hhs-2026-acl-nidilrr-dpad-0219_rev1.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Application due Thursday, July 23, 2026

National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR)

Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) National Network Opportunity number: HHS-2026-ACL-NIDILRR-DPAD-0219

Contents

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 4

Basic information 5

Eligibility 6

Program description 8

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 15

Find the application package 16

Get registered 16

Join the informational call 17

Step 3: Build Your Application 18

Application contents and format 19

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 24

Application review 25

Award notices 29

Step 5: Submit Your Application 30

Application submission and deadlines 31

Application checklist 33

Step 6: Learn What Happens After Award 35

Post-award requirements and administration 36

Contacts and Support 38

Before you begin 3

Contents 2

Before you begin If you believe you are a good candidate for this funding opportunity, secure your

SAM.gov and Grants.gov registrations now. If you are already registered, make sure your registrations are active and up to date.

SAM.gov registration (this can take several weeks)

You must have an active account with SAM.gov. This includes having a Unique Entity

Identifier (UEI).

See Step 2: Get Ready to Apply

Grants.gov registration (this can take several days)

You must have an active Grants.gov registration. Doing so requires a Login.gov registration as well.

See Step 2: Get Ready to Apply

Apply by the application due date

Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, July 23, 2026.

To help you find what you need, this NOFO uses internal links. In Adobe Reader, you can go back to where you were by pressing Alt + Left Arrow (Windows) or Command

+ Left Arrow (Mac) on your keyboard.

Before you begin 3 https://sam.gov/ https://grants.gov/

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1:

Review the Opportunity

In this step

Basic information 5

Eligibility 6

Program description 8

Basic information Administration for Community Living

National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research

(NIDILRR)

Have questions?

See Contacts and

Support.

Key facts

Opportunity name: Disability and Rehabilitation Research

Projects (DRRP) Program:

Americans with Disabilities

Act (ADA) National Network

Opportunity number:

HHS-2026-ACL-NIDILRR-

DPAD-0219

Federal assistance listing:

93.433

Statutory authority:

Title II of the Rehabilitation

Act of 1973, as amended. 29

U.S.C. § 762(g) and 764(a)

Key dates

Application deadline:

July 23, 2026

Optional notice of intent deadline:

July 14, 2026

Expected start date:

September 1, 2026

Expected award date:

September 1, 2026

Informational conference call:

July 2, 2026

Summary

Research, technical assistance and training to improve implementation of the ADA.

Funding details

Type: Grant

Expected funding: $11,074,494

Expected awards: 10

Funding range: $1,000,000 to $1,246,000

We plan to fund 10 awards in three 12-month budget periods for a total three-year period of performance of September 1, 2026 to August 31, 2029.

Length of project period: 36 month project period with three 12-month budget periods.

The award ceiling for each of the ADA National Network Regional Centers is based upon the size of the population in the States and territories in each region. Applicants in each region must propose a budget that does not exceed the Award Ceiling that is applicable to that region. The Award Ceiling for each Region is as follows:

• Region 1: $1,000,000

• Region 2: $1,112,165

• Region 3: $1,112,165

• Region 4: $1,246,000

• Region 5: $1,246,000

• Region 6: $1,112,165

• Region 7: $1,000,000

• Region 8: $1,000,000

• Region 9: $1,246,000

• Region 10: $1,000,000

Each applicant must clearly specify the HHS region that their proposed ADA National

Network Center would serve and work within. The applicant must make their regional specification on the SF-424 document and in their abstract.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 5

Eligibility Who can apply

Eligible applicants

Only these types or organizations may apply:

• States.

• Public or private agencies, including for-profit agencies.

• Public or private organizations, including for-profit organizations.

• Institutions of higher education.

• Indian tribes and tribal organizations.

Faith-based and community organizations that meet the eligibility requirements are eligible for awards under this funding opportunity.

Disqualifying factors

We will review your application to make sure it meets these responsiveness requirements.

We won’t consider an application that:

• Is submitted after the deadline.

• Is not responsive to each of the requirements in the Program Description section of this notice.

• Is from an individual, including a sole proprietorship, or a foreign entity.

• Is received in paper format that didn’t have a previously approved exemption from ACL.

• Proposes a budget that exceeds the Award ceiling for their region, in any single budget year. Award ceilings, by region, are listed in the Funding Details section of this NOFO.

• Proposes a project period that exceeds 36 months.

Application limits

If you submit the same application more than once under this notice of funding opportunity (NOFO), we will only acknowledge the last on-time submission.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 6

Cost sharing

This program has no cost-sharing requirement, meaning you do not need to contribute to the costs of this project.

