[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 152 (Thursday, August 6, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 47752-47758]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-16959]
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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Applications for New Awards; Rehabilitation Training: Innovative
Rehabilitation Training Program
AGENCY: Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services,
Department of Education.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Education (Department) is issuing a
notice inviting applications (NIA) for fiscal year (FY) 2020 for the
Innovative Rehabilitation Training program, Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance (CFDA) number 84.263D/E/F. These competitions fund time-
limited training projects to develop, refine, implement, evaluate, and
disseminate innovative methods of training vocational rehabilitation
(VR) personnel and Client Assistance Program (CAP) personnel to support
the work of the State VR agencies and the implementation of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (Rehabilitation Act). In the FY 2020 competitions, the
Department is focusing on innovative rehabilitation training in the
following areas: CAP (84.263D); assisting and supporting individuals
with disabilities pursuing self-employment, business ownership, and
telecommuting (84.263E); and field-initiated projects in an area
related to VR (84.263F). This notice relates to the approved
information collection under OMB control number 1820-0018.
DATES:
Applications Available: August 6, 2020.
Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: September 3, 2020.
Date of Pre-Application Meeting: The Office of Special Education
and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) will post a PowerPoint presentation
that provides general information related to RSA's discretionary grant
competitions and a PowerPoint presentation specifically related to this
Innovative Rehabilitation Training program competition at https://ncrtm.ed.gov/RSAGrantInfo.aspx. OSERS will conduct a pre-application
meeting specific to this competition via conference call to respond to
questions. Information about the pre-application meeting will be
available at https://ncrtm.ed.gov/RSAGrantInfo.aspx prior to the date
of the call. OSERS invites you to send questions to [email protected] in
advance of the pre-application meeting. The teleconference information,
including the 84.263D/E/F pre-application meeting summary of the
questions and answers, will be available at https://ncrtm.ed.gov/RSAGrantInfo.aspx within six days after the pre-application meeting.
ADDRESSES: For the addresses for obtaining and submitting an
application, please refer to our Common Instructions for Applicants to
Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the
Federal Register on February 13, 2019 (84 FR 3768) and available at
www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2019-02-13/pdf/2019-02206.pdf.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cassandra P. Shoffler, U.S. Department
of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 5065A, Potomac Center Plaza,
Washington, DC 20202-2800. Telephone: (202) 245-7827. Email:
[email protected].
If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) or a text
telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay Service (FRS), toll free, at 1-
800-877-8339.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Full Text of Announcement
I. Funding Opportunity Description
Purpose of Program: The Innovative Rehabilitation Training program
is designed to develop (a) new types of training programs for
rehabilitation personnel and to demonstrate the effectiveness of these
new types of training programs for rehabilitation personnel in
providing rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities; (b)
new and improved methods of training rehabilitation personnel so that
there may be a more effective delivery of rehabilitation services to
individuals with disabilities by designated State rehabilitation
agencies and designated State rehabilitation units or other public or
non-profit rehabilitation service agencies or organizations; and (c)
new innovative training programs for VR
[[Page 47753]]
professionals and paraprofessionals to have a 21st-century
understanding of the evolving labor force and the needs of individuals
with disabilities so they can more effectively provide VR services to
individuals with disabilities. Projects must be awarded and operated in
a manner consistent with the nondiscrimination requirements contained
in the U.S. Constitution and the Federal civil rights laws.
Priorities: This competition includes three absolute priorities and
two competitive preference priorities.
The absolute priorities are from the notice of final priorities for
this program (NFP) published elsewhere in this issue of the Federal
Register. Competitive Preference Priority 1 is from the Secretary's
Final Supplemental Priorities and Definitions for Discretionary Grant
Programs (Supplemental Priorities) published in the Federal Register on
March 2, 2018 (83 FR 9096). Competitive Preference Priority 2 is from
the Secretary's Final Administrative Priorities for Discretionary Grant
Programs (Administrative Priorities) published in the Federal Register
on March 9, 2020 (85 FR 13640).
Absolute Priorities: For FY 2020, and any subsequent year in which
we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this
competition, these priorities are absolute priorities. Under 34 CFR
75.105(c)(3), we consider only applications that meet one of these
priorities. Applicants must identify the specific absolute priority
under which they are applying as part of the competition title on the
application cover sheet (SF form 424, line 4). Applicants must submit
separate applications if applying under more than one priority.
