Limited Competition for the Continuation of the Symptoms of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Research Network (LURN) Data Coordinating Center (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | RFA DK 18 511

Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA DK 18 511

This funding opportunity, RFA-DK-18-511, is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) notice from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) to continue support for the Data Coordinating Center (DCC) of the Symptoms of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Research Network (LURN). LURN is a multi-site, multi-disciplinary research network focused on Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction (LUTD). Its overall scientific purpose is to improve how LUTD is defined and measured by better characterizing clinical phenotypes, capturing the full diversity and impact of patient symptoms, and developing more patient-centered tools to assess symptoms. The broader intention behind this work is to generate stronger foundations for future clinical studies and, ultimately, improve patient care by using better symptom measurement and clearer clinical characterization.

The announcement is described as a limited competition, which means it is not open to new or general applicants. Instead, NIDDK is specifically soliciting an application from the current LURN Data Coordinating Center to support a second five-year project period. In practical terms, the competition is restricted to the existing DCC leadership/institution already performing this coordinating role for the network, reflecting an emphasis on continuity of infrastructure, data systems, and cross-site coordination practices that are already in place.

The award mechanism is a cooperative agreement (U24), which typically indicates that NIH intends to have substantial involvement in the project’s oversight and coordination compared with a standard research project grant. The FOA explicitly states "Clinical Trial Not Allowed," indicating that the supported activities are not meant to initiate or run clinical trials under this award. Instead, the DCC role generally centers on enabling and coordinating network science: managing and harmonizing data across multiple sites, supporting common protocols and measures, maintaining data quality and integrity, and providing the operational backbone that allows multi-site observational and methodological research to function consistently.

In terms of eligibility, the opportunity lists public and state-controlled institutions of higher education as eligible applicants, but the key constraint is that only the current LURN Data Coordinating Center is intended to apply under this limited competition structure. The FOA is also clear that foreign participation is not permitted: non-U.S. entities (foreign institutions) are not eligible to apply, non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations are not eligible, and foreign components as defined by NIH policy are not allowed. This keeps the award fully domestic in both applicant organization and project components.

The financial parameters provided include an award ceiling of $800,000, with the project structured as a five-year continuation period for the DCC. The opportunity falls under the health-related activity category and is associated with CFDA number 93.847. Key dates listed include a creation date of September 14, 2018, and an original closing date of November 14, 2018. Overall, the FOA is best understood as a continuation award designed to preserve and extend the established data coordination infrastructure that supports LURN’s multi-site research agenda on LUTD symptom characterization and patient-centered measurement development.

• The National Institutes of Health in the food and nutrition, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Limited Competition for the Continuation of the Symptoms of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Research Network (LURN) Data Coordinating Center (U24 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): 93.847.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2018-09-14.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2018-11-14. (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 $800,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education.

Apply for RFA DK 18 511

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