Proposed Waivers and Extensions of Project Period Funding for American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Programs

The U.S. Department of Education is proposing to waive two standard administrative rules that normally prevent federal grant project periods from exceeding five years and bar project extensions that require additional federal funding. This proposal specifically targets 43 American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services (AIVRS) projects under ALN 84.250N and one American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Training and Technical Assistance Center (AIVRTTAC) under ALN 84.250Z, all of which are currently in their fifth and final grant year. Without this waiver, these 44 projects would be required to cease federally funded operations at the end of their current project period. The proposed extension would allow continued federal funding for these programs beyond the standard five-year limit, with a hard deadline of September 30, 2027. The waiver is grounded in the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), which set the default limits on project periods and extension funding. By carving out an exception to these rules, the Department aims to ensure continuity of vocational rehabilitation services for American Indian individuals with disabilities, avoiding a funding gap that could disrupt critical employment and training support. This is a proposed rule, meaning it is currently open for public comment before being finalized. Affected grantees and stakeholders are expected to have an opportunity to respond before the Department issues a final determination.

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