Biomedical Data Repository (U24 - Clinical Trials Not Allowed) | PAR 20 089

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 20 089

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity titled "Biomedical Data Repository (U24 - Clinical Trials Not Allowed)" (Funding Opportunity Number PAR 20 089) supports the operation and enhancement of biomedical data repositories through a U24 cooperative agreement mechanism. The core purpose of this program is to fund repositories whose primary mission is to take in (ingest) biomedical datasets, archive and preserve them over time, manage them in ways that keep them organized and usable, and then distribute and make those data accessible to appropriate user communities. In practical terms, NIH is looking to strengthen infrastructure that enables researchers and other stakeholders to find, access, and reuse data tied to a particular biological system or set of systems, with an emphasis on long-term stewardship and reliable access rather than on creating new experimental or clinical trial data.

A key feature of this announcement is its clear boundary around what the funding should and should not support. Data curation activities are allowed, but only to the extent that they directly improve the efficiency and accessibility of repository operations, such as streamlining data submission, improving metadata quality so datasets are easier to discover and interpret, and reducing friction for downstream reuse by the target community. Similarly, software and tool development can be included, but it must be narrowly focused on essential repository functions or on major efficiency gains for operating the repository. NIH explicitly signals that applications centered heavily on building new software tools or expansive tool ecosystems are not a good fit here; the expectation is that the repository itself is the centerpiece, and any tooling is justified as necessary infrastructure rather than as an independent development project.

The award is categorized as discretionary funding and uses a cooperative agreement structure, which generally indicates a more substantial programmatic involvement from NIH compared to a standard grant. While the notice provided does not list an award ceiling or the expected number of awards, it does show the original closing date as 2023-05-08 and a creation date of 2020-01-17, meaning the announcement has been in place for some time and may have been offered across multiple receipt cycles depending on NIH Institute and Center participation. The activity areas span education, environment, and health, and the opportunity is associated with multiple CFDA numbers, including 93.113, 93.273, 93.279, 93.307, 93.393, 93.394, 93.395, 93.396, 93.399, 93.853, 93.855, and 93.859, reflecting that multiple NIH components and missions may align with repository needs.

Eligibility is broad and includes many types of U.S. organizations and governmental units, such as 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; and public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities. It also includes Native American tribal governments (federally recognized), as well as tribal organizations that are not federally recognized tribal governments. Both nonprofit organizations (with and without 501(c)(3) status) and for-profit organizations (other than small businesses) are eligible, along with small businesses and other entities. The announcement also highlights additional eligible applicant categories, 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), eligible federal agencies, faith-based or community-based organizations, regional organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, and even non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations). This breadth signals NIH interest in supporting repository capabilities wherever the expertise, community trust, and operational capacity exist, including in organizations that serve historically underrepresented or geographically diverse populations.

Finally, the "Clinical Trials Not Allowed" designation is important: projects funded under this FOA are not intended to run clinical trials as part of the supported activities. The focus is on repository operations and data lifecycle management for biomedical data, not on interventional clinical research. Overall, this opportunity is best suited to teams that can demonstrate a clear user community, a well-defined scope of data types and systems covered, robust plans for ingest and preservation, and a realistic operational model for making data accessible and reusable, with only targeted curation and limited, mission-critical software work included to keep the repository effective and efficient.

• The National Institutes of Health in the education, environment, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Biomedical Data Repository (U24 - Clinical Trials 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, 93.273, 93.279, 93.307, 93.393, 93.394, 93.395, 93.396, 93.399, 93.853, 93.855, 93.859.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2020-01-17.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2023-05-08. (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 20 089

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