[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 54 (Monday, March 23, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 12122-12126]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-6322]


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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION


Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services Overview 
Information; National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation 
Research (NIDRR)--Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and 
Centers Program--Disability Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRPs)--
Technology Access in Resource-Limited Environments; Notice Inviting 
Applications for New Awards for Fiscal Year (FY) 2009

    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 84.133A-6.
    Dates:
    Applications Available: March 23, 2009.
    Date of Pre-Application Meeting: April 23, 2009.
    Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: May 22, 2009.

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Purpose of Program: The purpose of the DRRP program is to improve 
the effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act 
of 1973, as amended, by developing methods, procedures, and 
rehabilitation technologies that advance a wide range of independent 
living and employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities, 
especially individuals with the most severe disabilities. 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, training, 
demonstration, development, 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.
    Priorities: NIDRR has established two priorities for this 
competition. The General DRRP Requirements priority is from the notice 
of final priorities for the Disability and Rehabilitation Research 
Projects and Centers Program, published in the Federal Register on 
April 28, 2006 (71 FR 25472). The Technology Access in Resource-Limited 
Environments priority is from the notice of final priorities for the 
Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program, 
published in the Federal Register on February 1, 2008 (73 FR 6132).

    Note: On February 1, 2008, we also published a notice in the 
Federal Register (73 FR 6162) inviting applications for a number of 
competitions, including one using the Technology Access in Resource-
Limited Environments priority. None of the applications we received 
for this priority were successful. On June 12, 2008, we published 
another notice in the Federal Register (73 FR 33420) inviting 
applications for the Technology Access in Resource-Limited 
Environments priority and, once again, none of the applications we 
received for this priority were successful. Consequently, due to 
this lack of quality applications, NIDRR is again recompeting this 
priority. NIDRR is seeking applications that address all elements of 
the priority and that propose appropriate, quality research 
methodologies.

    Accordingly, through this notice, we are inviting applications for 
another competition using the Technology Access in Resource-Limited 
Environments priority.
    Absolute Priorities: For FY 2009, these priorities are absolute 
priorities. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(3) we consider only applications 
that meet these priorities.

[[Page 12123]]

    These priorities are:
    General Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) 
Requirements and Technology Access in Resource-Limited Environments.
    Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 762(g) and 764(a).
    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 for this program in 34 CFR 
part 350. (c) The notice of final priorities for the Disability and 
Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program, published in the 
Federal Register on April 28, 2006 (71 FR 25472). (d) The notice of 
final priority and definitions for the Disability and Rehabilitation 
Research Projects and Centers Program, published in the Federal 
Register on February 1, 2008 (73 FR 6132).

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

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Discretionary grants.
    Estimated Available Funds: We intend to use an estimated $950,000 
for this DRRP competition. 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.
    Maximum Award: We will reject any application that proposes a 
budget exceeding $950,000 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: 1.

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

    Project Period: Up to 60 months.

III. Eligibility Information

    1. Eligible Applicants: States; public or private agencies, 
including for-profit agencies; public or private organizations, 
including for-profit organizations; IHEs; and Indian Tribes and Tribal 
organizations.
    2. Cost Sharing or Matching: Cost sharing is required by 34 CFR 
350.62(a)(3)(i) and will be negotiated at the time of the grant award.

