Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program: Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center

The Administration for Community Living within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has released a forecasted grant opportunity under the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research. This program is identified as the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects Program for the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center. The initiative is part of the broader Rehabilitation Act mandate to improve the effectiveness of services that support individuals with disabilities, particularly those with significant support needs. The agency’s focus is on developing and disseminating new knowledge, methods, procedures, and rehabilitation technologies that foster independent living and employment outcomes. The purpose of this specific opportunity is to establish and maintain a Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center. The Center will serve as a hub for knowledge dissemination and translation in collaboration with grantees from the Burn Model System, the Spinal Cord Injury Model System, and the Traumatic Brain Injury Model System. Its functions include producing and promoting systematic reviews of existing research, developing information products for priority conditions, and ensuring that findings from the model system programs are widely shared and effectively applied in practice. In addition, the Center will support the training and technical assistance needs of model system grantees by helping them to integrate knowledge translation strategies into their research and outreach activities. The program is designed to enhance the accessibility and usability of research outcomes for stakeholders, including individuals with disabilities, service providers, clinicians, and policymakers. The award will fund a single recipient organization to coordinate dissemination efforts across multiple model system centers, ensuring consistency, reach, and impact. The funded activities are intended to strengthen national capacity to translate rehabilitation research into real-world benefits, particularly in areas of burn injury, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury recovery and support. Funding for this opportunity will be distributed through a discretionary grant mechanism. The total estimated program funding is $850,000, with a minimum award of $845,000 and a maximum of $850,000. The project period will last 60 months and will be structured into five 12-month budget periods. Only one award is anticipated. No cost sharing or matching requirement is imposed, which makes the opportunity accessible to a broad range of applicants. The agency lists the funding category under science and technology as well as research and development, reflecting its emphasis on advancing knowledge and improving outcomes through research translation. Eligible applicants include a wide range of entities such as state and local governments, county and township governments, Native American tribal governments and organizations, nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status, for-profit organizations including small businesses, institutions of higher education both public and private, and special district governments. Foreign entities are explicitly excluded from eligibility. Faith-based and community organizations may apply if they meet the requirements. This broad eligibility framework reflects the program’s intent to attract diverse applicants capable of fulfilling the multifaceted responsibilities of the Knowledge Translation Center. The forecasted timeline indicates that the estimated posting date is February 16, 2026, with applications due by April 16, 2026. Awards are expected to be announced by September 1, 2026, which is also the estimated project start date. The opportunity is expected to close on September 30, 2026. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov in accordance with federal submission procedures. As this is a forecast, dates and details may be adjusted when the final funding opportunity announcement is posted. Interested applicants are encouraged to monitor the Administration for Community Living’s website and Grants.gov for updates. For more information, applicants may contact Linda Vo at the Administration for Community Living. She is available by phone at (202) 795-7431 or by email at linda.vo@acl.hhs.gov. Additional details about the application process can be found on the ACL grants webpage at https://www.acl.gov/grants/applying-grants. This point of contact is provided to assist applicants in clarifying program requirements, timelines, and eligibility prior to submission.