[Federal Register: June 19, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 118)]
[Notices]               
[Page 41771-41789]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr19jn02-126]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services

[CFDA No.: 84.133E-7]

 
National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research--
Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERC) Program; Notice 
Inviting Applications for Fiscal Year 2002

    Note to Applicants: This notice contains the information, 
application forms, and instructions you need to apply for a grant 
under the program.

    Purpose of the Program: The purpose of the RERC Program is to 
improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the 
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (the Act), as amended.
    For FY 2002 the competition for new awards focuses on projects 
designed to meet the priorities we describe in the PRIORITIES section 
of this application notice. The priorities are intended to improve 
rehabilitation services and outcomes for individuals with disabilities.
    Eligible Applicants: Parties eligible to apply for grants under 
this program are States; public or private agencies, including for-
profit agencies; public or private organizations, including for-profit 
organizations; institutions of higher education; and Indian tribes and 
tribal organizations.
    Application Available: June 19, 2002.

Letters of Intent

    Due to the open nature of this competition, NIDRR is requiring all 
potential applicants to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI). Each LOI must 
be limited to a maximum of four pages and must include the following 
information: (1) The title of the proposed RERC, the name of the host 
institution, the name of the Principal Investigator (PI), and the names 
of partner institutions and entities; (2) a brief statement of the 
vision, goals, and objectives of the proposed RERC and a description of 
its research and development activities at a sufficient level of detail 
to allow NIDRR to select potential reviewers; (3) a list of proposed 
RERC staff including the Center Director and key personnel; and (4) a 
list of individuals whose selection as a reviewer might constitute a 
conflict of interest due to involvement in proposal development, 
selection as an advisory board member, co-PI relationships, etc.
    The signed, original LOI must be received by NIDRR no later than 
July 19, 2002. Submission of an LOI is a prerequisite for eligibility 
to submit an application. With prior approval, an e-mail or facsimile 
copy of an LOI will be accepted, but the signed original must be sent 
to: William Peterson, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland 
Avenue, SW., room 3425, Switzer Building, Washington, DC 20202-2645. 
For further information regarding the LOI requirement, contact William 
Peterson at (202) 205-9192 or by e-mail at: william.peterson@ed.gov.
    Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: August 19, 2002.
    Maximum Award Amount: $900,000.

    Note: We will reject any application that proposes a budget 
exceeding the stated maximum award amount in any year (See 34 CFR 
75.104(b)).

    Estimated Number of Awards: 5.
    Project Period: 60 months.

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


    Program Authority:  29 U.S.C. 762.

    Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General 
Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), 34 CFR Parts 74, 75, 77, 80, 81, 
82, 85, 86, and 97, and (b) The program regulations 34 CFR part 350.

Priorities

    This competition focuses on projects designed to meet the 
priorities in the notice of final priorities for these programs, 
published elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register. The 
priorities are: (a) Spinal Cord Injury; (b) Recreational Technologies 
and Exercise Physiology Benefiting Persons with Disabilities; (c) 
Applied Biomaterials; (d) Measurement and Monitoring of Functional 
Performance; (e) Accessible Medical Instrumentation; (f) Universal 
Interface Technologies; (g) Work Place Accommodations; (h) Accessible 
Airline Transportation; and (i) Rehabilitation Robotics and 
Telemanipulation Systems.
    For FY 2002, these priorities are absolute priorities. Under 34 CFR 
75.105(c)(3), we consider only applications that meet one or more of 
these priorities.

Selection Criteria

    We use the following selection criteria to evaluate applications 
under this program.
    The maximum score for all of these criteria is 100 points.
    The maximum score for each criterion is indicated in parentheses.
    An additional 10 points may be earned by an applicant depending on 
how well they meet the additional selection criterion elsewhere in this 
notice.
    (a) Importance of the problem (6 points total).
    (1) The Secretary considers the importance of the problem.
    (2) In determining the importance of the problem, the Secretary 
considers the following factors:
    (i) The extent to which the applicant clearly describes the need 
and target population (3 points).
    (ii) The extent to which the proposed project will have beneficial 
impact on the target population (3 points).
    (b) Responsiveness to an absolute or competitive priority (4 points 
total).
    (1) The Secretary considers the responsiveness of an application to 
the absolute or competitive priority published in the Federal Register.
    (2) In determining the application's responsiveness to the absolute 
or competitive priority, the Secretary considers the extent to which 
the applicant addresses all requirements of the absolute or competitive 
priority (4 points).

