[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 5 (Monday, January 8, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 1480-1499]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-85]



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Part VII





Department of Education





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Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, National 
Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research; Inviting 
Applications and Pre-application for a New Disability and 
Rehabilitation Research Projects for Fiscal Year 2001-2002; Final 
Funding Priorities for Fiscal Years 2001-2002 for a National Center on 
Accessible Education-Based Information Technology and the Disability 
and Business Technical Assistance Centers; Notices

  Federal Register / Vol. 66 , No. 5 / Monday, January 8, 2001 / 
Notices  

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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

[CFDA No.: 84.133D]


Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, National 
Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research; Notice Inviting 
Applications and Pre-application for a New Disability and 
Rehabilitation Research Projects for Fiscal Year 2001-2002

    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.

    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.
    The estimate of funding levels in this notice does 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.
    Requests for funding reasonable accommodations are not included in 
the maximum award amount, per year, as listed in the table.
    Reasonable Accommodation: We will consider, and may grant, requests 
for additional funding as an addendum to an application to reflect the 
costs of reasonable accommodations necessary to allow individuals with 
disabilities to be employed on the project as personnel on project 
activities.
    This notice also invites interested parties to participate in a 
pre-application meeting to discuss the funding priorities for a 
National Center on Accessible Education-Based Information Technology 
and the Disability and Business Technical Assistance Centers and to 
receive technical assistance through individual consultation and 
information about the funding priority. The pre-application meeting 
will be held on Wednesday, February 14, 2001 at the Department of 
Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, 
Switzer Building, Room 3065, 330 C St. SW, Washington, DC between 9:30 
a.m. and 12:00 a.m. NIDRR staff will also be available at this location 
from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on that same day to provide technical 
assistance through individual consultation and information about the 
funding priority. NIDRR will make alternate arrangements to accommodate 
interested parties who are unable to attend the pre-application meeting 
in person. For further information contact Joseph DePhillips, Switzer 
Building, room 3418, 330 C Street, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202. 
Telephone (202) 205-8187. If you use a TTY, please call (202) 205-4475.

Assistance to Individuals With Disabilities at the Public Meeting

    The meeting site is accessible to individuals with disabilities, 
and a sign language interpreter will be available. If you need an 
auxiliary aid or service other than a sign language interpreter in 
order to participate in the meeting (e.g. other interpreting service 
such as oral, cued speech, or tactile interpreter; assistive listening 
device; or materials in alternative format), notify the contact person 
listed in this notice at least two weeks before the scheduled meeting 
date. Although we will attempt to meet a request we receive after this 
date, we may not be able to make available the requested auxiliary aid 
or service because of insufficient time to arrange it.
    Purpose of the Program: One of the purposes of the Disability and 
Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program is to improve the 
effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 
1973. The Assistant Secretary takes this action to focus research 
attention on an area of national need. The priority is intended to 
improve rehabilitation services and outcomes for individuals with 
disabilities.
    The notice of final funding priorities for a National Center on 
Accessible Education-Based Information Technology and the Disability 
and Business Technical Assistance Centers is published elsewhere in 
this issue of the Federal Register.
    Eligible Applicants: Parties eligible to apply for grants under 
this program are States, public or private agencies, including for-
profit agencies, public or private organizations, including for-profit 
organizations, institutions of higher education, and Indian tribes and 
tribal organizations.
    Application Available: January 8, 2001.
    Project Period: 60 months.

    Program Authority:  29 U.S.C. 762(g) and 764(b)(4).

    Applicable Regulations: The Education Department General 
Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), 34 CFR parts 74, 75, 77, 80, 81, 
82, 85, and 86; the program regulations 34 CFR part 350, and the Notice 
of Final Priority published elsewhere in this issue of the Federal 
Register.

 Application Notice for Fiscal Years 2000-2001 Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects, CFDA No. 84-133D
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          Deadline for                              Maximum award      Project
         Funding priority                transmittal of       Estimated  number     amount  (per        period
                                          applications           of  awards            year)*          (months)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
84.133D National Center on          March 26, 2001.........  1.................  $700,000..........           60
 Accessible Education-Based
 Information Technology.
84.133-D8 Disability and Business   March 26, 2001.........  see below.........  See below (Break             60
 Technical Assistance Centers.                                                    down by Region).
Region I, DBTAC...................  March 26, 2001.........  1.................  $850,000..........           60
Region II, DBTAC..................  March 26, 2001.........  1.................  $1,100,000........           60
Region III, DBTAC.................  March 26, 2001.........  1.................  $1,100,000........           60
Region IV, DBTAC..................  March 26, 2001.........  1.................  $1,450,000........           60
Region V, DBTAC...................  March 26, 2001.........  1.................  $1,450,000........           60
Region VI, DBTAC..................  March 26, 2001.........  1.................  $1,100,000........           60
Region VII, DBTAC.................  March 26, 2001.........  1.................  $850,000..........           60
Region VIII, DBTAC................  March 26, 2001.........  1.................  $850,000..........           60
Region IX, DBTAC..................  March 26, 2001.........  1.................  $1,450,000........           60
Region X, DBTAC...................  March 26, 2001.........  1.................  $850,000..........           60

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AIMS (optional)...................  March 26, 2001.........  1.................  $80,000...........          60
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*Note: Consistent with EDGAR 34 CFR 75.104(b), we will reject any application that proposes a project funding
  level for any year that exceeds the stated maximum award amount for that year.

