1. HHS-2025-ACL-NIDILRR-REGE-0122.pdf

Administration for Community Living

National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research

Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERC) Program: RERC on Rehabilitation Technologies for Children with Orthopedic Disabilities

HHS-2025-ACL-NIDILRR-REGE-0122

04/18/2025

Table of Contents Executive Summary

Additional Overview Content/Executive Summary

I. Funding Opportunity Description

II. Award Information

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

3. Responsiveness and Screening Criteria

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Letter of Intent

Project Narrative

Table of Contents

Summary/ Abstract

Work Plan

Vitae/Biosketches of Key Project Personnel

References

Data Management Plan

Budget Narrative/Justification

Letters of Commitment from Key Participating Organizations and Agencies

Summary of Involved Individuals and Organizations

3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

4. Submission Dates and Times

Informational Conference Call:

5. Intergovernmental Review

6. Funding Restrictions

7. Other Submission Requirements

V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

2. Review and Selection Process

3. Anticipated Announcement Award Date

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

3. Reporting

4. FFATA and FSRS Reporting

VII. Agency Contacts

VIII. Other Information

The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (P.L. 104-13)

Appendix

Instructions for Completing Required Forms

Budget Narrative/Justification- Sample Format

Instructions for Completing the Project Summary/ Abstract

ACL Center:

National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research

Funding Opportunity Title:

Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERC) Program: RERC on Rehabilitation Technologies for Children with Orthopedic Disabilities

Funding Opportunity Number:

HHS-2025-ACL-NIDILRR-REGE-0122

Primary CFDA Number:

93.433

Due Date for Letter of Intent:

02/18/2025

Due Date for Applications:

04/18/2025

Date for Informational Conference Call:

02/10/2025 Applications that fail to meet the application due date will not be reviewed and will receive no further consideration. You are strongly encouraged to submit your application a minimum of 3-5 days prior to the application closing date. Do not wait until the last day in the event you encounter technical difficulties, either on your end or, with https://www.grants.gov. Grants.gov can take up to 48 hours to notify you of a successful submission.

Executive Summary Additional Overview Content/Executive Summary The purpose of the RERC program is to improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act by conducting advanced engineering research on and development of innovative technologies that are designed to solve particular rehabilitation problems or to remove environmental barriers for people with disabilities. RERCs also demonstrate and evaluate such technologies, facilitate service delivery system changes, stimulate the production and distribution of new technologies and equipment in the private sector, and provide training opportunities.

RERC on Technologies for Children with Orthopedic Disabilities: In the area of Technologies for Children with Orthopedic Disabilities, NIDILRR seeks to fund research and development that leads to innovative technological solutions and strategies to improve the accessibility, usability, and performance of rehabilitation and assistive technologies designed to benefit children with orthopedic disabilities. The goal of this RERC will be to maximize independence, improve functional abilities, and enhance the overall quality of life for children with orthopedic disabilities.

I. Funding Opportunity Description Background:

Pediatric orthopedic disabilities affect children's musculoskeletal systems, including their bones, joints, and muscles. Orthopedic disabilities affect mobility, manipulation, education, recreation, and the performance of daily activities. The most common pediatric orthopedic disabilities include neuromotor impairments such as cerebral palsy and spina bifida; musculoskeletal conditions such as limb loss and limb difference, scoliosis, club foot, and developmental dysplasia of the hip; and degenerative diseases such as muscular dystrophy (Ghandour, 2023;

Kumar, 2023). These conditions can be present at birth or acquired later due to disease, injury, or developmental issues (Dev, 2022), and, therefore, orthopedic disabilities affect infants, children, and adolescents.

Pediatric orthopedic rehabilitation has several unique aspects that distinguish it from adult rehabilitation. Rehabilitation must account for children's ongoing physical growth and developmental stage, requiring frequent adjustments to treatment plans. Rehabilitation should maximize a child's independence in age-appropriate daily activities, considering factors like school participation and social interaction. In addition, parents and caregivers play a crucial role in pediatric rehabilitation, requiring clinicians to educate and involve families in treatment plans (Shamus, et al., 2025).

Like all children, those with orthopedic disabilities want to perform tasks independently and participate in activities like their peers. They also want to be included in social activities and develop friendships (Murchland & Parkyn, 2010). They need school and community spaces that allow them to move and participate freely and opportunities to pursue their interests (Adolfsson, 2011). Through innovative rehabilitation engineering, children with orthopedic disabilities can improve their health and function, independence, and quality of life, allowing them to engage more fully in daily activities and social interactions.