If you choose to include cost-sharing funds, we won’t consider it during review.

Cost sharing commitments

If awarded, you must provide the amount of cost-sharing funds you promised. We put these commitments in the Notice of Award.

If you don’t provide your promised amount, we may decrease the amount of funding we give you or use other enforcement actions.

You’ll have to include your cost-sharing funds when you fill out your federal financial reports.

Post-award requirements

Before you apply, make sure you understand the requirements that come with an award.

See Step 6: Learn What Happens After Award for information on regulations that apply, reporting, and more.

Statutory authority Title II of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. 29 U.S.C. § 762(g) and 764(a).

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 7

Program description Background The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed and enacted in 1990. Since 1991, NIDILRR has funded 10 regional Centers to provide ADA training, technical assistance, and ADA materials to people and entities with rights and responsibilities under the ADA.

These 10 regional centers, along with the ADA Knowledge Translation Center and the

ADA Collaborative Research Project, comprise what ACL and NIDILRR refer to as the ADA

National Network.

Continued investment in training, technical assistance, materials dissemination and research is essential to realize the ADA’s purpose of ensuring that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. While the ADA establishes comprehensive civil rights protections, its implementation relies on understanding the evolving barriers that people with disabilities experience. The barriers that people with disabilities experience have evolved since the initial passage of the ADA. Substantial technological developments have prompted new access needs across various life domains. As society evolves, so too must the knowledge base that informs ADA implementation.

Rapid technological change is transforming communication, employment, health care delivery, education, and public engagement. Advances in digital platforms, artificial intelligence, virtual environments, and remote work arrangements pose new challenges for ensuring accessibility and maintaining rights and equal opportunities for people with disabilities. Federal, state, and local governments and the private sector require timely technical assistance and research-based training to navigate these evolving realities.

Continued research, technical assistance, training, and dissemination of up-to-date information is critical to ongoing successful implementation of the ADA.

Persistent barriers to transportation, employment opportunities, community participation, and public services demonstrate the ongoing need for targeted ADA research, training, and technical assistance. ACL plays a vital role in supporting these activities. This work is essential not only for guiding service providers and policymakers, but also for informing federal rulemaking, enforcement priorities, and accessibility initiatives across relevant federal agencies.

For these reasons, continued ACL-funded research, training, technical assistance, and dissemination are needed to support the effective implementation of the ADA and to ensure that stakeholders know about their rights and responsibilities under the ADA. By investing in these services, ACL strengthens the nation’s capacity to address emerging barriers, promote access, and uphold the civil rights of people with disabilities.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 8

The purpose of this program This priority is in alignment with:

• The following ACL strategic priorities:

◦ Connecting people to services.

◦ Whole-person health.

◦ Employment.

◦ Protecting rights and preventing abuse.

ACL’s Administrator establishes a priority for the funding of 10 Americans with Disabilities

Act (ADA) Regional Centers, 1 within each of the 10 HHS regions. Together, the 10 ADA

Regional Centers, along with the ADA Knowledge Translation Center (ADA KT Center, funded under a separate funding opportunity announcement), will comprise the ADA

National Network.

All ADA Regional Center activities must be conducted in partnership with relevant ADA stakeholders as well as other ADA National Network grantees. For purposes of this priority, the term “ADA stakeholders” refers to people and entities with rights and responsibilities under the ADA.

The ADA Regional Centers must ensure that all websites and information technology tools and products that it develops or maintains are in compliance with standards developed under section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 794d). For websites, this compliance currently requires meeting Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)

2.0/2.1 AA success criteria.

Each ADA Regional Center must be designed to contribute to the following outcomes:

• Improved understanding by ADA stakeholders of their rights and responsibilities under the ADA. Each of the 10 ADA Regional Centers must contribute to this outcome by:

◦ Implementing a sustained program of outreach, training, technical assistance, information dissemination, and capacity building (collectively, ADA Network

Services), aimed at ADA stakeholders, including local, regional, and national groups representing such stakeholders. For purposes of this priority, the term

“ADA stakeholders” refers to people and entities with rights and responsibilities under the ADA.

• Identification of barriers to compliance with the ADA as well as innovative approaches for eliminating these barriers. Each of the 10 ADA Regional Centers must contribute to this outcome by:

◦ Conducting ADA research activities on topics that are relevant to at least one of the Titles of the ADA, which include employment, public entities and public

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 9 https://acl.gov/about-acl transportation, public accommodations and commercial facilities, and telecommunications. Each regional ADA center must commit at least 15% of its overall budget to ADA research efforts. Research activities must be conducted on a local, center-specific level.

