Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 18 879
The grant opportunity titled "Expanding Extramural Research Opportunities at the NIH Clinical Center (U01 Clinical Trial Optional)" (Funding Opportunity Number PAR-18-879) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) discretionary funding announcement that uses the cooperative agreement mechanism (U01). Its central goal is to bring outside (extramural) researchers together with NIH’s in-house (intramural) investigators to run investigator-initiated clinical research projects at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. The overall emphasis is on accelerating translation from lab findings to early clinical testing, specifically for therapies and interventions relevant to allergy, asthma, autoimmune disease, and transplantation, aligned with priorities of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).
A defining feature of this opportunity is access to the NIH Clinical Center’s extensive infrastructure and specialized capabilities, which are often difficult to assemble at a single academic or community site. Projects funded under this FOA can leverage both inpatient and outpatient clinical research resources, including experienced clinical and research staff, dedicated nursing support, hospital beds, critical care services, ambulatory care services, advanced laboratories, imaging platforms, biostatistics support, and hands-on expertise in protocol development. It also highlights regulatory guidance, clinical trials management, and safety oversight as built-in strengths of the Clinical Center environment. The intent is that these resources reduce common bottlenecks in launching and conducting complex translational studies, especially when the work requires intensive phenotyping, specialized assays, close monitoring, or highly controlled clinical research conditions.
In terms of the science supported, the FOA is geared toward hypothesis-driven mechanistic research, either as standalone mechanistic studies or embedded within clinical projects. The clinical work is framed around small, early-stage trial designs, specifically Phase 0, Phase 1, and/or Phase 2a studies. While the title notes "Clinical Trial Optional," the scope clearly accommodates applications that include early clinical trials when they are appropriate to test feasibility, safety, pharmacodynamics, or early signals of biological activity, particularly when paired with mechanistic endpoints that help explain how and why an intervention works (or does not). The Clinical Center setting is especially suited to this type of deeply characterized, mechanistically rich early clinical investigation.
Because the funding instrument is a cooperative agreement, applicants should expect a more collaborative relationship with NIH than a standard research grant. In practical terms, this typically means NIH staff and intramural collaborators may have substantial involvement in project planning and execution, and the work is meant to be carried out in true partnership with the NIH Clinical Center’s intramural ecosystem. This collaborative structure is consistent with the FOA’s emphasis on pairing extramural innovation with the Clinical Center’s operational and scientific assets to speed translation.
Eligibility is broad and includes many types of domestic applicant organizations, such as state, county, and local governments; public and private institutions of higher education; independent school districts; special district governments; and a wide range of nonprofit organizations (including those with or without 501(c)(3) status). It also permits applications from for-profit organizations (other than small businesses) as well as small businesses. Native American tribal governments (federally recognized) and tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments) are listed as eligible, along with public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities and other eligible entities. In addition, the FOA explicitly calls out a set of additional eligible applicant categories that reflect an interest in expanding participation and partnerships, including Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, regional organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, and even non-U.S. (foreign) organizations.
Administratively, the opportunity is listed under CFDA number 93.855, with NIH as the sponsoring agency. The FOA record indicates it was created on July 26, 2018, and shows an original closing date of December 3, 2020. The publicly provided snippet does not specify an award ceiling or the expected number of awards, which means applicants would normally need to consult the full FOA text for budget parameters, project period limits, and any special submission or review considerations tied to doing research at the NIH Clinical Center. Overall, the opportunity is best understood as a pathway for extramural investigators to conduct high-impact, early-stage translational and mechanistic clinical research by directly integrating their scientific ideas with the Clinical Center’s highly specialized clinical research environment and NIAID-relevant disease priorities.Apply for PAR 18 879
- The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Expanding Extramural Research Opportunities at the NIH Clinical Center (U01 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.855.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2018-07-26.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2020-12-03. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- 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), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, 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, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the title and funding opportunity number for this grant?
The opportunity is titled "Expanding Extramural Research Opportunities at the NIH Clinical Center (U01 Clinical Trial Optional)" and the Funding Opportunity Number is PAR-18-879.
Which federal agency is offering this opportunity?
The sponsoring agency is the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
What is the funding mechanism used for this program?
This announcement uses the cooperative agreement mechanism, specifically a U01.
What does it mean that this is a cooperative agreement (U01) rather than a standard grant?
Because it is a cooperative agreement, applicants should expect a more collaborative relationship with NIH than under a standard research grant. NIH staff and intramural collaborators may have substantial involvement in planning and executing the project, and the work is intended to be carried out in partnership with the NIH Clinical Center intramural environment.
What is the central goal of this funding opportunity?
The central goal is to bring extramural (outside NIH) researchers together with NIH intramural investigators to run investigator-initiated clinical research projects at the NIH Clinical Center, with an emphasis on accelerating translation from laboratory findings into early clinical testing.
Where would the funded clinical research be conducted?
Projects are intended to be conducted at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.
Which scientific and disease areas are emphasized?
The opportunity emphasizes therapies and interventions relevant to allergy, asthma, autoimmune disease, and transplantation, aligned with priorities of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).
What kinds of studies does this FOA support?
The FOA is geared toward hypothesis-driven mechanistic research. Studies may be standalone mechanistic projects or mechanistic components embedded within clinical projects, particularly those aimed at early translation.
Are clinical trials required under this opportunity?
No. The title indicates "Clinical Trial Optional." However, the scope clearly allows applications that include early clinical trials when appropriate for the scientific aims.
If a clinical trial is proposed, what stages of trials fit the scope?
The clinical work is framed around small, early-stage designs, specifically Phase 0, Phase 1, and/or Phase 2a studies.
What is the intended purpose of the early-stage clinical studies supported here?
When clinical trials are included, they are positioned to test feasibility, safety, pharmacodynamics, or early signals of biological activity, especially when paired with mechanistic endpoints that explain how and why an intervention works (or does not).
Why is the NIH Clinical Center environment highlighted as a key feature?
The NIH Clinical Center offers extensive infrastructure and specialized capabilities that can be difficult to assemble at a single academic or community site. The FOA emphasizes that these resources can reduce common bottlenecks in launching and conducting complex translational studies.
What types of clinical research resources can funded projects leverage at the NIH Clinical Center?
The FOA highlights both inpatient and outpatient clinical research resources, including experienced clinical and research staff, dedicated nursing support, hospital beds, critical care services, ambulatory care services, advanced laboratories, imaging platforms, biostatistics support, and hands-on expertise in protocol development.
Does the NIH Clinical Center provide support for regulatory, trial operations, or oversight?
Yes. The opportunity highlights regulatory guidance, clinical trials management, and safety oversight as built-in strengths of the NIH Clinical Center environment.
What types of research are especially well-suited to this Clinical Center-based model?
The FOA points to studies requiring intensive phenotyping, specialized assays, close monitoring, and highly controlled clinical research conditions as areas where the Clinical Center setting can be especially advantageous.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad and includes many types of domestic applicant organizations such as state, county, and local governments; public and private institutions of higher education; independent school districts; special district governments; nonprofit organizations (with or without 501(c)(3) status); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); and small businesses.
Are tribal entities eligible to apply?
Yes. Eligible applicants include Native American tribal governments (federally recognized) and tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments).
Are public housing authorities eligible?
Yes. Public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities are listed among eligible entity types.
Does this FOA encourage participation from institutions serving underrepresented communities?
The FOA explicitly calls out additional eligible applicant categories reflecting an interest in expanding participation and partnerships, including Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, AANAPISIs, Hispanic-serving Institutions, HBCUs, and TCCUs.
Are faith-based or community-based organizations eligible?
Yes. Faith-based or community-based organizations are explicitly listed among additional eligible applicant categories.
Can federal agencies apply?
Yes. Eligible federal agencies are included among the additional eligible applicant categories.
Are U.S. territories or possessions eligible?
Yes. U.S. territories or possessions are listed among the additional eligible applicant categories.
Are non-U.S. (foreign) organizations eligible to apply?
Yes. The FOA includes non-U.S. (foreign) organizations among eligible applicant categories.
What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?
The opportunity is listed under CFDA number 93.855.
When was this FOA created?
The FOA record indicates it was created on July 26, 2018.
What was the original closing date shown in the FOA record?
The FOA record shows an original closing date of December 3, 2020.
Does the provided information include an award ceiling or expected number of awards?
No. The publicly provided snippet does not specify an award ceiling or the expected number of awards.
Where would applicants normally find budget parameters and project period limits?
Based on the snippet, applicants would normally need to consult the full FOA text to find budget parameters, project period limits, and any special submission or review considerations tied to conducting research at the NIH Clinical Center.
How does this FOA describe the overall value of this pathway for extramural investigators?
It is described as a pathway for extramural investigators to conduct high-impact, early-stage translational and mechanistic clinical research by integrating investigator-initiated ideas with the NIH Clinical Center's specialized clinical research environment and NIAID-relevant priorities.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Health
Next opportunity: Human Health Exposure Analysis Resource: UnTargeted Exposure Analysis Laboratories (U2C Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Previous opportunity: Innovative Technologies to Deliver Genome Editing Machinery to Disease-relevant Cells and Tissues (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for PAR 18 879
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (PAR 18 879) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Molecular Atlas of Lung Development Program (LungMAP) Phase 2 - Data Coordinating Center (U24- Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA HL 19 022 Funding Number: RFA HL 19 022 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Early Psychosis Intervention Network (EPINET): Data Coordinating Center (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA MH 19 151 Funding Number: RFA MH 19 151 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Early Psychosis Intervention Network (EPINET): Practice-Based Research to Improve Treatment Outcomes (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA MH 19 150 Funding Number: RFA MH 19 150 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Genomic Innovator Award (R35 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA HG 18 006 Funding Number: RFA HG 18 006 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| HIV Services and Systems Strengthening (HS3) Apply for 72051718RFA00003 Funding Number: 72051718RFA00003 Agency: Dominican Republic USAID-Santo Domingo Category: Health Funding Amount: $19,500,000 |
| Technologies for Improving Minority Health and Eliminating Health Disparities (R41/R42- Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA MD 18 010 Funding Number: RFA MD 18 010 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Innovations for Healthy Living - Improving Minority Health and Eliminating Health Disparities (R43/R44 - Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA MD 18 009 Funding Number: RFA MD 18 009 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Management of Asthma in Primary Care - Clinical Center (UG3/UH3 - Clinical Trial Required) Apply for RFA HL 19 005 Funding Number: RFA HL 19 005 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Management of Asthma in Primary Care - Bioinformatics Center (U24 - Clinical Trial Required - Infrastructure) Apply for RFA HL 19 006 Funding Number: RFA HL 19 006 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Alzheimer Centers for Discovery of New Medicines (U54 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA AG 19 010 Funding Number: RFA AG 19 010 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $5,250,000 |
| 2019 YSEALI Regional Workshop: Partnership in Health – Community-based Prevention for Non-communicable Diseases and Mental Health Apply for PAS ID 18 003 Funding Number: PAS ID 18 003 Agency: U.S. Mission to Indonesia Category: Health Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Limited Competition: Renewal of, and Revisions to, the Alzheimer's Disease Genetics Consortium (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 18 889 Funding Number: PAR 18 889 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $2,500,000 |
| Limited Competition: Additional Sequencing for the Alzheimer's Disease Sequencing Project: Opportunity for Revision Requests for Active Cooperative Agreements (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 18 890 Funding Number: PAR 18 890 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Stroke Preclinical Assessment Network (SPAN) to Support Translational Studies for Acute Neuroprotection (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA NS 18 033 Funding Number: RFA NS 18 033 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Advancing Extracellular RNA (exRNA) Communication Research: Improved Isolation and Analysis of exRNA-Carrier Subclasses (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA RM 18 027 Funding Number: RFA RM 18 027 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Limited competition: Data Management and Resource Repository (DMRR) on Extracellular RNA (U54 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA RM 18 026 Funding Number: RFA RM 18 026 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Stroke Preclinical Assessment Network (SPAN) to Support Translational Studies for Acute Neuroprotection - Coordinating Center (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA NS 18 034 Funding Number: RFA NS 18 034 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Advancing Extracellular RNA (exRNA) Communication Research: Towards Single Extracellular Vesicle (EV) Sorting, Isolation, and Analysis of Cargo (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA RM 18 028 Funding Number: RFA RM 18 028 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NIMHD Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Training (MHRT) Program (T37) Apply for RFA MD 18 007 Funding Number: RFA MD 18 007 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Mental Health Research Dissertation Grant to Enhance Workforce Diversity (R36 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 18 894 Funding Number: PAR 18 894 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "PAR 18 879", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.