Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS); Overview Information; National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR)-Small Business Innovative Research Program (SBIR)-Phase I Notice Inviting Applications for New Awards for Fiscal Year (FY) 2008., 46968-46973 [E7-16609]
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46968
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concluded that the status of the
Hawaiian monk seal remains
‘‘endangered’’.
NMFS announced the initiation of the
5-year review and requested information
from the public on January 22, 2007 (72
FR 2650). Information was received
from the Ocean Conservancy and the
Marine Mammal Commission.
Conclusion
NMFS revised the final Recovery Plan
for the Hawaiian Monk Seal and
evaluated all comments received by the
public as well as independent peerreviewers. NMFS has also completed
the first 5-year review for the Hawaiian
Monk Seal based on public comments
received and internal review. NMFS
concludes that both the Recovery Plan
and the 5-year review meet the
requirements of the ESA.
Dated: August 16, 2007.
Angela Somma,
Chief, Endangered Species Division, Office
of Protected Resources, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. E7–16600 Filed 8–21–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–S
Dated: August 16, 2007.
James Hyler,
Acting Leader, Information Management Case
Services Team, Regulatory Information
Management Services, Office of Management.
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Notice of Proposed Information
Collection Requests
SUMMARY:
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Federal Student Aid
Department of Education.
The Acting Leader,
Information Management Case Services
Team, Regulatory Information
Management Services, Office of
Management, invites comments on the
proposed information collection
requests as required by the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995.
DATES: Interested persons are invited to
submit comments on or before October
22, 2007.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section
3506 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of
1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35) requires
that the Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) provide interested
Federal agencies and the public an early
opportunity to comment on information
collection requests. OMB may amend or
waive the requirement for public
consultation to the extent that public
participation in the approval process
would defeat the purpose of the
information collection, violate State or
Federal law, or substantially interfere
with any agency’s ability to perform its
statutory obligations. The Acting
Leader, Information Management Case
Services Team, Regulatory Information
Management Services, Office of
Management, publishes that notice
AGENCY:
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containing proposed information
collection requests prior to submission
of these requests to OMB. Each
proposed information collection,
grouped by office, contains the
following: (1) Type of review requested,
e.g. new, revision, extension, existing or
reinstatement; (2) Title; (3) Summary of
the collection; (4) Description of the
need for, and proposed use of, the
information; (5) Respondents and
frequency of collection; and (6)
Reporting and/or Recordkeeping
burden. OMB invites public comment.
The Department of Education is
especially interested in public comment
addressing the following issues: (1) Is
this collection necessary to the proper
functions of the Department; (2) will
this information be processed and used
in a timely manner; (3) is the estimate
of burden accurate; (4) how might the
Department enhance the quality, utility,
and clarity of the information to be
collected; and (5) how might the
Department minimize the burden of this
collection on the respondents, including
through the use of information
technology.
Type of Review: Extension of a
currently approved collection.
Title: Federal Perkins Loan Program
Regulations.
Frequency: Annually.
Affected Public: Not-for-profit
institutions (primary), Individuals or
households, Businesses or other forprofit.
Reporting and Recordkeeping Hour
Burden:
Responses: 2,800,642.
Burden Hours: 61,879.
Abstract: Institutions of higher
education make Perkins loans.
Information is necessary in order to
monitor a school’s reimbursement to its
Perkins loan revolving fund, monitor
how collection costs are charged to
borrowers on rehabilitated loans and to
monitor the assignment of defaulted
Perkins loans to the Department.
Requests for copies of the proposed
information collection request may be
accessed from https://edicsweb.ed.gov,
by selecting the ‘‘Browse Pending
Collections’’ link and by clicking on
link number 3448. When you access the
information collection, click on
‘‘Download Attachments’’ to view.
Written requests for information should
be addressed to U.S. Department of
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Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW.,
Potomac Center, 9th Floor, Washington,
DC 20202–4700. Requests may also be
electronically mailed to
ICDocketMgr@ed.gov or faxed to 202–
245–6623. Please specify the complete
title of the information collection when
making your request.
Comments regarding burden and/or
the collection activity requirements
should be electronically mailed to
ICDocketMgr@ed.gov. Individuals who
use a telecommunications device for the
deaf (TDD) may call the Federal
Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–
800–877–8339.
[FR Doc. E7–16578 Filed 8–21–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Office of Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services (OSERS);
Overview Information; National
Institute on Disability and
Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR)—
Small Business Innovative Research
Program (SBIR)—Phase I Notice
Inviting Applications for New Awards
for Fiscal Year (FY) 2008.
(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
(CFDA) Number: 84.133S–1.)
