Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program: Research on Healthcare Policy and Disability

The Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program: Research on Healthcare Policy and Disability is funded by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR). This grant opportunity aims to generate new knowledge on the effects of evolving healthcare policies on health and function, community living and participation, and employment outcomes of individuals with disabilities. This funding opportunity addresses disparities in healthcare access for people with disabilities, who tend to receive fewer basic healthcare services compared to those without disabilities. Contributing factors include communication barriers, lack of disability knowledge among healthcare providers, insufficient insurance coverage, and socio-economic disadvantages. Research funded by this grant should explore how healthcare policies can help mitigate these barriers and improve health outcomes. The grant is structured as a five-year project with an annual award ceiling of $600,000 and a floor of $595,000, totaling up to $3 million over the project period. Eligible applicants include states, public or private agencies (including for-profit agencies), public or private organizations, institutions of higher education (IHEs), and tribal organizations. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement. Applicants must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) by February 21, 2025, with full applications due by March 25, 2025. An informational conference call is scheduled for February 11, 2025, where interested applicants can ask questions and receive guidance on the application process. The anticipated project start date is September 1, 2025. Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov and include a project narrative, work plan, budget justification, data management plan, and letters of commitment from key stakeholders. The selection process includes peer review based on research design, utilization activities, problem significance, dissemination strategies, project staff qualifications, and resource adequacy. For further inquiries, applicants can contact Amanda Reichard (Amanda.Reichard@acl.hhs.gov, 202-795-7786) or Carla Kirksey (Carla.Kirksey@acl.hhs.gov, 202-795-7303) at ACL’s Office of Grants Management. Applicants are requested, but not required, to submit a letter of intent to apply for this funding opportunity to assist ACL in planning for the application independent review process. The purpose of the letter of intent is to allow our staff to estimate the number of independent reviewers needed and to avoid potential conflicts of interest in the review. Letters of intent should be sent to: Megan.Alvarado@acl.hhs.gov