CCRP Initiative: Chemical Threat Agent-induced Pulmonary and Ocular Pathophysiological Mechanisms (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | RFA ES 21 006

Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA ES 21 006

The CCRP Initiative: Chemical Threat Agent-induced Pulmonary and Ocular Pathophysiological Mechanisms (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity (RFA-ES-21-006) that supports basic and mechanistic research focused on how chemical threat agents damage the lungs and eyes. The central aim is to deepen scientific understanding of chemical toxicity pathways in pulmonary and ocular tissues and to pinpoint molecular or genetic targets that could be leveraged to lessen the acute, early-stage health effects after exposure. The work funded under this announcement is meant to generate discoveries that can later feed into the development of medical countermeasures, particularly through early-stage programs supported by the NIH-wide Countermeasures Against Chemical Threats (CounterACT) program, which sits within the Chemical Countermeasures Research Program (CCRP).

This FOA is structured as an R01 grant mechanism and is explicitly labeled "Clinical Trial Not Allowed," meaning applicants are expected to propose non-clinical-trial research projects (for example, mechanistic studies using models, tissues, biomarkers, or other experimental approaches that do not meet NIH definitions of a clinical trial). The research emphasis is on pathophysiological mechanisms in two major target systems affected by chemical threats: the respiratory system (with attention to acute lung injury and related processes) and the visual system (with attention to injury and dysfunction in ocular structures). By focusing on mechanisms and target identification, the NIH is signaling interest in projects that can clarify causal pathways and highlight actionable intervention points rather than late-stage product testing in humans.

Eligibility is broad across U.S.-based organizations and government entities. Eligible applicants include state, county, city/township, and 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 and Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (outside of higher education institutions); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); and small businesses. The announcement also highlights additional eligible applicant categories such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal government agencies, regional organizations, and U.S. territories or possessions.

At the same time, the FOA draws clear boundaries around non-U.S. participation. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities, including foreign organizations and foreign institutions, are not eligible to apply as applicant organizations. Non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are also not eligible to apply. However, "foreign components" as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement are allowed, which generally means a U.S. applicant may include certain well-justified foreign elements within the project (for example, specific expertise, resources, or study components located abroad) as long as they meet NIH policy requirements and are appropriately described and approved.

Administratively, this is a discretionary grant opportunity from NIH in the Environment/Health activity area, associated with CFDA numbers 93.113, 93.855, and 93.867. The opportunity was created on 2021-06-25, and the original closing date listed for applications was 2023-09-20. The source information does not specify an award ceiling or the expected number of awards, so applicants would typically need to consult the full FOA text for budget guidance, anticipated funding levels, and any institute-specific priorities or review considerations. Overall, the opportunity is aimed at strengthening the scientific foundation needed to design and advance countermeasures that can protect or treat the lungs and eyes after exposure to chemical threat agents, with an emphasis on actionable mechanistic insights and target discovery rather than clinical testing.

• The National Institutes of Health in the environment, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "CCRP Initiative: Chemical Threat Agent-induced Pulmonary and Ocular Pathophysiological Mechanisms (R01 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): 93.113, 93.855, 93.867.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2021-06-25.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2023-09-20. (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.

Apply for RFA ES 21 006

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal: