Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Model Systems National Data and Statistical Center | HHS 2021 ACL NIDILRR SIMS 0000

Opportunity Information: Apply for HHS 2021 ACL NIDILRR SIMS 0000

The Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Model Systems National Data and Statistical Center grant opportunity is a discretionary research and development award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Community Living (ACL), focused on strengthening the national infrastructure that supports long-term spinal cord injury rehabilitation research. The central purpose is to advance medical rehabilitation by making SCI research more rigorous, consistent, and efficient, especially for studies that track people with spinal cord injuries over time. In practical terms, the opportunity funds one lead organization to serve as the national hub for collecting, curating, and managing standardized longitudinal data contributed by the network of SCI Model Systems Centers.

A key responsibility of the funded Center is to maintain the national longitudinal database that aggregates data submitted by each SCI Model Systems Center. That database is meant to capture the lived experience and outcomes of individuals with SCI across time, enabling researchers to analyze patterns in health, function, participation, services, and other important rehabilitation-related outcomes. Because the value of a national database depends heavily on consistency and reliability, the Center is also expected to ensure that data collection is high quality across all participating sites. This is not just passive data storage; it is an active coordination and quality assurance role designed to keep the dataset usable for serious scientific analysis.

Beyond database maintenance, the Center is expected to directly support the research efforts of the SCI Model Systems Centers by improving how data are gathered and managed. That includes monitoring data quality (for example, checking completeness, accuracy, and consistency across sites and time points), training staff at the Model Systems Centers on proper data collection and submission procedures, and providing methodological consultation so the centers can carry out rigorous analyses and interpret results appropriately. The notice also references additional collaborative tasks, which typically implies ongoing coordination with the Model Systems network to refine processes, address emerging data issues, and support shared research goals tied to rehabilitation outcomes.

In terms of funding details, this opportunity is identified as HHS 2021 ACL NIDILRR SIMS 0000, with assistance listing CFDA 93.433. It is a grant (not a contract) in the Science and Technology and other Research and Development category, with an award ceiling of $692,500 and an expectation of a single award. The opportunity was created on March 19, 2021, and the original closing date was May 18, 2021.

Eligibility is broad and includes multiple levels of government (state, county, city/township, special districts), public and private institutions of higher education, independent school districts, federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations, nonprofit organizations (both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3), excluding universities where specified), and for-profit organizations other than small businesses, along with other applicants as allowed under the opportunity’s additional eligibility language. Overall, the grant is aimed at selecting one capable national coordinating center with strong expertise in longitudinal data systems, data quality management, and statistical/methodological support to strengthen SCI rehabilitation research nationwide.

• The Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Model Systems National Data and Statistical Center" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.433.
• This funding opportunity was created on Mar 19, 2021.
• Applicants must submit their applications by May 18, 2021. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $692,500.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For profit organizations other than small businesses, Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for HHS 2021 ACL NIDILRR SIMS 0000

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