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National Institutes of Health · Department of Health and Human Services

Limited Competition: Instrumentation Grant Program for Resource-Limited Institutions (S10 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Open

Key facts

Deadline
Due Jan 26, 2029 · 842 days left
Award size
$25K – $250K
Match ?
Not required · Work out your budget and match
Who can apply
Larger business, Small business, Public college or university, Special district (utility, fire, etc.), City or town government, Tribal organization, State government, Private college or university, Nonprofit without 501(c)(3), Tribal government, Nonprofit with 501(c)(3), School district, County government, and others named in the official notice
Where
Anywhere in the U.S., including Tennessee

Before you apply: federal grants require an active SAM.gov registration (Unique Entity ID) and a Grants.gov account. Registration is free but can take weeks, so start now, not when the deadline is close. Get-ready checklist

How this fits you

  • Available in Blount County (nationwide program)
  • No match required
  • Past Tennessee awards on file: 907

Tell us who you are to see whether you're eligible.

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More from National Institutes of Health

About this grant

The Instrumentation Grant Program for Resource-Limited Institutions supports the purchase of state-of-the-art scientific instruments to enhance the research and educational missions of resource-limited institutions. Requested instruments may support biomedical research and education in basic, translational, biomedically-related behavioral or clinical fields. This is a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for a Limited Competition that will invite application(s) from eligible organization(s) to apply. Please see Section III. Eligibility for additional information. In accordance with NIH standard peer-review processes, the application(s) will be peer-reviewed, and only meritorious application(s) will be considered.

Who can apply, from the official notice

Refer to Section III. Eligibility Information in the NOFO for additional information on eligibility.Foreign Organizations/Foreign Collaborations:Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations) are not eligible to apply.Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are not eligible to apply.Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are not allowed.

Ask a partner for a letter

Your schedule, working back from the deadline

  1. Oct7
    Check that your SAM.gov registration is active (or start it now)
    Grants.gov: allow up to 10 business days for SAM registration, weeks or months if information isn't verified. It must be renewed every year. Grants.gov
  2. Jan5
    Ask partners for letters of support or commitment
    Suggested: partners need about three weeks to write and sign letters.
  3. Jan19
    Finish a complete draft for a final review
    Suggested: leave about a week for someone else to read the draft.
  4. Jan24
    Submit
    Grants.gov: submit at least 24–48 hours before the deadline: uploads fail, systems slow down, errors need fixing. Grants.gov blog
  5. Jan26
    Deadline
    From the funder.

Save this grant to put these dates in My grants and your private calendar.

Writing the need statement? Blount County facts with citations.

Who in Tennessee has won this program

295 awards to Tennessee groups in 6 counties since 1977 · 0 in Blount County. Largest shown:

Past Tennessee winners
Past winnerWhereAmountFiscal year
Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashville, Davidson County$39.5M spent that year2025
Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashville, Davidson County$37.5M2021
Vanderbilt UniversityNashville$30.6M spent that year2025
Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashville, Davidson County$24.1M2011
Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashville, Davidson County$23M2023
Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashville, Davidson County$18.6M2024
Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashville, Davidson County$18.3M2019
Vanderbilt UniversityNashville, Davidson County$17.7M1977
Vanderbilt UniversityNashville, Davidson County$17.3M2011
Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashville, Davidson County$16.8M2020
Meharry Medical CollegeNashville, Davidson County$16.4M1999
St Jude Children's Research Hospital IncMemphis, Shelby County$14.9M2015

Source: Federal Audit Clearinghouse, USAspending.gov. Past awards show who this program funds. They don't guarantee future awards.

Tennessee groups that got this money through a state agency or another organization

This federal money also reaches local groups as pass-through grants. In Tennessee, Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and Tennessee Department of Education pass it on: watch those agencies for applications, not the federal agency. 612 pass-through grants on file · 0 in Blount County. Largest shown:

Tennessee pass-through grant winners
Past winnerWhereThroughAmountFiscal year
Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashville, Davidson CountyUniversity of Vermont & State Agricultural College$4.4M2023
Vanderbilt UniversityNashville, Davidson CountyVanderbilt University Medical Center$2.3M2023
St Jude Children's Research Hospital IncMemphis, Shelby CountyWeill Medical College of Cornell University$2.1M2026
University of TennesseeMemphis, Shelby CountyVirginia Polytechnic Institute & State University$1.8M2023
Vanderbilt UniversityNashville, Davidson CountyYale Univ$1.6M2023
Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashville, Davidson CountyThe Trustees of Princeton University$1.6M2023
Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashville, Davidson CountyUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham$1.5M2026
Vanderbilt UniversityNashvilleVumc$1.4M spent that year2024
Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashville, Davidson CountyRegents of the University of Michigan$1.4M2024
St Jude Children's Research Hospital IncMemphis, Shelby CountyThe University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center$1.4M2026
Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashville, Davidson CountyVanderbilt University$1.3M spent that year2025
Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashville, Davidson CountyUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston$1.2M2026

Source: USAspending.gov pass-through reports (the first recipient reports each one of $30,000 or more).

About the federal program

Oral Diseases and Disorders Research, also called “Dental, Oral and Craniofacial Research.”
Program number 93.121 (the federal Assistance Listing number) · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health · Cooperative agreement (a grant with close agency involvement), project grant

How applications are judged

The primary criteria for evaluating grant applications include assessment of: (1) the scientific merit, significance and overall impact of the proposed study and its objectives; (2) the competency of the proposed investigator(s) to successfully pursue the project; (3) the innovation and novelty of the concepts, approaches, or methodologies; (4) the technical adequacy of the experimental design and approach; (5) the adequacy of the available proposed facilities and resources; (6) the necessity of the budget components requested in relation to the proposed project; and (7) the relevance and importance to the posted institute program objectives. Also evaluated, where applicable, but not scored are: (1) protections for human subjects; (2) inclusion of women, minorities, and children; (3) vertebrate animal welfare; and (4) adequate protection of research personnel and/or the environment, biosafety, biocontainment and the security of select agents; (5) resource sharing plans; (6) authentication of key biological and/or chemical resources, (7) budget and period of support. In addition, the following criteria will be used in considering the scientific and technical merit of SBIR/STTR Phase I grant applications: the potential of the proposed research for commercial application. Phase II grant applications will reviewed based upon the following criteria: (1) The degree to which the Phase I objectives were met and feasibility demonstrated; (2) the scientific and technical merit of...

Match

None required (federal program listing).

This program on SAM.gov

About the federal program

Human Genome Research, also called “National Human Genome Research Institute”
Program number 93.172 (the federal Assistance Listing number) · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health · Project grant

How applications are judged

In each year's official notice: read this year's.

Match

None required (federal program listing).

Examples of funded projects

Fiscal year 2025: Examples of research supported by NHGRI in FY 2025 include characterization of genes, sequencing, databases, and projects on the following list: https://reporter.nih.gov/search/KP6XtPborUWv7kYNeFlJSA/projects?shared=true Fiscal year 2026: Current projects supported by NHGRI include basic genomic science; functional and clinical variation; genomic medicine; technology development; computational genomics and data science; training programs; conferences; databases; determining the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of biomedical and behavioral research; as well as projects on the following list: https://reporter.nih.gov/search/PbojAWqEZ0aySDrGRZXHTg/projects?shared=true

This program on SAM.gov

About the federal program

Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders
Program number 93.173 (the federal Assistance Listing number) · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health · Project grant

How applications are judged

The major elements in evaluating applications include assessments of: (1) The scientific merit and general significance of the proposed study and its objectives; (2) the technical adequacy of the experimental design and approach; (3) the competency of the proposed investigator or group to successfully pursue the project; (4) the adequacy of the environment and available resources for the proposed project; (5) the necessity of budget components requested in relation to the proposed project; (6) the relevance and importance to announced program objectives; (7) innovation; (8) risk to human subjects, including inclusion of minorities, inclusion across the lifespan, and animal protection. The following additional criteria will be used in considering the scientific and technical merit of SBIR/STTR grant applications: (1) The technological innovation of the proposed research; (2) the potential of the proposed research for commercial application.

Match

None required (federal program listing).

