Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA OH 22 001
The NIOSH Education and Research Centers (ERC) grant opportunity (RFA OH 22 001) is a federal cooperative agreement designed to strengthen the United States occupational safety and health (OSH) workforce by funding university-based centers that deliver high-quality, interdisciplinary education, training, and outreach. The program is run by the Department of Health and Human Services through CDC/NIOSH (CFDA 93.262) and is built around the idea that work is changing quickly. Technological advances, globalization, evolving industries, new and emerging hazards, and shifting workforce demographics are creating fresh safety and health challenges, and ERCs are meant to prepare the next generation of practitioners and researchers to meet them. In practice, ERCs function as regional hubs of excellence that train students, support early research training, and translate research findings into real-world improvements in workplaces through continuing education and outreach.
At its core, the opportunity funds accredited academic institutions (and eligible partner organizations) to provide graduate and post-graduate degree training, as well as academic certificate training, across key OSH disciplines. The goal is to produce well-prepared graduates who can step into roles in government agencies at all levels, industry, labor organizations, healthcare, nonprofit organizations, and academia. NIOSH emphasizes that ERCs do not just produce credentials; they help create OSH leadership and strengthen the national capacity to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. A major theme throughout the announcement is translation of research to practice, including prevention through design, meaning trainees and faculty are expected to work with stakeholders and apply evidence-based solutions that can be adopted in real work settings.
The funding announcement also puts clear expectations on centers to demonstrate a meaningful commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This aligns with NIOSH efforts launched in 2019 and the work of its Diversity and Inclusion Office. Applicants are expected to reflect this commitment across the life of the center, including recruitment and retention of diverse trainees and faculty, equitable training opportunities, and inclusive outreach and continuing education. Rather than treating DEI as a standalone activity, ERCs are expected to integrate it into their mission, values, training outputs, and engagement with communities and worker populations, especially where occupational health disparities exist.
Another major requirement is a documented needs assessment showing the center is responding to actual workforce demand at the regional or national level. Applicants are expected to provide evidence that their proposed academic programs, research training (if included), outreach, and continuing education address real OSH labor market needs. The announcement notes that surveys of employers, alumni, and other stakeholders can be used, and it specifically asks applicants to consider findings from the National Assessment of the Occupational Safety and Health Workforce (2011). Beyond documenting need, applicants are expected to explain how their training approach will support successful job placement and advancement of graduates into practitioner or research leadership positions after program completion.
NIOSH also expects ERCs to have a strong regional presence and to work collaboratively with a broad set of partners to improve worker safety and health. This can include other universities, historically black colleges and universities, businesses, labor and professional associations, and federal, state, or local public health and regulatory agencies. Applicants must identify other NIOSH ERCs and NIOSH-supported Training Project Grant (TPG) recipients within their HHS Federal Health Region and explain how they will coordinate efforts, avoid unnecessary duplication, and create synergy across NIOSH-supported training programs.
Structurally, each ERC must include three required cores: a Planning and Evaluation Core, an Academic Training Core, and an Education and Outreach Core. The Planning and Evaluation Core covers center administration, planning, and evaluation (up to $250,000 in direct costs per year), plus support for interdisciplinary activities (up to $30,000 direct costs per year). There is also an optional emerging issues or developmental support element within this core (up to $50,000 direct costs per year) to help centers stay responsive to new priorities and evolving worker needs.
The Academic Training Core is the centerpiece and must include at least three academic training programs, with at least two in the recognized OSH core disciplines: Industrial Hygiene (IH), Occupational Health Nursing (OHN), Occupational Medicine Residency (OMR), or Occupational Safety (OS). Additional programs can be in core or allied disciplines, as long as the applicant can justify their relevance to regional or national OSH needs. The announcement allows trainee support for academic certificate programs in both core and allied disciplines, though certificate trainee support is limited to tuition and fees and must be included within the trainee cost allocation. Importantly, there is no minimum number of trainees required per academic program, but the budget must follow a clear trainee-first rule: at least 70 percent of the Academic Training Core direct costs must support trainee costs (stipends, tuition and fees, and travel), and no more than 30 percent may support other training-related expenses such as faculty/staff salary support, supplies, equipment, and non-trainee travel. This 70/30 split can be applied across the academic programs in aggregate rather than program-by-program.
