehensive, 
state-of-the-art technology.
    Eligible Applicants: State agencies and other public or nonprofit 
agencies and organizations, including institutions of higher education, 
are eligible for assistance under the Braille Training program.
    Selection Criteria: The Secretary uses the following criteria to 
evaluate applications for new awards under the Braille Training 
Program:
    (a) Need for project (5 points)
    (1) The Secretary considers the need for the proposed project.
    (2) In determining the need for the proposed project, the Secretary 
considers the magnitude of the need for the services to be provided or 
the activities to be carried out by the proposed project.
    (b) Significance (10 points)
    (1) The Secretary considers the significance of the proposed 
project.
    (2) In determining the significance of the proposed project, the 
Secretary considers the following factors:
    (i) The extent to which the proposed project is likely to yield 
findings that may be utilized by other appropriate agencies and 
organizations.
    (ii) The extent to which the proposed project is likely to build 
local capacity to provide, improve, or expand services that address the 
needs of the target population.
    (iii) The likely utility of the products (such as information, 
materials, processes, or techniques) that will result from the proposed 
project, including the potential for their being used effectively in a 
variety of other settings.
    (c) Quality of the project design (20 points)
    (1) The Secretary considers the quality of the design of the 
proposed project.
    (2) In determining the quality of the design of the proposed 
project, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (i) The extent to which the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be 
achieved by the proposed project are clearly specified and measurable.
    (ii) The extent to which the design of the proposed project is 
appropriate to, and will successfully address, the needs of the target 
population or other identified needs.
    (iii) The extent to which the proposed activities constitute a 
coherent, sustained program of training in the field.
    (iv) The extent to which the design for implementing and evaluating 
the proposed project will result in information to guide possible 
replication of project activities or strategies, including information 
about the effectiveness of the approach or strategies employed by the 
project.
    (v) The extent to which the proposed project will establish 
linkages with other appropriate agencies and organizations providing 
services to the target population.
    (vi) The extent to which the proposed project encourages parental 
involvement.
    (vii) The extent to which the proposed project encourages consumer 
involvement.
    (d) Quality of project services (25 points)
    (1) The Secretary considers the quality of the services to be 
provided by the proposed project.
    (2) In determining the quality of the services to be provided by 
the proposed project, the Secretary considers the quality and 
sufficiency of strategies for ensuring equal access and treatment for 
eligible project participants who are members of groups that have 
traditionally been underrepresented based on race, color, national 
origin, gender, age, or disability.
    (3) In addition, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (i) The extent to which the services to be provided by the proposed 
project are appropriate to the needs of the intended recipients or 
beneficiaries of those services.
    (ii) The likely impact of the services to be provided by the 
proposed project on the intended recipients of those services.
    (iii) The likelihood that the services to be provided by the 
proposed project will lead to improvements in the skills necessary to 
gain employment or build capacity for independent living.
    (e) Quality of project personnel (10 points)
    (1) The Secretary considers the quality of the personnel who will 
carry out the proposed project.
    (2) In determining the quality of project personnel, 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.
    (3) In addition, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (i) The qualifications, including relevant training and experience, 
of the project director or principal investigator.
    (ii) The qualifications, including relevant training and 
experience, of key project personnel.
    (f) Adequacy of resources (10 points)
    (1) The Secretary considers the adequacy of resources for the 
proposed project.
    (2) In determining the adequacy of resources for the proposed 
project, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (i) The extent to which the budget is adequate to support the 
proposed project.
    (ii) The extent to which the costs are reasonable in relation to 
the number of persons to be served and to the anticipated results and 
benefits.
    (iii) The potential for continued support of the project after 
Federal funding ends, including, as appropriate, the demonstrated 
commitment of appropriate entities to such support.
    (iv) The potential for the incorporation of project purposes, 
activities, or benefits into the ongoing program of the agency or 
organization at the end of Federal funding.
    (g) Quality of the management plan (10 points)
    (1) The Secretary considers the quality of the management plan for 
the proposed project.
    (2) In determining the quality of the management plan for the 
proposed project, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (i) The adequacy of the management plan to achieve the objectives 
of the proposed project on time and within budget, including clearly 
defined responsibilities, timelines, and milestones for accomplishing 
project tasks.
    (ii) The adequacy of procedures for ensuring feedback and 
continuous improvement in the operation of the proposed project.
    (h) Quality of the project evaluation (10 points)
    (1) The Secretary considers the quality of the evaluation to be 
conducted of the proposed project.
    (2) In determining the quality of the evaluation, the Secretary 
considers the following factors:
    (i) The extent to which the methods of evaluation are thorough, 
feasible, and appropriate to the goals, objectives, and outcomes of the 
proposed project.
    (ii) The extent to which the methods of evaluation are appropriate 
to the context within which the project operates.
    (iii) The extent to which the methods of evaluation provide for 
examining the effectiveness of project implementation strategies.
    (iv) The extent to which the methods of evaluation include the use 
of objective performance measures that are clearly related to the 
intended outcomes

