Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services; Overview Information; National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR)-Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program-Field Initiated (FI) Projects Notice Inviting Applications for New Awards for Fiscal Year (FY) 2008, 40131-40135 [E7-14180]

Download as PDF sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 140 / Monday, July 23, 2007 / Notices Representative and U.S. Senators and send you a Grant Award Notice (GAN). We may notify you informally, also. If your application is not evaluated or not selected for funding, we notify you. 2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: We identify administrative and national policy requirements in the application package and reference these and other requirements in the APPLICABLE REGULATIONS section in this notice. We reference the regulations outlining the terms and conditions of an award in the APPLICABLE REGULATIONS section in this notice and include these and other specific conditions in the GAN. The GAN also incorporates your approved application as part of your binding commitments under the grant. 3. Reporting: At the end of your project period, you must submit a final performance report, in accordance with 34 CFR 356.51, that must contain, at a minimum, an analysis of the significance of the project and an assessment of the degree to which the objectives of the project have been achieved. 4. Performance Measures: To evaluate the overall success of its research program, NIDRR assesses the quality of its funded projects through review of grantee performance and products. Each year, NIDRR examines a portion of its grantees to determine the extent to which grantees are conducting highquality research and related activities that lead to high quality products. Performance measures for the Research Fellowships program include— • The percentage of NIDRR-supported fellows, post-doctoral trainees, and doctoral students who publish results of NIDRR-sponsored research in refereed journals; • The percentage of grantee research and development that has appropriate study design, meets rigorous standards of scientific and/or engineering methods, and builds on and contributes to knowledge in the field; and • The number of publications per award based on NIDRR-funded research and development activities in refereed journals. NIDRR evaluates the overall success of individual research and development grants through review of grantee performance and products. NIDRR uses information submitted by grantees as part of their final performance report for these reviews. Approved final performance report guidelines require grantees to submit information regarding research methods, results, outputs, and outcomes. VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:09 Jul 20, 2007 Jkt 211001 VII. Agency Contact FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donna Nangle, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 6030, PCP, Washington, DC 20202. Telephone: (202) 245–7462 or by e-mail: donna.nangle@ed.gov. If you use a TDD, call the Federal Relay Service (FRS), toll free, at 1–800– 877–8339. VIII. Other Information Alternative Format: Individuals with disabilities can obtain this document and a copy of the application package in an alternative format (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer diskette) by contacting the Grants and Contracts Services Team, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 5075, PCP, Washington, DC 20202–2550. Telephone: (202) 245– 7363. If you use a TDD, call the FRS, toll free, at 1–800–877–8339. Electronic Access to This Document: You can view this document, as well as all other documents of this Department published in the Federal Register, in text or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) on the Internet at the following site: https://www.ed.gov/news/ fedregister. To use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at this site. If you have questions about using PDF, call the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO), toll free, at 1– 888–293–6498; or in the Washington, DC area at (202) 512–1530. Note: The official version of this document is the document published in the Federal Register. Free Internet access to the official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations is available on GPO Access at: https://www.gpoaccess.gov/nara/ index.html. Dated: July 18, 2007. John H. Hager, Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. [FR Doc. E7–14179 Filed 7–20–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000–01–P DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services; Overview Information; National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR)—Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program—Field Initiated (FI) Projects Notice Inviting Applications for New Awards for Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Numbers: 84.133G–1 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 40131 (Research) and 84.133G–2 (Development). Dates: Applications Available: July 23, 2007. Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: September 21, 2007. Full Text of Announcement I. Funding Opportunity Description Purpose of Program: The purpose of the FI Projects program is to develop methods, procedures, and rehabilitation technology that maximize the full inclusion and integration into society, employment, independent living, family support, and economic and social selfsufficiency of individuals with disabilities, especially individuals with the most severe disabilities. Another purpose of the FI program is to improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. FI projects carry out either research activities or development activities. NIDRR makes two types of grants under the FI Projects program: Research grants (CFDA 84.133G–1) and development grants (CFDA 84.133G–2). Applicants must indicate in their applications whether they are applying for a research grant (84.133G–1) or a development grant (84.133G–2). In carrying out a research activity under an FI research grant, a grantee must identify one or more hypotheses or research questions and, based on the hypotheses or research questions identified, perform an intensive, systematic study directed toward producing (1) New scientific knowledge, or (2) better understanding of the subject, problem studied, or body of knowledge. In carrying out a development activity under an FI development grant, a grantee must use knowledge and understanding gained from research to create materials, devices, systems, or methods beneficial to the target population, including design and development of prototypes and processes. Target population means the group of individuals, organizations, or other entities expected to be affected by the project. More than one group may be involved because a project may affect those who receive services, provide services, or administer services. Note: Different selection criteria are used for research projects (84.133G–1) and development projects (84.133G–2). In their applications, applicants must clearly indicate whether they are applying for a research grant (84.133G–1) or a development grant (84.133G–2) and must address the selection criteria relevant for their project type. Without exception, NIDRR will review each application based on the designation (i.e., E:\FR\FM\23JYN1.SGM 23JYN1 40132 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 140 / Monday, July 23, 2007 / Notices research (84.133G–1) or development (84.133G–2)) made by the applicant. Applications will be determined ineligible and will not be reviewed if they do not include a clear designation of research or development. Note: This program is in concert with President George W. Bush’s New Freedom Initiative (NFI) and NIDRR’s Final LongRange Plan for FY 2005–2009 (Plan). The NFI can be accessed on the Internet at the following site: www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/ newfreedom. The Plan is comprehensive and integrates many issues relating to disability and rehabilitation research topics. The Plan, which was published in the Federal Register on February 15, 2006 (71 FR 8165), can be accessed on the Internet at the following site: www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/ nidrr/policy.html. Through the implementation of the NFI and the Plan, NIDRR seeks to—(1) Improve the quality and utility of disability and rehabilitation research; (2) foster an exchange of expertise, information, and training to facilitate the advancement of knowledge and understanding of the unique needs of individuals with disabilities from traditionally underserved populations; (3) determine best strategies and programs to improve rehabilitation outcomes for individuals with disabilities from underserved populations; (4) identify research gaps; (5) identify mechanisms of integrating research and practice; and (6) disseminate findings. Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 764. Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR parts 74, 75, 77, 80, 81, 82, 84, 85, 86, and 97. (b) The regulations for this program in 34 CFR part 350. sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 86 apply to institutions of higher education (IHEs) only. II. Award Information Type of Award: Discretionary grants. Estimated Available Funds: The Administration has requested $106,705,000 for new awards for the NIDRR program for FY 2008, of which we intend to use an estimated $4,600,000 for the FI Projects competition. The actual level of funding, if any, depends on final congressional action. However, we are inviting applications to allow enough time to complete the grant process if Congress appropriates funds for this program. Estimated Range of Awards: $195,000–$200,000. VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:09 Jul 20, 2007 Jkt 211001 Estimated Average Size of Awards: $197,500. Maximum Award: We will reject any application that proposes a budget exceeding $200,000 for a single budget period of 12 months. The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services may change the maximum amount through a notice published in the Federal Register. Note: The maximum amount includes direct and indirect costs. Estimated Number of Awards: 23. Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice. Project Period: Up to 36 months. III. Eligibility Information 1. Eligible Applicants: States; public or private agencies, including for-profit agencies; public or private organizations, including for-profit organizations; IHEs; and Indian tribes and tribal organizations. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching: Cost sharing is required by 34 CFR 350.62 and will be negotiated at the time of the grant award. IV. Application and Submission Information 1. Address to Request Application Package: You can obtain an application package via the Internet or from the Education Publications Center (ED Pubs). To obtain a copy via the Internet, use the following address: www.ed.gov/ fund/grant /apply/grantapps/ index.html. To obtain a copy from ED Pubs, write, fax, or call the following: Education Publications Center, P.O. Box 1398, Jessup, MD 20794–1398. Telephone, toll free: 1–877–433–7827. Fax: (301) 470– 1244. If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), call, toll free: 1–877–576–7734. You can contact ED Pubs at its Web site, also: www.ed.gov/pubs/ edpubs.html or at its e-mail address: edpubs@inet.ed.gov. If you request an application from ED Pubs, be sure to identify this competition as follows: CFDA Number 84.133G–1 or 84.133G–2. Individuals with disabilities can obtain a copy of the application package in an alternative format (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer diskette) by contacting the person or team listed under Alternative Format in section VIII of this notice. 2. Content and Form of Application Submission: Requirements concerning the content of an application, together with the forms you must submit, are in the application package for this competition. PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Page Limit: The application narrative (Part III of the application) is where you, the applicant, address the selection criteria that reviewers use to evaluate your application. We recommend that you limit Part III to the equivalent of no more than 50 pages, using the following standards: • A ‘‘page’’ is 8.5″ x 11″, on one side only, with 1″ margins at the top, bottom, and both sides. • Double space (no more than three lines per vertical inch) all text in the application narrative. Single spacing may be used for titles, headings, footnotes, quotations, references, and captions, as well as all text in charts, tables, figures, and graphs. • Use a font that is either 12 point or larger or no smaller than 10 pitch (characters per inch). The recommended page limit does not apply to Part I, the cover sheet; Part II, the budget section, including the narrative budget justification; Part IV, the assurances and certifications; or the one-page abstract, the resumes, the bibliography, or the letters of support. However, the recommended page limit does apply to all of the application narrative section [Part III]. The application package will provide instructions for completing all components to be included in the application. Each application must include a cover sheet (Standard Form 424); budget requirements (ED Form 524) and narrative justification; other required forms; an abstract, Human Subjects narrative, Part III narrative; resumes of staff; and other related materials, if applicable. 3. Submission Dates and Times: Applications Available: July 23, 2007. Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: September 21, 2007. Applications for grants under this competition may be submitted electronically using the Grants.gov Apply site (Grants.gov), or in paper format by mail or hand delivery. For information (including dates and times) about how to submit your application electronically, or in paper format by mail or hand delivery, please refer to section IV. 6. Other Submission Requirements in this notice. We do not consider an application that does not comply with the deadline requirements. Individuals with disabilities who need an accommodation or auxiliary aid in connection with the application process should contact the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT in section VII in this notice. If the Department provides an accommodation or auxiliary aid to an individual with a disability in E:\FR\FM\23JYN1.SGM 23JYN1 sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 140 / Monday, July 23, 2007 / Notices connection with the application process, the individual’s application remains subject to all other requirements and limitations in this notice. 4. Intergovernmental Review: This competition is not subject to Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79. 5. Funding Restrictions: We reference regulations outlining funding restrictions in the APPLICABLE REGULATIONS section in this notice. 6. Other Submission Requirements: Applications for grants under this competition may be submitted electronically or in paper format by mail or hand delivery. a. Electronic Submission of Applications. To comply with the President’s Management Agenda, we are participating as a partner in the Governmentwide Grants.gov Apply site. The FI Projects, CFDA Numbers 84.133G–1 (Research) and 84.133G–2 (Development), are both included in this project. We request your participation in Grants.gov. If you choose to submit your application electronically, you must use the Governmentwide Grants.gov Apply site at https://www.Grants.gov. Through this site, you will be able to download a copy of the application package, complete it offline, and then upload and submit your application. You may not email an electronic copy of a grant application to us. You may access the electronic grant application for the FI Projects competition at https://www.Grants.gov. You must search for the downloadable application package for this competition by the CFDA number. Do not include the CFDA number’s alpha suffix in your search (e.g., search for 84.133, not 84.133G). Please note the following: • Your participation in Grants.gov is voluntary. • When you enter the Grants.gov site, you will find information about submitting an application electronically through the site, as well as the hours of operation. • Applications received by Grants.gov are date and time stamped. Your application must be fully uploaded and submitted and must be date and time stamped by the Grants.gov system no later than 4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date. Except as otherwise noted in this section, we will not consider your application if it is date and time stamped by the Grants.gov system later than 4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date. When we VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:09 Jul 20, 2007 Jkt 211001 retrieve your application from Grants.gov, we will notify you if we are rejecting your application because it was date and time stamped by the Grants.gov system after 4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date. The amount of time it can take to upload an application will vary depending on a variety of factors, including the size of the application and the speed of your Internet connection. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the submission process through Grants.gov. • You should review and follow the Education Submission Procedures for submitting an application through Grants.gov that are included in the application package for this competition to ensure that you submit your application in a timely manner to the Grants.gov system. You can also find the Education Submission Procedures pertaining to Grants.gov at https://eGrants.ed.gov/help/ GrantsgovSubmissionProcedures.pdf. • To submit your application via Grants.gov, you must complete all steps in the Grants.gov registration process (see https://www.grants.gov/applicants/ get_registered.jsp). These steps include (1) Registering your organization, a multi-part process that includes registration with the Central Contractor Registry (CCR); (2) registering yourself as an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR); and (3) getting authorized as an AOR by your organization. Details on these steps are outlined in the Grants.gov 3-Step Registration Guide (see https:// www.grants.gov/section910/ Grants.govRegistrationBrochure.pdf). You also must provide on your application the same D-U-N-S Number used with this registration. Please note that the registration process may take five or more business days to complete, and you must have completed all registration steps to allow you to submit successfully an application via Grants.gov. In addition you will need to update your CCR registration on an annual basis. This may take three or more business days to complete. • You will not receive additional point value because you submit your application in electronic format, nor will we penalize you if you submit your application in paper format. • If you submit your application electronically, you must submit all documents electronically, including all information you typically provide on the following forms: Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424), the Department of Education Supplemental PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 40133 Information for SF 424, Budget Information—Non-Construction Programs (ED 524), and all necessary assurances and certifications. Please note that two of these forms—the SF 424 and the Department of Education Supplemental Information for SF 424— have replaced the ED 424 (Application for Federal Education Assistance). • If you submit your application electronically, you must attach any narrative sections of your application as files in a .DOC (document), .RTF (rich text), or .PDF (Portable Document) format. If you upload a file type other than the three file types specified in this paragraph or submit a passwordprotected file, we will not review that material. • Your electronic application must comply with any page-limit requirements described in this notice. • After you electronically submit your application, you will receive from Grants.gov an automatic notification of receipt that contains a Grants.gov tracking number. (This notification indicates receipt by Grants.gov only, not receipt by the Department.) The Department then will retrieve your application from Grants.gov and send a second notification to you by e-mail. This second notification indicates that the Department has received your application and has assigned your application a PR/Award number (an EDspecified identifying number unique to your application). • We may request that you provide us original signatures on forms at a later date. Application Deadline Date Extension in Case of Technical Issues with the Grants.gov System: If you are experiencing problems submitting your application through Grants.gov, please contact the Grants.gov Support Desk, toll free, at 1–800–518–4726. You must obtain a Grants.gov Support Desk Case Number and must keep a record of it. If you are prevented from electronically submitting your application on the application deadline date because of technical problems with the Grants.gov system, we will grant you an extension until 4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, the following business day to enable you to transmit your application electronically, or by hand delivery. You also may mail your application by following the mailing instructions described elsewhere in this notice. If you submit an application after 4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date, please contact the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT in section VII in this notice and provide an E:\FR\FM\23JYN1.SGM 23JYN1 40134 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 140 / Monday, July 23, 2007 / Notices explanation of the technical problem you experienced with Grants.gov, along with the Grants.gov Support Desk Case Number. We will accept your application if we can confirm that a technical problem occurred with the Grants.gov system and that that problem affected your ability to submit your application by 4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date. The Department will contact you after a determination is made on whether your application will be accepted. sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES Note: The extensions to which we refer in this section apply only to the unavailability of, or technical problems with, the Grants.gov system. We will not grant you an extension if you failed to fully register to submit your application to Grants.gov before the application deadline date and time or if the technical problem you experienced is unrelated to the Grants.gov system. b. Submission of Paper Applications by Mail. If you submit your application in paper format by mail (through the U.S. Postal Service or a commercial carrier), you must mail the original and two copies of your application, on or before the application deadline date, to the Department at the applicable following address: By mail through the U.S. Postal Service: U.S. Department of Education, Application Control Center, Attention: (Applicants must identify either CFDA, Number 84.133G–1 (Research) or 84.133G–2 (Development) depending on the designation of their proposed project.), 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20202–4260; or By mail through a commercial carrier: U.S. Department of Education, Application Control Center, Stop 4260, Attention: (Applicants must identify either CFDA, Number 84.133G–1 (Research) or 84.133G–2 (Development) depending on the designation of their proposed project.), 7100 Old Landover Road, Landover, MD 20785–1506. Regardless of which address you use, you must show proof of mailing consisting of one of the following: (1) A legibly dated U.S. Postal Service postmark. (2) A legible mail receipt with the date of mailing stamped by the U.S. Postal Service. (3) A dated shipping label, invoice, or receipt from a commercial carrier. (4) Any other proof of mailing acceptable to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education. If you mail your application through the U.S. Postal Service, we do not VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:09 Jul 20, 2007 Jkt 211001 accept either of the following as proof of mailing: (1) A private metered postmark. (2) A mail receipt that is not dated by the U.S. Postal Service. If your application is postmarked after the application deadline date, we will not consider your application. Note: The U.S. Postal Service does not uniformly provide a dated postmark. Before relying on this method, you should check with your local post office. c. Submission of Paper Applications by Hand Delivery. If you submit your application in paper format by hand delivery, you (or a courier service) must deliver the original and two copies of your application by hand, on or before the application deadline date, to the Department at the following address: U.S. Department of Education, Application Control Center, Attention: (Applicants must identify either CFDA, Number 84.133G–1 (Research) or 84.133G–2 (Development) depending on the designation of their proposed project.), 550 12th Street, SW., Room 7041, Potomac Center Plaza, Washington, DC 20202–4260. The Application Control Center accepts hand deliveries daily between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, except Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal holidays. Note for Mail or Hand Delivery of Paper Applications: If you mail or hand deliver your application to the Department— (1) You must indicate on the envelope and—if not provided by the Department—in Item 11 of the SF 424 the CFDA number, including suffix letter, if any, of the competition under which you are submitting your application; and (2) The Application Control Center will mail to you a notification of receipt of your grant application. If you do not receive this notification within 15 business days from the application deadline date, you should call the U.S. Department of Education Application Control Center at (202) 245– 6288. V. Application Review Information 1. Selection Criteria: The selection criteria for this competition are from 34 CFR 350.54 and 34 CFR.55 and are listed in the application package. Note: There are two different sets of selection criteria for FI projects: One set to evaluate applications proposing to carry out research activities (CFDA 84.133G–1), and a second set to evaluate applications proposing to carry out development activities (CFDA 84.133G–2). Each applicant will be evaluated using the selection criteria for the type of project the applicant designates in its application. 