A Research Training Core is optional, and if proposed it can include Pilot Project Research Training (PPRT), Targeted Research Training (TRT), or both. PPRT supports pilot projects for new investigators at the applicant institution or other research institutions in the ERC region, with up to $100,000 in direct costs per year, and individual pilot projects capped at $20,000 over a 12 to 18 month period. TRT supports research training for NIOSH trainees and for students from other disciplines who receive NIOSH support during their training, and it can also support postdoctoral training in an OSH core discipline or a closely related allied field. TRT can be funded up to $300,000 in direct costs per year, with a similar trainee-priority budgeting rule: at least 70 percent must go to trainee costs (stipends, tuition and fees, and travel), and up to 30 percent may go to training-related expenses. For postdoctoral support under TRT, funds are limited to stipends and travel.
The Education and Outreach Core is required and is intended to push knowledge into practice beyond the university setting. It includes an education component supporting training activities for safety and health practitioners and allied disciplines to influence workplace practices and policies (up to $150,000 in direct costs per year). It also includes an outreach component supporting engagement with businesses, community groups, agencies, and other regional institutions to implement innovative strategies that meet area needs and improve the practice environment (up to $75,000 in direct costs per year). Together, these requirements reinforce that ERCs are expected to be outward-facing, not only training students but also upgrading the skills of the existing workforce through continuing education and regional partnerships.
From an administrative standpoint, this opportunity is categorized as discretionary funding and uses a cooperative agreement mechanism, which typically implies substantial programmatic involvement from the federal agency compared to a standard grant. The award ceiling is $1,800,000 per year in total costs (direct plus indirect), and the opportunity anticipated approximately 18 awards. Eligibility is broad and includes public and private institutions of higher education, state and local governments, tribal governments and organizations, nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status), and for-profit entities (including small businesses), with additional eligibility details referenced in the full announcement. The original posting listed a creation date of November 26, 2021 and an original closing date of January 18, 2022, with electronic submissions due by 11:59 pm ET on the deadline date.
Overall, the NIOSH ERC program is aimed at building a durable, regionally connected pipeline of OSH professionals and researchers through structured academic training, interdisciplinary collaboration, practical outreach, and continuing education, all grounded in documented workforce needs and strengthened by an explicit expectation of diversity, equity, and inclusion across the center's mission and outputs.Apply for RFA OH 22 001
- The Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - ERA in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "NIOSH Education and Research Centers" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.262.
- This funding opportunity was created on Nov 26, 2021.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jan 18, 2022 Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 1159 pm ET on the listed application due date.. (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 $1,800,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 18 candidate(s).
- 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 (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the NIOSH Education and Research Centers (ERC) grant opportunity?
The NIOSH Education and Research Centers (ERC) opportunity (RFA OH 22 001) is a federal cooperative agreement that funds university-based centers to strengthen the U.S. occupational safety and health (OSH) workforce. ERCs serve as regional hubs that provide interdisciplinary education and training, support early research training, and deliver continuing education and outreach that helps move research into real workplace improvements.
Who runs and funds this program?
The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). It is listed under CFDA 93.262.
What is the overall purpose of the ERC program?
The purpose is to build national capacity to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities by training the next generation of OSH practitioners and researchers, strengthening OSH leadership, and translating research into practical solutions that can be adopted by workplaces.
Why does the announcement emphasize that "work is changing quickly"?
The opportunity is framed around rapid changes in work driven by technological advances, globalization, evolving industries, new and emerging hazards, and shifting workforce demographics. ERCs are expected to help prepare professionals who can respond to these changing conditions and related safety and health challenges.
