HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Network Laboratory Centers

The HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Network Laboratory Centers opportunity is forecasted by the National Institutes of Health under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, specifically through the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. This initiative is part of a broader federal effort to advance research, prevention, and treatment strategies aimed at ending the HIV epidemic. The program supports infrastructure within clinical trials networks by funding Laboratory Centers that play a critical role in ensuring high-quality, standardized laboratory operations across multiple research sites. The primary purpose of this opportunity is to establish up to four Laboratory Centers that will support one or more HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Networks. Each network is composed of multiple components, including Leadership and Operations Centers, Statistical and Data Management Centers, and Clinical Trials Units. The Laboratory Centers are responsible for providing the laboratory infrastructure necessary to conduct complex clinical trials, including ensuring the integrity of biological samples, implementing advanced laboratory technologies, and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards. Funding under this opportunity will support a wide range of laboratory-related activities. These include overseeing sample collection, processing, storage, and testing; implementing data capture and tracking systems; evaluating and approving participating laboratories; and promoting the use of cutting-edge laboratory assays. The Laboratory Centers are also expected to expand testing capacity in response to evolving HIV prevention and treatment strategies, including research into HIV-related diseases. While specific funding amounts are not provided in the forecast, the cooperative agreement mechanism indicates substantial federal involvement and collaboration throughout the project period. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and inclusive, encompassing a wide range of entity types. Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education (both public and private), nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status, for-profit organizations, small businesses, and various levels of government including state, local, and tribal entities. Additional eligible applicants include federal agencies, U.S. territories, faith-based organizations, and regional organizations. This wide eligibility reflects the collaborative and multidisciplinary nature of HIV/AIDS research. The application process is expected to follow standard NIH submission procedures, likely requiring submission through Grants.gov with subsequent review by NIH. Although specific application components are not detailed in the forecast, applicants can expect to prepare comprehensive proposals including research plans, operational frameworks, and documentation demonstrating laboratory capacity and compliance. Evaluation criteria will likely focus on scientific merit, operational capability, and alignment with NIAID’s mission to combat HIV/AIDS. Key timeline elements for this opportunity indicate that it is currently in the forecast stage. The estimated posting date is August 25, 2026, with an anticipated application due date of January 22, 2027. Awards are expected to be made by December 1, 2027, with project start dates aligned to the same day. Interested applicants are encouraged to monitor updates and prepare early, as NIH cooperative agreements often involve detailed and competitive application processes. For inquiries, applicants may contact the Division of AIDS at NIAID via email at [email protected].