Part D—National Network of University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service

§15061. Grant authority

(a) National network

From appropriations authorized under section 15066(a)(1) of this title, the Secretary shall make 5-year grants to entities in each State designated as University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service to carry out activities described in section 15063(a) of this title.

(b) National training initiatives

From appropriations authorized under section 15066(a)(1) of this title and reserved under section 15066(a)(2) of this title, the Secretary shall make grants to Centers to carry out activities described in section 15063(b) of this title.

(c) Technical assistance

From appropriations authorized under section 15066(a)(1) of this title and reserved under section 15066(a)(3) of this title (or from funds reserved under section 15083 of this title, as appropriate), the Secretary shall enter into 1 or more cooperative agreements or contracts for the purpose of providing technical assistance described in section 15063(c) of this title.

(Pub. L. 106–402, title I, §151, Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1719.)

§15062. Grant awards

(a) Existing Centers

(1) In general

In awarding and distributing grant funds under section 15061(a)of this title for a fiscal year, the Secretary, subject to the availability of appropriations and the condition specified in subsection (d), shall award and distribute grant funds in equal amounts of $500,000 (adjusted in accordance with subsection (b)), to each Center that existed during the preceding fiscal year and that meets the requirements of this part, prior to making grants under subsection (c) or (d).

(2) Reduction of award

Notwithstanding paragraph (1), if the aggregate of the funds to be awarded to the Centers pursuant to paragraph (1) for any fiscal year exceeds the total amount appropriated under section 15066 of this title for such fiscal year, the amount to be awarded to each Center for such fiscal year shall be proportionately reduced.

(b) Adjustments

Subject to the availability of appropriations, for any fiscal year following a year in which each Center described in subsection (a) received a grant award of not less than $500,000 under subsection (a) (adjusted in accordance with this subsection), the Secretary shall adjust the awards to take into account the most recent percentage change in the Consumer Price Index published by the Secretary of Labor under section 720(c)(1) of title 29 (if the percentage change indicates an increase), prior to making grants under subsection (c) or (d).

(c) National training initiatives on critical and emerging needs

Subject to the availability of appropriations, for any fiscal year in which each Center described in subsection (a) receives a grant award of not less than $500,000, under subsection (a) (adjusted in accordance with subsection (b)), after making the grant awards, the Secretary shall make grants under section 15061(b) of this title to Centers to pay for the Federal share of the cost of training initiatives related to the unmet needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, as described in section 15063(b) of this title.

(d) Additional grants

For any fiscal year in which each Center described in subsection (a) receives a grant award of not less than $500,000 under subsection (a) (adjusted in accordance with subsection (b)), after making the grant awards, the Secretary may make grants under section 15061(a) of this title for activities described in section 15063(a) of this title to additional Centers, or additional grants to Centers, for States or populations that are unserved or underserved by Centers due to such factors as—

(1) population;

(2) a high concentration of rural or urban areas; or

(3) a high concentration of unserved or underserved populations.

(Pub. L. 106–402, title I, §152, Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1719.)

§15063. Purpose and scope of activities

(a) National network of University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service

(1) In general

In order to provide leadership in, advise Federal, State, and community policymakers about, and promote opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities to exercise self-determination, be independent, be productive, and be integrated and included in all facets of community life, the Secretary shall award grants to eligible entities designated as Centers in each State to pay for the Federal share of the cost of the administration and operation of the Centers. The Centers shall be interdisciplinary education, research, and public service units of universities (as defined by the Secretary) or public or not-for-profit entities associated with universities that engage in core functions, described in paragraph (2), addressing, directly or indirectly, 1 or more of the areas of emphasis.

(2) Core functions

The core functions referred to in paragraph (1) shall include the following:

(A) Provision of interdisciplinary pre-service preparation and continuing education of students and fellows, which may include the preparation and continuing education of leadership, direct service, clinical, or other personnel to strengthen and increase the capacity of States and communities to achieve the purpose of this subchapter.

(B) Provision of community services—

(i) that provide training or technical assistance for individuals with developmental disabilities, their families, professionals, paraprofessionals, policymakers, students, and other members of the community; and

(ii) that may provide services, supports, and assistance for the persons described in clause (i) through demonstration and model activities.

(C) Conduct of research, which may include basic or applied research, evaluation, and the analysis of public policy in areas that affect or could affect, either positively or negatively, individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

(D) Dissemination of information related to activities undertaken to address the purpose of this subchapter, especially dissemination of information that demonstrates that the network authorized under this part is a national and international resource that includes specific substantive areas of expertise that may be accessed and applied in diverse settings and circumstances.

(b) National training initiatives on critical and emerging needs

(1) Supplemental grants

After consultation with relevant, informed sources, including individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, the Secretary shall award, under section 15061(b) of this title, supplemental grants to Centers to pay for the Federal share of the cost of training initiatives related to the unmet needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. The Secretary shall make the grants on a competitive basis, and for periods of not more than 5 years.