◦ Presenting research efforts and findings during an ADA Research Conference organized by the ADA KT Center in Year 3 of the funding cycle.

◦ Collaborating with the ADA KT Center on the development of research briefs intended to be a synthesis of current available ADA research. ADA Regional

Centers will provide input to the ADA KT Center about what areas of research would be of interest to ADA stakeholders. This input will be based on the service and information needs of ADA stakeholders, and results of periodic assessments of stakeholders’ needs.

• Improved understanding of ADA stakeholders’ need for and receipt of ADA Network

Services over time, including services to address emerging issues related to compliance with ADA requirements. Each of the 10 ADA Regional Centers must contribute to this outcome by:

◦ Entering, directly into the Outcomes Measurement System (OMS) database maintained by the ADA KT Center, the required data about each of the ADA

Network Services that it provides. These data must include, but are not limited to, (i) the ADA title or titles, regulations, and specific topics that are addressed by the ADA Network Services provided; (ii) the modality of service provision

(e.g., in-person presentation, webinar), and (iii) non-personally identifiable information about the recipient or recipients of the ADA Network Services.

◦ Ensuring that any staff who collect OMS data or enter data into the OMS complete formal training offered by the ADAKT Center within the first year of the grant. The ADA Regional Center must ensure that any new staff with data collection or data entry responsibilities complete the training satisfactorily before performing those activities. After the first year of the grant, data collection or entry must only be performed by those who satisfactorily complete the training.

◦ Collaborating with the ADAKT Center to comply with NIDILRR requests for analyses of, and aggregated information from OMS data.

◦ Collaborating with the ADA KT Center to conduct periodic assessments of the knowledge, information, and service needs of ADA stakeholders. These needs assessments must be conducted through analyses of OMS data to identify emerging issues related to stakeholder rights and responsibilities under the

ADA. ADA Regional Centers must also apply new knowledge from those analyses to further tailor and improve the provision of ADA Network Services and enhance understanding of emerging stakeholder needs.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 10

◦ Collaborating with NIDILRR and the ADA KT Center to identify and implement other appropriate methods for periodically assessing the needs of ADA stakeholders.

◦ Measuring and tracking the impact of ADA National Network Services on stakeholder needs and outcomes.

◦ Collaborating with the ADA KT Center to produce and promote stakeholder awareness of and access to an annual public report. This report must be based on OMS data and must share information on ADA Network Services provided by the 10 ADA Regional Centers, including aggregate numbers and demographics of service recipients, and other non-confidential statistics, as appropriate. Applicants may request the ADA National Network Annual Report from the Competition Manager, Donna Gregory, at donna.gregory@acl.hhs.gov.

• Enhanced efficiency and effectiveness of ADA Network Services. Each of the 10 ADA

Regional Centers must contribute to this outcome by:

◦ Partnering with the ADA KT Center and other ADA Regional Centers to develop and distribute ADA training and technical assistance materials, and other informational products and services that are national in scope. These materials, products, and services include, but are not limited to, the ADA

National Network web site, as well as materials, products, and services that are relevant to ADA stakeholders across regions. Each ADA National Network

Regional Center must collaborate with the other nine Regional Centers and the

ADA KT Center to develop and distribute these nationally relevant products.

While individual Regional Centers may develop services and products based on their expertise and populations they serve, they must work with all members of the ADA National Network to optimize their national relevance and reach.

◦ Coordinating with the ADA KT Center to maintain national products, training and technical assistance documents in a centralized online system to be established and implemented by the ADA KT Center.

◦ In coordination with the NIDILRR Project Officer, collaborating with ACL staff to identify and implement opportunities to leverage other Administration for

Community Living program and service investments (including, but not limited to, Aging and Disability Resource Centers, Area Agencies on Aging, and Centers for Independent Living) to further the goals of the ADA National Network.

◦ Attending and participating in annual meetings of the ADA Regional Centers’

Project Directors to be held twice per project year in Washington, DC. The meetings are expected to occur in person unless extenuating circumstances prohibit in-person meetings, and in such cases the meetings may occur virtually, as approved by ACL / NIDILRR. These meetings will facilitate collaboration between the 10 ADA Regional Centers, the ADA KT Center, and

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 11 mailto:donna.gregory@acl.hhs.gov relevant community partners. These meetings will also allow the grantees to meet and exchange information directly with their Federal partners in the

Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Equal

Employment Opportunity Commission, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid

Services, and other relevant agencies within and outside of the U.S.

