NIH Biomedical Research Facilities

Please see the full solicitation for complete information about the funding opportunity. Below is a summary assembled by the Research & Innovation Office (RIO).

Program Summary 

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) invites applications from eligible academic and research institutions to apply for funding to modernize existing or construct new biomedical research facilities. Applications will be accepted from public and private nonprofit institutions of higher education as well as from non-profit research organizations. Applications from both research-intensive institutions and Institutions of Emerging Excellence (IEE) in biomedical research, both highly resourced and low-resourced institutions, from all geographic regions in the nation are strongly encouraged.

NIH recognizes the importance of all institutions of higher learning in contributing to the nation's research capacity. The goal of this NOFO is to modernize biomedical research infrastructure to strengthen biomedical research programs. Each project is expected to provide long-term improvements to the institutional research infrastructure. Intended projects are the construction or modernization of core facilities and the development of other shared research infrastructure serving an institution-wide research community with broad impact on biomedical research.

The project should be consistent with the following criteria and documentation requirements:

  • The project is essential for biomedical research activities supported and the space involved will be used for these activities.
  • The facility must be utilized for biomedical research purposes for which it was constructed or improved for at least 10 years beginning on the date of beneficial occupancy of the space.
  • If the project is in an existing building, the building must have a useful life consistent with program purposes, including the time to construct and complete the project plus 10 years of use following the occupancy of the research space; the building must be architecturally and structurally suitable for conversion to the type of research space required.
  • If the space is rented, evidence must be provided that the terms of the lease and expected subsequent 10-year use of the facility are consistent with the proposed project. Specifically, a signed document from the building owner must be provided showing that the terms of the lease agreement and subsequent use of the facility will comply with the 10-year term of the Notice of Federal Interest (NFI) requirement following the occupancy of the facility. A statement of agreement by the owner of the space must be included. These documents will be verified if/when the application is considered for funding.
  • If the project will affect a site listed (or eligible for inclusion) in the National Register of Historic Places, the requirements specified in "Preservation of Cultural and Historic Resources" must be followed.

Deadlines

CU Internal Deadline: 11:59pm MST November 28, 2023

Sponsor Letter of Intent Deadline: 5:00pm MST December 15, 2023

Sponsor Application Deadline: 5:00pm MST January 25, 2024

Internal Application Requirements (all in PDF format)

  • Project Narrative (3 pages maximum) with: 1) project overview including project summary, goals, approaches and timeline; 2) scientific justification including a) how the project will increase institution-wide biomedical research capabilities and capacities; b) the research needs of the community who will rely on the facility; c) team members’ roles and responsibilities; and 3) development of the facility including location, technical specifications, details of the architectural and engineering design, the proposed construction processes and what challenges will need to be overcome.
  • PI Curriculum Vitae
  • Budget Overview (up to 1 page maximum): A basic budget outlining project costs is sufficient; detailed OCG budgets are not required.

To access the online application, visit: https://cuboulderovcr.secure-platform.com/a/solicitations/6924/home  

Please note that the sponsor application requires a certification of title to site (see solicitation for more information). While this is not required for the internal competition, please note that this is a required element of the sponsor application.

Eligibility

To appropriately conceive, develop, construct, and successfully complete the construction/modernization project, a PD/PI should possess knowledge of the relevant scientific field(s) to be served by the proposed facility, demonstrate leadership skills, and assemble a team with technical expertise related to all aspects of the project. The PD/PI does not need to be an NIH-funded investigator but should have the appropriate standing in the institutional administration and the research community to lead and oversee the project.

Limited Submission Guidelines

Only one application per institution is allowed.

Award Information

Maximum Award Amount: $8,000,000 (applications with budgets less than $3,000,000 will not be considered)

Award Duration: Up to 5 years. Funds will be provided in a single award with a 56-month budget and project period.

Review Criteria

Please consider NIH’s specific review criteria as the proposal is developed. The internal review committee will use these criteria as a guide when evaluating internal proposals.