Several rehabilitation technologies have yet to be fully developed, adapted, and analyzed for children with orthopedic disabilities. Virtual reality (VR) is emerging as a promising tool in the rehabilitation of children with orthopedic disabilities. It offers engaging and interactive environments that can enhance traditional therapeutic approaches. VR can provide task-specific training, immediate feedback, and customizable difficulty levels depending on the child’s abilities (Jeyaraman, et al., 2024). Robotic-assisted therapy is an innovative approach to the rehabilitation of children with orthopedic disabilities. This therapy utilizes robotic devices to assist in movement and enhance physical therapy outcomes. Robotic-assisted devices can offer engagement and motivation, repetitive task training, and customizable therapy allowing for personalized rehabilitation plans (Gonzalez et al., 2021). Exoskeletons are increasingly being used in the rehabilitation of children with orthopedic disabilities. They can improve walking mechanics, provide high-intensity training outside the clinic, and can be designed to be adjustable to accommodate a range of physical abilities (Bradley, et al., 2024). Functional electrical stimulation (FES) for children is a growing area of interest with increasing evidence and experience but there is a lack of awareness in the many applications of FES as a form of treatment for children (Singleton, et al., 2019). Artificial intelligence (AI) can be integrated into rehabilitation therapy sessions allowing for the customization of rehabilitation programs based on individual progress and needs. This data-driven approach may enhance therapy effectiveness (Sumner, et al., 2023). Advances in technology and device development are leading to new strategies in rehabilitation for infants. These include 24-hour sensor-based monitoring of infant movement (Lobo, et al., 2019), exoskeletal garments (Babik, et al., 2019), robotic and sensor technologies to study prone mobility in infants with and without cerebral palsy (CP) (Kolobe & Fagg, 2019), and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) (Nemanich, et al., 2019). Continued research and development into these rehabilitation technologies is needed to expound their effectiveness and optimize their integration into pediatric rehabilitation programs.

Assistive technologies (AT) are instrumental for the development and participation of children with disabilities (Botelho, 2021). They span a wide range of tools and solutions and have been shown to increase autonomy, enhance engagement, improve social interaction, and build confidence (Fernández-Batanero, et al., 2022). Advancements in software, batteries, and sensors will allow for new and improved assistive technologies. In addition, the development of new materials and additive manufacturing techniques should advance the field of AT significantly.

Many different assistive technologies can benefit children with orthopedic disabilities.

Environmental control systems allow children with limited mobility to control their surroundings, such as lights, TVs, and other appliances through voice commands or adaptive switches (Hollenbeck & Wagenfeld, 2024; Tavares, et al., 2024). Custom prosthetic limbs and orthotic devices that provide support or enhance movement for children with orthopedic impairments can be tailored to fit the child's growing body and specific functional needs (Hedman, 2020). Standers allow children to stand upright, promoting weight-bearing activities that are crucial for bone health and muscle development (McLean, et al., 2023). Crutches and walkers provide support and stability, helping children improve balance and mobility while bearing weight on their legs (Rasouli & Reed, 2020; Tao, et al., 2020). Wheelchairs, both manual and powered, enhance children’s mobility and participation in daily life. The pediatric wheelchair must not only support growing, changing bodies but also facilitate improvement of motor control, allow for cognitive growth by ensuring age-appropriate interaction with the environment, and allow peer interaction and participation to promote social and emotional growth and development (Lange & Minkel, 2024). Continued research and development into assistive technologies for children with orthopedic disabilities is needed to improve their functionality, effectiveness, and usability. In addition, assistive technologies should be appropriate, safe, acceptable, and accessible to those who need them.

References:

Adolfsson, M. (2011). Applying the ICF-CY to identify everyday life situations of children and youth with disabilities (PhD dissertation, School of Education and Communication).

https://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-16195.

Babik, I., Cunha, A. B., Moeyaert, M., Hall, M. L., Paul, D. A., Mackley, A., & Lobo, M. A.

(2019). Feasibility and effectiveness of intervention with the Playskin Lift exoskeletal garment for infants at risk. Physical Therapy, 99(6), 666–676. https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzz035.

Botelho, F. H. F. (2021). Childhood and Assistive Technology: Growing with opportunity, developing with technology. Assistive Technology: The Official Journal of RESNA, 33(sup1), 87–93. https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2021.1971330.

Bradley, S. S., de Holanda, L. J., Chau, T., & Wright, F. V. (2024). Physiotherapy-assisted overground exoskeleton use: mixed methods feasibility study protocol quantifying the user experience, as well as functional, neural, and muscular outcomes in children with mobility impairments. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 18, 1398459.

https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2024.1398459.

Dev, D. (2022, December 24). Orthopedic Impairment: Definition, Characteristics, Causes & Types. OPA Ortho. https://www.opaortho.com/what-is-orthopedic-impairment/.

Fernández-Batanero, J. M., Montenegro-Rueda, M., Fernández-Cerero, J., & García-Martínez, I.

