Limited Competition: Resources and Workforce Development for the Regional Biocontainment Laboratories (UC7 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Background
The goal of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is to provide support to the 12 Regional Biocontainment Laboratories (RBLs) previously constructed with NIAID support. This support is intended to enable them to develop and maintain resources, staff, and facilities necessary to address biodefense agents, emerging infectious diseases, and pandemic preparedness in line with NIAID priorities. Operations support is provided for facility maintenance and operations, as well as Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) practices support for personnel working in and around BSL-3 space and associated building systems. An optional component would allow the RBLs to provide specialized services essential to support BSL3 activities. The RBLs will serve as regional resources for efforts in conducting pre-clinical and laboratory (in vitro and in vivo) research and testing on hazardous biological agents in support of NIAIDs biodefense, emerging infectious diseases, and pandemic preparedness research efforts.

Grant Details
The purpose of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is to provide an opportunity for the Regional Biocontainment Laboratories (RBLs) established by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) to request support for costs associated with the everyday operation of the RBL Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) laboratory. This support aims to facilitate the conduct of research and medical countermeasure development for biodefense, emerging infectious diseases, and pandemic preparedness and response. The RBLs will serve as regional resources for efforts in conducting pre-clinical and laboratory (in vitro and in vivo) research and testing on hazardous biological agents in support of NIAIDs biodefense, emerging infectious diseases, and pandemic preparedness research efforts.

Eligibility Requirements
Only one application per institution is allowed. The following organizations/institutions are eligible to apply: Colorado State University, Duke University, George Mason University, Rutgers University, Tufts University, Tulane University, University of Alabama at Birmingham, University of Chicago, University of Louisville, University of Missouri, University of Pittsburgh, University of Tennessee.

Period of Performance
The period of funding must be five years.

Grant Value
NIAID intends to commit between $20-$30 million in FY 2023 to fund 12 awards. Applicants should request a minimum of $1,000,000 direct costs per year.

Place of Performance
The specific geographic locations where the grant will be performed are the 12 Regional Biocontainment Laboratories established by NIAID.