Pilot and Feasibility Studies in Preparation for Substance Use and HIV Prevention Intervention and Services Research Trials

The National Institute on Drug Abuse seeks to support pilot and feasibility studies in preparation for efficacy, effectiveness and/or services research trials. Topics may include:1) developing interventions to prevent substance use, misuse or progression to disorder, 2) substance use prevention, treatment or recovery services research, including comorbid pain, medical and mental health disorders, 3) HIV eradication research, including implementation science, prevention, treatment and recovery in substance use settings/populations. Projects may address information gaps, strengthen stakeholder partnerships, or pilot test interventions. Activities might include intervention development/adaptation; assessing intervention or service model acceptability and feasibility; and development of measures, materials, or methods for the future trial. Preliminary data is not required. A well-defined theory of change or logic model is expected. Applicants must engage relevant end users in study design, execution, and interpretation (e.g., policymakers, state and local decision makers, practitioners, individuals with lived/living experience, families, youth, and community members). Applications are not being solicited at this time. This notice is to allow applicants time to develop collaborations and responsive projects. Grant authorities that allow this forecast are 42 U.S.C. §§ 241 and 284.

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 following considerations will be used in determining projects to be funded: (1) Scientific and technical merit; (2) the feasibility of the research; (3) potential contribution to the national drug abuse problem; and (4) relevance to NIDA priorities. 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 and technical merit of the proposed approach for achieving the Phase II objectives; (3) the qualifications of the proposed principal investigator, supporting staff, and consultants; (4) the technology.