Applications for New Awards; National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR)-Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program-Phase I, 77051-77056 [2012-31437]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 250 / Monday, December 31, 2012 / Notices mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Electronically mail ICDocketMgr@ed.gov. Please do not send comments here. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Department of Education (ED), in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), provides the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed, revised, and continuing collections of information. This helps the Department assess the impact of its information collection requirements and minimize the public’s reporting burden. It also helps the public understand the Department’s information collection requirements and provide the requested data in the desired format. ED is soliciting comments on the proposed information collection request (ICR) that is described below. 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. Please note that written comments received in response to this notice will be considered public records. Title of Collection: Part 601 Preferred Lender Arrangements. OMB Control Number: 1845–0101. Type of Review: an extension of an existing information collection of a previously approved information collection. Respondents/Affected Public: Individuals or households. Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 13,674,883. Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 3,197,761. Abstract: Part 601—Institution and Lender Requirements Relating to Education Loans is a new section of the regulations governing private education loans offered at covered institutions by lenders also participating in the FFEL program. These regulations assure the Secretary that the integrity of the program is protected from fraud and misuse of program funds and places requirements on institutions and lenders to insure that borrowers receive additional disclosures about Title IV, HEA program assistance prior to obtaining a private education loan. VerDate Mar<15>2010 21:28 Dec 28, 2012 Jkt 229001 These regulations require covered institutions to provide a variety of new loan disclosures, disclosures on private loans, for institutions to prepare and submit an annual report on the use of private loans, and to establish and adopt a code of conduct for institutions participation in a preferred lender arrangement. The Department, in conjunction with outside entities is submitting the Private Education Loan Applicant Self-Certification form for OMB’s approval. While information about the applicant’s cost of attendance and estimated financial assistance must be provided to the student, if available, the student will provide the data to the private loan lender who must collect and maintain the self-certification form prior to disbursement of a Private Education Loan. The Department will not receive the Private Education Loan Applicant Self-Certification form and therefore will not be collecting and maintaining the form or its data. Dated: December 26, 2012. Stephanie Valentine, Acting Director, Information Collection Clearance Division, Privacy, Information and Records Management Services, Office of Management. [FR Doc. 2012–31459 Filed 12–28–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000–01–P DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Applications for New Awards; National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR)— Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program—Phase I Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), Department of Education. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: Overview Information National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR)—Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR)—Phase I Notice inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 2013. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 84.133S–1. DATES: Applications Available: December 31, 2012. Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: March 1, 2013. Full Text of Announcement I. Funding Opportunity Description Purpose of Program: The purpose of the SBIR program is four-fold: PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 77051 • Stimulate technological innovation in the private sector. • Encourage participation in innovation and entrepreneurship by socially and economically disadvantaged persons. • Strengthen the role of small business in meeting Federal research and development (R&D) needs. • Increase private-sector commercialization of innovations derived from U.S. Department of Education (Department) R&D funding. Background The Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1982 (Act), Public Law 97–219, established the SBIR program. The Act requires certain agencies, including the Department, to reserve a statutory percentage of their extramural R&D budgets for the threephase SBIR program. Phase I awards are to determine, insofar as possible, the scientific or technical merit, feasibility, and commercial potential of R&D projects submitted under the SBIR program. Phase I awards are for amounts up to $75,000 for a period of up to six months. Phase II projects continue the development of Phase I projects. Funding is based on the results achieved in Phase I and the scientific and technical merit and commercial potential of the proposed Phase II project. Only Phase I grantees are eligible to apply for Phase II funding. Phase II awards are for amounts up to $500,000 over a period of two years. In Phase III, the small business grantee pursues commercial applications of the Phase I and II R&D. The SBIR program does not fund Phase III. All SBIR projects funded by NIDRR must address the needs of individuals with disabilities. (See 29 U.S.C. 760.) Project activities may include: • Conducting manufacturing-related R&D that encompasses improvements in existing methods or processes, or wholly new processes, machines, or systems, that benefit individuals with disabilities; • 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. Executive Order 13329 states that continued technological innovation is critical to a strong manufacturing sector in the United States economy and seeks to ensure that Federal agencies assist the private sector in its manufacturing innovation efforts. The Department’s E:\FR\FM\31DEN1.SGM 31DEN1 77052 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 250 / Monday, December 31, 2012 / Notices SBIR program encourages innovative R&D projects that are manufacturingrelated, as defined by Executive Order 13329. Manufacturing-related R&D encompasses improvements in existing methods and processes, as well as wholly new processes, machines, and systems. The Department’s SBIR program supports a range of manufacturing-related R&D projects, including projects relating to the manufacture of such items as artificial intelligence and information technology devices, software, and systems. For more information on Executive Order 13329, please visit the following Web site: www.sba.gov/content/executiveorder-13329-encouraging-innovationmanufacturing-0 or contact Vanessa Tesoriero at: vanessa.tesoriero@ed.gov. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with Note: This program is in concert with NIDRR’s currently approved long-range plan (the Plan). The Plan is comprehensive and integrates many issues relating to disability and rehabilitation research. 