Rehabilitation Services Administration Short-Term Training Client Assistance Program (CAP Training)
This presentation offers technical assistance for the Rehabilitation Services Administration Short-Term Rehabilitation Training Client Assistance Program. It covers application details, pre-application meeting info, purpose, award information, and application deadline. Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the provided resources thoroughly.
Download Presentation
Please find below an Image/Link to download the presentation.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author. Download presentation by click this link. If you encounter any issues during the download, it is possible that the publisher has removed the file from their server.
E N D
Presentation Transcript
Rehabilitation Short-Term Training: Client Assistance Program (CAP Training) Assistance Listing Number 84.246K REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION OFFICEOF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES U.S. DEPARTMENTOF EDUCATION RSA REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION OFFICEOF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES
Preface This PowerPoint provides technical assistance to interested applicants for the competition under the Rehabilitation Services Administration s (RSA) Short-Term Rehabilitation Training Client Assistance Program (CAP Training), Assistance Listing Number 84.246K. It highlights pertinent information from the Notice Inviting Applications (NIA), Notice of Final Priority (NFP), and the application package. The application package, or application kit, is available at http://www.grants.gov/. This PowerPoint offers overview and summary information only. We urge prospective applicants to carefully review the NFP, NIA, and application package for the necessary details about this competition. RSA REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION OFFICEOF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES 2
Preface OSERS will conduct a pre-application meeting via teleconference to address questions from prospective applicants. OSERS invites you to send questions to 84.246K@ed.gov in advance of the pre-application meeting. The teleconference information, including the 84.246K pre-application meeting summary of the questions and answers, will be available at https://ncrtm.ed.gov/RSAGrantInfo.aspx within six days after the pre- application meeting. Prospective applicants are invited to access this competition s informational resources with their team members responsible for the programmatic and financial components of the application. RSA REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION OFFICEOF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES 3
Purpose The Department proposes to establish the CAP Training priority to provide CAP professionals with the necessary knowledge, competencies, and skills to inform, assist, and advocate for clients and client-applicants regarding expanded education, training, and competitive integrated employment opportunities and other services and benefits available under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by WIOA. RSA REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION OFFICEOF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES 4
Award Information Estimated Available Funds: $308,000 Maximum Award: We will not make an award exceeding $308,000 for a single budget period of 60 months Estimated Number of Awards: 1 Project Period: Up to 60 months Eligible Entities: States and public or private nonprofit agencies and organizations, including Indian Tribes and institutions of higher education Application Deadline: August 9, 2021, at 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time. RSA REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION OFFICEOF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES 5
Award Information, continued Cost Sharing or Matching: The grantee is required to contribute at least 10 percent of the total cost (Federal and non-Federal) of the project under this program and must identify appropriate non-Federal funds in the proposed budget. Indirect Cost Information: This program uses an unrestricted indirect cost rate. For more information regarding indirect costs or to obtain a negotiated indirect cost rate, please see www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocfo/intro.html. Administrative Costs: All administrative expenses must be reasonable and necessary and conform to Cost Principles described in 2 CFR part 200 subpart E of the Uniform Guidance. Subgrantees: A grantee under this competition may not award subgrants to entities to directly carry out project activities described in its application. The grantee may contract for supplies, equipment, and other services in accordance with 2 CFR part 200. RSA REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION OFFICEOF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES 6
Cost Share Requirement Cost sharing of 10 percent of the total cost of the project is required. Non-Federal contributions may include cash and third-party in-kind contributions. Applicants must identify appropriate cost sharing in the proposed budget, including: The specific costs or contributions proposed to meet the cost-sharing requirement; The source of the cost-sharing; and In the case of in-kind contributions, a description of how the value was determined for the donated or contributed services or goods. Cost-sharing must be documented in the grantee s expenditure records and reports. RSA REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION OFFICEOF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES 7
Cost Share Requirement: Example The cost-share requirement is 10 percent of the total project cost (Federal and non-Federal). The Federal share is 90 percent of the total cost. The applicant s non-Federal share amount is calculated by dividing the Federal amount by nine. Federal share / 9 = Amount of the applicant cost-share Example: If the Federal funding amount is $308,000.00, the non-Federal share is $34,222.22 (i.e., $308,000 divided by 9). $308,000.00 / 9 = $34,222.22 Adding the Federal and Non-Federal amounts together, the total project cost is $342,222.22, of which the applicant contributes $34,222.22. RSA REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION OFFICEOF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES 8
Absolute Priority (1 of 3) Under this priority, the grantee must provide comprehensive and in-depth training and technical assistance activities on: CAP program duties and responsibilities under the Rehabilitation Act, Expanded VR service provisions in the Rehabilitation Act, including section 113 on pre-employment transition services and section 511 regarding limitations on subminimum wages, and Other education, training, and employment opportunities under WIOA, including career pathways, apprenticeships, and customized employment. RSA REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION OFFICEOF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES 9
