Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERC) Program: RERC on Universal Design Applications | HHS 2025 ACL NIDILRR REGE 0120

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this grant opportunity?

This is a discretionary federal grant opportunity under the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERC) Program. The specific competition is the RERC on Universal Design Applications, offered by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) and administered through NIDILRR.

What is the main purpose of the RERC Program?

The broader RERC Program supports advanced engineering research and development intended to improve rehabilitation outcomes and reduce barriers for people with disabilities. It is designed to strengthen the effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act by investing in innovative technologies and practical solutions that address rehabilitation challenges and environmental obstacles.

What is the focus of the RERC on Universal Design Applications competition?

This competition is centered on universal design applications. The funded center is expected to conduct research and development that advances universally designed products or built environments, with an emphasis on solutions that are usable by the broadest range of people from the start (rather than being retrofits or disability-specific add-ons).

What kinds of outcomes is the funded work expected to support?

The work is expected to promote outcomes tied to everyday life and participation for people with disabilities. The stated target outcomes include positive health and function, improved employment-related outcomes, and stronger community living outcomes.

Does this program only fund building new tools or devices?

No. While engineering R&D is central, RERCs are also expected to demonstrate and evaluate how technologies work in real-world settings, support changes in service delivery systems to help adoption, encourage private-sector production and distribution, and provide training opportunities that grow the field and improve implementation capacity.

What does "universal design" mean in this context?

Universal design, as described in this opportunity, emphasizes designing products and built environments so they work well for the broadest range of users from the beginning. The intent is to avoid relying on retrofits or disability-specific add-ons by embedding usability and accessibility into mainstream design approaches.

What types of deliverables or outputs might align with this competition?

Based on the description, the competition supports efforts that translate research into practical universal design applications. Examples of outputs described include design approaches, prototypes, standards, guidelines, and evidence-backed interventions that improve usability, accessibility, and inclusion across diverse abilities.

How long is the project period?

The award is structured as a 60-month project period (five years).

How are the budget periods structured within the project period?

The five-year project period is divided into five 12-month budget periods, which indicates annual planning, reporting, and performance accountability expectations.

What is the maximum funding amount?

The award ceiling listed for this opportunity is $975,000.

How many awards does the agency expect to make?

The agency expects to make one award, meaning this is a single-center competition. The selected applicant will serve as the designated RERC under this priority.

What is the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number for this opportunity?

The Assistance Listing number associated with this opportunity is 93.433.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is HHS 2025 ACL NIDILRR REGE 0120.

What is the application closing date?

The original application closing date is March 6, 2025.

What is the funding activity category?

The funding activity category is Science and Technology and Other Research and Development.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad across U.S.-based public, private, nonprofit, and for-profit sectors. Eligible applicants include state, county, city or township, and special district governments; 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 (as long as they are not institutions of higher education in those nonprofit categories); for-profit organizations (including those other than small businesses); small businesses; and other eligible entities as specified in the notice.

Can faith-based or community organizations apply?

Yes. Faith-based and community organizations may apply if they meet the eligibility requirements described in the opportunity.

Are foreign entities eligible to apply or receive an award?

No. Foreign entities are explicitly not eligible to compete for or receive awards under this announcement.

What kind of organization is this opportunity best suited for?

This opportunity is designed for an applicant capable of running a full-scale national research center effort that blends engineering R&D, evaluation and demonstration, knowledge translation into practice, and market and systems impact.

What expectations are described for moving innovations into real-world use?

The description emphasizes not just developing innovations, but also demonstrating and evaluating them in real-world settings, supporting changes in service delivery systems so adoption is feasible, and encouraging private-sector production and distribution of new technologies and equipment.

How does this opportunity connect to the Rehabilitation Act?

The RERC Program is described as strengthening the effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act by investing in innovative technologies and practical solutions to rehabilitation challenges or environmental obstacles.

What is the overarching goal of funding a universal design-focused RERC?

The overarching goal is to move universal design from concept to measurable improvements, helping ensure that mainstream products and built environments better support people with disabilities in health and function, employment, and community living.