84.235 RSA Applications for New Grants

34 CFR PART 373—SPECIAL DEMONSTRATION PROGRAMS

Subpart A--General

Sec.

373.1 What is the purpose of the Special Demonstration

Programs?

373.2 Who is eligible for assistance?

373.3 What regulations apply?

373.4 What definitions apply?

373.5 Who is eligible to receive services and to benefit

from activities conducted by eligible entities?

373.6 What are the priorities and other factors and

requirements for competitions?

Subpart B--How Does the Secretary Make a Grant?

373.10 What selection criteria does the Secretary use?

373.11 What other factors does the Secretary consider when

making a grant?

Subpart C--What Conditions Must Be Met by a Grantee?

373.20 What are the matching requirements?

373.21 What are the reporting requirements?

373.22 What are the limitations on indirect costs?

373.23 What additional requirements must be met?

373.24 What are the special requirements pertaining to the protection, use, and release of

personal information ?l

AUTHORITY: 29 U.S.C. 773(b), unless otherwise noted.

Subpart A--General

§373.1 What is the purpose of the Special Demonstration Programs?

The purpose of this program is to provide competitive grants to, or enter into contracts with, eligible entities to expand and improve the provision of rehabilitation and other services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (Act), or to further the purposes and policies in sections 2(b) and (c) of the Act by supporting activities that increase the provision, extent, availability, scope, and quality of rehabilitation services under the Act, including related research and evaluations activities.

(Authority: 29 U.S.C. 701(b) and (c), 711(c), and 773(b))

§373.2 Who is eligible for assistance?

(a) The following types of organizations are eligible for assistance under this program:

(1) State vocational rehabilitation agencies.

(2) Community rehabilitation programs.

(3) Indian tribes or tribal organizations.

(4) Other public or nonprofit agencies or organizations, including institutions of higher education.

(5) For-profit organizations, if the Secretary considers them to be appropriate.

(6) Consortia that meet the requirements of 34 CFR 75.128 and 75.129.

(7) Other organizations identified by the Secretary and published in the Federal Register.

(b) In competitions held under this program, the Secretary may limit competitions to one or more types of these organizations.

(Authority: 29 U.S.C. 711(c) and 773(b)(2)

§373.3 What regulations apply?

The following regulations apply to this program:

(a) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) as follows:

(1) 34 CFR part 74 (Administration of Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and other Non-profit Organizations).

(2) 34 CFR part 75 (Direct Grant Programs).

(3) 34 CFR part 77 (Definitions that Apply to Department Regulations).

(4) 34 CFR part 79 (Intergovernmental Review of Department of Education Programs and Activities).

(5) 34 CFR part 80 (Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments).

(6) 34 CFR part 81 (General Education Provisions Act--Enforcement).

(7) 35 CFR part 82 (New Restrictions on Lobbying).

(8) 34 CFR part 85 (Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants)).

(9) 34 CFR part 86 (Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention).

(10) 34 CFR part 97 (Protection of Human Subjects).

(11) 34 CFR part 99 (Family Educational Rights and Privacy).

(b) The regulations in this part 373.

(c) The regulations in 48 CFR part 31 (Contracts Cost Principles and Procedures).

(Authority: 29 U.S.C. 711(c)

§373.4 What definitions apply?

The following definitions apply to this part:

Act means the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

(Authority: 29 U.S.C. 701 et seq.)

Early intervention means a service delivery or model demonstration program for adults with disabilities designed to begin the rehabilitation services as soon as possible after the onset or identification of actually or potentially disabling conditions. The populations served may include, but are not limited to, the following:

(a) Individuals with chronic and progressive diseases that may become more disabling, such as multiple sclerosis, progressive visual disabilities, or HIV.

(b) Individuals in the acute stages of injury or illness, including, but not limited to, diabetes, traumatic brain injury, stroke, burns, or amputation. (Authority: 29 U.S.C. 711(c))

Employment outcome is defined in 34 CFR 361.5.

(Authority: 29 U.S.C. 711(c))

Individual with a disability is defined as follows:

(a) For an individual who will receive rehabilitation services under this part, an individual with a disability means an individual--

(1) Who has a physical or mental impairment which, for that individual, constitutes or results in a substantial impediment to employment; and

(2) Who can benefit in terms of an employment outcome from vocational rehabilitation services.