Absolute Priority (2 of 3) The training and technical assistance must also: Enhance CAP professionals individual and systems advocacy competencies and their leadership, relationship-building, and outreach skills, and Strengthen the institutional effectiveness of the CAP programs through strategic planning and resource management capacity-building. RSA REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION OFFICEOF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES 10
Absolute Priority (3 of 3) In providing the training and technical assistance, the grantee must: Consider the challenges and opportunities experienced by the VR program and other programs authorized under the Rehabilitation Act, as amended by WIOA, and Encourage greater communication and coordination between the CAPs and those programs. RSA REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION OFFICEOF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES 11
Project Requirements (1 of 3) The Secretary will fund only applications that meet these project requirements and describe the related major implementation activities, timelines, and milestones. (1) Four broad subject areas of training and technical assistance: a) Rehabilitation Act in the context of WIOA, b) Discrete skills related to CAP duties and responsibilities, c) Strategic planning, and d) Resource management. (2) Comprehensive training and technical assistance plan, based on a comprehensive needs assessment, including: a)Subject area and topic priorities, b)Training activities, c)Technical assistance activities, d)Curricula, materials, and tools, e)Information delivery methods, and f)State-of-the-art communication platforms and tools. RSA REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION OFFICEOF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES 12
Project Requirements (2 of 3) The Secretary will fund only applications that meet these project requirements and describe the related major implementation activities, timelines, and milestones. 3) Quality control processes to ensure that training and technical assistance activities and materials reflect the statutory and regulatory changes in the Rehabilitation Act, RSA policy guidance updates, and future reauthorizations of the Rehabilitation Act. 4) Coordination and leveraging of resources with RSA s vocational rehabilitation technical assistance centers and other Federal or non-Federal programs in the development and delivery of CAP Training project activities, curriculum, materials, and tools. (5) Coordination with the entity providing training and technical assistance to the Protection and Advocacy of Individual Rights program, consistent with section 509 of the Rehabilitation Act. RSA REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION OFFICEOF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES 13
Project Requirements (3 of 3) The Secretary will fund only applications that meet these project requirements and describe the related major implementation activities, timelines, and milestones. 6) Evaluation plan to measure performance outcomes and promote continuous program improvement, consistent with the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA). The evaluation plan must include: Logic model with project activities, outputs, outcomes, baselines, and targets, and Quantitative and qualitative data sources including the CAP annual performance reports (RSA-227), pre- and post-training assessments, questionnaires, surveys, focus groups, success stories, and peer reviews. The comprehensive needs assessment, required for the training and technical assistance plan, may comprise reviews of RSA-227s, Unified or Combined State Plans, RSA State monitoring reports, other State Plans, and input from CAP professionals and key stakeholders, including VR agency, SRC and other program representatives. RSA REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION OFFICEOF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES 14
Training Subject Areas and Related Topics (1 of 3) 1) The Rehabilitation Act, as amended by WIOA, including: a) CAP program duties and responsibilities under section 112(a) and other pertinent provisions of the Act, b) VR service provision requirements in the Act and related regulations, policy guidance, and legal decisions, c) Requirements related to other projects, programs, and services under the Rehabilitation Act, as amended by WIOA, d) Expanded VR training, education, and employment opportunities under WIOA, e) Challenges and opportunities in implementing the expanded VR service provisions and other benefits available under the Rehabilitation Act, as amended by WIOA, f) Obstacles that individuals with disabilities experience in accessing VR services and other services and benefits under Rehabilitation Act, and g) Complementary roles of CAPs, State VR agencies, SRCs, community rehabilitation programs, WOIA core partners, and key stakeholders under the Rehabilitation Act. RSA REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION OFFICEOF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES 15
Training Subject Areas and Related Topics (2 of 3) 2) Discrete skills related to CAP duties and responsibilities: a) Individual advocacy, b) Systems advocacy, c) Alternate dispute resolution, and d) Leadership, relationship building, and outreach. 3) Strategic planning: a) Assessments of the State s program priorities, challenges, needs, and opportunities in implementing the expanded VR program provisions and other programs and services under the Rehabilitation Act, b) Development of the individual CAPs strategic goals and action plans, based on identified program priorities, challenges, needs, and opportunities, and c) Strategic outreach and engagement with State VR agencies, SRCs, and other stakeholders. RSA REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION OFFICEOF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES 16
Training Subject Areas and Related Topics (3 of 3) 4) Resource management a) Budgeting and financial oversight practices in support of strategic goals and objectives, consistent with Generally Accepted Accounting Practices; and b) Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, at 2 CFR part 200, pertinent to CAP and VR program operations. Please refer to the NFP or NIA for important details about the required training subject areas and related topics. RSA REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION OFFICEOF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES 17