[[Page 2962]]

of the project and will produce quantitative and qualitative data to 
the extent possible.
    (v) The extent to which the methods of evaluation will provide 
performance feedback and permit periodic assessment of progress toward 
achieving intended outcomes.
    (vi) The extent to which the evaluation will provide guidance about 
effective strategies suitable for replication on testing in other 
settings.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan Oswald, U.S. Department of 
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Room 3327, Switzer Building, 
Washington, DC 20202-2575. Telephone (202) 260-9870. Individuals who 
use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal 
Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 
p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday.

    Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 773(d).

                                   Application Notice for Fiscal Year 1999 Braille Training Program, CFDA No. 84.235E
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                                 Estimated
                                          Deadline for transmittal of           Deadline for           Estimated    Available     average      Project
              Program title                       applications            intergovernmental review     number of      funds       size of       period
                                                                                                         awards                    award       (months)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Braille training program................  March 1, 1999..............  April 30, 1999...............            2     $200,000     $100,000          60
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice.

    Program Title: Parent Information and Training Program (CFDA 
Number: 84.235F).
    Purpose of Program: To establish programs to provide training and 
information to enable individuals with disabilities, and the parents, 
family members, guardians, advocates, or other authorized 
representatives of the individuals, to participate more effectively 
with professionals in meeting the vocational, independent living, and 
rehabilitation needs of individuals with disabilities. These grants are 
designed to meet the unique training and information needs of those 
individuals who live in the area to be served, particularly those who 
are members of populations that have been unserved or underserved.
    Eligible Applicants: Private nonprofit organizations that meet the 
requirement in section 303(c)(4)(B) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 
as amended. The statute requires that to receive a grant an 
organization--
    (a) shall be governed by a board of directors--
    (1) that includes professionals in the field of vocational 
rehabilitation; and
    (2) on which a majority of the members are individuals with 
disabilities or the parents, family members, guardians, advocates, or 
authorized representatives of the individuals; or
    (b)(1) shall have a membership that represents the interests of 
individuals with disabilities; and
    (2) shall establish a special governing committee that includes 
professionals in the field of vocational rehabilitation and on which a 
majority of the members are individuals with disabilities or the 
parents, family members, guardians, advocates, or authorized 
representatives of the individuals.
    Selection Criteria: The Secretary uses the following criteria to 
evaluate applications for new awards under the Parent Information and 
Training Program:
    (a) Need for project (5 points)
    (1) The Secretary considers the need for the proposed project.
    (2) In determining the need for the proposed project, the Secretary 
considers the magnitude of the need for the services to be provided or 
the activities to be carried out by the proposed project.
    (b) Significance: (10 points)
    (1) The Secretary considers the significance of the proposed 
project.
    (2) In determining the significance of the proposed project, the 
Secretary considers the following factors:
    (i) The extent to which the proposed project is likely to yield 
findings that may be utilized by other appropriate agencies and 
organizations.
    (ii) The extent to which the proposed project is likely to build 
local capacity to provide, improve, or expand services that address the 
needs of the target population.
    (iii) The likely utility of the products (such as information, 
materials, processes, or techniques) that will result from the proposed 
project, including the potential for their being used effectively in a 
variety of other settings.
    (iv) The extent to which the results of the proposed project are to 
be disseminated in ways that will enable others to use the information 
or strategies.
    (c) Quality of the project design (20 points)
    (1) The Secretary considers the quality of the design of the 
proposed project.
    (2) In determining the quality of the design of the proposed 
project, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (i) The extent to which the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be 
achieved by the proposed project are clearly specified and measurable.
    (ii) The extent to which the design of the proposed project is 
appropriate to, and will successfully address, the needs of the target 
population or other identified needs.
    (iii) The extent to which the proposed activities constitute a 
coherent, sustained program of training in the field.
    (iv) The extent to which the design for implementing and evaluating 
the proposed project will result in information to guide possible 
replication of project activities or strategies, including information 
about the effectiveness of the approach or strategies employed by the 
project.
    (v) The extent to which the proposed project will establish 
linkages with other appropriate agencies and organizations providing 
services to the target population.
    (vi) The extent to which the proposed project encourages parental 
involvement.
    (d) Quality of project services (25 points)
    (1) The Secretary considers the quality of the services to be 
provided by the proposed project.
    (2) In determining the quality of the services to be provided by 
the proposed project, the Secretary considers the quality and 
sufficiency of strategies for ensuring equal access and treatment for 
eligible project participants who are members of groups that have 
traditionally been underrepresented based on race, color, national 
origin, gender, age, or disability.
    (3) In addition, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (i) The extent to which the services to be provided by the proposed 
project are appropriate to the needs of the intended recipients or 
beneficiaries of those services.