What type of funding mechanism is used?
This opportunity uses a cooperative agreement mechanism. Compared to a standard grant, a cooperative agreement typically means there is substantial programmatic involvement from the federal agency during the project.
Is this discretionary funding?
Yes. The opportunity is categorized as discretionary funding.
What kinds of institutions are eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad. It includes public and private institutions of higher education, state and local governments, tribal governments and organizations, nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status), and for-profit entities (including small businesses). Additional eligibility details are referenced in the full announcement.
How many awards were anticipated?
The announcement anticipated approximately 18 awards.
What is the award ceiling?
The award ceiling is $1,800,000 per year in total costs (direct plus indirect).
What are the key expectations for what ERCs should do?
ERCs are expected to (1) deliver high-quality interdisciplinary academic training, (2) provide continuing education and outreach that improves practice in real workplaces, (3) translate research to practice (including prevention through design), (4) demonstrate a meaningful commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), (5) base their approach on a documented needs assessment tied to workforce demand, and (6) collaborate regionally with partners and coordinate with other NIOSH-supported training programs.
What does "translation of research to practice" mean in this program?
It means trainees and faculty are expected to work with stakeholders and apply evidence-based solutions that can be adopted in real work settings, with the goal of producing measurable improvements in occupational safety and health.
What is "prevention through design" in the context of this opportunity?
Prevention through design is highlighted as part of research-to-practice expectations, meaning centers should emphasize applying evidence-based solutions during the design of workplaces, equipment, processes, or systems so hazards are prevented or reduced before they cause harm.
What is required regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)?
The announcement sets an expectation that ERCs demonstrate a meaningful commitment to DEI aligned with NIOSH efforts (including work launched in 2019 and the Diversity and Inclusion Office). Applicants are expected to integrate DEI across recruitment and retention of diverse trainees and faculty, equitable training opportunities, inclusive outreach and continuing education, and engagement with communities and worker populations where occupational health disparities exist.
Is DEI treated as a separate or standalone activity?
No. The announcement indicates DEI should be integrated into the center's mission, values, training outputs, and community and stakeholder engagement, rather than treated as a standalone add-on.
Is a needs assessment required?
Yes. Applicants are expected to provide a documented needs assessment showing the center is responding to actual OSH workforce demand at a regional or national level.
What kinds of evidence can be used for the needs assessment?
The announcement notes that surveys of employers, alumni, and other stakeholders can be used. It also specifically asks applicants to consider findings from the National Assessment of the Occupational Safety and Health Workforce (2011).
Beyond documenting demand, what must applicants explain about outcomes for trainees?
Applicants are expected to explain how their training approach will support successful job placement and advancement of graduates into practitioner or research leadership positions after completion.
What does it mean that ERCs should have a strong regional presence?
ERCs are described as regional hubs of excellence. They are expected to engage broadly with partners in their region to improve worker safety and health and to provide continuing education and outreach that meets regional needs.
Who are examples of partners ERCs are expected to collaborate with?
Examples listed include other universities, historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), businesses, labor and professional associations, and federal, state, or local public health and regulatory agencies.
Do applicants have to coordinate with other NIOSH-funded training programs?
Yes. Applicants must identify other NIOSH ERCs and NIOSH-supported Training Project Grant (TPG) recipients within their HHS Federal Health Region and explain how they will coordinate, avoid unnecessary duplication, and create synergy across NIOSH-supported training programs.
What are the required cores (components) of an ERC?
Each ERC must include three required cores: (1) a Planning and Evaluation Core, (2) an Academic Training Core, and (3) an Education and Outreach Core.
What does the Planning and Evaluation Core cover?
This core covers center administration, planning, and evaluation, plus support for interdisciplinary activities. It also includes an optional element for emerging issues or developmental support to help centers respond to new priorities and evolving worker needs.
What are the direct cost limits within the Planning and Evaluation Core?
