Ensuring Research Integrity - Program Development and Evaluation Program (PDE)

The Ensuring Research Integrity - Program Development and Evaluation Program (PDE), administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Office of Research Integrity (ORI), invites applications for its Fiscal Year 2025 cycle under opportunity number IR-ORI-25-003. This grant opportunity is designed to support institutions and individuals in developing and implementing innovative programs, tools, and assessments aimed at fostering research integrity and preventing misconduct in biomedical and behavioral research. The funding is authorized under 42 U.S.C. § 241 and governed by applicable regulations, including 42 C.F.R. Part 93. This program aligns with ORI’s mission to promote responsible research conduct in Public Health Service-funded institutions and provide effective responses to allegations of misconduct. Established in 2020, the PDE program specifically seeks to build capacity among research institutions and professionals by funding empirical, evidence-based interventions. The objectives include improving data management, enhancing mentorship practices, creating risk assessment tools to identify high-risk research environments, and developing educational content such as online modules or classroom programs that teach the responsible conduct of research. Proposals are encouraged to collaborate with professionals experienced in misconduct investigations, including Research Integrity Officers and legal counsel familiar with 42 C.F.R. Part 93. Projects that embed themselves in research settings or involve individuals in training for research careers are especially encouraged. Eligible applicants span a wide range of entities, including state, county, city, and tribal governments; school districts; public and private institutions of higher education; public housing authorities; tribal organizations; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status; for-profit entities including small businesses; and individuals. There are no restrictions on who may serve as Project Director or Principal Investigator, although the selected individual must not be under any federal suspension or debarment at the time of award. Multiple applications from the same entity are allowed if each proposal represents a distinct project. Funding for this opportunity is limited to approximately $150,000 in total, with an anticipated two awards ranging between $50,000 and $75,000 each. The project period is 12 months, and the anticipated award date is September 15, 2025, with project work expected to begin by September 30, 2025. Matching funds are not required for this grant, and voluntary matching will not receive preferential treatment. Pre-award costs are not allowed, and there are restrictions on certain cost categories including construction, medical services, and purchase of vehicles. Indirect costs are limited to 8% for training components. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by July 30, 2025, at 6:00 PM Eastern Time. A technical assistance webinar is scheduled for July 15, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern Time. All application materials—including a project narrative, budget justification, and required federal forms (SF-424, SF-424A, SF-LLL, and Project Abstract Summary)—must comply with strict formatting and content requirements outlined in the NOFO. Applications not adhering to page limits, font size, and structural rules will be disqualified. Evaluation of applications includes eligibility and responsiveness checks, followed by a merit review by external experts. Review criteria emphasize the project's alignment with FY 2025 priorities, tangible outcomes, evaluation strategies, dissemination plans, and institutional capability. All selected projects must commit to quarterly reporting and data sharing obligations. For more information, applicants can contact Jessica Shields at Jessica.Shields@hhs.gov or Armineh Ghazarian at Armineh.Ghazarian@hhs.gov. Further resources and webinar recordings will be available at https://www.ori.hhs.gov.