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    (c) Design of research activities (22 points total).
    (1) The Secretary considers the extent to which the design of 
research activities is likely to be effective in accomplishing the 
objectives of the project.
    (2) In determining the extent to which the design is likely to be 
effective in accomplishing the objectives of the project, the Secretary 
considers the following factors:
    (i) The extent to which the research activities constitute a 
coherent, sustained approach to research in the field, including a 
substantial addition to the state-of-the-art (7 points).
    (ii) The extent to which the methodology of each proposed research 
activity is meritorious, including consideration of the extent to 
which--
    (A) The proposed design includes a comprehensive and informed 
review of the current literature, demonstrating knowledge of the state-
of-the-art (3 points);
    (B) Each research hypothesis is theoretically sound and based on 
current knowledge (3 points);
    (C) Each sample population is appropriate and of sufficient size (3 
points);
    (D) The data collection and measurement techniques are appropriate 
and likely to be effective (3 points); and
    (E) The data analysis methods are appropriate (3 points).
    (d) Design of development activities (22 points total).
    (1) The Secretary considers the extent to which the design of 
development activities is likely to be effective in accomplishing the 
objectives of the project.
    (2) In determining the extent to which the design is likely to be 
effective in accomplishing the objectives of the project, the Secretary 
considers the extent to which the plan for development, clinical 
testing, and evaluation of new devices and technology is likely to 
yield significant products or techniques, including consideration of 
the extent to which--
    (A) The proposed project will use the most effective and 
appropriate technology available in developing the new device or 
technique (4 points);
    (B) The proposed development is based on a sound conceptual model 
that demonstrates an awareness of the state-of-the-art in technology (4 
points);
    (C) The new device or technique will be developed and tested in an 
appropriate environment (4 points);
    (D) The new device or technique is likely to be cost-effective and 
useful (3 points);
    (E) The new device or technique has the potential for commercial or 
private manufacture, marketing, and distribution of the product (4 
points); and
    (F) The proposed development efforts include adequate quality 
controls and, as appropriate, repeated testing of products (3 points).
    (e) Design of training activities (5 points total).
    (1) The Secretary considers the extent to which the design of 
training activities is likely to be effective in accomplishing the 
objectives of the project.
    (2) In determining the extent to which the design is likely to be 
effective in accomplishing the objectives of the project, the Secretary 
considers the extent to which the type, extent, and quality of the 
proposed clinical and laboratory research experience, including the 
opportunity to participate in advanced-level research, are likely to 
develop highly qualified researchers (5 points).
    (f) Design of dissemination activities (7 points total).
    (1) The Secretary considers the extent to which the design of 
dissemination activities is likely to be effective in accomplishing the 
objectives of the project.
    (2) In determining the extent to which the design is likely to be 
effective in accomplishing the objectives of the project, the Secretary 
considers the following factors:
    (i) The extent to which the materials to be disseminated are likely 
to be effective and usable, including consideration of their quality, 
clarity, variety, and format (5 points).
    (ii) The extent to which the information to be disseminated will be 
accessible to individuals with disabilities (2 points).
    (g) Plan of operation (5 points total).
    (1) The Secretary considers the quality of the plan of operation.
    (2) In determining the quality of the plan of operation, the 
Secretary considers the adequacy of the plan of operation to achieve 
the objectives of the proposed project on time and within budget, 
including clearly defined responsibilities, and timelines for 
accomplishing project tasks (5 points).
    (h) Collaboration (4 points Total).
    (1) The Secretary considers the quality of collaboration.
    (2) In determining the quality of collaboration, the Secretary 
considers the extent to which the applicant's proposed collaboration 
with one or more agencies, organizations, or institutions is likely to 
be effective in achieving the relevant proposed activities of the 
project. (4 points).
    (i) Adequacy and reasonableness of the budget (4 points total).
    (1) The Secretary considers the adequacy and the reasonableness of 
the proposed budget.
    (2) In determining the adequacy and the reasonableness of the 
proposed budget, the Secretary considers the extent to which the budget 
for the project, including any subcontracts, is adequately justified to 
support the proposed project activities (4 points).
    (j) Plan of evaluation (8 points total).
    (1) The Secretary considers the quality of the plan of evaluation.
    (2) In determining the quality of the plan of evaluation, the 
Secretary considers the extent to which the plan of evaluation will be 
used to improve the performance of the project through the feedback 
generated by its periodic assessments (8 points).
    (k) Project staff (8 points total).
    (1) The Secretary considers the quality of the project staff.
    (2) In determining the quality of the project staff, 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 (2 points).
    (3) In addition, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (i) The extent to which the key personnel and other key staff have 
appropriate training and experience in disciplines required to conduct 
all proposed activities (3 points).
    (ii) The extent to which the commitment of staff time is adequate 
to accomplish all the proposed activities of the project (3 points).
    (l) Adequacy and accessibility of resources (5 points total).
    (1) The Secretary considers the adequacy and accessibility of the 
applicant's resources to implement the proposed project.
    (2) In determining the adequacy and accessibility of resources, the 
Secretary considers the following factors:
    (i) The extent to which the applicant is committed to provide 
adequate facilities, equipment, other resources, including 
administrative support, and laboratories, if appropriate (3 points).
    (ii) The extent to which the facilities, equipment, and other 
resources are appropriately accessible to individuals with disabilities 
who may use the facilities, equipment, and other resources of the 
project (2 points).
    Additional Selection Criterion (10 points).
    We use the following additional criterion to evaluate applications 
under each priority.

