Limited Competition: National Primate Research Centers (P51) (Clinical Trials Not Allowed)

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the National Institutes of Health, has reissued the funding opportunity PAR-23-126 titled Limited Competition: National Primate Research Centers (P51) (Clinical Trials Not Allowed). This opportunity is managed by the Division of Program Coordination, Planning and Strategic Initiatives, Office of Research Infrastructure Programs (ORIP), with participation from the National Institute on Aging. The National Primate Research Centers (NPRCs) are specialized facilities that provide critical resources for the biomedical research community through the use of nonhuman primates. These animals are essential models for understanding human biology due to their genetic and physiological similarities. NPRCs offer centralized infrastructure, husbandry, and expertise that cannot be effectively replicated in dispersed research settings. The purpose of the NPRC program is to support the maintenance and development of national resources that include animal colonies, data, specialized facilities, and scientific expertise. The program ensures access to nonhuman primates for a wide variety of research aimed at understanding diseases, developing models for human conditions, and advancing translational research. Specific objectives include breeding healthy and genetically characterized animals, advancing husbandry methods, developing disease models, and providing specialized scientific and technical support to external investigators. The program also funds pilot projects that foster early-stage investigations and provides training opportunities for students, fellows, and faculty in primatology and related fields. Funding is provided through the NIH P51 Primate Research Center grant mechanism, which serves as the base grant for NPRC operations. The P51 award supports core staff, animal care, facilities, colony management, and research services. However, NPRCs are expected to leverage additional resources from research grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, and program income. The maximum project period is five years, and application budgets must be consistent with the scope and justified needs of the proposed activities. While there is no formal award ceiling listed, renewal and resubmission applications may not exceed a five percent increase from the most recent non-competing year of direct costs. Construction is not allowed, though alteration and renovation funds may be requested within strict limits. Eligibility for this competition is limited to existing NPRCs previously funded under PAR-17-144 or PAR-20-181. Foreign institutions, non-U.S. components of U.S. institutions, and foreign components as defined by NIH policy are not eligible. Individual investigators may not apply directly; the eligible grantee institutions must apply, and program directors or principal investigators must hold senior institutional positions with authority to oversee NPRC operations. These positions ensure continuity, authority across organizational boundaries, and effective scientific leadership. Applications must conform to the SF424 (R&R) Multi-Project instructions, with required components including governance, administration, colony management, animal resources, core services, pilot research, outreach, and NPRC consortium participation. Failure to follow application requirements may result in rejection without review. The application timeline follows NIH’s standard cycle deadlines. Renewal and resubmission applications are due January 25, May 25, and September 25 each year through September 2026, with peer review, council review, and potential award dates occurring several months after submission. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization. The most recent extension notice updated the expiration date to September 26, 2026. Applicants are advised to apply early to avoid errors in the Grants.gov system. Submissions can be completed through NIH ASSIST or approved institutional system-to-system solutions, with tracking available through eRA Commons. Applications will be evaluated based on scientific merit, significance of NPRC activities, the quality of resources provided, efficiency of operations, and effectiveness of training and outreach programs. Each NPRC must demonstrate strong governance, advisory boards, and a transparent process for prioritizing use of resources by investigators. The National Scientific Advisory Board and Research Advisory Committee are required components for scientific oversight. Contact details for specific program officers are not listed in the provided material, but applicants are expected to engage through NIH’s official portals, including the ORIP resource directory for further guidance.

Apply early, follow SF424 M instructions strictly, confirm all registrations in advance