2. Review and Selection Process: Additional factors we consider in PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 selecting an application for an award are as follows— The Secretary is interested in outcomes-oriented research or development projects that use rigorous scientific methodologies. To address this interest, applicants are encouraged to articulate goals, objectives, and expected outcomes for the proposed research or development activities. Proposals should describe how results and planned outputs are expected to contribute to advances in knowledge, improvements in policy and practice, and eventually to public benefits for individuals with disabilities. Applicants should propose projects that are optimally designed to be consistent with these goals. We encourage applicants to include in their applications a description of how results will measure progress towards achieving the anticipated outcomes, the mechanisms that will be used to evaluate outcomes associated with specific problems or issues, and how the proposed activities will support new intervention approaches and strategies, including a discussion of measures of effectiveness. Submission of the information identified in this section is voluntary, except where required by the selection criteria listed in the application package. VI. Award Administration Information 1. Award Notices: If your application is successful, we notify your U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators and send you a Grant Award Notice (GAN). We may notify you informally, also. If your application is not evaluated or not selected for funding, we notify you. 2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: We identify administrative and national policy requirements in the application package and reference these and other requirements in the APPLICABLE REGULATIONS section in this notice. We reference the regulations outlining the terms and conditions of an award in the APPLICABLE REGULATIONS section in this notice and include these and other specific conditions in the GAN. The GAN also incorporates your approved application as part of your binding commitments under the grant. 3. Reporting: At the end of your project period, you must submit a final performance report, including financial information, as directed by the Secretary. If you receive a multi-year award, you must submit an annual performance report that provides the most current performance and financial expenditure information as specified by the Secretary under 34 CFR 75.118. The Secretary may also require more E:\FR\FM\23JYN1.SGM 23JYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 140 / Monday, July 23, 2007 / Notices frequent performance reports under 34 CFR 75.720(c). For specific requirements on reporting, please go to https://www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/ appforms/appforms.html. sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES Note: NIDRR will provide information by letter to grantees on how and when to submit the report. 4. Performance Measures: To evaluate the overall success of its research program, NIDRR assesses the quality of its funded projects through review of grantee performance and products. Each year, NIDRR examines, through expert review, a portion of its grantees to determine: The percentage of newly awarded NIDRR projects that are conducting at least one multi-site, collaborative, controlled trial. The number of accomplishments (e.g., new or improved tools, methods, discoveries, standards, interventions, programs, or devices) developed or tested with NIDRR funding that have been judged by expert panels to be of high quality and to advance the field. The percentage of grantee research and development that has appropriate study design, meets rigorous standards of scientific and/or engineering methods, and builds on, and contributes to, knowledge in the field. The average number of publications per award based on NIDRR-funded research and development activities in refereed journals. The percentage of new grants that include studies funded by NIDRR that assess the effectiveness of interventions, programs, and devices using rigorous and appropriate methods. NIDRR uses information submitted by grantees as part of their Annual Performance Reports (APRs) for these reviews. The Department’s program performance reports, which include information on NIDRR programs, are available on the Department’s Web site: www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/opepd/ sas/. Updates on the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 (GPRA) indicators, revisions, and methods appear on the NIDRR Program Review Web site: www.cessi.net/ contracts/pm/doe_nidrr_tsam.html. Grantees should consult these sites, on a regular basis, to obtain details and explanations on how NIDRR programs contribute to the advancement of the Department’s long-term and annual performance goals. VII. Agency Contact For Further Information Contact: Lynn Medley, U.S. Department of VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:09 Jul 20, 2007 Jkt 211001 Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 6027, PCP, Washington, DC 20202. Telephone: (202) 245–7338 or by e-mail: lynn.medley@ed.gov. If you use a TDD, call the Federal Relay Service (FRS), toll free, at 1–800– 877–8339. VIII. Other Information Alternative Format: Individuals with disabilities can obtain this document and a copy of the application package in an alternative format (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer diskette) by contacting the Grants and Contracts Services Team, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 5075, PCP, Washington, DC 20202–2550. Telephone: (202) 245– 7363. If you use a TDD, call the FRS, toll free, at 1–800–877–8339. Electronic Access to This Document: You may view this document, as well as all other documents of this Department published in the Federal Register, in text or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) on the Internet at the following site: www.ed.gov/news/ fedregister. To use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at this site. If you have questions about using PDF, call the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO), toll free, at 1– 888–293–6498; or in the Washington, DC, area at (202) 512–1530. Note: The official version of this document is the document published in the Federal Register. Free Internet access to the official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations is available on GPO Access at: www.gpoaccess.gov/nara/ index.html. Dated: July 18, 2007. John H. Hager, Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. [FR Doc. E7–14180 Filed 7–20–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Disposal of Greater-Than-Class-C Low-Level Radioactive Waste Department of Energy. Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement. AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: The Department of Energy (DOE) announces its intent to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for the disposal of Greater-Than-Class-C low-level radioactive waste (GTCC LLW). GTCC PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 40135 LLW is defined by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in 10 CFR 72.3 as ‘‘low-level radioactive waste that exceeds the concentration limits of radionuclides established for Class C waste in [10 CFR 61.55].’’ GTCC LLW is generated by NRC or Agreement State-licensed activities (hereafter referred to as NRC-licensed activities). DOE proposes to evaluate alternatives for GTCC LLW disposal: in a geologic repository; in intermediate depth boreholes; and in enhanced near surface facilities. Candidate locations for these disposal facilities would be: the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) in Idaho; the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) in New Mexico; the Nevada Test Site (NTS) and the proposed Yucca Mountain repository in Nevada; the Savannah River Site (SRS) in South Carolina; the Oak Ridge Reservation (ORR) in Tennessee; and the Hanford Site (Hanford) in Washington. DOE will also evaluate disposal at generic commercial facilities in arid and humid locations. In addition, DOE proposes to include DOE LLW and transuranic waste having characteristics similar to GTCC LLW and which may not have an identified path to disposal (hereafter referred to as GTCC-like waste) in the scope of this EIS. DOE’s GTCC-like waste is owned or generated by DOE. The use of the term ‘‘GTCC-like’’ does not have the intent or effect of creating a new classification of radioactive waste. DOE invites public comment on the scope of this EIS during a 60-day public scoping period. During this period, DOE will hold public scoping meetings to provide the public with an opportunity to comment on the scope of the EIS and to learn more about the proposed action from DOE officials. DOE issued an Advance Notice of Intent (ANOI), 70 FR 24775 (May 11, 2005), inviting the public to provide preliminary comments on the potential scope of the EIS. This Notice of Intent (NOI) includes a summary of the public comments received on the ANOI. DATES: The public scoping period starts with the date of publication of this NOI in the Federal Register and will continue until September 21, 2007. DOE will consider all comments received or postmarked by September 21, 2007 in defining the scope of this EIS. Comments received or postmarked after that date will be considered to the extent practicable. Public scoping meetings will be held to provide the public with an opportunity to present comments on the scope of the EIS and to learn more about E:\FR\FM\23JYN1.SGM 23JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 140 (Monday, July 23, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 40131-40135]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-14180]