Department of Health and Human Services.

Funding policies and limitations

Changes in HHS regulations

As of October 1, 2025, HHS adopted 2 CFR 200, with some exceptions included in

2 CFR 300. These regulations replace those in 45 CFR 75.

Policies

• All activities proposed in your application and budget narrative must align with applicable law, including but not limited to statutes, executive orders, federal regulations, and applicable judicial holdings. Accordingly, discretionary awards shall not be used to fund, promote, encourage, subsidize, or facilitate: racial preferences or other forms of racial discrimination by the recipient, including activities where race or intentional proxies for race will be used as a selection criterion for employment or program participation; denial by the recipient of the sex binary in humans, or the belief that sex is a chosen or mutable characteristic; illegal immigration; or any other initiatives that compromise public safety. If an application does not align, the application will not receive funding to the extent permitted by law and applicable court orders.

• We will only make awards if this program receives funding. If Congress appropriates funds for this purpose, we will move forward with the review and award process.

• Support beyond the first budget period will depend on:

◦ Appropriation of funds.

◦ Satisfactory progress in meeting your project’s objectives.

◦ A decision that continued funding is in the government’s best interest.

• If we receive more funding for this program, we will consider:

◦ Funding more applicants.

◦ Extending the period of performance.

◦ Awarding supplemental funding.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 12 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-III/part-300

• You may not use funds from this NOFO for any diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEI and DEIA) activities. This includes:

◦ DEI- or DEIA-related research.

◦ Activities that discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or other protected traits.

• Under this NOFO, you can’t continue existing projects without expansion or new and innovative approaches.

• Meals are allowed only in limited circumstances linked to program activities, like during travel or when approved in advance by ACL. See Allowable Costs and

Activities, Exhibit 4: Selected Items of Cost, Meals in the HHS Grants Policy

Statement.

• There are restrictions on certain telecommunications and video surveillance equipment. See 2 CFR 200.216 to make sure this does not apply to any proposed equipment in your application.

Unallowable costs

• Construction or major rehabilitation of buildings.

• For guidance on other types of costs that we restrict or do not allow, see General

Provisions for Selected Items of Costs of the Uniform Guidance, 2 CFR 200.420.

Indirect costs

To charge indirect costs you can select one of two methods:

Method 1 – Approved rate. You currently have an indirect cost rate approved by your cognizant federal agency.

Method 2 – De minimis rate. If you do not have a negotiated indirect cost rate, you may elect to charge a de minimis rate (see 2 CFR 200.414(f)). This rate may be up to 15% of modified total direct costs (MTDC). See the definition of MTDC (2 CFR 200.1). You can use this rate indefinitely.

You may not charge costs included in your indirect cost pool as direct costs.

Subawards

As the prime recipient, you must maintain a substantive role in the project. This means that you conduct funded activities and provide services necessary and integral to completing the project.

Monitoring your subrecipient’s activities alone as described in 2 CFR 200.332 is not a substantive role.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 13 https://www.hhs.gov/grants-contracts/grants/grants-policies-regulations/index.html https://www.hhs.gov/grants-contracts/grants/grants-policies-regulations/index.html https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.216 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/section-200.414#p-200.414(f) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200#p-200.1(Modified%20Total%20Direct%20Cost%20(MTDC)) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#200.332

We do not fund awards where your role is primarily a conduit for passing funds to other organizations unless that arrangement is authorized by statute.

All subrecipients must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) through the System for Award

Management (SAM.gov).

Subrecipients must meet the eligibility requirements of this NOFO.

Salary rate limitation

The salary rate limitation in the current appropriations act applies to this program. You may not use awarded funds to pay a salary at a higher rate than the rate for Executive

Level II.

For the Executive Level II salary, please see the Office of Personnel Management information on executive and senior level employee pay.

The salary limitation reflects a person’s base salary (including any portion of the salary that is paid with indirect costs). It does not include fringe benefits or any income the person is allowed to earn outside of the duties of the applicant organization.

This salary limitation also applies to subawards, contracts, and subcontracts under an ACL grant or cooperative agreement.

Program income

If you earn any money from your award-supported project activities (known as program income), you must use it for the purposes and under the conditions of the award. Find more about program income at 2 CFR 200.307.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 14 https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/ https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/ https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#200.307

Step 2:

Get Ready to Apply

In this step

Find the application package 16

Get registered 16

Join the informational call 17

Find the application package The application package has all the forms you need to apply. You can search for it at

Grants.gov using opportunity number HHS-2026-ACL-NIDILRR-DPAD-0219. Then select the Package tab.

