2010 Application Pack for Rehab Research and Training Centers

SECTION

F

SECTION CRITERIA

SELECTION CRITERIA

We use the following selection criteria to evaluate applications under RRTC program. The maximum score for all of these criteria is 100 points. The maximum score for each criterion is indicated in parentheses.

(a) Importance of the problem (4 points total).

(1) The Secretary considers the importance of the problem.

(2) In determining the importance of the problem, the Secretary considers one or more of the following factors:

(i) The extent to which the applicant clearly describes the need and target population

(2 points).

(ii) The extent to which the proposed project will have beneficial impact on the target population (2 points).

(b) Responsiveness to an absolute or competitive priority (6 points total).

(1) The Secretary considers the responsiveness of the application to an absolute or competitive priority published in the Federal Register.

(2) In determining the application's responsiveness to the absolute or competitive priority, the Secretary considers one or more of the following factors:

(i) The extent to which the applicant addresses all requirements of the absolute or competitive priority (3 points).

(ii) The extent to which the applicant's proposed activities are likely to achieve the purposes of the absolute or competitive priority (3 points).

(c) Design of research activities (40 points total).

(1) The Secretary considers the extent to which the design of research activities is likely to be effective in accomplishing the objectives of the project.

(2) In determining the extent to which the design is likely to be effective in accomplishing the objectives of the project, the Secretary considers one or more of the following factors:

(i) The extent to which the research activities constitute a coherent, sustained approach to research in the field, including a substantial addition to the state-of-the-art (8 points).

(ii) The extent to which the methodology of each proposed research activity is meritorious, including consideration of the extent to which--

1. The proposed design includes a comprehensive and informed review of the current literature, demonstrating knowledge of the state-of-the-art (4 points);

(B) Each sample population is appropriate and of sufficient size (8 points);

(D) The data collection and measurement techniques are appropriate and likely to be effective (15 points); and

(E) The data analysis methods are appropriate (5 points).

(d) Design of training activities (8 points total).

(1) The Secretary considers the extent to which the design of training activities is likely to be effective in accomplishing the objectives of the project.

(2) In determining the extent to which the design is likely to be effective in accomplishing the objectives of the project, the Secretary considers one or more of the following factors:

(i) The extent to which the proposed training methods are of sufficient quality, intensity, and duration (4 points).

(ii) The extent to which the proposed training content--

(A) If relevant, is based on new knowledge derived from research activities of the proposed project (2 points).

(iii) The extent to which the proposed training materials and methods are accessible to individuals with disabilities (2 points).

(e) Design of dissemination activities (5 points total).

(1) The Secretary considers the extent to which the design of dissemination activities is likely to be effective in accomplishing the objectives of the project.

(2) In determining the extent to which the design is likely to be effective in accomplishing the objectives of the project, the Secretary considers one or more of the following factors:

(i) The extent to which the materials to be disseminated are likely to be effective and usable, including consideration of their quality, clarity, variety, and format (3 points).

(ii) The extent to which the information to be disseminated will be accessible to individuals with disabilities (2 points).

(f) Design of technical assistance activities (8 points total).

(1) The Secretary considers the extent to which the design of technical assistance activities is likely to be effective in accomplishing the objectives of the project.

(2) In determining the extent to which the design is likely to be effective in accomplishing the objectives of the project, the Secretary considers one or more of the following factors:

(i) The extent to which the methods for providing technical assistance are of sufficient quality, intensity, and duration (2 points).

(ii) The extent to which the technical assistance is appropriate to the target population, including consideration of the knowledge level of the target population, needs of the target population, and format for providing information (4 points).

(iii) The extent to which the technical assistance is accessible to individuals with disabilities

(2 points).

(g) Plan of operation (7 points total).

(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the plan of operation.

(2) In determining the quality of the plan of operation, the Secretary considers one or more of the following factors:

(i) The adequacy of the plan of operation to achieve the objectives of the proposed project on time and within budget, including clearly defined responsibilities, and timelines for accomplishing project tasks (4 points).

(ii) The adequacy of the plan of operation to provide for using resources, equipment, and personnel to achieve each objective (3 points).

(h) Adequacy and reasonableness of the budget (4 points).

(1) The Secretary considers the adequacy and the reasonableness of the proposed budget.

(2) In determining the adequacy and the reasonableness of the proposed budget, the Secretary considers one or more of the following factors:

(i) The extent to which the costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed project activities (2 points).

(ii) The extent to which the budget for the project, including any subcontracts, is adequately justified to support the proposed project activities (2 points).

(i) Plan of evaluation (6 points).

(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the plan of evaluation.

(2) In determining the quality of the plan of evaluation, the Secretary considers one or more of the following factors:

(i) The extent to which the plan of evaluation provides for periodic assessment of progress toward--

(A) Implementing the plan of operation (2 points); and

(B) Achieving the project's intended outcomes and expected impacts (2 points).

(ii) The extent to which the plan of evaluation provides for periodic assessment of a project's progress that is based on identified performance measures that—

(A) Are clearly related to the intended outcomes of the project and expected impacts on the target population (1 point); and

(B) Are objective, and quantifiable or qualitative, as appropriate (1 points).

(j) Project staff (8 points total).

(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the project staff.

(2) In determining the quality of the project staff, 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 (2 points).

(3) In addition, the Secretary considers one or more of the following:

(i) The extent to which the key personnel and other key staff have appropriate training and experience in disciplines required to conduct all proposed activities (2 points).

(ii) The extent to which the commitment of staff time is adequate to accomplish all the proposed activities of the project (2 points).

(iii) The extent to which the key personnel are knowledgeable about the methodology and literature of pertinent subject areas (2 points).

(k) Adequacy and accessibility of resources (4 points total).

(1) The Secretary considers the adequacy and accessibility of the applicant's resources to implement the proposed project.

(2) In determining the adequacy and accessibility of resources, the Secretary considers one or more of the following factors:

(i) The extent to which the applicant is committed to provide adequate facilities, equipment, other resources, including administrative support, and laboratories, if appropriate (2 points).

(ii) The extent to which the facilities, equipment, and other resources are appropriately accessible to individuals with disabilities who may use the facilities, equipment, and other resources of the project (2 points).