New Technology for Proteomics and Glycomics (STTR R41/R42) | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the name and identifier of this NIH funding opportunity?

The opportunity is NIH Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) PA 07 452, titled "New Technology for Proteomics and Glycomics (STTR R41/R42)."

What is the main goal of PA 07 452?

The FOA is focused on developing practical, broadly usable tools that address persistent technical bottlenecks in proteomics and glycomics. It emphasizes enabling technologies that can be adopted widely, rather than narrow, one-off demonstrations.

What types of projects does NIH want to support under this FOA?

NIH is looking for small business-led technology development projects that improve proteomics and glycomics workflows end-to-end, including tools that strengthen quantitation, automation, reliability, reproducibility, throughput, and usability in research and translational/clinical settings.

Is this FOA more about basic biology discoveries or technology development?

This FOA is positioned as a technology development call. The emphasis is on building enabling technologies that solve method and workflow limitations, particularly around reliable quantitation and measuring biological changes closer to real time.

What scientific areas and workflow steps are within scope?

The scope is intentionally broad and includes improvements across the proteomics and glycomics pipeline, from sample handling through data interpretation. Specific areas called out include robotics and automation, sample preparation, pre-fractionation, analytical separations, gel and array imaging, improved quantitation strategies, mass spectrometry innovations, intelligent automated data acquisition, and informatics for usability and reliability.

Does the FOA specifically encourage glycomics-focused technologies?

Yes. The FOA highlights particular interest in technologies tailored to glycomics because glycans and glycoproteins present added complexity and analytical challenges due to structural complexity and heterogeneity.

Does the FOA specifically encourage clinical proteomics technologies?

Yes. The FOA notes special interest in clinical proteomics technologies, reflecting the stricter requirements of clinical samples and contexts, such as throughput, robustness, standardization, and reproducibility.

What funding mechanisms are used in this FOA?

This is an STTR opportunity using NIH mechanisms R41 (Phase I) and R42 (Phase II). The FOA supports Phase I, Phase II, and Fast Track applications.

What does it mean that this is an STTR opportunity?

It means the project is expected to follow the STTR model, which includes a formal collaboration between a small business concern and a nonprofit research institution, with work divided between partners according to STTR rules.

Are Phase I and Phase II both supported?

Yes. The FOA supports Phase I (feasibility and early development) and Phase II (full development and further R&D), consistent with the STTR R41/R42 structure.

Does this FOA allow Fast Track applications?

Yes. Fast Track is allowed, enabling applicants to propose a project that moves from feasibility into development on an accelerated path when there is a strong case for that progression.

What are the Phase I budget limits and project period?

Phase I applicants may request up to $200,000 in total costs per year for up to 2 years.

What are the Phase II budget limits and project period?

Phase II applicants may request up to $400,000 in total costs per year for up to 4 years.

Does the FOA indicate the kind of work NIH expects at Phase I?

Based on the budget allowance and stated intent, Phase I is positioned to support substantial feasibility work, including real engineering and prototype development rather than purely conceptual studies.

Does the FOA indicate the kind of work NIH expects at Phase II?

Yes. Phase II support is aligned with more extensive product-focused R&D such as optimization, validation, scale-up, and usability improvements.

Is funding guaranteed if an application is submitted?

No. Awards depend on available funds and the quality and competitiveness of applications received. The FOA does not guarantee a specific number of awards.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The opportunity explicitly states there is no cost sharing or matching requirement.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is centered on small businesses using the STTR model, including collaboration with a nonprofit research institution. Additional eligibility details are provided in the full FOA text.

Are foreign institutions eligible to apply?

No. Foreign institutions are explicitly not eligible to apply under this opportunity.

Which federal agency administers this opportunity?

The opportunity is administered by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as discretionary grant funding in the health domain.

Does this FOA have a single deadline?

No. The FOA uses multiple receipt dates rather than a single deadline. Applicants are expected to consult the full announcement for the specific submission schedule that applied during the active period.

Is there a related or companion funding opportunity?

Yes. This FOA runs in parallel with a companion SBIR solicitation, PA 07 451, with the same scientific scope but using SBIR mechanisms (R43/R44). This provides two closely aligned routes depending on whether a project is better suited to STTR or SBIR requirements.

How broad is the application relevance across NIH program areas?

The FOA is associated with multiple CFDA program areas (including alcohol research programs, cardiovascular diseases research, neurosciences and neurological disorders, and broader biomedical research and research training), reflecting that proteomics and glycomics technology can support many disease and biology areas.

What is NIH trying to improve in proteomics according to this FOA?

The FOA highlights continuing gaps in proteomics methods, especially around reliable quantitation and the ability to measure biological changes in something close to real time. Proposed technologies are expected to address these types of limitations and bottlenecks.

What kinds of data and analysis improvements are encouraged?

Informatics approaches are within scope, particularly those that make complex proteomics and glycomics data more usable and reliable, including technologies supporting intelligent automated data acquisition and improved interpretation.

Does the FOA prioritize tools that can be used broadly?

Yes. A central theme is enabling technology that can be adopted widely across labs and in clinical or translational settings, rather than tools tailored only to a single narrow demonstration.