(b) For all other purposes of this part, an individual with a disability means an individual--

(1) Who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities;

(2) Who has a record of such an impairment; or

(3) Who is regarded as having such an impairment.

(c) For purposes of paragraph (b) of this definition, projects that carry out services or activities pertaining to Title V of the Act must also meet the requirements for “an individual with a disability” in section 7(20)(c) through (e) of the Act, as applicable.

(Authority: 29 U.S.C 705(20)(A) and (B))

Individual with a significant disability means an individual--

(a) Who has a severe physical or mental impairment that seriously limits one or more functional capacities (such as mobility, communication, self-care, self-direction, interpersonal skills, work tolerance, or work skills) in terms of an employment outcome;

(b) Whose vocational rehabilitation can be expected to require multiple vocational rehabilitation services over an extended period of time; and

(c) Who has one or more physical or mental disabilities resulting from amputation, arthritis, autism, blindness, burn injury, cancer, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, deafness, head injury, heart disease, hemiplegia, hemophilia, respiratory or pulmonary dysfunction, mental retardation, mental illness, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, musculo-skeletal disorders, neurological disorders (including stroke and epilepsy), paraplegia, quadriplegia and other spinal cord conditions, sickle-cell anemia, specific learning disabilities, end-stage renal disease, or another disability or combination of disabilities determined on the basis of an assessment for determining eligibility and vocational rehabilitation needs to cause comparable substantial functional limitation.

(Authority: 29 U.S.C. 705(21)(A))

Informed choice means the provision of activities whereby individuals with disabilities served by projects under this part have the opportunity to be active, full partners in the rehabilitation process, making meaningful and informed choices as follows:

(a) During assessments of eligibility and vocational rehabilitation needs.

(b) In the selection of employment outcomes, services needed to achieve the outcomes, entities providing these services, and the methods used to secure these services.

(Authority: 29 U.S.C. 711(c))

Rehabilitation services means services provided to an individual with a disability in preparing for, securing, retaining, or regaining an employment outcome that is consistent with the strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice of the individual. Rehabilitation services for an individual with a disability may include--

(a) An assessment for determining eligibility and vocational rehabilitation needs by qualified personnel, including, if appropriate, an assessment by personnel skilled in rehabilitation technology;

(b) Counseling and guidance, including information and support services to assist an individual in exercising informed choice;

(c) Referral and other services to secure needed services from other agencies;

(d) Job-related services, including job search and placement assistance, job retention services, follow-up services, and follow-along services;

(e) Vocational and other training services, including the provision of personal and vocational adjustment services, books, tools, and other training materials;

(f) Diagnosis and treatment of physical and mental impairments;

(g) Maintenance for additional costs incurred while the individual is receiving services;

(h) Transportation;

(i) On-the-job or other related personal assistance services;

(j) Interpreter and reader services;

(k) Rehabilitation teaching services, and orientation and mobility services;

(l) Occupational licenses, tools, equipment, and initial stocks and supplies;

(m) Technical assistance and other consultation services to conduct market analysis, develop business plans, and otherwise provide resources to eligible individuals who are pursuing self-employment or telecommuting or establishing a small business operation as an employment outcome;

(n) Rehabilitation technology, including telecommunications, sensory, and other technological aids and devices;

(o) Transition services for individuals with disabilities that facilitate the achievement of employment outcomes;

(p) Supported employment services;

(q) Services to the family of an individual with a disability necessary to assist the individual to achieve an employment outcome;

(r) Post-employment services necessary to assist an individual with a disability to retain, regain, or advance in employment; and

(s) Expansion of employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, which includes, but is not limited to--

(1) Self-employment, business ownership, and entrepreneurship;

(2) Non-traditional jobs, professional employment, and work settings;

(3) Collaborating with employers, Economic Development Councils, and others in creating new jobs and career advancement options in local job markets through the use of job restructuring and other methods; and

(4) Other services as identified by the Secretary and published in the Federal Register.

(Authority: 29 U.S.C. 711(c) and 723(a))

Substantial impediment to employment means that a physical or mental impairment (in light of attendant medical, psychological, vocational, educational, and other related factors) hinders an individual from preparing for, entering into, engaging in, or retaining employment consistent with the individual’s capacities and abilities.

(Authority: 29 U.S.C. 705(20)(A))

Youth or Young adults with disabilities means individuals with disabilities who are between the ages of 16 and 26 inclusive when entering the program.

(Authority: 29 U.S.C. 711(c) and 723(a))

§373.5 Who is eligible to receive services and to benefit from activities conducted by eligible entities?

(a)(1) For projects that provide rehabilitation services or activities to expand and improve the provision of rehabilitation services and other services authorized under Titles I, III, and VI of the Act, individuals are eligible who meet the definition in paragraph (a) of an "individual with a disability" as stated in §373.4.

(2) For projects that provide independent living services or activities, individuals are eligible who meet the definition in paragraph (b) of an “individual with a disability” as stated in §373.4.

(3) For projects that provide other services or activities that further the purposes of the Act, individuals are eligible who meet the definition in paragraph (b) of an “individual with a disability” as stated in §373.4.

(b) By publishing a notice in the Federal Register, the Secretary may identify individuals determined to be eligible under one or more of the provisions in paragraph (a) of this section.

(Authority: 29 U.S.C. 711(c) and 723(a))

§373.6 What are the priorities and other factors and requirements for competitions?

(a)(1) In making an award, the Secretary may limit competitions to, or otherwise give priority to, one or more of the priority projects listed in paragraph (b) of this section that are identified by the Secretary and published in a notice in the Federal Register.

(2) The Secretary also will identify in the notice the following:

(i) Specific required priority project activities authorized under section 303 of the Act that the applicant must conduct for the priority project to be approved for funding.

(ii) Any of the additional factors listed in paragraph (c) of this section that the Secretary may consider in making an award.

(b) Priority projects are as follows:

(1) Special projects of service delivery.

(2) Model demonstration.

(3) Technical assistance.

(4) Systems change.

(5) Special studies, research, or evaluations.

(6) Dissemination and utilization.

(7) Replication.

(8) Special projects and demonstration of service delivery for adults who are low-functioning and deaf or low-functioning and hard of hearing.

(9) Supported employment.

(10) Model transitional rehabilitation services for youth and young adults with disabilities.

(11) Expansion of employment opportunities for individuals with disab1ilities, as authorized in paragraph (s) of the definition of "rehabilitation services" as stated in §373.4.

(12) Projects to promote meaningful access of individuals with disabilities to employment-related services under Title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 and under other Federal laws.

(13) Innovative methods of promoting achievement of high-quality employment outcomes.

(14) The demonstration of the effectiveness of early intervention activities in improving employment outcomes.

(15) Projects to find alternative methods of providing affordable transportation services to individuals with disabilities.

(16) Other projects that will expand and improve the provision, extent, availability, scope, and quality of rehabilitation and other services under the Act or that further the purpose and policy of the Act as stated in section 2(b) and (c) of the Act.

(c) The Secretary may identify and publish in the Federal Register for specific projects listed in paragraph (b) of this section one or more of the following factors, including any specific elements defining any factor (e.g., the Secretary may identify ages 16 through 21 to be the specific age range for a particular competition):

(1) Specific stages of the rehabilitation process.

(2) Unserved and underserved populations.

(3) Unserved and underserved geographical areas.

(4) Individuals with significant disabilities.

(5) Low-incidence disability populations.

(6) Individuals residing in federally designated Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities.

(7) Types of disabilities.

(8) Specific age ranges.

(9) Other specific populations and geographical areas.

(d) The Secretary may require that an applicant certify that the project does not include building upon or expanding activities that have previously been conducted or funded, for that applicant or in that service area.

(e) The Secretary may require that the project widely disseminate the methods of rehabilitation service delivery or model proven to be effective, so that they may be adapted, replicated, or purchased under fee-for-service arrangements by State vocational rehabilitation agencies and other disability organizations in the project’s targeted service area or other locations.

(Authority: 29 U.S.C. 711(c) and 773(b)(4) and (5))

Subpart B--How Does the Secretary Make a Grant?

§373.10 What selection criteria does the Secretary use?

The Secretary publishes in the Federal Register or includes in the application package the selection criteria for each competition under this program. To evaluate the applications for new grants under this program, the Secretary may use the following:

(a) Selection criteria established under 34 CFR 75.209.

(b) Selection criteria in 34 CFR 75.210.

(c) Any combination of selection criteria from paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section.

(Authority: 29 U.S.C. 711(c) and 723(a))

§373.11 What other factors does the Secretary consider when making a grant?

(a) The Secretary funds only those applications submitted in response to competitions announced in the Federal Register.

(b) The Secretary may consider the past performance of the applicant in carrying out activities under previously awarded grants.

(c) The Secretary awards bonus points if

identified and published in the Federal Register for specific competitions.

(Authority: 29 U.S.C. 711(c) and 723(a))

Subpart C--What Conditions Must Be Met By a Grantee?

§373.20 What are the matching requirements?

The Secretary may make grants to pay all or part of the cost of activities covered under this program. If the Secretary determines that the grantee is required to pay part of the costs, the amount of grantee participation is specified in the application notice, and the Secretary will not require grantee participation to be more than 10 percent of the total cost of the project.

(Authority: 29 U.S.C. 711(c) and 723(a))

§373.21 What are the reporting requirements?

(a) In addition to the program and fiscal reporting requirements in EDGAR that are applicable to projects funded under this program, the Secretary may require that recipients of grants under this part submit information determined by the Secretary to be necessary to measure project outcomes and performance, including any data needed to comply with the Government Performance and Results Act.

(b) Specific reporting requirements for competitions will be identified by the Secretary and published in the Federal Register.

(Authority: 29 U.S.C. 711(c) and 776)

§373.22 What are the limitations on indirect costs?

(a) Indirect cost reimbursement for grants under this program is limited to the recipient’s actual indirect costs, as determined by its negotiated indirect cost rate agreement, or 10 percent of the total direct cost base, whichever amount is less.

(b) Indirect costs in excess of the 10 percent limit may be used to satisfy matching or cost-sharing requirements.

(c) The 10 percent limit does not apply to federally recognized Indian tribal governments and their tribal representatives.

(Authority: 29 U.S.C. 711(c))

§373.23 What additional requirements must be met?

(a) Each grantee must do the following:

(1) Ensure equal access and treatment for eligible project participants who are members of groups that have traditionally been underrepresented based on race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disabilities.

(2) Encourage applications for employment from persons who are members of groups that have traditionally been underrepresented based on race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disabilities.

(3) Advise individuals with disabilities who are applicants for or recipients of the services, or the applicants’ representatives or the individuals’ representatives, of the availability and purposes of the Client Assistance Program, including information on means of seeking assistance under that program.

(4) Provide, through a careful appraisal and study, an assessment and evaluation of the project that indicates the significance or worth of processes, methodologies, and practices implemented by the project.

(b) A grantee may not make a subgrant under this part. However, a grantee may contract for supplies, equipment, and other services, in accordance with 34 CFR part 74, subpart C--Post-Award Requirements, Procurement Standards.

(Authority: 29 U.S.C. 711(c) and 717)

§373.24 What are the special requirements pertaining to the protection, use, and release of personal information?

(a) All personal information about individuals served by any project under this part, including lists of names, addresses, photographs, and records of evaluation, must be confidential.

(b) The use of information and records concerning individuals must be limited only to purposes directly connected with the project, including project reporting and evaluation activities. This information may not be disclosed, directly or indirectly, other than in the administration of the project unless the consent of the agency providing the information and the individual to whom the information applies, or his or her representative, has been obtained in writing. The Secretary or other Federal officials responsible for enforcing legal requirements have access to this information without written consent being obtained. The final products of the project may not reveal any personal identifying information without written consent of the individual or his or her representative.

(Authority: 29 U.S.C. 711(

84.235

SPECIAL DEMONSTRATION PROGRAMS—

(Taken from 34 CFR 75.210)

Selection Criteria

The Secretary uses the following criteria to evaluate applications for new awards under the Braille Training Program.

(a) Need for project (5 points)

(1) The Secretary considers the need for the proposed project.

(2) In determining the need for the proposed project, the Secretary considers the magnitude of the need for the services to be provided or the activities to be carried out by the proposed project.

(b) Significance (10 points)

(1) The Secretary considers the significance of the proposed project.

(2) In determining the significance of the proposed project, the Secretary considers the following factors:

(i) The extent to which the proposed project is likely to yield findings that may be utilized by other appropriate agencies and organizations.

(ii) The extent to which the proposed project is likely to build local capacity to provide, improve, or expand services that address the needs of the target population.

(iii) The likely utility of the products (such as information, materials, processes, or techniques) that will result from the proposed project, including the potential for their being used effectively in a variety of other settings.

(c) Quality of the project design (20 points)

(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the design of the proposed project.

(2) In determining the quality of the design of the proposed project, the Secretary considers the following factors:

(i) The extent to which the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be achieved by the proposed project are clearly specified and measurable.

(ii) The extent to which the design of the proposed project is appropriate to, and will successfully address, the needs of the target population or other identified needs.

(iii) The extent to which the proposed activities constitute a coherent, sustained program of training in the field.

(iv) The extent to which the design for implementing and evaluating the proposed project will result in information to guide possible replication of project activities or strategies, including information about the effectiveness of the approach or strategies employed by the project

(v) The extent to which the proposed project will establish linkages with other appropriate agencies and organizations providing services to the target population.

(vi) The extent to which the proposed project encourages parental involvement.

(vii) The extent to which the proposed project encourages consumer involvement.

(d) Quality of project services (25 points)

(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the services to be provided by the proposed project.

(2) In determining the quality of the services to be provided by the proposed project, the Secretary considers the quality and sufficiency of strategies for ensuring equal access and treatment for eligible project participants who are members of groups that have traditionally been underrepresented based on race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability.

(3) In addition, the Secretary considers the following factors:

(i) The extent to which the services to be provided by the proposed project are appropriate to the needs of the intended recipients or beneficiaries of those services.

(ii) The likely impact of the services to be provided by the proposed project on the intended recipients of those services.

(iii) The likelihood that the services to be provided by the proposed project will lead to improvements in the skills necessary to gain employment or build capacity for independent living.

(e) Quality of project personnel (10 points)

(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the personnel who will carry out the proposed project.

(2) In determining the quality of project personnel, the Secretary considers the extent to which the applicant encourages applications for employment from persons who are members of groups that have traditionally been underrepresented based on race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability.

(3) In addition, the Secretary considers the following factors:

(i) The qualifications, including relevant training and experience, of the project director or principal investigator.

(ii) The qualifications, including relevant training and experience, of key project personnel.

(f) Adequacy of resources (10 points)

(1) The Secretary considers the adequacy of resources for the proposed project.

(2) In determining the adequacy of resources for the proposed project, the Secretary considers the following factors:

(i) The extent to which the budget is adequate to support the proposed project.

(ii) The extent to which the costs are reasonable in relation to the number of persons to be served and to the anticipated results and benefits.

(iii) The potential for continued support of the project after Federal funding ends, including, as appropriate, the demonstrated commitment of appropriate entities to such support.

(iv) The potential for the incorporation of project purposes, activities, or benefits into the ongoing program of the agency or organization at the end of Federal funding.

(g) Quality of the management plan (10 points)

(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the management plan for the proposed project.

(2) In determining the quality of the management plan for the proposed project, the Secretary considers the following factors:

(i) The adequacy of the management plan to achieve the objectives of the proposed project on time and within budget, including clearly defined responsibilities, timelines, and milestones for accomplishing project tasks.

(ii) The adequacy of procedures for ensuring feedback and continuous improvement in the operation of the proposed project.

(h) Quality of the project evaluation (10 points)

(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the evaluation to be conducted of the proposed project.

(2) In determining the quality of the evaluation, the Secretary considers the following factors:

(i) The extent to which the methods of evaluation are thorough, feasible, and appropriate to the goals, objectives, and outcomes of the proposed project.

(ii) The extent to which the methods of evaluation are appropriate to the context within which the project operates.

(iii) The extent to which the methods of evaluation provide for examining the effectiveness of project implementation strategies.

(iv) The extent to which the methods of evaluation include the use of objective performance measures that are clearly related to the intended outcomes of the project and will produce quantitative and qualitative data to the extent possible.

(v) The extent to which the methods of evaluation will provide performance feedback and permit periodic assessment of progress toward achieving intended outcomes.

(vi) The extent to which the evaluation will provide guidance about effective strategies suitable for replication on testing in other settings.