The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for the "Field Initiated Projects Program (Research)" under the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), with opportunity number HHS-2025-ACL-NIDILRR-IFRE-0104. This grant seeks research proposals aimed at developing knowledge and rehabilitation technologies that improve the inclusion, independence, and quality of life for individuals with disabilities. The program supports innovative, hypothesis-driven research to generate new knowledge that can inform practices, policies, and services for people with disabilities.

This FOA specifically supports research projects, and a separate announcement covers development projects. Applicants are required to focus on one or more of NIDILRR’s primary outcome domains: community living and participation, health and function, or employment. Proposals must demonstrate how they will address these domains and contribute to maximizing the inclusion and self-sufficiency of individuals with disabilities, particularly those with the highest support needs.

The FOA encourages applications that focus on underserved populations, including racial and ethnic minorities, rural populations, and those affected by systemic inequities. The inclusion of people with disabilities from diverse communities is a key requirement. Additionally, applicants should consider addressing one or more of the nine invitational priorities, such as the impact of climate change on individuals with disabilities, Long COVID, or accessible emergency preparedness.

The estimated total funding for this program is $2,000,000, with individual awards ranging from $245,000 to $250,000 per year. The funding period covers up to 36 months, and NIDILRR anticipates making approximately eight awards. Applicants must submit their letters of intent by November 12, 2024, and the full application by December 9, 2024. An informational conference call will be held on November 6, 2024, to assist potential applicants.

Eligible applicants include states, public and private nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities, institutions of higher education, and tribal organizations. Cost-sharing is not required, though voluntary contributions of non-federal resources are allowed. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov, and applicants must be registered with SAM.gov to apply.

Proposals will be evaluated based on their importance to the disability community, the rigor of the research design, the qualifications of the research team, and the accessibility of resources. Successful applicants will be notified by September 1, 2025. Key deliverables include research findings that advance knowledge in the field and data management plans that ensure accessibility and public availability of research outcomes.