Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Model Systems National Data and Statistical Center

The Administration for Community Living, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has announced a forecasted opportunity under the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research. The opportunity is titled Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Model Systems National Data and Statistical Center. This program is a continuation of the institute’s mission to enhance rehabilitation and independent living outcomes for individuals with disabilities, particularly those with significant support needs. The initiative falls under the Assistance Listing 93.433, which covers research efforts aimed at improving disability and rehabilitation services. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support the creation and operation of a national data and statistical center specifically for spinal cord injury research. This center will serve as the central repository for longitudinal data collected by SCI Model Systems Centers across the United States. It will be responsible for ensuring the integrity and quality of the data, as well as providing training and methodological consultation to the participating centers. The overarching objective is to strengthen rehabilitation science by fostering rigorous and consistent data collection that enables long-term tracking of outcomes for individuals with spinal cord injury. The scope of work includes maintaining the national longitudinal database, monitoring data quality, training staff at SCI Model Systems Centers on data collection protocols, and supporting collaborative research activities. In addition to technical responsibilities, the center will provide methodological support to enhance research design and statistical analysis across the participating sites. The goal is to improve the reliability and usability of SCI data for both clinical and policy purposes, ultimately advancing medical rehabilitation outcomes and supporting greater independence and employment opportunities for individuals with spinal cord injuries. Funding for this opportunity is estimated at $800,000, with an award floor of $795,000 and a ceiling of $800,000. One award is expected, and the project period will be 60 months, divided into five 12-month budget periods. Matching funds are not required, which reduces barriers for applicant organizations. The anticipated award date is September 1, 2026, with the project start date aligned to the same day. Applications are forecasted to open on February 18, 2026, and are expected to be due by April 24, 2026. The funding announcement is set to be archived on September 30, 2026. Eligibility for this program is broad and includes state governments, county governments, city or township governments, special district governments, tribal governments and organizations, institutions of higher education (both public and private), nonprofits, small businesses, and other for-profit organizations. Both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are eligible. Foreign entities, however, are not eligible to apply. Faith-based and community organizations are eligible if they meet the stated requirements. This eligibility structure is designed to attract a diverse pool of applicants with strong institutional capacity to manage a complex data center. The opportunity is classified under the category of Science and Technology and other Research and Development, reflecting its focus on advancing research methods and knowledge in the rehabilitation field. It is a discretionary grant, meaning applicants compete for funding based on the merits of their proposals. Applications will be evaluated on the ability to carry out the responsibilities of the data center, including technical expertise, capacity for collaboration, and commitment to high-quality data management. Interested applicants are directed to review additional information and submission guidelines through the Administration for Community Living’s grants webpage. Applicants seeking more information may contact Radha Holavanahalli, the designated grant officer, at 202-795-7321 or via email at Radha.Holavanahalli@acl.hhs.gov. The official grants portal for submissions is Grants.gov, and all standard federal application requirements apply. With a strong emphasis on rigorous research, long-term outcomes tracking, and collaborative support, this opportunity is positioned as a significant investment in advancing spinal cord injury rehabilitation science nationwide.