[[Page 2963]]

    (ii) The likely impact of the services to be provided by the 
proposed project on the intended recipients of those services.
    (iii) The likelihood that the services to be provided by the 
proposed project will lead to improvements in the skills necessary to 
gain employment or build capacity for independent living.
    (e) Quality of project personnel (10 points)
    (1) The Secretary considers the quality of the personnel who will 
carry out the proposed project.
    (2) In determining the quality of project personnel, 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.
    (3) In addition, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (i) The qualifications, including relevant training and experience, 
of the project director or principal investigator.
    (ii) The qualifications, including relevant training and 
experience, of key project personnel.
    (f) Adequacy of resources (10 points)
    (1) The Secretary considers the adequacy of resources for the 
proposed project.
    (2) In determining the adequacy of resources for the proposed 
project, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (i) The extent to which the budget is adequate to support the 
proposed project.
    (ii) The extent to which the costs are reasonable in relation to 
the number of persons to be served and to the anticipated results and 
benefits.
    (iii) The potential for continued support of the project after 
Federal funding ends, including, as appropriate, the demonstrated 
commitment of appropriate entities to such support.
    (iv) The potential for the incorporation of project purposes, 
activities, or benefits into the incorporation of project purposes, 
activities, or benefits into the ongoing program of the agency or 
organization at the end of Federal funding.
    (g) Quality of the management plan (10 points)
    (1) The Secretary considers the quality of the management plan for 
the proposed project.
    (2) In determining the quality of the management plan for the 
proposed project, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (i) The adequacy of the management plan to achieve the objectives 
of the proposed project on time and within budget, including clearly 
defined responsibilities, timelines, and milestones for accomplishing 
project tasks.
    (ii) The adequacy of procedures for ensuring feedback and 
continuous improvement in the operation of the proposed project.
    (h) Quality of the project evaluation (10 points)
    (1) The Secretary considers the quality of the evaluation to be 
conducted of the proposed project.
    (2) In determining the quality of the evaluation, the Secretary 
considers the following factors:
    (i) The extent to which the methods of evaluation are thorough, 
feasible, and appropriate to the goals, objectives, and outcomes of the 
proposed project.
    (ii) The extent to which the methods of evaluation are appropriate 
to the context within which the project operates.
    (iii) The extent to which the methods of evaluation provide for 
examining the effectiveness of project implementation strategies.
    (iv) The extent to which the methods of evaluation include the use 
of objective performance measures that are clearly related to the 
intended outcomes of the project and will produce quantitative and 
qualitative data to the extent possible.
    (v) The extent to which the methods of evaluation will provide 
performance feedback and permit periodic assessment of progress toward 
achieving intended outcomes.
    (vi) The extent to which the evaluation will provide guidance about 
effective strategies suitable for replication or testing in other 
settings.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan I. Oswald, U.S. Department of 
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Room 3327, Switzer Building, 
Washington, DC 20202-2575. Telephone: (202) 260-9870. Individuals who 
use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal 
Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 
p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday.

    Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 773(c).

                            Application Notice for Fiscal Year 1999 Parent Information and Training Program, CFDA No. 84.235F
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                                 Estimated
                                            Deadline for transmittal of   Deadline for intergovern-    Estimated    Available     average      Project
              Program title                        applications                 mental review          number of      funds       size of       period
                                                                                                         awards                    award       (months)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parent Information and Training Program..  March 1, 1999...............  April 30, 1999.............            7     $695,000      $99,285          36
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice.

    Program Title: Parent Information and Training Program--Technical 
Assistance (CFDA Number: 84.235G).
    Purpose of Program: To provide coordination and technical 
assistance for establishing, developing, and coordinating the Parent 
Information and Training Projects.
    Eligible Applicants: State agencies and other public agencies or 
nonprofit private organizations. To the extent practicable, these 
organizations shall be the training and information centers established 
pursuant to section 682(a) of the Individuals with Disabilities 
Education Act.
    Selection Criteria: The Secretary uses the following criteria to 
evaluate applications for new grants for technical assistance under the 
Parent Information and Training Program:
    (a) Need for project (5 points).
    (1) The Secretary considers the need for the proposed project.
    (2) In determining the need for the proposed project, the Secretary 
considers the magnitude of the need for the services to be provided or 
the activities to be carried out by the proposed project.
    (b) Significance (15 points)
    (1) The Secretary considers the significance of the proposed 
project.
    (2) In determining the significance of the proposed project, the 
Secretary considers the following factors:
    (i) The potential contribution of the proposed project to increased 
knowledge or understanding of

[[Page 2964]]

