Final Priority; National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research-Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program-Disability Rehabilitation Research Project, 22783-22785 [2013-09060]
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 74 / Wednesday, April 17, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
34 CFR Chapter III
[CFDA Number: 84.133A–8]
Final Priority; National Institute on
Disability and Rehabilitation
Research—Disability and
Rehabilitation Research Projects and
Centers Program—Disability
Rehabilitation Research Project
Office of Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services, Department of
Education.
ACTION: Final priority.
AGENCY:
The Assistant Secretary for
Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services announces a priority for a
Disability Rehabilitation Research
Project (DRRP) on Knowledge
Translation for Technology Transfer
under the Disability and Rehabilitation
Research Projects and Centers program
administered by the National Institute
on Disability and Rehabilitation
Research (NIDRR). The Assistant
Secretary may use this priority for a
competition in fiscal year (FY) 2013 and
later years. We take this action to focus
research attention on areas of national
need. We intend this priority to improve
outcomes for individuals with
disabilities.
SUMMARY:
Effective Date: This priority is
effective May 17, 2013.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Marlene Spencer, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW.,
Room 5133, Potomac Center Plaza
(PCP), Washington, DC 20202–2700.
Telephone: (202) 245–7532 or by email:
marlene.spencer@ed.gov.
If you use a telecommunications
device for the deaf (TDD) or a text
telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay
Service (FRS), toll free, at 1–800–877–
8339.
DATES:
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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Purpose of Program
This notice of final priority is in
concert with NIDRR’s currently
approved Long-Range Plan (Plan). 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
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understanding of the unique needs of
traditionally underserved populations;
(3) determine the best strategies and
programs to improve rehabilitation
outcomes for underserved populations;
(4) identify research gaps; (5) identify
mechanisms for integrating research and
practice; and (6) disseminate findings.
This notice announces a priority that
NIDRR intends to use for a DRRP
competition in FY 2013 and possibly
later years. However, nothing precludes
NIDRR from publishing additional
priorities, if needed. Furthermore,
NIDRR is under no obligation to make
an award for this priority. The decision
to make an award will be based on the
quality of applications received and
available funding.
The purpose of the Disability and
Rehabilitation Research Projects and
Centers Program is to plan and conduct
research, demonstration projects,
training, and related activities,
including international activities, to
develop methods, procedures, and
rehabilitation technology that maximize
the full inclusion and integration into
society, employment, independent
living, family support, and economic
and social self-sufficiency of individuals
with disabilities, especially individuals
with the most severe disabilities, and to
improve the effectiveness of services
authorized under the Rehabilitation Act
of 1973, as amended (Rehabilitation
Act).
The purpose of DRRPs, which are
under NIDRR’s Disability and
Rehabilitation Research Projects and
Centers Program, is to improve the
effectiveness of services authorized
under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as
amended, by developing methods,
procedures, and rehabilitation
technologies that advance a wide range
of independent living and employment
outcomes for individuals with
disabilities, especially individuals with
the most severe disabilities. DRRPs
carry out one or more of the following
types of activities, as specified and
defined in 34 CFR 350.13 through
350.19: Research, training,
demonstration, development,
dissemination, utilization, and technical
assistance. An applicant for assistance
under this program must demonstrate in
its application how it will address, in
whole or in part, the needs of
individuals with disabilities from
minority backgrounds (34 CFR
350.40(a)). The approaches an applicant
may take to meet this requirement are
found in 34 CFR 350.40(b). In addition,
NIDRR intends to require all DRRP
applicants to meet the priority on
General DRRP Requirements that it
published in a notice of final priorities
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22783
in the Federal Register on April 28,
2006 (71 FR 25472).
Additional information on the DRRP
program can be found at: https://
www2.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/
res-program.html#DRRP.
Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 762(g)
and 764(a).
Applicable Program Regulations: 34
CFR part 350.
We published a notice of proposed
priority for this program in the Federal
Register on January 15, 2013 (78 FR
2923). That notice contained
background information and our reasons
for proposing the particular priority.
There are no differences between the
proposed priority and this final priority.
Public Comment: In response to our
invitation in the notice of proposed
priority, 10 parties submitted comments
on the proposed priority. Nine of these
parties submitted comments that are
wholly supportive of NIDRR’s proposed
Center. One commenter submitted
supportive comments, as well as two
specific suggestions for the priority.
Generally, we do not address
technical and other minor changes.
Analysis of Comments and Changes:
An analysis of the comments and of any
changes in the priority since publication
of the notice of proposed priority
follows.