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 Plan, NIDRR seeks to—(1) Improve the quality and utility of disability and rehabilitation research; (2) foster an exchange of expertise, information, and training methods 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 for integrating research and practice; and (6) disseminate findings. Priorities: Under this competition we are particularly interested in applications that address one or more of the following priorities. Invitational Priorities: For FY 2013 and any subsequent year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded applicants from this competition, 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. Each of the following invitational priorities relates to innovative research utilizing new technologies to address the needs of individuals with disabilities. These priorities are: VerDate Mar<15>2010 21:28 Dec 28, 2012 Jkt 229001 (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 increase access to employment, promote sustained employment, and support employment advancement for individuals with disabilities. (4) Enhanced community living and participation for individuals with disabilities through the development of accessible information technology including cloud computing, software, 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 health-care interventions and increased use of related resources through the development of technology to support independent access to community health-care services for individuals with disabilities. Applicants should describe the approaches they expect to use to collect empirical evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of the technology they are proposing. This empirical evidence should facilitate the assessment of the efficacy and usefulness of the technology. Note: In responding to all invitational priorities, NIDRR encourages applicants to adhere to universal design principles and guidelines. The term ‘‘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). Universal 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: www.trace.wisc.edu/ docs/consumer_product_guidelines/ consumer.pcs/disabil.htm). Program Authority: The Small Business Act, Public Law 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: (a) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR parts 75, 77, 81, 82, 84, 85, and 97. (b) The Education Department PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 suspension and debarment regulations in 2 CFR part 3485. II. Award Information Type of Award: Discretionary grants. Estimated Available Funds: The Administration has requested $106,817,000 for NIDRR for FY 2013, of which we intend to use an estimated $1,125,000 for the SBIR Phase I 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. Note: The estimated amount of funds available for new Phase I awards is based upon the estimated SBIR allocation for OSERS, minus prior commitments for Phase II continuation awards. Contingent upon the availability of funds and the quality of applications, we may make additional awards in FY 2013 from the list of approved but unfunded applicants from this competition. Estimated Range of Awards: $70,000– $75,000. Estimated Average Size of Awards: $75,000. Maximum Award: We will reject any application that proposes a budget exceeding $75,000 for a single budget period of up to six months. The Assistant Secretary for the Office of 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 6 months. We will reject any application that proposes a project period that exceeds a single budget period of up to six months. The Assistant Secretary for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services may change the maximum project period through a notice published in the Federal Register. 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. If it appears that an applicant organization does not meet the eligibility requirements, we will request an evaluation by the SBA. Under E:\FR\FM\31DEN1.SGM 31DEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 250 / Monday, December 31, 2012 / Notices mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with circumstances in which eligibility is unclear, we will not make an SBIR award until the SBA makes a determination that the applicant is eligible under its definition of small business concern. Technology, science, and 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 nonprofit organizations are permitted, but the small business concern must serve as the grantee. For Phase I projects, at least two-thirds of the research or analytic activities must be performed by the small business concern grantee. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching: This program does not require cost sharing or matching. 3. Other: 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. 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: ED Pubs, U.S. Department of Education, P.O. Box 22207, Alexandria, VA 22304. Telephone, toll free: 1–877–433–7827. Fax: (703) 605–6794. If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) or a text telephone (TTY), call, toll free: 1–877–576–7734. You can contact ED Pubs at its Web site, also: www.EDPubs.gov or at its email 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 accessible format (e.g., braille, large print, audiotape, or compact disc) by contacting the team listed under Accessible Format in section VIII of this notice. 2. a. 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 VerDate Mar<15>2010 21:28 Dec 28, 2012 Jkt 229001 evaluate your application. You must limit the application narrative to the equivalent of no more than 50 pages, using the following standards: • A ‘‘page’’ is 8.5’’ × 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. You are not required to double space titles, headings, footnotes, references, captions, or text in charts, tables, figures, and graphs. • Use a font that is either 12 point or larger or no smaller than 10 pitch (characters per inch). • Use one of the following fonts: Times New Roman, Courier, Courier New, or Arial. The page limit does not apply to the cover sheet; the budget section, including the narrative budget justification; the assurances and certifications; the one-page abstract, the resumes, the bibliography, or the letters of support; related applications or awards; or the documentation of previous Phase II awards (required only if the small business concern has received more than 15 Phase II awards in the prior five fiscal years). However, the page limit does apply to all of the application narrative section. We will reject your application if you exceed the page limit or if you apply other standards and exceed the equivalent of the page limit. b. Submission of Proprietary Information: Given the types of projects that may be proposed in applications for the SBIR program, your application may include business information that you consider proprietary. The Department’s regulations define ‘‘business information’’ in 34 CFR 5.11. Because we plan to publicly highlight success stories on our Web site, you may wish to request confidentiality of business information. Consistent with Executive Order 12600, please designate in your application any information that you feel is exempt from disclosure under Exemption 4 of the Freedom of Information Act. In the appropriate Appendix section of your application, under ‘‘Other Attachments Form,’’ please list the page number or numbers on which we can find this information. For additional information please see 34 CFR 5.11(c). 3. Submission Dates and Times: Applications Available: December 31, 2012. Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: March 1, 2013. PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 77053 Applications for grants under this program must be submitted electronically using the Grants.gov Apply site (Grants.gov). For information (including dates and times) about how to submit your application electronically, or in paper format by mail or hand delivery if you qualify for an exception to the electronic submission requirement, please refer to section IV. 7. Other Submission Requirements of 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 of 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. 4. Intergovernmental Review: This program 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 of this notice. 