Field Initiated Projects Program: Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) -Research | HHS 2019 ACL NIDILRR IFST 0319

Opportunity Information: Apply for HHS 2019 ACL NIDILRR IFST 0319

The Field Initiated Projects Program: Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) - Research grant is a discretionary federal research funding opportunity administered 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). It supports science and technology research and development projects that strengthen disability and rehabilitation outcomes, with a clear emphasis on practical impact: improving inclusion and integration in society, increasing employment opportunities, supporting independent living and family support, and advancing the economic and social self-sufficiency of people with disabilities, especially those with the most severe disabilities. A parallel goal is to improve how well services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (as amended) work in real-world settings, so that rehabilitation programs and supports become more effective and evidence-based.

This particular competition is specifically designed for minority-serving institutions and related minority entities, along with Indian tribes, as part of a deliberate effort to expand research capacity in organizations that have historically been underrepresented in federally funded research. NIDILRR limits eligibility for this competition to minority entities and Indian tribes in alignment with Section 21(b)(2)(A) of the Rehabilitation Act, which authorizes targeted awards to these organizations for activities under Title II of the Act. In practice, the program is not only funding a single research project, but also investing in the long-term ability of eligible institutions to participate in disability and rehabilitation research and development, build research infrastructure, and contribute new knowledge to the field from perspectives and communities that are often overlooked.

Projects funded under this opportunity must be genuine research efforts rather than general program delivery or outreach alone. Applicants are expected to define one or more research questions or hypotheses and then carry out an intensive, systematic investigation. The intended products of that work are either new scientific knowledge or a stronger, clearer understanding of the topic being studied. The scope is intentionally broad under the Field Initiated (FI) model, meaning applicants may propose research on methods, procedures, interventions, service approaches, or rehabilitation technologies, as long as the work ultimately contributes to improved outcomes for individuals with disabilities and helps strengthen the evidence base for rehabilitation services. Because the program emphasizes inclusion, employment, independent living, and self-sufficiency, competitive projects typically connect their research aims to measurable improvements in these areas, whether through better tools and technologies, improved service models, or more effective strategies for supporting participation in community life.

Key administrative details from the opportunity listing include the funding opportunity title "Field Initiated Projects Program: Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) - Research" and the opportunity number HHS-2019-ACL-NIDILRR-IFST-0319. It is a grant mechanism categorized under Science and Technology and other Research and Development, with CFDA number 93.433. Eligible applicants include federally recognized Native American tribal governments, other Native American tribal organizations, private institutions of higher education, and other eligible entities as described in the opportunity’s additional eligibility guidance (with the central eligibility limitation being that applicants must qualify as minority entities or Indian tribes for this MSI-focused competition). The posting lists an award ceiling of $200,000 and anticipates making one award. The opportunity was created on December 17, 2018, with an original closing date of February 15, 2019, and electronic submissions required by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the due date.

Overall, this MSI-focused Field Initiated Projects research competition is best understood as a targeted NIDILRR pathway for minority-serving organizations to lead rigorous disability and rehabilitation research. It aims to generate publishable, defensible findings while also broadening who gets to shape the national research agenda on disability, rehabilitation technology, and the effectiveness of rehabilitation services, particularly in ways that translate into greater participation, independence, and economic opportunity for people 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 "Field Initiated Projects Program: Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) -Research" 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 17, 2018.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Feb 15, 2019 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 $200,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Private institutions of higher education, Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for HHS 2019 ACL NIDILRR IFST 0319

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