Comment: One commenter suggested
that NIDRR explicitly require the Center
to collaborate with other NIDRR-funded
knowledge translation grantees.
Discussion: NIDRR agrees with this
suggestion. However, NIDRR plans to
manage this collaboration through the
General Disability and Rehabilitation
Research Projects (DRRP) Requirements
priority. These requirements will be
provided in the notice inviting
applications and the application
package for this competition. The
relevant requirement states that all
DRRPs must ‘‘Coordinate on research
projects of mutual interest with relevant
NIDRR-funded projects, as identified
through consultation with the NIDRR
project officer.’’ After an award is made
under this priority, the NIDRR Project
Officer will work with the grantee to
identify the appropriate NIDRR-funded
projects with which the Center must
collaborate, including other NIDRRfunded knowledge translation grantees.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter suggested
that NIDRR require the Center to
identify effective approaches that have
been used by NIDRR technology
grantees to bring their products to the
marketplace.
Discussion: NIDRR generally agrees
that the identification of effective
approaches to technology transfer may
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help fulfill the stated outcomes of the
priority. However, we have purposefully
left such prescriptive detail out of the
priority so that applicants can propose
a wide range of activities to meet the
outcome of improved technology
transfer among NIDRR’s technology
grantees. The merits of each application
will be determined by the peer review
process.
Changes: None.
FINAL PRIORITY:
DRRP for Center on Knowledge
Translation for Technology Transfer
The Assistant Secretary for Special
Education and Rehabilitative Services
establishes a priority for a Disability and
Rehabilitation Research Project to serve
as the Center on Knowledge Translation
for Technology Transfer (Center). The
Center must conduct rigorous research,
development, technical assistance,
dissemination, and utilization activities
to increase successful technology
transfer of rehabilitation technology
products and devices developed by
NIDRR-funded technology grantees.
In planning and conducting all
activities, the Center must partner with
relevant stakeholders such as NIDRR’s
technology grantees, trade and
professional associations, industry
representatives, individuals with
disabilities, and others.
Under this priority, the Center must
be designed to contribute to the
following outcomes:
(a) Increased rate of successful
technology transfer of rehabilitation
technology products developed by
NIDRR-funded technology grantees to
the marketplace, into engineering
standards, or into other intended
applications;
(b) Increased understanding among
rehabilitation engineers and others
engaged in disability research and
development of technology transfer
processes and practices that lead to
successful transfer of rehabilitation
technology products to the marketplace,
into engineering standards, or into other
intended applications;
(c) Increased capacity of NIDRR’s
technology grantees to plan and to
engage in technology transfer activities.
Types of Priorities:
When inviting applications for a
competition using one or more
priorities, we designate the type of each
priority as absolute, competitive
preference, or invitational through a
notice in the Federal Register. The
effect of each type of priority follows:
Absolute priority: Under an absolute
priority, we consider only applications
that meet the priority (34 CFR
75.105(c)(3)).
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Competitive preference priority:
Under a competitive preference priority,
we give competitive preference to an
application by (1) awarding additional
points, depending on the extent to
which the application meets the priority
(34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i)); or (2) selecting
an application that meets the priority
over an application of comparable merit
that does not meet the priority (34 CFR
75.105(c)(2)(ii)).
Invitational priority: Under an
invitational priority, we are particularly
interested in applications that meet the
priority. However, we do not give an
application that meets the priority a
preference over other applications (34
CFR 75.105(c)(1)).
This notice does not preclude us from
proposing additional priorities,
requirements, definitions, or selection
criteria, subject to meeting applicable
rulemaking requirements.
Note: This notice does not solicit
applications. In any year in which we choose
to use this priority, we invite applications
through a notice in the Federal Register.
Executive Orders 12866 and 13563
Regulatory Impact Analysis
Under Executive Order 12866, the
Secretary must determine whether this
regulatory action is ‘‘significant’’ and,
therefore, subject to the requirements of
the Executive order and subject to
review by the Office of Management and
Budget (OMB). Section 3(f) of Executive
Order 12866 defines a ‘‘significant
regulatory action’’ as an action likely to
result in a rule that may—
(1) Have an annual effect on the
economy of $100 million or more, or
adversely affect a sector of the economy,
productivity, competition, jobs, the
environment, public health or safety, or
State, local or tribal governments or
communities in a material way (also
referred to as an ‘‘economically
significant’’ rule);
(2) Create serious inconsistency or
otherwise interfere with an action taken
or planned by another agency;
(3) Materially alter the budgetary
impacts of entitlement grants, user fees,
or loan programs or the rights and
obligations of recipients thereof; or
(4) Raise novel legal or policy issues
arising out of legal mandates, the
President’s priorities, or the principles
stated in the Executive order.
