NIBIB Biomedical Technology Resource Centers (P41 Clinical Trials Optional) | PAR 18 205

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 18 205

The NIBIB Biomedical Technology Resource Centers (BTRC) opportunity (PAR-18-205) is a National Institutes of Health grant program designed to support national-scale centers that invent, refine, and deliver cutting-edge biomedical technologies to the wider research community. The core idea is that these centers are not just typical research labs working on a narrow set of experiments. Instead, they function as shared national resources that develop new tools and methods specifically because basic, translational, and clinical researchers need them. The FOA makes clear that the technology development should be driven by real-world scientific demand, meaning the center is expected to respond to pressing research bottlenecks and enable studies that would be difficult or impossible without the new capabilities the center provides.

A defining feature of a BTRC under this announcement is the combination of technology innovation with broad community service. Awardees are expected to (1) conduct research and development on new biomedical technologies, (2) make those technologies accessible to outside investigators beyond the home institution, (3) train researchers and users in how to apply the tools correctly and effectively, and (4) disseminate the technologies widely so they can be adopted by the broader field. In practical terms, that usually implies an organized resource model: a center develops advanced instrumentation, software, protocols, or computational methods; supports collaborations or user projects; provides hands-on training, workshops, or courses; and shares know-how through publications, documentation, and other outreach. The result is meant to be a multiplier effect where one center elevates capabilities across many labs and institutions.

The grant mechanism is a P41 (Research Resource Center Grant), and the FOA notes that clinical trials are optional. That wording typically signals that a center may include clinical trial-related work if it fits the technology mission, but it is not required for eligibility. The funding activity category is Health, and the associated CFDA number listed is 93.286. The opportunity is categorized as discretionary and uses the grant funding instrument.

Eligibility is broad and includes many U.S.-based organizational types commonly allowed under NIH programs. Eligible applicants include state, county, city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; and Native American tribal organizations other than federally recognized tribal governments. The FOA also allows nonprofits (both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3), as long as they are not institutions of higher education in those categories), for-profit organizations other than small businesses, and small businesses. In addition, the announcement explicitly highlights other eligible applicants such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal government agencies, regional organizations, Indian/Native American tribal governments other than federally recognized, and U.S. territories or possessions.

Foreign eligibility is restricted in a specific way. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign institutions) are not eligible to apply as the primary applicant, and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are also not eligible to apply. At the same time, the FOA allows foreign components as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, meaning a U.S. applicant organization may, when scientifically justified and consistent with NIH policy, include certain foreign collaborations or elements under the rules that govern foreign components.

The source data provided lists an original closing date of 2020-04-14 and a creation date of 2017-10-30. The award ceiling and expected awards fields are not specified in the provided text. Overall, the opportunity is best understood as NIH support for highly capable, service-oriented technology centers that both push the frontiers of biomedical technology and act as national hubs for access, training, and dissemination so that many investigators can benefit from the innovations rather than only the awardee institution.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "NIBIB Biomedical Technology Resource Centers (P41 Clinical Trials Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.286.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2017-10-30.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2020-04-14. (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.

Apply for PAR 18 205

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