Development of Candidate Medical Countermeasures (MCMs) and Technologies Against Chemical or Radiation/Nuclear (CRN) Threats

The Development of Candidate Medical Countermeasures and Technologies Against Chemical or Radiation/Nuclear Threats opportunity is administered by the National Institutes of Health under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, specifically through the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. This program is part of a broader federal mandate to support research addressing public health emergencies involving chemical, radiation, or nuclear exposures. The initiative stems from congressional authorization to advance national preparedness by funding innovative scientific approaches that improve the ability to diagnose, mitigate, and treat injuries resulting from such threats. The program operates through two coordinated research efforts: the Radiation and Nuclear Countermeasures Program and the Chemical Countermeasures Research Program. The primary objective of this funding opportunity is to support the development of candidate medical countermeasures and enabling technologies that can be deployed in civilian emergency scenarios. The Radiation and Nuclear Countermeasures Program focuses on advancing models, biomarkers, and diagnostic tools that assess radiation injury and predict outcomes across multiple organ systems. It also supports the development of interventions that enhance survival and reduce long-term health impacts. In parallel, the Chemical Countermeasures Research Program prioritizes preclinical development of therapeutics that can mitigate or treat injuries caused by exposure to designated chemicals of concern, particularly in mass casualty settings. Funding is expected to support a range of research and development activities, including early-stage concept validation, translational research, and preclinical testing. While specific funding amounts are not disclosed in the forecast, awards will be issued as cooperative agreements, indicating substantial involvement from the funding agency during the project period. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement associated with this opportunity, which lowers the financial barrier for applicants. Allowable uses of funds are expected to align with NIH research standards, including personnel, equipment, and research-related expenses, though detailed budget guidance will be provided in the full solicitation. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and inclusive, encompassing a wide range of entity types. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status, for-profit organizations, small businesses, tribal governments and organizations, and public housing authorities. Additional eligible entities include federal agencies, U.S. territories, faith-based organizations, and regional organizations. This wide eligibility scope reflects the interdisciplinary and collaborative nature of the research required to address complex public health threats. The application process will be formally opened following the estimated posting date, at which point detailed instructions, required forms, and submission procedures will be made available through Grants.gov. Applicants will likely be required to submit a comprehensive research proposal, including scientific aims, methodology, budget justification, and institutional information. While no pre-application requirements are specified in the forecast, applicants are encouraged to monitor updates for potential letters of intent or concept paper requirements. Applications will be evaluated based on scientific merit, feasibility, innovation, and relevance to program goals. The timeline for this opportunity indicates that the solicitation is currently in a forecast stage, with an estimated posting date of July 10, 2026, and an application due date of October 9, 2026. Awards are expected to be made by July 1, 2027, with project start dates aligned accordingly. The program does not explicitly state whether it is recurring, but given NIH’s history of similar funding announcements, future cycles may be anticipated. Interested applicants should direct inquiries to the program contact via the provided email address and monitor the official Grants.gov listing for updates and additional documentation.

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