Notices. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Grants Program Standing Review Panels; recruiting peer reviewers

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A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

BILLING CODE 3710-41-M DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request AGENCY: Department of Education. SUMMARY: The Leader, Information Management Case Services Team, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of the Chief Information Officer invites comments on the submission for OMB review as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before March 11, 2005. ADDRESSES: Written comments should be addressed to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attention:

Carolyn Lovett, Desk Officer, Department of Education, Office of Management and Budget, 725 17th Street, NW., Room 10235, New Executive Office Building, Washington, DC 20503 or faxed to

(202)395-6974. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 3506 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35) requires that the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)provide interested Federal agencies and the public an early opportunity to comment on information collection requests. OMB may amend or waive the requirement for public consultation to the extent that public participation in the approval process would defeat the purpose of the information collection, violate State or Federal law, or substantially interfere with any agency's ability to perform its statutory obligations. The Leader, Information Management Case Services Team, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of the Chief Information Officer, publishes that notice containing proposed information collection requests prior to submission of these requests to OMB. Each proposed information collection, grouped by office, contains the following:

(1)Type of review requested, *e.g.* new, revision, extension, existing or reinstatement;

(2)Title;

(3)Summary of the collection;

(4)Description of the need for, and proposed use of, the information;

(5)Respondents and frequency of collection; and

(6)Reporting and/or Recordkeeping burden. OMB invites public comment. Dated: February 3, 2005. Angela C. Arrington, Leader, Information Management Case Services Team, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of the Chief Information Officer. Office of Vocational and Adult Education *Type of Review:* Revision. *Title:* Vocational Technical Education Annual Performance and Financial Reports. *Frequency:* Annually. *Affected Public:* State, local, or tribal gov't, SEAs or LEAs. *Reporting and Recordkeeping Hour Burden:* Responses: 54. Burden Hours: 6,120. *Abstract:* The information contained in the Consolidated Annual Performance Report for Vocational Technical Education is needed to monitor State performance of the activities and services funded under the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998. The respondents include eligible agencies in 54 states and insular areas. This revision clarifies instructions and definitions and eliminates the collection of some data elements. Requests for copies of the submission for OMB review; comment request may be accessed from *http://edicsweb.ed.gov,* by selecting the “Browse Pending Collections” link and by clicking on link number 2624. When you access the information collection, click on “Download Attachments “ to view. Written requests for information should be addressed to U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Potomac Center, 9th Floor, Washington, DC 20202-4700. Requests may also be electronically mailed to the Internet address *OCIO_RIMG@ed.gov* or faxed to 202-245-6621. Please specify the complete title of the information collection when making your request. Comments regarding burden and/or the collection activity requirements should be directed to Sheila Carey at *Sheila.Carey@ed.gov.* Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf

(TDD)may call the Federal Information Relay Service

(FIRS)at 1-800-877-8339. [FR Doc. E5-528 Filed 2-8-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000-01-U DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools; Overview Information Grants To Reduce Alcohol Abuse; Notice Inviting Applications for New Awards for Fiscal Year

