Grants for Public and State controlled institutions of higher education - Science and Technology

This funding opportunity supports U.S. institutions in developing user-centered applications that utilize large Earth science models to improve environmental data analysis and decision-making.

The County of Somerset Cultural & Heritage Commission's History Partnership Grant Program aims to bolster both established and nascent local history organizations in Somerset County, New Jersey. This program, administered by the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission (SCC&HC) and supported by the New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC), is designed to provide financial backing to non-profit organizations and municipalities that deliver history programming, services, and development within the county. The grants are competitive and emphasize fostering excellence in local history initiatives, aligning with a broader mission to preserve and promote New Jersey's rich historical narrative at the community level. The primary beneficiaries of this program are Somerset County-based organizations, including non-profit 501(c)3 or 501(c)4 entities, units of local government, institutions of higher education, and faith-based organizations. The program's impact goals are centered on increasing access to New Jersey history, expanding knowledge of the state's historical context, and improving the management and operational capabilities of local history organizations. By supporting these entities, the program seeks to ensure that historical resources and educational opportunities are readily available to the public throughout Somerset County. The grant program prioritizes and focuses on activities that directly enhance local history programming and services. Eligible expenses span a wide range, from salaries and wages, contracted services, and marketing, to lease expenses, equipment purchases, and maintenance of collections and structures. Crucially, the program also supports staff training, capacity building, and strategic planning, including planning for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance. This comprehensive approach ensures that organizations can not only deliver compelling programs but also operate sustainably and adapt to contemporary needs. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a greater number of high-quality history programs, improved access to historical information and resources for Somerset County residents, and stronger, more resilient local history organizations. The competitive nature of the awards encourages applicants to strive for excellence, and the independent peer panel evaluation process helps ensure that funding is directed towards projects with the greatest potential for impact. While specific metrics are not detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on increasing access, expanding knowledge, and improving management suggests an expectation of tangible improvements in historical engagement and organizational health within the county.

The LGBTQ Grant Program, managed by the LGBTQ Fund of Mississippi and held at the Community Foundation for Mississippi, aims to support the LGBTQ Mississippian community. Its core mission is to provide resources for planning, research, and general operations that address the critical needs of LGBTQ individuals, enabling them to live safely, openly, and free from alienation, isolation, prejudice, and discrimination. This aligns with the vision, mission, and beliefs defined by the Advisory Board of The LGBTQ Fund of Mississippi, demonstrating a commitment to fostering a more inclusive and accepting environment within the state. The program primarily targets LGBTQ Mississippians across all counties. Special attention is given to communities that have been historically underserved, including but not limited to communities of color, youth, seniors, and persons in rural communities. The program also focuses on intersectional programs that address faith and acceptance, as well as efforts specifically serving transgender and gender non-conforming persons. The overarching impact goal is to create a positive direct impact on Mississippi’s LGBTQ population, ensuring their safety, well-being, and freedom from discrimination. The program prioritizes proposals that demonstrate a clear commitment to addressing the needs of these underserved LGBTQ communities. This includes initiatives that promote acceptance and understanding, particularly at the intersection of faith and LGBTQ identities. Furthermore, a significant focus is placed on supporting programs and services that cater to transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, acknowledging their unique needs and challenges. Expected outcomes and measurable results are implicitly tied to the program's objectives: reducing alienation, isolation, prejudice, and discrimination among LGBTQ Mississippians, and fostering an environment where they can live safely and openly. While specific quantitative metrics are not detailed, the program's success will likely be measured by the positive direct impact on the LGBTQ population, as demonstrated through the reach and effectiveness of the funded projects in addressing their priority needs. The foundation's strategic priorities are centered on supporting initiatives that resonate with the LGBTQ Fund of Mississippi's vision, mission, and beliefs, essentially advocating for the fundamental rights and well-being of the LGBTQ community in Mississippi.

