Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA AI 11 027
Apply for RFA AI 11 027
- The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Therapeutics for Neurotropic Biodefense Toxins and Pathogens (R21/R33)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.855 Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research 93.856 Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Research.
- This funding opportunity was created on May 27, 2011 and posted on May 27, 2011.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Oct 24, 2011. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $4,000,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Eligible applicants include: Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) County governments Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education For profit organizations other than small businesses Small businesses Special district governments Independent school districts Public and State controlled institutions of higher education State governments City or township governments Private institutions of higher education Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification) Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized).
- Other Eligible Applicants include the following Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government Faith based or Community based Organizations Hispanic serving Institutions Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized) Non domestic (non U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations) Regional Organizations Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) U.S. Territory or Possession Foreign (non U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are allowed.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The NIH funding opportunity titled "Therapeutics for Neurotropic Biodefense Toxins and Pathogens (R21/R33)" (Funding Opportunity Number RFA-AI-11-027) was a discretionary grant program designed to push forward research that could lead to new treatments for illnesses that affect the nervous system after exposure to certain high-concern biodefense agents. The central aim was to support work spanning basic discovery through translational development, with the specific focus on therapeutic strategies for neurotropic intoxication (for example, toxin-mediated neurologic disease) or neurotropic infection (pathogen-driven disease with nervous system involvement) caused by select biodefense toxins and pathogens. In practical terms, the opportunity targeted projects that could move beyond purely descriptive biology and begin shaping credible intervention approaches that might someday be useful in biodefense preparedness, including the kinds of countermeasures that could reduce neurologic damage, improve survival, or meaningfully change disease course after an exposure.
This announcement used the NIH R21/R33 phased innovation mechanism, which is typically structured to support a two-stage progression: an exploratory, early-stage phase (R21) followed by a more advanced development phase (R33) if the project meets defined milestones. The overall design is meant for ideas that need room for high-impact innovation early on, but that also have a realistic pathway toward translational next steps rather than stopping at proof-of-concept. While the source text provided here does not list the scientific milestones or review criteria, the R21/R33 structure generally implies that applicants would be expected to articulate clear go/no-go benchmarks, show how early findings would de-risk later development, and explain what would be delivered by the end of the second phase (for example, a validated therapeutic target, a candidate therapeutic approach with supportive efficacy signals, or other deliverables that position the work for subsequent preclinical development).
The administering agency was the National Institutes of Health, and the funding activity fell under the broad health research category, with CFDA program areas listed as 93.855 (Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research) and 93.856 (Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Research). That positioning aligns with the biodefense and infectious disease mission space, especially where neurologic disease overlaps with immunology, microbiology, pathogenesis, and countermeasure development. The program did not require cost sharing or matching, which typically lowers barriers for academic, nonprofit, and small business applicants and allows investigators to focus budgets on research needs rather than institutional matching commitments.
The estimated total funding amount for the opportunity was $4,000,000, indicating a modestly sized program intended to support a set of projects rather than a very large portfolio. The announcement was posted on May 27, 2011, with an original and current closing date of October 24, 2011, and an archive date of November 24, 2011. Those dates indicate it was a time-limited solicitation with a single main submission window rather than an ongoing program announcement.
Eligibility was broad and included a wide spectrum of domestic and international organizations. Eligible applicants explicitly included public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, nonprofits (both 501(c)(3) and certain non-501(c)(3) entities), for-profit organizations (including those other than small businesses), and small businesses. Government entities at multiple levels were also eligible, including state governments, county governments, city or township governments, special district governments, independent school districts, and public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities. Tribal eligibility was extensive, covering federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations, along with tribally controlled colleges and universities. The eligibility language also called out mission-relevant institution types such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, and faith-based or community-based organizations. Importantly, the opportunity allowed non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations), regional organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, and foreign components of U.S. organizations, reflecting the reality that biodefense-related scientific expertise and relevant pathogen/toxin research capacity may be distributed globally and that collaboration can be essential in this field.
For applicants and interested parties who needed access help, the announcement listed NIH Office of Extramural Research support contacts, including an email for the NIH OER Webmaster (FBOWebmaster@OD.NIH.GOV) for technical issues accessing the posting or linking problems. The full announcement was hosted on the NIH grants site via the provided RFA link, which would have contained the detailed scientific scope, application instructions, budget and project period parameters, review considerations, and any special requirements related to work on select agents, biosafety, animal models, or other biodefense compliance issues.