These priorities are:
Absolute Priority 1--Innovative Rehabilitation Training Program:
Client Assistance Program.
A project under this priority must increase the CAP professionals'
knowledge about all requirements governing the CAP program and VR
services under the Rehabilitation Act, while also increasing the
capacity of CAP professionals to inform VR clients and applicants about
the expanded opportunities available under the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (WIOA) and provide the assistance and advocacy that the
clients and applicants need. The project must enhance CAP
professionals' knowledge, skills, and competencies in each of the
following required subject areas: (a) CAP responsibilities in section
112 of the Rehabilitation Act and the VR service provision requirements
in the Rehabilitation Act, particularly in support of the
implementation of key provisions of WIOA; (b) expanded opportunities
for quality employment under WIOA and the pertinent provisions
regarding unified and combined State plans, common performance
measures, and the workforce development system, including pre-
employment transition services, work-based learning, apprenticeships,
customized employment, career pathways, and postsecondary credentials,
including advanced degrees; (c) opportunities and challenges for
individuals with the most significant disabilities, students and youth
with disabilities, and traditionally underserved populations, including
those at the intersection of poverty and disability; (d) program and
fiscal management training to promote the effective use of Federal and
non-Federal resources under the Rehabilitation Act; and (e) leadership,
relationship-building, outreach, and individuals and systems advocacy
skills to promote effective interaction by CAP professionals with VR
clients and applicants, State VR agencies, State Rehabilitation
Councils, and other important stakeholders.
The project must develop a new or substantially improved training
program meeting the professional needs and the required knowledge,
skills, and competencies of CAP professionals. The CAP training program
will consist of established, stand-alone training modules, and ad hoc
training activities developed in response to emerging circumstances or
trends. Stand-alone training modules may include selected topics that
can be incorporated into existing academic degree or short-term VR
training programs, for example, to promote greater understanding among
VR professionals and paraprofessionals about the CAP program and the
individuals that it serves.
The CAP training program will also encompass ongoing technical
assistance related to topics addressed in the training modules and ad
hoc training activities, including consultation and technical
assistance on options for applying existing law, regulations, and RSA-
issued guidance to specific factual circumstances that arise in the
course of CAP professionals' individual or systems advocacy efforts.
Training delivery methods must encompass: (a) State-of-the-art
communication tools and platforms, including an interactive project
website, distance learning and convening technologies, social media,
and searchable databases; and (b) the latest knowledge translation
methods and techniques, including engaging training recipients with
different learning styles.
The project must develop an overall training plan specifying the
major components (e.g., training modules, ad hoc training activities,
and ongoing technical assistance), informational resources (e.g.,
curricula, materials, searchable databases, communities of practice),
and modes of delivery (e.g., in-person, virtual). The training plan
must be based on the identified training needs of CAP professionals to
effectively carry out the CAP responsibilities under title IV, section
112 of the Rehabilitation Act.
The training modules must be developed by the end of the first year
of the project period and piloted, refined, implemented, evaluated, and
disseminated in years two, three, four, and five of the project period.
The ad hoc training activities and technical assistance will be
developed on any ongoing basis in response to circumstances and
emerging needs.
A process for continuous feedback, evaluation, and improvement to
ensure that the training modules, the ad hoc training activities, and
technical assistance are responsive to the needs of CAP professionals
throughout years two, three, four, and five must be included. This
process may include surveys, success stories, and analyses of selected
data elements of the Annual CAP Performance Report (RSA-227).
The training and technical assistance must be of sufficient scope,
intensity, and duration for CAP professionals to achieve increased
skill, knowledge, and competence in the topic areas.
The applicant must review and incorporate the resources developed
by the RSA VR Technical Assistance Centers and Demonstration and
Training projects, available at the National Clearinghouse for
Rehabilitation Training Materials, and other Federal and nongovernment
sources, as appropriate, in developing its training and technical
assistance curricula and delivery methods.