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy Bangkok Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations or individuals to submit a statement of interest (SOI) or concept note to carry out program(s) funded by the U.S. Embassy Bangkok. Please carefully follow all instructions below. The submission of the SOI is the first step in a two-step process. Applicants must first submit a concise statement of interest through the Google application form (https://forms.gle/3DSzBvf1u72UwuzY8). The SOI is designed for applicants to clearly communicate program ideas and objectives and is not a full proposal. The purpose of the SOI process is to allow applicants to submit program ideas for evaluation prior to requiring the development of a full proposal application. Upon a merit review of eligible SOIs, selected applicants will be invited to expand on their program ideas by submitting a full proposal application. Full proposals will go through a second merit review before final funding decisions are made. Priority Program Areas 1. Democracy, Governance, and Human Rights Activities that strengthen democratic values, accountability, public participation, transparency, and rule of law in governance and political institutions. Innovative projects that educate Thais about the U.S. experience in meaningful participation in democratic processes and civic life. Activities that promote universally recognized human rights and fundamental freedoms. Activities that promote connection between the United States and the rising leaders in the Indo-Pacific region. Activities that focus on enhancing critical thinking skills and promoting civic engagement to counter disinformation and improve media/digital literacy. 2. Technology, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Renewable Energy Activities that support and build capability for, and promote economic inclusivity among micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and underrepresented entrepreneurs. Activities that build digital skills and improve business practices of MSMEs and underrepresented entrepreneurs for different stages of business development. Activities that increase awareness of environmental protection, climate change, climate-smart agriculture, transboundary water challenges, renewable energy, and other key regional issues. Activities that promote the use of science, technology, and innovation in tackling regional or transboundary challenges and strengthening competitiveness of SMEs and underrepresented entrepreneurs 3. Education Activities that build, increase, support, and strengthen partnerships and the exchange of people, ideas, and resources between U.S. and Thai education institutions. Activities that increase access to education and understanding of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEM/STEAM). Innovative and educational activities that strengthen sustainable development in the Mekong subregion. B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION This notice is subject to availability of funding. Funding Instrument Type: Grant, Fixed Amount Award (FAA), or Cooperative agreement. Cooperative agreements and some FAAs are different from grants in that U.S. Embassy staff are more actively involved in the grant implementation. Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed within 12 months of issuance. U.S. Embassy Bangkok retains the right to execute non-competitive continuation amendments on a case-by-case basis. Any amendments are based on performance, pending availability of funds, and are not guaranteed. C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION 1. Eligible Applicants The Public Diplomacy Section encourages applications from the United States and Thailand: Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations Educational institutions Individuals Public international organizations and governmental institutions 2. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost sharing or matching is not required for this funding opportunity, but it is encouraged. Any cost sharing must be clearly laid out in the submission. 3. Other Eligibility Requirements In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section E.4 for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov. D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 1. Content and Form of Application Submission Please follow all instructions below carefully. SOIs that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible and will not be considered for funding. All application materials must be ONLY submitted electronically through Google application form at https://forms.gle/3DSzBvf1u72UwuzY8. Content of SOI must include: Project summary and description, objectives, expected outcomes, proposed timeline, target audience, and evaluation plan All documents fully completed in English The anticipated total budget amount (in U.S. dollars) and a line-item breakdown of expenses. 2. Submission Timeline 1st Round Deadline to submit SOIs: February 7, 2024 Selected SOIs are notified by email: February 23, 2024 Deadline for selected applicants to submit full proposals: March 31, 2024 2nd Round Deadline to submit SOIs: May 1, 2024 Selected SOIs are notified by email: May 17, 2024 Deadline for selected applicants to submit full proposals: June 14, 2024 3rd Round Deadline to submit SOIs: July 3, 2024 Selected SOIs are notified by email: July 19, 2024 Deadline for selected applicants to submit full proposals: August 16, 2024 3. Funding Restrictions Award funds cannot be used for alcoholic beverages. Award fund also cannot be used for other food items not directly related to achieving program objectives. E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION 1. Criteria Each SOI will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the evaluation criteria outlined below: Quality of Program Idea (50 points): All programs must include a substantive connection to American culture, policy, and/or practices. Program objectives are closely aligned with U.S. Embassy Bangkok priorities outlined in Section A. Project Description. The idea is communicated well and is feasible. SOIs that promote creative approaches to address program objectives are highly encouraged. The proposed timeline is reasonable. Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives (20 points): The SOI should clearly articulate proposed program activities and expected results towards achieving program objectives and goal(s). Engagement of Target Audiences (20 points): The SOI should identify the target audience outlined in the program description. Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants (10 points): The SOI should demonstrate the organizations expertise, capacity and/or previous experience in administering similar programs. If a local partner is identified, the SOI should briefly describe the partners role and experience. 2. Review and Selection Process A Grants Review Committee will evaluate all eligible SOIs against the criteria listed above. For a fair review, all panelists will only review the information provided through the Google application form, no additional information will be reviewed. The panel may provide conditions and/or recommendations on SOIs to enhance the proposed program. Conditions must be addressed, and recommendations should be addressed, in the full proposal application. 3. Following the review, any successful SOI applicants will be contacted and instructed to submit full applications. A full application will include: Project proposal and budget narratives SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance - organizations) at https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424_Mandatory_3_0-V3.0.pdf or SF-424-I (Application for Federal Assistance - individuals) at https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424_Individual_2_0-V2.0.pdf SF424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) at https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424A-V1.0.pdf SF424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs - organizations) at https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/Mandatory_SF424B-V1.1.pdf or SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs - individuals) at https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/Individual_SF424B-V1.1.pdf 4. Required Registrations Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) on SAM.GOV All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration with the SAM.gov. A UEI is one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards. The 2 CFR 200 requires that sub-grantees obtain a UEI number. Please note the UEI for sub-grantees is not required at the time of application but will be required before an award is processed and/or directed to a sub-grantee. Note: The process of obtaining or renewing a SAM.gov registration may take anywhere from 4-8 weeks. Please begin your registration as early as possible. Organizations based in the United States or that pay employees within the United States will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and a UEI number prior to registering in SAM.gov. Organizations based outside of the United States and that do not pay employees within the United States do not need an EIN from the IRS but do need a UEI number prior to registering in SAM.gov. Exemptions An exemption from the UEI and sam.gov registration requirements may be permitted on a case-by-case basis if: An applicants identity must be protected due to potential endangerment of their mission, their organizations status, their employees, or individuals being served by the applicant. For an applicant, if the Federal awarding agency makes a determination that there are exigent circumstances that prohibit the applicant from receiving a unique entity identifier and completing SAM registration prior to receiving a federal award. In these instances, federal awarding agencies must require the recipient to obtain a unique entity identifier and complete SAM registration within 30 days of the federal award date. Organizations requesting exemption from UEI or SAM.gov requirements must email the point of contact listed in the NOFO at least two weeks prior to the deadline in the NOFO providing a justification of their request. Approval for a SAM.gov exemption must come from the warranted Grants Officer before the application can be deemed eligible for review. F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION Administrative and National Policy Requirements Terms and Conditions: Before submitting the SOI, applicants should review all the terms and conditions and required certifications which will apply if a full proposal application is requested and awarded, to ensure that they will be able to comply. These include: 2 CFR 200, 2 CFR 600, and the Department of State Standard Terms and Conditions which are available at: https://www.state.gov/about-us-office-of-the-procurement-executive/. G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS If you have any questions about the application process, please contact [email protected]. NOTE: A follow-up solicitation (typically sent as or via an email by U.S. Embassy Bangkok) will be issued directly to those organizations or individuals who submitted successful SOIs. It is not reposted on Grant.gov or a public website. The follow-up solicitation must follow the full NOFO template, as well as provide any specific recommendations or conditions articulated by the review panel. No limited or sole source waiver is required specifically for the full proposal stage as any such waiver approved prior to SOI issuance covers the entire competition process. If the SOI step was a full and open competition, the overall process counts as a full and open competition.

