Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA HD 17 009
The Autism Centers of Excellence: Centers (P50) opportunity (RFA-HD-17-009) is a discretionary grant program run through the National Institutes of Health, led by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) with participation from other NIH Institutes. It is designed to support large, center-style autism research programs that bring multiple disciplines together under one coordinated structure. The central idea is integration: applicants are expected to propose a set of linked research projects and shared core resources that clearly reinforce one another, creating cohesion and synergy rather than a collection of unrelated studies.
This funding uses the NIH P50 Specialized Center mechanism, which typically supports multi-project centers with a unifying scientific theme, several interdependent projects, and cores that provide shared services, infrastructure, data resources, or specialized methods across the center. In practical terms, an ACE Center application would be expected to show how each research project benefits from the center environment and how the cores help the projects operate more efficiently, generate higher-quality data, and produce outcomes that would be difficult to achieve through separate standalone awards. The program emphasis is on coordinated, multidisciplinary autism research, fitting within NIH priorities spanning health and human development.
The announcement also points applicants to a companion funding opportunity for Autism Centers of Excellence Networks supported through the R01 mechanism (RFA-HD-17-008). While the P50 center mechanism focuses on an integrated center with multiple projects and cores housed within an organized program, the companion R01 network opportunity is meant for networked research structures supported by individual R01 awards. Together, these FOAs reflect a broader NIH strategy to fund both center-based integration and cross-site network collaboration in autism research, depending on the structure and goals of the proposed work.
Eligibility is broad and includes many types of U.S.-based organizations and government entities. Eligible applicants include state, county, city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; Native American tribal organizations that are not federally recognized governments; nonprofits with and without 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education where applicable); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; and small businesses. The FOA explicitly highlights additional eligible applicant categories such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, regional organizations, eligible federal agencies, and U.S. territories or possessions. This reflects an intent to encourage participation from a wide range of institutions, including those serving historically underrepresented communities.
At the same time, the opportunity draws a clear line around non-U.S. applicants. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations and foreign institutions) are not eligible to apply, and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are also not eligible to apply. However, the FOA allows foreign components as defined by the NIH Grants Policy Statement, meaning a U.S. applicant organization can include certain foreign elements in the proposed work when they meet NIH policy definitions and requirements. In other words, the applicant organization must be U.S.-based and eligible, but specific parts of the project may involve foreign activities under NIH rules.
From the funding details provided, the program is categorized under environment, health, income security, and social services and is associated with CFDA numbers 93.113, 93.173, 93.242, 93.853, and 93.865. The listed award ceiling is $1,500,000, indicating an upper limit on yearly direct costs or total costs depending on the FOA specifics (the exact interpretation would normally be clarified in the full NIH announcement). The original closing date was 2016-11-17, and the FOA creation date was 2016-07-12, placing this as a time-limited solicitation from that cycle. Overall, the grant is aimed at supporting substantial, coordinated autism research centers that can leverage shared infrastructure and team science to accelerate progress beyond what single-project awards can typically achieve.Apply for RFA HD 17 009
- The National Institutes of Health in the environment, health, income security and social services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Autism Centers of Excellence: Centers (P50)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.113, 93.173, 93.242, 93.853, 93.865.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2016-07-12.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2016-11-17. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,500,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Autism Centers of Excellence: Centers (P50) opportunity?
The Autism Centers of Excellence: Centers (P50) opportunity (RFA-HD-17-009) is a discretionary grant program run through the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It is led by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), with participation from other NIH Institutes. The program is intended to support large, center-style autism research programs that integrate multiple disciplines under a single coordinated structure.
What is the main purpose of this funding opportunity?
The core purpose is to fund coordinated, multidisciplinary autism research centers that are built around integration. Applicants are expected to propose a cohesive set of linked research projects and shared core resources that reinforce one another, producing synergy rather than a collection of unrelated studies.
What does "center-style" autism research mean in this FOA?
In this context, "center-style" means an organized research program that includes multiple interdependent research projects supported by shared cores (centralized resources or services). The expectation is that the projects and cores work together as a unified program with a unifying scientific theme.
What NIH grant mechanism is used for this opportunity?
This opportunity uses the NIH P50 Specialized Center mechanism. P50 awards typically support multi-project centers that share a unifying scientific theme and include multiple related projects plus core resources that provide shared infrastructure, services, or specialized capabilities across the center.
What is the emphasis of the P50 Specialized Center approach?
The emphasis is on integration and interdependence. Applications are generally expected to demonstrate how each research project benefits from being part of the center and how shared cores improve efficiency, data quality, and overall outcomes compared to separate standalone awards.
What are "research projects" in an ACE Center application supposed to look like?
Based on the description provided, the research projects are expected to be linked and reinforce one another. They should align with a common, unifying theme and demonstrate clear advantages from being conducted within a coordinated center environment rather than as independent, disconnected studies.
What are "cores" and why are they important in a P50 center?
Cores are shared resources or service components that support multiple projects within the center. They can include shared services, infrastructure, data resources, or specialized methods. The intent is for cores to help projects run more efficiently, strengthen data quality, and enable outcomes that would be difficult to achieve through separate awards.
How should an applicant demonstrate cohesion and synergy?
The opportunity highlights that cohesion and synergy come from proposing a set of linked projects and shared cores that clearly reinforce one another. A strong center concept typically shows how the projects depend on or meaningfully benefit from common infrastructure, shared methods, or coordinated scientific direction.
Which NIH Institute leads this funding opportunity?
The FOA is led by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), with participation from other NIH Institutes.
Is there a related or companion autism research funding opportunity?
