Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) Discretionary Grant Information

This page contains information for applicants interested in applying for discretionary grants funded through the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). If you have trouble viewing or downloading information please contact the competition manager for a specific grant or send a request for the information you are trying to download to NCRTM@neweditions.net.

General Information for FY 2023 RSA Discretionary Grant Competitions

Pertinent information that generally applies across discretionary grant programs funded through RSA. New and returning applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with instructions, requirements, technical assistance materials, and other relevant resources to assist in the grantmaking process. This information will not be repeated in pre-application documents for specific competitions. This slide deck contains new and updated information as of April 23, 2023.

• General Information for RSA Discretionary Grant Competitions

The Federal Government transitioned from the use of the DUNS Number to the new Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) as the primary means of entity identification for Federal awards government-wide effective April 4, 2022. This means entities will no longer rely on a third-party to obtain an identifier (i.e., a DUNS issued by Dun and Bradstreet). The U.S. Department of Education’s Grants Management System (G5) also implemented this transition on April 4, 2022. Please review the Transition from DUNS Number to UEI Fact Sheet for more information and next steps.

Open FY 2023 Discretionary Grant Competitions

Program specific information and details not contained in the General Information for RSA Discretionary Grant Competitions, will be posted for each competition following publication in the Federal Register.

Activities for Underserved Populations - Assistance Listing Number 84.315C - Applications Due 7/21/2023

• Competition Manager: Kristen Rhinehart-Fernandez, U.S. Department of Education, email: 315C@ed.gov
• Pre-Application Meeting: Tuesday, June 6, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
  • Pre-registration link to receive a dial-in number, access code, and unique Attendee ID.
  • On the day of the meeting, individuals that require American Sign Language interpreting and captioning services may access these services using the links below. Please remember to pre-register for this meeting.
    • ASL Interpreting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86911689430?pwd=VzM0NDlpUUFNb0o0WFliMlViU1kvQT09
    • Captioning: https://www.streamtext.net/player?event=ED-GA
    • If you have trouble accessing any of these links please send an email to: 315C@ed.gov
• Pre-Application PowerPoint Presentation
• More information about Activities for Underserved Populations can be found at RSA.ED.GOV. Link: Activities for Underserved Populations | Rehabilitation Services Administration (ed.gov).
• Please refer to the Federal Register Notice Inviting Applications and the Federal Register Notice of Final Priority and Definition for more information about this competition.

Disability Innovation Fund (DIF): Pathways to Partnerships Innovative Model Demonstration Project - Assistance Listing Number 84.421E - Application Deadline Extension 7/7/2023

The Disability Innovation Fund, Pathways to Partnerships Innovative Model Demonstration Project; Application Deadline Extension (Assistance Listing Number 84.421E) was published in the Federal Register on 5/23/2023.

Eligible Applicants: State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies (SVRAs) and State Educational Agencies (SEAs).

Required Partners: SVRAs, SEAs, Local Educational Agencies, and federally funded Centers for Independent Living.

Note: Applicants that have submitted applications before the original deadline date of 6/5/2023, may resubmit their applications on or before the new application deadline date of 7/7/2023, but are not required to do so. If a new application is not submitted, the Department will use the application that was submitted by the original deadline. If a new application is submitted, the Department will consider the application that was last successfully submitted and received by 11:59:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on 7/7/2023.

• Competition Manager: Cassandra Shoffler, U.S. Department of Education, email: 84.421E@ed.gov
• Pre-Application Meeting was conducted on Tuesday, April 25, 2023.
  • Pre-Application PowerPoint Presentation
  • Questions and Responses from the Assistance Listing Number 84.421E Pre-Application Meeting. This document was updated on 5/22/2023.
• Pathways to Partnerships Innovative Model Demonstration Project Announcement Video from leadership at the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), and Administration for Community Living (ACL).
• More information about Disability Innovation Fund (DIF): Pathways to Partnerships Innovative Model Demonstration Project can be found at RSA.ED.GOV. Link: Pathways to Partnerships Innovative Model Demonstration Project | Rehabilitation Services Administration (ed.gov).
• The application deadline was extended from 6/5/2023 to 7/7/2023 in the Federal Register Notice dated 5/23/2023.
• Please refer to the Federal Register Notice Inviting Applications for more information about this competition.

FY 2023 Important Notices

Activities for Underserved Populations - Assistance Listing Number 84.315C

• Please refer to the Federal Register Notice of Proposed Priority and Definition for more information.