(2022). Assistive technology for the inclusion of students with disabilities: a systematic review.

Educational Technology Research and Development: ETR & D, 70(5), 1911–1930.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-022-10127-7.

Ghandour, M., Klotz, M., & Horsch, A. (2023). Orthopedics and trauma in children: Key problems and future insights. Children (Basel, Switzerland), 10(1), 119.

https://doi.org/10.3390/children10010119.

Gonzalez, A., Garcia, L., Kilby, J., & McNair, P. (2021). Robotic devices for paediatric rehabilitation: a review of design features. Biomedical Engineering Online, 20(1), 89.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12938-021-00920-5.

Hedman, G. E. (2020). Rehabilitation Technology (G. Hedman, Ed.). Routledge.

Hollenbeck, J., & Wagenfeld, A. (Eds.). (2024). Foundations of pediatric practice for the occupational therapy assistant (3rd ed.). Routledge.

Jeyaraman, M., Jeyaraman, N., Ramasubramanian, S., & Shyam, A. (2024). Enhancing orthopedic rehabilitation: The emergence and impact of virtual reality technology. Journal of Orthopaedic Case Reports, 14(4), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.13107/jocr.2024.v14.i04.4338.

Kolobe, T. H. A., & Fagg, A. H. (2019). Robot reinforcement and error-based movement learning in infants with and without cerebral palsy. Physical Therapy, 99(6), 677–688.

https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzz043.

Kumar, J. (2023, April 18). Common pediatric orthopedic impairments explained. Total Orthopaedic Care. https://www.toc.md/2023/04/18/common-pediatric-orthopedic-impairments-explained/.

Lange, M. L., & Minkel, J. L. (2024). Seating and wheeled mobility: A clinical resource guide (M. L. Lange & J. L. Minkel, Eds.). Taylor & Francis.

Lobo, M. A., Hall, M. L., Greenspan, B., Rohloff, P., Prosser, L. A., & Smith, B. A. (2019).

Wearables for pediatric rehabilitation: How to optimally design and utilize products to meet the needs of users. Phys Ther, 99, 647–657.

McLean, L. J., Paleg, G. S., & Livingstone, R. W. (2023). Supported-standing interventions for children and young adults with non-ambulant cerebral palsy: A scoping review. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 65(6), 754–772. https://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.15435.

Murchland, S., & Parkyn, H. (2010). Using assistive technology for schoolwork: the experience of children with physical disabilities. Disability and Rehabilitation. Assistive Technology, 5(6), 438–447. https://doi.org/10.3109/17483107.2010.481773.

Nemanich, S. T., Chen, C.-Y., Chen, M., Zorn, E., Mueller, B., Peyton, C., Elison, J. T., Stinear, J., Rao, R., Georgieff, M., Menk, J., Rudser, K., & Gillick, B. (2019). Safety and feasibility of transcranial magnetic stimulation as an exploratory assessment of corticospinal connectivity in infants after perinatal brain injury: An observational study. Physical Therapy, 99(6), 689–700.

https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzz028.

Rasouli, F., & Reed, K. B. (2020). Walking assistance using crutches: A state of the art review.

Journal of Biomechanics, 98(109489), 109489. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2019.109489.

Shamus E, & Ubben C, & Walczak S (2025). Pediatric orthopedic and sports injuries. Bloyer M, & Shamus E, & Catalino T, & Miles C(Eds.), Guide to Pediatric Physical Therapy: A Clinical Approach. McGraw Hill.

https://accessphysiotherapy.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=3506&sectionid=289148625.

Singleton, C., Jones, H., & Maycock, L. (2019). Functional electrical stimulation (FES) for children and young people with cerebral palsy. Paediatrics and Child Health, 29(11), 498–502.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paed.2019.07.015.

Sumner, J., Lim, H. W., Chong, L. S., Bundele, A., Mukhopadhyay, A., & Kayambu, G. (2023).

Artificial intelligence in physical rehabilitation: A systematic review. Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, 146(102693), 102693. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.artmed.2023.102693.

Tao, R., Feng, L., Xiao, Z., & Zhang, B.-H. (2020). Posterior versus anterior walkers for children with cerebral palsy-biomechanical analysis and energy consumption: A systematic review.

Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 32(6), 877–892.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-020-09731-3.

Tavares, R., Inácio, A., Sousa, H., & Ribeiro, J. (2024). Smart speakers as an environmental control unit for severe motor dependence: The case of a young adult with duchenne muscular dystrophy. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21(6), 778.

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21060778.