This final regulatory action is not a
significant regulatory action subject to
review by OMB under section 3(f) of
Executive Order 12866.
We have also reviewed this final
regulatory action under Executive Order
13563, which supplements and
explicitly reaffirms the principles,
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structures, and definitions governing
regulatory review established in
Executive Order 12866. To the extent
permitted by law, Executive Order
13563 requires that an agency—
(1) Propose or adopt regulations only
upon a reasoned determination that
their benefits justify their costs
(recognizing that some benefits and
costs are difficult to quantify);
(2) Tailor its regulations to impose the
least burden on society, consistent with
obtaining regulatory objectives and
taking into account—among other things
and to the extent practicable—the costs
of cumulative regulations;
(3) In choosing among alternative
regulatory approaches, select those
approaches that maximize net benefits
(including potential economic,
environmental, public health and safety,
and other advantages; distributive
impacts; and equity);
(4) To the extent feasible, specify
performance objectives, rather than the
behavior or manner of compliance a
regulated entity must adopt; and
(5) Identify and assess available
alternatives to direct regulation,
including economic incentives—such as
user fees or marketable permits—to
encourage the desired behavior, or
provide information that enables the
public to make choices.
Executive Order 13563 also requires
an agency ‘‘to use the best available
techniques to quantify anticipated
present and future benefits and costs as
accurately as possible.’’ The Office of
Information and Regulatory Affairs of
OMB has emphasized that these
techniques may include ‘‘identifying
changing future compliance costs that
might result from technological
innovation or anticipated behavioral
changes.’’
We are issuing this final priority only
on a reasoned determination that its
benefits justify its costs. In choosing
among alternative regulatory
approaches, we selected those
approaches that maximize net benefits.
Based on the analysis that follows, the
Department believes that this regulatory
action is consistent with the principles
in Executive Order 13563.
We also have determined that this
regulatory action does not unduly
interfere with State, local, and Tribal
governments in the exercise of their
governmental functions.
In accordance with both Executive
orders, the Department has assessed the
potential costs and benefits, both
quantitative and qualitative, of this
regulatory action. The potential costs
are those resulting from statutory
requirements and those we have
determined as necessary for
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administering the Department’s
programs and activities.
Summary of potential costs and
benefits:
The benefits of the Disability and
Rehabilitation Research Projects and
Centers Programs have been well
established over the years in that similar
projects have been completed
successfully. This final priority will
generate new knowledge through
research and development.
Another benefit of the final priority is
that establishing new DRRPs will
improve the lives of individuals with
disabilities. The new DRRPs will
provide support and assistance for
NIDRR grantees as they generate,
disseminate, and promote the use of
new information that will improve the
options for individuals with disabilities
to perform regular activities of their
choice in the community.
Accessible Format: Individuals with
disabilities can obtain this document 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: April 12, 2013.
Michael Yudin,
Delegated the authority to perform the
functions and duties of Assistant Secretary
for Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services.
[FR Doc. 2013–09060 Filed 4–16–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000–01–P
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 52
[EPA–R03–OAR–2013–0091; FRL–9803–3]
Approval and Promulgation of Air
Quality Implementation Plans;
Delaware, State Board Requirements
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Direct final rule.
AGENCY:
EPA is taking direct final
action to approve a revision to the
Delaware State Implementation Plan
(SIP) submitted by the Delaware
Department of Natural Resources and
Environmental Control (DNREC) on
January 11, 2013. The SIP revision
addresses requirements of the Clean Air
Act (CAA) for all criteria pollutants of
the national ambient air quality
standards (NAAQS) in relation to State
Boards. EPA is approving this SIP
revision in accordance with the
requirements of the CAA.
DATES: This rule is effective on June 17,
2013 without further notice, unless EPA
receives adverse written comment by
May 17, 2013. If EPA receives such
comments, it will publish a timely
withdrawal of the direct final rule in the
Federal Register and inform the public
that the rule will not take effect.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,
identified by Docket ID Number EPA–
R03–OAR–2013–0091 by one of the
following methods:
A. www.regulations.gov. Follow the
on-line instructions for submitting
comments.
B. Email: fernandez.cristina@epa.gov.
C. Mail: EPA–R03–OAR–2013–0091,
Cristina Fernandez, Associate Director,
Office of Air Program Planning,
Mailcode 3AP30, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, Region III, 1650
Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
19103.
