Rapid Assessment Post Impact of Disaster (R03) | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Rapid Assessment Post Impact of Disaster (R03) (RAPID) grant opportunity?

The Rapid Assessment Post Impact of Disaster (R03), Funding Opportunity Number PAR 12 180, is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) discretionary grant program in the mental health research area (CFDA 93.242). It is designed to help researchers move quickly when disasters or mass casualty events occur by supporting time-sensitive research that needs to begin promptly after an incident.

What is the main purpose of this RAPID funding mechanism?

The main purpose is to provide a fast, practical way to launch post-event studies immediately after a disaster or mass casualty event, when crucial data, observations, and participant experiences can be lost if research support arrives too late. The focus is on capturing early impacts and immediate aftermath conditions relevant to mental health.

What types of events does this opportunity respond to?

This opportunity is intended for situations involving disasters or mass casualty events. It is oriented toward research that must be initiated quickly after such incidents to document early and perishable information relevant to mental health outcomes.

What kinds of research are a good fit for an R03 RAPID application?

The FOA emphasizes rapid, post-event research that is time-sensitive and must start promptly. The program is specifically oriented toward urgent initial investigations that benefit from immediate initiation after an event, particularly when early data, observations, or lived experiences may not be recoverable later.

Is this opportunity meant for long-term, fully developed research projects?

The R03 RAPID grant is framed as a springboard for larger follow-on work. It is explicitly positioned to facilitate initial research intended to support a more fully developed application later. RAPID funding can be used to collect preliminary, time-sensitive data that strengthens a subsequent, more comprehensive proposal.

Why does the FOA emphasize speed and fit?

A defining feature of the RAPID mechanism is that it is meant for research that cannot wait. Not every disaster-related research idea qualifies. The FOA highlights that proposed projects should match the RAPID purpose and constraints, focusing on urgent post-event investigations where delaying the start would risk losing critical information.

Are applicants encouraged to contact NIMH program staff before submitting?

Yes. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) program staff prior to submitting a RAPID application. The goal of this early discussion is to help determine whether the project fits the RAPID intent and constraints and whether funds are likely to be available.

What is the benefit of contacting NIMH program staff early?

According to the FOA, early contact is intended to help clarify whether the proposed project truly matches the RAPID purpose, whether funding is likely to be available, and whether the idea might be better submitted through a standard, non-expedited application under a regular or parent NIH funding opportunity announcement.

Could a disaster-related idea be redirected to a standard NIH application instead?

Yes. The FOA notes that some concepts may be better submitted as a standard (non-expedited) application under a regular or parent NIH FOA, especially if they do not meet the RAPID purpose and constraints focused on immediate post-event research needs.

Who is eligible to apply for this grant?

Eligibility is broad. Eligible applicants include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations (including 501(c)(3) and certain nonprofits without 501(c)(3)), and for-profit organizations (including small businesses and other for-profits). Various governmental entities are also eligible, including state, county, and city or township governments, special district governments, public housing authorities, and Indian housing authorities.

Are tribal governments and tribal organizations eligible?

Yes. The FOA includes federally recognized Native American tribal governments and other tribal organizations among eligible applicants. It also references Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) as eligible groups.

Are school districts and regional organizations eligible to apply?

Yes. The FOA states that independent school districts and regional organizations are included among eligible applicants.

Are minority-serving institutions (MSIs) specifically mentioned as eligible?

Yes. The FOA explicitly mentions eligibility for groups such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Hispanic Serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs).

Are faith-based or community-based organizations eligible?

Yes. The FOA clarifies that faith-based or community-based organizations are included among the additional eligible groups.

Are U.S. territories or possessions included in eligibility?

Yes. The FOA includes U.S. territories or possessions among eligible applicant categories.

Are federal agencies eligible applicants under this opportunity?

Yes. The FOA lists eligible federal agencies among the eligible groups.

Is international participation allowed?

Yes. The FOA states that non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign institutions) may apply, non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are eligible, and foreign components are permitted as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.

Does this funding opportunity require cost sharing or matching funds?

No. The announcement specifies there is no cost sharing or matching requirement.

What is the CFDA number and research area associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is identified in the mental health research area and is associated with CFDA 93.242.

What is the funding opportunity number for this RAPID FOA?

The funding opportunity number is PAR 12 180.

Which NIH institute is highlighted in connection with this opportunity?

The opportunity emphasizes contact with National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) program staff, indicating NIMH involvement in programmatic fit and guidance for RAPID applications.

What are the key dates shown for this opportunity?

The listing indicates the opportunity was posted and created on May 3, 2012. The original and current closing date listed is October 3, 2015, and the archive date is November 3, 2015.

Is this opportunity currently open based on the dates provided?

Based on the dates provided in the listing, the closing date was October 3, 2015 and the archive date was November 3, 2015. That indicates the opportunity is historical within the window shown.

Where does the FOA direct applicants to go for more detail?

The FOA directs users to the official NIH grants page for full details. It also provides NIH Office of Extramural Research (OER) webmaster contacts for access or linking issues.

What should an applicant do if they have trouble accessing or linking to the official FOA information?

The listing notes that NIH Office of Extramural Research (OER) webmaster contacts are provided for access or linking issues.