We recommend that you select the Subscribe button from the View Grant Opportunity page for this NOFO to get updates.

You can also find materials at Applying for Grants on ACL’s website.

If you can’t use Grants.gov to download application materials or have other technical difficulties, including issues with application submission, contact Grants.gov for assistance.

Get registered SAM.gov You must have an active account with SAM.gov to apply. SAM.gov registration can take several weeks. Begin that process today.

To register:

• Go to SAM.gov Entity Registration and select Get Started. From the same page, you can also select the Entity Registration Checklist for the information you will need to register.

• You must agree to the financial assistance general certifications and representations

[PDF] specifically. Those for contracts are different.

When you register, you will also receive your required Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

Once you register:

• You will have to maintain your registration throughout the life of any award.

• If your organization has multiple UEIs, use the one associated with your physical location.

Grants.gov You must also have an active account with Grants.gov. You can see step-by-step instructions at the Grants.gov Quick Start Guide for Applicants.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 16 https://grants.gov/search-grants https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/32f1838f-a9d0-45fb-af20-12bcc743acb1 https://acl.gov/grants/applying-grants https://www.grants.gov/support https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/financial-assistance-general-certification-representations.pdf https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/financial-assistance-general-certification-representations.pdf https://grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration http://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants

Join the informational call We will provide general information about this funding opportunity at an informational conference call. It will be held on:

• Date: July 2, 2026

• Time: 1 p.m. ET

You must register for this call in advance.

Contact Megan.Alvarado@acl.hhs.gov to register for this call.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 17 mailto:Megan.Alvarado@acl.hhs.gov

Step 3:

Build Your Application

In this step

Application contents and format 19

Application contents and format Applications include five main components. This section includes guidance on each.

Make sure you include each of these:

Component Submission format

Project abstract Use the Project Abstract Summary form.

Project narrative Use the Project Narrative Attachment form.

Budget narrative justification Use the Budget Narrative Attachment form.

Attachments Insert each in the Other Attachments form.

Other required forms Upload using each required form.

Required format

Required format for application contents.

Font: Times New Roman or Arial

Format: PDF

Size: 12-point font

Footnotes and text in graphics must be 12-point.

Spacing for project narrative main content: Double-spaced

Spacing for budget narrative: As needed

Spacing for project summary, tables, footnotes: Single-spaced.

Please note: Applicants who unnecessarily place project narrative text in tables or figures to avoid the double-spacing requirement run the risk of exceeding the page limit.

Margins: 1-inch

Include page numbers.

Step 3: Build Your Application 19

Project abstract Page Limit: 1 page

Provide a detailed yet concise description of your proposed project, activities, and intended outcomes. The abstract can be single- or double-spaced.

Project narrative Page Limit: 80 pages

The project narrative is the most important part of the application. We use it as the primary basis to decide whether your project addresses the requirements described in the program description section of this NOFO. We also use the content narrative to review the merit of your project. The project narrative should give a clear and concise description of your project.

You should address these merit review criteria as you write your project narrative.

• Responsiveness to the priority.

• Alignment with ACL strategic priorities.

• Design of training activities.

• Design of dissemination activities.

• Design of technical assistance activities.

• Design of research activities.

• Plan of operation.

• Collaboration.

• Project staff.

• Adequacy and accessibility of resources.

Include all critical information in the project narrative and not in appendices.

Cite all of your sources in the project narrative.

We will instruct reviewers to disregard all content on the pages beyond the 80th page of your project narrative.

Work plan

You must provide a work plan for your project within your Project Narrative. The work plan connects your goals, anticipated outcomes, and the major tasks you are proposing.

The work plan must cover all years of the project period.

To complete your work plan, see the project work plan sample template on our website.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 3: Build Your Application 20 https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Facl.gov%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fgrants%2Fwork%2520plan%2520template.doc&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK

Budget justification narrative Page Limit: None

The budget narrative supports the information you provide in Standard Form 424-A. See other required forms.

It includes added detail and justifies the costs you ask for. As you develop your budget, consider:

• If the costs are reasonable and consistent with your project’s purpose and activities.

• The restrictions on spending funds. See funding limitations.

Justify all the costs, including showing how you calculated them. To create your budget narrative, see the sample format [PDF] on our website.

You must submit a budget for each year of grant funding requested.

Attachments You will upload attachments in Grants.gov using the Other Attachments Form.