The Alliance for Pediatric Device Innovation (APDI) is offering grants up to $50,000 for pediatric medical devices aimed at improving the monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment of youth substance use disorders and addiction. Up to $150,000 in total grant funds are available for distribution. Eligible applicants include inventors from established businesses, startups, and academic researchers with commercializable device concepts that address unmet pediatric needs. The goal is to support the development of devices that can be commercialized, with an emphasis on bridging the gap between prototyping and FDA approval, marketing, and sales. Proposals should focus on innovations such as AI-based diagnostic tools, digital therapeutics, wearable devices, and neuromodulation therapies. The application deadline is July 30, 2024, and winners will be announced on August 15, 2024.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for institutions and organizations to create and manage a resource that supplies human tissues and organs for biomedical research, benefiting studies on various diseases and health conditions.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to early-career engineering researchers at non-R1 institutions, helping them establish their research programs and increase diversity in engineering fields across the U.S.

This funding opportunity is designed to support public-private partnerships that leverage artificial intelligence to improve the resilience and competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing through innovative research and workforce development.

This grant provides funding for researchers and organizations to utilize uncrewed systems data to address urgent climate challenges and enhance NOAA's capabilities in climate adaptation, resilience, and mitigation efforts.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments, tribal entities, and certain non-profits in Oklahoma for various solid waste management initiatives, including cleanup efforts and equipment purchases, to promote environmental sustainability.

This grant provides funding for technology demonstrations of non-lithium long-duration energy storage solutions, targeting state energy offices, Indian Tribes, educational institutions, electric utilities, and private energy storage companies to advance these technologies towards commercial viability.

The Indiana Alcohol Research Center (IARC) is inviting proposals for pilot projects focusing on alcohol use disorders (AUD). This program aims to support investigators in generating preliminary data that can lead to extramural funding, with special interest in studies on the behavioral, biological, and genetic mechanisms of alcohol preference, binge-level and high-intensity drinking, tolerance, and other AUD-related mechanisms. The program offers up to $50,000 per year for two years, funding up to two projects. Priority is given to early-career investigators or those new to alcohol research, and applicants should be affiliated with the Indiana University system. The application process includes a letter of intent due by August 1, 2024, and a full proposal submission by September 3, 2024. Grant renewed every year. Project during 2 years

This project will increase the capacity of countries to develop effective regulations preventing the proliferation and misuse of commercial spyware in alignment with international best practices and advocate for commercial spyware regulatory approaches that are technically sound and rights-respecting.

This funding opportunity supports collaborative research teams focused on innovative solutions to improve treatments and outcomes for patients with glioblastoma, particularly the IDH-wild type variant.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for U.S. organizations to host workshops, symposiums, and conferences that advance research and collaboration in space and Earth sciences and technology.

This funding opportunity supports U.S. institutions conducting research to enhance the understanding of tropical cyclones and precipitation processes using satellite data from a constellation of small satellites.

The Bitsie Clark Fund for Artists (The Bitsie Fund), housed at the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, aims to support individual artists in pursuing new work and achieving specific creative and career goals. This aligns with the Foundation's broader mission to foster a thriving community by supporting local talent and development. The fund's focus is on individual artist development, rather than community development, signifying a strategic priority to invest directly in the artistic growth of residents within the Foundation's service area in Greater New Haven. In 2024, The Bitsie Fund will award two $5,000 grants, one specifically for a Black artist and another open to all eligible artists. This targeting reflects a commitment to equitable support within the artistic community and addresses potential disparities. The grant's impact goals are centered on enabling artists to tackle major artistic development goals, take risks on new directions in their work, or advance their careers. The expected outcomes include a more vibrant artistic community with empowered individual artists. The fund prioritizes individual artists at a significant point in their personal development, encouraging both established artists with a substantial body of recent work and those emerging in their field to apply. This inclusive approach to eligibility ensures a broad reach within the artist community. The focus is on supporting a wide array of creative disciplines including dance, music, theater, visual arts, design, craft, literary arts, voice, poetry, playwriting, composition, and film. Measurable results would be evidenced by artists successfully utilizing the funds for approved uses such as purchasing materials, compensating for time spent developing projects, hiring others, covering performance or touring costs, travel for proposals, renting studio space, and production expenses. Ultimately, the Bitsie Fund's theory of change posits that by directly supporting individual artists in these ways, it will contribute to their personal and professional growth, thereby enriching the cultural landscape of Greater New Haven.

