State vocational rehabilitation agencies employ more than 25,000 individuals. It is estimated that more than 13,000 individuals participated in one or more activities sponsored under the State VR Unit In-Service Training Program in FY 07. Agencies reported that special emphasis was given to training staff on human resource development and on providing rehabilitation services to underserved populations.

Uses and Use Restrictions

Training grants may only be made to agencies designated to administer the State vocational rehabilitation program.

Fifteen percent of the funds appropriated for the Rehabilitation Services Administration Training program must be allocated for In-Service Training.

People Building Stronger Communities

State Grants more than $200,000 Awarded to Three Housing and Service Programs

Difference between First and Second Grade Attention Problems More Profound

Home-Delivered Meals for Seniors Mean States Could Save Money

Study Shows Adolescents Drink Alone to Cope with Negative Emotions

More Natural Resources Conservation Funding in the Federal Budget

TMG Health Names New Director of Audit Services

Genes Contribute to Behavior Problems in Preschool, Child Care Centers

Community Leaders Agree on Economic Development

Alaska Residents Opened its Doors and Hearts to Evacuees, Fire Responders

Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

State vocational rehabilitation agencies, including territories, may apply.

Beneficiary Eligibility

Individuals employed by designated State rehabilitation agencies will benefit.

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

The standard application forms as furnished by the Federal agency and required by OMB Circular No.

A-102 must be used for this program.

This program is eligible for coverage under E.O.

12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

Application Procedures

New applications are made to the Department of Education, Application Control center, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20200-4725. Attn: 84.265. This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110.

Award Procedures

Grants are awarded by the Rehabilitation Services Administration. All new applications are reviewed by a panel of at least three individuals. Each panel will include nonfederal consultants with experience and training in the proposed area of training.

Deadlines

Deadlines are published in the Federal Register; contact the program office for application deadlines and other information.

Authorization

Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, Title III, Section 302(g)(3), 29 U.S.C. 774.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

From 120 to 160 days.

Appeals

None.

Renewals

Renewals are available only through the new application process. Projects with an approved multi-year project period may be continued based on the availability of adequate funds and an annual review of accomplishments to determine satisfactory performance.

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

Grantees are required to share ten percent of the cost of projects.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

Projects may generally be supported for a maximum of 5 years, with 12-month budget periods. Renewals are subject to the availability of funds.

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

Annual financial and progress reports must be submitted as required by grant award terms and conditions.

Audits

Audits must be conducted on a continuing basis or at scheduled intervals, usually once a year, but at least once every 2 years. 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

As required by the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR).

Financial Information

Account Identification

91-0301-0-1-506.

Obigations

(Grants and Contracts) FY 07 $5,766,000; FY 08 est $5,766,000; FY 09 est $5,766,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

$18,883 to $301,553 for basic awards; $20,881 to $109,784 for quality awards in FY 08.

Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature

Regulations can be found in 34 CFR 385 and 388.

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

None.

Headquarters Office

Rehabilitation Services Administration, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Department of Education, Washington, DC 20202-2649. Contact: Ruth Brannon, Telephone: (202) 245-7278.

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

The relevance of the content of the training to the mission of the public rehabilitation program is considered. Priorities for certain projects are stated in the application notice. Criteria for evaluating applications are published in program regulations 34 CFR 385 and 388.