[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 233 (Tuesday, December 6, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 72630-72633]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E5-6910]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION


Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services Overview 
Information; National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation 
Research (NIDRR)--Disability and Rehabilitation Research Project and 
Centers Program--Field Initiated (FI) Projects; Notice Inviting 
Applications for New Awards for Fiscal Year (FY) 2006

    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 84.133G-1 
(Research) and 84.133G-2 (Development)
    Dates:
    Applications Available: December 6, 2005.
    Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: February 6, 2006.
    Eligible Applicants: 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.
    Estimated Available Funds: The Administration has requested 
$3,750,000 for the FI program for FY 2006. The actual level of funding, 
if any, depends on final congressional action. However, we are inviting 
applications to allow enough time to complete the grant process if 
Congress appropriates funds for this program.
    Estimated Range of Awards: $145,000-$150,000.
    Estimated Average Size of Awards: $147,500.
    Maximum Award: We will reject any application that proposes a 
budget exceeding $150,000 for a single budget period of 12 months. The 
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services 
may change the maximum amount through a notice published in the Federal 
Register.


    Note: The maximum amount includes direct and indirect costs.


    Estimated Number of Awards: 25.


    Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this 
notice.


    Project Period: Up to 36 months.

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Purpose of Program: The purpose of the Field Initiated (FI) program 
is to develop methods, procedures, and rehabilitation technology that 
maximize the full inclusion and integration into society, employment, 
independent living, family support, and economic and social self-
sufficiency of individuals with disabilities, especially individuals 
with the most severe disabilities; and to improve the effectiveness of 
services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
    FI projects carry out either research activities or development 
activities. NIDRR makes two types of grants under the FI program: 
Research grants (CFDA 84.133G-1) and development grants (CFDA 84.133G-
2). Applicants must indicate in their applications whether they are 
applying for a research grant (84.133G-1) or a development grant 
(84.133G-2).
     In carrying out a research activity under an FI research 
grant, a grantee must identify one or more hypotheses and, based on the 
hypotheses identified, perform an intensive, systematic study directed 
toward (1) new scientific knowledge, or (2) better understanding of the 
subject, problem studied, or body of knowledge.
     In carrying out a development activity under an FI 
development grant, a grantee must use knowledge and understanding 
gained from research to create materials, devices, systems, or methods 
beneficial to the target population, including design and development 
of prototypes and processes. Target population means the group of 
individuals, organizations, or other entities expected to be affected 
by the project. More than one group may be involved since a project may 
affect those who receive services, provide services, or administer 
services.


    Note: Different selection criteria are used for research 
projects (84.133G-1) and development projects (84.133G-2). In their 
applications, applicants must clearly indicate whether they are 
applying for a research grant (84.133G-1) or a development grant 
(84.133G-2) and must address the selection criteria relevant for 
their project type. Without exception, NIDRR will review each 
application based on the designation (i.e., research (84.133G-1) or 
development (84.133G-2)) made by the applicant. Applications will be 
determined ineligible and will not be reviewed if they do not 
include a clear designation of research or development.


    Note: NIDRR supports the goals of President Bush's New Freedom 
Initiative (NFI). The NFI can be accessed on the Internet at the 
following site: http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/newfreedom/.


    The FI projects are in concert with NIDRR's proposed Long-Range 
Plan for Fiscal Years 2005-2009 (Plan) published in the Federal 
Register on July 27, 2005 (70 FR 43521). The Plan is comprehensive and 
integrates many issues relating to disability and rehabilitation 
research topics. While applicants will find many sections throughout 
the Plan that support potential research and related activities to be 
conducted under the FI program, the specific reference to the FI 
program is on page 43533 of the Plan. The Plan can be accessed on the 
Internet at the following site: http://www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister/other/2005-3/072705d.html.
    Through the implementation of the NFI and the Plan, NIDRR seeks to: 
(1) Improve the quality and utility of disability and rehabilitation 
research; (2) Foster an exchange of expertise, information, and 
training to facilitate the advancement of knowledge and understanding 
of the unique needs of traditionally underserved populations; (3) 
Determine best strategies and programs to improve rehabilitation 
outcomes for underserved populations; (4) Identify research gaps; (5) 
Identify mechanisms of integrating research and practice; and (6) 
Disseminate findings.
    Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 764.
    Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General 
Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR parts 74, 75, 77, 80, 81, 
82, 84, 85, 86, and 97. (b) The regulations in 34 CFR part 350.


    Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 86 apply to institutions of 
higher education only.

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Discretionary grants.
    Estimated Available Funds: The Administration has requested 
$3,750,000 for the FI program for FY 2006. The actual level of funding, 
if any, depends on final congressional action. However, we are inviting 
applications to allow enough time to complete the grant process if 
Congress appropriates funds for this program.
    Estimated Range of Awards: $145,000-$150,000.
    Estimated Average Size of Awards: $147,500.
    Maximum Award: We will reject any application that proposes a 
budget exceeding $150,000 for a single budget period of 12 months. The 
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services 
may change the

[[Page 72631]]

maximum amount through a notice published in the Federal Register.


    Note: The maximum amount includes direct and indirect costs.


    Estimated Number of Awards: 25.


    Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this 
notice.


    Project Period: Up to 36 months.

III. Eligibility Information

    1. Eligible Applicants: 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.
    2. Cost Sharing or Matching: This program does not involve cost 
sharing or matching.

IV. Application and Submission Information

    1. Address to Request Application Package: You may obtain an 
application package via Internet or from the Education Publications 
Center (ED Pubs). To obtain a copy via Internet use the following 
address: http://www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/grantapps/index.html.
    To obtain a copy from ED Pubs, write or call the following: 
Education Publications Center, P.O. Box 1398, Jessup, MD 20794-1398. 
Telephone (toll free): 1-877-433-7827. FAX: (301) 470-1244. If you use 
a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), you may call (toll 
free): 1-877-576-7734.
    You may also contact ED Pubs at its Web site: http://www.ed.gov/pubs/edpubs.html or you may contact ED Pubs at its e-mail address: 
[email protected]
    If you request an application from ED Pubs, be sure to identify 
this competition as follows: CFDA Number: 84.133G.
    Individuals with disabilities may obtain a copy of the application 
package in an alternative format (e.g., Braille, large print, 
audiotape, or computer diskette) by contacting the program contact 
person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT in section VII of 
this notice.
    2. Content and Form of Application Submission: Requirements 
concerning the content of an application, together with the forms you 
must submit, are in the application package for this competition.
    Page Limit: The application narrative (Part III of the application) 
is where you, the applicant, address the selection criteria that 
reviewers use to evaluate your application. We recommend that you limit 
Part III to the equivalent of no more than 50 pages, using the 
following standards:
     A ``page'' is 8.5'' x 11'', on one side only, with 1'' 
margins at the top, bottom, and both sides.
     Double space (no more than three lines per vertical inch) 
all text in the application narrative. Single space may be used for 
titles, headings, footnotes, quotations, references, and captions, as 
well as all text in charts, tables, figures, and graphs.
     Use a font that is either 12 point or larger or no smaller 
than 10 pitch (characters per inch).
    The recommended page limit does not apply to Part I, the cover 
sheet; Part II, the budget section, including the narrative budget 
justification; Part IV, the assurances and certifications; or the one-
page abstract, the resumes, the bibliography, or the letters of 
support. However, you must include all of the application narrative in 
Part III.
    The application package will provide instructions for completing 
all components to be included in the application. Each application must 
include a cover sheet (ED Standard Form 424); budget requirements (ED 
Form 524) and narrative justification; other required forms; an 
abstract, Human Subjects narrative, Part III narrative; resumes of 
staff; and other related materials, if applicable.
    3. Submission Dates and Times: Applications Available: December 6, 
2005.
    Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: February 6, 2006.
    Applications for grants under this competition may be submitted 
electronically using the Grants.gov Apply site (Grants.gov), or in 
paper format by mail or hand delivery. For information (including dates 
and times) about how to submit your application electronically, or by 
mail or hand delivery, please refer to section IV. 6. Other Submission 
Requirements in this notice.
    We do not consider an application that does not comply with the 
deadline requirements.
    4. Intergovernmental Review: This program is not subject to 
Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79.
    5. Funding Restrictions: We reference regulations outlining funding 
restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice.
    6. Other Submission Requirements: Applications for grants under 
this competition may be submitted electronically or in paper format by 
mail or hand delivery.
    a. Electronic Submission of Applications.
    We have been accepting applications electronically through the 
Department's e-Application system since FY 2000. In order to expand on 
those efforts and comply with the President's Management Agenda, we are 
continuing to participate as a partner in the new government wide 
Grants.gov Apply site in FY 2006. Field Initiated Projects-CFDA Numbers 
84.133G-1 (Research) and 84.133G-2 (Development) are included in this 
project. We request your participation in Grants.gov.
    If you choose to submit your application electronically, you must 
use the Grants.gov Apply site at http://www.Grants.gov. Through this 
site, you will be able to download a copy of the application package, 
complete it offline, and then upload and submit your application. You 
may not e-mail an electronic copy of a grant application to us.
    You may access the electronic grant application for Field Initiated 
Projects, 84.133G-1 (Research) and 84.133G-2 (Development) at: http://
www.grants.gov. You must search for the downloadable application 
package for this program by the CFDA number. Do not include the CFDA 
number's alpha suffix in your search.
    Please note the following:
     Your participation in Grants.gov is voluntary.
     When you enter the Grants.gov site, you will find 
information about submitting an application electronically through the 
site, as well as the hours of operation.
     Applications received by Grants.gov are time and date 
stamped. Your application must be fully uploaded and submitted, and 
must be date/time stamped by the Grants.gov system no later than 4:30 
p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date. Except as 
otherwise noted in this section, we will not consider your application 
if it is date/time stamped by the Grants.gov system later than 4:30 
p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date. When we 
retrieve your application from Grants.gov, we will notify you if we are 
rejecting your application because it was date/time stamped by the 
Grants.gov system after 4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the 
application deadline date.
     The amount of time it can take to upload an application 
will vary depending on a variety of factors including the size of the 
application and the speed of your Internet connection. Therefore, we 
strongly recommend that you do not wait until the application

