Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program: Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center

The Administration for Community Living, within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research, is offering funding under the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects Program to establish and operate a Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center. This program is authorized under Title II of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and is designed to support research and technical assistance activities that enhance the translation and dissemination of rehabilitation research findings. The initiative focuses on improving outcomes for individuals with spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and burn injury by ensuring that research findings are effectively communicated and utilized by key stakeholders. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to create a centralized knowledge translation center that advances the uptake and use of research generated by NIDILRR-funded Model Systems programs. The funded entity will be responsible for synthesizing research, developing accessible informational products, and disseminating these resources to a wide range of users including individuals with disabilities, caregivers, clinicians, policymakers, and researchers. The program emphasizes the importance of ensuring that research outputs are relevant, understandable, and actionable, aligning with broader federal priorities related to health, employment, and community integration. Funding under this opportunity is structured as a single award with an expected annual funding level between 845000 and 850000 dollars, distributed over five 12-month budget periods for a total project duration of 60 months. Allowable activities include conducting research on knowledge translation methods, providing technical assistance, producing research syntheses, and maintaining a central dissemination platform including websites and databases. Restrictions apply to certain costs such as construction and activities that do not align with federal policy requirements. There is no cost-sharing requirement, although voluntary cost sharing may be included but is not considered in the review process. Eligible applicants include a broad range of entities such as state governments, public and private organizations, institutions of higher education, tribal organizations, and for-profit entities. Individuals and foreign entities are not eligible. Applicants must propose a project that fully meets the requirements outlined in the program description, including collaboration with existing Model Systems grantees and compliance with accessibility standards such as Section 508 and WCAG guidelines. The program encourages partnerships and emphasizes the importance of stakeholder engagement throughout the project lifecycle. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and includes several components such as a project abstract, project narrative, budget justification, and supporting attachments including a data management plan and biosketches. Applicants must also ensure that they are registered with SAM.gov and Grants.gov prior to submission. An optional notice of intent is requested prior to the full application deadline. Applications are evaluated through a two-stage review process consisting of an initial responsiveness screening followed by a merit review based on criteria such as research design, dissemination strategies, collaboration, and organizational capacity. Key dates for this opportunity include an optional notice of intent due on July 15, 2026, and a full application deadline of July 29, 2026. Awards are expected to be issued by September 1, 2026, which also marks the anticipated project start date. The project period extends through August 31, 2031. An informational conference call is scheduled to support prospective applicants, and agency contacts are provided for programmatic and financial inquiries.

Ensure strong alignment with ACL priorities; demonstrate rigorous research design and clear dissemination strategies; emphasize collaboration with model systems and stakeholder engagement; maintain compliance with accessibility and federal policy requirements