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Research Office

PAR-26-106: Development of Collaborative Research Facilities or Research-Resource Facilities

PAR-26-106: Development of Collaborative Research Facilities or Research-Resource Facilities (C06 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
  • WVU Internal Due: September 15, 2026
  • Agency Proposal Due Dates: January 25, 2027

NIH Office of Research Infrastructure Programs (ORIP) / Office of AIDS Research (OAR)

PAR-26-106

Synopsis

This NOFO solicits applications to develop shared-use research facilities or research-supporting facilities that enable collaborative research and benefit broad research communities at large. It supports two existing construction programs, and applicants select one track:

  • BRF (Biomedical Research Facilities): Supports construction or modernization of biomedical research facilities advancing basic, translational, clinical, or behavioral science research in all areas—shared research spaces, core facilities, biorepositories, or other shared-use resource facilities serving a broad scientific community with significant, long-term impact.
  • HRF (HIV/AIDS Research Facilities): Funds development of HIV/AIDS research or research-supporting resources aligned with NIH Office of AIDS Research (OAR) priorities, including long-term health consequences of HIV infection.

NIH encourages applications from institutions across all geographic regions, including Institutions of Emerging Excellence (IEE) in biomedical research (42 USC 283k(c)(2)(D)). NIH intends to allocate at least 25% of BRF funds to IEE projects. Laboratory spaces dedicated solely to individual investigators or single research groups are NOT supported. Facilities focused primarily on animal research/animal care are not a priority.

Award Information

Total Federal Funds Requested: BRF: $2,000,000–$8,000,000 | HRF: $2,000,000–$4,000,000. Applications requesting less than $2,000,000 will not be considered.

Project Period: Up to 5 years (single award, up to 60-month budget/project period). Architectural/engineering design fees are available at Notice of Award; all other funds are restricted until ORIP approves design documents (3-stage technical review: Schematic, Development, Construction Design Documents—4–6 weeks per stage; ~16 months typical for full technical design phase).

Cost Sharing: Not required.

F&A/Indirect Costs: NOT allowable under this NOFO.

Eligibility

Applications per institution: Only ONE application per institution (by NIH IPF number) is allowed.

PD/PI: Single PD/PI only—no multiple PDs/PIs. Does not need to be currently NIH-funded, but must hold appropriate institutional standing to oversee the project (e.g., College Dean overseeing research space, Institute/Center Director, or Scientific Director of a Core Facility). Must assemble a team with complementary scientific and technical expertise, including a Construction Project Manager (Key Personnel) with engineering/architectural proficiency.

Foreign organizations/components: Not eligible.

Required Application Components (Other Attachments)

12 components expected; page limits apply to items 1–2 combined (13 pages total):

  1. Overview (required, 1 page max): project goals, approach, space/equipment summary, IEE justification if applicable
  2. Scientific Justification and Facility Development (required, 12 pages max total): need, research impact, technical/engineering/architectural design details
  3. Annotated satellite/map views of construction site (required)
  4. Line Drawings (required): floor plans, dimensions, MEP changes, egress routes; no blueprints
  5. Table 1 - Dimension Table (required): size/square footage of each affected component
  6. Table 2 - Equipment Table (required): requested fixed equipment with vendor quotes
  7. Table 3 - Active Grants (optional, max 12): grants directly related to the project
  8. Project Timeline (required): major steps within the 5-year period
  9. Budget Justification and Vendor Quotes (required): detailed cost breakdown by category
  10. Institutional Support Letter (required): from a Dean/Provost/President, co-signed by Signing Official
  11. Certification of Title to Site (required): legal opinion on institution's interest in the site, mortgages/liens
  12. Support Letters (optional, max 7, single file)

Title Format Requirement

Project title must begin with "BRF:" or "HIV:" depending on track, to ensure proper grouping for review and reporting.

Key Facility Use Requirements

  • Facility must be used for the funded biomedical research purpose for at least 10 years from beneficial occupancy.
  • If leased space, owner must sign a statement agreeing lease terms comply with the 10-year Notice of Federal Interest (NFI) requirement.
  • Recipients must certify annually for 20 years post-completion that the facility is used for biomedical research.
  • Unallowable costs: scientific instruments (microscopes, imagers, spectrometers), non-fixed/movable equipment and furniture, F&A costs, supplies, interior/exterior decorating, parking lots, exterior landscaping.

Note: This is a construction/infrastructure grant mechanism (C06), distinct from standard research project grants. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the ORIP Scientific/Research Contact (oripconstruction@od.nih.gov, 301-594-1187) before submitting to discuss project scope and eligibility.

Internal LOI Guidance

Please email WVU_Internal@mail.wvu.edu with the following subject line: NIH-PAR by September 15, 2026 and provide the following information: leadership team, including institutional affiliations and discipline focus.

If there are more than two teams expressing interest, the RO will develop a down-select plan.