D. Hand Delivery: At the previouslylisted EPA Region III address. Such
deliveries are only accepted during the
Docket’s normal hours of operation, and
special arrangements should be made
for deliveries of boxed information.
Instructions: Direct your comments to
Docket ID No. EPA–R03–OAR–2013–
0091. EPA’s policy is that all comments
received will be included in the public
docket without change, and may be
made available online at
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information provided, unless
the comment includes information
claimed to be Confidential Business
Information (CBI) or other information
SUMMARY:
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22785
whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
Do not submit information that you
consider to be CBI or otherwise
protected through www.regulations.gov
or email. The www.regulations.gov Web
site is an ‘‘anonymous access’’ system,
which means EPA will not know your
identity or contact information unless
you provide it in the body of your
comment. If you send an email
comment directly to EPA without going
through www.regulations.gov, your
email address will be automatically
captured and included as part of the
comment that is placed in the public
docket and made available on the
Internet. If you submit an electronic
comment, EPA recommends that you
include your name and other contact
information in the body of your
comment and with any disk or CD–ROM
you submit. If EPA cannot read your
comment due to technical difficulties
and cannot contact you for clarification,
EPA may not be able to consider your
comment. Electronic files should avoid
the use of special characters, any form
of encryption, and be free of any defects
or viruses.
Docket: All documents in the
electronic docket are listed in the
www.regulations.gov index. Although
listed in the index, some information is
not publicly available, i.e., CBI or other
information whose disclosure is
restricted by statute. Certain other
material, such as copyrighted material,
is not placed on the Internet and will be
publicly available only in hard copy
form. Publicly available docket
materials are available either
electronically in www.regulations.gov or
in hard copy during normal business
hours at the Air Protection Division,
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
Region III, 1650 Arch Street,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103.
Copies of the State submittal are
available at the Delaware Department of
Natural Resources and Environmental
Control, 89 Kings Highway, P.O. Box
1401, Dover, Delaware 19903.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rose
Quinto, (215) 814–2182, or by email at
quinto.rose@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
Section 128 of the CAA requires SIPs
to comply with the requirements
regarding State Boards. Section
110(a)(2)(E)(ii) of the CAA also
references these requirements. Section
128(a) of the CAA requires SIPs to
contain provisions that: (1) Any board
or body which approves permits or
enforcement orders under the CAA have
at least a majority of its members
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 74 (Wednesday, April 17, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 22783-22785]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-09060]
[[Page 22783]]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
34 CFR Chapter III
[CFDA Number: 84.133A-8]
Final Priority; National Institute on Disability and
Rehabilitation Research--Disability and Rehabilitation Research
Projects and Centers Program--Disability Rehabilitation Research
Project
AGENCY: Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services,
Department of Education.
ACTION: Final priority.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services announces a priority for a Disability
Rehabilitation Research Project (DRRP) on Knowledge Translation for
Technology Transfer under the Disability and Rehabilitation Research
Projects and Centers program administered by the National Institute on
Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR). The Assistant Secretary
may use this priority for a competition in fiscal year (FY) 2013 and
later years. We take this action to focus research attention on areas
of national need. We intend this priority to improve outcomes for
individuals with disabilities.
DATES: Effective Date: This priority is effective May 17, 2013.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Marlene Spencer, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW., Room 5133, Potomac Center Plaza
(PCP), Washington, DC 20202-2700. Telephone: (202) 245-7532 or by
email: marlene.spencer@ed.gov.
If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) or a text
telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay Service (FRS), toll free, at 1-
800-877-8339.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Purpose of Program
This notice of final priority is in concert with NIDRR's currently
approved Long-Range Plan (Plan). 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 traditionally underserved populations; (3) determine the best
strategies and programs to improve rehabilitation outcomes for
underserved populations; (4) identify research gaps; (5) identify
mechanisms for integrating research and practice; and (6) disseminate
findings.
This notice announces a priority that NIDRR intends to use for a
DRRP competition in FY 2013 and possibly later years. However, nothing
precludes NIDRR from publishing additional priorities, if needed.
Furthermore, NIDRR is under no obligation to make an award for this
priority. The decision to make an award will be based on the quality of
applications received and available funding.
The purpose of the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects
and Centers Program is to plan and conduct research, demonstration
projects, training, and related activities, including international
activities, to develop methods, procedures, and rehabilitation
technology that maximize the full inclusion and integration into
society, employment, independent living, family support, and economic
and social self-sufficiency of individuals with disabilities,
especially individuals with the most severe disabilities, and to
improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (Rehabilitation Act).
