Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training Program: Disability Policy Research (US)

ARRT projects train disability and rehabilitation researchers, including individuals with disabilities and other individuals underrepresented in the scientific workforce, with particular attention to research areas that support the implementation and objectives of the Rehabilitation Act and improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act. ARRT projects must provide advanced research training to eligible individuals to enhance their capacity to conduct high quality multidisciplinary disability and rehabilitation research to improve outcomes for people with disabilities. This particular funding opportunity announcement invites applications for grants that provide training in the area of disability policy research.

Funding Information

• Total Grant amount: $250,000.
• Award Ceiling: $250,000.
• Award Floor: $245,000.
• Duration: 60-month project period with five 12-month budget periods.

Ineligible Expenses

• A recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report has raised considerable concerns about grantees and contractors charging the Federal government for additional meals outside of the standard allowance for travel subsistence known as per diem expenses. Executive Orders on Promoting Efficient Spending and Delivering Efficient, Effective and Accountable Government have been issued and instruct Federal agencies to promote efficient spending. Therefore, if meals are to be charged in your proposal, applicants should understand such costs must meet the following criteria outlined in the Executive Orders and HHS Grants Policy Statement:
  • Meals are generally unallowable except for the following:
  • For subjects and patients under study (usually a research program);
  • Where specifically approved as part of the project or program activity, e.g., in programs providing children’s services (e.g., Headstart);
  • When an organization customarily provides meals to employees working beyond the normal workday, as a part of a formal compensation arrangement; and
  • As part of a per diem or subsistence allowance provided in conjunction with allowable travel.

Eligibility Criteria

• Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
• Private institutions of higher education

Selection Criteria

• An independent review panel of at least three individuals will evaluate applications that pass the screening and meet the responsiveness criteria if applicable. These reviewers are experts in their field, and are drawn from academic institutions, non-profit organizations, state and local governments, and federal government agencies.
• Final award decisions will be made by the Administrator, ACL. In making these decisions, the Administrator will take into consideration: recommendations of the review panel; reviews for programmatic and grants management compliance; the reasonableness of the estimated cost to the government considering the available funding and anticipated results; and the likelihood that the proposed project will result in the benefits expected.

Review Criteria

• To be considered for review under this grant opportunity, applicants must propose to provide advanced research training and experience to individuals with doctorates, or similar advanced degrees, who have clinical or other relevant experience. The ARRT projects must train disability and rehabilitation researchers, including individuals with disabilities and other individuals underrepresented in the scientific workforce, with particular attention to research areas that support the implementation and objectives of the Rehabilitation Act and that improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act. Applicants must propose to provide advanced research training focused on disability policy research in one or more of NIDILRR’s three outcome domains.
• Application Screening Criteria:
  • They will screen all applications and will reject any applications that:
  • Are submitted after the established deadline;
  • Propose a budget that exceeds $250,000 in any single budget year;
  • Propose a project period that exceeds 60 months.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.