

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Overview 
Virginia Assistive Technology System

Funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, the Virginia Assistive Technology System is administered by the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services.  Its mission is to improve access to assistive technology information, devices, services and funding for all Virginians.  VATS activities are guided by the Virginia Council on Assistive Technology, a consumer-driven advisory group which includes users of assistive technology, vendors, service providers, educators and agency representatives.  


Definition of Assistive Technology Devices and Services

An assistive technology device is any item, piece of equipment, or product, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

An assistive technology service is any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.

Definition of System Change and Advocacy Activities

"efforts that result in laws, regulations, policies, practices, or organizational structures that promote consumer-responsive programs or entities and that facilitate and increase access to, provision of, and funding for, assistive technology devices and assistive technology services on a permanent basis, in order to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve greater independence, productivity, and integration and inclusion within the community and the workforce."



GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
 FOR CREATIVE INITIATIVE AWARDS

Purpose of the VATS Creative Initiative Award Program

The purpose of VATS' Creative Initiative Award Program is to reach unserved or underserved Virginians with disabilities of all ages with projects that:
promote the independence, productivity, and quality of life through improved access to assistive technology products, services and information; and
stimulate creative assistive technology initiatives and strategies at the community, regional or systems level.
emphasize initiatives which support systems change and advocacy activities.

"Unserved/Underserved" describes those individuals with disabilities of all ages who are not currently receiving assistive technology devices and services, or those individuals who are currently receiving devices and services but whose needs are still not being met.

Objectives to be Achieved by Award of Creative Initiative Awards 
To provide opportunity for consumer-run organizations to access resources to meet consumer needs
To promote partnerships between the business sector and other organizations in addressing assistive technology needs
To promote collaboration among organizations in the planning and implementation of assistive technology initiatives

Eligible Applicants

Respondents to this request for award applications may be any individual or public, private for-profit, or private non-profit organization.  Organizations are encouraged to internally coordinate applications and submit only one proposal.

Amount and Number of Awards

VATS expects to make awards for a combined total of up to $65,000.  It is anticipated that the number of grants will be five or more.  In previous years, the amounts of the awards have ranged from $500. to $15,000 each.  Awards funded above this amount must demonstrate exceptional support, ongoing impact and replicability.  Approxmately one half of the funds are restricted to projects that directly benefit Department of Rehabilitative Services consumers.  The remaining amount is unrestricted.  Applicants will be expected to select only one category for funding.



 1997 CREATIVE INITIATIVE AWARD
TIMETABLE/KEY DATES

Mail invitation/grant applications

                 	 2 September 1996

Regional Bidders Workshops
There will be optional bidder's workshops held at different locations within Virginia.  Please call 1-800-435-8490 for details.
	      Northern  ...............................................      9  October 1996
	Central ......................................................   10 October 1996 
Southwest ...........................................    22/23 October 1996
 Southeast   .................................................. 18 October 1996 

Receipt of Grant Applications
Grant applications must be received in the VATS offices no later than 5:00 P.M. on   12 November 1996

Selection of successful applicants
16 December 1996

Notification of successful applicants starting
23 December 1996

Funding period of Awards
1 February 1997 to 30 September 1997



Use of Funds

It is expected that funding will be awarded to single purpose projects as well as for projects that are part of more comprehensive efforts.  Creative Initiative Awards are intended to support new initiatives, rather than existing programs.  Highest priority will be given to organizations/entities not involved in other VATS grant activities.
	
Projects will be considered which directly address assistive technology needs of persons with disabilities which could not otherwise be met.

Funds may not be used to purchase assistive technology equipment for individual consumers.  Neither may funds be granted for salaries for existing staff nor to replace existing operating costs.

The Creative Initiative Award Process is structured in such a way that awards take the form of reimbursements for actual invoiced expenses.  No monies are provided for start-up expenses.

FORMAT FOR SUBMITTING GRANT APPLICATION

Please provide VATS with the original and four copies of your applications.  All award applications must be in printed form and in the format described in the outline below.  The completed application will include the cover sheet, Form ED 80-0013, the proposal shall be no longer than ten (10) pages, font size 12 or greater, double-spaced (narrative) and, if you wish, a letter of collaboration or support.  Facsimile (FAX) transmissions are strongly discouraged, as they tend to be far less legible.  Since all award applications must be photocopied for distribution to the review panel members, it is to your advantage to provide the most legible possible application to VATS.