The Planning and Evaluation Core allows up to $250,000 per year in direct costs for administration/planning/evaluation, up to $30,000 per year in direct costs for interdisciplinary activities, and an optional emerging issues or developmental support element of up to $50,000 per year in direct costs.
What is required within the Academic Training Core?
The Academic Training Core must include at least three academic training programs. At least two of those programs must be in recognized OSH core disciplines: Industrial Hygiene (IH), Occupational Health Nursing (OHN), Occupational Medicine Residency (OMR), or Occupational Safety (OS).
Can Academic Training Core programs include disciplines beyond the four OSH core disciplines?
Yes. Additional programs may be in core or allied disciplines, as long as the applicant can justify their relevance to regional or national OSH needs.
Does the opportunity support certificate programs?
Yes. The announcement allows trainee support for academic certificate programs in both core and allied disciplines. However, certificate trainee support is limited to tuition and fees and must be included within the trainee cost allocation.
Is there a minimum number of trainees required per academic program?
No. The announcement states there is no minimum number of trainees required per academic program.
What is the "trainee-first" budgeting rule for the Academic Training Core?
At least 70 percent of the Academic Training Core direct costs must support trainee costs (stipends, tuition and fees, and travel). No more than 30 percent may support other training-related expenses such as faculty/staff salary support, supplies, equipment, and non-trainee travel.
Does the 70/30 budgeting split have to be met for each academic program individually?
No. The announcement indicates the 70/30 split can be applied across the academic programs in aggregate rather than program-by-program.
Is there a Research Training Core?
A Research Training Core is optional. If proposed, it can include Pilot Project Research Training (PPRT), Targeted Research Training (TRT), or both.
What is Pilot Project Research Training (PPRT)?
PPRT supports pilot projects for new investigators at the applicant institution or other research institutions in the ERC region. It can be funded up to $100,000 per year in direct costs, with individual pilot projects capped at $20,000 over a 12 to 18 month period.
What is Targeted Research Training (TRT)?
TRT supports research training for NIOSH trainees and for students from other disciplines who receive NIOSH support during their training. It can also support postdoctoral training in an OSH core discipline or a closely related allied field.
What is the annual direct cost limit for TRT?
TRT can be funded up to $300,000 per year in direct costs.
Is there a trainee-priority budgeting rule for TRT?
Yes. Similar to the Academic Training Core, TRT requires that at least 70 percent of direct costs go to trainee costs (stipends, tuition and fees, and travel), and up to 30 percent may go to training-related expenses.
What costs are allowed for postdoctoral support under TRT?
For postdoctoral support under TRT, funds are limited to stipends and travel.
What is included in the required Education and Outreach Core?
The Education and Outreach Core is required and is designed to push knowledge into practice beyond the university. It includes an education component for training safety and health practitioners and allied disciplines to influence workplace practices and policies, and an outreach component for engagement with businesses, community groups, agencies, and other regional institutions to implement strategies that improve the practice environment.
What are the direct cost limits for the Education component and Outreach component?
The education component can be funded up to $150,000 per year in direct costs. The outreach component can be funded up to $75,000 per year in direct costs.
What is the main difference between "education" and "outreach" in this core?
As described in the announcement, education focuses on training activities for practitioners (and allied disciplines) aimed at influencing workplace practices and policies, while outreach focuses on engagement with external organizations to implement strategies that meet regional needs and improve the OSH practice environment.
What kinds of training does the ERC program support overall?
The opportunity supports graduate and post-graduate degree training, academic certificate training, and continuing education/outreach activities designed to improve OSH practice in workplaces.
Where are graduates expected to work after completing ERC-supported training?
The program aims to prepare graduates for roles across government agencies at all levels, industry, labor organizations, healthcare, nonprofit organizations, and academia.
What are the key dates mentioned in the opportunity summary?