Dates: Applications Available: August
22, 2007.
Deadline for Transmittal of
Applications: October 22, 2007.
Full Text of Announcement
I. Funding Opportunity Description
Purpose of Program
The purpose of this program is to
stimulate technological innovation in
the private sector, strengthen the role of
small business in meeting Federal
research or research and development
(R/R&D) needs, increase the commercial
application of the U.S. Department of
Education (Department) supported
research results, and improve the return
on investment from federally funded
research for economic and social
benefits to the Nation.
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: https://www.whitehouse.gov/
infocus/newfreedom.
The Plan, which was published in the
Federal Register on February 15, 2006 (71 FR
Doc 8166), can be accessed on the Internet at
the following site: https://www.ed.gov/about/
offices/list/osers/nidrr/policy.html.
Through the implementation of the
NFI and the Plan, NIDRR seeks to (1)
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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
traditionally underserved populations;
(3) determine best strategies and
programs to improve rehabilitation
outcomes for underserved populations;
(4) identify research gaps; (5) identify
mechanisms of integrating research and
practice; and (6) disseminate findings.
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NIDRR Supports Manufacturing-Related
Innovation (Executive Order 13329)
Executive Order 13329 states that
continued technological innovation is
critical to a strong manufacturing sector
in the United States economy and
ensures that Federal agencies assist the
private sector in its manufacturing
innovation efforts. The Department’s
SBIR program encourages innovative
research and development (R&D)
projects that are manufacturing-related,
as defined by Executive Order 13329.
Manufacturing-related R&D
encompasses improvements in existing
methods or processes, or wholly new
processes, machines or systems. Broadly
speaking, the Department’s SBIR
program encourages R&D in
manufacturing through systems level
technologies. The projects supported
under the Department’s SBIR program
encompass a range of manufacturingrelated R&D, including projects leading
to the manufacture of such items as
artificial intelligence or information
technology devices, software, and
systems. For more information on
Executive Order 13329, please visit the
following Web site: https://www.sba.gov/
sbir/execorder.html or contact Lynn
Medley at: lynn.medley@ed.gov.
Background
The Small Business Reauthorization
Act of 2000 (Act) was enacted on
December 21, 2000. The Act requires
certain agencies, including the
Department, to establish SBIR programs
by reserving a statutory percentage of
their extramural R&D budgets to be
awarded to small business concerns
through a uniform, highly competitive
three-phase process.
The three phases of the SBIR program
are:
Phase I: Phase I projects determine,
insofar as possible, the scientific or
technical merit and feasibility of ideas
submitted under the SBIR program. An
application for Phase I should
concentrate on research that will
significantly contribute to proving the
scientific or technical feasibility of the
approach or concept. Scientific or
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technical feasibility is a prerequisite to
further support by the Department in
Phase II.
Phase II: Phase II projects expand on
the results of and further pursue the
development of Phase I projects. Phase
II is the principal R/R&D effort of the
SBIR program. Applications for Phase II
projects must be more comprehensive
than applications for Phase I projects;
Phase II applications must outline the
proposed effort in detail, including the
commercial potential of projects or
processes developed or researched
during the Phase I project. Phase II
applicants must be Phase I grantees with
approaches that appear sufficiently
promising as a result of their efforts in
Phase I. Phase II awards are for periods
of up to two years in amounts up to a
maximum total of $500,000 over a
period of two years.
Phase III: In Phase III, the small
business grantee must use non-SBIR
capital to pursue commercial
applications of the R/R&D. Also, under
Phase III, Federal agencies may award
non-SBIR follow-on funding for
products or processes that meet the
needs of those agencies.
All SBIR projects funded by NIDRR
must address the needs of individuals
with disabilities and their families. (See
29 U.S.C. 762). Activities may include
conducting manufacturing-related R&D
that encompasses improvements in
existing methods or processes, or
wholly new processes, machines, or
systems; exploring the uses of
technology to ensure equal access to
education, employment, community
environments, and information for
individuals with disabilities; and
improving the quality and utility of
disability and rehabilitation research.
Priorities: Under this competition we
are particularly interested in
applications that address one of the
following priorities.
Invitational Priorities: For FY 2008
these priorities are invitational
priorities. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(1) we
do not give an application that meets
one of these invitational priorities a
competitive or absolute preference over
other applications.
These priorities are:
Each of the following priorities relate
to innovative research utilizing new
technologies to address the needs of
individuals with disabilities and their
families. Applicants who choose to
respond to one of the invitational
priorities must propose projects whose
activities contribute to one of the
following outcomes:
(1) Increased independence of
individuals with disabilities in the
workplace, recreational settings, or
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educational settings through the
development of technology to support
access and promote integration of
individuals with disabilities.
