Before you Apply
Review the following information:
- Read the RFA for complete details and requirements of the program and view the Suggested Research Topics to ensure that your proposal meets the goals of this program. As a further resource, you may read some of our current and previously funded research papers from ARDRAW Cohorts 1 – 5 and from the predecessor Disability Determination Process Small Grant Program.
- Familiarize yourself with SSA’s disability programs, the SSA Guide to Work Incentives, and tips for writing a strong research proposal. These resources are all available on the ARDRAW website.
- View the informational webinar that was held on January 13, 2022. It provided a brief introduction to the program, reviewed the elements of a successful application, and addressed participants’ questions.
Submit Application Materials
Complete the online application (link below) and attach the following materials by 5:00 pm (ET) on Friday, February 25, 2022:
- An abstract and five (5) page research proposal. The proposal should be written in American Psychological Association (APA) style, excluding references, tables, and figures (12 pt. Times New Roman font, 1-inch margins, single-spaced). A cover page, abstract, and references will not be counted towards the five pages. Please see Evaluation Criteria below for further guidance.
- Proof of Access to Data. All applicants must submit a statement providing proof of access to data. Instructions for specific scenarios are provided below:
- Secondary data (privately held): If secondary data is being used (data not collected by the applicant), a letter from the agency or organization clearly approving access to and use of data is required. If awarded, you will be required to sign a contract through which you agree to submit a copy of the data you are using in your research to the Federal Government upon request.
- Secondary data (publicly available): If secondary data is publicly accessible, you must submit a short statement with a link to the data.
- Primary data (to be collected): If primary data will be collected, applicants must submit a one-page statement with a detailed plan for recruitment and collection of this data.
- Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval Plan and Timeframe. Projects must be reviewed by your academic institution’s IRB. If you have IRB approval for your project, you must include proof of approval with your application. It is not necessary to have IRB approval at the time of application, but you must submit a separate statement addressing how this approval will be accomplished, if you do not already have it.
- A resume or curriculum vitae. (12 pt. Times New Roman font, 1-inch margins, single-spaced)
Two (2) Letters of Recommendation e-mailed directly by the referrers to ardraw@policyresearchinc.org by 5:00 pm (ET) on Friday, February 25, 2022:
- One (1) from the Faculty Mentor for this project clearly stating support of your proposed research as feasible and potentially impactful to the field, as well as a willingness to provide consistent guidance throughout the project. Faculty Mentors are expected to participate in quarterly calls and review all student deliverables prior to submission. A statement indicating your mentor’s commitment to attend these calls and review deliverables should be included in the letter.
- One (1) from an academic or professional contact who can comment on the qualities that make you an effective researcher and your potential for success with independent research.
You will be notified of any missing pieces of your application by Monday, February 28, 2022 and will have until no later than Wednesday, March 3, 2022 to submit the pieces identified.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be screened for completeness and relevance to the goals of this grant program. If judged relevant, the application will be evaluated by a panel of scholars and PRI staff. Your application will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Statement of Problem and Literature Review (20%)
- Clear statement of the problem
- Specific and relevant research questions designed to explore/strengthen relationships between work, rehabilitation, and disability
- Comprehensive literature review – your review should identify strengths and weaknesses of existing research and identify areas of further exploration
- Understanding and Methodology (30%)
- Demonstration of researcher’s understanding of the current relationships between work, rehabilitation, and disability
- Demonstration of researcher’s understanding of relevant SSA programs and work incentives, as they relate to the proposed topic
- Appropriateness and soundness of methodology, including research design, choice of data, methods of analysis, and other procedures
- Explanation of how your proposed research might develop innovative and fresh perspectives on the relationships between work, rehabilitation, and disability
- Outcomes and Implications (25%)
- Anticipated outcomes
- Statement of policy or programmatic implications relevant to SSA— how SSA will be able to use the findings from your research project
- Project Feasibility (20%)
- Feasibility of completing project within a 1-year timeframe (reasonableness of time commitment related to data collection, analysis, and other procedures)
- Statement of how this project fits into your academic career (e.g. part of dissertation or master’s thesis)
- Strength of Letters of Recommendation (5%)
- Faculty Mentor: Support of your proposed research as feasible and potentially impactful to the field, as well as a willingness to provide consistent supervision and guidance throughout the project
- Academic or professional contact: Confidence in your abilities as an effective researcher and your potential for success with independent research
Award decisions are expected by Thursday, April 21, 2022. Final approval is contingent on review and acceptance of the project’s work plan.