Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on Disability in Rural Communities | HHS 2018 ACL NIDILRR RTCP 0249

Opportunity Information: Apply for HHS 2018 ACL NIDILRR RTCP 0249

The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on Disability in Rural Communities is a discretionary grant opportunity from 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). It sits within the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program and is classified under the Science and Technology and other Research and Development funding activity category (CFDA 93.433). The core intent of the RRTC program is to strengthen the goals of the Rehabilitation Act by improving how rehabilitation and related disability services work in practice, using a mix of rigorous research, training, technical assistance, and active dissemination so that findings actually reach the people and organizations that can use them.

This specific RRTC competition focuses on disability in rural communities and is aimed at generating new, research-based knowledge that can be used to improve real-world outcomes for people with disabilities who live in rural areas. The opportunity emphasizes outcomes in one or more of three domains: community living and participation (for example, inclusion, access to services, transportation, and civic or social engagement), employment (such as job access, retention, advancement, and supports that work in rural labor markets), and health and function (including health outcomes, functional independence, and access to health-related supports in settings where services may be limited or far away). The overall expectation is that the center will not only study problems but also produce practical, evidence-informed strategies that rehabilitation providers, community organizations, and policymakers can apply to reduce barriers that are especially common in rural contexts.

Because it is an RRTC, the grant is designed around a center model rather than a single standalone study. In practical terms, this typically means applicants are expected to propose a coordinated program of research and related activities that may include multiple projects, workforce or stakeholder training, technical assistance to relevant systems, and strong dissemination plans that translate findings for different audiences. NIDILRR highlights that the intended beneficiaries of these activities include rehabilitation service providers, people with disabilities, family members, policymakers, and other research and community stakeholders, reflecting an emphasis on usable knowledge and implementation, not just publication.

The eligible applicant pool is broad and spans many types of entities that could credibly lead a research-and-training center. Eligible applicants include state, county, and city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations; nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); and other entities as further clarified in the opportunity. This breadth allows for leadership from universities, government agencies, nonprofits, tribal entities, and mission-driven research organizations, including partnerships that bring together rural service systems and research expertise.

The funding opportunity number is HHS-2018-ACL-NIDILRR-RTCP-0249. The notice was created on December 22, 2017, with an original application closing date of February 20, 2018, and electronic submissions due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the deadline date. The opportunity anticipated making a single award, with an award ceiling of $875,000. In short, this was a one-center competition intended to establish a national or near-national hub focused specifically on advancing evidence and practical solutions to improve participation, employment, and health-related outcomes for rural residents with disabilities.

• The Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on Disability in Rural Communities" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.433.
• This funding opportunity was created on Dec 22, 2017.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Feb 20, 2018 Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 1159 p.m., ET, on the listed application due date.. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $875,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For profit organizations other than small businesses, Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for HHS 2018 ACL NIDILRR RTCP 0249

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