(FY)2005 *Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

(CFDA)Number:* 84.184A. DATES: *Applications Available:* February 9, 2005. *Deadline for Transmittal of Applications:* March 28, 2005. *Deadline for Intergovernmental Review:* April 11, 2005. *Eligible Applicants:* Local educational agencies (LEAs). *Estimated Available Funds:* $22,600,000. The Secretary may reserve up to 25 percent of funds to award grants to low-income and rural LEAs. Contingent upon the availability of funds, we may make additional awards in FY 2006 from the list of non-funded applications from this competition. *Estimated Range of Awards:* $300,000-$500,000. *Estimated Average Size of Awards:* $400,000. *Estimated Number of Awards:* 57. Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice. *Project Period:* Up to 36 months. Full Text of Announcement I. Funding Opportunity Description *Purpose of Program:* This program provides grants to LEAs to develop and implement innovative and effective programs to reduce alcohol abuse in secondary schools. *Priority:* In accordance with 34 CFR 75.105(b)(2)(iv), this priority is from section 4129 of the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, 20 U.S.C. 7139. *Absolute Priority:* For FY 2005 and any subsequent year in which we make awards on the basis of the list of non-funded applications from this competition, this priority is an absolute priority. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(3) we consider only applications that meet this priority. This priority is: Alcohol Abuse Reduction A project must develop and implement innovative and effective programs to reduce alcohol abuse in secondary schools. *Program Authority:* 20 U.S.C. 7139. *Applicable Regulations:* The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR parts 75, 77, 79, 80, 81, 82, 84, 85, 97, 98, 99, and 299. II. Award Information *Type of Award:* Discretionary grants. *Estimated Available Funds:* $22,600,000. The Secretary may reserve up to 25 percent of funds for grants to low-income and rural LEAs. Contingent upon the availability of funds, we may make additional awards in FY 2006 from the list of non-funded applications from this competition. *Estimated Range of Awards:* $300,000-$500,000. *Estimated Average Size of Awards:* $400,000. *Estimated Number of Awards:* 57. Note: Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice. *Project Period:* Up to 36 months. III. Eligibility Information 1. *Eligible Applicants:* LEAs. 2. *Cost Sharing or Matching:* This competition does not involve cost sharing or matching. 3. *Other:* To be eligible to receive a grant under this competition, an LEA's application must include— i. A description of the activities to be carried out under the grant; ii. An assurance that such activities will include one or more of the proven strategies for reducing underage alcohol abuse as determined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA); iii. An explanation of how other activities to be carried out under the grant that are not part of a SAMHSA model program will be effective in reducing underage alcohol abuse, including references to the past effectiveness of such activities; and iv. An assurance that the applicant will submit to the Secretary an annual report concerning the effectiveness of the programs and activities funded under the grant. IV. Application and Submission Information 1. *Address to Request Application Package:* Education Publications Center (ED Pubs), PO Box 1398, Jessup, MD 20794-1398. Telephone (toll free): 1-877-433-7827. Fax:

(301)470-1244. If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), you may call (toll free): 1-877-576-7734. You may also contact ED Pubs at its Web site: *http://www.ed.gov/pubs/edpubs.html* or you may contact ED Pubs at its e-mail address: *edpubs@inet.ed.gov* . If you request an application from ED Pubs be sure to identify this competition as follows: CFDA number 84.184A. Individuals with disabilities may obtain this document in an alternative format ( *e.g.* , Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer diskette) on request to the program contact person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT elsewhere in this notice. You may also obtain the application package electronically by downloading it from the following Web site: *http://www.ed.gov/programs/dvalcoholabuse/index.html* . 2. *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. 3. *Submission Dates and Times:* *Applications Available:* February 9, 2005. *Deadline for Transmittal of Applications:* March 28, 2005. Applications for grants under this competition may be submitted electronically using the Grants.gov Apply site (Grants.gov), or in paper format by mail or hand delivery. For information (including dates and times) about how to submit your application electronically, or by mail or hand delivery, please refer to section IV. 6. *Other Submission Requirements* in this notice. Other Submission Requirements We do not consider an application that does not comply with the deadline requirements. *Deadline for Intergovernmental Review:* April 11, 2005. 4. *Intergovernmental Review:* This competition is subject to Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79. Information about Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs under Executive Order 12372 is in the application package for this competition. 5. *Funding Restrictions:* We reference regulations outlining funding restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice. 6. *Other Submission Requirements:* Applications for grants under this competition may be submitted electronically or in paper format by mail or hand delivery. a. *Electronic Submission of Applications* . We have been accepting applications electronically through the Department's e-Application system since FY 2000. In order to expand on those efforts and comply with the President's Management Agenda, we are continuing to participate as a partner in the new government wide Grants.gov Apply site in FY 2005. Grants to Reduce Alcohol Abuse—CFDA Number 84.184A is one of the programs included in this project. If you choose to submit your application electronically, you must use the Grants.gov Apply site (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 e-mail an electronic copy of a grant application to us. We request your participation in Grants.gov. You may access the electronic grant application for Grants to Reduce Alcohol at: *http://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. Please note the following: • Your participation in Grants.gov is voluntary. • 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 time and date stamped. Your application must be fully uploaded and submitted with a date/time received by the Grants.gov system no later than 4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date. We will not consider your application if it was received by the Grants.gov system later than 4:30 p.m. on the application deadline date. When we retrieve your application from Grants.gov, we will notify you if we are rejecting your application because it was submitted after 4:30 p.m. on the application deadline date. • If you experience technical difficulties on the application deadline date and are unable to meet the 4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, deadline, print out your application and follow the instructions in this notice for the submission of paper applications by mail or hand delivery. • 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 application 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 program to ensure that your application is submitted timely to the Grants.gov system. • To use Grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must have a D-U-N-S Number and register in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). You should allow a minimum of five business days to complete the CCR registration. • You will not receive additional point value because you submit your application in electronic format, nor will we penalize you if you submit your application in paper format. • You may submit all documents electronically, including all information typically included on the Application for Federal Education Assistance (ED 424), Budget Information—Non-Construction Programs (ED 524), and all necessary assurances and certifications. Any narrative sections of your application should be attached as files in a .DOC (document), .RTF (rich text) or .PDF (Portable Document) format. • Your electronic application must comply with any page limit requirements described in this notice. • After you electronically submit your application, you will receive an automatic acknowledgement from Grants.gov that contains a Grants.gov tracking number. The Department will retrieve your application from Grants.gov and send you a second confirmation by e-mail that will include 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. b. *Submission of Paper Applications by Mail* . If you submit your application in paper format by mail (through the U.S. Postal Service or a commercial carrier), you must mail the original and two copies of your application, on or before the application deadline date, to the Department at the applicable following address: *By mail through the U.S. Postal Service:* U.S. Department of Education, Application Control Center, Attention: (CFDA Number 84.184A), 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20202-4260, or *By mail through a commercial carrier:* U.S. Department of Education, Application Control Center—Stop 4260, Attention: (CFDA Number 84.184A), 7100 Old Landover Road, Landover, MD 20785-1506. Regardless of which address you use, 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, or

(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, or

(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 submit your application in paper format by hand delivery, you (or a courier service) 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 84.184A), 550 12th Street, SW., Room 7041, Potomac Center Plaza, Washington, DC 20202-4260. The Application Control Center accepts hand deliveries daily between 8 a.m. and 4:30 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 4 of the Application for Federal Education Assistance (ED 424) the CFDA number—and suffix letter, if any—of the competition under which you are submitting your application.

(2)The Application Control Center will mail a grant application receipt acknowledgment to you. If you do not receive the grant application receipt acknowledgment 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 program are in 34 CFR 75.210 and in the application package for this competition. 2. *Review and Selection Process:* An additional factor we consider in selecting an application for an award is rural and low-income status. Applications from rural and low-income applicants will be read and scored separately and up to 25 percent of the available funds will be reserved for awards to these LEAs. The following is a suggested definition of rural and low-income that has been used by this program in previous competitions; however, LEAs that want to be considered as rural and low-income applicants may provide other supporting evidence of their status as rural and low-income. A rural and low-income LEA is one

(a)that is designated with a locale code of 6, 7, or 8, as determined by the Department's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES); and

(b)in which 20 percent or more of the children ages 5 through 17 years served by the LEA are from families with incomes below the poverty line. Note: Applicants wishing to be considered under this factor must be both rural and low-income. VI. Award Administration Information 1. *Award Notices:* If your application is successful, we will notify your U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators and send you a Grant Award Notice (GAN). We may also notify you informally. If your application is not evaluated or not selected for funding, we will 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:* At the end of your project period, you must submit a final performance 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 specified by the Secretary in 34 CFR 75.718. 4. *Performance Measures:* Under the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA), three measures have been developed for evaluating the overall effectiveness of the Grants to Reduce Alcohol Abuse competition:

(1)The percentage of grantees whose target students show a measurable decrease in binge drinking;

(2)the percentage of grantees that show a measurable increase in the percentage of target students who believe that alcohol abuse is harmful to their health; and

(3)the percentage of grantees that show a measurable increase in the percentage of target students who disapprove of alcohol abuse. These three measures constitute the Department's indicators of success for this program. Consequently, applicants for a grant under this program are advised to give careful consideration to these three measures in conceptualizing the design, implementation, and evaluation of their proposed project. If funded, applicants will be asked to collect and report data in their annual performance reports about progress toward these goals. VII. Agency Contact *For Further Information Contact:* Ethel F. Jackson, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave., SW., room 3E246, Washington, DC 20202-6450. Telephone:

(202)260-2812 or by e-mail: *ethel.jackson@ed.gov* . If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), you may call the Federal Information Relay Service

(FIRS)at 1-800-877-8339. Individuals with disabilities may obtain this document in an alternative format ( *e.g.* , Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer diskette) on request to the program contact person listed in this section. VIII. Other Information *Electronic Access to This Document:* You may 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)on the Internet at the following site: *http://www.ed.gov/news/fedregister* . To use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at this site. If you have questions about using PDF, call the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO), toll free, at 1-888-293-6498; or in the Washington, DC, area at

(FY)2005 *Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

(CFDA)Number:* 84.293C. DATES: *Applications Available:* February 11, 2005. *Deadline for Notice of Intent to Apply:* February 28, 2005. *Deadline for Transmittal of Applications:* March 25, 2005. *Deadline for Intergovernmental Review:* May 25, 2005. *Eligible Applicants:* State educational agencies (SEAs). *Estimated Available Funds:* $2,000,000. *Estimated Range of Awards:* $100,000-$150,000. *Estimated Average Size of Awards:* $125,000. *Estimated Number of Awards:* 16. Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice. *Project Period:* Up to 36 months. Full Text of Announcement I. Funding Opportunity Description *Purpose of Program:* The Foreign Language Assistance Program

(FLAP)provides grants to State educational agencies for innovative model programs providing for the establishment, improvement, or expansion of foreign language study for elementary and secondary school students. A State educational agency that receives a grant under this program must use the funds to support programs that promote systemic approaches to improving foreign language learning in the State. *Priority:* In accordance with 34 CFR 75.105(b)(2)(iv), this priority is from section 5493 of the Foreign Language Assistance Act of 2001 (20 U.S.C. 7259b). *Competitive Preference Priority:* For FY 2005 this priority is a competitive preference priority. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(ii) we give preference to an application that meets this priority over an application of comparable merit that does not meet the priority. This priority is: Applications describing programs that are carried out through a consortium comprised of the agency receiving the grant and an elementary or secondary school. Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 7259a-7259b. *Applicable Regulations:* The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR parts 75, 77, 79, 80, 81, 82, 84, 85, 86, 97, 98 and 99. II. Award Information *Type of Award:* Discretionary grants. *Estimated Available Funds:* $2,000,000. *Estimated Range of Awards:* $100,000-$150,000. *Estimated Average Size of Awards:* $125,000. *Estimated Number of Awards:* 16. Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice. *Project Period:* Up to 36 months. III. Eligibility Information 1. *Eligible Applicants:* SEAs. 2. *Cost Sharing or Matching:* In order to build foreign language program capacity at the State level, cost sharing is required. Please note that the Federal share of the cost of activities assisted under this program for each fiscal year is 50 percent. *See* 20 U.S.C. 7259a(c). IV. Application and Submission Information 1. *Address to Request Application Package:* Patrice Swann, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 10074, Potomac Center Plaza, Washington, DC 20202. Telephone:

(202)245-7130, or by e-mail: *patrice.swann@ed.gov.* If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), you may call the Federal Information Relay Service

(FIRS)at 1-800-877-8339. Individuals with disabilities may obtain a copy of the application package in an alternative format ( *e.g.* , Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer diskette) by contacting the program contact person listed in this section. 2. *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. *Notice of Intent to Apply:* If you intend to apply for a grant under this competition, contact Patrice Swann by e-mail: *patrice.swann@ed.gov.* *Page Limit:* The application narrative (Part III of the application) is where you, the applicant, address the selection criteria that reviewers use to evaluate your application. You must limit Part III to the equivalent of no more than 35 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, including titles, headings, footnotes, quotations, references, and captions, as well as all 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). The page limit does not apply to Part I, the cover sheet; Part II, the budget section, including the narrative budget justification; Part IV, the assurances and certifications; or the one-page abstract. However, you must include all of the application narrative in Part III. We will reject your application if— • You apply these standards and exceed the page limit; or • You apply other standards and exceed the equivalent of the page limit. 3. *Submission Dates and Times:* *Applications Available:* February 11, 2005. *Deadline for Notice of Intent To Apply:* February 28, 2005. *Deadline for Transmittal of Applications:* March 25, 2005. Applications for grants under this competition may be submitted electronically using the Electronic Grant Application System (e-Application) accessible through the Department's e-Grants system, or in paper format by mail or hand delivery. For information (including dates and times) about how to submit your application electronically, or by mail or hand delivery, please refer to section IV. 6. *Other Submission Requirements* in this notice. We do not consider an application that does not comply with the deadline requirements. However, we will consider an application, submitted by the application deadline date, even if the applicant did not provide us with notice of its intent to apply by the deadline date for notices of intent to apply. *Deadline for Intergovernmental Review:* May 25, 2005. 4. *Intergovernmental Review:* This program is subject to Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79. Information about Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs under Executive Order 12372 is in the application package for this competition. 5. *Funding Restrictions:* We reference regulations outlining funding restrictions in the *Applicable Regulations* section of this notice. 6. *Other Submission Requirements:* Applications for grants under this competition may be submitted electronically or in paper format by mail or hand delivery. a. *Electronic Submission of Applications* . If you choose to submit your application to us electronically, you must use e-Application available through the Department's e-Grants system, accessible through the e-Grants portal page at: *http://e-grants.ed.gov* . While completing your electronic application, you will be entering data online that will be saved into a database. You may not e-mail an electronic copy of a grant application to us. Please note the following: • Your participation in e-Application is voluntary. • You must complete the electronic submission of your grant application by 4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date. The e-Application system will not accept an application for this competition after 4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the application process. • The regular hours of operation of the e-Grants Web site are 6 a.m. Monday until 7 p.m. Wednesday; and 6 a.m. Thursday until midnight Saturday, Washington, DC time. Please note that the system is unavailable on Sundays, and between 7 p.m. on Wednesdays and 6 a.m. on Thursdays, Washington, DC time, for maintenance. Any modifications to these hours are posted on the e-Grants Web site. • You will not receive additional point value because you submit your application in electronic format, nor will we penalize you if you submit your application in paper format. • You must submit all documents electronically, including the Application for Federal Education Assistance (ED 424), Budget Information—Non-Construction Programs (ED 524), and all necessary assurances and certifications. • Any narrative sections of your application should be attached as files in a .DOC (document), .RTF (rich text), or .PDF (Portable Document) format. • Your electronic application must comply with any page limit requirements described in this notice. • Prior to submitting your electronic application, you may wish to print a copy of it for your records. • After you electronically submit your application, you will receive an automatic acknowledgement that will include a PR/Award number (an identifying number unique to your application). • Within three working days after submitting your electronic application, fax a signed copy of the ED 424 to the Application Control Center after following these steps:

(1)Print ED 424 from e-Application.

(2)The applicant's Authorizing Representative must sign this form.