(2) Enhanced sensory or motor
function of individuals with disabilities
through the development of technology
to support improved functional
capacity.
(3) Enhanced workforce participation
through the development of technology
to support access to employment,
promote sustained employment, and
promote employment advancement for
individuals with disabilities.
(4) Enhanced community
participation and living for individuals
with disabilities through the
development of accessible information
technology including Web access
technology, software, and other systems
and devices that promote access to
information in educational,
employment, and community settings,
and voting technology that improves
access for individuals with disabilities.
(5) Improved interventions and
increased use of health-care resources
through the development of technology
to support independent access to healthcare services in the community for
individuals with disabilities.
Applicants should describe the
approaches they expect to use to collect
empirical evidence that demonstrates
the effectiveness of the technology they
are proposing. This empirical evidence
should facilitate the assessment of the
efficacy and usefulness of the
technology.
Note: NIDRR encourages applicants to
adhere to universal-design principles and
guidelines for more accessible designs.
Universal design is defined as ‘‘the design of
products and environments to be usable by
all people, to the greatest extent possible,
without the need for adaptation or
specialized design’’ (The Center for Universal
Design, 1997, n.p.). Accessible design of
consumer products minimizes or alleviates
barriers that reduce the ability of individuals
with disabilities to effectively or safely use
standard consumer products. (For more
information see— https://www.trace.wisc.edu/
docs/consumer_product_guidelines/
consumer.pcs/disabil.htm).
Reference: The Principles of Universal
Design, Version 2.0. Raleigh, NC: North
Carolina State University.
Web: https://www.design.ncsu.edu.
Program Authority: The Small
Business Act, Pub. L. 85–536, as
amended (15 U.S.C. 631 and 638), and
Title II of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,
as amended (29 U.S.C. 760 et seq.).
Applicable Regulations: The
Education Department General
Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in
34 CFR parts 75, 77, 81, 82, 84, 85, 97,
98, and 99.
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II. Award Information
Type of Award: Discretionary grants.
Estimated Available Funds: The
Administration has requested
$106,705,000 for the National Institute
on Disability and Rehabilitation
Research for FY 2008, of which we
intend to use an estimated $1,125,000
for new Phase I awards under the SBIR
program. 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.
Note: The estimated amount of funds
available for new Phase I awards is based
upon the estimated threshold SBIR allocation
for OSERS, minus prior commitments for
Phase II continuation awards.
Estimated Range of Awards: $70,000–
75,000.
Estimated Average Size of Awards:
$72,000.
Maximum Award: We will reject any
application that proposes a budget
exceeding $75,000 for a single budget
period of 6 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 award amount
includes direct and indirect costs and fees.
Estimated Number of Awards: 15.
Note: The Department is not bound by any
estimates in this notice.
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Project Period: Up to six months.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants: Entities that
are, at the time of award, small business
concerns as defined by the Small
Business Administration (SBA). This
definition is included in the application
package.
All technology, science, or
engineering firms with strong research
capabilities in any of the priority areas
listed in this notice are encouraged to
participate.
Consultative or other arrangements
between these firms and universities or
other non-profit organizations are
permitted, but the small business
concern must serve as the grantee. For
Phase I projects, at least two-thirds of
the research and/or analytic activities
must be performed by the proposing
small business concern. Furthermore,
the total of all consultant fees, facility
leases or usage fees, and other
subcontracts or purchase agreements
may not exceed one-third of the total
funding award.
If it appears that an applicant
organization does not meet the
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eligibility requirements, we will request
an evaluation by the SBA. Under
circumstances in which eligibility is
unclear, we will not make an SBIR
award until the SBA makes a
determination.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching: This
program does not require cost sharing or
matching.
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: https://
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: https://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
84.133S–1.
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 listed
under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT in section VII 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
is where you, the applicant, address the
selection criteria that reviewers use to
evaluate your application. You must
limit the application narrative to no
more than 25 pages, excluding any
documentation of prior multiple Phase
II awards, if applicable, and required
forms, 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.
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• Use a font that is either 12 point or
larger or no smaller that 10 pitch
(characters per inch).
• Use one of the following fonts:
Times New Roman, Courier, Courier
New, or Arial.
The page limit does not apply to Part
I, the coversheet; 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, the
letters of support; related application(s)
or award(s); or documentation of
multiple Phase II awards, if applicable.
However, the page limit does apply to
all of the application narrative section.
We will reject your application if you
exceed the page limit.
