NHLBI Progenitor Cell Translational Consortium Coordinating Center (U24) | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the NHLBI Progenitor Cell Translational Consortium Coordinating Center (U24) opportunity?

This funding opportunity (RFA HL 16 022) is an NIH/NHLBI discretionary cooperative agreement (U24) intended to support a single Coordinating Center for the NHLBI Progenitor Cell Translational Consortium (PCTC). The award supports the administrative and operational hub that coordinates consortium-wide activities in translational progenitor cell science aligned with NHLBI mission areas.

Is this award meant to fund a standalone research project?

No. The primary purpose is not to run an independent research project, but to build and maintain centralized infrastructure that allows a multi-site, multi-stakeholder translational program to operate effectively and consistently.

What does it mean that this is a U24 cooperative agreement?

A U24 cooperative agreement indicates substantial NIH program involvement. The Coordinating Center is expected to collaborate closely with NHLBI staff on planning, oversight, and execution of consortium-wide activities rather than operating fully independently.

How many awards were expected under this announcement?

The solicitation anticipated one award (ExpectedAwards: 1), meaning NHLBI intended to select a single entity to serve as the central coordinating hub for the consortium.

Who is the sponsoring/administrating agency for this opportunity?

The announcement is administered by HHS/NIH (Agency listed as HHS-NIH11) through the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI).

What activity area does this opportunity fall under?

The listing is categorized under a Health activity area.

What are the CFDA numbers associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA numbers listed are 93.837, 93.838, and 93.839.

What is the main purpose of the Coordinating Center in the PCTC?

The Coordinating Center serves as the administrative and operational backbone of the PCTC, keeping consortium activities coherent, consistent, compliant, and productive across participating groups and stakeholders.

What kinds of responsibilities are typically included for the Coordinating Center?

Based on the opportunity description, the Coordinating Center role typically includes cross-site project management; scheduling and supporting consortium meetings and communications; facilitating reporting and milestone tracking; coordinating shared policies and procedures; and helping ensure consortium products advance on a coordinated timeline.

Does the Coordinating Center help manage consortium governance?

Yes. The description indicates the Coordinating Center commonly manages governance structures (for example, steering committees and working groups), documents decisions, maintains centralized records, and supports harmonization across sites so the consortium functions as a unified effort.

What does “harmonization across sites” mean in this context?

In the context provided, harmonization refers to supporting consistent processes and coordinated operations across multiple sites so consortium members function as a unified program rather than as separate, independent projects.

What is meant by the Coordinating Center being the “central nervous system” of the consortium?

The opportunity frames the Coordinating Center as the organizing hub that provides the administrative infrastructure enabling consortium members to work together effectively under a shared framework, with consistent processes and coordinated timelines.

When was the opportunity posted and created?

The opportunity was posted and created on November 10, 2015.

What was the closing date for the opportunity?

The closing date listed is February 8, 2016.

Is an award ceiling amount provided in the listing?

No. The provided fields do not include an award ceiling amount.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad and includes many types of domestic organizations, including: 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 and other tribal organizations; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofit organizations (both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3), other than institutions of higher education); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; small businesses; and other entities as described in the full announcement’s additional eligibility language.

Does the opportunity restrict eligibility to a specific sector (for example, only universities)?

No. The eligibility list spans government entities, higher education (public and private), tribal governments and organizations, nonprofits, for-profits, and small businesses, indicating the emphasis is on the capability to run a complex national coordinating center and meet cooperative agreement expectations.

What is the scientific/programmatic focus area connected to this coordinating center?

The coordinating center is tied to a translational program in progenitor cell science aligned with NHLBI mission areas (heart, lung, and blood-related missions as indicated by NHLBI’s scope in the listing description).

What does “multi-site, multi-stakeholder translational program” imply about the work?

It implies the Coordinating Center must support coordination across multiple participating groups and stakeholders, ensuring communications, timelines, reporting, and shared procedures are managed centrally so the consortium operates smoothly.

What is the core value NHLBI appears to be seeking from the awardee?

Based on the description, NHLBI appears to be seeking a single organization capable of providing strong administrative and operational coordination, maintaining centralized records and governance support, ensuring compliance and consistency across sites, and working closely with NHLBI staff under a cooperative agreement model.