Training and technical assistance activities also must be
coordinated with the entity providing training and technical assistance
to the Protection and Advocacy of Individual Rights program, consistent
with section 509 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Absolute Priority 2--Innovative Rehabilitation Training Program:
Assisting and Supporting Individuals with Disabilities Pursuing Self-
Employment, Business Ownership, and Telecommuting.
A project in the area of assisting and supporting individuals with
disabilities pursuing self-employment, business
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ownership, and telecommuting must develop a new or substantially
improved and, to the extent possible, evidence-based \1\ training
program, including stand-alone modules and instructional materials to
be incorporated into an existing academic degree program for educating
VR counselors or other VR professionals and paraprofessionals or into
short-term training for VR professionals, or both. The training program
or modules must be developed by the end of the first year of the
project period and piloted, refined, implemented, evaluated, and
disseminated in years two, three, four, and five of the project period.
A process for continuous feedback, evaluation, and improvement to
ensure the training program or modules are responsive to the needs of
the VR professionals and paraprofessionals throughout years two, three,
four, and five must be included. This process may include evidence
collected from surveys or success stories or other forms of evidence.
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\1\ For the purpose of this priority, ``evidence-based'' means
the proposed project component is supported, at a minimum, by
evidence that demonstrates a rationale (as defined in 34 CFR 77.1),
where a key project component included in the project's logic model
(as defined in 34 CFR 77.1) is informed by research or evaluation
findings that suggest the project component is likely to improve
relevant outcomes (as defined in 34 CFR 77.1).
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The training must be of sufficient scope, intensity, and duration
for VR professionals, paraprofessionals, and individuals studying to
become VR professionals and paraprofessionals to achieve increased
skill, knowledge, and competence in the area of assisting and
supporting individuals with disabilities pursuing self-employment,
business ownership, and telecommuting.
Absolute Priority 3--Innovative Rehabilitation Training Program:
Field Initiated.
A field-initiated project must clearly identify the topic to be
addressed and provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate the need for
the innovative rehabilitation training in a proposed new topic area or,
in areas for which there is existing training, demonstrate that the
existing training is not adequately meeting the needs of VR
professionals, paraprofessionals, and individuals studying to become VR
professionals and paraprofessionals.
The project must develop a new or substantially improved and, to
the extent possible, evidence-based \2\ training program, including
stand-alone modules and instructional materials to be incorporated into
an existing academic degree program for educating VR counselors or
other VR professionals and VR paraprofessionals, or into short-term
training for VR professionals, or both. The training program or modules
must be developed by the end of the first year of the project period
and piloted, refined, implemented, evaluated, and disseminated in years
two, three, four, and five of the project period. A process for
continuous feedback, evaluation, and improvement to ensure the training
program or modules are responsive to the needs of the VR professionals
and paraprofessionals throughout years two, three, four, and five must
be included. This process may include surveys or success stories.
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\2\ For the purpose of this priority, ``evidence-based'' means
the proposed project component is supported, at a minimum, by
evidence that demonstrates a rationale (as defined in 34 CFR 77.1),
where a key project component included in the project's logic model
(as defined in 34 CFR 77.1) is informed by research or evaluation
findings that suggest the project component is likely to improve
relevant outcomes (as defined in 34 CFR 77.1)
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The training must be of sufficient scope, intensity, and duration
for VR professionals, paraprofessionals, and individuals studying to
become VR professionals and paraprofessionals to achieve increased
skill, knowledge, and competence in the topic area.
Competitive Preference Priorities: For FY 2020 and any subsequent
year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications
from this competition, these priorities are competitive preference
priorities. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i), we award an additional three
points to an application that meets paragraph (a) of Competitive
Preference Priority 1 or an additional five points to an application
that meets paragraph (b) of Competitive Preference Priority 1, and an
additional two points to an application that meets Competitive
Preference Priority 2, for a maximum of seven additional points under
the competitive preference priorities.
These priorities are:
Competitive Preference Priority 1-- Promoting Innovation and
Efficiency, Streamlining Education With an Increased Focus on Improving
Student Outcomes, and Providing Increased Value to Students and
Taxpayers. (3 or 5 points)
Projects that are designed to demonstrate matching support for the
proposed projects:
(a) 50 percent of the total amount of the grant (3 points); or
(b) 100 percent of the total amount of the grant (5 points).