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    Up to 10 points based on the extent to which an application 
includes effective strategies for employing and advancing in employment 
qualified individuals with disabilities in projects awarded under these 
absolute priorities. In determining the effectiveness of those 
strategies, we will consider the applicant's prior success, as 
described in the application, in employing and advancing in employment 
qualified individuals with disabilities. Thus, for purposes of this 
competitive preference, applicants can be awarded up to a total of 10 
points in addition to those awarded under the published selection 
criteria for these priorities. That is, an applicant meeting this 
competitive preference could earn a maximum total of 110 points.
    Pre-Application Meeting: Interested parties are invited to 
participate in a pre-application meeting to discuss the funding 
priorities and to receive technical assistance through individual 
consultation and information about the funding priorities. The pre-
application meeting will be held on July 2, 2002 either in person or by 
conference call at the Department of Education, Office of Special 
Education and Rehabilitative Services, Switzer Building, room 3065, 330 
C Street, SW., Washington, DC between 10 AM and 12 noon. NIDRR staff 
will also be available from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM on that same day to 
provide technical assistance through individual consultation and 
information about the funding priority. For further information or to 
make arrangements to attend contact Donna Nangle, Switzer Building, 
room 3412, 330 C Street, SW., Washington, DC 20202. Telephone (202) 
205-5880 or via Internet: donna.nangle@ed.gov
    If you use a telecommunication device for the deaf (TDD), you may 
call (202) 205-4475.

Assistance to Individuals With Disabilities at the Public Meetings

    The meeting site is accessible to individuals with disabilities, 
and a sign language interpreter will be available. If you will need an 
auxiliary aid or service other than a sign language interpreter in 
order to participate in the meeting (e.g., other interpreting service 
such as oral, cued speech, or tactile interpreter; assistive listening 
device; or materials in alternate format), notify the contact person 
listed in this notice at least two weeks before the scheduled meeting 
date. Although we will attempt to meet a request we receive after this 
date, we may not be able to make available the requested auxiliary aid 
or service because of insufficient time to arrange it.

Application Procedures

    The Assistant Secretary will reject without consideration or 
evaluation any application that proposes a project funding level that 
exceeds the stated maximum award amount per year (See 34 CFR 
75.104(b)).
    The Assistant Secretary strongly recommends the following:
    (1) A one-page abstract;
    (2) An Application Narrative (i.e., Part III that addresses the 
selection criteria that will be used by reviewers in evaluating 
individual proposals) of no more 125 pages for Project applications, 
double-spaced (no more than 3 lines per vertical inch) 8" x 11" pages 
(on one side only) with one inch margins (top, bottom, and sides). The 
application narrative page limit recommendation does not apply to: Part 
I--the electronically scannable form; Part II--the budget section 
(including the narrative budget justification); and Part IV--the 
assurances and certifications; and
    (3) A font no smaller than a 12-point font and an average character 
density no greater than 14 characters per inch.

