Modern Equipment for Shared-use Biomedical Research Facilities: Advancing Research-Related Operations (S15 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) titled Modern Equipment for Shared-use Biomedical Research Facilities: Advancing Research-Related Operations (S15 Clinical Trial Not Allowed). This program is administered by the Division of Program Coordination, Planning and Strategic Initiatives, Office of Research Infrastructure Programs (ORIP), in collaboration with the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS). The NOFO seeks to support academic and nonprofit research institutions in modernizing their shared-use biomedical research facilities through the purchase of advanced equipment designed to improve research-supporting operations. The opportunity was last updated on March 31, 2025, to align with agency priorities, and remains active for upcoming application cycles. The purpose of this NOFO is to provide institutions with the ability to acquire equipment that enhances operational efficiency, productivity, and the overall quality of biomedical research support services. Eligible equipment includes a wide range of facility-supporting devices for laboratory cores, animal facilities, and similar research spaces. Examples include ventilated caging systems, automated feeding and watering systems, high-throughput cage washers, biobanking systems, cryopreservation units, biosafety cabinets, autoclaves, centrifuges, fume hoods, cryogenic gas recovery systems, and other tools critical for modernizing support environments. Excluded from funding are scientific research instruments used for direct experimental data collection such as spectrometers, microscopes, and sequencers, as well as building-level infrastructure like HVAC systems or back-up power generators. Applications must propose the purchase of a single type of equipment, though multiple units of that equipment or auxiliary items required for its function are permitted. Requests must demonstrate clear justification tied to current research demands, deficiencies in existing infrastructure, and alignment with NIH or broader biomedical research priorities. Each project is expected to result in operational innovations, new technological capabilities, or improved environmental management that indirectly benefit scientific research at the institution. The NOFO does not support routine replacements, minor upgrades, or general outfitting of facilities. Funding for this program is provided in the form of grants with direct costs only. The maximum award budget is $350,000, while applications below $50,000 will not be considered. For multiple pieces of the same equipment, each item must exceed $15,000. The total project period may not exceed one year, and funds will be issued as a single 12-month award. The number of awards is contingent on NIH appropriations and the submission of a sufficient number of competitive applications. Cost sharing is not required, and pre-award costs are allowable under NIH policy. Matching requirements do not apply. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based higher education institutions (public or private) and nonprofit organizations, excluding individuals, for-profit entities, and foreign institutions. Applications must be submitted by institutions on behalf of principal investigators (PIs) who are affiliated with the applying organization. The PI must have the expertise to manage the facility and requested equipment, though NIH research funding is not a prerequisite. Facilities must be operational at the time of submission or provide proof of readiness through a certificate of beneficial occupancy. Required attachments include a letter of support from a high-ranking institutional official, a letter from the Director of Planning, Design, and Construction confirming facility readiness, vendor quotes with warranty terms, and a floor plan showing proposed installation. A detailed modernization plan, not exceeding 11 pages, must be included in the application. Applications will be evaluated through NIH’s two-level peer review system. Reviewers will assess the justification of need, technical expertise, operational innovations, administrative capacity, and institutional commitment. Reviewers will also consider how the proposed equipment will modernize facility operations, enhance efficiency, and expand biomedical research support capacity. Successful projects must demonstrate broad institutional benefit, alignment with the NIH mission, and technological innovation beyond routine replacement. The application process follows NIH’s electronic submission requirements through Grants.gov, eRA Commons, or the NIH ASSIST system. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant institution. The next due date is September 25, 2025, with subsequent cycles on September 25, 2026. Applications undergo scientific merit review in March of the following year, advisory council review in May, and earliest possible award start dates in July. The program expires on September 26, 2026. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact NIH staff in advance of submission to confirm eligibility and discuss equipment requests. Scientific and research inquiries may be directed to Dr. Xiang-Ning Li at xiang-ning.li@nih.gov or 301-435-0777. Financial inquiries may be directed to Kenneth Holiness at holinesskd@nih.gov or 301-480-6854. General questions about NIH grants may be submitted to GrantsInfo@nih.gov or through the NIH Grants Information line at 301-480-7075.