Table of contents

Page Limit: None

The table of contents should show where and how the important sections of your proposal are organized. While you will submit your proposal electronically, the reviewers may use printed copies during the review process. The table of contents will assist reviewers as they evaluate your proposal.

References

Page Limit: None

You must provide references for works cited in the project narrative. You may provide references in any format (i.e., APA, AMA, MLA). The format must be consistent throughout the project narrative.

Vitae/biosketches of key personnel

Page Limit: None

You must provide vitae or biosketches of key personnel for the project. The vitae or biosketches should include information that is relevant to your proposed project. You are encouraged to use the NIH’s biographical sketch format. This format gives reviewers a concise description of your training, expertise, and productivity that is related to the proposed project.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 3: Build Your Application 21 https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/grants/Budget%20Justification%20Sample%20Template%20%20Instructions.pdf http://grants.gov/ https://grants.nih.gov/grants/forms/biosketch.htm

Data management plan

Page Limit: None

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.

◦ 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.

Commitment letters

Page Limit: None

You must include commitment letters from key individuals and organizations that will have a significant role in carrying out your project. A letter should explain their role and commitment to your project.

Summary of key individuals and organizations

Page Limit: None

You must submit a list of key individuals and their organizations that will have a significant role in your project. This includes consultants and contractors.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 3: Build Your Application 22 https://www.icpsr.umich.edu/sites/icpsr/manage-data/dmps-grants/nidilrr mailto:ICPSR-help@umich.edu

We will use this information to screen for conflicts of interest with potential peer reviewers for your application.

Indirect cost rate agreement

Page Limit: None

Please attach a copy of your current indirect cost rate agreement approved by the

Department of Health and Human Services or another Federal agency.

Other required forms You will need to complete some standard forms. Upload the standard forms listed below at Grants.gov. You can find them in the NOFO application package or review them and their instructions at Grants.gov forms.

Forms Submission Requirement

Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) With application.

Supplemental Information for the SF-424 Application for Federal

Assistance [PDF]

With application.

Assurances for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424B) With application.

Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424A) With application.

Project Narrative Attachment form With application.

Attachments With application.

Project/Performance Site Location(s) With application.

Grants.gov Lobbying form(Certification Regarding Lobbying) With application.

Project Abstract Summary With application.

Important: Public information

When filling out your SF-424 form, pay attention to Box 15: Descriptive Title of Applicant’s

Project.

We share what you put there with USAspending. This is where the public goes to learn how the federal government spends their money.

Instead of just a title, insert a short description of your project and what it will do.

See instructions and examples [PDF].

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 3: Build Your Application 23 https://grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family https://www2.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/sf424instruct.pdf https://www2.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/sf424instruct.pdf https://www.usaspending.gov/ https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/hhs-writing-award-descriptions.pdf

Step 4:

Learn About Review and Award

In this step

Application review 25

Award notices 29

Application review Initial review We review each application to make sure it meets the responsiveness requirements listed in the disqualification factors section. If your application does not meet these criteria, we will disqualify it and we will not move it to the merit review (scoring) phase.

If your application exceeds the page limit for the project narrative, we will instruct reviewers to not review the pages that exceed the page limit. See the required format section.

Merit review A panel reviews all applications that pass the initial review. The members use the criteria and subcriteria below. Review criteria come primarily from NIDILRR’s program regulations

(45 CFR 1330.24)

Criterion Total number of points = 100

1. Responsiveness to the priority 5 points

2. Alignment with ACL Strategic Priorities 5 points

3. Design of training activities 15 points

4. Design of dissemination activities 15 points

5. Design of technical assistance activities 20 points

6. Design of research activities 15 points

7. Plan of operation 5 points

8. Collaboration 5 points

9. Project staff 10 points

10. Adequacy and accessibility of resources 5 points

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 25 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/section-1330.24

Criteria

Responsiveness to the priority (Maximum points: 5)

• The extent to which the applicant addresses all requirements in the priority.

• The extent to which the applicant’s proposed activities are likely to achieve the purposes of the priority.

Alignment with ACL Strategic priorities (Maximum points: 5)

• The extent to which the proposed project aligns with ACL’s strategic priorities of

Connecting people to services, Whole-person health, Employment, and Protecting rights and preventing abuse.

Design of training activities (Maximum points: 15)

• The extent to which the proposed training materials are likely to be effective, including consideration of their quality, clarity, and variety.

• The extent to which the proposed training methods are of sufficient quality, intensity, and duration.

