Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA ES 18 009
Maintain and Enrich Resource Infrastructure for Existing Environmental Epidemiology Cohorts (R24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) is a discretionary NIH grant opportunity (RFA ES 18 009; CFDA 93.113) sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, with a focus area spanning environment and health. The central intent of the program is not to launch new cohorts or conduct clinical trials, but to keep established Environmental Epidemiology Cohorts (EECs) strong and scientifically productive by funding the kinds of shared, behind-the-scenes infrastructure that make long-term cohort research usable, accessible, and ready for future studies. In practical terms, the announcement is aimed at protecting and maximizing prior cohort investments made by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) by ensuring these cohorts remain well-maintained and increasingly valuable to the broader research community.
The FOA has two main goals. First, it supports maintenance of existing cohorts, which generally means sustaining the operational and data-related capacity required to keep a cohort viable over time. That can include preserving data integrity, maintaining participant tracking systems, keeping biospecimen and data resources organized and secure, and ensuring the cohort can continue to support environmental epidemiology research questions as science evolves. Second, it supports enrichment of research infrastructure so that the cohort becomes easier to use for new analyses and collaborations. This emphasis on enrichment is strongly tied to improving scientific activities and enabling resource sharing, such as better data documentation, stronger governance and access procedures, improved harmonization with other datasets, modernized informatics, and other tools that make a cohort more interoperable and attractive for collaborative projects.
A defining feature of this opportunity is the focus on readiness and collaboration. The FOA frames infrastructure as the bridge between past investments and future discoveries: by strengthening data systems, standardizing resources, and improving sharing mechanisms now, cohorts are better positioned to compete for and contribute to later research opportunities, including multi-cohort studies and broader scientific partnerships. The overall vision is that well-supported cohorts can serve as community resources rather than isolated datasets, expanding their impact beyond the original investigative team.
The funding mechanism is a grant under the R24 activity code, and clinical trials are explicitly not allowed, signaling that the work should be centered on resource and infrastructure development rather than intervention testing. The listed award ceiling is $250,000, and the original closing date for the opportunity was 2019-07-31 (with a creation date of 2018-08-30), indicating this specific solicitation was time-limited and tied to that application window.
Eligibility is broad and includes many types of U.S.-based organizations and public entities. Eligible applicants include state, county, and city/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; tribal organizations other than federally recognized governments; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education institutions); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; small businesses; and other qualifying entities. The FOA also highlights additional eligible applicant categories such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs), faith-based or community-based organizations, regional organizations, eligible federal government agencies, and U.S. territories or possessions, reflecting an intent to include diverse institutional settings that may host or support established cohorts.
At the same time, the FOA draws clear boundaries around foreign participation. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities and non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply as applicants. However, foreign components are allowed as defined by the NIH Grants Policy Statement, meaning a U.S. applicant may include certain foreign elements within the project structure when permissible under NIH policy, even though a foreign institution cannot serve as the primary applicant.
Overall, this grant opportunity is best understood as an NIEHS/NIH effort to keep existing environmental epidemiology cohorts scientifically current, operationally stable, and easier to leverage for shared science. It prioritizes strengthening the infrastructure that supports cohort usefulness over time, with the expectation that better-maintained and better-organized cohort resources will accelerate future discoveries, enable broader collaboration, and deliver more value from long-term investments in environmental health research.Apply for RFA ES 18 009
- The National Institutes of Health in the environment, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Maintain and Enrich Resource Infrastructure for Existing Environmental Epidemiology Cohorts (R24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.113.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2018-08-30.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2019-07-31. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $250,000.00 in funding.
- 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the "Maintain and Enrich Resource Infrastructure for Existing Environmental Epidemiology Cohorts (R24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)" funding opportunity?
It is a discretionary NIH grant opportunity sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) as the key institute referenced in the description. The focus is on environment and health, specifically on supporting established Environmental Epidemiology Cohorts (EECs) by funding shared infrastructure activities that keep cohorts usable, secure, accessible, and ready for future research.
What is the FOA identifier and CFDA number for this opportunity?
The FOA is RFA ES 18 009 and the CFDA number is 93.113.
What is the main purpose of this program?
The central intent is not to create new cohorts or run clinical trials, but to protect and maximize prior NIEHS investments in existing cohorts by maintaining and enriching the resource infrastructure that keeps those cohorts scientifically productive and ready for future studies and collaborations.
Does this opportunity fund the creation of new cohorts?
No. The program is framed around maintaining and enriching infrastructure for existing Environmental Epidemiology Cohorts rather than launching new cohorts.
Are clinical trials allowed under this FOA?
No. Clinical trials are explicitly not allowed. The work is expected to focus on resource and infrastructure development rather than intervention testing.
What funding mechanism is used for this grant?
The funding mechanism is the NIH R24 activity code, which is oriented toward resource-related and infrastructure-supporting projects.
What are the two main goals of the FOA?
The FOA has two primary goals: (1) maintenance of existing cohorts (sustaining operational and data-related capacity so cohorts remain viable), and (2) enrichment of research infrastructure (upgrading resources and systems so cohorts are easier to use for new analyses and collaborations, including resource sharing).
What does "maintenance" of an existing cohort mean in this context?
Maintenance generally refers to sustaining the operational and data capacity required to keep a cohort viable over time. Examples described include preserving data integrity, maintaining participant tracking systems, keeping biospecimen and data resources organized and secure, and ensuring the cohort remains capable of supporting evolving environmental epidemiology research questions.
What does "enrichment" of cohort infrastructure mean in this context?
Enrichment refers to improving the cohort's infrastructure so it becomes more usable and valuable for new research activities and collaborations. The description ties enrichment to scientific enablement and resource sharing, including better data documentation, stronger governance and access procedures, improved harmonization with other datasets, modernized informatics, and other tools that increase interoperability and collaborative potential.