The purpose of DRRPs, which are under NIDRR's Disability and
Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program, is to improve the
effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of
1973, as amended, by developing methods, procedures, and rehabilitation
technologies that advance a wide range of independent living and
employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities, especially
individuals with the most severe disabilities. DRRPs carry out one or
more of the following types of activities, as specified and defined in
34 CFR 350.13 through 350.19: Research, training, demonstration,
development, dissemination, utilization, and technical assistance. An
applicant for assistance under this program must demonstrate in its
application how it will address, in whole or in part, the needs of
individuals with disabilities from minority backgrounds (34 CFR
350.40(a)). The approaches an applicant may take to meet this
requirement are found in 34 CFR 350.40(b). In addition, NIDRR intends
to require all DRRP applicants to meet the priority on General DRRP
Requirements that it published in a notice of final priorities in the
Federal Register on April 28, 2006 (71 FR 25472).
Additional information on the DRRP program can be found at: https://www2.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/res-program.html#DRRP.
Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 762(g) and 764(a).
Applicable Program Regulations: 34 CFR part 350.
We published a notice of proposed priority for this program in the
Federal Register on January 15, 2013 (78 FR 2923). That notice
contained background information and our reasons for proposing the
particular priority.
There are no differences between the proposed priority and this
final priority.
Public Comment: In response to our invitation in the notice of
proposed priority, 10 parties submitted comments on the proposed
priority. Nine of these parties submitted comments that are wholly
supportive of NIDRR's proposed Center. One commenter submitted
supportive comments, as well as two specific suggestions for the
priority.
Generally, we do not address technical and other minor changes.
Analysis of Comments and Changes: An analysis of the comments and
of any changes in the priority since publication of the notice of
proposed priority follows.
Comment: One commenter suggested that NIDRR explicitly require the
Center to collaborate with other NIDRR-funded knowledge translation
grantees.
Discussion: NIDRR agrees with this suggestion. However, NIDRR plans
to manage this collaboration through the General Disability and
Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Requirements priority. These
requirements will be provided in the notice inviting applications and
the application package for this competition. The relevant requirement
states that all DRRPs must ``Coordinate on research projects of mutual
interest with relevant NIDRR-funded projects, as identified through
consultation with the NIDRR project officer.'' After an award is made
under this priority, the NIDRR Project Officer will work with the
grantee to identify the appropriate NIDRR-funded projects with which
the Center must collaborate, including other NIDRR-funded knowledge
translation grantees.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter suggested that NIDRR require the Center to
identify effective approaches that have been used by NIDRR technology
grantees to bring their products to the marketplace.
Discussion: NIDRR generally agrees that the identification of
effective approaches to technology transfer may
[[Page 22784]]
help fulfill the stated outcomes of the priority. However, we have
purposefully left such prescriptive detail out of the priority so that
applicants can propose a wide range of activities to meet the outcome
of improved technology transfer among NIDRR's technology grantees. The
merits of each application will be determined by the peer review
process.
Changes: None.
FINAL PRIORITY:
DRRP for Center on Knowledge Translation for Technology Transfer
The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services establishes a priority for a Disability and Rehabilitation
Research Project to serve as the Center on Knowledge Translation for
Technology Transfer (Center). The Center must conduct rigorous
research, development, technical assistance, dissemination, and
utilization activities to increase successful technology transfer of
rehabilitation technology products and devices developed by NIDRR-
funded technology grantees.
In planning and conducting all activities, the Center must partner
with relevant stakeholders such as NIDRR's technology grantees, trade
and professional associations, industry representatives, individuals
with disabilities, and others.
Under this priority, the Center must be designed to contribute to
the following outcomes:
(a) Increased rate of successful technology transfer of
rehabilitation technology products developed by NIDRR-funded technology
grantees to the marketplace, into engineering standards, or into other
intended applications;
(b) Increased understanding among rehabilitation engineers and
others engaged in disability research and development of technology
transfer processes and practices that lead to successful transfer of
rehabilitation technology products to the marketplace, into engineering
standards, or into other intended applications;
(c) Increased capacity of NIDRR's technology grantees to plan and
to engage in technology transfer activities.
Types of Priorities:
When inviting applications for a competition using one or more
priorities, we designate the type of each priority as absolute,
competitive preference, or invitational through a notice in the Federal
Register. The effect of each type of priority follows:
Absolute priority: Under an absolute priority, we consider only
applications that meet the priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(3)).