3. Content Restrictions: If an applicant
chooses to respond to more than one
invitational priority, the applicant must
submit a separate application for each
priority. There is no limitation on the
number of different applications that an
applicant may submit under this
competition. An applicant may submit
separate applications on different
priorities, or different applications on
the same priority. However, an
applicant may address only one priority
in an application.
The NIDRR Long Range Plan is
organized around the following research
domains and arenas: (1) Community
Living and Participation; (2) Health and
Function; (3) Technology; (4)
Employment; and (5) Demographics.
Applicants should indicate, for each
application, the domain or arena under
which they are applying. In their
applications, applicants should clearly
indicate whether they are applying for
a research grant in the area of (1)
Community Living and Participation; (2)
Health and Function; (3) Technology;
(4) Employment; or (5) Demographics.
No more than one designation should be
selected for each application.
4. Submission Dates and Times:
Applications Available: August 22,
2007.
Deadline for Transmittal of
Applications: October 22, 2007.
Applications for grants under this
competition may be submitted
electronically using the https://
Grants.gov. Apply on site (https://
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. 7. Other Submission
Requirements in this notice.
We do not consider an application
that does not comply with the deadline
requirements.
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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
connection with the application
process, the individual’s application
remains subject to all other
requirements and limitations in this
notice.
5. Intergovernmental Review: This
program is not subject to Executive
Order 12372 and the regulations in 34
CFR part 79.
6. Funding Restrictions: We reference
regulations outlining funding
restrictions in the Applicable
Regulations section in this notice.
7. Other Submission Requirements:
Applications for grants under this
program may be submitted
electronically or in paper format by mail
or hand delivery.
a. Electronic Submission of
Applications
To comply with the President’s
Management Agenda, we are
participating as a partner in the
Governmentwide Grants.gov Apply site.
The Small Business Innovative Research
Program, CFDA Number 84.133S–1, is
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 Small Business
Innovative Research Program 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 84.133S).
Please note the following:
• Your participation in https://
Grants.gov is voluntary.
• When you enter the https://
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 https://
Grants.gov are date and time stamped.
Your application must be fully
uploaded and submitted and must be
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date and time stamped by the
https://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 https://
Grants.gov system later than 4:30 p.m.,
Washington, DC time, on the
application deadline date. When we
retrieve your application from https://
Grants.gov, we will notify you if we are
rejecting your application because it
was date and time stamped by the
https://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 https://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
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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 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
https://Grants.gov an automatic
notification of receipt that contains a
Grants.gov tracking number. (This
notification indicates receipt by https://
Grants.gov only, not receipt by the
Department.) The Department then will
retrieve your application from https://
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 https://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
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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
explanation of the technical problem
you experienced with https://Grants.gov,
along with the https://Grants.gov
Support Desk Case Number. We will
accept your application if we can
confirm that a technical problem
occurred with the https://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 https://
Grants.gov system. We will not grant you an
extension if you failed to fully register to
submit your application to https://Grants.gov
before the application deadline date and time
or if the technical problem you experienced
is unrelated to the Grants.gov system.
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES
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:
(CFDA Number 84.133S–1), 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: (CFDA Number 84.133S–1),
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.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:26 Aug 21, 2007
Jkt 211001
(4) Any other proof of mailing
acceptable to the Secretary of the U.S.
Department of Education.
If you mail your application through
the U.S. Postal Service, we do not
accept either of the following as proof
of mailing:
(1) A private metered postmark.
(2) A mail receipt that is not dated by
the U.S. Postal Service.
If your application is postmarked after
the application deadline date, we will
not consider your application.
Note: The U.S. Postal Service does not
uniformly provide a dated postmark. Before
relying on this method, you should check
with your local post office.
c. Submission of Paper Applications by
Hand Delivery.
If you submit your application in
paper format by hand delivery, you (or
a courier service) must deliver the
original and two copies of your
application by hand, on or before the
application deadline date, to the
Department at the following address:
U.S. Department of Education,
Application Control Center, Attention:
(CFDA Number 84.133S–1), 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
The selection criteria for this
competition are from 35 CFR Selection
Criteria: 75.210 of EDGAR and are 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.
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Frm 00021
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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 directed by
the Secretary under 34 CFR 75.118. The
Secretary may also require more
frequent performance reports under 34
CFR 75.720(c). For specific
requirements on reporting, please go to:
https://www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/
appforms/appforms.html.
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 degree to which the grantees
are conducting high-quality research, as
reflected in the appropriateness of study
designs, the rigor with which accepted
standards of scientific and engineering
methods are applied, and the degree to
which the research builds on and
contributes to the level of knowledge in
the field; and
• The number of new or improved
assistive and universally designed
technologies, products, and devices
developed by grantees that are deemed
to improve rehabilitation services and
outcomes, enhance opportunities for
participation by individuals with
disabilities, and are successfully
transferred to industry or other private
entities for potential commercialization.