6. Data Universal Numbering System Number, Taxpayer Identification Number, and Central Contractor Registry: To do business with the Department of Education, you must— a. Have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN); b. Register both your DUNS number and TIN with the Central Contractor Registry (CCR)—and, after July 24, 2012, with the System for Award Management (SAM), the Government’s primary registrant database; c. Provide your DUNS number and TIN on your application; and d. Maintain an active CCR or SAM registration with current information while your application is under review by the Department and, if you are awarded a grant, during the project period. You can obtain a DUNS number from Dun and Bradstreet. A DUNS number can be created within one business day. If you are a corporate entity, agency, institution, or organization, you can obtain a TIN from the Internal Revenue Service. If you are an individual, you can obtain a TIN from the Internal Revenue Service or the Social Security Administration. If you need a new TIN, E:\FR\FM\31DEN1.SGM 31DEN1 mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with 77054 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 250 / Monday, December 31, 2012 / Notices please allow 2–5 weeks for your TIN to become active. The CCR or SAM registration process may take five or more business days to complete. If you are currently registered with the CCR, you may not need to make any changes. However, please make certain that the TIN associated with your DUNS number is correct. Also, note that you will need to update your registration annually. This may take three or more business days to complete. Information about SAM is available at SAM.gov. In addition, if you are submitting your application via Grants.gov, you must (1) be designated by your organization as an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR); and (2) register yourself with Grants.gov as an AOR. Details on these steps are outlined at the following Grants.gov Web page: www.grants.gov/ applicants/get_registered.jsp. 7. Other Submission Requirements: Applications for grants under this program must be submitted electronically unless you qualify for an exception to this requirement in accordance with the instructions in this section. a. Electronic Submission of Applications. Applications for grants under the SBIR Program, CFDA number 84.133S– 1, must be submitted electronically using the Governmentwide Grants.gov Apply site at 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. We will reject your application if you submit it in paper format unless, as described elsewhere in this section, you qualify for one of the exceptions to the electronic submission requirement and submit, no later than two weeks before the application deadline date, a written statement to the Department that you qualify for one of these exceptions. Further information regarding calculation of the date that is two weeks before the application deadline date is provided later in this section under Exception to Electronic Submission Requirement. You may access the electronic grant application for the SBIR Program at www.Grants.gov. You must search for the downloadable application package for this program by the CFDA number. Do not include the CFDA number’s alpha suffix in your search (e.g., search for 84.326, not 84.326A). Please note the following: • When you enter the Grants.gov site, you will find information about VerDate Mar<15>2010 21:28 Dec 28, 2012 Jkt 229001 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 4:30:00 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date. Except as otherwise noted in this section, we will not accept your application if it is received—that is, date and time stamped by the Grants.gov system—after 4:30:00 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date. We do not consider an application that does not comply with the deadline requirements. 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 4:30:00 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 under News and Events on the Department’s G5 system home page at www.G5.gov. • You will not receive additional point value because you submit your application in electronic format, nor will we penalize you if you qualify for an exception to the electronic submission requirement, as described elsewhere in this section, and submit your application in paper format. • You must submit all documents electronically, including all information you typically provide on the following forms: the Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424), the Department of Education Supplemental Information for SF 424, Budget Information—NonConstruction Programs (ED 524), and all necessary assurances and certifications. • You must upload any narrative sections and all other attachments to your application as files in a PDF (Portable Document) read-only, nonmodifiable format. Do not upload an interactive or fillable PDF file. If you PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 upload a file type other than a readonly, non-modifiable PDF 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 email. 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 4:30:00 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 4:30:00 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date, please contact the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT in section VII of this notice and provide an 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 4:30:00 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. E:\FR\FM\31DEN1.SGM 31DEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 250 / Monday, December 31, 2012 / Notices mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with 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. Exception to Electronic Submission Requirement: You qualify for an exception to the electronic submission requirement, and may submit your application in paper format, if you are unable to submit an application through the Grants.gov system because— • You do not have access to the Internet; or • You do not have the capacity to upload large documents to the Grants.gov system; and • No later than two weeks before the application deadline date (14 calendar days or, if the fourteenth calendar day before the application deadline date falls on a Federal holiday, the next business day following the Federal holiday), you mail or fax a written statement to the Department, explaining which of the two grounds for an exception prevent you from using the Internet to submit your application. If you mail your written statement to the Department, it must be postmarked no later than two weeks before the application deadline date. If you fax your written statement to the Department, we must receive the faxed statement no later than two weeks before the application deadline date. Address and mail or fax your statement to: Lynn Medley, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW., room 5140, PCP, Washington, DC 20202–2700. Your paper application must be submitted in accordance with the mail or hand delivery instructions described in this notice. b. Submission of Paper Applications by Mail. If you qualify for an exception to the electronic submission requirement, you may mail (through the U.S. Postal Service or a commercial carrier) your application to the Department. You must mail the original and two copies of your application, 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), LBJ Basement Level 1, 400 Maryland Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20202– 4260. You must show proof of mailing consisting of one of the following: (1) A legibly dated U.S. Postal Service postmark. VerDate Mar<15>2010 21:28 Dec 28, 2012 Jkt 229001 (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 qualify for an exception to the electronic submission requirement, you (or a courier service) may deliver your paper application to the Department by hand. You 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 8:00 a.m. and 4:30:00 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 75.210 of EDGAR and are listed in the application package. 2. Review and Selection Process: We remind potential applicants that in PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 77055 reviewing applications in any discretionary grant competition, the Secretary may consider, under 34 CFR 75.217(d)(3), the past performance of the applicant in carrying out a previous award, such as the applicant’s use of funds, achievement of project objectives, and compliance with grant conditions. The Secretary may also consider whether the applicant failed to submit a timely performance report or submitted a report of unacceptable quality. In addition, in making a competitive grant award, the Secretary also requires various assurances including those applicable to Federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department of Education (34 CFR 100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23). 