Coccidioidomycosis Collaborative Research Centers (P01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Background
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), specifically the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), is issuing a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to establish Coccidioidomycosis Collaborative Research Centers (CCRC). This initiative aims to form multi-disciplinary research teams to conduct translational and clinical research focused on developing a vaccine for Valley fever, as outlined in NIAID's Strategic Plan for Research.

Grant Details
The CCRC program will involve the establishment of highly collaborative research teams that will conduct research aligned with NIAID's priorities. The program structure must include an Administrative Core, at least two Research Projects organized around a common theme, and up to two optional Cores. Each CCRC must propose a minimum of two and a maximum of four Research Projects, with at least one involving clinical research utilizing Valley fever patient samples.

The Administrative Core will manage and coordinate all activities, while Development and Research Program (DRP) awards will support early-stage investigators. Annual Programmatic Meetings are required to facilitate collaboration among funded CCRCs. Applications focusing on HIV/AIDS or other non-Coccidioides infections will be deemed non-responsive.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, local governments, state governments, tribal governments, and other entities as specified. Non-domestic entities are not eligible to apply. Only one application per institution is allowed.

Period of Performance
The project period must be five years.

Grant Value
NIAID intends to commit $4.8 million in FY 2027 to fund 3-4 awards, with individual application budgets not expected to exceed $1.2 million direct costs per year.

Place of Performance
Research is expected to leverage unique resources and patient populations from endemic regions in the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico, Central America, and South America.