Increased Knowledge and Innovative Strategies to Reduce HIV Incidence-iKnow Projects (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) | PAR 18 254

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 18 254

The NIH funding opportunity "Increased Knowledge and Innovative Strategies to Reduce HIV Incidence - iKnow Projects (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)" (PAR-18-254) supports research aimed at lowering HIV incidence by improving how people with undiagnosed HIV are found and connected to care, and by testing new prevention approaches that reduce the chance of onward transmission. It uses the R01 grant mechanism and allows, but does not require, a clinical trial component, meaning applicants can propose either clinical trial research or other rigorous study designs as long as they align with the program goals. The overall emphasis is on innovation and real-world impact, especially strategies that can be shown to work in the settings and populations where new infections are occurring.

The first major objective focuses on identification and linkage. NIH is seeking projects that figure out better ways to locate individuals who are living with HIV-1 but do not yet know their status, and then successfully move them through a practical pathway that results in HIV testing and connection to services. This includes improving outreach approaches, testing strategies, and systems that reduce barriers to diagnosis, treatment initiation, and prevention services for those who test negative but are at risk. In practical terms, a strong fit for this objective would be research that improves case-finding, increases the efficiency of testing programs, strengthens referral and navigation models, and reduces drop-off points between screening, diagnosis, and engagement in care or prevention.

The second major objective targets integrated interventions that combine biomedical and behavioral components to reduce transmission. NIH is specifically interested in developing and evaluating novel packages of interventions that work together rather than in isolation, for example pairing biomedical tools (such as antiretroviral treatment for people with HIV, or prevention options for those at risk) with behavioral or structural supports that improve uptake, adherence, retention, and overall effectiveness. A key point in the announcement is that applicants should examine feasibility and acceptability, which signals NIH wants interventions that people will realistically use and programs can realistically implement, not just approaches that look good on paper. Projects under this objective might test how combined strategies can reduce risk behaviors, improve sustained engagement in treatment or prevention, and ultimately lower the likelihood of HIV being passed on within communities.

Eligibility is broad and includes many types of public and private organizations. Standard eligible applicants include state, county, and local 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; tribal organizations that are not federally recognized; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status; for-profit organizations (other than small businesses) and small businesses; and other entities that meet NIH requirements. The FOA also explicitly highlights additional eligible applicants such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions; Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs); Hispanic-serving institutions; Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs); faith-based and community-based organizations; eligible federal agencies; U.S. territories or possessions; regional organizations; and non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations). This wide eligibility reflects the reality that HIV prevention and care solutions often require collaboration across universities, community organizations, healthcare systems, and government partners, including work that extends beyond the continental United States.

Administratively, the opportunity is classified as a discretionary grant in the education and health activity areas, administered by the National Institutes of Health. Associated CFDA numbers listed for the program include 93.242, 93.279, and 93.855. The FOA was created on November 29, 2017, and lists an original closing date of May 8, 2018. While the excerpt does not specify an award ceiling or the expected number of awards, the core program message is clear: NIH is looking for strong, evidence-driven R01 applications that propose innovative, feasible, and acceptable strategies to find people who are undiagnosed, link them effectively to testing and services, and deploy integrated biomedical-behavioral interventions that meaningfully reduce onward HIV transmission.

• The National Institutes of Health in the education, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Increased Knowledge and Innovative Strategies to Reduce HIV Incidence-iKnow Projects (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.242, 93.279, 93.855.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2017-11-29.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2018-05-08. (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.

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