Instructions for Transmittal of Applications

    (a) If an applicant wants to apply for a grant, the applicant 
must--
    (1) Mail the original and two copies of the application on or 
before the deadline date to: U.S. Department of Education, Application 
Control Center, Attention: CFDA #84.133E-7 [Applicant must insert 
priority name], Washington, DC 20202-4725, or
    (2) Hand deliver the original and two copies of the application by 
4:30 PM [Washington, DC time] on or before the deadline date to: U.S. 
Department of Education, Application Control Center, Attention: CFDA 
#84.133E-7 [Applicant must insert priority name], room #3671, Regional 
Office Building #3, 7th and D Streets, SW., Washington, DC.
    (b) An applicant must show one of the following as proof of 
mailing:
    (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.
    (c) If an application is mailed through the U.S. Postal Service, 
the Secretary does not accept either of the following as proof of 
mailing:
    (1) A private metered postmark.
    (1) A mail receipt that is not dated by the U.S. Postal Service.

    Notes: (1) The U.S. Postal Service does not uniformly provide a 
dated postmark. Before relying on this method, an applicant should 
check with its local post office.

    (2) An applicant wishing to know that its application has been 
received by the Department must include with the application a stamped 
self-addressed postcard containing the CFDA number and title of this 
program.
    (3) The applicant must indicate on the envelope and--if not 
provided by the Department--in Item 10 of the Application for Federal 
Assistance (Standard Form 424) the CFDA number--and letter, if any--of 
the competition under which the application is being submitted.

Application Forms and Instructions

    The appendix to this application is divided into four parts. These 
parts are organized in the same manner that the submitted application 
should be organized. These parts are as follows:
    Part I: Application for Federal Assistance (ED 424 (Rev. 11/30/
2004)) and instructions.
    Part II: Budget Form--Non-Construction Programs (ED 524) and 
instructions.
    Part III: Application Narrative.

Additional Materials

    Estimated Public Reporting Burden.
    Assurances--Non-Construction Programs (Standard Form 424B).
    Certification Regarding Lobbying, Debarment, Suspension, and Other 
Responsibility Matters: and Drug-Free Work-Place Requirements (ED Form 
80-0013).
    Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and 
Voluntary Exclusion: Lower Tier Covered Transactions (ED Form 80-0014) 
and instructions. (NOTE: ED Form GCS-014 is intended for the use of 
primary participants and should not be transmitted to the Department.)
    Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (Standard Form LLL (if 
applicable) and instructions; and Disclosure Lobbying Activities 
Continuation Sheet (Standard Form LLL-A).
    An applicant may submit information on a photostatic copy of the 
application and budget forms, the assurances, and the certifications. 
However, the application form, the assurances, and the certifications 
must each have an original signature. No grant may be awarded unless a 
completed application form has been received.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donna Nangle, U.S. Department of 
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 3412, Switzer Building, 
Washington, DC 20202-2645.

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Telephone: (202) 205-5880 or via Internet: Donna.Nangle@ed.gov
    If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), may call 
the TDD number at (202) 205-4475.
    Individuals with disabilities may obtain this document in an 
alternative format (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer 
diskette) on request to the contact person listed under FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT.

Electronic Access to This Document

    You may review this document, as well as all other Department of 
Education documents published in the Federal Register, in text or Adobe 
Portable Document Format (PDF) on the Internet at the following site: 
http://www.ed.gov/legislation/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.access.gpo.gov/nara/index.html.


    Program Authority:  29 U.S.C. 762(g) and 764(b)(3).

    Dated: June 13, 2002.
Robert H. Pasternack,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and, Rehabilitative Services.

Appendix

Instructions for Estimated Public Reporting Burden

    According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, you are not 
required to respond to a collection of information unless it 
displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number 
for this collection of information is 1820-0027. Expiration date: 2/
28/2003. We estimate the time required to complete this collection 
of information to average 30 hours per response, including the time 
to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather the 
data needed, and complete and review the collection of information. 
If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time 
estimate or suggestions for improving this form, please write to: 
U.S. Department of Education, Washington, DC 20202-4651. If you have 
comments or concerns regarding the status of your submission of this 
form, write directly to: Donna Nangle, U.S. Department of Education, 
400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 3412, Switzer Building, Washington, 
DC 20202-2645.

Application Forms and Instructions

    Applicants are advised to reproduce and complete the application 
forms in this section. Applicants are required to submit an original 
and two copies of each application as provided in this section. 
However, applicants are encouraged to submit an original and seven 
copies of each application in order to facilitate the peer review 
process and minimize copying errors.