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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION


Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services; Overview 
Information; National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation 
Research (NIDRR)--Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and 
Centers Program--Field Initiated (FI) Projects Notice Inviting 
Applications for New Awards for Fiscal Year (FY) 2008

    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Numbers: 84.133G-1 
(Research) and 84.133G-2 (Development).
    Dates:
    Applications Available: July 23, 2007.
    Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: September 21, 2007.

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Purpose of Program: The purpose of the FI Projects program is to 
develop methods, procedures, and rehabilitation technology that 
maximize the full inclusion and integration into society, employment, 
independent living, family support, and economic and social self-
sufficiency of individuals with disabilities, especially individuals 
with the most severe disabilities. Another purpose of the FI program is 
to improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the 
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
    FI projects carry out either research activities or development 
activities. NIDRR makes two types of grants under the FI Projects 
program: Research grants (CFDA 84.133G-1) and development grants (CFDA 
84.133G-2). Applicants must indicate in their applications whether they 
are applying for a research grant (84.133G-1) or a development grant 
(84.133G-2).
    In carrying out a research activity under an FI research grant, a 
grantee must identify one or more hypotheses or research questions and, 
based on the hypotheses or research questions identified, perform an 
intensive, systematic study directed toward producing (1) New 
scientific knowledge, or (2) better understanding of the subject, 
problem studied, or body of knowledge.
    In carrying out a development activity under an FI development 
grant, a grantee must use knowledge and understanding gained from 
research to create materials, devices, systems, or methods beneficial 
to the target population, including design and development of 
prototypes and processes. Target population means the group of 
individuals, organizations, or other entities expected to be affected 
by the project. More than one group may be involved because a project 
may affect those who receive services, provide services, or administer 
services.

    Note: Different selection criteria are used for research 
projects (84.133G-1) and development projects (84.133G-2). In their 
applications, applicants must clearly indicate whether they are 
applying for a research grant (84.133G-1) or a development grant 
(84.133G-2) and must address the selection criteria relevant for 
their project type. Without exception, NIDRR will review each 
application based on the designation (i.e.,

[[Page 40132]]

research (84.133G-1) or development (84.133G-2)) made by the 
applicant. Applications will be determined ineligible and will not 
be reviewed if they do not include a clear designation of research 
or development.


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

    The Plan is comprehensive and integrates many issues relating to 
disability and rehabilitation research topics. The Plan, which was 
published in the Federal Register on February 15, 2006 (71 FR 8165), 
can be accessed on the Internet at the following site: www.ed.gov/
about/offices/list/osers/nidrr/policy.html.
    Through the implementation of the NFI and the Plan, NIDRR seeks 
to--(1) Improve the quality and utility of disability and 
rehabilitation research; (2) foster an exchange of expertise, 
information, and training to facilitate the advancement of knowledge 
and understanding of the unique needs of individuals with disabilities 
from traditionally underserved populations; (3) determine best 
strategies and programs to improve rehabilitation outcomes for 
individuals with disabilities from underserved populations; (4) 
identify research gaps; (5) identify mechanisms of integrating research 
and practice; and (6) disseminate findings.

    Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 764.

    Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General 
Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR parts 74, 75, 77, 80, 81, 
82, 84, 85, 86, and 97. (b) The regulations for this program in 34 CFR 
part 350.

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

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Discretionary grants.
    Estimated Available Funds: The Administration has requested 
$106,705,000 for new awards for the NIDRR program for FY 2008, of which 
we intend to use an estimated $4,600,000 for the FI Projects 
competition. The actual level of funding, if any, depends on final 
congressional action. However, we are inviting applications to allow 
enough time to complete the grant process if Congress appropriates 
funds for this program.
    Estimated Range of Awards: $195,000-$200,000.
    Estimated Average Size of Awards: $197,500.
    Maximum Award: We will reject any application that proposes a 
budget exceeding $200,000 for a single budget period of 12 months. The 
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services 
may change the maximum amount through a notice published in the Federal 
Register.

