Extension of the World Trade Center Health Registry (U50)

The Extension of the World Trade Center Health Registry (U50) grant opportunity, administered by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), aims to extend the existing World Trade Center (WTC) Health Registry. This registry, established in 2002 by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, was created to monitor the long-term health effects on individuals directly exposed to the 9/11 attacks. With over 71,000 enrollees, it is the largest post-disaster health registry in the United States. This funding opportunity is structured as a cooperative agreement and supports a five-year project period, during which the Registry’s data collection, research, outreach, and public health programming will continue and expand in line with the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. The primary purpose of this NOFO is to ensure that the Registry remains a comprehensive, centralized database supporting the health and well-being of 9/11 survivors and responders. Funding will be used to conduct continued follow-up surveys, implement in-depth studies on subpopulations and emerging health conditions, link Registry data with external datasets (such as Medicare and cancer registries), and support research by external investigators. The Registry also serves as a tool to disseminate findings to enrollees, healthcare providers, and the broader scientific and public communities. The program’s long-term impact includes informing disaster response strategies, healthcare policy, and early detection and treatment of WTC-related illnesses. A significant aspect of this funding opportunity is the integration and collaboration with other components of the WTC Health Program. The selected awardee must engage in joint activities with NIOSH and related WTC entities such as Data Centers and Clinical Centers of Excellence. Applicants must propose strategies to retain and engage enrollees, extend the 9/11 Treatment Referral Program, and deliver community outreach. The Registry should remain responsive to public concerns, maintain an accessible information portal, and include a scientific approach to measure and evaluate health outcomes over time. Applications must present a robust evaluation and performance measurement plan addressing all program objectives. This includes metrics for success, data-sharing mechanisms, public health data management strategies, and descriptions of how research results will be translated into policy or practice. Applicants must also submit a detailed budget using prescribed categories and ensure that all indirect and direct cost justifications are provided. Funds may not be used for clinical care (except as legally permitted), pre-award expenses without prior approval, or lobbying activities. Eligible applicants include a wide range of U.S.-based entities such as state and local governments, higher education institutions (both public and private), tribal organizations, nonprofits, and small or for-profit businesses. Non-U.S. entities and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are explicitly ineligible. Although there is no cost-sharing requirement, voluntary cost-sharing may be included in the proposal but will not impact merit review. Key dates include a Letter of Intent deadline of January 22, 2026, and an application deadline of February 20, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET. The anticipated start date for awarded projects is July 1, 2026, with awards expected to be announced by June 26, 2026. Applicants are required to submit materials via Grants.gov or eRA ASSIST and must have active registrations with SAM.gov and Grants.gov. The project performance period will consist of five annual budget periods. Technical support contacts and program officers are provided for applicants seeking clarification or assistance during the application process.

[email protected]