Projects provide a range of vocational rehabilitation service comparable to those provided by the State Vocational Rehabilitation Services program, such as counseling, vocational training, mental and physical restoration and job placement.
Projects have demonstrated improvements in the provision of services by implementing management systems, data collection models, and the utilization of service codes comparable to those by State rehabilitation agencies.
The Department of Education ensures equal access to education and promotes educational excellence through coordination, management and accountability in Federal education programs. The Department works to supplement and complement educational efforts on all levels, encouraging increased involvement by the public, parents and students.
In FY 2007, about 1,500 American Indians with disabilities achieved an employment outcome.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Projects provide financial assistance for the establishment and operation of tribal vocational rehabilitation service projects for American Indians with disabilities residing on reservations.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Governing bodies of Indian tribes or consortia of those governing bodies on Federal and State reservations may apply.
Beneficiary Eligibility
American Indians with disabilities residing on or near a Federal or State reservation (including Native Alaskans) and meet the definition of an individual with a disability in Section 7 (8) (A) of the Rehabilitation Act.
Credentials/Documentation
Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.
12372.
The standard application form as furnished by the Federal agency and required by OMB Circular No.
A-102 must be used for this program.
Application Procedures
Applications should be submitted to the Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20202. This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110.
Award Procedures
Awards are made on approval of the Commissioner of Rehabilitation Services and the Assistant Secretary, OSERS, for new projects and the Commissioner of Rehabilitation Services for continuation projects.
Deadlines
Contact headquarters or regional offices for application deadlines.
Authorization
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title I, Part C.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
The range is approximately 90 to 120 days.
Appeals
None.
Renewals
Projects with multi-year project periods may be continued based on an annual review of accomplishments and availability of adequate funds.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Projects generally require ten percent matching in cash or in-kind.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Project support is available for up to 5 years.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Annual financial reports and progress reports must be submitted as prescribed by grant award terms and conditions.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.
Records
Case records are for individual clients. Fiscal records are prescribed for audit purposes. Retention of records are required for three years.
Financial Information
Account Identification
91-0301-0-1-506.
Obigations
(Grants) FY 07 $33,444,000; FY 08 est $34,892,000; and FY 09 est $34,892,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
In FY 2008, the range of awards is expected to be $280,000 to $1,959,086, with an average award of about $467,000.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR 75, 77, 80, 81, 82, and 85. Vocational Rehabilitations Service Projects for American Indians with Disabilities regulations 34 CFR 371.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
Not applicable.
Headquarters Office
Department of Education, OSERS Rehabilitation Services Administration, 400 Maryland Ave., S.W., Washington, DC 20202-2500. Contact: Alfreda Reeves, E-mail: alfreda.reeves@ed.gov. Telephone: (202) 245-7485.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
The availability of funds is published in the Federal Register. Applications for discretionary grants are subject to peer review procedures by Federal and nonfederal experts that lead to recommendations for approval or disapproval. Criteria include plan of operation, quality of key personnel, budget and cost- effectiveness, evaluation plan, adequacy of resources, and evidence of need. These criteria are published in the program regulations at 34 CFR 371.
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