(3)Place the PR/Award number in the upper right hand corner of the hard-copy signature page of the ED 424.

(4)Fax the signed ED 424 to the Application Control Center at

(202)245-6272. • We may request that you provide us original signatures on other forms at a later date. *Application Deadline Date Extension in Case of System Unavailability:* If you are prevented from electronically submitting your application on the application deadline date because the e-Application system is unavailable, we will grant you an extension of one business day in order to transmit your application electronically, by mail, or by hand delivery. We will grant this extension if—

(1)You are a registered user of e-Application and you have initiated an electronic application for this competition; and (2)(a) The e-Application system is unavailable for 60 minutes or more between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date; or

(b)The e-Application system is unavailable for any period of time between 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date. We must acknowledge and confirm these periods of unavailability before granting you an extension. To request this extension or to confirm our acknowledgement of any system unavailability, you may contact either

(1)the person listed elsewhere in this notice under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT ( *see* VII. Agency Contact) or

(2)the e-Grants help desk at 1-888-336-8930. If the system is down and therefore the application deadline is extended, an e-mail will be sent to all registered users who have initiated an e-Application. Extensions referred to in this section apply only to the unavailability of the Department's e-Application system. If the e-Application system is available, and, for any reason, you are unable to submit your application electronically or you do not receive an automatic acknowledgement of your submission, you may submit your application in paper format by mail or hand delivery in accordance with the instructions in this notice. b. *Submission of Paper Applications by Mail* . If you submit your application in paper format by mail (through the U.S. Postal Service or a commercial carrier), you must mail the original and three copies of your application, on or before the application deadline date, to the Department at the applicable following address: *By mail through the U.S. Postal Service:* U.S. Department of Education, Application Control Center, Attention: CFDA Number 84.293C, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20202-4260; or *By mail through a commercial carrier:* U.S. Department of Education, Application Control Center—Stop 4260, Attention: CFDA Number 84.293C, 7100 Old Landover Road, Landover, MD 20785-1506. Regardless of which address you use, 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, or

(1)A private metered postmark, or

(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 submit your application in paper format by hand delivery, you (or a courier service) must deliver the original and three 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 84.293C, 550 12th Street, SW., Room 7041, Potomac Center Plaza, Washington, DC 20202-4260. The Application Control Center accepts hand deliveries daily between 8 a.m. and 4:30 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 4 of the ED 424 the CFDA number—and suffix letter, if any—of the competition under which you are submitting your application.

(2)The Application Control Center will mail a Grant Application Receipt Acknowledgment to you. If you do not receive the grant application receipt acknowledgment 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 *Selection Criteria:* The selection criteria for this competition are from 34 CFR 75.210 of EDGAR and are as follows:

(a)*Need for project.* (5 points) The Secretary considers the need for the proposed project. In determining the need for the proposed project, the Secretary considers the following factor:

(1)The extent to which specific gaps or weaknesses in services, infrastructure, or opportunities have been identified and will be addressed by the proposed project, including the nature and magnitude of those gaps or weaknesses.

(b)*Significance.* (5 points) The Secretary considers the significance of the proposed project. In determining the significance of the proposed project, the Secretary considers the following factor:

(1)The likelihood that the proposed project will result in system change or improvement.

(c)*Quality of the project design.* (50 points) The Secretary considers the quality of the design of the proposed project. In determining the quality of the design of the proposed project, the Secretary considers the following factors:

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

(2)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.

(3)The extent to which the proposed project is designed to build capacity and yield results that will extend beyond the period of Federal financial assistance.

(4)The extent to which the design of the proposed project reflects up-to-date knowledge from research and effective practice.

(5)The extent to which the proposed project is part of a comprehensive effort to improve teaching and learning and support rigorous academic standards for students.

(d)*Quality of project personnel.* (10 Points) The Secretary considers the quality of the personnel who will carry out the proposed project. 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. In addition, the Secretary considers the following factors:

(1)The qualifications, including relevant training and experience, of the project director.