3. Special Conditions: Under 34 CFR 74.14 and 80.12, the Secretary may impose special conditions on a grant if the applicant or grantee is not financially stable; has a history of unsatisfactory performance; has a financial or other management system that does not meet the standards in 34 CFR parts 74 or 80, as applicable; has not fulfilled the conditions of a prior grant; or is otherwise not responsible. VI. Award Administration Information 1. Award Notices: If your application is successful, we notify your U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators and send you a Grant Award Notification (GAN). We may notify you informally, also. If your application is not evaluated or not selected for funding, we notify you. 2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: We identify administrative and national policy requirements in the application package and reference these and other requirements in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice. We reference the regulations outlining the terms and conditions of an award in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice and include these and other specific conditions in the GAN. The GAN also incorporates your approved application as part of your binding commitments under the grant. 3. Reporting: (a) If you apply for a grant under this competition, you must ensure that you have in place the necessary processes and systems to comply with the reporting requirements in 2 CFR part 170 should you receive funding under the competition. This does not apply if you have an exception under 2 CFR 170.110(b). (b) At the end of your project period, you must submit a final performance E:\FR\FM\31DEN1.SGM 31DEN1 77056 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 250 / Monday, December 31, 2012 / Notices 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 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 a portion of its SBIR grantees to determine the percentage of NIDRR-funded grant applications that receive an average peer review score of 85 or higher. Department of Education 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/. 5. Continuation Awards: In making a continuation award, the Secretary may consider, under 34 CFR 75.253, the extent to which a grantee has made ‘‘substantial progress toward meeting the objectives in its approved application.’’ This consideration includes the review of a grantee’s progress in meeting the targets and projected outcomes in its approved application, and whether the grantee has expended funds in a manner that is consistent with its approved application and budget. In making a continuation grant, the Secretary also considers whether the grantee is operating in compliance with the assurances in its approved application, including those applicable to Federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department (34 CFR 100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23). mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with VII. Agency Contact For Further Information Contact: Lynn Medley or Marlene Spencer as follows: Lynn Medley, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW., room 5140, PCP, Washington, DC 20202–2700. Telephone: (202) 245–7338 or by email: lynn.medley@ed.gov. Marlene Spencer, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW., room 5133, PCP, Washington, DC 20202–2700. Telephone: (202) 245–7532 or by email: marlene.spencer@ed.gov. VerDate Mar<15>2010 21:28 Dec 28, 2012 Jkt 229001 If you use a TDD or TTY, call the FRS, toll free, at 1–800–877–8339. VIII. Other Information Accessible Format: Individuals with disabilities can obtain this document and a copy of the application package in an accessible format (e.g., braille, large print, audiotape, or compact disc) 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 or a TTY, call the FRS, toll free, at 1–800–877–8339. Electronic Access to This Document: 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 via the Federal Digital System at: www.gpo.gov/fdsys. At this site you can view this document, as well as all other documents of this Department published in the Federal Register, in text or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). To use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at the site. You may also access documents of the Department published in the Federal Register by using the article search feature at: www.federalregister.gov. Specifically, through the advanced search feature at this site, you can limit your search to documents published by the Department. Dated: December 26, 2012. Michael Yudin, Acting Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. [FR Doc. 2012–31437 Filed 12–28–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000–01–P DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Applications for New Awards; Magnet Schools Assistance Program Office of Innovation and Improvement, Department of Education. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: Overview Information Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) Notice inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 2013. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 84.165A. DATES: Applications Available: December 31, 2012. Deadline for Notice of Intent to Apply: January 30, 2013. PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Date of Pre-Application Webinar: January 17, 2013. Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: March 1, 2013. Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: April 30, 2013. Full Text of Announcement I. Funding Opportunity Description Purpose of Program: The MSAP provides grants to eligible local educational agencies (LEAs) and consortia of LEAs to support magnet schools under an approved desegregation plan-–either a required plan or voluntary plan—that is adequate under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin. By supporting the development and implementation of magnet schools that reduce, eliminate, or prevent minority group isolation, these program resources can be used in pursuit of the objectives of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended (ESEA), which supports State and local efforts to enable all elementary and secondary school students to achieve high standards and which holds schools, LEAs, and States accountable for ensuring that their students do so. In particular, the MSAP provides an opportunity for eligible entities to expand their capacity to provide public school choice to students who attend low-performing schools. Priorities: This competition includes four competitive preference priorities that are described in the following paragraphs. Competitive Preference Priorities: In accordance with 34 CFR 75.105(b)(2)(ii), Competitive Preference Priorities 1, 2, and 3 are from the regulations for this program (34 CFR 280.32). Competitive Preference Priority 4 is from the Notice of Final Supplemental Priorities and Definitions for Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal Register on December 15, 2010 (75 FR 78486), and corrected on May 12, 2011 (76 FR 27637). For FY 2013 and any subsequent year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded applicants from this competition, these priorities are competitive preference priorities. Under 34 CFR 280.30(f) we will award up to 30 additional points to an application, depending on how well the applicant addresses Competitive Preference Priorities 1, 2, and 3. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i) we will award up to an additional 10 points to an application, depending on how well the application addresses Competitive Preference Priority 4. Together, depending on how E:\FR\FM\31DEN1.SGM 31DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 250 (Monday, December 31, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 77051-77056]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-31437]


