[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

[[Page 47754]]

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