Tech in the Works Frequently Asked Questions

Awards will be given to fund quick turnaround collaborative research that informs the development of assistive and learning technologies that can improve educational results for all students, particularly those with disabilities. See the Call for Proposals for more information about this competition.

Q: What should be included in the cover letter?

The cover letter should be on your letterhead and state the collaborating partners and generally what you plan to do and with what technology. It should be signed by the lead on the proposal — whomever is planning to be the contact and fiduciary agent.

Q: Do you require a review of literature surrounding the problem which the team plans to investigate?

We do not require a full literature review, but certainly a theoretical foundation with citations would be appropriate.

Q: I am a researcher based outside of the U.S. Am I still eligible for this grant? 

NCTI is funded by the U.S. Department of Education; therefore, the fiscal agent should be a U.S.-based entity. However, a project with a research setting in the U.S. and employing a collaboration with a U.S.-based vendor would be eligible for consideration. 

Q: Can I collaborate with a vendor based outside of the U.S. in applying for this grant?

Because NCTI is funded by the U.S. Department of Education, we are limited to funding U.S. projects. However, a vendor with a U.S.-based distributor or collaborator would be acceptable. We would encourage applicants in cases such as this to pursue additional collaboration with an additional, separate U.S.-based entity as well, and to consult with NCTI staff about the specific collaborative arrangement prior to submitting a letter of intent.

Q: The “Resumes” section of the Technology in the Works RFP contains language stating that there is a three page limit for resumes. Is that for all staff combined or does each individual have a 3 page limit?

The three page limit is per resume.

Q: I would like to propose something that is unlike what you funded previously. Are you open to new technologies and applications?

Absolutely! Feel free to call us and run an idea by us, but our criteria really is about innovative technology that has benefit for students with disabilities but could have wide market appeal.

Q: Can the proposal come from a vendor instead of the research group?

Yes, the proposal may come from the vendor — it does not matter which partner initiates the proposal.

Q: Are you looking for projects that report impact data for children? Or could we propose something that impacts teaching or service provision?

We are looking for research results that focus on the effectiveness of a particular technology or intervention for children that can be studied over a short period of time.

Q: I am a developer with a product that would be appropriate for this competition. However, I am in need of a research partner. How should I go about fulfilling this requirement of the competition?

NCTI developed the Yellow Pages directory, which is designed to help stakeholders make connections within the field. Those in search of a collaboration partner are encouraged to utilize this resource. Vendors in search of a research partner can search for a researcher based on project focus, audience, and/or keyword.

Q: What qualifications, experience, or credentials must researchers have to be eligible for the competition?

Applicants must submit evidence of previously conducted research that reflects their ability to disseminate and publish findings. Graduate students with research experience are eligible to serve as research partners and are strongly encouraged to apply.

Q: Will NCTI claim intellectual property rights to findings generated by grantees?

NCTI will not claim intellectual property rights for findings generated through research collaborations. However, per competition guidelines, all awardees are required to share findings at the 2010 NCTI conference and submit a final report to NCTI that includes findings. Findings from research collaborations will be shared through the NCTI website and other venues such as conference presentations. Although findings must be made available for NCTI use, the collaboration team will be credited for the research.

Q: I am interested in partnering with a vendor who has been funded by this competition in the past. I see that vendors can be proposed again, but not the same product. What if the product has a new version or an update, does that disqualify it from being proposed in this years’ competition?

Please recognize that NCTI has very limited funds for this annual competition. We strongly encourage applicants to consider new products or different products from those vendors who have been funded in the past rather than studying a new version of the same product.

Q: The RFP states that funds may not be used to purchase hardware or software. How should those funds me spent? What does this mean?

This grant is intended to fund collaborative research that informs the development of learning and assistive technologies that can improve educational results for all students, particularly those with disabilities. The grant is not a capacity building grant (e.g. purchasing 30 computers for a school). Using grants fund to purchase a technology product to examine the effectiveness of that product in improving educational results for all students, particularly those with disabilities, is an appropriate use of funds.

If you have additional questions about the 2010 Technology in the Works competition, please contact Rachel Goins at rgoins@air.org or (202) 403-5604.