Single Source: National Centralized Repository for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (NCRAD) (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The National Institute on Aging (NIA), a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has announced its intent to release a non-competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the continued support of the National Centralized Repository for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (NCRAD). This grant opportunity, identified by opportunity number RFA-AG-26-002, is scheduled to utilize the U24 activity code and will not permit clinical trials. NCRAD plays a pivotal role as a central biospecimen repository in the national research infrastructure supporting Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias (AD/ADRD). Currently supporting 74 NIA-funded studies, the repository is essential for managing and sharing biological samples critical to dementia research. The funding will enable the repository to continue its core functions, including the standardized collection, storage, and distribution of biospecimens such as blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and tissue samples to researchers nationwide. Furthermore, it will sustain the operation of a biomarker assessment laboratory that emphasizes rigorous quality control and consistency in biomarker analyses across collaborating laboratories. This NOFO will be offered as a cooperative agreement, signaling a collaborative relationship between the award recipient and NIH staff throughout the lifecycle of the project. The opportunity is single-source and non-competitive, indicating that the recipient organization has already been identified and that no other applications will be solicited or considered. Only public and state-controlled institutions of higher education are eligible to receive this funding. Matching funds or cost sharing are not required as part of this award. While formal applications are not yet being accepted, the opportunity is forecasted with an estimated posting date of August 15, 2025. Interested parties should note that the estimated due date for applications is October 15, 2025. Funding decisions and award issuance are anticipated by July 15, 2026, which is also the projected start date for funded activities under this NOFO. These dates are subject to change once the official NOFO is published. Detailed information about application procedures, required documentation, and evaluation criteria will be made available upon publication of the NOFO. Until then, potential applicants and interested stakeholders may direct inquiries to Dr. Cerise Elliott, who serves as the primary contact at the NIA Division of Neuroscience. Dr. Elliott can be reached by phone at 301-496-9350 or by email at elliottce@nih.gov. She will be able to provide additional guidance and respond to specific questions regarding the scope and requirements of the NCRAD funding opportunity. This grant opportunity represents a continued investment by the federal government in the infrastructure necessary to support ongoing and future research in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. It underscores NIH’s commitment to advancing scientific understanding and fostering collaborative research through the sustained availability and accessibility of high-quality biological data and biomarker analysis capabilities.