Applied Learning Experiences Related to Drug Control Policy

The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), operating under the Executive Office of the President, is offering a cooperative agreement grant opportunity titled "Applied Learning Experiences Related to Drug Control Policy" (Opportunity Number: WDE-WDE-25-001). This initiative seeks to strengthen the application of public health knowledge through hands-on research projects carried out by students, directly aligned with the goals of the National Drug Control Strategy. With a primary focus on informing and enhancing public health and safety response to evolving drug use trends, the ONDCP intends to partner with nonprofit organizations and institutions of higher education to develop a cohort of four to five applied learning experiences (ALEs). These applied learning experiences are designed to provide public health students with real-world exposure to drug control research. Under the guidance of ONDCP preceptors and academic advisors, students will conduct rigorous studies involving data analysis, literature reviews, qualitative research, and policy evaluations. The research outputs are intended to directly contribute to ONDCP’s evidence-based policymaking and strategy development. The projects may analyze clinical, public health, and public safety datasets or evaluate the effectiveness of interventions related to drug prevention, treatment, and enforcement. The ALEs should be structured and managed to ensure educational integrity, practical experience, and contribution to national policy goals. The funding available under this opportunity is $56,000 for a one-year period beginning in September 2025. Only one award is expected. This grant is administered as a cooperative agreement, indicating significant involvement from ONDCP in both the oversight and execution of the project. Applicants are not required to provide cost matching or cost sharing. However, costs incurred before the official start of the award must be pre-approved in writing and will be at the applicant's risk. While this is not a recurring or rolling opportunity, it is scheduled to close on August 31, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Eligible applicants include public or private nonprofit institutions or organizations, such as accredited institutions of higher education and hospitals. All applicants must demonstrate significant expertise in developing and managing policy-relevant research through applied learning methods. Furthermore, the selected organization will be responsible for recruiting a qualified pool of student applicants, matching them to projects aligned with ONDCP’s strategic objectives, and ensuring compliance with evaluation and reporting requirements. Applications must include a project narrative (limited to 20 pages) and an itemized budget justification. Required documentation also includes proof of nonprofit status, a disclosure of lobbying activities (or confirmation of absence), and any disclosures of overlapping federal funding. Formatting requirements specify 12-point font in Times New Roman or Arial, with specified spacing and pagination conventions. Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov and are subject to validation checks through that platform. Applicants must have active registrations with both SAM.gov and Grants.gov, including a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Evaluation will be based on three main criteria: the technical approach (50 points), key personnel qualifications (30 points), and organizational capability (20 points). ONDCP emphasizes experience with research-focused ALEs and the ability to build strong academic-public health partnerships. Successful applicants will be notified via GrantSolutions and required to register with the HHS Payment Management System for disbursement and reporting purposes. Required post-award reports include quarterly performance and financial reports. Additional questions can be directed to Dr. Christian Johnson, Statistician at ONDCP, by phone at 202-881-9869 or email at Christian.E.Johnson@ondcp.eop.gov.

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