Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Model Systems National Data and Statistical Center | Apply Online

FAQs: Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Model Systems National Data and Statistical Center (HHS 2026 ACL NIDILRR SIMS 0218)

What is this grant opportunity?

This is a discretionary research grant from the Administration for Community Living (ACL), through the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR). It funds the Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Model Systems National Data and Statistical Center.

What is the purpose of the SCI Model Systems National Data and Statistical Center?

The award supports a single National Data and Statistical Center that strengthens the national infrastructure for SCI rehabilitation research by managing and enhancing the national, longitudinal SCI database used by the SCI Model Systems network.

How does this opportunity align with NIDILRR priorities?

The overall aim aligns with NIDILRR Disability and Rehabilitation Research Project (DRRP) priorities under the Rehabilitation Act: improving the effectiveness of rehabilitation and related services by generating practical knowledge and better methods, procedures, and technologies that support independent living and employment outcomes for people with disabilities, particularly those with the greatest support needs.

How many awards does ACL expect to make?

ACL expects to make one award. The selected applicant becomes the single national hub for this work for the duration of the project (subject to continued funding and performance).

What is the project period for the grant?

The project period is 60 months (five years), organized into five 12-month budget periods.

What is the anticipated funding level?

The anticipated funding cap is an award ceiling of $800,000.

What does it mean that the Center manages a national, longitudinal SCI database?

It means the Center maintains a national database that aggregates data submitted over time by each SCI Model Systems Center, enabling long-term tracking of experiences and outcomes for individuals with spinal cord injury.

Is the Center only responsible for storing data?

No. In addition to maintaining the national database, the Center is expected to improve the rigor and efficiency of longitudinal assessment, monitor data quality, support consistent data collection across sites, and provide training and consultation to strengthen network-wide research.

What are the data quality and standardization responsibilities described in the posting?

The Center is responsible for helping ensure data collection across the SCI Model Systems network is high quality and consistent. This includes ongoing monitoring of data quality, helping sites address errors or inconsistencies, and supporting standardization so information is collected in a uniform way across participating centers.

What training or technical assistance is the Center expected to provide?

The Center is expected to provide training to SCI Model Systems staff on collecting and submitting required data and to offer methodological and statistical consultation that strengthens the quality of studies conducted by the SCI Model Systems centers.

What is meant by "capacity-building" in this opportunity?

Capacity-building refers to the Center playing an active support role for the network, including training and technical consultation that improves how data are collected and how studies are designed and analyzed across participating SCI Model Systems centers.

Who can apply for this grant?

Eligibility is broad within the United States and includes state, county, city or township, and special district governments; public and private institutions of higher education; federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations; nonprofit organizations (including those with and without 501(c)(3) status, other than institutions of higher education); for-profit organizations (including those other than small businesses); small businesses; and other eligible entities.

Are faith-based and community organizations eligible to apply?

Yes. Faith-based and community organizations may apply as long as they meet the stated eligibility requirements.

Are foreign entities eligible to apply?

No. Foreign entities are not eligible to apply or receive an award under this announcement.

What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The CFDA number listed for this opportunity is 93.433.

What is the closing date for applications?

The original closing date listed in the posting is 2026-07-29.

What is the main emphasis of the work funded by this award?

A major emphasis is improving the rigor and efficiency of longitudinal assessment so research findings are more reliable, comparable across sites, and useful for advancing medical rehabilitation practice and policy.

How does this Center support research across the SCI Model Systems network?

The Center serves as the national data steward and a technical advisor. By maintaining shared longitudinal data and supporting consistent, high-quality collection and submission, the Center helps enable rigorous, collaborative research across the participating SCI Model Systems centers.

What outcomes is this opportunity ultimately trying to improve?

The work is intended to make SCI Model Systems data more reliable, usable, and methodologically strong, which in turn improves what researchers and clinicians can learn about long-term outcomes after spinal cord injury and how rehabilitation services can be improved to support independent living and employment outcomes.