Performance Measures (1 of 2) The following Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) performance measures have been established for the absolute priority: The number and percentage of cases closed in the VR client or applicant s favor. The number and percentage of individual cases resolved through Alternative Dispute Resolution. The percentage of individual CAP programs reporting that their systemic advocacy resulted in a change in policy or practice of an agency. The number of non-litigation systemic activities not involving individual representation that resulted in the change of one or more policies or practices of an agency. RSA REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION OFFICEOF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES 18
Performance Measures (2 of 2) The following are the program performance measures for this priority: Number and percentage of CAP professionals reporting increased capacity to provide individual and systems advocacy on the expanded VR service provisions and opportunities under WIOA, as a result of the training and technical assistance activities under this priority. Number and percentage of CAP professionals reporting increased capacity to reach priority unserved or underserved populations in their States, as a result of the training and technical assistance activities under this priority. Number and percentage of CAP professionals reporting increased strategic planning and resource management capabilities, as a result of the training and technical assistance activities under this priority. RSA REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION OFFICEOF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES 19
Application Review Information: Selection Criteria (1 of 5) The selection criteria that peer reviewers will use to score the applications are listed below. The maximum score for an application is 100. (a) Relevance to State-Federal rehabilitation service program. (10 points) (b) Quality of the project design. (15 points) (c) Quality of project services. (20 points) (d) Quality of project personnel. (15 points) (e) Adequacy of resources. (10 points) (f) Quality of the management plan. (15 points) (g) Quality of project evaluation. (15 points) RSA REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION OFFICEOF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES 20
Selection Criteria (2 of 5) (a) Relevance to State-Federal rehabilitation service program Project appropriately relates to the mission of the State-Federal rehabilitation service programs. Project can be expected to improve the skills and competence of personnel engaged in the administration or delivery of rehabilitation services, and others with an interest in the delivery of rehabilitation services. (b) Quality of the project design Extent to which the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be achieved by the proposed project are clearly specified and measurable. 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. RSA REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION OFFICEOF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES 21
Selection Criteria (3 of 5) (c) Quality of project services. 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. Extent to which the training or professional development services are of sufficient quality, intensity, and duration to lead to improvements in practice among the recipients of those services. 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. RSA REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION OFFICEOF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES 22
Selection Criteria (4 of 5) (d) Quality of project personnel 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. Qualifications, including relevant training and experience, of key project personnel, and project consultants or subcontractors. (e) Adequacy of resources Extent to which the costs are reasonable in relation to the number of persons to be served and to the anticipated results and benefits. Adequacy of support, including facilities, equipment, supplies, and other resources, from the applicant organization. RSA REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION OFFICEOF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES 23
Selection Criteria (5 of 5) (f) Quality of the management plan 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. Extent to which the time commitments of the project director and principal investigator and other key project personnel are appropriate and adequate to meet the objectives of the proposed project. (g) Quality of the project evaluation Extent to which the methods of evaluation are thorough, feasible, and appropriate to the goals, objectives, and outcomes of the proposed project. Extent to which the methods of evaluation will provide performance feedback and permit periodic assessment of progress toward achieving intended outcomes. RSA REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION OFFICEOF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES 24
Application Review: Selection Process The Secretary may consider, under 34 CFR 75.217(d)(3), the past performance of the applicant in carrying out a previous award, such as the applicant s use of funds, achievement of project objectives, and compliance with grant conditions. The Secretary may also consider whether the applicant failed to submit a timely performance report or submitted a report of unacceptable quality. In addition, the Secretary requires various assurances, including those applicable to Federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department. (34 C.F.R. 100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23). RSA REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION OFFICEOF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES 25
Application Review: Risk Assessment and Conditions Before awarding grants under this competition the Department conducts a review of the risks posed by applicants, consistent with 2 CFR 200.206. The Secretary may impose specific or high-risk conditions on a grant if the applicant or grantee is not financially stable; has a history of unsatisfactory performance; has a financial or other management system that does not meet the standards in 2 C.F.R. part 200, subpart D; has not fulfilled the conditions of a prior grant; or is otherwise not responsible. RSA REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION OFFICEOF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES 26
Application Information: General In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget s guidance at 2 CFR part 200, applicable Federal laws, and relevant Executive guidance, the Department will review and consider applications in accordance with-- Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the program objectives through an objective process of evaluating Federal award applications (2 CFR 200.205); Prohibiting the purchase of certain telecommunication and video surveillance services or equipment consistent with section 889 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2019 (Pub. L. No. 115 232) (2 CFR 200.216); Providing a preference, to the extent permitted by law, to maximize use of goods, products, and materials produced in the United States (2 CFR 200.322); and Terminating agreements in whole or in part to the greatest extent authorized by law if an award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities (2 CFR 200.340). RSA REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION OFFICEOF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES 27
