NCI National Clinical Trials Network - Network Group Integrated Translational Science Centers (UG1 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | RFA CA 24 035

Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA CA 24 035

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is offering a cooperative agreement opportunity (UG1) under Funding Opportunity Number RFA-CA-24-035 titled "NCI National Clinical Trials Network - Network Group Integrated Translational Science Centers (UG1 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)." The purpose of this funding is to support institutions and organizations that will either establish or continue Network Group Integrated Translational Science Centers that serve the NCI National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN). In practical terms, these centers are meant to act as a translational science hub for an NCTN Network Group, providing the leadership, subject-matter expertise, and operational support needed to embed strong translational research components into NCTN clinical trials.

A key emphasis of the NOFO is on strengthening the bridge between laboratory and clinical research within the context of NCTN trials. The funded centers are expected to help Network Groups plan, coordinate, and execute translational science elements that can include biomarker strategies, correlative science, specimen and data considerations, and other research activities that make clinical trials more informative biologically. The NOFO also allows for pilot projects designed to generate preliminary translational data, which can be used to refine hypotheses, validate assays, test feasibility, or justify larger follow-on efforts. However, it is explicit that the award is "Clinical Trial Not Allowed," meaning applicants cannot propose or conduct a clinical trial as NIH defines that term under this mechanism; the work should support and enhance trials rather than run new interventional clinical studies under the UG1 itself.

This opportunity uses the NIH cooperative agreement model, which generally indicates substantial scientific or programmatic involvement by NCI during the project. While the exact nature of that involvement is detailed in the full announcement, cooperative agreements typically require close coordination with NCI program staff, alignment with network policies and priorities, and participation in network-level planning and oversight activities. The activity category listed is Education and Health, reflecting a program that supports infrastructure, expertise, and integrated scientific functions rather than stand-alone investigator-driven research alone.

Eligibility is broad and includes many types of U.S.-based organizations. Eligible applicants include state, county, city/township, and 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 tribal governments; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with and without 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education institutions); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; and small businesses. The NOFO also highlights additional eligible applicant types 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), eligible federal agencies, faith-based or community-based organizations, regional organizations, Indian/Native American tribal governments (other than federally recognized), and U.S. territories or possessions. At the same time, it draws a clear line on foreign participation: non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities are not eligible to apply, and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply. That said, foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are allowed, which typically means specific, well-justified collaborations or elements performed abroad may be permissible even though a foreign institution cannot be the primary applicant.

From a funding perspective, the award ceiling is listed as $850,000, indicating the maximum anticipated amount per award under the terms described in the source data. The CFDA numbers associated with this opportunity are 93.394 and 93.395, which correspond to NCI assistance listings related to cancer research and related programs. The original application due date is February 24, 2025, and the opportunity was created on October 9, 2024. While the source data does not specify the expected number of awards, applicants should assume a competitive process with awards tied to NCI priorities for translational integration across NCTN Network Groups.

Overall, the program is designed for organizations positioned to provide cross-cutting translational science capabilities within the NCTN ecosystem. Competitive applicants would generally be expected to demonstrate the ability to coordinate translational planning with trial leadership, support high-quality correlative science, manage pilot translational studies that inform ongoing or upcoming NCTN trials, and operate within the governance and collaborative structure typical of large national clinical trial networks, all while staying within the "no clinical trial" boundary of the UG1 mechanism.

• The National Institutes of Health in the education, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "NCI National Clinical Trials Network - Network Group Integrated Translational Science Centers (UG1 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): 93.394, 93.395.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-10-09.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2025-02-24. (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 $850,000.00 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.

Apply for RFA CA 24 035

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