[[Page 72632]]

deadline date to begin the application process through Grants.gov.
     You should review and follow the Education Submission 
Procedures for submitting an application through Grants.gov that are 
included in the application package for this competition to ensure that 
you submit your application in a timely manner to the Grants.gov 
system. You can also find the Education Submission Procedures 
pertaining to Grants.gov at http://e-Grants.ed.gov/help/GrantsgovSubmissionProcedures.pdf.
     To submit your application via Grants.gov, you must 
complete the steps in the Grants.gov registration process (see http://www.Grants.gov/GetStarted) and provide on your application the same D-
U-N-S Number used with this registration. Please note that the 
registration process may take five or more business days to complete.
     You will not receive additional point value because you 
submit your application in electronic format, nor will we penalize you 
if you submit your application in paper format.
     You may submit all documents electronically, including all 
information typically included on the Application for Federal Education 
Assistance (ED 424), Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs (ED 
524), and all necessary assurances and certifications. If you choose to 
submit your application electronically, you must attach any narrative 
sections of your application as files in a .DOC (document), .RTF (rich 
text), or .PDF (Portable Document) format. If you upload a file type 
other than the three file types specified above or submit a password 
protected file, we will not review that material.
     Your electronic application must comply with any page 
limit requirements described in this notice.
     After you electronically submit your application, you will 
receive an automatic acknowledgment from Grants.gov that contains a 
Grants.gov tracking number. The Department will retrieve your 
application from Grants.gov and send you a second confirmation by e-
mail that will include a PR/Award number (an ED-specified identifying 
number unique to your application).
     We may request that you provide us original signatures on 
forms at a later date.

Application Deadline Date Extension in Case of System Unavailability

    If you are prevented from electronically submitting your 
application on the application deadline date because of technical 
problems with the Grants.gov system, we will grant you an extension 
until 4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, the following business day to 
enable you to transmit your application electronically, or by hand 
delivery. You also may mail your application by following the mailing 
instructions as described elsewhere in this notice. If you submit an 
application after 4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the deadline date, 
please contact the person listed elsewhere in this notice under FOR 
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT, and provide an explanation of the 
technical problem you experienced with Grants.gov, along with the 
Grants.gov Support Desk Case Number (if available). We will accept your 
application if we can confirm that a technical problem occurred with 
the Grants.gov system and that that problem affected your ability to 
submit your application by 4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the 
application deadline date. The Department will contact you after a 
determination is made on whether your application will be accepted.


