Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Model Systems National Data and Statistical 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 to support the Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems National Data and Statistical Center. This opportunity is rooted in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and reflects a long-standing federal commitment to improving outcomes for individuals living with spinal cord injuries. The funding supports a centralized research and technical assistance center responsible for maintaining and advancing a national longitudinal database that tracks the experiences, health outcomes, and life trajectories of individuals with spinal cord injuries across the United States. The purpose of this grant is to enhance the rigor, efficiency, and impact of research related to spinal cord injuries by supporting the continued development and management of the National Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems Database. This database, which includes data collected from multiple model system centers nationwide, serves as a critical resource for understanding long-term outcomes and informing evidence-based practices in rehabilitation. The selected grantee will be responsible for maintaining data integrity, improving data quality, supporting efficient data collection, and ensuring accessibility and usability of the data for researchers and stakeholders. Funding is structured as a single award with an expected annual amount of approximately 800000 dollars over five consecutive 12 month budget periods, resulting in a total project period of 60 months. Funds may be used for activities aligned with maintaining and enhancing the database, providing training and technical assistance to participating centers, supporting methodological consultation, and ensuring compliance with accessibility standards. However, funds may not be used for construction, major rehabilitation, or certain restricted activities such as those related to prohibited policy areas outlined in federal regulations. There is no cost sharing requirement, though voluntary cost sharing, if proposed, must be honored post award. Eligibility is limited to organizations rather than individuals, including state governments, public or private agencies, institutions of higher education, tribal organizations, and for profit entities. Applicants must propose to operate the national data and statistical center and meet all responsiveness criteria outlined in the program description. Applications from individuals, foreign entities, or those exceeding budget or duration limits will be disqualified. Applicants must also maintain active registrations with SAM.gov and Grants.gov and submit all required application components electronically. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov by the stated deadline, with optional submission of a notice of intent prior to the full application. Required components include a project abstract, a detailed project narrative addressing specific evaluation criteria, a budget narrative, and multiple supporting documents such as a data management plan and commitment letters. The project narrative is central to the review process and must clearly demonstrate responsiveness to program priorities, alignment with strategic goals, and a comprehensive plan for implementation and evaluation. Applications undergo a two phase review process, beginning with an initial screening for compliance followed by a merit based evaluation scored across multiple criteria including responsiveness, project design, staffing, and resource adequacy. Final award decisions consider not only merit scores but also alignment with agency priorities, past performance, and overall funding availability. The anticipated award start date is September 1, 2026, with ongoing reporting and compliance requirements throughout the project period. Applicants may contact designated program and financial officers for guidance during the application process.

Ensure strong alignment with ACL strategic priorities; clearly address all required outcomes for the data center; provide detailed and feasible work plan; demonstrate data quality and technical assistance capacity; meet all formatting and page requirements