VII. Agency Contact
For Further Information Contact:
Lynn Medley, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW.,
Room 6027, Potomac Center Plaza,
Washington, DC 20202–2700.
Telephone: (202) 245–7338 or by e-mail:
Lynn.Medley@ed.gov.
E:\FR\FM\22AUN1.SGM
22AUN1
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 162 / Wednesday, August 22, 2007 / Notices
If you use a TDD, call the TDD
number at (202) 205–4475.
VIII. Other Information
Alternate Format: Individuals with
disabilities can obtain this document
and a copy of the application packet in
an alternative format (e.g., Braille, large
print, audiotape, or computer diskette)
on request to the program contact
person listed under FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT in section VII in
this notice.
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: August 17, 2007.
William W. Knudsen,
Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Special
Education and Rehabilitative Services.
[FR Doc. E7–16609 Filed 8–21–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Advisory Committee on Student
Financial Assistance: Meeting
Advisory Committee on
Student Financial Assistance,
Education.
ACTION: Notice of an Open
Teleconference Meeting.
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: This notice sets forth the
schedule and proposed agenda of a
forthcoming teleconference meeting of
the Advisory Committee on Student
Financial Assistance (The Advisory
Committee). This notice also describes
the functions of the Advisory
Committee. Notice of this meeting is
required under Section 10(a)(2) of the
Federal Advisory Committee Act. This
document is intended to notify the
general public.
Date and Time: Thursday, September
13, 2007, beginning at 2 p.m. and
ending at approximately 3 p.m.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:26 Aug 21, 2007
Jkt 211001
Office of the Advisory
Committee on Student Financial
Assistance, 80 F Street, NW., Room 412,
Washington, DC 20001.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr.
William J. Goggin, Executive Director or
Dr. Michelle Asha Cooper, Deputy
Director, Advisory Committee on
Student Financial Assistance, Capitol
Place, 80 F Street, NW., Suite 413,
Washington, DC 20202–7582, (202) 219–
2099.
Individuals who use a
telecommunications device for the deaf
(TDD) may call the Federal Information
Relay Service (FRS) at 1–800–8339.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
Advisory Committee on Student
Financial Assistance is established
under Section 491 of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 as amended by
Public Law 100–50 (20 U.S.C. 1098).
The Advisory Committee serves as an
independent source of advice and
counsel to the Congress and the
Secretary of Education on student
financial aid policy. Since its inception,
the congressional mandate requires the
Advisory Committee to conduct
objective, nonpartisan, and independent
analyses on important aspects of the
student assistance programs under Title
IV of the Higher Education Act, and to
make recommendations that will result
in the maintenance of access to
postsecondary education for low- and
middle-income students. In addition,
Congress expanded the Advisory
Committee’s mission in the Higher
Education Amendments of 1998 to
include several important areas: Access,
Title IV modernization, distance
education, and early information and
needs assessment. Specifically, the
Advisory Committee is to review,
monitor and evaluate the Department of
Education’s progress in these areas and
report recommended improvements to
Congress and the Secretary.
The Advisory Committee has
scheduled this teleconference meeting
solely to conduct the election of officers.
Individuals who will need
accommodations for a disability in order
to participate in the teleconference
meeting (i.e., interpreting services,
assistive listening devices, and/or
materials in alternative format) should
notify the Advisory Committee no later
than Thursday, September 6, 2007 by
contacting Ms. Hope Gray at (202) 219–
2099 or via e-mail at hope.gray@ed.gov.
We will attempt to meet requests after
this date, but cannot guarantee
availability of the requested
accommodation. The meeting site is
accessible to individuals with
disabilities.
ADDRESSES:
PO 00000
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46973
Space for the teleconference meeting
is limited and you are encouraged to
register early if you plan to participate.
You may register by sending an e-mail
to the following address:
ACSFA@ed.gov or
Tracy.Deanna.Jones@ed.gov. Please
include your name, title, affiliation,
complete address (including Internet
and e-mail address, if available), and
telephone and fax numbers. If you are
unable to register electronically, you
may fax your registration information to
the Advisory Committee staff office at
(202) 219–3032. You may also contact
the Advisory Committee staff directly at
(202) 219–2099. The registration
deadline is Tuesday, September 11,
2007.
