Consortium for Food Allergy Research: Clinical Research Center (U01 Clinical Trial Required)

Background
The purpose of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is to solicit applications for the Clinical Research Centers (CRC) for the NIAID Consortium for Food Allergy Research (CoFAR). The CoFAR-CRCs will conduct both network-wide observational studies/clinical trials and center-specific projects with the goals to advance prevention and management strategies and to improve knowledge on the origins and the pathophysiology of IgE-mediated food allergy, Alpha-Gal Syndrome, Food Protein-induced Enterocolitis Syndrome and Eosinophilic Esophagitis. For network-wide clinical research projects and other network functions, the CoFAR-CRCs will work closely with the CoFAR Leadership Center (CoFAR-LC).

Grant Details
The CoFAR is a clinical network consisting of two distinct entities, the CoFAR Leadership Center (LC) and the CoFAR Clinical Research Centers (CRCs). The two entities will work collaboratively to conduct network-wide, ground-breaking clinical research projects in the areas of prevention, therapy, and understanding of the mechanisms of food allergy. The CoFAR-LC will provide leadership, overall strategy, and support for the network-wide clinical research projects. The CoFAR-CRCs will execute all network-wide clinical research projects. It is expected that CoFAR will conduct at least two network-wide clinical research projects. At least one of these projects will be a therapeutic or preventive clinical trial. Both the CoFAR-LC and the CoFAR-CRCs will propose network-wide clinical research projects.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, state governments, county governments, city or township governments, special district governments, Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (both federally recognized and other than federally recognized), federal government agencies, U.S. territories or possessions, 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. Foreign institutions are not eligible to apply.

Period of Performance
The proposed project period must be 7 years.

Grant Value
NIAID intends to commit a total of $12.1 million in FY 2024 to support all the activities of the Consortium for Food Allergy Research Program. This $12.1 million includes funding for: 1) 12 awards for CoFAR CRCs at an estimated $400,000 per award.