Priority:

The Administrator of the Administration for Community Living (ACL) establishes a priority for a Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) on Technologies for Children with Orthopedic Disabilities. Under this priority, the RERC must conduct research, development, and evaluation activities toward innovative rehabilitation and assistive technologies that contribute to improved outcomes for children with orthopedic disabilities. Under this priority, the RERC must increase the understanding of the scientific and engineering principles of human locomotion, reaching, grasping, and manipulation, and incorporate those principles into the design of rehabilitation and assistive technologies that are accessible and usable for children with orthopedic disabilities. Research and development under this priority must be designed to lead to state-of-the-science knowledge and evidence-based rehabilitation and assistive technologies. The RERC must consider and optimize the accessibility, usability, utility, and acceptability of the technological devices that it focuses upon. The RERC must involve children with orthopedic disabilities, their families, caretakers, and other key stakeholders in the design and implementation of RERC research and development activities.

Applicants should consult the NIDILRR Long-Range Plan for Fiscal Years 2024-2028 when preparing their applications. According to the plan, rehabilitation technologies restore, maintain, or slow the decline of function, and assistive technologies address activity and participation difficulties encountered by people with disability by augmenting, compensating for the loss of, or restoring function to improve performance. The plan is organized around the following outcome domains: (1) community living and participation, (2) health and function, and (3) employment. The RERC must be designed to benefit children with orthopedic disabilities in one or more of these outcome domains.

The RERC must conduct advanced engineering research and development activities that contribute to improved outcomes for children with orthopedic disabilities. Applicants under the priority in this notice are required to specify in their proposal the following:

1. The NIDILRR outcome domain or domains to be addressed.

2. The target population or populations of children with orthopedic disabilities.

3. The technological and informational products to be produced.

4. The benefits of those products to children with orthopedic disabilities.

5. The means of testing and evaluating the products to be produced.

6. The way input of children with orthopedic disabilities and other stakeholders will be sought and incorporated into research and development activities.

Applicants must demonstrate, in their original application, that children with orthopedic disabilities from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds will be included in study samples in sufficient numbers to generate knowledge and products that are relevant to the racial and ethnic diversity of the RERC’s target population. The RERC must describe and justify, in its original application, the planned racial and ethnic distribution of children with orthopedic disabilities who will participate in the proposed research and development activities.

Requirements applicable to RERC priorities:

As a national center, the RERC must conduct high-quality research, development, technical assistance, capacity building, knowledge translation, and dissemination activities that address significant needs, promote independence, and improve the quality of life and community living outcomes of people with disabilities. In order to optimize benefits to people with disabilities, the RERC must ascertain the efficacy and safety of proposed strategies, technologies, or interventions, and collaborate with appropriate entities to facilitate the transfer and adoption of development products. The RERC must follow and understand emerging technologies and communicate to NIDILRR, ACL, and other appropriate stakeholders about the potential opportunities and drawbacks associated with these technologies.

An RERC established under the proposed priority in this notice must be designed to contribute to the following outcomes:

1. Increased technical and scientific knowledge relevant to its designated priority research area. The RERC must contribute to this outcome by conducting high-quality, rigorous research projects. The RERC must use appropriate engineering knowledge and techniques to collect, analyze, and/or synthesize research data.

2. Increased innovation in technologies, products, environments, performance guidelines, or monitoring and assessment tools applicable to its designated priority research area. The RERC must contribute to this outcome through the development and testing of these innovations. The RERC must apply appropriate engineering knowledge and techniques to achieve development objectives.

3. Improved research capacity in its designated priority research area. The RERC must contribute to this outcome by collaborating with the relevant industry, professional associations, and institutions of higher education, health care providers, or educators, as appropriate, to train research and development professionals in its designated priority research area.

4. Improved awareness and understanding of cutting-edge developments in technologies within its designated priority research area. The RERC must contribute to this outcome by communicating with NIDILRR, people with disabilities and their representatives, disability organizations, service providers, professional journals, manufacturers, State Assistive Technology Act Programs, and other interested parties about trends and evolving product concepts related to its designated priority research area.

5. Increased impact of research and development in the designated priority research area.

The RERC must contribute to this outcome by providing technical assistance to relevant public and private organizations, people with disabilities, employers, and schools on policies, guidelines, and standards related to its designated priority research area.

6. Increased transfer of RERC-developed technologies to the marketplace. The RERC must contribute to this outcome by developing and implementing a plan for ensuring that all technologies developed by the RERC are made available to the public. The technology transfer plan must be developed in the first year of the project period in consultation with the NIDILRR-funded Initiative to Mobilize Partnerships For Successful Assistive Technology Transfer (IMPACT) Center.

7. Improved usability and accessibility of products and environments in the RERC’s designated priority research area. The RERC must contribute to this outcome by emphasizing the principles and goals of universal design in its product research and development. For purposes of this section, the term “universal design” refers to the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.