• The extent to which the proposed training materials and methods are accessible to people with disabilities.

Design of dissemination activities (Maximum points: 15)

• The extent to which the methods for dissemination are of sufficient quality, intensity, and duration.

• The extent to which the materials and information to be disseminated and the methods for dissemination are appropriate to the target population, including consideration of the familiarity of the target population with the subject matter, format of the information, and subject matter.

• The extent to which the information to be disseminated will be accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Design of technical assistance activities (Maximum points: 20)

• The extent to which the methods for providing technical assistance are of sufficient quality, intensity, and duration.

• The extent to which the technical assistance is appropriate to the target population, including consideration of the knowledge level of the target population, needs of the target population, and format for providing information.

• The extent to which the technical assistance is accessible to individuals with disabilities.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 26

Design of research activities (Maximum points: 15)

• The extent to which the proposed design includes a comprehensive and informed review of the current literature, demonstrating knowledge of the state-of-the-art.

• The extent to which each research hypothesis or research question, as appropriate, is theoretically sound and based on current knowledge.

• The extent to which each sample is drawn from an appropriate, specified population and is of sufficient size to address the proposed hypotheses or research questions, as appropriate, and to support the proposed data analysis methods.

• The extent to which the source or sources of the data and the data collection methods are appropriate to address the proposed hypotheses or research questions and to support the proposed data analysis methods.

• The extent to which the data analysis methods are appropriate.

• The extent to which input of individuals with disabilities and other key stakeholders is used to shape the proposed research activities.

• The extent to which implementation of the proposed research design is feasible, given the current state of the science and the time and resources available.

• The extent to which the applicant identifies and justifies the stage of research being proposed and the research methods associated with the stage.

Plan of Operation (Maximum points: 5)

• The adequacy of the plan of operation to achieve the objectives of the proposed project on time and within budget, including clearly defined responsibilities, and timelines for accomplishing project tasks.

• The adequacy of the plan of operation to provide for using resources, equipment, and personnel to achieve each objective.

Collaboration (Maximum points: 5)

• The extent to which the applicant’s proposed collaboration with one or more agencies, organizations, or institutions is likely to be effective in achieving the relevant proposed activities of the project.

• The extent to which agencies, organizations, or institutions demonstrate a commitment to collaborate with the applicant.

Project staff (Maximum points: 10)

• The extent to which the applicant encourages applications for employment from people with disabilities, who may include but are not limited to people with disabilities who have the greatest support needs.

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 27

• The extent to which the key personnel and other key staff have appropriate training and experience in disciplines required to conduct all proposed activities.

Adequacy and accessibility of resources (Maximum points: 5)

• The extent to which the applicant is committed to provide adequate facilities, equipment, other resources, including administrative support, and laboratories, if appropriate.

• The extent to which the facilities, equipment, and other resources are appropriately accessible to individuals with disabilities who may use the facilities, equipment, and other resources of the project.

Risk review Before making an award, we review the risk that you will mismanage federal funds or fail to complete the project objectives. We need to make sure you’ve handled any past federal awards well and demonstrated sound business practices.

We use SAM.gov Responsibility/Qualification to check this history for all awards likely to be over $250,000. We also check Exclusions.

If we find a significant risk, we may choose not to fund your application or to place specific conditions on the award.

You can see more details about risk review at 2 CFR 200.206.

Selection process When making funding decisions, we consider:

• Merit review results. These are key in making decisions but are not the only factor.

• The larger portfolio of agency-funded projects, including project type and geographic distribution.

• The past performance of the applicant. We may choose not to fund applicants with management or financial problems.

• Reasonableness of proposed costs to the expected results and the likelihood you will achieve those results.

• Available funding.

We may:

• Fund applications in whole or in part.

• Fund applications at a lower amount than requested.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 28 https://sam.gov/entity-information https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.206

• Decide not to allow a prime recipient to subaward if they may not be able to monitor and manage subrecipients properly.

• Choose to fund no applications under this NOFO.

The ACL Administrator makes all final award decisions.

Before we make final funding decisions, ACL leadership will review all potential awards.

They will check for:

• Adherence to applicable laws.

• Alignment to agency priorities (see Administration for Community Living’s (ACL)

Mission, Vision & Strategic Priorities).

• To the extent allowed by law and court orders, we will give a funding preference to applications that align with agency priorities. Your application may receive this preference if it aligns with one or more of the following ACL strategic priorities:

Connecting people to services, Whole-person health, Employment, or Protecting rights and preventing abuse.

Award notices If you are successful, we will email a Notice of Award (NoA) to your authorized official.

