Emergency Awards: Community-engaged COVID-19 Testing Interventions among Underserved and Vulnerable Populations RADx-UP Phase II (U01 Clinical Trial Optional)

Background
This funding opportunity announcement (FOA) uses an emergency U01 mechanism to support Phase II of the Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics - Underserved Populations (RADx-UP) initiative. The two-year Testing Research Projects will expand the scope and reach of RADx-UP testing interventions to reduce COVID-19 disparities among underserved and vulnerable populations and address scientific questions on interventions to increase access and uptake of COVID-19 testing given the increasing availability of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. The funding for this initiative is provided from the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, 2020.

Grant Details
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) are issuing this funding FOA in response to the declared public health emergency issued by the Secretary, HHS, for 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). This FOA provides an expedited funding mechanism to support Phase II of the RADx-UP initiative. The projects will apply scientific knowledge gained in 2020 and 2021 to develop and evaluate interventions with the goal of conducting testing to decrease disparities that contribute to the increased risk of COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and mortality. Projects will help understand and address disparities in testing and the effects of testing combined with other mitigation strategies on infection rates, transmission, and outcomes.

Eligibility Requirements
This FOA is applicable to underserved and vulnerable populations that are COVID-19 vulnerable due to medical, geographic, and social factors. It is open for applications from various organizations including academic, private, safety-net health systems, grassroots organizations, public health departments, community and faith-based organizations, schools or childcare settings.

Period of Performance
The period of performance for this grant starts from July 2021 with an earliest start date in July 2021. All applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of applicant organization. The projects are expected to demonstrate measurable impact within 6 months post-award and across a two-year timeframe.

Grant Value
The total value of the grant is not explicitly mentioned in the provided document.