[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 82 (Friday, April 28, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 25472-25475]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-4030]



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Part V





Department of Education





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Grants and Cooperative Agreements; Special Education and Rehabilitative 
Services; Notices

  Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 82 / Friday, April 28, 2006 / 
Notices  

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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION


National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research; 
Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program; 
Disability Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRPs)

AGENCY: Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, 
Department of Education.

ACTION: Notice of final priorities for DRRPs, including priorities for 
the National Data and Statistical Center for the Spinal Cord Injury 
(SCI) Model Systems and the National Data and Statistical Center for 
the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Model Systems.

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SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and 
Rehabilitative Services announces certain final priorities for the 
Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program 
administered by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation 
Research (NIDRR). Specifically, this notice announces three 
priorities--a priority for General DRRP Requirements, a priority for 
the National Data and Statistical Center for the SCI Model Systems and 
a priority for the National Data and Statistical Center for the TBI 
Model Systems. The Assistant Secretary may use these priorities for 
competitions in fiscal year (FY) 2006 and later years. We take this 
action to focus research attention on areas of national need. We intend 
that these priorities will improve rehabilitation services and outcomes 
for individuals with disabilities.

DATES: Effective Date: These priorities are effective May 30, 2006.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donna Nangle, U.S. Department of 
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 6030, Potomac Center Plaza, 
Washington, DC 20202-2700. Telephone: (202) 245-7462 or by e-mail: 
[email protected].
    If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), you may 
call 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 contact person listed under FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program

    The purpose of the DRRP program is to plan and conduct research, 
demonstration projects, training, and related activities 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. DRRPs 
carry out one or more of the following types of activities, as 
specified and defined in 34 CFR 350.13 through 350.19: research, 
development, demonstration, training, dissemination, utilization, and 
technical assistance.
    An applicant for assistance under this program must demonstrate in 
its application how it will address, in whole or in part, the needs of 
individuals with disabilities from minority backgrounds (34 CFR 
350.40(a)). The approaches an applicant may take to meet this 
requirement are found in 34 CFR 350.40(b).
    Additional information on the DRRP program can be found at: http://www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/res-program.html#DRRP.
    We published a notice of proposed priorities (NPP) for NIDRR's 
Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program, 
including the DRRP program, in the Federal Register on February 7, 2006 
(71 FR 6318). The NPP included a background statement that described 
our rationale for each priority proposed in that notice.
    This notice of final priorities (NFP) addresses only 3 of the 15 
priorities proposed in the NPP. The priorities addressed in this NFP 
are as follows: General DRRP Requirements (designated as Priority 1 in 
the NPP), National Data and Statistical Center for the SCI Model 
Systems (designated as Priority 2 in the NPP), and National Data and 
Statistical Center for the TBI Model Systems (designated as Priority 3 
in the NPP). Because of the volume of comments received in response to 
the NPP, NIDRR intends to publish two separate notices of final 
priorities for the remaining 12 priorities proposed in the NPP (i.e., 
those priorities designated as Priorities 4 through 15 in the NPP). 
More information on these other priorities and the projects and 
programs that NIDRR intends to fund in FY 2006 can be found on the 
Internet at the following site: http://www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/nidrr/priority-matrix.html.
    This NFP contains two changes from the NPP in each of the National 
Data and Statistical Center for the SCI Model Systems priority and the 
National Data and Statistical Center for the TBI Model Systems 
priority. We have made no changes to the priority for General DRRP 
Requirements.
    An analysis of the comments and the changes in these priorities 
since publication of the NPP follows. We discuss major issues according 
to subject.
    Generally, we do not address technical and other minor changes and 
suggested changes we are not authorized to make under the applicable 
statutory authority.

Analysis of Comments and Changes

    In response to our invitation in the NPP, we received no comments 
on the General DRRP Requirements priority, two parties submitted 
comments on the proposed priority for the National Data and Statistical 
Center for the TBI Model Systems, and one party submitted comments on 
the proposed priority for the National Data and Statistical Center for 
the SCI Model Systems. Because the proposed priorities for the two 
National Data and Statistical Centers are identical for the SCI and TBI 
Model Systems Programs, NIDRR's responses to the comments received 
regarding each center are applicable to both priorities.