    Note:  Extensions referred to in this section apply only to the 
unavailability of or technical problems with the Grants.gov system. 
We will not grant you an extension if you failed to fully register 
to submit your application to Grants.gov before the deadline date 
and time or if the technical problem you experienced is unrelated to 
the Grants.gov system.

    b. Submission of Paper Applications by Mail.
    If you submit your application in paper format by mail (through the 
U.S. Postal Service or a commercial carrier), you must mail the 
original and two copies of your application, on or before the 
application deadline date, to the Department at the applicable 
following address:
    By mail through the U.S. Postal Service: U.S. Department of 
Education, Application Control Center, Attention: (Applicants must 
identify either CFDA Number 84.133G-1 (Research) or 84.133G-2 
(Development) depending on the designation of their proposed project), 
400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20202-4260 or
    By mail through a commercial carrier: U.S. Department of Education, 
Application Control Center--Stop 4260, Attention: (Applicants must 
identify either CFDA Number 84.133G-1 (Research) or 84.133G-2 
(Development) depending on the designation of their proposed project.), 
7100 Old Landover Road, Landover, MD 20785-1506.
    Regardless of which address you use, you must show proof of mailing 
consisting of one of the following:
    (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, or
    (4) Any other proof of mailing acceptable to the Secretary of the 
U.S. Department of Education.
    If you mail your application through the U.S. Postal Service, we do 
not accept either of the following as proof of mailing:
    (1) A private metered postmark, or
    (2) A mail receipt that is not dated by the U.S. Postal Service.
    If your application is postmarked after the application deadline 
date, we will not consider your application.

    Note: The U.S. Postal Service does not uniformly provide a dated 
postmark. Before relying on this method, you should check with your 
local post office.

    c. Submission of Paper Applications by Hand Delivery.
    If you submit your application in paper format by hand delivery, 
you (or a courier service) must deliver the original and two copies of 
your application by hand, on or before the application deadline date, 
to the Department at the following address: U.S. Department of 
Education, Application Control Center, Attention: (Applicants must 
identify either CFDA Number 84.133G-1 (Research) or 84.133G-2 
(Development) depending on the designation of their proposed project.), 
550 12th Street, SW., Room 7041, Potomac Center Plaza, Washington, DC 
20202-4260. The Application Control Center accepts hand deliveries 
daily between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, except 
Saturdays, Sundays and Federal holidays.


    Note for Mail or Hand Delivery of Paper Applications: If you 
mail or hand deliver your application to the Department:
    (1) You must indicate on the envelope and--if not provided by 
the Department--in Item 4 of the Application for Federal Education 
Assistance (ED 424) the CFDA number--and suffix letter, if any--of 
the competition under which you are submitting your application.
    (2) The Application Control Center will mail a grant application 
receipt acknowledgment to you. If you do not receive the grant 
application receipt acknowledgment within 15 business days from the 
application deadline date, you should call the U.S. Department of 
Education Application Control Center at (202) 245-6288.

V. Application Review Information

    1. Selection Criteria: The selection criteria for this competition 
are from 34 CFR 75.210 and 34 CFR 350.54 and are in the application 
package.


[[Page 72633]]


    Note: There are two different sets of selection criteria for FI 
projects: one set to evaluate applications proposing to carry out 
research activities (84.133G-1), and a second set to evaluate 
applications proposing to carry out development activities (84.133G-
2). Each applicant will be evaluated using the selection criteria 
for the type of project (i.e., research (84.133G-1) or development 
(84.133G-2)) the applicant designates in its application.