Overall, the grant opportunity can be understood as a targeted NIH biodefense initiative aiming to accelerate innovative therapeutic approaches for neurologic disease caused by certain high-priority toxins and pathogens, using a staged funding model that encourages bold early ideas but requires a credible, milestone-driven path toward translation.
FAQs: Therapeutics for Neurotropic Biodefense Toxins and Pathogens (R21/R33) - RFA-AI-11-027
What is the title and funding opportunity number for this NIH grant?
The opportunity is titled "Therapeutics for Neurotropic Biodefense Toxins and Pathogens (R21/R33)" and the Funding Opportunity Number is RFA-AI-11-027.
What is the main purpose of this funding opportunity?
The purpose is to advance research that could lead to new treatments for illnesses affecting the nervous system after exposure to certain high-concern biodefense toxins and pathogens. The focus is on therapeutic strategies that address neurotropic intoxication (for example, toxin-mediated neurologic disease) or neurotropic infection (pathogen-driven disease with nervous system involvement).
What kinds of outcomes is the program trying to enable?
The program targets projects that move beyond descriptive biology and begin shaping credible intervention approaches that may support biodefense preparedness. Examples of intended impacts include reducing neurologic damage, improving survival, or meaningfully changing disease course after exposure.
What does "neurotropic intoxication" mean in this context?
In this announcement, neurotropic intoxication refers to neurologic disease driven by toxins (for example, toxin-mediated neurologic disease) where the nervous system is a key target of the exposure.
What does "neurotropic infection" mean in this context?
In this announcement, neurotropic infection refers to pathogen-driven disease where the nervous system is involved, meaning the infectious agent causes or contributes to neurologic illness.
What funding mechanism is used in this announcement?
This announcement uses the NIH R21/R33 phased innovation mechanism, which is designed to support a two-stage progression from early exploratory work to more advanced development if defined milestones are met.
How does the R21/R33 phased approach generally work?
The structure typically includes an exploratory, early-stage phase (R21) followed by a more advanced development phase (R33). Progression is generally contingent on meeting predefined milestones and go/no-go benchmarks that demonstrate the project is ready to move into the later, more translational stage.
What would applicants generally be expected to include because this is an R21/R33?
While the provided summary does not list specific milestones or review criteria, the R21/R33 format generally implies applicants should articulate clear go/no-go benchmarks, explain how early findings will de-risk later development, and describe what deliverables will be achieved by the end of the second phase (for example, a validated therapeutic target or a candidate therapeutic approach with supportive efficacy signals).
Is this opportunity intended for basic research, translational research, or both?
It is intended to support work spanning basic discovery through translational development, with an emphasis on moving toward intervention approaches rather than remaining purely descriptive.
Which federal agency administers this funding opportunity?
The administering agency is the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Which CFDA program areas are associated with this opportunity?
The CFDA program areas listed are 93.855 (Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research) and 93.856 (Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Research).
Is cost sharing or matching required?
No. The program did not require cost sharing or matching.
What is the estimated total funding amount for this opportunity?
The estimated total funding amount is $4,000,000.
When was the announcement posted?
The announcement was posted on May 27, 2011.
What was the application closing date?
The original and current closing date was October 24, 2011.
When was the opportunity archived?
The archive date was November 24, 2011.
Was this an ongoing program or a time-limited solicitation?
Based on the single main submission window and the archive date, it was a time-limited solicitation rather than an ongoing program announcement.
Who was eligible to apply?
Eligibility was broad and included domestic and international organizations. Eligible applicants included public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, nonprofits (including 501(c)(3) and certain non-501(c)(3) entities), for-profit organizations (including those other than small businesses), and small businesses.
Are government entities eligible to apply?
Yes. Eligible government entities included state governments, county governments, city or township governments, special district governments, independent school districts, and public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities.
Are tribal governments and tribal organizations eligible to apply?
Yes. Eligibility included federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations, as well as tribally controlled colleges and universities.
Are mission-focused institution types specifically mentioned as eligible?
Yes. The eligibility language explicitly called out Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, and faith-based or community-based organizations.
Are non-U.S. (foreign) organizations eligible?
Yes. The opportunity allowed non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations), regional organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, and foreign components of U.S. organizations.
Why does the opportunity allow foreign organizations or foreign components?
The summary indicates this reflects the reality that biodefense-related expertise and relevant pathogen/toxin research capacity may be distributed globally and that collaboration can be essential in this field.
Where could applicants find the full official announcement details?
The full announcement was hosted on the NIH grants site via the RFA link. That full posting would have contained detailed scientific scope, application instructions, budget and project period parameters, review considerations, and any special requirements.