rehabilitation problems, issues, or effective strategies.
    (ii) The extent to which the proposed project is likely to yield 
findings that may be utilized by other appropriate agencies and 
organizations.
    (iii) The likely utility of the products (such as information, 
materials, processes, or techniques) that will result from the proposed 
project, including the potential for their being used effectively in a 
variety of other settings.
    (iv) The extent to which the results of the proposed project are to 
be disseminated in ways that will enable others to use the information 
or strategies.
    (c) Quality of the project design (20 points)
    (1) The Secretary considers the quality of the design of the 
proposed project.
    (2) In determining the quality of the design of the proposed 
project, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (i) The extent to which the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be 
achieved by the proposed project are clearly specified and measurable.
    (ii) The extent to which the design of the proposed project is 
appropriate to, and will successfully address, the needs of the target 
population or other identified needs.
    (iii) The extent to which the design for implementing and 
evaluating the proposed project will result in information to guide 
possible replication of project activities or strategies, including 
information about the effectiveness of the approach or strategies 
employed by the project.
    (iv) The extent to which the proposed project is designed to build 
capacity and yield results that will extend beyond the period of 
Federal financial assistance.
    (v) The extent to which the proposed project will establish 
linkages with other appropriate agencies and organizations providing 
services to the target population.
    (vi) The extent to which the proposed project encourages parental 
involvement.
    (vii) The extent to which the proposed project encourages consumer 
involvement.
    (d) Quality of project services (25 points)
    (1) The Secretary considers the quality of the services to be 
provided by the proposed project.
    (2) In determining the quality of the services to be provided by 
the proposed project, the Secretary considers the quality and 
sufficiency of strategies for ensuring equal access and treatment for 
eligible project participants who are members of groups that have 
traditionally been underrepresented based on race, color, national 
origin, gender, age, or disability.
    (3) In addition, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (i) The extent to which the services to be provided by the proposed 
project are appropriate to the needs of the intended recipients or 
beneficiaries of those services.
    (ii) The likely impact of the services to be provided by the 
proposed project on the intended recipients of those services.
    (iii) The likelihood that the services to be provided by the 
proposed project will lead to improvements in the skills necessary to 
gain employment or build capacity for independent living.
    (iv) The extent to which the technical assistance services to be 
provided by the proposed project involve the use of efficient 
strategies, including the use of technology, as appropriate, and the 
leveraging of non-project resources.
    (e) Quality of project personnel (5 points)
    (1) The Secretary considers the quality of the personnel who will 
carry out the proposed project.
    (2) In determining the quality of project personnel, 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.
    (3) In addition, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (i) The qualifications, including relevant training and experience, 
of the project director or principal investigator.
    (ii) The qualifications, including relevant training and 
experience, of key project personnel.
    (f) Adequacy of resources (10 points)
    (1) The Secretary considers the adequacy of resources for the 
proposed project.
    (2) In determining the adequacy of resources for the proposed 
project, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (i) The extent to which the budget is adequate to support the 
proposed project.
    (ii) The extent to which the costs are reasonable in relation to 
the objectives, design, and potential significance of the proposed 
project.
    (iii) The potential for the incorporation of project purposes, 
activities, or benefits into the ongoing program of the agency or 
organization at the end of Federal funding.
    (g) Quality of the management plan (10 points)
    (1) The Secretary considers the quality of the management plan for 
the proposed project.
    (2) In determining the quality of the management plan for the 
proposed project, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (i) The adequacy of the management plan to achieve the objectives 
of the proposed project on time and within budget, including clearly 
defined responsibilities, timelines, and milestones for accomplishing 
project tasks.
    (ii) The adequacy of procedures for ensuring feedback and 
continuous improvement in the operation of the proposed project.
    (h) Quality of the project evaluation (10 points)
    (1) The Secretary considers the quality of the evaluation to be 
conducted of the proposed project.
    (2) In determining the quality of the evaluation, the Secretary 
considers the following factors:
    (i) The extent to which the methods of evaluation are thorough, 
feasible, and appropriate to the goals, objectives, and outcomes of the 
proposed project.
    (ii) The extent to which the methods of evaluation are appropriate 
to the context within which the project operates.
    (iii) The extent to which the methods of evaluation provide for 
examining the effectiveness of project implementation strategies.
    (iv) The extent to which the methods of evaluation include the use 
of objective performance measures that are clearly related to the 
intended outcomes of the project and will produce quantitative and 
qualitative data to the extent possible.
    (v) The extent to which the methods of evaluation will provide 
performance feedback and permit periodic assessment of progress toward 
achieving intended outcomes.
    (vi) The extent to which the evaluation will provide guidance about 
effective strategies suitable for replication or testing in other 
settings.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan I. Oswald, U.S. Department of 
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Room 3327, Switzer Building, 
Washington, DC 20202-2575. Telephone: (202) 260-9870. Individuals who 
use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal 
Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 
p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday.


[[Page 2965]]


    Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 773(c)(6).

                 Application Notice for Fiscal Year 1999 Parent Information and Training Program--Technical Assistance, CFDA No. 84.235G
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                                 Estimated
                                          Deadline for transmittal of           Deadline for           Estimated    Available     average      Project
              Program title                       applications            intergovernmental review     number of      funds       size of       period
                                                                                                         awards                    award       (months)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parent Information and Training Program-- March 1, 1999..............  April 30, 1999...............            1     $105,000     $105,000          36
 Technical Assistance.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice.

    Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs: These programs are 
subject to the requirements of Executive Order 12372 (Intergovernmental 
Review of Federal Programs) and the regulations in 34 CFR Part 79.
    The objective of the Executive order is to foster an 
intergovernmental partnership and to strengthen federalism by relying 
on State and local processes for State and local government 
coordination and review of proposed Federal financial assistance.
    Applicants must contact the appropriate State Single Point of 
Contact to find out about, and to comply with, the State's process 
under Executive Order 12372. Applicants proposing to perform activities 
in more than one State should immediately contact the Single Point of 
Contact for each of those States and follow the procedure established 
in each State under the Executive order. If you want to know the name 
and address of any State Single Point of Contact, see the list 
published in the Federal Register on November 3, 1998 (63 FR 59452).
    In States that have not established a process or chosen a program 
for review, State, areawide, regional, and local entities may submit 
comments directly to the Department.
    Any State Process Recommendation and other comments submitted by a 
State Single Point of Contact and any comments from State, areawide, 
regional, and local entities must be mailed or hand-delivered by the 
date indicated in this notice to the following address: The Secretary, 
E.O. 12372--CFDA # 84.132B, 84.177A, 84.235E, 84.235F, or 84.235G, U.S. 
Department of Education, Room 7E200, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., 
Washington, D.C. 20202-0125.
    Proof of mailing will be determined on the same basis as 
applications (see 34 CFR 75.102). Recommendations or comments may be 
hand-delivered until 4:30 p.m. (Washington, D.C. time) on the date 
indicated in this notice.
    PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ABOVE ADDRESS IS NOT THE SAME ADDRESS AS THE 
ONE TO WHICH THE APPLICANT SUBMITS ITS COMPLETED APPLICATION. DO NOT 
SEND APPLICATIONS TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS. 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 # 84.132B, 84.177A, 84.235E, 84.235F, 
or 84.235G), 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.) on the deadline date to: U.S. Department 
of Education, Application Control Center, Attention: (CFDA # 84.132B, 
84.177A, 84.235E, 84.235F, or 84.235G), Room #3633, Regional Office 
Building #3, 7th and D Streets, SW., Washington, D.C. 20202.
    (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) The Application Control Center will mail a Grant Application 
Receipt Acknowledgment to each applicant. If an applicant fails to 
receive the notification of application receipt within 15 days from 
the date of mailing the application, the applicant should call the 
U.S. Department of Education Application Control Center at (202) 
708-9495.
    (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 suffix 
letter, if any--of the competition under which the application is 
being submitted.

    Application Instructions and Forms: The appendix to this notice is 
divided into three 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.
Notice to All Applicants
    Assurances--Non-Construction Programs (Standard Form 424B).
    Certifications Regarding: Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension and Other 
Responsibility Matters; and Drug-Free Workplace Requirements (ED Form 
80-0013) and instructions.
    Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and 
Voluntary Exclusion--Lower Tier Covered Transactions (ED Form 80-0014, 
9/90) and instructions.
    (Note: ED Form 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.
    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.

[[Page 2966]]

    For Applications Contact. The Grants and Contracts Service Team 
(GCST), U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Room 
3317, Switzer Building, Washington, D.C. 20202-2550. Telephone: (202) 
205-8351. Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf 
(TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-
877-8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern time, Monday through 
Friday. The preferred method for requesting applications 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.
    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 at (202) 512-1530 or, 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.

    Dated: December 16, 1998.
Curtis L. Richards,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative 
Services.

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Part III--Application Narrative

