Biological Testing Facility for Contraception Reproductive Health

The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, part of the National Institutes of Health, has announced its intent to publish a funding opportunity titled Biological Testing Facility for Contraception & Reproductive Health. This is a forecasted discretionary grant opportunity that will utilize the X01 activity code, which allows eligible institutions to gain access to NIH research resources. The opportunity falls under the Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research program, with the assistance listing number 93.865. The legal authority for this program is established under the Public Health Service Act and related public laws governing NIH-supported research. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support a state-of-the-art Biological Testing Facility that can advance both contraceptive development and therapies related to reproductive health. The NIH emphasizes the importance of developing fertility regulation methods that meet the diverse needs of both women and men across their reproductive lifespans. This effort also aims to expand the availability of innovative reproductive health treatments. Investigators with validated methods that are ready for future clinical development will be encouraged to apply once the official Notice of Funding Opportunity is posted. The scope of the funding is focused on providing access to the Biological Testing Facility rather than direct financial awards. While estimated award ceilings, floors, and total program funding have not yet been provided, the program indicates support for multiple types of institutions. Spending rules and limitations have not been outlined in the forecasted announcement, and such information will be detailed once the formal notice is published. At this stage, applicants are advised that the opportunity is being announced early to provide sufficient time for project development. Eligibility for this program is broad and includes state, county, city, and township governments, independent school districts, special district governments, public housing authorities, Native American tribal governments (both federally recognized and other organizations), nonprofits with and without 501(c)(3) status, public and private institutions of higher education, small businesses, and other for-profit organizations. Additional eligible entities include federal government agencies, U.S. territories, faith-based and community-based organizations, regional organizations, and non-domestic foreign institutions. Individuals are not listed as eligible applicants under this program. The forecasted timeline indicates that the Notice of Funding Opportunity is expected to be posted on October 6, 2025, with an application due date of January 5, 2026. The estimated award date is February 23, 2026, and projects are expected to begin on March 16, 2026. As of now, the opportunity is still in the forecasting stage and is not open for applications. Since it is a forecasted opportunity, application requirements, evaluation criteria, and review processes are not yet available. No pre-application requirements such as letters of intent have been specified at this stage. The primary contact for this program is Leigh Allen, Ph.D., who can be reached at 301-594-9151 or via email at leigh.allen@nih.gov. Applicants interested in the opportunity are encouraged to monitor Grants.gov and NIH announcements for the forthcoming Notice of Funding Opportunity to confirm final eligibility requirements, funding levels, and submission instructions. This forecast provides advance notice so that potential applicants can prepare responsive projects and align resources in anticipation of the funding cycle.