Priority 2--National Data and Statistical Center for the TBI Model 
Systems and Priority 3--National Data and Statistical Center for the 
SCI Model Systems

Scope of Work

    Comment: One commenter asked whether NIDRR expected the National 
Data and Statistical Centers to engage in dissemination activities on 
behalf of their respective Model Systems Programs.
    Discussion: While past priorities for the National Data and 
Statistical Center for the TBI Model Systems have required 
dissemination activities, the current priorities for the National Data 
and Statistical Centers do not require the centers to engage in 
dissemination activities. NIDRR expects that its proposed Model Systems 
Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC) (see proposed Priority 6 in the 
NPP) will fulfill this important responsibility. While the National 
Data and Statistical Centers are not expected to engage in 
dissemination activities themselves, they are expected to support the 
dissemination activities of the MSKTC. This support could involve, for 
instance, supplying data or consulting on dissemination strategies.
    Changes: Paragraph (f) of each National Data and Statistical Center 
priority has been changed to clarify that

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grantees are required to coordinate with the MSKTC in addition to the 
National Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems Data Center and the 
National Burn Model Systems Data Center in order to improve the quality 
and efficiency of the SCI Model Systems Database operations.
    Comment: One commenter asked whether NIDRR expects or plans to 
encourage the National Data and Statistical Centers to lead their 
respective Model Systems Programs in new research projects.
    Discussion: While past priorities for the National Data and 
Statistical Center for the SCI Model Systems have required that the 
center have a capacity to conduct original research, the current 
priorities for the National Data and Statistical Centers only require 
applicants to contribute to the outcome of rigorous research within 
their respective Model Systems Program by ``making statistical and 
other methodological consultation available for research projects that 
use the SCI Model Systems Database, as well as center-specific and 
collaborative projects.'' That said, nothing in the priorities would 
prohibit the centers from participating in research projects to the 
extent the projects use data collected under the guidance of the 
centers.
    Changes: None.

Continuity of Longitudinal Databases

    Comment: One commenter noted that applicants for the National Data 
and Statistical Center for the SCI Model Systems should be able to 
propose working with any former SCI Model Systems center--not just 
those Model Systems centers that were funded by NIDRR in the most 
recent five-year cycle--in order to enhance the continuity of the SCI 
Model Systems Database (see paragraph (e) in the proposed priority).
    Discussion: NIDRR agrees that applicants should be allowed greater 
flexibility in collecting follow-up data from individuals who were once 
enrolled by centers that no longer receive Model Systems program 
funding. This flexibility is necessary because the task is complex, and 
there is likely more than one way to carry out this activity.
    Changes: Paragraph (e) of each National Data and Statistical Center 
priority has been changed to clarify that applicants may propose to 
collaborate with up to four Model Systems centers that were formerly 
funded by NIDRR but are not receiving current Model Systems Program 
funding to enhance the continuity of the Model Systems databases.
    Comment: Three commenters asked NIDRR to clarify the financial 
mechanism by which continued collection of data from former Model 
Systems centers would be achieved.
    Discussion: NIDRR will not provide funds directly to former Model 
Systems centers for the purpose of longitudinal data collection. 
Applicants for the National Data and Statistical centers must describe 
in their applications how they propose to work with former Model 
Systems centers toward the outcome of enhanced continuity of the Model 
Systems databases. This work could include, or instance, subcontracting 
with former Model Systems centers.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Three commenters asked for clarification on how the 
National Data and Statistical Centers should budget and plan for the 
continued collection of data from Model Systems centers that do not 
receive funding during the National Data and Statistical Centers' grant 
cycle. These commenters noted that the size of the Model Systems 
database samples from Model Systems centers formerly funded by NIDRR 
will not be known until funding decisions for the Model Systems centers 
have been made in the future.
    Discussion: NIDRR's priorities for the National Data and 
Statistical Centers do not require applicants to collect longitudinal 
data from every database participant enrolled by former Model Systems 
centers. This flexibility allows applicants to propose to use a 
sampling technique to follow a specific number of database participants 
from formerly funded centers. It is the applicant's responsibility to 
propose methods to optimize the continuity of their respective Model 
Systems database, given the resources that are made available through 
the National Data and Statistical Center grant.
    Changes: None.