ORDER OF APPLICATION/HEADINGS

Cover Sheet (1 page)
Proposal (10 page maximum)
Project Overview
Project Impact
Implementation Plan/Project Timeline
Project Cost/Justification
Organizational Capability
Narrative/Discussion
Federal Assurances FORM ED 80-0013 (As provided in packet)
Optional:Letter of Collaboration/Support (1 page)

As you organize your award application, please follow the guidance given throughout this Request for Proposals.  Pay particular attention to the stipulations in the "Use of Funds" section, and the selection of the funding category for the proposal.  Review the entire RFP as you prepare your application.  

Remember that the purpose of the Creative Initiative Awards is to fund new (not existing) projects.   Please keep in mind that the Creative Initiative Award program places a premium on creative approaches which use assistive technology to reach unserved or underserved Virginians with disabilities of all ages with projects that:

(1) promote the independence, productivity, and quality of life through improved access to assistive technology products, services and information; and 
(2) stimulate creative assistive technology initiatives and strategies at the community, regional or systems level.  

Make your application as specific as possible, so that the review panelists might gain a clear understanding of your proposed activities, and have enough information to evaluate your application.  Remembering the 10 page (double-spaced type) limit for the proposal, please divide your application into the following sections (feel free to use headings and subheadings) and address each clearly and fully:  

PROJECT OVERVIEW (15 points maximum)

Goals and Objectives
Describe the overall goal(s) to be accomplished by the project.  List the objectives and describe how they will be accomplished.
Identification of  Funding Category
	Select whether the application is for restricted or unrestricted funds.  If the 	application is for restricted funds, identify how Department of Rehabilitative      	Services clients will directly benefit, how they will be identifed, served, and 	monitored.  This section should clearly demonstrate an understanding of the 	vocational emphasis of  the agency and the needs of the consumers.    
Key Project Elements
Describe the key elements of the project.

Population(s) to be served
Describe the population(s) or groups that will be served by the project. 
Innovativeness
Describe how the proposal is unique,innovative and creative

PROJECT IMPACT (25 points maximum)

Description of Need
Describe the demonstrated need.  State the population(s) that will benefit from the project.  Discuss why the identified group(s) needs the project activities.
Anticipated Benefit
Describe and discuss the expected benefit to the community.
Definition of Measurable Results
Define what results are to be delivered/measured.
Measurement of Impact
Define the method for measuring the deliverables and the impact of the project.
Replicability
Discuss how the impact of the project will continue after the award period and explain the project's potential for replication.
Dissemination
Discuss how information and accomplishments are to be shared with the community.

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN/PROJECT TIMELINE (10 points maximum)

Implementation Plan
	Describe the process which will be used to implement the project 	including the schedule for expected accomplishments. 
Implementation milestones
Define project milestones and critical paths to reach these milestones.
Timeline
Generate a timeline for the project including start up and funding source reporting requirements.

PROJECT COSTS/JUSTIFICATION (15 points maximum)

Budget
Complete an itemized budget listing all costs-breaking out expenses associated with the award funds, the applicant organization or group, and any other group offering actual or in-kind support for the project.


Start-up Funds
This award program does not provide monies "up front".  Rather, recipients are reimbursed for actual invoiced expenses.  Describe the strategy to be employed to insure that the project cash flow will not impede anticipated outcomes.
Competitive Bids
Solicit competitive bids for all items/costs associated with the project including any subcontractors.
Justification
Provide a justification for each major budget category.

ORGANIZATIONAL CAPABILITY (10 points maximum) 

List organizational/individual history and background of the applicant.
Include in this section history, background, experience and, if available, a mission statement.
If identified, please provide a very brief bio-sketch of key project personnel.
Collaboration
List the organizations who will collaborate in carrying out the project.
Demonstrate how other organizations will collaborate in carrying out the project.
Demonstrate how other resources besides award funds will be used to achieve the project goals and objectives.
Consumer Involvement
Discuss how, and to what extent, consumer involvement in the project has been maximized

NARRATIVE/DISCUSSION (25 points maximum)

Narrative
In narrative form, please summarize and discuss what you want to do, how you want to do it, what are the benefits and implications of the project, and how you will inform others of the accomplishments associated with this project.

