Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on Disability Statistics and Demographics | HHS 2023 ACL NIDILRR RTGE 0028

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is this grant opportunity called?

This opportunity funds a Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on Disability Statistics and Demographics under the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program.

2) Which federal agency is offering the grant?

The grant is offered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Community Living (ACL), through the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).

3) What is the main purpose of the RRTC on Disability Statistics and Demographics?

The purpose is to strengthen the evidence base that supports the goals of the Rehabilitation Act by funding a specialized center that combines research, training, technical assistance, and dissemination to improve the production, analysis, and real-world use of disability statistics and demographic information.

4) What is the core idea behind funding an RRTC for disability statistics and demographics?

The core idea is to ensure disability-related services and policies are guided by stronger, more usable data by supporting a center that generates research and also translates findings into practical resources that stakeholders can apply.

5) What types of work is the funded center expected to perform?

The center is expected to conduct research, provide training, deliver technical assistance, and disseminate information and tools so that disability data are easier to find, interpret, and apply in policy and practice settings.

6) What kinds of datasets are specifically mentioned as a focus for analysis?

The opportunity highlights analyzing nationally representative datasets that contain disability-relevant measures.

7) Does the opportunity emphasize survey methodology improvements?

Yes. A stated activity is strengthening survey methods so they more accurately capture the experiences of people with a wide range of disabilities.

8) What is meant by "knowledge translation" in this opportunity?

Knowledge translation refers to translating research findings into practical products that can actually be used, including making disability data resources easier to find, interpret, and apply. The intent is to bridge the gap between technical statistical work and day-to-day policy and practice needs.

9) Who is expected to benefit from the work of the funded center?

The work is intended to benefit people with disabilities directly, as well as family members and caregivers, rehabilitation and human service professionals, policymakers, advocates, and other systems-level decision-makers who rely on high-quality population data.

10) How does this RRTC support public policy and service delivery?

By advancing the use and usefulness of disability data, the center is expected to help stakeholders better understand the experiences of people with disabilities and design policies and practices that expand opportunity and ensure appropriate accommodations.

11) What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is HHS 2023 ACL NIDILRR RTGE 0028.

12) What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is listed under CFDA 93.433.

13) What is the activity category for this grant?

The activity category is science and technology and other research and development.

14) How many awards did NIDILRR plan to make under this opportunity?

NIDILRR planned to make a single award in FY 2023.

15) What is the maximum expected award amount (ceiling)?

The expected award ceiling is $875,000.

16) What is the total project period for the grant?

The project period is five years (60 months total).

17) How is the project period structured for budgeting and reporting purposes?

The 60-month project period is broken into five separate 12-month budget periods, supporting long-term research continuity along with annual performance and budgeting checkpoints.

18) What types of organizations are eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad and includes: state, county, and city or township governments; special district governments; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status; for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); small businesses; and other entities as allowed under the opportunity's additional eligibility provisions.

19) Are both nonprofit and for-profit organizations eligible?

Yes. The opportunity lists nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status) and for-profit organizations (other than small businesses), and it also separately includes small businesses as eligible.

20) Are institutions of higher education eligible to apply?

Yes. Both public/state-controlled institutions of higher education and private institutions of higher education are listed as eligible applicants.

21) Are tribal governments and tribal organizations eligible?

Yes. Federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations are included in the eligibility list.

22) When was this funding opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on April 4, 2023.

23) What was the original application closing date?

The original closing date was June 5, 2023.

24) How were applications required to be submitted?

Applications were required to be submitted electronically.

25) What was the submission deadline time zone and cutoff time?

Electronic submissions were due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the due date.

26) What is the overall program context for this RRTC?

This RRTC sits within NIDILRR's Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program and is intended to strengthen evidence supporting the goals of the Rehabilitation Act.

27) What makes this award "discretionary"?

The opportunity is described as a discretionary federal grant opportunity, meaning it is awarded competitively under the agency's grantmaking authority rather than being distributed by a fixed formula.