Frequent Questions

1. Can I Get an Extension of the Due Date?

    No. On rare occasions the Department of Education may extend a 
closing date for all applicants. If that occurs, a notice of the 
revised due date is published in the Federal Register. However, 
there are no extensions or exceptions to the due date made for 
individual applicants.

2. What Should Be Included in the Application?

    The application should include a project narrative, vitae of key 
personnel, and a budget, as well as the Assurances forms included in 
this package. Vitae of staff or consultants should include the 
individual's title and role in the proposed project, and other 
information that is specifically pertinent to this proposed project. 
The budgets for both the first year and all subsequent project years 
should be included.
    If collaboration with another organization is involved in the 
proposed activity, the application should include assurances of 
participation by the other parties, including written agreements or 
assurances of cooperation. It is not useful to include general 
letters of support or endorsement in the application.
    If the applicant proposes to use unique tests or other 
measurement instruments that are not widely known in the field, it 
would be helpful to include the instrument in the application.
    Many applications contain voluminous appendices that are not 
helpful and in many cases cannot even be mailed to the reviewers. It 
is generally not helpful to include such things as brochures, 
general capability statements of collaborating organizations, maps, 
copies of publications, or descriptions of other projects completed 
by the applicant.

3. What Format Should Be Used for the Application?

    NIDRR generally advises applicants that they may organize the 
application to follow the selection criteria that will be used. The 
specific review criteria vary according to the specific program, and 
are contained in this Consolidated Application Package.

4. May I Submit Applications to More Than One NIDRR Program 
Competition or More Than One Application to a Program?

    Yes, you may submit applications to any program for which they 
are responsive to the program requirements. You may submit the same 
application to as many competitions as you believe appropriate. You 
may also submit more than one application in any given competition.

5. What Is the Allowable Indirect Cost Rate?

    The limits on indirect costs vary according to the program and 
the type of application. An applicant for an RRTC is limited to an 
indirect rate of 15%. An applicant for a DRRP should limit indirect 
charges to the organization's approved indirect cost rate. If the 
organization does not have an approved indirect cost rate, the 
application should include an estimated actual rate.

6. Can Profitmaking Businesses Apply for Grants?

    Yes. However, for-profit organizations will not be able to 
collect a fee or profit on the grant, and in some programs will be 
required to share in the costs of the project.

7. Can Individuals Apply for Grants?

    No. Only organizations are eligible to apply for grants under 
NIDRR programs. However, individuals are the only entities eligible 
to apply for fellowships.

8. Can NIDRR Staff Advise Me Whether My Project Is of Interest to 
NIDRR or Likely To Be Funded?

    No. NIDRR staff can advise you of the requirements of the 
program in which you propose to submit your application. However, 
staff cannot advise you of whether your subject area or proposed 
approach is likely to receive approval.

9. How Do I Assure That My Application Will Be Referred to the Most 
Appropriate Panel for Review?

    Applicants should be sure that their applications are referred 
to the correct competition by clearly including the competition 
title and CFDA number, including alphabetical code, on the Standard 
Form 424, and including a project title that describes the project.

10. How Soon After Submitting My Application Can I Find Out If It 
Will Be Funded?

    The time from closing date to grant award date varies from 
program to program. Generally speaking, NIDRR endeavors to have 
awards made within five to six months of the closing date. 
Unsuccessful applicants generally will be notified within that time 
frame as well. For the purpose of estimating a project start date, 
the applicant should estimate approximately six months from the 
closing date, but no later than the following September 30.

11. Can I Call NIDRR To Find Out If My Application Is Being Funded?

    No. When NIDRR is able to release information on the status of 
grant applications, it will notify applicants by letter. The results 
of the peer review cannot be released except through this formal 
notification.

12. If My Application Is Successful, Can I Assume I Will Get the 
Requested Budget Amount in Subsequent Years?

    No. Funding in subsequent years is subject to availability of 
funds and project performance.

[[Page 41775]]

13. Will All Approved Applications Be Funded?

    No. It often happens that the peer review panels approve for 
funding more applications than NIDRR can fund within available 
resources. Applicants who are approved but not funded are encouraged 
to consider submitting similar applications in future competitions.
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[FR Doc. 02-15394 Filed 6-18-02; 8:45 am]
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