Development of Collaborative Research Facilities or Research-Resource Facilities (C06 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), through its Office of Research Infrastructure Programs (ORIP), is forecasting a funding opportunity titled "Development of Collaborative Research Facilities or Research-Resource Facilities (C06 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)." This program is structured under the authority of the Department of Health and Human Services and supports congressionally appropriated construction initiatives to strengthen national biomedical infrastructure. The notice outlines a dual focus on enhancing biomedical research capacity through shared-use infrastructure and furthering research in HIV/AIDS under specific programmatic guidelines. This initiative supports two existing NIH construction programs: the Biomedical Research Facilities (BRF) program and the HIV/AIDS Research Facilities (HRF) program. The BRF program aims to construct or modernize shared biomedical research facilities that offer long-term impact on scientific capabilities across disciplines. Targeted facilities may include biorepositories, core laboratories, clean rooms, imaging centers, and spaces designed for emerging technologies such as human-based models or nonanimal testing approaches. The HRF program, meanwhile, is directed specifically at infrastructure that supports HIV/AIDS research priorities, including facilities for vaccine development or improved small animal models. NIH will conduct a comprehensive merit review process, oversee the design and construction of the funded facilities, and monitor facility usage for a federally mandated ten-year post-occupancy period. Facilities must serve a broad user base—local, regional, or national—emphasizing collaboration and long-term impact. Applications are especially encouraged from institutions located across all U.S. geographic regions, including those identified as Institutions of Emerging Excellence (IEE) in biomedical research, to promote equity in access to advanced research infrastructure. The funding opportunity is forecasted, with an estimated posting date of July 28, 2025, and applications due by January 25, 2026. Selected projects are expected to be awarded by August 31, 2026, with project starts anticipated for October 1, 2026. The program anticipates distributing approximately $88 million in total funding, across an estimated 12 awards. However, no specific ceiling or floor amount has been identified at this time. Eligible applicants include nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS status (excluding those that are higher education institutions), public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, and private institutions of higher education. There are no cost-sharing or matching requirements. This opportunity is available nationwide, with no geographic restrictions or designated areas. For further inquiries, applicants are advised to contact Dr. Xiang-Ning Li, MD, PhD at the Office of Research Infrastructure Programs via phone at 301-435-1744 or by email at xiang-ning.li@nih.gov.