In addition, under each priority, the RERC must--

Have the capability to design, build, and test prototype devices and assist in the technology transfer and knowledge translation of successful solutions to relevant production and service delivery settings;

Evaluate the efficacy and safety of its new products, instrumentation, or assistive devices;

Provide as part of its proposal, and then implement, a plan that describes how it will include, as appropriate, people with disabilities or their representatives in all phases of its activities, including research, development, training, dissemination, and evaluation;

Provide as part of its proposal, and then implement, in consultation with the NIDILRR-funded National Center on Knowledge Translation for Disability and Rehabilitation Research, a plan to disseminate its research results to people with disabilities and their representatives, disability organizations, service providers, professional journals, manufacturers, and other interested parties;

Conduct a state-of-the-science conference on its designated priority research area in the fourth year of the project period, and publish a comprehensive report on the final outcomes of the conference in the fifth year of the project period; and Coordinate research projects of mutual interest with relevant NIDILRR-funded projects, as identified through consultation with the NIDILRR project officer.

Specify the stage or stages of research projects that they are proposing. If the applicant proposes to conduct research that can be categorized under more than one stage, including research that progresses from one stage to another, those stages must be clearly specified. These stages (exploration and discovery, intervention development, intervention efficacy, and scale-up evaluation) are defined on ACL’s website.

Specify the stage or stages of development of the development projects that they are proposing. If the applicant proposes to conduct development that can be categorized under more than one stage, those stages must be clearly specified. These stages (proof of concept, proof of product, and proof of adoption) are defined on ACL’s website.

Statutory Authority 29 U.S.C. 762(g) and 764(b)(3)(A)

II. Award Information Funding Instrument Type:

G (Grant)

Estimated Total Funding:

$975,000

Expected Number of Awards:

Award Ceiling:

$975,000

Per Budget Period

Award Floor:

$970,000 Per Budget Period

Length of Project Period:

60-month project period with five 12-month budget periods

Additional Information on Project Periods and Explanation of 'Other' The Administration has requested funding for the NIDILRR program for FY 2025. The actual level of funding, if any, depends on final Congressional action. However, we are inviting applications to allow enough time to complete the grant process if Congress appropriates funds for this program.

Contingent upon the availability of funds and the quality of applications, we may make additional awards in FY 2026 from the list of approved but unfunded applicants from this competition.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants For FY 2024 the below guidance is provided to advance the Administration’s policy, as stated in E.O. 13985, to “pursue a comprehensive approach to advancing equity for all, including people of color and others who have been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality.” This guidance is intended to begin to address inequities in HHS programs, processes, and policies that may serve as barriers to equal opportunity. By advancing equity in our NOFOs, we can “create opportunities for the improvement of communities that have been historically underserved, which benefits everyone.”

States; public or private agencies, including for-profit agencies; public or private organizations, including for-profit organizations; IHEs; and Indian tribes and tribal organizations.

Foreign entities are not eligible to compete for, or receive, awards made under this announcement.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement:

No For awards that do not require matching or cost sharing by statute, recipients are not expected to provide cost sharing or matching. However, recipients are allowed to voluntarily propose a commitment of non-federal resources. If an applicant decides to voluntarily contribute non-federal resources towards project costs and the costs are accepted by ACL, the non-federal resources will be included in the approved project budget. The applicant will be held accountable for all proposed non-federal resources as shown in the Notice of Award (NOA). A recipient's failure to meet the voluntary amount of non-federal resources that was accepted by ACL as part of the approved project costs and that was identified in the approved budget in the NOA, may result in the disallowance of federal funds. Recipients will be required to report these funds in the Federal Financial Reports.

3. Responsiveness and Screening Criteria Application Responsiveness Criteria To be considered for review under this grant opportunity, applicants must propose to run a RERC grant that is responsive to each of the requirements in the priority section of this funding opportunity announcement.

Application Screening Criteria We will screen all applications, and will reject any applications that:

Are submitted after the established deadline;

Propose a budget that exceeds $975,000 in any single budget year;

Propose a project period that exceeds 60 months.

NOTE: NIDILRR is strengthening its double-spacing requirements. These new requirements will enhance the readability and accessibility of applications for reviewers. The requirements will also promote fairness by restricting the occasional applicant practice of placing narrative text in single-spaced tables for potential competitive advantage.

You must Double-space (no more than three lines per vertical inch) the project narrative. You are not required to double-space titles, headings, or footnotes in tables or figures. However, if text within any single row of a table or figure extends beyond a single line, the text in that row must be double-spaced.

NIDILRR will screen all applications for compliance with these double-spacing requirements.

