NIH Gateway to Research Opportunities for the Workforce (GROW) Program   3

Background
The NIH Office of Acquisition, on behalf of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), is issuing a requirement for the NIH Gateway to Research Opportunities for the Workforce (GROW) Program. This initiative aims to prepare students to become competitive applicants for research training programs at research-intensive institutions, such as NIH and other R1 institutions. The GROW Program is designed to enhance research capacity at contracted institutions, increase student access to research opportunities, and support STEM education, thereby contributing to national competitiveness.

The program features two distinct tracks: one for high school students and another for undergraduate students.

Work Details
The contractor will provide a two-year training program that includes:
1. **High School Track**: Aimed at preparing high school students from American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities for future summer research training programs. This track includes:
- A seven- to eight-week summer program.
- At least one enrichment activity in both fall and spring.
- A curriculum that introduces clinical and basic research, key biology areas, professional development, and a Traditional Knowledge component presented by a Native American community member.

2. **Undergraduate Track**: Focused on college students from resource-limited institutions (RLIs) to prepare them for summer research programs. This track includes:
- A seven- to eight-week summer program.
- At least one enrichment activity in both fall and spring.
- A curriculum that covers clinical and basic research topics relevant to community health issues.

Both tracks require strong mentor/mentee relationships and networking opportunities with local scientists. The contractor must also ensure that all key personnel have appropriate expertise in biomedical research.

Period of Performance
The anticipated period of performance includes one 12-month base period starting in July 2026, followed by one 12-month option period.

Place of Performance
The contract will be performed at the contractor's site in the United States.

Bidder Requirements
To be eligible for the undergraduate track, institutions must:
1. Award undergraduate degrees (B.S. or B.A.) in biomedical sciences.
2. Have received less than $6 million per year in NIH R01 support over the past three fiscal years.
3. Enroll at least 25% of undergraduate students supported by Pell grants based on recent data from IPEDS.

For the high school track, contractors must be situated near AI/AN communities and demonstrate extensive experience working with these communities.

Incumbent Analysis (see Incumbents section for more detail)
This opportunity appears to have a confirmed incumbent and/or closely related prior contract activity under NIH NINDS Scientific Research Preparatory Summer Course Program (SIPS/AAIN), with multiple awards issued for 05/06/24–05/05/26. Prior awardees include the Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska ($250,000), Northern Arizona University ($250,000), University of Alabama ($250,000), Johns Hopkins University ($249,999), and Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences ($247,798). The prior work appears similar as it is also a NINDS scientific research preparatory summer course program that aligns with the current requirement for structured summer research preparation plus enrichment activities and mentor/mentee engagement for students progressing toward research training programs.