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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION


Applications for New Awards; National Institute on Disability and 
Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR)--Small Business Innovation Research 
(SBIR) Program--Phase I

AGENCY: Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services 
(OSERS), Department of Education.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Overview Information

    National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research 
(NIDRR)--Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR)--Phase I
    Notice inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 
2013.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 84.133S-1.

DATES: 
    Applications Available: December 31, 2012.
    Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: March 1, 2013.

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Purpose of Program: The purpose of the SBIR program is four-fold:
     Stimulate technological innovation in the private sector.
     Encourage participation in innovation and entrepreneurship 
by socially and economically disadvantaged persons.
     Strengthen the role of small business in meeting Federal 
research and development (R&D) needs.
     Increase private-sector commercialization of innovations 
derived from U.S. Department of Education (Department) R&D funding.

Background

    The Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1982 (Act), Public 
Law 97-219, established the SBIR program. The Act requires certain 
agencies, including the Department, to reserve a statutory percentage 
of their extramural R&D budgets for the three-phase SBIR program.
    Phase I awards are to determine, insofar as possible, the 
scientific or technical merit, feasibility, and commercial potential of 
R&D projects submitted under the SBIR program. Phase I awards are for 
amounts up to $75,000 for a period of up to six months. Phase II 
projects continue the development of Phase I projects. Funding is based 
on the results achieved in Phase I and the scientific and technical 
merit and commercial potential of the proposed Phase II project. Only 
Phase I grantees are eligible to apply for Phase II funding. Phase II 
awards are for amounts up to $500,000 over a period of two years.
    In Phase III, the small business grantee pursues commercial 
applications of the Phase I and II R&D. The SBIR program does not fund 
Phase III.
    All SBIR projects funded by NIDRR must address the needs of 
individuals with disabilities. (See 29 U.S.C. 760.) Project activities 
may include:
     Conducting manufacturing-related R&D that encompasses 
improvements in existing methods or processes, or wholly new processes, 
machines, or systems, that benefit individuals with disabilities;
     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.
    Executive Order 13329 states that continued technological 
innovation is critical to a strong manufacturing sector in the United 
States economy and seeks to ensure that Federal agencies assist the 
private sector in its manufacturing innovation efforts. The 
Department's

[[Page 77052]]

SBIR program encourages innovative R&D projects that are manufacturing-
related, as defined by Executive Order 13329.
    Manufacturing-related R&D encompasses improvements in existing 
methods and processes, as well as wholly new processes, machines, and 
systems. The Department's SBIR program supports a range of 
manufacturing-related R&D projects, including projects relating to the 
manufacture of such items as artificial intelligence and information 
technology devices, software, and systems. For more information on 
Executive Order 13329, please visit the following Web site: 
www.sba.gov/content/executive-order-13329-encouraging-innovation-manufacturing-0 or contact Vanessa Tesoriero at: 
vanessa.tesoriero@ed.gov.