For every line of single-spaced text within your project narrative, including text in tables and figures that does not comply with this requirement, NIDILRR will count that line against the page limit of 80 pages. For example, if your project narrative is 80 pages long but contains one page of single-spaced text, we will consider the narrative to be 81 pages long. We will then instruct reviewers not to review and score the last page of your project narrative.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package Application materials can be obtained from https://www.grants.gov or https://www.acl.gov/grants/applying-grants.

Please note, ACL requires applications for all announcements to be submitted electronically through http://www.grants.gov in Workspace. Grants.gov Workspace is the standard way for organizations and individuals to apply for federal grants in Grants.gov. An overview and training on Grants.gov Workspace can be found here at:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html

The Grants.gov registration process can take several days. If your organization is not currently registered, please begin this process immediately. For assistance with https://www.grants.gov, please contact them at support@grants.gov or 800-518-4726 between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

Eastern Time.

At the https://www.grants.gov website, you will find information about submitting an application electronically through the site, including the hours of operation. ACL strongly recommends that you do not wait until the application due date to begin the application process because of the time involved to complete the registration process.

All applicants must have a UEI and be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM, www.sam.gov) and maintain an active SAM registration until the application process is complete, and should a grant be made, throughout the life of the award. Effective June 11, 2018, when registering or renewing your registration, you must submit a notarized letter appointing the authorized Entity Administrator. Please be sure to read the FAQs located at www.sam.gov to learn more. Applicants should allot sufficient time prior to the application deadline to finalize a new, or renew an existing registration. This action should allow you time to resolve any issues that may arise. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in your inability to submit your application or receive an award. Maintain documentation (with dates) of your efforts to register or renew at least two weeks before the deadline. See the SAM Quick Guide for Grantees at:

SAM.GOV Quick Start Guide for Financial Assistance Registrations.

Note: Once your SAM registration is active, allow 24 to 48 hours for the information to be available in Grants.gov before you can submit an application through Grants.gov. This action should allow you time to resolve any issues that may arise. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in your inability to submit your application or receive an award.

1.

Note: Failure to submit the correct EIN Suffix can lead to delays in identifying your organization and access to funding in the Payment Management System.

Effective October 1, 2010, HHS requires all entities that plan to apply for and ultimately receive federal grant funds from any HHS Operating/Staff Division (OPDIV/STAFFDIV) or receive subawards directly from the recipients of those grant funds to:

2. Register in SAM prior to submitting an application or plan;

3. Maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active award or an application or plan under consideration by an OPDIV; and

4. Provide its UEI number in each application or plan to submit to the OPDIV.

Additionally, all first-tier subaward recipients must have a UEI number at the time the subaward is made.

The Federal Government will transition from the DUNS Number to the New Unique Entity Identifier. As of April of 2022, the federal government stopped using the DUNS number to uniquely identify entities. At that point, entities doing business with the federal government will use a Unique Entity Identifier (SAM) created in SAM.gov. It is entered on the SF-424. It is a unique, nine-digit identification number, which provides unique identifiers of single business entities.

You must submit all documents electronically, including all information included on the SF424 and all necessary assurances and certifications. In accordance with the Federal Government’s efforts to reduce reporting burden for recipients of federal financial assistance, the general certification and representation requirements contained in the Standard Form 424B (SF-424B) – Assurances – Non-Construction Programs, and the Standard Form 424D (SF-424D) – Assurances – Construction Programs, have been standardized federal-wide.

Effective January 1, 2020, the updated common certification and representation requirements will be stored and maintained within SAM. Organizations or individuals applying for federal financial assistance as of January 1, 2020, must validate the federally required common certifications and representations annually through SAM located at SAM.gov.

After you electronically submit your application, you will receive an automatic acknowledgment from https://www.grants.gov that contains https://www.grants.gov tracking number. The Administration for Community Living will retrieve your application form from https://www.grants.gov.

If you have any questions about the programmatic or substantive requirements of this funding opportunity, please contact the competition manager:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living

Thomas Corfman Thomas.Corfman@acl.hhs.gov

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Letter of Intent Number of Days from Publication 35

02/18/2025 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

In your email include:

The funding opportunity number and title.

The name and contact information for the project principal investigator.

A brief description of the proposed activities.

A list of key individuals and their organizations that will have a significant role in your project.

A list of individuals whose selection as a peer reviewer might constitute a conflict of interest due to their involvement in the application development.

For further information regarding the LOI submission process, contact Megan Alvarado.

Project Narrative The Project Narrative portion of your application is where you describe your proposed project and address each of the review criteria. Applicants should address each of the review criteria in the project narrative. Each applicant must limit the Project Narrative to the equivalent of no more than 80 pages using the following standards:

A page is 8.5" x 11" on one side only with 1" margins at the top, bottom, and both sides;

You must Double-space (no more than three lines per vertical inch) the project narrative.

You are not required to double-space titles, headings, or footnotes in tables or figures.

