NCTI Technology in the Works

Collaborative Short Term Competition

Update: 6/24/05 The competition is now closed and we are no longer accepting submissions. Judging is currently underway. Up to four teams will be selected to conduct studies. Notification of all decisions will be released by July 15, 2005

The mission of the National Center for Technology Innovation (NCTI) is to advance learning opportunities for individuals with disabilities by fostering technology innovation. We seek to broaden and enrich the field by providing resources and promoting partnerships for the development of tools and applications by researchers, developers, and vendors.

NCTI will award up to four subcontracts of $15,000 each for short-term quasi-experimental evaluation studies of K-12 instructional and/or assistive technology. The following information describes the purpose of the awards, including the proposal submission criteria and review process.

*Please consult the list of FAQs compiled from inquiries about the Technology in the Works competition. Updated 6/9/2005

Purpose | Eligibility | Exclusions | Letter of Intent | Proposal | Review Process and Notification | Contact

I. Purpose

The purpose of this effort is to foster collaborative research that will test the effectiveness of technology products in improving learning outcomes for K-12 students with disabilities.

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II. Eligibility

• Collaboration team. Applicants must propose a collaborative study involving at least one researcher and at least one vendor to examine the effectiveness of a technology product in improving educational results for individuals with disabilities. The technology product should be innovative, beneficial for individuals with disabilities, and have market-wide availability. The collaboration must involve matching funds (at least $15,000) from at least one of the parties involved in the study.
• Research plan. Applicants must submit a short and detailed plan for conducting the proposed research.
• Past research experience. Applicants must submit evidence of previously conducted research.
• Participation in NCTI Conference. Awarded applicants must agree to present study and/or findings at the Technology Innovators Conference on November 16-18, 2005.
• Availability of findings. Awarded applicants must share the findings of the research supported by this subcontract through the NCTI website and other venues.

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III. Exclusions

NCTI will not make subcontracts to:

• Government agencies
• Individuals
• Lobbyists
• Members of the NCTI advisory board

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IV. Letter of Intent

A letter of intent to submit an application will be appreciated, but not required, for a complete submission. Please submit a one page letter via email to kwells@air.org by 5:00 p.m. EDT on or before June 10, 2005. Indicate the technology to be investigated and the key parties that will be collaborating. This intent is not binding for the proposal, but is intended to assist NCTI with planning the review process.

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V. Proposal

A complete proposal includes two components:

VI. Review Process and Notification

Completed proposals postmarked on or before June 24, 2005 will be evaluated by a review panel of experts in the field. Applications will not be returned. Up to four teams will be selected to conduct studies, and notification of all decisions will be released by July 15, 2005.

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VII. Contact Information

For further information, please contact Katie Wells at KWells@air.org or (202) 403-5044.