    Note: This program is in concert with NIDRR's currently approved 
long-range plan (the Plan). The Plan is comprehensive and integrates 
many issues relating to disability and rehabilitation research. 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 Plan, NIDRR seeks to--(1) Improve 
the quality and utility of disability and rehabilitation research; (2) 
foster an exchange of expertise, information, and training methods 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 for integrating research and practice; and (6) disseminate 
findings.
    Priorities: Under this competition we are particularly interested 
in applications that address one or more of the following priorities.
    Invitational Priorities: For FY 2013 and any subsequent year in 
which we make awards from the list of unfunded applicants from this 
competition, 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.
    Each of the following invitational priorities relates to innovative 
research utilizing new technologies to address the needs of individuals 
with disabilities. These priorities are:
    (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 increase access to employment, promote sustained 
employment, and support employment advancement for individuals with 
disabilities.
    (4) Enhanced community living and participation for individuals 
with disabilities through the development of accessible information 
technology including cloud computing, software, 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 health-care interventions and increased use of related 
resources through the development of technology to support independent 
access to community health-care services for individuals with 
disabilities.
    Applicants should describe the approaches they expect to use to 
collect empirical evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of the 
technology they are proposing. This empirical evidence should 
facilitate the assessment of the efficacy and usefulness of the 
technology.

    Note: In responding to all invitational priorities, NIDRR 
encourages applicants to adhere to universal design principles and 
guidelines. The term ``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). 
Universal 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: www.trace.wisc.edu/docs/consumer_product_guidelines/consumer.pcs/disabil.htm).

    Program Authority: The Small Business Act, Public Law 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: (a) The Education Department General 
Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR parts 75, 77, 81, 82, 84, 
85, and 97. (b) The Education Department suspension and debarment 
regulations in 2 CFR part 3485.

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Discretionary grants.
    Estimated Available Funds: The Administration has requested 
$106,817,000 for NIDRR for FY 2013, of which we intend to use an 
estimated $1,125,000 for the SBIR Phase I 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.

    Note: The estimated amount of funds available for new Phase I 
awards is based upon the estimated SBIR allocation for OSERS, minus 
prior commitments for Phase II continuation awards.

    Contingent upon the availability of funds and the quality of 
applications, we may make additional awards in FY 2013 from the list of 
approved but unfunded applicants from this competition.
    Estimated Range of Awards: $70,000-$75,000.
    Estimated Average Size of Awards: $75,000.
    Maximum Award: We will reject any application that proposes a 
budget exceeding $75,000 for a single budget period of up to six 
months. The Assistant Secretary for the Office of 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 6 months. We will reject any application that 
proposes a project period that exceeds a single budget period of up to 
six months. The Assistant Secretary for the Office of Special Education 
and Rehabilitative Services may change the maximum project period 
through a notice published in the Federal Register.

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.
    If it appears that an applicant organization does not meet the 
eligibility requirements, we will request an evaluation by the SBA. 
Under

[[Page 77053]]

circumstances in which eligibility is unclear, we will not make an SBIR 
award until the SBA makes a determination that the applicant is 
eligible under its definition of small business concern.
    Technology, science, and 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 nonprofit organizations are 
permitted, but the small business concern must serve as the grantee. 
For Phase I projects, at least two-thirds of the research or analytic 
activities must be performed by the small business concern grantee.
    2. Cost Sharing or Matching: This program does not require cost 
sharing or matching.
    3. Other: 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.

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: ED Pubs, U.S. 
Department of Education, P.O. Box 22207, Alexandria, VA 22304. 
Telephone, toll free: 1-877-433-7827. Fax: (703) 605-6794. If you use a 
telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) or a text telephone (TTY), 
call, toll free: 1-877-576-7734.
    You can contact ED Pubs at its Web site, also: www.EDPubs.gov or at 
its email 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 accessible format (e.g., braille, large print, audiotape, 
or compact disc) by contacting the team listed under Accessible Format 
in section VIII of this notice.
    2. a. 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 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. You are not required to double 
space titles, headings, footnotes, references, captions, or text in 
charts, tables, figures, and graphs.
     Use a font that is either 12 point or larger or no smaller 
than 10 pitch (characters per inch).
     Use one of the following fonts: Times New Roman, Courier, 
Courier New, or Arial.
    The page limit does not apply to the cover sheet; the budget 
section, including the narrative budget justification; the assurances 
and certifications; the one-page abstract, the resumes, the 
bibliography, or the letters of support; related applications or 
awards; or the documentation of previous Phase II awards (required only 
if the small business concern has received more than 15 Phase II awards 
in the prior five fiscal years). However, the page limit does apply to 
all of the application narrative section.
    We will reject your application if you exceed the page limit or if 
you apply other standards and exceed the equivalent of the page limit.
    b. Submission of Proprietary Information:
    Given the types of projects that may be proposed in applications 
for the SBIR program, your application may include business information 
that you consider proprietary. The Department's regulations define 
``business information'' in 34 CFR 5.11.
    Because we plan to publicly highlight success stories on our Web 
site, you may wish to request confidentiality of business information.
    Consistent with Executive Order 12600, please designate in your 
application any information that you feel is exempt from disclosure 
under Exemption 4 of the Freedom of Information Act. In the appropriate 
Appendix section of your application, under ``Other Attachments Form,'' 
please list the page number or numbers on which we can find this 
information. For additional information please see 34 CFR 5.11(c).
    3. Submission Dates and Times:
    Applications Available: December 31, 2012.
    Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: March 1, 2013.
    Applications for grants under this program must be submitted 
electronically using the Grants.gov Apply site (Grants.gov). For 
information (including dates and times) about how to submit your 
application electronically, or in paper format by mail or hand delivery 
if you qualify for an exception to the electronic submission 
requirement, please refer to section IV. 7. Other Submission 
Requirements of 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 
of 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.
    4. Intergovernmental Review: This program 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 of this notice.
    6. Data Universal Numbering System Number, Taxpayer Identification 
Number, and Central Contractor Registry: To do business with the 
Department of Education, you must--
    a. Have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and a 
Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN);
    b. Register both your DUNS number and TIN with the Central 
Contractor Registry (CCR)--and, after July 24, 2012, with the System 
for Award Management (SAM), the Government's primary registrant 
database;
    c. Provide your DUNS number and TIN on your application; and
    d. Maintain an active CCR or SAM registration with current 
information while your application is under review by the Department 
and, if you are awarded a grant, during the project period.
    You can obtain a DUNS number from Dun and Bradstreet. A DUNS number 
can be created within one business day.
    If you are a corporate entity, agency, institution, or 
organization, you can obtain a TIN from the Internal Revenue Service. 
If you are an individual, you can obtain a TIN from the Internal 
Revenue Service or the Social Security Administration. If you need a 
new TIN,