However, if text within any single row of a table or figure extends beyond a single line, the text in that row must be double-spaced;

o NIDILRR will screen all applications for compliance with these double-spacing requirements. For every line of single-spaced text within your project narrative, including text in tables and figures that does not comply with this requirement, NIDILRR will count that line against the page limit of 80 pages. For example, if your project narrative is 80 pages long but contains one page of single-spaced text, we will consider the narrative to be 81 pages long. We will then instruct reviewers not to review and score the last page of your project narrative;

Use a font that is not less than size 12 and is Times New Roman, Courier, Courier New or Arial;

Include all critical information, including the Work Plan, in the Project Narrative, minimizing the need for additional appendices;

Ensure that you attach PDF files only for any attachments to your application. While you are able to attach files to your application in formats other than PDF, non-PDF files are converted into PDF format before reviewers see and evaluate your application. The conversion to PDF format may not maintain your original formatting. Therefore, to ensure the integrity of your application documents we strongly recommend that you attach only PDF files as you submit your application.

NOTE: The page limit for the Project Narrative does not apply to the Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424), the table of contents, budget narrative/justification, the forms, the summary/abstract, the vitae/ biosketches, references, or the letters of commitment from key participating organizations and agencies, the summary of involved individuals and organizations, data management plan, and the data safety and monitoring plan (if applicable).

For project narratives that exceed 80 double-spaced pages, NIDILRR will instruct reviewers to disregard all of the content on the pages beyond the 80th page.

Table of Contents The Table of Contents should show where and how the important sections of your proposal are organized. While the application will be submitted electronically, the reviewers may use printed copies during the review process. The Table of Contents will assist reviewers in more efficiently and effectively evaluating your application.

Summary/ Abstract The one-page abstract must be a comprehensive description of the whole project (all years) and not a description of the competency of the institution or Project Director/PI. It is not an executive summary. The abstract can be single-spaced.

Work Plan Applicants must provide a Work Plan (Plan of Operation) in their Project Narrative. The Work Plan should cover all years of the project period. The Work Plan should include a statement of the project's overall goal(s), anticipated outcome(s), and the major tasks that are proposed to achieve the goal and outcome(s). For each major task, the Work Plan should identify timeframes involved and the lead person responsible for the task. A "Project Work Plan - Sample Template" is provided in the Appendix section of this Funding Opportunity Announcement.

Vitae/Biosketches of Key Project Personnel Vitae or biosketches of key project personnel should include information that is specifically pertinent to the applicant’s proposed project. Applicants are encouraged to use NIH’s biosketch format, which provides reviewers with a concise description of training, expertise, and productivity that is relevant to the proposed project.

References Applicants should provide references for works cited in the Project Narrative. Applicants may provide references in any format (i.e., APA, AMA, MLA), though the formatting should be consistent.

Data Management Plan You must provide a data management plan for your project. We will review the data management plan for compliance before making an award.

The data management plan is your plan for making your NIDILRR-funded data available to the public at the end of your grant. The Data Management Plan must include the following:

A description of the types of data you will collect for your project.

A description of how you will organize, store, and preserve your project data.

A description of the metadata to be provided for useful analysis of the data by others.

Metadata include descriptions and labels for variables and values in your dataset.

A description of the data repository that you will use to make your data available to the public at the end of your grant. We recommend that you use the ICPSR as your data repository, but you may select a different data repository.

o If you select a different data repository, you must provide information on how the data repository will provide long-term preservation and free public access to the project data.

If applicable, describe why your data cannot be submitted to a data repository.

A description of the informed consent process that will enable data sharing.

Costs associated with data management can be included in your budget.

If you require technical assistance in preparing your data management plan for this application, contact ICPSR at ICPSR-help@umich.edu or 734-647-2200.

Budget Narrative/Justification The applicant must submit an itemized budget breakdown for each project year and the basis for estimating the costs of personnel salaries, benefits, project staff travel, materials and supplies, consultants and subcontracts, indirect costs, and any other projected expenditures.

The Budget Narrative/Justification can be provided using the “Budget Narrative/Justification – Sample Format” included in this document. Applicants are encouraged to pay particular attention to this document, which provides an example of the level of detail sought. A combined multi-year Budget Narrative/Justification as well as a detailed Budget Narrative/Justification for each year of potential grant funding is required. This information will be uploaded in the "Budget Narrative/Justification" section under the "Optional" category. If applicable, address cost share in a separate section of the budget narrative labeled "cost share."

Letters of Commitment from Key Participating Organizations and Agencies Include letters of commitment from key participating organizations and agencies after the Budget Narrative/Justification.

