Limited Competition: Chronic Kidney Diseases of UnceRtain Etiology (CKDu) in Agricultural Communities (CURE) Research Consortium- Field Epidemiology Sites

The purpose of this funding opportunity is to advance the NIH mission by supporting the continuation of the Consortium to Study Chronic Kidney Disease of UnceRtain Etiology (CKDu) in Agricultural Communities (CURE). Chronic Kidney Disease of Uncertain Etiology (CKDu) causes kidney failure in rural areas of many Low and Middle Income Countries, resulting in a large death toll among the young working age population. Environmental factors are suspected to be causative, but family and geographic clustering add consideration of unrecognized genetic susceptibility. The risk factors identified in other countries are encountered by U.S. patients, so this research will offer valuable insights into the development and progression of tubulointerstitial renal diseases, with broad implications for understanding kidney health and disease in the U.S. NIDDK, NIEHS, and FIC have jointly funded a consortium that includes Field Epidemiology Sites, a Renal and Environmental Science Core, and a Data Coordinating Center to find causes and potential interventions for CKDu since 2021. This NOFO requests renewal applications for the Field Epidemiology Sites that will continue to identify, recruit, and retain participants in CKDu endemic areas, conduct study visits, and collect biological and environmental samples. Consortium members will continue to collaborate to maximize scientific opportunities and enable discovery science to understand the etiologies of CKDu, the exposures that initiate and affect progression of tubulointerstitial kidney disease, potential therapeutic targets, and future opportunities for public health interventions. The CURE Consortium will serve as a resource for ancillary studies. This is a forecast for a limited competition Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) that will invite application(s) from eligible organizations to apply. Application(s) will be peer-reviewed and only funded if meritorious.

Other Eligible ApplicantsIndian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized);Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government;U.S. Territory or Possession;Faith-based or Community-based Organizations;Regional Organizations;Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Institutions).

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...