PAR-24-129
Limited Competition: Specific Pathogen Free Macaque Colonies to Support HIV/AIDS Research (U42 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Summary
PAR-24-129: Specific Pathogen Free Macaque Colonies for HIV/AIDS Research
Research Focus
This funding opportunity supports the continued operation of specific pathogen-free (SPF) macaque breeding colonies that serve as essential resources for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) research. SPF macaques—primarily Indian-origin rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) and pigtail macaques (Macaca nemestrina)—are genetically characterized for major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I types and maintained free of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV), type D simian retrovirus (SRV), simian T-cell lymphotropic virus 1 (STLV-1), and herpes B virus. These animals enable investigators to study viral pathogenesis, vaccine development, microbicide efficacy, and co-infection dynamics in nonhuman primates (NHPs) without confounding from endemic pathogens. MHC characterization is critical because specific alleles (e.g., Mamu-A01, Mamu-B08, Mamu-B*17) significantly influence immune responses to SIV infection and disease progression. Some colonies maintain expanded SPF (eSPF) status for additional viruses (cytomegalovirus, human papillomavirus, herpes simplex virus) to support novel vector and co-infection research.
At-a-Glance
- Who can apply: Only organizations currently funded under PAR-21-089 or PAR-18-669 (limited competition; U.S. organizations only).
- Funding & project length: Budgets reflect actual project needs; direct costs cannot exceed 5% annual increase over prior award. Maximum 4-year project period.
- Award mechanism: U42 Cooperative Agreement (substantial federal scientific/programmatic involvement); clinical trials not allowed.
- Key dates: Application due dates May 7, 2024 through May 7, 2026 (rolling); earliest start December 2024 onward. FOA expires September 26, 2026.
- Best fit for: Primate research facilities managing breeding colonies; applicants must provide breeding/maintenance, animal allocation prioritizing NIH-funded researchers, pathogen surveillance, MHC genotyping, and sustainability planning.
Key Facts
Deadline
Fri, September 25, 2026
Posted
Mon, January 22, 2024
Max Duration
4 years
Keywords
Research Areas
Gotchas (5)
Only organizations previously funded under PAR-21-089 or PAR-18-669 are eligible to apply—this is a limited competition restricted to current/prior awardees, not open to new applicants.
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Source Text
“Only recipients funded under an ORIP-supported SPF colony NOFOs (PAR-21-089 and PAR-18-669) are eligible to apply.”
Renewal applications have a strict 5% annual direct cost cap increase over the highest prior award year, which may severely constrain budget requests for continuation funding.
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Source Text
“For Renewal (a.k.a. Type 2) applications including Renewal Resubmission applications, the Direct Costs requested per year cannot exceed a 5% increase over the highest Direct Cost amount awarded in any year of the previously funded grant period.”
Applicants requesting $500,000 or more in direct costs in any year must contact a Scientific/Research Contact for approval at least 6 weeks before submitting the application—failure to do so could res
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“Applicants requesting $500,000 or more in direct costs in any year (excluding consortium F&A) must contact a Scientific/ Research Contact for approval at least 6 weeks before submitting the application.”
The NOFO expiration date was changed from January 8, 2027 to September 26, 2026 via NOT-OD-26-029, and a related notice indicates NIH is removing AIDS application due dates from NOFOs—applicants shoul
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Source Text
“New Date: September 26, 2026 per issuance of NOT-OD-26-029. (Original Expiration Date: January 08, 2027). Related Notices: January 28, 2026 - NIH Removing AIDS Application Due Dates from NOFOs. See Notice NOT-OD-26-029.”
The NOFO was updated on March 31, 2025 to align with agency priorities, and applicants are explicitly warned to 'carefully reread the full funding opportunity'—suggesting material changes that could a
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Source Text
“This funding opportunity was updated to align with agency priorities. Carefully reread the full funding opportunity and make any needed adjustments to your application prior to submission.”