    For Applications Contact: The Grants and Contracts Service Team 
(GCST), Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, 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 alternative format by contacting the GCST. However, the 
Department is not able to reproduce in an alternative format the 
standard forms included in the application package.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donna Nangle, U.S. Department of 
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, room 3414, 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 
number at (202) 205-4475. Internet: [email protected].
    Individuals with disabilities may obtain this document in an 
alternative format (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer 
diskette) on request to the contact person listed in the preceding 
paragraph.

Selection Criteria

National Center on Accessible Education-Based Information

    Technology Selection Criteria: The Secretary uses the following 
selection criteria to evaluate applications for the National Center on 
Accessible Education-Based Information Technology.
    (a) Importance of the problem (3 points total). (1) The Secretary 
considers the importance of the problem.
    (2) In determining the importance of the problem, the Secretary 
considers the extent to which the proposed project will have beneficial 
impact on the target population (3 points).
    (b) Design of training activities (24 points total). (1) The 
Secretary considers the extent to which the design of training 
activities is likely to be effective in accomplishing the objectives of 
the project.
    (2) In determining the extent to which the design is likely to be 
effective in accomplishing the objectives of the project, the Secretary 
considers the following factors:
    (i) The extent to which the proposed training materials are likely 
to be effective, including consideration of their quality, clarity, and 
variety (17 points).
    (ii) The extent to which the proposed training methods are of 
sufficient quality, intensity, and duration (7 points).
    (c) Design of dissemination activities (24 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 materials to be disseminated are likely 
to be effective and usable, including consideration of their quality, 
clarity, variety, and format (17 points).
    (ii) The extent to which the methods for dissemination are of 
sufficient quality, intensity, and duration (7 points).
    (d) Design of technical assistance activities (22 points total). 
(1) The Secretary considers the extent to which the design of technical 
assistance activities is likely to be effective in accomplishing the 
objectives of the project.
    (2) In determining the extent to which the design is likely to be 
effective in accomplishing the objectives of the project, the Secretary 
considers the following factors:
    (i) The extent to which the methods for providing technical 
assistance are of sufficient quality, intensity, and duration (7 
points).
    (ii) The extent to which the information to be provided through 
technical assistance covers all of the relevant aspects of the subject 
matter (15 points).
    (e) Quality of the management plan (3 points total). (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 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 (3 points).
    (f) Adequacy and reasonableness of the budget (4 points total). (1) 
The Secretary considers the adequacy and the reasonableness of the 
proposed budget.
    (2) In determining the adequacy and the reasonableness of the 
proposed budget, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (i) The extent to which the costs are reasonable in relation to the 
proposed project activities (2 points).
    (iii) The extent to which the budget for the project, including any 
subcontracts, is adequately justified to support the proposed project 
activities (2 points).
    (g) Quality of the project evaluation (3 points total).
    (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 extent to which the methods of evaluation are thorough, 
feasible, and appropriate to the goals, objectives, and outcomes of the 
proposed project (3 points).
    (h) Project staff (13 points total). (1) The Secretary considers 
the quality of the project staff.
    (2) In determining the quality of the project staff, the Secretary 
considers the extent to which the applicant encourages applications for 
employment from persons who are members of groups that have 
traditionally been underrepresented based on race, color, national 
origin, gender, age, or disability (1 point).
    (3) In addition, the Secretary considers the following factors:

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    (i) The extent to which key personnel have expert knowledge on the 
American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and experience with providing 
technical assistance on the ADA to conduct all proposed activities (3 
points).
    (ii) The extent to which key personnel have expert knowledge about 
state-of-the-art Information Technology (IT) to conduct all proposed 
activities (7 points).
    (iii) The extent to which the commitment of staff time is adequate 
to accomplish all the proposed activities of the project (2 points).
    (i) 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 facilities, equipment, and other 
resources are appropriately accessible to individuals with disabilities 
who may use the facilities, equipment, and other resources of the 
project (2 points).

