The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has released a funding opportunity for eligible institutions to apply for grants under the *Limited Competition: Development and Renovation of Facilities for Expanding the Breeding Capacity of Specific Pathogen Free Non-Human Primates to Support HIV/AIDS-related Research* (C06 Clinical Trial Not Allowed). This funding, facilitated through the Office of AIDS Research (OAR) and the Office of Research Infrastructure Programs (ORIP), is aimed at expanding facilities that breed Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) non-human primates (NHPs). These facilities are critical for advancing HIV/AIDS research, which relies on NHP models for studies in areas such as vaccine development, therapies, and understanding HIV-related complications. The purpose is to modernize and expand the infrastructure to meet the current and projected research demands, especially given the increased need highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The eligible applicants are limited to institutions that currently house NIH-supported SPF NHP colonies, and the funding will cover new construction or renovation projects that expand the breeding capacity for these vital animal models. The facilities developed or improved through this grant must have a useful life of at least 10 years and demonstrate a clear benefit to HIV/AIDS-related research. Requests for routine maintenance, replacement of aging equipment, or space dedicated to a single investigator will not be supported under this initiative. Furthermore, applicants must justify their requests based on the research needs of SPF NHPs in HIV/AIDS studies.

Applicants can request budgets between $2,000,000 and $4,000,000, depending on the project's scope, with the total project period not exceeding five years. The funding will be provided in a single award, with specific design funds available immediately after the Notice of Award (NoA), and the remaining funds released upon approval of design documents. Eligible costs include architectural and engineering design, fixed equipment purchase and installation, construction expenses, and contingency fees. Applicants are encouraged to incorporate sustainable design principles and green technologies into their project proposals.

To be eligible, institutions must complete all required registrations, including SAM, NATO Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) code, and eRA Commons, well in advance of application submission. The submission process requires electronic applications through Grants.gov or the NIH ASSIST system. A letter of intent, though not mandatory, is encouraged and due on December 7, 2023, with full applications due by January 7, 2024.

Key personnel for the project must include a Principal Investigator (PI) with expertise in NHP breeding and HIV/AIDS research. The PI must also demonstrate leadership in managing complex construction projects. Additionally, the proposal should include a construction project manager with technical expertise and a facility manager responsible for ongoing operations once the project is completed.

The NIH will review applications based on criteria such as the scientific merit of the research programs supported by the facility, the justification for expanding NHP breeding capacity, and the feasibility of the proposed design. The peer review process will also consider the project’s potential to benefit research both locally and nationally, the design's compliance with relevant standards, and the institution's long-term commitment to maintaining the facility.

Award announcements are expected by May 2024, with project start dates as early as July 2024. Applicants should ensure that they follow all guidelines for documentation and demonstrate the project's alignment with NIH priorities for HIV/AIDS research. For questions or additional guidance, institutions are encouraged to contact the designated NIH program officials.