Disability and Rehabilitation Research Project (DRRP) Center on Knowledge Translation for Disability and Rehabilitation Research (KTDRR Center) CFDA Number 84.133A 13 | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is this funding opportunity?

It is a discretionary grant competition from the U.S. Department of Education, administered through the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), under the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program.

2) What is the specific competition being offered?

The competition is for a Disability and Rehabilitation Research Project (DRRP) Center focused on Knowledge Translation for Disability and Rehabilitation Research. It is commonly referred to as the KTDRR Center.

3) What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity falls under CFDA 84.133 and is often labeled in the notice as 84.133A-13.

4) What is the overall purpose of the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program?

The program is intended to strengthen disability and rehabilitation outcomes by supporting research and related activities that lead to practical methods, procedures, and rehabilitation technologies.

5) What is the broader statutory intent behind this program?

The statutory intent is to maximize full inclusion and integration of people with disabilities in society, including employment, independent living, family support, and broader economic and social self-sufficiency, with particular emphasis on individuals with the most severe disabilities.

6) How does this program relate to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973?

The program also aims to improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

7) What are DRRPs designed to do?

DRRPs are designed to improve rehabilitation-related services and outcomes by generating and promoting evidence-based methods and technologies.

8) What types of activities may a DRRP undertake?

The notice states that DRRPs may conduct a range of activities, including research, training, demonstration, development, dissemination, utilization, and technical assistance, as defined in program regulations at 34 CFR 350.13 through 350.19.

9) What does it mean that this DRRP will operate as a “center”?

For this competition, the funded project is expected to operate as a center devoted to knowledge translation, focused on improving how disability and rehabilitation research is packaged, communicated, and put into practice by key stakeholders.

10) What is “knowledge translation” in the context of this opportunity?

Knowledge translation here refers to improving the usability and uptake of disability and rehabilitation research so it is more likely to influence real-world programs, services, technology use, and decision-making.

11) Who are the intended users of the center’s knowledge translation efforts?

Stakeholders mentioned include service providers, policymakers, advocates, and people with disabilities themselves.

12) Is the intent only to produce research findings?

No. The intent emphasizes making research more usable and more likely to be applied in practice, not only producing research outputs.

13) How many awards were anticipated under this competition?

The opportunity anticipated making one award.

14) What was the estimated total funding amount?

The estimated total funding amount was $750,000.

15) What was the award ceiling?

The award ceiling was $750,000.

16) Is there a cost sharing or matching requirement?

Yes. The listing indicates a cost sharing or matching requirement. Applicants would need to plan for a non-federal contribution as specified in the official Federal Register notice.

17) Where should applicants look for the exact cost share specifics?

Applicants were directed to the official Federal Register notice for authoritative details, including cost share requirements.

18) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad and includes states and public or private agencies; public or private organizations (including for-profit entities); institutions of higher education (public or private); and Indian tribes and tribal organizations.

19) Are nonprofits and universities included among eligible applicants?

Yes. The Grants.gov synopsis lists nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status) and both public and state-controlled universities among eligible applicant categories.

20) Are local governments or special districts eligible?

Yes. The Grants.gov synopsis lists local governments and special districts among the applicant categories that can qualify.

21) How were applications required to be submitted?

Applications had to be submitted electronically through Grants.gov.

22) Could applications be submitted by email?

No. The instructions were explicit that submissions could not be emailed to the agency.

23) How should applicants find the application package on Grants.gov?

Applicants were instructed to search using the CFDA number without the alpha suffix (search 84.133 rather than 84.133A).

24) When did the application package become available?

For this FY 2012 competition, the application package became available on February 14, 2012.

25) What was the deadline for transmittal of applications?

The deadline for transmittal of applications was April 16, 2012.

26) When was the opportunity archived?

The opportunity was later archived on May 16, 2012.

27) Was there a pre-application meeting?

Yes. NIDRR scheduled a pre-application meeting on March 6, 2012.

28) What were the times for the pre-application meeting activities?

The pre-application conference call session was scheduled from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time, followed by individual technical assistance consultations by phone from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

29) Who were the program contacts listed for questions and participation?

The notice listed Lynn Medley and Marlene Spencer at the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, as program contacts (with phone numbers and email addresses included in the notice).

30) Who should applicants contact for Grants.gov system access issues?

The notice listed a Grants.gov systems contact, Julius Cotton, for applicants who had trouble accessing the announcement electronically.

31) What is the main focus of the KTDRR Center competition in practical terms?

It represents a targeted federal investment in bridging the gap between disability and rehabilitation research and day-to-day practice by improving the reach, clarity, and uptake of research knowledge.

32) Where are the controlling requirements for this competition found?

Applicants were directed to the official Federal Register notice as the controlling source for requirements such as eligibility nuances, cost share specifics, performance measures, priorities, and submission rules.