Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program: Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center | HHS 2026 ACL NIDILRR DPKT 0211

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What agency is offering this grant opportunity?

This opportunity is offered by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), through the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).

What program is funding this award?

The funding is offered under NIDILRR's Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program.

What is being funded in this specific competition?

This competition funds the operation of a single Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC) that serves as a shared knowledge translation hub for three NIDILRR Model System programs: the Burn Model System, the Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Model System, and the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Model System.

How many awards are expected to be made?

The opportunity anticipates making one award.

What is the purpose of the DRRP program overall?

The overall aim of DRRP funding is to strengthen the effectiveness of services authorized by the Rehabilitation Act by generating and translating knowledge, and by developing methods, procedures, and rehabilitation technologies that improve independent living and employment outcomes for people with disabilities, with particular focus on individuals with the greatest support needs.

What is the MSKTC expected to do?

The MSKTC is expected to act as the centralized knowledge translation and dissemination hub for the Burn, SCI, and TBI Model Systems. A core expectation is close, ongoing collaboration with the model system grantees so research evidence and program findings are converted into usable, accessible resources for practitioners, people with disabilities, family members, and other stakeholders.

Which Model System programs will the MSKTC support?

The MSKTC will support the Burn Model System, the Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Model System, and the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Model System.

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

Based on the announcement, knowledge translation involves working with model system grantees so research evidence and program findings are not limited to academic publications, but are converted into practical, accessible products and resources that can be applied in real-world settings by target audiences.

What are the key required activities for the MSKTC?

Key required activities center on knowledge translation and dissemination, including: collaborating with the Burn, SCI, and TBI model system centers; producing and promoting systematic reviews of existing research and related information products; identifying, testing, and implementing effective dissemination strategies; serving as the primary centralized resource for knowledge and product dissemination for all three model system programs; and providing training and technical assistance to model system grantees focused on knowledge translation.

Are systematic reviews required as part of the work?

Yes. The MSKTC must work with the Burn, SCI, and TBI model system centers to produce and promote systematic reviews of existing research and related information products across these topic areas.

What dissemination responsibilities are included?

The MSKTC is expected to identify, test, and implement effective dissemination strategies so that model system findings are broadly and consistently shared with target audiences. It is also expected to function as the primary centralized resource for knowledge and product dissemination across the three model system programs.

Does the MSKTC have to maintain a centralized platform for products and resources?

Yes. The center is expected to serve as the main coordinating platform where products, summaries, and evidence-based resources can be organized, maintained, and made easy to find and use for all three model system programs.

Is training and technical assistance part of the MSKTC role?

Yes. The center must provide training and technical assistance to model system grantees focused specifically on knowledge translation, including improving how grantees package, communicate, and distribute their research and products.

Who are the intended audiences for the MSKTC's products and resources?

The opportunity describes intended audiences as practitioners, people with disabilities, family members, and other stakeholders who can apply the information in real-world settings.

How long is the project period?

The award has a 60-month project period.

How is the project period structured?

The 60-month project period is divided into five 12-month budget periods.

What is the maximum award amount?

The opportunity lists an award ceiling of $850,000.

What is the grant opportunity number?

The opportunity number is HHS-2026-ACL-NIDILRR-DPKT-0211.

What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The CFDA number provided is 93.433.

When is the application closing date?

The application closing date is 2026-07-29.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility includes a broad range of domestic entities, including: state, county, city/township, and special district governments; public and private institutions of higher education; federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education); for-profit organizations (including small businesses); and other eligible domestic entities.

Are foreign entities eligible to apply?

No. Foreign entities are not eligible to apply or receive an award under this announcement.

Can faith-based or community organizations apply?

Yes. Faith-based and community organizations may apply as long as they meet the stated eligibility requirements.

Is this a discretionary grant?

Yes. The announcement describes this as a discretionary grant opportunity.

What is the main emphasis of the work beyond publishing research?

A central emphasis is ensuring that research evidence and program findings are translated into usable, accessible resources rather than remaining limited to academic publications, and that these resources are actively disseminated to target audiences.

What does "close, ongoing collaboration" refer to in this competition?

It refers to the MSKTC working directly and continuously with the Burn, SCI, and TBI model system grantees to translate findings into practical products, coordinate dissemination, and support grantees with knowledge translation training and technical assistance.