    Prepare the Program Narrative in accordance with the following 
instructions. Before preparing the Program Narrative, applicants should 
carefully review the selection criteria contained in this application 
package.
    In addition, applicants should read the applicable parts of the 
Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), 34 
CFR. These regulations set forth all general rules affecting 
application submittal, review, grant award, and post-award 
administration for Department of Education grant programs.
    Since applications must be duplicated for distribution to 
reviewers, printed material should be legible, appear only on one side 
of each page, and be double spaced. To ensure that printed material is 
legible, the use of a high quality printer, with font size of 10 or 12 
or larger typeface, in the preparation of your application is strongly 
urged. Use standard 8\1/2\ x 11 inch paper, white in color, and free 
from tabs. Also, use spring clips or rubber bands to hold the 
application together. Do not use binders, folders, and staples as they 
must be removed before duplicating applications.
    It is recommended the Program Narrative be limited to 35 pages, 
double spaced, and number pages consecutively. The narrative should be 
written concisely. Only the required information should be submitted. 
If appendices or other supplemental materials are included, they must 
be kept to a minimum and must substantiate what is proposed in the 
narrative, e.g., the results of a needs survey or letters of commitment 
from organizations that will have significant involvement with the 
project. All vitae should be limited to one page in length showing the 
source and date of earned degrees, experience relevant to working with 
individuals who are disabled and the person's direct relationship to 
the project, e.g., how the person will function in the project.
    The Program Narrative should begin with an overview statement (one 
page abstract) that summarizes the purpose/intent of project, the goals 
and objectives, the target population, the impact of project, and the 
expected outcomes or benefits. This abstract only may be single spaced.
    The Program Narrative must respond to the selection criteria in the 
same order as they appear in this application kit.

    Note: Funded projects will be required to report evaluation 
findings in the annual progress report (as part of the continuation 
application) and in the final report at the conclusion of the 
project.

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, As Amended:

    1. Delete the authority to fund construction costs as part of a 
services project under the Special Projects and Demonstrations program 
in section 311(a)(1);
    2. Require that each applicant for a new project demonstrate in its 
application how it will address the needs of individuals with 
disabilities from minority backgrounds (section 21 of the Act). Before 
your application can be reviewed, it must include this description. 
Applications for which this information is not received will not be 
reviewed.
    3. Require that each grantee (funded applicant) that provides 
services to individuals with disabilities must advise those 
individuals, or as appropriate, the parents, family members, guardians, 
advocates, or authorized representatives of those individuals, of the 
availability and purposes of the State Client Assistance Program (CAP), 
including information on means of seeking assistance under such program 
(section 20 of the Act). A list of State CAPs may be obtained by 
leaving your name and address on the voice mail system at (202) 205-
9406.

If Applicable, Provide the Following Information:

    (a) If a rehabilitation project is in its final year of support and 
refunding for a new project is being requested, provide a progress 
report that includes a discussion of all accomplishments to date in 
achieving project objectives and a schedule of accomplishments or 
milestones anticipated with the new funding request.
    (b) A listing showing the Federal Domestic Assistance Catalog 
number, status and amount of each project where there is related 
previous, pending or anticipated assistance.
    ESTIMATED PUBLIC REPORTING BURDEN: 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 
1820-0018. Expiration date: 8/31/2001. The time required to complete 
this information collection is estimated to average 80-120 hours per 
response, including the time to review instructions, search existing 
data resources, gather the data needed, and complete and review the 
information collection. 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, D.C. 20202-
4651.
    If you have comments or concerns regarding the status of your 
individual submission of this form, write directly to: Office of 
Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, U.S. Department of 
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., room 3314 Switzer Building, 
Washington D.C. 20202-2575.

[OMB Control No. 1801-0004 (Exp. 8/31/2001]

Notice to All Applicants

    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 provision 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 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.
    (If this program is a State-formula grant program, a State needs to 
provide this description only for projects or activities that it 
carries out with funds reserved for State-level uses. In addition, 
local school districts or other eligible applicants that apply to the 
State for funding need to provide this description in their 
applications to the State for funding. The State would be responsible 
for ensuring that the school district or other local entity has 
submitted a sufficient section 427 statement as described below.)

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 provision allows applicants discretion in developing the 
required description. The statute highlights six types of barriers that 
can impede equitable access or participation: gender, race, national 
origin, color, disability, or age. Based on local

[[Page 2975]]

circumstances, you should determine whether these or other barriers may 
prevent your students, teachers, etc. from such access or participation 
in, the Federally-funded project or activity. The description in your 
application of steps to be taken to overcome these barriers 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 of certain potential beneficiaries to fully 
participate in the project and to achieve to 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 provision.

Estimated Burden Statement for GEPA Requirements

    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 
20202-4651.

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[FR Doc. 99-1062 Filed 1-15-99; 8:45 am]
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