IV. Application and Submission Information

    1. Address to Request Application Package: You can obtain an 
application package via the Internet or from the Education Publications 
Center (ED Pubs). To obtain a copy via the Internet, use the following 
address: http://www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/grantapps/index.html. To 
obtain a copy from ED Pubs, write, fax, 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), call, toll free: 1-877-
576-7734.
    You can contact ED Pubs at its Web site, also: http://www.ed.gov/pubs/edpubs.html or 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 84.133A-6.
    Individuals with disabilities can obtain a copy of the application 
package in an accessible format (e.g., braille, large print, audiotape, 
or computer diskette) by contacting the person or team listed under 
Accessible Format in section VIII 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 125 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 spacing 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).
     Use one of the following fonts: Times New Roman, Courier, 
Courier New, or Arial. An application submitted in any other font 
(including Times Roman or Arial Narrow) will not be accepted.
    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, the recommended page limit does apply to all of the 
application narrative section (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 (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: March 23, 2009.
    Date of Pre-Application Meeting: Interested parties are invited to 
participate in a pre-application meeting and to receive information and 
technical assistance through individual consultation with NIDRR staff. 
The pre-application meeting will be held on April 23, 2009. Interested 
parties may participate in this meeting by conference call with NIDRR 
staff from the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services 
between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., Washington, DC time. NIDRR staff also will 
be available from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the 
same day, by telephone, to provide information and technical assistance 
through individual consultation. For further information or to make 
arrangements to participate in the meeting via conference call or for 
an individual consultation, contact Donna Nangle, U.S. Department of 
Education, Potomac Center Plaza (PCP), room 6029, 550 12th Street, SW., 
Washington, DC 20202. Telephone: (202) 245-7462 or by e-mail: 
[email protected].
    Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: May 22, 2009.
    Applications for grants under this program may be submitted 
electronically using the http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov Apply site (http://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 in paper format by mail or hand delivery, please refer to section 
IV. 6. Other Submission Requirements of this notice.
    We do not consider an application that does not comply with the 
deadline requirements.
    Individuals with disabilities who need an accommodation or 
auxiliary aid in connection with the application process should contact 
the person listed

[[Page 12124]]

under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT in section VII of this notice. If 
the Department provides an accommodation or auxiliary aid to an 
individual with a disability in connection with the application 
process, the individual's application remains subject to all other 
requirements and limitations in this notice.
    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 program may be submitted electronically or in paper format by mail 
or hand delivery.

a. Electronic Submission of Applications

    We are participating as a partner in the Governmentwide http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov 
Apply site. The Disability Rehabilitation Research Projects 
competition, CFDA number 84.133A-6, is included in this project. We 
request your participation in http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov.
    If you choose to submit your application electronically, you must 
use the Governmentwide http://Grants.gov">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 the Disability 
Rehabilitation Research Projects competition, CFDA number 84.133A-6, 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 (e.g., search for 84.133, not 
84.133A).
    Please note the following:
     Your participation in http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov is voluntary.
     When you enter the http://Grants.gov">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 http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov are date and time 
stamped. Your application must be fully uploaded and submitted and must 
be date and time stamped by the http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov system no later than 4:30:00 
p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date. Except as 
otherwise noted in this section, we will not accept your application if 
it is received--that is, date and time stamped by the http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov 
system--after 4:30:00 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application 
deadline date. We do not consider an application that does not comply 
with the deadline requirements. When we retrieve your application from 
http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov, we will notify you if we are rejecting your application 
because it was date and time stamped by the http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov system after 
4:30:00 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 deadline 
date to begin the submission process through http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov.
     You should review and follow the Education Submission 
Procedures for submitting an application through http://Grants.gov">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 http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov 
system. You can also find the Education Submission Procedures 
pertaining to http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov at http://e-Grants.ed.gov/help/GrantsgovSubmissionProcedures.pdf.
     To submit your application via http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov, you must 
complete all steps in the http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov registration process (see http://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp). These steps include (1) 
registering your organization, a multi-part process that includes 
registration with the Central Contractor Registry (CCR); (2) 
registering yourself as an Authorized Organization Representative 
(AOR); and (3) getting authorized as an AOR by your organization. 
Details on these steps are outlined in the http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov 3-Step 
Registration Guide (see http://www.grants.gov/section910/Grants.govRegistrationBrochure.pdf). You also must 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, and you must have completed all registration steps to 
allow you to submit successfully an application via http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov. In 
addition you will need to update your CCR registration on an annual 
basis. This may take three 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.
     If you submit your application electronically, you must 
submit all documents electronically, including all information you 
typically provide on the following forms: Application for Federal 
Assistance (SF 424), the Department of Education Supplemental 
Information for SF 424, Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs 
(ED 524), and all necessary assurances and certifications.
     If you 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 in 
this paragraph 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 from http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov an automatic notification of receipt that 
contains a http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov tracking number. (This notification indicates 
receipt by http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov only, not receipt by the Department.) The 
Department then will retrieve your application from http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov and send 
a second notification to you by e-mail. This second notification 
indicates that the Department has received your application and has 
assigned your application 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 Technical Issues 
with the http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov System: If you are experiencing problems submitting 
your application through http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov, please contact the http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov 
Support Desk, toll free, at 1-800-518-4726. You must obtain a 
http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov Support Desk Case Number and must keep a record of it.
    If you are prevented from electronically submitting your 
application on the application deadline date because of technical 
problems with the http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov system, we will grant you an extension 
until 4:30:00 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 described elsewhere in this notice.
    If you submit an application after 4:30:00 p.m., Washington, DC 
time, on the application deadline date, please contact the person 
listed under FOR