Please be clear and concise.  Fully integrate all concepts/aspects of your proposal from the statement of need to all replication/reporting plans.  Explain and support the validity of the proposal thesis.  Emphasis should be given to consumer focus, unserved or underserved populations and involvement with other organizations.




EVALUATION CRITERIA AND WEIGHTS FOR SELECTING SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS

In past years, the Creative Initiative Awards have been very competitive.  Many more applications were received than could be funded.  It is vital that you keep in mind the evaluation criteria  listed below as you write your application.  Throughout the rating process for each proposal, review panelists will consider whether the application reflects a creative use of assistive technology to achieve the Creative Initiative Award program's purposes and objectives.  When conducting the reviews of each proposal, the panelists will be guided by the same considerations (as follows) that should guide each applicant.

Is each section of the proposal presented in a clear, concise fashion?  
Does each section respond to specific requests enumerated in each category?.
Is there a demonstrated consumer focus?
Does the proposal project addresses the assistive technology needs of unserved/underserved individuals with disabilities?  
To what extent have consumers been involved in the preparation of this proposal? 
To what extent are consumers involved in every phase of this proposal from planning through completion of this proposal?
What impact does this proposal have?
How does the project proposes a creative use of assistive technology which will have a positive impact in the lives of persons with disabilities?
How will the effects of the project continue after the grant funding ends, and will the project be replicable using the model developed with award funds?
Does the proposal integrate all its' concepts, components and procedures in a valid, comprehensive framework?
Does the proposal have a comprehensive management plan?
How will the project achieve its goals and objectives?  
Does the proposal demonstrate that the organization(s) applying for the grant will have the capability to implement the proposal?
Does the proposal leverage resources other than award funds?
Does the budget reflect appropriate information gathered for its construction?
Does the proposed budget adequately support the proposed activities?  
Is there discussion that demonstrates that the organization(s) applying for the grant will use non-grant, financial and/or in-kind resources to augment requested grant funding?

Is there a strategy for collaboration with other organizations?
Does the proposal demonstrate how a  range of organizations other than the lead applicant organization will be actively involved in planning, implementation and completion of the Creative Initiative project?

OPTIONAL BONUSES:  The Virginia Assistive Technology System encourages the active participation and involvement of consumers and business persons and is, therefore, providing the following incentives as a demonstration of this commitment:
Is this poposal Consumer driven?:  Consumers will be actively involved in the design, implementation and management of the applicant organization. 
5 points maximum --- BONUS --- NOT REQUIRED
Is there Business involvement?:  Business or business associations will be involved in planning and/or implementing the Creative Initiative Grant project.
     5 points maximum --- BONUS --- NOT REQUIRED


SUBMISSION PROCESS


The original and five copies of the award application must be received in the office of the Virginia Assistive Technology System no later than 5:00 p.m. on 12 November 1996.     In order to expedite access to your proposal by reviewers with visual impairments, you will be expected to provide a copy of your proposal on computer diskette, preferably in ASCII format along with your print copies.  The appropriate cover sheet and Federal Form ED 80-0013 must also accompany the application.

  Send applications to the attention of:  

Ken Knorr, Director
Virginia Assistive Technology System
Department of Rehabilitative Services 
8004 Franklin Farms Drive
P.O. Box K300
Richmond VA   23288-0300




Staff of the Virginia Assistive Technology System will be available to provide guidance by telephone to any applicant or potential applicant developing a grant application.  Interested applicants are encouraged to call  Robert Krollman at 
804/662-9994   or toll free (V/TTY) at 1 (800) 435-8490 
for information, clarification or guidance, and referral to the VATS Assistive Technology Resource Site nearest you (see list-attached).

VATS will also conduct a series of technical assistance workshops at various locations throughout the state to assist applicants in filling out this request for proposal.  Please see the schedule of these meetings listed in the timetable.

SELECTION OF SUCCESSFUL AWARD APPLICANTS

Every application will be rated as described in the "Evaluation Criteria and Weights for Selecting Successful Applicants" section by a panel including individuals with disabilities, service providers and business people.

The selection panel may request an oral presentation from applicants, and the Virginia Assistive Technology System staff may negotiate the terms of the awards.

Each applicant will be notified by mail after 23 December 1996 of the outcome of their application.

VATS reserves the right to share Creative Initiative Award applications with other funding sources which may have an interest in supporting the proposed activities.