The Disability and Business Technical Assistance Centers

    Selection Criteria: The Secretary uses the following selection 
criteria to evaluate applications for the Disability and Business 
Technical Assistance Centers.
    (a) Importance of the problem (3 points total). (1) The Secretary 
considers the importance of the problem.
    (2) In determining the importance of the problem, the Secretary 
considers the extent to which the proposed project will have beneficial 
impact on the target population (3 points).
    (b) Significance (3 points total). (1) The Secretary considers the 
significance of the proposed project.
    (3) In determining the significance of the proposed project, the 
Secretary considers 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 (3 points).
    (c) Design of training activities (14 points total). (1) The 
Secretary considers the extent to which the design of training 
activities is likely to be effective in accomplishing the objectives of 
the project.
    (2) In determining the extent to which the design is likely to be 
effective in accomplishing the objectives of the project, the Secretary 
considers the following factors:
    (i) The extent to which the proposed training materials are likely 
to be effective, including consideration of their quality, clarity, and 
variety (7 points).
    (ii) The extent to which the proposed training methods are of 
sufficient quality, intensity, and duration (7 points).
    (d) Design of dissemination activities (21 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 materials to be disseminated are likely 
to be effective and usable, including consideration of their quality, 
clarity, variety, and format (7 points).
    (ii) The extent to which the methods for dissemination are of 
sufficient quality, intensity, and duration (7 points).
    (iii) The extent to which the materials and information to be 
disseminated and the methods for dissemination are appropriate to the 
target population, including consideration of the familiarity of the 
target population with the subject matter, format of the information, 
and subject matter (7 points).
    (e) Design of technical assistance activities (21 points total). 
(1) The Secretary considers the extent to which the design of technical 
assistance activities is likely to be effective in accomplishing the 
objectives of the project.
    (2) In determining the extent to which the design is likely to be 
effective in accomplishing the objectives of the project, the Secretary 
considers the following factors:
    (i) The extent to which the methods for providing technical 
assistance are of sufficient quality, intensity, and duration (7 
points).
    (iii) The extent to which the information to be provided through 
technical assistance covers all of the relevant aspects of the subject 
matter (7 points).
    (iii) The extent to which the technical assistance is appropriate 
to the target population, including consideration of the knowledge 
level of the target population, needs of the target population, and 
format for providing information (7 points).
    (f) Quality of project services (10 points total). (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 (2 points).
    (3) In addition, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (i) The extent to which the services to be provided by the proposed 
project involve the collaboration of appropriate partners for 
maximizing the effectiveness of project services (5 points).
    (ii) 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 (3 points).
    (g) Quality of the management plan (3 points total). (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 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 (3 points).
    (h) Adequacy and reasonableness of the budget (4 points total). (1) 
The Secretary considers the adequacy and the reasonableness of the 
proposed budget.
    (2) In determining the adequacy and the reasonableness of the 
proposed budget, the Secretary the following factors:
    (i) The extent to which the costs are reasonable in relation to the 
proposed project activities (2 points).
    (ii) The extent to which the budget for the project, including any 
subcontracts, is adequately justified to support the proposed project 
activities (2 points).
    (i) Quality of the project evaluation (3 points total). (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 extent to which the methods of evaluation are thorough, 
feasible, and appropriate to the goals, objectives, and

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outcomes of the proposed project (3 points).
    (j) Project staff (14 points total). (1) The Secretary considers 
the quality of the project staff.
    (2) In determining the quality of the project staff, the Secretary 
considers the extent to which the applicant encourages applications for 
employment from persons who are members of groups that have 
traditionally been underrepresented based on race, color, national 
origin, gender, age, or disability (1 point).
    (3) In addition, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (i) The extent to which key personnel have expert knowledge on the 
ADA and experience with providing technical assistance on the ADA to 
conduct all proposed activities (8 points).
    (ii) The extent to which key personnel have expert knowledge about 
state-of-the-art IT to conduct all proposed activities (3 points).
    (iii) The extent to which the commitment of staff time is adequate 
to accomplish all the proposed activities of the project (2 points).
    (k) 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 facilities, equipment, and other 
resources are appropriately accessible to individuals with disabilities 
who may use the facilities, equipment, and other resources of the 
project (2 points).
    Additional Selection Criterion: The maximum score for all the 
criteria is 100 points; however, under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i) we will 
also use the following criterion so that up to an additional 10 points 
may be earned by an applicant for a total possible score of 110 points.
    Up to 10 points based on the extent to which an application 
includes effective strategies for employing and advancing in employment 
qualified individuals with disabilities in projects awarded under these 
absolute priorities. In determining the effectiveness of those 
strategies, we will consider the applicant's prior success, as 
described in the application, in employing and advancing in employment 
qualified individuals with disabilities.
    Thus, for purposes of this competitive preference, applicants can 
be awarded up to a total of 10 points in addition to those awarded 
under the published selection criteria for these priorities. That is, 
an applicant meeting this competitive preference could earn a maximum 
total of 110 points.

