The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) titled "Revision Applications for Incorporation of Novel NCI-Supported Technology to Accelerate Cancer Research (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)" invites applications from currently funded NCI R01 research projects. The objective is to incorporate new technical approaches or devices developed through the NCI Innovative Molecular Analysis Technologies (IMAT) program into existing research. These awards aim to validate emerging technologies, accelerate their adoption, and enhance the rigor and outcomes of cancer research projects.

This NOFO supports hypothesis-driven R01 projects that propose to integrate IMAT-supported technologies to address gaps, overcome existing limitations, or enhance the parent study. Projects are expected to generate corroborative data, improve technology validation, and contribute to advancing cancer research. Eligible applicants must have at least one year remaining on their parent R01 grant (not including periods of no-cost extension). The funding cannot extend beyond the original grant's end date.

The IMAT program, established in 1998, focuses on developing and disseminating innovative molecular, cellular analysis, and biospecimen technologies for cancer research. It supports tools and methods to improve early detection, diagnostics, treatment, and understanding of cancer biology. Proposals must focus on technologies specifically supported by the IMAT program and cannot rely on commercially available technologies, tools developed by the parent R01 PI, or projects in no-cost extension periods.

Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, non-profits, for-profits, state and local governments, tribal organizations, and foreign institutions. All applicant organizations must have active registrations with SAM, NCAGE (for foreign entities), eRA Commons, and Grants.gov. Principal Investigators (PIs) must have eRA Commons accounts. NIH encourages applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds, including underrepresented groups in biomedical research.

The total funding available is approximately $700,000, supporting an estimated three awards for fiscal year 2026. Direct costs may not exceed $150,000 per year, and applicants may request up to two years of funding, provided it does not exceed the parent grant's remaining period. Applications must be submitted electronically using ASSIST, Grants.gov Workspace, or an institutional system-to-system solution.

Applications will be reviewed based on their significance, innovation, rigor, feasibility, investigator expertise, and available resources. Projects must demonstrate how IMAT-supported technology will enhance the parent study, validate new technologies, and contribute to the broader cancer research community. Applications will also be assessed for protections for human subjects, inclusion of underrepresented groups, biohazard safety, and data-sharing plans.

Key dates include an opening submission date of March 4, 2025, with application due dates on April 4, 2025, and October 3, 2025. Scientific merit reviews are scheduled for July 2025 and February 2026, with advisory council reviews in October 2025 and May 2026. Earliest project start dates are December 2025 and July 2026. Prospective applicants are encouraged to submit a letter of intent 30 days before the application due date.

For questions, applicants are encouraged to contact NCI program officers, grants management officials, or the eRA Service Desk. Successful applicants will be expected to comply with NIH policies regarding human subjects protections, data and safety monitoring, and other administrative requirements.