Opportunity Information: Apply for PA 18 046
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced the grant opportunity "Characterization of the Adolescent Reproductive Transition (R03 Clinical Trial Optional)" under funding opportunity number PA-18-046. This is a discretionary grant mechanism in the NIH R03 category, which is typically used to support small, focused research projects that can generate important early findings, pilot data, or proof-of-concept results. The central aim of this opportunity is to push forward research on puberty and the broader trajectory of sexual development during adolescence, with an emphasis on improving the scientific understanding of what "normative" sexual development looks like across both males and females.
The scientific motivation behind the FOA is that major knowledge gaps still exist in how puberty unfolds biologically and developmentally, and how adolescents transition toward reproductive competence. NIH signals a clear interest in studies that use new technologies, modern measurement strategies, and innovative approaches to better characterize this developmental period. In practice, that can include improved biomarkers, novel hormonal sampling strategies, advanced imaging or computational methods, more precise staging or phenotyping of pubertal development, and study designs that can capture the pace and pattern of change rather than treating puberty as a single timepoint. The expectation is that funded projects will produce findings that strengthen baseline knowledge of pubertal processes and the establishment of reproductive function, creating a better foundation for future research and, ultimately, better clinical and public health understanding of adolescent reproductive development.
From an applicant eligibility standpoint, the FOA is broad and intentionally inclusive. Eligible applicants include many types of U.S. governmental entities (state, county, city or township governments, and special district governments), independent school districts, and public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities. Higher education institutions are eligible as well, including public and state-controlled institutions of higher education and private institutions of higher education. NIH also allows participation from federally recognized Native American tribal governments, as well as tribal organizations that are not federally recognized. Nonprofit organizations are eligible whether or not they hold 501(c)(3) status (so long as they are not institutions of higher education under those specific nonprofit categories), and for-profit organizations are also eligible (other than small businesses), alongside small businesses themselves. The FOA further calls out additional eligible applicant categories to emphasize reach and participation, including Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, regional organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, and even non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations).
In terms of funding details, the opportunity is listed under CFDA number 93.865 and carries an award ceiling of $50,000. The source data does not specify the exact number of expected awards, but the ceiling indicates that this FOA is designed for smaller-scope projects consistent with the R03 format. The "clinical trial optional" label means applicants may propose studies that involve clinical trials, but doing so is not required; non-trial research projects that address the scientific goals are equally responsive as long as they fit NIH definitions and requirements for the mechanism.
Key dates provided include a creation date of 2017-11-03 and an original closing date of 2019-09-07. While those dates reflect the original posting and deadline information in the source data, applicants typically need to verify current status, active receipt dates, and any reissues or updates on the NIH funding opportunity page or Grants.gov listing, since NIH announcements can be reissued, extended, or replaced over time.
Overall, this FOA is aimed at accelerating progress in adolescent reproductive science by supporting compact, high-value research projects that can sharpen measurement, fill gaps in basic developmental knowledge, and improve how the scientific community characterizes the pubertal transition and the pathway toward reproductive competence.Apply for PA 18 046
- The National Institutes of Health in the health, income security and social services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Characterization of the Adolescent Reproductive Transition (R03 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.865.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2017-11-03.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2019-09-07. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $50,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.
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FAQs: NIH PA-18-046 - Characterization of the Adolescent Reproductive Transition (R03 Clinical Trial Optional)
What is the name of this NIH funding opportunity?
The opportunity is titled "Characterization of the Adolescent Reproductive Transition (R03 Clinical Trial Optional)".
What is the funding opportunity number (FOA number)?
The funding opportunity number is PA-18-046.
Which federal agency is offering this grant?
This grant opportunity is announced by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
What type of grant mechanism is this (R03)?
This is an NIH R03 mechanism, described as a discretionary grant mechanism typically used to support small, focused research projects that generate early findings, pilot data, or proof-of-concept results.
What is the central aim of the FOA?
The central aim is to advance research on puberty and the broader trajectory of sexual development during adolescence, with an emphasis on improving scientific understanding of what normative sexual development looks like across both males and females.
Why is NIH seeking research in this area?
NIH highlights that major knowledge gaps remain in how puberty unfolds biologically and developmentally, and how adolescents transition toward reproductive competence. The FOA is motivated by the need for better baseline scientific understanding of pubertal processes and reproductive development.
What kinds of studies does NIH appear interested in funding under this FOA?
Based on the provided description, NIH signals interest in studies using new technologies, modern measurement strategies, and innovative approaches to characterize puberty and adolescent reproductive transition. Examples mentioned include improved biomarkers, novel hormonal sampling strategies, advanced imaging or computational methods, more precise staging or phenotyping, and designs that capture the pace and pattern of change rather than treating puberty as a single timepoint.
Does the FOA focus only on a single point in puberty?
No. The description emphasizes study designs that can capture the pace and pattern of change across the transition, rather than treating puberty as a single timepoint.
Is this opportunity limited to research on one sex?
No. The stated emphasis is on understanding normative sexual development across both males and females.
What outcomes or deliverables are expected from funded projects?
The expectation described is that funded projects will produce findings that strengthen baseline knowledge of pubertal processes and the establishment of reproductive function, improving the foundation for future research and informing longer-term clinical and public health understanding.
What does "Clinical Trial Optional" mean for applicants?
"Clinical trial optional" means applicants may propose studies that involve clinical trials, but a clinical trial is not required. Non-trial research projects that address the scientific goals are also responsive, as long as they fit NIH definitions and requirements for the mechanism.
What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?
The opportunity is listed under CFDA 93.865.
What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?
The source information lists an award ceiling of $50,000.
How many awards will NIH make under this FOA?
The provided source data does not specify the exact number of expected awards.
Is this considered a small-scope funding opportunity?
Yes. The award ceiling and the use of the R03 mechanism indicate it is intended for smaller-scope, focused projects consistent with the R03 format.
Who is eligible to apply?
The FOA is described as broad and inclusive. Eligible applicants include a range of U.S. governmental entities, education institutions, nonprofits, for-profits (including small businesses), tribal entities, and additional organizational categories, as well as non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations).
Are U.S. state, county, city, or township governments eligible?
Yes. The eligibility list explicitly includes state governments, county governments, and city or township governments.
Are special district governments eligible?
Yes. Special district governments are included among eligible applicants.
Are independent school districts eligible?
Yes. Independent school districts are listed as eligible applicants.
Are public housing authorities eligible, including Indian housing authorities?
Yes. The eligibility list includes public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities.
Are colleges and universities eligible to apply?
Yes. Eligibility includes public and state-controlled institutions of higher education and private institutions of higher education.
Are federally recognized tribal governments eligible?
Yes. Federally recognized Native American tribal governments are included as eligible applicants.
Are tribal organizations that are not federally recognized eligible?
Yes. The FOA also allows participation from tribal organizations that are not federally recognized.
Are nonprofit organizations eligible?
Yes. Nonprofits are eligible with or without 501(c)(3) status, as long as they are not institutions of higher education under those specific nonprofit categories noted in the description.
Are for-profit organizations eligible?
Yes. For-profit organizations are eligible, and small businesses are also eligible. The description notes eligibility for for-profit organizations other than small businesses, alongside small businesses.
Are Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) eligible?
Yes. HBCUs are explicitly called out as eligible.
Are Hispanic-serving Institutions eligible?
Yes. Hispanic-serving Institutions are listed as eligible applicants.
Are Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) eligible?
Yes. TCCUs are included as eligible applicants.
Are Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions eligible?
Yes. Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions are listed as eligible.
Are AANAPISIs (Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions) eligible?
Yes. AANAPISIs are included among eligible applicant categories.
Are faith-based or community-based organizations eligible?
Yes. The eligibility list explicitly includes faith-based or community-based organizations.
Are U.S. territories or possessions eligible to apply?
Yes. The FOA includes eligibility for U.S. territories or possessions.
Are federal agencies eligible applicants?
Yes. The eligibility list includes eligible federal agencies.
Are regional organizations eligible?
Yes. Regional organizations are listed as eligible applicants.
Are non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations) eligible?
Yes. The FOA explicitly notes eligibility for non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations).
What are the key dates mentioned in the provided information?
The source information provides a creation date of 2017-11-03 and an original closing date of 2019-09-07.
Is the closing date still current?
The provided information describes the listed deadline as the original closing date and notes that applicants typically need to verify the current status, active receipt dates, and any reissues or updates on the NIH funding opportunity page or the Grants.gov listing.
Where should applicants verify the most current application dates and status?
The description advises verifying current status and dates on the official NIH funding opportunity page or the Grants.gov listing, since announcements can be reissued, extended, or replaced.
What is the overall goal of NIH in offering this FOA?
The overall goal described is to accelerate progress in adolescent reproductive science by supporting compact, high-value projects that improve measurement, fill gaps in basic developmental knowledge, and improve how the scientific community characterizes the pubertal transition and pathway toward reproductive competence.
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