Drug Use and Addiction Research Programs

To support basic, clinical, translational, and implementation research in the field of substance use. To develop new knowledge and approaches for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of drug use, misuse, and addiction, drug overdose, and related

To support basic, clinical, translational, and implementation research in the field of substance use. To develop new knowledge and approaches for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of drug use, misuse, and addiction, drug overdose, and related health outcome, including HIV/AIDS.

Eligible organizations determined at the NOFO level

Public or private profit and nonprofit sponsored organizations and individuals, minority groups, small businesses, health professionals, students, trainees, scientists and general public.

(1) Research project grants provide support for clearly defined projects or a small group of related research activities, and when appropriate, support of research conferences; (2) program project and center grants support large-scale, broad-based programs of research, usually interdisciplinary, consisting of several projects with a common focus; (3) small grants support newer, less experienced investigators; investigators at institutions without a well-developed research tradition and resources; the testing of new methods or techniques; small-scale exploratory and pilot studies, or exploration of an unusual research opportunity; (4) research training grants including fellowships and institutional training grants, career development grants and loan repayment contracts; (5) SBIR Phase I grants (of approximately 6-months' duration) are to establish the technical merit and feasibility of proposed research or research and development efforts to determine the quality of performance of the small business grantees. Phase II grants are for the continuation of the research initiated in Phase I and that are likely to result in commercially viable products or processes. STTR Phase I grants (normally of 1-year duration) are to determine the scientific, technical, and commercial merit and feasibility of the proposed cooperative effort that has potential for commercial application and the quality of performance of the small business concerns. Phase II funding is based on results of research initiated in Phase I and scientific and technical merit and commercial potential of the Phase II application.

Varies, but a project period is generally limited to 5 years or less. Grantee may apply for renewal of support on a competing basis unless otherwise restricted. Within the project period, continuation applications must be submitted on a non-competing basis for each year of approved support. Small grant support is limited to no more than 2 years. SBIR: Normally, Phase I awards are for 6 months; normally, Phase II awards are for 2 years. STTR: Normally, Phase I awards are for 1 year; normally, Phase II awards are for 2 years.

Environment impact information is not required for this program. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

The following considerations will be used in determining projects to be funded: (1) Scientific and technical merit; (2) the feasibility of the research; (3) potential contribution to the national drug abuse problem; and (4) relevance to NIDA priorities. The following criteria will be used in considering the scientific and technical merit of SBIR/STTR Phase I grant applications: (1) The soundness and technical merit of the proposed approach; (2) the qualifications of the proposed principal investigator, supporting staff, and consultants; (3) the technological innovation of the proposed research; (4) the potential of the proposed research for commercial application; (5) the appropriateness of the budget requested; (6) the adequacy and suitability of the facilities and research environment; and (7) where applicable, the adequacy of assurances detailing the proposed means for (a) safeguarding human or animal subjects and/or (b) protecting against or minimizing any adverse effect on the environment. Phase II grant applications will be reviewed based upon the following criteria: (1) The degree to which the Phase I objectives were met and feasibility demonstrated; (2) the scientific and technical merit of the proposed approach for achieving the Phase II objectives; (3) the qualifications of the proposed principal investigator, supporting staff, and consultants; (4) the technology.

Grants with which the National Advisory Council on Drug Abuse has concurred with the recommendations of the Scientific Review Groups and approved by NIDA for payment are awarded directly by NIDA to the applicant institution. SBIR/STTR applications are evaluated for scientific and technical merit by an appropriate scientific peer review panel and by the National Advisory Council. All applications receiving a priority score compete for available SBIR/STTR set-aside funds on the basis of scientific and technical merit and commercial potential of the proposed research, program relevance, and program balance among the areas of research.

From 240 to 270 days from submission of grant application. For AIDS applications the range will not exceed 180 days from cited receipt dates. SBIR/STTR applications: About 225 days.

Support is recommended for a specified project period, usually not in excess of 5 years. Prior to termination of a project period, the grantee may apply for additional support via competing continuation application unless otherwise restricted.

A principal investigator (P.I.) may question the substantive or procedural aspects of the review of his/her application by communicating with the staff of the Institute. A description of the NIH Peer Review Appeal procedures is available on the NIH home page https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/not-od-11-064.html, https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-11-101.html and https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-12-003.html