Summary of Involved Individuals and Organizations Submit an appendix that lists every collaborating organization, and every individual who is named to a professional role in the proposed project. These individuals should include staff, consultants, contractors, and advisory board members. We will use this information to screen for conflicts of interest with potential peer reviewers.

3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) The Grants.gov registration process can take several days. If your organization is not currently registered, please begin this process immediately. For assistance with https://www.grants.gov, please contact them at support@grants.gov or 800-518-4726 between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

Eastern Time.

At the https://www.grants.gov website, you will find information about submitting an application electronically through the site, including the hours of operation. ACL strongly recommends that you do not wait until the application due date to begin the application process because of the time involved to complete the registration process.

All applicants must have a UEI number and be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM, www.sam.gov) and maintain an active SAM registration until the application process is complete, and should a grant be made, throughout the life of the award. Effective June 11, 2018, when registering or renewing your registration, you must submit a notarized letter appointing the authorized Entity Administrator. Please be sure to read the FAQs located at www.sam.gov to learn more. Applicants should allot sufficient time prior to the application deadline to finalize a new, or renew an existing registration.

This action should allow you time to resolve any issues that may arise. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in your inability to submit your application or receive an award. Maintain documentation (with dates) of your efforts to register or renew at least two weeks before the deadline. See the SAM Quick Guide for Grantees at:

SAM.GOV Quick Start Guide for Financial Assistance Registrations.

Note: Once your SAM registration is active, allow 24 to 48 hours for the information to be available in Grants.gov before you can submit an application through Grants.gov. This action should allow you time to resolve any issues that may arise. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in your inability to submit your application or receive an award.

Note: Failure to submit the correct EIN Suffix can lead to delays in identifying your organization and access to funding in the Payment Management System.

Effective October 1, 2010, HHS requires all entities that plan to apply for and ultimately receive federal grant funds from any HHS Operating/Staff Division (OPDIV/STAFFDIV) or receive subawards directly from the recipients of those grant funds to:

1. Register in SAM prior to submitting an application or plan;

2. Maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active award or an application or plan under consideration by an OPDIV; and

3. Provide its UEI number in each application or plan to submit to the OPDIV.

Additionally, all first-tier subaward recipients must have a UEI number at the time the subaward is made.

The Federal Government will transition from the DUNS Number to the New Unique Entity Identifier. As of April of 2022, the federal government stopped using the DUNS number to uniquely identify entities. At that point, entities doing business with the federal government will use a Unique Entity Identifier (SAM) created in SAM.gov. They will no longer have to go to a third-party website to obtain their identifier. This transition allows the government to streamline the entity identification and validation process, making it easier and less burdensome for entities to do business with the federal government. If your entity is registered in SAM.gov today, your Unique Entity ID (SAM) has already been assigned and is viewable in SAM.gov. This includes inactive registrations. The Unique Entity ID is currently located below the DUNS Number on your entity registration record. Remember, you must be signed in to your SAM.gov account to view entity records. To learn how to view your Unique Entity ID (SAM) go to this help article.

You must submit all documents electronically, including all information included on the SF424 and all necessary assurances and certifications. In accordance with the Federal Government’s efforts to reduce reporting burden for recipients of federal financial assistance, the general certification and representation requirements contained in the Standard Form 424B (SF-424B) – Assurances – Non-Construction Programs, and the Standard Form 424D (SF-424D) – Assurances – Construction Programs, have been standardized federal-wide. Effective January 1, 2020, the updated common certification and representation requirements will be stored and maintained within SAM.

Organizations or individuals applying for federal financial assistance as of January 1, 2020, must validate the federally required common certifications and representations annually through SAM located at SAM.gov.

After you electronically submit your application, you will receive an automatic acknowledgment from https://www.grants.gov that contains https://www.grants.gov tracking number. The Administration for Community Living will retrieve your application form from https://www.grants.gov.

4. Submission Dates and Times Due Date for Applications 04/18/2025

04/18/2025

Date for Informational Conference Call:

02/10/2025 Applications that fail to meet the application due date will not be reviewed and will receive no further consideration. You are strongly encouraged to submit your application a minimum of 3-5 days prior to the application closing date. Do not wait until the last day in the event you encounter technical difficulties, either on your end or, with http://www.grants.gov. Grants.gov can take up to 48 hours to notify you of a successful submission.

In addition, if you are submitting your application via Grants.gov, you must (1) be designated by your organization as an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) and (2) register yourself with Grants.gov as an AOR. Details on these steps are outlined at the following Grants.gov web page: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html.

After you electronically submit your application, you will receive from Grants.gov an automatic notification of receipt that contains a Grants.gov tracking number. (This notification indicates receipt by Grants.gov only)

If you are experiencing problems submitting your application through Grants.gov, please contact the Grants.gov Support Desk, toll free, at 1-800-518-4726.