[[Page 77054]]

please allow 2-5 weeks for your TIN to become active.
    The CCR or SAM registration process may take five or more business 
days to complete. If you are currently registered with the CCR, you may 
not need to make any changes. However, please make certain that the TIN 
associated with your DUNS number is correct. Also, note that you will 
need to update your registration annually. This may take three or more 
business days to complete. Information about SAM is available at 
SAM.gov.
    In addition, if you are submitting your application via Grants.gov, 
you must (1) be designated by your organization as an Authorized 
Organization Representative (AOR); and (2) register yourself with 
Grants.gov as an AOR. Details on these steps are outlined at the 
following Grants.gov Web page: www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp.
    7. Other Submission Requirements: Applications for grants under 
this program must be submitted electronically unless you qualify for an 
exception to this requirement in accordance with the instructions in 
this section.
    a. Electronic Submission of Applications.
    Applications for grants under the SBIR Program, CFDA number 
84.133S-1, must be submitted electronically using the Governmentwide 
Grants.gov Apply site at 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.
    We will reject your application if you submit it in paper format 
unless, as described elsewhere in this section, you qualify for one of 
the exceptions to the electronic submission requirement and submit, no 
later than two weeks before the application deadline date, a written 
statement to the Department that you qualify for one of these 
exceptions. Further information regarding calculation of the date that 
is two weeks before the application deadline date is provided later in 
this section under Exception to Electronic Submission Requirement.
    You may access the electronic grant application for the SBIR 
Program at www.Grants.gov. You must search for the downloadable 
application package for this program by the CFDA number. Do not include 
the CFDA number's alpha suffix in your search (e.g., search for 84.326, 
not 84.326A).
    Please note the following:
     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 4:30:00 
p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date. Except as 
otherwise noted in this section, we will not accept your application if 
it is received--that is, date and time stamped by the Grants.gov 
system--after 4:30:00 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application 
deadline date. We do not consider an application that does not comply 
with the deadline requirements. 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 
4:30:00 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 under News and Events on the Department's G5 
system home page at www.G5.gov.
     You will not receive additional point value because you 
submit your application in electronic format, nor will we penalize you 
if you qualify for an exception to the electronic submission 
requirement, as described elsewhere in this section, and submit your 
application in paper format.
     You must submit all documents electronically, including 
all information you typically provide on the following forms: the 
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.
     You must upload any narrative sections and all other 
attachments to your application as files in a PDF (Portable Document) 
read-only, non-modifiable format. Do not upload an interactive or 
fillable PDF file. If you upload a file type other than a read-only, 
non-modifiable PDF 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 email. 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 4:30:00 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 4:30:00 p.m., Washington, DC 
time, on the application deadline date, please contact the person 
listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT in section VII of this 
notice and provide an 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 4:30:00 
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.


[[Page 77055]]


    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.

