Biomedical Research Environment and Sponsored Programs Administration Development (BRE-SPAD) Program (UC2- Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The Biomedical Research Environment & Sponsored Programs Administration Development (BRE-SPAD) Program, funded by the NIH, seeks to enhance biomedical research capacity and administration at resource-limited institutions (RLIs). The BRE-SPAD aims to broaden biomedical research by supporting RLIs in conducting research, building their research environment, and improving sponsored program administration. The program specifically targets RLIs with limited resources for biomedical research, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal entities, and other institutions that meet specific NIH funding and doctoral conferment criteria. Importantly, applicants must include a Plan for Enhancing Diverse Perspectives (PEDP) to integrate inclusivity and broaden the range of perspectives within their projects.

The BRE-SPAD funding supports three key areas: developing sponsored programs administration, enhancing the research environment, and establishing pilot research programs. To apply, institutions must propose plans covering at least two of these areas based on organizational needs. For example, applicants might focus on training staff, creating new grant management policies, purchasing shared research equipment, organizing faculty grant-writing workshops, and facilitating research-based curricula for students. For pilot research programs, institutions can allocate short-term funds to help faculty conduct preliminary studies, aiming to increase the likelihood of future research funding.

Eligible institutions are those with fewer than six million dollars in NIH support annually over recent years, or with fewer than five biomedical PhDs conferred annually. They must complete necessary federal registrations, including in SAM, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov. Applicant organizations, which may be partnered with other eligible RLIs, need to have unique entity identifiers and follow NIH’s application compliance guidelines. Foreign organizations or those affiliated with non-U.S. entities are not eligible. Multiple applications from a single institution are not permitted, though institutions may collaborate with other organizations participating in BRE-SPAD programs.

The application process requires the completion of specific sections, including a detailed research strategy, organizational assessment, innovation plans, and sustainability strategy. Each project must include letters of support from senior officials and mentors committed to the program’s success, as well as an evaluation plan to track progress. Applications should be submitted through NIH’s ASSIST or Grants.gov, and they must include the PEDP; failure to do so results in application withdrawal.

Applications will undergo NIH peer review based on three main criteria: the importance and innovation of the research, rigor and feasibility, and the expertise and institutional resources. Reviews will also consider additional elements like human and animal subject protections, biohazard safety, and budget justification. Successful applicants are selected based on scientific merit, relevance to NIH’s priorities, and funding availability.

Funding awards will be cooperative agreements with active NIH oversight, involving regular reporting, participation in webinars and steering committee meetings, and progress evaluations. The NIH’s involvement will include facilitating and advising but not directing project activities. Annual and final progress reports are mandatory, covering specific research, training, and organizational improvements achieved through the award. BRE-SPAD is renewable once, with a potential maximum funding period of 10 years, contingent on achieving significant outcomes.

For inquiries, applicants are encouraged to contact designated NIH staff or check NIH’s updated policy notices for compliance.