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Grant Analysis

Purpose & Target

This grant, the Dissemination and Implementation Research in Health (R03 Clinical Trial Not Allowed), aims to fund small research projects. Its core objective is to identify, develop, and test strategies for successfully integrating evidence-based health interventions into real-world settings. It also supports research on how to stop using ineffective or harmful practices and on developing new methods for this type of research. This funding opportunity is SECTOR-SPECIFIC, focusing primarily on the health sector, including public health and clinical practice. It is designed for a wide range of organizations, from educational institutions and nonprofits to small businesses and government entities. The geographic scope is broad, covering both U.S. organizations and non-U.S. (foreign) entities. Key filtering criteria for this grant are its focus on researching implementation strategies (not testing the interventions themselves), its small grant (R03) mechanism with a limited budget, and the explicit exclusion of clinical trials. This is a recurring funding opportunity with multiple application deadlines each year until early 2028, reflecting an ongoing commitment from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to bridge the gap between health research and practice.

Financial Structure

This grant operates as a direct funding mechanism with specific financial parameters:

Budget Range: You can request up to $50,000 in direct costs per year for your project. Given the maximum project period of 2 years, the total direct costs for a project under this grant would be up to $100,000.
Cost Sharing/Matching Funds: This grant does NOT require any cost sharing or matching funds from your organization. This means the grant is intended to cover 100% of the approved direct costs, subject to the $50,000 annual limit.
Eligible and Ineligible Costs: While a detailed list of eligible and ineligible costs is not provided within this specific announcement, standard NIH Grants Policy Statement guidelines will apply. Generally, costs directly related to conducting the approved research, such as personnel, supplies, equipment (within reason for an R03), and travel for research purposes, would be eligible. However, pre-award costs are only allowable as described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.
Payment Schedule and Mechanisms: Grant funds are typically disbursed via standard federal payment mechanisms once an award is made.
Financial Reporting Requirements: Recipients are required to submit financial statements and annually submit a Research Performance Progress Report (RPPR). A final RPPR and expenditure data are required at the closeout of the award.
Financial Guarantees: No specific financial guarantees are mentioned as being required for this grant. However, NIH reviews an applicant's federal award history to ensure sound business practices before making an award.

Eligibility Requirements

This grant has broad eligibility, welcoming a diverse range of organizations. However, it is crucial that your proposed research does not involve a clinical trial. Eligible Organization Types:

Higher Education Institutions: This includes both public/state-controlled and private colleges and universities.
Nonprofits: Both those with and without 501(c)(3) IRS status (excluding higher education institutions).
For-Profit Organizations: This covers both small businesses and other for-profit organizations (larger businesses).
Government Entities: Includes various levels such as State, County, City, Township, and Special District Governments. Federally Recognized Indian/Native American Tribal Governments and other Indian/Native American Tribal Governments are also eligible, as are Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government and U.S. Territories or Possessions.
Other: Independent School Districts, Public Housing Authorities/Indian Housing Authorities, Native American Tribal Organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments), Faith-based or Community-based Organizations, Regional Organizations, and Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations).

Geographic and Other Requirements:

Applicants can be based in the United States or any foreign country (Non-domestic entities are eligible to apply and receive funding).
All applicant organizations and key personnel (Program Director/Principal Investigator) must complete and maintain necessary registrations with the U.S. System for Award Management (SAM), obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), register with eRA Commons, and Grants.gov. These registrations can take 6 weeks or more, so start early.
There are no specified organizational size limitations beyond the distinction between 'small businesses' and 'other for-profit organizations'.
Your team must demonstrate a clear background, training, and expertise in dissemination and implementation research.

Exclusion Criteria (Non-Responsive Applications):

Clinical Trials are NOT allowed. This grant focuses on researching the strategies for implementation, not on testing the efficacy of health interventions themselves.
Applications proposing to test therapies, imaging, diagnostics, biologics, or devices (e.g., first-in-human studies or drug/device safety trials) are not allowed.
Applications that propose to test an intervention in an efficacy trial are not allowed.

Application Process

Applying for this grant requires careful attention to detail and adherence to specific submission procedures set by the NIH. Application Process Timeline and Deadlines: This grant has multiple application cycles throughout the year. The latest submission deadline for new applications is October 16, 2027. The latest deadline for resubmission/revision (including AIDS-related projects) is January 07, 2028, at 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization. It is strongly encouraged to submit applications early to allow time for correcting any errors. Required Documentation and Materials: Applications must follow the instructions in the NIH 'Research (R) Instructions in the How to Apply - Application Guide', along with any program-specific instructions in this announcement. Key components include: * Standard NIH forms such as the SF424(R&R) series (Cover, Project/Performance Site Locations, Other Project Information, Senior/Key Person Profile, Budget). * PHS 398 Cover Page Supplement and Research Plan. The 'Research Strategy' section within the Research Plan should clearly address the importance, rigor, feasibility, expertise, and resources of your project. * A Data Management and Sharing Plan is mandatory for all applications, regardless of the direct costs requested. * If involving human subjects or clinical trials (even if not allowed for the R03, certain human subjects research has specific requirements), specific PHS Human Subjects and Clinical Trials Information forms are needed. * Letters of Support/Collaboration are important and should detail the commitment level from partners. * Appendix materials are very limited; generally, only blank questionnaires or surveys are allowed. Submission Format and Platform: Applications must be submitted electronically through one of the following methods: * NIH ASSIST system (online preparation, submission, and tracking). * An institutional system-to-system (S2S) solution (check with your institution). * Grants.gov Workspace. Pre-Application Requirements:

A Letter of Intent is encouraged 30 days prior to the application due date.
Your organization must complete and maintain active registrations with the System for Award Management (SAM), obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), and register with eRA Commons and Grants.gov. These registrations can take 6 weeks or more, so begin immediately.
All Program Directors/Principal Investigators must have an eRA Commons account affiliated with the applicant organization.

