Large Health Services Research Demonstration and Dissemination Projects for Prevention of Healthcare-Associated Infections (R18)

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has released a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) titled Large Health Services Research Demonstration and Dissemination Projects for Prevention of Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) under the R18 grant mechanism. This discretionary grant supports large-scale demonstration and dissemination research projects aimed at preventing and reducing HAIs in various healthcare settings. HAIs are a major public health concern, causing significant morbidity, mortality, and financial burden. This initiative aligns with the goals of the National Action Plan to Prevent Healthcare-Associated Infections and the National Action Plan for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (CARB). Eligible projects should focus on strategies for disseminating and implementing effective HAI prevention practices. Research areas include evaluating methods for spreading evidence-based interventions, understanding adoption and sustainability in different care environments (acute, ambulatory, and long-term care), and addressing under-resourced healthcare settings. Projects targeting specific infections such as CLABSI, CAUTI, SSI, VAP, MRSA, C. difficile, or multidrug-resistant organisms are encouraged. AHRQ emphasizes equity in project design, requesting that proposals consider the inclusion of priority populations such as underserved communities, racial and ethnic minorities, and individuals with disabilities. Applications may be submitted by eligible U.S.-based public and private institutions of higher education, tribal and local governments, and nonprofit organizations. For-profit and foreign organizations may only participate as subcontractors or consortium members. AHRQ does not require cost sharing, but institutional support can strengthen an application. Each PD/PI must commit at least 20% of their time annually to the project. The total budget must not exceed $500,000 annually and $2.5 million over a maximum five-year project period. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with standard due dates, and the current closing date is October 30, 2026. AHRQ will fund up to 100 awards under this opportunity, pending availability of funds and merit of applications. Applicants must follow the SF424 (R&R) guidelines and are encouraged to apply via ASSIST, Grants.gov Workspace, or institutional system-to-system platforms. Reporting requirements include annual RPPRs and semiannual updates via AHRQ’s ARRS platform. For program-specific questions, applicants may contact Dr. David Calfee or Dr. Melissa Miller at AHRQ.