Opportunity Information: Apply for PA 18 400
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity titled "Research on Autism Spectrum (R21 - Clinical Trial Optional)" (Funding Opportunity Number: PA-18-400) is a discretionary grant program intended to spur early-stage, exploratory, or high-impact research that improves understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The central aim is to support studies that clarify ASD causes and contributing factors (etiology), patterns and distribution in populations (epidemiology), improvements in identification and assessment (diagnosis), and the most effective ways to organize, deliver, and optimize services for people with ASD and their families (service delivery). Because it uses the R21 mechanism, the program is geared toward innovative projects that may be higher risk but have the potential to open new directions, generate pilot data, or test novel concepts. Clinical trials are allowed but not required, which means applicants can propose either clinical-trial or non-clinical-trial research as long as it aligns with the announcement's scientific focus.
The opportunity falls under the broad federal activity area of environment, health, income security, and social services, and it is associated with CFDA numbers 93.113, 93.173, 93.242, and 93.865. The listed award ceiling is $200,000, indicating the maximum amount available under the terms provided in the source information. While the expected number of awards is not specified in the provided data, the program is positioned as a competitive NIH research grant opportunity where funding decisions typically depend on scientific merit, relevance to program goals, and available funds.
Eligibility is expansive and includes many types of domestic and certain non-domestic organizations. 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 that are not federally recognized; public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status (as long as they are not institutions of higher education in those nonprofit categories); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; and small businesses. In addition, the announcement explicitly notes eligibility for a range of mission-driven and community-centered institutions and organizations, 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 government agencies, regional organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, and even non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations). This broad eligibility is designed to encourage participation from diverse research settings and communities, which is particularly relevant for ASD research spanning clinical, public health, educational, and service systems.
The source information lists an original closing date of March 31, 2021, and a creation date of November 30, 2017. In practical terms, that means the opportunity as provided is tied to a specific active period, and anyone considering applying would need to confirm whether the FOA is still active, has been reissued, or has been replaced by a newer NIH notice. Overall, the grant is meant to accelerate targeted ASD research that can sharpen understanding of why ASD occurs, who is affected and how, how it is best identified, and how systems of care and support can be improved to deliver better outcomes in real-world settings.Apply for PA 18 400
- The National Institutes of Health in the environment, health, income security and social services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Research on Autism Spectrum (R21- Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.113, 93.173, 93.242, 93.865.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2017-11-30.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2021-03-31. (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 $200,000.00 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): NIH "Research on Autism Spectrum (R21 - Clinical Trial Optional)" (PA-18-400)
What is this funding opportunity?
This is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) discretionary grant funding opportunity titled "Research on Autism Spectrum (R21 - Clinical Trial Optional)." The Funding Opportunity Number (FOA) is PA-18-400.
What is the main purpose of this NIH grant?
The central purpose is to spur early-stage, exploratory, or potentially high-impact research that improves understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The opportunity is intended to help generate pilot data, test new concepts, and open new research directions.
What research topics does the FOA emphasize?
Based on the description provided, the FOA emphasizes ASD research focused on:
- Etiology: clarifying causes and contributing factors of ASD
- Epidemiology: understanding patterns and distribution of ASD in populations
- Diagnosis: improving identification and assessment
- Service delivery: improving how services are organized, delivered, and optimized for people with ASD and their families
What does "R21" mean in this opportunity?
The R21 mechanism is described here as supporting innovative projects that may be higher risk, but that have the potential to generate pilot data, test novel ideas, or create new directions for research.
Are clinical trials required under this FOA?
No. Clinical trials are allowed but not required. Applicants may propose either clinical-trial or non-clinical-trial research, as long as it aligns with the scientific focus described in the opportunity.
What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?
The listed award ceiling is $200,000, which is the maximum amount available under the terms provided in the source information.
How many awards will NIH make under this opportunity?
The expected number of awards is not specified in the provided information. As described, it is a competitive NIH research grant opportunity where funding decisions typically depend on scientific merit, relevance to program goals, and available funds.
Which federal activity area is this opportunity associated with?
The opportunity falls under the broad federal activity area of environment, health, income security, and social services, based on the information provided.
Which CFDA numbers are associated with this FOA?
The opportunity is associated with the following CFDA numbers: 93.113, 93.173, 93.242, and 93.865.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is described as expansive and includes many domestic and certain non-domestic organizations. 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
- Private institutions of higher education
- Federally recognized Native American tribal governments
- Tribal organizations that are not federally recognized
- Public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities
- Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education in that nonprofit category)
- Nonprofit organizations without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education in that nonprofit category)
- For-profit organizations other than small businesses
- Small businesses
Does the FOA specifically encourage applications from certain types of institutions or community organizations?
