Medical Rehabilitation Research Resource (P50 Clinical Trial Optional)

Background
The National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research (NCMRR) is located within the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). Through basic, translational, and clinical research, NCMRR aims to foster development of scientific knowledge needed to enhance the health, productivity, independence, and quality of life of people with physical disabilities. NCMRR provides support for scientists to conduct research into functional changes associated with chronic physical conditions and rehabilitative strategies to promote function, increase participation, and improve quality of life.
NCMRR is also tasked with coordinating rehabilitation research activities with other NIH Institutes and Centers and other federal agencies. The 21st Century Cures act defines “medical rehabilitation” as “the science of mechanisms and interventions that prevent, improve, restore or replace lost, underdeveloped or deteriorating function.” For purposes of this NOFO, NCMRR will utilize the same definition of “medical rehabilitation” or, simply, “rehabilitation”.

Grant Details
This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) invites grant applications from institutions/organizations that propose to build a Medical Rehabilitation Research Center. The centers will have a specific rehabilitation research theme and be comprised of a research project supported by 3 cores.
The 3 cores will have functions within the center as well as functions nationwide. Together, the cores will support administrative functions (including an optional pilot program), resource sharing, and community engagement and outreach.
The Medical Rehabilitation Research Centers will contribute to medical rehabilitation research infrastructure by developing and disseminating techniques, data, theories, research programs, and expertise with the goal of enhancing the capability of medical rehabilitation investigators to understand mechanisms of functional recovery, develop therapeutic strategies, identify clinical care gaps, and improve the lives of people with disabilities.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include higher education institutions (public/state controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education), nonprofits (with 501(c)(3) IRS status), for-profit organizations (including small businesses), local governments, state governments, county governments, city or township governments, special district governments,
Indian/Native American tribal governments (federally recognized), federal governments,
U.S. territories or possessions,
independent school districts,
public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities,
native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments),
faith-based or community-based organizations.

Period of Performance
The period of performance for the grant is expected to start in July 2024 with an expiration date in July 2029.

Grant Value
NICHD, NIBIB, NICCH, NIDCD,
and NINDS intend to commit an estimated $6,100,000 in FY2025 to fund about 4-5 awards.
Applicants may request up to $750,000 direct costs per year (excluding Opportunity Pool).
Applicants may request up to $150,000 for the Opportunity Pool to fund the Pilot program.