[[Page 12125]]

FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT in section VII of this notice and provide 
an explanation of the technical problem you experienced with 
http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov, along with the http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov Support Desk Case Number. We will 
accept your application if we can confirm that a technical problem 
occurred with the http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov system and that that problem affected your 
ability to submit your application by 4:30:00 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: The extensions to which we refer in this section apply 
only to the unavailability of, or technical problems with, the 
http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov system. We will not grant you an extension if you failed 
to fully register to submit your application to http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov before 
the application deadline date and time or if the technical problem 
you experienced is unrelated to the http://Grants.gov">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 following address: 
U.S. Department of Education, Application Control Center, Attention: 
(CFDA Number 84.133A-6), LBJ Basement Level 1, 400 Maryland Avenue, 
SW., Washington, DC 20202-4260.
    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.
    (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.
    (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: (CFDA Number 84.133A-
6), 550 12th Street, SW., Room 7041, Potomac Center Plaza, Washington, 
DC 20202-4260.
    The Application Control Center accepts hand deliveries daily 
between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30:00 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 11 of the SF 424 the CFDA number, including 
suffix letter, if any, of the competition under which you are 
submitting your application; and
    (2) The Application Control Center will mail to you a 
notification of receipt of your grant application. If you do not 
receive this notification 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 350.54 and are listed in the application package.
    2. Review and Selection Process: Additional factors we consider in 
determining the merits of an application 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 public benefits for 
individuals with disabilities. Applicants should propose projects that 
are 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 (including 
a discussion of measures of effectiveness), 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. 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 Notice 
(GAN). We may notify you informally, also.
    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 directed by the Secretary 
under 34 CFR 75.118. The Secretary may also require more frequent 
performance reports under 34 CFR 75.720(c). For specific requirements 
on reporting, please go to http://www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html.

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

    4. Performance Measures: 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 percentage of newly-awarded NIDRR projects that are 
multi-site, collaborative, controlled studies of interventions and 
programs.
     The number of accomplishments (e.g., new or improved 
tools, methods, discoveries, standards, interventions, programs, or 
devices) developed or tested with NIDRR funding that have been judged 
by expert panels to be of high quality and to advance the field.

[[Page 12126]]

     The average number of publications per award based on 
NIDRR-funded research and development activities in refereed journals.
     The percentage of new grants that includes studies funded 
by NIDRR that assess the effectiveness of interventions, programs, and 
devices using rigorous methods.
    NIDRR uses information submitted by grantees as part of their 
annual performance reports in support of these performance measures.
    Updates on the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 
(GPRA) indicators, revisions, and methods appear on the NIDRR Program 
Review Web site: http://www.neweditions.net/pr/commonfiles/pmconcepts.htm.
    Grantees should consult this site 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: Donna Nangle, U.S. Department of 
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Room 6029, PCP, Washington, DC 
20202-2550. Telephone: (202) 245-7462 or by e-mail: 
[email protected].
    If you use a TDD, call the Federal Relay Service (FRS), toll free, 
at 1-800-877-8339.

VIII. Other Information

    Accessible Format: Individuals with disabilities can obtain this 
document and a copy of the application package in an accessible format 
(e.g., braille, large print, audiotape, or computer diskette) by 
contacting the Grants and Contracts Services Team, U.S. Department of 
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Room 5075, PCP, Washington, DC 
20202-2550. Telephone: (202) 245-7363. If you use a TDD, call the FRS, 
toll-free, at 1-800-877-8339.
    Electronic Access to this Document: You can 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: March 18, 2009.
Andrew J. Pepin,
Executive Administrator, Delegated the Authority to Perform the 
Functions of the Assistant Secretary for Special Education and 
Rehabilitative Services.
 [FR Doc. E9-6322 Filed 3-20-09; 8:45 am]
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