Computational Tools for Research in Neuroscience, Behavioral Science and Mental Health STTR R41/R42 | Apply Online

FAQs: NIH FOA PA-07-423 - Computational Tools for Research in Neuroscience, Behavioral Science and Mental Health (STTR R41/R42)

What is FOA PA-07-423?

PA-07-423 is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) titled "Computational Tools for Research in Neuroscience, Behavioral Science and Mental Health (STTR R41/R42)." It supports small business projects that create and validate new computational and digital tools intended for use in neuroscience, behavioral science, and mental health research and, in some cases, in clinical or applied mental health settings.

What is the main purpose of this funding opportunity?

The central goal is to move practical, research-ready technologies toward commercialization so they can be broadly adopted by researchers and potentially by mental health providers. Projects are expected to produce tested resources that measurably improve research workflows, data use, analysis, assessment, decision support, or delivery of mental health-relevant information.

What kinds of projects does NIH want to fund under this FOA?

NIH is looking for novel, computationally based tools and resources that help neuroscientists, behavioral scientists, mental health researchers, and mental health providers work more effectively. Examples described in the opportunity include software, platforms, analytic pipelines, modeling or simulation environments, data integration and management resources, and other computational systems that support research and practice in these areas.

Does this FOA support digital education or training tools related to mental health?

Yes. The FOA explicitly invites proposals for digital approaches that use interactive learning methods to disseminate educational information relevant to mental health. This can include interactive, technology-based learning products connected to behavioral health interventions, training, or assessment tools, as long as the project includes development and validation and is oriented toward a realistic commercialization pathway.

Is this opportunity focused on early ideas or more mature development?

The FOA emphasizes moving beyond basic ideas. It prioritizes development and validation of tools that are research-ready and demonstrably improve how work is performed (for example, improving workflows, analysis, assessment, decision support, or information delivery) and that have a clear path toward commercialization.

Which NIH small business program mechanism applies to PA-07-423?

This opportunity is specifically for the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) mechanism using the R41 (Phase I) and R42 (Phase II) activity codes.

What is the difference between STTR in this FOA and the SBIR option mentioned?

PA-07-423 is the STTR track. The opportunity notes that a parallel NIH announcement with the same scientific scope exists for applicants seeking the SBIR mechanism (PA-07-424; R43/R44), but PA-07-423 itself is limited to STTR applications.

What does STTR mean in the context of this FOA?

STTR applications are intended for cooperative research and development (R&D) between a U.S. small business concern and a partnering research institution. This FOA is designed for that small business plus research institution collaboration model.

How are projects structured across Phase I and Phase II?

Applicants propose Phase I (R41) work to establish feasibility and develop early validation. If successful, they continue into Phase II (R42) to complete more advanced development, testing, and preparation for commercialization.

Does PA-07-423 allow Fast Track applications?

Yes. The FOA allows Fast Track submissions, which combine Phase I and Phase II into a single application when the project is positioned to move quickly from feasibility to full development.

What is the maximum budget for Phase I (R41) under this FOA?

For Phase I, applicants may request up to $250,000 per year in total costs for project periods of up to two years.

What is the maximum budget for Phase II (R42) under this FOA?

For Phase II, applicants may request up to $450,000 per year in total costs for project periods of up to three years.

Are awards guaranteed if an application is submitted?

No. The FOA states that awards depend on NIH funds being available and on the number and quality of applications received. Proposals must be scientifically strong and also compelling in commercial potential and practical impact.

Who is eligible to apply?

The FOA is aimed at small businesses (a U.S. small business concern) working cooperatively with a partnering research institution under the STTR model.

Are foreign institutions eligible to apply?

No. The FOA explicitly states that foreign institutions are not eligible to apply.

What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is tied to CFDA 93.242, identified as Mental Health Research Grants.

What type of funding opportunity is this?

It is described as discretionary grant funding in the health area.

When was this FOA posted, and what were the key dates?

The FOA was posted on July 27, 2007. It included multiple receipt dates. The final listed closing date was January 7, 2011, and the archive date was February 7, 2011.

Where were the full announcement details provided?

The full announcement and administrative details were provided through the NIH grants guide.

Was any applicant support mentioned for accessing FOA materials?

Yes. The opportunity notes that NIH Office of Extramural Research support contacts were listed for applicants who had trouble accessing the materials online.