Note: This competitive preference priority match is not
mandatory, but if an applicant responds to and meets the criteria
outlined in Competitive Preference Priority 1, an additional three
or five points will be applied to the application score. Under 34
CFR 387.40, cost sharing of at least 10 percent of the total cost of
the project is mandatory of all grantees under the Innovative
Rehabilitation Training program. Please see the Cost Sharing and
Matching section under part III of this notice.
Competitive Preference Priority 2--Applications From New Potential
Grantees. (2 points).
(a) Under this priority, an applicant must demonstrate one or more
of the following:
(i) The applicant has never received a grant, including through
membership in a group application submitted in accordance with 34 CFR
75.127-75.129, under the Innovative Training program.
(ii) The applicant does not, as of the deadline date for submission
of applications, have an active grant, including through membership in
a group application submitted in accordance with 34 CFR 75.127-75.129,
under the Innovative Training program.
(iii) The applicant has not had an active discretionary grant under
the Innovative Training program, including through membership in a
group application submitted in accordance with 34 CFR 75.127-75.129, in
the five years before the deadline date for submission of applications
under the program.
(iv) The applicant has not had an active discretionary grant from
the Department, including through membership in a group application
submitted in accordance with 34 CFR 75.127-75.129, in the five years
before the deadline date for submission of applications under the
Innovative Training program.
(v) The applicant has not had an active contract from the
Department in the five years before the deadline date for submission of
applications under the Innovative Training program.
(b) For the purpose of this priority, a grant or contract is active
until the end of the grant's or contract's project or funding period,
including any extensions of those periods that extend the grantee's or
contractor's authority to obligate funds.
Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 772.
Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General
Administrative Regulations in 34 CFR parts 75, 77, 79, 81, 82, 84, 86,
97, 98, and 99. (b) The Office of Management and Budget Guidelines to
Agencies on Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) in
2 CFR part 180, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department
in 2 CFR part 3485. (c) The Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost
Principles, and Audit Requirements for
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Federal Awards in 2 CFR part 200, as adopted and amended as regulations
of the Department in 2 CFR part 3474. (d) The regulations for this
program in 34 CFR parts 385 and 387. (e) The NFP. (f) The Supplemental
Priorities. (g) The Administrative Priorities.
Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 79 apply to all applicants
except federally recognized Indian Tribes.
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: $ 1,350,000.
Contingent upon the availability of funds and the quality of
applications, we may make additional awards in subsequent years from
the list of unfunded applications from this competition.
Estimated Range of Awards: $425,000--$450,000.
Maximum Award: We will not make an award exceeding $450,000 for a
single budget period of 12 months.
Estimated Number of Awards: 3.
Note: The Secretary intends to fund a total of three projects
in FY 2020, including one project from each of the two identified
topic areas and one in the field-initiated area, provided that we
receive applications of sufficient quality under each of the
priorities. As a result, the Secretary may fund applications out of
rank order.
Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this
notice.
Note: Under 34 CFR 75.562(c), an indirect cost reimbursement on
a training grant is limited to the recipient's actual indirect
costs, as determined by its negotiated indirect cost rate agreement,
or 8 percent of a modified total direct cost base, whichever amount
is less. Indirect costs in excess of the limit may not be charged
directly, used to satisfy matching or cost-sharing requirements, or
charged to another Federal award.
Project Period: Up to 60 months.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants: States and public or private nonprofit
agencies and organizations, including Indian Tribes and institutions of
higher education.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching: A grantee must contribute to the cost
of a project under this program in an amount satisfactory to the
Secretary. The part of the costs to be borne by the grantee is
determined by the Secretary at the time of the grant award. For the
purposes of this competition, the grantee is required to contribute at
least 10 percent of the total cost of the project under this program.
Furthermore, given the importance of cost sharing funds to the long-
term success of the project, eligible entities must identify
appropriate non-Federal funds in the proposed budget.
3. Subgrantees: Under 34 CFR 75.708(b) and (c) a grantee under this
competition may not award subgrants to entities to directly carry out
project activities described in its application. Under 34 CFR
75.708(e), a grantee may contract for supplies, equipment, and other
services in accordance with 2 CFR part 200.
IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Application Submission Instructions: Applicants are required to
follow the Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of
Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal
Register on February 13, 2019 (84 FR 3768) and available at
www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2019-02-13/pdf/2019-02206.pdf, which
contain requirements and information on how to submit an application.
2. Submission of Proprietary Information: Given the types of
projects that may be proposed in applications for the Innovative
Rehabilitation Training competition, your application may include
business information that you consider proprietary. In 34 CFR 5.11 we
define ``business information'' and describe the process we use in
determining whether any of that information is proprietary and, thus,
protected from disclosure under Exemption 4 of the Freedom of
Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552, as amended).
Because we plan to make successful applications available to the
public, you may wish to request confidentiality of business
information.
Consistent with Executive Order 12600, please designate in your
application any information that you believe is exempt from disclosure
under Exemption 4. In the appropriate Appendix section of your
application, under ``Other Attachments Form,'' please list the page
number or numbers on which we can find this information. For additional
information please see 34 CFR 5.11(c).
3. Intergovernmental Review: This competition is subject to
Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79. However,
under 34 CFR 79.8(a), we waive intergovernmental review in order to
make an award by the end of FY 2020.
4. Funding Restrictions: We reference regulations outlining funding
restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice.
5. Recommended 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 (1) limit the application narrative to no more than 45 pages
and (2) use 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, including 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.
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.
V. Application Review Information
1. Selection Criteria: The selection criteria for this competition
are from 34 CFR 387.30 and 34 CFR 75.210, and are as follows:
(a) Relevance to State-Federal rehabilitation service program. (10
points)
(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that
shows that the proposed project appropriately relates to the mission of
the State-Federal rehabilitation service program.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows that the project
can be expected either--
(i) To increase the supply of trained personnel available to public
and private agencies involved in the rehabilitation of individuals with
disabilities; or
(ii) To maintain and improve the skills and quality of
rehabilitation personnel.
(b) Nature and scope of curriculum. (10 points)
(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that
demonstrates the adequacy and scope of the proposed curriculum.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows that--
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(i) The curriculum and teaching methods provide for an integration
of theory and practice relevant to the educational objectives of the
program; and
(ii) The didactic coursework includes student exposure to
vocational rehabilitation processes, concepts, programs, and services.
(c) Need for project and significance. (10 points)
(1) The Secretary considers the need for and significance of the
proposed project.
(2) In determining the need for and significance of the proposed
project, the Secretary considers the following factors:
(i) The extent to which the proposed project will prepare personnel
for fields in which shortages have been demonstrated.
(ii) The potential contribution of the proposed project to
increased knowledge or understanding of rehabilitation problems,
issues, or effective strategies.
(iii) The potential contribution of the proposed project to the
development and advancement of theory, knowledge, and practices in the
field of study.
(d) Quality of the project design. (10 points)
(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the design of the
proposed project.
(2) In determining the quality of the design of the proposed
project, the Secretary considers the following factors:
(i) The extent to which the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be
achieved by the proposed project are clearly specified and measurable.
(ii) The extent to which performance feedback and continuous
improvement are integral to the design of the proposed project.
(e) Quality of project services and personnel. (20 points)
(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the project services to
be provided by the proposed project and the personnel who will carry
out the proposed project.
(2) In determining the quality of the services to be provided by
the proposed project, the Secretary considers the quality and
sufficiency of strategies for ensuring equal access and treatment for
eligible project participants who are members of groups that have
traditionally been underrepresented based on race, color, national
origin, gender, age, or disability.
(3) In determining the quality of project personnel, the Secretary
considers the extent to which the applicant encourages applications for
employment from persons who are members of groups that have
traditionally been underrepresented based on race, color, national
origin, gender, age, or disability.
(4) In addition, the Secretary considers the following factors:
(i) The extent to which the training or professional development
services to be provided by the proposed project are of sufficient
quality, intensity, and duration to lead to improvements in practice
among the recipients of those services.
(ii) The extent to which the training or professional development
services to be provided by the proposed project are likely to alleviate
the personnel shortages that have been identified or are the focus of
the proposed project.
(iii) The qualifications, including relevant training and
experience, of the project director or principal investigator.
(iv) The qualifications, including relevant training and
experience, of key project personnel.
(f) Adequacy of resources. (15 points)
(1) The Secretary considers the adequacy of resources for the
proposed project.