Yes. The announcement points to a companion funding opportunity for Autism Centers of Excellence Networks supported through the R01 mechanism (RFA-HD-17-008). The P50 FOA is designed for integrated center programs with multiple projects and cores, while the R01 network FOA supports networked research structures through individual R01 awards.
How is the P50 Center FOA different from the companion R01 Network FOA?
Based on the provided description, the P50 mechanism focuses on an integrated center housed within an organized program, with multiple linked projects and shared cores. The companion R01 network opportunity is intended for networked research structures supported by separate R01 awards, emphasizing cross-site network collaboration rather than a single integrated center structure.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad and includes many types of U.S.-based organizations and government entities. Examples listed include state, county, city, or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; Native American tribal organizations that are not federally recognized governments; nonprofits with and without 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education where applicable); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; and small businesses.
Are institutions that serve underrepresented communities explicitly encouraged or included?
Yes. The FOA explicitly highlights additional eligible applicant categories such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), and faith-based or community-based organizations, among others.
Can U.S. territories or possessions apply?
Yes. The FOA lists U.S. territories or possessions among the explicitly highlighted eligible applicant categories.
Are federal agencies eligible to apply?
Eligible federal agencies are listed among the explicitly highlighted eligible applicant categories.
Are foreign (non-U.S.) organizations eligible to apply as the applicant organization?
No. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations and foreign institutions) are not eligible to apply. In addition, non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are also not eligible to apply as applicant components.
Can the proposed research include any foreign components?
Yes, under certain conditions. While the applicant organization must be U.S.-based and eligible, the FOA allows foreign components as defined by the NIH Grants Policy Statement. This means a U.S. applicant may include foreign elements in the proposed work when they meet NIH policy definitions and requirements.
What is the award ceiling for this opportunity?
The listed award ceiling is $1,500,000. The description notes that this represents an upper limit, and that the exact interpretation (for example, whether it is yearly direct costs or total costs) would normally be clarified in the full NIH announcement.
What is the CFDA information associated with this program?
The opportunity is associated with CFDA numbers 93.113, 93.173, 93.242, 93.853, and 93.865.
What program areas is this opportunity categorized under?
The program is categorized under environment, health, income security, and social services.
What are the key dates mentioned for this FOA?
The FOA creation date is 2016-07-12, and the original closing date is 2016-11-17. This indicates it was a time-limited solicitation for that cycle.
What type of outcomes is NIH trying to enable through this P50 center model?
The opportunity is aimed at enabling substantial, coordinated autism research that leverages shared infrastructure and team science. The idea is to accelerate progress and produce outcomes that would be difficult to achieve through single-project awards operating independently.
What is the overall NIH strategy reflected by the P50 and companion R01 FOAs?
Together, the P50 center FOA and the companion R01 network FOA reflect a broader NIH strategy to fund both integrated, center-based research programs and cross-site network collaboration in autism research, depending on how the proposed work is structured and what goals it is designed to achieve.
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Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (RFA HD 17 009) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Research on Autism Spectrum Disorders (R03) Apply for PA 16 387 Funding Number: PA 16 387 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Research on Autism Spectrum Disorders (R01) Apply for PA 16 388 Funding Number: PA 16 388 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Research on Autism Spectrum Disorders (R21) Apply for PA 16 386 Funding Number: PA 16 386 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Genetic Susceptibility and Variability of Human Structural Birth Defects (R01) Apply for PAR 17 236 Funding Number: PAR 17 236 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $499,999 |
| Fertility Status as a Marker for Overall Health (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 049 Funding Number: PA 18 049 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Research on Autism Spectrum (R21- Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 400 Funding Number: PA 18 400 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Research on Autism Spectrum (R03-Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 399 Funding Number: PA 18 399 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Research on Autism Spectrum (R01- Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 401 Funding Number: PA 18 401 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Global Brain and Nervous System Disorders Research Across the Lifespan (R01 Clinical Trials Optional) Apply for PAR 18 835 Funding Number: PAR 18 835 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Global Brain and Nervous System Disorders Research Across the Lifespan (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 836 Funding Number: PAR 18 836 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $125,000 |
| Early Screening for Autism Spectrum Disorder (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA MH 19 121 Funding Number: RFA MH 19 121 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| U.S.-Brazil Collaborative Biomedical Research Program (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA AI 18 054 Funding Number: RFA AI 18 054 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Mechanistic Studies of Gene-Environment Interplay in Dental, Oral, Craniofacial, and Other Diseases and Conditions (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 19 292 Funding Number: PAR 19 292 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Development of Novel and Robust Systems for Mechanistic Studies of Gene-Environment Interplay in Dental, Oral, Craniofacial, and Other Diseases and Conditions (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 19 293 Funding Number: PAR 19 293 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Small Research Grants for Establishing Basic Science-Clinical Collaborations to Understand Structural Birth Defects (R03 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 20 065 Funding Number: PAR 20 065 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Small Research Grants for Analyses of Down Syndrome-related Research Data for the INCLUDE Project (R03 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA OD 20 006 Funding Number: RFA OD 20 006 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Transformative Research Award for the INCLUDE (Investigation of Co-occurring Conditions across the Lifespan to Understand Down syndrome) Project (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA OD 20 005 Funding Number: RFA OD 20 005 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Research on Autism Spectrum Disorders (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 21 201 Funding Number: PA 21 201 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Research on Autism Spectrum Disorders (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 21 200 Funding Number: PA 21 200 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Research on Autism Spectrum Disorders (R03 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 21 199 Funding Number: PA 21 199 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $50,000 |
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