Closed FY 2022 Discretionary Grant Competitions

Disability Innovation Fund: Subminimum Wage to Competitive Integrated Employment (SWTCIE) Model Demonstration Project - Assistance Listing Number 84.421D - Closed 6/21/2022

• Competition Manager: Cassandra Shoffler, U.S. Department of Education
• Pre-Application Meeting was conducted on 4/20/2022.
  • Pre-Application PowerPoint Presentation
  • Questions and Responses from the Assistance Listing Number 84.421D Pre-Application Meeting
• More information about the Disability Innovation Fund: Subminimum Wage to Competitive Integrated Employment (SWTCIE) Model Demonstration Project can be found at RSA.ED.GOV. Link: SWTCIE Model Demonstration Project | Rehabilitation Services Administration (ed.gov).
• Please refer to the Federal Register Notice Inviting Applications for more information about this competition.

American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services (AIVRS) - Assistance Listing Number 84.250P - Closed 3/16/2022

• Competition Manager: Joy Harris-Summerville, U.S. Department of Education
• Pre-Application Meeting was conducted on 12/20/2021.
  • Pre-Application Webinar
  • Pre-Application PowerPoint Presentation
  • Questions and Answers from the Assistance Listing Number 84.250P Pre-Application Meeting
• More information about the American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services program can be found at RSA.ED.GOV. Link: American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services | Rehabilitation Services Administration (ed.gov).
• Please refer to the Federal Register Notice Inviting Applications for more information about this competition.

Closed FY 2021 Discretionary Grant Competitions

Individuals Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and Individuals Who Are DeafBlind Program - Assistance Listing Number 84.160D - Closed 8/30/2021

• Competition Manager: Kristen Rhinehart-Fernandez, U.S. Department of Education
• Pre-Application Meeting was conducted on 7/30/21. Questions and Answers from the Assistance Listing Number 84.160D Pre-Application Meeting was issued on 8/6/21. This document was updated on 8/19/2021 and on 8/26/2021. New questions and answers begin on page 1.
• Pre-Application PowerPoint Presentation (Slides 9 and 10 added on 8/19/21). All other slides remain the same.
• The RSA information on the Individuals Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and Individuals Who Are DeafBlind Program.
• Please refer to the Federal Register Notice of Final Priority and Federal Register Notice Inviting Applications for more information. Note: Federal Register Correction Notices issued on 8/19/2021. Correction to the Notice of Final Priority; Correction to the Notice Inviting Applications.

Rehabilitation Short-Term Training: Client Assistance Program (CAP Training) - Assistance Listing Number 84.246K - Closed 8/9/2021

• Competition Manager: Felipe Lulli, U.S. Department of Education
• Pre-Application Meeting was conducted on 7/8/21. Questions and Answers from the Assistance Listing Number 84.246K Pre-Application Meeting
• Pre-Application PowerPoint Presentation (Slides 7 and 8 added on 7/26/21)
• The RSA information on the Rehabilitation Short-Term Training: Client Assistance Program (CAP Training).
• Please refer to the Federal Register Notice of Final Priority and Federal Register Notice Inviting Applications for more information.

Activities for Traditionally Underserved Populations - Assistance Listing Number 84.315C - Closed 6/14/2021

• Competition Manager: Kristen Rhinehart-Fernandez, U.S. Department of Education
• Pre-Application Meeting was conducted on 5/4/2021. Questions and Answers from the Assistance Listing Number 84.315C Pre-Application Meeting
• Pre-Application PowerPoint Presentation
• The RSA information on the Activities for Traditionally Underserved Populations Program.
• Please refer to the Federal Register Notice of Final Priorities and Federal Register Notice Inviting Applications for more information.

American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Training and Technical Assistance Center - Assistance Listing Number 84.250Z - Closed 6/14/2021

• Competition Manager: Jerry Elliott, U.S. Department of Education
• The RSA information on the American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Training and Technical Assistance Center.
• Please refer to the Federal Register Notice of Final Priorities and Federal Register Notice Inviting Applications for more information.

American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program - Assistance Listing Number 84.250N - Closed 4/22/2021

• Competition Manager: August Martin, U.S. Department of Education
• The RSA information on the American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program.
• Please refer to the Federal Register Notice Inviting Applications for more information.

