Field Initiated Projects Program (Development) – United States

The purpose of the Field Initiated Projects program is to generate new knowledge through research or to develop methods, procedures, and rehabilitation technologies — to maximize the full inclusion and integration into society, employment, independent living, family/caregiver support, and economic and self-sufficiency of people with disabilities, especially people with the greatest support needs. In carrying out a development activity under a Field Initiated Projects development grant, a grantee must use knowledge and understanding gained from research to create materials, devices, systems, methods, measures, techniques, tools, prototypes, processes, or intervention protocols that are beneficial to the target population.

Invitational Priority

• Research or development projects that address the needs, experiences, or outcomes of people with disabilities from underserved communities. People with disabilities from underserved communities and support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government, including: people with disabilities who are racial and ethnic minorities; people with disabilities who are members of religious minorities; people with disabilities who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer; people with disabilities who live in rural areas; or people with disabilities otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality.
• Research or development projects to explore or address the relationship between climate change and the needs, experiences, and outcomes of people with disabilities.
• Research or development projects related to oral health among people with disabilities.
• Research or development projects that focus on making airline travel accessible for people with disabilities.
• Research or development projects that focus on improving the extent to which emergency and disaster preparedness plans and systems are accessible to, and responsive to the needs of, people with disabilities.
• Research or development projects that focus on improving the experience and outcomes of people with disabilities as they interact with one or more components of the criminal justice system (e.g., police, courts, jails and prisons).
• Research or development projects that focus on services, supports, or interventions for people with disabilities who experience Long COVID.

Research Stages

• FI Projects development applicants must define the stage or stages of development that they propose to conduct. Any rigorous development activities can be appropriate, depending on the development aims being addressed by the applicant. NIDILRR does not have an absolute preference for any one development stage over others. If the FI Projects grant is to conduct development that can be categorized under more than one stage, those stages must be clearly specified. These stages: proof of concept, proof of product, and proof of adoption, are defined in this funding opportunity announcement.
  • Proof of concept means the stage of development where key technical challenges are resolved. Stage activities may include recruiting study participants, verifying product requirements, implementing and testing (typically in controlled contexts) key concepts, components, or systems, and resolving technological challenges. A technology transfer plan is typically developed and transfer partner(s) identified, and plan implementation may have started. Stage results establish that a product concept is feasible.
  • Proof of product means the stage of development where a fully-integrated and working prototype, meeting critical technical requirements, is created. Stage activities may include recruiting study participants, implementing and iteratively refining the prototype, testing the prototype in natural or less-controlled contexts, and verifying that all technical requirements are met. A technology transfer plan is typically ongoing in collaboration with the transfer partner(s). Stage results establish that a product embodiment is realizable.
  • Proof of adoption means the stage of development where a product is substantially adopted by its target population and used for its intended purpose. Stage activities typically include completing product refinements and continued implementation of the technology transfer plan in collaboration with transfer partners. Other activities include measuring users’ awareness of the product, opinion of the product, decisions to adopt, use, and retain products; and identifying barriers and facilitators impacting product adoption. Stage results establish that a product is beneficial.

Funding Information

• Estimated Total Funding: $1,400,000
• Expected Number of Awards: 7
• Award Ceiling: $200,000 Per Budget Period
• Award Floor: $195,000 Per Budget Period
• Length of Project Period: 36-month project period with three 12-month budget periods

Eligibility Criteria

• Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
• Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
• For profit organizations other than small businesses
• Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
• County governments
• City or township governments
• Private institutions of higher education
• Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
• State governments
• Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
• Small businesses
• Special district governments
• States; public or private agencies, including for-profit agencies; public or private organizations, including for-profit organizations; IHEs; and Indian tribes and tribal organizations.
• Note: Foreign entities are not eligible to compete for, or receive, awards made under this announcement.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.