Why does the FOA emphasize collaboration and readiness?
The FOA frames infrastructure as a bridge between past investments and future discoveries. By strengthening data systems, standardizing resources, and improving sharing mechanisms, cohorts are positioned to contribute to later research opportunities (including multi-cohort studies) and broader scientific partnerships.
Is the program focused on direct research analyses or on behind-the-scenes infrastructure?
The emphasis is on shared, behind-the-scenes infrastructure that makes long-term cohort research usable, accessible, and ready for future studies, rather than launching new cohort research efforts or testing interventions.
How does this opportunity aim to increase the value of existing cohorts to the research community?
By funding improvements that make cohorts more maintainable, better documented, more secure, more interoperable, and easier to access and use through improved governance and sharing mechanisms. The stated vision is that well-supported cohorts can function as community resources rather than isolated datasets.
What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling) listed for this opportunity?
The listed award ceiling is $250,000.
What were the key dates mentioned for this solicitation?
The creation date is 2018-08-30, and the original closing date is 2019-07-31. The description indicates this specific solicitation was time-limited and tied to that application window.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad and includes many U.S.-based organizations and public entities. Eligible applicants include state, county, and city/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; tribal organizations other than federally recognized governments; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education institutions); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; small businesses; and other qualifying entities.
Are specific types of institutions highlighted as eligible?
Yes. Additional eligible categories highlighted include Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs), faith-based or community-based organizations, regional organizations, eligible federal government agencies, and U.S. territories or possessions.
Can non-U.S. (foreign) organizations apply as the primary applicant?
No. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities are not eligible to apply as applicants, and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are also not eligible to apply as applicants.
Are foreign components allowed in any form?
Yes. The FOA states that foreign components are allowed as defined by the NIH Grants Policy Statement. This means a U.S. applicant may include certain foreign elements within the project structure when permissible under NIH policy, even though a foreign institution cannot serve as the primary applicant.
What type of cohorts does this FOA target?
It targets established Environmental Epidemiology Cohorts (EECs), with a focus on maintaining and enriching the infrastructure that supports environmental epidemiology research.
What is the overall vision or expected outcome of funding under this FOA?
The overall vision is to keep existing environmental epidemiology cohorts operationally stable, scientifically current, and easier to leverage for shared science. The expectation is that improved maintenance, organization, standardization, and sharing mechanisms will accelerate future discoveries and increase the return on long-term investments in environmental health research.
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| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Virtual Consortium for Translational/Transdisciplinary Environmental Research (ViCTER) (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA ES 18 007 Funding Number: RFA ES 18 007 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| Enhancing Data Management and Sharing in NIEHS-Funded Research Grants (Admin Supp Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PA 19 025 Funding Number: PA 19 025 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Early Screening for Autism Spectrum Disorder (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA MH 19 120 Funding Number: RFA MH 19 120 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Immuno-Oncology Translation Network (IOTN): Cancer Immunoprevention Research Projects (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA CA 19 014 Funding Number: RFA CA 19 014 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Immuno-Oncology Translation Network (IOTN): Cancer Immunotherapy Research Projects (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA CA 19 015 Funding Number: RFA CA 19 015 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Global Noncommunicable Diseases and Injury Across the Lifespan: Exploratory Research (R21 Clinical Trials Optional) Apply for PAR 19 059 Funding Number: PAR 19 059 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Bioengineering Research Partnerships (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 19 156 Funding Number: PAR 19 156 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Innovative Approaches for Improving Environmental Health Literacy (R41/R42 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA ES 19 006 Funding Number: RFA ES 19 006 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Innovative Approaches for Improving Environmental Health Literacy (R43/R44 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA ES 19 005 Funding Number: RFA ES 19 005 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Transition to Independent Environmental Health Research (TIEHR) Career Award (K01 Independent Basic Experimental Studies with Humans Required) Apply for PAR 19 225 Funding Number: PAR 19 225 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Revolutionizing Innovative, Visionary Environmental health Research (RIVER) (R35 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA ES 19 007 Funding Number: RFA ES 19 007 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Revolutionizing Innovative, Visionary Environmental health Research (RIVER) (R35 Basic Experimental Studies with Humans Required) Apply for RFA ES 19 008 Funding Number: RFA ES 19 008 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Environmental Influences on Aging: Effects of Extreme Weather and Disaster Events on Aging Processes (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 19 249 Funding Number: PAR 19 249 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| SBIR E-Learning for HAZMAT and Emergency Response (R43/R44 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA ES 19 009 Funding Number: RFA ES 19 009 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Undergraduate Research Education Program (UP) to Enhance Diversity in the Environmental Health Sciences (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA ES 19 010 Funding Number: RFA ES 19 010 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| HAZMAT Training at DOE Nuclear Weapons Complex (UH4 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA ES 19 004 Funding Number: RFA ES 19 004 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health Funding Amount: $700,000 |
| Hazardous Materials Worker Health and Safety Training (U45 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA ES 19 003 Funding Number: RFA ES 19 003 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health Funding Amount: $700,000 |
| Pregnancy as a Vulnerable Time Period for Women's Health (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA ES 20 003 Funding Number: RFA ES 20 003 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Limited Competition: Specialized Centers of Excellence on Environmental Health Disparities Research (P50) Apply for RFA MD 20 001 Funding Number: RFA MD 20 001 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health Funding Amount: $950,000 |
| Environmental Risks for Psychiatric Disorders: Biological Basis of Pathophysiology (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 19 386 Funding Number: PAR 19 386 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health Funding Amount: $400,000 |
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