    2. Review and Selection Process: Additional factors we consider in 
selecting an application for an award are as follows--
    The Secretary is interested in outcomes-oriented research or 
development projects that use rigorous scientific methodologies. To 
address this interest applicants are encouraged to articulate goals, 
objectives, and expected outcomes for the proposed research or 
development activities. Proposals should describe how results and 
planned outputs are expected to contribute to advances in knowledge, 
improvements in policy and practice, and eventually to public benefits 
for individuals with disabilities. Applicants should propose projects 
that are optimally designed to be consistent with these goals. We 
encourage applicants to include in their application a description of 
how results will measure progress towards achievement of anticipated 
outcomes, the mechanisms that will be used to evaluate outcomes 
associated with specific problems or issues, and how the proposed 
activities will support new intervention approaches and strategies, 
including a discussion of measures of effectiveness. Submission of the 
information identified in this section V.
    2. Review and Selection Process is voluntary, except where required 
by the selection criteria listed in the application package.

VI. Award Administration Information

    1. Award Notices: If your application is successful, we notify your 
U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators and send you a Grant Award 
Notification (GAN). We may also notify you informally.
    If your application is not evaluated or not selected for funding, 
we notify you.
    2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: We identify 
administrative and national policy requirements in the application 
package and reference these and other requirements in the Applicable 
Regulations section of this notice.
    We reference the regulations outlining the terms and conditions of 
an award in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice and 
include these and other specific conditions in the GAN. The GAN also 
incorporates your approved application as part of your binding 
commitments under the grant.
    3. Reporting: At the end of your project period, you must submit a 
final performance report, including financial information, as directed 
by the Secretary. If you receive a multi-year award, you must submit an 
annual performance report that provides the most current performance 
and financial expenditure information as specified by the Secretary in 
34 CFR 75.118.


    Note: NIDRR will provide information by letter to grantees on 
how and when to submit the report.


    4. Performance Measures: To evaluate the overall success of its 
research program, NIDRR assesses the quality of its funded projects 
through review of grantee performance and products. Each year, NIDRR 
examines a portion of its grantees to determine the extent to which 
grantees are conducting high-quality research and related activities 
that lead to high quality products. Performance measures for the FI 
studies program include--
     The percentage of grantee research and development that 
has appropriate study design, meets rigorous standards of scientific or 
engineering methods, and builds on and contributes to knowledge in the 
field;
     The number of publications per award based on NIDRR-funded 
research and development activities in refereed journals;
     The number of discoveries, analyses, and standards 
developed or tested with NIDRR funding that have been judged by expert 
panels to advance understanding of key concepts, issues, and emerging 
trends and strengthen the evidence-base for disability and 
rehabilitation policy, practice, and research;
     The number of new or improved tools and methods developed 
or tested with NIDRR funding that have been judged by expert panels to 
improve measurement and data collection procedures and enhance the 
design and evaluation of disability and rehabilitation interventions, 
products and devices; and
     The number of new and improved interventions, programs, 
and devices developed or tested with NIDRR funding that have been 
judged by expert panels to be successful in improving individual 
outcomes and increasing access.
    NIDRR uses information submitted by grantees as part of their 
Annual Performance Reports (APRs) for these reviews.
    The Department's program performance reports, which include 
information on NIDRR programs, are available on the Department's Web 
site: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/opepd/sas/index.html.
    Updates on the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) 
indicators, revisions, and methods appear in the NIDRR Program Review 
Web site: http://www.cessi.net/contracts/pm/doe_nidrr_tsam.html.
    Grantees should consult these sites, on a regular basis, to obtain 
details and explanations on how NIDRR programs contribute to the 
advancement of the Department's long-term and annual performance goals.

VII. Agency Contact

    For Further Information Contact: Lynn Medley, U.S. Department of 
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 6027, Potomac Center Plaza, 
Washington, DC 20202. Telephone: (202) 245-7338 or by e-mail: 
[email protected].
    If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), you may 
call the TDD number at (202) 245-7317 or the Federal Relay Service 
(FRS) at 1-800-877-8339.
    Individuals with disabilities may obtain this document in an 
alternative format (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer 
diskette) on request to the program contact person listed in this 
section.

VIII. Other Information

    Electronic Access to This Document: You may view this document, as 
well as all other documents of this Department published in the Federal 
Register, in text or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) on the 
Internet at the following site: http://www.ed.gov/news/fedregister.
    To use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available 
free at this site. 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.gpoaccess.gov/nara/index.html.


    Dated: December 1, 2005.
John H. Hager,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
 [FR Doc. E5-6910 Filed 12-5-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P