    Exception to Electronic Submission Requirement: You qualify for an 
exception to the electronic submission requirement, and may submit your 
application in paper format, if you are unable to submit an application 
through the Grants.gov system because--
     You do not have access to the Internet; or
     You do not have the capacity to upload large documents to 
the Grants.gov system; and
     No later than two weeks before the application deadline 
date (14 calendar days or, if the fourteenth calendar day before the 
application deadline date falls on a Federal holiday, the next business 
day following the Federal holiday), you mail or fax a written statement 
to the Department, explaining which of the two grounds for an exception 
prevent you from using the Internet to submit your application.
    If you mail your written statement to the Department, it must be 
postmarked no later than two weeks before the application deadline 
date. If you fax your written statement to the Department, we must 
receive the faxed statement no later than two weeks before the 
application deadline date.
    Address and mail or fax your statement to: Lynn Medley, U.S. 
Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW., room 5140, PCP, 
Washington, DC 20202-2700.
    Your paper application must be submitted in accordance with the 
mail or hand delivery instructions described in this notice.
    b. Submission of Paper Applications by Mail.
    If you qualify for an exception to the electronic submission 
requirement, you may mail (through the U.S. Postal Service or a 
commercial carrier) your application to the Department. You must mail 
the original and two copies of your application, 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), LBJ Basement Level 1, 400 Maryland Avenue SW., 
Washington, DC 20202-4260.
    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 qualify for an exception to the electronic submission 
requirement, you (or a courier service) may deliver your paper 
application to the Department by hand. You 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 8:00 a.m. and 4:30:00 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 75.210 of EDGAR and are listed in the application 
package.
    2. Review and Selection Process: We remind potential applicants 
that in reviewing applications in any discretionary grant competition, 
the Secretary may consider, under 34 CFR 75.217(d)(3), the past 
performance of the applicant in carrying out a previous award, such as 
the applicant's use of funds, achievement of project objectives, and 
compliance with grant conditions. The Secretary may also consider 
whether the applicant failed to submit a timely performance report or 
submitted a report of unacceptable quality.
    In addition, in making a competitive grant award, the Secretary 
also requires various assurances including those applicable to Federal 
civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or 
activities receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department 
of Education (34 CFR 100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).
    3. Special Conditions: Under 34 CFR 74.14 and 80.12, the Secretary 
may impose special conditions on a grant if the applicant or grantee is 
not financially stable; has a history of unsatisfactory performance; 
has a financial or other management system that does not meet the 
standards in 34 CFR parts 74 or 80, as applicable; has not fulfilled 
the conditions of a prior grant; or is otherwise not responsible.

VI. Award Administration Information

    1. Award Notices: If your application is successful, we notify your 
U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators and send you a Grant Award 
Notification (GAN). We may notify you informally, also.
    If your application is not evaluated or not selected for funding, 
we notify you.
    2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: We identify 
administrative and national policy requirements in the application 
package and reference these and other requirements in the Applicable 
Regulations section of this notice.
    We reference the regulations outlining the terms and conditions of 
an award in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice and 
include these and other specific conditions in the GAN. The GAN also 
incorporates your approved application as part of your binding 
commitments under the grant.
    3. Reporting: (a) If you apply for a grant under this competition, 
you must ensure that you have in place the necessary processes and 
systems to comply with the reporting requirements in 2 CFR part 170 
should you receive funding under the competition. This does not apply 
if you have an exception under 2 CFR 170.110(b).
    (b) At the end of your project period, you must submit a final 
performance

[[Page 77056]]

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 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 a portion of its SBIR grantees to determine the percentage of 
NIDRR-funded grant applications that receive an average peer review 
score of 85 or higher.
    Department of Education 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/.
    5. Continuation Awards: In making a continuation award, the 
Secretary may consider, under 34 CFR 75.253, the extent to which a 
grantee has made ``substantial progress toward meeting the objectives 
in its approved application.'' This consideration includes the review 
of a grantee's progress in meeting the targets and projected outcomes 
in its approved application, and whether the grantee has expended funds 
in a manner that is consistent with its approved application and 
budget. In making a continuation grant, the Secretary also considers 
whether the grantee is operating in compliance with the assurances in 
its approved application, including those applicable to Federal civil 
rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities 
receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department (34 CFR 
100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).

VII. Agency Contact

    For Further Information Contact: Lynn Medley or Marlene Spencer as 
follows:
    Lynn Medley, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW., 
room 5140, PCP, Washington, DC 20202-2700. Telephone: (202) 245-7338 or 
by email: lynn.medley@ed.gov.
    Marlene Spencer, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue 
SW., room 5133, PCP, Washington, DC 20202-2700. Telephone: (202) 245-
7532 or by email: marlene.spencer@ed.gov.
    If you use a TDD or TTY, call the FRS, toll free, at 1-800-877-
8339.

VIII. Other Information

    Accessible Format: Individuals with disabilities can obtain this 
document and a copy of the application package in an accessible format 
(e.g., braille, large print, audiotape, or compact disc) 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 or a TTY, call the FRS, 
toll free, at 1-800-877-8339.
    Electronic Access to This Document: 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 via the Federal Digital System 
at: www.gpo.gov/fdsys. At this site you can view this document, as well 
as all other documents of this Department published in the Federal 
Register, in text or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). To use PDF 
you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at the 
site.
    You may also access documents of the Department published in the 
Federal Register by using the article search feature at: 
www.federalregister.gov. Specifically, through the advanced search 
feature at this site, you can limit your search to documents published 
by the Department.

    Dated: December 26, 2012.
Michael Yudin,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative 
Services.
[FR Doc. 2012-31437 Filed 12-28-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P
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