Records are kept for Advisory
Committee proceedings, and are
available for inspection at the Office of
the Advisory Committee on Student
Financial Assistance, Capitol Place, 80 F
Street, NW., Suite 413, Washington, DC
from the hours of 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. Information regarding the
Advisory Committee is available on the
Committee’s Web site, https://
www.ed.gov/ACSFA.
Electronic Access to This Document:
You may view this document, as well as
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: August 16, 2007.
William J. Goggin,
Executive Director, Advisory Committee on
Student Financial Assistance.
[FR Doc. E7–16567 Filed 8–21–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Environmental Management SiteSpecific Advisory Board, Northern New
Mexico
AGENCY:
E:\FR\FM\22AUN1.SGM
Department of Energy.
22AUN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 162 (Wednesday, August 22, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 46968-46973]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-16609]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS);
Overview Information; National Institute on Disability and
Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR)--Small Business Innovative Research
Program (SBIR)--Phase I Notice Inviting Applications for New Awards for
Fiscal Year (FY) 2008.
(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 84.133S-1.)
Dates: Applications Available: August 22, 2007.
Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: October 22, 2007.
Full Text of Announcement
I. Funding Opportunity Description
Purpose of Program
The purpose of this program is to stimulate technological
innovation in the private sector, strengthen the role of small business
in meeting Federal research or research and development (R/R&D) needs,
increase the commercial application of the U.S. Department of Education
(Department) supported research results, and improve the return on
investment from federally funded research for economic and social
benefits to the Nation.
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: https://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/newfreedom.
The Plan, which was published in the Federal Register on
February 15, 2006 (71 FR Doc 8166), can be accessed on the Internet
at the following site: https://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/
nidrr/policy.html.
Through the implementation of the NFI and the Plan, NIDRR seeks to
(1)
[[Page 46969]]
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 traditionally underserved populations; (3)
determine best strategies and programs to improve rehabilitation
outcomes for underserved populations; (4) identify research gaps; (5)
identify mechanisms of integrating research and practice; and (6)
disseminate findings.
NIDRR Supports Manufacturing-Related Innovation (Executive Order 13329)
Executive Order 13329 states that continued technological
innovation is critical to a strong manufacturing sector in the United
States economy and ensures that Federal agencies assist the private
sector in its manufacturing innovation efforts. The Department's SBIR
program encourages innovative research and development (R&D) projects
that are manufacturing-related, as defined by Executive Order 13329.
Manufacturing-related R&D encompasses improvements in existing methods
or processes, or wholly new processes, machines or systems. Broadly
speaking, the Department's SBIR program encourages R&D in manufacturing
through systems level technologies. The projects supported under the
Department's SBIR program encompass a range of manufacturing-related
R&D, including projects leading to the manufacture of such items as
artificial intelligence or information technology devices, software,
and systems. For more information on Executive Order 13329, please
visit the following Web site: https://www.sba.gov/sbir/execorder.html or
contact Lynn Medley at: lynn.medley@ed.gov.
Background
The Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2000 (Act) was enacted on
December 21, 2000. The Act requires certain agencies, including the
Department, to establish SBIR programs by reserving a statutory
percentage of their extramural R&D budgets to be awarded to small
business concerns through a uniform, highly competitive three-phase
process.
The three phases of the SBIR program are:
Phase I: Phase I projects determine, insofar as possible, the
scientific or technical merit and feasibility of ideas submitted under
the SBIR program. An application for Phase I should concentrate on
research that will significantly contribute to proving the scientific
or technical feasibility of the approach or concept. Scientific or
technical feasibility is a prerequisite to further support by the
Department in Phase II.
Phase II: Phase II projects expand on the results of and further
pursue the development of Phase I projects. Phase II is the principal
R/R&D effort of the SBIR program. Applications for Phase II projects
must be more comprehensive than applications for Phase I projects;
Phase II applications must outline the proposed effort in detail,
including the commercial potential of projects or processes developed
or researched during the Phase I project. Phase II applicants must be
Phase I grantees with approaches that appear sufficiently promising as
a result of their efforts in Phase I. Phase II awards are for periods
of up to two years in amounts up to a maximum total of $500,000 over a
period of two years.
Phase III: In Phase III, the small business grantee must use non-
SBIR capital to pursue commercial applications of the R/R&D. Also,
under Phase III, Federal agencies may award non-SBIR follow-on funding
for products or processes that meet the needs of those agencies.
All SBIR projects funded by NIDRR must address the needs of
individuals with disabilities and their families. (See 29 U.S.C. 762).
Activities may include conducting manufacturing-related R&D that
encompasses improvements in existing methods or processes, or wholly
new processes, machines, or systems; exploring the uses of technology
to ensure equal access to education, employment, community
environments, and information for individuals with disabilities; and
improving the quality and utility of disability and rehabilitation
research.