    Note: The maximum amount includes direct and indirect costs.

    Estimated Number of Awards: 23.

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

    Project Period: Up to 36 months.

III. Eligibility Information

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

IV. Application and Submission Information

    1. Address to Request Application Package: You can obtain an 
application package via the Internet or from the Education Publications 
Center (ED Pubs). To obtain a copy via the Internet, use the following 
address: www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/grantapps/.
    To obtain a copy from ED Pubs, write, fax, or call the following: 
Education Publications Center, P.O. Box 1398, Jessup, MD 20794-1398. 
Telephone, toll free: 1-877-433-7827. Fax: (301) 470-1244. If you use a 
telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), call, toll free: 1-877-
576-7734.
    You can contact ED Pubs at its Web site, also: www.ed.gov/pubs/
edpubs.html or at its e-mail address: edpubs@inet.ed.gov.
    If you request an application from ED Pubs, be sure to identify 
this competition as follows: CFDA Number 84.133G-1 or 84.133G-2.
    Individuals with disabilities can obtain a copy of the application 
package in an alternative format (e.g., Braille, large print, 
audiotape, or computer diskette) by contacting the person or team 
listed under Alternative Format in section VIII of this notice.
    2. Content and Form of Application Submission: Requirements 
concerning the content of an application, together with the forms you 
must submit, are in the application package for this competition.
    Page Limit: The application narrative (Part III of the application) 
is where you, the applicant, address the selection criteria that 
reviewers use to evaluate your application. We recommend that you limit 
Part III to the equivalent of no more than 50 pages, using the 
following standards:
     A ``page'' is 8.5'' x 11'', on one side only, with 1'' 
margins at the top, bottom, and both sides.
     Double space (no more than three lines per vertical inch) 
all text in the application narrative. Single spacing may be used for 
titles, headings, footnotes, quotations, references, and captions, as 
well as all text in charts, tables, figures, and graphs.
     Use a font that is either 12 point or larger or no smaller 
than 10 pitch (characters per inch).
    The recommended page limit does not apply to Part I, the cover 
sheet; Part II, the budget section, including the narrative budget 
justification; Part IV, the assurances and certifications; or the one-
page abstract, the resumes, the bibliography, or the letters of 
support. However, the recommended page limit does apply to all of the 
application narrative section [Part III].
    The application package will provide instructions for completing 
all components to be included in the application. Each application must 
include a cover sheet (Standard Form 424); budget requirements (ED Form 
524) and narrative justification; other required forms; an abstract, 
Human Subjects narrative, Part III narrative; resumes of staff; and 
other related materials, if applicable.
    3. Submission Dates and Times:
    Applications Available: July 23, 2007.
    Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: September 21, 2007.
    Applications for grants under this competition may be submitted 
electronically using the Grants.gov Apply site (Grants.gov), or in 
paper format by mail or hand delivery. For information (including dates 
and times) about how to submit your application electronically, or in 
paper format by mail or hand delivery, please refer to section IV. 6. 
Other Submission Requirements in this notice.
    We do not consider an application that does not comply with the 
deadline requirements.
    Individuals with disabilities who need an accommodation or 
auxiliary aid in connection with the application process should contact 
the person listed under For Further Information Contact in section VII 
in this notice. If the Department provides an accommodation or 
auxiliary aid to an individual with a disability in

[[Page 40133]]

