Methods for Prevention Packages Program IV (MP3 IV) (R01) | Apply Online

FAQs: Methods for Prevention Packages Program IV (MP3 IV) (R01) - PAR-16-124

What is the MP3 IV (R01) funding opportunity?

MP3 IV (Methods for Prevention Packages Program IV) is a discretionary NIH grant program under HHS (listed as HHS-NIH11) that supports HIV prevention research. The focus is on designing and early testing of combination "prevention packages" rather than studying single interventions in isolation.

What is the funding opportunity number for this program?

The funding opportunity number is PAR-16-124.

Which grant mechanism does MP3 IV use?

This program uses the NIH R01 grant mechanism.

What is the main purpose or central idea of MP3 IV?

The program is built around the idea that HIV prevention can be strengthened by combining multiple approaches into a coordinated prevention package. Applicants are expected to select, justify, and tailor a set of behavioral, biomedical, and structural components for a clearly defined population and setting.

What does the FOA mean by a "prevention package"?

In this context, a prevention package is a combination of multiple HIV prevention components (which may include behavioral, biomedical, and structural interventions) that are designed to work together for a specific target population. The emphasis is on how components interact and how the overall package fits real-world conditions.

Why does MP3 IV emphasize combination prevention instead of single interventions?

MP3 IV is intended to move beyond one-off interventions by supporting research that strategically bundles multiple components. The FOA highlights methods-driven decision-making to determine which combination is most appropriate for a particular population and context.

What are the two main scientific aims of MP3 IV?

The FOA highlights two major aims: (1) developing optimal HIV prevention packages for specific populations using strong rationale and methods-driven selection of components, and (2) conducting feasibility and acceptability studies to determine whether the package can be delivered in real-world conditions and is acceptable to intended participants.

What types of studies does MP3 IV support?

Based on the description provided, MP3 IV supports research to design and optimize prevention packages and supports early testing focused on feasibility and acceptability (for example, whether delivery is workable, whether participants will engage, and whether study procedures are practical for future research).

What is meant by "methods-driven decision-making" in this FOA?

It refers to the expectation that applicants will use a clear rationale and rigorous methods to choose and assemble package components, rather than simply listing interventions. Projects should explain why components are included, how they are expected to work together, and which outcomes matter most for the target population.

Does MP3 IV require tailoring the prevention package to a specific population?

Yes. A defining expectation described in the opportunity is that the prevention package should be optimized for a clearly defined population, accounting for the realities of the target group and the setting where the package would be delivered.

What outcomes are applicants expected to focus on?

The provided information indicates outcomes should be selected based on what is most relevant for the target population, with applicants justifying those outcomes in relation to the package and the population being served.

What does MP3 IV mean by feasibility and acceptability?

Feasibility refers to whether the prevention package and the proposed study procedures can realistically be delivered and carried out under real-world conditions. Acceptability refers to whether the people the package is intended to help are willing to engage with it and view it as workable and appropriate.

Are feasibility and acceptability studies intended to support later-stage trials?

Yes. The description states these studies are meant to demonstrate practicality and participant willingness in ways that can support future, larger-scale research.

What kinds of disciplines or expertise does MP3 IV encourage in project teams?

The FOA explicitly encourages multidisciplinary collaboration, including teams that bring together behavioral and biomedical clinical specialists, epidemiologists, mathematical modelers, and clinical research specialists.

Why does the FOA encourage mathematical modeling?

The description indicates modeling may be used to compare prevention package configurations, forecast impact, or optimize allocation of resources, supporting rigorous selection and evaluation of prevention combinations.

What is the activity area associated with this opportunity?

The activity area is broadly categorized under health.

Which federal department and agency are associated with MP3 IV?

The program is under HHS, and it is an NIH opportunity (agency listed as HHS-NIH11).

What CFDA numbers are associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with CFDA numbers 93.242, 93.855, and 93.856.

Who is eligible to apply for MP3 IV based on the information provided?

Eligibility is described as broad and includes a range of U.S.-based organizations and governmental entities, including: state, county, and local governments; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments and other tribal organizations; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status; for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); and small businesses. The listing also notes that additional eligibility details are referenced in the FOA text.

Are nonprofit organizations without 501(c)(3) status eligible?

Yes, the eligibility list explicitly includes nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status.

Are for-profit organizations eligible?

Yes. The eligibility list includes for-profit organizations (other than small businesses) and also separately includes small businesses.

Are tribal governments or tribal organizations eligible?

Yes. The eligibility list includes federally recognized Native American tribal governments and other tribal organizations.

Are public housing authorities eligible?

Yes. The eligibility list includes public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities.

When was this FOA created and posted?

The listing states the FOA was created and posted on March 9, 2016.

What is the closing date for this opportunity?

The listing shows an original and current closing date of June 7, 2018.

Does the listing specify an award ceiling or the expected number of awards?

No. The provided fields do not specify an award ceiling or the expected number of awards. The description notes that applicants would typically consult the full FOA text for budget expectations, project period guidance, and any institute-specific considerations.

Where can applicants find details on budget expectations and project period?

The information provided indicates those details are not included in the listing fields and would normally be found in the full FOA text.

What kind of project approach appears most aligned with MP3 IV?

A project approach aligned with the description would be one that (1) defines a specific population and setting, (2) uses rigorous methods and rationale to select and combine behavioral, biomedical, and structural components into a coherent package, and (3) conducts early testing focused on feasibility and acceptability to prepare for future larger studies.