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

(e)*Adequacy of resources.* (5 points) The Secretary considers the adequacy of resources for the proposed project. In determining the adequacy of resources for the proposed project, the Secretary considers the following factor:

(1)The relevance and demonstrated commitment of each partner in the proposed project to the implementation and success of the project.

(f)*Quality of the management plan.* (10 points) The Secretary considers the quality of the management plan for the proposed project. In determining the quality of the management plan for the proposed project, the Secretary considers the following factors:

(1)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.

(2)The extent to which the time commitments of the project director and other key project personnel are appropriate and adequate to meet the objectives of the proposed project.

(g)*Quality of the project evaluation.* (15 points) The Secretary considers the quality of the evaluation to be conducted of the proposed project. In determining the quality of the evaluation, the Secretary considers the following factors:

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

(2)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.

(3)The extent to which the methods of evaluation will provide performance feedback and permit periodic assessment of progress toward achieving intended outcomes. 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 also notify you informally. 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:* At the end of your project period, you must submit a final performance 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 specified by the Secretary in 34 CFR 75.118. 4. *Performance Measure:* In response to the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA), the Department developed one measure for evaluating the overall effectiveness of the Foreign Language Assistance Program (FLAP). The measure assesses the percentage of FLAP projects that report improvements in foreign language proficiency for three-quarters of school participants. We will expect each SEA that carries out a school-based project funded under this competition to document how its project is helping the Department meet this performance measure, including data on the proficiency of students served by projects. Grantees will be expected to report on progress in meeting this performance measure for FLAP in their Annual Performance Report and in their Final Performance Report. VII. Agency Contact *For Further Information Contact:* You may contact either of the following: Rebecca Richey, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 10080, Potomac Center Plaza, Washington, DC 20202. Telephone:

(202)245-7133, or by e-mail: *rebecca.richey@ed.gov.* Sharon Manassa, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 10071, Potomac Center Plaza, Washington, DC 20202. Telephone:

(202)245-7124, or by e-mail: *sharon.manassa@ed.gov.* If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), you may call the Federal Information Relay Service

(PDF)on the Internet at the following site: *www.ed.gov/news/fedregister.* To use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at this site. If you have questions about using PDF, call the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO), toll free, at 1-888-293-6498; or in the Washington, DC, area at

(202)512-1530. Note: 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 on GPO Access at: *http://www.gpoaccess.gov/nara/index.html.* Dated: February 4, 2005. Kathleen Leos, Associate Assistant Deputy Secretary, Office of English Language Acquisition, Language Enhancement, and Academic Achievement for Limited English Proficient Students. [FR Doc. E5-536 Filed 2-8-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000-01-P DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research; Grant Program AGENCY: Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Department of Education. ACTION: Small Business Innovation Research

(SBIR)Grants Program Standing Review Panels; recruiting peer reviewers. SUMMARY: The National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) is recruiting peer reviewers to serve on standing review panels for its Small Business Innovation Research

(SBIR)Grants Program. DATES: We must receive your nomination on or before March 11, 2005. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carol Cohen, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 6035, Potomac Center Plaza, Washington, DC 20202-2700. Telephone:

(202)245-7303 or by email: *carol.cohen@ed.gov* . If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), you may call the Federal Relay Service

(FRS)at 1-800-877-8339. Individuals with disabilities may obtain this document in an alternative format ( *e.g.* , Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer diskette) by contacting the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background The purpose of the SBIR program is to stimulate technological innovation in the private sector, strengthen the role of small business in meeting Federal research or research and development needs, increase the commercial application of Department of Education

