The Administration for Community Living (ACL), through the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), has announced a funding opportunity for the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program: Center on Knowledge Translation for Employment Research (CKTER). This program aims to enhance the dissemination and implementation of employment-related research findings to improve outcomes for individuals with disabilities. The CKTER is intended to work in collaboration with NIDILRR’s employment-focused grantees and key stakeholders such as employers, policymakers, and vocational rehabilitation professionals.

The purpose of this funding is to increase awareness and use of NIDILRR-funded employment research among relevant stakeholders. The CKTER will develop information products based on research, implement strategies for effective dissemination, establish collaborations with key entities, and maintain an accessible website to provide public access to research findings. Additionally, it will conduct research on knowledge translation methods and offer training and technical assistance to NIDILRR grantees to support their knowledge translation activities.

A total of $600,000 per year has been allocated for this opportunity, with a maximum and minimum award of $600,000 and $595,000, respectively. The grant will be for a five-year period, divided into annual budget periods. Eligibility extends to states, public and private agencies (including for-profit entities), institutions of higher education, and tribal organizations. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement.

The application process requires a Letter of Intent, which is due February 20, 2025, with the full application deadline set for April 4, 2025. An informational conference call will be held on February 6, 2025, to provide additional guidance. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov and require registration with the System for Award Management (SAM).

The evaluation criteria for applications will be based on research design, dissemination strategies, training and technical assistance approaches, collaboration efforts, and overall project impact. The anticipated award notification date is September 1, 2025.

For further details, applicants can contact Linda Vo at Linda.Vo@acl.hhs.gov or (202) 795-7431. Administrative inquiries can be directed to Carla Kirksey at (202) 795-7303. Additional information and application materials are available at www.grants.gov and www.acl.gov.