Administrative Supplements to Promote Diversity in Small Businesses-SBIR/STTR (Admin Supp Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | PA 18 837

FAQs: NIH/CDC Administrative Supplement for SBIR/STTR Diversity (PA 18-837)

What is PA 18-837?

PA 18-837 is an NIH and CDC administrative supplement funding opportunity that provides additional funds to small businesses with active SBIR or STTR awards. The purpose is to strengthen diversity in the health-related research workforce by supporting the recruitment, support, and mentoring of individuals from groups that are nationally underrepresented in biomedical, behavioral, clinical, and related research fields, including groups underrepresented within the SBIR program itself.

Is this a grant for a brand-new project?

No. This opportunity is an administrative supplement, meaning it adds targeted funding to an existing, active SBIR or STTR award. The supplement activities must remain within the scientific scope of the parent award and are intended to enhance or extend the impact of the already-funded work rather than launch a new project direction.

What is the main goal of this supplement program?

The main goal is to broaden participation and build a more inclusive pipeline of researchers and innovators working on federally supported R&D in small business settings. It does this by enabling Small Business Concerns (SBCs) to bring in and support underrepresented individuals through mentored research experiences and structured career-development or training support that aligns with the parent project.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to U.S. small businesses (Small Business Concerns, or SBCs) that already hold an active SBIR or STTR award and are seeking additional funds either to enhance workforce diversity (as described in NIH diversity definitions) or to support certain disability-related needs for a current PD/PI.

Can a foreign institution apply or participate as a foreign component?

No. Foreign institutions cannot apply. Non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations are not eligible. Foreign components (as defined by the NIH Grants Policy Statement) are not allowed under this opportunity.

What kinds of individuals can be supported by the supplement?

The supplement can support students, postdoctoral researchers, and other eligible investigators who qualify under NIH diversity definitions. The intent is to recruit, support, and mentor individuals from groups that are nationally underrepresented in relevant research fields, including groups underrepresented within SBIR.

What types of costs can the supplement funds cover?

Based on the provided description, supplement funds can typically support salary or stipend support for eligible participants, fringe benefits as appropriate, and potentially certain justified training-related costs connected to their role on the active parent project.

What does "must stay within the scientific scope of the parent award" mean?

It means the supplement cannot introduce a new research direction, a separate product concept, or a substantially different research plan. The requested activities must directly advance the existing funded aims of the active SBIR/STTR award, usually by adding personnel and related training or career-development support that integrates into the current project.

Can the supplement be used to start or lead a clinical trial?

No. This opportunity is designated "Clinical Trial Not Allowed." Applicants cannot propose leading an independent clinical trial, a clinical trial feasibility study, or an ancillary study to a clinical trial as part of the supplement.

Is any clinical trial-related experience allowed at all?

Yes, in a limited way. Participants supported by the supplement may gain research experience in a clinical trial setting if that clinical trial is led by a mentor or co-mentor. This allows training and exposure without using the supplement to initiate or direct a clinical trial.

Can current PD(s)/PI(s) benefit from this supplement?

Yes. The mechanism is also available to current PD(s)/PI(s) who are or become disabled and require added support or reasonable accommodations to continue contributing to the research project, as long as the request is tied to the parent award's scope and needs.

What is the expected project focus when using the supplement?

The supplement is intended to add mentored research experiences and structured support that is feasible during the remaining project period and clearly integrated into the parent project aims. It is positioned as a way to extend the impact of an existing SBIR/STTR award by strengthening the workforce working on that award.

What is the funding instrument and general category for this opportunity?

The funding instrument is a grant. It is categorized under education and health, consistent with a supplement that supports mentored research experiences, training, and workforce development within health-related R&D.

Are specific CFDA program numbers associated with this opportunity?

Yes. The opportunity is associated with multiple CFDA program numbers, reflecting participation across a broad range of NIH and CDC institutes and centers involved in SBIR/STTR and related research areas. The specific numbers are not listed in the provided excerpt.

When was this opportunity created and when did it close?

The opportunity was created on June 20, 2018. The original listed closing date in the provided information is September 4, 2021.

Is there an award ceiling or an expected number of awards?

The provided excerpt does not specify an award ceiling or an expected number of awards. This can be common for administrative supplement announcements, where final budgets and award counts may depend on institute priorities and available funds.

What should an applicant emphasize in a supplement request?

Based on the description provided, applicants should emphasize that the proposed activities are well-justified, feasible within the remaining project period, and clearly integrated into and supportive of the existing SBIR/STTR project's aims, whether the focus is diversity workforce enhancement or PD/PI disability-related support.