(2) In determining the adequacy of resources for the proposed
project, the Secretary considers the following factors:
(i) The relevance and demonstrated commitment of each partner in
the proposed project to the implementation and success of the project.
(ii) The extent to which the costs are reasonable in relation to
the number of persons to be served and to the anticipated results and
benefits.
(iii) The potential for the incorporation of project purposes,
activities, or benefits into the ongoing program of the agency or
organization at the end of the Federal funding.
(g) Quality of the management plan. (10 points)
(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the management plan for
the proposed project.
(2) In determining the quality of the management plan for the
proposed project, the Secretary considers the following factors:
(i) The adequacy of the management plan to achieve the objectives
of the proposed project on time and within budget, including clearly
defined responsibilities, timelines, and milestones for accomplishing
project tasks.
(ii) The adequacy of procedures for ensuring feedback and
continuous improvement in the operation of the proposed project.
(h) Quality of project evaluation. (15 points)
(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the evaluation to be
conducted of the proposed project.
(2) In determining the quality of the evaluation, the Secretary
considers the following factors:
(i) The extent to which the methods of evaluation are thorough,
feasible, and appropriate to the goals, objectives, and outcomes of the
proposed project.
(ii) The extent to which the evaluation will provide guidance about
effective strategies suitable for replication or testing in other
settings.
(iii) The extent to which the methods of evaluation will provide
performance feedback and permit periodic assessment of progress toward
achieving intended outcomes.
2. Review and Selection Process: We remind potential applicants
that in reviewing applications in any discretionary grant competition,
the Secretary may consider, under 34 CFR 75.217(d)(3), the past
performance of the applicant in carrying out a previous award, such as
the applicant's use of funds, achievement of project objectives, and
compliance with grant conditions. The Secretary may also consider
whether the applicant failed to submit a timely performance report or
submitted a report of unacceptable quality.
In addition, in making a competitive grant award, the Secretary
requires various assurances, including those applicable to Federal
civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or
activities receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department
(34 CFR 100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).
When reviewing prior performance under 34 CFR 75.217(d)(3) and
conducting risk assessments pursuant to 2 CFR 200.205, the Secretary
will consider factors such as whether applicants have demonstrated
sufficient institutional capacity through the commitment of adequate
resources, as described in the selection criteria, and suitable past
performance to fully implement multiple awards. In reviewing capacity,
the Secretary will consider factors such as whether potential grantees
have demonstrated sufficient staffing, an adequate pool of potential
scholars, and existing relationships with VR and related agencies to
place scholars from multiple grants in appropriate internships. Based
on these reviews, the Secretary will take appropriate action under 34
CFR 75.217(d)(3), 2 CFR 200.205, and 2 CFR 3474.10, before making
awards to a grantee.
3. Risk Assessment and Specific Conditions: Consistent with 2 CFR
200.205, before awarding grants under
[[Page 47757]]
this competition the Department conducts a review of the risks posed by
applicants. Under 2 CFR 3474.10, the Secretary may impose specific
conditions and, in appropriate circumstances, high-risk conditions on a
grant if the applicant or grantee is not financially stable; has a
history of unsatisfactory performance; has a financial or other
management system that does not meet the standards in 2 CFR part 200,
subpart D; has not fulfilled the conditions of a prior grant; or is
otherwise not responsible.
4. Integrity and Performance System: If you are selected under this
competition to receive an award that over the course of the project
period may exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (currently
$250,000), under 2 CFR 200.205(a)(2) we must make a judgment about your
integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal
awards--that is, the risk posed by you as an applicant--before we make
an award. In doing so, we must consider any information about you that
is in the integrity and performance system (currently referred to as
the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System
(FAPIIS)), accessible through the System for Award Management. You may
review and comment on any information about yourself that a Federal
agency previously entered and that is currently in FAPIIS.
Please note that, if the total value of your currently active
grants, cooperative agreements, and procurement contracts from the
Federal Government exceeds $10,000,000, the reporting requirements in 2
CFR part 200, Appendix XII, require you to report certain integrity
information to FAPIIS semiannually. Please review the requirements in 2
CFR part 200, Appendix XII, if this grant plus all the other Federal
funds you receive exceed $10,000,000.
