Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program: Real Time Pressure Mapping to Reduce Risk of Pressure Ulcers | HHS 2020 ACL NIDILRR DPHF 0396

Opportunity Information: Apply for HHS 2020 ACL NIDILRR DPHF 0396

The Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program: Real Time Pressure Mapping to Reduce Risk of Pressure Ulcers is a discretionary federal grant opportunity administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Administration for Community Living (ACL), specifically its National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR). It sits within NIDILRRs broader Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program, which supports applied research and development aimed at improving real-world outcomes for people with disabilities. The overarching goal is to generate practical methods, procedures, and rehabilitation technologies that strengthen inclusion and participation in society, employment, independent living, family life, and overall economic and social self-sufficiency, with a particular emphasis on individuals with the most severe disabilities, while also improving the effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (as amended).

This specific priority targets pressure ulcer prevention through the refinement or development of sensor-based technologies that can detect conditions linked to skin breakdown and ulcer formation. The focus is not only on measuring pressure, but on capturing multiple contributing factors that commonly interact in day-to-day settings, such as moisture, heat, friction, and related biomechanical or environmental conditions. The core idea is to move beyond periodic checks and subjective assessments by enabling continuous or near-continuous monitoring and translating those measurements into real-time, usable information for people with disabilities. In practice, that could mean real-time pressure mapping or similar sensing approaches embedded in seating, bedding, wearable systems, or other interfaces where prolonged loading and microclimate changes occur, paired with feedback that helps a user recognize risk early and take timely action such as shifting position, adjusting equipment, or seeking assistance.

The opportunity is categorized under Science and Technology and other Research and Development, and it uses a grant funding instrument. The funding opportunity number is HHS-2020-ACL-NIDILRR-DPHF-0396, and it is associated with CFDA number 93.433. The expected number of awards is one, with an award ceiling of $350,000, indicating a single, competitively selected project intended to advance the state of the art in this niche but high-impact area of rehabilitation technology. The original posting date is March 10, 2020, with an original closing date of May 11, 2020, and applications were required to be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the due date.

Eligibility is broad and designed to include a range of research, public service, and innovation organizations that could credibly develop and evaluate these technologies. Eligible applicants include state, county, and local governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations; and nonprofit organizations both with and without 501(c)(3) status (excluding higher education institutions in those nonprofit categories). A catch-all category also allows other entities as described in additional eligibility guidance, which typically accommodates partnerships or specialized organizations when they meet program requirements.

Overall, the grant is aimed at producing actionable research and development outputs that make pressure ulcer risk more visible in the moment, not after damage has occurred. By emphasizing real-time detection of multiple risk conditions and delivery of that information to end users, the opportunity reflects a practical prevention mindset: equip people with disabilities and their support systems with timely data that can guide day-to-day decisions, reduce preventable complications, and support safer, more independent participation in home, work, and community life.

• 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 "Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program: Real Time Pressure Mapping to Reduce Risk of Pressure Ulcers" 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 10, 2020.
• Applicants must submit their applications by May 11, 2020 Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 1159 p.m., ET, on the listed application due date.. (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 $350,000.00 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, Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for HHS 2020 ACL NIDILRR DPHF 0396

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