(2) Establishment of consultation process by the Secretary

Not later than 1 year after October 30, 2000, the Secretary shall establish a consultation process that, on an ongoing basis, allows the Secretary to identify and address, through supplemental grants authorized under paragraph (1), training initiatives related to the unmet needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

(c) Technical assistance

In order to strengthen and support the national network of Centers, the Secretary may enter into 1 or more cooperative agreements or contracts to—

(1) assist in national and international dissemination of specific information from multiple Centers and, in appropriate cases, other entities whose work affects the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities;

(2) compile, analyze, and disseminate state-of-the-art training, research, and demonstration results policies, and practices from multiple Centers and, in appropriate cases, other entities whose work affects the lives of persons with developmental disabilities;

(3) convene experts from multiple Centers to discuss and make recommendations with regard to national emerging needs of individuals with developmental disabilities;

(4)(A) develop portals that link users with every Center's website; and

(B) facilitate electronic information sharing using state-of-the-art Internet technologies such as real-time online discussions, multipoint video conferencing, and web-based audio/video broadcasts, on emerging topics that impact individuals with disabilities and their families;

(5) serve as a research-based resource for Federal and State policymakers on information concerning and issues impacting individuals with developmental disabilities and entities that assist or serve those individuals; or

(6) undertake any other functions that the Secretary determines to be appropriate;

to promote the viability and use of the resources and expertise of the Centers nationally and internationally.

(Pub. L. 106–402, title I, §153, Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1720.)

§15064. Applications

(a) Applications for core Center grants

(1) In general

To be eligible to receive a grant under section 15061(a) of this title for a Center, an entity shall submit to the Secretary, and obtain approval of, an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information, as the Secretary may require.

(2) Application contents

Each application described in paragraph (1) shall describe a 5-year plan, including a projected goal related to 1 or more areas of emphasis for each of the core functions described in section 15063(a) of this title.

(3) Assurances

The application shall be approved by the Secretary only if the application contains or is supported by reasonable assurances that the entity designated as the Center will—

(A) meet regulatory standards as established by the Secretary for Centers;

(B) address the projected goals, and carry out goal-related activities, based on data driven strategic planning and in a manner consistent with the objectives of this part, that—

(i) are developed in collaboration with the consumer advisory committee established pursuant to subparagraph (E);

(ii) are consistent with, and to the extent feasible complement and further, the Council goals contained in the State plan submitted under section 15024 of this title and the system goals established under section 15043 of this title; and

(iii) will be reviewed and revised annually as necessary to address emerging trends and needs;

(C) use the funds made available through the grant to supplement, and not supplant, the funds that would otherwise be made available for activities described in section 15063(a) of this title;

(D) protect, consistent with the policy specified in section 15001(c) of this title (relating to rights of individuals with developmental disabilities), the legal and human rights of all individuals with developmental disabilities (especially those individuals under State guardianship) who are involved in activities carried out under programs assisted under this part;

(E) establish a consumer advisory committee—

(i) of which a majority of the members shall be individuals with developmental disabilities and family members of such individuals;

(ii) that is comprised of—

(I) individuals with developmental disabilities and related disabilities;

(II) family members of individuals with developmental disabilities;

(III) a representative of the State protection and advocacy system;

(IV) a representative of the State Council on Developmental Disabilities;

(V) a representative of a self-advocacy organization described in section 15024(c)(4)(A)(ii)(I) of this title; and

(VI) representatives of organizations that may include parent training and information centers assisted under section 1471 or 1472 of title 20, entities carrying out activities authorized under section 3003 or 3004 of title 29, relevant State agencies, and other community groups concerned with the welfare of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families;

(iii) that reflects the racial and ethnic diversity of the State; and

(iv) that shall—

(I) consult with the Director of the Center regarding the development of the 5-year plan, and shall participate in an annual review of, and comment on, the progress of the Center in meeting the projected goals contained in the plan, and shall make recommendations to the Director of the Center regarding any proposed revisions of the plan that might be necessary; and

(II) meet as often as necessary to carry out the role of the committee, but at a minimum twice during each grant year;

(F) to the extent possible, utilize the infrastructure and resources obtained through funds made available under the grant to leverage additional public and private funds to successfully achieve the projected goals developed in the 5-year plan;

(G)(i) have a director with appropriate academic credentials, demonstrated leadership, expertise regarding developmental disabilities, significant experience in managing grants and contracts, and the ability to leverage public and private funds; and

(ii) allocate adequate staff time to carry out activities related to each of the core functions described in section 15063(a) of this title; and

(H) educate, and disseminate information related to the purpose of this subchapter to, the legislature of the State in which the Center is located, and to Members of Congress from such State.

(b) Supplemental grant applications pertaining to national training initiatives in critical and emerging needs

To be eligible to receive a supplemental grant under section 15061(b) of this title, a Center may submit a supplemental application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require, pursuant to the terms and conditions set by the Secretary consistent with section 15063(b) of this title.

