Revision Applications for Incorporation of Novel NCI-Supported Technology to Accelerate Cancer Research (P01 Clinical Trial Optional) | RFA CA 21 011

Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA CA 21 011

This funding opportunity (RFA-CA-21-011) from the National Institutes of Health, through the National Cancer Institute (NCI), supports revision applications to existing, active NCI P01 Program Project Grants. In other words, it is not meant for brand-new P01s or unrelated projects; it is designed for teams that already hold an NCI-funded P01 and want to add a well-justified expansion that strengthens or speeds up the parent program project. The specific goal is to accelerate the science being done in the current P01 by bringing in a novel technology or technical approach that was developed with NCI Innovative Molecular Analysis Technologies (IMAT) program support. The emphasis is on using IMAT-backed tools to push the parent research forward, either by extending the original research questions in a meaningful way or by materially increasing the pace, rigor, or reach of the ongoing work.

A central theme of this FOA is independent validation and practical readiness. The NCI is using these awards as an incentive for outside groups (the P01 teams) to test and validate emerging IMAT-supported technologies in real research settings and help demonstrate that the technologies are suitable for broader use by the relevant cancer research communities. The intent is not simply to adopt a shiny new instrument, but to generate credible evidence that the technology works as expected, adds value, and can be deployed effectively within cancer research workflows. Because it sits within the IMAT program ecosystem, the FOA also reinforces interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging partnerships that blend technology development strengths with cancer biology, translational research, and other applied cancer research expertise.

The FOA uses the NIH grant mechanism and is categorized under health and education (CFDA 93.394). The title notes "P01 Clinical Trial Optional," meaning the proposed revision work may include a clinical trial component if it fits the goals and policies of the parent P01 and the FOA, but a clinical trial is not inherently required. The key requirement is that the application is a revision to an active NCI P01 and that the revision is specifically justified by the incorporation of an IMAT-supported technology to expand or accelerate the parent study.

Eligibility is broad in the sense that many organization types can apply (as long as they meet the core requirement of being a currently funded NCI P01 awardee submitting a revision). Eligible applicant organization categories listed include state, county, and city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments and other tribal organizations; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); small businesses; and other types of eligible entities. The announcement also highlights a range of mission- or population-focused institutions and groups as eligible applicants, 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, and U.S. territories or possessions.

At the same time, the FOA draws clear boundaries around foreign involvement. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations and foreign institutions) are not eligible to apply as applicant organizations, and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are also not eligible to apply. However, foreign components are allowed as defined by the NIH Grants Policy Statement, which means a U.S. applicant may include certain foreign activities or collaborations when appropriately justified and compliant with NIH policy, even though a foreign institution cannot be the primary applicant.

Administratively, the opportunity was created on 2020-11-24 and had an original closing date of 2021-09-29. The listing does not provide an award ceiling or expected number of awards in the provided source data, so those specifics are not stated here. The overall message of the FOA is straightforward: NCI wants existing P01 teams to meaningfully boost the impact and momentum of their ongoing cancer research by integrating and validating promising IMAT-supported technologies, helping move those tools from development into reliable, community-ready use.

• The National Institutes of Health in the education, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Revision Applications for Incorporation of Novel NCI-Supported Technology to Accelerate Cancer Research (P01 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.394.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2020-11-24.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2021-09-29. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• 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.

Apply for RFA CA 21 011

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal: