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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): NIH Biomedical Data Repository (U24 - Clinical Trials Not Allowed) (PAR 20 089)

1) What is the purpose of the NIH "Biomedical Data Repository (U24 - Clinical Trials Not Allowed)" funding opportunity (PAR 20 089)?

The purpose is to support the operation and enhancement of biomedical data repositories whose primary mission is to ingest biomedical datasets, archive and preserve them over time, manage them so they remain organized and usable, and distribute/make data accessible to appropriate user communities. The emphasis is on long-term stewardship and reliable access that enables researchers and other stakeholders to find, access, and reuse data tied to a particular biological system or set of systems.

2) What type of award mechanism is used for this opportunity?

This opportunity uses a U24 cooperative agreement mechanism. A cooperative agreement generally indicates substantial programmatic involvement from NIH compared to a standard grant.

3) What kinds of activities are the core focus of this FOA?

The core focus is repository operations and data lifecycle management: dataset ingestion, archiving, preservation, organizing/management for usability, and distribution/access for an identified user community. The repository itself is expected to be the centerpiece of the application.

4) Is this funding intended to support creation of new experimental or clinical trial data?

No. The program is focused on strengthening infrastructure for finding, accessing, and reusing existing or submitted biomedical datasets, with an emphasis on long-term stewardship and access rather than generating new experimental or clinical trial data.

5) Are clinical trials allowed under this FOA?

No. The FOA is explicitly designated "Clinical Trials Not Allowed," meaning projects supported under this announcement are not intended to run clinical trials as part of the funded activities.

6) Is data curation allowed, and if so, what kind?

Yes, data curation activities are allowed, but only to the extent they directly improve the efficiency and accessibility of repository operations. Examples described include streamlining data submission, improving metadata quality so datasets are easier to discover and interpret, and reducing friction for downstream reuse by the target community.

7) Can applicants propose software or tool development as part of the project?

Yes, 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.

8) What kind of software/tool-heavy proposals are not a good fit for this opportunity?

Applications centered heavily on building new software tools or expansive tool ecosystems are not considered a good fit. Any tooling should be justified as necessary repository infrastructure, not as an independent development project.

9) What is NIH expecting applicants to demonstrate about their repository and community?

Based on the description provided, the opportunity is best suited to teams that can demonstrate a clear user community, a well-defined scope of data types and biological systems covered, robust plans for data ingest and preservation, and a realistic operational model for making data accessible and reusable.

10) What is the funding type/category for this opportunity?

The award is categorized as discretionary funding.

11) Does the provided notice include an award ceiling or the expected number of awards?

No. The notice described does not list an award ceiling or the expected number of awards.

12) What are the key dates mentioned for this FOA?

The information provided lists a creation date of 2020-01-17 and an original closing date of 2023-05-08.

13) What are the activity areas associated with this opportunity?

The activity areas span education, environment, and health.

14) Which CFDA numbers are associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with multiple CFDA numbers: 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. This reflects that multiple NIH components and missions may align with repository needs.

15) Who is eligible to apply (in general terms)?

Eligibility is broad and includes many types of U.S. organizations and governmental units as well as non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations). Eligible applicants include government entities, higher education institutions (public and private), nonprofit and for-profit organizations, small businesses, tribal governments and tribal organizations, and various specialized institutional categories.

16) Are state and local government entities eligible?

Yes. The eligible categories listed include state governments, county governments, city or township governments, and special district governments.

17) Are public and private institutions of higher education eligible?

Yes. The eligible categories include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education and private institutions of higher education.

18) Are nonprofit organizations eligible, including those without 501(c)(3) status?

Yes. Both nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status and nonprofit organizations without 501(c)(3) status are included as eligible.

19) Are for-profit organizations eligible?

Yes. For-profit organizations (other than small businesses) are eligible, and small businesses are also listed as eligible.

20) Are Native American tribal governments and tribal organizations eligible?

Yes. The eligible categories include Native American tribal governments (federally recognized) as well as tribal organizations that are not federally recognized tribal governments.

21) Are U.S. territories or possessions eligible?

Yes. U.S. territories or possessions are listed among the additional eligible applicant categories.

22) Are non-U.S. (foreign) organizations eligible to apply?

Yes. The eligibility list explicitly includes non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations).

23) Are specific types of minority-serving and community-focused institutions included in the eligibility list?

Yes. The announcement 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), and faith-based or community-based organizations, among others.

24) Are eligible federal agencies included as potential applicants?

Yes. Eligible federal agencies are included in the additional eligible applicant categories.

25) What does NIH emphasize about the overall fit of a proposed project?

The described emphasis is on long-term repository stewardship, reliable access, and efficient operations. Projects are a better fit when they prioritize repository ingest, preservation, organization, and distribution/access, with only targeted curation and limited, mission-critical software work used to keep the repository effective and efficient.