Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program: Employment Among People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

This federal grant solicitation, HHS-2026-ACL-NIDILRR-DPEM-0223, issued by the Administration for Community Living under the Department of Health and Human Services, aims to fund research projects focused on improving employment outcomes for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. The opportunity is part of the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program and carries a total potential funding range of $2,085,000 to $2,100,000 over a 36-month performance period composed of three consecutive 12-month budget periods, with an anticipated start date of September 30, 2026, and end date of September 29, 2029. Applicants must submit a comprehensive proposal through Grants.gov, including a project abstract limited to one page, a project narrative capped at 60 pages with specific formatting requirements, a detailed budget narrative, vitae or biosketches following NIH guidelines, a data management plan addressing storage and public accessibility, commitment letters from partners, and all required standard forms such as SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B. The application must demonstrate alignment with ACL Strategic Priorities and comply with 2 CFR 200, the HHS Grants Policy Statement, and federal accessibility standards including Section 508 and WCAG 2.0/2.1 AA. Evaluation of proposals will be conducted based on a merit review process totaling 100 points, with the design of research activities carrying the highest weight at 50 points, followed by the importance of the problem at 15 points, and qualifications of project staff at 15 points. Additional criteria include the design of dissemination and utilization activities, alignment with strategic priorities, and adequacy of resources. Award decisions will be made through a trade-off process that considers both technical merit and strategic fit, with no reliance on lowest price technically acceptable methodology. Applicants must be registered in SAM.gov with a Unique Entity Identifier and must affirm compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws, HHS Grants Policy, and the FFATA reporting requirement for subawards of $30,000 or more. There are no set-asides, socioeconomic certifications, or procurement-derived contract clauses; the solicitation operates entirely under federal assistance regulations rather than commercial acquisition rules. Performance will occur at applicant-determined locations, with no physical delivery or FOB terms applicable, and