(c) Peer review

(1) In general

The Secretary shall require that all applications submitted under this part be subject to technical and qualitative review by peer review groups established under paragraph (2). The Secretary may approve an application under this part only if such application has been recommended by a peer review group that has conducted the peer review required under this paragraph. In conducting the review, the group may conduct onsite visits or inspections of related activities as necessary.

(2) Establishment of peer review groups

(A) In general

The Secretary, acting through the Commissioner of the Administration on Developmental Disabilities, may, notwithstanding—

(i) the provisions of title 5 concerning appointments to the competitive service; and

(ii) the provisions of chapter 51, and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5 concerning classification and General Schedule pay rates;

establish such peer review groups and appoint and set the rates of pay of members of such groups.

(B) Composition

Each peer review group shall include such individuals with disabilities and parents, guardians, or advocates of or for individuals with developmental disabilities, as are necessary to carry out this subsection.

(3) Waivers of approval

The Secretary may waive the provisions of paragraph (1) with respect to review and approval of an application if the Secretary determines that exceptional circumstances warrant such a waiver.

(d) Federal share

(1) In general

The Federal share of the cost of administration or operation of a Center, or the cost of carrying out a training initiative, supported by a grant made under this part may not be more than 75 percent of the necessary cost of such project, as determined by the Secretary.

(2) Urban or rural poverty areas

In the case of a project whose activities or products target individuals with developmental disabilities who live in an urban or rural poverty area, as determined by the Secretary, the Federal share of the cost of the project may not be more than 90 percent of the necessary costs of the project, as determined by the Secretary.

(3) Grant expenditures

For the purpose of determining the Federal share with respect to the project, expenditures on that project by a political subdivision of a State or by a public or private entity shall, subject to such limitations and conditions as the Secretary may by regulation prescribe under section 15004(b) of this title, be considered to be expenditures made by a Center under this part.

(e) Annual report

Each Center shall annually prepare and transmit to the Secretary a report containing—

(1) information on progress made in achieving the projected goals of the Center for the previous year, including—

(A) the extent to which the goals were achieved;

(B) a description of the strategies that contributed to achieving the goals;

(C) to the extent to which the goals were not achieved, a description of factors that impeded the achievement; and

(D) an accounting of the manner in which funds paid to the Center under this part for a fiscal year were expended;

(2) information on proposed revisions to the goals; and

(3) a description of successful efforts to leverage funds, other than funds made available under this part, to pursue goals consistent with this part.

(Pub. L. 106–402, title I, §154, Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1722; Pub. L. 108–364, §3(a)(4), Oct. 25, 2004, 118 Stat. 1737; Pub. L. 108–446, title III, §305(n)(2), Dec. 3, 2004, 118 Stat. 2806.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2004—Subsec. (a)(3)(E)(ii)(VI). Pub. L. 108–446 substituted "section 1471 or 1472 of title 20" for "section 1482 or 1483 of title 20".

Pub. L. 108–364 substituted "section 3003 or 3004 of title 29" for "section 3011 or 3012 of title 29".

§15065. Definition

In this part, the term "State" means each of the several States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, and Guam.

(Pub. L. 106–402, title I, §155, Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1725.)

§15066. Authorization of appropriations

(a) Authorization and reservations

(1) Authorization

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this part (other than section 15063(c)(4) of this title) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2001 and such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2007.

(2) Reservation for training initiatives

From any amount appropriated for a fiscal year under paragraph (1) and remaining after each Center described in section 15062(a) of this title has received a grant award of not less than $500,000, as described in section 15062 of this title, the Secretary shall reserve funds for the training initiatives authorized under section 15063(b) of this title.

(3) Reservation for technical assistance

(A) Years before appropriation trigger

For any covered year, the Secretary shall reserve funds in accordance with section 15083(c) of this title to fund technical assistance activities under section 15063(c) of this title (other than section 15063(c)(4) of this title).

(B) Years after appropriation trigger

For any fiscal year that is not a covered year, the Secretary shall reserve not less than $300,000 and not more than 2 percent of the amount appropriated under paragraph (1) to fund technical assistance activities under section 15063(c) of this title (other than section 15063(c)(4) of this title).

(C) Covered year

In this paragraph, the term "covered year" means a fiscal year prior to the first fiscal year for which the amount appropriated under paragraph (1) is not less than $20,000,000.

(b) Limitation

The Secretary may not use, for peer review or other activities directly related to peer review conducted under this part—

(1) for fiscal year 2001, more than $300,000 of the funds made available under subsection (a); and

(2) for any succeeding fiscal year, more than the amount of funds used for the peer review and related activities in fiscal year 2001, adjusted to take into account the most recent percentage change in the Consumer Price Index published by the Secretary of Labor under section 720(c)(1) of title 29 (if the percentage change indicates an increase).

(Pub. L. 106–402, title I, §156, Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1725.)