This program on SAM.gov

About the federal program

Mental Health Research Grants
Program number 93.242 (the federal Assistance Listing number) · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health · Cooperative agreement (a grant with close agency involvement), project grant, training

How applications are judged

The following consideration will be used in determining projects to be funded: (1) Technical merit of the proposed project as determined by peer review; (2) Availability of funds; and (3) Relevance to program priorities.

Match

None required (federal program listing).

This program on SAM.gov

About the federal program

Discovery and Applied Research for Technological Innovations to Improve Human Health
Program number 93.286 (the federal Assistance Listing number) · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health · Project grant

How applications are judged

The major elements in evaluating proposals include assessments of: (1) Significance: Does this study address an important problem? If the aims of the application are achieved, how will scientific knowledge be advanced? What will be the effect of these studies on the concepts or methods that drive this field? (2) Approach: Are the conceptual framework, design, methods, and analyses adequately developed, well-integrated, and appropriate to the aims of the project? Does the applicant acknowledge potential problem areas and consider alternative tactics? (3) Innovation: Does the project employ novel concepts, approaches or method? Are the aims original and innovative? Does the project challenge existing paradigms or develop new methodologies or technologies? (4) Investigator: Is the investigator appropriately trained and well suited to carry out this work? Is the work proposed appropriate to the experience level of the principal investigator and other researchers (if any)? (5) Environment: Does the scientific environment in which the work will be done contribute to the probability of success? Do the proposed experiments take advantage of unique features of the scientific environment or employ useful collaborative arrangements? Is there evidence of institutional support? (6) the appropriateness of the proposed budget and duration in relation to the proposed research; (7) the relevance and importance to announced program objectives; (8) the adequacy of plans to include both...

Match

None required (federal program listing).

This program on SAM.gov

About the federal program

Research Infrastructure Programs, also called “Comparative Medicine, Instrumentation, Research Infrastructure”
Program number 93.351 (the federal Assistance Listing number) · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health · Project grant

How applications are judged

The major elements in evaluating proposals include assessments of: (1) The scientific merit and general significance of the proposed study and its objectives; (2) the technical adequacy of the experimental design and approach; (3) the competency of the proposed investigator or group to successfully pursue the project; (4) the adequacy of the available and proposed facilities and resources; (5) the necessity of the budget components requested in relation to the proposed project; and (6) the relevance and importance to announced program objectives. The major elements in evaluating proposals for scientific instruments include assessments of (1) the need for the instruments; (2) technical expertise in the requested technology; (3) advancements of research projects when the novel technology is available; (4) administration of the usage of the instrument and (5) institutional support for the long term maintenance and the usage of the instrument.

Match

None required (federal program listing).

This program on SAM.gov

About the federal program

Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Research, also called “NIAMS”
Program number 93.846 (the federal Assistance Listing number) · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health · Project grant

How applications are judged

The major elements in evaluating proposals include assessments of: (1) The scientific merit and general significance of the proposed study and its objectives; (2) the technical adequacy of the experimental design and approach; (3) the competency of the proposed investigator or group to successfully pursue the project; (4) the adequacy of the available and proposed facilities and resources; (5) the necessity of the budget components requested in relation to the proposed project; and (6) the relevance and importance to announced program objectives. The following criteria will be used in considering the scientific and technical merit of SBIR/STTR Phase I grant applications: (1) The soundness and technical merit of the proposed approach; (2) the qualifications of the proposed principal investigator, supporting staff, and consultants; (3) the technological innovation of the proposed research; (4) the potential of the proposed research for commercial application; (5) the appropriateness of the budget requested; (6) the adequacy and suitability of the facilities and research environment; and (7) where applicable, the adequacy of assurances detailing the proposed means for (a) safeguarding human or animal subjects and/or (b) protecting against or minimizing any adverse effect on the environment. Phase II grant applications will be reviewed based upon the following criteria: (1) The degree to which the Phase I objectives were met and feasibility demonstrated; (2) the scientific...

Match

None required (federal program listing).

