Autoimmunity Centers of Excellence, Basic Research Program (U19 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Background
The Autoimmunity Centers of Excellence (ACE) is a cooperative network intended to improve the understanding, prevention, and treatment of autoimmune diseases. The ACE combines Basic and Clinical research programs to accelerate both fundamental and applied research. Members of the Basic research program will conduct innovative studies of human autoimmunity within Principal, Pilot, and Collaborative Projects.

Grant Details
The Basic research program must include an Administrative Core, ACE Funds Management Core, ACE Biorepository Core, Principal Project, Collaborative Project, and Pilot Project. The Administrative Core provides overall leadership to the Center. The ACE Funds Management Core administers funds for Clinical Projects and Collaborative Projects. The ACE Biorepository Core coordinates the collection and storage of samples from ACE clinical projects.
Principal Project should incorporate the theme of the Center, exploit the applicant's expertise, and test hypotheses through Specific Aims that advance mechanistic understanding of autoimmune diseases.
Collaborative Project should be designed to test specific hypotheses on human autoimmunity and engage other members of the ACE after award.
Pilot Project should be designed as an innovative and exploratory investigation pursuing intriguing observations that may lead to discoveries or breakthroughs.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include Higher Education Institutions, Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS Status, For-Profit Organizations, Governments, Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Federally Recognized), Federal Government agencies, U.S. Territory or Possession agencies, 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 Foreign components as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.

Period of Performance
The total project period must be 5 years with an earliest start date in March 2024.

Grant Value
$7.2 million is planned to be committed to the ACE Program in fiscal year 2024 with approximately $3 million direct costs annually to support an ACE Clinical Project Fund and an ACE Collaborative Project Fund. NIAID anticipates 2-4 U19 awards within the ACE Basic Research Program.