Contraception Research Centers Program (U54) | RFA HD 18 035

Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA HD 18 035

The Contraception Research Centers Program (U54) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) cooperative agreement opportunity designed to build multidisciplinary research centers focused on creating new contraceptive methods and improving existing ones for both men and women. The core goal is to accelerate contraceptive innovation by bringing together teams that can tackle the scientific and translational challenges involved in developing products, with an emphasis on coordinated, center-based work rather than isolated projects. Because this is a U54 cooperative agreement, awardees should expect substantial NIH involvement and collaboration during the life of the project, reflecting a more active partnership than a standard research grant.

A notable feature of this funding opportunity is that it explicitly allows behavioral and social science research projects as part of a Center. These projects are intended to generate practical insights about why people do or do not use currently marketed contraceptives, as well as factors shaping uptake and adherence for products that are in clinical development. In other words, the program is not limited to laboratory or preclinical science; it also supports research that helps explain real-world use patterns and barriers, which can influence product design, counseling, delivery strategies, and eventual public health impact.

Beyond supporting research, the Centers are also expected to function as a national resource for training and career development, particularly for early stage investigators who want to build careers in contraceptive research. This signals that NIH is looking for Centers that do more than produce data; they should also help grow the field by mentoring newer investigators, building pipelines of talent, and creating an environment where emerging researchers can gain meaningful experience in multidisciplinary contraceptive science.

Eligibility is broad across many types of U.S.-based organizations. Eligible applicants include state, county, and local 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/Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (when not an institution of higher education); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; and small businesses. The announcement also highlights additional eligible categories such as 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 agencies, regional organizations, and U.S. territories or possessions.

The opportunity draws a clear boundary on foreign participation. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply as applicants. However, foreign components are allowed under NIH policy (as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement), meaning a U.S. applicant organization may include certain international collaborations or performance sites as part of the project if they meet NIH’s definition and requirements for foreign components.

Key administrative details from the posting include the funding opportunity title Contraception Research Centers Program (U54) and funding opportunity number RFA HD 18 035. The award mechanism is a cooperative agreement, and the activity category is Health, Income Security and Social Services under CFDA 93.865. The posting lists NIH as the agency, with an original closing date of January 9, 2018, and a creation date of November 9, 2017. The award ceiling and expected number of awards are not specified in the provided source information.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health, income security and social services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Contraception Research Centers Program (U54)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.865.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2017-11-09.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2018-01-09. (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 RFA HD 18 035

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