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); or we may send you an email containing a link to
access an electronic version of your 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. Open Licensing Requirements: Unless an exception applies, if you
are awarded a grant under this competition, you will be required to
openly license to the public grant deliverables created in whole, or in
part, with Department grant funds. When the deliverable consists of
modifications to pre-existing works, the license extends only to those
modifications that can be separately identified and only to the extent
that open licensing is permitted under the terms of any licenses or
other legal restrictions on the use of pre-existing works.
Additionally, a grantee or subgrantee that is awarded competitive grant
funds must have a plan to disseminate these public grant deliverables.
This dissemination plan can be developed and submitted after your
application has been reviewed and selected for funding. For additional
information on the open licensing requirements please refer to 2 CFR
3474.20.
4. Reporting: (a) If you apply for a grant under this competition,
you must ensure that you have in place the necessary processes and
systems to comply with the reporting requirements in 2 CFR part 170
should you receive funding under the competition. This does not apply
if you have an exception under 2 CFR 170.110(b).
(b) 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 multiyear award, you must submit semiannual
and annual performance reports that provide 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 www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html.
5. Performance Measures: The Government Performance and Results Act
of 1993 (GPRA) directs Federal departments and agencies to improve the
effectiveness of their programs by engaging in strategic planning,
setting outcome-related goals for programs, and measuring program
results against those goals.
The performance measures for this program are as follows:
(1) The number of individuals enrolled or participating in the
Innovative Rehabilitation Training program, by cohort, during the
reporting period.
(2) The number and percentage of individuals who successfully
completed the Innovative Rehabilitation Training program, by cohort,
during the reporting period.
Note: Topic Area 1--Innovative Rehabilitation Training Project,
Client Assistance Program. For performance measures (1) and (2),
above, CAP personnel are not enrolled as in other programs.
Therefore, the number of individuals participating in the Innovative
Rehabilitation Training program activities during the reporting
period will be reported; and the number and percentage of
individuals who complete the Innovative Rehabilitation Training
program activities during the reporting period will be reported.
The GPRA measures are as follows:
(1) The quality of the training developed, as measured by a panel
of VR agencies.
(2) The relevance of the training developed, as measured by a panel
of VR agencies.
(3) The usefulness of the training developed, as measured by a
panel of VR agencies.
Note: For Topic Area 1--Client Assistance Program, quality,
relevance, and usefulness will be measured by a panel of
rehabilitation educators and individuals who are knowledgeable about
CAP.
Innovative Rehabilitation Training program grantees must report the
following quantitative and qualitative data:
(a) Program activities that occurred during each fiscal year from
October 1 to March 31 and projected program activities to occur from
April 1 to September 30 should be included in the semiannual
performance report.
(b) Program activities that occur during years 2-5 from October 1
to September 30 should be included in the annual performance report.
Annual project progress toward meeting project goals must be posted
on the project website or university website.
6. Continuation Awards: In making a continuation award under 34 CFR
75.253, the Secretary considers, among other things: Whether a grantee
has made substantial progress in achieving the goals and objectives of
the project; whether the grantee has expended funds in a manner that is
consistent with its approved application and budget; and, if the
Secretary has established performance measurement requirements, the
performance targets in the grantee's approved application.
[[Page 47758]]
In making a continuation award, the Secretary also considers
whether the grantee is operating in compliance with the assurances in
its approved application, including those applicable to Federal civil
rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities
receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department (34 CFR
100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).
VII. 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 compact disc) on request to
the program contact person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT.
Electronic Access to This Document: The official version of this
document is the document published in the Federal Register. You may
access the official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of
Federal Regulations at www.govinfo.gov. At this site you can view this
document, as well as all other documents of this Department published
in the Federal Register, in text or Portable Document Format (PDF). To
use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at
the site.
You may also access documents of the Department published in the
Federal Register by using the article search feature at:
www.federalregister.gov. Specifically, through the advanced search
feature at this site, you can limit your search to documents published
by the Department.
Mark Schultz,
Commissioner, Rehabilitation Services Administration, Delegated the
authority to perform the functions and duties of the Assistant
Secretary for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services.
[FR Doc. 2020-16959 Filed 8-4-20; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P