Questions and Answers for RFA-AI-23-032

This NOFO defines two Biological Domains:

1. Viral families; bacterial and archaea; and metagenomics/microbiome/viromes relevant to infectious diseases.
2. Eukaryotic (e.g., unicellular including fungi, parasites, etc.) and metazoan (e.g., helminths, etc.) pathogens; vectors for human pathogens; and hosts-pathogen interactions relevant to biomedical research.

An application may focus on one or both of the two Biological Domains. Additionally, each of your chosen Biological Domain(s) must be addressed in its entirety. Applications may not select individual items, omit items, or mix and match. Applications that do not address the entire set of organisms in one or both of the Biological Domain(s) will be considered non-responsive and withdrawn without review. All of the Key Elements must be included for that Biological Domain.

This initiative will support Bioinformatics Resource Centers across all human pathogenic bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, microbiome/viromes/metagenomics, and their vectors. Closely related species that are non-pathogenic to humans may be included, as well as species used as model organisms for human disease, but these should not be the focus of the BRC. Pathogens include, but are not limited to, priority pathogens highlighted in NIAID’s List of Emerging Infectious Diseases and other pathogens based on NIAID’s Prototype Pathogen Approach for pandemic preparedness.  

Yes. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign institutions), non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. organizations, and foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are eligible to apply.

No, a working knowledgebase is not a requirement for the application, but the team should have expertise in this domain.  While a working knowledgebase is not necessary at the time of application or award, applicants should be able to establish a functional knowledgebase within a timeline that supports completion of the proposed Specific Aims and to maintain a readiness position needed for Key Element #4. Please note that preliminary data in support of the approach and demonstrating feasibility of the proposed work for any or all key elements are encouraged. All applicants can anticipate being able to build on the database, software, and data generated under other NIAID-funded projects, including those available at NIAID GitHub, to establish a knowledgebase as described in the NOFO.

Preliminary data in support of the approach and demonstrating feasibility of the proposed work for any or all key elements are encouraged. All applicants can anticipate being able to build on the database, software, and data generated under other NIAID-funded projects, including those available at NIAID GitHub, to establish a knowledgebase as described in the NOFO.

The NIH Policy on Late Submission of Grant Applications applies to this RFA. NIH recommends submitting early—at least 2 days before the due date. Submitting early provides time to track your application, correct any errors, and view your application by the due date.

Yes, a BRC application may include interdisciplinary teams from different institutions.

Yes. The Bioinformatics Resource Center Program aims to provide knowledgebases and bioinformatics technologies that support both basic science and translational research for the NIAID Mission with data and tools to improve diagnostics, prevention, and treatment of human infectious diseases through a more robust understanding of differential disease outcomes. The application must address multi-omics and relevant research data and analytics in the context of these areas, as described in the NOFO.

No exact amount of effort for each element is required. The applicant should propose the effort required for the scope of work proposed.