RFA-EB-26-003
Biomedical Engineering, Imaging, and Technology Acceleration (BEITA) at Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Summary
Bioengineering and Imaging Research Capacity at HBCUs
This National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) initiative aims to strengthen research infrastructure, technology innovation, and workforce development in bioengineering and biomedical imaging at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The program responds to the HBCU PARTNERS Act and Executive Order 14283, which prioritize federal research funding and competitive capacity-building at HBCUs. The NOFO seeks applications that advance imaging technology, medical device innovation, and translational bioengineering—particularly those combining core bioengineering or imaging expertise with disease-specific or discipline-specific biomedical applications. Successful projects should demonstrate potential to build sustainable research capacity and train the next generation of biomedical engineers and imaging scientists at HBCU institutions.
The UG3/UH3 mechanism structures awards as a two-phase process: an initial UG3 planning phase followed by a UH3 implementation phase. This exploratory-to-developmental pathway is designed for projects establishing new research directions or building institutional capacity, rather than mature, hypothesis-driven investigations.
- Who can apply: Only institutions listed in 34 C.F.R. § 608.2 as HBCUs; this is a strict eligibility requirement.
- Funding & project length: Not stated in this planning notice.
- Award / mechanism: UG3/UH3 (two-phase exploratory/developmental structure).
- Key dates: Applications not yet solicited; this is an advance notice for collaboration planning.
- Best fit for: Bioengineering, biomedical imaging, and medical device researchers at HBCUs seeking to establish or expand research programs through collaborative, translational approaches.
Insights (5)
HBCU institutional eligibility is strictly gatekept by federal regulation
Only institutions formally listed in 34 C.F.R. § 608.2 are eligible; this is not a broad category but a fixed statutory list. Researchers at non-HBCU institutions cannot apply directly, even if collaborating with an HBCU, since the HBCU must be the applicant organization. Verify your institution's status on the official CFR list before investing planning effort.
UG3/UH3 mechanism favors teams with capacity for two-phase execution
The UG3 planning phase followed by UH3 implementation requires sustained institutional commitment and project management across two distinct funding periods. Early-stage investigators or those at resource-limited institutions may find the administrative burden and planning rigor challenging compared to traditional R01-style mechanisms. This structure rewards teams with prior experience managing phased research development.
Bioengineering-imaging integration with disease-specific application is explicitly valued
The NOFO encourages collaborative investigations that combine bioengineering and imaging expertise with disease- or discipline-specific biomedical investigation. Applications that position imaging or bioengineering as enabling tools for a well-defined clinical or research problem (rather than technology development in isolation) will be more competitive. Preliminary data demonstrating feasibility of the integrated approach strengthens positioning.
Multi-disciplinary team composition is strategically advantageous, not optional
The NOFO explicitly encourages collaborative investigations spanning bioengineering, biomedical imaging, and disease-specific expertise. Single-PI applications focused narrowly on one domain are less aligned with program intent. Building a team that credibly spans these areas—and documenting complementary roles—should be a core planning priority during the pre-application phase.
Capacity-building focus and HBCU restriction likely reduce overall competition pool
This NOFO targets a specific institutional category (HBCUs) with an explicit capacity-building mandate under the HBCU PARTNERS Act. The restricted eligibility pool and focus on research infrastructure development suggest this is not a high-volume, highly competitive mechanism. However, competitiveness within the HBCU-eligible pool depends on the number of anticipated awards, which is not yet disclosed.
Key Facts
Deadline
—
Posted
Mon, September 15, 2025
Expected Awards
4
Keywords
Research Areas
Gotchas (3)
The NOFO will use UG3/UH3 activity codes, which are exploratory/developmental mechanism codes with specific requirements (two-stage structure, UG3 planning phase followed by UH3 implementation). Appli
90%
Source Text
“This NOFO will utilize the UG3/UH3 activity code.”
Only institutions listed in 34 C.F.R. § 608.2 as HBCUs are eligible to apply; this is a strict eligibility requirement that differs from typical NIH mechanisms open to broader institution types.
95%
Source Text
“HBCUs, defined as institutions listed in 34 C.F.R. § 608.2, will be eligible to apply.”
The notice explicitly states 'Applications are not being solicited at this time,' indicating this is a pre-announcement. The actual NOFO with specific deadlines, requirements, and submission details h
98%
Source Text
“Applications are not being solicited at this time. This Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects.”