RFPs: Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects Program (US)

Deadline: 23-Jul-2026

The Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program supports research and knowledge translation activities that improve ADA-related outcomes, including accessibility, employment, and rights protection. This funding opportunity focuses on collaboration with the ADA National Network, maintaining the Outcome Measurement System (OMS), and improving dissemination of disability research. It offers up to $850,000 over a 36-month project period for one award.

Overview of the Funding Opportunity

The Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program is designed to improve how Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-related knowledge is created, translated, and applied. It strengthens coordination between research, service delivery systems, and disability-focused organizations.

The program supports improved outcomes in:

• Accessibility and inclusion under the ADA
• Employment and economic participation for people with disabilities
• Whole-person health and community integration
• Protection of rights and prevention of abuse or discrimination
• Effective dissemination of disability and rehabilitation research

Core Purpose of the DRRP Program

The DRRP program focuses on bridging the gap between research and real-world application.

Primary goals include:

• Advancing ADA-related knowledge translation
• Strengthening evidence-based dissemination practices
• Improving accessibility and service delivery systems
• Supporting collaboration across disability research networks
• Enhancing use of data and outcome measurement systems

Key Program Activities and Responsibilities

This DRRP funding opportunity includes multiple coordinated research and administrative functions.

Core required activities include:

• Collaboration with ADA National Network grantees
  • Coordinating knowledge translation activities
  • Sharing research findings with practitioners and stakeholders
• Research on ADA knowledge translation
  • Studying how ADA-related information is communicated and used
  • Improving dissemination effectiveness
• Outcome Measurement System (OMS) management
  • Maintaining and updating the OMS database
  • Supporting data quality and usability
• ADA-focused research conference
  • Organizing and supporting a national-level research conference
  • Facilitating stakeholder engagement and knowledge sharing
• Evidence-based dissemination
  • Developing strategies for accessible communication of research findings

Funding Details

The program provides structured financial support for a single award.

Funding structure includes:

• Total estimated funding: $850,000
• Award ceiling: $850,000
• Award floor: $845,000
• Project duration: 36 months total
• Budget structure: 3 budget periods of 12 months each

Budget compliance requirements:

• Must not exceed award ceiling
• Must align with 36-month project period
• Must follow all program financial guidelines

Eligibility Criteria

A wide range of organizations are eligible to apply for this opportunity.

Eligible applicants include:

• State governments
• County, city, township, and special district governments
• Native American tribal governments and tribal organizations
  • Federally recognized tribes
  • Other eligible tribal entities
• Public and private institutions of higher education
• Nonprofit organizations
  • With or without 501(c)(3) status
• For-profit organizations
  • Including small businesses
  • Other for-profit entities
• Other qualifying public and private organizations

Additional eligibility:

• Faith-based and community organizations (if they meet requirements)

Ineligible applicants:

• Foreign entities
• Individual applicants
• Sole proprietorships

Application Requirements

Applicants must comply strictly with all program requirements.

Key requirements include:

• Submission before the application deadline
• Full responsiveness to program solicitation criteria
• Adherence to the 36-month project period limit
• Compliance with all formatting and technical instructions
• Budget must remain within allowable limits
• Alignment with ADA and DRRP program objectives

Why This Program Matters

This funding opportunity strengthens disability research infrastructure and improves real-world outcomes.

Key importance includes:

• Enhancing accessibility and inclusion under the ADA
• Improving how disability research is shared and used
• Strengthening collaboration between research and service systems
• Supporting better employment and independence outcomes
• Improving national data systems for disability outcomes
• Expanding evidence-based policy and practice

How It Works / Implementation Structure

The DRRP program follows a structured research, coordination, and dissemination model.

Implementation flow includes:

• One award is selected through competitive review
• A 36-month project is implemented in three 12-month phases
• Required activities include:
  • Research on ADA knowledge translation
  • Coordination with ADA National Network grantees
  • Management of OMS database
  • Organization of an ADA-focused research conference
  • Development of dissemination strategies
• Ongoing evaluation and reporting across all project periods
• Final outputs include research findings, improved data systems, and dissemination tools

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Exceeding the $850,000 funding ceiling
• Ignoring collaboration requirements with ADA National Network grantees
• Weak or unclear knowledge translation methodology
• Missing compliance with 36-month project structure
• Incomplete OMS database management planning
• Submitting non-responsive or misaligned proposals

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve competitiveness, applicants should:

• Clearly define knowledge translation strategies for ADA-related research
• Demonstrate strong experience in disability research or dissemination
• Include detailed plans for OMS database management
• Show meaningful collaboration with ADA National Network partners
• Provide a structured plan for organizing the ADA research conference
• Ensure compliance with all funding and timeline requirements

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the main goal of this DRRP program?

• To improve ADA-related knowledge translation and dissemination
• To strengthen research and accessibility outcomes for people with disabilities

What organizations are involved in collaboration?

• ADA National Network grantees are key collaboration partners

How long is the project period?

• 36 months total, divided into three 12-month budget periods

How much funding is available?

• Between $845,000 and $850,000 for a single award

What are the key activities required?

• Research on ADA knowledge translation
• OMS database management
• ADA-focused research conference organization
• Collaboration and dissemination activities

Who is eligible to apply?

• Governments, nonprofits, for-profits, universities, tribal organizations, and small businesses
• Faith-based organizations (if eligible)
• Foreign entities and individuals are not eligible

What system must be managed under this grant?

• The Outcome Measurement System (OMS) database

Conclusion

The Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program is a targeted funding opportunity designed to strengthen ADA-related research translation, improve accessibility outcomes, and enhance collaboration across disability networks. By focusing on data systems, dissemination, and coordinated research efforts, it aims to improve how ADA knowledge is applied in real-world settings to support people with disabilities across the United States.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.