connection with the application process, the individual's application 
remains subject to all other requirements and limitations in this 
notice.
    4. Intergovernmental Review: This competition is not subject to 
Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79.
    5. Funding Restrictions: We reference regulations outlining funding 
restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section in this notice.
    6. Other Submission Requirements: Applications for grants under 
this competition may be submitted electronically or in paper format by 
mail or hand delivery.
    a. Electronic Submission of Applications.
    To comply with the President's Management Agenda, we are 
participating as a partner in the Governmentwide Grants.gov Apply site. 
The FI Projects, CFDA Numbers 84.133G-1 (Research) and 84.133G-2 
(Development), are both included in this project. We request your 
participation in Grants.gov.
    If you choose to submit your application electronically, you must 
use the Governmentwide Grants.gov Apply site at https://www.Grants.gov. 
Through this site, you will be able to download a copy of the 
application package, complete it offline, and then upload and submit 
your application. You may not e-mail an electronic copy of a grant 
application to us.
    You may access the electronic grant application for the FI Projects 
competition at https://www.Grants.gov. You must search for the 
downloadable application package for this competition by the CFDA 
number. Do not include the CFDA number's alpha suffix in your search 
(e.g., search for 84.133, not 84.133G).
    Please note the following:
     Your participation in Grants.gov is voluntary.
     When you enter the Grants.gov site, you will find 
information about submitting an application electronically through the 
site, as well as the hours of operation.
     Applications received by Grants.gov are date and time 
stamped. Your application must be fully uploaded and submitted and must 
be date and time stamped by the Grants.gov system no later than 4:30 
p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date. Except as 
otherwise noted in this section, we will not consider your application 
if it is date and time stamped by the Grants.gov system later than 4:30 
p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date. When we 
retrieve your application from Grants.gov, we will notify you if we are 
rejecting your application because it was date and time stamped by the 
Grants.gov system after 4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the 
application deadline date.
    The amount of time it can take to upload an application will vary 
depending on a variety of factors, including the size of the 
application and the speed of your Internet connection. Therefore, we 
strongly recommend that you do not wait until the application deadline 
date to begin the submission process through Grants.gov.
     You should review and follow the Education Submission 
Procedures for submitting an application through Grants.gov that are 
included in the application package for this competition to ensure that 
you submit your application in a timely manner to the Grants.gov 
system. You can also find the Education Submission Procedures 
pertaining to Grants.gov at https://e-Grants.ed.gov/help/
GrantsgovSubmissionProcedures.pdf.
     To submit your application via Grants.gov, you must 
complete all steps in the Grants.gov registration process (see https://
www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp). These steps include (1) 
Registering your organization, a multi-part process that includes 
registration with the Central Contractor Registry (CCR); (2) 
registering yourself as an Authorized Organization Representative 
(AOR); and (3) getting authorized as an AOR by your organization. 
Details on these steps are outlined in the Grants.gov 3-Step 
Registration Guide (see https://www.grants.gov/section910/
Grants.govRegistrationBrochure.pdf). You also must provide on your 
application the same D-U-N-S Number used with this registration. Please 
note that the registration process may take five or more business days 
to complete, and you must have completed all registration steps to 
allow you to submit successfully an application via Grants.gov. In 
addition you will need to update your CCR registration on an annual 
basis. This may take three or more business days to complete.
     You will not receive additional point value because you 
submit your application in electronic format, nor will we penalize you 
if you submit your application in paper format.
     If you submit your application electronically, you must 
submit all documents electronically, including all information you 
typically provide on the following forms: Application for Federal 
Assistance (SF 424), the Department of Education Supplemental 
Information for SF 424, Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs 
(ED 524), and all necessary assurances and certifications. Please note 
that two of these forms--the SF 424 and the Department of Education 
Supplemental Information for SF 424--have replaced the ED 424 
(Application for Federal Education Assistance).
     If you submit your application electronically, you must 
attach any narrative sections of your application as files in a .DOC 
(document), .RTF (rich text), or .PDF (Portable Document) format. If 
you upload a file type other than the three file types specified in 
this paragraph or submit a password-protected file, we will not review 
that material.
     Your electronic application must comply with any page-
limit requirements described in this notice.
     After you electronically submit your application, you will 
receive from Grants.gov an automatic notification of receipt that 
contains a Grants.gov tracking number. (This notification indicates 
receipt by Grants.gov only, not receipt by the Department.) The 
Department then will retrieve your application from Grants.gov and send 
a second notification to you by e-mail. This second notification 
indicates that the Department has received your application and has 
assigned your application a PR/Award number (an ED-specified 
identifying number unique to your application).
     We may request that you provide us original signatures on 
forms at a later date.
    Application Deadline Date Extension in Case of Technical Issues 
with the Grants.gov System: If you are experiencing problems submitting 
your application through Grants.gov, please contact the Grants.gov 
Support Desk, toll free, at 1-800-518-4726. You must obtain a 
Grants.gov Support Desk Case Number and must keep a record of it.
    If you are prevented from electronically submitting your 
application on the application deadline date because of technical 
problems with the Grants.gov system, we will grant you an extension 
until 4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, the following business day to 
enable you to transmit your application electronically, or by hand 
delivery. You also may mail your application by following the mailing 
instructions described elsewhere in this notice.
    If you submit an application after 4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, 
on the application deadline date, please contact the person listed 
under For Further Information Contact in section VII in this notice and 
provide an

[[Page 40134]]

explanation of the technical problem you experienced with Grants.gov, 
along with the Grants.gov Support Desk Case Number. We will accept your 
application if we can confirm that a technical problem occurred with 
the Grants.gov system and that that problem affected your ability to 
submit your application by 4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the 
application deadline date. The Department will contact you after a 
determination is made on whether your application will be accepted.

    Note: The extensions to which we refer in this section apply 
only to the unavailability of, or technical problems with, the 
Grants.gov system. We will not grant you an extension if you failed 
to fully register to submit your application to Grants.gov before 
the application deadline date and time or if the technical problem 
you experienced is unrelated to the Grants.gov system.

    b. Submission of Paper Applications by Mail.
    If you submit your application in paper format by mail (through the 
U.S. Postal Service or a commercial carrier), you must mail the 
original and two copies of your application, on or before the 
application deadline date, to the Department at the applicable 
following address:

By mail through the U.S. Postal Service: U.S. Department of Education, 
Application Control Center, Attention: (Applicants must identify either 
CFDA, Number 84.133G-1 (Research) or 84.133G-2 (Development) depending 
on the designation of their proposed project.), 400 Maryland Avenue, 
SW., Washington, DC 20202-4260; or
By mail through a commercial carrier: U.S. Department of Education, 
Application Control Center, Stop 4260, Attention: (Applicants must 
identify either CFDA, Number 84.133G-1 (Research) or 84.133G-2 
(Development) depending on the designation of their proposed project.), 
7100 Old Landover Road, Landover, MD 20785-1506.

    Regardless of which address you use, you must show proof of mailing 
consisting of one of the following:
    (1) A legibly dated U.S. Postal Service postmark.
    (2) A legible mail receipt with the date of mailing stamped by the 
U.S. Postal Service.
    (3) A dated shipping label, invoice, or receipt from a commercial 
carrier.
    (4) Any other proof of mailing acceptable to the Secretary of the 
U.S. Department of Education.
    If you mail your application through the U.S. Postal Service, we do 
not accept either of the following as proof of mailing:
    (1) A private metered postmark.
    (2) A mail receipt that is not dated by the U.S. Postal Service.
    If your application is postmarked after the application deadline 
date, we will not consider your application.

    Note: The U.S. Postal Service does not uniformly provide a dated 
postmark. Before relying on this method, you should check with your 
local post office.

    c. Submission of Paper Applications by Hand Delivery.
    If you submit your application in paper format by hand delivery, 
you (or a courier service) must deliver the original and two copies of 
your application by hand, on or before the application deadline date, 
to the Department at the following address: U.S. Department of 
Education, Application Control Center, Attention: (Applicants must 
identify either CFDA, Number 84.133G-1 (Research) or 84.133G-2 
(Development) depending on the designation of their proposed project.), 
550 12th Street, SW., Room 7041, Potomac Center Plaza, Washington, DC 
20202-4260.
    The Application Control Center accepts hand deliveries daily 
between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, except Saturdays, 
Sundays, and Federal holidays.

