SECTION C
Selection Criteria
ADVANCED REHABILITATION RESEARCH TRAINING PROJECTS
The selection criteria to be used for the Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training Project will be provided in the application package. The Secretary uses the following criteria to evaluate an application.
(a) Importance of the problem (10 points total).
(1) The Secretary considers the importance of the problem.
(2) In determining the importance of the problem, the Secretary considers the extent to which the applicant proposes to provide training in a rehabilitation discipline or area of study in which there is a shortage of qualified researchers, or to a trainee population in which there is a need for more qualified researchers (10 points).
(b) Design of training activities (45 points total).
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 the following factors:
(i) The extent to which the proposed training methods are of sufficient quality, intensity, and duration (6 points).
(ii) The extent to which the proposed training materials (and methods are accessible to individuals with disabilities (6 points).
(iii) The extent to which the applicant's proposed recruitment program is likely to be effective in recruiting highly qualified trainees, including those who are individuals with disabilities (9 points).
(iv) The extent to which the proposed didactic and classroom training programs emphasize scientific methodology and are likely to develop highly qualified researchers (8 points).
(v) The extent to which the quality and extent of the academic mentorship, guidance, and supervision to be provided to each individual trainee are of a high level and are likely to develop highly qualified researchers (6 points).
(vi) The extent to which the type, extent, and quality of the proposed clinical and laboratory research experience, including the opportunity to participate in advanced-level research, are likely to develop highly qualified researchers (5 points).
(vii) The extent to which the opportunities for collegial and collaborative activities, exposure to outstanding scientists in
the field, and opportunities to participate in the preparation of scholarly or scientific publications and presentations are extensive and appropriate (5 points).
(c) Plan of operation (10 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 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 (5 points).
(ii) The adequacy of the plan of operation to provide for using resources, equipment, and personnel to achieve each objective (5 points).
(d) Collaboration (5 points total).
(1) The Secretary considers the quality of collaboration.
(2) In determining the quality of collaboration, the Secretary considers one or more of the following factors:
(i) The extent to which the applicant’s proposed collaboration with one or more agencies, organizations, or institutions is likely to be effective in achieving the relevant proposed activities of the project (3 points).
The extent to which agencies, organizations, or institutions demonstrate a commitment to collaborate with the applicant (2 points).
(e) Adequacy and reasonableness of the budget (5 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 the extent to which the costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed project activities (5 points).
(f) Plan of evaluation (10 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 the following factors:
(i) The extent to which the plan of evaluation provides for periodic assessment of progress toward achieving the project’s intended outcomes and expected impacts (3 points).
The extent to which the plan of evaluation will be used to improve the performance of the project through the feedback generated by its periodic assessments (2 points).
The extent to which the plan of evaluation provides for periodic assessment of a project’s progress that is based on identified performance measures (5 points).
(g) Project staff (10 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 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 key personnel have up-to-date knowledge from research or effective practice in the subject area covered in the priority (4 points).
(h) Adequacy and accessibility of resources (5 points).
(1) The Secretary considers the adequacy and accessibility of the applicant’s resources to implement the proposed project.
In determining the adequacy and accessibility of resources, the Secretary considers 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 quality of an applicant’s past performance in carrying out a grant (1 point).
(iii) 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).
| File Type | application/msword |
| Author | Authorised User |
| Last Modified By | Authorised User |
| File Modified | 2010-01-27 |
| File Created | 2010-01-27 |