Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) On Employer Practices Leading to Successful Employment Outcomes Among People With Disabilities

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), number HHS-2026-ACL-NIDILRR-RTEM-0214, is issued by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) within the Administration for Community Living (ACL). The grant funds a Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) focused on employer practices that lead to successful employment outcomes, including recruitment, hiring, retention, and career advancement, for individuals with disabilities. NIDILRR plans to award one grant with an expected funding level of $925,000 per budget period. The project spans a 60-month period of performance featuring five 12-month budget periods, tentatively starting September 1, 2026. Eligible applicants include states, public or private agencies (including for-profit entities), organizations, Indian tribes, and institutions of higher education. Key applicant requirements include conducting research in priority areas, justifying target populations, executing at least one intervention efficacy or scale-up evaluation project, and serving as a national resource center. The recipient must host a state-of-the-science conference by the fourth year and involve people with disabilities and employers in research planning. Notably, indirect cost rates are capped at 15%, and funding cannot be used for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) activities. Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov by July 29, 2026. An optional notice of intent is requested by July 13, 2026, and an informational conference call is scheduled for July 9, 2026. Proposals are subject to a 100-point merit review evaluating the research design, significance, and plan of operation.