Yes. The description explicitly notes eligibility for a range of mission-driven and community-centered institutions and organizations, 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 government agencies
- Regional organizations
- U.S. territories or possessions
- Non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations)
Are non-U.S. (foreign) organizations eligible to apply?
Yes. The provided information states that non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations) are included among those eligible to apply.
What kinds of projects are a good fit for this FOA?
Based on the description, projects that are a good fit are early-stage, exploratory, innovative, or potentially high-impact studies that target ASD etiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, or service delivery. The R21 mechanism is positioned for novel concepts and pilot work, including higher-risk ideas with strong potential to open new directions.
When was this funding opportunity created?
The creation date listed in the provided information is November 30, 2017.
What is the closing date listed for this opportunity?
The original closing date listed is March 31, 2021.
Is this FOA still active?
The provided information ties this opportunity to an original closing date of March 31, 2021. In practical terms, applicants would need to confirm whether the FOA is still active, has been reissued, or has been replaced by a newer NIH notice.
Why does the opportunity highlight service delivery research?
The description states that the FOA aims to support research on "the most effective ways to organize, deliver, and optimize services" for people with ASD and their families. This suggests an interest in improving real-world systems of care and support, not only basic or clinical understanding.
What factors typically affect funding decisions for this kind of NIH opportunity?
While no detailed review criteria are provided in the text, it characterizes the program as a competitive NIH research grant opportunity where funding decisions typically depend on scientific merit, relevance to program goals, and available funds.
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Previous opportunity: NIH Pathway to Independence Award (Parent K99/R00 - Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
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Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (PA 18 400) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Research on Autism Spectrum (R03-Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 399 Funding Number: PA 18 399 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Research on Autism Spectrum (R01- Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 401 Funding Number: PA 18 401 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Global Brain and Nervous System Disorders Research Across the Lifespan (R01 Clinical Trials Optional) Apply for PAR 18 835 Funding Number: PAR 18 835 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Global Brain and Nervous System Disorders Research Across the Lifespan (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 836 Funding Number: PAR 18 836 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $125,000 |
| Early Screening for Autism Spectrum Disorder (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA MH 19 121 Funding Number: RFA MH 19 121 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| U.S.-Brazil Collaborative Biomedical Research Program (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA AI 18 054 Funding Number: RFA AI 18 054 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Mechanistic Studies of Gene-Environment Interplay in Dental, Oral, Craniofacial, and Other Diseases and Conditions (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 19 292 Funding Number: PAR 19 292 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Development of Novel and Robust Systems for Mechanistic Studies of Gene-Environment Interplay in Dental, Oral, Craniofacial, and Other Diseases and Conditions (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 19 293 Funding Number: PAR 19 293 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Small Research Grants for Establishing Basic Science-Clinical Collaborations to Understand Structural Birth Defects (R03 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 20 065 Funding Number: PAR 20 065 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Small Research Grants for Analyses of Down Syndrome-related Research Data for the INCLUDE Project (R03 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA OD 20 006 Funding Number: RFA OD 20 006 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Transformative Research Award for the INCLUDE (Investigation of Co-occurring Conditions across the Lifespan to Understand Down syndrome) Project (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA OD 20 005 Funding Number: RFA OD 20 005 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Research on Autism Spectrum Disorders (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 21 201 Funding Number: PA 21 201 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Research on Autism Spectrum Disorders (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 21 200 Funding Number: PA 21 200 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Research on Autism Spectrum Disorders (R03 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 21 199 Funding Number: PA 21 199 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Autism Centers of Excellence: Centers (P50 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA HD 22 008 Funding Number: RFA HD 22 008 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Autism Centers of Excellence: Networks (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA HD 22 007 Funding Number: RFA HD 22 007 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Global Brain and Nervous System Disorders Research Across the Lifespan (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 21 319 Funding Number: PAR 21 319 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Global Brain and Nervous System Disorders Research Across the Lifespan (R01 Clinical Trials Optional) Apply for PAR 21 311 Funding Number: PAR 21 311 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Global Brain and Nervous System Disorders Research Across the Lifespan (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 22 098 Funding Number: PAR 22 098 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Global Brain and Nervous System Disorders Research Across the Lifespan (R01 Clinical Trials Optional) Apply for PAR 22 097 Funding Number: PAR 22 097 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
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