Field Initiated Projects Program: Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) - Development | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Field Initiated Projects Program: Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) - Development?

It is a discretionary federal grant opportunity administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Administration for Community Living (ACL), under NIDILRR-related programming (CFDA 93.433). The program supports development-focused projects that translate existing research knowledge into practical tools and solutions to improve the lives of people with disabilities.

What is the main purpose of this funding opportunity?

The primary purpose is to move what is already known from research into real-world use by developing practical, usable products, methods, systems, and materials that improve inclusion, integration, and independence for people with disabilities.

What does the program mean by "development" rather than basic research?

"Development" indicates that applicants are expected to build on existing research findings and translate them into usable deliverables. The emphasis is not on generating new basic research knowledge, but on creating and refining practical solutions such as prototypes, processes, toolkits, methods, or technology-enabled approaches that can be tested and adopted in real settings.

What kinds of project outputs does the opportunity appear to encourage?

The description points toward tangible outputs, including the design and development of prototypes and processes. Examples of encouraged outputs include materials, devices, systems, methods, structured procedures, toolkits, or other practical solutions that can be tested, refined, and used by service providers, communities, or end users.

Who is the intended population that should benefit from the project?

The intended beneficiaries are people with disabilities, with a key priority on benefiting individuals with the most severe disabilities. The opportunity highlights solutions that can make a measurable difference for people facing the greatest barriers.

What outcomes or life areas does the program emphasize?

The program emphasizes outcomes related to full inclusion and integration in society, including employment, independent living, family support, and broader economic and social self-sufficiency.

How does the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 relate to this opportunity?

The work is expected to contribute to improving the effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. This ties project value to the broader rehabilitation and disability services ecosystem.

Which federal agency administers this grant opportunity?

The opportunity is administered by HHS through the Administration for Community Living (ACL), within NIDILRR-related programming.

What is the CFDA number associated with this program?

The CFDA number listed is 93.433.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is HHS-2016-ACL-NIDILRR-IFST-0161.

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling) for this competition?

The award ceiling listed for this competition is $200,000.

How many awards were expected under this competition?

The opportunity indicates an expectation of a single award.

What type of funding instrument is used?

The funding instrument is a grant.

What is the activity category for this opportunity?

The activity category is "Science and Technology and other Research and Development," indicating an applied R&D focus with a clear path toward usable deliverables.

Who is eligible to apply based on the eligibility list provided?

Eligible applicants include state, county, and local governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status; for-profit organizations other than small businesses; and other applicants as allowed under the program's additional eligibility guidance.

Is this opportunity limited only to Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs)?

The title highlights Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs), but the eligibility list provided is broad and includes many entity types. Based on the information provided, the program appears broadly open, and collaborations or partnerships may be common.

Are partnerships or collaborations relevant for this program?

The description suggests practical innovation from multiple sectors and notes expansive eligibility, which implies partnerships may be common, especially when combining technical development capacity with access to disability communities and service systems.

What kinds of projects fit the likely scale of a $200,000 award?

At this funding level, the opportunity aligns with focused development work such as building and validating a prototype, developing and packaging a service method, creating accessible training or implementation materials, or conducting iterative, user-informed design and refinement cycles rather than large multi-site trials.

When was this funding opportunity posted and when did it close?

The opportunity was posted on April 15, 2016, and it closed on June 14, 2016. The original and current closing dates match.

Is this specific posting still open?

Based on the listed closing date of June 14, 2016, this specific posting is closed.

What is the overall emphasis of the program in one sentence?

The program emphasizes development of practical, real-world solutions that translate existing research into tools, methods, and systems that measurably improve inclusion, independence, and self-sufficiency for people with disabilities, especially those with the most severe disabilities.