Priorities: Under this competition we are particularly interested
in applications that address one of the following priorities.
Invitational Priorities: For FY 2008 these priorities are
invitational priorities. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(1) we do not give an
application that meets one of these invitational priorities a
competitive or absolute preference over other applications.
These priorities are:
Each of the following priorities relate to innovative research
utilizing new technologies to address the needs of individuals with
disabilities and their families. Applicants who choose to respond to
one of the invitational priorities must propose projects whose
activities contribute to one of the following outcomes:
(1) Increased independence of individuals with disabilities in the
workplace, recreational settings, or educational settings through the
development of technology to support access and promote integration of
individuals with disabilities.
(2) Enhanced sensory or motor function of individuals with
disabilities through the development of technology to support improved
functional capacity.
(3) Enhanced workforce participation through the development of
technology to support access to employment, promote sustained
employment, and promote employment advancement for individuals with
disabilities.
(4) Enhanced community participation and living for individuals
with disabilities through the development of accessible information
technology including Web access technology, software, and other systems
and devices that promote access to information in educational,
employment, and community settings, and voting technology that improves
access for individuals with disabilities.
(5) Improved interventions and increased use of health-care
resources through the development of technology to support independent
access to health-care services in the community for individuals with
disabilities.
Applicants should describe the approaches they expect to use to
collect empirical evidence that demonstrates the effectiveness of the
technology they are proposing. This empirical evidence should
facilitate the assessment of the efficacy and usefulness of the
technology.
Note: NIDRR encourages applicants to adhere to universal-design
principles and guidelines for more accessible designs. Universal
design is defined as ``the design of products and environments to be
usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the
need for adaptation or specialized design'' (The Center for
Universal Design, 1997, n.p.). Accessible design of consumer
products minimizes or alleviates barriers that reduce the ability of
individuals with disabilities to effectively or safely use standard
consumer products. (For more information see-- https://
www.trace.wisc.edu/docs/consumer_product_guidelines/consumer.pcs/
disabil.htm).
Reference: The Principles of Universal Design, Version 2.0.
Raleigh, NC: North Carolina State University.
Web: https://www.design.ncsu.edu.
Program Authority: The Small Business Act, Pub. L. 85-536, as
amended (15 U.S.C. 631 and 638), and Title II of the Rehabilitation Act
of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. 760 et seq.).
Applicable Regulations: The Education Department General
Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR parts 75, 77, 81, 82, 84,
85, 97, 98, and 99.
[[Page 46970]]
II. Award Information
Type of Award: Discretionary grants.
Estimated Available Funds: The Administration has requested
$106,705,000 for the National Institute on Disability and
Rehabilitation Research for FY 2008, of which we intend to use an
estimated $1,125,000 for new Phase I awards under the SBIR program. 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.
Note: The estimated amount of funds available for new Phase I
awards is based upon the estimated threshold SBIR allocation for
OSERS, minus prior commitments for Phase II continuation awards.
Estimated Range of Awards: $70,000-75,000.
Estimated Average Size of Awards: $72,000.
Maximum Award: We will reject any application that proposes a
budget exceeding $75,000 for a single budget period of 6 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 award amount includes direct and indirect
costs and fees.
Estimated Number of Awards: 15.
Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this
notice.
Project Period: Up to six months.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants: Entities that are, at the time of award,
small business concerns as defined by the Small Business Administration
(SBA). This definition is included in the application package.
All technology, science, or engineering firms with strong research
capabilities in any of the priority areas listed in this notice are
encouraged to participate.
Consultative or other arrangements between these firms and
universities or other non-profit organizations are permitted, but the
small business concern must serve as the grantee. For Phase I projects,
at least two-thirds of the research and/or analytic activities must be
performed by the proposing small business concern. Furthermore, the
total of all consultant fees, facility leases or usage fees, and other
subcontracts or purchase agreements may not exceed one-third of the
total funding award.
If it appears that an applicant organization does not meet the
eligibility requirements, we will request an evaluation by the SBA.
Under circumstances in which eligibility is unclear, we will not make
an SBIR award until the SBA makes a determination.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching: This program does not require cost
sharing or matching.
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: https://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: https://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 84.133S-1.
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 listed under
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT in section VII 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 is where you, the applicant,
address the selection criteria that reviewers use to evaluate your
application. You must limit the application narrative to no more than
25 pages, excluding any documentation of prior multiple Phase II
awards, if applicable, and required forms, 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
that 10 pitch (characters per inch).
Use one of the following fonts: Times New Roman, Courier,
Courier New, or Arial.
