Funding Opportunity on Field Initiated (FI) Program at the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR):
The Field Initiated Projects program (FI) is an annual grant program sponsored by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR). The purpose of the FI Projects program is to develop methods, procedures, and rehabilitation technologies that maximize the full inclusion and integration into society, employment, independent living, family support, and economic and social self-sufficiency of individuals with disabilities, especially individuals with the most severe disabilities. Another purpose of the FI program is to improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. Projects may address a broad range of disability and rehabilitation topics. NIDRR grants do not fund the delivery of services. Funding levels range from $195,000-$200,000.
FI projects carry out either research activities or development activities. In carrying out a research activity under an FI research grant, a grantee must identify one or more hypotheses or research questions and, based on the hypotheses or research questions identified, perform an intensive, systematic study directed toward producing (1) New scientific knowledge, or (2) better understanding of the subject, problem studied, or body of knowledge. In carrying out a development activity under an FI development grant, a grantee must use knowledge and understanding gained from research to create materials, devices, systems, or methods beneficial to the target population, including design and development of prototypes and processes. Target population means the group of individuals, organizations, or other entities expected to be affected by the project. More than one group may be involved because a project may affect those who receive services, provide services, or administer services.
NIDRR expects to invite applications for the FY 2009 FI program in the summer of 2008. Potential applicants can review last year's application package for further information about the program and its selection criteria. Last year's application package is online at http://www.ed.gov/programs/fip/applicant.html. Note, however, that you must apply using the official FY 2009 application package when it becomes available.
We advise potential applicants to read the materials in the application package carefully. Please pay particular attention to the information on the types of organizations that are eligible to apply for these grants, how to prepare an application, funding levels, the protection of human subjects, and the selection criteria. The application narrative should be written in the order of the selection criteria (see Section C of the FI application packet). The selection criteria will be used by the reviewers to evaluate the application. We suggest that applicants pay particular attention in addressing the sub-criteria under each of the major review criteria.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
The NIDRR staff contact for the FI is Lynn Medley at Lynn.Medley@ed.gov or by telephone at (202) 245-7338. Individuals who use a telecommunications device (TDD) may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., EST, Monday through Friday.
Thank you for your interest in this program.
Sincerely,
Theresa B. San Agustin, MD
NIDRR Burn Program Officer
Email: Theresa.SanAgustin@ed.gov
five addons
1. as an example, the NIDRR FI funded a study on the "Efficacy of Pressure Garments"
2. competition is tough, there will be ~200 applications for ~20 funded grants, so is no slam dunk
3. the $200K includes indirects so is unlike the NIH, but university indirects for NIDRR are usually much less than for the NIH
4. the "rules" for submission are NOT suggestions, they are "rules" to be followed explicitly
5. NIDRR has a special interest in employment issues