The original posting listed a creation date of November 26, 2021 and an original closing date of January 18, 2022, with electronic submissions due by 11:59 pm ET on the deadline date.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Health
Next opportunity: DRL: Combatting Online Gender-Based Violence in the East Asia and Pacific Region
Previous opportunity: Innovation Award: COVID-19 and Health Equity (U01) Clinical Trials Optional
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for RFA OH 22 001
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (RFA OH 22 001) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Supporting, Mobilizing and Accelerating Research for Tuberculosis Elimination (SMART4TB) Apply for 7200AA22RFA00004 Funding Number: 7200AA22RFA00004 Agency: Agency for International Development Category: Health Funding Amount: $200,000,000 |
| High Impact Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (HI-MNCH) Activity Apply for 72048222RFA00001 Funding Number: 72048222RFA00001 Agency: Agency for International Development, Burma USAID - Rangoon Category: Health Funding Amount: $20,000,000 |
| Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Program- Emergency Medical Services Competing Supplement Apply for HRSA 22 063 Funding Number: HRSA 22 063 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration Category: Health Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Strengthening Healthcare Infection Prevention and Control and Improving Patient Safety in the United States Apply for CDC RFA CK22 2203 Funding Number: CDC RFA CK22 2203 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control - NCEZID Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Nurse Education, Practice, Quality and Retention-Mobile Health Training Program (NEPQR-MHTP) Apply for HRSA 22 056 Funding Number: HRSA 22 056 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Enhancing Systems of Care for Children with Medical Complexity (Coordinating Center) Apply for HRSA 22 088 Funding Number: HRSA 22 088 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration Category: Health Funding Amount: $700,000 |
| Enhancing Systems of Care for Children with Medical Complexity (Demonstration Projects) Apply for HRSA 22 098 Funding Number: HRSA 22 098 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration Category: Health Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| NIOSH Centers for Agricultural Safety and Health Apply for RFA OH 22 002 Funding Number: RFA OH 22 002 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - ERA Category: Health Funding Amount: $2,200,000 |
| Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Research Network Apply for HRSA 22 076 Funding Number: HRSA 22 076 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Reduce Health Disparities and Improve Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Related Outcomes Through the Implementation of CDC’s Pediatric Mild TBI Guideline Apply for RFA CE 22 007 Funding Number: RFA CE 22 007 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - ERA Category: Health Funding Amount: $550,000 |
| Harm Reduction Program Grant Apply for SP 22 001 Funding Number: SP 22 001 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminis Category: Health Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| Rural Communities Opioid Response Program-Behavioral Health Care Technical Assistance Apply for HRSA 22 064 Funding Number: HRSA 22 064 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration Category: Health Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| Understanding Polydrug Use Risk and Protective Factors, Patterns, and Trajectories to Prevent Drug Overdose Apply for RFA CE 22 011 Funding Number: RFA CE 22 011 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - ERA Category: Health Funding Amount: $350,000 |
| Service Area Competition-Additional Areas: Lexington, KY and Worcester, MA Apply for HRSA 22 125 Funding Number: HRSA 22 125 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Service Area Competition Apply for HRSA 22 008 Funding Number: HRSA 22 008 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Integrating the National HIV Curriculum e-Learning Platform into Health Care Professions Programs Apply for HRSA 22 022 Funding Number: HRSA 22 022 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| National HIV Curriculum e-Learning Platform: Enhancements and Operations Apply for HRSA 22 021 Funding Number: HRSA 22 021 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Rigorous Evaluation of Community-Level Substance Use and Overdose Prevention Frameworks that Incorporate ACEs-Related Prevention Strategies Apply for RFA CE 22 009 Funding Number: RFA CE 22 009 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - ERA Category: Health Funding Amount: $831,250 |
| Optimization and Standardization of Methods to Suppress Ixodes scapularis and Disrupt Enzootic Pathogen Transmission in Settings Posing an Elevated Risk to Humans Apply for RFA CK 22 004 Funding Number: RFA CK 22 004 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - ERA Category: Health Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Part C Capacity Development Program Apply for HRSA 22 019 Funding Number: HRSA 22 019 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "RFA OH 22 001", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.