Cooperative Research Agreements Related to the World Trade Center Health Program (U01)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), through the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), is forecasting a funding opportunity titled "Cooperative Research Agreements Related to the World Trade Center Health Program." This grant initiative supports research aligned with the health impacts resulting from the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Established under the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program, the goal is to advance scientific understanding and treatment capabilities for physical and mental conditions linked to 9/11 exposure, as well as to inform future disaster responses. The purpose of this program is to solicit scientifically rigorous research that improves the diagnosis and treatment services available under the WTC Health Program. The scope of research includes emerging physical and mental conditions possibly tied to the 9/11 attacks, especially where diagnostic or treatment uncertainty exists. Funded projects may involve diverse methodologies such as diagnostic innovation, treatment enhancement, preventive interventions, epidemiological studies, and omics-based investigations of genetic and biomarker associations. Research into health services delivery, implementation science, and quality of life improvements is also eligible. Eligible activities under this cooperative agreement can include screening research, diagnostic evaluation, intervention development, health services analysis, and epidemiological assessments. Particular attention is given to studies that evaluate or develop tools and practices to improve long-term outcomes for individuals enrolled in the WTC Health Program. This opportunity explicitly supports research that fills gaps in understanding causal pathways between exposure and health outcomes, treatment efficacy, and service delivery optimization. The funding opportunity does not require cost sharing or matching contributions. A broad range of applicants are eligible, including higher education institutions (both public and private), nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, small and large businesses, local and state governments, public housing authorities, independent school districts, and tribal entities. Applications are expected to demonstrate scientific merit and relevance to WTC-related health concerns. The estimated total program funding is $82.5 million, with up to 50 awards expected. The anticipated ceiling for individual awards is $550,000, although the floor is not defined. The projected timeline includes a forecast release date of August 22, 2024, with the full application package expected to be posted by December 12, 2025. The application deadline is set for February 12, 2026, no later than 5:00 PM local time of the applicant institution. Awards are expected to be made by June 26, 2026, with projects starting July 1, 2026. This program does not appear to involve a pre-application process such as a concept paper or LOI. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov, and applicants should ensure compliance with all submission deadlines and federal requirements. Interested parties may direct scientific or technical questions to Eduardo O’Neill, PhD, MS, MPH, via email at [email protected] or phone at 404-718-8844.