Rehabilitation Training: Disability Innovation Fund - Career Advancement Initiative Model Demonstration Project - Assistance Listing Number 84.421C - Closed 4/8/2021

• Competition Manager: Cassandra P. Shoffler, U.S. Department of Education
• Federal Register Correction Notice issued on 2/19/2021
• Pre-Application Meeting was conducted on 1/28/2021. Questions and Answers from the Assistance Listing Number 84.421C Pre-Application Meeting
• Pre-Application PowerPoint Presentation
• The RSA information on the Disability Innovation Fund - Career Advancement Initiative Model Demonstration Project.
• Please refer to the Federal Register Notice Inviting Applications for more information.

FY 2021 Important Notices

Training of Interpreters for Individuals Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and Individuals Who Are DeafBlind Program - Assistance Listing Number 84.160D

• Please refer to the Federal Register Notice of Proposed Priority and Requirements for more information.

Rehabilitation Short-Term Training: Client Assistance Program (CAP Training) - Assistance Listing Number 84.246K

• Please refer to the Federal Register Notice of Proposed Priority for more information.

Closed FY 2020 Discretionary Grant Competitions

Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind Training and Technical Assistance - CFDA 84.177Z - Closed 9/3/2020

• Competition Manager: Mary Williams, U.S. Department of Education
• The RSA information on the Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind Training and Technical Assistance.
• Please refer to the Federal Register Notice of Final Priorities and Federal Register Notice Inviting Applications for more information.

Innovative Rehabilitation Training - CFDA 84.263D/E/F - Closed 9/3/2020

• Competition Manager: Cassandra P. Shoffler, U.S. Department of Education
• Pre-Application Meeting was conducted on 8/20/2020. Questions and Answers from the CFDA 84.263D/E/F Pre-Application Meeting
• PowerPoint Technical Information for Interested Applicants
• The RSA information on Innovative Rehabilitation Training.
• Please refer to the Federal Register Notice of Final Priorities and Federal Register Notice Inviting Applications for more information.

Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center - Quality Management (VRTAC-QM) - CFDA 84.264J; and
Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center - Quality Employment (VRTAC-QE) - CFDA 84.264K - Closed 9/2/2020

• Competition Manager CFDA 84.264J: Douglas Zhu, U.S. Department of Education
• Competition Manager CFDA 84.264K: Felipe Lulli, U.S. Department of Education
• Pre-Application Meetings were conducted on 8/13/2020. Questions and Answers from the CFDA 84.264J&K Pre-Application Meetings
• PowerPoint Technical Information for Interested Applicants.
• The RSA information on the Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center - Quality Management (VRTAC-QM).
• The RSA information on the Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center - Quality Employment (VRTAC-QE).
• Please refer to the Federal Register Notice of Final Priorities and Federal Register Notice Inviting Applications for more information.

National Technical Assistance Center on Transition (NTACT) - CFDA 84.326E - Closed 8/28/2020

• Competition Managers: Selete Avoke, Office of Special Education Programs, U.S. Department of Education and Kristen Rhinehart-Fernandez, Rehabilitation Services Administration, U.S. Department of Education
• Pre-Application Meeting: There is no pre-application meeting for this competition
• The RSA information on the National Technical Assistance Center on Transition (NTACT).
• Please refer to the Federal Register Notice for more information.

American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services (AIVRS) Program - CFDA 84.250N - Closed 6/26/2020

• Competition Manager: August Martin, U.S. Department of Education
• Pre-Application Meeting: There is no pre-application meeting for this competition
• The RSA information on the American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services (AIVRS) Program.
• The Closing Date for this application was extended from 5/26/2020 to 6/26/2020 in the Federal Register Notice dated 5/20/2020.
• Please refer to the Federal Register Notice for more information.

Parent Information and Training - CFDA 84.235F - Closed 6/22/2020

• Competition Manager: Tara Jordan, U.S. Department of Education
• A Pre-Application Meeting was conducted on 5/5/2020. Questions and Answers from the CFDA 84.235F Pre-Application Meeting
• Technical Assistance Information: 84.235F Pre-Application Meeting PowerPoint
• The RSA information on Parent Information and Training.
• The Notice Inviting Applications contains two priorities including the Parent Information and Training Centers (CFDA 84.328M) funded through the Office of Special Education Programs. Please refer to the Federal Register Notice for more information.