    Note for Mail or Hand Delivery of Paper Applications: If you 
mail or hand deliver your application to the Department--
    (1) You must indicate on the envelope and--if not provided by 
the Department--in Item 11 of the SF 424 the CFDA number, including 
suffix letter, if any, of the competition under which you are 
submitting your application; and
    (2) The Application Control Center will mail to you a 
notification of receipt of your grant application. If you do not 
receive this notification within 15 business days from the 
application deadline date, you should call the U.S. Department of 
Education Application Control Center at (202) 245-6288.

V. Application Review Information

    1. Selection Criteria: The selection criteria for this competition 
are from 34 CFR 350.54 and 34 CFR.55 and are listed in the application 
package.

    Note: There are two different sets of selection criteria for FI 
projects: One set to evaluate applications proposing to carry out 
research activities (CFDA 84.133G-1), and a second set to evaluate 
applications proposing to carry out development activities (CFDA 
84.133G-2). Each applicant will be evaluated using the selection 
criteria for the type of project the applicant designates in its 
application.

    2. Review and Selection Process: Additional factors we consider in 
selecting an application for an award are as follows--
    The Secretary is interested in outcomes-oriented research or 
development projects that use rigorous scientific methodologies. To 
address this interest, applicants are encouraged to articulate goals, 
objectives, and expected outcomes for the proposed research or 
development activities. Proposals should describe how results and 
planned outputs are expected to contribute to advances in knowledge, 
improvements in policy and practice, and eventually to public benefits 
for individuals with disabilities. Applicants should propose projects 
that are optimally designed to be consistent with these goals. We 
encourage applicants to include in their applications a description of 
how results will measure progress towards achieving the anticipated 
outcomes, the mechanisms that will be used to evaluate outcomes 
associated with specific problems or issues, and how the proposed 
activities will support new intervention approaches and strategies, 
including a discussion of measures of effectiveness. Submission of the 
information identified in this section is voluntary, except where 
required by the selection criteria listed in the application package.

VI. Award Administration Information

    1. Award Notices: If your application is successful, we notify your 
U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators and send you a Grant Award Notice 
(GAN). We may notify you informally, also.
    If your application is not evaluated or not selected for funding, 
we notify you.
    2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: We identify 
administrative and national policy requirements in the application 
package and reference these and other requirements in the Applicable 
Regulations section in this notice.
    We reference the regulations outlining the terms and conditions of 
an award in the Applicable Regulations section in this notice and 
include these and other specific conditions in the GAN. The GAN also 
incorporates your approved application as part of your binding 
commitments under the grant.
    3. Reporting: At the end of your project period, you must submit a 
final performance report, including financial information, as directed 
by the Secretary. If you receive a multi-year award, you must submit an 
annual performance report that provides the most current performance 
and financial expenditure information as specified by the Secretary 
under 34 CFR 75.118. The Secretary may also require more

[[Page 40135]]

frequent performance reports under 34 CFR 75.720(c). For specific 
requirements on reporting, please go to https://www.ed.gov/fund/grant/
apply/appforms/appforms.html.

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

    4. Performance Measures: To evaluate the overall success of its 
research program, NIDRR assesses the quality of its funded projects 
through review of grantee performance and products. Each year, NIDRR 
examines, through expert review, a portion of its grantees to 
determine:
    The percentage of newly awarded NIDRR projects that are conducting 
at least one multi-site, collaborative, controlled trial.
    The number of accomplishments (e.g., new or improved tools, 
methods, discoveries, standards, interventions, programs, or devices) 
developed or tested with NIDRR funding that have been judged by expert 
panels to be of high quality and to advance the field.
    The percentage of grantee research and development that has 
appropriate study design, meets rigorous standards of scientific and/or 
engineering methods, and builds on, and contributes to, knowledge in 
the field.
    The average number of publications per award based on NIDRR-funded 
research and development activities in refereed journals.
    The percentage of new grants that include studies funded by NIDRR 
that assess the effectiveness of interventions, programs, and devices 
using rigorous and appropriate methods.
    NIDRR uses information submitted by grantees as part of their 
Annual Performance Reports (APRs) for these reviews.
    The Department's program performance reports, which include 
information on NIDRR programs, are available on the Department's Web 
site: www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/opepd/sas/.
    Updates on the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 
(GPRA) indicators, revisions, and methods appear on the NIDRR Program 
Review Web site: www.cessi.net/contracts/pm/doe_nidrr_tsam.html.
    Grantees should consult these sites, on a regular basis, to obtain 
details and explanations on how NIDRR programs contribute to the 
advancement of the Department's long-term and annual performance goals.

VII. Agency Contact

    For Further Information Contact: Lynn Medley, U.S. Department of 
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 6027, PCP, Washington, DC 
20202. Telephone: (202) 245-7338 or by e-mail: lynn.medley@ed.gov.
    If you use a TDD, call the Federal Relay Service (FRS), toll free, 
at 1-800-877-8339.

VIII. Other Information

    Alternative Format: Individuals with disabilities can obtain this 
document and a copy of the application package in an alternative format 
(e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer diskette) by 
contacting the Grants and Contracts Services Team, U.S. Department of 
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 5075, PCP, Washington, DC 
20202-2550. Telephone: (202) 245-7363. If you use a TDD, call the FRS, 
toll free, at 1-800-877-8339.
    Electronic Access to This Document: You may view this document, as 
well as all other documents of this Department published in the Federal 
Register, in text or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) on the 
Internet at the following site: www.ed.gov/news/fedregister.
    To use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available 
free at this site. If you have questions about using PDF, call the U.S. 
Government Printing Office (GPO), toll free, at 1-888-293-6498; or in 
the Washington, DC, area at (202) 512-1530.

    Note: The official version of this document is the document 
published in the Federal Register. Free Internet access to the 
official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of Federal 
Regulations is available on GPO Access at: www.gpoaccess.gov/nara/
index.html.


    Dated: July 18, 2007.
John H. Hager,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
 [FR Doc. E7-14180 Filed 7-20-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P
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