(ED)supported research results, and improve the return on investment from Federally-funded research for economic and social benefits to the Nation. This competitive grants program provides the incentive for small businesses to profit from the commercialization of technology, products, and services developed through research and development activities funded under the NIDRR sponsored SBIR program. The SBIR program has three-phases: Phases I—startup, Phase II—evaluate commercialization potential, and Phase III—move from the laboratory into the marketplace. However, NIDRR only supports Phase I and Phase II SBIR projects. Phase I grants allow entities to determine, insofar as possible, the scientific or technical merit and feasibility of ideas submitted under the SBIR program. Applications for Phase I focus on research that will contribute to proving the scientific or technical feasibility of the approach, concept or product identified in the proposal, which is a prerequisite for continued ED support in Phase II. The purpose of Phase II is to expand on the results of and to further pursue the development of Phase I projects and to begin to explore the potential for commercialization. What Are Standing Review Panels? Phase I and II SBIR grant award decisions are made with the input of standing review panels. Standing review panels are groups of individuals with experience or expertise in specific scientific areas or areas of research. The standing review panels mechanism enhances consistency during a given review cycle and across review cycles. Panels evaluate the scientific and technical merit of grant applications. Individuals are assigned to panels based on their expertise and the priority area(s) assigned to review panels. What Are the Qualifications of a Standing Review Panel Member? NIDRR obtains the services of the best-qualified reviewers for standing review panels, including those with disabilities and those from diverse backgrounds. NIDRR is interested in obtaining the services of individuals with training, education, expertise and/or knowledge in a range of areas supported by the 1999-2003 NIDRR long-range research plan

(Plan)( *e.g.* , assistive technology, health and function, employment and vocational rehabilitation, independent living and community integration, education and transition activities, and engineering). The Plan can be accessed on the Internet at the following site: *http://www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/index.html* . Individuals may qualify to be peer reviewers on the basis of education, training and professional expertise or some combination of personal and professional experience. Employees of the Federal government are not eligible to serve as peer reviewers for the SBIR grants program. How Long Will Members of the Standing Review Panel Serve? Generally, reviewers serve for three-year terms on the Standing Panels with one review per year. How Can I Become a Standing Review Panel Member? Individuals are nominated to serve as a standing review panel peer reviewer through self-nomination or nomination by another individual. If you are interested in participating as a reviewer, we request that you submit the following information to the program contact person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT . 1. A statement indicating an interest to serve on an SBIR standing review panel and the area(s) of expertise identified from the topic areas enumerated above as well as an indication of knowledge in the following:

(1)Small Business Operations and Management; and

(2)Product Design, Innovation, Evaluation and Commercialization. 2. Curriculum Vitae or resume detailing areas of expertise and experience. If you nominate another individual, please contact that individual to determine if the prospective nominee is willing to serve and provide the same information as above. Standing review panel nominees will be contacted by NIDRR by telephone or e-mail no later than June 15, 2005. *Electronic Access to This Document:* You may view this document, as well as all other documents of this Department published in the **Federal Register** , in text or Adobe Portable Document Format

(202)512-1530. Note: 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 on GPO Access at: *http://www.gpoaccess.gov/nara/index.html* . Dated: February 3, 2005. John H. Hager, Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. [FR Doc. E5-535 Filed 2-8-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000-01-P ELECTION ASSISTANCE COMMISSION Sunshine Act Notice AGENCY: Election Assistance Commission. ACTION: Notice of public hearing. Date and Time: Wednesday, February 23, 2005, 1 p.m.-5p.m. Place: Michael E. Moritz College of Law, The Ohio State University, 55 W. 12th Ave., Saxbe Auditorium, Columbus, OH 43210-1391. Agenda: The Commission will conduct a public hearing to identify the successes and problems involved with the use of provisional voting. The following witness panels will be presented: Election Officials, Advocacy Organizations/Non-government Sector and Academics. All public comments will be taken in writing via e-mail at *testimony@eac.gov* , or at the meeting or via mail addressed to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, 1225 New York Ave., NW., Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20005. FUR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bryan Whitener, Telephone:

(202)566-3100. Ray Martinez III, Commissioner, U.S. Election Assistance Commission. [FR Doc. 05-2563 Filed 2-7-05; 9:02 am]

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