REPORTING AND DELIVERY REQUIREMENTS

Each award recipient shall be required to submit bimonthly reports to the Virginia Assistive Technology System no later that 10 working days after the end of each reporting period.  Reports shall provide a description of progress related to the accomplishments of award project objectives and implementation plans.  Awardee must also provide required documentation detailing and substantiating the payment for all goods and services underwritten with award funds.  A final report must be submitted within 30 days of the project's completion.  The assigned award number shall be affixed to each submitted document.
Thank you.
 1997 CREATIVE INITIATIVE AWARD
COVER PAGE

   I.  Project Information
Project Title:  __________________________________________________
Geographic Area(s) Served: _______________________________________   
VATS Region(s) Served:  _________________________________________
Total Budget:..........................................................................$___________
Amount of Funding requested from VATS:............................. $___________
Funding Category:       Restricted to Depatment of Rehabilitative Services 				customers         
			      Unrestricted
  II.	Applicant Information
Individual/Organization Name: ____________________________________
Address:  _____________________________________________________
                _____________________________________________________
City: _______________________________  State: ___________________
Zip Code:  _________________
Telephone Number: (     )______________	FAX Number: (     )_________


III.  	Project Director
	Principle Contact/Title: __________________________________________
	Other Contacts/Telephone Numbers: _______________________________
	_____________________________________________________________

 IV.	Proposal/Project Abstract
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


FEDERAL FORM ED 80-0013

CERTIFICATIONS REGARDING LOBBYING; DEBARMENT, SUSPENSION AND OTHER RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS; AND DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE REQUIREMENTS

Applicants should refer to the regulations cited below to determine the certification to which they are required to attest.  Applicants should also review the instructions for certification included in the regulations before completing this form.  Signature of this form provides for compliance with certification requirements under 34 CFR Part 82, "New Restrictions on Lobbying," and 34 CFR Part 85, "Government-wide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Government-wide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants)."  The certifications shall be treated as a material representation of fact upon which reliance will be placed when the Department of Education determines to award the covered transaction, grant, or cooperative agreement.									

1.	LOBBYING
As required by Section 1352, Title 31 of the U.S. Code, and implemented at 34 CFR Part 82, for persons entering into a grant or cooperative agreement over $100,000, as defined at 34 CFR Part 82.105 and 82.110, the applicant certifies that:
(a) No Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid, by or on behalf of the undersigned, to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with the making of any Federal grant, the entering into of any cooperative agreement, and the extension, continuation, renewal, amendment, or modification of any Federal grant or cooperative agreement;

(b) If any funds other than Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this Federal grant or cooperative agreement, the undersigned shall complete and submit Standard Form -LLL, "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying," in accordance with its instructions;
 (c) The undersigned shall require that the language of this certification be included in the award documents for all subawards at all tiers (including subgrants, contracts under grants and cooperative agreements, and subcontracts) and that all subrecipients shall certify and disclose accordingly.

2.	DEBARMENT, SUSPENSION, AND OTHER RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS

As required by Executive Order 12549, Debarment and Suspension, and implemented at 34 CFR Part 85, for prospective participants in primary covered transactions, as defined at 34 CFR Part 85, Sections 85.105 and 85.110 --

A.	The applicant certifies that its principals:
(a) Are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from covered transactions by any Federal department or agency;
(b) Have not within a three-year period preceding this application been convicted of or had a civil judgment rendered against them for commission of fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a public (Federal, State, or local) transaction to contract under a public transaction; violation of Federal or State antitrust statutes or commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making false statements, or receiving stolen property;

(c) Are not presently indicted for or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a governmental entity (Federal, State, or local) with commission of any of the offenses enumerated in paragraph (1)(b) of this certification; and
 (d) Have not within a three-year period preceding this application had one or more public transactions (Federal, State, or local) terminated for cause or default; and

B.	Where the applicant is unable to certify to any of the statements in this certification, he or she shall attach an explanation to this application.
3.	DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE
	(GRANTEES OTHER THAN INDIVIDUALS)

As required by the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, and implemented at 34 CFR Part 85, Subpart F, for grantees, as defined at 34 CFR Part 85, Sections 85.605 and 85.610 --

A.	The applicant certifies that it will or will continue to provide a drug-free workplace by:

(a) Publishing a statement notifying employees that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the grantee's workplace and specifying the actions that will be taken against employees for violation of such prohibition;