Competitive preference priority: Under a competitive preference
priority, we give competitive preference to an application by (1)
awarding additional points, depending on the extent to which the
application meets the priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i)); or (2)
selecting an application that meets the priority over an application of
comparable merit that does not meet the priority (34 CFR
75.105(c)(2)(ii)).
Invitational priority: Under an invitational priority, we are
particularly interested in applications that meet the priority.
However, we do not give an application that meets the priority a
preference over other applications (34 CFR 75.105(c)(1)).
This notice does not preclude us from proposing additional
priorities, requirements, definitions, or selection criteria, subject
to meeting applicable rulemaking requirements.
Note: This notice does not solicit applications. In any year in
which we choose to use this priority, we invite applications through
a notice in the Federal Register.
Executive Orders 12866 and 13563
Regulatory Impact Analysis
Under Executive Order 12866, the Secretary must determine whether
this regulatory action is ``significant'' and, therefore, subject to
the requirements of the Executive order and subject to review by the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Section 3(f) of Executive Order
12866 defines a ``significant regulatory action'' as an action likely
to result in a rule that may--
(1) Have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more,
or adversely affect a sector of the economy, productivity, competition,
jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or State, local or
tribal governments or communities in a material way (also referred to
as an ``economically significant'' rule);
(2) Create serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an
action taken or planned by another agency;
(3) Materially alter the budgetary impacts of entitlement grants,
user fees, or loan programs or the rights and obligations of recipients
thereof; or
(4) Raise novel legal or policy issues arising out of legal
mandates, the President's priorities, or the principles stated in the
Executive order.
This final regulatory action is not a significant regulatory action
subject to review by OMB under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866.
We have also reviewed this final regulatory action under Executive
Order 13563, which supplements and explicitly reaffirms the principles,
structures, and definitions governing regulatory review established in
Executive Order 12866. To the extent permitted by law, Executive Order
13563 requires that an agency--
(1) Propose or adopt regulations only upon a reasoned determination
that their benefits justify their costs (recognizing that some benefits
and costs are difficult to quantify);
(2) Tailor its regulations to impose the least burden on society,
consistent with obtaining regulatory objectives and taking into
account--among other things and to the extent practicable--the costs of
cumulative regulations;
(3) In choosing among alternative regulatory approaches, select
those approaches that maximize net benefits (including potential
economic, environmental, public health and safety, and other
advantages; distributive impacts; and equity);
(4) To the extent feasible, specify performance objectives, rather
than the behavior or manner of compliance a regulated entity must
adopt; and
(5) Identify and assess available alternatives to direct
regulation, including economic incentives--such as user fees or
marketable permits--to encourage the desired behavior, or provide
information that enables the public to make choices.
Executive Order 13563 also requires an agency ``to use the best
available techniques to quantify anticipated present and future
benefits and costs as accurately as possible.'' The Office of
Information and Regulatory Affairs of OMB has emphasized that these
techniques may include ``identifying changing future compliance costs
that might result from technological innovation or anticipated
behavioral changes.''
We are issuing this final priority only on a reasoned determination
that its benefits justify its costs. In choosing among alternative
regulatory approaches, we selected those approaches that maximize net
benefits. Based on the analysis that follows, the Department believes
that this regulatory action is consistent with the principles in
Executive Order 13563.
We also have determined that this regulatory action does not unduly
interfere with State, local, and Tribal governments in the exercise of
their governmental functions.
In accordance with both Executive orders, the Department has
assessed the potential costs and benefits, both quantitative and
qualitative, of this regulatory action. The potential costs are those
resulting from statutory requirements and those we have determined as
necessary for
[[Page 22785]]
administering the Department's programs and activities.
Summary of potential costs and benefits:
The benefits of the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects
and Centers Programs have been well established over the years in that
similar projects have been completed successfully. This final priority
will generate new knowledge through research and development.
Another benefit of the final priority is that establishing new
DRRPs will improve the lives of individuals with disabilities. The new
DRRPs will provide support and assistance for NIDRR grantees as they
generate, disseminate, and promote the use of new information that will
improve the options for individuals with disabilities to perform
regular activities of their choice in the community.
Accessible Format: Individuals with disabilities can obtain this
document 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: April 12, 2013.
Michael Yudin,
Delegated the authority to perform the functions and duties of
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
[FR Doc. 2013-09060 Filed 4-16-13; 8:45 am]
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