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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

It is a discretionary federal research grant opportunity administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Community Living (ACL), through NIDILRR. The program supports rigorous research that is led by, or strongly involves, Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs), with the aim of improving outcomes for people with disabilities.

Which federal agency administers this opportunity?

The opportunity is administered by HHS-ACL through NIDILRR (National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research).

What is the main purpose of this funding opportunity?

The purpose is to fund scientifically grounded research that produces practical, research-backed advances that help people with disabilities participate fully in society. This includes generating knowledge, methods, procedures, and rehabilitation technologies that can be applied in real-world systems and services.

What law or authority is this program tied to?

The program is rooted in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (as amended).

What kinds of projects does the program fund?

The program funds research that develops or improves methods, procedures, and rehabilitation technologies that promote inclusion and integration for people with disabilities. It also emphasizes research that strengthens the effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act.

What topic areas or outcomes does the program emphasize?

The focus is on removing barriers and improving solutions related to employment, independent living, family support, and broader economic and social self-sufficiency for people with disabilities, especially those with the most significant disabilities.

Is this opportunity focused on research or service delivery?

It is explicitly research-oriented. Projects are expected to use a structured scientific approach and produce new scientific knowledge or a substantially improved understanding of the topic being studied, with real-world applicability to systems and services.

What level of research rigor is expected?

Funded projects must clearly identify one or more hypotheses or research questions and conduct an intensive and systematic study. The emphasis is on well-designed studies with clear aims, appropriate methods, and outcomes that meaningfully contribute to the rehabilitation and disability evidence base.

What are the expected outputs or results of funded projects?

Expected outputs include new scientific knowledge or a substantially improved understanding of the problem or topic being studied, along with practical advances that can translate into better services, systems, tools, or rehabilitation technologies.

How does the MSI focus show up in the opportunity?

The competition is designed to support rigorous research led by or strongly involving Minority-Serving Institutions, strengthening the rehabilitation research pipeline within MSI contexts while producing findings and innovations that improve outcomes for people with disabilities.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON) for this competition?

The Funding Opportunity Number is HHS 2016 ACL NIDILRR IFST 0160.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA number listed is 93.433.

When was the opportunity posted and when did it close?

The opportunity was posted on April 15, 2016, and the closing date was June 14, 2016.

What is the maximum award amount?

The award ceiling listed is $200,000.

How many awards were anticipated?

The opportunity anticipated making one award.

What type of grant is this (discretionary vs. formula)?

This is a discretionary federal grant opportunity.

What is the primary category of this funding opportunity?

It is listed in the Science and Technology / Research and Development category.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility includes a broad range of organizational types, including state, county, and city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled colleges and universities; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations; nonprofit organizations (501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3)); and for-profit organizations other than small businesses.

Are tribal entities eligible?

Yes. Federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations are listed as eligible applicants.

Are nonprofits eligible to apply?

Yes. Both 501(c)(3) nonprofits and non-501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are included in the eligibility list.

Are colleges and universities eligible?

Yes. Public and state-controlled colleges and universities, as well as private institutions of higher education, are included as eligible applicants.

Are for-profit organizations eligible?

Yes, for-profit organizations other than small businesses are listed as eligible applicants.

What does the “Others” eligibility category mean?

The listing includes an “Others” category with a note to consult the opportunity’s additional eligibility information for clarification, which typically indicates there may be specific conditions or preferences tied to the MSI focus.

Does the program prioritize any specific disability population?

The opportunity highlights improving outcomes for people with disabilities, with special attention to individuals with the most significant disabilities and the most severe disability-related barriers.

What is the practical impact the program is trying to achieve?

The intent is to produce actionable findings and innovations that improve inclusion, integration, independence, and participation in work, community life, and family life, and to improve how Rehabilitation Act-authorized services function and deliver results.