(b) Establishing an on-going drug-free awareness program to inform employees about --

(1) The dangers of drug abuse in the workplace;

(2) The grantee's policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace;

(3) Any available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs; and
(4) The penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug abuse violations occurring in the workplace;

(c) Making it a requirement that each employee to be engaged in the performance of the grant be given a copy of the statement required by paragraph (a);

(d) Notifying the employee in the statement required by paragraph (a) that, as a condition of employment under the grant, the employee will --

(1) Abide by the terms of the statement; and

(2) Notify the employer in writing of his or her conviction for a violation of a criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace no later than five calendar days after such conviction;
 (e) Notifying the agency, in writing, within 10 calendar days after receiving notice under subparagraph (d)(2) from an employee or otherwise receiving actual notice of such conviction.  Employers of convicted employees must provide notice, including position title, to:  Director, Grants and Contracts Service, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W. (Room 3124, GSA Regional Office Building No. 3), Washington, DC 20202-4571.  Notice shall include the identification number(s) of each affected grant;

(f) Taking one of the following actions, within 30 calendar days or receiving notice under subparagraph (d)(2), with respect to any employee who is so convicted--

(1) Taking appropriate personnel action against such an employee, up to and including termination, consistent with the requirements of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; or

(2) Requiring such employee to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved for such purposes by a Federal, State, or local health, law enforcement, or other appropriate agency;

(g) Making a good faith effort to continue to maintain a drug-free workplace through implementation of paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), and (f).

B.	The grantee may insert in the space provided below the site(s) for the performance of work done in connection with the specific grant:

Place of Performance (Street address, city, county, state, zip code)

Check  if there are workplaces on file that are not identified here.

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE
(GRANTEES WHO ARE INDIVIDUALS)
As required by the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, and implemented at 34 CFR Part 85, Subpart F, for grantees, as defined at 34 CRF Part 85, Sections 85.605 and 85.610--

A.	As a condition of the grant, I certify that I will not engage in the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance in conducting any activity with the grant; and

B.	If convicted of a criminal drug offense resulting from a violation occurring during the conduct of any grant activity, I will report the conviction, in writing, within 10 calendar days of the conviction, to:  Director, Grants and Contracts Service, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W. (Room 3124, GSA Regional Office Building No. 3), Washington, DC 20202-4571.  Notice shall include the identification number(s) of each affected grant.


As the duly authorized representative of the applicant, I hereby certify that the applicant will comply with the above certifications.

NAME OF APPLICANT																																			
PR/AWARD NUMBER AND/OR PROJECT NAME																															
PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OR AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE																																		
SIGNATURE_____________________________																																							
DATE_____________________																		

ED 80-0013




CENTRAL OFFICE & REGIONAL SITES
Virginia Assistive Technology System
8004 Franklin Farms Drive
Post Office Box  K-300
Richmond, Virginia  23288-0300
(804) 662-9990 (Local voice/text telephone)
(800) 435-8490 (Toll free voice/text telephone)
(800) 238-7955 (Toll free computer modem)
(804) 662-9478 (FAX)

Virginia Assistive Technology System
Central Virginia Regional Site
c/o University of Virginia Medical Center
Blue Ridge Hospital - Box 36
Route 20 South
Charlottesville, Virginia  22901
(804) 924-0041                                          (804) 296-4385 (Text Telephone)
(804) 924-2439 (FAX)

Virginia Assistive Technology System
Southwest Virginia Regional Sites
Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center      Appalachian Independence Center
Communications Department                                              230 Charwood Drive
            Fishersville, Virginia  22939                                            Abingdon, Virginia  24210
          (540)  332-7086                                                                (540)  628-2979
      (540)  332-7307 (FAX)                                                     (540)  628-4931 (FAX)

Virginia Assistive Technology System
Southeast Virginia Regional Site
c/o College of Education-Old Dominion University
Norfolk, Virginia  23529-0156
 (804) 683-5773                                                (804) 683-5406  (FAX)

Virginia Assistive Technology System
Northern Virginia Regional Site
c/o Center for Human disAbilities-George Mason University
4400 University Drive-MS1F2
Fairfax, Virginia  22030-4444
(800) 333-7958 (Toll Free)
(703) 993-3670                   (703) 993-3681  (FAX)




1997 Creative Initiative Award Application Packet        Page 15 of 15