What kinds of special requirements might be addressed in the full announcement?
The summary notes the full announcement could include special requirements related to work on select agents, biosafety, animal models, or other biodefense compliance issues.
Who could be contacted for technical issues accessing the posting?
For technical issues accessing the posting or problems with links, the announcement listed NIH Office of Extramural Research support contacts, including the NIH OER Webmaster at FBOWebmaster@OD.NIH.GOV.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Health
Next opportunity: OSDBUs Small Business Transportation Resource Center (SBTRC) under the Minority Resource Center (MRC) Program
Previous opportunity: Limited Competition NIMHD Endowment Program for Increasing Research and Institutional Resources Capacity (S21)
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for RFA AI 11 027
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (RFA AI 11 027) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| FY11 Announcement of Availability of Funds for Phase II of the Coalition for a Healthier Community Program Apply for WH CCE 11 001 Funding Number: WH CCE 11 001 Agency: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Support of NIGMS Program Project Grants (P01) Apply for PAR 11 220 Funding Number: PAR 11 220 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| School Based Comprehensive Oral Health Services Grant Program Apply for HRSA 11 112 Funding Number: HRSA 11 112 Agency: Health Resources and Services Administration Category: Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Public Health Surveillance of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Apply for CDC RFA DD11 1109 Funding Number: CDC RFA DD11 1109 Agency: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Category: Health Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| Developing Support and Educational Awareness for Young (45) Breast Cancer Survivors in the United States Apply for CDC RFA DP11 1111 Funding Number: CDC RFA DP11 1111 Agency: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Category: Health Funding Amount: $230,000 |
| Affordable Care Act (ACA) Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program Apply for HRSA 11 179 Funding Number: HRSA 11 179 Agency: Health Resources and Services Administration Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Limited Competition NIMHD Revision Applications to Support Environmental Health Disparities Research (P60) Apply for RFA MD 11 008 Funding Number: RFA MD 11 008 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $350,000 |
| Limited Competition NIMHD Revision Applications to Support Environmental Health Disparities Research (P20) Apply for RFA MD 11 007 Funding Number: RFA MD 11 007 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $350,000 |
| Reducing the Impact of Hypertension in Low and Middle Income Countries (U01) Apply for RFA HL 12 027 Funding Number: RFA HL 12 027 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $230,000 |
| FY11 Minority Youth Tobacco Elimination Project (MYTEP) Apply for MP MPC 11 002 Funding Number: MP MPC 11 002 Agency: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Epidemiology Program for American Indian/Alaska Native Tribes and Urban Indian Communities Apply for HHS 2011 IHS EPI 0001 Funding Number: HHS 2011 IHS EPI 0001 Agency: Indian Health Service Category: Health Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Regional Training Centers Apply for CDC RFA DD11 1107 Funding Number: CDC RFA DD11 1107 Agency: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Category: Health Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Enhancing Capacity for Environmental and Public Health Surveillance of Unregulated Drinking Water Apply for CDC RFA EH11 1108 Funding Number: CDC RFA EH11 1108 Agency: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Category: Health Funding Amount: $70,000 |
| State Based Perinatal Quality Collaboratives Apply for CDC RFA DP11 1110 Funding Number: CDC RFA DP11 1110 Agency: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Category: Health Funding Amount: $350,000 |
| National Organizations for State and Local Officials (NOSLO) Apply for HRSA 11 169 Funding Number: HRSA 11 169 Agency: Health Resources and Services Administration Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Scaling up HIV/AIDs Prevention Activities for Most at Risk Populations, People living with HIV/AIDs and Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Ghana Apply for APS 641 11 000003 Funding Number: APS 641 11 000003 Agency: Ghana USAID Accra Category: Health Funding Amount: $1,200,000 |
| Enhancing Breast Cancer Genomic Practices through Education, Surveillance, and Policy Apply for CDC RFA DP11 1114 Funding Number: CDC RFA DP11 1114 Agency: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Category: Health Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| FY11 United States Mexico Border Health Commission Border Health Improvement Initiative Apply for GH GHS 11 001 Funding Number: GH GHS 11 001 Agency: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $1,300,000 |
| Prevention and Public Health Fund Coordinated Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Program Apply for CDC RFA DP09 9010301PPHF11 Funding Number: CDC RFA DP09 9010301PPHF11 Agency: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Prevention and Public Health Fund Pacific Islands Coordinated Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Program Apply for CDC RFA DP09 9020303PPHF11 Funding Number: CDC RFA DP09 9020303PPHF11 Agency: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "RFA AI 11 027", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.