Interventional Cooperative Agreement Program
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Program Objective
(1) To conduct social, economic, and demographic research on topics important to the Social Security Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs and the current and future well-being of their beneficiaries; (2) to develop and carry out experiments and research demonstration projects to determine the efficacy of: (a) alternative ways of rehabilitating beneficiaries and encouraging their return to work; and (b) modifying conditions applicable to such beneficiaries including: (i) early referral for rehabilitation services; and (ii) greater use of employers and others in the rehabilitation and placement process.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- U.S. State Government
- U.S. Territory Government
- Federally Recognized Tribal Government
- Tribal Government (other)
- Municipality/Township Government
- County Government
- School District Government
- School District
- Local Government Consortium
- Other Special District Government
- Local
- State
- Territorial
- Tribal
- Nonprofit Organization
- Not-for-Profit Organization
- For-Profit Organization
Applicants applying for grant funds may include research organizations, associations of research organizations, State and local governments, educational institutions, hospitals, public and private organizations, and nonprofit and profit organizations. Private individuals are not eligible to apply. Profit organizations may apply with the understanding that no grant funds may be paid as profit to grant recipients. Profit is considered any amount in excess of the allowable costs of the grant recipient. A profit organization is a corporation or other legal entity that is organized or operated for the profit or benefit of its shareholders or other owners and must be distinguishable or legally separable from that of an individual acting on his/her own behalf.
How to Apply
Award Procedure
The Office of Acquisition and Grants provides a Notice of Cooperative Agreement Award as official notice for approved applications. The notice indicates award amount, the purpose of the award, award terms and conditions, the budget period, the anticipated project period.
Decision Timeline
- Approval: From 90 to 120 days
- Renewal interval: From 90 to 120 days
Program details & compliance
Description
This program to allow SSA to collaborate with States, private foundations, and other non-federal groups and organizations who have the interest and ability to identify, operate, and partially fund interventional research. The research and interventions under this program will target the increased employment and self-sufficiency of individuals with disabilities (whether beneficiaries, applicants, or potential applicants of the Disability Insurance (DI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs); coordinating planning between private and public welfare agencies to improve the administration and effectiveness the DI, SSI, and related programs; assisting claimants in vulnerable populations apply for or appeal decisions on claims for DI and SSI benefits; and conducting outreach to children with disabilities who are potentially eligible to receive SSI.
The projects/awards have a period of 5 years, with the first year dedicated to putting any necessary data agreements into place, recruiting additional partners, securing additional funding, and implementing other planning activities. SSA funding will be limited for the first year until these milestones are met. If the project is able to meet these milestones in the first year, funding will be released for the grantee to continue implement and evaluate the project for up to four years.
This is an ongoing project where competitions are held each year. Each year will have a list of priority topics for proposed interventions potential applicants must focus their response/proposed intervention on.
NOTE: The award issued on 10/1/2024 was terminated in February 2025, per Executive Order 14151, “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing. Not future funding is anticipated at this time.
Mission Categories
Primary: Disabled and Handicapped Services
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
Higher Education (includes Research), Income Security/Social Service/Welfare
Grants are awarded for innovative research and demonstrations which add to existing knowledge and improve methods and techniques for the management, administration, and effectiveness of Social Security Administration (SSA) programs. Grant funds may not be used for construction or major renovation of buildings.
Required Documentation
Credentials in most cases are not required, but may be required depending on access to Federal data.
Matching Requirements
There is an eight percent cap on Facilities and Administration (F&A) for this program. The recipient may use the unpaid portion of F&A to fulfill the cost share requirement under this cooperative agreement.
Reporting & Compliance
Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts
- Subpart B — General Provisions
- Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart E — Cost Principles
- Subpart F — Audit Requirements