    Note: This notice does not solicit applications. In any year in 
which we choose to use these proposed priorities, we invite 
applications through a notice in the Federal Register. When inviting 
applications we designate the priorities as absolute, competitive 
preference, or invitational. The effect of each type of priority 
follows:


    Absolute priority: Under an absolute priority, we consider only 
applications that meet the priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(3)).
    Competitive preference priority: Under a competitive preference 
priority, we give competitive preference to an application by either 
(1) awarding additional points, depending on how well or the extent to 
which the application meets the competitive preference priority (34 CFR 
75.105(c)(2)(i)); or (2) selecting an application that meets the 
competitive preference priority over an application of comparable merit 
that does not meet the priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(ii)).
    Invitational priority: Under an invitational priority, we are 
particularly interested in applications that meet the invitational 
priority. However, we do not give an application that meets the 
invitational priority a competitive or absolute preference over other 
applications (34 CFR 75.105(c)(1)).


    Note: This NFP is in concert with President George W. Bush's New 
Freedom Initiative (NFI) and NIDRR's Final Long-Range Plan for FY 
2005-2009 (Plan). The NFI can be accessed on the Internet at the 
following site: http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/newfreedom.


    The Plan, which was published in the Federal Register on February 
15, 2006 (71 FR 8165), can be accessed on the Internet at the following 
site: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/nidrr/policy.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.

Priorities

Priority 1--General Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects 
(DRRP) Requirements

    To meet this priority, the Disability and Rehabilitation Research 
Projects (DRRP) must--
    (a) Coordinate on research projects of mutual interest with 
relevant NIDRR-funded projects, as identified through consultation with 
the NIDRR project officer;
    (b) Involve individuals with disabilities in planning and 
implementing the DRRP's research, training, and dissemination 
activities, and in evaluating its work; and
    (c) Identify anticipated outcomes (i.e., advances in knowledge or 
changes and improvements in policy, practice, behavior, and system 
capacity) that are linked to the applicant's stated grant objectives.

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Priority 2--National Data and Statistical Center for the Spinal Cord 
Injury (SCI) Model Systems

    Priority: The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and 
Rehabilitative Services establishes a priority for the funding of a 
National SCI Model Systems Data Center that advances medical 
rehabilitation by increasing the rigor and efficiency of scientific 
efforts to longitudinally assess the experience of individuals with 
SCI. To meet this priority, the National SCI Model Systems Data 
Center's research and technical assistance must be designed to 
contribute to the following outcomes:
    (a) Maintenance of a national longitudinal database for data 
submitted by each of the SCI Model Systems Centers (SCI Model Systems 
Database). This database must provide for confidentiality, quality 
control, and data-retrieval capabilities, using cost-effective and 
user-friendly technology.
    (b) High-quality, reliable data in the SCI Model Systems Database. 
The National SCI Model Systems Data Center must contribute to this 
outcome by providing training and technical assistance to SCI Model 
Systems Centers on subject retention and data collection procedures, 
data entry methods, and appropriate use of study instruments, and by 
monitoring the quality of the data submitted by the SCI Model Systems 
Centers.
    (c) High-quality data collected from database participants of all 
racial/ethnic backgrounds. The National SCI Model Systems Data Center 
must contribute to this outcome by providing knowledge, training, and 
technical assistance to the SCI Model Systems Centers on culturally 
appropriate methods of longitudinal data collection and participant 
retention.
    (d) Rigorous research conducted by SCI Model Systems Centers and 
all investigators who are analyzing data from the SCI Model Systems 
Database. The National SCI Model Systems Data Center must contribute to 
this outcome by making statistical and other methodological 
consultation available for research projects that use the SCI Model 
Systems Database, as well as center-specific and collaborative projects 
of the SCI Model Systems Program.
    (e) Enhanced continuity of the SCI Model Systems Database. The 
National SCI Model Systems Data Center must contribute to this outcome 
by establishing and implementing a mechanism for continued collection 
of follow-up data from individuals who were enrolled by SCI Model 
Systems Centers that no longer receive Model Systems Program funding. 
This mechanism must focus on continued collection of data from up to 
four SCI Model Systems Centers that were previously funded, but that 
have not received subsequent funding under the Model Systems Program.
    (f) Improved quality and efficiency of the SCI Model Systems 
Database operations through collaboration with the National Traumatic 
Brain Injury Model Systems Data Center, the National Burn Model Systems 
Data Center, and the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center 
(MSKTC).

