The Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program: Employment (Development) is funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), a division within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living (ACL). The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support development projects aimed at improving employment outcomes for people with disabilities. This initiative aligns with the broader goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), emphasizing inclusive employment strategies and research-backed interventions.

The grant seeks to support projects that utilize existing research and understanding to develop new materials, tools, technologies, processes, intervention protocols, and policies that can benefit individuals with disabilities seeking employment. Applicants may propose projects that focus on one or more key areas, including employment technology, environmental and individual factors influencing employment, interventions to enhance job placement and retention, vocational rehabilitation practices, and policy impacts. The project must also incorporate diverse populations, ensuring representation of people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds.

This funding opportunity offers a total of $500,000 per budget period, with a 60-month project period divided into five 12-month budget periods. Only one award is expected to be granted. While cost-sharing or matching is not required, voluntary non-federal contributions are allowed and, if proposed, must be met. Eligible applicants include states, public or private agencies, non-profit and for-profit organizations, institutions of higher education, and Indian tribes and tribal organizations.

Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov and comply with ACL’s electronic submission requirements. The due date for applications is March 18, 2025, and a Letter of Intent is requested by February 18, 2025. An informational conference call will be held on February 4, 2025, to assist potential applicants with the submission process. Key elements of the application include a project narrative, budget narrative/justification, data management plan, and letters of commitment from key partners.

Evaluation criteria will be based on the design and effectiveness of development activities, relevance to employment outcomes for people with disabilities, inclusion of diverse populations, and dissemination strategies. The review process includes a peer-review panel that will score applications on a 100-point scale across factors such as project design (50 points), problem importance (20 points), dissemination strategies (5 points), and the adequacy of resources (5 points). Final award decisions will consider funding availability, reviewer recommendations, and programmatic compliance.

For further inquiries, applicants may contact Timothy Beatty at Timothy.Beatty@acl.hhs.gov or 703-649-4202. Grant administration will be overseen by Carla Kirksey in the Office of Grants Management, reachable at 202-795-7303.