Parent Information and Training Program - Technical Assistance for Parent Training and Information Centers - CFDA 84.235G - Closed 6/22/2020

• Competition Manager: Tara Jordan, U.S. Department of Education
• A Pre-Application Meeting was conducted on 5/5/2020. Questions and Answers from the CFDA 84.235G Pre-Application Meeting
• Technical Assistance Information:84.235G Pre-Application Meeting PowerPoint
• The RSA information on the Parent Information and Training Program - Technical Assistance for Parent Training and Information Centers.
• Please refer to the Federal Register Notice for more information.

Rehabilitation Long-Term Training - CFDA 84.129B - Closed 6/15/2020

• Competition Manager: Diandrea Bailey, Ph.D., U.S. Department of Education
• A Pre-Application Meeting was conducted on 4/21/2020. Questions and Answers from the CFDA 84.129B Pre-Application Meeting
• Technical Assistance Information: 84.129B Pre-Application Meeting PowerPoint
• The RSA information on Rehabilitation Long-Term Training.
• The Closing Date for this application was extended from 5/14/2020 to 6/15/2020 in the Federal Register Notice dated 5/13/2020.
• Please refer to the Federal Register Notice for more information.

FY 2020 Important Notices

Final Waiver and Extension of the Project Periods for the American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program Training and Technical Assistance Center - CFDA 84.250Z; and the Vocational Rehabilitation Training Institute for the Preparation of Personnel in American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services - CFDA 84.315C

The waivers and extensions enable programs under CFDA 84.250Z and CFDA 84.315C to receive funding for an additional period, not beyond September 30, 2021.

• Please refer to the Federal Register Notice for more information.

Final Waiver and Extension of the Project Period for a Grant that Provides Rehabilitation Short-Term Training to the Client Assistance Program (CAP) - CFDA 84.246K

The Notice of Final Waiver and Extension was approved on 8/21/2020 to enable the Rehabilitation Short-Term Training Client Assistance Program (CAP) under CFDA 84.246K to receive funding for an additional performance period of one year, not to exceed September 30, 2021.

• Please refer to the Pre-Publication Notice for more information. A link to the Federal Register Notice will appear on this page, once published.

Final Waiver and Extension of the Project Periods for the American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program - CFDA 84.250K

The waiver and extension enable 29 American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services (AIVRS) projects under CFDA 84.250K to receive funding for an additional period, not beyond September 30, 2021.

• Please refer to the Federal Register Notice for more information.

Withdrawal of Notice Inviting Applications and Cancellation of the Competition for the American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program - CFDA 84.250N

The U.S. Department of Education (Department) withdraws the notice inviting applications (NIA) and cancels the competition for the FY 2020 American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services (AIVRS) program under CFDA 84.250N. The Department intends to announce a new competition in FY 2021.

• Please refer to the Federal Register Notice for more information.

Closed FY 2019 Discretionary Grant Competitions

Innovative Rehabilitation Training - CFDA 84.263C - Closed 8/14/2019

• Innovative Rehabilitation Training Pre-Application Webinar
• Handouts to Accompany Innovative Rehabilitation Training Pre-Application Webinar
• The RSA information on Innovative Rehabilitation Training.

Rehabilitation Long-Term Training - Closed 8/5/2019

Rehabilitation Counseling - CFDA 84.129B

Mental Illness - CFDA 84.129H

Blindness - CFDA 84.129P

Deafness - CFDA 84.129Q

• Rehabilitation Long-Term Training Pre-Application Webinar
• Handouts to Accompany Rehabilitation Long-Term Training Pre-Application Webinar - Please note that the absolute priorities (slide 8) were changed after the pre-recording of this webinar. As a result, this slide was removed from the video. Updated information about an invitational priority is available in the downloadable PowerPoint presentation.
• The RSA information on Rehabilitation Long-Term Training.

American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services (AIVRS) Program - CFDA 84.250M - Closed 7/29/2019

• AIVRS Pre-Application Webinar
• Handouts to Accompany AIVRS Pre-Application Webinar - Please note that the selection criteria (slide 11) and performance measures (slide 18) were changed after the pre-recording of this webinar. As a result, these slides were removed from the video. The updated selection criteria and performance measures are available in the downloadable PowerPoint presentation.
• The RSA information on the American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services (AIVRS) Program.

Braille Training - CFDA 84.235E - Closed 7/1/2019

• Braille Training Pre-Application Webinar
• Handouts to Accompany Braille Training Webinar
• The RSA information on Braille Training.