Priority 3--National Data and Statistical Center for the Traumatic 
Brain Injury (TBI) Model Systems

    Priority: The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and 
Rehabilitative Services establishes a priority for the funding of a 
National TBI Model Systems Data Center that advances medical 
rehabilitation by increasing the rigor and efficiency of scientific 
efforts to longitudinally assess the experience of individuals with 
TBI. To meet this priority, the National TBI Model Systems Data 
Center's research and technical assistance must be designed to 
contribute to the following outcomes:
    (a) Maintenance of a national longitudinal database for data 
submitted by each of the TBI Model Systems Centers (TBI Model Systems 
Database). This database must provide for confidentiality, quality 
control, and data-retrieval capabilities, using cost-effective and 
user-friendly technology.
    (b) High-quality, reliable data in the TBI Model Systems Database. 
The National TBI Model Systems Data Center must contribute to this 
outcome by providing training and technical assistance to TBI Model 
Systems Centers on subject retention and data collection procedures, 
data entry methods, and appropriate use of study instruments, and by 
monitoring the quality of the data submitted by the TBI Model Systems 
Centers.
    (c) High-quality data collected from database participants of all 
racial/ethnic backgrounds. The National TBI Model Systems Data Center 
must contribute to this outcome by providing knowledge, training, and 
technical assistance to the TBI Model Systems Centers on culturally 
appropriate methods of longitudinal data collection and participant 
retention.
    (d) Rigorous research conducted by TBI Model Systems Centers and 
all investigators who are analyzing data from the TBI Model Systems 
Database. The National TBI Model Systems Data Center must contribute to 
this outcome by making statistical and other methodological 
consultation available for research projects that use the TBI Model 
Systems Database, as well as center-specific and collaborative projects 
of the TBI Model Systems Program.
    (e) Enhanced continuity of the TBI Model Systems Database. The 
National TBI Model Systems Data Center must contribute to this outcome 
by establishing and implementing a mechanism for continued collection 
of follow-up data from individuals who were enrolled by TBI Model 
Systems Centers that no longer receive Model Systems Program funding. 
This mechanism must focus on continued collection of data from up to 
four TBI Model Systems Centers that were previously funded, but that 
have not received subsequent funding under the Model Systems Program.
    (f) Improved quality and efficiency of the TBI Model Systems 
Database operations through collaboration with the National Spinal Cord 
Injury Model Systems Data Center, the National Burn Model Systems Data 
Center, and the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC).

Executive Order 12866

    This NFP has been reviewed in accordance with Executive Order 
12866. Under the terms of the order, we have assessed the potential 
costs and benefits of this regulatory action.
    The potential costs associated with the NFP are those resulting 
from statutory requirements and those we have determined as necessary 
for administering this program effectively and efficiently. In 
assessing the potential costs and benefits--both quantitative and 
qualitative--of this NFP, we have determined that the benefits of the 
final priorities justify the costs.
    Summary of potential costs and benefits: The potential costs 
associated with these final priorities are minimal while the benefits 
are significant. Grantees may incur some costs associated with 
completing the application process in terms of staff time, copying, and 
mailing or delivery. The use of e-Application technology reduces 
mailing and copying costs significantly.
    The benefits of the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects 
and Centers Programs have been well established over the years in that 
similar projects have been completed successfully. These final 
priorities will generate new knowledge and technologies through 
research,

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development, dissemination, utilization, and technical assistance 
projects.
    Another benefit of these final priorities is that the establishment 
of new DRRPs will support the President's NFI and improve the lives of 
persons with disabilities. The new DRRPs will generate, disseminate, 
and promote the use of new information that will improve the options 
for individuals with disabilities.
    Applicable Program Regulations: 34 CFR part 350.

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 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.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number 84.133A, Disability 
Rehabilitation Research Projects)

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

    Dated: April 25, 2006.
John H. Hager,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
[FR Doc. 06-4030 Filed 4-27-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P