This program on SAM.gov

About the federal program

Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders
Program number 93.853 (the federal Assistance Listing number) · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health · Project grant

How applications are judged

The major elements in evaluating proposals include assessments of: (1) the scientific merit and general significance of the proposed study and its objectives; (2) the technical adequacy of the experimental design and approach; (3) the competency of the proposed investigator or group to successfully pursue the project; (4) the adequacy of the available and proposed facilities and resources; (5) the necessity of the budget components requested in relation to the proposed project; and (6) the relevance and importance to announced program objectives. The following criteria will be used in considering the scientific and technical merit of SBIR/STTR Phase I grant applications: (1) the soundness and technical merit of the proposed approach; (2) the qualifications of the proposed principal investigator, supporting staff, and consultants; (3) the technological innovation of the proposed research; (4) the potential of the proposed research for commercial application; (5) the appropriateness of the budget requested; (6) the adequacy and suitability of the facilities and research environment; and (7) where applicable, the adequacy of assurances detailing the proposed means for (a) safeguarding human or animal subjects, and/or (b) protecting against or minimizing any adverse effect on the environment. Phase II grant applications will be reviewed based upon the following criteria: (1) the degree to which the Phase I objectives were met and feasibility demonstrated; (2) the scientific...

Match

None required (federal program listing).

This program on SAM.gov

About the federal program

Biomedical Research and Research Training
Program number 93.859 (the federal Assistance Listing number) · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health · Project grant

How applications are judged

All accepted applications are reviewed for scientific and technical merit by an appropriate initial review group and by a national advisory council. The goal of NIGMS funding policies is to maximize the scientific impact of investments in investigator-initiated biomedical research to drive fundamental scientific discoveries that advance understanding of human health and disease. To address this goal, the Institute strives to support a broad portfolio of research grants of high scientific and technical merit, as determined by peer review, in its mission areas. However, in deciding to fund any application, NIGMS staff also considers other factors, including (consistent with applicable law): the breadth of the Institute�s research portfolio; approaches, and investigators; the total amount of funding available to the investigator; the priority of the research area for the Institute�s mission; Early-stage investigator status; At-risk investigator status?;? and whether the PI would have more than one NIGMS funded R01 (including multi-PI R01s). Because these factors are considered, NIGMS does not have a �payline� or strict cutoff in scores that it will fund. It is important to understand that even applications with outstanding scores might not be funded if the investigator already has substantial other support. Because NIGMS prioritizes funding for meritorious investigators who otherwise would not have support over providing additional grants to already well-funded...

Match

None required (federal program listing).

This program on SAM.gov

About the federal program

Aging Research, also called “(Aging)”
Program number 93.866 (the federal Assistance Listing number) · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health · Project grant

How applications are judged

The major elements in evaluating proposals include assessments of: the scientific merit and general significance of the proposed study and its objectives; the technical adequacy of the experimental design and approach; the competency of the proposed investigator or group to successfully pursue the project; the adequacy of the available and proposed facilities and resources; the necessity of the budget components requested in relation to the proposed project; and the relevance and importance to announced program objectives. The following criteria will be used in considering the scientific and technical merit of SBIR/STTR Phase I grant applications: (1) The soundness and technical merit of the proposed approach; (2) the qualifications of the proposed principal investigator, supporting staff, and consultants; (3) the technological innovation of the proposed research; (4) the potential of the proposed research for commercial application; (5) the appropriateness of the budget requested; (6) the adequacy and suitability of the facilities and research; and (7) where applicable, the adequacy of assurances detailing the proposed means for (a) safeguarding human or animal subjects, and/or (b) protecting against or minimizing any adverse effect on the environment. Phase II grant applications will be reviewed based upon the following criteria: (1) The degree to which the Phase I objectives were met and feasibility demonstrated; (2) the scientific and technical merit of the proposed...

Match

None required (federal program listing).

This program on SAM.gov

About the federal program

Vision Research, also called “NEI”
Program number 93.867 (the federal Assistance Listing number) · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health · Project grant

How applications are judged

The following consideration will be used in determining projects to be funded: (1) Technical merit of the proposed project; (2) Availability of funds; and (3) Relevance to program priorities.

Match

None required (federal program listing).

This program on SAM.gov

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