Research Initiative for Vaccine and Antibiotic Allergy (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | RFA AI 24 002

Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA AI 24 002

The Research Initiative for Vaccine and Antibiotic Allergy (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity designed to advance research on why allergic reactions to vaccines and antibiotic drugs occur and how they can be better prevented, evaluated, and managed in real-world care. The central goal is to strengthen the scientific foundation behind vaccine and antibiotic allergy by supporting studies that clarify underlying biological mechanisms (for example, immune pathways, inflammatory mediators, genetic or environmental contributors, and other factors that drive hypersensitivity) and improve clinical approaches to handling suspected or confirmed allergies. While the topic is highly clinical in relevance, the NOFO specifies that clinical trials are not allowed under this announcement, meaning applicants should propose mechanistic, translational, observational, or other non-trial study designs that still directly improve understanding and management without meeting NIH's definition of a clinical trial.

This opportunity uses the UG3/UH3 phased cooperative agreement structure. In general terms, that structure supports projects that may need an initial, milestone-driven start-up or planning phase (UG3) followed by an implementation phase (UH3) if the project meets predefined objectives. The cooperative agreement mechanism also signals substantial involvement by NIH program staff compared with a standard research grant, typically through collaborative oversight, progress monitoring, and coordination around milestones and deliverables. The funding instrument type is listed as a cooperative agreement, and the activity category is Health, reflecting the biomedical and public health focus of allergy and immunology research relevant to vaccines and antibiotics.

The announcement is identified as RFA-AI-24-002, and it falls under CFDA number 93.855. The agency is NIH, and the original application closing date is 2024-06-21. The award ceiling is stated as 250,000 (as provided in the source data). The source data also lists “ExpectedAwards:” without a number, so the publicly provided details here do not specify how many awards NIH expects to make.

Eligibility is broad across many U.S.-based organization types, including 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; tribal organizations that are not federally recognized; 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; and small businesses. The NOFO also explicitly highlights additional eligible applicant categories such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, regional organizations, eligible federal agencies, and U.S. territories or possessions.

At the same time, the NOFO is clear about foreign involvement restrictions. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations) are not eligible to apply. Non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply. In addition, foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are not allowed. In practical terms, that means the applicant organization must be U.S.-based and the project work must not include foreign components as defined by NIH policy.

Overall, this NOFO is aimed at strengthening the evidence base and scientific understanding needed to address vaccine and antibiotic allergy more effectively. By funding research focused on mechanisms and management (without supporting clinical trials), NIH is signaling interest in studies that can clarify causes of allergic reactions, improve diagnostic clarity, reduce inappropriate allergy labeling, and ultimately help clinicians and patients make safer, more informed decisions about vaccination and antibiotic use.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Research Initiative for Vaccine and Antibiotic Allergy (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.855.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2023-12-20.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-06-21. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $250,000.00 in funding.
• 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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