Special Education-Research and Innovation to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities (84.324)

 

Program

84.324 Special Education-Research and Innovation to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities

 

Federal Agency

OFFICE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

 

Authorization

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part D, Subpart 2, Chapter 1, Section 672, as amended by Public Law 105-17, 20 U.S.C. 1472.

 

Program Number

84.324

 

Last Known Status

Active

 

Objectives

To produce, and advance the use of knowledge to: (1) Improve services provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, including the practices of professionals and others involved in providing those services to children with disabilities; and (2) improve educational and early intervention results for infants, toddlers, and children with disabilities.

 

Types of Assistance

Project Grants (Cooperative Agreements or Contracts).

 

Uses and Use Restrictions

Funds may be used for the production of new knowledge, integration of research and practice, and improving professional knowledge related to the objectives of the program.

 

Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

A State educational agency, a local educational agency, an institution of higher education, any other public agency, a private non-profit organization, an outlying area, an Indian tribe or tribal organization (as defined under section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act), and a for-profit organization, if the Secretary finds it appropriate in light of the purposes of a particular competition for a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement. The Secretary may limit the entities eligible for an award to categories of these eligible entities. The Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau are also eligible through September 30, 2001.

Beneficiary Eligibility

Infants, toddlers, and children with disabilities and other individuals with disabilities, and their families benefit from this program.

Credentials/Documentation

None.

 

Application and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

This program is covered under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as a single point of contact in his or her State to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

Application Procedure

The standard application forms as furnished by the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services and required by OMB Circular No. A-102 must be used for this program. The program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110.

Award Procedure

Applications will be reviewed by a panel of experts.

Deadlines

Contact the Headquarters Office for application deadlines.

 

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

Appeals

Not applicable.

Renewals

Awards may be renewed annually for up to 5 years throughout the project period of the award, depending upon the availability of appropriations.

 

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

The Secretary may require a recipient of a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement to share in the cost of a project. 20 U.S.C. 1461 (f)(2).

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

Typically from 1 to 5 years. Renewals are subject to the availability of appropriations.

 

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

Progress reports shall be made on an annual basis. Final reports shall be made at the end of the project period. Cash balance reports will be required annually.

Audits

In accordance with the provision of OMB Circular No. A- 133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $300,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.

Records

As stated in grant or contract terms and conditions, the awardee shall maintain accounts, records, and other evidence pertaining to all costs incurred, revenues or other applicable credits acquired under this grant.

 

Program Accomplishments

Approximately 75-100 awards are made annually.

 

Financial Information

Account Identification

91-0300-0-1-500.

Obligations

(Grants) FY 02 $78,380,000; FY 03 est $77,210,000; and FY 04 est $78,380,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

Varies by competition. Awards typically range from $150,000 to $700,000 per year.

 

Regulations, Guidelines and Literature

None.

 

Related Programs

84.027, Special Education_Grants to States; 84.173, Special Education_Preschool Grants; 84.184, Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities_National Programs; 84.323, Special Education_State Program Improvement Grants for Children with Disabilities; 84.325, Special Education_Personnel Preparation to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities; 84.326, Special Education_Technical Assistance and Dissemination to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities; 84.327, Special Education_Technology and Media Services for Individuals with Disabilities; 84.328, Special Education_Parent Information Centers; 84.329, Special Education_Studies and Evaluations.

 

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

Not applicable.

Headquarters Office

U.S. Department of Education, OSERS Office of Special Education Programs 400 Maryland Ave, S.W., Rm. 3519, MES Washington, DC 20202-2500. Contact: Barbara Edelen. E-mail Address barbara.edelen@ed.gov. Telephone: (202) 205- 8522.

Web Site Address

http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSERS/OSEP/

 

Examples of Funded Projects

Projects address such topics as providing access to the general curriculum for children with severe cognitive disabilities, pre-literacy skills for young children with visual impairments and early childhood mental health. Additionally several research institutes and centers receive support as do field- initiated research.

 

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

Criteria for selecting among grant applications will normally be selected from those in the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), 34 CFR Part 75.210.