The page limit does not apply to Part I, the coversheet; 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, the letters of support; related
application(s) or award(s); or documentation of multiple Phase II
awards, if applicable. However, the page limit does apply to all of the
application narrative section.
We will reject your application if you exceed the page limit.
3. Content Restrictions: If an applicant chooses to respond to more
than one invitational priority, the applicant must submit a separate
application for each priority. There is no limitation on the number of
different applications that an applicant may submit under this
competition. An applicant may submit separate applications on different
priorities, or different applications on the same priority. However, an
applicant may address only one priority in an application.
The NIDRR Long Range Plan is organized around the following
research domains and arenas: (1) Community Living and Participation;
(2) Health and Function; (3) Technology; (4) Employment; and (5)
Demographics. Applicants should indicate, for each application, the
domain or arena under which they are applying. In their applications,
applicants should clearly indicate whether they are applying for a
research grant in the area of (1) Community Living and Participation;
(2) Health and Function; (3) Technology; (4) Employment; or (5)
Demographics. No more than one designation should be selected for each
application.
4. Submission Dates and Times: Applications Available: August 22,
2007.
Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: October 22, 2007.
Applications for grants under this competition may be submitted
electronically using the https://Grants.gov. Apply on site (https://
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. 7. Other Submission Requirements
in this notice.
We do not consider an application that does not comply with the
deadline requirements.
[[Page 46971]]
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 connection with the
application process, the individual's application remains subject to
all other requirements and limitations in this notice.
5. Intergovernmental Review: This program is not subject to
Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79.
6. Funding Restrictions: We reference regulations outlining funding
restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section in this notice.
7. Other Submission Requirements: Applications for grants under
this program may be submitted electronically or in paper format by mail
or hand delivery.
a. Electronic Submission of Applications
To comply with the President's Management Agenda, we are
participating as a partner in the Governmentwide Grants.gov Apply site.
The Small Business Innovative Research Program, CFDA Number 84.133S-1,
is 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 Small
Business Innovative Research Program 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 84.133S).
Please note the following:
Your participation in https://Grants.gov is voluntary.
When you enter the https://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 https://Grants.gov are date and
time stamped. Your application must be fully uploaded and submitted and
must be date and time stamped by the https://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 https://Grants.gov
system later than 4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application
deadline date. When we retrieve your application from https://
Grants.gov, we will notify you if we are rejecting your application
because it was date and time stamped by the https://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 https://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 https://Grants.gov an automatic notification of receipt
that contains a Grants.gov tracking number. (This notification
indicates receipt by https://Grants.gov only, not receipt by the
Department.) The Department then will retrieve your application from
https://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 https://
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
[[Page 46972]]
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 explanation of the technical problem you experienced with
https://Grants.gov, along with the https://Grants.gov Support Desk Case
Number. We will accept your application if we can confirm that a
technical problem occurred with the https://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
https://Grants.gov system. We will not grant you an extension if you
failed to fully register to submit your application to https://
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: (CFDA Number 84.133S-
1), 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: (CFDA Number 84.133S-
1), 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: (CFDA Number 84.133S-
1), 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
The selection criteria for this competition are from 35 CFR
Selection Criteria: 75.210 of EDGAR and are 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 directed by the Secretary
under 34 CFR 75.118. The Secretary may also require more frequent
performance reports under 34 CFR 75.720(c). For specific requirements
on reporting, please go to: https://www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/
appforms/appforms.html.
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 degree to which the grantees are conducting high-
quality research, as reflected in the appropriateness of study designs,
the rigor with which accepted standards of scientific and engineering
methods are applied, and the degree to which the research builds on and
contributes to the level of knowledge in the field; and
The number of new or improved assistive and universally
designed technologies, products, and devices developed by grantees that
are deemed to improve rehabilitation services and outcomes, enhance
opportunities for participation by individuals with disabilities, and
are successfully transferred to industry or other private entities for
potential commercialization.
VII. Agency Contact
For Further Information Contact: Lynn Medley, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Room 6027, Potomac Center Plaza,
Washington, DC 20202-2700. Telephone: (202) 245-7338 or by e-mail:
Lynn.Medley@ed.gov.
[[Page 46973]]
If you use a TDD, call the TDD number at (202) 205-4475.
VIII. Other Information
Alternate Format: Individuals with disabilities can obtain this
document and a copy of the application packet in an alternative format
(e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer diskette) on
request to the program contact person listed under FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT in section VII in this notice.
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/.
Dated: August 17, 2007.
William W. Knudsen,
Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services.
[FR Doc. E7-16609 Filed 8-21-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P