Instructions for Application Narrative

    The Secretary will reject without consideration or evaluation any 
application that proposes a project funding level that exceeds the 
stated maximum award amount per year (See 34 CFR 75.104(b)).
    The Secretary strongly recommends the following:
    (1) A one-page abstract;
    (2) An Application Narrative (i.e., Part III that addresses the 
selection criteria that will be used by reviewers in evaluating 
individual proposals) of no more 125 pages for Project applications, 
double-spaced (no more than 3 lines per vertical inch) 8" x 11" pages 
(on one side only) with one inch margins (top, bottom, and sides). The 
application narrative page limit recommendation does not apply to: Part 
I--the electronically scannable form; Part II--the budget section 
(including the narrative budget justification); and Part IV--the 
assurances and certifications; and
    (3) A font no smaller than a 12-point font and an average character 
density no greater than 14 characters per inch.

Instructions for Transmittal of Applications

    (a) If an applicant wants to apply for a grant, the applicant 
must--
    (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] and name), Washington, DC 20202-4725, or
    (2) Hand deliver the original and two copies of the application by 
4:30 p.m. [Washington, DC time] on or before the deadline date to: U.S. 
Department of Education, Application Control Center, Attention: (CFDA # 
[Applicant must insert number and letter] and name), Room #3633, 
Regional Office Building #3, 7th and D Streets, SW., Washington, DC.
    (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 (ED Form 424 (Rev. 
11/12/99)) and instructions.

    PART II: Budget Form--Non-Construction Programs (ED 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

[[Page 1484]]

awarded unless a completed application form has been received.

Electronic Access to This Document

    You may view this document, as well as all other Department of 
Education documents published in the Federal Register, in text or Adobe 
Portable Document Format (PDF) on the Internet at either of the 
following sites:

http://ocfo.ed.gov/fedreg.htm
http://www.ed.gov/news.html

    To use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available 
free at either of the preceding sites. If you have questions about 
using PDF, call the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO), toll free at 
1-888-293-6498; or in the Washington, DC, area at (202) 512-1530.

    Note: The official version of this document is the document 
published in the Federal Register. Free Internet access to the 
official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of Federal 
Regulations is available on GPO Access at:


http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/index.html

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers: 84.133D, Disability 
and Rehabilitation Research Projects)

    Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 762(g) and 764(b)(4).

    Dated: December 26, 2000.
Curtis L. Richards,
Acting 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.

Frequest Questions

1. Can I Get an Extansion 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 a Disability and Rehabilitation Research 
Project should limit indirect charges to the organization's approved 
indirect cost rate. If the organization does not have an approved 
indirect cost rate, the application should include an estimated 
actual rate.

6. Can Profitmaking Businesses Apply for Grants?

    Yes. However, for-profit organizations will not be able to 
collect a fee or profit on the grant, and in some programs will be 
required to share in the costs of the project.

7. Can Individuals Apply for Grants?

    No. Only organizations are eligible to apply for grants under 
NIDRR programs. However, individuals are the only entities eligible 
to apply for fellowships.

8. Can NIDRR Staff Advise Me Whether My Project is of Interest to NIDRR 
or Likely to be Funded?

    No. NIDRR staff can advise you of the requirements of the 
program in which you propose to submit your application. However, 
staff cannot advise you of whether your subject area or proposed 
approach is likely to receive approval.

9. How Do I Assure That My Application Will be Referred to the Most 
Appropriate Panel for Review?

    Applicants should be sure that their applications are referred 
to the correct competition by clearly including the competition 
title and CFDA number, including alphabetical code, on the ED Form 
424, and including a project title that describes the project.

10. How Soon After Submitting My Application Can I Find Out if it Will 
be Funded?

    The time from closing date to grant award date varies from 
program to program. Generally speaking, NIDRR endeavors to have 
awards made within five to six months of the closing date. 
Unsuccessful applicants generally will be notified within that time 
frame as well. For the purpose of estimating a project start date, 
the applicant should estimate approximately six months from the 
closing date, but no later than the following September 30.

11. Can I Call NIDRR to Find Out if My Application is Being Funded?

    No. When NIDRR is able to release information on the status of 
grant applications, it will notify applicants by letter. The results 
of the peer review cannot be released except through this formal 
notification.

12. If My Application is Successful, Can I Assume I Will Get the 
Requested Budget Amount in Subsequent Years?

    No. Funding in subsequent years is subject to availability of 
funds and project performance.

13. Will All Approved Applications be Funded?

    No. It often happens that the peer review panels approve for 
funding more applications than NIDRR can fund within available 
resources. Applicants who are approved but not funded are encouraged 
to consider submitting similar applications in future competitions.

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[FR Doc. 01-85 Filed 1-4-01; 8:45 am]
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