Cross Consortium Funding for the RePORT International Consortium

RePORT International is accepting proposals for the Competition titled “Cross Consortium Funding for the RePORT International Consortium.” This Competition is organized by the RePORT International Coordinating Center and administered by CRDF Global, on behalf of the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).

RePORT International is a consortium of sites in high-TB burden countries (Brazil, India, Indonesia, Philippines, South Korea, South Africa, and Uganda) that conducts observational research about persons with TB and their close contacts using common data standards (Common Protocol).

NIAID conducts and supports basic and applied research to better understand, treat, and ultimately prevent infectious, immunologic, and allergic diseases. For more than 60 years, NIAID research has led to new therapies, vaccines, diagnostic tests, and other technologies that have improved the health of millions of people in the United States and around the world. For more information, visit: http://www.niaid.nih.gov/.

CRDF Global is an independent nonprofit organization founded in 1995. In the past 25 years, CRDF Global’s work has expanded to address ever-changing global concerns, but the commitment to ensuring the success of the organization’s partners remains the same. CRDF Global is a leading provider of flexible logistical support, program design and management, and strategic capacity building programs in the areas of higher education, CBRNE security and nonproliferation, border security, cybersecurity, global health, technology entrepreneurship, and international professional exchanges. With offices in Arlington, VA; Kyiv, Ukraine; Amman, Jordan; and Manila, Philippines, CRDF Global’s diverse staff and networks of local community and government stakeholders deliver tailored programs that meet specific regional needs in over 100 countries across the globe.

This cross consortium supplemental funding will support cross-cutting research activities and develop or strengthen collaborations across RePORT scientists. Investigators and study populations must derive from at least two RePORT country networks.

Scope of work should address (i)  priority areas of research for RePORT International, the long term sequela of TB, subclinical TB, pediatric TB, diagnostics and diagnostic biomarkers, or bacterial factors in transmission and pathogenesis; (ii) research should utilize data and/or biological samples from existing Common Protocol Cohort A (TB cases) or Cohort B (close or household contacts), or an existing Site Protocol; additional prospective recruitment must be justified; (iii) the definitions and standards of the Common Protocol (Cohort A or B) must be used (see CP Toolbox on the https://reportinternational.org/ website.) (iv) junior/early-stage investigators should be included as principal investigator or Co-PI. Clinical trials and interventional studies CANNOT be funded through this RFP.

Projects may request technical support from the data harmonization and administrative cores of RICC for activities such as approvals, data management, biostatistics, and shipping of biospecimens, but the cost should be included in the budget. Discussion with RICC staff is encouraged.

Project milestones table must show project can be logistically completed within a 24-month project period.

$1 million USD (total costs) grant support is available to fund 2-3 projects (ceiling is $350,000 total costs) for up to two years in duration. Proposals will be selected for award based on scientific merit, RICC priorities, and available funds. RICC personnel can advise on budgetary and scientific inquiries for this RFP; CRDF Global will receive full proposals from applicants, coordinate a technical peer review of proposals, and communicate results to RePORT International leadership. The RICC Leadership Group and program sponsors will make final decision on project funding. Funding will be awarded by NIH and administered through CRDF Global with technical oversight by RICC.