The "Privacy-Preserving Data Sharing in Practice" grant aims to fund research and development projects that create practical, scalable technologies for sharing data in a way that preserves privacy, with a focus on advancing privacy-enhancing technologies for artificial intelligence, developing tools and testbeds for safe data sharing, and promoting the usability and inclusiveness of these solutions.

The Academy of Kidney Cancer Investigators (AKCI) is a unique, interactive virtual academy that provides, intensive mentoring, national networking, and a peer group for scientist and clinician junior faculty. The KCRP created the Academy of Kidney Cancer Investigators in FY19 to align with several program priorities, which include to build research capacity in kidney cancer; increase collaborations to advance kidney cancer research, and support innovative research conducted by the next generation of kidney cancer scientists and clinicians. The overarching goal of the AKCI is to increase research capacity in kidney cancer through the development of successful, highly productive kidney cancer researchers in a collaborative research and training environment. The AKCI is a virtual career development and research training platform that currently consists of 11 Early-Career Scholars (ECS)/Designated Mentor pairs from different institutions, and one Academy Director. It is expected that six Early-Career Scholars will graduate by the fall of 2025 and four FY23 AKCI Early-Career Scholars/Designated Mentor awards will be made by September 2024. In addition, Academy graduates will continue to participate in the annual Academy meetings. Information about the Academy is available on the KCRP webpage and in the Kidney Cancer Program Booklet at https://cdmrp.health.mil/kcrp. The AKCI leadership team will identify opportunities for engagement with KCRP AKCI Scholars-Designated Mentors and KCRP FY25 (and subsequent year awardees) Postdoctoral and Clinical Fellowship Awardees. The Academy Director and Deputy Director catalyze the growth and professional development of the Early-Career Scholars in collaboration with their Designated Mentors, assess the progress of the ECSs, and facilitate communication and collaboration among all of the Academy members. The AKCI leadership team will also identify and offer opportunities for engagement (e.g., invitations to seminar series and in-person meetings) with FY24 Postdoctoral and Clinical Fellowship Awardees with FY24 KCRP AKCI-ECS-Designated Mentors (and subsequent year awardees). This FY24 funding opportunity is soliciting applications for an Academy Director (Principal Investigator [PI]) and Deputy Director (Partnering PI) to lead the AKCI. The newly selected FY24 Academy Director and Deputy Director will initiate their responsibilities no later than October 2025. The Academy Director and Deputy Director (hereafter referred to as Academy Leadership) must be established kidney cancer researchers and can be at different institutions. The Academy Leadership must demonstrate a strong record of mentoring and training early career investigators, a commitment to leadership, the ability to articulate methods toward research collaborations, and the ability to objectively assess the progress of all Scholars with their Designated Mentors in the AKCI. Other objectives will include execution of research that will engage AKCI FY24 Scholars (including subsequent-year Scholars), develop tools for Scholars to enable success, and provide opportunities to broaden their knowledge in kidney and renal pelvis cancers. The leadership team will identify and offer occasion(s) for the AKCI to network with KCRP FY24 Postdoctoral and Clinical Fellowship Awardees (and subsequent year awardees). Designated Mentors on FY24 KCRP AKCI Early-Career Scholar Award applications and Designated Mentors on open FY19 through FY23 KCRP AKCI Early-Career Scholar Awards (with the exception of those graduating in 2024) are not eligible to apply for this award. Note: An invited oral presentation is a requirement for application review of the KCRP AKCI LA, as described in Section II.D.2.b.iv, Additional Application Components. Responsibilities of the Academy Leadership include, but are not limited to: Act as a resource for all Scholars and Designated Mentors in the Academy over the Scholars 4-year period of performance. Facilitate communication and collaboration among all Scholars and Designated Mentors (including periodic interactive communication among all Academy members). Develop assessment criteria to evaluate the research progress made by all Scholars, as well as their career progression and sustainment as independent investigators in kidney cancer research. Conduct collaborative kidney cancer pilot project(s) that include Academy Scholars. These pilot projects should have the potential to improve collaboration within the Academy, as well as impact kidney cancer research and/or kidney cancer patients/survivors. o Examples of pilot research projects may include but are not limited to (a) funding an extended statistical or bioinformatics analysis with AKCI Scholars, (b) performing a large-scale meta-analysis of human or animal datasets with AKCI scholars, (c) provide access to critical biorepositories or animal models to expand AKCI investigator analyses or increase study rigor. Provide constructive critiques with the goal of advancing the research and professional careers of the Scholars and strengthening the mentorship of the Designated Mentors. Provide avenues to increase the promotion of the Academy and visibility of Scholars within kidney cancer research and advocacy communities (e.g., peer review, conferences, editorial boards). Support the professional development, to include laboratory management skills, of the Scholars into leading researchers through invited presentations by experts outside of the AKCI LA. Plan and host an annual 1-day workshop and, biennially, a multi-day workshop for all Scholars/Designated Mentor pairs as well as Academy graduates to present their research, share knowledge, and develop collaborative efforts within the AKCI. Scholars will be responsible for their own travel costs to in-person Academy meetings. Include KCRP FY24 Postdoctoral and Clinical Fellowship Awardees in at least one meeting of the FY24 AKCI. These investigators will be responsible for their own travel costs, funds for which are included in their research awards. Establish a panel of patient advocates and Veteran(s) (i.e., the Patient Advocacy Panel) to inform the AKCI on the needs of the patient community. Establish the Designated Mentor Panel to facilitate collaborations among the AKCI participants including the Scholars, Academy Director/Deputy Director, and the Designated Mentors. The Academy of Kidney Cancer Investigators Leadership Award is structured to support two PIs. The Academy Director will be identified as the Initiating PI and will be responsible for the majority of the administrative tasks associated with application submission. The Deputy Director will be identified as the Partnering PI. The collaboration between the Academy Director and the Deputy Director should be supported by complementary expertise and experience. Initiating and Partnering PIs each have different submission requirements, as described in Section II.D.2, Content and Form of the Application Submission; however, both PIs should contribute significantly to the development of the proposed research project. The application should clearly demonstrate that both PIs have equal levels of input on the proposed Academy Leadership and clearly define the components to be addressed by each to support the success of the Scholars. While it is up to the Academy Director and the Deputy Director to define their roles, both Academy Leaders should have interactions with each Scholar-Designated Mentor pair, (and the Scholars Designated Mentors); acting as administrative support does not fulfill the intent of the Director and Deputy Director. If recommended for funding, each PI will be named on separate awards to the recipient organization(s). Each award will be subject to separate reporting, regulatory, and administrative requirements. For individual submission requirements for the Initiating and Partnering PI(s), refer to Section II.D.2, Content and Form of the Application Submission. Organizational-Level Emphasis: The following areas of emphasis are broadly applicable to many CDMRP programs, not just the KCRP. Investigators are encouraged to consider addressing these areas in their applications if doing so is appropriate for their line of research, addresses the FY24 KCRP strategic priorities and/focus areas described in Section II.A.1 and Section II.A.2. Nuclear Medicine: Innovative research involving nuclear medicine and related techniques to support early diagnosis, more effective treatment, and improved health outcomes of active-duty Service Members and their Families is encouraged. Such research could improve diagnostic and targeted treatment capabilities through noninvasive techniques and may drive the development of precision imaging and advanced targeted therapies. Womens Health: CDMRP encourages research on health areas and conditions that affect women uniquely, disproportionately, or differently from men, including studies analyzing sex as a biological variable. Such research should relate anticipated project findings to improvements in womens health outcomes and/or advancing knowledge for womens health. Metastatic Cancer Task Force: A congressionally mandated Metastatic Cancer Task Force was formed with the purpose of identifying ways to help accelerate clinical and translational research aimed at extending the lives of advanced state and recurrent patients. As a member of the Metastatic Cancer Task Force, CDMRP encourages applicants to review the recommendations (https://health.mil/Reference-Center/Congressional-Testimonies/2018/05/03/Metastatic-Cancer-Research) and submit research ideas to address these recommendations provided they are within the limitations of this funding opportunity and fit within the FY24 KCRP priorities. Rigorous Study Design: All projects should adhere to a core set of standards for rigorous study design and reporting to maximize the reproducibility and translational potential of clinical and preclinical research. The standards are described in SC Landis et al., 2012, A call for transparent reporting to optimize the predictive value of preclinical research, Nature 