Review and Selection Process: Applications undergo scientific peer review by a Scientific Review Group. The highest-ranking applications may then receive a second review by an Advisory Council or Board. Funding decisions consider scientific merit, fund availability, and relevance to program priorities. Post-Award Requirements: If awarded, recipients are expected to submit a Research Performance Progress Report (RPPR) annually. A final RPPR and expenditure data are required for award closeout. Compliance with all administrative and national policy requirements, including nondiscrimination laws, is mandatory.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are rigorously evaluated for their scientific and technical merit through a peer review process, focusing on three main factors that contribute to the project's overall potential for significant impact. Scored Review Criteria:

Importance of the Research (Significance and Innovation):
- Reviewers will assess the estimated public health benefit of your proposed research and how its results will advance knowledge in dissemination and implementation. They look for how easily potential users can apply your findings to their own settings.
- Your project should demonstrate how it reaches the intended population effectively and delivers services. It must also introduce new and innovative concepts, outcomes, measures, or design approaches to the field, promising to speed up the translation of research into practice or generate novel and robust findings.
Rigor and Feasibility (Approach):
- This section evaluates your understanding of dissemination and implementation research principles. Your proposed approach should be appropriate for the problem and target population, using research methods that are relevant, rigorous, and practical.
- Reviewers will check if your study design is justified by the current state-of-the-art and relevant contextual factors. Your procedures for assessing and analyzing dissemination/implementation strategies must be appropriate, and your measurement and analysis plan should align with your goals, using the best available data to track process and impact (including cost-effectiveness). Multi-level analyses (e.g., patient, provider, system) are encouraged where applicable.
Expertise and Resources (Investigator(s) and Environment):
- Reviewers consider whether the investigators have the necessary background, training, and expertise for their career stage to conduct the proposed work.
- For teams with multiple Principal Investigators, the quality of their leadership plan for coordination and collaboration is assessed.
- The institutional resources must be appropriate for successful project execution.
- Crucially, reviewers will look for clear evidence that the investigators are part of stakeholder teams or have strong connections with stakeholders necessary to achieve the project goals, and that the team possesses clear expertise in dissemination and implementation research.

Additional Review Considerations (Not Scored, but Impact Overall Score):

Protections for Human Subjects: If your research involves human subjects, thorough justification for their involvement and adequate protections against risks are critical. Compliance with 45 CFR Part 46 is essential.
Vertebrate Animals/Biohazards: If applicable, plans for involvement of animals or handling biohazards will be reviewed for appropriateness and safety.
Budget and Period of Support: The proposed budget and project duration must be fully justified and reasonable in relation to the proposed research. This grant has a maximum direct cost of $50,000 per year for up to 2 years.

Compliance & Special Requirements

This grant, issued by the National Institutes of Health, involves adherence to strict federal regulations and ethical guidelines to ensure responsible conduct of research. Regulatory Compliance Requirements:

All awards are subject to the U.S. federal regulations outlined in 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards).
The NIH Grants Policy Statement is incorporated as part of the terms and conditions of any award.
Recipients must comply with all applicable nondiscrimination laws and submit an Assurance of Compliance (HHS-690) during registration.

Data Protection and Sharing:

A Data Management and Sharing Plan is required for all applications. If awarded, you must adhere to and implement this plan, consistent with the 2023 NIH Policy for Data Management and Sharing.

Ethical Standards and Human/Animal Subjects:

If your research involves human subjects, rigorous protections must be in place and justified, following 45 CFR Part 46. Your institution's Internal Review Board (IRB) or Independent Ethics Committee (IEC) must review and approve protocols.
If your research involves vertebrate animals, specific criteria for their involvement must be met, including justification for their use, minimization of discomfort, and appropriate euthanasia methods.
Any biohazards involved in the research must be identified, and adequate protection measures proposed.

Financial and Legal Compliance:

Recipients are required to disclose any violations of federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity that could affect the federal award (Mandatory Disclosure, 2 CFR 200.113).

Unique Aspects and Strategic Opportunities:

This R03 grant is specifically for small research projects on dissemination and implementation. It complements larger R01 and R21 funding opportunities for projects with greater scope and objectives.
A strong emphasis is placed on multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary teams and significant, ongoing collaboration with stakeholders (e.g., practitioners, consumers, policymakers). Engaging end-users and community partners throughout the research process is highly encouraged.
The grant promotes studies that focus on equitable dissemination and implementation of interventions, particularly for underrepresented communities.
Interest exists in projects related to the re-implementation of health services disrupted by disasters.
Projects are expected to contribute to the long-term sustainment of evidence-based interventions.
The grant aims to advance the methods and measures used in D&I research, encouraging the development of novel approaches and psychometrically sound instruments.

Grant Details