We will email you or write you a letter if your application is disqualified or unsuccessful.

The NoA is the only official award document. The NoA tells you about the amount of the award, important dates, and the terms and conditions you need to follow. Until you receive the NoA, you don’t have permission to start work.

To see what is in a NoA, see an example on our website [PDF].

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 29 https://acl.gov/about-acl https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/grants/NOA%20Template.pdf

Step 5:

Submit Your Application

In this step

Application submission and deadlines 31

Application checklist 33

Application submission and deadlines See find the application package to make sure you have everything you need.

Make sure you are current with SAM.gov and UEI requirements. See get registered. You will have to maintain your registration throughout the life of any award.

Deadlines

Optional notice of intent

Due on July 14, 2026.

We ask that you let us know if you plan to apply for this opportunity. We do this to plan for the number of expert reviewers we will need to evaluate applications. You do not have to submit a notice of intent to apply.

Please email the notice 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.

Application

Due on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Grants.gov creates a date and time record when it receives the application. If you submit the same application more than once, we will accept the last on-time submission.

The grants management officer may extend an application due date based on emergency situations such as documented natural disasters or a verifiable widespread disruption of electric or Grants.gov service.

If you can’t submit your application because of problems with Grants.gov, you will need verification for us to consider accepting your application. Call the Federal Service Desk before the application due time and record your tracking number. Save your tracking number and any error messages you receive.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 5: Submit Your Application 31 mailto:Megan.Alvarado@acl.hhs.gov http://grants.gov/ https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp

Submission methods

Grants.gov

You must submit your application through Grants.gov. See get registered.

For instructions on how to submit in Grants.gov, see the quick start guide for applicants.

Make sure that your application passes the Grants.gov validation checks or we may not get it. Do not encrypt, zip, or password protect any files. The link above will also help you learn how to create PDFs.

If you can’t submit your application because of problems with Grants.gov, you will need verification for us to consider accepting your application. Call the Federal Service Desk before the application due time and record your tracking number. Save your tracking number and any error messages you receive.

See contacts and support if you need help.

Intergovernmental review

This NOFO is not subject to executive order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal

Programs. No action is needed.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 5: Submit Your Application 32 http://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants

Application checklist Make sure that you have everything you need to apply:

Component How to Upload Included in page limit?

Project abstract Use the Project Abstract Summary

Form.

No

Project narrative , including Work Plan Use the Project Narrative Attachment form.

Yes

Budget justification narrative Use the Budget Narrative Attachment form.

No

Attachments Insert each in a single Other

Attachments form.

Table of contents

References No

Vitae/biosketches of key personnel No

Data management plan No

Commitment letters No

Summary of key individuals and organizations No

Indirect cost agreement No

Other required forms Upload using each required form.

Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) No

Supplemental Information for the SF-424

Application for Federal Assistance No

Assurances for Non-Construction Programs

(SF-424B)

No

Budget Information for Non-Construction

Programs (SF-424A) No

Project Narrative Attachment form No

Attachments No

Project/Performance Site Location(s) No

Step 5: Submit Your Application 33

Component How to Upload Included in page limit?

Grants.gov Lobbying form (Certification

Regarding Lobbying) No

Project Abstract Summary No

Step 5: Submit Your Application 34

Step 6:

Learn What Happens

After Award

In this step

Post-award requirements and administration 36

Post-award requirements and administration Administrative and national policy requirements There are important rules you need to know if you get an award. You must follow:

• All terms and conditions in the Notice of Award. You can find information at managing a grant on our website. We incorporate this NOFO by reference.

• The rules listed in 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements, effective October 1, 2025. These replace those in 45 CFR

75, with some exceptions in 2 CFR 300.

• The HHS Grants Policy Statement (GPS). This document has terms and conditions tied to your award. If there are any exceptions to the GPS, they’ll be listed in your

Notice of Award.

• All federal statutes and regulations relevant to federal financial assistance, including those highlighted in the HHS Grants Policy Statement, Appendix D: HHS

Administrative and National Policy Requirements.

• All anti-discrimination laws: By applying for or accepting federal funds from HHS, recipients certify compliance with all federal antidiscrimination laws and these requirements and that complying with those laws is a material condition of receiving federal funding streams. Recipients are responsible for ensuring subrecipients, contractors, and partners also comply.

• The ACL Public Access Policy [PDF].

• All regulations for the protection of the rights, welfare, and wellbeing of human subjects involved in research conducted or supported by the U.S. Department of

Health and Human Services.