490:187-191 (https://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v490/n7419/full/nature11556.html). While these standards are written for preclinical studies, the basic principles of randomization, blinding, sample-size estimation, and data handling derive from well-established best practices in clinical studies. Military Service Involvement: Applications from investigators within the military services and applications involving multidisciplinary collaborations among academia, industry, the military services, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and other federal government agencies are highly encouraged. These relationships can leverage knowledge, infrastructure, and access to unique clinical populations that the collaborators bring to the research effort, ultimately advancing research that is of significance to Service Members, Veterans, and/or their Families. If the proposed research relies on access to unique resources or databases, the application must describe the access at the time of submission and include a plan for maintaining access as needed throughout the proposed research. Clinical trials are not allowed under this funding opportunity. A clinical trial is defined in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 45, Part 46.102 (45 CFR 46.102) as a research study in which one or more human subjects are prospectively assigned to one or more interventions (which may include a placebo or another control) to evaluate the effects of the interventions on biomedical or behavioral health-related outcomes. Studies that do not seek to measure safety, effectiveness, and/or efficacy outcome(s) of an intervention are not considered clinical trials. For the purposes of this funding opportunity, research that meets the definition of a clinical trial is distinct from clinical research. Clinical research encompasses research with human data, human specimens, and/or interaction with human subjects. Clinical research is observational in nature and includes: (1) Research conducted with human subjects and/or material of human origin such as data, specimens, and cognitive phenomena for which an investigator (or co-investigator) does not seek to assess the safety, effectiveness, and/or efficacy outcomes of an intervention. Research meeting this definition may include but is not limited to: (a) mechanisms of human disease, (b) diagnostic or detection studies (e.g., biomarker or imaging), (c) health disparity studies, and (d) development of new technologies. (2) Epidemiologic and behavioral studies that do not seek to assess the safety, effectiveness, and/or efficacy outcomes of an intervention. (3) Outcomes research and health services research that do not fit under the definition of clinical trial. Excluded from the definition of clinical research are in vitro studies that utilize human data or specimens that cannot be linked to a living individual and meet the requirements for exemption under 46.104(d)(4) of the Common Rule. The funding instrument for awards made under the program announcement will be cooperative agreements (31 USC 6305). Substantial CDMRP programmatic involvement with recipients is anticipated during the performance of award activities. Substantial involvement means that, after award, CDMRP staff will assist, guide, coordinate, or participate in project activities including but not limited to: Participating in the Steering Committee that oversees study conduct. Make recommendations for continued funding based on (a) overall study progress, including sufficient patient and/or data accrual; (b) cooperation in carrying out the research (e.g., attendance at Steering Committee meetings, implementation of group decisions, compliance with the terms of award and reporting requirements); and/or (c) maintenance of a high quality of research. The anticipated combined direct costs budgeted for the entire period of performance for a FY24 KCRP AKCI LA should not exceed $1,500,000. Refer to Section II.D.5, Funding Restrictions, for detailed funding information. Awards supported with FY24 funds will be made no later than September 30, 2025. The CDMRP expects to allot approximately $2.4M to fund approximately one KCRP Academy of Kidney Cancer Investigator Leadership Award application (consisting of an Initiating PI application and a Partnering PI application). Funding of applications received is contingent upon the availability of federal funds for this program, the number of applications received, the quality and merit of the applications as evaluated by peer and programmatic review, and the requirements of the government. Funds to be obligated on any award resulting from this funding opportunity will be available for use for a limited time period based on the fiscal year of the funds. It is anticipated that awards made from this FY24 funding opportunity will be funded with FY24 and FY26 funds, which will expire for use on September 30, 2030, and September 30, 2032, respectively.

This grant invites academic institutions and researchers to propose innovative technologies and research projects that support the Navy's development and evaluation efforts, with a focus on engaging students and fostering the next generation of scientists and engineers.