Award Notifications If your application is successful, we will notify your U.S. Representatives and U.S. Senators and send you a Grant Award Notification (GAN); or we may send you an email containing a link to access an electronic version of your GAN. We may notify you informally, also. If your application is not evaluated or not selected for funding, we will notify you. RSA REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION OFFICEOF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES 28
Application Narrative This narrative section of the application (Part III) requires applicants to address the absolute priority, including the Project Requirements and Performance Measures. The application narrative must also address the Selection Criteria, which the competition peer reviewers use to evaluate and score each application. These may be found in Section V.1. of the NIA and Section C of the application kit. The Department s responses to public comments in the NFP provide additional information that applicants may wish to consider in developing the application. Note: Appendix material is considered supplemental to the application narrative. Peer reviewers are instructed that they are not required to review such material. RSA REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION OFFICEOF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES 29
Application Narrative: Page Limitations Recommended limit of no more than 45 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. Use a font that is either 12 point or larger or no smaller than 10 pitch (characters per inch). Use one of the following fonts: Times New Roman, Courier, Courier New, or Arial. The recommended page limit applies to the entire application narrative, Part III. It does not apply to Part I, the Federal Assistance Face Page; Part II, the Budget Information section, including the narrative budget justification; Part IV, the certifications and disclosures; or the one-page abstract, the resumes, the bibliography, or letters of support. RSA REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION OFFICEOF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES 30
Application and Submission Information For information on how to submit an application please refer to the Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal Register on February 13, 2019 (84 FR 3768) and available at: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2019-02- 13/pdf/2019-02206.pdf, which contain requirements and information on how to submit an application. RSA REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION OFFICEOF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES 31
Other Information Accessible Format: Individuals with disabilities can obtain the NIA and a copy of the application package in an accessible format upon request to the contact persons listed at the end of this presentation. If you use a TDD or a TTY, call the FRS, toll free, at 1-800-877-8339. RSA REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION OFFICEOF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES 32
Reporting Requirements If you apply for a grant under this competition, you must ensure that you have in place the necessary processes and systems to comply with the reporting requirements. At the end of your project period, you must submit a final performance report, including financial information. You must also submit semiannual and annual performance reports that provide the most current performance and financial expenditure information. Annual project progress toward meeting project goals must be posted on the project website or university website. For specific requirements on reporting, please go to: www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html RSA REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION OFFICEOF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES 33
Reference Documents Notice Inviting Applications: https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2021-13190 Common Application Instructions: http://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2019-02-13/pdf/2019-02206.pdf Application Package, including Dear Applicant letter: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=334304 General Information for RSA Discretionary Grant Competitions, including the pre- application meeting details for this competition: https://ncrtm.ed.gov/RSAGrantInfo.aspx RSA REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION OFFICEOF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES 34
Key reminders The application deadline is August 9, 2021, at 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Register early. Grants.gov may take five or more business days to complete. Submit early. Do not wait until the last day to submit your application. Grants.gov will put a date/time stamp on your application and then process it after it is fully uploaded. Verify that the submission was correct. Verify that grants.gov received your submission on time and that it was validated successfully. Consult the NIA to review the Program Authority and Applicable Regulations for your specific program. RSA REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION OFFICEOF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES 35
And Final Suggestions Cross reference the Absolute Priority, Project Requirements, and Selection Criteria when developing your application. Organize the application narrative (Part III) according to the Application Requirements for the respective absolute priority. Ensure that your application narrative, budget tables, and budget narratives clearly address all the Selection Criteria and project requirements. Ensure that the evaluation activities in your application narrative reflect the GPRA and Program measures outlined in the NIA. Review the Department s responses to public comments in the NFP, which provide additional information that applicants may wish to consider in developing the application. RSA REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION OFFICEOF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES 36
CAP Training Competition Manager Felipe Lulli, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, room 5101, Potomac Center Plaza, Washington, DC 20202-2800. Telephone: (202) 245-7425. Email: 84.246K@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. RSA REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION OFFICEOF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES 37
Thank You! REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION OFFICEOF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES U.S. DEPARTMENTOF EDUCATION RSA REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION OFFICEOF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES 38
